Mathematics uses axioms to calculate and predict a larger truth. If we take the Bible as the axiom, we can do far more wonders mankind could ever imagine.[@more@]
I have opened a new category called "Faults" in my journal. It will record my failures as I journey through time. This will be my personal faults, not the faults of others, so that I may face perfection.[@more@]
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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