Weekly reflection on “The Good and Beautiful God” Chapter 2 God is Good

Notes from the book:

It’s easy to shout “God is good!” when your life had been characterised by success and blessings[1]. It can much harder to do so when bad things happen and life does not run so smoothly.

Worse still is when something bad happens to a Christian and a pastor asks “Who sinned?” This is built on a narrative that says we have to do something in order to get the blessings of the God, and conversely, if we anger God, we will surely be punished[2]. God is viewed as the angry judge, watching us closely, and eager to punish us for even minor infractions[3].

In fact, when Jesus healed a blind man and is asked a question by his disciples: “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him” (John 9:2-3)[4]. Jesus also said God treats all people the same: “He makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous” (Matthew 5:45)[5].

The narrative of the “punishing-blessing god” is so prevalent and popular. We like control. This narrative allows us to live in the illusion that we can control our world, which is very appealing in our chaotic existence. This, though, is a form of superstition, as there is no evidence to support it – just like “don’t walk under a ladder, break a mirror or let a black cat cross your path”. We know deep down that superstitions are silly, but that does not prevent us from believing in them[6].

Good and bad things can happen to anyone, whether they are good or bad. It is not “beneficial” to spend our time worrying about why good or bad things happen. It is not worthwhile because we simply cannot know. And more importantly, it will keep us from focusing on the right things. Augustine concludes, “Rather we must seek out the good things peculiar to the good, and give the widest berth to the evils peculiar to evil men”. God promises that those who love and serve, and are honest and faithful, will know a kind of joy and peace that those who are evil never will[7]. Still, God is just: When we come to Judgment Day not only will the judgments passed there seem to be most just, but all the judgments of God from the beginning will be likewise clearly fair[8].

We should expect to go through heartache and pain, suffering and loss, because they are part of what it means to be human, and they can be useful in our development[9].

Reflections:

The author describes his situation of suffering a great misfortune and his pastor asking him “Who sinned?”[10]

It is very inappropriate to make this type of comment to someone who has just suffered misfortune, as it echoes the events in the book of Job in the bible. Take a real life example: Morling College student Victor Oreshkin, who perished on the MH17 flight last year. We all know it is not appropriate to go up to Victor’s family and ask “who sinned”. After all, Jesus said God treats all people the same: “He makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous” (Matthew 5:45)[11]. Bad things can happen to good people. Good things can happen to bad people.

I find it very interesting that the author describes the “who sinned” attitude as being built on a false narrative that says we have to do something in order to get the blessings of the God, and conversely, if we anger God, we will surely be punished[12]. This false narrative suggests that God is the angry judge, watching us closely, and eager to punish us for even minor infractions[13]. This narrative also makes us live in the illusion that we can control our world through what we do (ie. by doing good), which is very appealing in our chaotic existence[14].

This leads me to reflect on a personal misfortune I have suffered three years ago where my father suddenly passed away from complications associated with a heart attack. I prayed for my father and my church listed the heart attack as one of the intercession prayers. So the whole church was very surprised when my father suddenly passed away, because their narrative is something along the lines of “all things are possible in God, if we declare in faith an illness will be cured and have enough faith, then it will be cured.” This narrative seem to suggest that if you pray for someone who’s ill and that person doesn’t get cured, then maybe you don’t have enough faith. It may even suggest that we can get God to do whatever we want so long as we have enough faith. We all know it is not true, as everyone will eventually die from something in this life. God is God: No human dogma, even that God must act with justice, can bind or restrict the mysterious God[15].

Interestingly, my father’s passing away triggered in me the most rapid rate of spiritual growth I’ve had in my life. I agree with the author’s statement that “we should expect to go through heartache and pain, suffering and loss, because they are part of what it means to be human, and they can be useful in our development”[16]. I think the alternate response to those who are suffering from misfortunes is: Humans can never understand why God does what He does; we can only trust in faith that somehow innocent suffering fits into a larger plan of His.

Bibliography:

Smith, James Bryan. The Good and Beautiful God. London: Hodder and Stoughton, 2010.

