閑來無事不從容
睡覺東窗日已紅
萬物靜觀皆自得
四時佳興與人同
2011年12月28日 星期三
Another New year
Another fresh new year is here . . .
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!
This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest . . .
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!
I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs!” - W.A .Ward - American dedicated scholar, author, editor, pastor and teacher )
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!
This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest . . .
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!
I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs!” - W.A .Ward - American dedicated scholar, author, editor, pastor and teacher )
New Year Quotes
Another New year is coming.
Let's have the reflections from the following quotes,good food for thoughts to start another year!
A new year is unfolding – like a blossom with petals curled tightly concealing the beauty within.
We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day. - Edith Lovejoy Pierce -
An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in.
A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.” --Bill Vaughn --
American industry author, mentor and subject-matter expert
Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.”
-Dr. Seuss- American Writer and Cartoonist
Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.”-Benjamin Franklin -American Statesman,Scientist,Philosopher, Printer,Writer,Inventor
Let's have the reflections from the following quotes,good food for thoughts to start another year!
A new year is unfolding – like a blossom with petals curled tightly concealing the beauty within.
We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day. - Edith Lovejoy Pierce -
An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in.
A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.” --Bill Vaughn --
American industry author, mentor and subject-matter expert
Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.”
-Dr. Seuss- American Writer and Cartoonist
Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.”-Benjamin Franklin -American Statesman,Scientist,Philosopher, Printer,Writer,Inventor
2011年12月26日 星期一
【化解壓力 20招】
1.早起15分鐘 (如果可以的話) → 讓自己有更充裕的時間面對早晨的壓力。
2.改善外表 → 使自己看起來更美，心情也會更開朗。
3.把家裡或工作的環境整理一番，如此才能免去找不到東西的困擾。
4.家電、器具損壞馬上修理或換新 → 不要任由一些生活不便之處破壞您的情緒。
5.和樂天派的人做朋友 → 杞人憂天型的人物，讓您養成擔憂的習慣。
6.凡事事先計劃 ，別等到用完最後一滴油才趕著去加油。
7.做事一件一件來 → 尚未完成眼前的工作時，別去想下一個任務。
8.討厭的工作儘早做完 → 免得令你心煩。
9.要懂得變通，有些事情不值得力求完美；有些事情必須妥協、折衷。
10.把問題說出來和朋友討論 → 別悶在心裡。
11.每天做一、兩件你最喜歡的事情 → 愉悅心情。
12.每天留給自己片刻寧靜，一方面休息，一方面整理思緒。
13.不能依賴「記憶」 → 重要的約會、工作應該用筆記下來，才不會耽誤。
14.當你感到愈來愈緊張時 → 試著放鬆肌肉，做幾個深呼吸。
15.懂得拒絕 → 學會對你沒時間或沒興趣參與的工作或活動說「不」。
