Tuesday, 31 July 2007
First draft of PhD thesis
Just submitted my thesis to the department of civil engineering. Although this copy is not finalised, it represents an important milestone to graduation. Thanks be to Lord.
You and me
2 Corinthians 6:16
God said to Israel people in Old testament and to Christian in New Testament that, 'I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.'
Are you walking with your God?
Do you ask for the permission of your King to every decision?
Lord, please teach me how to walk properly with you and enjoy your presence with me.
God said to Israel people in Old testament and to Christian in New Testament that, 'I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.'
Are you walking with your God?
Do you ask for the permission of your King to every decision?
Lord, please teach me how to walk properly with you and enjoy your presence with me.
Monday, 30 July 2007
Common yoke
2 Corinthians 6:14-16
Paul gave a list of considerations before a believer yoke with an unbeliever. He urged us to consider the five differences: between righteous and wickeness, light and darkness, Christ and Belial, a believer and a unbeliever, and the temple of God and idols. He challenged us if we can find any commonness, fellowship, harmony, or agreement between the five differences.
Be reminded that yoking with an unbeliever is a serious decision referring to the pursuit of a common vision with him/her for a long period of time (could be for the rest of your life). Make a wise decision in Christ.
Paul gave a list of considerations before a believer yoke with an unbeliever. He urged us to consider the five differences: between righteous and wickeness, light and darkness, Christ and Belial, a believer and a unbeliever, and the temple of God and idols. He challenged us if we can find any commonness, fellowship, harmony, or agreement between the five differences.
Be reminded that yoking with an unbeliever is a serious decision referring to the pursuit of a common vision with him/her for a long period of time (could be for the rest of your life). Make a wise decision in Christ.
Sunday, 29 July 2007
Press on
Too busy to pose any message in recent days, as I am pressing on to the goal of finishing up my PhD thesis on coming Tue. Thanks for many who support and pray for me.
Monday, 23 July 2007
Vote
One of my submitted entries was short-listed for the public voting in the competition "100 reasons for why we love Hong Kong". Here is my entry. If you vote for your favourite entries (not necessarily mine), you may win a round-trip flight ticket.
Life example
2 Corinthians 6:4-5
Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger;
Lord Jesus, Paul commended himself through his sufferings, which are similar to your sufferings on this Earth. Through the four gospel books, you demonstrated your teachings and showed us your great endurance in troubles, hardships, distresses, beatings, hard work, sleepless nights and hunger. May we follow you in the way of living.
Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger;
Lord Jesus, Paul commended himself through his sufferings, which are similar to your sufferings on this Earth. Through the four gospel books, you demonstrated your teachings and showed us your great endurance in troubles, hardships, distresses, beatings, hard work, sleepless nights and hunger. May we follow you in the way of living.
Friday, 20 July 2007
Endurance
2 Corinthians 6:4
Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance...
Among every way that Paul commend himself to others, endurance is the first personal quality. Endurance is important to a Christian because he or she must encounter suffering in this world. Even if you try your very best to avoid suffering by using all of your wisdom, suffering still can come to you as it comes to others. Although most people do not like suffering, servants of God are different. They do not afraid of suffering, but bear them with great endurance, and even are proud of suffering for their Master. Paul did not commend himself with spiritual experience, his apostolic authority from God. Rather, he commended himself to Corinthians through his endurance of a variety of sufferings.
Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance...
Among every way that Paul commend himself to others, endurance is the first personal quality. Endurance is important to a Christian because he or she must encounter suffering in this world. Even if you try your very best to avoid suffering by using all of your wisdom, suffering still can come to you as it comes to others. Although most people do not like suffering, servants of God are different. They do not afraid of suffering, but bear them with great endurance, and even are proud of suffering for their Master. Paul did not commend himself with spiritual experience, his apostolic authority from God. Rather, he commended himself to Corinthians through his endurance of a variety of sufferings.
Thursday, 19 July 2007
Precious gifts
I receive many precious unexpected gifts today.
1. a living place for our new family
2. a dozen of my favourite gundam models
3. a round ticket from Cathy Pacific
Thank you, my dear Lord. Hallelujah.
1. a living place for our new family
2. a dozen of my favourite gundam models
3. a round ticket from Cathy Pacific
Thank you, my dear Lord. Hallelujah.
Discredit
From a Cambridge dictionary, discredit means 'to cause people to stop respecting someone or believing in an idea or person'.
