LIFTING UP TO GOD

LIFTING UP TO GOD
LIFTING UP TO GOD

GOD'S LOVING HAND

GOD'S LOVING HAND
GOD'S LOVING HAND

Something about Jesus (from BSF Matthew, Lesson 5)

Something about Jesus
(from BSF Matthew, Lesson 5)
=======================

Joseph probably died before his family was grown. Mary attended the wedding feast in Cana without her husband, which suggests that Joseph might have already died (John 2).
In that case, Jesus would become the village carpenter and the main support of His mother and presumably His younger brothers and sisters (see Matthew 12:46-47, 13:55-56, John 7:3-5), If this is true, it means that Jesus knew the struggle of having a family depended upon Him, even He never married.

Jesus was tempted in all ways like us and therefore He knows how to help us (Heb.4:15-16). He learned obedience from what He suffered in order to save us (Heb.5: 7-9). Jesus knew the struggle of competition and the economies necessary to buy food and clothing for a family. He met dissatisfied and complaining customers. He had to handle customers who would not pay their debts. God deliberately ordained this life. Jesus, who was equal with God, was yet willing to be made in human likeness and to come in all things obedient to God as His Servant. Jesus never experienced an easy life.

Faithfulness in the home life of Nazareth trained Him, disciplined Him for the perfect faithfulness in the intense suffering and struggle of the three years of public ministry, for which God now pronounced Him ready (Matt. 3:17, Luke 3:22). God today prepares His servants, whom HE will greatly use, by giving them small tasks to train them to perfect faithfulness before entrusting them with greater commissions.

Oil Painting 2006

Oil Painting 2006

Good Words (好話)

(from William Mouser’s booklet)

Jesus powerfully underscored the immense power of words to shape our destiny. Speaking of final judgment, he said “By your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned” (Mt 12:37). He was reflecting a similar idea found in Proverbs 18:21 “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

Words are not magic, their power lies not so much in themselves as it does in the characters of those who speak them and those who hear them. Below Proverbs will uncover some of the ways you can wisely fashion words for wholesome ends.

耶穌強調話的巨大能力形成我們的命運。 談到審判結果,他說 “7 因 為 要 憑 你 的 話 定 你 為 義 , 也 要 憑 你 的 話 定 你 有 罪 。” (馬 太 福 音 12:37 ) 衪在 箴 言 18:21 也照出同樣的想法. “ 生 死 在 舌 頭 的 權 下 , 喜 愛 他 的 , 必 吃 他 所 結 的 果 子 。”

話不是魔術, 它們的能力是不在於話本身, 而是在講話與聽話的人。 以下聖經節可以給我們一些有益而明智的模式。

Words:
Proverbs 10:19 19 When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.
Proverbs 16:24 24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones
Proverbs 17:10 10 A rebuke impresses a man of discernment more than a hundred lashes a fool
Proverbs 24:26 26 An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.
Proverbs 25:11 11 A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

箴 言 10:19 19 多 言 多 語 難 免 有 過 ; 禁 止 嘴 唇 是 有 智 慧 。
箴 言 16:24 24 良 言 如 同 蜂 房 , 使 心 覺 甘 甜 , 使 骨 得 醫 治 。
箴 言 17:10 10 一 句 責 備 話 深 入 聰 明 人 的 心 , 強 如 責 打 愚 昧 人 一 百 下 。
箴 言 24:26 26 應 對 正 直 的 , 猶 如 與 人 親 嘴 。
箴 言 25:11 11 一 句 話 說 得 合 宜 , 就 如 金 蘋 果 在 銀 網 子 。

VICTORY

VICTORY
Gift to Pastor Jim & Bobbie (VICTORY)

FRIENDSHIP (Forwarded Message)

FRIENDSHIP (Forwarded Message)
================================

The way we live affects others good or bad, so with only one life, let's live it well and keep our candle lit & bright.

Eternity - not time will tell the radius & reach of our candle's light.

Our choice is between a life shedding light or casting a shadow.

The choice is ours ..

I treasure Friendship, for the magic it weaves,

For the joy it inspires, for the memories it leaves & most specially for the inspiring messages they send me.

Thank you for these precious gifts that leave heart prints of friendship.

