Today's reading is from Psalm 90, a prayer of Moses.We all want to be healthy because we want to live a long enough life. If we live a long life but lonely and unhappy, would we rather not have a life so long?
In Psalm 90, Moses pointed out that all our lives are just "labour and sorrow". Think about it : we wake up, go to work, lunch, finish our work, go home, get into bed...and another day begins in a similar boring routine.
But if we invite our Lord to go through each moment with us, we may begin our day with : praises in the morning, thanks for getting me safe to office, grateful for having lunch with good friends/ colleagues, pleased that we got ability to work on difficult projects, happy to go home for dinner with your parents/loved ones and satisfying that "Lord, grateful for today!" Hurray~ Aren't we glad that our Lord is a God living in our hearts ? Let's begin our mornings with joy and praises for 70 or 80 years!
10 我們一生的年日是七十歲，如果強壯，可到八十歲，但其中可誇耀的，不過是勞苦愁煩；我們的年日轉眼即逝，我們也如飛而去了。
11誰曉得你怒氣的威力，誰按著你該受的敬畏曉得你的忿怒呢？
12求你教導我們怎樣數算自己的日子，好使我們得著智慧的心。
13耶和華啊！要到幾時呢？求你回心轉意，求你憐恤你的僕人。
14求你使我們早晨飽嘗你的慈愛，好使我們一生一世歡呼喜樂。
15你使我們受苦和遭難的年日有多久，求你使我們喜樂的日子也有多久。
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Sun Pilot 青少年讀經計劃正式啟航!
感謝神, 上周六 ( 24/9/2006)的誓師升空大會正式啟動了新一年度的 「Sun Pilot青少年讀經計劃」! 香港讀經會希望透過此讀經計劃推動現今的青年人/中學生從聖經中認識真理,建立美好靈性, 在年輕一代的羣體中樹立良好的風氣。願各位同學及導師「日日讀經,靈命高升」!
Sep 24 - VIP ?
Today's ODB is taken from Matthews 20:20-28, the mother of Zebedees' sons - James and John requesting Jesus to grant the seats at His right and left to her sons.
It's interesting to go further and try to guess why this mother would make such a bold request in front of 10 other disciples... ? She was certainly aware that God's kingdom will be upon the earth one day and she believed that such day will be near too. She was right but one thing she got it wrong is that it doesn't matter whether you are a VIP in God's kingdom. Jesus shares his tips as to how to become a part of His kingdom -be humble ! Only those who are truly humble in heart and spirit before our God Almighty will be worthy VIPs in God's eyes.
26...Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
It's interesting to go further and try to guess why this mother would make such a bold request in front of 10 other disciples... ? She was certainly aware that God's kingdom will be upon the earth one day and she believed that such day will be near too. She was right but one thing she got it wrong is that it doesn't matter whether you are a VIP in God's kingdom. Jesus shares his tips as to how to become a part of His kingdom -be humble ! Only those who are truly humble in heart and spirit before our God Almighty will be worthy VIPs in God's eyes.
26...Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Friday, September 22, 2006
Sep 22- Praise and thanks to My Savior
Today's ODB is from a passage which our fellowship had studied last quarter - Luke 18:18-27, the story of the young rich man asking Jesus how he could be saved.
Re-reading the passage, I was reminded that our salvation was an impossible mission by ourselves, but with God, it's such a gracious gift. He is such a life-saver! Imagine He's the one that saved me from drowning, I would have thanked him for the rest of my life! Just the thought of it warms my heart and ignite me to give praise and thanks to my Savior all the time.
26 聽見的人說：“這樣，誰可以得救呢？”
27 耶穌說：“人所不能的，在 神卻是可能的。”
Re-reading the passage, I was reminded that our salvation was an impossible mission by ourselves, but with God, it's such a gracious gift. He is such a life-saver! Imagine He's the one that saved me from drowning, I would have thanked him for the rest of my life! Just the thought of it warms my heart and ignite me to give praise and thanks to my Savior all the time.
26 聽見的人說：“這樣，誰可以得救呢？”
27 耶穌說：“人所不能的，在 神卻是可能的。”
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Sep 20 - Turning pain to praise
Today's ODB is from 2 Corinthians 1: 7-11, a cry from Paul, asking for prayers when he was in devastation.