Wilson, Lindsay. “Job”, In Theological Interpretation of the Old Testament: A Book-by-Book Survey, edited by Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Grand Rapids: Baker, 2008, 148-156.

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[1] James Bryan Smith, The Good and Beautiful God, (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 2010): 38.

[2] Smith, The Good and Beautiful God, 40.

[3] Smith, The Good and Beautiful God, 41.

[4] Smith, The Good and Beautiful God, 43.

[5] Smith, The Good and Beautiful God, 45.

[6] Smith, The Good and Beautiful God, 45.

[7] Smith, The Good and Beautiful God, 46-47.

[8] Smith, The Good and Beautiful God, 47.

[9] Smith, The Good and Beautiful God, 51.

[10] James Bryan Smith, The Good and Beautiful God, (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 2010): 40.

[11] Smith, The Good and Beautiful God, 45.

[12] Smith, The Good and Beautiful God, 40.

[13] Smith, The Good and Beautiful God, 41.

[14] Smith, The Good and Beautiful God, 45.

[15] Wilson, “Job”, 154.

[16] Smith, The Good and Beautiful God, 51.

Weekly reflection on “The Good and Beautiful God” Chapter 1 What are you seeking?

Notes from the book:

We see people who experienced drastic transformation in the bible, like Apostles Paul and Peter. Often we also want to transform, for example having a heart that is filled with love, having the kind of faith that sees everything, etc. Many Christians spent years of trying and failing[1].

We often think we can change by willpower, and the reason why we fail to keep our New Year’s resolutions are due to the lack of willpower[2].

In fact, the will actually has no power. The will is the human capacity to choose, eg. Should I wear a red shirt or a blue one today? The will is neither strong nor weak. Like a horse, it has only one task: to do what the rider (the mind, influenced by the body and the social realm) tells it to do. Change happens when these other influencers are modified[3].

The triangle of transformation involves four basic elements: 1) Changing the stories in our minds, 2) engaging in new practices, 3) in reflection and dialogue with others who are on the same path, 4) all under the leading of the Holy Spirit[4].

Changing our narratives:

We are creatures who live by our stories. From early on we are told stories by our parents, which helps us interpret how life is or how life ought to be. When we have a significant experience – one that shapes us – we turn it into a story. We are shaped by our stories and once these stories are in place, it determines much of our behaviour without to their accuracy or helpfulness. It stays there largely unchallenged until we die. These narratives are running/ruining our lives, which is why it is crucial to get the right narratives[5]. Transformation begins in the mind. The apostle Paul proclaimed, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)[6].

Practicing soul-training exercises:

Athletes understand the necessity of training. Paul compared our Christian life to the training of an athlete in several passages. In the same way, when we engage in the spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, bible reading or solitude, as soul-training exercises, we are doing so to change how we live[7].

Participating in community:

Human beings are community-dwellers. However, spiritual formation is often approached as a very individualistic endeavour. We may tend to think of our spiritual growth as a personal pursuit, and not a communal activity. In fact, spiritual formation happens most profoundly in the context of a group. Participating in a group allows the influence of others to spur us on and encourage us (Hebrews 10:24)[8].

The work of the Holy Spirit:

The constant aim of the Spirit is to point us to the Father and the Son. Everything that happens to us in our Christian lives, is the work of the Holy Spirit. When we become discontented with our lives, it is the Spirit who gently nudges us towards Jesus. The Holy Spirit orchestrates the events of our lives with the single aim of making us disciples of Jesus. The Holy Spirit is the one who is helping us change our narratives to Jesus’ narrative. He leads away from the false narratives and replaces them with the true narratives: “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13)[9].

Transformation: The fruit of the Spirit

Paul offers us a list of virtues that come into our lives as a result of the work of the Spirit: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). We cannot grit our teeth and become patient. We cannot muster our willpower and be kind. This “fruit” is the work of the Holy Spirit. When the Spirit has changed our narratives sufficiently, we begin to think differently. As we engage in soul-training exercises, our confidence that God is at work in and among us increases. This creates an inward change that manifest itself in outward behaviour[10].

