1. Today, try to delaying a meal so that you can experience a more prolonged feeling of hunger.
2. Evaluate your food intake: what percentage is necessity and what percentage is recreation?
3. In what ways doe our culture's relationship to food seem different from God's design ?
4. Reflect on John 6:27. How can spiritual hunger become more immediate and motivating than physical hunger?
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Nov 21-Do we listen to God as He listens to us ?
Today's ODB is exactly the passage where I'm preparing to read for tonight's bible studies on the character - Samuel.
http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb.shtml
Reading from chapter 1 of the book of Samuel, refreshed myself again of his humble brought up. Samuel's mother, Hannah, was a woman with great anguish adn grief who prayed in her heart and poured out her soul to the Lord. She yearned for a child. God remembered her and granted her Samuel. The name means "Because I asked the Lord for him".
We often pray to God and ask Him for a lot of things, some are the greater will of God, some personal needs. No matter what, we believe and hope that God would "listen" to our prayers, or to some extent would "answer" our prayers. Reflecting from the flip side of the coin, do we "listen" to His voice ? Do we ever recognise His voice ? When and how does He speak ? It can be a hymn you sing at Sunday worship, a verse in the daily devotion you read, or the small voice from the Holy Spirit as you encounter temptation, or the bible passage that linger in your head after the Sunday sermon.
In John 10:27 我 的 羊 聽 我 的 聲 音 ， 我 也 認 識 他 們 ， 他 們 也 跟 著 我 。
I'm sure God who created the tremendous heaven and earth got bountiful ways to speak to us, only if we would listen. Let's be His sheep and practise to hear His voice any time, anywhere.
Samuel 3: 9 因 此 以 利 對 撒 母 耳 說 ： 你 仍 去 睡 罷 ； 若 再 呼 喚 你 ， 你 就 說 ： 耶 和 華 啊 ， 請 說 ， 僕 人 敬 聽 ！ 撒 母 耳 就 去 ， 仍 睡 在 原 處 。
10 耶 和 華 又 來 站 著 ， 像 前 三 次 呼 喚 說 ： 撒 母 耳 啊 ！ 撒 母 耳 啊 ！ 撒 母 耳 回 答 說 ： 請 說 ， 僕 人 敬 聽 ！
http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb.shtml
Reading from chapter 1 of the book of Samuel, refreshed myself again of his humble brought up. Samuel's mother, Hannah, was a woman with great anguish adn grief who prayed in her heart and poured out her soul to the Lord. She yearned for a child. God remembered her and granted her Samuel. The name means "Because I asked the Lord for him".
We often pray to God and ask Him for a lot of things, some are the greater will of God, some personal needs. No matter what, we believe and hope that God would "listen" to our prayers, or to some extent would "answer" our prayers. Reflecting from the flip side of the coin, do we "listen" to His voice ? Do we ever recognise His voice ? When and how does He speak ? It can be a hymn you sing at Sunday worship, a verse in the daily devotion you read, or the small voice from the Holy Spirit as you encounter temptation, or the bible passage that linger in your head after the Sunday sermon.
In John 10:27 我 的 羊 聽 我 的 聲 音 ， 我 也 認 識 他 們 ， 他 們 也 跟 著 我 。
I'm sure God who created the tremendous heaven and earth got bountiful ways to speak to us, only if we would listen. Let's be His sheep and practise to hear His voice any time, anywhere.
Samuel 3: 9 因 此 以 利 對 撒 母 耳 說 ： 你 仍 去 睡 罷 ； 若 再 呼 喚 你 ， 你 就 說 ： 耶 和 華 啊 ， 請 說 ， 僕 人 敬 聽 ！ 撒 母 耳 就 去 ， 仍 睡 在 原 處 。
10 耶 和 華 又 來 站 著 ， 像 前 三 次 呼 喚 說 ： 撒 母 耳 啊 ！ 撒 母 耳 啊 ！ 撒 母 耳 回 答 說 ： 請 說 ， 僕 人 敬 聽 ！
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Day 4 - Greed
1. Are "wants" and "needs" the same thing to you ? How do you differentiate between the two ?
2. Paul wrote that we should be content with food and clothing ? How could this be possible in affluent societies like ours ?
3. Jesus warned his listeners to be "on guard against all kinds of greed" (Luke 12:15). What kind of greed are there?
4. Reflect on Matthews 6:24-25. The substance of your worries is often the object of your worship. What are you worrying about ?
2. Paul wrote that we should be content with food and clothing ? How could this be possible in affluent societies like ours ?
3. Jesus warned his listeners to be "on guard against all kinds of greed" (Luke 12:15). What kind of greed are there?
4. Reflect on Matthews 6:24-25. The substance of your worries is often the object of your worship. What are you worrying about ?
Nov 14-Instant Access
Today's ODB is a follow up on our last Sunday's sermon on Hebrews. Heb 10:19-23.
http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb.shtml
It tells a very interesting story of a young son of a pastor, who tried to call his dad in the office to see if the secretary will screen his call. Well, as the son is calling, of course no one will screen his call to his father la.We too, have the instant access to our Heavenly Father. We have the honor of making such instant call to God because of His grace - He made the new and living way for us. Upon such reflection, I just wonder how often do I call Him, and when I call, do I only make request ? or do I converse with Him like a friend and see how He's doing? what's His new plans ? is He happy with me recently?