7 我們對你們的盼望是堅定的，因為知道你們既然一同受痛苦，也必照樣同得安慰。8 弟兄們，我們在亞西亞遭受的患難，我們很想讓你們知道。那時我們受到了過於我們所能忍受的壓力，甚至活下去的希望都沒有了，9 而且斷定自己是必死的了；然而，這正是要我們不倚靠自己，只倚靠那叫死人復活的 神。10 他救我們脫離了那極大的死亡，而且他還要救我們，我們希望他將來仍要救我們。11 請你們一同用禱告支持我們，好使許多人為著我們所蒙的恩獻上感謝。這恩是藉著許多人的代求而得到的。
It's often said : when we're filled with painful experiences in our lives, it's not easy to give praise to God, but we still have to. Why ? How can we still utter words of praise when nothing seems right and we are not feeling His goodness at all ? From our bible studies on Psalm 103 last night, I learn that King David's life was spent more than half of his time in suffering, yet he wrote many beautiful psalms. When we count our personal experiences of God's blessings, remember them, tell others about the all the big and small good things He's done in our lives, even when we are desperate and all hope seems lost, you will be assured that God is there with you. If you feel alone and helpless, ask a trusted friend to pray with you.
Ps 103:2 我的心哪！你要稱頌耶和華；不可忘記他的一切恩惠。
7 我們對你們的盼望是堅定的，因為知道你們既然一同受痛苦，也必照樣同得安慰。8 弟兄們，我們在亞西亞遭受的患難，我們很想讓你們知道。那時我們受到了過於我們所能忍受的壓力，甚至活下去的希望都沒有了，9 而且斷定自己是必死的了；然而，這正是要我們不倚靠自己，只倚靠那叫死人復活的 神。10 他救我們脫離了那極大的死亡，而且他還要救我們，我們希望他將來仍要救我們。11 請你們一同用禱告支持我們，好使許多人為著我們所蒙的恩獻上感謝。這恩是藉著許多人的代求而得到的。
It's often said : when we're filled with painful experiences in our lives, it's not easy to give praise to God, but we still have to. Why ? How can we still utter words of praise when nothing seems right and we are not feeling His goodness at all ? From our bible studies on Psalm 103 last night, I learn that King David's life was spent more than half of his time in suffering, yet he wrote many beautiful psalms. When we count our personal experiences of God's blessings, remember them, tell others about the all the big and small good things He's done in our lives, even when we are desperate and all hope seems lost, you will be assured that God is there with you. If you feel alone and helpless, ask a trusted friend to pray with you.
Ps 103:2 我的心哪！你要稱頌耶和華；不可忘記他的一切恩惠。
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Sep 19 - 70 or 80 years old
Today's ODB is from Psalm 90, a prayer of Moses. How timely comes this message as I watched the movie "Click" last night and was pondering on the "menu of life".
In the movie, the main character can "remote control" his life : replay his happy times, fast-forward the unhappy times such as argument with his wife, skip his days of unwanted events like sickness, traffic jam etc. and he can even go straight to his days of promotion and the day of his son's wedding. A life full of only happy things, but he missed seeing his son grow, missed attending his father's funeral, bury himself with grieve when his days on earth is ending. (Well, the story doesn't end here and got a happy ending, so worth watching.)
What if my life was like that ? It'll be quite empty and nothing memorable. From our last bible studies on Ps 90, I remembered 3 important points :
a) acknowledge God is the eternal God and we are just dust on earth;
b) our days on earth are just trouble and sorrow, nothing long-lasting;
c) however, what we do during our lives counts in eternity or in generations after us, such as work that establishes people and draw them to God.
So it doesn't matter if we live to 70 or 80 years old, how we carry it matters.
10 我們一生的年日是七十歲，如果強壯，可到八十歲，但其中可誇耀的，不過是勞苦愁煩；我們的年日轉眼即逝，我們也如飛而去了。 ... 12 求你教導我們怎樣數算自己的日子，好使我們得著智慧的心。
In the movie, the main character can "remote control" his life : replay his happy times, fast-forward the unhappy times such as argument with his wife, skip his days of unwanted events like sickness, traffic jam etc. and he can even go straight to his days of promotion and the day of his son's wedding. A life full of only happy things, but he missed seeing his son grow, missed attending his father's funeral, bury himself with grieve when his days on earth is ending. (Well, the story doesn't end here and got a happy ending, so worth watching.)