Soul-training: Sleep

The number one enemy of Christian spiritual formation today is exhaustion. We are living beyond our means, both financially and physically. As a result, one of the primary activities of human life is being neglected: sleep. According to numerous studies, the average person needs approximately eight hours of sleep in order to maintain health[11]. The human person is not merely a soul housed in a body. Our bodies and souls are unified. If our bodies suffer, so do our souls. We cannot neglect the body in pursuit of spiritual growth. In fact, neglecting our bodies necessarily impedes our spiritual growth. If our bodies are not sufficiently rested, our energies will be diminished and our ability to pray, read the Bible, enter solitude or memorise Scripture will be minimalized[12].

Reflections:

I wanted to try and get along with people whose personalities, background, values and thinking are very different from me, but I had not been successful because these differences can sometimes trigger off my “land mines”. I do not have the capacity to love people of all kinds unconditionally at all. I tried to serve in the caring team in our church, whereby we greet newcomers at the door and introduce them to the leaders of various cell groups. However, I did not feel comfortable in this position as I do not warm up to strangers quickly. So decided not to waste my “willpower” and energy on something which I do not have a burden for[13]. Interestingly, I find that as I grow spiritually, my tolerance capacity for those very different from me is increasing.

Bibliography:

Smith, James Bryan. The Good and Beautiful God. London: Hodder and Stoughton, 2010.

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[1] James Bryan Smith, The Good and Beautiful God, (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 2010): 19.

[2] Smith, The Good and Beautiful God, 21.

[3] Smith, The Good and Beautiful God, 22.

[4] Smith, The Good and Beautiful God, 23-24.

[5] Smith, The Good and Beautiful God, 24-25.

[6] Smith, The Good and Beautiful God, 26.

[7] Smith, The Good and Beautiful God, 27.

[8] Smith, The Good and Beautiful God, 27.

[9] Smith, The Good and Beautiful God, 28.

[10] Smith, The Good and Beautiful God, 31.

[11] Smith, The Good and Beautiful God, 33.

[12] Smith, The Good and Beautiful God, 34.

[13] Smith, The Good and Beautiful God, 21.

Cabbie and plane collides

http://youtu.be/60VAf_Nu4DM

“Help, help, I am a taxi driver and an airplane had just collided with my cab!” the cabbie hysterically cried out.

“You mean, a remote-controlled plane?” the operator was puzzled.

I’m sure quite a few of us may have seen this haunting image on 4Feb 2015: A TransAsia airplane colliding with a yellow cab on an urban highway and crashing into the waters below. Miraculously, the two people on the cab survived with minor injuries (hence the existence of the above voice recordings of the SOS call made by the cabbie)!　Although this incident happened in a regional carrier plane with 58 passengers in Taiwan and some people living outside of Taiwan may think this is irrelevant to them, many lessons can be learnt upon reflection. In fact, had the plane crashed just a little bit differently, it could have been a “911 version 2” happening in the heart of the extremely densely populated city of Taipei, possibly killing tens of thousands!

TransAsia had just been involved in another deadly disaster in July 2014. In that incident, forty-eight people died after an ATR 72 aircraft operated by the airline crashed as it was attempting to land in the Taiwanese Penghu Islands during bad weather. This is an awful flight safety record!

Although a full analysis of Flight GE235's flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder is still months away, it seems as though the engine may have shut off due to a crew member or a mechanical issue.

According to a colleague of the pilot, the pilot had actually reported an error with the engines as he was landing in Taipei in the flight prior to the flight which crashed, but the ground staff feared a penalty fee for late flights and did not conduct a full assessment of the engines. Some staffs of TransAsia also reported the airline overworking staff by rostering them into densely packed shifts to maintain profitable earnings.

Whatever really happened, we can certainly see that there are preventable human factors present, and this tragedy may well have been the combined result of human greed and staff over fatigue. Nevertheless the pilots are honourable in remaining in their seats trying hard to control the plane to the very last moment. There was also a 72 year old passenger who helped save four other passengers as he was getting out. Many passersby helped out with the rescue, and subsequently many volunteers and business owners brought food to the rescue workers/reporters etc.