REAL FRIENDS are Natural Healers.

They are the Paracetamols and Anti-biotics of a stressful & busy life.

They peak at our low points & their duration lasts up to a 'lifetime.'No Dangers of Toxicity!

One beautiful heart is better than a thousand beautiful faces, so choose better people having beautiful hearts rather than beautiful faces...

People will trust you for your honesty,not for your hypocrisy.

People will remember you for your affection, not for your perfection.

Life is beautiful! ....Just be yourself.

Understanding is deeper than knowledge.

Many people know us but only few understand us.

It's because understanding is more of the heart than of the mind.

The mind grows by taking in but the heart grows by giving out.

In life you'll find special people who changes your life just by being part of it.

They make you a laugh until you can't stop. Who makes you believe that there is good in the world.

Who convinces you that there is an unlocked door just waiting for you to open it.

They're called FRIENDS....

When God decided to give me life,

HE did not choose randomly the people HE sent my way.

HIS loving plan is evident.

HE picked PEOPLE in every stages of my lifewho are able to give MEANING to my existence and touch my life significantly in one way or the other.

They all contributed in of my growing up and my ways of life.

Always Give yourself a lively day.

Look at what gives you joy.

Speak to those who warm your heart.

Remember that each new day is a blessing from God.

A HAND that wipes our TEARS in bad times is more appreciated than the countless hands that clap in our fame & success. Value those peopole who are true and treasure the ONES WHO REMAIN LOYAL IN TIMES OF TRIALS.





TO ALL MY FRIENDS... THANK YOU & GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS!



Family of 4 Brothers - Oil Painting

Family of 4 Brothers - Oil Painting
Yumin 2004

A pencil maker told the pencil 5 important lesson:

1.) Everything you do will always leave a mark.

2.) You can always correct the mistakes you make.

3.) What is important is what is inside of you.

4.) In life, you will undergo painful sharpenings, which will make you a better person.

5.) To be the best pencil, you must allow yourself to be held and guided by the HAND that holds you..


Father/ son Connection

Father/ son Connection
Gift to BAMCO, Bahrain

"The Freeman" published in 2008

"The Freeman" published in 2008

DADDY'S EMPTY CHAIR (Forwarded Message)

A man's daughter had asked the local minister to come and pray with her father. When the minister arrived, he found the man lying in bed with his head propped up on two pillows.
An empty chair sat beside his bed. The minister assumed that the old fellow had been informed of his visit. "I guess you were expecting me, he said.

''No, who are you?" said the father. The minister told him his name and then remarked, "I saw the empty chair and I figured you knew I was going to show up."

"Oh yeah, the chair," said the bedridden man.
"Would you mind closing the door?" Puzzled, the minister shut the door. "I have never told anyone this, not even my daughter," said the man.
"But all of my life I have never known how to pray. At church I used to hear the pastor talk about prayer, but it went right over my head."
"I abandoned any attempt at prayer," the old man continued, " until one day four years ago, my best friend said to me, "Johnny, prayer is just a simple matter of having a conversation with Jesus. Here is what I suggest Sit down in a chair; place an empty chair in front of you, and in faith see Jesus on the chair."

"It's not spooky because he promised. I will be with you always. Then just speak to him in the same way you're doing with me right now."

"So, I tried it and I've liked it so much that I do it a couple of hours every day. I'm careful though. If my daughter saw me talking to an empty chair, she'd either have a nervous breakdown or send me off to the funny farm."

The minister was deeply moved by the story and encouraged the old man to continue on the journey. Then he prayed with him, anointed him with oil, and returned to the church.
Two nights later the daughter called to tell the minister that her daddy had died that afternoon.

"Did he die in peace?" he asked. "Yes, when I left the house about two o'clock, he called me over to his bedside, told me he loved me and kissed me on the cheek. When I got back from the store an hour later, I found him."

"But there was something strange about his death. Apparently, just before Daddy died, he leaned over and rested his head on the chair beside the bed. What do you make of that?"

The minister wiped a tear from his eye and said,
"I wish we could all go like that."

Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive.
I asked God for water, He gave me an ocean.*
I asked God for a flower, He gave me a garden.*
I asked God for a friend, He gave me all of YOU...
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God
Painful moments, trust God.
Every moment, thank God.