What if my life was like that ? It'll be quite empty and nothing memorable. From our last bible studies on Ps 90, I remembered 3 important points :
a) acknowledge God is the eternal God and we are just dust on earth;
b) our days on earth are just trouble and sorrow, nothing long-lasting;
c) however, what we do during our lives counts in eternity or in generations after us, such as work that establishes people and draw them to God.
So it doesn't matter if we live to 70 or 80 years old, how we carry it matters.
10 我們一生的年日是七十歲，如果強壯，可到八十歲，但其中可誇耀的，不過是勞苦愁煩；我們的年日轉眼即逝，我們也如飛而去了。 ... 12 求你教導我們怎樣數算自己的日子，好使我們得著智慧的心。
Monday, September 18, 2006
Sep 18 -Treasures on earth
Today's ODB is again from Matthew Chapter 6 (third time this month!), yet from a different angle and look at "treasures".
"Treasures" means wealth in the form of gold, silver or jewels, or things you keep or consider as precious. What is most precious to us ? Perhaps these days, it's no longer just gold or silver or materials things, but rather, our concern for health, our crave for nice food, our recognition at work or ministries, our "life-style", our beloved ones or kids...etc. whatever that capture our hearts. We must come to realise that nothing on earth can satisfy us, except for God Himself.
Let's continue to practice "wait before the Lord" daily and enjoy His presence in our hearts!
19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
"Treasures" means wealth in the form of gold, silver or jewels, or things you keep or consider as precious. What is most precious to us ? Perhaps these days, it's no longer just gold or silver or materials things, but rather, our concern for health, our crave for nice food, our recognition at work or ministries, our "life-style", our beloved ones or kids...etc. whatever that capture our hearts. We must come to realise that nothing on earth can satisfy us, except for God Himself.
Let's continue to practice "wait before the Lord" daily and enjoy His presence in our hearts!
19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Sep 16 - God's promise is a promise
Today's ODB is from Genesis 17, the conversation between God the Abraham. Due to the faith of Abraham, God personally gave him His promise that He will give Abraham a son and make him father of great nations. This was given to Abraham at the age of 100 years-old ! and Sarah was 90 years old too...!"
17 Abraham fell facedown; he laughed and said to himself, "Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?" 18 And Abraham said to God, "If only Ishmael might live under your blessing!" "
But God's promise is a promise. He won't make empty promises for He is a Holy God and takes things seriously. We are just too narrow in our minds to think what God can do, He is far beyond our imagination and expectation!"
7 I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you."
17 Abraham fell facedown; he laughed and said to himself, "Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?" 18 And Abraham said to God, "If only Ishmael might live under your blessing!" "
But God's promise is a promise. He won't make empty promises for He is a Holy God and takes things seriously. We are just too narrow in our minds to think what God can do, He is far beyond our imagination and expectation!"
7 I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you."
Friday, September 15, 2006
Sep 15- Can this be happening?
Today's ODB Acts 12:5-17, reminds us a miraculous experience by Peter when he was in prison in early church days.
9 Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. 10 They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. 11 Then Peter came to himself and said, "Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating."
There is no doubt Peter was awake when he followed the angels and passed through the first, second and the last iron gate out of the prision, yet why would he had no idea of what's happening ? For all the time he was in prison, hasn't he been wishing for this moment ? Wasn't it his prayer answered that he's released from the chains ? It's quite contradictary, isn't it ?
I find myself complicated in such a way too : sometimes wishing for the things that I'm too fearful to believe it'd come true. When prayers for others are answered, I'm happy for them. But when it comes to my own turn, sometimes I just find myself not prepared for it.... It takes FAITH to see the miracles of God. I'm reminded that in Hebrews 11:6 - "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
Praises to God for I just experienced a miracle in my life!
9 Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. 10 They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. 11 Then Peter came to himself and said, "Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating."
There is no doubt Peter was awake when he followed the angels and passed through the first, second and the last iron gate out of the prision, yet why would he had no idea of what's happening ? For all the time he was in prison, hasn't he been wishing for this moment ? Wasn't it his prayer answered that he's released from the chains ? It's quite contradictary, isn't it ?
