tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66985975020112073112024-03-14T10:51:43.351+08:00MetamorphosisAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17973955872784043869noreply@blogger.comBlogger181125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698597502011207311.post-78003258622847538642018-12-08T23:11:00.002+08:002018-12-08T23:11:32.624+08:00The Struggle Of A Priest-In-Charge And The Parishioners<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span lang="EN-US">The
Struggle Of A Priest-In-Charge And The Parishioners <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Galatians 1:1 </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> Paul, an apostle-- sent not from men nor by
man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">In the Anglican Church, every priest and
pastor is subjected to be transferred to another parish or to mission field. In
fact, every priest and pastor has different call as in some are called to be
missionary, church planter, or to shepherd a church. They have different gifts
as well – some are good in administration, some are good in interpersonal
relationship, or some are good in evangelism. One of the responsibilities of
the Bishop is to look at the Diocese as a whole so that the needs of the
Diocese can be met and be strengthened to fulfill the Great Commandment.
Therefore, the Bishop has to discern and decide which priest to be sent to
parish according to the needs of the parish. And we need to know that there is
not perfect pastor that can fully meet the needs of the parish.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Because we are in Anglican Church, all of
us, both priest and parishioners struggled. This has been one of my reflections
during the silent retreat. I also got to know that some of us are “sick” or
afraid of having another priest in our church. This resulted that some
unwilling to serve with the priest to avoid another disappointment. In any
transfer, we need to know that not only that the parishioners got affected, but
the priest himself also got affected. He needs to find time to adjust to new
environment. He will also miss his congregations like how the parishioners
missed their former priest. In fact, this is one of the loneliest times for the
pastor. With this, both priest and parishioners have to build trust again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">As ordained minister, firstly we need to
know that it is God’s will to send us out. We are sent by God, not from men nor
by man. Secondly, we are sent to spread the gospel, and also to strengthen the
church. <b>1 Thessalonians 3:2 </b> says,
“We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God's fellow worker in spreading the
gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">So, may I urge all of us to work together
as a body of Christ “</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all
reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature,
attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12-13).<b> </b> </span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17973955872784043869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698597502011207311.post-30943848716087150712017-07-17T10:40:00.004+08:002017-07-17T10:40:40.067+08:00My personal thought on current church<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/%E8%BF%98%E6%88%91%E6%95%99%E4%BC%9A?source=feed_text&story_id=10155070399833423" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; unicode-bidi: isolate;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="color: #4267b2; font-family: inherit; unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="font-family: inherit;">还我教会</span></span></a> Personal reflection on church. (Posted 1 year ago)</div>
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Matthew13.58<br />And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.</div>
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Mark 6.5-6<br />He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. He was amazed at their lack of faith. Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village.</div>
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James1.27<br />Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.</div>
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I personally feel that today we are "doing" church in a very wrong way. In Annual Meeting, we try to select people to represent particular group so that their voices can be heard. Not entirely wrong in a sense. But sometimes the voices are to control the the priest power and authority who genuinely wants to develop the spiritual and physical of the church.</div>
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We make decision based on finance but not faith. Although it is important to use and invest wisely by looking into our financial condition. But in church, we cannot ignore the aspect of faith and also compassion.</div>
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Churches today lost its faith and compassion. We concern how money is used. Even when it is used to help the poor, to train future leaders, it got questioned by people "Why spend a lot?" and forgetting that money have been given to Church. People show concerns by words and not action and they got the applaud by saying the right thing and not doing the right thing.</div>
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There is a new wave of ministry that caused by this situation that entangles people of faith. Jesus just leave an assembly that doesn't have faith.</div>
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If an assembly doesn't want to please God with their faith, is it worth to stay on? How long will institutional churches can last?</div>
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Sometimes I feel so guilty and as sinful that we just build the church, solve church problems where if the people don't repent or change the problem can never be solved, and have totally ignored the salvation of others, the welfare of neighbors and to build the next generation to prepare to face spiritual challenges.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17973955872784043869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698597502011207311.post-85946668889891011952017-06-10T12:46:00.001+08:002017-06-10T12:46:15.754+08:00The Leader's Voice<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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John 10:14-16,26-27 14 "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me-- 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father-- and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and <b><i>there shall be one flock and one shepherd</i></b>. 26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27 <b><i><span style="font-size: large;">My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me</span></i></b>.<br />
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This thought has been bugging in my mind. It keeps bugging in me perhaps because of the reality that we are in today.<br />
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The leader's voice is very important in any organization, nation and church. Miscommunication happens because the voice are not clearly heard or the voice of the leader is misrepresented. The voice of the leader carries the words of the leader, the instruction of the leader. The words of the leader create picture, emotion and also vision from the leader. <br />
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Miscommunication happens not only because the voice of the leader is not clearly heard or misrepresented, but it happens also because there are too many voices on top of the leader's voice or instruction. How does this happen? One of the thing that I have encountered was that personal opinion has been put on to of the leader's voice. We think another type of voice or "repackaging" of the leader's instruction is better than the original instruction from the leader. Second thing that I have encountered was that leader doesn't know how his/her voice has been carried out. This has been the frustrations of the leader and the follower. The leader got frustrated because his/her instruction is not carried according to his intention. The leader's voice creates an apple, but it was delivered as orange to his hearers. The followers got frustrated to because they got the correction and rebukes from the leader himself. And mostly, the voice has been miscommunicated and misrepresented by the communicator whom the leader entrusted. This is also how the "messenger" or the entrusted communicator communicates the voice from the leader. The messenger certainly could not convey the voice as if he/she was in the position of authority! This would create more resistance from the hearers. "Who are you to say this?" "Are you the boss?!" The messenger should always position him/herself as a messenger of the voice. Look at the prophets in the bible. Why they begin the with "Thus says the Lord"? It is to tell the people that he is bring the voice he heard from God to the people.<br />
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The voice of the leader is so important because it will set the sentiments of the team. The passage quoted above says, "<b><i>there shall be one flock and one shepherd </i>(verse 16)</b>." One flock (one team), and one shepherd (one leader) which means there must be only one single voice in a team to lead us to the vision that God has given to the team! Read carefully on verse 27, "My sheep listen to my voice (singular one voice!). When you have a clear one voice, the leader will know his people and they will follow the leader. Why no people follow you? Perhaps it is because your voice is not heard or it has been miscommunicated and misrepresented by your messenger!<br />
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What happened if there are more than one voice in a team? I could not excuse my mind from thinking what happened in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve listened to the second voice, the voice of the serpent instead the voice of God. The whole team will fall!<br />
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Next, I will post (hopefully no procrastination) on "How can we ensure our voice being heard correctly"<br />
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<b><i>Isaac</i></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17973955872784043869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698597502011207311.post-13746673740031201352017-04-08T13:00:00.000+08:002017-04-08T17:57:40.521+08:00Can you put old wine into new wine skin?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Luke 5:36-39 </b> <sup>36</sup>
He told them this parable: "No one tears a patch from a new garment and
sews it on an old one. If he does, he will have torn the new garment, and the
patch from the new will not match the old.
<sup>37</sup> And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does,
the new wine will burst the skins, the wine will run out and the wineskins will
be ruined. <sup>38</sup> No, new wine
must be poured into new wineskins. <sup>39</sup>
And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for he says, 'The old is
better.'"<o:p></o:p></div>
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We often struggle to keep or to balance with tradition and
doing new things. When you want to do new things, older people would worry that
their tradition will be lost. And if you keep the tradition, younger people
would find it irrelevant. And sadly and mostly, most established organization –
churches, schools, companies or even government, would rather choose to keep
the tradition in order to please their current people. With this
decision, many younger generations are left out and eventually leave the church
(coming from my context). We certainly cannot please everyone. But can each
generation tolerate with one another?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jesus teaches a very familiar parable which we often use if
we want to do new things. He says that “No one pours new wine into old
wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins, the wine will run out
and the wineskins will be ruined.” This is really a familiar passage to many
Christians. But one day, as I was doing my devotion and was reading this
passage, one interesting thought in the form of question came to my mind – <b>“Can you put old wine into new wineskin?” </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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If we cannot put new wine into old wineskins because it will
burst the skins, can we put old wine into new wineskins? I have the great
conviction that we certainly can put old wine into new wineskin. Look at the
wine shops nowadays, how many of them using wineskins? Most of them are using
bottles! You could transfer the old wine from the wine barrel into the bottle.
