My Sunday Scripture 2011.3.27
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The Text John 4:5-42
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5 On the way he came to the Samaritan town called Sychar near the land that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.
6 Jacob's well was there and Jesus, tired by the journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour.
7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, 'Give me something to drink.'
8 His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.
9 The Samaritan woman said to him, 'You are a Jew. How is it that you ask me, a Samaritan, for something to drink?' -- Jews, of course, do not associate with Samaritans.
10 Jesus replied to her: If you only knew what God is offering and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me something to drink,' you would have been the one to ask, and he would have given you living water.
11 'You have no bucket, sir,' she answered, 'and the well is deep: how do you get this living water?
12 Are you a greater man than our father Jacob, who gave us this well and drank from it himself with his sons and his cattle?'
13 Jesus replied: Whoever drinks this water will be thirsty again;
14 but no one who drinks the water that I shall give will ever be thirsty again: the water that I shall give will become a spring of water within, welling up for eternal life.
15 'Sir,' said the woman, 'give me some of that water, so that I may never be thirsty or come here again to draw water.'
16 'Go and call your husband,' said Jesus to her, 'and come back here.'
17 The woman answered, 'I have no husband.' Jesus said to her, 'You are right to say, "I have no husband";
18 for although you have had five, the one you now have is not your husband. You spoke the truth there.'
19 'I see you are a prophet, sir,' said the woman.
20 'Our fathers worshipped on this mountain, though you say that Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship.'
21 Jesus said: Believe me, woman, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.
22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know; for salvation comes from the Jews.
23 But the hour is coming -- indeed is already here -- when true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth: that is the kind of worshipper the Father seeks.
24 God is spirit, and those who worship must worship in spirit and truth.
25 The woman said to him, 'I know that Messiah -- that is, Christ -- is coming; and when he comes he will explain everything.'
26 Jesus said, 'That is who I am, I who speak to you.'
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My Reading Notes:
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Jesus had talked about "Truth" in different places. One is here, and the other is about baptism. John said that when the Messiah comes, the Mesiah will baptise us with "The holy spirit and fire"
And these are highly symbolic terms:
We shall worship God in "spirit" and "truth"
and We shall be baptised with "spirit" and "fire"
What is "Fire"? and What is "Truth"?
I can only say, I have but a very vague feeling in it. And I believe this is the most important point.
How are we to worship God?
Shall we do as the Scripts and Pharisee?
Shall we knelt in the churches without knowing what we are and where we are going?
Or, Shall we seek an answer? Shall we seek the truth? With the help of the spirit?
I believe we shall seek the truth. That is the proper way to worship God.
2011年3月30日 星期三
2011年3月12日 星期六
When should we expect divine intervention?
My Sunday Scripture 2011.3.13.
The Text: Matthew 4:1-11.
At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry. The tempter approached and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become loaves of bread." He said in reply, "It is written: 'One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.'" Then the devil took him to the holy city, and made him stand on the parapet of the temple, and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: 'He will command his angels concerning you and 'with their hands they will support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone.'" Jesus answered him, "Again it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.'" Then the devil took him up to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in their magnificence, and he said to him, "All these I shall give to you, if you will prostrate yourself and worship me." At this, Jesus said to him, "Get away, Satan! It is written: 'The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.'" Then the devil left him and, behold, angels came and ministered to him.
My Reading Notes:
The most important issue here is:
When should we expect divine intervention?
For example, in the height of an Earth quake, should we or could we expect an divine intervention?
How do we seperate the human effort and divine intervention?
There must be a balance between the two, thouhg we can not handle it well always. And the first important question is: Havent I well prepared?
Havent we done our best?
Yes you can ask always. But you have to ask yourself first.
The Text: Matthew 4:1-11.
At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry. The tempter approached and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become loaves of bread." He said in reply, "It is written: 'One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.'" Then the devil took him to the holy city, and made him stand on the parapet of the temple, and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: 'He will command his angels concerning you and 'with their hands they will support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone.'" Jesus answered him, "Again it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.'" Then the devil took him up to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in their magnificence, and he said to him, "All these I shall give to you, if you will prostrate yourself and worship me." At this, Jesus said to him, "Get away, Satan! It is written: 'The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.'" Then the devil left him and, behold, angels came and ministered to him.
My Reading Notes:
The most important issue here is:
When should we expect divine intervention?
For example, in the height of an Earth quake, should we or could we expect an divine intervention?
How do we seperate the human effort and divine intervention?
There must be a balance between the two, thouhg we can not handle it well always. And the first important question is: Havent I well prepared?
Havent we done our best?
Yes you can ask always. But you have to ask yourself first.
2011年3月5日 星期六
I have only one word here: Act!
My Sunday Scripture 2011.3.6
The Text: Mathew 7:21-27
'It is not anyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord," who will enter the kingdom of Heaven, but the person who does the will of my Father in heaven.
When the day comes many will say to me, "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, drive out demons in your name, work many miracles in your name?"
Then I shall tell them to their faces: I have never known you; away from me, all evil doers!
'Therefore, everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on rock.
Rain came down, floods rose, gales blew and hurled themselves against that house, and it did not fall: it was founded on rock.
But everyone who listens to these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a stupid man who built his house on sand.
Rain came down, floods rose, gales blew and struck that house, and it fell; and what a fall it had!'
My Reading Notes:
I have only one word here: Act!
The Text: Mathew 7:21-27
'It is not anyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord," who will enter the kingdom of Heaven, but the person who does the will of my Father in heaven.
When the day comes many will say to me, "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, drive out demons in your name, work many miracles in your name?"
Then I shall tell them to their faces: I have never known you; away from me, all evil doers!
'Therefore, everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on rock.
Rain came down, floods rose, gales blew and hurled themselves against that house, and it did not fall: it was founded on rock.
But everyone who listens to these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a stupid man who built his house on sand.
Rain came down, floods rose, gales blew and struck that house, and it fell; and what a fall it had!'
My Reading Notes:
I have only one word here: Act!
Serve only one master
My Sunday Scritpure 2011.2.27
The Text: Matthew 6:24-34
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'No one can be the slave of two masters: he will either hate the first and love the second, or be attached to the first and despise the second. You cannot be the slave both of God and of money.
'That is why I am telling you not to worry about your life and what you are to eat, nor about your body and what you are to wear. Surely life is more than food, and the body more than clothing!
Look at the birds in the sky. They do not sow or reap or gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they are?
Can any of you, however much you worry, add one single cubit to your span of life?
And why worry about clothing? Think of the flowers growing in the fields; they never have to work or spin;
yet I assure you that not even Solomon in all his royal robes was clothed like one of these.
Now if that is how God clothes the wild flowers growing in the field which are there today and thrown into the furnace tomorrow, will he not much more look after you, you who have so little faith?
So do not worry; do not say, "What are we to eat? What are we to drink? What are we to wear?"
It is the gentiles who set their hearts on all these things. Your heavenly Father knows you need them all.
Set your hearts on his kingdom first, and on God's saving justice, and all these other things will be given you as well.
So do not worry about tomorrow: tomorrow will take care of itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.'
My Reading Notes:
Yes, this is the most important lesson in life. If any could explain it well, he will pass the examination of the kingdom of God.
This is the meaning of Oneness
If there is fire, there will not be wax.
If you are but a drop of wax, if you wanted to burn yourself, your wax will be gone.
Life is for burning, for using, not for keeping.
It is either this or that. Only one matters.
If you can enlighten yourself with this flame, you will be happy in the rest of your burning.
Somehow, you will ask: Should I give up my job? Should I give away all my money? Yes, you should. But to use all your money and your strength in a meaningful way. Use it as a life should use. Use it as a flame should use.
If you really understand that the meaning of oneness, you will not be stupid enough to throw away all your money, even to put that money into some stupid organisation is not wise. Effort should put into the most needed place. Feeding the poor is only secondary important. To teach them how to feed themselves are much much important.
The Text: Matthew 6:24-34
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'No one can be the slave of two masters: he will either hate the first and love the second, or be attached to the first and despise the second. You cannot be the slave both of God and of money.
'That is why I am telling you not to worry about your life and what you are to eat, nor about your body and what you are to wear. Surely life is more than food, and the body more than clothing!
Look at the birds in the sky. They do not sow or reap or gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they are?
Can any of you, however much you worry, add one single cubit to your span of life?
And why worry about clothing? Think of the flowers growing in the fields; they never have to work or spin;
yet I assure you that not even Solomon in all his royal robes was clothed like one of these.
Now if that is how God clothes the wild flowers growing in the field which are there today and thrown into the furnace tomorrow, will he not much more look after you, you who have so little faith?
So do not worry; do not say, "What are we to eat? What are we to drink? What are we to wear?"
It is the gentiles who set their hearts on all these things. Your heavenly Father knows you need them all.
Set your hearts on his kingdom first, and on God's saving justice, and all these other things will be given you as well.
So do not worry about tomorrow: tomorrow will take care of itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.'
My Reading Notes:
Yes, this is the most important lesson in life. If any could explain it well, he will pass the examination of the kingdom of God.
This is the meaning of Oneness
If there is fire, there will not be wax.
If you are but a drop of wax, if you wanted to burn yourself, your wax will be gone.
Life is for burning, for using, not for keeping.
It is either this or that. Only one matters.
If you can enlighten yourself with this flame, you will be happy in the rest of your burning.
Somehow, you will ask: Should I give up my job? Should I give away all my money? Yes, you should. But to use all your money and your strength in a meaningful way. Use it as a life should use. Use it as a flame should use.
If you really understand that the meaning of oneness, you will not be stupid enough to throw away all your money, even to put that money into some stupid organisation is not wise. Effort should put into the most needed place. Feeding the poor is only secondary important. To teach them how to feed themselves are much much important.
2011年2月20日 星期日
Fight the Devil and Love the Enemies
The Text: Matthew 5:38-48.
You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on (your) right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow. You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.
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My Reading Notes
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I think this is the most difficult part in the theories of Christianity. Things had to be understood internally, not externally. You must fight devils, or else, devil will bring us to hell. But, you must love your enemies.
Are enemies devils? That remains only part of the question.
Some enemies are devils, some are not. Some of the enemies are only our competitor, or some one who took advantages of us.
Only the real devil would take us all to total destruction.
If you can see things from the true side, not the external side, you will know what to do. And we need to have a cool cool mind, and a real understanding, to handle such issues.
And the delicate point is here: What is truth? Do I know what is truth? Can I judge what is right and what is wrong?
All I can say is that, I can judge them from my own level of understanding, though I know the ultimate truth is in God's own hand, however, I will do what is necessary and I do hope God will bless the right choices, if I am wrong, I am willing to be punished.
You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on (your) right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow. You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.
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My Reading Notes
----------------------
I think this is the most difficult part in the theories of Christianity. Things had to be understood internally, not externally. You must fight devils, or else, devil will bring us to hell. But, you must love your enemies.
Are enemies devils? That remains only part of the question.
Some enemies are devils, some are not. Some of the enemies are only our competitor, or some one who took advantages of us.
Only the real devil would take us all to total destruction.
If you can see things from the true side, not the external side, you will know what to do. And we need to have a cool cool mind, and a real understanding, to handle such issues.
And the delicate point is here: What is truth? Do I know what is truth? Can I judge what is right and what is wrong?
All I can say is that, I can judge them from my own level of understanding, though I know the ultimate truth is in God's own hand, however, I will do what is necessary and I do hope God will bless the right choices, if I am wrong, I am willing to be punished.
2011年2月12日 星期六
Could we explore the depths of God?
My Sunday Scripture 2011.2.13.
The Text:
Reading 1: Matthew 5:17-37
'Do not imagine that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete them.
In truth I tell you, till heaven and earth disappear, not one dot, not one little stroke, is to disappear from the Law until all its purpose is achieved.
Therefore, anyone who infringes even one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be considered the least in the kingdom of Heaven; but the person who keeps them and teaches them will be considered great in the kingdom of Heaven.
'For I tell you, if your uprightness does not surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of Heaven.
'You have heard how it was said to our ancestors, You shall not kill; and if anyone does kill he must answer for it before the court.
But I say this to you, anyone who is angry with a brother will answer for it before the court; anyone who calls a brother "Fool" will answer for it before the Sanhedrin; and anyone who calls him "Traitor" will answer for it in hell fire.
So then, if you are bringing your offering to the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,
leave your offering there before the altar, go and be reconciled with your brother first, and then come back and present your offering.
Come to terms with your opponent in good time while you are still on the way to the court with him, or he may hand you over to the judge and the judge to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison.
In truth I tell you, you will not get out till you have paid the last penny.
'You have heard how it was said, You shall not commit adultery.
But I say this to you, if a man looks at a woman lustfully, he has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
If your right eye should be your downfall, tear it out and throw it away; for it will do you less harm to lose one part of yourself than to have your whole body thrown into hell.
And if your right hand should be your downfall, cut it off and throw it away; for it will do you less harm to lose one part of yourself than to have your whole body go to hell.
'It has also been said, Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a writ of dismissal.
But I say this to you, everyone who divorces his wife, except for the case of an illicit marriage, makes her an adulteress; and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
'Again, you have heard how it was said to our ancestors, You must not break your oath, but must fulfil your oaths to the Lord.
But I say this to you, do not swear at all, either by heaven, since that is God's throne;
or by earth, since that is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, since that is the city of the great King.
Do not swear by your own head either, since you cannot turn a single hair white or black.
All you need say is "Yes" if you mean yes, "No" if you mean no; anything more than this comes from the Evil One.
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Reading 2, 1 Corinthians 2:6-10
But still, to those who have reached maturity, we do talk of a wisdom, not, it is true, a philosophy of this age or of the rulers of this age, who will not last long now.
It is of the mysterious wisdom of God that we talk, the wisdom that was hidden, which God predestined to be for our glory before the ages began.
None of the rulers of the age recognised it; for if they had recognised it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory;
but it is as scripture says: What no eye has seen and no ear has heard, what the mind of man cannot visualise; all that God has prepared for those who love him;
to us, though, God has given revelation through the Spirit, for the Spirit explores the depths of everything, even the depths of God.
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My Reading Notes:
-------------------
This is a bold finding from Paul: That there will be no secret between human and God, for the Spirit had granted us revelation, to explore the depths of God.
In such sense, that means God had given the truth. The question is that whether we believe it or not, or that whether we are smart enough to comprehend
The Text:
Reading 1: Matthew 5:17-37
'Do not imagine that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete them.
In truth I tell you, till heaven and earth disappear, not one dot, not one little stroke, is to disappear from the Law until all its purpose is achieved.
Therefore, anyone who infringes even one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be considered the least in the kingdom of Heaven; but the person who keeps them and teaches them will be considered great in the kingdom of Heaven.