I find myself complicated in such a way too : sometimes wishing for the things that I'm too fearful to believe it'd come true. When prayers for others are answered, I'm happy for them. But when it comes to my own turn, sometimes I just find myself not prepared for it.... It takes FAITH to see the miracles of God. I'm reminded that in Hebrews 11:6 - "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
Praises to God for I just experienced a miracle in my life!
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Sep 14- All For Him and Him alone
Today's ODB is from a very familiar chapter in the bible to me in the past 2 weeks - Matthews 6. But this time, we look at 6:1-8, 16-18, a very good and direct passage on the attitude when we do good deeds.
http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb-09-14-06.shtml
The Arthor wrote :Three times Jesus repeated to His disciples: “Your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly” (Matt. 6:4,6,18). This is our assurance as well. Every unobserved gift of time, energy, and love; every petition we whisper in our Father’s ears; every secret, inward struggle against sin and self-indulgence will be fully rewarded in due time.
This is also true that when we do good, there should not be a slightest desire to expect people to like us, thank us or compliment us. We show our care and support for one another, just because it is a right thing to do. Not expecting something in return. All we do should be for Him and Him alone.
1 “你們小心，不要在眾人面前行你們的義，讓他們看見；如果這樣，就得不到你們天父的賞賜。2 因此你施捨的時候，不可到處張揚，好像偽君子在會堂和街上所作的一樣，以博取眾人的稱讚。我實在告訴你們，他們已經得了他們的賞賜。3 你施捨的時候，不要讓左手知道右手所作的，4 好使你的施捨是在隱密中行的。你父在隱密中察看，必定報答你。
http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb-09-14-06.shtml
The Arthor wrote :Three times Jesus repeated to His disciples: “Your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly” (Matt. 6:4,6,18). This is our assurance as well. Every unobserved gift of time, energy, and love; every petition we whisper in our Father’s ears; every secret, inward struggle against sin and self-indulgence will be fully rewarded in due time.
This is also true that when we do good, there should not be a slightest desire to expect people to like us, thank us or compliment us. We show our care and support for one another, just because it is a right thing to do. Not expecting something in return. All we do should be for Him and Him alone.
1 “你們小心，不要在眾人面前行你們的義，讓他們看見；如果這樣，就得不到你們天父的賞賜。2 因此你施捨的時候，不可到處張揚，好像偽君子在會堂和街上所作的一樣，以博取眾人的稱讚。我實在告訴你們，他們已經得了他們的賞賜。3 你施捨的時候，不要讓左手知道右手所作的，4 好使你的施捨是在隱密中行的。你父在隱密中察看，必定報答你。
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Sep 13 - 神同在是最好的保障
Today's ODB is taken from Psalm 46, a Psalm of great assurance that God is our greatest caregiver. How do we find Him ?
The Arthor wrote : Through prayer, we can step into the calming presence of the Lord and find strength to go on. As we bring our heartaches and needs to God, He meets us where we are and gives us His peace. He is an ever-present help who cares for us in every situation.
Like today, when I woke up, it was quite a scene outside my window - nothing but thick clouds and pouring rain! Thank the Lord for the eternal peace I have inside my heart and I know He is with me in all circumstances.
1 神是我們的避難所，是我們的力量，是我們在患難中隨時都可得到的幫助。2 因此，地雖然震動，群山雖然崩塌入海洋的深處，我們也不害怕。3 雖然海浪翻騰澎湃，雖然山嶽因波濤洶湧搖動，我們也不害怕. (<- very much like today when I was on the ferry to work this morning!)
The Arthor wrote : Through prayer, we can step into the calming presence of the Lord and find strength to go on. As we bring our heartaches and needs to God, He meets us where we are and gives us His peace. He is an ever-present help who cares for us in every situation.
Like today, when I woke up, it was quite a scene outside my window - nothing but thick clouds and pouring rain! Thank the Lord for the eternal peace I have inside my heart and I know He is with me in all circumstances.
1 神是我們的避難所，是我們的力量，是我們在患難中隨時都可得到的幫助。2 因此，地雖然震動，群山雖然崩塌入海洋的深處，我們也不害怕。3 雖然海浪翻騰澎湃，雖然山嶽因波濤洶湧搖動，我們也不害怕. (<- very much like today when I was on the ferry to work this morning!)
