Have you had any idea of how much of your time is spent in waiting? Do you feel a sense of helplessness and emptiness when you wait?
The message of Feb.21 in The Springs in The Desert is “Wait With Patience”. Mrs. Cowman quoted Ps. 37:7 saying, "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him". If you were out of steam either for your resolution or your goal in the Lord, Cowman's message is timely encouragement and refreshment. She asked, “Are you tired of seeing nothing move? Are you just at the point of giving it all up? ” Perhaps you have not waited in the right way. This would take you out of the right place – the place where He can meet you.
Patience takes away worry. Patience takes away your weeping. Why feel sad and despondent? Our Lord knows your need better than you do, and His purpose in waiting is to bring more glory out of it all. Patience takes away self-works. The work He desires is that you "believe" (John 6:29), and when you believe, you may then know that all is well. Patience takes away all want. Your desire for the thing you wish is perhaps stronger than your desire for the will of God to be fulfilled in its arrival. Patience takes away all weakening.
Instead of delaying and unfruitfulness, it is a time of letting go – knowing that God is getting a larger supply ready and must get you ready too. God's foundations are steady; and when His patience is within, we are steady while we wait. Patience gives worship. "Let (all these phases of) patience (i.e. steadfastness and perseverance) have her perfect work" (James 1:4). Our almighty Lord chose to manifest his mightiness through the humble life of Jesus, not a great warrior king. Paul echoed on such mightiness in humility as he quoted God saying, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor. 12:9)
Dear brothers and sisters, let's encourage one another with this belief: while we wait with the Lord's patience, we will find great enrichment through His promise. Amen.
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Our Transition
I am sure you would agree with me on this: We get much of our motivation from our hopes which indeed steer our lives. Among our hopes as a congregation, we are looking forward to have our full-time pastor soon. Obviously, we have to live with the fact that we are still waiting for our pastor to come along. Joanne shall continue to work as our interim part-time minister in the coming 6 months. As for me, I shall be her partner and supporter because our CMC has kindly agreed to permit me to take up an even more flexible role. The reason behind such a change relates much to my New Year resolution to diligently discover my long-term ministry. Yes, an interim minister in our church is only a transition for me. Besides the fact that I lack the confidence and experience to serve as our full-time minister, my calling in the Lord is much more felt in the area of brotherhood support. As a result, I need to venture outside our church for the opportunity and confirmation towards such an aspiration.
I need your prayers and understanding for such a change as you shall be seeing me much less frequently than before. Nevertheless, please do NOT hesitate to talk to me as you wish for I am still an interim helper in terms of pastoral services. In the meantime, our CMC members will continue to share the burden of running our church collectively. Hopefully, such an arrangement will provide a smooth transition for our future pastor's coming. There may be inconveniencies, however, for example, things may take a bit longer to materialize and church decisions might take some time for collective endorsement. We again need your understanding and support to make good our arrangements. Let's continue to press on toward the goal and prize of God's calling as a holy family in His Kingdom. Amen.
Congratulations And Be Prosperous
Today is the Lunar New Year’s Day. I would like to kunghei (i.e. congratulate) and wish you a wonderful and prosperous year. You may recall from my sermon on January 1st in which I quoted Gary Ryan Blair’s saying: “New Year is the only holiday that celebrates the passage of time. Perhaps that's why, as the final seconds of the year tick away, we become introspective. Inevitably, that introspection turns to thoughts of self-improvement and the annual ritual of making resolutions, which offer the first of many important tools for remaking ourselves!” There is a related Chinese saying, “The face of the earth renews as spring returns. (春回大地，萬象更新) ” Yes, there is always a hope of renewal especially during such times as celebrating the new year.
As Christians, our hope of renewal is further guaranteed by the word and the will of our Lord: Therefore, if any one is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come (II Cor. 5:17; RSV). Dear brothers and sisters, we all need such a renewal and the underlying wisdom in the Lord. Let’s keep on reminding and encouraging one another towards such a life goal. To this end, I would like to share with you the following lines from a devotional movie “Another Chance”:
If we might have a second chance
to live the days once more,
and rectify mistakes we’ve made
to even up the score,
… … … … … … …
But we can’t retrace our steps,
however stands the score,
Tomorrow brings another chance
for us to try once more!