16.碰到必須大排長龍的情形，不要感到不耐煩。因為這就是人生，何不一笑置之。如果預期必須等候一段時間，應該帶 本雜誌去打發時間。
17. 避開吵雜 → 感到四周聲音過於嘈雜時，可戴上耳塞。
18.洗個熱水澡鬆弛情緒 → 夏季可改採冷水浴。
19.就寢前，先將第二天的生活做一計劃→包括進餐、衣著。
20.睡眠要充足 → 缺乏睡眠會使人變得焦慮、易怒。
2.改善外表 → 使自己看起來更美，心情也會更開朗。
3.把家裡或工作的環境整理一番，如此才能免去找不到東西的困擾。
4.家電、器具損壞馬上修理或換新 → 不要任由一些生活不便之處破壞您的情緒。
5.和樂天派的人做朋友 → 杞人憂天型的人物，讓您養成擔憂的習慣。
6.凡事事先計劃 ，別等到用完最後一滴油才趕著去加油。
7.做事一件一件來 → 尚未完成眼前的工作時，別去想下一個任務。
8.討厭的工作儘早做完 → 免得令你心煩。
9.要懂得變通，有些事情不值得力求完美；有些事情必須妥協、折衷。
10.把問題說出來和朋友討論 → 別悶在心裡。
11.每天做一、兩件你最喜歡的事情 → 愉悅心情。
12.每天留給自己片刻寧靜，一方面休息，一方面整理思緒。
13.不能依賴「記憶」 → 重要的約會、工作應該用筆記下來，才不會耽誤。
14.當你感到愈來愈緊張時 → 試著放鬆肌肉，做幾個深呼吸。
15.懂得拒絕 → 學會對你沒時間或沒興趣參與的工作或活動說「不」。
16.碰到必須大排長龍的情形，不要感到不耐煩。因為這就是人生，何不一笑置之。如果預期必須等候一段時間，應該帶 本雜誌去打發時間。
17. 避開吵雜 → 感到四周聲音過於嘈雜時，可戴上耳塞。
18.洗個熱水澡鬆弛情緒 → 夏季可改採冷水浴。
19.就寢前，先將第二天的生活做一計劃→包括進餐、衣著。
20.睡眠要充足 → 缺乏睡眠會使人變得焦慮、易怒。
廣深港高鐵廣深段開通 時速達300公里
台灣因高鐵而有台北、高雄一日生活圈。
在大陸，深圳和廣州兩地距離100多公里，從今（26）日開始，廣深高鐵正式通車，讓當地人實現工作在廣州，生活在深圳的願望。今天上午，廣深港高鐵廣深段正式營運。這條高鐵路線全長102公里，行車時間35分鐘。對於往來廣州、東莞、深圳之間的旅客出入將更加便捷。廣深高鐵今天通車35分鐘跑102公里,實現一日生活圈
深圳市民去香港九龍只要20分鐘，到廣州南站約35分鐘，到武漢只要4個小時，去北京僅需10小時以內。
在大陸，深圳和廣州兩地距離100多公里，從今（26）日開始，廣深高鐵正式通車，讓當地人實現工作在廣州，生活在深圳的願望。今天上午，廣深港高鐵廣深段正式營運。這條高鐵路線全長102公里，行車時間35分鐘。對於往來廣州、東莞、深圳之間的旅客出入將更加便捷。廣深高鐵今天通車35分鐘跑102公里,實現一日生活圈
深圳市民去香港九龍只要20分鐘，到廣州南站約35分鐘，到武漢只要4個小時，去北京僅需10小時以內。
2011年12月25日 星期日
Pope's Christmas message expresses hope for peace in the Holy Land
In his address delivered from the loggia of St. Peter's Square, the Pope stressed the need for peace in the Middle East and other conflict areas including North Africa and Southeast Asia. Below, the full text of Pope Benedict's Christmas message:
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Rome and throughout the world!
Christ is born for us! Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth to the men and women whom he loves. May all people hear an echo of the message of Bethlehem which the Catholic Church repeats in every continent, beyond the confines of every nation, language and culture. The Son of the Virgin Mary is born for everyone; he is the Saviour of all.
This is how Christ is invoked in an ancient liturgical antiphon: "O Emmanuel, our king and lawgiver, hope and salvation of the peoples: come to save us, O Lord our God". Veni ad salvandum nos! Come to save us! This is the cry raised by men and women in every age, who sense that by themselves they cannot prevail over difficulties and dangers. They need to put their hands in a greater and stronger hand, a hand which reaches out to them from on high. Dear brothers and sisters, this hand is Christ, born in Bethlehem of the Virgin Mary. He is the hand that God extends to humanity, to draw us out of the mire of sin and to set us firmly on rock, the secure rock of his Truth and his Love (cf. Ps 40:2).
