Showing posts with label | Prayer Breakfast |. Show all posts
Showing posts with label | Prayer Breakfast |. Show all posts
Friday, April 9
Wednesday, April 7
One Man Against An Entire World
By Chan Eu-Gene
Does the title itself make you feel lethargic? What if the one man is you? Would you want to stand on your own – you on one side and everyone else on the other side? Or would you rather conveniently and unsuspectingly move yourself just so that you need not be alone on your own – and just be like everyone else?
The story about David and Goliath tells of a simple boy who slayed a fearless giant. One man against the Philistine population. Who was with him? Not his father because he was uninformed. Not his brothers because they were pre-occupied. Not King Saul because he thought it a lost cause.
Let’s capture the essence of this timeless story:
Whenever we hear of a story with such a theme, we feel encouraged and rejuvenated because for many of us, we often see ourselves as that boy, with a formidable challenge ahead of us. A challenge too overwhelming for any ordinary person to contend with. A challenge that typifies the scenario of “one man against an entire world.”
Have we not, in the past, had to endure a situation that is so overwhelming that the thought of it just drains us physically and mentally? Have you ever felt powerless against the “you against an entire world” circumstance?
Many people have.
We all have our “entire world” that we have had to face, are currently facing, and/or will face in time to come. These “entire world” are our trials and tribulations and without a doubt, they are part and parcel of life: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-18)
If you now find yourself in a seemingly impossible situation, quite commonly you’re already looking forward to “tomorrow”, so that your situation can be “reset”, and your life can run a different course, a better course, an easier course.
My dear brothers, as difficult as your circumstance may be, no matter how seemingly immovable your mountain is, we do have a reason to rejoice, because of His promise: "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13)
"I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew 17:20)
One man against an entire world. This is an impossibility. But one man plus God against an entire world, that’s a definite possibility because "With God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26)
Does the title itself make you feel lethargic? What if the one man is you? Would you want to stand on your own – you on one side and everyone else on the other side? Or would you rather conveniently and unsuspectingly move yourself just so that you need not be alone on your own – and just be like everyone else?
The story about David and Goliath tells of a simple boy who slayed a fearless giant. One man against the Philistine population. Who was with him? Not his father because he was uninformed. Not his brothers because they were pre-occupied. Not King Saul because he thought it a lost cause.
Let’s capture the essence of this timeless story:
- A champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out of the Philistine camp. He was over nine feet tall. (1 Samuel 17:4)
- The Philistine (i.e. Goliath) said, “This day I defy the ranks of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other.” (1 Samuel 17:10)
- David asked…, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (1 Samuel 17: 26)
- David said to Saul (i.e. the King of Israel), “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.” (1 Samuel 17:32)
- David said to Saul, “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:37)
- David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel… All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” (1 Samuel 17:45)
- David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. (1 Samuel 17:50)
Whenever we hear of a story with such a theme, we feel encouraged and rejuvenated because for many of us, we often see ourselves as that boy, with a formidable challenge ahead of us. A challenge too overwhelming for any ordinary person to contend with. A challenge that typifies the scenario of “one man against an entire world.”
Have we not, in the past, had to endure a situation that is so overwhelming that the thought of it just drains us physically and mentally? Have you ever felt powerless against the “you against an entire world” circumstance?
Many people have.
We all have our “entire world” that we have had to face, are currently facing, and/or will face in time to come. These “entire world” are our trials and tribulations and without a doubt, they are part and parcel of life: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-18)
If you now find yourself in a seemingly impossible situation, quite commonly you’re already looking forward to “tomorrow”, so that your situation can be “reset”, and your life can run a different course, a better course, an easier course.
My dear brothers, as difficult as your circumstance may be, no matter how seemingly immovable your mountain is, we do have a reason to rejoice, because of His promise: "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13)
"I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew 17:20)
One man against an entire world. This is an impossibility. But one man plus God against an entire world, that’s a definite possibility because "With God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26)
Wednesday, March 31
當男人需要男人
作者：戴堅忠牧師
2010年1月27日
你可能聽說過，或看過這部電影 “Black Hawk Down”《黑鷹計劃》。這部電影講述了一個真實的故事基於一件高級祕密的任務，從事在美軍特派的軍隊前往摩加迪沙，索馬里 於1993年10月前。敵人是伊斯蘭聖戰民兵 (jihadist militia) 來自索馬里軍閥穆罕默德法拉赫艾迪德 (Somalia warlord Mohammed Farrah Aidid)。
我就長話短說，要去阻止這場流血的戰爭，法令是來自美國總統克林頓 (Bill Clinton)，美國陸軍突擊隊和三角洲的特派軍隊被派到捕獲艾迪德 (Aidid) 將軍。
這次的襲擊非常成功，大約有21人被抓獲，並裝上運貨卡車裡就開始他們的旅程把敵人帶回美軍基地裡審問。由於敵軍隊試圖走出城市，其中他們的保障和備用直升機被擊落。隨著這墜毀一切都改變了。其他隊員需要派出去援救在直升機裡的機員。為了到達墜機現場，他們需要在每個房子，每條街道都要用鬥爭來通路。場面看得情緒激動緊張，特別是知道它確實發生了。
最引起我矚目的，就是我記得這部電影，有一個獨特的場景，主要是這位一等士官長，他帶回來基地的一些受傷軍員和死了的軍員。軍隊的 Land Rover《英國造的-多用途越野車》就是血腥表現出非常生動畫面表達裡面究在城裡的軍隊竟發生甚麼事和他們怎麼試圖擺脫這個地方。這位一等士官長要求軍員重新裝填這部車的彈藥，以便他能回去，所以這些軍員就問官長。 “你這樣做是為愛國？還是為了證明勇氣？“
“不！而經不再是為國家或是證明自己的勇氣。我是在為我外面的兄弟而做的！”
在現實生活中，這是真實的，作為男人，我們不喜歡承認，我們需要其他男人在我們的生活當中。我或我們總是認為靠著自己可以完成所有事情和問題，永遠不會犯錯反倒只得勝利。當然，這男子氣概 (大男人) 的態度是非常根深蒂固的，在我們所有男人裡。雖然偉大的現實中，我們是需要男人在我們的生活裡，使我們能彼此分享和表達自己的需要。
在箴言書第 18 章 24 節裡載記：“濫 交 朋 友 的 ， 自 取 敗 壞 ； 但 有 一 朋 友 比 弟 兄 更 親 密 。”
這節經文記載得非常清楚，不言自明。其實，我們可以有一個朋友，更可以成為比親兄弟更親密。聖經是這樣教導我們，在關係裡是可以發展成好朋友的。這關係，比起我們自己血緣關係的兄弟是更強力的 。你能想像嗎？
另外，在箴言書第 17 章 17 節，裡說 “朋友乃時常親愛 ， 弟兄為患難而生 。”
是！我們確實是需要朋友 – 那些好的，以便我們能夠團結一致，特別是在逆境的時候。
澳門的城市裡當我們沒有朋友是一個非常難住的地方。對一些人這地方已被證明了是不堪忍受或無法承受的損失。這就是為何祈禱早餐聚會那麼重要。是讓我們來發展更深的友誼 - 真正的友誼，使我們可以相互依靠，祈禱，相互支持，並互相幫助，在逆境陪伴。
就像，一等士官長說的，在電影裡，“這不是為國家或是證明自己的勇氣。是在為我外面的兄弟而做的！”
讓我們一起享受我們的時間，並利用這些時間打造我們的友誼關係。上帝保佑我們大家！
Tuesday, March 30
A Defining Word
By Pastor Olinto de Oliveira
24 March 2010
If you as a man were asked to provide a word that would best describes today’s world, which one would come to your mind? What word from your vernacular would be the best to state the conditions in which society is conducted today?