The above devotional reassures us again of Paul’s teaching: “forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philip. 3:13–14).” I hope we would truly attain our hope and wish in the way ahead. May the Lord bless us and keep us on. Amen.
As Christians, our hope of renewal is further guaranteed by the word and the will of our Lord: Therefore, if any one is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come (II Cor. 5:17; RSV). Dear brothers and sisters, we all need such a renewal and the underlying wisdom in the Lord. Let’s keep on reminding and encouraging one another towards such a life goal. To this end, I would like to share with you the following lines from a devotional movie “Another Chance”:
If we might have a second chance
to live the days once more,
and rectify mistakes we’ve made
to even up the score,
… … … … … … …
But we can’t retrace our steps,
however stands the score,
Tomorrow brings another chance
for us to try once more!
The above devotional reassures us again of Paul’s teaching: “forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philip. 3:13–14).” I hope we would truly attain our hope and wish in the way ahead. May the Lord bless us and keep us on. Amen.
Growth and Order
Elisabeth Elliot (Back to the Bible) once wrote on nine principles for the shaping of a Christian family. They include firstly the authority of Christ followed secondly by order. Elliot quoted punctuality as a visible sign of order. Her father often reminded her, "When you're late, you are stealing from another person the most precious commodity, which is time."
Dear brothers and sisters, have you made your New Year’s Resolution? If so, has it anything to deal with order? As an interim minister of our church, I must apologize for my unpunctuality at times. Presumably, most of us have been unpunctual occasionally and there is a variety of reasons behind it. However, our growth will be affected if our unpunctuality becomes habitual. Why? Being human, we and our church are subjected to the normal norms and effects of human interactions. For instance, we like to start our worship at 9:45 a.m. while it is often started around 10 a.m. instead. Such a phenomenon not only affects our feeling but our spirituality as well because our worship is a divine appointment with God. We’d hardly miss any important appointment with a prominent person. Most likely, we would be well prepared for it. Hence, punctuality reflects our preparation. If we are not well prepared for worshipping and meeting our Lord, do you think our spirituality will be benefited accordingly?
One of my New Year’s resolutions for you is that 2006 will be a year full of blessing, growth and realization of your personal goals in the Lord. Let’s learn from the Lord’s teaching on the faithful and observant servant (Luke 12: 35-40) for blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. As leaders of our church, I am sure our leaders would agree that it is our obligation to set a good example in our church. To this end, your support and encouragement are vital. Let’s therefore stimulate one another towards the good deeds and blessings in our Lord. Amen.
Dear brothers and sisters, have you made your New Year’s Resolution? If so, has it anything to deal with order? As an interim minister of our church, I must apologize for my unpunctuality at times. Presumably, most of us have been unpunctual occasionally and there is a variety of reasons behind it. However, our growth will be affected if our unpunctuality becomes habitual. Why? Being human, we and our church are subjected to the normal norms and effects of human interactions. For instance, we like to start our worship at 9:45 a.m. while it is often started around 10 a.m. instead. Such a phenomenon not only affects our feeling but our spirituality as well because our worship is a divine appointment with God. We’d hardly miss any important appointment with a prominent person. Most likely, we would be well prepared for it. Hence, punctuality reflects our preparation. If we are not well prepared for worshipping and meeting our Lord, do you think our spirituality will be benefited accordingly?
One of my New Year’s resolutions for you is that 2006 will be a year full of blessing, growth and realization of your personal goals in the Lord. Let’s learn from the Lord’s teaching on the faithful and observant servant (Luke 12: 35-40) for blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. As leaders of our church, I am sure our leaders would agree that it is our obligation to set a good example in our church. To this end, your support and encouragement are vital. Let’s therefore stimulate one another towards the good deeds and blessings in our Lord. Amen.
Christmas Dedication
In my last article, “Living a Life Worthy of The Lord” on December 11, I quoted Sylvia Penny saying, “To live a life worthy of the Lord we need, first and foremost, to be obedient to His will in our lives.” In a nutshell this requires us to show evidence of our faith in the form of good works.
Jesus during his earthly ministry has set the ultimate example for Christian living. The Apostle Paul (Phil.1:21) also said, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Such teachings all point to an ultimate gain and reward in heaven for those who live their lives worthy of the Lord. Today is Christmas. What would you do to celebrate our Lord’s earthly birth? Joanne reminded us last Sunday (December 18) by pointing out that Christmas is the best time to rededicate our life to Him and to tell others about our Savior. She also challenged us to put Jesus back to the center of Christmas.