Of course you would argue that the taste would be different so on and so forth.
But the question is that will you lose both wine and the wineskins? The change
in taste is perhaps what I call toleration. Older generation should tolerate
with the new wineskins, the new method of storing wine.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When this came to my mind, the first illustration came to me
is about smartphones. I was asking how many older people are using smartphones.
I believe many older people (over 60 years old) are using smartphones so that
they can continue to communicate with their children. If they can tolerate with
the change of method of communication, they should be able to tolerate with
changes in church so that younger people can continue be in church and find
that we are still relevant. <o:p></o:p></div>
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If we choose tradition over next generation, we are putting
the new wine (new generation) into tradition (old wineskins). In the end, we
lose both younger people and no one would continue the tradition. And perhaps
we often preserve the wrong tradition – the manmade tradition rather that God’s
commission.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As church leader, this is ultimately important to us because
we are losing the younger generation – children, youth and even the young
adults! When our preference is to keep the tradition so that people could
remain, we are losing the next generation. We are not reaching out to them. I
am inspired by Carey Nieuwhof saying, <b>“Focus
on who you want to reach, not on who you want to keep.</b>”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Inasmuch as I am saying all these, I don’t mean that the
older people are not important that we should ignore them. Remember that Jesus said
in Luke 5:39 that the old is better. I think inasmuch as the next generation is
important, we should educate and work with the older generation to reach out to
these generation. If they can tolerate with changes in smartphones, why can’t
they tolerate in tradition to accommodate the new generation?<o:p></o:p></div>
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No doubt that my mind was thinking also how Steve Jobs
presented the first iPhone. If you have watched the presentation, I personally
like the part when he dismissed the QWERTY keypad in traditional phones. In
fact, he did not really dismiss the QWERTY keypad on a phone. He just changed
it a different method to type messages. This is one of the things that make
iPhone iPhone. Can you imagine if Jobs listened to criticism by consumers to
put back the physical QWERTY keypad because without it, it would not be a
phone? I think the phone would lose its identity. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It is the same with the church, we have heard too much
criticism about the next generation without even trying to understand them and
going into their lives and world. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So, can you put old wine into new wineskin?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17973955872784043869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698597502011207311.post-61914959756555783892016-03-26T11:16:00.000+08:002016-03-26T11:16:04.139+08:00Baymax has died. Baymax is "risen". Baymax will come again<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="font-size: 14px;">Baymax has died. Baymax is "risen". Baymax will come again</b><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(ps: Don't kill me with this title :P)</span></div>
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"Are you satisfied with your care?... I will always be with you"<br />_________________________________________</div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.38;">I was watching this particular part with two children during Chinese New Year. There was an impromptu moment that when I saw this part, I said to the children that somehow what Baymax did is like Jesus - He sacrificed to save Hiro and where he said, "I will always be with you." Of course, the children suddenly got the connection.</span></span></span></div>
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It might not be theologically sound here. Somehow, "Are you satisfied with your care?" is a question to all of us on the sacrifice that Jesus did on the cross. Unless we satisfied or in another words, unless we accept the reality of Jesus' death, we will not be saved!</div>
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As tomorrow is the Resurrection day, we know that in the end of this story, Baymax was resurrected.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17973955872784043869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698597502011207311.post-37591624788356406362016-03-24T14:25:00.000+08:002016-04-16T10:46:24.649+08:00God's Love<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It has been a long while that I posted my last entry (sound like every blog). I have already become a father! The journey was fun, exciting and tired because of the sleepless nights, but it is a joy to see my son growing each day. I began to understand the feeling,struggles and of course the joy that parents need to go through. What is more important also, I learnt so much about theology, or about God through parenting even from the beginning of my wife's pregnancy.<br />
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In light of Holy Week and coming Good Friday, one particular thought has been bugging in my mind - God's love toward this sinful world. In this post, I would like to share this thoughts about the co-relation of parental love to children (even to the unborn) and God's love to this is sinful world.<br />
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When my wife and myself were going through the pregnancy process, the doctor asked us if we would like to do a scan of the baby in the womb if the baby has the symptoms of down syndrome or any abnormal occurrences. But the doctor being a Christian shared to us that this scan would only cause uncertainty to the parents because if they really found something abnormal, abortion is not encouraged at least from ethics and faith perspective.<br />
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This has caused me to think, if as parents, we found out that the baby is abnormal and it will not affect the life of the mother, will we decide to keep the baby's life and bring the baby into the world? That is the real challenge. Of course it is easy to be said than to be done.<br />
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Somehow, our lives is likened to the abnormal baby that will cause a lot of problems, stresses and uneasiness to parents when the baby is born. I am saying this in the sense that we human beings are sinful and problematic people, abnormal in the sense that we have been deviated from the original plan of God - from God's normal plan. The real question is, "Has God given up on us? Has He 'aborted' us?" The answer is a CLEAR <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">NO!</span></b><br />
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But we human often selfish as it is, will always think that if the abnormal baby is brought to the world, a lot of time, effort, energy and attention need to be given to the baby. In another words, it will be problematic for us and it causes a lot of inconveniences. And we would feel we lose our "face" because we don't have a normal cute baby. For these few reason, PERHAPS, we choose the convenient way. Often, the problem is not the baby but us! Abortion is just a temporarily solution with serious side effects. Forever you will be traumatize with the decision especially you do it consciously.<br />
<br />
God knows we are problematic because of our sins. Yet He chose to sacrifice us and to "deliver" us so that we could be with Him. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17973955872784043869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698597502011207311.post-71199586705622363342014-12-10T11:41:00.004+08:002014-12-10T11:41:49.142+08:00Two Questions For Good Samaritan Church<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q7xm-yzm4bI/VIfAoZE4lSI/AAAAAAAAB4M/IZlGqT2ARL4/s1600/20141203_180408_Richtone(HDR).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q7xm-yzm4bI/VIfAoZE4lSI/AAAAAAAAB4M/IZlGqT2ARL4/s1600/20141203_180408_Richtone(HDR).jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i>2 Corinthians
12:9-10 </i></b><i> <sup>9</sup> But he said to me, <b>"My
grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." </b>Therefore
I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power
may rest on me. <sup>10</sup> That is
why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in
persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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I have entered into my first year in Good Samaritan
Church. It was like yesterday to me because I still remember how quick I have
to prepare everything for this unexpected transfer. But I have faced the whole
year with challenges, difficulties, struggles, stress, and at one point I even
got into a minor depression that I was considering if I should quit. But God’s
grace is sufficient for me and his power is made perfect in my weakness. This
one whole year has helped me to get closer with God and my faith level has
grown as well. I spent more in prayer and reading the Word of God. I never pray
for a church as intense as I did in my first year in Good Samaritan.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Throughout the year I asked the Lord what is His will for
Good Samaritan Church. In this one year, God often asked me these two clear
questions repeatedly in different occasion, whenever I pray for this church:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>How many pastors and priests have Good
Samaritan produced?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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We have produced many fulltime
staff in the past. The question is, how many of them still remain? How many
have become pastor and priest?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>What will be the first impression of
people, especially young people, when they see our church – physically and
relationally? Will they stay after visiting us for one time?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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These two questions have thus become the vision of the
Church. I want to impart these questions to you as Good Samaritan Church. God’s
grace is certain for our church when we come together in unity to achieve what
God wants us to achieve. All we need is to embark with faith and to see God’s