I believe 1 Timothy 4:1-2 provides the answer:
How can we as men make our lives count? How are we going to cope with so much that is said and done by the non-believing public, media and some government systems against us and our practicing of pure Christian faith?
How can we actually make our lives beneficial to the Gospel without being controversial all the time?
No doubt that we’re living in the days that verse one describes to us. When so many are lending their ears to deceiving spirits and things taught by demons and hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.
We are the ‘Gate Keepers”; first of our own lives, then of our families and the society we are part of. Are we not up to the challenge and take courage and act responsibly according to the Word of God? Can’t we just let things go on as usual. No, we cannot!
We may have a word that defines today’s world but how about a word that would describe us in today’s world? I believe one of many words that could be chosen is ‘TRANSFORMATION’ - TRANSFORMATION by the power of God. TRANSFORMATION by the daily renewal of our faith and our minds. TRANSFORMATION by allowing ourselves to understand more of what God has for us.
As we conduct our business today as Christian men in the market place, let us be in prayer that our uncomplicated lives would make a positive impact to society, causing a difference in the way the world conducts its business.
I wish you a Blessed day!
24 March 2010
If you as a man were asked to provide a word that would best describes today’s world, which one would come to your mind? What word from your vernacular would be the best to state the conditions in which society is conducted today?
I believe 1 Timothy 4:1-2 provides the answer:
1The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot ironDon’t you agree with Apostle Paul’s exhortation to Timothy? There is a Deceiving Spirit operating in these present days with much freedom than ever before.
How can we as men make our lives count? How are we going to cope with so much that is said and done by the non-believing public, media and some government systems against us and our practicing of pure Christian faith?
How can we actually make our lives beneficial to the Gospel without being controversial all the time?
No doubt that we’re living in the days that verse one describes to us. When so many are lending their ears to deceiving spirits and things taught by demons and hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.
We are the ‘Gate Keepers”; first of our own lives, then of our families and the society we are part of. Are we not up to the challenge and take courage and act responsibly according to the Word of God? Can’t we just let things go on as usual. No, we cannot!
We may have a word that defines today’s world but how about a word that would describe us in today’s world? I believe one of many words that could be chosen is ‘TRANSFORMATION’ - TRANSFORMATION by the power of God. TRANSFORMATION by the daily renewal of our faith and our minds. TRANSFORMATION by allowing ourselves to understand more of what God has for us.
As we conduct our business today as Christian men in the market place, let us be in prayer that our uncomplicated lives would make a positive impact to society, causing a difference in the way the world conducts its business.
I wish you a Blessed day!
Thursday, March 25
Wednesday, March 10
A Man Reaps What He Sows
By Chan Eu-Gene
10 Mar 2010
A Man Reaps What He Sows
人 種 的 是 甚 麼 ， 收 的 也 是 甚 麼 。
The past 3 months had been a season of festivities. We celebrated Christmas, the dawn of a New Year, and the Chinese New Year, which incidentally coincided with Valentine’s Day this year. A major difference at this year’s festivities, compared with last year’s, was that people’s spirits, in general, seemed more uplifted. A lot of the economic gloom of 2008/09 had dissipated. Therefore, it had been a wonderful “season” in that regard.
過去三個月，節日連連。慶祝了聖誕節、元旦及農曆新年亦剛巧是西方的情人節。今年與去年節日的主要分別是在於人們普遍的精神看起來更加振奮。隨著零八和零九年的經濟不景氣逐漸消失，節日氣氛顯得分外濃郁。
Now that this season of festivities is over, I am gently reminded that such a season does not continue perpetually, perhaps much to our dismay. Wouldn’t it be nice if life – all of life – is only about celebration and merry making? (Actually, that’s the life that we will attain through Christ – our eternal life in heaven.)
現在節日過了，令我輕輕想起節慶日子並不是永無休止的，也許這會令我們很失望。如果生命 - 整個一生 -可以只是慶祝和做開心快樂的事不是很好嗎? (其實這正正是我們藉著基督可以取得的，就是在天國裡的永恆生命。)
Here on earth, we all have to contend with the realities of life. Many of us will agree, perhaps testify, that time does fly when we’re having a good time. Before we know it, we are already at the end of a vacation, a party, a honeymoon, a movie, a date, a Sunday church service, etc.
在地上，我們都要面對現實的生活。很多人會同意，這或許証明當我們快樂的時候，真的不知時日過。當我們知道的時候，已經是一個假期、派對、蜜月假期、影片、日子或主日崇拜的結束。
Yes, my brothers, in any celebration, it would be wise of us to expect that an end will follow. In Ecclesiastes 3:1, God’s word says:
Our lives will always be in a continuous state of flux! For example, some of us literally had our lives overturned overnight during the recent economic downturn. Our livelihood, our bread and butter, our supposedly promising career, all disintegrated in a blink of an eye.
我們的生命會持續處於一個流動的狀態，正如有些人的生活在最近的金融海嘯中一夜間受到翻天覆地的轉變。我們的生計、飯碗、原本應該是穩定的職業都在眨眼間瓦解。
Flux. Change. Uncertainty. Unpredictable. Does that mean that our lives will be like a box of chocolates, and therefore we’ll never know what we’re going to get? Think about it for a moment.
流動、轉變、不肯定、難以預料，這表示我們的生命就像一盒巧克力而我們並不知道我們將會得到什麼? 試想一想。
What’s in store for you and I in the seasons to come? Can you vouch for yourselves a rosy life ahead, 100% guaranteed? I can’t, and you most certainly cannot as well. But I can tell you this one principle that can help you and I shape our seasons to come. This principle is God’s divine law of sowing and reaping.
正在來臨的日子為你我所預備的會是什麼呢？你能百分百保證在你的前方會有一個美滿的生活在等候你嗎? 我不能夠，但我可以告訴你一個原則，這個原則可以塑造未來的日子。這個是上帝有關種植及收割的屬天法則。
Let’s read Galatians 6:7-9:
Paul’s words of encouragement are as good a model to us today as they were in his days. In fact, he was merely re-stating a point which the generations before him had always known.
保羅所說的鼓勵性說話就像在他們當時的日子一樣，今天亦是我們良好的典範。其實他亦只不過在重申在他之前的世代已知的一個重點。
These verses seem like advice against doing something – be careful..., be forewarned..., what goes around comes around. But this is just one side of a coin. As we read the Bible, we will also find out about His promises – advice for doing something:
這些經文好像在勸告人不要做某些事，要小心，要接受預先的警告，種花便得花，種果便得果，但這只是一方面。當我們閱讀聖經，我們會發現有關上帝有關勸告人做某些事的應許：
My brothers, what we sow in preceding seasons, will be what we eventually reap in the seasons to come.
弟兄們，我們在之前的季節所栽種的，我們必在將來的季節裡收割。
Once we fully grasp this law of sowing and reaping, we are in a better position to make conscious choices and deliberate decisions in our lives.