Candy Vase (30 x 60cm)

Candy Vase  (30 x 60cm)

守住30%就夠 (forwarded msg)

浙江商界鉅子王均瑤英年早逝,其妻攜19億存款改嫁王生前的司機。
該司機幸福之時感慨道:“以前,我以為自己是在為老闆打工,現在我才明白老闆一直在為我打工!”
殘酷的事實說明:活的更久,遠比高富帥重要!請大家千萬要加強鍛煉,注意身體健康,不定誰給誰打工
一部高檔手機,70%的功能是沒用的;一款高檔轎車,70%的速度是多餘的;
一幢豪華別墅,70%的面積是空閒的;一堆公務人員,70%是混飯吃的;
一所大學裡,70%的教授是扯淡的;一大堆社會活動,70%是無聊空虛的;
一屋子衣物用品,70%是閒置沒用的;一輩子掙錢再多,70%是留給別人花的。
結論:生活簡單明瞭,享受人生守住30%便好。
正處、副處,最後都不知落在何處;正局、副局,最後都是一樣的結局;
正部、副部,最後都在一起散步;總理、副總理,最後都是一個道理;
主席、副主席,最後都會一樣缺席。
人生如賽場,上半場按學歷、權力、職位、業績、薪金比上升;
下半場以血壓、血脂、血糖、尿酸、膽固醇比下降。
上半場順勢而為,聽命;下半場事在人為,認命!
願朋友們上下兼顧,兩場都要贏。
沒病也要體檢,不渴也要喝水,再煩也要想通,有理也要讓人,
有權也要低調,不疲勞也要休息,不富也要知足,再忙也要鍛煉。
人的一生,好比乘坐北京地鐵一號線:途徑國貿,羡慕繁華;途徑天安門,幻想權力,途徑金融街,夢想發財;經過公主墳,遙想華麗家族;經過玉泉路,依然雄心勃勃--- 這時有個聲音飄然入耳:乘客您好,八寶山快到了!頓時醒悟:人生苦短,總會到站!
如果您的時間還寬裕,把這幾句話轉幾個群,讓網路上很多人看後,心情轉舒坦。
分享是喜悅的,資訊不必全信,有疑請自行查證。

Designed for Marie Tiu

Designed for Marie Tiu
Abundant Life -- 30 x 60cm

SIX FREE DOCTORS

Ever heard of SIX FREE DOCTORS, whose advice is most crucial to a healthy life style? but we do not pay any heed to it ? as there are no visiting fees! Therefore their value is unimportant!

But in reality it's nature's (God-given) awesome health benefits! These are :

1. SUNLIGHT:

The sun says, spend a little time with me while reading, exercising, listening to music, meditating, even chatting up with friends - do it with me! Just you and me, cause I am your BEST friend.

Physically and metaphorically Sunlight is beneficial to all. Giving light, its best, to everyone, regardless of caste or creed.

2. WATER:

6-8 glasses of water in a day, replenishes all the liquids of the body. And H2o is oxygen to every cell in the body. Our body thrives on fresh water. It is the greatest detoxifying agent ever produced. And it is FREE!

3. AIR:

Your Prana Shakti - Life breath! Just being aware of your breathing for a little while, invigorates every cell in the body.

PRANAYAM ( deep breathing ) - is a must, to exhale all carbon and take in all oxygen, in a clean and open environment.

It is a luxury today to breathe fresh air. Do not neglect this.

Holding a breath and then releasing it, clears all the diseases in the body.

4. DIET:

After consuming 3 of the 5 natures elements (Ether, Water, Air, Earth & Fire) get to the natures produce.

Vegetables & fruits.
The Lord has provided plenty of choice. No need to be a Vegan, but the amount of cleansing the vegetables and fruit does to the system is amazing!

The enzymes thus produced protect every cell in the body. Proteins are present in lentils and yogurt too.

Too much meat takes away 70% of the energy to digest it. So be moderate. We are basically herbivores and not carnivorous - by nature.

5. EXERCISE:

How can anything be consumed without the corresponding arrangement to digest the same? The body must move. Walking can be a good form of exercise!