'For I tell you, if your uprightness does not surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of Heaven.
'You have heard how it was said to our ancestors, You shall not kill; and if anyone does kill he must answer for it before the court.
But I say this to you, anyone who is angry with a brother will answer for it before the court; anyone who calls a brother "Fool" will answer for it before the Sanhedrin; and anyone who calls him "Traitor" will answer for it in hell fire.
So then, if you are bringing your offering to the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,
leave your offering there before the altar, go and be reconciled with your brother first, and then come back and present your offering.
Come to terms with your opponent in good time while you are still on the way to the court with him, or he may hand you over to the judge and the judge to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison.
In truth I tell you, you will not get out till you have paid the last penny.
'You have heard how it was said, You shall not commit adultery.
But I say this to you, if a man looks at a woman lustfully, he has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
If your right eye should be your downfall, tear it out and throw it away; for it will do you less harm to lose one part of yourself than to have your whole body thrown into hell.
And if your right hand should be your downfall, cut it off and throw it away; for it will do you less harm to lose one part of yourself than to have your whole body go to hell.
'It has also been said, Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a writ of dismissal.
But I say this to you, everyone who divorces his wife, except for the case of an illicit marriage, makes her an adulteress; and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
'Again, you have heard how it was said to our ancestors, You must not break your oath, but must fulfil your oaths to the Lord.
But I say this to you, do not swear at all, either by heaven, since that is God's throne;
or by earth, since that is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, since that is the city of the great King.
Do not swear by your own head either, since you cannot turn a single hair white or black.
All you need say is "Yes" if you mean yes, "No" if you mean no; anything more than this comes from the Evil One.
---------------------------------------------------
Reading 2, 1 Corinthians 2:6-10
But still, to those who have reached maturity, we do talk of a wisdom, not, it is true, a philosophy of this age or of the rulers of this age, who will not last long now.
It is of the mysterious wisdom of God that we talk, the wisdom that was hidden, which God predestined to be for our glory before the ages began.
None of the rulers of the age recognised it; for if they had recognised it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory;
but it is as scripture says: What no eye has seen and no ear has heard, what the mind of man cannot visualise; all that God has prepared for those who love him;
to us, though, God has given revelation through the Spirit, for the Spirit explores the depths of everything, even the depths of God.
-------------------
My Reading Notes:
-------------------
This is a bold finding from Paul: That there will be no secret between human and God, for the Spirit had granted us revelation, to explore the depths of God.
In such sense, that means God had given the truth. The question is that whether we believe it or not, or that whether we are smart enough to comprehend
2011年2月6日 星期日
We are what we are
My Sunday Scripture 2011.2.6.
The Text: Matthew 5:13-16.
You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.
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My Reading Notes:
---------------------------
This is one of the best analogy to tell us what is life.
You are salt. The nature of salt is its taste. If a salt loses its taste, then it is not salt at all. The same may apply to other things. You are sugar. You are a tree. You are a flower. The myth is that we are what we are. Only human beings have such problems. Sometimes we forget what we are. A tree never forgets. Salt never forget. Animals never forget. They would grow, they would shine, they would live like themselves. Only human being sometimes would forget. We forget that we are light, we can shine and we should shine. Some times we tend to think that we are only wax. Like candles never lit.
The Text: Matthew 5:13-16.
You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.
---------------------------
My Reading Notes:
---------------------------
This is one of the best analogy to tell us what is life.
You are salt. The nature of salt is its taste. If a salt loses its taste, then it is not salt at all. The same may apply to other things. You are sugar. You are a tree. You are a flower. The myth is that we are what we are. Only human beings have such problems. Sometimes we forget what we are. A tree never forgets. Salt never forget. Animals never forget. They would grow, they would shine, they would live like themselves. Only human being sometimes would forget. We forget that we are light, we can shine and we should shine. Some times we tend to think that we are only wax. Like candles never lit.
2011年1月29日 星期六
What are blessed and what are not
My Sunday Scripture 2011.1.30
The Text: Matthew 5:1-12.
When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you (falsely) because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
My Reading Notes:
The 8 categories are: the poor, those who mourn, the meek, those hunger for righteousness, the merciful, clean of heart, peacemakers, persecuted for righteousness,
and those represent God under persecution, thus totally are nine kinds of people who are blessed.
From the nine categories, we shall know what God expects us to do. We shall know what are blessed and what not blessed.
The Text: Matthew 5:1-12.
When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you (falsely) because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
My Reading Notes:
The 8 categories are: the poor, those who mourn, the meek, those hunger for righteousness, the merciful, clean of heart, peacemakers, persecuted for righteousness,
and those represent God under persecution, thus totally are nine kinds of people who are blessed.
From the nine categories, we shall know what God expects us to do. We shall know what are blessed and what not blessed.
2011年1月23日 星期日
Why Should I Repent???
My Sunday Scripture 2011.1.23.
The Text: Matthew 4:12-23.
When he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen." From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him. He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him. He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people.
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My Reading Notes:
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Yes, If I can see what is right and what is wrong, and give up the wrong path, choosing the right one, then the Kingdom of heaven is at my side.
It is only as simply as that. That if I could find out the right path, that if I could give up the wrong path, that I could reach my dream, and it is a dream so beautiful, that you can say, it is heaven. Isn't that simple????
The Text: Matthew 4:12-23.
When he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen." From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him. He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him. He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people.
******************
My Reading Notes:
******************
Yes, If I can see what is right and what is wrong, and give up the wrong path, choosing the right one, then the Kingdom of heaven is at my side.
It is only as simply as that. That if I could find out the right path, that if I could give up the wrong path, that I could reach my dream, and it is a dream so beautiful, that you can say, it is heaven. Isn't that simple????
2011年1月15日 星期六
baptize with the holy Spirit
My Sunday Scripture 2011.1.16
The Text: John 1:29-34.
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, 'A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.' I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel." John testified further, saying, "I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the holy Spirit.' Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God."
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My Reading Notes:
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In Matthew 3:1-12, John has expressed similar ideas:
"he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire." But the "fire" element here was omitted. Though the idea is still very clear: We need a cleaning. We need washing by something, more then water.
How to clean myself?
With water is one level. But we may need more then that. We need the holy Spirit to help us to obtain wisdom, to have an access to knowledge, to keep our minds clear and sound.
The Text: John 1:29-34.
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, 'A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.' I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel." John testified further, saying, "I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the holy Spirit.' Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God."
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My Reading Notes:
-----------------
In Matthew 3:1-12, John has expressed similar ideas:
"he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire." But the "fire" element here was omitted. Though the idea is still very clear: We need a cleaning. We need washing by something, more then water.
How to clean myself?
With water is one level. But we may need more then that. We need the holy Spirit to help us to obtain wisdom, to have an access to knowledge, to keep our minds clear and sound.
2011年1月7日 星期五
"This is my Son"
My Sunday Scripture 2011.1.9.
The Text Matthew 3:13-17
Then Jesus appeared: he came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptised by John.
John tried to dissuade him, with the words, 'It is I who need baptism from you, and yet you come to me!'
But Jesus replied, 'Leave it like this for the time being; it is fitting that we should, in this way, do all that uprightness demands.' Then John gave in to him.
And when Jesus had been baptised he at once came up from the water, and suddenly the heavens opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him.
And suddenly there was a voice from heaven, 'This is my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on him.'
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My Reading Notes:
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Jesus himself was baptised with water.
But he had once said: He will baptise us with truth and holy spirit.
I am always looking forward for such a day.
The Text Matthew 3:13-17
Then Jesus appeared: he came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptised by John.
John tried to dissuade him, with the words, 'It is I who need baptism from you, and yet you come to me!'
But Jesus replied, 'Leave it like this for the time being; it is fitting that we should, in this way, do all that uprightness demands.' Then John gave in to him.
And when Jesus had been baptised he at once came up from the water, and suddenly the heavens opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him.
And suddenly there was a voice from heaven, 'This is my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on him.'
----------------------
My Reading Notes:
----------------------
Jesus himself was baptised with water.
But he had once said: He will baptise us with truth and holy spirit.
I am always looking forward for such a day.
2011年1月1日 星期六
Where is the Messiah to be born?
My Sunday Scripture 2011.1.2.
(The text: Matthew 2:1-12.)
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: 'And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.'" Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star's appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage." After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.
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My Reading Notes:
Here is a very typical story on how the Christ was to be born.
The question is: Where is the Messiah to be born?
The typical answer was: In Bethlehem.
Now may we have a more modern answer: In Love.
Christ is born in love. Love is the salvation of the world.
(The text: Matthew 2:1-12.)
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: 'And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.'" Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star's appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage." After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.
______________________________________________________________
My Reading Notes:
Here is a very typical story on how the Christ was to be born.
The question is: Where is the Messiah to be born?
The typical answer was: In Bethlehem.
Now may we have a more modern answer: In Love.
Christ is born in love. Love is the salvation of the world.
2010年12月25日 星期六
What is after the silent night?
MY Sunday Scripture 2010.12.26
The Text: Matthew 2:13-15.19-23.
When they had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him." Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, "Out of Egypt I called my son." When Herod had died, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead." He rose, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go back there. And because he had been warned in a dream, he departed for the region of Galilee. He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, "He shall be called a Nazorean."
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My Reading Notes:
In my memory as a child, the song "Silent Night" was always a comfort for me. I would remember the time when I heard it, somewhere near my old primary school, some children singing, the night was so lovely. That moment of (k)uietness is so important that you will expect the life in the coming years will be always like that.
What made you cherish that particular moment was the things coming afterwards. Endless fighting, endless chase. (K)uietness is but a lovely dream. However, hoping that the dream would come true one day, one will keep on going. You search and search. and search.
The Text: Matthew 2:13-15.19-23.
When they had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him." Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, "Out of Egypt I called my son." When Herod had died, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead." He rose, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go back there. And because he had been warned in a dream, he departed for the region of Galilee. He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, "He shall be called a Nazorean."
----------------------------
My Reading Notes:
In my memory as a child, the song "Silent Night" was always a comfort for me. I would remember the time when I heard it, somewhere near my old primary school, some children singing, the night was so lovely. That moment of (k)uietness is so important that you will expect the life in the coming years will be always like that.
What made you cherish that particular moment was the things coming afterwards. Endless fighting, endless chase. (K)uietness is but a lovely dream. However, hoping that the dream would come true one day, one will keep on going. You search and search. and search.
2010年12月19日 星期日
What is Immanuel?
My Sunday Scritpure 2010.12.19
The text: Matthew 1:18-24
This is how Jesus Christ came to be born. His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph; but before they came to live together she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.
Her husband Joseph, being an upright man and wanting to spare her disgrace, decided to divorce her informally.
He had made up his mind to do this when suddenly the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because she has conceived what is in her by the Holy Spirit.
She will give birth to a son and you must name him Jesus, because he is the one who is to save his people from their sins.'
Now all this took place to fulfil what the Lord had spoken through the prophet:
Look! the virgin is with child and will give birth to a son whom they will call Immanuel, a name which means 'God-is-with-us'.
When Joseph woke up he did what the angel of the Lord had told him to do: he took his wife to his home;
My Reading Notes:
I think of all the scripture, the line to explain what is christianity, is here:
God is with us.
And this idea is so vitally important, that all the cultural activities and all the quest in human kind, including the East and the West, is in such a recognition, know that all life on earth are linked up, and that the link is God himself.
God is with us. So that one can march forward, without fear or any selfishness, on the condition that God is with us, and we are not alone.
The text: Matthew 1:18-24
This is how Jesus Christ came to be born. His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph; but before they came to live together she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.
Her husband Joseph, being an upright man and wanting to spare her disgrace, decided to divorce her informally.
He had made up his mind to do this when suddenly the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because she has conceived what is in her by the Holy Spirit.
She will give birth to a son and you must name him Jesus, because he is the one who is to save his people from their sins.'
Now all this took place to fulfil what the Lord had spoken through the prophet:
Look! the virgin is with child and will give birth to a son whom they will call Immanuel, a name which means 'God-is-with-us'.
When Joseph woke up he did what the angel of the Lord had told him to do: he took his wife to his home;
My Reading Notes:
I think of all the scripture, the line to explain what is christianity, is here:
God is with us.
And this idea is so vitally important, that all the cultural activities and all the quest in human kind, including the East and the West, is in such a recognition, know that all life on earth are linked up, and that the link is God himself.
God is with us. So that one can march forward, without fear or any selfishness, on the condition that God is with us, and we are not alone.
2010年12月11日 星期六
How to deal with the Law or the Prophets?
My Sunday Scripture 2010.12.12.
The texts are here, though a bit long, but there is something hidden inside:
Matthew 5:17-20
17 'Do not imagine that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete them.
18 In truth I tell you, till heaven and earth disappear, not one dot, not one little stroke, is to disappear from the Law until all its purpose is achieved.
19 Therefore, anyone who infringes even one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be considered the least in the kingdom of Heaven; but the person who keeps them and teaches them will be considered great in the kingdom of Heaven.
20 'For I tell you, if your uprightness does not surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of Heaven.
Matthew 11:2-11
2 Now John had heard in prison what Christ was doing and he sent his disciples to ask him,
3 'Are you the one who is to come, or are we to expect someone else?'
4 Jesus answered, 'Go back and tell John what you hear and see;
5 the blind see again, and the lame walk, those suffering from virulent skin-diseases are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life and the good news is proclaimed to the poor;
6 and blessed is anyone who does not find me a cause of falling.'
7 As the men were leaving, Jesus began to talk to the people about John, 'What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swaying in the breeze? No?
8 Then what did you go out to see? A man wearing fine clothes? Look, those who wear fine clothes are to be found in palaces.
9 Then what did you go out for? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet:
10 he is the one of whom scripture says: Look, I am going to send my messenger in front of you to prepare your way before you.
11 'In truth I tell you, of all the children born to women, there has never been anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of Heaven is greater than he.
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My reading notes:
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What is the difference between the old and new testament, are always a puzzling thing.
Though Jesus had said, do not expect him to challenge the Law. He said, those who infringes the Law will be the least in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Will you be the "least in the kingdom of Heaven"? It is a praise (or a title) much bigger then John the Baptist. Because Jesus had said, "yet the least in the kingdom of Heaven is greater than he. "
The books in the Old Jews tradition are not perfect, and need reconsideration. But in Jesus day, he is not going to challenge them. Am I right? I am trying to think it again.
And Jesus had said, if you can not go further beyond those of the old Jews, you will not succeed. "For I tell you, if your uprightness does not surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of Heaven."
Jesus had bring us "Love", though in the old time, there was only "Law" prevailed.