19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,
20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God,
22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb.shtml
It tells a very interesting story of a young son of a pastor, who tried to call his dad in the office to see if the secretary will screen his call. Well, as the son is calling, of course no one will screen his call to his father la.We too, have the instant access to our Heavenly Father. We have the honor of making such instant call to God because of His grace - He made the new and living way for us. Upon such reflection, I just wonder how often do I call Him, and when I call, do I only make request ? or do I converse with Him like a friend and see how He's doing? what's His new plans ? is He happy with me recently?
19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,
20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God,
22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Fantastic seafood dinner !
What's better than having a nice meal with a group of good friends ?
This evening, I have the privilege of inviting my buddies at St John's College to my home and seafood dinner at the nearby village restaurant. Here's a photo to kick start. See what's in our hands ?
A link to each of the delicious dishes of our feast will be posted soon. =)
Day 3 on Seven Deadly sins
Sorry for the delay in updating....due to celebrations and busy at work this week. :P
Anger -
1. Think about the last few times you felt angry. As specifically as possible, write down the issue(s) that led to your anger.
2. How is your anger related to your pride ? To your envy ?
3. Aquins said that anger has an imperfect relationship with reason. How has your anger clouded reality ?
4. Reflect on Jonah 4. In what wyas are you refusing to accept what God is choosing to do / not to do in this world and in your own life ?
Anger -
1. Think about the last few times you felt angry. As specifically as possible, write down the issue(s) that led to your anger.
2. How is your anger related to your pride ? To your envy ?
3. Aquins said that anger has an imperfect relationship with reason. How has your anger clouded reality ?
4. Reflect on Jonah 4. In what wyas are you refusing to accept what God is choosing to do / not to do in this world and in your own life ?
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Nov 7- Three Certainties
On a day where the headlines are reporting the death of someone important across the Hong Kong newspapers, the devotion for today is such a revitalising reminder to us - 1 Thess 4:13-18.
14 我們若信耶穌死了，又復活了，照樣，也應該相信那些靠著耶穌已經睡了的人， 神必定把他們和耶穌一同帶來。
15 我們現在照著主的話告訴你們：我們這些活著存留到主再來的人，絕不能在那些睡了的人以先。
16 因為主必親自從天降臨，那時，有發令的聲音，有天使長的呼聲，還有 神的號聲，那些在基督裡死了的人必先復活；
17 然後，我們還活著存留的人，必和他們一同被提到雲裡，在空中與主相會。這樣，我們就要和主常常同在。
The Arthor wrote that as the children of God, we have three certainties : "The first certainty is that the soul does not die. The souls of departed believers are with the Lord (v.14). They have retired from this problematic world, and they “sleep in Jesus.”. Second, Jesus will come for every believer. Whether a Christian is alive on earth or asleep in death, Jesus will return for all His children (vv.16-17). Third, there will be a joyous reunion. “Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord” (v.17)."
No matter who we are, VIP or nobody, our days on earth will end. However, our days in heaven will never come to an end. What we did in our life determines what we'll be in eternity! I always wonder what will it be to be caught up in the clouds and meet the Lord in the air!! What a great joy to know that we have hope after death!
Let's prepare ourselves for the return of Christ.
14 我們若信耶穌死了，又復活了，照樣，也應該相信那些靠著耶穌已經睡了的人， 神必定把他們和耶穌一同帶來。
15 我們現在照著主的話告訴你們：我們這些活著存留到主再來的人，絕不能在那些睡了的人以先。
16 因為主必親自從天降臨，那時，有發令的聲音，有天使長的呼聲，還有 神的號聲，那些在基督裡死了的人必先復活；
17 然後，我們還活著存留的人，必和他們一同被提到雲裡，在空中與主相會。這樣，我們就要和主常常同在。
The Arthor wrote that as the children of God, we have three certainties : "The first certainty is that the soul does not die. The souls of departed believers are with the Lord (v.14). They have retired from this problematic world, and they “sleep in Jesus.”. Second, Jesus will come for every believer. Whether a Christian is alive on earth or asleep in death, Jesus will return for all His children (vv.16-17). Third, there will be a joyous reunion. “Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord” (v.17)."
No matter who we are, VIP or nobody, our days on earth will end. However, our days in heaven will never come to an end. What we did in our life determines what we'll be in eternity! I always wonder what will it be to be caught up in the clouds and meet the Lord in the air!! What a great joy to know that we have hope after death!
Let's prepare ourselves for the return of Christ.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Day 2 on Seven Deadly Sins - Envy
Envy :
1. what aspects of your life are you unhappy about ? (answer can be anything that includes looks, weight,personality..etc). If you can't think of anything, recall your recent or regular themes of complaint.
2. be honest with youself: have you felt disappointed at the success of anothe r? alternatively, have you found yourself listening with interest at the failure of others ?
