Teatree

2:4 還 是 你 藐 視 他 豐 富 的 恩 慈 、 寬 容 、 忍 耐 、 不 曉 得 他 的 恩 慈 是 領 你 悔 改 呢 ．

2:5 你 竟 任 著 你 剛 硬 不 悔 改 的 心 、 為 自 己 積 蓄 忿 怒 、 以 致 　 神 震 怒 、 顯 他 公 義 審 判 的 日 子 來 到 。

Lord, I confess that I have been 積 蓄 忿 怒 for a while before and it bottled up. I know it is time for me to confess and
repent. It is time to reflect on my
relationship with you and my family again.
Perhaps, there are hurts but I should not use them as an excuse for my
over-indulgence behaviour. Lord, Help me
to face myself and face the past hurts and pain. Help me to stay close to you because I lost
what was once precious to me - my intimate relationship with you. Lord, it is
so good to be able to write to you, to talk to you with my whole heart. Help me to have you as my center, my very
core being. Replace the rotten self with
this new self with new wine skin with new wine.
Let me once again soak in your renewing wine.

2:1 你 這 論 斷 人 的 、 無 論 你 是 誰 、 也 無 可 推 諉 、 你 在 甚 麼 事 上 論 斷 人 、 就 在 甚 麼 事 上 定 自 己 的 罪 ． 因 你 這 論 斷 人 的 、 自 己 所 行 卻 和 別 人 一 樣 。

2:2 我 們 知 道 這 樣 行 的 人 、 　 神 必 照 真 理 審 判 他 。

2:3 你 這 人 哪 、 你 論 斷 行 這 樣 事 的 人 、 自 己 所 行 的 卻 和 別 人 一 樣 、 你 以 為 能 逃 脫 　 神 的 審 判 麼 。

We judged people and we judged those who
judged people. wow! Who are we to judge?
Yes, I agree that we should not point finger at someone without first examining
ourselves whether we were doing the same thing.
Therefore, as we point finger at certain unjust thing, God also pointing
finger at us. Lord, however, I felt
that even we are not yet perfect and still prompt to sin, we should voice out
injustice while at the same time, examining ourselves and confessing our sin
and moving on to try to stay on course.
Am I being the doer again? What I
am saying is that we should not let our passion and compassion die down but
disregarding the injustice around us. Basically, you are saying here that we
will be judged the same. I guess so be
it if we are making attempt to stay away the injustice that we criticise.

2:6 他 必 照 各 人 的 行 為 報 應 各 人 ．

2:7 凡 恆 心 行 善 、 尋 求 榮 耀 尊 貴 、 和 不 能 朽 壞 之 福 的 、 就 以 永 生 報 應 他 們 ．

2:8 惟 有 結 黨 不 順 從 真 理 、 反 順 從 不 義 的 、 就 以 忿 怒 惱 恨 報 應 他 們 ．

2:9 將 患 難 、 困 苦 、 加 給 一 切 作 惡 的 人 、 先 是 猶 太 人 、 後 是 希 利 尼 人 ．

2:10 卻 將 榮 耀 、 尊 貴 、 平 安 、 加 給 一 切 行 善 的 人 、 先 是 猶 太 人 、 後 是 希 利 尼 人 ．

2:11 因
為 　 神 不 偏 待 人 。

加 給 together with "No
temptation has ceased you except what is common to man." seem to tell me that in our lives, there are
already 患 難 、 困 苦, 榮 耀 、 尊 貴 、 平 安. Is that right, Lord? You were not saying, there will not be
suffering in our lives. However as we
continue do good, there will be 榮 耀 、 尊 貴 、 平 安 . Is that right,
Lord? Somehow, I found You are very very
honest to your words. You did not lie to
us but it is just that we mis-read and mistakenly believe there might be less
suffering and pain for Christians. Lord,
you promise peace during tribulation.
This is my prayer for my HC members that you know you even more and be
closer to you. and most important of
all, they will 行 善 more that 榮 耀 、 尊 貴 、 平 安 may be added to them as well.

It is so good to be able to soak in your
words. Lord, please help me to be more relevant
to the world around me. Guide me and
lead me!

Please help me to understand Malachi
2:10-16 and see how it is relevant to me.

羅 1:16我不以福音為恥；這福音本是　神的大能﹐要救一切相信的﹐先是猶太人﹐後是希臘人。

Reason 1

羅 1:17因為　神的義正在這福音上顯明出來；這義是本於信﹐以致於信。如經上所記：「義人必因信得生。」

羅 1:18原來﹐　神的忿怒從天上顯明在一切不虔不義的人身上﹐就是那些行不義阻擋真理的人。羅 1:19神的事情﹐人所能知道的﹐原顯明在人心裡﹐因為　神已經給他們顯明。羅 1:20自從造天地以來﹐　神的永能和神性是明明可知的﹐雖是眼不能見﹐但藉著所造之物就可以曉得﹐叫人無可推諉。

羅 1:21因為﹐他們雖然知道　神﹐卻不當作　神榮耀他﹐也不感謝他。他們的思念變為虛妄﹐無知的心就昏暗了。羅 1:22自稱為聰明﹐反成了愚拙﹐羅 1:23將不能朽壞之　神的榮耀變為偶像﹐彷彿必朽壞的人和飛禽﹑走獸﹑昆蟲的樣式。

Consequence of 故意不認識神

羅 1:24所以﹐　神任憑他們逞著心裡的情慾行污穢的事﹐以致彼此玷辱自己的身體。羅 1:25他們將　神的真實變為虛謊﹐去敬拜事奉受造之物﹐不敬奉那造物的主；

主乃是可稱頌的﹐直到永遠。阿們！

羅 1:26因此﹐　神任憑他們放縱可羞恥的情慾。他們的女人把順性的用處變為逆性的用處；羅 1:27男人也是如此﹐棄了女人順性的用處﹐慾火攻心﹐彼此貪戀﹐男和男行可羞恥的事﹐就在自己身上受這妄為當得的報應。

羅 1:28他們既然故意不認識　神﹐　神就任憑他們存邪僻的心﹐行那些不合理的事；羅 1:29裝滿了各樣不義﹑邪惡﹑貪婪﹑惡毒（或譯：陰毒）﹐滿心是嫉妒﹑凶殺﹑爭競﹑詭詐﹑毒恨；羅 1:30又是讒毀的﹑背後說人的﹑怨恨　神的（或譯：被　神所憎惡的）﹑侮慢人的﹑狂傲的﹑自誇的﹑捏造惡事的﹑違背父母的。羅 1:31無知的﹐背約的﹐無親情的﹐不憐憫人的。

ð Please forgive my
sin. My sin of purposedly not knowing
you.

ð Please forgive me
for the things which I have done which are not pleasing to you.

ð Please clear up my
heart and mind

羅 1:32他們雖知道　神判定行這樣事的人是當死的﹐然而他們不但自己去行﹐還喜歡別人去行。

神的事情﹐人所能知道的﹐原顯明在人心裡…叫人無可推諉。叫我無可推諉!!!!

Lord, pls forgive my insolence. My purposely knowing you but purposely
testing how far I could depart from you.
I did not experienced the freedom as I broke from you. Lord,
thanks for reminding me of this passage.

Thanks for coming back and seeking out for me Lord! Thank you for not
giving up on me. Lord, I pray that I could
be like you more each day. Help to see
more clearing. As you said, 他們雖然知道　神﹐卻不當作　神榮耀他﹐也不感謝他。他們的思念變為虛妄﹐無知的心就昏暗了。 I do not wish my
mind to be 虛妄昏暗. So Help me God!
Help me to stay on course. Help
me to remember this passage.

羅 馬 書 1

1 耶 穌 基 督 的 僕 人 保 羅 ， 奉 召 為 使 徒 ， 特 派 傳 神 的 福 音 。

2 這 福 音 是 神 從 前 藉 眾 先 知 在 聖 經 上 所 應 許 的 ，

3 論 到 他 兒 子 ─ 我 主 耶 穌 基 督 。 按 肉 體 說 ， 是 從 大 衛 後 裔 生 的 ；

4 按 聖 善 的 靈 說 ， 因 從 死 裡 復 活 ， 以 大 能 顯 明 是 神 的 兒 子 。

5 我 們 從 他 受 了 恩 惠 並 使 徒 的 職 分 ， 在 萬 國 之 中 叫 人 為 他 的 名 信 服 真 道 (因信而順服) ；

6 其 中 也 有 你 們 這 蒙 召 屬 耶 穌 基 督 的 人 。

7 我 寫 信 給 你 們 在 羅 馬 、 為 神 所 愛 、 奉 召 作 聖 徒 的 眾 人 。 願 恩 惠 、 平 安 從 我 們 的 父 神 並 主 耶 穌 基 督 歸 與 你 們 ！

Romans 1

1Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set
apart for the gospel of God— 2the gospel he promised beforehand through his
prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3regarding his Son, who as to his human nature
was a descendant of David, 4and who through the Spirit[a] of holiness was
declared with power to be the Son of God[b] by his resurrection from the dead:
Jesus Christ our Lord. 5Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace
and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience
that comes from faith. 6And you also are among those who are called to belong
to Jesus Christ.

7To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints:

Grace and peace to you from God our
Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

信 服 真 道

(因信而順服)

Call ... to the obedience that comes from faith

Friday - God's reminder of old have past and everything is new. I
am not me anymore but a new person in Christ. A call to obedience.
He then rewarded me with wonderful fellowship / worship time. Fung Fung
prepared a worship session during the pastoral meeting. It was beautiful
and the effort people place in it was wonderful. I was touched by the
thoughtfulness of Christ. He blessed me with a present which only the
group is privileged to have. It was the worship in truth and in
spirit. So, I cried because it is not a common gift. It is indeed a
privilege to have such experience. The beauty of the worship touched my heart,
particularly the part when Eric read out Elijah's passage.

Faith and Obedience is the issue that I have at the moment. I do
not have faith or enough faith some time to go on to each day of life with the
joy and peace and hope that I should have. There are times I remembered
that the Lord and his grace. Life is still of full of many presets /
gifts from the Lord and I was still able to comprehend. But yet, the
moment of blue strikes, I am down and about. I do not feel secured in Him. I
felt lost and emptied inside.

Lord, I saw Nathan's face fleshing through. He looked so
sad. Lord, please help to smooth the pain that filled his heard.
Does he feel emptied? Help his father and family. Lord, there are times
we feel so hopeless with our family. I prayed and prayed...or I thought I
did. Perhaps, I have not been doing a proper job. In short, I did
not see u coming thru OR should I say, I have forgotten the time when you did
come through and all I remember is the fall / bad experience being
repeated.

