Today's ODB is from Ps 126 : http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb.shtml
The Author has this very interesting statistics :"Communications experts tell us that the average person speaks enough to fill 20 single-spaced, typewritten pages every day. This means our mouths crank out enough words to fill 2 books of 300 pages each month, 24 books each year, and 1,200 books in 50 years of speaking. "
So words make up a large part of our lives. The kind of words that we use or speak, tells alot about what's in us. Am I full of praise or grudges ? thanksgiving or compliants ? encouragement or discouragement ? requests or demands ? etc.
I hope that when someone picked up my book to read someday, will be smiling at it.
Ps 126: 2 我 們 滿 口 喜 笑 、 滿 舌 歡 呼 的 時 候 ， 外 邦 中 就 有 人 說 ： 耶 和 華 為 他 們 行 了 大 事 ！3 耶 和 華 果 然 為 我 們 行 了 大 事 ， 我 們 就 歡 喜 。
Monday, October 30, 2006
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Oct 28 - God's will
Today's ODB is taken from Romans 8:18-28. It brought me to ponder on 2 teachings I learnt this Thursday and Friday.
In this past Thursday CGST class on "Suffering", Dr. Yeung continued to teach how we look at "suffering" from the books of wisdom - Ecclesiastes. God's will is niether our will, nor our desired will. It is HIS will. As our Creator, He has the right to design our lives as the way He intended. We, as His Creation, cannnot challenge His mighty design (or His will).
Then on Friday, at a special meeting where Pastor Rob Penner (former ECC pastor) taught about "Seven Deadly Sins", in the first sin- Pride, he pointed out a very sharp question : Does the question "what's God's plan for my life?" interest you more than the questions "what is God's plan?" Why so many of us are so bothered with knowing what's God's will in OUR lives, rather than just knowing God's overall will ?
Worth to give it some thoughts.
Ecc 3:11 Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.
12 So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can.
13 And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.
So to me, while it's often easy to say "God is good and all things work together for good in His will" (Romans 8:28), true meaning of these words could only be uttered in true obedience to God's will, no matter what it is.
In this past Thursday CGST class on "Suffering", Dr. Yeung continued to teach how we look at "suffering" from the books of wisdom - Ecclesiastes. God's will is niether our will, nor our desired will. It is HIS will. As our Creator, He has the right to design our lives as the way He intended. We, as His Creation, cannnot challenge His mighty design (or His will).
Then on Friday, at a special meeting where Pastor Rob Penner (former ECC pastor) taught about "Seven Deadly Sins", in the first sin- Pride, he pointed out a very sharp question : Does the question "what's God's plan for my life?" interest you more than the questions "what is God's plan?" Why so many of us are so bothered with knowing what's God's will in OUR lives, rather than just knowing God's overall will ?
Worth to give it some thoughts.
Ecc 3:11 Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.
12 So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can.
13 And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.
So to me, while it's often easy to say "God is good and all things work together for good in His will" (Romans 8:28), true meaning of these words could only be uttered in true obedience to God's will, no matter what it is.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Oct 25 - God is not done with us
Long time no see...Today's ODB is taken from Phil 3:7-16, a well known passage on our pursuit of knowing Christ and holiness.
http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb.shtml
The author wrote : "Are you feeling impatient over your spiritual growth? Remember, God is not finished with you—nor does He expect to be until He calls you home. Make sure that your goal is to know Christ and to become more like Him. Then slowly but surely, under blue skies and stormy, He will bring you to maturity. It's His sure cure for "hurry sickness." "
To me, this is such a timely reminder : there is no short-cut and we can never be done with the pursuit of holiness. So in this spiritual journey, I should neither be satisfied nor discouraged by the ups and downs. While the co-existance of intimacy with God and intermitten grudges of doubts and questions for God may stumble my spiritual journey, I guess the fundamental thing is that I don't lose my trust in Him that HE is a faithful, living, mighty and caring God for all times. His words are true, His love is abundant, His plan is perfect, and His ways are always higher than mine.
Why I keep on believing like that - because our God is the only One who can claim to be the "Alpha and Omega"! PTL !