3. reflect on 1 Corinthians 13:4-6. how is humanity's envy, specifically, your own envy, can impediment to LOVE ?
4. reflect on Psalm 103:1-5 in light of your envy. consider the things you tend t complain about and replace these with thanksgiving.
1. what aspects of your life are you unhappy about ? (answer can be anything that includes looks, weight,personality..etc). If you can't think of anything, recall your recent or regular themes of complaint.
2. be honest with youself: have you felt disappointed at the success of anothe r? alternatively, have you found yourself listening with interest at the failure of others ?
3. reflect on 1 Corinthians 13:4-6. how is humanity's envy, specifically, your own envy, can impediment to LOVE ?
4. reflect on Psalm 103:1-5 in light of your envy. consider the things you tend t complain about and replace these with thanksgiving.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Seven Days on Seven Deadly Sins - Day 1
Really want to share with you this simple but deep exercise that I learnt from a talk last week. It's a sermon by Pastor Rob Penner, the pastor of my former church (ECC), at which he taught us about the "seven deadly sins", being : 1) Pride, 2) Envy, 3) Anger, 4) Greed, 5) Gluttony (love to eat), 6) Lust, ad 7) Sloth (laziness).
After the sermon, Pastor Rob left us with a 7 days' exercise, several questions every day to reflect on each of the 7 sins. Through such honest reflection, you'll be surprised to know more about yourself - strengths or weaknesses, and ask God to strengthen you in your pursuit of Godly charactor.
Day 1- Pride
1. Does the questions "What is God's plan for my life?" interest you more than the questions "What is God's plan ?"
2. Think of the last time you feelings were hurt or your felt irritated. What role did your pride play in this situation?
3. Reflect on Philippinas 2:1-11, part of which (v 6-11) was probably an early church creed or hymn. Why was it necessary for God use this method to reach the world?
4. Reflect on Luke 9:23-26 in light of your pride.
After the sermon, Pastor Rob left us with a 7 days' exercise, several questions every day to reflect on each of the 7 sins. Through such honest reflection, you'll be surprised to know more about yourself - strengths or weaknesses, and ask God to strengthen you in your pursuit of Godly charactor.
Day 1- Pride
1. Does the questions "What is God's plan for my life?" interest you more than the questions "What is God's plan ?"
2. Think of the last time you feelings were hurt or your felt irritated. What role did your pride play in this situation?
3. Reflect on Philippinas 2:1-11, part of which (v 6-11) was probably an early church creed or hymn. Why was it necessary for God use this method to reach the world?
4. Reflect on Luke 9:23-26 in light of your pride.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Nov 2- When all looks bright
Entering day 2 of the month of thanksgiving, today's ODB devotion came so timely! (PTL !) It is from Deuteronomy 6:10-19 - God's commands to His people when they entered the Promised Land :
http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb-11-02-06.shtml
God asked His people to : Fear the Lord (v.13).• Serve Him (v.13).• Do not go after other gods (v.14).• Do not tempt the Lord (v.16).• Keep the commandments (v.17).• Do what is right and good (v.18).
The gist of all these which sound like "rules" is basically warning them not to forget the LORD- source of all blessings, particularly when everything looks bright and comfortable. While we would often remember to pray and seek God in times of need, let's not forget to keep a thankful heart in times of abundance, joy and contentment.
Prosperity may be a greater test of character than poverty.
http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb-11-02-06.shtml
God asked His people to : Fear the Lord (v.13).• Serve Him (v.13).• Do not go after other gods (v.14).• Do not tempt the Lord (v.16).• Keep the commandments (v.17).• Do what is right and good (v.18).
The gist of all these which sound like "rules" is basically warning them not to forget the LORD- source of all blessings, particularly when everything looks bright and comfortable. While we would often remember to pray and seek God in times of need, let's not forget to keep a thankful heart in times of abundance, joy and contentment.
Prosperity may be a greater test of character than poverty.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Entering month of November- Give thanks !
Psalm 100 : 4-5 says :
"Enter His gates with thanksgiving,
and His courts with praise;
give thanks too Him and praise His name.
For the Lord is good and His love endures forever,
His faithfulness continues through all generations."
Let this month of thanksgiving be :
... a remembrance of all the great and small things God has done in our every day lives, which would guarantee smiling faces everywhere !
... a refresher to our tired mind after 10 months of hard work without realising that God helped us through each day!
... a restoration of spiritual growth where you may still have areas to work on but let's do it with a grateful heart for He has done so much for us!
... a reliance on our Creator who got a great plan for us ahead, press on with a joyful leap!
"Enter His gates with thanksgiving,
and His courts with praise;
give thanks too Him and praise His name.
For the Lord is good and His love endures forever,
His faithfulness continues through all generations."
Let this month of thanksgiving be :
... a remembrance of all the great and small things God has done in our every day lives, which would guarantee smiling faces everywhere !
... a refresher to our tired mind after 10 months of hard work without realising that God helped us through each day!
... a restoration of spiritual growth where you may still have areas to work on but let's do it with a grateful heart for He has done so much for us!
... a reliance on our Creator who got a great plan for us ahead, press on with a joyful leap!
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