In the liturgical tradition of the church such as the Lutherans, “Advent” is a holy season commemorating the first coming of Christ as Saviour and a reminder of His second coming as Judge. It is the beginning of the Christian year and covers the period from the Sunday nearest to the 30th of November until Christmas. From the 6th century the season was kept as a period of fasting and penitence. It may seem a bit dissonant when the celebration of Jesus’ birth is mixed with penitence. However, The Bible (Ps. 51:17) reminds us that the sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit and God will not despise a broken and contrite heart. Indeed, a life without bitterness is very unusual and probably futile. As for both food and life, bitterness is one of the basic flavors to make up a remarkable and lasting recipe. Without question, the birth of Jesus is destined with his crucifixion without which our salvation would have missed a firm and eternal ground. So, brothers and sisters, let’s encourage one another to do and fulfill the will of God by a heartfelt commitment of our deeds to Christ.
Living a Life Worthy of The Lord
The presentation last Sunday (Dec. 4) by our Filipino sisters was interesting and enlightening in that it vividly illustrated the idea of the armour of God as depicted in Eph. 6:10-24. Without doubt, we Christians have an obligation to live our lives worthy of the Lord so that we will be protected and empowered to win the spiritual warfare around us.
Sister Sylvia Penny of the Open Bible Trust hits the bull's eye of today's devotional theme (Her Article) by pointing out that: To live a life worthy of the Lord we need, first and foremost, to be obedient to His will in our lives. In a nutshell this requires us to show evidence of our faith in the form of good works. She goes on to ask, “If we were put on trial for our Christian faith, would there be enough evidence to convict us?”
Indeed, faith and work could not be separated when the quality and fruitfulness of our lives are in focus. Ephesians 2:10 also points out that we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. The good works in question are clearly set out in Ephesians chapters 4-6 and elsewhere in the Bible. Hence, we may take the internal quality and external expression (deeds) of our lives to be the result of putting our faith in Christ Jesus.
John 6:28-29 mentions in passing that the people asked Jesus what must they do to do the works of God? Jesus answered them, 'This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.' Elsewhere, James 2:14 adds, "What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?" A saving faith, then, is one that manifests itself in good deeds as a natural consequence. It is as natural as babies and toddlers are after milk and toys.
If we are to live a life worthy of The Lord, then our good works are indispensable evidence of our faith. Dear brothers and sisters, Christmas is about the commemoration and celebration of Jesus’ birth wherein we have a tradition of giving out presents to one another. What would you give to the Lord this year in order to celebrate Christmas? Would you consider offer your good deeds as a living sacrifice and gift to the Lord Jesus? May the Lord help and encourage us. Amen.
Friday, May 26, 2006
What A Name We Have!
"Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full" (John 16:24; KJV).
During the American Civil War, a man had an only son who enlisted in the armies of the Union. The father was a banker who very reluctantly let his son go. He became deeply interested in the soldier boys, and whenever he saw a uniform, his heart went out as he thought of his own dear boy. He spent his time, neglected his business, gave his money to caring for the soldiers who came home invalid. His friends argued with him, saying he had no right to neglect his business and spend so much thought upon the soldiers, so he decided to give it all up.
But then there stepped into his bank one day a private soldier in a faded and worn uniform with signs of battled wounds. The poor fellow was fumbling in his pocket to get something or other, when the banker saw him and said to him: "My dear fellow, I cannot do anything for you today. I am extremely busy. You will have to go to your headquarters. The officers there will look after you."
Still the poor fellow stood, still he fumbled in his pockets and, by and by, drew out a scrap of dirty paper, on which there were a few lines written with a pencil, and laid this soiled sheet before the banker. On it were the words: "Dear Father: This is one of my comrades who was wounded in the last fight, and has been in the hospital. Please receive him as myself. --Charlie."
In a moment all the resolutions of indifference which this man made flew away. He took the boy to his palatial home, put him in Charlie's room, gave him Charlie's seat at the table, kept him until food and rest and love had brought him back to health, and then sent him back again to fight for the flag.