當我們完全明白這栽種及收割的定律，我們便處於一個更好的位置來在我們生命中作出已考慮清楚的選擇及決定。
So, up until this point we know that:
In closing, let me add a fourth point, one which I feel differentiates between making “good” decisions and making “wise” decisions.
在結束時，讓我再加上第四點，一個我認為於作出 “好”的決定及 “明智”的決定之間有分別的一點。
To make “wise” decisions or choices, major or minor, we should all go to the source of wisdom, that is God, and ask for it. Seek it like you would a precious treasure. With God’s wisdom in our heart, we will be able to align our choices in life according to His will.
要作出“明智”的決定或選擇，無論是重大或微小的決定，我們都應該走到智慧的源頭並尋求它，而上帝就是智慧的源頭，我們要尋找它像尋找珍寶一樣。有上帝的智慧在我們的心，我們便能將生命中所作的選擇與衪的旨意連合。
In summary:
總結：
10 Mar 2010
A Man Reaps What He Sows
人 種 的 是 甚 麼 ， 收 的 也 是 甚 麼 。
The past 3 months had been a season of festivities. We celebrated Christmas, the dawn of a New Year, and the Chinese New Year, which incidentally coincided with Valentine’s Day this year. A major difference at this year’s festivities, compared with last year’s, was that people’s spirits, in general, seemed more uplifted. A lot of the economic gloom of 2008/09 had dissipated. Therefore, it had been a wonderful “season” in that regard.
過去三個月，節日連連。慶祝了聖誕節、元旦及農曆新年亦剛巧是西方的情人節。今年與去年節日的主要分別是在於人們普遍的精神看起來更加振奮。隨著零八和零九年的經濟不景氣逐漸消失，節日氣氛顯得分外濃郁。
Now that this season of festivities is over, I am gently reminded that such a season does not continue perpetually, perhaps much to our dismay. Wouldn’t it be nice if life – all of life – is only about celebration and merry making? (Actually, that’s the life that we will attain through Christ – our eternal life in heaven.)
現在節日過了，令我輕輕想起節慶日子並不是永無休止的，也許這會令我們很失望。如果生命 - 整個一生 -可以只是慶祝和做開心快樂的事不是很好嗎? (其實這正正是我們藉著基督可以取得的，就是在天國裡的永恆生命。)
Here on earth, we all have to contend with the realities of life. Many of us will agree, perhaps testify, that time does fly when we’re having a good time. Before we know it, we are already at the end of a vacation, a party, a honeymoon, a movie, a date, a Sunday church service, etc.
在地上，我們都要面對現實的生活。很多人會同意，這或許証明當我們快樂的時候，真的不知時日過。當我們知道的時候，已經是一個假期、派對、蜜月假期、影片、日子或主日崇拜的結束。
Yes, my brothers, in any celebration, it would be wise of us to expect that an end will follow. In Ecclesiastes 3:1, God’s word says:
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.”是的，兄弟們，在任何慶典中，我們都應當有智慧地期待隨之而來的終結。正如在傳道書3章1節，神說:
“凡 事 都 有 定 期 ， 天 下 萬 務 都 有 定 時 。”
Our lives will always be in a continuous state of flux! For example, some of us literally had our lives overturned overnight during the recent economic downturn. Our livelihood, our bread and butter, our supposedly promising career, all disintegrated in a blink of an eye.
我們的生命會持續處於一個流動的狀態，正如有些人的生活在最近的金融海嘯中一夜間受到翻天覆地的轉變。我們的生計、飯碗、原本應該是穩定的職業都在眨眼間瓦解。
Flux. Change. Uncertainty. Unpredictable. Does that mean that our lives will be like a box of chocolates, and therefore we’ll never know what we’re going to get? Think about it for a moment.
流動、轉變、不肯定、難以預料，這表示我們的生命就像一盒巧克力而我們並不知道我們將會得到什麼? 試想一想。
What’s in store for you and I in the seasons to come? Can you vouch for yourselves a rosy life ahead, 100% guaranteed? I can’t, and you most certainly cannot as well. But I can tell you this one principle that can help you and I shape our seasons to come. This principle is God’s divine law of sowing and reaping.
正在來臨的日子為你我所預備的會是什麼呢？你能百分百保證在你的前方會有一個美滿的生活在等候你嗎? 我不能夠，但我可以告訴你一個原則，這個原則可以塑造未來的日子。這個是上帝有關種植及收割的屬天法則。
Let’s read Galatians 6:7-9:
“Do not be deceived, God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”在加拉太書6章7至9 節：
“在 道 理 上 受 教 的 ， 當 把 一 切 需 用 的 供 給 施 教 的 人 。 不 要 自 欺 ， 神 是 輕 慢 不 得 的 。 人 種 的 是 甚 麼 ， 收 的 也 是 甚 麼 。 順 著 情 慾 撒 種 的 ， 必 從 情 慾 收 敗 壞 ； 順 著 聖 靈 撒 種 的 ， 必 從聖 靈 收 永 生 。 我 們 行 善 ， 不 可 喪 志 ； 若 不 灰 心 ， 到 了 時 候 就 要 收 成 。”
Paul’s words of encouragement are as good a model to us today as they were in his days. In fact, he was merely re-stating a point which the generations before him had always known.
保羅所說的鼓勵性說話就像在他們當時的日子一樣，今天亦是我們良好的典範。其實他亦只不過在重申在他之前的世代已知的一個重點。
He who sows wickedness reaps trouble. (Proverbs 22:8)
撒 罪 孽 的 ， 必 收 災 禍。(箴 言 22:8)
Those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it. (Job 4:8)
按 我 所 見 ， 耕 罪 孽 、 種 毒 害 的 人 都 照 樣 收 割 。(約 伯 記 4:8)
They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind. (Hosea 8:7)
他 們 所 種 的 是 風 ， 所 收 的 是 暴 風。(何 西 阿 書 8:7)
These verses seem like advice against doing something – be careful..., be forewarned..., what goes around comes around. But this is just one side of a coin. As we read the Bible, we will also find out about His promises – advice for doing something:
這些經文好像在勸告人不要做某些事，要小心，要接受預先的警告，種花便得花，種果便得果，但這只是一方面。當我們閱讀聖經，我們會發現有關上帝有關勸告人做某些事的應許：
He who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward. (Proverbs 11:18)
撒 義 種 的 ， 得 實 在 的 果 效 。(箴 言 11:18)
Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love. (Hosea 10:12)
你 們 要 為 自 己 栽 種 公 義 ， 就 能 收 割 慈 愛 。 (何 西 阿 書 10:12)
Whoever sows generously will also reap generously. (2 Corinthians 9:6)
多 種 的 多 收 。(歌 林 多 後 書 9:6)
The one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. (Galatians 6:8)
順 著 聖 靈 撒 種 的 ， 必 從 聖 靈 收 永 生 。(加 拉 太 書 6:8 )
Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. (James 3:18)
並 且 使 人 和 平 的 ， 是 用 和 平 所 栽 種 的 義 果 。(雅 各 書 3:18)
Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. (Psalm 126:5)
流 淚 撒 種 的 ， 必 歡 呼 收 割 ！(詩 篇 126:5)
My brothers, what we sow in preceding seasons, will be what we eventually reap in the seasons to come.
弟兄們，我們在之前的季節所栽種的，我們必在將來的季節裡收割。
Once we fully grasp this law of sowing and reaping, we are in a better position to make conscious choices and deliberate decisions in our lives.