The Chinese name of this airline 復興 directly translates into "Revival" in English. And like its name, I think this airline will need some major revival and reformation, or it will just bring doom upon itself!

http://www.appledaily.com.tw/realtimenews/article/local/20150204/554192/

https://tw.news.yahoo.com/%E5%B0%8F%E9%BB%83-%E9%A3%9B%E6%A9%9F%E7%A0%B8%E5%88%B0%E6%88%91-%E8%BB%8A%E8%A1%8C-%E9%81%99%E6%8E%A7%E9%A3%9B%E6%A9%9F%E5%97%8E-110044718.html

http://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20150205002085-260402

https://tw.news.yahoo.com/%E6%A9%9F%E5%B8%AB%E9%97%9C%E9%8C%AF%E6%AD%A3%E5%B8%B8%E7%99%BC%E5%8B%95%E6%A9%9F-%E6%81%90%E6%9C%AA%E5%BE%AAsop-113217399.html

Kingdom Culture Conference 2015 Messages

Rev. Ewen Chow

Let us make preparations for the generation we will never see. Even though David never saw the Temple, Moses never entered the promised land, they did not live selfishly despite not seeing their dreams become reality. Instead, they sowed and paved way for the future generations. God’s kingdom is to become increasingly glorious with each generation.

Matthews 21:23, 6-7 This is not mentioned in the other gospel books but here we see two donkeys: the big donkey and the small donkey. 

Rev. Bill Johnson

Foundation build by the previous generation

John Adams, second American president, said "I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy. My sons ought to study mathematics and philosophy, geography, natural history, naval architecture, navigation, commerce, and agriculture, in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, statuary, tapestry, and porcelain."

While God's spirit lives in Christians, it is only when the spirit of God falls upon you, you change whatever environment it is that is around you. Bringing transformation to the planet.

A shift has taken place in Asia these days. A shift in culture is God's work.

Bill Johnson's prayer: that our hope dramatically increases.

There have been seasons in history where key individuals would rise that knows how the heavenly kingdom functions, breaks them down into understandable concepts and bring about change in society. To bring about transformation of culture: presence of God should be the primary value!

David was a shepherd who discovered that God responds to his songs. He knew God desires our worship, not animal sacrifice, at a time under the Law where such concept was unknown of. David was doing something that was forbidden by the Law he was under, because he saw something beyond the time he lived in, whereby he could already see Jesus' doings.

David had such a desire for God's presence that God gave David a taste of what happened in the New Testament, and David's Tabernacle is a prototype of the New Testament church! When he realised his horrible sin with Bathsheba, he cried for God's presence not to leave him. He has such a value for the presence that he adjusts his life around that.

According to the Law, David should not be a priest because he was not a Levite, but yet he was a Prophet, priest and king!

One ministry sets the stage of another. God told David he cannot build the temple and this is not out of punishment, but because David's ministry is different from Solomon.

Solomon made a covenant with God whilst he was sleeping. Solomon is so single and focused on God that God trusted him to make decisions in his sleep!

If your eye is set on a voyage, this will set light to the rest of the voyage.

Proverbs 4

Bill Johnson thinks his ancestors wouldn't be honoured by him announcing what his Dad had accomplished. Instead he thinks he'd be honouring then if he builds upon the foundations his parents had built. Parents without dreams will raise children without a sense of purpose.

David was not a good father. His children were full of potentials and it was a tragedy. Something then changed when Solomon was born: he actually taught him and asked him to get wisdom, which was a prophetic word to his son.

Solomon was the only one in the Old Testament who was given the option to have whatever he wanted. Is it possibly because he was the only one trained and able to choose the right option when asked such a question?

David created a momentum that changed the world.