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Sep 12 -天上的居所
Today's reading is from 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, our ultimate home.
While not all of us will have the chance to own a house on earth, we are promised with a home in heaven. I find verse 7 particularly meaningful : "We live by faith, not by sight." What does it really mean ? I shall ponder it further. But I believe there must be something positive and far better than now, prepared by our Lord, which gives me the hope and assurance to live by each day.
1 我們知道，如果我們在地上的帳棚拆毀了，我們必得著從 神而來的居所。那不是人手所造的，而是天上永存的房屋。.....6 我們既然一向都是坦然無懼的，又知道住在身內就是與主分開 7 （因為我們行事是憑著信心，不是憑著眼見），8 現在還是坦然無懼，寧願與身體分開，與主同住。9 因此，我們立定志向，無論住在身內或是與身體分開，都要討主的喜悅。10 因為我們眾人都必須在基督的審判臺前顯露出來，使各人按著本身所行的，或善或惡，受到報應。
While not all of us will have the chance to own a house on earth, we are promised with a home in heaven. I find verse 7 particularly meaningful : "We live by faith, not by sight." What does it really mean ? I shall ponder it further. But I believe there must be something positive and far better than now, prepared by our Lord, which gives me the hope and assurance to live by each day.
1 我們知道，如果我們在地上的帳棚拆毀了，我們必得著從 神而來的居所。那不是人手所造的，而是天上永存的房屋。.....6 我們既然一向都是坦然無懼的，又知道住在身內就是與主分開 7 （因為我們行事是憑著信心，不是憑著眼見），8 現在還是坦然無懼，寧願與身體分開，與主同住。9 因此，我們立定志向，無論住在身內或是與身體分開，都要討主的喜悅。10 因為我們眾人都必須在基督的審判臺前顯露出來，使各人按著本身所行的，或善或惡，受到報應。
Monday, September 11, 2006
My favourite book - Traveling Light
TRAVELING LIGHT by Max Lucado. Based on the promise of Psalm 23, it talks about how to release the burdens you were never intended to bear. Here below is an extract which I find most inspiring....
*************************************
Haven't you been known to pick up a few bags ?
The Suitcase of guilt. The trunk of discontment. A backpack of anxiety and a hanging bag of grief. Add on a briefcase of perfectionism, an overnight bag of loneliness, and a duffel bag of fear. No wonder we are so tired at the end of the day.
Where do we turn for help ? How about an old friend…Psalm 23…
Rest from the burden of a small god. Why ? Because I have found the Lord.
Rest from doing things my way. Why ? Because the Lord is my Shepherd.
Rest from endless wants. Why ? Because I shall not want.
Rest from weariness. Why ? Because he makes me to lie down.
Rest from worry. Why ? Because he leads me.
Rest from hopelessness. Why ? Because he restores my soul.
Rest from guilt. Why ? Because he leads me in the paths of righteousness.
Rest from arrogance. Why ? Because of his name's sake.
Rest from the valley of death. Why? Because he walks me through it.
Rest from the shadow of grief. Why? Because he guides me.
Rest from fear. Why ? Because his presence comforts me.
Rest from loneliness. Why ? Because he is with me.
Rest from shame. Why ? Because he is with me.
Rest from shame. Why? Because he has prepared a place for me in the presence of my enemies.
Rest from my disappointments. Why ? Because he anoints me.
Rest from envy. Why ? Because my cup overflows.
Rest from doubt. Why? Because he follows me.
Rest from homesickness. Why? Because I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
And tomorrow, when out of habit you pick you luggage back up, set it down again. Set it down again and again until the sweet day when you find you aren't picking it back up.
Learn to traveling light.
*************************************
Haven't you been known to pick up a few bags ?
The Suitcase of guilt. The trunk of discontment. A backpack of anxiety and a hanging bag of grief. Add on a briefcase of perfectionism, an overnight bag of loneliness, and a duffel bag of fear. No wonder we are so tired at the end of the day.
Where do we turn for help ? How about an old friend…Psalm 23…
Rest from the burden of a small god. Why ? Because I have found the Lord.
Rest from doing things my way. Why ? Because the Lord is my Shepherd.
Rest from endless wants. Why ? Because I shall not want.
Rest from weariness. Why ? Because he makes me to lie down.
Rest from worry. Why ? Because he leads me.