This is the meaning of the Child’s name, the name which, by God’s will, Mary and Joseph gave him: he is named Jesus, which means "Saviour" (cf. Mt 1:21; Lk 1:31). He was sent by God the Father to save us above all from the evil deeply rooted in man and in history: the evil of separation from God, the prideful presumption of being self-sufficient, of trying to compete with God and to take his place, to decide what is good and evil, to be the master of life and death (cf. Gen 3:1-7). This is the great evil, the great sin, from which we human beings cannot save ourselves unless we rely on God’s help, unless we cry out to him: "Veni ad salvandum nos! – Come to save us!"
The very fact that we cry to heaven in this way already sets us aright; it makes us true to ourselves: we are in fact those who cried out to God and were saved (cf. Esth [LXX] 10:3ff.). God is the Saviour; we are those who are in peril. He is the physician; we are the infirm. To realize this is the first step towards salvation, towards emerging from the maze in which we have been locked by our pride. To lift our eyes to heaven, to stretch out our hands and call for help is our means of escape, provided that there is Someone who hears us and can come to our assistance.
Jesus Christ is the proof that God has heard our cry. And not only this! God’s love for us is so strong that he cannot remain aloof; he comes out of himself to enter into our midst and to share fully in our human condition (cf. Ex 3:7-12). The answer to our cry which God gave in Jesus infinitely transcends our expectations, achieving a solidarity which cannot be human alone, but divine. Only the God who is love, and the love which is God, could choose to save us in this way, which is certainly the lengthiest way, yet the way which respects the truth about him and about us: the way of reconciliation, dialogue and cooperation.
Dear brothers and sisters in Rome and throughout the world, on this Christmas 2011,
let us then turn to the Child of Bethlehem, to the Son of the Virgin Mary, and say: "Come to save us!" Let us repeat these words in spiritual union with the many people who experience particularly difficult situations; let us speak out for those who have no voice.
Together let us ask God’s help for the peoples of the Horn of Africa, who suffer from hunger and food shortages, aggravated at times by a persistent state of insecurity. May the international community not fail to offer assistance to the many displaced persons coming from that region and whose dignity has been sorely tried.
May the Lord grant comfort to the peoples of South-East Asia, particularly Thailand and the Philippines, who are still enduring grave hardships as a result of the recent floods.
May the Lord come to the aid of our world torn by so many conflicts which even today stain the earth with blood. May the Prince of Peace grant peace and stability to that Land where he chose to come into the world, and encourage the resumption of dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians. May he bring an end to the violence in Syria, where so much blood has already been shed. May he foster full reconciliation and stability in Iraq and Afghanistan. May he grant renewed vigour to all elements of society in the countries of North Africa and the Middle East as they strive to advance the common good.
May the birth of the Saviour support the prospects of dialogue and cooperation in Myanmar, in the pursuit of shared solutions. May the Nativity of the Redeemer ensure political stability to the countries of the Great Lakes Region of Africa, and assist the people of South Sudan in their commitment to safeguarding the rights of all citizens.
Dear Brothers and Sisters, let us turn our gaze anew to the grotto of Bethlehem.
The Child whom we contemplate is our salvation! He has brought to the world a universal message of reconciliation and peace. Let us open our hearts to him; let us receive him into our lives. Once more let us say to him, with joy and confidence: "Veni ad salvandum nos!"
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Rome and throughout the world!
Christ is born for us! Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth to the men and women whom he loves. May all people hear an echo of the message of Bethlehem which the Catholic Church repeats in every continent, beyond the confines of every nation, language and culture. The Son of the Virgin Mary is born for everyone; he is the Saviour of all.
This is how Christ is invoked in an ancient liturgical antiphon: "O Emmanuel, our king and lawgiver, hope and salvation of the peoples: come to save us, O Lord our God". Veni ad salvandum nos! Come to save us! This is the cry raised by men and women in every age, who sense that by themselves they cannot prevail over difficulties and dangers. They need to put their hands in a greater and stronger hand, a hand which reaches out to them from on high. Dear brothers and sisters, this hand is Christ, born in Bethlehem of the Virgin Mary. He is the hand that God extends to humanity, to draw us out of the mire of sin and to set us firmly on rock, the secure rock of his Truth and his Love (cf. Ps 40:2).