work in this church. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Isaac</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17973955872784043869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698597502011207311.post-7704548793984133022014-09-20T11:15:00.000+08:002014-09-20T11:17:46.871+08:00Why I believe in Intergenerational Discipleship<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h2>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc304994062"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc304826811"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc304826328"></a>Background<span style="color: windowtext;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="OLE_LINK7"></a>Coming from a non-Christian background, I began experiencing
faith at the age of 13, even though I became a follower of Christ with an “owned
faith” at the age of 19. I had been probing my faith at the age of 16. That was
the period when I ran away from God. However, I thank God that, by His grace,
He blessed me with a community of faith to bring me back into His presence, and
today I can serve Him and write this thesis. I thank God for his bringing me
back to the faith that I once had before I ran away from the Lord. This was the
period when I was in the stage of “searching faith.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Later, I went through John H. Westerhoff III’s
“Stages of Faith Development.” Even though Westerhoff’s model is proposed to be
applied in terms of physical age, yet it is also applicable in terms of the spiritual
age of a person, as it did in my case. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="OLE_LINK9"></a>What
led me to study the importance of Intergenerational Worship (IGW) can be traced
back to the period in my life when I started to serve in the campus ministry in
what was then Inti College Malaysia in Nilai.<a href="file:///C:/Users/ZENBOOK/Dropbox/Thesis/Complete/Thesis%20-%20IGW%2010.1.doc#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> I had one
question, “Why had so many students who were from Christian background left their
faith, or why do so many of them feel so reluctant to go to church?” I felt
that, had a person been raised in a Christian family, they should have owned
the Christian<span style="color: red;"> </span>faith and been serving God
passionately by the time they reached this college-going age. I did not find an
answer to this question until I responded to serve the Lord and was transferred
to the Church of Our Holy Saviour in Labuan, where I served in the youth and
children ministries.<a href="file:///C:/Users/ZENBOOK/Dropbox/Thesis/Complete/Thesis%20-%20IGW%2010.1.doc#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> My concern
for the youths was that, when the time came for them to move to Kuala Lumpur or
other parts of West Malaysia, or perhaps overseas for their studies, they would
continue to worship and serve the Lord. I then realized that, in order for them
to find a sense of belonging in church, those serving in the youth and children
ministries must intentionally<span style="color: red;"> </span>spend time with
them<span style="color: red;"> </span>in order to disciple them. They must be<span style="color: red;"> </span>intentionally taught to love the Lord and to serve
Him.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In 2008, in order to create awareness for the
importance of IGW, the Diocese of Sabah organized the first children conference
with the theme of “Children Can Worship.” It was an initial step to mobilize
the churches in the Diocese to encourage children to worship together with adults.
It was through this conference that I was made aware of the importance of IGW,
and it answered the question I had asked above.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="OLE_LINK11"></a>I
am convinced that a person’s experiential faith is important for<span style="color: red;"> </span>their spiritual formation. One’s experience of faith<span style="color: red;"> </span>is the foundation of nurturing the faith of that person.
This foundation must be intentionally built by equipping themselves with the
Word of God. Despite going through a stage of “searching faith,” they would
eventually return to the Lord one day because of their experience with God. They
would<span style="color: red;"> </span>know the praiseworthy acts of God, just
like the Prodigal Son, who came back to his father when he remembered how much
he could have, should he return to his father. The youths who would be going to
a big city like Kuala Lumpur for their studies<span style="color: red;"> </span>would
have<span style="color: red;"> </span>their faith challenged by all kinds of
temptations or ‘Baals” offered by the city,<span style="color: red;"> </span>which
will be examined in Chapter One. Their<span style="color: red;"> </span>priorities
might change if they were not careful and if they lack a proper foundation in
their faith. This younger generation cannot be lost, for they are the future of
their churches.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/ZENBOOK/Dropbox/Thesis/Complete/Thesis%20-%20IGW%2010.1.doc#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Inti College Malaysia is currently known as Inti International University. <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn2">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/ZENBOOK/Dropbox/Thesis/Complete/Thesis%20-%20IGW%2010.1.doc#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
The Church of Our Holy Saviour is an Anglican church situated in the Federal
Territory of Labuan. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17973955872784043869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698597502011207311.post-1963162843443053592014-08-29T17:07:00.002+08:002014-08-29T17:07:43.804+08:00How long and how far?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Righteousness is not an easy path to follow,<o:p></o:p></div>
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To live in righteousness, your life might filled with
sorrows,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sorrows that come from the enemy of righteousness,
wickedness,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sorrows come simply because righteousness could not agree
with wickedness,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Even the humble King David cried, <i>“How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide
your face from me? <sup>2</sup> How long
must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long
will my enemy triumph over me? </i>(<b>Psalm 13:1-2</b>)<o:p></o:p></div>
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When you choose righteousness, your will know who are
your true friends,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Because of fear, your friendship ends,<o:p></o:p></div>
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“How long, O Lord? How far, O Lord? That this path of
righteousness will end?<o:p></o:p></div>
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So that I can meet You on the other end”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Why wickedness appear in the path of righteousness?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Why righteousness did not appear in the path of
wickedness?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Why righteous men must suffer and wicked prosper although
it is just temporally? <o:p></o:p></div>
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It is understandable that suffering because of
righteousness is for the sake of Christ,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Perhaps, the sorrow would not be heavy if it is caused by
people who do not know Christ.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Instead of going through the sorrow together, why people
who knew Christ want to cause sorrow to their brothers and sisters more than
those who do not know Christ wanted to?<o:p></o:p></div>
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How long, O Lord? How far should I walk?<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17973955872784043869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698597502011207311.post-15658070138731296202014-07-19T14:35:00.001+08:002014-07-19T14:35:18.351+08:00Tribute to the Late Bishop Albert Vun<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
15 July is a date I will never forget because 15 July is the day when I start my fulltime ministry 7 years ago. 15 July also marked my 7 months of ministry in Good Samaritan Church. On 15 July 2014, our dear Bishop Albert Vun has gone with the Lord after battling with cancer for nearly 10 months.<br />
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I thank God that I worshiped in St. Patrick's Church in the year of 1998 - 2003 until I leave for study. I can remember vividly how he preached the Word of God with passion. I was as young as 13. In 1999, he was the speaker of a youth camp in St. Patrick's Church. It was through this camp that I got closer to the Lord. He was preaching on the book of Jonah. I remember many important thing that he has said such as "Every Cell is a Church, and every Cell Leader is a Pastor." I also remembered that he is a very patient man. I still remember that in that camp we accidentally kick the football and hit Andrew his youngest son until he fell down from his bicycle. At the same time he concerned Andrew, at the same time as well, he didn't want to release his anger to us.<br />
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In 2005, I had the opportunity to have lunch with him at IKEA with Jonathan Tse and Eric Ling. He asked me why am I following these two man and was in church? I told him frankly I skipped class because there were no students attended the class because CNY is coming. He also make sure that I refilled my coffee in IKEA 3 times so that it worth the money.<br />
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2005 Christmas Eve I was invited to his house for dinner before the service starts. Unforgettable moments. I still remember in 2010, 5 years after that, saying to him, Bishop these 4 warriors are still fighting. He tell us to stay strong!<br />
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In 2007, I was interviewed together with Cynthia (my fiancee), Kitt and Nicole because four of use responded to fulltime calling. That short meeting has impacted me a lot to continue to serve the Lord. He told me to obey God's will than my will. Although he wanted to be a missionary in Thailand, but he was elected as the Bishop of the Diocese of Sabah at that time. I still remember he was using Nokia N95.</div>
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In 2008, I was "interviewed" by him again because I started my relationship with Cynthia who was then one of his staffs in the Diocese office. As I was in his office, before he says anything, he commented on my clothing and my punky hair. And he said to me, "I treat Cynthia as my daughter". At that time I felt honored. Because of that meeting, I was sent for vocation interview and then was sent to STM for theological study.</div>