Solomon's giftings were nothing like David's. David knew Solomon will be a king of peace. The need to fight with a sword is no longer needed in Solomon's generation. But the supreme priority in the value for the presence in both David and Solomon's reigns. Somewhere in Solomon's reign it changed: he changed from priority in the presence to priority in the principles. If you just follow the principle, you may walk away from the manifest of the glory.

David prepares Solomon to be great. His son inherit the land.

God wants us to have 100 year visions.

A righteous man leaves inheritance to his children's children. Our decisions will influence the generations we would never see. Let us pray for the generations we will never see, make decisions for the generations we will never see. If the current generation lives selfishly, making the country go into debt, our descendants will inherit that. How willing are we pray for the people we never see? Sometimes what we want to see won't happen in our generation. We want our descendants to possess a dream. History is shaped by people who thinks outside the line, and dreams unusual dreams. Pray that each generation complements each other, with no gap.

Wisdom and dreams

1Kings 10

Wisdom is prophetic. When we see a wall we know there's something behind that supporting it so it can stand.

Wisdom sees beyond the obvious, and there's an understanding of what holds things together. Eg. How family works, how businesses work, sees beyond the profits of the business

3 ways by which wisdom manifests:

1) Creativity: Proverbs 8, to do with how creation took place

2) Excellence: Proverbs 22, if you are excellent in your work, you stand before kings. A lot of Christians just look forward to heaven and doesn't live in excellence. One of the cities Bill Johnson is greatest impacted by is Geneva. 500 years ago it was a very bad city, "the smelliest city in Europe", Calvin was made to live in Geneva. When people's work become an expression of their worship, their work becomes excellent. UN, Red Cross, YMCA, world food bank, Rolex, Cartier. Extraordinarily excellence strived there. It went from Europe's poorest city to one of the wealthiest. Hay did the same for Norway, which went from the poorest country in Europe to the wealthiest country. One of the things that greatest pleases Him is to do principles the same here as in heaven's principles.

3) Integrity

Every child is an artist, unless they're told their not. Every believer is an artist. We can express life creatively. There is creativity in every occupation.

Solomon answered all of Queen Sheba's questions. Wisdom beyond anything she's seen.

When the bible wanted to reveal Solomon's wisdom, those things were recorded were a bit embarrassing: The house that he built, the clothing of his servants, the way the guests were seated in the table, the stairway that lead from Solomon's house to God's house. The mundane.

Calvin and Hay changed the culture of those European cities.

One of the greatest regrets shared by palliative care patients: They never became what they were inside, but became what people around them expect to be. We don't tell other people what to dream, but to help them achieve their dreams.

When we discover what God made us to be, we will never want to be someone else.

It was the design and settings of things that impressed Queen Sheba and made her see there is a God!

Most people do not work in ministry positions. There's a lie that their jobs are not as useful as that of a minister, which prevented people from worshipping God in their work.

An offering attracts the presence. If we give our work as an offering this attracts the presence.

Paul was a tent maker. Acts 19: Paul's clothing can heal people who are demonised. Paul's heat bands, sweaty cloths worn as he was working on his tents. These represent his hard work in his job. Paul offered his work as tent maker as worship to God, and the presence goes onto the cloths!

We have to stop catergorising things God did not categorise, because the stairs became things that revealed God's presence to Queen Sheba.

1Kings 8: dedication of the temple. Solomon correctly acknowledged the idea came from his dad. V 16.

We sometimes have this misconception about our involvement with what God is doing on this earth. We don't need people building their own empires and calling it God's work. On the other hand, Jesus has committed himself to fulfill the dreams of his people. Jesus has the right to say no to anything that undermines his purpose, eg. When Jesus' disciples asked Jesus to destroy a city he said no!

God says the temple was not His idea, it was David, and Solomon said it was in the heart of his father. God did not ask for the temple to be built but God created David!

God did not choose the city in which to build the temple, but God created David, who seeks after God's heart. We are God's co-workers. We have a desire/dream. God's will is that no one perishes, but people still perish. We have the capacity to build stairs that shouts there is a God! God did not make us robots, but his children to dream!