這並不是說我已經得著了，已經完全了，而是竭力追求，好使我可以得著基督耶穌要我得著的。(3:12)
http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb.shtml
The author wrote : "Are you feeling impatient over your spiritual growth? Remember, God is not finished with you—nor does He expect to be until He calls you home. Make sure that your goal is to know Christ and to become more like Him. Then slowly but surely, under blue skies and stormy, He will bring you to maturity. It's His sure cure for "hurry sickness." "
To me, this is such a timely reminder : there is no short-cut and we can never be done with the pursuit of holiness. So in this spiritual journey, I should neither be satisfied nor discouraged by the ups and downs. While the co-existance of intimacy with God and intermitten grudges of doubts and questions for God may stumble my spiritual journey, I guess the fundamental thing is that I don't lose my trust in Him that HE is a faithful, living, mighty and caring God for all times. His words are true, His love is abundant, His plan is perfect, and His ways are always higher than mine.
Why I keep on believing like that - because our God is the only One who can claim to be the "Alpha and Omega"! PTL !
這並不是說我已經得著了，已經完全了，而是竭力追求，好使我可以得著基督耶穌要我得著的。(3:12)
Monday, October 16, 2006
Oct 16 - 不再一樣
感謝神過去這兩天 (原來只是短短的27個小時) 的退修營,賜下豐富的筵席。很高興有機會與好幾位久未長談的舊團友聚下舊, update下近況。當然也認識了好多新團友,喜見他們飛快地投入於「星期五職青」這個大細路一羣的大家庭之中! 還有的是,不單見証到神在天氣上的保守、藉着張老師在「謙卑」這個課題上一針見血的見解, 我自已更感欣慰的是那份團結精神,坦誠分享,互相扶持,彼此鼓勵的愛,正浸透着每個約瑟組組員的心。
認識多了, 感情深了, 對我而言,每一個組員都不再一樣了......
因為你們已經脫去了舊人和舊人的行為，穿上了新人。這新人照著他的創造者的形象漸漸更新，能夠充分認識主。(歌羅西書3:9b-10)
認識多了, 感情深了, 對我而言,每一個組員都不再一樣了......
因為你們已經脫去了舊人和舊人的行為，穿上了新人。這新人照著他的創造者的形象漸漸更新，能夠充分認識主。(歌羅西書3:9b-10)
Friday, October 13, 2006
A Sunday with the Modern Arts in Hong Kong
Last Sunday, I went to the Hong Kong Art Musuem for the glimpse of several pieces of modern arts from the famous Pompidou, Paris.
Though I am not a learned artist in any way, and modern arts isn't really my cup of tea (I like impressionist better), the visit is still worthwhile. I believe "arts" is all about expression of feelings, thoughts, ideas and desires. Why would the artists choose to paint it with such colors or dimensions? With the audio guide, I was able to appreciate the details and stories about 14 of the pieces in this exhibition. Have a look and enjoy an afternoon with the modern arts.
Artists and Their Models – Masterpieces from the Centre Pompidou, Paris
Showing until 3 Dec 2006.
Oct 13- 苦痛人生?
正當我還在嘴嚼昨晚「從聖經看苦痛人生」的第一課, 今早的經文 (詩104:31-35) 便提醒我要舉目看看神的創造, 並當稱頌衪! http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb-10-13-06.shtml
楊錫鏘醫生昨晚點題式的引言很精彩, 分享一下幾點 :
* 從「創造」的三個秩序和「救贖」的三個出路, 來看神如何處理苦痛。但聖經並不會給予答案,反之是帶出問題,讓人透過經歷來找出答案。
* 在神的「創造」中強調的是神的 1)公義 , 2)智慧 和 3)主權, 而對人的呼喚是 1)悔改, 2)忍耐 和 3)敬畏。
* 苦痛並不是由罪來的, 來源本是造物主, 並在人犯罪之前已有苦痛 (見創 3:16 中人類面對第一次苦痛 - "耶和華 神對女人說：“我要大大增加你懷胎的痛苦，你必在痛苦中生產兒女；你要戀慕你的丈夫，他卻要管轄你。”)
* 苦痛乃是人生的一部份, 不應抱抗拒或逃避的態度, 反應甘心接受, 因這是神對人最有效的呼喚。
縱管這是一個深奥的課題, 願意多思考, 多默想神的話, 多明白神的心意(呼喚), 便體會到何以大衛或約伯在苦痛人生之中, 仍能向神發出讚美。
31 願耶和華的榮耀存到永遠；願耶和華喜悅他自己所作的。
32 他注視大地，地就震動；他觸摸群山，山就冒煙。
33 我一生要向耶和華歌唱；我還在世的時候，我要向我的 神歌頌。
34 願我的默想蒙他喜悅；我要因耶和華歡喜。
35 願罪人從世上滅絕，也不再有惡人存在。我的心哪！你要稱頌耶和華。你們要讚美耶和華。
楊錫鏘醫生昨晚點題式的引言很精彩, 分享一下幾點 :
* 從「創造」的三個秩序和「救贖」的三個出路, 來看神如何處理苦痛。但聖經並不會給予答案,反之是帶出問題,讓人透過經歷來找出答案。
* 在神的「創造」中強調的是神的 1)公義 , 2)智慧 和 3)主權, 而對人的呼喚是 1)悔改, 2)忍耐 和 3)敬畏。
* 苦痛並不是由罪來的, 來源本是造物主, 並在人犯罪之前已有苦痛 (見創 3:16 中人類面對第一次苦痛 - "耶和華 神對女人說：“我要大大增加你懷胎的痛苦，你必在痛苦中生產兒女；你要戀慕你的丈夫，他卻要管轄你。”)
* 苦痛乃是人生的一部份, 不應抱抗拒或逃避的態度, 反應甘心接受, 因這是神對人最有效的呼喚。
縱管這是一個深奥的課題, 願意多思考, 多默想神的話, 多明白神的心意(呼喚), 便體會到何以大衛或約伯在苦痛人生之中, 仍能向神發出讚美。
31 願耶和華的榮耀存到永遠；願耶和華喜悅他自己所作的。
32 他注視大地，地就震動；他觸摸群山，山就冒煙。
33 我一生要向耶和華歌唱；我還在世的時候，我要向我的 神歌頌。