But stretching the body is very essential. Starting from bed , when waking up and then being physically vibrant through the day.

Household work is NOT an exercise, it’s a chore!

Exercise in a proper state of mind and not under stress or duress. Relaxation is the reason for exercising a healthy state of mind. Exercise alone and not rushing!

6. REST:

Last but not the least the 6th doctor is REST!

None of the above is possible without enough sleep, relaxation and rest from meetings a deadline!

Rest is the most important factor which gives impetus to all other 5!

So do not neglect it. Resting with beautiful, positive and creative thoughts is of course always recommended.

If you have negative thoughts, keep slogging, so you do not have the time to nurture them.

When resting have all the positive thoughts, nourishing thoughts, the foremost being Thanksgiving to the Lord, followed by love

and compassion towards all the relationships you encounter - choicelessness in love.

Smiling Vase (Dual Blessings #1) - Designed for Annie Hsu, Taiwan

Smiling Vase (Dual Blessings #1) - Designed for Annie Hsu, Taiwan
Yumin 2007

PEOPLE IN OUR LIFE (forwarded message)

People come into your life for a Reason, a Season, or a Lifetime. When you know which one it is for a person, you will know what to do for that person.

.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a Godsend, and they are! They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrong doing on your part, or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Some times they act up and force you to take a stand.



What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered, and now it is time to move on.

.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They bring you an experience of peace, or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.



LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons: things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person, and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

.



Chinese : 譯者:translated by Annie Hsu.(許淑萍) .

=================================

在我們的這一生中,所遇到的人 或可歸屬為有三種,是有原因,目的的、是有季節,多元性變化的,或是終身堅守不移的。 當您知道了您所遇到的人是那一種,那您亦將需知道如何去面對 對待那個人. .

.

我們必须體會的,是我們的需求已完成了,我們的願望亦已實現,而他們的工作更已完成了。 您的禱告也已有答案了,而現在正是 要繼續往前邁進的時候.,.

.

當某人遇到您是因為有原因时,它通常是因為要達成您的需求。 他們來到您的生命裡是因為要來協助您通过難關,給予您教導和支持,來帮助您身體上, 精神上, 或心靈上的需求. 他們也許似乎像上天所賜,並且他們是! 他們來到您身邊是因為有原因的. 而後,在沒有理由預警的情況下就结束這份友情. 也許是死亡,也許是離開, 也或許是因某事出問題 因此強迫您離去.., .

.

我們必须體會的是我們的需求已完成了,我們的慾望已實現,他們的工作已完成了。 您的禱告也已有答案了,而且現在是要繼續往前的時候. .

.

終身的關係,教了您畢身的功課, 您必须建立一個堅定情感的基礎。 您的工作是接受這份功課,愛那個人,將你所學習的功課,來運用到所有與您有關係的人。 據說愛是盲目的,但是友誼的觀察是敏銳的. .

.



Dove (20F) - Designed for Ava, Taiwan

Dove (20F) - Designed for Ava, Taiwan
Yumin 2002

MOSES

MOSES
MOSES

Designed for DADA (Tulips)

Designed for DADA (Tulips)

Gift to Claire Gochuico 2010

Gift to Claire Gochuico 2010

Gift to Kim's family (12F)

Gift to Kim's family  (12F)

世上有兩件事 - 幽默句子 (Humor, forwarded msg)

世上有兩件事 - 幽默句子 (Humor, forwarded msg)
世上有兩件事 - 幽默句子 (Humor, forwarded msg)

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Lessons on Life 生命的功課 (forwarded message)

There was a man who had four sons.
He wanted his sons to learn not to judge things too quickly.
So he sent them each on a quest, in turn,
to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away.
有一個人,他有四個兒子。
他希望他的兒子能夠學會不要太快對事情下結論,
所以,他依次給他四個孩子一個問題,
要他們分別出去遠方看一顆桃子樹。

The first son went in the winter, the second in the spring,
the third in summer, and the youngest son in the fall.
大兒子在冬天前往,二兒子在春天,
三兒子在夏天,小兒子則是在秋天前往。

When they had all gone and come back,
he called them together to describe what they had seen.
The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted.
當他們都前去也都返家之後,
他把他們一起叫到跟前形容他們所看到的情景,
大兒子說那棵數很醜、枯槁、扭曲。