當我們完全明白這栽種及收割的定律，我們便處於一個更好的位置來在我們生命中作出已考慮清楚的選擇及決定。
So, up until this point we know that:
- In life, there is a time and season for everything
- The seasons in life are governed by the law of sowing and reaping
- Having known the law of sowing and reaping, we should then make conscious choices and deliberate decisions in our lives
所以，直到這裡，我們知道：
- 在生命當中，一切都有特定的時間及季節。
- 生命當中的季節是由栽種及收割的定律控制的。
- 當我們明白到栽種及收割的定律，我們便應能在我們生命中作出已考 慮清楚的選擇及決定。
在結束時，讓我再加上第四點，一個我認為於作出 “好”的決定及 “明智”的決定之間有分別的一點。
To make “wise” decisions or choices, major or minor, we should all go to the source of wisdom, that is God, and ask for it. Seek it like you would a precious treasure. With God’s wisdom in our heart, we will be able to align our choices in life according to His will.
要作出“明智”的決定或選擇，無論是重大或微小的決定，我們都應該走到智慧的源頭並尋求它，而上帝就是智慧的源頭，我們要尋找它像尋找珍寶一樣。有上帝的智慧在我們的心，我們便能將生命中所作的選擇與衪的旨意連合。
In summary:
總結：
1. In life, there is a time and season for everything – according to God’s timing
在生命當中，凡事都有按神時間表 而定的時間及季節。
2. The seasons in life are governed by the law of sowing and reaping
生命當中的季節是由栽種及收割的定律控制的。
3. Having known the law of sowing and reaping, we should then make conscious choices and deliberate decisions in our lives
當我們明白到栽種及收割的定律，我們便應能在我們生命中作出已考慮清楚的選擇及決定。
4. To sow wisely, seek wisdom from God, then do His will
以智慧去栽種，從神當中尋求智慧並實踐衪的旨意。
Footnote:
What if you don’t know the will of God for you? Or maybe you think you know, but you’re somewhat unsure?
腳註：
假如你不曉得神的旨意，會怎樣呢?或許你會認為你知道，但又不太肯定?
My response is that as you walk with our Father daily, you will soon discover His will for you.
我的答案是，當你每天與天父同行，你會很快發現衪給你的旨意是什麼。
Be assured that wherever His will leads you, you can have complete faith in Him, for “in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him” (Romans 8:28).
請放心，無論衪的旨意帶領你去哪裡，你可完全信賴衪，因為 “我 們 曉 得 萬 事 都 互 相 效 力 ， 叫 愛 神 的 人 得 益 處” (羅 馬 書 8:28) 。
What if you don’t know the will of God for you? Or maybe you think you know, but you’re somewhat unsure?
腳註：
假如你不曉得神的旨意，會怎樣呢?或許你會認為你知道，但又不太肯定?
My response is that as you walk with our Father daily, you will soon discover His will for you.
我的答案是，當你每天與天父同行，你會很快發現衪給你的旨意是什麼。
Be assured that wherever His will leads you, you can have complete faith in Him, for “in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him” (Romans 8:28).
請放心，無論衪的旨意帶領你去哪裡，你可完全信賴衪，因為 “我 們 曉 得 萬 事 都 互 相 效 力 ， 叫 愛 神 的 人 得 益 處” (羅 馬 書 8:28) 。
The will of God will never take you where:
the grace of God cannot keep you
the riches of God cannot supply your needs
the power of God cannot endow you
神的旨意永不帶你去：
神的恩典不能保守你的地方
神的豐盛不能供應你的需求的地方
神的大能不能給予你什麼的地方
The will of God will never take you where:
the Spirit of God cannot work through you
the wisdom of God cannot teach you
the army of God cannot protect you
the hands of God cannot mould you
神的旨意永不帶你去：
神的靈不能透過你工作的地方
神的智慧不能教導你的地方
神的天兵不能保護你的地方
神的雙手不能鑄造你的地方
The will of God will never take you where:
the love of God cannot enfold you
the mercies of God cannot sustain you
the peace of God cannot calm your fears
the authority of God cannot overrule for you
神的旨意永不帶你去：
神的愛不能遮蓋你的地方
神的憐憫不能支撐你的地方
神的平安不能平息你恐懼的地方
神的權力不能支配你的地方
The will of God will never take you where:
the comfort of God cannot dry your tears
the Word of God cannot feed you
the miracles of God cannot be done for you
the omnipresence of God cannot find you
神的旨意永不帶你去：
神的安慰不能抺乾你眼淚的地方
神的話語不能餵養你的地方
神的奇蹟不能為你實現的地方
神無所不在的同在不能找到你的地方
Monday, March 8
面對問題要像個男人
By Pastor Olinto
24 Feb 2010
你們都知道我是來自南美洲, 而我也很自豪自己是來自巴西。
我想更濃縮我所住的國家就是位於巴西的東南面。大家都很熟識這個城市名叫里約－熱內盧（Rio de Janeiro）。
然而，在這個國家裡有一名堂描述“macho” 的文化，意思就是大男人主義者。
在巴西 － 里約－熱內盧是視為普遍的。所以當男人在處理問題時，耐性就成為微弱，就令很多事情都超出所定的控制。
對有些人，這些事情已經變得很平常而他們會捲起自己的衣袖用打架來解決他們的問題。幸運地我是來自一個家庭只相信一個方法是好或是不好，因為我們是基督徒到最後我們還是會相信神一定為我們的爭戰而戰。就在我的成長過程中，我以學會了如可解決問題和處理管理問題的衝突。我也學會了要小心謹慎和小心審慎地解決一些事清。
所以，不好意思讓你們失望了。然而在我同年時，我就對打架或這國家的文化並沒有感到有興趣。確實我所學的並不是南美洲－大男人主義文化，但在我同年時所學了的也可以應用在我生活裡也好有用處。
近來在我們家庭崇拜中，正學習關於怎麼在憂慮的生活中得釋放。 藉著神的話語帶來提醒，鼓勵和激勵使我們不用在憂慮和在同時章顯祂對我們的應許讓我們得安心。