In a commercial world, banks bring discredit on one whose past financial record is bad. Likewise, our past record of relationship to others could discredit us in others' eyes. Paul avoided our ministry to be discredited by eliminating any possibility of blocking anyone's path. I know that sometimes our work and way of living would not be pleasing in everyone's eyes, but I do hope that I can be a trustworthy person and avoid putting anyone at risk by blocking his/her way of reconciliation with God.
In a commercial world, banks bring discredit on one whose past financial record is bad. Likewise, our past record of relationship to others could discredit us in others' eyes. Paul avoided our ministry to be discredited by eliminating any possibility of blocking anyone's path. I know that sometimes our work and way of living would not be pleasing in everyone's eyes, but I do hope that I can be a trustworthy person and avoid putting anyone at risk by blocking his/her way of reconciliation with God.
Wednesday, 18 July 2007
Servants of God
2 Corinthians 6:3-4
We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way...
Lord, if I hurt anyone unintentionally, please let me know and forgive me.
If I have brought any trouble to anyone, please forgive me and grant me courage to admit.
If I hinder anyone from knowing your love and righteousness, please forgive me and punish me.
We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way...
Lord, if I hurt anyone unintentionally, please let me know and forgive me.
If I have brought any trouble to anyone, please forgive me and grant me courage to admit.
If I hinder anyone from knowing your love and righteousness, please forgive me and punish me.
Monday, 16 July 2007
Same as that of Jesus
Philippians 2:5
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus
Lord, thank you for your kind reminder. My attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. You seat on the throne of God, but had come down to earth to be a man died shamefully on a cross. How humble you are!
When one ignores me and looks down on my ability, may you teach me to respond as humble as you are, and let me realise that I have nothing lost on that, but please you. Amen.
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus
Lord, thank you for your kind reminder. My attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. You seat on the throne of God, but had come down to earth to be a man died shamefully on a cross. How humble you are!
When one ignores me and looks down on my ability, may you teach me to respond as humble as you are, and let me realise that I have nothing lost on that, but please you. Amen.
Saturday, 14 July 2007
Be polite
My mum always teach me to be polite, and she herself always demonstrates such philosophy to others. She believes that '禮多人不怪' (meaning that there is always no harm to be polite to people).
Today I read a book with the following excerpts:
"講禮貎不會失去什麼，卻能得到一切"
"你可以沒有金錢，你可以沒有地位，你也可以沒有智慧，但你不能沒有禮貌。學會禮貌待人，在尊重別人的同時，你會發現自己也正被別人尊重。"
from 不可不讀的名人名言1 張健鵬 胡足青 編
Now, I am convinced that my old mum's wisdom is the same as those famous philosophers.
Today I read a book with the following excerpts:
"講禮貎不會失去什麼，卻能得到一切"
"你可以沒有金錢，你可以沒有地位，你也可以沒有智慧，但你不能沒有禮貌。學會禮貌待人，在尊重別人的同時，你會發現自己也正被別人尊重。"
from 不可不讀的名人名言1 張健鵬 胡足青 編
Now, I am convinced that my old mum's wisdom is the same as those famous philosophers.
Friday, 13 July 2007
Seize - part 3
In Luke 14:16-24, there is a rich man inviting guests to come to his great banquet with all the food ready. He invites his friends and says: 'Come, for everything is now ready.' Unexpectedly, the guests refuse to go by making different excuses. The excuses have a similarity: they have to try out something new. Why? Perhaps because they are bored with the banquet's master. They do not enjoy the friendship with him any more, as the banquet can represent the joyful sharing in friendship.
What a pity that those guests miss the chance of enjoying the free banquet, in the presence of the joyful master. Now, if we miss the chance of enjoying the relationship with the Lord, the chance will be given to others.
What a pity that those guests miss the chance of enjoying the free banquet, in the presence of the joyful master. Now, if we miss the chance of enjoying the relationship with the Lord, the chance will be given to others.
Thursday, 12 July 2007
Seize - part 2
Recently, there are two news sharing one similarity: People crazily rush to one place for a product or a souvenir, but unfortunately the unexpectedly large crowd eventually causes disorder and even injuries at the end. One news is the souvenir distribution event in the Jockey Club, the another is the limited selling of a bag called 'I'am not plastic'.
Even people seize the chance of material things which are considered as valuable in their eyes, how sad if Christians do not seize the change of earning eternal favours in the limited period of the time of God's favour and the time of salvation.
Even people seize the chance of material things which are considered as valuable in their eyes, how sad if Christians do not seize the change of earning eternal favours in the limited period of the time of God's favour and the time of salvation.
Wednesday, 11 July 2007
Seize
2 Corinthian 6:2
I tell you, now is the time of God's favour, now is the day of salvation.