34 願我的默想蒙他喜悅；我要因耶和華歡喜。
35 願罪人從世上滅絕，也不再有惡人存在。我的心哪！你要稱頌耶和華。你們要讚美耶和華。
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Oct 10 - Suffering
Today's ODB, Job 16: 6-17, is something which prepares me for the new evening class at CGST (Chung Sun) this Thursday - Suffering : how does God look at suffering ?
http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb.shtml
It's not an easy question to be answered. I believe that there are many reasons for having sufferings in this world, not necessarily God's responsibility alone. When I look back in my days of harships or "sufferings", besides the tears I shed, I can also see the praises I owe my living God. HE was there, He looked at things at a much higher level, HE allowed all those events for my own good and betterment because HE just loves me so much that He doesn't want to see me go astray.
God is good !
http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb.shtml
It's not an easy question to be answered. I believe that there are many reasons for having sufferings in this world, not necessarily God's responsibility alone. When I look back in my days of harships or "sufferings", besides the tears I shed, I can also see the praises I owe my living God. HE was there, He looked at things at a much higher level, HE allowed all those events for my own good and betterment because HE just loves me so much that He doesn't want to see me go astray.
God is good !
Monday, October 09, 2006
Oct 9 - Scrabble Syndrome
Today's ODB is taken from Nehemiah 8:5-11, a time when the chosen people of God lost their homes and went back to the Book of the Law of God.
http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb-10-09-06.shtml
The Author gave a very pointed reminder that : "All of us are susceptible to what might be called "The Scrabble Syndrome"—using words to win religious arguments without understanding and demonstrating their meaning. Bible verses can become weapons against those who disagree rather than life-altering truths to be lived."
This is indeed an inconspicuous danger where Christians who have been growing in the church for a long time (like me) are most susceptible to. Sometimes, we thought we knew the Bible well, we thought we have all the "model answers" to the questions others may posed because we've heard so many sermons/ bible studies' interpretations - but these could be just "head knowledge" and not true understanding with "personal experience" or living the Truth in obedience.
Further to a recent Sunday sermon by Rev. Ricky Yung, let's always remember Psalm 119:10 :
我把你的話藏在心裡，免得我得罪你。
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. (NIV)
I've banked your promises in the vault of my heart, so I won't sin myself bankrupt. (The Message)
http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb-10-09-06.shtml
The Author gave a very pointed reminder that : "All of us are susceptible to what might be called "The Scrabble Syndrome"—using words to win religious arguments without understanding and demonstrating their meaning. Bible verses can become weapons against those who disagree rather than life-altering truths to be lived."
This is indeed an inconspicuous danger where Christians who have been growing in the church for a long time (like me) are most susceptible to. Sometimes, we thought we knew the Bible well, we thought we have all the "model answers" to the questions others may posed because we've heard so many sermons/ bible studies' interpretations - but these could be just "head knowledge" and not true understanding with "personal experience" or living the Truth in obedience.