This is the meaning of the Child’s name, the name which, by God’s will, Mary and Joseph gave him: he is named Jesus, which means "Saviour" (cf. Mt 1:21; Lk 1:31). He was sent by God the Father to save us above all from the evil deeply rooted in man and in history: the evil of separation from God, the prideful presumption of being self-sufficient, of trying to compete with God and to take his place, to decide what is good and evil, to be the master of life and death (cf. Gen 3:1-7). This is the great evil, the great sin, from which we human beings cannot save ourselves unless we rely on God’s help, unless we cry out to him: "Veni ad salvandum nos! – Come to save us!"
The very fact that we cry to heaven in this way already sets us aright; it makes us true to ourselves: we are in fact those who cried out to God and were saved (cf. Esth [LXX] 10:3ff.). God is the Saviour; we are those who are in peril. He is the physician; we are the infirm. To realize this is the first step towards salvation, towards emerging from the maze in which we have been locked by our pride. To lift our eyes to heaven, to stretch out our hands and call for help is our means of escape, provided that there is Someone who hears us and can come to our assistance.
Jesus Christ is the proof that God has heard our cry. And not only this! God’s love for us is so strong that he cannot remain aloof; he comes out of himself to enter into our midst and to share fully in our human condition (cf. Ex 3:7-12). The answer to our cry which God gave in Jesus infinitely transcends our expectations, achieving a solidarity which cannot be human alone, but divine. Only the God who is love, and the love which is God, could choose to save us in this way, which is certainly the lengthiest way, yet the way which respects the truth about him and about us: the way of reconciliation, dialogue and cooperation.
Dear brothers and sisters in Rome and throughout the world, on this Christmas 2011,
let us then turn to the Child of Bethlehem, to the Son of the Virgin Mary, and say: "Come to save us!" Let us repeat these words in spiritual union with the many people who experience particularly difficult situations; let us speak out for those who have no voice.
Together let us ask God’s help for the peoples of the Horn of Africa, who suffer from hunger and food shortages, aggravated at times by a persistent state of insecurity. May the international community not fail to offer assistance to the many displaced persons coming from that region and whose dignity has been sorely tried.
May the Lord grant comfort to the peoples of South-East Asia, particularly Thailand and the Philippines, who are still enduring grave hardships as a result of the recent floods.
May the Lord come to the aid of our world torn by so many conflicts which even today stain the earth with blood. May the Prince of Peace grant peace and stability to that Land where he chose to come into the world, and encourage the resumption of dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians. May he bring an end to the violence in Syria, where so much blood has already been shed. May he foster full reconciliation and stability in Iraq and Afghanistan. May he grant renewed vigour to all elements of society in the countries of North Africa and the Middle East as they strive to advance the common good.
May the birth of the Saviour support the prospects of dialogue and cooperation in Myanmar, in the pursuit of shared solutions. May the Nativity of the Redeemer ensure political stability to the countries of the Great Lakes Region of Africa, and assist the people of South Sudan in their commitment to safeguarding the rights of all citizens.
Dear Brothers and Sisters, let us turn our gaze anew to the grotto of Bethlehem.
The Child whom we contemplate is our salvation! He has brought to the world a universal message of reconciliation and peace. Let us open our hearts to him; let us receive him into our lives. Once more let us say to him, with joy and confidence: "Veni ad salvandum nos!"
2011年12月22日 星期四
From FEBC Philippines on the Recent Mindanao Typhoon
My Dear FEBC Family:
As you have all seen and heard, a number of provinces in northern Mindanao, along with Negros Oriental and Palawan, were badly damaged after massive flashfloods due to typhoon Sendong (international codename: WASHI) hit the areas last December 16. A local newspaper has placed the latest tally at 1,002 confirmed dead and scores missing. We enjoin all of you to pray for all the victims and their families as they face a dim Christmas. Pray as well for the rescue teams and efforts being done as we speak to help all those affected specially in the areas of Cagayan De Oro, Iligan, and even Dumaguete.