Dear brothers and sisters, how do you feel today? Let's remember that Jesus Christ has made a promise on his name so that we can be confident to make any supplication before our heavenly Father and be assured that it will be granted for our joy in the Lord.
(abridged from In His Name by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman)
During the American Civil War, a man had an only son who enlisted in the armies of the Union. The father was a banker who very reluctantly let his son go. He became deeply interested in the soldier boys, and whenever he saw a uniform, his heart went out as he thought of his own dear boy. He spent his time, neglected his business, gave his money to caring for the soldiers who came home invalid. His friends argued with him, saying he had no right to neglect his business and spend so much thought upon the soldiers, so he decided to give it all up.
But then there stepped into his bank one day a private soldier in a faded and worn uniform with signs of battled wounds. The poor fellow was fumbling in his pocket to get something or other, when the banker saw him and said to him: "My dear fellow, I cannot do anything for you today. I am extremely busy. You will have to go to your headquarters. The officers there will look after you."
Still the poor fellow stood, still he fumbled in his pockets and, by and by, drew out a scrap of dirty paper, on which there were a few lines written with a pencil, and laid this soiled sheet before the banker. On it were the words: "Dear Father: This is one of my comrades who was wounded in the last fight, and has been in the hospital. Please receive him as myself. --Charlie."
In a moment all the resolutions of indifference which this man made flew away. He took the boy to his palatial home, put him in Charlie's room, gave him Charlie's seat at the table, kept him until food and rest and love had brought him back to health, and then sent him back again to fight for the flag.
Dear brothers and sisters, how do you feel today? Let's remember that Jesus Christ has made a promise on his name so that we can be confident to make any supplication before our heavenly Father and be assured that it will be granted for our joy in the Lord.
(abridged from In His Name by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman)
To Suffer in Hope
Dr. Lindsay Robinson pointed out in his sermon “Bad Things to Good People” on October 30 that after Good Friday, humanity began to suffer in hope. The story of Peter and the other Apostles in Act 12: 1-25 is a vivid illustration of the power behind to suffer in hope. Despite apparent barriers and trials, God’s word continued to increase and spread.
In his book Man's search for Meaning, Victor Frankl argued that the "loss of hope and courage can have a deadly effect on man." As a result of his experiences in a Nazi concentration camp, Frankl contended that when a man no longer possesses a motive for living, no future to look toward to, he curls up in a corner and dies. When I was first told about Joanne's mishap in Shenzhen on October 30, I was a bit worried then. I asked in my heart: Why did it happen? I didn't have a full answer then nor do I have it now. Fortunately, we prayed together to bring Joanne back safely as soon as possible and God took heed of our prayer - Joanne returned home in the evening of the same day. Praise the Lord!
As you know, Joanne was doing evangelism with a group of Christians from our Chinese chapel. They were fighting a spiritual warfare. Obviously, Satan was unhappy. Joanne's incident did not frighten her. It should not frighten us either. I rather felt that God was speaking to us through the incident –He will not let us down though bad things could happen when we are doing His will. More importantly, our church is at a juncture to wander out of our comfort zone by practicing the Great Commission. I do believe that it will bring about a revival to us. Yes, a revival which is due. There is no reason to retreat and give up such a precious chance of putting our faith into deeds. Besides, we are cooperating with our Chinese chapel to further the Kingdom of our Lord and to enhance the brotherly tie between our chapels. We have every reason to move ahead unless we are forbidden by the Holy Spirit. So, let's pray together for a confirmation of such a vision and for a sustainable mission to expand the Kingdom of God so that our church will actively partake in the fulfillment of the Great Commission as well as the underlying blessings.
In his book Man's search for Meaning, Victor Frankl argued that the "loss of hope and courage can have a deadly effect on man." As a result of his experiences in a Nazi concentration camp, Frankl contended that when a man no longer possesses a motive for living, no future to look toward to, he curls up in a corner and dies. When I was first told about Joanne's mishap in Shenzhen on October 30, I was a bit worried then. I asked in my heart: Why did it happen? I didn't have a full answer then nor do I have it now. Fortunately, we prayed together to bring Joanne back safely as soon as possible and God took heed of our prayer - Joanne returned home in the evening of the same day. Praise the Lord!