Paul associated the time of his writing to the Lord's gracious promise to Isaiah for Israel people.
This is what the LORD has said in Isaiah 49:8
"In the time of my favour I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you;
I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people..."
How long the Israel people had been waiting for the realisation of the Lord's promise?
How many lives of Israel people had been killed by men of Babylon and Assyria?
How much bitterness the Israel people had suffered till the born of the Saviour?
How about gentiles?
How long the gentiles had been expelled from the presence of his Creator?
How many lives of gentiles had died with the false hope that his idols could bring him into eternity?
How much sinful entertainment the gentiles had enjoyed, without knowing the judgement ahead for him?
Paul announced to the gentile of Corinthians: NOW is the time of God's favour, NOW is the day of salvation. Seize such a grace period, as it won't be forever, but will be gone shortly.
I tell you, now is the time of God's favour, now is the day of salvation.
Paul associated the time of his writing to the Lord's gracious promise to Isaiah for Israel people.
This is what the LORD has said in Isaiah 49:8
"In the time of my favour I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you;
I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people..."
How long the Israel people had been waiting for the realisation of the Lord's promise?
How many lives of Israel people had been killed by men of Babylon and Assyria?
How much bitterness the Israel people had suffered till the born of the Saviour?
How about gentiles?
How long the gentiles had been expelled from the presence of his Creator?
How many lives of gentiles had died with the false hope that his idols could bring him into eternity?
How much sinful entertainment the gentiles had enjoyed, without knowing the judgement ahead for him?
Paul announced to the gentile of Corinthians: NOW is the time of God's favour, NOW is the day of salvation. Seize such a grace period, as it won't be forever, but will be gone shortly.
Abnormal weather
全球氣候反常
西歐寒夏 英國結霜
全球氣候異常，西歐夏日卻受寒流侵襲，預測英國下周更將結霜，法國也出現潮濕寒冷的天氣。但在大西洋另一邊的美國東岸，卻受熱浪侵襲，而南美洲阿根廷首都也因異常寒流來襲，出現百年一遇的降雪。 明報國際11/07/07
Lord, are these phenomena signalling Your glory return?
西歐寒夏 英國結霜
全球氣候異常，西歐夏日卻受寒流侵襲，預測英國下周更將結霜，法國也出現潮濕寒冷的天氣。但在大西洋另一邊的美國東岸，卻受熱浪侵襲，而南美洲阿根廷首都也因異常寒流來襲，出現百年一遇的降雪。 明報國際11/07/07
Lord, are these phenomena signalling Your glory return?
Tuesday, 10 July 2007
Fellow worker
2 Corinthians 6:1
As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain.
in vain = useless, without producing expected results
Are you surprised that Paul addressed himself as a fellow worker of God? How would you feel if a servant addresses his master as his fellow worker? I don't think Paul was unaware of the huge difference in position between him and the Lord, but he stressed that he was speaking on behalf of God and for God's will. From the preceding verses, we understand that Paul was conscious of his ministry of promoting reconciliation between man and God. Now, Paul urged us not to receive God's grace, but take no actions in fillfulling our responsibility. Paul's actions were consistent with his message.
Lord, we don't like working in vain. Working so hard for so long time but leaving no result is an discouraging experience to most people. Lord, help me to respond properly and actively to your grace and love, such that you do not get disappointed.
As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain.
in vain = useless, without producing expected results
Are you surprised that Paul addressed himself as a fellow worker of God? How would you feel if a servant addresses his master as his fellow worker? I don't think Paul was unaware of the huge difference in position between him and the Lord, but he stressed that he was speaking on behalf of God and for God's will. From the preceding verses, we understand that Paul was conscious of his ministry of promoting reconciliation between man and God. Now, Paul urged us not to receive God's grace, but take no actions in fillfulling our responsibility. Paul's actions were consistent with his message.
Lord, we don't like working in vain. Working so hard for so long time but leaving no result is an discouraging experience to most people. Lord, help me to respond properly and actively to your grace and love, such that you do not get disappointed.
Monday, 9 July 2007
Flawed impression
"Don’t judge too quickly what you see; Treat lightly first impression; Misunderstandings multiply
Without communication."
From Our Daily Bread (09/07/07)
Without communication."
From Our Daily Bread (09/07/07)
Saturday, 7 July 2007
Which one do you prefer?
There are two learning styles for you to choose:
Option 1:
Your teacher tells you every bit of the teaching material: the assumptions, the logical steps, and the conclusions for your application. The only thing you have to do is to remember them all.