We do thank God, we don't have a radio station near the area of the flooding. Right now, we are working on a partnership with a Christan FM station operating in Cagayan de Oro, the New J, that airs some of our programs on their stations. We will be trying to raise the capability to do disaster-response radio with the New J and we are looking at the possibility of linking up with them as one of the contact points for our "Bayanihan Ngayong Kapaskuhan" (Helping One Another this Christmastime). This is an FEBC Philippines-wide on-air fundraising campaign that will run up to January 6, 2012. All funds raised and donations in-kind will go to organizations doing direct relief operations in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City.
Again, please continue to be in prayer for God's comfort for the families who lost their loved ones and for the surviving victims as they try to go through the slow and painful process of rebuilding. Pray too for our on-air appeal, that people will respond compassionately and generously.
We will keep you posted!
In the Lamb,
Dan Andrew
==================================
Dan Andrew S. Cura
President and Managing Director
Far East Broadcasting Company, Philippines
Christian Radio City Manila Compound
62 Karuhatan Road, Karuhatan
Valenzuela City, Philippines
As you have all seen and heard, a number of provinces in northern Mindanao, along with Negros Oriental and Palawan, were badly damaged after massive flashfloods due to typhoon Sendong (international codename: WASHI) hit the areas last December 16. A local newspaper has placed the latest tally at 1,002 confirmed dead and scores missing. We enjoin all of you to pray for all the victims and their families as they face a dim Christmas. Pray as well for the rescue teams and efforts being done as we speak to help all those affected specially in the areas of Cagayan De Oro, Iligan, and even Dumaguete.
We do thank God, we don't have a radio station near the area of the flooding. Right now, we are working on a partnership with a Christan FM station operating in Cagayan de Oro, the New J, that airs some of our programs on their stations. We will be trying to raise the capability to do disaster-response radio with the New J and we are looking at the possibility of linking up with them as one of the contact points for our "Bayanihan Ngayong Kapaskuhan" (Helping One Another this Christmastime). This is an FEBC Philippines-wide on-air fundraising campaign that will run up to January 6, 2012. All funds raised and donations in-kind will go to organizations doing direct relief operations in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City.
Again, please continue to be in prayer for God's comfort for the families who lost their loved ones and for the surviving victims as they try to go through the slow and painful process of rebuilding. Pray too for our on-air appeal, that people will respond compassionately and generously.
We will keep you posted!
In the Lamb,
Dan Andrew
==================================
Dan Andrew S. Cura
President and Managing Director
Far East Broadcasting Company, Philippines
Christian Radio City Manila Compound
62 Karuhatan Road, Karuhatan
Valenzuela City, Philippines
Quotes from Spiritual Masters
"God gives us some things, as the beginning of faith, even when we do not pray. Other things, such as perseverance, he has only provided for those who pray."
St Augustine
"It is vanity to be concerned with the present only and not to make provision for things to come." Thomas á Kempis
"Lord, take from me everything that hinders me from going to You. give me all that will lead me to You. Take me from myself and give me to Yourself." St Nicholas Flue
St Augustine
"It is vanity to be concerned with the present only and not to make provision for things to come." Thomas á Kempis
"Lord, take from me everything that hinders me from going to You. give me all that will lead me to You. Take me from myself and give me to Yourself." St Nicholas Flue
Quotes from Spiritual Masters
"God gives us some things, as the beginning of faith, even when we do not pray. Other things, such as perseverance, he has only provided for those who pray."