Should one challenge the old "Law"? Should we gain an new insight of "Love"??
Please so help me, to think it clearer.
The texts are here, though a bit long, but there is something hidden inside:
Matthew 5:17-20
17 'Do not imagine that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete them.
18 In truth I tell you, till heaven and earth disappear, not one dot, not one little stroke, is to disappear from the Law until all its purpose is achieved.
19 Therefore, anyone who infringes even one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be considered the least in the kingdom of Heaven; but the person who keeps them and teaches them will be considered great in the kingdom of Heaven.
20 'For I tell you, if your uprightness does not surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of Heaven.
Matthew 11:2-11
2 Now John had heard in prison what Christ was doing and he sent his disciples to ask him,
3 'Are you the one who is to come, or are we to expect someone else?'
4 Jesus answered, 'Go back and tell John what you hear and see;
5 the blind see again, and the lame walk, those suffering from virulent skin-diseases are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life and the good news is proclaimed to the poor;
6 and blessed is anyone who does not find me a cause of falling.'
7 As the men were leaving, Jesus began to talk to the people about John, 'What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swaying in the breeze? No?
8 Then what did you go out to see? A man wearing fine clothes? Look, those who wear fine clothes are to be found in palaces.
9 Then what did you go out for? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet:
10 he is the one of whom scripture says: Look, I am going to send my messenger in front of you to prepare your way before you.
11 'In truth I tell you, of all the children born to women, there has never been anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of Heaven is greater than he.
-------------------
My reading notes:
-------------------
What is the difference between the old and new testament, are always a puzzling thing.
Though Jesus had said, do not expect him to challenge the Law. He said, those who infringes the Law will be the least in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Will you be the "least in the kingdom of Heaven"? It is a praise (or a title) much bigger then John the Baptist. Because Jesus had said, "yet the least in the kingdom of Heaven is greater than he. "
The books in the Old Jews tradition are not perfect, and need reconsideration. But in Jesus day, he is not going to challenge them. Am I right? I am trying to think it again.
And Jesus had said, if you can not go further beyond those of the old Jews, you will not succeed. "For I tell you, if your uprightness does not surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of Heaven."
Jesus had bring us "Love", though in the old time, there was only "Law" prevailed.
Should one challenge the old "Law"? Should we gain an new insight of "Love"??
Please so help me, to think it clearer.
2010年12月4日 星期六
Baptise with Holy Spirit and Fire
My Sunday Scripture 2010.12.5.
Matthew 3:1-12
In due course John the Baptist appeared; he proclaimed this message in the desert of Judaea,
'Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is close at hand.'
This was the man spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said: A voice of one that cries in the desert, 'Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight.'
This man John wore a garment made of camel-hair with a leather loin-cloth round his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.
Then Jerusalem and all Judaea and the whole Jordan district made their way to him,
and as they were baptised by him in the river Jordan they confessed their sins.
But when he saw a number of Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism he said to them, 'Brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the coming retribution?
Produce fruit in keeping with repentance, and do not presume to tell yourselves, "We have Abraham as our father," because, I tell you, God can raise children for Abraham from these stones. Even now the axe is being laid to the root of the trees, so that any tree failing to produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown on the fire. I baptise you in water for repentance, but the one who comes after me is more powerful than I, and I am not fit to carry his sandals; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
His winnowing-fan is in his hand; he will clear his threshing-floor and gather his wheat into his barn; but the chaff he will burn in a fire that will never go out.'
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My Reading Notes:
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Yes I am afraid of the fire, though I love the Holy Spirit very much. But they are always coming together. Through hardship and wisdom, one can discover God.
Fire is good, wisdom is good. They can bring us to the heavens.
Matthew 3:1-12
In due course John the Baptist appeared; he proclaimed this message in the desert of Judaea,
'Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is close at hand.'
This was the man spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said: A voice of one that cries in the desert, 'Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight.'
This man John wore a garment made of camel-hair with a leather loin-cloth round his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.
Then Jerusalem and all Judaea and the whole Jordan district made their way to him,
and as they were baptised by him in the river Jordan they confessed their sins.
But when he saw a number of Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism he said to them, 'Brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the coming retribution?
Produce fruit in keeping with repentance, and do not presume to tell yourselves, "We have Abraham as our father," because, I tell you, God can raise children for Abraham from these stones. Even now the axe is being laid to the root of the trees, so that any tree failing to produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown on the fire. I baptise you in water for repentance, but the one who comes after me is more powerful than I, and I am not fit to carry his sandals; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
His winnowing-fan is in his hand; he will clear his threshing-floor and gather his wheat into his barn; but the chaff he will burn in a fire that will never go out.'
------------------
My Reading Notes:
------------------
Yes I am afraid of the fire, though I love the Holy Spirit very much. But they are always coming together. Through hardship and wisdom, one can discover God.
Fire is good, wisdom is good. They can bring us to the heavens.
2010年11月27日 星期六
Know what is going on
My Sunday Scritpure 2010.11.28.
The text: Matthew 24:37-44
'As it was in Noah's day, so will it be when the Son of man comes.
For in those days before the Flood people were eating, drinking, taking wives, taking husbands, right up to the day Noah went into the ark, and they suspected nothing till the Flood came and swept them all away. This is what it will be like when the Son of man comes.
Then of two men in the fields, one is taken, one left;
of two women grinding at the mill, one is taken, one left.
'So stay awake, because you do not know the day when your master is coming.
You may be quite sure of this, that if the householder had known at what time of the night the burglar would come, he would have stayed awake and would not have allowed anyone to break through the wall of his house.
Therefore, you too must stand ready because the Son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
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My Reading Notes:
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The point is: Staying Awake.
But how do I know that I am awaken? not sleeping?
To stay awake, is to know what is going on.
Do I know what is going on in China?
Do I know what is going on in the world?
Do I know what is going on above the world?
And that is a big big challenge.
The text: Matthew 24:37-44
'As it was in Noah's day, so will it be when the Son of man comes.
For in those days before the Flood people were eating, drinking, taking wives, taking husbands, right up to the day Noah went into the ark, and they suspected nothing till the Flood came and swept them all away. This is what it will be like when the Son of man comes.
Then of two men in the fields, one is taken, one left;
of two women grinding at the mill, one is taken, one left.
'So stay awake, because you do not know the day when your master is coming.
You may be quite sure of this, that if the householder had known at what time of the night the burglar would come, he would have stayed awake and would not have allowed anyone to break through the wall of his house.
Therefore, you too must stand ready because the Son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
------------------
My Reading Notes:
------------------
The point is: Staying Awake.
But how do I know that I am awaken? not sleeping?
To stay awake, is to know what is going on.
Do I know what is going on in China?
Do I know what is going on in the world?
Do I know what is going on above the world?
And that is a big big challenge.
2010年11月16日 星期二
Today you will be with me in paradise
My Sunday Scritpture 2010.11.21
The Text: Luke 23:35-43
The people stayed there watching. As for the leaders, they jeered at him with the words, 'He saved others, let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.'
The soldiers mocked him too, coming up to him, offering him vinegar,
and saying, 'If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.'
Above him there was an inscription: 'This is the King of the Jews'.
One of the criminals hanging there abused him: 'Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us as well.'
But the other spoke up and rebuked him. 'Have you no fear of God at all?' he said. 'You got the same sentence as he did,
but in our case we deserved it: we are paying for what we did. But this man has done nothing wrong.'
Then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.'
He answered him, 'In truth I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.'
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My Reading Notes:
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Yes. The important thing happens right now. If one has found the truth, then, in the same day, one will be in paradise.
The most important thing is now. What is in your mind now.
The Text: Luke 23:35-43
The people stayed there watching. As for the leaders, they jeered at him with the words, 'He saved others, let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.'
The soldiers mocked him too, coming up to him, offering him vinegar,
and saying, 'If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.'
Above him there was an inscription: 'This is the King of the Jews'.
One of the criminals hanging there abused him: 'Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us as well.'
But the other spoke up and rebuked him. 'Have you no fear of God at all?' he said. 'You got the same sentence as he did,
but in our case we deserved it: we are paying for what we did. But this man has done nothing wrong.'
Then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.'
He answered him, 'In truth I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.'
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My Reading Notes:
------------------
Yes. The important thing happens right now. If one has found the truth, then, in the same day, one will be in paradise.
The most important thing is now. What is in your mind now.
Every thing will be destroyed
My Sunday Scripture 2010.11.14
The Text: Luke 21:5-19
When some were talking about the Temple, remarking how it was adorned with fine stonework and votive offerings, he said,
'All these things you are staring at now -- the time will come when not a single stone will be left on another; everything will be destroyed.'
And they put to him this question, 'Master,' they said, 'when will this happen, then, and what sign will there be that it is about to take place?'
But he said, 'Take care not to be deceived, because many will come using my name and saying, "I am the one" and "The time is near at hand." Refuse to join them.
And when you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be terrified, for this is something that must happen first, but the end will not come at once.'
Then he said to them, 'Nation will fight against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
There will be great earthquakes and plagues and famines in various places; there will be terrifying events and great signs from heaven.
'But before all this happens, you will be seized and persecuted; you will be handed over to the synagogues and to imprisonment, and brought before kings and governors for the sake of my name
-and that will be your opportunity to bear witness.
Make up your minds not to prepare your defence,
because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict.
You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relations and friends; and some of you will be put to death.
You will be hated universally on account of my name,
but not a hair of your head will be lost.
Your perseverance will win you your lives.
---------------------
My Reading Notes:
---------------------
Those are the most terrible things to happen. And those things are happenning and will happen again and again, wars, famines and presecutions, and the most unbearable at all, is that the betrayals from your love ones.
And this is nothing but an opportunity to bear witness to God.
And by perseverance, one will save himself.
Every thing will be destroyed. But, may I dare to ask: Why? What will happen after the solar system? or all systems? What is the purpose of life?
The Text: Luke 21:5-19
When some were talking about the Temple, remarking how it was adorned with fine stonework and votive offerings, he said,
'All these things you are staring at now -- the time will come when not a single stone will be left on another; everything will be destroyed.'
And they put to him this question, 'Master,' they said, 'when will this happen, then, and what sign will there be that it is about to take place?'
But he said, 'Take care not to be deceived, because many will come using my name and saying, "I am the one" and "The time is near at hand." Refuse to join them.
And when you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be terrified, for this is something that must happen first, but the end will not come at once.'
Then he said to them, 'Nation will fight against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
There will be great earthquakes and plagues and famines in various places; there will be terrifying events and great signs from heaven.
'But before all this happens, you will be seized and persecuted; you will be handed over to the synagogues and to imprisonment, and brought before kings and governors for the sake of my name
-and that will be your opportunity to bear witness.
Make up your minds not to prepare your defence,
because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict.
You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relations and friends; and some of you will be put to death.
You will be hated universally on account of my name,
but not a hair of your head will be lost.
Your perseverance will win you your lives.
---------------------
My Reading Notes:
---------------------
Those are the most terrible things to happen. And those things are happenning and will happen again and again, wars, famines and presecutions, and the most unbearable at all, is that the betrayals from your love ones.
And this is nothing but an opportunity to bear witness to God.
And by perseverance, one will save himself.
Every thing will be destroyed. But, may I dare to ask: Why? What will happen after the solar system? or all systems? What is the purpose of life?
2010年11月6日 星期六
What is heaven like?
My Sunday SCripture 2010.11.7.
The Text: Luke 20:27-38
Some Sadducees -- those who argue that there is no resurrection -- approached him and they put this question to him,
'Master, Moses prescribed for us, if a man's married brother dies childless, the man must marry the widow to raise up children for his brother.
Well then, there were seven brothers; the first, having married a wife, died childless. The second and then the third married the widow. And the same with all seven, they died leaving no children. Finally the woman herself died. Now, at the resurrection, whose wife will she be, since she had been married to all seven?'
Jesus replied, 'The children of this world take wives and husbands, but those who are judged worthy of a place in the other world and in the resurrection from the dead do not marry because they can no longer die, for they are the same as the angels, and being children of the resurrection they are children of God.
And Moses himself implies that the dead rise again, in the passage about the bush where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.
Now he is God, not of the dead, but of the living; for to him everyone is alive.'
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My Reading Notes:
------------------
The Scripture today has given us a clue: what is Heaven like? Do we still have marriage life or other every day life like earth in heaven?
Jesus has given us a hint:
That in heaven, every thing is not the same.
There might not be sex, or time, or life and death, or anything imaginable on earth. Heaven is a place we might be going, and only those who had been good can go there----or can reach that kind of feeling------, and those who can not reach to the same level might not be going. And that is heaven.
The Text: Luke 20:27-38
Some Sadducees -- those who argue that there is no resurrection -- approached him and they put this question to him,
'Master, Moses prescribed for us, if a man's married brother dies childless, the man must marry the widow to raise up children for his brother.
Well then, there were seven brothers; the first, having married a wife, died childless. The second and then the third married the widow. And the same with all seven, they died leaving no children. Finally the woman herself died. Now, at the resurrection, whose wife will she be, since she had been married to all seven?'
Jesus replied, 'The children of this world take wives and husbands, but those who are judged worthy of a place in the other world and in the resurrection from the dead do not marry because they can no longer die, for they are the same as the angels, and being children of the resurrection they are children of God.
And Moses himself implies that the dead rise again, in the passage about the bush where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.
Now he is God, not of the dead, but of the living; for to him everyone is alive.'
------------------
My Reading Notes:
------------------
The Scripture today has given us a clue: what is Heaven like? Do we still have marriage life or other every day life like earth in heaven?
Jesus has given us a hint:
That in heaven, every thing is not the same.
There might not be sex, or time, or life and death, or anything imaginable on earth. Heaven is a place we might be going, and only those who had been good can go there----or can reach that kind of feeling------, and those who can not reach to the same level might not be going. And that is heaven.
2010年10月30日 星期六
What is the meaning of "Lost" ?
My Sunday Scripture 2010.10.31.
The Text: Luke 19:1-10.
He came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town. Now a man there named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man, was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way. When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house." And he came down quickly and received him with joy. When they all saw this, they began to grumble, saying, "He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner." But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, "Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over." And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost."
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My Reading Notes:
-------------------
What is "lost"? What is the meaning of "lost"? That means, before the "lost", we have it. If we don't have anything, we cannot lose it.
What do I have? Do I know it? Do I know that the important "thing" was lost?
And Jesus is the one to help us finding all the lost sheeps on earth.
The Text: Luke 19:1-10.
He came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town. Now a man there named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man, was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way. When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house." And he came down quickly and received him with joy. When they all saw this, they began to grumble, saying, "He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner." But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, "Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over." And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost."