As you know, Joanne was doing evangelism with a group of Christians from our Chinese chapel. They were fighting a spiritual warfare. Obviously, Satan was unhappy. Joanne's incident did not frighten her. It should not frighten us either. I rather felt that God was speaking to us through the incident –He will not let us down though bad things could happen when we are doing His will. More importantly, our church is at a juncture to wander out of our comfort zone by practicing the Great Commission. I do believe that it will bring about a revival to us. Yes, a revival which is due. There is no reason to retreat and give up such a precious chance of putting our faith into deeds. Besides, we are cooperating with our Chinese chapel to further the Kingdom of our Lord and to enhance the brotherly tie between our chapels. We have every reason to move ahead unless we are forbidden by the Holy Spirit. So, let's pray together for a confirmation of such a vision and for a sustainable mission to expand the Kingdom of God so that our church will actively partake in the fulfillment of the Great Commission as well as the underlying blessings.
Spiritual Lessons
“When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to." (Acts 16:7; NIV). What a strange prohibition! These men were going into Bithynia just to do Christ's work, and the door is shut against them by Christ's own Spirit. Have you experienced this in your life? It was hard at such times to leave one's work undone when one believed that work to be the service of the Spirit. As I have preached on October 2, the Christian life is not just characterized by action but waiting also. It is a divine plan for the good of us as well as those who are served by us. Rom 8:28 bears the important promise: in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.
I'm sure you could think of dozens of reasons for your action or waiting in the Lord. The crucial question here is: Are we led by Spirit? I certainly could not give you a simple or even any answer at all. I Cor. 2:11 reminds us that no one knows a man's thoughts except the spirit of the man and no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Indeed, only the Holy Spirit is truly qualified to be our spiritual director and counselor. The practical implication of this teaching drives us back to God's breathed Word – the Bible. Yes, we must study the Bible with due diligence and practice a prayerful life in order to understand and to master a Spirit-led life.
"When I cannot understand my Father's leading,
And it seems to be but hard and cruel fate,
I Still I hear that gentle whisper ever pleading,
God is working, God is faithful, ONLY WAIT." --George Matheson
(inspired by Streams in the Desert by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman; Sept. 24th)
I'm sure you could think of dozens of reasons for your action or waiting in the Lord. The crucial question here is: Are we led by Spirit? I certainly could not give you a simple or even any answer at all. I Cor. 2:11 reminds us that no one knows a man's thoughts except the spirit of the man and no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Indeed, only the Holy Spirit is truly qualified to be our spiritual director and counselor. The practical implication of this teaching drives us back to God's breathed Word – the Bible. Yes, we must study the Bible with due diligence and practice a prayerful life in order to understand and to master a Spirit-led life.
"When I cannot understand my Father's leading,
And it seems to be but hard and cruel fate,
I Still I hear that gentle whisper ever pleading,
God is working, God is faithful, ONLY WAIT." --George Matheson
(inspired by Streams in the Desert by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman; Sept. 24th)
He Lives
In my sermon on October 2, we conclude that love motivates and compels Franciszek Gajowniczek, a Polish Jew to tell people about Maximilian Kolbe, his redeemer in the Auschwitz camp, as long as he has breath in his lungs. Our Lord is right to point out that (Jn. 15:13): Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Thank God, Jesus Christ not only died but have resurrected for us! I do believe that it is the reason and drive behind Kolbe’s martyrdom as well as other similar sacrifices by faithful believers in Christ. As Christians, we all look forward to the Great Day when we shall meet our loved ones and friends in our heavenly home and become resurrected after Christ's likeness. This is also the backbone for the answer by Alfred H. Ackley (an author and composer 1887-1960) when he was questioned by a student as to why we should worship a dead Jew. Ackley firmly replied, "He lives! I tell you, He is not dead, but lives here and now! Jesus Christ is more alive today than ever before. I can prove it by my own experience, as well as the testimony of countless thousands.” The scriptural evidence, Ackley's own heart and the testimony of history matched the glorious experience of an innumerable cloud of witnesses that Jesus lives.
Beloved, are you still asking a similar question about our Lord's resurrection or everlasting life? The answer again lies in the Bible as God-breathed words, your own experience and our collective testimony as a holy and loving family in Christ. Should you still have some kind of hesitation, I urge you to try seeking our Lord with love and faith for then the peace and hope therefrom would show you the way. Amen.