"No temptation has seized us except what is not common to
man." So temptation will not cease but I guess it takes time adapt
and I guess for me. I only see it coming again and again and felt
frustrated because there does not seem victory. However, I forgot there
were victories of the past. I forgot that things were calmed down and
settled or if not, it was tuned down and the next attack is less effective each
time, hopefully. Lord, are you telling me that you are the key to tuned
down the effect of each crisis if we involved you in the equation. Lord, please
help me to involve you each time. Please help me to build the emotional and spiritual
strength during each interval of attack / temptation from the enemy.

Lord, please help to over "the lust of eye". This
was the message you have given on last Friday night and Enoch fellowship with
Matthew.

Adultery

27"You have heard that it
was said, 'Do not commit adultery.28But I tell you that anyone who looks at
a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29If
your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is
better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be
thrown into hell. 30And if your right hand causes you to sin cut it off and
throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your
whole body to go into hell.

31"It has been said, 'Anyone
who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.' 32But I tell you
that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes
her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits
adultery.

Sat - I crumbled with internet comics. I watched and watched
internet comics without ceasing and failed to do what I planned to do - Hebrew
exegesis. Lord, you then reminded me again on Sunday thru bible study on
genesis 3

The Fall of Man

1 Now the serpent was more
crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the
woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the
garden'?"

2 The woman said to the
serpent, "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did
say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden,
and you must not touch it, or you will die.' "

4 "You will not surely
die," the serpent said to the woman. 5 "For God knows that when you
eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and
evil."

6 When the woman saw that
the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and
also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some
to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of
them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves
together and made coverings for themselves.

It would seem that it is particularly easy for one to fall into the
temptation of the lust of eyes. Sins / disobedience came through
eyes.

I guess my ears are not sensitive of your voices telling me not to watch
these comics and I let my heart desires to govern. But I forgot, you have
reminded me that I am no longer the old self but a new person in Christ.
One being free to say no for overindulgence.

This morning, you reminded me that I am called to obey. My
salvation tied with obedience. We died because of Adam's sin /
disobedience. Now, we lived through Christ with his obedience to Father
God. With the trinity in mind, JC was obedience to the triune God
which means JC's flesh / body also submit to JC's mind/ will and spirit.

A A Call to obedience (with a
preview of new Heaven) – Thursday

B
Message on “lust of the eyes” (Matthew 5) which speaks of

Warning ahead- Friday

C Fallen on the internet comics – Sat

B’ Message on “lust of eyes” (Genesis 3) which speaks of

God’s love despite the fall of man - Sun

A’ A Call to obedience (Roman 1:5) -
Wed

"The strictest daily discipline is necessary to hold these passions in check. The flesh must learn the painful lesson that it has no right of it own. " - Richard Foster Celebration of Disciplines.

The pride of life = pretentious egoism

the lust of eyes = the tendency to be captivated by the outward show.

The result of this daily discipline of the flesh will be the rise of the grace of humility.

There is a difference between choosing to serve and choosing to be a servant.

Reflection on life:

• I told friend to call if he cannot find the umbrella last sat when it was pouring. then when he asked me
  ask "does that mean that i will go over even in the pouring rain?" I
  hesitated. I simply said "call me if u really cannot find one."
  ==> obviously, still need work on my "selfless"
  
  
• last week, a friend of
  mine need sb to witness her documents for submission of an
  application. her dad was in critical condition at hospital. I managed
  to find a "selfless" friend who do not know my friend at all. She is
  willing to go to hospital that night to witness the document even she
  has to work overtime that night till 9pm.

different types of service

• service of small things, which is a daily service.
• service of hiddenness
• service of guarding the reputation of others
• service of being served (gracefully)
• service of common courtesy
• service of hospitality
• service of listening (often the correct answers are the hidenrace to listening for we become more anxious to give the answer than to hear)
• service of bearing the burdens of each other
• service of sharing the word of Life with one another

When a person is being hurt, there is a time for withdrawal.

• to recover clarity
• to recover the sense
• to reframing
• to reflect
• not to cut off permanently

we must appreciate the offender is also precious in God's eyes.

can u trust the person again? the ans is no. h/e, there is an element of risk taking one step at a time. each little step build the trust bit by bit. The level of trust goes up and time. there is no guarantee. Risk and trust go back and forth till a relationship is geniuninely rebulit.

==> experience "love yr neighbour + enemy"

there are many ways to go about the forgiving. it may be silence.

beaware of the different culture, background etc. We have to find a language that both person can communicate.

A summary of a seminar on spirituality of Forgiving by David Ausburger on 27 March 2009.

It invovles two parties. are they speaking from the same frequency?

for the one to ask for forgiveness:

• both speaking and listening to the others
• are u just asking for a release or r u truly seeking a reconciliation? it is not a uniliteral release!!!
• it is more than just seeking a better relationship

1. civility => raise mercy
2. acceptance
3. co-humanity =>see other as equal to you, as value subject, empathy,

biblical understanding of forgivness:

• mutualy recognised repentance
  
• authentical rebuilding trust relationship
• right relationship restored - reconciliation

How can I show my genuiness? <=== very important Q to ask ourselves and the one who got hurted.

Forgivness is conditional and not unconditional. Matt 5, 18, ==> "if"

human forgivness and divine forgivness should be viewed with the same paradigm. ==> "so", "as the father forgives u"...

caring for the enemy who dispisefully used u!!

Often, people said that blessings and curses from God is all contingent. But I questioned. Yes, there are times we do not know whether and when God will ever answer our prayers; we do not know if you will come to save/ help people when they are in danagers/ needs. However, I do not agree this view that you are total contingent. Yes, you have the absolute sovereignty and perogative.

However, I believe your faithfulness. As you said, you are faithful even we are faithless. Lord, I have been unfaithful to you beccause you are not the center of my life for a long time. However, you have never given on me. Time after time, your message will come through to comfort me.

Richard Foster said tongues is our spiritual thermometer. I am obviously not in my spiritual high, or one can even say, spiritual low. Lord, please help me!

1. Christian Spirituality begins with a response to the call of Spirit to spirit.
2. CS is rooted in a commitment to JC and a transformation approach to life
3. CS is nurtured by means of grace
4. CS involes a deep knowing of JC & through Him, the Father, Son and the Spirit
5. CS requires a deep knwoing of oneself
6. CS leads to the realization of the unique self whom God ordained we shoud be.
7. CS is uniquely developed within the context of suffering ==> this is not often spoken in church.
8. CS is manifest by a sharing of the goodness of God's loving others & in care for his ceation ==> creation mandate, environmental...
9. CS expresses that goodness in celebration in Christian community
   

Hurry, crowdedness, noise are 3 killers to spirituality.

very often, we neglect our inner self.

To help ppl to be in touch with God, the key element is "rest".

Rest = Restricted

Environmental

Stimulation

Therapy

It is so important to keep a sabbath time/ day. Let's God be God. We let go of control. To cultivate "rest" in church. Let's our brothers and sisters to enter into the presence / silence / solitude in the Lord.

Spiritual discipline is both grace from God as well as taking our own responsibility. It is both. It is like going to see the sun rise. It requires our discipline to get up early but it is grace whethe we can actually see the sun / encounter God. We need be ready and prepared.

Without God, we cannot !With us, God will not!!

Good books to read:Larry Crabb "The Shattered Dreams: God's Unexpected Path to Joy"' and David, "Care of the Souls"

The
first day of a 3 day camp for Theology Exploration camp. I have
lined up with Ling to have lunch with her. Coming back to
Breakthrough village after one and half year was indeed an
experience. At first, I was surprised to see many new faces. As I
get to walk around a bit, I started to bump into old friends.
People I have not seen long time – Joe, Kiu, Teddy, AV Fai,
Betty.... many many familiar faces....but time was too rush to
really catch up other than just hi an bye. I still feel great to
come back.

The
Lord has been great. My group started to warm up quite a bit tonight
during the sharing time. They are really people. Loving God,
seeking Him, seeking His will....Lord, I lift each one of them up to
your hands and ask for your guidance. You are a great God. Please
give me wisdom to share what in Your heart. Please speak to them
and I pray that they all have a humble and obedient heart to follow
hard after you.

They
are beautiful children of yours and I pray that they truly experience
your love in a deeper way and that they will look at themselves just
the way you look at them. Encourage them. They are worthy of your
love not because how great they are , how good they follow your order
but simply because of the blood of JC, JC's sacrificial love, simply
because they are your creation whom you said is good.

Lord,
I thank you for your message from Daniel. You used Jonah to remind
me. It seems I really have to work on the issue of obedience. I
really did not have the will power to refrain myself from reading
novels from net. Even though some of them are really crape. I do not
seem to be able to stop myself from. Lord, pls help me.

I
know you want me to understand the true meaning of calling and
ministry It is not really the means or the ultimate goal but the
process of getting involved with you, to know you and to be loved by
you. Lord, My dear God, My love , My all in all. Please fill my
heart with awe and your amazing love.

Thanks
so much to remind me that all these things that you did for Jonah, an
ungrateful and disobedient son. The whole of the book of Jonah is
about God's interaction with Jonah and not so much on the salvation
of Nineveh Nineveh is just a means of leading Jonah closer to you
and understand your pathos, your passion, your love. Lord, I thank
you and thank you for everything things. I look forward to hv a
closer encounter with you. I need you, O Lord.

Reflection on Christian eduction :

1. student expectation & attitude

2. course provided

Mismatch? when we look into the future, can student also match that forward looking perspective?

hidden course? e.g. chapel time, practicum, spiritual group, retreat....

head knowledge takes time to transform into heart knowledge and intergrated into our lives. DON'T TEACH ABOUT IT BY REPEATING WHAT HAS JUST LEARNED!!!

This is indeed what I have been pondering whether we shoulld have a meditation retreat. Perhaps, we termed it into an experience journey together. Things takes time to transform. Perhaps, we should emphasis to the group member that we are seeking the path together..... Lord, Please guide us. Please help us to hv a healthy attitude in planning. Lord, I lift up T, S and JS and myself to you. Lord, please condition our hearts that our hearts be aligned with you. Lord, help us to reflect on our attitude and may each one of us to have a cheerful but yet humbling and willing hearts to serve and love our fellow bro and sisters.

Let us not be a parrot and repeat what we saw and read but rather let us have a humble heart to learn to seek after you.

We need accountablity in our studying life, life time learning. We need a open mind to appreciate the goodness in others. Lord, please keep the desire to seek after You and Your words going going.