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During my studies in 2009-2011, on and off I will go to airport to fetch him to church. In that journey I will update him about my progress. And he will always share his vision to me which basically to grow the church, the young people, do not lose to the world and so on. Sometimes we talk about investment as well when he found out that I studied finance before. He was surprise with my analysis which relatively in the same opinion with him. He will not allow me to pay the toll for him. I still remember he used his GPS in while I was driving. I didn't know that his GPS was equipped with alarm if I exceeded the speed limit. One time the alarm rang and triggered him. He woke up and say, "Ka Seeeennnggggg! Slow down" </div>
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When he knows that I go back to KK for holiday, he will spend his time with us over lunch or dinner. It was through these personal times with him that I get to know him better.</div>
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I remember after my first year of study in STM, I do not have a laptop yet. I ask from him if the Church can help me to get one laptop. He gave his personal laptop to me. Although it was old, but it helped me for one semester. He is a generous person. He always concerns the welfare of the church, the clergy and pastors, the students and their family. He always give the best in term of quality to people.</div>
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Once I graduated from seminary, I served in All Saints' Cathedral in All Saints' Day 2011 which was the Centenary Celebration as well. From then, I serve closely with him. I became his chaplain. I drove him to the places he needs to go. He never waste any time to mentor me and to disciple me. Even a short 10 minutes drive. Every Christmas and Chinese new year, he will remember me and Cynthia. </div>
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He always make sure I preach strong and powerful message. Always called me to his office and asked these few questions: how many sermon have you listened? what have you learnt? have you memorized scriptures?</div>
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One of my preachings he was there in the Wednesday Morning prayer which we use to training graduates and clergy. I knew I preached terribly and did not make enough preparations. He rebuked me in front of the senior clergy. I felt disappointed with myself. I knew I have disappointed him. But with a humble heart I take that as a lesson that I never want to go back again. From there, I put my best effort in my sermon preparation. After that I also found out that he asked others if I am okay. He asked other why my preaching was not up to standard that day. I felt that he really concerned me to the end.</div>
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Towards the end of his life here on earth, I managed to spend time with him. He knew that I was pressure and stress in ministry. He whatsapps me "Do not be fret. I am praying for you. Let me know if you need to talk." Now, he is praying in heaven with Jesus for me. His last advice to me was "Be strong and courageous. Stand firm. Build the Church. Know your position in Christ". We had Holy Communion together on that day.</div>
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Although he was in sickness and pain, I will never forget that he said, "I will give every drop of my energy to the church!" He meant it. I did it. Preach his last sermon with power! He challenged us to serve God in time of suffering when God take away something from you. "Will your serve God for nothing?" That was his last challenge for us.</div>
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When I was down and stress up to a point that I want to quit this ministry, his life spoke to me to continue on. His life pointed to Jesus to endure. He inspired me to serve faithfully even when it is tough!</div>
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I thank God for his life, his teachings, and mentoring and his leadership. He has been a spiritual father to me. He has been a friend to me. I will never forget all the moments we cried together in prayer for the church and diocese. I thank God that my marriage counselling was conducted by him. I have truly learnt a lot from him.</div>
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I am glad to serve beside you. I treasured every moment of it because I surely learnt something form you. I will never forget when you say, "Learn from this ahh Ka Seng"</div>
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Your legacy and passion will pass on to the next generation. We will see the completion of the House of Celebration which has been your burden and desire.</div>
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We will see you again Bishop. Thank you for your prayer of blessings upon Cynthia and myself. How we wish to have you to conduct our wedding. But we know you are in a better place. Now you know the answers on the pearly gate. I know you are praying for the church and diocese together with the angels.</div>
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Amen.</div>
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Ka Seng</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17973955872784043869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698597502011207311.post-82370299438650829892014-02-21T22:25:00.004+08:002014-02-21T22:25:37.924+08:00God was there in your failure<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xoyhgNyEnoc/Uwdhn-9InyI/AAAAAAAAByY/Y7hj5eTQOj4/s1600/peter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xoyhgNyEnoc/Uwdhn-9InyI/AAAAAAAAByY/Y7hj5eTQOj4/s1600/peter.jpg" height="263" width="320" /></a></div>
I am currently attending the Eagles Leadership Development Program in Bali. It is a wonderful place. I thank God for such a good timing for me to partially take a break from ministry.<br />
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In the first day of retreat, Peter became a significant person in my reflections. I have been reflecting about his life and ministry - from his calling from Jesus until he disown Jesus. We can learn three things from Peter's failure as disciple.<br />
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<b>1. God Knows That You Will Fail</b></div>
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Matthew 26:34 "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "this very night, before the rooster crows, you (Peter) will disown me three times."</div>
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We need to know that all of us are subject to failure.Many great people went through failures before they succeeded. Jesus knew that Peter will fail him - disown him three times.</div>
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<b>2. God Were There When You Fail</b></div>
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Luke 22:61 <b><i><u>The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. </u></i></b>Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times."</div>
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One important thing we need to know as well is that God were there every time we fail. I want to share why sometimes we fail. Sometimes we fail because we think God is a loser. Imagine the scenario Peter was in. He saw Jesus was being beaten, weak and helpless. Peter saw this and doubted.</div>
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Sometimes, when we face difficulties and when God seems like a loser, we would fail God. But once you fail, you need to remember that God already knew that you will fail.</div>
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<b>3. God Is Still With You After You Fail</b></div>
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John 21:17 The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. </div>
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Most of us would think that once we fail God, God will leave us. In fact, failure is a transformational moment in our lives. Three times Peter disowned Jesus. Three times Jesus asked if Peter still love Jesus. </div>
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Before this, Peter was afraid to die because he knew Jesus. But after this incident, Peter recovered and transformed. </div>
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John 21:19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!" </div>
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Isaac</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17973955872784043869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698597502011207311.post-36117847683701563312013-11-06T13:48:00.001+08:002013-11-06T13:48:25.469+08:00Isn’t It Time for You To Quit Daydreaming And Get To Work?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<em><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 19.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Isn’t It Time for You To Quit Daydreaming And Get
To Work?<o:p></o:p></span></em></div>
<div align="center" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">But refuse profane and old wives’
fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.</span></em><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3676" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">— 1 Timothy 4:7</span></em><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">When the time came for our family to
move to Moscow to start our next church, my wife and I knew that God wanted us
to turn over the care of our large church in Riga, Latvia, to our associate
pastor. After serving as a son in the Gospel for many years, he was as
well-trained and prepared as anyone could be to step into the position of
senior pastor of that church.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3673" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3672"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">My associate was so excited. Just as we
were certain he was the man to lead the church, he was convinced that God had
chosen him. This was the day he had dreamed of for so long! After serving me
for so many years as my associate, he would finally step into the senior pastor
position and lead this great church. The vision of God was exploding in his
heart as he dreamed of what would be accomplished in the ensuing years.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3683" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3682"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">So with great reverence, my associate
and his wife knelt on the platform of the large auditorium before the Riga
congregation; then Denise and I laid our hands on him and installed him as the
leading pastor of that congregation. After turning over the church to his care,
my family and I turned our attention to the new work God had called us to
establish in Moscow.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3685" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3684"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">After the first year of leading that
church by himself, my former associate told me, “Rick, I had no idea how much
responsibility is placed on the senior pastor of a church. I thought I
understood so much, but now I see that there was so much I never comprehended.