-------------------
My Reading Notes:
-------------------
What is "lost"? What is the meaning of "lost"? That means, before the "lost", we have it. If we don't have anything, we cannot lose it.
What do I have? Do I know it? Do I know that the important "thing" was lost?
And Jesus is the one to help us finding all the lost sheeps on earth.
2010年10月23日 星期六
Mission Completed or Not completed???
My Sunday Scripture 2010.10.24
Reading 1, 2 Tm 4:6-8, 16-18
As for me, my life is already being poured away as a libation, and the time has come for me to depart.
I have fought the good fight to the end; I have run the race to the finish; I have kept the faith;
all there is to come for me now is the crown of uprightness which the Lord, the upright judge, will give to me on that Day; and not only to me but to all those who have longed for his appearing.
The first time I had to present my defence, no one came into court to support me. Every one of them deserted me -- may they not be held accountable for it.
But the Lord stood by me and gave me power, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed for all the gentiles to hear; and so I was saved from the lion's mouth.
The Lord will rescue me from all evil attempts on me, and bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
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My Reading Notes:
------------------
The words of St Paul is so appealing, I will think that is the life worth living. Before I die, if I could say the same, that must be the greatest blessing from God himself directly. The mission is completed, how wonderful. However, I can only add one point: The mission (for my part) is completed, the other mission remains to be done by my future friends, or for my next life. How big is my hope to come again and work for all projects of God?????
Reading 1, 2 Tm 4:6-8, 16-18
As for me, my life is already being poured away as a libation, and the time has come for me to depart.
I have fought the good fight to the end; I have run the race to the finish; I have kept the faith;
all there is to come for me now is the crown of uprightness which the Lord, the upright judge, will give to me on that Day; and not only to me but to all those who have longed for his appearing.
The first time I had to present my defence, no one came into court to support me. Every one of them deserted me -- may they not be held accountable for it.
But the Lord stood by me and gave me power, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed for all the gentiles to hear; and so I was saved from the lion's mouth.
The Lord will rescue me from all evil attempts on me, and bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
------------------
My Reading Notes:
------------------
The words of St Paul is so appealing, I will think that is the life worth living. Before I die, if I could say the same, that must be the greatest blessing from God himself directly. The mission is completed, how wonderful. However, I can only add one point: The mission (for my part) is completed, the other mission remains to be done by my future friends, or for my next life. How big is my hope to come again and work for all projects of God?????
2010年10月16日 星期六
God will hear it
My Sunday Scripture 2010.10.17
Luke 18:1-8
Then he told them a parable about the need to pray continually and never lose heart.
'There was a judge in a certain town,' he said, 'who had neither fear of God nor respect for anyone.
In the same town there was also a widow who kept on coming to him and saying, "I want justice from you against my enemy!"
For a long time he refused, but at last he said to himself, "Even though I have neither fear of God nor respect for any human person,
I must give this widow her just rights since she keeps pestering me, or she will come and slap me in the face." '
And the Lord said, 'You notice what the unjust judge has to say?
Now, will not God see justice done to his elect if they keep calling to him day and night even though he still delays to help them?
I promise you, he will see justice done to them, and done speedily. But when the Son of man comes, will he find any faith on earth?'
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My Reading Notes:
---------------------
I must confess to you: Keep praying is not enough. If that you have such important wish, then you must be the one to try to carry it out, to do it yourself.
If you do have such strong motive, you pray to God, and you do it with your greatest
effort, God will hear it.
Luke 18:1-8
Then he told them a parable about the need to pray continually and never lose heart.
'There was a judge in a certain town,' he said, 'who had neither fear of God nor respect for anyone.
In the same town there was also a widow who kept on coming to him and saying, "I want justice from you against my enemy!"
For a long time he refused, but at last he said to himself, "Even though I have neither fear of God nor respect for any human person,
I must give this widow her just rights since she keeps pestering me, or she will come and slap me in the face." '
And the Lord said, 'You notice what the unjust judge has to say?
Now, will not God see justice done to his elect if they keep calling to him day and night even though he still delays to help them?
I promise you, he will see justice done to them, and done speedily. But when the Son of man comes, will he find any faith on earth?'
---------------------
My Reading Notes:
---------------------
I must confess to you: Keep praying is not enough. If that you have such important wish, then you must be the one to try to carry it out, to do it yourself.
If you do have such strong motive, you pray to God, and you do it with your greatest
effort, God will hear it.
2010年10月10日 星期日
"Your Faith has saved you"
My Sunday Scripture 2010.10.10.
{The text:Luke 17:11-19)
Now it happened that on the way to Jerusalem he was travelling in the borderlands of Samaria and Galilee.
As he entered one of the villages, ten men suffering from a virulent skin-disease came to meet him. They stood some way off and called to him, 'Jesus! Master! Take pity on us.'
When he saw them he said, 'Go and show yourselves to the priests.' Now as they were going away they were cleansed.
Finding himself cured, one of them turned back praising God at the top of his voice
and threw himself prostrate at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. The man was a Samaritan.
This led Jesus to say, 'Were not all ten made clean? The other nine, where are they?
It seems that no one has come back to give praise to God, except this foreigner.'
And he said to the man, 'Stand up and go on your way. Your faith has saved you.'
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My Reading Notes:
--------------------
This is the repeated message for many times in Bible. And this time one more element was added. Faith itself includes thankfulness. If one is to have faith, no matter how small that faith is, even small as a mustard seed, that faith would save us. And thankfulness is included in the small mustard seed.
And I shall not forget: That which constituted faith, is love. Without love, faith is not faith.
{The text:Luke 17:11-19)
Now it happened that on the way to Jerusalem he was travelling in the borderlands of Samaria and Galilee.
As he entered one of the villages, ten men suffering from a virulent skin-disease came to meet him. They stood some way off and called to him, 'Jesus! Master! Take pity on us.'
When he saw them he said, 'Go and show yourselves to the priests.' Now as they were going away they were cleansed.
Finding himself cured, one of them turned back praising God at the top of his voice
and threw himself prostrate at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. The man was a Samaritan.
This led Jesus to say, 'Were not all ten made clean? The other nine, where are they?
It seems that no one has come back to give praise to God, except this foreigner.'
And he said to the man, 'Stand up and go on your way. Your faith has saved you.'
--------------------
My Reading Notes:
--------------------
This is the repeated message for many times in Bible. And this time one more element was added. Faith itself includes thankfulness. If one is to have faith, no matter how small that faith is, even small as a mustard seed, that faith would save us. And thankfulness is included in the small mustard seed.
And I shall not forget: That which constituted faith, is love. Without love, faith is not faith.
2010年10月2日 星期六
If you had faith like a mustard seed
My Sunday Scripture 2010.10.3.
The Text: Luke 17:5-10
The apostles said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith.'
The Lord replied, 'If you had faith like a mustard seed you could say to this mulberry tree, "Be uprooted and planted in the sea," and it would obey you.
'Which of you, with a servant ploughing or minding sheep, would say to him when he returned from the fields, "Come and have your meal at once"?
Would he not be more likely to say, "Get my supper ready; fasten your belt and wait on me while I eat and drink. You yourself can eat and drink afterwards"?
Must he be grateful to the servant for doing what he was told?
So with you: when you have done all you have been told to do, say, "We are useless servants: we have done no more than our duty." '
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My Reading Notes:
------------------
If we had faith like a mustard seed, then we can do things. As for the reward, though that is also important for the self, but is secondary. The important thing is the aim. That is absolute important, that is what we lived for.
The Text: Luke 17:5-10
The apostles said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith.'
The Lord replied, 'If you had faith like a mustard seed you could say to this mulberry tree, "Be uprooted and planted in the sea," and it would obey you.
'Which of you, with a servant ploughing or minding sheep, would say to him when he returned from the fields, "Come and have your meal at once"?
Would he not be more likely to say, "Get my supper ready; fasten your belt and wait on me while I eat and drink. You yourself can eat and drink afterwards"?
Must he be grateful to the servant for doing what he was told?
So with you: when you have done all you have been told to do, say, "We are useless servants: we have done no more than our duty." '
------------------
My Reading Notes:
------------------
If we had faith like a mustard seed, then we can do things. As for the reward, though that is also important for the self, but is secondary. The important thing is the aim. That is absolute important, that is what we lived for.
2010年9月25日 星期六
You Must Do Something
My Sunday Scripture 2010.9.26.
(The Text: Luke 16:19-31)
'There was a rich man who used to dress in purple and fine linen and feast magnificently every day.
And at his gate there used to lie a poor man called Lazarus, covered with sores,
who longed to fill himself with what fell from the rich man's table. Even dogs came and licked his sores.
Now it happened that the poor man died and was carried away by the angels into Abraham's embrace. The rich man also died and was buried.
'In his torment in Hades he looked up and saw Abraham a long way off with Lazarus in his embrace.
So he cried out, "Father Abraham, pity me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in agony in these flames."
Abraham said, "My son, remember that during your life you had your fill of good things, just as Lazarus his fill of bad. Now he is being comforted here while you are in agony.
But that is not all: between us and you a great gulf has been fixed, to prevent those who want to cross from our side to yours or from your side to ours."
'So he said, "Father, I beg you then to send Lazarus to my father's house,
since I have five brothers, to give them warning so that they do not come to this place of torment too."
Abraham said, "They have Moses and the prophets, let them listen to them."
The rich man replied, "Ah no, father Abraham, but if someone comes to them from the dead, they will repent."
Then Abraham said to him, "If they will not listen either to Moses or to the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone should rise from the dead."
--------------------
My Reading Notes:
--------------------
The growth of a man is like filling up bottle. Now that your bottle is full. What will you do with the rest water? You keep on filling, let your belly swell or, use your strength to help out? to extend your energy into the outside world?
Life is not only a bottle. Life is an energy box. When you find yourself is full, you must do something. That is the meaning of dedication.
(The Text: Luke 16:19-31)
'There was a rich man who used to dress in purple and fine linen and feast magnificently every day.
And at his gate there used to lie a poor man called Lazarus, covered with sores,
who longed to fill himself with what fell from the rich man's table. Even dogs came and licked his sores.
Now it happened that the poor man died and was carried away by the angels into Abraham's embrace. The rich man also died and was buried.
'In his torment in Hades he looked up and saw Abraham a long way off with Lazarus in his embrace.
So he cried out, "Father Abraham, pity me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in agony in these flames."
Abraham said, "My son, remember that during your life you had your fill of good things, just as Lazarus his fill of bad. Now he is being comforted here while you are in agony.
But that is not all: between us and you a great gulf has been fixed, to prevent those who want to cross from our side to yours or from your side to ours."
'So he said, "Father, I beg you then to send Lazarus to my father's house,
since I have five brothers, to give them warning so that they do not come to this place of torment too."
Abraham said, "They have Moses and the prophets, let them listen to them."
The rich man replied, "Ah no, father Abraham, but if someone comes to them from the dead, they will repent."
Then Abraham said to him, "If they will not listen either to Moses or to the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone should rise from the dead."
--------------------
My Reading Notes:
--------------------
The growth of a man is like filling up bottle. Now that your bottle is full. What will you do with the rest water? You keep on filling, let your belly swell or, use your strength to help out? to extend your energy into the outside world?
Life is not only a bottle. Life is an energy box. When you find yourself is full, you must do something. That is the meaning of dedication.
2010年9月18日 星期六
Son of Lights vs Son of This World
My Sunday Scripture 2010.9.19
-----------------------
The Scripture: Luke 16:1-13
-----------------------
He also said to his disciples, 'There was a rich man and he had a steward who was denounced to him for being wasteful with his property.
He called for the man and said, "What is this I hear about you? Draw me up an account of your stewardship because you are not to be my steward any longer."
Then the steward said to himself, "Now that my master is taking the stewardship from me, what am I to do? Dig? I am not strong enough. Go begging? I should be too ashamed.
Ah, I know what I will do to make sure that when I am dismissed from office there will be some to welcome me into their homes."
'Then he called his master's debtors one by one. To the first he said, "How much do you owe my master?"
"One hundred measures of oil," he said. The steward said, "Here, take your bond; sit down and quickly write fifty."
To another he said, "And you, sir, how much do you owe?" "One hundred measures of wheat," he said. The steward said, "Here, take your bond and write eighty."
'The master praised the dishonest steward for his astuteness. For the children of this world are more astute in dealing with their own kind than are the children of light.'
'And so I tell you this: use money, tainted as it is, to win you friends, and thus make sure that when it fails you, they will welcome you into eternal dwellings.
Anyone who is trustworthy in little things is trustworthy in great; anyone who is dishonest in little things is dishonest in great.
If then you are not trustworthy with money, that tainted thing, who will trust you with genuine riches?
And if you are not trustworthy with what is not yours, who will give you what is your very own?
'No servant can be the slave of two masters: he will either hate the first and love the second, or be attached to the first and despise the second. You cannot be the slave both of God and of money.'
--------------
My Reading Notes:
--------------
The question is whether "This world" and "Other World" is the same or different.
-----------------------
The Scripture: Luke 16:1-13
-----------------------
He also said to his disciples, 'There was a rich man and he had a steward who was denounced to him for being wasteful with his property.
He called for the man and said, "What is this I hear about you? Draw me up an account of your stewardship because you are not to be my steward any longer."
Then the steward said to himself, "Now that my master is taking the stewardship from me, what am I to do? Dig? I am not strong enough. Go begging? I should be too ashamed.
Ah, I know what I will do to make sure that when I am dismissed from office there will be some to welcome me into their homes."
'Then he called his master's debtors one by one. To the first he said, "How much do you owe my master?"
"One hundred measures of oil," he said. The steward said, "Here, take your bond; sit down and quickly write fifty."
To another he said, "And you, sir, how much do you owe?" "One hundred measures of wheat," he said. The steward said, "Here, take your bond and write eighty."
'The master praised the dishonest steward for his astuteness. For the children of this world are more astute in dealing with their own kind than are the children of light.'
'And so I tell you this: use money, tainted as it is, to win you friends, and thus make sure that when it fails you, they will welcome you into eternal dwellings.
Anyone who is trustworthy in little things is trustworthy in great; anyone who is dishonest in little things is dishonest in great.
If then you are not trustworthy with money, that tainted thing, who will trust you with genuine riches?
And if you are not trustworthy with what is not yours, who will give you what is your very own?
'No servant can be the slave of two masters: he will either hate the first and love the second, or be attached to the first and despise the second. You cannot be the slave both of God and of money.'
--------------
My Reading Notes:
--------------
The question is whether "This world" and "Other World" is the same or different.
2010年9月11日 星期六
Do I Love Him?
My Sunday Scripture 2010.9.12.
The Scripture: (Luke 15:1-32.)
Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." So to them he addressed this parable. What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it? And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, 'Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.' I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance. Or what woman having ten coins and losing one would not light a lamp and sweep the house, searching carefully until she finds it? And when she does find it, she calls together her friends and neighbors and says to them, 'Rejoice with me because I have found the coin that I lost.' In just the same way, I tell you, there will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents." Then he said, "A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of your estate that should come to me.' So the father divided the property between them. After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation. When he had freely spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he found himself in dire need. So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens who sent him to his farm to tend the swine. And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed, but nobody gave him any. Coming to his senses he thought, 'How many of my father's hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger. I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers."' So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. His son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.' But his father ordered his servants, 'Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.' Then the celebration began. Now the older son had been out in the field and, on his way back, as he neared the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing. He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean. The servant said to him, 'Your brother has returned and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.' He became angry, and when he refused to enter the house, his father came out and pleaded with him. He said to his father in reply, 'Look, all these years I served you and not once did I disobey your orders; yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends. But when your son returns who swallowed up your property with prostitutes, for him you slaughter the fattened calf.' He said to him, 'My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.'"
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My Reading Notes:
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It turns out that we need a reason for every thing. Even "joy" itself needs such a reason. "Why are you so happy?" Some people would be puzzled.
"Yes, yes," and you would answer: "Because my brother was dead and has come to life again!" And this answer, is a challenge: Do you love your brother? Did you see that he is dead? Do you wish him come back to life again? If people found it puzzling, then it might be that they did not share the feeling.
The feeling is important. Do I love him? Should be the important question for everyone.
The Scripture: (Luke 15:1-32.)
Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." So to them he addressed this parable. What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it? And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, 'Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.' I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance. Or what woman having ten coins and losing one would not light a lamp and sweep the house, searching carefully until she finds it? And when she does find it, she calls together her friends and neighbors and says to them, 'Rejoice with me because I have found the coin that I lost.' In just the same way, I tell you, there will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents." Then he said, "A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of your estate that should come to me.' So the father divided the property between them. After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation. When he had freely spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he found himself in dire need. So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens who sent him to his farm to tend the swine. And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed, but nobody gave him any. Coming to his senses he thought, 'How many of my father's hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger. I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers."' So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. His son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.' But his father ordered his servants, 'Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.' Then the celebration began. Now the older son had been out in the field and, on his way back, as he neared the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing. He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean. The servant said to him, 'Your brother has returned and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.' He became angry, and when he refused to enter the house, his father came out and pleaded with him. He said to his father in reply, 'Look, all these years I served you and not once did I disobey your orders; yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends. But when your son returns who swallowed up your property with prostitutes, for him you slaughter the fattened calf.' He said to him, 'My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.'"
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My Reading Notes:
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It turns out that we need a reason for every thing. Even "joy" itself needs such a reason. "Why are you so happy?" Some people would be puzzled.
"Yes, yes," and you would answer: "Because my brother was dead and has come to life again!" And this answer, is a challenge: Do you love your brother? Did you see that he is dead? Do you wish him come back to life again? If people found it puzzling, then it might be that they did not share the feeling.
The feeling is important. Do I love him? Should be the important question for everyone.
2010年9月4日 星期六
What is the meaning of "Give up"
My Sunday Scripture 2010.9.5.
Great crowds accompanied him on his way and he turned and spoke to them.
'Anyone who comes to me without hating father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, yes and his own life too, cannot be my disciple.
No one who does not carry his cross and come after me can be my disciple.
'And indeed, which of you here, intending to build a tower, would not first sit down and work out the cost to see if he had enough to complete it?
Otherwise, if he laid the foundation and then found himself unable to finish the work, anyone who saw it would start making fun of him and saying,
"Here is someone who started to build and was unable to finish."
Or again, what king marching to war against another king would not first sit down and consider whether with ten thousand men he could stand up to the other who was advancing against him with twenty thousand?
If not, then while the other king was still a long way off, he would send envoys to sue for peace.
So in the same way, none of you can be my disciple without giving up all that he owns.
Luke 14:25-33
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My Reading Notes:
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The point of "give up" can be understand more easily in the context of Zheong Zi.
If we could see through the secret of life: life is but a will and this will can produce real effort with the help of material. Material it self is not life.
Life is something behind the body, is something like a will power.
How can a will power itself "own" material ? no and never.
The point is people seldom understands this. They thought life is material, hence giving up has become impossible.
Once you get the point, all problems are gone.
Great crowds accompanied him on his way and he turned and spoke to them.
'Anyone who comes to me without hating father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, yes and his own life too, cannot be my disciple.
No one who does not carry his cross and come after me can be my disciple.
'And indeed, which of you here, intending to build a tower, would not first sit down and work out the cost to see if he had enough to complete it?
Otherwise, if he laid the foundation and then found himself unable to finish the work, anyone who saw it would start making fun of him and saying,
"Here is someone who started to build and was unable to finish."
Or again, what king marching to war against another king would not first sit down and consider whether with ten thousand men he could stand up to the other who was advancing against him with twenty thousand?
If not, then while the other king was still a long way off, he would send envoys to sue for peace.
So in the same way, none of you can be my disciple without giving up all that he owns.
Luke 14:25-33
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My Reading Notes:
------------------
The point of "give up" can be understand more easily in the context of Zheong Zi.
If we could see through the secret of life: life is but a will and this will can produce real effort with the help of material. Material it self is not life.
Life is something behind the body, is something like a will power.
How can a will power itself "own" material ? no and never.
The point is people seldom understands this. They thought life is material, hence giving up has become impossible.
Once you get the point, all problems are gone.
2010年8月28日 星期六
Who need to be honoured?
Now it happened that on a Sabbath day he had gone to share a meal in the house of one of the leading Pharisees; and they watched him closely.
He then told the guests a parable, because he had noticed how they picked the places of honour. He said this,
'When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take your seat in the place of honour. A more distinguished person than you may have been invited, and the person who invited you both may come and say, "Give up your place to this man." And then, to your embarrassment, you will have to go and take the lowest place. No; when you are a guest, make your way to the lowest place and sit there, so that, when your host comes, he may say, "My friend, move up higher." Then, everyone with you at the table will see you honoured.
For everyone who raises himself up will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be raised up.'
Then he said to his host, 'When you give a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relations or rich neighbours, in case they invite you back and so repay you. No; when you have a party, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; then you will be blessed, for they have no means to repay you and so you will be repaid when the upright rise again.'
(Luke 14:1, 7-14 )
My Reading Notes:
Do the dogs need to be honoured? Yes, they do. If you have two dogs and you treat them differently, they will compete for your attention. Men are eager to be honoured. May be that is a build-in feature for the human beings. So, humble is important.
He then told the guests a parable, because he had noticed how they picked the places of honour. He said this,
'When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take your seat in the place of honour. A more distinguished person than you may have been invited, and the person who invited you both may come and say, "Give up your place to this man." And then, to your embarrassment, you will have to go and take the lowest place. No; when you are a guest, make your way to the lowest place and sit there, so that, when your host comes, he may say, "My friend, move up higher." Then, everyone with you at the table will see you honoured.
For everyone who raises himself up will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be raised up.'
Then he said to his host, 'When you give a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relations or rich neighbours, in case they invite you back and so repay you. No; when you have a party, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; then you will be blessed, for they have no means to repay you and so you will be repaid when the upright rise again.'
(Luke 14:1, 7-14 )
My Reading Notes:
Do the dogs need to be honoured? Yes, they do. If you have two dogs and you treat them differently, they will compete for your attention. Men are eager to be honoured. May be that is a build-in feature for the human beings. So, humble is important.
2010年8月21日 星期六
Try the narrow gate, before it is too late
My Sunday Scripture 2010.8.22.
Through towns and villages he went teaching, making his way to Jerusalem.
Someone said to him, 'Sir, will there be only a few saved?' He said to them,
'Try your hardest to enter by the narrow door, because, I tell you, many will try to enter and will not succeed.
'Once the master of the house has got up and locked the door, you may find yourself standing outside knocking on the door, saying, "Lord, open to us," but he will answer, "I do not know where you come from."
Then you will start saying, "We once ate and drank in your company; you taught in our streets,"
but he will reply, "I do not know where you come from; away from me, all evil doers!"
'Then there will be weeping and grinding of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves thrown out.
And people from east and west, from north and south, will come and sit down at the feast in the kingdom of God.
'Look, there are those now last who will be first, and those now first who will be last.'
Luke 13:22-30
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My Reading Notes:
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Try the narrow gate, before it is too late.
the last will become first..........
All those who try the easy way, going fast, becoming rich quick,
will be the last.
But why?
Yes. Only those who work for a real result will have the result. All those who work for vanities will have vanities. All those who tried the easy gate will not entry, and only those who tried the narrow gate will gain entrance.
Through towns and villages he went teaching, making his way to Jerusalem.
Someone said to him, 'Sir, will there be only a few saved?' He said to them,
'Try your hardest to enter by the narrow door, because, I tell you, many will try to enter and will not succeed.
'Once the master of the house has got up and locked the door, you may find yourself standing outside knocking on the door, saying, "Lord, open to us," but he will answer, "I do not know where you come from."
Then you will start saying, "We once ate and drank in your company; you taught in our streets,"
but he will reply, "I do not know where you come from; away from me, all evil doers!"
'Then there will be weeping and grinding of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves thrown out.
And people from east and west, from north and south, will come and sit down at the feast in the kingdom of God.
'Look, there are those now last who will be first, and those now first who will be last.'
Luke 13:22-30
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My Reading Notes:
--------------------
Try the narrow gate, before it is too late.
the last will become first..........
All those who try the easy way, going fast, becoming rich quick,
will be the last.
But why?
Yes. Only those who work for a real result will have the result. All those who work for vanities will have vanities. All those who tried the easy gate will not entry, and only those who tried the narrow gate will gain entrance.
2010年8月14日 星期六
Mary the mother of God and Elizabeth the mother of John
My Sunday Scripture 2010.8.14
Mary set out at that time and went as quickly as she could into the hill country to a town in Judah.
She went into Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth.
Now it happened that as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
She gave a loud cry and said, 'Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord? Look, the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt for joy. Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.'
And Mary said: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour; because he has looked upon the humiliation of his servant. Yes, from now onwards all generations will call me blessed, for the Almighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name, and his faithful love extends age after age to those who fear him. He has used the power of his arm, he has routed the arrogant of heart. He has pulled down princes from their thrones and raised high the lowly. He has filled the starving with good things, sent the rich away empty. He has come to the help of Israel his servant, mindful of his faithful love -according to the promise he made to our ancestors -- of his mercy to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.
Mary stayed with her some three months and then went home.
(Luke 1:39-56 )
My Reading Notes:
Mary the mother of God and Elizabeth the mother of John met before they deliver the babies. John was the fore-runner for Jesus, he had come ealier to proclaim to the world that Jesus will be coming. The lines here is a little strange, like that of the old textament. It mentioned that God is all for Israel and the Princes will be pulled down and riches will be sent away.
Mary set out at that time and went as quickly as she could into the hill country to a town in Judah.
She went into Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth.
Now it happened that as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
She gave a loud cry and said, 'Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord? Look, the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt for joy. Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.'
And Mary said: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour; because he has looked upon the humiliation of his servant. Yes, from now onwards all generations will call me blessed, for the Almighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name, and his faithful love extends age after age to those who fear him. He has used the power of his arm, he has routed the arrogant of heart. He has pulled down princes from their thrones and raised high the lowly. He has filled the starving with good things, sent the rich away empty. He has come to the help of Israel his servant, mindful of his faithful love -according to the promise he made to our ancestors -- of his mercy to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.
Mary stayed with her some three months and then went home.
(Luke 1:39-56 )
My Reading Notes:
Mary the mother of God and Elizabeth the mother of John met before they deliver the babies. John was the fore-runner for Jesus, he had come ealier to proclaim to the world that Jesus will be coming. The lines here is a little strange, like that of the old textament. It mentioned that God is all for Israel and the Princes will be pulled down and riches will be sent away.
2010年8月7日 星期六
Be Awaken, He will come suddenly
My Sunday Scripture 2010.8.8.
'There is no need to be afraid, little flock, for it has pleased your Father to give you the kingdom.
'Sell your possessions and give to those in need. Get yourselves purses that do not wear out, treasure that will not fail you, in heaven where no thief can reach it and no moth destroy it.
For wherever your treasure is, that is where your heart will be too.
'See that you have your belts done up and your lamps lit.
Be like people waiting for their master to return from the wedding feast, ready to open the door as soon as he comes and knocks.
Blessed those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. In truth I tell you, he will do up his belt, sit them down at table and wait on them.
It may be in the second watch that he comes, or in the third, but blessed are those servants if he finds them ready.
You may be quite sure of this, that if the householder had known at what time the burglar would come, he would not have let anyone break through the wall of his house.
You too must stand ready, because the Son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect.'
Peter said, 'Lord, do you mean this parable for us, or for everyone?'
The Lord replied, 'Who, then, is the wise and trustworthy steward whom the master will place over his household to give them at the proper time their allowance of food?
Blessed that servant if his master's arrival finds him doing exactly that.
I tell you truly, he will put him in charge of everything that he owns.
But if the servant says to himself, "My master is taking his time coming," and sets about beating the menservants and the servant-girls, and eating and drinking and getting drunk,
his master will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not know. The master will cut him off and send him to the same fate as the unfaithful.
'The servant who knows what his master wants, but has got nothing ready and done nothing in accord with those wishes, will be given a great many strokes of the lash.
The one who did not know, but has acted in such a way that he deserves a beating, will be given fewer strokes. When someone is given a great deal, a great deal will be demanded of that person; when someone is entrusted with a great deal, of that person even more will be expected.
Luke 12:32-48
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My Reading Notes:
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Yes Yes Yes, It is so important to be awaken. He will come all in a sudden. Actully He is here. Yes I will be awaken. I am clear about everything. I am not sleeping,
I am expecting. I expect the moment will come. I expect the important moment will come. I shall rejoice the moment comes.
'There is no need to be afraid, little flock, for it has pleased your Father to give you the kingdom.
'Sell your possessions and give to those in need. Get yourselves purses that do not wear out, treasure that will not fail you, in heaven where no thief can reach it and no moth destroy it.
For wherever your treasure is, that is where your heart will be too.
'See that you have your belts done up and your lamps lit.
Be like people waiting for their master to return from the wedding feast, ready to open the door as soon as he comes and knocks.
Blessed those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. In truth I tell you, he will do up his belt, sit them down at table and wait on them.
It may be in the second watch that he comes, or in the third, but blessed are those servants if he finds them ready.
You may be quite sure of this, that if the householder had known at what time the burglar would come, he would not have let anyone break through the wall of his house.