The second son said no it was covered with green buds
and full of promise.
二兒子則說,不是這樣子,
這棵樹被青青的嫩芽所覆蓋,充滿了盼望。

The third son disagreed; he said it was laden with blossoms
that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful,
it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen.
三兒子不同意,他說樹上花朵綻放、充滿香氣,
看起來十分美麗,這美景事他從來不曾見到過的。

The last son disagreed with all of them;
he said it was ripe and drooping with fruit,
full of life and fulfillment.
小兒子不同意他們三人的說法。
他說樹上結滿了果子、累累下垂。
充滿了生命果子與豐收。

The man then explained to his sons that they were all right,
because they had each seen but only one season in the tree's life.
這個人就對他四個兒子說:你們都是正確的。
因為你們四個人是在這棵樹的四個不同季節前往,
並且只看到其中一個季節的風景。

He told them that you cannot judge a tree, or a person,
by only one season, and that the essence of who
they are and the pleasure, joy, and love that come from
that life can only be measured at the end,
when all the seasons are up.
他告訴兒子們不可用一個季節的風景來評斷一棵樹或是一個人,
關於構成一個人是怎樣的一個人的要件,還有一個人生命的
歡愉、喜樂、愛,只能在他生命的盡頭時候來做衡量。

If you give up when it's winter,
you will miss the promise of your spring,
the beauty of your summer, fulfillment of your fall.
當你在冬天時候就放棄,
你就會錯過你生命春天的盼望、夏天的美麗、秋天的收成。

Don't let the pain of one season destroy the joy of all the rest.
不要讓一個季節的痛苦毀掉其他季節的喜樂。

Don't judge life by one difficult season.
Persevere through the difficult patches and better times
are sure to come some time or later.
不要因為一個痛苦的季節就對人生下結論,
持守忍耐度過這段艱難,美好的日子將在不久之後來到。

有人說
春櫻夏綠秋楓冬雪四季風景皆美,各異其趣!

Sunday, April 5, 2009

TRY ME

Smooth roads never make good drivers;
Smooth sea never makes good sailors;
Clear skies never makes good pilots.

Problem and hassle-free life never make a person strong;
Be strong enough to accept the challenges in Life.
Don't ask Life "why me?", instead say "TRY ME"

About Judas

(from BSF Lesson – Pls read John 12 & 13)

Jesus knew what Judas had long since planned to do. He knew all about Judas’s hypocrisy as he pretended to be a true follower while in truth he was guilty of the most despicable sins, even robbing the poor (John 12:4-6). How easily could the knowledge of such base deception and treachery have seared the Lord’s human spirit with some deep-seated bitterness, resentment and even a reciprocal hatred of Judas! Instead of hating Judas, Jesus loved him to the end and at this time gave Judas yet another chance to repent. Jesus included Judas when He washed the disciple’s feet and again when He gave him the bread. The Lord’s awareness of this traitor in the midst is emphasized by allusions in (John 13:10,11,18,21,26 and 30), that produces an undercurrent of sadness. Although Jesus knew from His full understanding of Judas personality how he would react, Jesus unto the last gave Judas his opportunity to repent before it was too late. Have you yet learned this same secret of patience with others?

The atmosphere was charged with emotion. Jesus had finished washing the disciples’ feet and explained something of what He meant by it and of how He wanted them to follow His example. The disciples were touched beyond words by His loving humility and pierced to the core as they remembered their own strife for prominence. Softened, responsive, and overflowing with humble devotion to Jesus, they were ready in love to serve one another and eager to drink in all that their Lord would now say to them. However, not all of them were. Judas sat there both irritated and repulsed by such an example and such teaching. It is hard to think of such cruelty and treachery as Judas maintained in the very center of such tender love and noble example. Jesus was deeply affected by it. Lovingly, yet pointedly, He continued to appeal to the heart of Judas as He showed him his true colors. To the Eastern mind, no treachery was worse than to eat at a person’s table and then to betray him, for to eat together is a sign of true friendship. Not only this, David said that “my close friend, whom I trusted…. has lifted up his heel against me” (Psalm 41:9) This expression in the Hebrew language describes the brutal violence.” Judas must have been excellent actor and a most accomplished hypocrite when we consider that he slept, ate, and lived intimately with the other eleven disciples. It is amazing that even in those intimate conditions, none of them had any idea of his suppressed feelings and desires. They considered him one of themselves. Yet all of this time Judas was putting on an act of love and loyalty, piety and dedication that actually deceived everyone of them except Jesus. What a smooth hypocrite he was!
We, too, must heed the warning to Judas. It is possible to deceive even the people who live with us, but it is impossible to deceive Jesus. This warning leads us to Jesus’ next words.