It was only after you left and the whole weight of the church became my
responsibility that I really began to realize the enormous responsibilities of
a senior pastor.”</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">I listened with great interest as he
continued to give me his views about leading a large church. Then he said to
me, “You know, it finally dawned on me that this was<em id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3745"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">my</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>responsibility
and that I couldn’t depend on anyone else to lead this church. As pastor, it’s
up to me to guide and to see that things are being done correctly. It’s a huge
responsibility to lead a church — much bigger than I ever realized!”</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3690" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3689"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">That conversation made me think of what
Timothy went through after he became the pastor of the church of Ephesus —<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3688"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">the largest church in the world at that time</span></em>.
Imagine how<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3746"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">extremely stretched</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Timothy must have felt as he led the
world’s largest and most famous church! Yes, he had served at Paul’s side for
many years and was as prepared as anyone could possibly be for such a task. But
now Paul was gone, and all eyes were on him!</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3687" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3686"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">The demands placed on the pastor of a
large church are immense. His care for the church is nonstop. Twenty-four hours
a day he must be available to the members of the congregation. Leaders must be
trained; rebels must be corrected; and finances are needed to pay for the
church as it grows. And in addition to church responsibilities, the pastor is most
often a husband and a father as well. He has a massive church family to oversee
and manage, and he also has his own personal family for which God will hold him
responsible.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Timothy was just settling into the job
of senior pastor when Paul wrote him the letter that became the book of First
Timothy. At the time, Timothy’s responsibilities were increasing daily. His
massive church was becoming even more massive as it continued to grow. He was
constantly training new leaders and replacing old, rebellious leaders who
thought Timothy was too young to be pastor of such a prominent church. And in
the midst of it all, Timothy was learning how to cope with being the most
visible Christian leader in a large metropolitan city. It was in the midst of
these developments that Paul wrote to him and said, “But refuse profane and old
wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.”</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3750" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3749"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">The Bible doesn’t tell us exactly what
these old wives’ fables were. However, it seems that Timothy may have been so
exhausted that he was starting to daydream about finding an easier and more
trouble-free way to do his job (like all of us are tempted to do from time to
time). I have personally wondered,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3754"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Was Timothy tempted to daydream about life in the
ministry becoming simpler? Was he hoping that things would eventually become a
lot less hectic, demanding, and complicated?</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>If Timothy<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">was</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>thinking
along this line, his musings would definitely fall into the category of a fable!</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3756" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3755"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">When God trusts you enough to give you
more and more responsibility, it always demands more of you,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">not</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>less.
I gave up the idea many years ago of thinking that life would eventually become
less demanding. Ministry is<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">work</span></em>,
and none of us should ever forget that fact!</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3758" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3757"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">If you are mightily anointed by God, it
is just a fact that your schedule will get busier, your demands will increase,
and your challenges will grow. But as long as you allow God to develop your
character along the way, you will find that you’re able to successfully manage
anything He puts on your plate!</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Paul ordered Timothy to quit
fantasizing about things getting easier, telling the younger man to “…refuse
profane and old wives’ fables….” The word “refuse” tells us how strongly Paul
felt about Timothy’s frame of thinking. It comes from the Greek word<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">paraiteomai</span></em>, and it means<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">to reject, to refuse, to rebuff, to decline, to
snub,</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>or<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3766"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">to decisively turn away from something</span></em>.
It denotes the attitude of a person who is so disgusted with something that he
has resolved he will have nothing to do with it. His feelings about this issue
are so pungent that he sharply rejects what is being offered to him and
vigorously declines any form of participation in it.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3765" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3764"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Whatever these “old wives’ fables”
were, Paul viewed them as extremely detrimental — so much so that he strictly
ordered Timothy to reject these notions. To better understand what these “old
wives’ fables” might have been, let’s see what the words “old wives” and
“fables” mean in the original Greek.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3768" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3767"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">The Greek word translated “old wives”
is<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">grauodes</span></em>, which comes
from the word<em><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">graus</span></em>, the word for an<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3776"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">old woman</span></em>. But when the word<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">graus</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>becomes<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">grauodes</span></em>, it denotes<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3769"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">anything that is old-womanish</span></em>. The word
“fables” is the word<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">muthos</span></em>,
which typically describes<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3775"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">fictitious stories</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>and is where we get the terms<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">myths</span></em>and<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">mythology</span></em>.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3772" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3771"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">The word<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3770"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">muthos</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>describes<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">legends, folklore,</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>or<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">fairy tales</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>— the kind of stories an old woman
would tell to entertain her grandchildren. One New Testament Greek scholar
speculates that Paul was saying in effect, “<em id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3773"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Timothy, it’s time for you to quit fantasizing that
you’re going to escape hard work and find an easier way to do what God has
called you to do. Why, this unrealistic kind of thinking is the stuff of fairy
tales! You’re thinking like an old woman who tells fairy tales to children.…</span></em>”</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Instead, Paul challenges Timothy to
adjust his thinking and to take a different approach to the challenges he
faces. Rather than pray for these challenges to go away, Timothy should embrace
those challenges and use this time to develop himself. This is Paul’s message
when he tells Timothy to “…exercise thyself rather unto godliness.” As noted
earlier (<em><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">see</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>November
3), the word “exercise” is the Greek word<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3786"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">gumnadzo</span></em>, which describes<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3783"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">the strenuous physical exercise required to produce
the finest athletes</span></em>.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3780" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3779"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">When you are physically or mentally
exhausted, your mind may be tempted to daydream or to wander to other places.
It is amazing how the mind tries to escape from reality. But rather than let
yourself float away on a cloud of fantasy that doesn’t help you fulfill your
God-given assignment, ask the Holy Spirit to help you see things realistically.
That’s the only way you’ll be able to put your whole heart and soul into
completing your task exactly as Jesus wants it done! You<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">can</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>do
great things for God’s Kingdom, but it will require both concentration and
commitment!</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3707"><em id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3706"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Lord,
help me to stay focused on what You have called me to do and to embrace
everything that comes with Your call on my life. Forgive me for the times I’ve
tried to find a shortcut to avoid responsibility. I want to put my whole heart
into the race You have set before me — to fulfill my assigned task fervently,
passionately, and with the highest level of excellence.</span></em></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3702" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3795"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> I pray this in Jesus’ name!</span><o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3698"><em id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3697"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">I
confess that I am both faith-filled and realistic about what God has called me
to do. I realize that it’s going to take hard work and commitment to take this
assignment to the high level that God expects of me. I refuse to shrink from my
responsibilities, and I choose to put my whole heart and soul into the task
Jesus has given to me.</span></em></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<em id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3796"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!</span></em><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3715"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">1. Have you been trying to mentally
escape from the responsibilities of your life? Have you been living in a
fantasy that things are going to change without any effort?</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3716"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">2. What do you need to do to bring
concrete change to the challenges you are facing in your life? What steps can
you start taking today — right now — to start turning things around for the
better?</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1383709236783_3711"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">3. Have you considered asking a close
friend to help you focus on the things you need to be doing to get things
moving in the right direction in your life? Who is a friend you could depend on