You too must stand ready, because the Son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect.'
Peter said, 'Lord, do you mean this parable for us, or for everyone?'
The Lord replied, 'Who, then, is the wise and trustworthy steward whom the master will place over his household to give them at the proper time their allowance of food?
Blessed that servant if his master's arrival finds him doing exactly that.
I tell you truly, he will put him in charge of everything that he owns.
But if the servant says to himself, "My master is taking his time coming," and sets about beating the menservants and the servant-girls, and eating and drinking and getting drunk,
his master will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not know. The master will cut him off and send him to the same fate as the unfaithful.
'The servant who knows what his master wants, but has got nothing ready and done nothing in accord with those wishes, will be given a great many strokes of the lash.
The one who did not know, but has acted in such a way that he deserves a beating, will be given fewer strokes. When someone is given a great deal, a great deal will be demanded of that person; when someone is entrusted with a great deal, of that person even more will be expected.
Luke 12:32-48
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My Reading Notes:
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Yes Yes Yes, It is so important to be awaken. He will come all in a sudden. Actully He is here. Yes I will be awaken. I am clear about everything. I am not sleeping,
I am expecting. I expect the moment will come. I expect the important moment will come. I shall rejoice the moment comes.
2010年8月1日 星期日
Life does not consist in possessions
A man in the crowd said to him, 'Master, tell my brother to give me a share of our inheritance.'
He said to him, 'My friend, who appointed me your judge, or the arbitrator of your claims?'
Then he said to them, 'Watch, and be on your guard against avarice of any kind, for life does not consist in possessions, even when someone has more than he needs.'
Then he told them a parable, 'There was once a rich man who, having had a good harvest from his land, thought to himself, "What am I to do? I have not enough room to store my crops."
Then he said, "This is what I will do: I will pull down my barns and build bigger ones, and store all my grain and my goods in them, and I will say to my soul: My soul, you have plenty of good things laid by for many years to come; take things easy, eat, drink, have a good time."
But God said to him, "Fool! This very night the demand will be made for your soul; and this hoard of yours, whose will it be then?"
So it is when someone stores up treasure for himself instead of becoming rich in the sight of God.'
Luke 12:13-21
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My Reading Notes:
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If life does not consist in possessions, then what is life?
Life is a spirit in action. A spirit cannot store up things, but a spirit can work up things. A spirit is a part of all. A spirit can work. A spirit is an joint effort of the universe. A spirit is love. And love is to join together.
Life is as simple as that. But the children do not know. Please tell them.
He said to him, 'My friend, who appointed me your judge, or the arbitrator of your claims?'
Then he said to them, 'Watch, and be on your guard against avarice of any kind, for life does not consist in possessions, even when someone has more than he needs.'
Then he told them a parable, 'There was once a rich man who, having had a good harvest from his land, thought to himself, "What am I to do? I have not enough room to store my crops."
Then he said, "This is what I will do: I will pull down my barns and build bigger ones, and store all my grain and my goods in them, and I will say to my soul: My soul, you have plenty of good things laid by for many years to come; take things easy, eat, drink, have a good time."
But God said to him, "Fool! This very night the demand will be made for your soul; and this hoard of yours, whose will it be then?"
So it is when someone stores up treasure for himself instead of becoming rich in the sight of God.'
Luke 12:13-21
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My Reading Notes:
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If life does not consist in possessions, then what is life?
Life is a spirit in action. A spirit cannot store up things, but a spirit can work up things. A spirit is a part of all. A spirit can work. A spirit is an joint effort of the universe. A spirit is love. And love is to join together.
Life is as simple as that. But the children do not know. Please tell them.
2010年7月14日 星期三
Dare to ask from the Lord
My Sunday Scripture 2010.7.25
(It is so much pleasure to read the scripture in advance. It seems a light in advance has shine into my heart.
Sorry I have to list the scripture here before time. since I will not be in HK for two weeks, and I am not sure whether I can upload anying in Sheunghai. Richard, 2010.7.14)
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Then Yahweh said, 'The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin is so grave, that I shall go down and see whether or not their actions are at all as the outcry reaching me would suggest. Then I shall know.'
While the men left there and went to Sodom, Yahweh remained in Abraham's presence.
Abraham stepped forward and said, 'Will you really destroy the upright with the guilty? Suppose there are fifty upright people in the city. Will you really destroy it? Will you not spare the place for the sake of the fifty upright in it?
Do not think of doing such a thing: to put the upright to death with the guilty, so that upright and guilty fare alike! Is the judge of the whole world not to act justly?'
Yahweh replied, 'If I find fifty upright people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place because of them.'
Abraham spoke up and said, 'It is presumptuous of me to speak to the Lord, I who am dust and ashes: Suppose the fifty upright were five short? Would you destroy the whole city because of five?' 'No,' he replied, 'I shall not destroy it if I find forty-five there.'
Abraham persisted and said, 'Suppose there are forty to be found there?' 'I shall not do it,' he replied, 'for the sake of the forty.'
Abraham said, 'I hope the Lord will not be angry if I go on: Suppose there are only thirty to be found there?' 'I shall not do it,' he replied, 'if I find thirty there.'
He said, 'It is presumptuous of me to speak to the Lord: Suppose there are only twenty there?' 'I shall not destroy it,' he replied, 'for the sake of the twenty.'
He said, 'I trust my Lord will not be angry if I speak once more: perhaps there will only be ten.' 'I shall not destroy it,' he replied, 'for the sake of the ten.'
Genesis 18:20-32
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Now it happened that he was in a certain place praying, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said, 'Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.'
He said to them, 'When you pray, this is what to say: Father, may your name be held holy, your kingdom come; give us each day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins,
for we ourselves forgive each one who is in debt to us. And do not put us to the test.'
He also said to them, 'Suppose one of you has a friend and goes to him in the middle of the night to say, "My friend, lend me three loaves, because a friend of mine on his travels has just arrived at my house and I have nothing to offer him;"
and the man answers from inside the house, "Do not bother me. The door is bolted now, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up to give it to you."
I tell you, if the man does not get up and give it to him for friendship's sake, persistence will make him get up and give his friend all he wants.
'So I say to you: Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks receives; everyone who searches finds; everyone who knocks will have the door opened.
What father among you, if his son asked for a fish, would hand him a snake?
Or if he asked for an egg, hand him a scorpion?
If you then, evil as you are, know how to give your children what is good, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!'
Luke 11:1-13
---------------------------
My Reading Notes:
---------------------------
When I read about the story of Abraham a long long ago, I did find it admiring. Yes, his courage is admirable. Who can talk to God like that? Who can bargain with God is such a way????
And the question is: Where does his courage come from? Why is he so courageous?
Yes, it is because of LOVE. He did love his people, so he can dare to ask.
And now Jesus had ENCOURAGED us to ask. Do I have the courage to ask God anything?
It is so much pleasure to read this two scriptures together. It explains many thing.
It is one thing I can assure for the whole world, that if we did ask anything, we are sure to receive it. All those in h
istory, all those who had fought hard, did have a result. Any one who did ask, did receive.
(It is so much pleasure to read the scripture in advance. It seems a light in advance has shine into my heart.
Sorry I have to list the scripture here before time. since I will not be in HK for two weeks, and I am not sure whether I can upload anying in Sheunghai. Richard, 2010.7.14)
-------------------------------
-------------------------------
Then Yahweh said, 'The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin is so grave, that I shall go down and see whether or not their actions are at all as the outcry reaching me would suggest. Then I shall know.'
While the men left there and went to Sodom, Yahweh remained in Abraham's presence.
Abraham stepped forward and said, 'Will you really destroy the upright with the guilty? Suppose there are fifty upright people in the city. Will you really destroy it? Will you not spare the place for the sake of the fifty upright in it?
Do not think of doing such a thing: to put the upright to death with the guilty, so that upright and guilty fare alike! Is the judge of the whole world not to act justly?'
Yahweh replied, 'If I find fifty upright people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place because of them.'
Abraham spoke up and said, 'It is presumptuous of me to speak to the Lord, I who am dust and ashes: Suppose the fifty upright were five short? Would you destroy the whole city because of five?' 'No,' he replied, 'I shall not destroy it if I find forty-five there.'
Abraham persisted and said, 'Suppose there are forty to be found there?' 'I shall not do it,' he replied, 'for the sake of the forty.'
Abraham said, 'I hope the Lord will not be angry if I go on: Suppose there are only thirty to be found there?' 'I shall not do it,' he replied, 'if I find thirty there.'
He said, 'It is presumptuous of me to speak to the Lord: Suppose there are only twenty there?' 'I shall not destroy it,' he replied, 'for the sake of the twenty.'
He said, 'I trust my Lord will not be angry if I speak once more: perhaps there will only be ten.' 'I shall not destroy it,' he replied, 'for the sake of the ten.'
Genesis 18:20-32
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Now it happened that he was in a certain place praying, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said, 'Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.'
He said to them, 'When you pray, this is what to say: Father, may your name be held holy, your kingdom come; give us each day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins,
for we ourselves forgive each one who is in debt to us. And do not put us to the test.'
He also said to them, 'Suppose one of you has a friend and goes to him in the middle of the night to say, "My friend, lend me three loaves, because a friend of mine on his travels has just arrived at my house and I have nothing to offer him;"
and the man answers from inside the house, "Do not bother me. The door is bolted now, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up to give it to you."
I tell you, if the man does not get up and give it to him for friendship's sake, persistence will make him get up and give his friend all he wants.
'So I say to you: Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks receives; everyone who searches finds; everyone who knocks will have the door opened.
What father among you, if his son asked for a fish, would hand him a snake?
Or if he asked for an egg, hand him a scorpion?
If you then, evil as you are, know how to give your children what is good, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!'
Luke 11:1-13
---------------------------
My Reading Notes:
---------------------------
When I read about the story of Abraham a long long ago, I did find it admiring. Yes, his courage is admirable. Who can talk to God like that? Who can bargain with God is such a way????
And the question is: Where does his courage come from? Why is he so courageous?
Yes, it is because of LOVE. He did love his people, so he can dare to ask.
And now Jesus had ENCOURAGED us to ask. Do I have the courage to ask God anything?
It is so much pleasure to read this two scriptures together. It explains many thing.
It is one thing I can assure for the whole world, that if we did ask anything, we are sure to receive it. All those in h
istory, all those who had fought hard, did have a result. Any one who did ask, did receive.
We worry so many things that is not needed
My Sunday Scripture 2010.7.18.
(Sorry I have to list the scripture here before time. since I will not be in HK for two weeks, and I am not sure whether I can upload anying in Sheunghai, Richard, 2010.7.14)
---------------------------------------------------------------
In the course of their journey he came to a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.
She had a sister called Mary, who sat down at the Lord's feet and listened to him speaking.
Now Martha, who was distracted with all the serving, came to him and said, 'Lord, do you not care that my sister is leaving me to do the serving all by myself? Please tell her to help me.'
But the Lord answered, 'Martha, Martha,' he said, 'you worry and fret about so many things, and yet few are needed, indeed only one. It is Mary who has chosen the better part, and it is not to be taken from her.'
Luke 10:38-42
------------------
My Reading Notes:
------------------
Why we worry so many things that is not important? And now She wanted to take away the part Mary is doing.
What we do need worrying is the soul, not only my own soul, but a whole generation's soul need more care. If we could see into the reality, we shall know what to do.
It is not an excuse to escape from work, but to allow more burden on our shoulders.
(Sorry I have to list the scripture here before time. since I will not be in HK for two weeks, and I am not sure whether I can upload anying in Sheunghai, Richard, 2010.7.14)
---------------------------------------------------------------
In the course of their journey he came to a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.
She had a sister called Mary, who sat down at the Lord's feet and listened to him speaking.
Now Martha, who was distracted with all the serving, came to him and said, 'Lord, do you not care that my sister is leaving me to do the serving all by myself? Please tell her to help me.'
But the Lord answered, 'Martha, Martha,' he said, 'you worry and fret about so many things, and yet few are needed, indeed only one. It is Mary who has chosen the better part, and it is not to be taken from her.'
Luke 10:38-42
------------------
My Reading Notes:
------------------
Why we worry so many things that is not important? And now She wanted to take away the part Mary is doing.
What we do need worrying is the soul, not only my own soul, but a whole generation's soul need more care. If we could see into the reality, we shall know what to do.
It is not an excuse to escape from work, but to allow more burden on our shoulders.
2010年7月10日 星期六
Who is my neighbour?
My Sunday Scripture 2010.7.11
And now a lawyer stood up and, to test him, asked, 'Master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?'
He said to him, 'What is written in the Law? What is your reading of it?'
He replied, 'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself.'
Jesus said to him, 'You have answered right, do this and life is yours.'
But the man was anxious to justify himself and said to Jesus, 'And who is my neighbour?'
In answer Jesus said, 'A man was once on his way down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of bandits; they stripped him, beat him and then made off, leaving him half dead.
Now a priest happened to be travelling down the same road, but when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.
In the same way a Levite who came to the place saw him, and passed by on the other side.
But a Samaritan traveller who came on him was moved with compassion when he saw him.
He went up to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them. He then lifted him onto his own mount and took him to an inn and looked after him.
Next day, he took out two denarii and handed them to the innkeeper and said, "Look after him, and on my way back I will make good any extra expense you have."
Which of these three, do you think, proved himself a neighbour to the man who fell into the bandits' hands?'
He replied, 'The one who showed pity towards him.' Jesus said to him, 'Go, and do the same yourself.'
Luke 10:25-37
Any one in need is my neighbour. Any one within the reach of my help, is my neighbour.
And to love is to extend a loving hand, to help.
To love is the action itself. To love is not a word. To love is a deed.
And this is the most important teaching from Jesus. We must love each other, and
we must help each other.
And now a lawyer stood up and, to test him, asked, 'Master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?'
He said to him, 'What is written in the Law? What is your reading of it?'
He replied, 'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself.'
Jesus said to him, 'You have answered right, do this and life is yours.'
But the man was anxious to justify himself and said to Jesus, 'And who is my neighbour?'
In answer Jesus said, 'A man was once on his way down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of bandits; they stripped him, beat him and then made off, leaving him half dead.
Now a priest happened to be travelling down the same road, but when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.
In the same way a Levite who came to the place saw him, and passed by on the other side.
But a Samaritan traveller who came on him was moved with compassion when he saw him.
He went up to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them. He then lifted him onto his own mount and took him to an inn and looked after him.
Next day, he took out two denarii and handed them to the innkeeper and said, "Look after him, and on my way back I will make good any extra expense you have."
Which of these three, do you think, proved himself a neighbour to the man who fell into the bandits' hands?'