I experienced a sense of heart burn from eating too much lately. But do I really enjoy them. Perhaps, not so much. When is the moment which I most enjoy my life? It was when I thought of God's love and His loving care.

In many ways, I lost my intimacy with the Lord. Many functions / activities I attended is more of maintaining relationship with other and not so much of enjoying the relationship. Lord, pls help me to enjoy this abundant life that you hae blessed me with. From all the circumstances, it is a life of abundance but I did enjoy as fully as I should. Why Why Why ?

Lord, thanks for reminding me through the sharing last week by Bruce and the wonderful praising time. I was reminded that Jesus' ministry is a life and death ministry. It is not something which we should take lightly. There are still many who do not know you and who are under bondage. In fact, in many ways, I am tied down by my own fleshly desires and my own selfishness. Lord, please forgive me and take me out of the mess. Guide me and Lead me to the way of everlasting.

Lord, I lift up my HC members to you. Each one of them are precious to you. I pray for stronger bonding amongst us and we could truly become one big family. I have not been putting my 100% into it. Please help me to realign my focus. The things that need to be done. I pray that I could do them efficiently.

Lord, I need to just soak into your presence, your everlasting presence. HS, overflow me with Your love, joy peace, kindness, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, patience and self-control. HS overflow me and transform me. Please transform my relationship with my parents. Please take away the fear in them. Please help me to be gentle with them and be patience to work thru to help to alleviate their fear. Please save them. In JC name I pray.

what is effectiveness? are we using today's standard? we need to contextualise the scenarios and cultural background of stories behind the scripture.

JC admitted that there are things that he did not understand. There are things only the Father knew and JC admitted and accepted this and will not boast.

Good books to read:

"When JC came to Harvard" - Making Moral Choices today by Harvy Cox

Many ppl were seeking truth and guidance for boundary.

The Jesus I never Knew - Philip Yancey

James 1:22 - 25

22Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25But
the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and
continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he
will be blessed in what he does.

26If
anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein
on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. 27Religion
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.

Luke 8:17

For there is nothing
hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not
be known or brought out into the open. 18Therefore
consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more;
whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from
him.

Through Jihae's question on the Luke 18:18 on Monday, God has been reminding me to being a doer of His Word and not just hearing / reading. The Lord keeps reminding me (whenever I have conscious moments) that hearing without doing is dangerous and it is a deception. The general perception is that when we learned certain things, this knowledge become ours and we are thus enriched. As we study the bible, we thought we learned about Christ and we become a better Christian. NO!!! We end up just getting a bigger head. We can only become a better Christian when we live out what JC had taught us. It is indeed a dangerous trap for the house church, for the church. Each week we gather, we shared and we spoke about how we could improve. All talk and no work done afterwards.

Like last Sunday, P. Sam preached on spending. We still go out - eat, drink, buy...as usual. Lord, please forgive me. I really think this is a warning to us, to our TKS house church. I am too ready to forgive myself. Each day, we face this sort of challenges but we could be so numb to sin. Lord, please forgive me for falling for the traps again - I watched too many TV programs. Please help me to focus on you. I am so impressed with Suzanne in how she fasted for the sermon's message. How she wants to be a better Shepherh. Please teach me, O Lord!

Enoch - 7 Nov

Another round of discussion on how the fellowship should run. Many grievences were voiced out. I must say that I was slightly disappointed. Although since the last forum 3 weeks ago and there seem to have been some discussion within the staff committee but it seems that their reflection is still very much primitive. Where is their direction? They wanted more support and intimacy. Like CL had spoken - it is time to see what God wants. I do not think they are up to the maturity of a leader yet. The teacher are very good guide. I think this is so consistent with the message I received about. We know what is neeeded but we have too many excuse: busyness. We know we need prayer but there is no time for prayer. Lord, please give them wisdom, give them a humble heart, give them the heart of persistency and perseverance and a passion to follow hard after you. Perhaps, then , they will pray more and seek your will rather than satifsying their personal needs.

Lord, when you say: "deny yourself and pick up your cross." Is this how we should approach? Lord, I pray that you will help each one of us to learn to love ppl around us, a deeper kind of love and relationship and not a superfical one.

Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish

Every church is guided by God's vision. But we have to know what is God's vision.

Through Pastor Chang of Rhenish, I learned that our shepherding should be guided by our theology ( a theology given by God and transformed and become ours) and from time to time, we should go back and check our decision to make sure that it does not depart from the calling that God has given us. Our theology will affect our decision. Our stand on issues.

This is a way of discernment. You are a consistent God. It is my prayer that I will start to learn more about the theology you have taught me. That way, I could learn how to discern if the vision received is from you and not just by judging whether the vision is doing ppl any good. We can do all things but not every one of them is acceptable. thanks for your reminder.

Just like last sunday, i and a fellow sister from China was trying to evangelise to a girl from China. Then the girl asked if my fellow sister's hubby is a Christian and the reply was "NO...." She even told the girl that she made a conscious choice and her hubby is open to Christ..." Of course I did not say anything on the spot. But in many ways, it is not a good representation and potentially is a stumbling block to other. Yes, I am supportive of her and understand her struggle. But what message are we indeed sending out to other for the sake of 支援和挽回?

The teaching I received ...支援和挽回 We don't really condemn them and will pray one day the hubby will know Christ too. In reality, the church don't hv the energy / resource to care for everyone and sometimes, even the leader did not see anything wrong with it at all.



What I did in the whole event was that I gave her an understanding smile . Perhaps, I should hv a word with her subsequently- just to cautious her not to stumble other. I don't know if there is any good. A choice is made and she has on her part kind of resolved her struggle, so it is a non-issue for her. In all other aspect, she is passionate about God and her joy is to come to church every Sunday. My usual approach...ended up not doing anything at all other than

pray.....



For the true repentance, I was told that you turned back from your sin and make it right with God. You know in the OT, I always saw it very cruel of the leaders to ask the Jews to "divorce" their non-Jewish wife when they returned to Jerusalem. But I guess in the old day, things are tougher than now....

Lord, what is my theology? what approach should we take? There is no hard and fast rule but I know the vision you gave should remain. Teach me O Lord

Every time when I look at my loniness, I cried. There are still so many tears. Yesterday, during my talk with Sandy, Sandy told me that the reason I blame God for the ultimate maker and not give me the ultimate choice for my very existence was a way for me to escape from looking at the wounds. Interestingly, I thought I have been looking at my wounds but making God the scapegoat of everything, I negate all men's responsibilities by blaming on his faulty design.

For some time, I harboured the view that there is design problem in us that we sin, we do selfish things, we hurt ppl. I asked myself: Why do I think so much on this. I guess the Lord's answer was that it lies ahead of the ministry He has set for me in the future.

Sandy said that yes there is no choice for our very existence but there is a choice on how we lead our lives. After hearing that (or was You doing something amazing at that exact point of time) that I have a change of heart. I no longer am so angry for that the lack of the ultimate choice.

She said how is more important. So funny was that the book report on Christ the Center by Bonhoneffer was that it is not the question on "how?" nor "What?" but "Who?" He is God. He is JC. And the question for me as well. "Who am I?" If I take away my identity in the Practicum church; my identity @ home, my identity @ school; my identity @ SP, who am I? This Q is really for the Maker the answer. Lord, who am I? Can you be more specific?

Yes, I know I am Your beloved daughter. In your actions, I experienced your love. Yes, I do have many many "why?" Qs which is ultimately a Q which lead to the "control" issue. It was our training since young. We are taught to ask why? As we continue to grow rich in knowledge and we thought we could do all things. We become the master of our lives. We are no longer willing to submit to God totally. You send Your only Son to show us that there is a better to live our lives and through Your Son, You are giving us a survival kits. We are the chosen ppl that we may hear Your Words and understand and our heart will be healed.

Lord, thanks for releasing me. There are many lies of the enemy. Even my blaming on the design being faulty. Perhaps, it is true that the world is fallen and is getting worse but Your Son is a testimony that Your original design was very good. And you are asking us to show the world that there are better possibility, even though we had become damaged along the way. You will repair us and we are continue to confess and profess that You are the wonderful Maker.

Lord, please forgive me for my disobedience. Please forgive me for my unbelief. Please forgive me to use You as a scapegoat.

When my attempt of not looking at ; not accepting that I was pained which was in the disguise of blaming You is being taken away, my wounds actually started to heal a bit.

Lord, I know I still have so much more tears harboured in me. Please come and heal your daughter.

Sandy asked me do I know what is hurting me. Honestly, I still not able to articulate that hurt. Lord, please help me to see. It is more than lack of love. Even my justification that "man is like that" ; "they are bound to do wrong" does not take away the hurt and pain. I am facing the pain but yet I am not. I was avoiding it. Lord, life is such a paradox.

Who am I? I am Your price showcase to the world. Thanks for the priviledge. This is what I prayed for Stevie last night. I actually gives thank because we understand what Steive and Pearl went through with "brokenness" in our parents' marraige. We are priviledge to be given that opportunity to see you transforming these brokenness through our participation in prayers. Yes, there will be so many uncertainty in the outcome but it was that eternal hope that you were telling us that you are not given up on any of us.

I was talking with Admond on Friday night on ethical issue. How far would we go to do things beyond our moral standard for money. God gave me the answer to the very next morning when I was doing my devotion on Luke 9. Incidentally, it was the topic for the sermon today at SP as well. P. Sam also shared about the same verse today at his sermon too.

Luke 9: 23Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. 25What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? 26If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God."

It is so good to be back to SP. For some odd reason, I was able to soak into the worship so much more. I have so much more interaction with the Lord during worship in comparison to those in Rhenish. It is not that I do not have revelation. Perhaps, Rhenish church tune me in towards the God's channel. i don't know. However, it was so much more in depth when I was at SP. It is so good to be home, so to speak.

Lord, I am still angry with you. But one thing I know for certain. I cannot survive in this world without you. I could never do without you. Otherwise, I will be dragged by the evil one further and further away and deeper and deeper into self. Lord, you are wonderful in many ways but when I look at my case through counseling. Things are being magnified so much more that, I really do not feel fortunate or blessed. yes, you blessed me in many many ways but this overall loniess seems to cover all.

Today during the worship at Rhenish Church, you reminded me of the verse which Dr. Yeung was sharing at the chapel time a few days ago on spiritual pollution. God already knew that the Jews will wish to appoint a King before they went into the promise land. Therefore, God already forwarned them. yet, as usual, man failed terribily. King Soloman breach all. No suprise really!!!!(btw, aren't you bored with them so predicably....)