to encourage you to take the right steps toward needed change?</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17973955872784043869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698597502011207311.post-79406708640799998912013-03-20T12:33:00.000+08:002013-03-20T12:33:00.710+08:00It is hard to please woman<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Someone" sent this list to me.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><b><u>HOW TO MAKE A MAN HAPPY</u></b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">1. Feed him</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">2. Sleep with him</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">3. Leave him with peace</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">4. Don't check his phone (Msgs)<br />5. Don't bother him with his<br />movements<br />So whats so hard about that<br />?<br /><br /><b><u>HOW TO MAKE A WOMAN HAPPY</u></b><br /><br />It's really not too difficult but.... To make a<br />woman happy, a man only needs<br />to be:<br /><br />1. a friend<br />2. a companion<br />3. a lover<br />4. a brother<br />5. a father<br />6. a master<br />7. a chef<br />8. an electrician<br />9. a plumber<br />10. a mechanic<br />11. a carpenter<br />12. a decorator<br />13. a stylist<br />14. a sexologist<br />15. a gynecologist<br />16. a psychologist<br />17. a pest exterminator<br />18. a psychiatrist<br />19. a healer<br />20. a good listener<br />21. an organizer<br />22. a good father<br />23. very clean<br />24. sympathetic<br />25. athletic<br />26. warm<br />27. attentive<br />28. gallant<br />29. intelligent<br />30. funny<br />31. creative<br />32. tender<br />33. strong<br />34. understanding<br />35. tolerant<br />36. prudent<br />37. ambitious<br />38. capable<br />39. courageous<br />40. determined<br />41. true<br />42. dependable<br />43. passionate<br /><br />WITHOUT FORGETTING TO:<br />44. give her compliments<br />regularly<br />45. Go shopping with her<br />46. be honest<br />47. be very rich<br />48. not stress her out<br />49. not look at other girls<br />AND AT THE SAME TIME, YOU<br />MUST ALSO:<br />50. give her lots of attention<br />51. give her lots of time,<br />especially time for herself<br />52. give her lots of space, never<br />worrying about where she goes.<br /><br />BUT MOST OF ALL IT IS VERY<br />IMPORTANT<br />53. never forget<br />*birthdays<br />*anniversaries<br />*valentine<br />*arrangements she makes. —</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span>
When I see this, I got few reactions and thoughts. First, woman is 10times harder to please. Second, woman never pleases man. Although there are five ways, but looking into 53 ways to please woman, in the end, man will not be pleased. For example, how can a woman feed man if woman wants man to be a chef (7)? How can a woman not bother with his movements when woman wants man to a companion? Woman requirements also contradicting. How can a man gives compliment yet also be honest? You understand what I mean here right?<br />
<br />
<b><i>Isaac</i></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17973955872784043869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698597502011207311.post-43225032256199192432013-02-01T18:55:00.000+08:002013-02-01T18:55:36.924+08:00God heard our cries<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Exodus 2:23-25</b> 23 During that long period, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned in their slavery and<i> <b><span style="color: red;"><u>cried out</u></span></b></i>, and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God. 24<b><u><i><span style="color: red;"> God heard </span></i></u></b>their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. 25 So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them.<br />
<br />
<b>Judges 3:8-9 </b> 8 The anger of the LORD burned against Israel so that he sold them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram Naharaim, to whom the Israelites were subject for eight years. 9<b><i><u><span style="color: red;"> But when they cried out to the LORD</span></u></i></b>, <span style="color: red;"><u><i><b>he raised up</b></i></u></span> for them a deliverer, Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, who saved them.<br />
<br />
<b>1 Chronicles 4:10</b> 10<b><i><u><span style="color: red;"> Jabez cried out </span></u></i></b>to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." <span style="color: red;"><u><i><b>And God granted his request. </b></i></u></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><u><i><b><br /></b></i></u></span>
These are only few verses that shows to us when people of God cried out to Him in time struggles or suffering, God hears their cries and deliver them. God hears our cries and responded to our cries but interestingly, when Jesus cries out to God when He was hung upon that cross, God could hears it, but He did not respond to it. IF God responded to it, then sin could not be broken.<br />
<br />
<b>Mark 15:34 </b> 34 And at the ninth hour <b><u><i><span style="color: red;">Jesus cried out in a loud voice</span></i></u></b>, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"-- which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"<br />
<br />
Imagine how painful it is. Jesus responded to our cries - the cries of bondage of sins, being chained by the power of darkness. Jesus responded to our cries by sacrificing Himself on the cross. And when He cried, God did not respond to him, but rather to our cries. Because of what Jesus had done on the cross, God hears our cries.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Isaac</i></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17973955872784043869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698597502011207311.post-90872949965379497722012-12-04T15:37:00.000+08:002012-12-04T15:37:01.822+08:00Stick-man and fat-man<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
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This is my reflection on the political situation in Malaysia
and how it affects the church. It has been a while that I was reflecting on
this issue. I am particularly reflecting on how people (especially church
members who have been affected by political situation) view on a person who has
been blessed by God, and a corrupted person. </div>
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The Bible clearly mentioned that if a person obeys the Lord,
blessings will come upon us – not only spiritual but also physical. Physical
blessings could be a tangible evidence of our obedience to God. </div>
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Deuteronomy 28:1 -2 If you fully obey the Lord your
God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your
God will set you high above all the nations on earth. <b><sup>2 </sup></b>All
these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your
God:</div>
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We know one of the reasons why the Lord prospers us – so
that we can help the poor.</div>
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Now, just imagine this. A ‘stick-man’ obeys the Lord, and
the Lord blessed him physically – health or materials. This ‘stick-man’ became
a ‘fat-man’ after being blessed. That is the result.</div>
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What about politics? It is generally accepted that when the
citizens saw a fat minister, one word came to their mind – “CORRUPTION”.</div>
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Again, just imagine this. In political arena, a corrupted ‘stick-man’
will become a ‘fat-man’ because of corruption.</div>
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Here is the thinking error which members could bring into
the church - when they only focus on the result – the ‘fat man’ as a corrupted
person not as a person being blessed by the Lord.</div>
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This is a paradoxical equation: ‘stick-man’ + obedience =
fat-man; but fat-man does not necessarily mean corrupted stick-man. </div>
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This is an error when we bring in this thinking that happens
in our current political situation. If you see a government minister driving a
luxury car, using luxury stuff, staying in a mansion and others, the word
corruption came into our mind. We bring the same thinking into church when we
see the pastors or the fulltime staffs using latest gadgets, or even using an
iPad to preach, we accused them of corruption rather than seeing that as a
blessing from God as the results of their obedient to God. </div>
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The church is an institution of God; the government is an
institution of man. We cannot bring the same thinking into the church. But we
certainly can bring church thinking into the world. What happen in our country
now is not so much to get people to be responsible to vote. But what matters is
to get Christian to be responsible to spread the gospel to this nation –
cultural mandate which has been given to us. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17973955872784043869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698597502011207311.post-62335263348452447722012-06-15T23:50:00.002+08:002012-06-15T23:50:52.192+08:00Theology and Methodology<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This is just a reflection on our church, All Saints' Cathedral equipping course on Bible Overview. It is a 2 weeks condense course. We had just finished the first week. Here is one of my reflections on the course.<br />
<br />
After the incident in Garden of Eden, where man had sinned against the Lord, the rest of the bible talks about God's gracious action to reverse the effect of human's sin and to establish a new creation. This was taken from Moore College's ITB, Introduction to the Bible.<br />
<br />
As I believe that there should not be dichotomy between spiritual and physical, my reflection would be the practical side of this spiritual action from God. One example would be in this scenario:<br />
<br />
Imagine you are to stay in your friend's house for a certain period. Your friend provides you with a good place - clean and tidy. And during your stay within the period of time, you have messed up the whole house - the house is untidy and unclean. Therefore, as God's action in the world is to reverse the effect of human sin, our action "to reverse this effect of human sin" which we have caused - the untidy and unclean house, is to clean and tidy it. It is just as simple as that. God's action is to reverse the effect so that we can live like Adam and Eve were in Garden of Eden - to be in the presence of God. Our action to reverse the mess that we have caused is to clean it as it was before when our friend gives us the house to use. Cleanliness is next to holiness.<br />
<br />
The word of God becomes alive only when it is being practice in our lives.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Isaac</i></b></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17973955872784043869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698597502011207311.post-70474308205427299362012-05-19T18:54:00.002+08:002012-05-19T18:54:54.233+08:00Humility<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
What is justice? And what is not justice? What is fair, and what is not fair? All these questions were the beginning of the struggles that I've gone through significantly for the past 6 months.<br />
<br />
Personally, I won't jealous if people, be it if they are Christian or non-Christian, who are not in the fulltime vocation, with the luxury things that they can enjoy; because I know it is a great honour and privilege to serve God.<br />
<br />
BUT, what if in fulltime vocation, you see other people are enjoying those luxury things than you do? There are few reactions. Firstly, on the positive side, you will think that God has blessed and rewarded him because of his faithfulness.Second, you might be contented with what you have and not focusing on them.<br />
<br />
What if, when both reactions come together, and with people who are enjoying this, are the people whom you worked harder than them, more effective, efficient, and more competence with them? You will start to ask God, "Why You have not blessed me?"<br />
<br />
This is the struggle that I've been through. When I see surrounding, people are enjoying with their gadgets, and what you have is a pile of responsibilities. I started to self-pity myself. Why other are have that and I having my slow laptop, old fashioned phone, etc. And I try to justify to God that I've been generous to His people - giving away 2 laptops to those who need it knowing that I won't be using that; bless other people with whatever way that I can. All I got is just a free meals which happened most often.<br />
<br />
Often I try to be positive, and to content myself not to indulge with all these. But as you keep yourself away from this thing, it will come to you and caused you to self-pity again. When you self-pity yourself, you'll tend to find way to comfort yourself. One of the ways is, how to improve the things that I have. When I found out the solution and proud of it - using less money to make your computer fast for example, things fail you. I don't know why when you thought God has given you a way to comfort yourself, God frustrates the plan. And you blame God and say, "IF this plan is going to fail, why you give me such thinking. You think I have a lot of money?" That's my reaction.<br />
<br />
I became so angry, so disappointed with God. So often, it is pressuring for you to force yourself to reconcile with God because Sunday is coming, I need to serve; or tomorrow I need to preach, or lead worship, I need to say sorry to God no matter what. By doing so, most of the time, I make myself to an undealt problem with God. This is the struggle as well. You know you can't live without Him, but you felt disappointed with Him.<br />
<br />
This thing has taught me one important, simple thing - HUMILITY. It really takes great effort to humble myself to realize that God frustrated my plan and to know that He has a greater plan. I have no idea why I don't have such things, but I do know that through this, I've learned an important lesson which if I have thes material things, it will make me proud and self-focused.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Ka Seng</i></b> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17973955872784043869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698597502011207311.post-58729964663889915542012-04-24T00:29:00.003+08:002012-04-24T00:29:58.044+08:00When you start to lose your friends<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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People say as we grow up, we will start to lose our friends.