Option 2:
Your teacher provides the basic background, defines learning objectives, and suggests some hints on possible ways to achieve the objectives. You have to collect relevant information, discover potential ways out of many dead-ends, discuss many times with your teacher in presenting and clarifying your ideas. Eventually, you may conclude your findings and achieve the objectives.
Which one do you prefer?
Option 1:
Your teacher tells you every bit of the teaching material: the assumptions, the logical steps, and the conclusions for your application. The only thing you have to do is to remember them all.
Option 2:
Your teacher provides the basic background, defines learning objectives, and suggests some hints on possible ways to achieve the objectives. You have to collect relevant information, discover potential ways out of many dead-ends, discuss many times with your teacher in presenting and clarifying your ideas. Eventually, you may conclude your findings and achieve the objectives.
Which one do you prefer?
Friday, 6 July 2007
Chatty
Women is more chatty than men? An interesting article from FM suggested, 'Not nessearily'!
"If women listened more we might find men talked more than we thought, and if men listened they might find that women actually don't talk a lot of rubbish all the time. Some of what we say is actually valuable."
"If women listened more we might find men talked more than we thought, and if men listened they might find that women actually don't talk a lot of rubbish all the time. Some of what we say is actually valuable."
Thursday, 5 July 2007
'Giant' baby
Happy birthday to "羅小B"!
Congratulations to Welly and Cedric! You are now mother and father of a giant baby weighted over 8 pounds.
Congratulations to Welly and Cedric! You are now mother and father of a giant baby weighted over 8 pounds.
Ambassador
2 Corinthians 5:20
We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.
Ambassador: an important official who lives in a foreign country to represent his or her own country there, and who is officially accepted in this position by that country.
According to the Cambridge dictionary, ambassador is an important position of a country. A Christ's ambassador therefore also represents the kingdom of God. Ambassadors of God are first "officially" accepted by God and are then sent to this world to make appeal to non-believers. If people expect to see God from His ambassadors, should we behave ourself well so that His appeal can be made through us?
We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.
Ambassador: an important official who lives in a foreign country to represent his or her own country there, and who is officially accepted in this position by that country.
According to the Cambridge dictionary, ambassador is an important position of a country. A Christ's ambassador therefore also represents the kingdom of God. Ambassadors of God are first "officially" accepted by God and are then sent to this world to make appeal to non-believers. If people expect to see God from His ambassadors, should we behave ourself well so that His appeal can be made through us?
Monday, 2 July 2007
One audience is enough
Yesterday, I glanced through the context of a book in a bookstore. One of the chapters says "We don't need any audience". Although I didn't go on reading the content, I can tell from the name of the book that the chapter is intended to encourage young people to have their own stand out of peer pressure.
Indeed, one can be easily influenced by the audience in one's life. To one extreme, some ends their life simply because they thought there is no one caring about their existence and, in other words, they have no audience in their life.
Do I need any audience? Certainly. One is probably sufficient, and two is a bonus. I know Jesus Christ is always willing to be my audience. Although we Christian, like Paul, could suffer in loneliness or be made a spectacle to the whole universe (1 Corinthians 4:9), Jesus is watching over us as our faithful audience, appreciates our work for himself and courages us in tough persecutions.
Lord Jesus, 2000 years ago in Israel, when you shout loudly, ''We played the flute for you; we sang a dirge.' , there was hardly response from the audience. No matter how hard you tried, the audience just ignored you and continued on their own ways. Just before the point of death on a cross, you beared our sins and caused your only audience, your beloved heavenly father, to forsake you. Teach me how to enjoy you as my only audience in this world. More importantly, may my sings and priase will be enjoyable to you in the eternity.
Indeed, one can be easily influenced by the audience in one's life. To one extreme, some ends their life simply because they thought there is no one caring about their existence and, in other words, they have no audience in their life.
Do I need any audience? Certainly. One is probably sufficient, and two is a bonus. I know Jesus Christ is always willing to be my audience. Although we Christian, like Paul, could suffer in loneliness or be made a spectacle to the whole universe (1 Corinthians 4:9), Jesus is watching over us as our faithful audience, appreciates our work for himself and courages us in tough persecutions.
Lord Jesus, 2000 years ago in Israel, when you shout loudly, ''We played the flute for you; we sang a dirge.' , there was hardly response from the audience. No matter how hard you tried, the audience just ignored you and continued on their own ways. Just before the point of death on a cross, you beared our sins and caused your only audience, your beloved heavenly father, to forsake you. Teach me how to enjoy you as my only audience in this world. More importantly, may my sings and priase will be enjoyable to you in the eternity.
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