在馬太福音 6：34 記載 所 以 ， 不 要 為 明 天 憂 慮 ， 因 為 明 天 自 有 明 天 的 憂 慮 ； 一 天 的 難 處 一 天 當 就 夠 了 。
我們好清楚神會指引我們該行的道路和在以 賽 亞 書 41:10 為例子 ：我們可以保證神在我們危急中是隨時的幫助。
以 賽 亞 書 41:10 記載 你 不 要 害 怕 ， 因 為 我 與 你 同 在 ； 不 要 驚 惶 ， 因 為 我 是 你 的 神 。 我 必 堅 固 你 ， 我 必 幫 助 你 ； 我 必 用 我 公 義 的 右 手 扶 持 你 。
儘管問題是，我們如可把這經文應用在我們的困難和沒有憂慮的生活上？
在約翰福音 16：33 引證耶穌說： 《我 將 這 些 事 告 訴 你 們 ， 是 要 叫 你 們 在 我 裡 面 有 平 安 。 在 世 上 ， 你 們 有 苦 難 ； 但 你 們 可 以 放 心 ， 我 已 經 勝 了 世 界 。》
在 雅 各 書 1:2 我們也被使徒提醒過 ： 《我 的 弟 兄 們 ， 你 們 落 在 百 般 試 煉 中 ， 都 要 以 為 大 喜 樂。》
怎麼有可能？ 在我們的生活裡必定會有困難， 我們是否仍然可以在我們生活中的困難得自由呢？
這裡有沒有自相矛盾的說法或有關一些教訓文章是被隱藏住呢？
在我之前給的兩個例子裡，耶穌斷言：《在這世界上你會有苦難》和雅各的心態 《。。。每當面對自己的考驗。。。”。
請注意不是 “如果” 乃是 “每當”。你可以清晰知道在生命不停更新就更確實知道前面的路有多困難。
在這世上我們是會面對很多不同種種的挑戰，但是這些都是對我們有好處的，是要幫助我們鍛鍊更多知識和更認識神是一位主權者。
就讓我們珍惜每個機會去探測一切神為我們所預備的美事， 不是叫你去找困難但是可以在困難中得勝。
我相信最大的功課就是選擇不去逃避問題，而是當問題來到我們面前就在我們面對自己的困難和苦難時相信神。
在21世紀的男人，儘管有很多資源和服務去幫助處理在我們生活上種種的困難事件，但請我們不可低估一個滿有大能又簡單的禱告。我們需要有一個禱告的生活習慣，就像一位裁縫師為我們縫上一件符合我們的衣服一樣，就這麼一個原理。我們是需要符合我們生活的禱告樣式。
禱告是為反影一個又破碎又軟弱的需求者。就是為你的生命每一方面所需要的守望或控制，就是相信神的大能可以在一切事物上頌揚。
我叫 《沒有困難生活的福音書》或 《無困難福音書》
是沒有過時的考試，無論早一點或遲一點我們是會面對在我們生命上的大問題或是小問題。問題是處於在現實的生命中，我們怎麼樣面對它，然而那是反影我們和神有多情密。
在我們每日的生活，自然地就會帶出一些我們沒有預料的失敗和焦慮。這就是人生的一部份，句號。但是當我們想在焦慮中得自由，我們需要學習每天和天父說話。
我們要記載在我們的心裡 彼 得 前 書 5:7 《你 們 要 將 一 切 的 憂 慮 卸 給 神 ， 因 為 他 顧 念 你 們 。》
我們身為男人，要面對問題就像一個真正的男人，這是《你 要 專 心 仰 賴 耶 和 華 ， 不 可 倚 靠 自 己 的 聰 明 ，在 你 一 切 所 行 的 事 上 都 要 認 定 他 ， 他 必 指 引 你 的 路 。不 要 自 以 為 有 智 慧 ； 要 敬 畏 耶 和 華 ， 遠 離 惡 事 。這 便 醫 治 你 的 肚 臍 ， 滋 潤 你 的 百 骨 。》箴 言 3:5-8
當我們照著做時，神是會實現祂在我們身上的應許 以 賽 亞先知這樣說：《堅 心 倚 賴 你 的 ， 你 必 保 守 他 十 分 平 安 ， 因 為 他 倚 靠 你 。》以 賽 亞 書 26:3
我們是可以在憂慮中活出自由 ，就讓我們面對每一日，每一個問題時就像一個男人，真正的男人，敬虔得勝的男人。
祝你有個愉快的每一天！
24 Feb 2010
你們都知道我是來自南美洲, 而我也很自豪自己是來自巴西。
我想更濃縮我所住的國家就是位於巴西的東南面。大家都很熟識這個城市名叫里約－熱內盧（Rio de Janeiro）。
然而，在這個國家裡有一名堂描述“macho” 的文化，意思就是大男人主義者。
在巴西 － 里約－熱內盧是視為普遍的。所以當男人在處理問題時，耐性就成為微弱，就令很多事情都超出所定的控制。
對有些人，這些事情已經變得很平常而他們會捲起自己的衣袖用打架來解決他們的問題。幸運地我是來自一個家庭只相信一個方法是好或是不好，因為我們是基督徒到最後我們還是會相信神一定為我們的爭戰而戰。就在我的成長過程中，我以學會了如可解決問題和處理管理問題的衝突。我也學會了要小心謹慎和小心審慎地解決一些事清。
所以，不好意思讓你們失望了。然而在我同年時，我就對打架或這國家的文化並沒有感到有興趣。確實我所學的並不是南美洲－大男人主義文化，但在我同年時所學了的也可以應用在我生活裡也好有用處。
近來在我們家庭崇拜中，正學習關於怎麼在憂慮的生活中得釋放。 藉著神的話語帶來提醒，鼓勵和激勵使我們不用在憂慮和在同時章顯祂對我們的應許讓我們得安心。
在馬太福音 6：34 記載 所 以 ， 不 要 為 明 天 憂 慮 ， 因 為 明 天 自 有 明 天 的 憂 慮 ； 一 天 的 難 處 一 天 當 就 夠 了 。
我們好清楚神會指引我們該行的道路和在以 賽 亞 書 41:10 為例子 ：我們可以保證神在我們危急中是隨時的幫助。
以 賽 亞 書 41:10 記載 你 不 要 害 怕 ， 因 為 我 與 你 同 在 ； 不 要 驚 惶 ， 因 為 我 是 你 的 神 。 我 必 堅 固 你 ， 我 必 幫 助 你 ； 我 必 用 我 公 義 的 右 手 扶 持 你 。
儘管問題是，我們如可把這經文應用在我們的困難和沒有憂慮的生活上？
在約翰福音 16：33 引證耶穌說： 《我 將 這 些 事 告 訴 你 們 ， 是 要 叫 你 們 在 我 裡 面 有 平 安 。 在 世 上 ， 你 們 有 苦 難 ； 但 你 們 可 以 放 心 ， 我 已 經 勝 了 世 界 。》
在 雅 各 書 1:2 我們也被使徒提醒過 ： 《我 的 弟 兄 們 ， 你 們 落 在 百 般 試 煉 中 ， 都 要 以 為 大 喜 樂。》
怎麼有可能？ 在我們的生活裡必定會有困難， 我們是否仍然可以在我們生活中的困難得自由呢？
這裡有沒有自相矛盾的說法或有關一些教訓文章是被隱藏住呢？
在我之前給的兩個例子裡，耶穌斷言：《在這世界上你會有苦難》和雅各的心態 《。。。每當面對自己的考驗。。。”。
請注意不是 “如果” 乃是 “每當”。你可以清晰知道在生命不停更新就更確實知道前面的路有多困難。
在這世上我們是會面對很多不同種種的挑戰，但是這些都是對我們有好處的，是要幫助我們鍛鍊更多知識和更認識神是一位主權者。
就讓我們珍惜每個機會去探測一切神為我們所預備的美事， 不是叫你去找困難但是可以在困難中得勝。
我相信最大的功課就是選擇不去逃避問題，而是當問題來到我們面前就在我們面對自己的困難和苦難時相信神。
在21世紀的男人，儘管有很多資源和服務去幫助處理在我們生活上種種的困難事件，但請我們不可低估一個滿有大能又簡單的禱告。我們需要有一個禱告的生活習慣，就像一位裁縫師為我們縫上一件符合我們的衣服一樣，就這麼一個原理。我們是需要符合我們生活的禱告樣式。
禱告是為反影一個又破碎又軟弱的需求者。就是為你的生命每一方面所需要的守望或控制，就是相信神的大能可以在一切事物上頌揚。
我叫 《沒有困難生活的福音書》或 《無困難福音書》
是沒有過時的考試，無論早一點或遲一點我們是會面對在我們生命上的大問題或是小問題。問題是處於在現實的生命中，我們怎麼樣面對它，然而那是反影我們和神有多情密。
在我們每日的生活，自然地就會帶出一些我們沒有預料的失敗和焦慮。這就是人生的一部份，句號。但是當我們想在焦慮中得自由，我們需要學習每天和天父說話。
我們要記載在我們的心裡 彼 得 前 書 5:7 《你 們 要 將 一 切 的 憂 慮 卸 給 神 ， 因 為 他 顧 念 你 們 。》
我們身為男人，要面對問題就像一個真正的男人，這是《你 要 專 心 仰 賴 耶 和 華 ， 不 可 倚 靠 自 己 的 聰 明 ，在 你 一 切 所 行 的 事 上 都 要 認 定 他 ， 他 必 指 引 你 的 路 。不 要 自 以 為 有 智 慧 ； 要 敬 畏 耶 和 華 ， 遠 離 惡 事 。這 便 醫 治 你 的 肚 臍 ， 滋 潤 你 的 百 骨 。》箴 言 3:5-8
當我們照著做時，神是會實現祂在我們身上的應許 以 賽 亞先知這樣說：《堅 心 倚 賴 你 的 ， 你 必 保 守 他 十 分 平 安 ， 因 為 他 倚 靠 你 。》以 賽 亞 書 26:3
我們是可以在憂慮中活出自由 ，就讓我們面對每一日，每一個問題時就像一個男人，真正的男人，敬虔得勝的男人。
祝你有個愉快的每一天！
Wednesday, February 24
Facing problems like a MAN
By Pastor Olinto
24 Feb 2010
As you know I come from South America, and very proudly so from Brazil. To be more specific, from the Southeast part of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro City.