The price paid by the previous generation

Some of the things that took Bill 30 years to learn are taking his students 6 months to learn! There is an exponential growth in knowledge these days!

We need growing wisdom on how to preach to a generation of change.

Matthew 11: 11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

The angel of the lord spoke to John the Baptist's father. The angel said John will minister in the spirit of Elijah. This was already declared by God. Elijah is extremely valued in the Old Testament. Yet Elisha had twice the anointing. Jesus said John the Baptist is the greatest but why he honoured him with Elijah instead of Elisha? In present days we honour those who build the biggest buildings, the greatest number of members, etc., but the heaven honours the father of the movement, because the father ignited the movement. Bill Johnson accomplished much more than his father, but his father lived in a much more difficult time spiritually and broke through many barriers in the spiritual realm for Bill Johnson to be able to do what he did. If we don't honour those who God honoured then we lose the honour!

Some of those in the older generation had to pay a price which the younger generation does not have to pay. Because of the generosity of the older generation allowed the younger generation to not need to pay the price.

I can identify strongly with this statement. Both of my parents lived in extreme poverty. It was their determination to get out of the cycle that drove them to their extraordinary success, but they really paid dearly for it. I am very lucky to be in such a privileged position as a result of their hard work. I wouldn't have as many options available to me in life if it wasn't for the prices they have paid.

Rev. Ian Liao

Judges 2:6-11

Israel has lost a whole generation, despite inheriting the land. Inheriting the land but losing the next generation. This is an illustration of many western nations. Today, Europe has lost the next generation. What had happened in Judges is happening today, even in Korea. Having a church building but losing the next generation.

Joshua 1:1-15 Moses has passed away, but there is Joshua. We are all Moses. Where is Joshua? Every 5 years marks a stage.

It’s ok not to have land as long as there’s Joshua. If there’s land but no Joshua, then we are doomed. Joshua is Moses’ helper, not only in ministry, but Moses saw him as his spiritual child and took him up Mount Sinai with him. Exodus 33:9-11

Numbers 11:27-29 Not only do we want to see the leaders glorified, we want to see glory fall upon everyone.

Numbers 13:16 Joshua means saviour

Deuteronomy 34:9 Moses passes his anointing on to Joshua.

Rev. James Goll

This is James Goll’s first visit to Taiwan, and the first time I’ve heard him preach! He has a very unusual style of preaching where he constantly switches between singing preaching and praying. Having been a professional singer when he was younger, he really sings quite well! He also has a great sense of humour! However, these are not all that important. The best of all is, as he speaks, there is a strong presence of God felt by the audience.

First he made is quite clear he refuses to export misery Christianity:

Hope means to cherish, to have a desire, with an expectation of fulfillment. James Goll encourages us to become a person of good expectations. Something good is about to happen. This is not the terminal generation. James Goll refuses to export misery Christianity. The bible is full of good news. It is the only book which when you read, it reads you! His prophetic word for us is: study this book!

Our God is a God of hope.

2 illustrations of hope:

1) City of refuge: it is found in Old Testament, they were whole cities which people can run to and they are safe! Hope, the positive expectation of good, is like being able to run into a safe city!

Cancer free cities, glory of God to cover the earth as the waters cover the seas! When James was young, theology of that time believes this will be far in the future, but it's not!

Safe area full of hope!

Every prayer counts! Every act of obedience counts!

2) Anchor: For a ship to enter into harbor and be stablised from the winds and waves, an anchor is needed. The anchor stablises the boat to the rock below. So we will not be drifted by the Shifting of the times and seasons. The world we live in is like water, unstable, insecure, and ever changing. Our hope in Christ is: The rock of all ages. Colossians 7:1, Christ in you, Titus 2:13.

Shooting stars versus the North Star:

2King 2

Last journey of Elijah and Elisha. The process that brought Elisha to the place where he received the double mantle. The generation that does the double! But the process required so Elisha can walk in and not be ruined by the double anointing is important to look at.

Stars in the sky: shooting stars are brilliant and lights up the night. Sometimes these stars shoot up quickly, gave a bright brilliant burst, and falls.