Deuteronomy 17

The King

14 When
you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you and have taken
possession of it and settled in it, and you say, "Let us set a king
over us like all the nations around us," 15
be sure to appoint over you the king the LORD your God chooses. He must
be from among your own brothers. Do not place a foreigner over you, one
who is not a brother Israelite. 16
The king, moreover, must not acquire great numbers of horses for
himself or make the people return to Egypt to get more of them, for the
LORD has told you, "You are not to go back that way again." 17 He must not take many wives, or his heart will be led astray. He must not accumulate large amounts of silver and gold.

I felt that this passage was also relevant to me. I have been praying that You will be blessed me with a Godly hubby, who loves and cherish me, who walks so closely with you in fear and in awe, who is intelligent and be such a guidance for me in my spiritual walk with you, who is of reasonably good looks and humor. While at the same time, I know that he can never replace you. But yet, how easy it would be. Lord, it was as if I were like the Israelite who replaced you with a King. They no longer want You to rule over them. They preferred to have a King like those nations around them. Yet, you indulge them.

In a way, I am still very much under the curse of Eve in

Genesis 3

16 To the woman he said,

"I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing;

with pain you will give birth to children.

Your desire will be for your husband,

and he will rule over you."

In many ways, my heart still desire for a hubby and to an extent, I hope that he is a leader (while at the same time, i don't know how well it will sit with my strong independency?) I know that you might be giving me a way out of the Eve's curse in this singlehood but....i am not sure I want to take it, Lord. Is this what you are trying to tell me...will I be continue to be in this state...like JC who does not even have a place to rest His head, like JC, there is really not many ppl who understand Him while He is on earth...Like JC, who is being rejected by His own town...Lord, is this really what I am supposed to experience during my time on earth? Perhaps, I really have no right to ask you all these "why?" question. It is the "who?" question that I should be looking at. But I am still very much angry with and dissatified with my current state. Are You giving me a choice? To be single? Will I ever be reaching the state of total contentment in that state? To be under a hubby who will rule over me? Lord, I dare not to make a choice.

However, if it were the later, are these rules to Israelites also applicable to me when I finally meet my hubby? Is he going to have the characters mentioned in the scripture?

Lord, I dare not to make a decision. although you make me realise that one part of me kept rejecting the good things which you have installed for me. Perhaps, I do not want to be responsible. Perhaps, that way, I could still find a way to blame you for all the negative things taken place. Lord, please teach me how not to blame you for all my unhappiness, all my emptiness. Do I just shut these thought off and focus on other because it is no good to dwell.? But then, isn't it that you want me to look at my wounds and be healed by you? Lord, I am desparate for a transformation.

Also, today, I have an awesome time praying with Matt on HC. I can finally cry for my HC. Thanks so much for pouring your love over me that I could sincerely interced for them. I cried especially for those who have be strayed - H and YK. My heart cried out when I saw the picture of the father with opening arm stretching to the prodigal son returning from the dump. Lord, I guess this is the message you have for me, right? You are welcoming me back to your arm. You waited so long but yet, I choose to disobey you...yet I choose the destructive path. Lord, please do not ever give up on me. Please help and lead me to the way everlasting. Please help me to love and to receive love.

I must admit that my faith shaken a bit because of all the negative
news of the economic tsunami. This morning on my way to school, I was
asking God to give me a sign that He will continue to take care of me
when money run out. I am kind of wary of this journey of faith lying
ahead of me. And when I open my email box, I saw Edwin's email telling me that he would like to give me a small gift of offering. What can I say, Lord? You are truly awesome. You know my doubt and you moblise ppl to let me know that you care and you will be my support. Like Angel has said, even if it is only one dollar, it meant so much more. I asked for a sign. You give me a sign. Praise you the God Almighty!

Today is dedication service of Dorset street school. I went to school to help out translation. Perhaps, I was growing up in an "un-patriotic" environment. I do not usually feel proud for this sort of event and today it is of no exception. However, I enjoyed the service and the time when I translated for a person from Cambodia. I knew that I could do a good job and I am pleased that I can be of good use.

Going to Seminary had stripped away a lot of things that I am good at and I guess I have enchored my worth in the things that I am most capable doing. Therefore, helping out in such a way actually gave a sense of worth. Lord, is this not right? I am still very much worldly because I build my identity on what I can do and what I cannot do. Is there a way out? Can I be totally satisfied that I am simply the daughter of God? Am I supposed to ? or is it ok to do so as long as I am not overly relying on that worldly sense of worth?

Dr. Yu shared with us the vision of cgst. It was for the theological education for China. It confirmed that sharing about Chinese in Japan is very important too. We got to equip them so that when these Chinese goes back to China, they will be well equipped to share the gospel and edify the fellow members.

Dr. Wilson Chow's message was amazing too. How he draw the anaology from the scripture of the two mountains in Joshua to the two buildings in our school and he is not hesistant to point out both blessings and curse. Thanks God for these message.

To me, however, the blessing came down to the very basic need. Thanks God for giving me a CD on the Talks on economic Tsunami. Thanks God for the watch with "faith, hope and love" in Greek, thanks God that we could have a group photos, thanks God for sending Tim to lend me the work sheet for Greek homework, thanks God for sending me angels (Florence and her hubby) in giving me a lift home and blessed me with a nice sandwich for the dinner. Thanks God for the free electricity subsidaries from the governemtn. Thanks God for all the wonderful things. These are the comfort God showered me with in echo to the fear I expressed early about the skunke in worth. God is my provider. Lord, thanks so much for showing me that You will keep me going.

Early on, I saw Eva's baby girl. She is adorable. I actually feel content just looking at her and let the time past without feeling wasted. Lord, this beautiful creation of yours is truly amazing. In contrast, Kiran was a total monster and I am still very shocked that I hit him. Lord, I do not know what came over me but I was mad. I do not think I could be a good mother materials. Lord, pls take care of S and SJ and helped them to hv a harmonious family. Please take care of the new baby to come. I pray that k will settle more. Please help me and teach me how to pray for this family.

On 24 August, Enoch held a prayer meeting. Many ppl were late but we ended up with more than 20 ppl. For a 3 and half hour of prayer meeting, it turn out that we only hv 20 mins of prayer leaded the leader with us affirming in silence. Most of the time was sharing about their latest.

It is so important that each will update their needs and there are so much in them and it was kind of long-winded. My task-oriented self keep assessing if this is the best way. It is important for relationship building to get to know each other and it is so lack of because ppl don't communicate throughout the week.

It was good to hear them saying that they made super effort (despite of exhaustion) to come this week because they don't want to miss meeting with the group for two weeks in a roll. They are hungry for fellowship. They treasure this bonding. They want to set an example to others.

It is so important for them to let out their stream and frustration in life. Through their sharing, I saw their needs. There are conflicts between reality and practice of the world against the christian principles and value. They seem not able to anchor themselves and found themselves going with the flow of the cultures. Lord, they need guidace. They need strength. Lord, there have been many sharing on changing the world and mentality but it is hard for them to put in practice. They barely survived. What can be done? Are there anything that I could said and done in support to them? How can I arouse them more?

Lord, they are so different from my monday group. Lord, can you please tell me more about the Monday group that i might be a better vessel to edify them. Lord, i need yr help and strength. I need motivation. I need strength to resist the temptation to waste time. I need u so much so much so much. Please come HS and filled my heart with compassion. Please help me to serve with a purpose and with love.

Lord, every time when I logged onto gmail account, there was a strong urge to pray and the heart felt burdened. Lord, I am so far away from you because you are not my center nor my boundary. I want to left out a deep cry of yearning for u! but I cannot seem to be able to.

Lord, will there be someone beside me who can walk with me and know me and comfort me and encourage me and know me totally? Lord, you are the only one. Please give me a Holy contentment. Lord, be my all in all and i cannot truly proclaim that i am not in want for anything else.

Lord, I am a little worry abt the economy these days. Everything is falling apart and my wealth shrunk so much. Will I be able to go thru this tsunami. Seeing the effort that all the governments are putting in...it was as if futile human effort going into the drain. Lord, what to do?

Lord, I need to go into a deep deep repentance and go deep deep into your presence. Pls help me. Pls strengthen me.

Thanks so much for your timely help. This morning, I was thinking of writing to Prisc and Rebekah. Before, i did so, u already sent Prisc along the way and then Rebekah. I could only give thanks that you hv not forgotten me and you are sending intercessor along. i know you hv yet to give up on me. thx so much for your patient and unconditional love.

Lord, you know her needs and her family situation. Please send timely help to her.

1 Cor 3:1-3

Background of this letter: ppl were challenging the credibility of Paul.

the "recommendation letter" for Paul was the Corinth believers. Now, we are the recommendation letter for JC. It is written in our hearts. What is written in my heart now? Lord, I am sorry that this love poem is broken and incomplete.

Our recommendation letter is a letter to the world. It is not just for internal circulation for christian community. This letter is to bring faith to the world. Our world is lack of trust. We lose confident in the world. However, we are powerless.

Bankruptcy fo our core values - where are we now? do we hv anything to hold on at all?

Where does church stand in this world of chaos? JC pledged Himself in the church. It is indeed a risky step of God. But then, what else does JC have? So sad...God, pls deal with us. Make us a better vessel for u. Perhaps, it is my poor reflection that I lost hope in ppl. Lord, pls continue to lead me to witness more and more beautiful vessels. Help me to be a better vessel. Take us from rabbles and Help us to be able to shine your light thru. Lord, pls do.

v3 - we are recommendation letter for JC. The author of the letter is JC Himself. Are we writing it ourselves or JC is the true author in our heart? Help me to be able to proclaim truthfully that You are the author of my salvation, my life, my letter.

One day, we help JC to help our fellow brothers and sisters in church to write this letter. Let's open our hearts to let Him to write this letter of peace and joy...Lord, take me and make me a pure vessel for u, a love poem of you.

"Everything is transformed from being completely forgotten or annihilated."

Thank you Lord for setting up an divine appointment with P. Kok yesterday. It is not an urgent matter that I have to talk to him about the discipleship class last sunday. It was so happened that I have some time to kill and he was there standing next to me. It was such an embarrassement that I have to cry in front of him again!!!!

I grow up in a fatherless generation. I sought for a mentor but I never quite have one. Therefore, i hv such a burden for sharing what I learned from school with my fellow brothers and sisters at church. It was not so much driven by the love I have for them but rather driven by a need that was not quite satisfied.