Rest from hopelessness. Why ? Because he restores my soul.
Rest from guilt. Why ? Because he leads me in the paths of righteousness.
Rest from arrogance. Why ? Because of his name's sake.
Rest from the valley of death. Why? Because he walks me through it.
Rest from the shadow of grief. Why? Because he guides me.
Rest from fear. Why ? Because his presence comforts me.
Rest from loneliness. Why ? Because he is with me.
Rest from shame. Why ? Because he is with me.
Rest from shame. Why? Because he has prepared a place for me in the presence of my enemies.
Rest from my disappointments. Why ? Because he anoints me.
Rest from envy. Why ? Because my cup overflows.
Rest from doubt. Why? Because he follows me.
Rest from homesickness. Why? Because I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
And tomorrow, when out of habit you pick you luggage back up, set it down again. Set it down again and again until the sweet day when you find you aren't picking it back up.
Learn to traveling light.
Sep 11- Flying backwards
Today's ODB is from Psalm 139 : 7-16 and tells a fact that humming bird can fly backwards.The Author didn't quite believe it, so he watched the birds in his backyard one afternoon.
He observed : After a while, only one bird was left—her long, thin beak sucking up the liquid. Then, when she was finished, she flew straight backwards, then up, and finally darted out of sight among the trees. How did she do it? God knows. Sometime on the fifth day of creation, while He was forming whales, sharks, orioles, and loons, God created the hummingbird with its amazing ability to fly backwards—a miracle of His power.
If even the birds are so uniquely made, me too am "fearfully and wonderfully made". And my days ahead, are all written down in God's diary! PTL !!
14 我要稱謝你，因為我的受造奇妙可畏；你的作為奇妙，這是我深深知道的。15 我在隱密處被造，在地的深處被塑造，那時，我的形體不能向你隱藏。16 我未成形的身體，你的眼睛早已看見；為我所定的日子，我還未度過一日，都完全記在你的冊上了。
He observed : After a while, only one bird was left—her long, thin beak sucking up the liquid. Then, when she was finished, she flew straight backwards, then up, and finally darted out of sight among the trees. How did she do it? God knows. Sometime on the fifth day of creation, while He was forming whales, sharks, orioles, and loons, God created the hummingbird with its amazing ability to fly backwards—a miracle of His power.
If even the birds are so uniquely made, me too am "fearfully and wonderfully made". And my days ahead, are all written down in God's diary! PTL !!
14 我要稱謝你，因為我的受造奇妙可畏；你的作為奇妙，這是我深深知道的。15 我在隱密處被造，在地的深處被塑造，那時，我的形體不能向你隱藏。16 我未成形的身體，你的眼睛早已看見；為我所定的日子，我還未度過一日，都完全記在你的冊上了。
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Sep 6- For the prepared
Today's reading is from Relevation 22:1-5, which gives us a picture of the heaven.
1天使又指示我一道明亮如水晶的生命水的河流，從 神和羊羔的寶座那裡流出來，
2經過城裡的街道。河的兩邊有生命樹，結十二次果子，每月都結果子；樹葉可以醫治列國。3 所有咒詛都不再有了。城裡有 神和羊羔的寶座，他的僕人都要事奉他，
4也要見他的面。他的名字必寫在他們的額上。5 不再有黑夜了，他們也不需要燈光或日光了，因為主 神要光照他們。他們要作王，直到永永遠遠。
It is truly a graceful , blessed and beautiful place that we all long to be with our God one day. Yet.....sometimes this day may seem too remote that bring doubt to our mind : when will it come? Or it may seem too perfect for us to be there...
Let's be diligent in our faith and live our days wisely for Christ will (and can) return any moment. Heaven is prepared for those who are prepared.
1天使又指示我一道明亮如水晶的生命水的河流，從 神和羊羔的寶座那裡流出來，
2經過城裡的街道。河的兩邊有生命樹，結十二次果子，每月都結果子；樹葉可以醫治列國。3 所有咒詛都不再有了。城裡有 神和羊羔的寶座，他的僕人都要事奉他，
4也要見他的面。他的名字必寫在他們的額上。5 不再有黑夜了，他們也不需要燈光或日光了，因為主 神要光照他們。他們要作王，直到永永遠遠。
It is truly a graceful , blessed and beautiful place that we all long to be with our God one day. Yet.....sometimes this day may seem too remote that bring doubt to our mind : when will it come? Or it may seem too perfect for us to be there...