St Augustine
"It is vanity to be concerned with the present only and not to make provision for things to come." Thomas á Kempis
"Lord, take from me everything that hinders me from going to You. Give me all that will lead me to You. Take me from myself and give me to Yourself." St Nicholas Flue
St Augustine
"It is vanity to be concerned with the present only and not to make provision for things to come." Thomas á Kempis
"Lord, take from me everything that hinders me from going to You. Give me all that will lead me to You. Take me from myself and give me to Yourself." St Nicholas Flue
2011年12月21日 星期三
Seasons Greetings from FEBC US Family
Dear FEBC colleagues
In these final days leading up to the celebration of our Lord’s birth, all of us in the U.S. office would like to extend our heartfelt wishes for a lovely Christmas to you and yours.
May you celebrate it surrounded by the warmth of family and friends, reminded that the gifts you give to one another are small tokens of the amazing gift we received that first Christmas day!
We pray that 2012 will reward you with even more opportunities to reach hearts hungry for the Good News of the Savior.
Sandra Jensen
International Communications Manager
International Ministries
Far East Broadcasting Company
In these final days leading up to the celebration of our Lord’s birth, all of us in the U.S. office would like to extend our heartfelt wishes for a lovely Christmas to you and yours.
May you celebrate it surrounded by the warmth of family and friends, reminded that the gifts you give to one another are small tokens of the amazing gift we received that first Christmas day!
We pray that 2012 will reward you with even more opportunities to reach hearts hungry for the Good News of the Savior.
Sandra Jensen
International Communications Manager
International Ministries
Far East Broadcasting Company
2011年12月19日 星期一
健康教會法則: 骨、筋、肌、皮與氣息
台北寇紹恩牧師從神領受到以西結書37章異象—— 秙骨變大軍。
神讓他看到建造教會五個法則，就在以西結書第37章1-10節的經文。
寇牧師具體分析五個健康教會法則：小組、愛、讀經、榜樣、聖靈。
第一步，寇牧師將教會小組化，就是基督之家改變開始。小組成了教會骨架。
第二，寇牧師講到「筋」「筋是最韌東西，能把肌肉和骨骼相連結，關鍵就是愛。他認為真正好的小組是散會後「私下是否還聯絡？是否還會想到對方需要？」若答案是肯定，那就是有「筋」的小組，有愛連接起來的小組。
第三，寇牧師繼續解釋「如果只有愛，卻沒真理，會秙乾。」基督之家鼓勵會友一年讀一遍聖經，備各種造就課程鍛練「肌肉」「大量讀神的話，才會長肉！」
第四，長了肉還要有皮，才能抵擋細菌侵擾。「皮是遮蓋，也是榜樣。當遮蓋的，要能承擔責任。」
最後，寇牧師指出神的氣息，就是聖靈。「神施恩的雙線，就是至聖的真道與聖靈。」「要勇於面對問題，解決問題，聖靈是神給教會的寶貝與恩典，每個教會都必需站在真理的根基上渴慕聖靈，才能活過來。」
神讓他看到建造教會五個法則，就在以西結書第37章1-10節的經文。
寇牧師具體分析五個健康教會法則：小組、愛、讀經、榜樣、聖靈。
第一步，寇牧師將教會小組化，就是基督之家改變開始。小組成了教會骨架。
第二，寇牧師講到「筋」「筋是最韌東西，能把肌肉和骨骼相連結，關鍵就是愛。他認為真正好的小組是散會後「私下是否還聯絡？是否還會想到對方需要？」若答案是肯定，那就是有「筋」的小組，有愛連接起來的小組。
第三，寇牧師繼續解釋「如果只有愛，卻沒真理，會秙乾。」基督之家鼓勵會友一年讀一遍聖經，備各種造就課程鍛練「肌肉」「大量讀神的話，才會長肉！」
第四，長了肉還要有皮，才能抵擋細菌侵擾。「皮是遮蓋，也是榜樣。當遮蓋的，要能承擔責任。」
最後，寇牧師指出神的氣息，就是聖靈。「神施恩的雙線，就是至聖的真道與聖靈。」「要勇於面對問題，解決問題，聖靈是神給教會的寶貝與恩典，每個教會都必需站在真理的根基上渴慕聖靈，才能活過來。」
2011年12月17日 星期六
2011年12月15日 星期四
Two Treasured Sayings
回憶總蘊藏著一些被忽略的智慧。
Memory contains neglected wisdom.