They will go one by one; some will have their own family; some will walk to
another journey. What if you and your friends work in the same company? Will the
friendship be different when you meet them in your workplace – especially when
you went away for a period of time? Will a position affects a friendship?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes, it is a struggle to maintain a friendship and in
the same time when you have to do your responsibility as the one with
authority. This is where friendship can sometime be affected; and this could be
the time when you lose your friends. But how? You still have to ensure things
go in order. Which one to choose? Especially when you are in ministry – God or
friendship?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The ironic thing is that, we all know what need to be done
when things need to be done. We all know decision need to be made. We know all
these in theory and common sense (sometimes). BUT when we are the one which
decision is upon us, or affected by the decision, we feel dissatisfy,
unwilling, and affect our perspective to our friend whom is our leader.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My question is, “Why we reacted like that?” As the one who
receive the consequence of the decision, I think we need to think why the
leader who is our friend needs to make such decision. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Decisions made by us as leader, will really affect the
friendship that we have throughout the years before we become their leader. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What to do? I always try to live a life that pleases God not
man. When I need to make decision, God or friendship, I will choose God as in
the priority of the ministry. If decision made really affect our friendship, I can’t
help, because reaction is on their side which I could not control it, but to
think that God is showing me who can really be my friend. Surprisingly, my
friends now is those who have the same experience as me to the same group of
people.</div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17973955872784043869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698597502011207311.post-3135766243173784882012-04-13T21:52:00.001+08:002012-04-13T21:52:28.991+08:00Strength of trust<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm entering my fifth month here, and for more than four months I've not been updating my blog. The major reason is because of busyness and things that I've gone through that affected me not to have the mood to write. Of course another major reason is tiredness - physical, spiritual and emotional. Apart from that I have been cultivating to write journal in a book - what I feel, the thoughts that came across my mind, I wrote it down. I was influenced by the guest that I met, Dr Johnson who literally whatever he saw he wrote it down and drew it out.<br />
<br />
Now, there is one thing in my mind. I was thinking of a scenario. A scenario about strength of trust from two people who are serving the Lord. I'm going to simplify it here.<br />
<br />
Both serving the Lord. One have a sum of savings which relatively can be used for emergency, the children's education and so on and so forth. Second one just have no saving; struggling to save, even to use. I'm not trying to do comparism here - indicating I'm the second one or the first. What I want to share here is the effectiveness when we ask people to trust the Lord so that when we comfort or encourage people, we can be aware not only people's background, but also ours.<br />
<br />
Now, when suffering comes, and a question is ask to these two people, which one do you think, that they struggle more to trust the Lord? You have your answer.<br />
<br />
I'm also not trying to say that the second person who serve the Lord has not been blessed. In fact, if you want to say who really rely on the Lord and trust in God's provisions, I think is the second person.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Isaac</i></b></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17973955872784043869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698597502011207311.post-81748526353646892852011-10-23T08:11:00.000+08:002011-10-23T08:11:07.014+08:00The Barber Who Wanted to Pray<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17973955872784043869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698597502011207311.post-1915898487561491332011-09-10T14:00:00.002+08:002011-09-10T19:53:50.860+08:00My personal testimony Part 1 - Dedicated and Rededicated<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Received a call from a Presbyterian church youth pastor. He came to visit FCC 3 weeks ago and I have shared my testimony to his group that day. He called me to ask me whether he can share my testimony, and I can write it to him. I said okay because if he feels that it can help his youth and edify his youth to serve the Lord, why not? As I was writing the testimony, I kinda being refreshed of what the Lord has done in my life. Indeed, he is a faithful God.I decided to share it in my blog here. I will divide it into few parts (I do not know how many parts are they :D). Here is the first part:<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I accepted Christ as my personal Lord and saviour personally
in 1998 when I started to join youth meeting in St. Patrick Church, Tawau. My
faith in Christ grew since then as I continued to experience God’s grace in my
life. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, I have backslidden, ran away from God in 2001. Even
though I was still gone to church that time, but my heart was away from God. I
could not figure why my heart was not with God anymore, all I know is that this
life is getting bored because it seems like a routine for me to go to church
and cell group without any purpose. Perhaps one of the reasons is, I got
tempted with what the world offers to me that time – cybercafé life, hanging
around with friends, and all that can fulfill the desire of my flesh. I ran
further from God when I leave my family in 2003 for business foundation study
in Kota Kinabalu . It was my first time leaving my family. I thought I got the
freedom I wanted when I stayed away from my family, but it wasn’t true. I filled
my life with alcohol and wasting time around – hanging around with friends.
Thank God that my study was not affected. Before I went to Inti Nilai for my
degree, I have started a relationship with my course mate. We went to Inti
Nilai together. Our relationship did not work out well. It started to break before the semester itself. </div>
I felt so miserable, and I was depressed because she was my
first love. But through this broken relationship, I have come back to God. I
was invited to an Alpha Course during my third or fourth week there in Nilai.