Further to a recent Sunday sermon by Rev. Ricky Yung, let's always remember Psalm 119:10 :
我把你的話藏在心裡，免得我得罪你。
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. (NIV)
I've banked your promises in the vault of my heart, so I won't sin myself bankrupt. (The Message)
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Oct 5 - Only God can make things grow
Today's ODB is from 1 Corin 3 : 5-15 :
http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb-10-05-06.shtml
Paul is such a humble character, while the church was growing and number of believers were increasing...he never take it as his own credit. Yes, it is indeed true that nothing is under our control, not even if we work hard on something, we "must" have 100% return in the way we expected or hoped. Only God can make things grow in the He intended for each of our lives. Everything is grace from God! However, we are to be diligent in whatever we do, as if we are doing it for the Lord because one day (i.e. the Day when Christ returns), everything will show.
7 所以，栽種的算不得甚麼，澆灌的也算不得甚麼，只在乎那使它生長的 神。 ... 13各人的工程將來必要顯露，因為那日子必把它顯明出來。有火要把它顯露出來，那火要考驗各人的工程是怎樣的。14 如果有人在這根基上建造的工程存得住，他就要得到賞賜；15 如果有人的工程被燒毀，他就要受虧損；自己卻要得救，只是要像從火裡經過一樣。
http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb-10-05-06.shtml
Paul is such a humble character, while the church was growing and number of believers were increasing...he never take it as his own credit. Yes, it is indeed true that nothing is under our control, not even if we work hard on something, we "must" have 100% return in the way we expected or hoped. Only God can make things grow in the He intended for each of our lives. Everything is grace from God! However, we are to be diligent in whatever we do, as if we are doing it for the Lord because one day (i.e. the Day when Christ returns), everything will show.
7 所以，栽種的算不得甚麼，澆灌的也算不得甚麼，只在乎那使它生長的 神。 ... 13各人的工程將來必要顯露，因為那日子必把它顯明出來。有火要把它顯露出來，那火要考驗各人的工程是怎樣的。14 如果有人在這根基上建造的工程存得住，他就要得到賞賜；15 如果有人的工程被燒毀，他就要受虧損；自己卻要得救，只是要像從火裡經過一樣。
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Oct 3 - Humble and Gentle
Today's ODB is a reading from Ephesians 4:1-3, about "humble and gentle" - a topic which has been in my heads for days.Paul reminded us that we "should walk with lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love." (4:2).
What is humble, lowliness or gentleness ? Without pride, arrogance, without thinking that I can do this better than the others, without showing that "see, I told you..." those kind of attitude. Also, it can mean I'm lacking in ability, I can do it because the Lord helps me, I am nothing without the Lord.... the list can go on.
While it's hard to be "truly" humble, not just saying, but with the effort of keeping this in mind - I'm nothing with the Lord - how can we boast before the mighty God and wonderful Savior ?
What is humble, lowliness or gentleness ? Without pride, arrogance, without thinking that I can do this better than the others, without showing that "see, I told you..." those kind of attitude. Also, it can mean I'm lacking in ability, I can do it because the Lord helps me, I am nothing without the Lord.... the list can go on.
While it's hard to be "truly" humble, not just saying, but with the effort of keeping this in mind - I'm nothing with the Lord - how can we boast before the mighty God and wonderful Savior ?
Monday, October 02, 2006
Oct 2 - Spirit of Truth
Today's ODB is extracted from the love-filled teachings of the Lord to His 11 disciples before He gave Himself to the hands of men. From Chapters 13 to 17, Jesus spoke His last words.
But there was so little time for Him to share all He knows about God, so He said " I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you" (John 16:12-14).
This echoes the sharing by a pastor at last Friday's talk, the importance of the working of Holy Spirit in our days - the days before Jesus returns in glory. Without it, we cannot rely on our own abilities to understand the deep meanings of God's words, to develop the many gifts He's given us, to do the will of God in our earthly lives.
I am reminded to ask the Spirit of Truth to open my heart before I open my bible or say my first words of prayer everyday.
p.s. Absence on Blog the past few days due to holiday and non-accessibility to computers.
"I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." Ps 119:11
But there was so little time for Him to share all He knows about God, so He said " I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you" (John 16:12-14).
This echoes the sharing by a pastor at last Friday's talk, the importance of the working of Holy Spirit in our days - the days before Jesus returns in glory. Without it, we cannot rely on our own abilities to understand the deep meanings of God's words, to develop the many gifts He's given us, to do the will of God in our earthly lives.
I am reminded to ask the Spirit of Truth to open my heart before I open my bible or say my first words of prayer everyday.
p.s. Absence on Blog the past few days due to holiday and non-accessibility to computers.
"I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." Ps 119:11
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)