He replied, 'The one who showed pity towards him.' Jesus said to him, 'Go, and do the same yourself.'
Luke 10:25-37
Any one in need is my neighbour. Any one within the reach of my help, is my neighbour.
And to love is to extend a loving hand, to help.
To love is the action itself. To love is not a word. To love is a deed.
And this is the most important teaching from Jesus. We must love each other, and
we must help each other.
2010年7月3日 星期六
Yes I can do that
My Sunday Scripture, 2010.7.4.
After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them out ahead of him in pairs, to all the towns and places he himself would be visiting.
And he said to them, 'The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to do his harvesting.
Start off now, but look, I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.
Take no purse with you, no haversack, no sandals. Salute no one on the road.
Whatever house you enter, let your first words be, "Peace to this house!"
And if a man of peace lives there, your peace will go and rest on him; if not, it will come back to you.
Stay in the same house, taking what food and drink they have to offer, for the labourer deserves his wages; do not move from house to house.
Whenever you go into a town where they make you welcome, eat what is put before you.
Cure those in it who are sick, and say, "The kingdom of God is very near to you."
Luke 10:1-9
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My Reading Notes:
-------------------
The mose difficult part of this scripture is that, how can you travell without money, and no food, and no shoes. And how can you cure people.
It must be a metaphor. And the meaning is hidden. If you wanted to do something, but there is no resources, What can you do? You have no money, no food, no shoes, no nothing. How can you do that? With what power inside your mind, that you know you will fulfill that task? And you can cure people, too.
The question is, how can I do anything without resources????
Yes, I can do that.
After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them out ahead of him in pairs, to all the towns and places he himself would be visiting.
And he said to them, 'The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to do his harvesting.
Start off now, but look, I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.
Take no purse with you, no haversack, no sandals. Salute no one on the road.
Whatever house you enter, let your first words be, "Peace to this house!"
And if a man of peace lives there, your peace will go and rest on him; if not, it will come back to you.
Stay in the same house, taking what food and drink they have to offer, for the labourer deserves his wages; do not move from house to house.
Whenever you go into a town where they make you welcome, eat what is put before you.
Cure those in it who are sick, and say, "The kingdom of God is very near to you."
Luke 10:1-9
-------------------
My Reading Notes:
-------------------
The mose difficult part of this scripture is that, how can you travell without money, and no food, and no shoes. And how can you cure people.
It must be a metaphor. And the meaning is hidden. If you wanted to do something, but there is no resources, What can you do? You have no money, no food, no shoes, no nothing. How can you do that? With what power inside your mind, that you know you will fulfill that task? And you can cure people, too.
The question is, how can I do anything without resources????
Yes, I can do that.
2010年6月26日 星期六
we are free
My Sunday Scripture 2010.6.27
Gospel
59 Another to whom he said, 'Follow me,' replied, 'Let me go and bury my father first.'
60 But he answered, 'Leave the dead to bury their dead; your duty is to go and spread the news of the kingdom of God.'
(Luke 9:51-62)
Reading 2,
1 Christ set us free, so that we should remain free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be fastened again to the yoke of slavery.
13 After all, brothers, you were called to be free; do not use your freedom as an opening for self-indulgence, but be servants to one another in love,
(Galatians 5:1, 13-18)
--------------------
My Reading Notes:
-------------------
The idea of freedom by Paul is very much the same as Zhuang-zi.
Once you are free, you will not be slave again. You will be free to do what you wanted to do, without any resistancy of the earthy world. Let the dead bury the dead, said Jesus. Once we could turn away from the earthy world, we are free.
Gospel
59 Another to whom he said, 'Follow me,' replied, 'Let me go and bury my father first.'
60 But he answered, 'Leave the dead to bury their dead; your duty is to go and spread the news of the kingdom of God.'
(Luke 9:51-62)
Reading 2,
1 Christ set us free, so that we should remain free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be fastened again to the yoke of slavery.
13 After all, brothers, you were called to be free; do not use your freedom as an opening for self-indulgence, but be servants to one another in love,
(Galatians 5:1, 13-18)
--------------------
My Reading Notes:
-------------------
The idea of freedom by Paul is very much the same as Zhuang-zi.
Once you are free, you will not be slave again. You will be free to do what you wanted to do, without any resistancy of the earthy world. Let the dead bury the dead, said Jesus. Once we could turn away from the earthy world, we are free.
2010年6月19日 星期六
Is the Bible against common sense?
My Sunday Scripture 2010.6.20
Then, speaking to all, he said, 'If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross every day and follow me.
Anyone who wants to save his life will lose it; but anyone who loses his life for my sake, will save it.
(Luke 9:18-24)
---------------------
My Reading Notes:
---------------------
This is a line few would dare to think deeply into it. It seems, it is against the common sense of us all. Who would like to have a bitter life like Jesus? Who would like to be nailed into the cross? Who would like to pick up the cross?
Who would not like to choose an easy life? to enjoy good food, good clothes, and every kind of material satisfaction?
What is the meaning of losing ones life? who would choose to lose it, but not to save it?
May be this is the most most important secret about life itself.
Those who choose to enjoy the material, will lose it. Those who choose to work out all his effort with blood and tear, will save it. Life is something for us to fight for, not to waste for.
The question is WHY. Where does the important motive come from? Why would I do thing this way? but not that way?
This is the biggest secret of life. Every one can choose, and every one can see into the secret in a split second, and understood, or leave it there, and go into the mess of the fussy world, like a fly fly into the dunghill.
Then, speaking to all, he said, 'If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross every day and follow me.
Anyone who wants to save his life will lose it; but anyone who loses his life for my sake, will save it.
(Luke 9:18-24)
---------------------
My Reading Notes:
---------------------
This is a line few would dare to think deeply into it. It seems, it is against the common sense of us all. Who would like to have a bitter life like Jesus? Who would like to be nailed into the cross? Who would like to pick up the cross?
Who would not like to choose an easy life? to enjoy good food, good clothes, and every kind of material satisfaction?
What is the meaning of losing ones life? who would choose to lose it, but not to save it?
May be this is the most most important secret about life itself.
Those who choose to enjoy the material, will lose it. Those who choose to work out all his effort with blood and tear, will save it. Life is something for us to fight for, not to waste for.
The question is WHY. Where does the important motive come from? Why would I do thing this way? but not that way?
This is the biggest secret of life. Every one can choose, and every one can see into the secret in a split second, and understood, or leave it there, and go into the mess of the fussy world, like a fly fly into the dunghill.
2010年6月12日 星期六
Nothing is important now
My Sunday Scripture 2010.6.13.
A Pharisee invited him to dine with him, and he entered the Pharisee's house and reclined at table. Now there was a sinful woman in the city who learned that he was at table in the house of the Pharisee. Bringing an alabaster flask of ointment, she stood behind him at his feet weeping and began to bathe his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, that she is a sinner." Jesus said to him in reply, "Simon, I have something to say to you." "Tell me, teacher," he said. Two people were in debt to a certain creditor; one owed five hundred days' wages and the other owed fifty. Since they were unable to repay the debt, he forgave it for both. Which of them will love him more?" Simon said in reply, "The one, I suppose, whose larger debt was forgiven." He said to him, "You have judged rightly." Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? When I entered your house, you did not give me water for my feet, but she has bathed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but she has not ceased kissing my feet since the time I entered. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she anointed my feet with ointment. So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; hence, she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little." He said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." The others at table said to themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?" But he said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace." Afterward he journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod's steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.
(Luke 7:36-50.8:1-3.)
--------------------
My Reading Notes:
--------------------
She must be in great agony before she came to Jesus. Where did her tears came from? Where did her pain came from? How she longed to release all this pain?
When she was kneeling before Jesus the one who could save her, how sad she was and how deeply in mood she was. When she found her tears has dropped onto Jesus foot, she wipe it and she cleaned Jesus's foot with her hair.
In such a moment, nothing is important. She just expressed herself. And She was saved.
A Pharisee invited him to dine with him, and he entered the Pharisee's house and reclined at table. Now there was a sinful woman in the city who learned that he was at table in the house of the Pharisee. Bringing an alabaster flask of ointment, she stood behind him at his feet weeping and began to bathe his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, that she is a sinner." Jesus said to him in reply, "Simon, I have something to say to you." "Tell me, teacher," he said. Two people were in debt to a certain creditor; one owed five hundred days' wages and the other owed fifty. Since they were unable to repay the debt, he forgave it for both. Which of them will love him more?" Simon said in reply, "The one, I suppose, whose larger debt was forgiven." He said to him, "You have judged rightly." Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? When I entered your house, you did not give me water for my feet, but she has bathed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but she has not ceased kissing my feet since the time I entered. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she anointed my feet with ointment. So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; hence, she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little." He said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." The others at table said to themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?" But he said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace." Afterward he journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod's steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.
(Luke 7:36-50.8:1-3.)
--------------------
My Reading Notes:
--------------------
She must be in great agony before she came to Jesus. Where did her tears came from? Where did her pain came from? How she longed to release all this pain?
When she was kneeling before Jesus the one who could save her, how sad she was and how deeply in mood she was. When she found her tears has dropped onto Jesus foot, she wipe it and she cleaned Jesus's foot with her hair.
In such a moment, nothing is important. She just expressed herself. And She was saved.
2010年6月5日 星期六
How do the Creator feed us
My Sunday Scripture 2010.6.6.
But the crowds got to know and they went after him. He made them welcome and talked to them about the kingdom of God; and he cured those who were in need of healing.
It was late afternoon when the Twelve came up to him and said, 'Send the people away, and they can go to the villages and farms round about to find lodging and food; for we are in a lonely place here.'
He replied, 'Give them something to eat yourselves.' But they said, 'We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we are to go ourselves and buy food for all these people.'
For there were about five thousand men. But he said to his disciples, 'Get them to sit down in parties of about fifty.'
They did so and made them all sit down.
Then he took the five loaves and the two fish, raised his eyes to heaven, and said the blessing over them; then he broke them and handed them to his disciples to distribute among the crowd.
They all ate as much as they wanted, and when the scraps left over were collected they filled twelve baskets.
Luke 9:11b-17
---------------------
My Reading Notes:
---------------------
The question is how do the Creator of the Universe feed us.
Jesus had asked Peter at the last moment. He asked him does he love him.
He said he does. And he said, you feed my lamp. And he said, you tend my sheep. And he said, you feed my sheep. If Peter is to love God, he has now got a mission. That mission is to feed the people.
The question is how. How can he feed all other sheep on the planet earth?
Yes he can.
All the other creatures on earth are fed properly. Why not us people?
Its because God has leave us the "choice". Its that he had given us wisdom.
To feed all the people, Peter must deliver this wisdom to the people on earth.
And this wisdom, is the Gospel.
But the crowds got to know and they went after him. He made them welcome and talked to them about the kingdom of God; and he cured those who were in need of healing.
It was late afternoon when the Twelve came up to him and said, 'Send the people away, and they can go to the villages and farms round about to find lodging and food; for we are in a lonely place here.'
He replied, 'Give them something to eat yourselves.' But they said, 'We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we are to go ourselves and buy food for all these people.'
For there were about five thousand men. But he said to his disciples, 'Get them to sit down in parties of about fifty.'
They did so and made them all sit down.
Then he took the five loaves and the two fish, raised his eyes to heaven, and said the blessing over them; then he broke them and handed them to his disciples to distribute among the crowd.
They all ate as much as they wanted, and when the scraps left over were collected they filled twelve baskets.
Luke 9:11b-17
---------------------
My Reading Notes:
---------------------
The question is how do the Creator of the Universe feed us.
Jesus had asked Peter at the last moment. He asked him does he love him.
He said he does. And he said, you feed my lamp. And he said, you tend my sheep. And he said, you feed my sheep. If Peter is to love God, he has now got a mission. That mission is to feed the people.
The question is how. How can he feed all other sheep on the planet earth?
Yes he can.
All the other creatures on earth are fed properly. Why not us people?
Its because God has leave us the "choice". Its that he had given us wisdom.
To feed all the people, Peter must deliver this wisdom to the people on earth.
And this wisdom, is the Gospel.
2010年5月29日 星期六
What else will Jesus tell us?
My Sunday Scripture 2010.5.30.
I still have many things to say to you but they would be too much for you to bear now.
However, when the Spirit of truth comes he will lead you to the complete truth, since he will not be speaking of his own accord, but will say only what he has been told; and he will reveal to you the things to come.
He will glorify me, since all he reveals to you will be taken from what is mine.
Everything the Father has is mine; that is why I said: all he reveals to you will be taken from what is mine.
John 16:12-15
------------------------
My Reading Notes:
------------------------
Sometimes, when we tried to think in terms of our own human race, we will have lots of questions and puzzles. What is the ultimate truth about us and the universe?
There had been a moment, that God had send us his own son, to tell us what to do.
However, His son had had only a limited time. When His son left us, he had said the above line. He wanted us to know more. He said, "I still have many things to say to you but they would be too much for you to bear now."
Yes, I can believe that by our present day understanding ( I would say, two thousand years ago till now, we had made little progress), if all truth were revealed, we can hardly bear it.
That is why we need the Holy Spirit. He will guide us to find our what we CAN understand.
I still have many things to say to you but they would be too much for you to bear now.
However, when the Spirit of truth comes he will lead you to the complete truth, since he will not be speaking of his own accord, but will say only what he has been told; and he will reveal to you the things to come.
He will glorify me, since all he reveals to you will be taken from what is mine.
Everything the Father has is mine; that is why I said: all he reveals to you will be taken from what is mine.
John 16:12-15
------------------------
My Reading Notes:
------------------------
Sometimes, when we tried to think in terms of our own human race, we will have lots of questions and puzzles. What is the ultimate truth about us and the universe?
There had been a moment, that God had send us his own son, to tell us what to do.
However, His son had had only a limited time. When His son left us, he had said the above line. He wanted us to know more. He said, "I still have many things to say to you but they would be too much for you to bear now."
Yes, I can believe that by our present day understanding ( I would say, two thousand years ago till now, we had made little progress), if all truth were revealed, we can hardly bear it.
That is why we need the Holy Spirit. He will guide us to find our what we CAN understand.
2010年5月22日 星期六
We are not thinking alone
My Sunday Scripture 2010.5.23.
We are not thinking alone
In the evening of that same day, the first day of the week, the doors were closed in the room where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews. Jesus came and stood among them. He said to them, 'Peace be with you,'
and, after saying this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were filled with joy at seeing the Lord,
and he said to them again, 'Peace be with you. 'As the Father sent me, so am I sending you.'
After saying this he breathed on them and said: Receive the Holy Spirit.
If you forgive anyone's sins, they are forgiven; if you retain anyone's sins, they are retained.