學習和睦，就是為別人留下伸展的空間。
Harmony gives others freedom.
Memory contains neglected wisdom.
學習和睦，就是為別人留下伸展的空間。
Harmony gives others freedom.
2011年12月5日 星期一
James On Doing and Being
Christmas is near. Let's reflect upon our busy lives all the time.
When can we stop for a while to think ?
The following piece is from LICC Helen Parry,have a read to nourish our own soul facing the Season.
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. James 1:27
To James the word 'religion' describes neither the Christian faith nor Christian, 'churchy', activities. He is talking here about what the Christian faith looks like, as seen in the lives of those who believe in Jesus (2:1).
What God, the Father, wants for his children is character, a quality of life that reflects his father-heart. This, James says, is to be seen in two areas - reaching out to those in need, and practical holiness. These two themes engage his attention throughout his letter (see 2:1-26 and 3:13-5:6).
'Visit' those in need, he says - a word that implies making a conscious decision, going out of one's way: it's costly of time, of physical and emotional energy. Whether they are people we know about personally, or people who turn for help to organisations that we are involved with, James says: reach out to vulnerable people - the homeless, the elderly, refugees, unemployed or excluded youth. And stand up for their rights.
That's one side of the coin. The other relates less to what we do than to who we are. Keeping oneself unstained by the world is not simply a matter of avoiding certain kinds of unwholesome behaviour. It springs from single-minded devotion to the Father. The 'double-minded' are seduced by the world's promises and misled by its values - the promises of wealth and success, the values of the marketplace.
But perhaps more relevantly to most of us, the 'world' creates busyness. We are so busy at work, at church, ferrying children, going to the gym; our minds are so busy that we are always thinking of plans, of dates, of things that 'need to be done'. So busy that we have neither time nor creative thought to devote to the needy people around us.
Let's try to clear the clutter, and live a life that is characterized by simplicity, contentment and generosity.
This is what speaks to the world.
From Helen Parry (LICC)
When can we stop for a while to think ?
The following piece is from LICC Helen Parry,have a read to nourish our own soul facing the Season.
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. James 1:27
To James the word 'religion' describes neither the Christian faith nor Christian, 'churchy', activities. He is talking here about what the Christian faith looks like, as seen in the lives of those who believe in Jesus (2:1).
What God, the Father, wants for his children is character, a quality of life that reflects his father-heart. This, James says, is to be seen in two areas - reaching out to those in need, and practical holiness. These two themes engage his attention throughout his letter (see 2:1-26 and 3:13-5:6).
'Visit' those in need, he says - a word that implies making a conscious decision, going out of one's way: it's costly of time, of physical and emotional energy. Whether they are people we know about personally, or people who turn for help to organisations that we are involved with, James says: reach out to vulnerable people - the homeless, the elderly, refugees, unemployed or excluded youth. And stand up for their rights.
That's one side of the coin. The other relates less to what we do than to who we are. Keeping oneself unstained by the world is not simply a matter of avoiding certain kinds of unwholesome behaviour. It springs from single-minded devotion to the Father. The 'double-minded' are seduced by the world's promises and misled by its values - the promises of wealth and success, the values of the marketplace.
But perhaps more relevantly to most of us, the 'world' creates busyness. We are so busy at work, at church, ferrying children, going to the gym; our minds are so busy that we are always thinking of plans, of dates, of things that 'need to be done'. So busy that we have neither time nor creative thought to devote to the needy people around us.
Let's try to clear the clutter, and live a life that is characterized by simplicity, contentment and generosity.
This is what speaks to the world.
From Helen Parry (LICC)
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