As for my unsatisfied need, it was part contributed by my own restless character. I never stay at one place long enough to seek that advice. I grow up by me looking around for spiritual feeding. It was all me me me doing it. So, I fed up with "me me me seeking". But ask, you will be given, seek and you will find and knock, it will be opened to u....The Lord was true to his promise and He gave as I asked.

Lord, I need a transformation of heart and mind. A new heart and a new spirit. Please help me to release the frustration of "me me me seeking" and help me to be more willing to accept "you guide and I take the step". You have reminded me that there is a time for everything.

Life seems to have no absolute anymore! Life seem so unsafe in a sense...is this where faith starts to build up? Lord, be my guide. Be my center.

Transformed me and help to face everyday with overflowing joy. hahaha..i guess u did not create us with just one emotion.

the lesson learned yesterday is that dream and burden might be given by God but it could also be driven by our unfulfilled need. So, is this God's will? Is leading HC your will or mine?

Lord, you used that my 6 minutes sermons to tell me to exam my heart. That is why I cried with the song "Amazing grace" yesterday morning. It is not the words that touch me. It was the message HS wants to convene to me. Your heart.

Please speak and help me to listen and obey.

"I once was lost but am found." - it was the drive behind me in sharing the gospel with others but it was your heart to save as well. What a wretch I was! What a wretch I am!!!

thank you Lord for your amazing revelation yesterday!

Lord, I remember those time when I came to you every day without failing. You were the center of my life. I wrote to you, pray to you, read your words everyday. Songs of praises came from me daily. It was such as sweet journey. Then...gradually, I lost it. No matter how many times, I tried, it did not sustain. You were then the most important one, the greatest one in my life. Then...things started to happened. I got over- exhausted. I can no longer to be able to stand that the world is so imperfect. i can no longer stand the sky not being blue. I lost the interest in life again. It was almost like going back to the square one - the time before I accepted you as my personal savior.

Lord, my heart bleed a little when I now look at my relationship now. Please give me the passion I used to have, Lord. Please renew my passion for you. I missed you terrible at this particular moment. Lord, where are you? Where are you? Child, I am here. you replied. But yet...it felt so distant. Lord, how ? how ? how? Why can I not place you the highest anymore? Please forgive me. Please help me.

Lord, may I lift up my HC to you and A&C to you. Somehow, they made me realised that those wonderful time with you in the past is not something common. They have good intention but then things might got the way and cannot even hv a daily relationship with you, just like me now. Lord, I know all these will have to start from me, as the leader. If I cannot go to you daily, how can I expect them to do you. Perhaps, not every one had the faith as the in Luke 7 but you have given centurion had the authority to direct. It is not my intention tocenturion to direct them with authority because you like a cheerful heart. Please teach me how to bring them to you with such a passion and cheer and zest in their heart.

Thanks so much for reminding me of the two verses:

耶 穌 對 他 們 說 、 無 病 的 人 用 不 著 醫 生 ． 有 病 的 人 纔 用 得 著 。
5:32 我 來 本 不 是 召 義 人 悔 改 ． 乃 是 召 罪 人 悔 改 。

為 甚 麼 看 見 你 弟 兄 眼 中 有 刺 、 卻 不 想 自 己 眼 中 有 梁 木 呢 。 6:42 你 不 見 自 己 眼 中 有 梁 木 ． 怎 能 對 你 弟 兄 說 、 容 我 去 掉 你 眼 中 的 刺 呢 ． 你 這 假 冒 為 善 的 人 、 先 去 掉 自 己 眼 中 的 梁 木 、 然 後 纔 能 看 得 清 楚 、 去 掉 你 弟 兄 眼 中 的 刺

Last night at E Fellowship, we have a forum time for the members to share. Each member was quite willing to share their thought (to an extent).

• "where are we heading?" they seem lost. They want to find a purpose of the fellowship. In many ways, they treasure the group but yet most member do not felt that they were being ministered.
• members commented that each person seems to have many layers and layers of walls which is hard to crack in. Do they willing to take down their layers? Do they want to make the effort to keep the relationship going? Is this desire stronger than the complacency?
• a worship team was teamed up but group member said that each of the 9 person had such a strong character that it is hard to synchronized and it will be a long process. My heart was wondering. If the focus is on God and the purpose is to worship God, why it is so hard to have unity? If they all know music, should they not appreciate the beauty of diversity? Can style really prevent unity? Did individualism came in the way? Did pride came in the way? Could it be that there is only leader and no followers?
• On one hand, they seem to need strong guidance on matter. On the other hand, some do not like to hear and be directed by the "main stream thinking" and found that their voice is being ignored or too weak to voice sound, as a result of which hurt and frustration being harbored. I wonder whether this is also a pride issue.
• it is good to have your own stance. it is good to listen and agree. JC being the mediator. Are you the way out? Can we seek your decision each time? Do u want us to make these decision? Lord, please teach me. Please lead me cos' I know so little.
• One teacher shared his frustration. He could see the history being repeated in the fellowship as was in his past fellowship. He felt frustrated because he was not able to do anything. Is this true that the group was not listening?
• I am sure there were some discussion during the staff meeting. I just wondered whether the staff has a vision for the direction they are heading. Do they know the purpose of these meetings? Has the vision been properly cast on to the members?
• Needs were being reflected last night. How they are going to address?
• Karen shared about Isaiah 6. Her attitude towards Isaiah's calling to minister a group of disobedient ppl who will not listen to God's message really impressed me. For me, the same passage, i was discourage of the gloom of the future path. She was impressed that the prophet's focus on God alone. It is God he serve and not the ppl. Whether the ppl is receptive or not seem not matter to her.
• some of the new age vobcaluaries are being used e.g. negative engery. Perhaps, they are not aware of implication. I wonder what kind of implication of these inflilatraton would have on the Christian thinking?

Thank you Lord for a wonderful night of sharing tonight. I think this is a good example of preaching and how it can be relevant to us.

Lord, I wish I could know your words and preach like Kam Wah. Lord, pls give me a clear mind. Please help to reflect more positively on things. Please help me to have better discernment on things that I do.

Daniel 1

1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. 2 And the Lord delivered Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, along with some of the articles from the temple of God. These he carried off to the temple of his god in Babylonia ^[a] and put in the treasure house of his god.

This few sentence which appeared to have bear little relation with the rest of the book of Daniel was indeed the key to the passage - the key to the life of Daniel. It was the Lord who allowed His holy articles to be placed in the house of the false god. In many ways, it was His will that Daniel be taken away from Judah and be placed in Babylonia and it is His will to leave us in this fallen world. It is His will to place JC in this fallen world. Yes, I do not understand but in You that You have your reason and purpose. My prayer is that I could be like Daniel in resisting the ideas and ways of life which is contrary to the Lord.

In Chapter 1, in response to the exile stratgegy of the Babylone: (1) to be taught the language and literature of the Babylonians. ^[b] (2) to eat daily amount of food and wine from the king's table. (3) to be given new names, Daniel took different approach. Daniel did not pray for the destroy of Babylon. Rather, he used his discerment. He accepted the learning the good things about bablyon and to an extent he accept the usage of the new names but he did not abandone his Jewish name altogether. As for the eating the food from the King's table, Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine. He has started from a small thing.

In application, Kam Wah led us to consider the culture we are living in. There is a choice for everything we can do. Let's take a step back and allow ourselves to exam ourselves a bit.

Kam Wah also shared with us a simple concept on culture. 3 elements: (1) tool e.g. consumer goods(2) system / regulation/ structure; (3) our value. all 3 elments are inter-related and affect each other and shaping each other. Through the revelation of Words of God, we are able to discern better.

One girl was saying that there is no one teaching us / next generation of the right and wrong. What can a church do? Kam Wah suggested instead of drawing a black and white line and cut out secular things altogether, we should provide a platform and to equip /help the next generation to be able to reflect and consider what is godly and good.

Lord, thx so much for your message to me today. Through Iris, you told me that you are not going to remove the thorn (my family problem) from me and it is through your grace and mercy that I may have one breakthrougth to another. Lord, please continue to lead me out of this mess. Please give me the strength and wisdom. Please give love which can keep me going on to this journey.

I have started my practicum with R church. Last Sunday, we sat thru 3 services. Each service have its own kind of worship style. The 8:15 one is kind of a free style and the 10 and 1130 ones being more traditional. It is the first time for me to hear 3 sermons in a roll and it is interesting to see the preacher altering the content of the sermons each time for the better. I personally felt the thought in the third one is more complete in terms of the second half of the sermon.

Thank you Lord for blessing Stephen and Andy (and May) as my team mates for this practicum. There are so much to learn from them. Lord, I really pray that you will give me double time or super efficiency that I may be able to learn more from them as well as from school as welll as from those coursemate around me.

On one hand, I want to treat R church as my church and be more involved but on the other hand, with the mounting study, i am hesistate. Lord, should I maintian my connection with SP this year? Should I just leave it? Lord, please make it clear to me.

Today, I start to read bible with Etta one chapter a day. Lord, I pray that this practice will continue and any distraction will be removed. Lord, please reveal yourself to us through your words.

It is rather interesting that Etta chose 1 Corinthians. It was the message which you have given me since last year. "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and the discerment of the discerning I will thwart." I guess the last year, I have truly expereinced that all my worldly wisdom has become useless in my study. The things which I achieved in the past has paled into non-existence. However, you also let me witness that although I might not have eloquent wisdom or words in ministering to ppl but ppl in house church are being touched by you in their individual ways. Thank you so much for the wonderful works which u have done for us and those around me. I could never doubt your very existence and presence.

Lord, I still have Q on the power of gospel. Also, what does it mean to lead a Christian life? I guess this will become my attitude in my ministry. Lord, I gives thanks for everything u have done; the world you have created. It might not be perfect but it is beautiful by itself. thx for walking with me all of the last year. Lord, please continue to guide me in your way of everlasting.

"Jesus is our wisdom, our righteousness, our sanctification and our redemption"...our all in all. It is never our wisdom which save us and help us to live our day to day life. as we become Christian, we start to live like Christ - WWJD. We start to rely on his wisdom (and his guidance).

Righteousness - no one is righteous before God. God see JC and we become righteous in God's eyes. JC is our righteousness
Our redemption is throught the blood of JC...
Q remain - how is JC our sanctification? How are we sanctifed in Chrsit Jesus? does it mean we are set aside for you? Lord, please shine yr light and let me know and understand your words and live our your words.

There is really nothing to boast but boast in Christ alone. What I have lost the last year is my focus on Christ.

BE THOU MY VISION! BE THOU MY VISION!