John 20:19-23
My Reading Notes:
I think St Paul had put the question very straight:
"Live not by your natural inclinations, but by the Spirit, since the Spirit of God has made a home in you."(Romans 8:9)
by such proclamation, St.Paul had separated the flesh from the spirit.
The human spirit, aided by the Holy spirit, can have a better choice. Our natural inclination can always lead us astray, but the spirit could lead us to where we really wanted to go to.
And we can say, we are not thinking alone, but thinking together with the "whole".
With such a thought, we could be always in peace, and find our way.
We are not thinking alone
In the evening of that same day, the first day of the week, the doors were closed in the room where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews. Jesus came and stood among them. He said to them, 'Peace be with you,'
and, after saying this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were filled with joy at seeing the Lord,
and he said to them again, 'Peace be with you. 'As the Father sent me, so am I sending you.'
After saying this he breathed on them and said: Receive the Holy Spirit.
If you forgive anyone's sins, they are forgiven; if you retain anyone's sins, they are retained.
John 20:19-23
My Reading Notes:
I think St Paul had put the question very straight:
"Live not by your natural inclinations, but by the Spirit, since the Spirit of God has made a home in you."(Romans 8:9)
by such proclamation, St.Paul had separated the flesh from the spirit.
The human spirit, aided by the Holy spirit, can have a better choice. Our natural inclination can always lead us astray, but the spirit could lead us to where we really wanted to go to.
And we can say, we are not thinking alone, but thinking together with the "whole".
With such a thought, we could be always in peace, and find our way.
2010年5月15日 星期六
What is the meaning of "One"
My Sunday Scripture 2010.5.16.
I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me. Father, they are your gift to me. I wish that where I am they also may be with me, that they may see my glory that you gave me, because you loved me before the foundation of the world. Righteous Father, the world also does not know you, but I know you, and they know that you sent me. I made known to them your name and I will make it known, that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them."
John 17:20-26
---------------------
My Reading Notes:
----------------------
We are all in one. Me, you, The Creator, The Creator's son, and many many.
We are actually one. We share bodies. We eat others. And we are eaten. Our bodies are composed from other bodies. And Jesus had made us to eat his body too. Every Sunday, people around the world, once they know God, they will share God's body together.
But, what is the meaning of One?
First we must think like one. We ought to raise our thinking level into the same measuring unit: the one. All other units, like "self", "nation", "family" are secondary. We are free once we have achieved this view.
Then we would have a second question. What shall we do when we are one???
Jesus had taught us that, we must love each other. We can die for each other. That is the real meaning of being one.
I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me. Father, they are your gift to me. I wish that where I am they also may be with me, that they may see my glory that you gave me, because you loved me before the foundation of the world. Righteous Father, the world also does not know you, but I know you, and they know that you sent me. I made known to them your name and I will make it known, that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them."
John 17:20-26
---------------------
My Reading Notes:
----------------------
We are all in one. Me, you, The Creator, The Creator's son, and many many.
We are actually one. We share bodies. We eat others. And we are eaten. Our bodies are composed from other bodies. And Jesus had made us to eat his body too. Every Sunday, people around the world, once they know God, they will share God's body together.
But, what is the meaning of One?
First we must think like one. We ought to raise our thinking level into the same measuring unit: the one. All other units, like "self", "nation", "family" are secondary. We are free once we have achieved this view.
Then we would have a second question. What shall we do when we are one???
Jesus had taught us that, we must love each other. We can die for each other. That is the real meaning of being one.
2010年5月8日 星期六
Paraclete
My Sunday Scripture, 2010.5.9.
Jesus replied: Anyone who loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we shall come to him and make a home in him.
Anyone who does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not my own: it is the word of the Father who sent me.
I have said these things to you while still with you;
but the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all I have said to you.
Peace I bequeath to you, my own peace I give you, a peace which the world cannot give, this is my gift to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.
You heard me say: I am going away and shall return. If you loved me you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.
I have told you this now, before it happens, so that when it does happen you may believe.
John 14:23-29
-------------------
My Reading Notes:
-------------------
Jesus had send us the Paraclete before he went back to the Father. And it has been one of my own habit, whenever I have difficult problems, I will ask for the Paraclete
to come to stay with my mind. And He will sure come, and I will have peace in mind and be well prepared to meet the challenges ahead.
In some difficult situations, I found it hard to handle, I found it uneasy to meet people, and I am not happy, then, I will call upon him, ask him to come, and he will surely come, and I have peace in mind and will be happy again. Only in very few times, when I found I could not be happy, and I ask him to help. And it came the strange answer. He will tell me, you ought to be sad. Then I will be really sad by then.
Jesus replied: Anyone who loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we shall come to him and make a home in him.
Anyone who does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not my own: it is the word of the Father who sent me.
I have said these things to you while still with you;
but the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all I have said to you.
Peace I bequeath to you, my own peace I give you, a peace which the world cannot give, this is my gift to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.
You heard me say: I am going away and shall return. If you loved me you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.
I have told you this now, before it happens, so that when it does happen you may believe.
John 14:23-29
-------------------
My Reading Notes:
-------------------
Jesus had send us the Paraclete before he went back to the Father. And it has been one of my own habit, whenever I have difficult problems, I will ask for the Paraclete
to come to stay with my mind. And He will sure come, and I will have peace in mind and be well prepared to meet the challenges ahead.
In some difficult situations, I found it hard to handle, I found it uneasy to meet people, and I am not happy, then, I will call upon him, ask him to come, and he will surely come, and I have peace in mind and will be happy again. Only in very few times, when I found I could not be happy, and I ask him to help. And it came the strange answer. He will tell me, you ought to be sad. Then I will be really sad by then.
2010年4月30日 星期五
Am I dare enough to ask?
My Sunday Scripture 2010.5.2.
7 If you know me, you will know my Father too. From this moment you know him and have seen him.
8 Philip said, 'Lord, show us the Father and then we shall be satisfied.' Jesus said to him,
9 'Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? 'Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father, so how can you say, "Show us the Father"?
10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? What I say to you I do not speak of my own accord: it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his works.
11 You must believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe it on the evidence of these works.
12 In all truth I tell you, whoever believes in me will perform the same works as I do myself, and will perform even greater works, because I am going to the Father.
13 Whatever you ask in my name I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.
John 14:7-14
My Reading Notes,
The line was addressed to Philip in the Bible, but, it seems that it could be addressed to us all.
In Luke 11:9, Jesus had expressed similar meaning: "Ask, and it will be given to you."
And this is one of the very important part in our faith. Am I dare enough to ask anything from Him? As he had said also: "whoever believes in me will perform the same works as I do myself". That means, if I am brave enough to carry the cross, I am also brave enough to ask.
And if I am brave enough to ask, the Holy Spirit will sure to come, helping me to fight for the things I had asked, and success itself is a sure outcome.
In the whole of our human history, all those who had fight with a pure motive were all successful. The world is moving onward with the help of the successful.
7 If you know me, you will know my Father too. From this moment you know him and have seen him.
8 Philip said, 'Lord, show us the Father and then we shall be satisfied.' Jesus said to him,
9 'Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? 'Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father, so how can you say, "Show us the Father"?
10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? What I say to you I do not speak of my own accord: it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his works.
11 You must believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe it on the evidence of these works.
12 In all truth I tell you, whoever believes in me will perform the same works as I do myself, and will perform even greater works, because I am going to the Father.
13 Whatever you ask in my name I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.
John 14:7-14
My Reading Notes,
The line was addressed to Philip in the Bible, but, it seems that it could be addressed to us all.
In Luke 11:9, Jesus had expressed similar meaning: "Ask, and it will be given to you."
And this is one of the very important part in our faith. Am I dare enough to ask anything from Him? As he had said also: "whoever believes in me will perform the same works as I do myself". That means, if I am brave enough to carry the cross, I am also brave enough to ask.
And if I am brave enough to ask, the Holy Spirit will sure to come, helping me to fight for the things I had asked, and success itself is a sure outcome.
In the whole of our human history, all those who had fight with a pure motive were all successful. The world is moving onward with the help of the successful.
2010年4月24日 星期六
The meaning of FOOD
My Sunday Scripture 2010.4.25.
Jesus said: «My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father's hand. The Father and I are one."
(John 10:27-30.)
-------------------
My Reading Notes:
-------------------
I had discussed with my students sometimes ago, that what is the meaning of FOOD.
We had found that all food are composed of life, the bodies of other life. We eat plants, and animals. They are all food. And in due course, we will render our body as food for others. We are one in such a meaning, though it is somewhat external.
And once Jesus asked his disciples to eat his flesh and blood.
Now I can understand, this is a highly symbolic meaning that we are one, with the Lord above, and with every other on the planet. Thus we had achieved eternal life.
Jesus said: «My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father's hand. The Father and I are one."
(John 10:27-30.)
-------------------
My Reading Notes:
-------------------
I had discussed with my students sometimes ago, that what is the meaning of FOOD.
We had found that all food are composed of life, the bodies of other life. We eat plants, and animals. They are all food. And in due course, we will render our body as food for others. We are one in such a meaning, though it is somewhat external.
And once Jesus asked his disciples to eat his flesh and blood.
Now I can understand, this is a highly symbolic meaning that we are one, with the Lord above, and with every other on the planet. Thus we had achieved eternal life.
2010年4月17日 星期六
To Love is To Serve
My Sunday Scripture 2010.4.18
Later on, Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples. It was by the Sea of Tiberias, and it happened like this:
Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee and two more of his disciples were together.
Simon Peter said, 'I'm going fishing.' They replied, 'We'll come with you.' They went out and got into the boat but caught nothing that night.
When it was already light, there stood Jesus on the shore, though the disciples did not realise that it was Jesus.
Jesus called out, 'Haven't you caught anything, friends?' And when they answered, 'No,'
he said, 'Throw the net out to starboard and you'll find something.' So they threw the net out and could not haul it in because of the quantity of fish.
The disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, 'It is the Lord.' At these words, 'It is the Lord,' Simon Peter tied his outer garment round him (for he had nothing on) and jumped into the water.
The other disciples came on in the boat, towing the net with the fish; they were only about a hundred yards from land.
As soon as they came ashore they saw that there was some bread there and a charcoal fire with fish cooking on it.
Jesus said, 'Bring some of the fish you have just caught.'
Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net ashore, full of big fish, one hundred and fifty-three of them; and in spite of there being so many the net was not broken.
Jesus said to them, 'Come and have breakfast.' None of the disciples was bold enough to ask, 'Who are you?'. They knew quite well it was the Lord.
Jesus then stepped forward, took the bread and gave it to them, and the same with the fish.
This was the third time that Jesus revealed himself to the disciples after rising from the dead.
When they had eaten, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon son of John, do you love me more than these others do?' He answered, 'Yes, Lord, you know I love you.' Jesus said to him, 'Feed my lambs.'
A second time he said to him, 'Simon son of John, do you love me?' He replied, 'Yes, Lord, you know I love you.' Jesus said to him, 'Look after my sheep.'
Then he said to him a third time, 'Simon son of John, do you love me?' Peter was hurt that he asked him a third time, 'Do you love me?' and said, 'Lord, you know everything; you know I love you.' Jesus said to him, 'Feed my sheep.
In all truth I tell you, when you were young you put on your own belt and walked where you liked; but when you grow old you will stretch out your hands, and somebody else will put a belt round you and take you where you would rather not go.'
In these words he indicated the kind of death by which Peter would give glory to God. After this he said, 'Follow me.'
John 21:1-19
------------------------
My Reading Notes:
------------------------
What had Jesus told Peter three times? To feed my lambs, to look after my sheep, to feed my sheep.
This is the most important order from God Himself. If we are to love God, we must obey this order.
How could I "feed" and "Look after" my people?
In Luke 11:9-13, He had taught us a really important method, that is, to ask the help from God, to seek the answers from God. And God will send us the Holy Spirit, we will know how to do and what to do.
Yes, to love God is to serve the people. And to serve the people, is loving God. Lets get things done. Thus a true Christian must walk outside to do something.
Later on, Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples. It was by the Sea of Tiberias, and it happened like this:
Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee and two more of his disciples were together.
Simon Peter said, 'I'm going fishing.' They replied, 'We'll come with you.' They went out and got into the boat but caught nothing that night.
When it was already light, there stood Jesus on the shore, though the disciples did not realise that it was Jesus.
Jesus called out, 'Haven't you caught anything, friends?' And when they answered, 'No,'
he said, 'Throw the net out to starboard and you'll find something.' So they threw the net out and could not haul it in because of the quantity of fish.
The disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, 'It is the Lord.' At these words, 'It is the Lord,' Simon Peter tied his outer garment round him (for he had nothing on) and jumped into the water.
The other disciples came on in the boat, towing the net with the fish; they were only about a hundred yards from land.
As soon as they came ashore they saw that there was some bread there and a charcoal fire with fish cooking on it.
Jesus said, 'Bring some of the fish you have just caught.'
Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net ashore, full of big fish, one hundred and fifty-three of them; and in spite of there being so many the net was not broken.
Jesus said to them, 'Come and have breakfast.' None of the disciples was bold enough to ask, 'Who are you?'. They knew quite well it was the Lord.
Jesus then stepped forward, took the bread and gave it to them, and the same with the fish.
This was the third time that Jesus revealed himself to the disciples after rising from the dead.
When they had eaten, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon son of John, do you love me more than these others do?' He answered, 'Yes, Lord, you know I love you.' Jesus said to him, 'Feed my lambs.'
A second time he said to him, 'Simon son of John, do you love me?' He replied, 'Yes, Lord, you know I love you.' Jesus said to him, 'Look after my sheep.'
Then he said to him a third time, 'Simon son of John, do you love me?' Peter was hurt that he asked him a third time, 'Do you love me?' and said, 'Lord, you know everything; you know I love you.' Jesus said to him, 'Feed my sheep.
In all truth I tell you, when you were young you put on your own belt and walked where you liked; but when you grow old you will stretch out your hands, and somebody else will put a belt round you and take you where you would rather not go.'
In these words he indicated the kind of death by which Peter would give glory to God. After this he said, 'Follow me.'
John 21:1-19
------------------------
My Reading Notes:
------------------------
What had Jesus told Peter three times? To feed my lambs, to look after my sheep, to feed my sheep.
This is the most important order from God Himself. If we are to love God, we must obey this order.
How could I "feed" and "Look after" my people?
In Luke 11:9-13, He had taught us a really important method, that is, to ask the help from God, to seek the answers from God. And God will send us the Holy Spirit, we will know how to do and what to do.
Yes, to love God is to serve the people. And to serve the people, is loving God. Lets get things done. Thus a true Christian must walk outside to do something.
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