Let's be diligent in our faith and live our days wisely for Christ will (and can) return any moment. Heaven is prepared for those who are prepared.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Sept 5 - What we can't buy
Today's ODB reading is from Isaiah 55:1-7.
It's a good reflection on what we can buy and what we can't buy. The author wrote : God offers to give us what we can’t buy—mercy, pardon, and a changed life infused with His presence. He invites us to “Seek the Lord while He may be found” (v.6).
I read on to verses 8 and 9 and found this very comforting verses (which I often forget where it is in the bible). It's important to always remember not to rely on God when things are going well (just like Job). For His ways are higher than ours and we should seek Him while we can (meaning He may not always be available and found by us).
6 你們要趁著耶和華可以尋找的時候，尋找他，趁著他靠近的時候，呼求他。7 惡人要離棄自己的道路，不義的人當除去自己的意念，回轉過來歸向耶和華，耶和華就必憐憫他。你們當回轉過來歸向我們的 神，因為他大大赦免人的罪。8 耶和華說：“我的意念不是你們的意念，你們的道路也不是我的道路。9 天怎樣高過地，我的道路也怎樣高過你們的道路，我的意念也怎樣高過你們的意念。
It's a good reflection on what we can buy and what we can't buy. The author wrote : God offers to give us what we can’t buy—mercy, pardon, and a changed life infused with His presence. He invites us to “Seek the Lord while He may be found” (v.6).
I read on to verses 8 and 9 and found this very comforting verses (which I often forget where it is in the bible). It's important to always remember not to rely on God when things are going well (just like Job). For His ways are higher than ours and we should seek Him while we can (meaning He may not always be available and found by us).
6 你們要趁著耶和華可以尋找的時候，尋找他，趁著他靠近的時候，呼求他。7 惡人要離棄自己的道路，不義的人當除去自己的意念，回轉過來歸向耶和華，耶和華就必憐憫他。你們當回轉過來歸向我們的 神，因為他大大赦免人的罪。8 耶和華說：“我的意念不是你們的意念，你們的道路也不是我的道路。9 天怎樣高過地，我的道路也怎樣高過你們的道路，我的意念也怎樣高過你們的意念。
Monday, September 04, 2006
Sep 4 - 不是服侍人
今天的經文是昨天靈修的延續, 所以今天嘗試以中文來思想。以弗所書6:1-9 是一段很精簡的教導, 如何做兒女, 做父母, 做打工的, 做老闆的。
5 你們作僕人的，要存著敬畏、戰兢和真誠的心，聽從世上的主人，好像聽從基督一樣。6 作事不要只作給人看，像那些討人歡心的一樣，卻要像基督的僕人，從心裡遵行 神的旨意，7 甘心服務，像是服事主，不是服事人。8 你們知道，無論是奴僕或自由的人，如果作了甚麼善事，都必從主那裡得到賞賜。
在現今如此功利的社會, 很多時会會陷入試探以最少的時間資源來達致最高的工作回報或搏取上司的讚賞, 這些表現有時可以只得外表,缺乏真誠的。今天的經文正正提醒自己在岡位上理應盡忠職守,像是服事主一樣, 不只是作給人看, 因為我們的主乃是那位監察人心肺腑的主, 並按公義憐憫賞罰分明。
5 你們作僕人的，要存著敬畏、戰兢和真誠的心，聽從世上的主人，好像聽從基督一樣。6 作事不要只作給人看，像那些討人歡心的一樣，卻要像基督的僕人，從心裡遵行 神的旨意，7 甘心服務，像是服事主，不是服事人。8 你們知道，無論是奴僕或自由的人，如果作了甚麼善事，都必從主那裡得到賞賜。
在現今如此功利的社會, 很多時会會陷入試探以最少的時間資源來達致最高的工作回報或搏取上司的讚賞, 這些表現有時可以只得外表,缺乏真誠的。今天的經文正正提醒自己在岡位上理應盡忠職守,像是服事主一樣, 不只是作給人看, 因為我們的主乃是那位監察人心肺腑的主, 並按公義憐憫賞罰分明。
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Sept 3 - Between Sundays
Today's reading is from Colossians 3:22-25, a passage on our attitude at work.