Working at the Frontline, seeing God in action is indeed a joy. A joy to edge us on. A joy to keep us going. While we are jumping up for the miracle, we do have to see what JC see (and not just the miracle itself). what is happening in the spiritual realm? Lord, please give me insight. Please teach me. Please guide me to see what you see.

In Luke 10:20 - the concern of JC is whether our name is recorded on the book of lamb. The key to all is to see achievement with the heart of a child - vulnerable and humble.

I am so excited to inform you that the MISSION has been completed. The summer English camp has just finished this morning.

The Lord has definitely has its humor and He is true to His Word. All things works together for the good of those who loves Him and are called to His purposes. Since most of the Japanese kids do not speak English, communication is a big issue for me. However, God has its own amazing ways. The Lord has brought this teenager from Taiwan who only spoke very little Japanese and did not understand English, so my rusty mandarin is called to service. It is truly awesome. At one point of time, the speaker will speak in Japanese and a westerner missionary will translated it into English for me to further translate it into Mandarin. Although it would seem that I was serving the boy, I reckon the bigger benefactor is me because I get to hear and understand the message. On further bonus point was that I was so privileged to witness a Japanese boy accepting Christ into his life during the boys' cabin time which usually is for male only.

It is so good to witness God in action. Within 4days, I can see their lives being impacted. During the camp, out of 27 ppl, 8 came to Christ, 11 indicated that they want to read the bible, 15 indicated that they want to attend a church. Some Christians kids shared that they felt encouraged and are prepared to step forward in their Christian walk (which is the theme of the camp). I am indeed so blessed to be able to participate in this camp. It is so good to see some Japanese Christians kids glowing for the Lord, lifting their hands singing praising with their whole being.

Tomorrow, I will be heading towards Nikko and Kinagawa for some sightseeing (and if possible, some prayer walking because there are a lot of temples over there and this week is the Obon week - ghost festival which is a huge thing in Japan).

PRAISE THE LORD! PRAISE THE LORD! PRAISE THE LORD, THE GOD ALMIGHTY. THE GOD MOST HIGH. PRAISE HIM. At this particular moment, I understand and can echo the praises given by the Palmists in the bible. He is truly worthy to be praised.

The July project has now been completed. It has indeed been a hectic 2 weeks. Almost every day, we had outreaches during lunch and evening time in the various business districts. There are good days and there are bad. But each day, there are reports of amazing encounters by the team mates. I am truly amazed how the Lord has put people in our path which shared some common ground with us. The project is ended with an International Friendship party, during which two Japaneses had accepted Christ - Emi and Takuma. Please pray for both of them that their faith will continue to grow stronger each day in the Lord. Also, please pray for those whom we have met during this period of time and may the message we shared and the gospel CD which we gave them will turn their hearts to JC.

For next week, I will be heading to Okutama Bible Chalet for a four day English camp for Junior high students. From my past experience, it is more difficult to reach out to the high school students. But then, JC did say in the bible "Everything is possible for him who believes." (Mark 9:23). Let's start preparing the hearts of each of these high school students now.

1. Last
   Tue, we scheduled to go for prayer walk near Tokyo station, the heart
   of the financial area and my flatmate (SY) suddenly came down with
   sever migrain that morning and we are forced to cancel the prayer walk.
   
   
   
2. On Wed, it is a planning meeting for July project. On top of
   the migrain, SY suffered from cramps and had to bed rest again and
   cannot join us. SY is one of the key person in the project. All
   symptoms almost went away on Wed night.
   
   
3. Friday bible study class was canceled because the two Japaneses we served had fallen ill on Thursday.

My
dear friends, I am so thankful for your continuous prayer support for
me and my family. Some of you might know that my father just had an
eye operation last Wed because the eye pressure on one of his eye
suddenly shot up to a dangerous level not long after I left HK. Thanks
God that the Lord has opened door for him to have a quick operation.
Praise the Lord that the operation was successful and the pressure came
down and he even told me that he can see more light than before.
Thanks so much for your prayer. Although I was forced out of action
most of last week, I have
more time in doing research through the internet on homeless in Japan
and Japanese woman
Christians. Also, I am privileged to attend the baptism of a 13 year
old Jap. boy this morning. Our God is an awesome God!!! Praise Him!!!

I
will have a full schedule next 2 week and should be grateful if you
could continue to pray for me and the people I will be working with to
make sure that Satan will not have a chance to frustrate our plans any
more:-


1. 8 July, there will be community staff meeting in the meeting
and in the evening, I will join a Taiwan missionary (Tina) for some
evangelical work. We will be meeting with some Chinese non-believers
and share the gospel with them. Please pray for softening of their
hearts and their salvation.

2. 9 July , prayer walk at Shinagawa.
3. 10 July, outreach at Toyo University and evening recce trip to Ronggongi Hills and Midtown in the evening.
4. 11 July, outreach at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies
5.
12 July, I will attend the baptism of a Chinese girl named Yu Yeh. Yu
Yeh and her step mother accepted Christ on 4 June. However, the
relationship between Yu Yeh and her dad and her step mother continues
to worsen and Yu Yeh is to leave Japan on 15 July. We are concerned
that she will be led astray in China because we were told that she used
to hang out with gangsters when she was in China and there will be no
one taking care of her. Please pray:

• for Yu Yeh and her family both in China and Japan.
• May Christ continue to carry out His amazing work in this family and broken relationship will be reconciled
• both Yu Yeh and her step mother's faith in Christ will continue to grew steadily.
  
  
• Yu Yeh's dad and biological mother will come to Christ

On 27 June, I went to Ueno Park to look at various famous architecture buildings such as Tokyo Bunka Kailan.

My favourite thus far is Horyji Treasure Museum. I have always wanted to visit this architecture since Rafael recommended to me 2 years ago. Thanks to the Lord that I was able to do this time around. It is indeed a wonderful journey for me. It is a "simple" building but the details are beautiful and is so tastefully done. Pity that the object of display are mostly idol images and temple affects. However, the art of display is amazing.

My heart filled with joy in seeing a beautifully delivery of an architecture. The attention to details and the good maintenance. Thanks God for giving me such a great time.

My initially reaction was rather sceptical. I was wondering whether it is a church or some sort of cult. I was thinking that how come there is no such outreach in this scale like that in Hong Kong for the homeless. I have later searched the website and found that this is indeed a Korean church was established 22 February 1998.

They will do outreach to homeless at different part of the city. The turn out seemed huge. From their website, it seems that every week they served 3000. 　
＊公園伝道集会

火曜日：銀座祝橋公園集 午後2時～

水曜日：新宿集会は教会内での聖書勉強会に変更なりました。　午後4時～
木曜日：東京外集会　午後2時～

金曜日：上野公園集会 午後2時

http://www.emcworld.tv/html/sien.html

http://www.emcworld.tv/html/gallery-1.html

Honestlly, for a church to feed 3000 ppl a week is a miracle in
itself. Where did the funding coming from. The selfless volunteers to
help out. From the church homepage, the church started with a
humbling 8 ppl. Since then, the Lord has increased their number. It
is God's commandment to us to love other and help the poor.

As
I pondered further, doubt start creeping in. Was it the food and free
provision which attracted the homeless. Week after week, they come to
these meeting with hope, week after week, they remained homeless.
Perhaps, some are so settled to be homeless and accept this will
continue. Lord, may i ask what you have been doing in their lives? Am
I casting my view of what is good and what is bad? Perhaps, they are
happy where they are. Perhaps, I should look at this whole things in
eternal perspective. But Lord, i am still kind of lost. What is the
eternal perspective that I should look at - that they will all go to
heaven one day? that they found comfort during this lifetime despite
the circumstance?

Yes, it has been such a hard
lesson. Perhaps, just as Satan has said in Job. Previously and even
now, I looked at the blessings (mostly material and various provision)
that you have given and I could still say you are a great God. But when
faced with suffering, I am asking where you are? I can kind of feel and
understand more on 文娟's struggle with the lost of her parents. ...作为神学工作者，于这样的情景，我们只能无言，任何企图维护上帝的言论都是愚昧，任何轻言的安慰都是毫无意义……

It was an wonderful journey on 2 July 2008. It has been on my mind to visit
自由学園明日館 (Jiyugakuen Myonichikan,
the "House
of Tomorrow,") @ Ikebukuro. Our prayer walk to Tokyo station was cancelled for the last minute. All I know about this building is that it was designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

As I made my way to the building, I realised that I did not bring my camera. I suddenly remember that muji sold disposable one ( because I went to muji the day before) and then suddenly, the big sign of muji appeared to my eyes. Lord was guiding me every step. I got my camera and even find a place which I can get my film developed. Lord is my provider. I say that because when u are a stranger to a place u are not familiar, it is truly amazing how everything appeared almost instanteously with just a single thought.

I got lost on my way but was able to get pointed to right direction by a man passed by. As I was walking through this restorsed building and through the design of a chair (with a red cross subtly displayed at the edge), I beginning to realised that this is a Christian school.

It was founded by 2 Japanese ChristiansYoshikazu and Motoko Hani (羽仁吉一・もと子夫妻). Motoko encountered with God when she was studying at 東京府立第一高等女学校.

In 1920's, Arata Endo, working as an assistant for Wright's project constructing the Imperial
Hotel, introduced Wright to the couple. It was said that impressed by the couple's educational philosophy, Wright
accepted to undertake the design of their new school. So this sparked my journey to find out the education philosophy (see below). The school was started based on John 8: 32. "Then you will know the thruth and the truth will set you free."

JC is the Truth, the Light and the way. I have embarked my journey of faith seeking the Truth and walking and living in the truth and truth alone. The reality of life is not pretty but it is the truth. JC is the Truth and without Him, we shall perish. It is indeed that JC being the Truth will set us free.

During my stroll, I come face to face with this mural painted by student in 1931 in commemoration of the tenth anniversary of the founding of Jiyugakuen,
and its theme comes from a verse quoted in a Jiyugakuen's school song
which was taken from "Exodus: 13:17-22." The school started on 15 April 1921 - 大正１０（１９２１）年４月１５日.