Anyways, in my culture the ‘macho’ figure is very predominant. Therefore, sometimes in problem solving, patience runs thin and things can get out of control and for some people it is not unusual to roll up their sleeves and to get physical. Fortunately I come from a family that always believed in the system (whether it would work or not), because as Christians ultimately we trust that God would fight our fighting for us. So as a young man coming into mature life I learned to use problem solving and conflict management. I learned the ability to be cautious and prudent in dealing with things. So, I’m sorry to disappoint, but not much exciting fighting or things of that nature occured in my youth. Surely this is not very ‘macho’ for the South American culture but it has worked well for me.
Recently at our Family Service we’ve been studying about how to live a worry free life. It has been encouraging to be reminded that the Word of God does exhort us to not be worried and at the same time presenting promises to us on being secure in the Lord. In the Gospel of Matthew 6:34 we are clearly instructed by the Lord not to be worried about tomorrow and in Isaiah 41:10 for example, we are assured of His protection in times of need - “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”.
The question though is, how do we reconcile the teachings in the Scriptures regarding suffering and the ones on not to be worried?
In the Gospel of John 16:33, for instance, Jesus is saying, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
In James 1:2 we are also reminded by the Apostle that we should, “consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.”
How can it be possible? If we are guaranteed to have problems in life, can we still be able to live a life without worries? Is there a contradiction or a very relevant lesson to be learned which is hidden in the context?
In both examples I have given, Jesus affirms, “in the World you will have tribulations” and James states “…Whenever you face trials…”. Please note that it’s not ‘IF’ but ‘whenever’. You can clearly see the degree of certainty regarding difficulties coming our way in our lifetime.
It’s true that in the world we’re going to face lots of challenges but those are actually good tools to help us to exercise our knowledge of God’s sovereignty over our lives. Let us take every opportunity to explore the wonderful ways the Lord has laid down before us, not to get troubled but instead, in trouble to be victorious.
I believe ultimately the greater lesson to be learned is not how to skip problems in life but rather how to trust the Lord when they come our way or when we find ourselves right in the midst of complex circumstances and trials.
As 21st Century men, despite all the resources and services at our disposal to assist us in handling difficult issues in life, we should not underestimate the simple but powerful tool that prayer is. We need to develop a prayer lifestyle, tailor made by us to fit our very own pace of life. The paradigm that praying is a sign of weakness needs to be broken. On the very contrary, to pray about everything in your life is to be in control. It is to trust in God’s power for everything.
What I call “The Gospel of a Trouble Free Life” or “The TROUBLE FREE GOSPEL” will not pass the test of time because sooner or later we are going to face our own share of small and big difficulties in life. Problems are a reality of life. How we deal with them, nevertheless, reflects how close our walking with God is.
Our daily lives naturally will bring to us unrequested portions of frustration and anxiety. It’s a fact of life, period. But to be free from anxiety we need to practice talking to God everyday. We need to put into practice 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxieties on him because he cares for you.”. It so simple, isn’t it?
We men, need to learn to face problems like a man, that is “to trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones”. (Proverbs 3:5-8)
If we do it God will fulfill His promise to us as said by Isaiah the Prophet: “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)
It is possible to live a Worry Free Life if we face each day and every single problem like a man, like a real, godly man.
Have a wonderful day ahead of you!
24 Feb 2010
As you know I come from South America, and very proudly so from Brazil. To be more specific, from the Southeast part of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro City.
Anyways, in my culture the ‘macho’ figure is very predominant. Therefore, sometimes in problem solving, patience runs thin and things can get out of control and for some people it is not unusual to roll up their sleeves and to get physical. Fortunately I come from a family that always believed in the system (whether it would work or not), because as Christians ultimately we trust that God would fight our fighting for us. So as a young man coming into mature life I learned to use problem solving and conflict management. I learned the ability to be cautious and prudent in dealing with things. So, I’m sorry to disappoint, but not much exciting fighting or things of that nature occured in my youth. Surely this is not very ‘macho’ for the South American culture but it has worked well for me.
Recently at our Family Service we’ve been studying about how to live a worry free life. It has been encouraging to be reminded that the Word of God does exhort us to not be worried and at the same time presenting promises to us on being secure in the Lord. In the Gospel of Matthew 6:34 we are clearly instructed by the Lord not to be worried about tomorrow and in Isaiah 41:10 for example, we are assured of His protection in times of need - “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”.
The question though is, how do we reconcile the teachings in the Scriptures regarding suffering and the ones on not to be worried?
In the Gospel of John 16:33, for instance, Jesus is saying, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
In James 1:2 we are also reminded by the Apostle that we should, “consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.”
How can it be possible? If we are guaranteed to have problems in life, can we still be able to live a life without worries? Is there a contradiction or a very relevant lesson to be learned which is hidden in the context?
In both examples I have given, Jesus affirms, “in the World you will have tribulations” and James states “…Whenever you face trials…”. Please note that it’s not ‘IF’ but ‘whenever’. You can clearly see the degree of certainty regarding difficulties coming our way in our lifetime.
It’s true that in the world we’re going to face lots of challenges but those are actually good tools to help us to exercise our knowledge of God’s sovereignty over our lives. Let us take every opportunity to explore the wonderful ways the Lord has laid down before us, not to get troubled but instead, in trouble to be victorious.
I believe ultimately the greater lesson to be learned is not how to skip problems in life but rather how to trust the Lord when they come our way or when we find ourselves right in the midst of complex circumstances and trials.
As 21st Century men, despite all the resources and services at our disposal to assist us in handling difficult issues in life, we should not underestimate the simple but powerful tool that prayer is. We need to develop a prayer lifestyle, tailor made by us to fit our very own pace of life. The paradigm that praying is a sign of weakness needs to be broken. On the very contrary, to pray about everything in your life is to be in control. It is to trust in God’s power for everything.