After Sunday service today, I brought my friend (a new comer) to join the new comers' lunch to mingle with them. It's interesting to know that amongst the new comers, there were chefs, lawyers, psychologists, dentists and other professions. One of the things we talked about was how meaningful can our work be when it is totally unrelated to God's ministry or spiritual growth. Well, I had this query a few years ago when I was totally lost in work and career direction. I thought about quitting, changed my career, do something else like going into Bible school which I believed must be something more meaningful and pleasing to God. However, it was not the answer from God to my query. Instead, I was told that God placed me in this field and position to reach out to those whom the pastors couldn't reach. It is not only doing full time God's ministries are count as meaningful jobs in God's eyes.
This is indeed true. As the people I work with are just way too busy to go to church, or take a break from their work to think about the meaning of life. They may make a lot of money and can get what they want, but they do not have a satisfying life. So I remain where I was and with the help of God, be the Light for Christ in my profession.
23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men...
After Sunday service today, I brought my friend (a new comer) to join the new comers' lunch to mingle with them. It's interesting to know that amongst the new comers, there were chefs, lawyers, psychologists, dentists and other professions. One of the things we talked about was how meaningful can our work be when it is totally unrelated to God's ministry or spiritual growth. Well, I had this query a few years ago when I was totally lost in work and career direction. I thought about quitting, changed my career, do something else like going into Bible school which I believed must be something more meaningful and pleasing to God. However, it was not the answer from God to my query. Instead, I was told that God placed me in this field and position to reach out to those whom the pastors couldn't reach. It is not only doing full time God's ministries are count as meaningful jobs in God's eyes.
This is indeed true. As the people I work with are just way too busy to go to church, or take a break from their work to think about the meaning of life. They may make a lot of money and can get what they want, but they do not have a satisfying life. So I remain where I was and with the help of God, be the Light for Christ in my profession.
23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men...
Saturday, September 02, 2006
September 2, 2006 - First things first
Today's ODB is about the story of Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42.
No one would deny that life in HK is busy. Everyone is. Either you're busy with work or further studies, or you'll find yourself often in a hurry between activities. The Lord stated a very strong but important statement on the busyness of Martha, which I too, should ask myself.
41"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
Let's rememberd....First Things First.
No one would deny that life in HK is busy. Everyone is. Either you're busy with work or further studies, or you'll find yourself often in a hurry between activities. The Lord stated a very strong but important statement on the busyness of Martha, which I too, should ask myself.
41"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
Let's rememberd....First Things First.
Friday, September 01, 2006
September 1, 2006-Peaceful Anxiety
Today's reading at ODB is from one of my favourite passages in the bible -Phil chapter 4.
I used to be a person full of worries, anxiety, always expecting the best, always have good planning (and contingencies), making sure things are in control...etc. While believing I was doing my best, I didn't realise that these turn out to be very stressful upon myself and those around me. Until recent years, I'm really learning this lesson - to let go of my control, and let God be in control.
What the author wrote today echoed the conclusion of my learning : It’s comforting to know that such things are in our Father’s hands. My inability to do anything about the problem was more than matched by my confidence in God, for whom all things are possible. As I prayed about the situation, my anxiety was replaced by His peace (Phil. 4:6-7).
應當毫無憂慮，只要凡事藉著禱告祈求，帶著感恩的心，把你們所要的告訴 神。這樣， 神所賜超過人能了解的平安，必在基督耶穌裡，保守你們的心思意念。
I used to be a person full of worries, anxiety, always expecting the best, always have good planning (and contingencies), making sure things are in control...etc. While believing I was doing my best, I didn't realise that these turn out to be very stressful upon myself and those around me. Until recent years, I'm really learning this lesson - to let go of my control, and let God be in control.
What the author wrote today echoed the conclusion of my learning : It’s comforting to know that such things are in our Father’s hands. My inability to do anything about the problem was more than matched by my confidence in God, for whom all things are possible. As I prayed about the situation, my anxiety was replaced by His peace (Phil. 4:6-7).
應當毫無憂慮，只要凡事藉著禱告祈求，帶著感恩的心，把你們所要的告訴 神。這樣， 神所賜超過人能了解的平安，必在基督耶穌裡，保守你們的心思意念。
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