"この壁画は創立１０周年を記念して、当時、学園の美術教師を務めていた美術家・石井鶴三の指導の下、生徒たちの手によって描かれました。「見よ、火の
柱、雲の柱…」という旧約聖書出エジプト記に材をとった、自由学園校歌の一節がモチーフとなっています。"

Looking at the mural, I was so touched. It was the vision which God has given to this couple. To lead the ppl from salvery to the promise land where they are free to worship their GOD - our almighty God. Only truth can set the Japanese ppl free. Seeing these Israelite walking to the pillar of cloud in front of them - see pic. It was as if the ppl are entered into the presence of God. There in the loungh hall, which I believed where the morning service was held, I took out my bible to read Exodus 13 and I pray for the liberation of this land. It seems to me that this is a promise which God has given to Japan. Last night (3 July), tear was flowing when I used this picture and this passage to pray for the land also. Lord, you engraved yr marking on this land. I pray that this school which has since then evolved into a bigger school - kindergarden, junior high for boys and girls, college / university - will continue to carry your vision casted through this coupl and that many many student will continued to be impacted by your Words - your living words.

As a side note, Natalie, a malaysia ladies I met at a house party, shared with me that she learned about Christianity when she was in college in Japan. She found the christian fellowship boring then but seed was sowed then. She eventually accepted Christ through a Chinese Christian movie - "invisible room" by Angel Heart. Lord, Please continue to use this school and make it fruitful.

As I continue to research about this school from the website, I bumped into a website which listed out great Christians ladies in Japanese. Of course Motoko Hani is on the list.

The site itself does not look too interesting. It would be good to have some picture. But I am just wondering whether there is a messge from God or it is simply that God really used woman in his work. Before flying off, Hazel gave me this book relating to the theology of women in the ministry. It bored me to tears. But it would seem that every way I turned I somehow bumped into good Christians ladies in work - Sok Yee, Patricia, Tina, Ellie, Yuki, Yurio. Even at yesterday meeting, when all 3 guys all , half jokinglly, said that their wifes are better than themselves in ministry. It is probably one big additional research assignment which God has given me for this time since I really do not have much to do in term with TMC here. God speaks to me more on this subject please please please.

Beside the mural was a statue which symbolised the motto of this school - 思想しつつ　生活しつつ　祈りつつ.

With my very limited understanding of the Japanese, I gathered that these three being the essential elments of life. While we are thinking and pondering about life, we are living a real life (and not in an ideal world) as well as praying. It is a continuous action. All three and not lacking one. It also reminded me of the book of James, without action, faith is dead. Please give me courage to reach out the lost. Please reconstruct my heart that every action taken is out of compassion. Please help to get rid of task oriented mind. Focus is important but please change my mind so that my focus is at the right place.

Apparently, 自由学園明日館 underwent great reconstruction. We have paid fee to visit so that they might recover the continuous maintenance cost. I saw some pictures which showed how run down the building was. At one moment, I was wondering if a building was meant to be used as a school and it is no longer a school, is it defeated the intent of the architect. Is it living out its full potential and purpose of its creator. Upon further reflection, the place is still being used for alumni gathering. The place still hold seminars and concert, The place became a museum where visitor like me may be inspired to find out more about the idealogoy behind this school - the message which God placed on this school. The Q posted before me is that am I living out the purpose which God has given. I am now at seminary school and my faith was under heavy reconstruction. What will happen to me next? Will I be staying to the same course as before or will I be changing. If I am change the course of direction, is this the Maker's purpose? I don't have any answer...yet... Perhaps, one day I would hear more clearly.

Another side note, I bought my lunch box with me hoping to eat at that place. It turned out that I cannot eat my own food at the premises. The girl at lounge hall was very sweet. She directed me to go to the park nearby. She is sweet. God please blesss her and lead her to the way of everlasting. Please give her eternal life and her heart be open to u. The coffee and mandarin cake was absolutely beautiful. I love u Lord. Thanks for your wonderful guidance. Thanks for giving me such a lovely afternoon. Thanks for enable me to encounter u at 自由学園明日館 . Thanks for giving me the ability to appreciate the beauty of 自由学園明日館 . Thanks so much, my Lord and Savior.

To know a bit more on the reconstruction of the 自由学園明日館. Please visit

http://www.bunkenkyo.or.jp/introduction/close_out/jiyu/index.html

自由学園の教育理念

Two weeks ago, I heard Pastor Sam sermon about his response to his mum's recent death. He mentioned that he can tell whether a condolence is from pity or from pure compassion. He would rather be spared with pity.

Upon further pondering, there is indeed a subtle difference between the two. It reminded me how I felt for Penny.

Penny has been a missionary with JCCC for 19 years. Now, because of lack of funding and health reason, she is to leave Japan and head towards Orlando provided that she can raise enough fund. It was such a shock when I stepped into her apartment which she had lived for more than 10 yrs. It was packed and filled with things that she culminiated over the years. I asked in my heart: is this the ending of a missionary. It seems too late for her to find another job and she has to raise fund to stay in the ministry. Is this God's will? Is this how God treat His faithful servant? I helped her to pack and I felt pity towards her, It is so sad.

But then, upon reflection, I am mindful of P. Sam's sermon. I prayed that everything I do is from compassion and love of God and not pity. I tuned myself to look at her through another lens and things started to look brighter.

As I pondered on, things started to be hopeful again. Knowing that He is still in control. So what if it is His will that after years of service if God wants me to work again. I guess it is the hearts that matter. The key is to listen careful to His voice. Yes, we might look odd and even a "loser" in ppl's eyes. Yes, i do not like to live at the mercy of others. I hv to constantly re-tune my focus. God is my boss. It is not other who support me but it was God. I started to understand why my pastor don't like "pity" because it leaves a bad aftertastes. If the action is given in compassion, the whole thing is wrapped in love, which is the greatest of all the hope and faith.

Lord, please tune my heart so that I focus less on other 's view but make me care how u view me more. Please make my heart tender towards you. Love u and miss those time I was so hunger and thirst for u. Please renew my passio once again for u, Lord!

This morning devotion on Ecclesiastes spoke about the meaninglessness of life under the sun. God being the one who ultimately administrate justice. We are to submit to authority - we are to live with the existing injustice not because we give up but as an alternate strategy - we fear God, pray and trust in God . Yes, i agreed that we are not to go ahead without the Lord and not to take matter in our own hands.

Was not nazi killing supported by the church stemed from the submission to the authority? Barth challenged Luther's doctrine of "two swords". Isn't that many liberation came from the revolution against the unjusted ruler?

To do or not to do? HS be my daily guide. Help me to be sensitive to yr voice. Help to discern yr voice. Help me to know which way to turn. Things seem complacence. Time and opportunity present itself. Do we grasp every one of them or some are false? How to know which is which? HS please guide me through each day. come and gently speak to my soul please.

Like in the Ecclesiates - there is a time for everything. Teach me oh Lord! Teach me Jesus. Teach me HS!

First of all, I really thanks God for the technology that we have these
days. It makes mission life so much easier in Japan. I was not only
able to pray with friend through the internet, speak with my parents
and friends, but also was able to see the 7-day old Natalie (daughter
of my dear friend) through Skype.


Indeed, there have been many blessings that the Lord has showered
upon me during my stay thus far. I just finished a worship and prayer
session with the Singapore missionary and I am so much recharged and
refreshed by His presence. This is our second time and we are planning
to do so once every week throughout my 2 month stay with her.


Time really flies, for the last two weeks, I have experienced my
first earthquake (by His grace, I was not affected since Tokyo was far
from the center of the quake), went for a number of prayer walks,
mainly around the business districts, and recces trips. Yes, there are
many alarming satistics and discouraging stories of how difficult it is
to reach out the Japanese. However, the Lord brought a string of
faithful Japanese Christians and missionaries in my path. It is
amazing to see how God works in their lives. Each day, the Lord broke
down my old ways of thinking and has assured me that there are hope for
this nation.


Here are some of them. Nobu is a second generation Christian who
accepted Christ when he was 9. He just finished college and will be
going to Australia on a one year mission term to reach out to the
international student in universities in Sydney. His hope is to share
the gospel with Japanese students in Australia.


Yukari , a housewife in her 30's and a mother of three, was so
concerned about the salvation of this Chinese couple in her
neighborhood that she, although do not understand a word of Chinese,
teamed with a Taiwanese housewife and a missionary to evangelize and
disciple this Chinese couple. Attached is a picture I have with these
wonderful ladies. We spent 3 hours that morning @ McDonald preparing
for a bible study class in July.

Contrary to the general perception
that Japanese do not open themselves up, Yukari, for reason of
Christ, shared with us (although it was the first timeI have met her)
her testimony how God has brought her through cancer.


Yuki, a lady working in the finance dept of a Japan shipping
company. She bought a apartment in the city area so that she might open
her house for fellowship for other working adults. Every week, she
faithfully conducted a bible study group at her home and teaches at
sunday school for kids and youths because she saw the importance of the
next generation.


Yes, all these are beautiful stories but they are in fact rare
cases. Let's pray these stories will become original stories in Japan
households.

So here are my prayer requests:

1. Pray for Japan, especially against depression. Here are some statistic

• According to news last week, the suicide rate in Japan for
  2007 is 30,000 and it is on the rise. At this rate, it would mean
  more than 3 million Jap. will kill themselves in the next 10 years.
• The May statistic showed that for Tokyo alone, there are 25,000 who are suffered from Hikkomori (i.e. "acute social withdrawal")
  which is a Japan term to refer to the phenomenon of reclusive
  individuals who have
  chosen to withdraw from social life, often seeking extreme degrees of
  isolation and confinement. (to read more on this, pls see - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hikikomori ).
  
  
• Depression is a huge issue in Japan and I was told that many
  Christians suffered from depression which had crippled their abilities
  to witness to other.

Don't be afraid. Only Trust. - Mark 5:35 -43

Whatever that we are afraid of is where we place our trust and faith in. If we are afraid of unemployment, then $ is where we place our trust in. The only thing we should fear is the Lord. There are many places where in the bible where ppl became afraid when they encountered the Lord, like the sailors in Joshua. They greatly feared and when the storm calmed, they worship our King, our Lord!

In the past, I learned that in his perfect love, there is no fear. Now, I learned anyway to combat fear. It is thru the faith in the Lord.

"My life is in you Lord. My hope is in you Lord. My all is in you Lord. " Lord, may this song ring truth in my life. Help me with my unbelieve. Help me to place my all in you Lord.

Mark 5:35 -43. Jesus said to the crowd that the girl was only sleeping and not dead. The different perspectives of sleeping and death spoke of hope and hopelessness. With JC, when we die, we are actually sleeping in the eternal perspective. With JC, there is hope for awaking up. Similarly, applying this to our other areas of lives - there are hope to all things. What shall we fear? whom shall we fear.

Lord, I need this kind of faith. Please help me Lord! Come into my life and do not let be stray away from you. Not even one Lord. Please help me to stay focus to u like Lucy in the Chronological of Narina when she was climbing the rock but not knowing where she is heading. Lord, i need u to help me to focus just on you. In Jesus' name I pray.

