The choices we make in life, sometimes they may seem to "offend" other choices. But if our hearts are pure and our thoughts clean in the Lord, there is and will be no regret.[@more@]
Just because something is being practised for a long time doesn't necessary make it not wrong.
This is why the Bible is so important. That we could always have a frame of reference as to what is God's favor and what is not.
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Ever since I joined the Oratorio Society of New York last month, I have had two nightmares about it.
1. just a few days after my first rehearsal, I dreamt that I couldn't sing well while everyone's looking at me.
2. About two nights ago, I dreamt that I went to perform without the proper attire.
Perhaps the dreams are a way of encouraging me to practise harder.
Nonetheless, my favorite oratorios are Handel's Messiah, Israel in Egypt and Bach's St. Matthew's Passion. It is an honor to be able to participate in one of these. In time, I should learn to favor more.
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Many psychologists find ways to hide, suppress or replace emotional trauma in "patients". This is a great err.
By human standard, it is "good" enough, if the "victim" is happy with the end result with the methods, whatever it may be. And the psychiatrist is paid for his/her service.
In the entire life of that presumably healed patient, he/she is not only not immune to the trauma, but has in fact become more vulnerable to it. The only thing "preventing" them from suffering it is the psychologist's prescribed "methods". And should the "methods" fail, I supposed the psychiatrist will start looking for scapegoats instead of admitting to doctoral failure.
Besides biblical remedy in Romans 5:6, 8, 10, where we must admit that we were without strength, sinners and enemies of God,
Jesus has called His children to be wise as serpents. (Mat 10:6)
Peter urged believers to grow in KNOWLEDGE of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:5-8, 2 Peter 3:18)
Being a Christian should make one wiser, not dumber. However, I'm sad to see many churches today focus so much on Numbers, Quantity, Numbers, that they treat quality for granted, presuming that God will provide the quality, since they are "saved".
This is why you see many Christians being used, taken advantage of, or close shut from non-believers, not able to shine the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ. Yes, all will face suffering, but those who do well in God's favor know what suffering lies ahead and are prepared for it.
We must face the truth, no hide from it. For the truth shall set us free.
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It is not True Love, if it cannot be hurt or betrayed.[@more@]
Christ is not a beggar. A Church should not beg for its members to stay or to serve. It's a shameful image. For those who love to beg, learn F.B. Meyer's prayer:
"When F.B. Meyer started to pray for Spurgeon's church and Campbell Morgan's church on each side of his own church, instead of asking God to just fill his own pews, God blessed Meyer's church: For the overflow of their cups fills my little bucket."
The Wycliffe Handbook of Preaching & Preachers, W. Wiersbe, p. 193
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Laziness is often what turns us Christians into the Pharisees and the scribes.
Matthew 21:28-32
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I have decided it is imperative for me to leave CCGCLI.
Many would say, since I have just taken deaconship in the church, I should stay for 3 years, as stated in the regulation.
I beg to differ.
I have rejected this position for more than 2 years now because I do not see the need for more deacons in the church. And strongly opposed the idea that the number of deacons needs to meet certain quota.
In the Reformed principle, deacons are helpers, when the church is struggling with administrative situation.
It is a principle I still strongly hold.
I accepted the position because the pastor who recruited me convinced me that this could only be temporary. And since he's one given the authority to choose deacons, his words is counted. He had successfully conned me of how reformed he was, something I would have to watch for, for this is my weakness: One should always immediately be able to discern the real belief of another from what he says he belief.
It's been almost half a year now and I see there's not much need of my presence as deacon except to fill the deacons number quota and to make me stay because I had mentioned on numerous occasions before I became deacon that I have to leave. And since I have made no promise to stay 3 years nor does the regulation implying such to be the minimum as it also discusses solutions where a deacon should leave before the next nomination, hence my decision.
I believe I have much more responsibility in the city where I stay. I see the whole world as my parish, not just CCGCLI. If I can serve the Lord better, why should I seize?
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Against thee, thee only, have I sinned and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
For I know if I get any closer to her, I would have fallen in love for her, as I already had. One who has been a good friend to me, one who also has already gotten herself a boyfriend now. Even though it means nothing more than good friendship to her, every time we spent time alone together face to face, the more I see her, the more I listen to her voice, the more I know her, the more I love her.
It may also seem as innocent to me, but deeply I know, my love has grown for her and it is excruciating having this kind of love, having sleepless nights. I could be patient, I could persevere but deeply I also know, it is wrong, for it will invite envy. How can this love be pure, how can this love be agape, if it has jealousy, if it seems selfish, if it is self-seeking and care not for others.
Timothy Law, you should know better. If you truly love her, be content.
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13)
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I really need to focus on simplicity. Making my sentences short, my conversation to the point, and simple.
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