What I call “The Gospel of a Trouble Free Life” or “The TROUBLE FREE GOSPEL” will not pass the test of time because sooner or later we are going to face our own share of small and big difficulties in life. Problems are a reality of life. How we deal with them, nevertheless, reflects how close our walking with God is.
Our daily lives naturally will bring to us unrequested portions of frustration and anxiety. It’s a fact of life, period. But to be free from anxiety we need to practice talking to God everyday. We need to put into practice 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxieties on him because he cares for you.”. It so simple, isn’t it?
We men, need to learn to face problems like a man, that is “to trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones”. (Proverbs 3:5-8)
If we do it God will fulfill His promise to us as said by Isaiah the Prophet: “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)
It is possible to live a Worry Free Life if we face each day and every single problem like a man, like a real, godly man.
Have a wonderful day ahead of you!
Wednesday, February 10
Qualified to Serve
By Chan Eu-Gene
10 Feb 2010
We live in a world that constantly judges, whether consciously or subconsciously.
We are somehow immersed into the judging game where we would constantly judge whether someone (or something) qualifies based on a set of criteria. When we do that, we typically ask ourselves whether he/she has a paper qualification (e.g. a degree, or certificate), or a competency (the required knowledge and skills), or sometimes experience. In other words, we examine a person’s qualifications.
When my wife, who’s a recruiter, qualifies a candidate, she assesses him/her based on criteria such as the person’s experience, personality, skills, etc. She basically asks, “Does this candidate have the qualifications to fit into the role or the company?” And you and I know that in the context of job hunting, one’s qualifications matter. What we state in our resume – our qualifications – could be a deciding factor as far as getting a job interview is concerned.
Likewise, when I was a consultant, the same principles apply. During the process of bidding for a job or contract, we would be asked about our qualifications, both the consultants’ as well as the firm’s – “What’s our related past experience? Are we credible?”. Our qualifications, as demonstrated by our past engagements, matter because they serve as an indicative measure of whether we are capable of successfully delivering any future related work.
As much as qualifications matter within the business world, it also does matter outside of it, say, in the context of relationships – “Does this person “qualify” to be my boyfriend, girlfriend, spouse?”. What are we looking for here? We look for compatibility, common interests, chemistry, physical attributes, etc. Or simply all of the above! (Gone were the old days where relationships and marriages were arranged and we had to just accept it and make it work.) Qualifications do carry some weight in this world we live in.
But here’s the question for us to ponder – if the world we live in judges us by the qualifications we have (or do not have), does the same apply to God when he calls us into action? In other words, does God also look for certain qualifications in us before we can serve Him? (Note: the question here is not about whether there are qualifications for us to be saved, but to serve Him.)
Let’s look at this particular passage from Scipture - 2 Corinthians 3:1-6:
Paul tells the church at Corinth that he, together with Silas, Timothy, etc., all whom have been to Corinth, that they are servants from God (2 Cor 2:17). They are God’s instruments, appointed by God Himself, and they do not need any letter of recommendation from anyone to confirm that (2 Cor 3:1). Instead they have something better – the transformed lives of the Corinth church, which by itself, is a truly remarkable “letter of recommendation” from God Himself. They are public, living examples and outcomes from Paul’s ministry, for all others to see and therefore believe in Him (2 Cor 3:2-3). They are Paul’s credentials. His qualifications.
There was a farmer in South Africa who lived with his family among the Zulus. Like many of us, he was once a non-believer, but he eventually accepted Christ at a Sunday service during which he was convicted by the Holy Spirit. Since then, his life changed. God began to use him, first in small, seemingly trivial things. For example, he would tell this farmer, “Angus, I want you to share about Me with the next 3 people you meet.” Of course, this farmer felt embarrassed to speak about his new-found faith to his friends, who were non-believers.
As he begins to walk, day-by-day, with God, God also began to increase his faith in Him. When he was fighting a bush fire in the middle of a drought, the farmer told his servant, “We should pray for rain now because God answers prayers.” The servant, being a Zulu non-believer, dismissed that suggestion. But the farmer prayed as though he was praying for his life (in a way, he was because the bush fire was on the verge of consuming the entire forest of trees). God heard, and rain soon came pouring down... in the middle of a drought!
God used that single miraculous encounter for the farmer to start sharing about his faith in the Almighty. This is the true story of Angus Buchan, which is beautifully portrayed in the movie, “Faith Like Potatoes.” I’m sure that each of us would have our own stories to share about how we came to serving Him.
When God calls us into service, He judges us not by our qualifications. In fact, he may call upon the “weak” or under-qualified so that the “strong” may acknowledge Him. For He says, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Cor 12:9).
To put it simply:
In order to serve Him effectively, though, we need to meet His standards – yes, God does spell out, in quite specific terms, the requirements for all of us who are His ambassadors on earth – a subject for future discussion.
10 Feb 2010
We live in a world that constantly judges, whether consciously or subconsciously.
“Is this good enough?”
“Isn’t this better?”
“He/She’s not cut out for you.”
etc.
We are somehow immersed into the judging game where we would constantly judge whether someone (or something) qualifies based on a set of criteria. When we do that, we typically ask ourselves whether he/she has a paper qualification (e.g. a degree, or certificate), or a competency (the required knowledge and skills), or sometimes experience. In other words, we examine a person’s qualifications.
When my wife, who’s a recruiter, qualifies a candidate, she assesses him/her based on criteria such as the person’s experience, personality, skills, etc. She basically asks, “Does this candidate have the qualifications to fit into the role or the company?” And you and I know that in the context of job hunting, one’s qualifications matter. What we state in our resume – our qualifications – could be a deciding factor as far as getting a job interview is concerned.
Likewise, when I was a consultant, the same principles apply. During the process of bidding for a job or contract, we would be asked about our qualifications, both the consultants’ as well as the firm’s – “What’s our related past experience? Are we credible?”. Our qualifications, as demonstrated by our past engagements, matter because they serve as an indicative measure of whether we are capable of successfully delivering any future related work.
As much as qualifications matter within the business world, it also does matter outside of it, say, in the context of relationships – “Does this person “qualify” to be my boyfriend, girlfriend, spouse?”. What are we looking for here? We look for compatibility, common interests, chemistry, physical attributes, etc. Or simply all of the above! (Gone were the old days where relationships and marriages were arranged and we had to just accept it and make it work.) Qualifications do carry some weight in this world we live in.
But here’s the question for us to ponder – if the world we live in judges us by the qualifications we have (or do not have), does the same apply to God when he calls us into action? In other words, does God also look for certain qualifications in us before we can serve Him? (Note: the question here is not about whether there are qualifications for us to be saved, but to serve Him.)
Let’s look at this particular passage from Scipture - 2 Corinthians 3:1-6:
Paul tells the church at Corinth that he, together with Silas, Timothy, etc., all whom have been to Corinth, that they are servants from God (2 Cor 2:17). They are God’s instruments, appointed by God Himself, and they do not need any letter of recommendation from anyone to confirm that (2 Cor 3:1). Instead they have something better – the transformed lives of the Corinth church, which by itself, is a truly remarkable “letter of recommendation” from God Himself. They are public, living examples and outcomes from Paul’s ministry, for all others to see and therefore believe in Him (2 Cor 3:2-3). They are Paul’s credentials. His qualifications.
1Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? 2You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. 3You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.However, while Paul is quick and confident in proclaiming this, he also explains that these qualifications have not been achieved through mere human efforts. Rather, these qualifications have been bestowed on them by God (2 Cor 3:4-6). God, our God, has made Paul’s ministry competent. God called them to service, and made them qualified. When God calls us to serve Him, He makes us qualified as well. Amen.
4Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. 5Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. 6He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
There was a farmer in South Africa who lived with his family among the Zulus. Like many of us, he was once a non-believer, but he eventually accepted Christ at a Sunday service during which he was convicted by the Holy Spirit. Since then, his life changed. God began to use him, first in small, seemingly trivial things. For example, he would tell this farmer, “Angus, I want you to share about Me with the next 3 people you meet.” Of course, this farmer felt embarrassed to speak about his new-found faith to his friends, who were non-believers.
As he begins to walk, day-by-day, with God, God also began to increase his faith in Him. When he was fighting a bush fire in the middle of a drought, the farmer told his servant, “We should pray for rain now because God answers prayers.” The servant, being a Zulu non-believer, dismissed that suggestion. But the farmer prayed as though he was praying for his life (in a way, he was because the bush fire was on the verge of consuming the entire forest of trees). God heard, and rain soon came pouring down... in the middle of a drought!
God used that single miraculous encounter for the farmer to start sharing about his faith in the Almighty. This is the true story of Angus Buchan, which is beautifully portrayed in the movie, “Faith Like Potatoes.” I’m sure that each of us would have our own stories to share about how we came to serving Him.
When God calls us into service, He judges us not by our qualifications. In fact, he may call upon the “weak” or under-qualified so that the “strong” may acknowledge Him. For He says, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Cor 12:9).
To put it simply:
Anyone can serve God.
In fact, everyone should serve God when He calls.
All of us serve Him together in our own distinctive, unique way.
(That’s why He gives each of us different spiritual gifts. What’s yours?)
In order to serve Him effectively, though, we need to meet His standards – yes, God does spell out, in quite specific terms, the requirements for all of us who are His ambassadors on earth – a subject for future discussion.
Wednesday, February 3
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Saturday, January 30
When Men Need Men
By Pastor Olinto
27 Jan 2010
You might have heard about, or watched, the movie “Black Hawk Down”. The movie tells a true story based on a top secret mission undertaken by the U.S. Army Special Forces to Mogadishu, Somalia in October of 1993. The enemy was the jihadist militia run by Somalian warlord Mohammed Farrah Aidid.
To make a long story short, in order to stop the bloodshed, on orders from President Bill Clinton, U.S. Army Rangers and Delta Special Forces were sent in to capture General Aidid.
The assault was very successful; roughly 21 people were captured and loaded on trucks to start the journey back to the U.S. base for interrogations. As the commandos were trying to get out of the city, one of their recognizance and backup helicopters was shot down. With that crash everything changed. Other teams needed to be sent in to rescue the helicopter’s crew. In order to reach the crash site they needed to fight their way in house by house, street by street. A very emotional scene to watch, specially knowing that it actually took place.
What stands out for me as I remember this movie, is a particular scene in which the major-sergeant, is bringing back to base some of the wounded and dead soldiers. The army Land Rover is bloody showing a very graphic picture of what was happening inside the city as troops are trying to get out. The Major-sergeant asks the soldiers to reload the car with ammunition so that he can go back. The soldiers couldn’t believe it. He was lucky to be alive but wanted to go back. So they asked the sergeant. “Are you doing it for patriotism? To prove courage?”
“No! It’s no longer for the nation or to prove courage. I’m doing it for my brothers out there!”
In real life, it’s true, that as men we don’t like to admit that we need other men in our lives. We like to think we can do things on our own or by ourselves and always be triumphant without a fault. Of course, that macho attitude is very much ingrained in all us men. The great reality though, is that we do need men in our lives so that we can share and convey our own needs to one another.
In the book of Proverbs chapter 18 verse 24 it reads “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother”.
The text by itself is very clear and self-explanatory. Actually we can have a friend that can become closer than a biological brother. What the Scripture is teaching us here is that it’s possible to have a relationship developed with friends in such a way that it becomes stronger than the one we may experience within our own biological family. Can you imagine that?
Also in the book of Proverbs in chapter 17 verse 17 it says that “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity”.
Yes! We do need friends - good ones, so that we can stand together, especially in times of adversity.
The city of Macau is a very tough place to live without friends. It has proven unbearable to some. This is what this prayer breakfast is all about. We come to develop friendship – true friendships, so that we can count on each other, pray and support each other, and to help one another in times of adversity.
Like the major-sergeant said in the movie, it’s not for the country or to prove courage. It’s for our brothers.
Let us enjoy our times together and use them to forge great friendships. God Bless us all!
27 Jan 2010
You might have heard about, or watched, the movie “Black Hawk Down”. The movie tells a true story based on a top secret mission undertaken by the U.S. Army Special Forces to Mogadishu, Somalia in October of 1993. The enemy was the jihadist militia run by Somalian warlord Mohammed Farrah Aidid.
To make a long story short, in order to stop the bloodshed, on orders from President Bill Clinton, U.S. Army Rangers and Delta Special Forces were sent in to capture General Aidid.
The assault was very successful; roughly 21 people were captured and loaded on trucks to start the journey back to the U.S. base for interrogations. As the commandos were trying to get out of the city, one of their recognizance and backup helicopters was shot down. With that crash everything changed. Other teams needed to be sent in to rescue the helicopter’s crew. In order to reach the crash site they needed to fight their way in house by house, street by street. A very emotional scene to watch, specially knowing that it actually took place.
What stands out for me as I remember this movie, is a particular scene in which the major-sergeant, is bringing back to base some of the wounded and dead soldiers. The army Land Rover is bloody showing a very graphic picture of what was happening inside the city as troops are trying to get out. The Major-sergeant asks the soldiers to reload the car with ammunition so that he can go back. The soldiers couldn’t believe it. He was lucky to be alive but wanted to go back. So they asked the sergeant. “Are you doing it for patriotism? To prove courage?”
“No! It’s no longer for the nation or to prove courage. I’m doing it for my brothers out there!”
In real life, it’s true, that as men we don’t like to admit that we need other men in our lives. We like to think we can do things on our own or by ourselves and always be triumphant without a fault. Of course, that macho attitude is very much ingrained in all us men. The great reality though, is that we do need men in our lives so that we can share and convey our own needs to one another.
In the book of Proverbs chapter 18 verse 24 it reads “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother”.
The text by itself is very clear and self-explanatory. Actually we can have a friend that can become closer than a biological brother. What the Scripture is teaching us here is that it’s possible to have a relationship developed with friends in such a way that it becomes stronger than the one we may experience within our own biological family. Can you imagine that?
Also in the book of Proverbs in chapter 17 verse 17 it says that “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity”.
Yes! We do need friends - good ones, so that we can stand together, especially in times of adversity.
The city of Macau is a very tough place to live without friends. It has proven unbearable to some. This is what this prayer breakfast is all about. We come to develop friendship – true friendships, so that we can count on each other, pray and support each other, and to help one another in times of adversity.
Like the major-sergeant said in the movie, it’s not for the country or to prove courage. It’s for our brothers.
Let us enjoy our times together and use them to forge great friendships. God Bless us all!
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