I am now in Japan but somehow, it feels like I am where I supposed to be...thus the title "Home sweet home". Yes, i don't speak Japanese. I don't understand what they say. I don't know their culture. I don't know their ways of life. I don't know anything abt them. But I know this is the place wher the Lord call me to be.

I saw a lot impossibilities, the gloominess, the hopelessness, the desparation but I also see the hearts of the Lord. He is the Lord of Nineveh and He is the Lord of Tokyo and the whole of the Japan. Lord, have mercy. Please pour out your compassion over this land, Lord. Lord, please please open a doorway so that I may walk through it.

I have been trying to rush thru the book "Sharing the Truth in Love" by Ajith Fernando. Small book but pretty comprehensive giving an overview of the background of different cultural and beliefs in other cultural setting. The key is to hv a firm foundation of what we believe in - Christ - the only way, the Truth and the life.

I am especailly impressed with his attitude shining throughout the book - hope!!!! All difficulties seems to be an opportunity to share. The differences and similiars of other religions to ours can be used.

His view was rather balance with respect to the certain extremeist in Christianity. In may ways, this is a prayer got answered. what prayer? the prayer that I may have time to read an easy to read and enjoyable book. Thanks God that Ms. Mok allowed us to change our reading to this book. Praise the Lord!

In this book, one particular testimony on spiritual discipline drew my attention. This Hindu turned Christian prayed his group members into leadership. This is exactly what you call me to do for my house church right? I do not have silver nore gold. I do not have humor and quick wit. I do not have charisma and abudant love. I have a mouth to pray for my fellow members. You hv put me and Matt into the leadership for this group. Lord, cleanse and anointed our mouth. May both of us stand firm and proclaim your Words. May we speak blessing into each members' lives. May we have the persistence and love to pray for each member into leadership and stronger growth and closer intimacy with You, the almighty Triune God.

For S & S, i prayed that their son will become an obedienct child submitting to authority. I prayed that you will grant both of them the wisdom to raise their love child. Both have the passion to seek strongly after you.

I pray for J for her pure heart to serve you and love you. To find pure joy in her communion with you. Pray that she will forgive and love her friend again.

I pray for Y that she will be healed from the old wounds of many rejections and that she truly enjoy her relationship with you and that she does not have to prove herself to anyone.

I pray for H to be healed of allergy and he will flourished under your loving care and shine for you in his work place.

I pray for more passion in S and discipline in his daily walk with you and he can step up to be the next generation leader. S will not satisfy for what he achieved so far because you have so much more installed for him.

I pray YH that she will settle well in HK and in our group.

I pray for P that she will find a job which you has called her to do and she is willing to take it up because it is from you. Please nourish her daily. Refresh her.

finally, for all who are singles, a wonderful and understanding spouse who placed You first, who is dedicated to love You with all his/her might, strength, soul and all!!! Please make each one of us radical for you and effective tool to share your gospel. Please help us to live out the best out of the portion You have given us. I pray all these in the name of Jesus' name!!!

Lord, I love you. My soul sings. Each time I think of you, praises start...Lord I love you ...

It feels great that each time i write my blog, there is a simple tune coming together. Lord, i missed those time I could sing my heart out. Each day was such a rush. i need to stay still in you but yet my sleep are disturbed because i want to finish my reading to get these homework out of my way. Perhaps, I should take a step back. Let these books soaks and sinks in.

Lord, I come to you! You are my strength and shield! You are the vine and I am the branches. Without you, I do not have the strength.

Last week was a killer week! I only had a few hours sleep - visitors in town (my , cousin, cousin in laws, my bro, my sis in laws, my mum - all cramb in this tiny little flat of mine); Hebrew exam; book report ... God, i know it was you who carried me through this week. It was u who gave me good grades in the Hebrew exam and the Theology 2...because I really do not know how I got these...surely not because of my own doing...

Lord, please grant me a strong and faithful intercessor who will continue to pray for me tirelessly. Lord, please give me strength and boldness to send out sponsor letter.

Lord, I pray for my house church ppl...each one of them...that you will do amazing in their lives...I may not hv strength to reach out to each of them...please grant me strength when I am called upon to do so. Please raise each one up. Raise them up to their potentials. Raise them up to be your army! Raise them up to praise you! Because you are great! You are the only Lord and savior!!! You are my help!!! My timely help!!!

Without you, I cannot not do anything!!! Lord! guide me everyday!!!

Lord, I need your grace. Ever since mum's arrival, the temper is on the rise. From the moment she said me, she already comments on my cloth. Lord, I am frustrated.

oh....Father God. I just talked back. What to do, Lord! Please calm my nerve. Please do! I need you God to give me peave. To stay loving. How? Lord, teach me. Pour out your love over me. Please pour out your love over me! Please! Please!!!

God, I need you! Please come and help me to stay calm and loving!!! Please Please Please!

I have been reading the church history for the exam this coming thur and as i was reading it my heart ache. Reformation is needed but as a result of human views and pride, church split and there are many unnecessary persecution. Lord, where are you in the mids of all these. What are we to you as each individual? Do you look as us a collective group of ppl? As in when David sinned, the whole nation is being punished?

Last Sat, we went to KYC youth service. Things look wonderful from the outside but the pastor was so prideful (perhaps was quite broken inside). Lord, I could not see a worse model for the kids. Lord, I know that he has done some great work in the past and perhaps, each time when they hv the anchoring session, you were there with him and the kids. But it reminded me of Ling's work. It was good but then there is no such person who have the energy and time and love to go through it all. There are so many needs but we are simply incapable to bear (although i know it is not for us to bear it all). I do want the kids to go through the same disappointment by the "failure of man" in the guise of "failure of God". I am blessed because I send sb to patch me up....will they hv that too, Lord? Will you have mercy to each one of the wounded healer? Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!

F said that it is your will that A broke off with Y because Y has been such a closed system. On the spot, I know that there are something wrong in her saying all these but I could not quite pin point. After much pondering, i realised where the problem was. It was said without compassion and wrong view of you. None of us know what Y went through for her to be sb like this now. We have no ideas and how can we judge that this is not good. It is not your doing to harm and hurt Y. How often we said it is all God's will? Is it? Lord, my heart went out to Y and I pray that you will walk this through with her. you will send angels to minister to her. Samewise for A.

Lord, I pray for wisdom like Solomon so that I can quitely comprehen the issues and cut through the lies of enemy. Lord, please continue to mould me and shape me. I am to be set apart for you.

This is a re-type. Thanks God the first part was wipe out because it wipe my heart ache as well. yes, my heart still aches for all these things which are beyon me. But as I went through to type this passage again. Tears dried a bit. Thanks Lord!

Isaiah 61: 1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn....

Our Evangelism and Mission class had split into 4 teams and will have prison outreach (2 women prisons, one of which is a highly secured prison) on Easter Friday and Sat. For my team, there will be songs, games, drama, testimony. I will be playing a major role in the drama and it is no way my speciality (These days, the Lord has been given me tasks which are far beyond my ability. I truly experience that in my weakness He is strong.) But my attitude is to say Yes to the Lord when He asks me to step up. So be it! I am just following you. Praise the Lord!!! Everything went rather smoothly yesterday! The other teams were very fruitful as well.

Seven small disciplines for the student of theology:

1. Begin and end each study session with short prayer—like opening and closing a gate into a private garden. Part of the Lord’s Prayer to begin and end your study session, for example. This can also be done by a symbolic act of prayer such as making the sign of the cross or lighting a candle.

2. Devote yourself wholeheartedly to the act of study, while you’re doing it, as an act of worship and consecration. Remember that nothing could be more spiritual than studying while that is your God-given task. Just as the act of sweeping the kitchen can be lovingly offered up to God as worship, so also can acts of reading or writing.

3. Memorize or review some short text each day (or, maybe week) from your theological studies as the rumen (Latin—“cud”, as in “ruminate”) for devotion later on.

4. Devote short periods of time in your private devotional prayers to prayer without words. There are so many words in theology that we need to remember that God transcends all that we can say about him. So remember the kind of prayer, like windshield wipers, in which we temporarily push the words and images away in order to focus on the presence of Christ.

5. Have one particular short prayer that you can make with you all day, like an arrow to shoot toward heaven at any time. For example, the Jesus prayer, “Lord Jesus, son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner,” or simply, “Lord, have mercy,” or some other short ejaculatory prayer. Such a prayer can serve to punctuate your reading or writing, and help to maintain a double consciousness of both the subject at hand and the presence of Christ.

6. Read some theological matter every day in the form of a second person dialogue with God. Where “God” comes in a text, replace the word with “you”, and this will turn your reading into a prayer.

7. Finally, pay attention to the divine choreography in your life as God unites your studies with the rest of your life. Continually ask yourself, “How is God speaking to me through my whole life right now?” Reflect in prayer on the ways in God’s providence he is teaching you as a whole person.

Bruce Hindmarsh, Professor of Spiritual Theology of Regent College

PTL!!! PTL!!! The house church started last monday went reasonably well. Other than a little hip-up with the little kids being slightly out of control.

Matt shared that he flet the leading of the Lord. The Lord guide him through the sharing. PTL! PTL!!!

S called tonight that she might be thinking of going to another house church. Although I felt that this HC is better for her but it is entirely up to your leading, Lord! Please continue to work in each one of the member in their daily walk with you. Other than prayer, we cannot do anything in terms of their desire to seek after and their hunger for you because in our sinful nature, we tended to be disobedient.

Lord, please forgive me for my insolence. Although I could not quite appreicate the purpose of my very own existence yet, I still cannot but acknowledge that You are still the most powerful and the all knowing God! The word "Omni" and "Ultimate" is used to describe your attributes are because that they are relative terms and no one can go beyond you. So it is ridiculous for some prideful person such as me to attempt to set an absolute standard (which I cannot even contemplate) and expect you to take it all and accept. How insolence I am! Lord, please forgive me.

Lord, please give me clean hands and pure heart to seek after you and you alone. Lord, please take care of each of the member of the HC, especially Matt. Anoint him and help him to focus more on you and for better rest and time management. Please continue your work in S & S, S, S, J and Y! Whoever is going to make it this week! Bless them!!! Let me not look at the number of people tending my group but focus on what i could best serve you and minister to your sheeps. Call those that are mean to be there for us to love. Lord, teach us to love you more! Teach me. O Lord!

Lord, P. Sam looked so tired this morning! Rejuvenate him please. Give him a new zest of energy. Please do so Lord!