In fact, this person, Nickson, a fulltime staff in the church that I am
currently serving, has been calling me even before I came to Nilai. It was
their Holy Spirit weekend. I joined it, and God ministered me. I told
Nickson what happened to my relationship, and he prayed for me. When he prayed
for me, I felt so guilty because I have run away from God who is faithfully
loves me all the time. God loves can really never fail us! There, I
re-dedicated my life to God in May 2004.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Isaac</i></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17973955872784043869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698597502011207311.post-32196812567912447222011-07-29T10:49:00.003+08:002011-07-29T11:29:16.576+08:00Congregational SingingWhile I was doing my thesis - the last chapter which is on the practical aspects of Intergenerational Worship (IGW) - I was dealing on how praise and worship can be made as an intentional education and a time where all ages can experience faith together. I came across Martin Luther thoughts on Congregational Singing which is equivalent to our praise and worship today. He believes that through congregational singing, we are proclaiming the Word of God to the congregation. To him it is another form of preaching!<div><br /></div><div>When I was doing this, I feel more and more worry on the way that our church handling Congregational Singing. I am more and more worry with the songs we sing every Sunday! I am more worry with the modern Christian songs that are available to us now. I was reflecting with some of the songs that we have sung recently. I might sound that I am criticizing songs, but I am just raising my concern here. Please don't get me wrong that I am attacking worship leaders here, I am certainly not (I am not defending here, but I just want to avoid some misunderstanding).</div><div><br /></div><div>I concern with some of the modern songs which have a weak theological expression. I see more and more songs which only describe God as an active God and human has no responsibility. Only what God has done for us; His grace is enough for us. Songs that portrayed that we are an passive Christian. A lot of songs addressed to Christians felt needs - with music and lyrics. Many songs were written out of inspirations than inspirations plus real experience. Many songs were written just because we think how God looks like.</div><div><br /></div><div>Shallow music form shallow people (Marva J. Dawn). Shallow theological expression form shallow christians! As a worship leader, we should be serious in choosing our songs that we are going to sing in church weekly. We need to discern they type of the songs that we are going to sing. We should not be moved by the tune of the music or the impressiveness of the lyrics. One thing extra that the worship leader need to concern today is the theological expression of the songs!</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Isaac</i></b></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17973955872784043869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698597502011207311.post-73283046185641422142011-07-01T09:06:00.005+08:002011-07-01T10:07:17.569+08:00'tis so sweet to trust in Jesus<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nG5BI82aS8c" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; ">When I was doing my devotion this morning (just now), this hymn came to my mind - 'tis so sweet to trust in Jesus. A lot of things happened to me since the beginning of the semester - family problem, financial, thesis, and the struggle of mind. All these are affecting my progress in thesis, my readings and assignments.</span><br /><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Of all these struggles, the Lord comforts me with His Word and this hymn. I learned one thing - TRUST in Jesus! By God's grace that we can trust Him more and more. This hymn was written out of struggle of <span class="Apple-style-span"><b><a href="http://www.faithclipart.com/guide/Christian-Music/hymns-the-songs-and-the-stories/tis-so-sweet-to-trust-in-jesus-the-song-and-the-story.html">Louisa Stead</a></b></span> (click the name) who lost his husband who was trying to save a boy from drowning. Perhaps, it is not a coincidence that I led this hymn during the Anglican retreat. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Not all Christians can really trust in Jesus in times of difficulties. After all the things that had happened to composer; what has happened and still happening to me, how can a person really say that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him?" - Romans 8:28.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >The ability to trust in Jesus is grace to us. The ability to trust in God who works for the good of those who love Him even in the time of difficulties is grace. Let's trust in Jesus, the precious Jesus; O for Grace to trust Him more.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><ol style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><li class="first" style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 0px; ">’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,<br />Just to take Him at His Word;<br />Just to rest upon His promise,<br />And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”<ul style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><li class="refrain" style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 1em; margin-left: 20px; "><span class="refrain" style="font-style: italic; ">Refrain:</span><br />Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!<br />How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;<br />Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!<br />Oh, for grace to trust Him more!</li></ul></li><li style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 1em; ">Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus,<br />Just to trust His cleansing blood;<br />And in simple faith to plunge me<br />’Neath the healing, cleansing flood!</li><li style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 1em; ">Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,<br />Just from sin and self to cease;<br />Just from Jesus simply taking<br />Life and rest, and joy and peace.</li><li style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 1em; ">I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,<br />Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;<br />And I know that Thou art with me,<br />Wilt be with me to the end.</li></span></ol></span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Isaac</i></b></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17973955872784043869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698597502011207311.post-22918211520414537602011-06-19T17:22:00.002+08:002011-06-19T17:55:57.269+08:00Happy Father's DayIndeed no father will give a snake when the son asks for a fish; not the father will give a scorpion when the son asks for an egg. I'm talking about the earthly father here. Father's day reminds me how much my father has sacrificed for me; it reminds me how have I misunderstood my father for many years. Since 1998, due to the financial crisis, my father's business was affected and he has to stop it in 2001. In that period I thought my father did not love me anymore by the way he treated me - he is so cool to me and we hardly talk to each other. It wasn't like this before: my father and I were so closed. I remember in one of the period when our relationship is not that close, I used a toothpaste and wrote "Dad, I hate you!" on the mirror in our washroom. I am so regret for doing that when I got to know that I have misunderstood him. I felt so guilty every time I thought of it. <div><br /></div><div>Half way of my tertiary education, I then realized that I have misunderstood my father. I realized how much my father has sacrificed for me to support me in my studies. He nearly lost all his properties in order to support me. He taught me a lot of this through what he has done to me. When I work as fulltime, I try my best to send money back home even though I have not enough. I did this is to show my father one thing, and for myself to learn two things. I want my father to know that even when I work as fulltime, I still can support the family. I just want my family to see the provision that God will give to us when we choose to obey. The two things that I learn is giving sacrificially because my father did that to me; secondly is to rely on the Lord's provision - He knows the needs of my family.</div><div><br /></div><div>I cannot imagine more about my heavenly Father. Whenever I see my father, I am always being reminded of God the Father. Of course my relationship with my father now is getting better. I thank God for that. I also thank God that he continue to trust in the Lord in everything that he do. </div><div><br /></div><div>May God continue to shower His blessings upon my family.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17973955872784043869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6698597502011207311.post-11911301531973120182011-05-20T16:11:00.002+08:002011-05-20T17:06:39.372+08:00One more semester to goOne more semester to go to end my journey as a seminarian. It is tough. By God's grace and his strength, I've gone through this tough journey.<div><br /></div><div>This semester is the toughest one to me. My spiritual life was so down and so dry. Relationship with God was cooled down. I've lost my first love feeling with God. I procrastinated and compromised a lot this semester. I find it very difficult to wake up early in the morning to do my devotion. It is not that I am legalistic with my life, but towards the end of the semester as I was doing my assignment, God reminded me that spiritual discipline will affect my spiritual life. I've totally lost the momentum in my life. I've lost the discipline in my life. Many things surrounding me reminds me and challenged me to be more discipline spiritually, but I ignored all that. </div><div><br /></div><div>What have I learnt in this period of wilderness?</div><div><br /></div><div>The most important thing is relationship with God. I these period, I hardly pray and read the bible. Until one point of life, I wonder what kind of relationship I have with God. I feel awkward when I want to talk to God back. Perhaps this was how the devil deceived me, or it is just my problem. Relationship with God which was affected, affects my relationship as well. </div><div><br /></div><div>Another thing is that a person can be "unspiritual" and yet handle the word of God. This is what I have gone through this semester. But, there is such an emptiness with the results that you have. The Word is not the lively word anymore.</div><div><br /></div><div>One theological question I have in mind since the beginning of the semester is, "Can a community affect a person spiritual life or worship?" Right now I am still searching for the answer. It really affect me a lot until the point that I won't partake in the Holy Communion with this community anymore. </div><div><br /></div><div>Every experiences, God has something to tell me. Even though this journey is tough and lonely, I thank God that I am out of this wilderness. One thing I always fear just like David when he committed sin is that the Lord will cast me away from his presence and take away His Holy Spirit from me (Psalm 51:11).</div><div><br /></div><div>May God continue guide me in this journey. One semester to go. May he grant me strength and wisdom.</div><div><br /></div><div>So Help Me God</div><div><b><i>Isaac</i></b></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17973955872784043869noreply@blogger.com0