Another type of star, the North Star, is a fixed star. It doesn't release a brilliant flash, but has been used at all time as a stationary light, giving us guidance in the path of navigation. Some ministries are genuinely called, anointed, rises very fast with great glory, but might not finish well. James Goll and Bill Johnson wants to finish well. It is not so much about ambition as it is about pleasing the One. Want to be the one used for clear navigation.

We each have a call, grace, purpose etc. We also have hindrances which we want the Holy Spirit to identify so it can be healed, or be aligned with others who have strengths we do not. While we become more secure in our identity we also know that we do it better together.

Speed: goodbye 2014, greeting 2015 with the Beatitudes

Ice skating: One of my favourite activities, self-taught when I was living in Hawaii, with no special or fancy techniques.... speed is the key! So my life has been...

Coincidentally, my spiritual time passage today was Ecclesiastes "fleeting, fleeting, life is fleeting", and in the afternoon my mobile phone bible software popped up the scripture "life's brevity" Psalm 90:12

After the skating session, my car couldn't start up... roadside assistance people say this type of car key only had a limited number of usage and stops functioning once it's past that number.

Then, the bodies of the Air Asia QZ8501 passengers started floating up the shores...

2014 has been a rough year around the world.

Condolences... and time to reflect again

Photo taken from: https://au.news.yahoo.com/entertainment/a/25885561/new-years-eve-australia-ushers-in-2015-with-fireworks-around-the-country/

Greeting 2015 with the Beatitudes

The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-10)

He said:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

The Lindt Café Seige in Sydney: learning to give thanks

The Lindt Café Seige in Sydney this week has put Australia in shock.

Sometimes people like to use a photo of an ape evolving into a man throughout the week to depict how much they hate working.

The 39-year-old officer who was taken to hospital with facial wounds from shotgun pellets during the siege came in for special praise after he vowed: "I'll be back at work tomorrow".

We should really give thanks if we open our eyes the next day and “be back at work tomorrow”!

We should also be grateful that Australia is a country with a culture of love and honour:

First of all, according to the initial reports, the two hostages killed actually died trying to protect others: when the hostages realised that the gunman did not intend to let them live to daybreak, they planned to break the lock to quickly run out. When they rushed out, gunman panicked and began shooting, but the store manager Tori Johnson attempted to wrestle the gun from him. The female barrister Katrina Dawson may have been hit by a bullet when she tried to protect her pregnant friend.

Australians did not rebound on Muslims after this event. In fact, a movement was started on social media #Illridewithyou expressed support for Australia's Muslim population. (There are some debates on the political motives behind this hashtag, eg. whether the story about the Muslim woman on the train was true or not, that some people believe Australians overall are already very tolerant of multiculturalism and do not need a hashtag telling them what to do. But I think it’s a waste of time to go into this sort of debate. While I believe the threat of terrorism and the existence of racism in the community are all certainly real, I also believe that the majority of Muslims are good people, and the majority of Australians are very tolerant of multiculturalism. The main point is we see that the majority of Australians responded in a positive and respectful manner overall, and this is impressive).   

People spontaneously started going to Martin Place to pay their respects with flowers. We see the unity of the people and the scene was pretty spectacular.

On Friday, a “Police Thanksgiving Day” was held to give thanks to the police for their hard work.

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-siege-ends-more-than-16-hours-of-terror-for-captives-20141216-128j5f.html

Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Psalms 103:1-2

It is easy to forget what God has given us. It is only in the times of adversity that we remember to call on God for mercy. But really, we should also give thanks in the good times.

Psychology studies suggest that when things become increasingly familiar or routine, people start losing interest in it. We all know that when we work long hours, we grow tired of our jobs. We tend forget to give thanks and to take what we have for granted.

Don't forget, many parts of the world are in war and famine: human lives are not valued and hearts are numb. The day following the Sydney Siege, more than 100 schoolchildren were shot dead in Pakistan. In contrast, we are very lucky. Rather than envying our neighbours when they have what we do not have, we should be giving thanks for what we are already blessed with.