Thank God, Jesus Christ not only died but have resurrected for us! I do believe that it is the reason and drive behind Kolbe’s martyrdom as well as other similar sacrifices by faithful believers in Christ. As Christians, we all look forward to the Great Day when we shall meet our loved ones and friends in our heavenly home and become resurrected after Christ's likeness. This is also the backbone for the answer by Alfred H. Ackley (an author and composer 1887-1960) when he was questioned by a student as to why we should worship a dead Jew. Ackley firmly replied, "He lives! I tell you, He is not dead, but lives here and now! Jesus Christ is more alive today than ever before. I can prove it by my own experience, as well as the testimony of countless thousands.” The scriptural evidence, Ackley's own heart and the testimony of history matched the glorious experience of an innumerable cloud of witnesses that Jesus lives.
Beloved, are you still asking a similar question about our Lord's resurrection or everlasting life? The answer again lies in the Bible as God-breathed words, your own experience and our collective testimony as a holy and loving family in Christ. Should you still have some kind of hesitation, I urge you to try seeking our Lord with love and faith for then the peace and hope therefrom would show you the way. Amen.
Love makes the difference
Everyone one of us loves to be loved. You might have heard stories about mothers who sacrificed their own fortune and even lives just to ensure their children's survival. However, the Bible talks about an even greater love: But God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8). Indeed, who is willing to sacrifice his/her life for a stranger or even an unworthy person?
The example of Jesus Christ's sacrifice has triggered similar selfless heroic deeds among his followers. Maximilian Kolbe, a Polish priest is among one of those followers during the second world war (WWII). The location of Kolbe's martyrdom was at the death camp Auschwitz, the killing centre during WWII where the largest numbers of European Jews were murdered by the Nazis. Besides a true hero, Kolbe was a saint who practiced what he preached: total love toward God and man. Kolbe’s martyrdom was triggered by a prisoner's escape from the camp in July 1941. The Nazis selected 10 others to be killed in reprisal for the escape. Franciszek Gajowniczek, one of the scapegoats, began to cry, "My wife! My children! I will never see them again!" At this point, Kolbe stepped forward and asked to die in his place. Amazingly, his request was granted by the merciless Nazi commandant. He was later executed with an injection of a lethal dose on August 14, 1941 at the age of 47.
Gajowniczek died on March 13, 1995 in Poland, 95 years old - and 53 years after Kolbe had saved him. He never forgot the ragged monk. After his release from Auschwitz, Gajowniczek spent the next five decades paying homage to Father Kolbe. When he was 94 years old, he visited St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church of Houston. He told his translator on that trip that as long as he had breath in his lungs, he would consider it his duty to tell people about the heroic act of love by Maximilian Kolbe. Why was he obligated to tell people about Kolbe’s sacrifice? We all know the answer – it is Love! Yes, love really makes the difference.
(Kolbe's story)
The example of Jesus Christ's sacrifice has triggered similar selfless heroic deeds among his followers. Maximilian Kolbe, a Polish priest is among one of those followers during the second world war (WWII). The location of Kolbe's martyrdom was at the death camp Auschwitz, the killing centre during WWII where the largest numbers of European Jews were murdered by the Nazis. Besides a true hero, Kolbe was a saint who practiced what he preached: total love toward God and man. Kolbe’s martyrdom was triggered by a prisoner's escape from the camp in July 1941. The Nazis selected 10 others to be killed in reprisal for the escape. Franciszek Gajowniczek, one of the scapegoats, began to cry, "My wife! My children! I will never see them again!" At this point, Kolbe stepped forward and asked to die in his place. Amazingly, his request was granted by the merciless Nazi commandant. He was later executed with an injection of a lethal dose on August 14, 1941 at the age of 47.
Gajowniczek died on March 13, 1995 in Poland, 95 years old - and 53 years after Kolbe had saved him. He never forgot the ragged monk. After his release from Auschwitz, Gajowniczek spent the next five decades paying homage to Father Kolbe. When he was 94 years old, he visited St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church of Houston. He told his translator on that trip that as long as he had breath in his lungs, he would consider it his duty to tell people about the heroic act of love by Maximilian Kolbe. Why was he obligated to tell people about Kolbe’s sacrifice? We all know the answer – it is Love! Yes, love really makes the difference.
(Kolbe's story)
Love is …
Have you ever thought about what is love? I think our experiences and insight of love are rather individual and diversified. Indeed, love is profound and far-reaching. I wish to recommend to you a devotional movie (Love Is) which provides a wonderful narration of love. For instance, it is said that love is:
Being happy for the other person when they are happy,
Being sad for the person when they are sad,
…………….
being honest with yourself at all times
and being honest with the other person at all times,
……………………..
Love is the source of reality,
……………………
the freedom to pursue your own desire
while sharing your experiences together with the other person,
the growth of an individual alongside of
and together with the growth of another individual,
……………………….
Giving and taking in a daily situation
being patient with each other’s needs and desires,
Love is the source of sharing.
……………
Love is the source of life.
They are wonderful description of love, aren't they? Yes, they are. However, description is only the prelude to love for love really is in deeds rather than in words. I've been talking about faith and hope recently while Joanne highlights on our mission to help as many people as possible to know, love, and serve God in her Sunday article. Besides preaching the gospel, the best help to bring people to Christ is to love them so as to stir up their love for Jesus – the ultimate example of Love. Brothers and sisters, let's prepare our hearts and live a life of love.
Being happy for the other person when they are happy,
Being sad for the person when they are sad,
…………….
being honest with yourself at all times
and being honest with the other person at all times,
……………………..
Love is the source of reality,
……………………
the freedom to pursue your own desire
while sharing your experiences together with the other person,
the growth of an individual alongside of
and together with the growth of another individual,
……………………….
Giving and taking in a daily situation
being patient with each other’s needs and desires,
Love is the source of sharing.
……………
Love is the source of life.
They are wonderful description of love, aren't they? Yes, they are. However, description is only the prelude to love for love really is in deeds rather than in words. I've been talking about faith and hope recently while Joanne highlights on our mission to help as many people as possible to know, love, and serve God in her Sunday article. Besides preaching the gospel, the best help to bring people to Christ is to love them so as to stir up their love for Jesus – the ultimate example of Love. Brothers and sisters, let's prepare our hearts and live a life of love.
Is It a Joke?
A man dies and goes to heaven. The Apostle Peter meets him at the pearly gates. Peter says, "Tell me all the good things you've done, and I'll give you the credit points for them. You need 100 points to make it into heaven. Understand?" "Okay," the man says, "I was married to the same woman for 50 years and never cheated on her, even in my heart." Peter says, "Wonderful, that's worth 3 points!"
"3 points?" the man says, "Well, I attended church all my life and supported its ministry with my tithe and service." "Terrific!" says Peter, "that's certainly worth a point." The man responds, "One point? Golly! How about this: I started a soup kitchen and worked in a shelter for homeless people." Peter than gives him another 2 points. The man cries, "TWO POINTS!! At this rate the only way I can get into heaven is by the grace of God!" Peter says, "That's right! Now you have got it!"
You may think the above story is rather humorous. Indeed, it is a basic tenet in our Christian belief expressed in a comedian tone. Ephesian 2: 8-9 tells us: For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God ─ not because of works, lest any man should boast. It is by grace also that Joanne and I were given the opportunity to serve you as part-time ministers because none of us could boast of our work or calibre before the Lord’s saving grace. So, brothers and sisters, let's work together in partnership to propagate the gospel for the purposes and benefit of our church. (Please feel free to call Joanne or Howard on matters related to you or our church).
(100 Points)
"3 points?" the man says, "Well, I attended church all my life and supported its ministry with my tithe and service." "Terrific!" says Peter, "that's certainly worth a point." The man responds, "One point? Golly! How about this: I started a soup kitchen and worked in a shelter for homeless people." Peter than gives him another 2 points. The man cries, "TWO POINTS!! At this rate the only way I can get into heaven is by the grace of God!" Peter says, "That's right! Now you have got it!"
You may think the above story is rather humorous. Indeed, it is a basic tenet in our Christian belief expressed in a comedian tone. Ephesian 2: 8-9 tells us: For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God ─ not because of works, lest any man should boast. It is by grace also that Joanne and I were given the opportunity to serve you as part-time ministers because none of us could boast of our work or calibre before the Lord’s saving grace. So, brothers and sisters, let's work together in partnership to propagate the gospel for the purposes and benefit of our church. (Please feel free to call Joanne or Howard on matters related to you or our church).
(100 Points)
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