When Jesus speaks of this fulfillment of prophecy, it is important to recognize that Judas chose to be a hypocrite and a traitor in spite of every opportunity Jesus gave him to do otherwise.

It was also important that the disciples should not think that Jesus made a mistake in choosing Judas, that Judas’s action made Jesus helpless, or that Judas had any power over Jesus. Jesus knew from Scripture that someone would do this. He knew the heart of Judas, and He had watched the steady development of greed, unbelief, cruelty, and cunning in Judas. He must have been grieved over Judas’s role but not surprised by his final decision. Jesus also said “The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born (Matthew 26:24).

While Judas was present, the Lord Jesus could not confide in His disciples, for there was a traitor in their midst who would betray such confidence. Until Judas left the room, the Lord restrained His full expression of love and tenderness, which moved His heart toward them. He yearned to tell them of the inestimable value each one had in His heart, as His Father’s gift to Him. Therefore, toward the end of the meal, Jesus called upon Judas to make his final decision which meant that he would leave the company. The disciples did not sit at a table. The table itself was a low, solids block, with couches grouped around it in a “u” shape. Jesus, as host, would occupy the central place with a disciples on each side. Each man reclined upon his left side with his left arm on a cushion for support, leaving the right arm free for eating. The feet were stretched out behind. This meant that the head of each person was near the breast of his neighbor on the left. Such was John’s position in regard to Christ.

When Jesus spoke of His betrayal, He made His last appeal to Judas, for only Judas understood the meaning of His words. Peter must have been opposite John in order to signal to him. Then John simply leaned back against Jesus and whispered his question. Jesus just as quietly gave John the sign. During the Passover meal it was customary for the father of the family to give the honored guests pieces of bread or meat dipped in a juice made from fruit boiled in wine, symbolizing the fruits of the Promised Land. When Jesus gave this to Judas, it was His last appeal. Had Judas had true faith and love like Peter, his heart would have been melted by such grace. Even this late, Judas could still have asked forgiveness and experienced the joy that follows. Instead, Judas yielded completely to the power of Satan who from this time possessed him to the end. It is terrible how this satanic possession was slowly accomplished as Judas actually hardened his heart, refusing to respond to the gentle drawing of Jesus, with Satan finally claiming him as his own. (compare John 6:70-71; 23:4-6; 13:227).

At that time the disciples did not understand all that Jesus meant and what Judas was truly planning to do. Imagine the confusion, fury and uproar that would have erupted had Jesus fully unmasked Judas in front of the impulsive Peter and James and John, the “Sons of Thunder”? Judas would hardly have left that room alive. When Jesus said “What you are about to do, do quickly,” the disciples supposed that Jesus was sending Judas to buy what was needed for the feast or to give something to the poor (13:29).

However, something of the awful tension, malice, and resentment that filled Judas’s heart at that moment must have shown upon his face as he left. Thinking about it afterward, John wrote, “ As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night”, It was night in that the sun had set, but night also in that Judas went forever out of the presence of God.

The solemn warning of Judas’s example lies in the original motive of his heart in associating himself with Jesus. Judas did not follow Jesus for love of Him. Judas did not follow Jesus because he desired for forgiveness of sin because he felt his unworthiness and longed for the inward righteousness that Jesus promised to those who were hungry for it (Matthew 5:6). Undoubtedly, Judas believed at first that Jesus was the Jewish Messiah. He saw the amazing miracles and witnessed His early popularity. Judas thought that Messiah would become king, and Judas followed Him to make his own fortune. However, as time went on, Judas became increasingly exasperated and provoked by the Lord’s action and words. (compare Mark 14: 4-9 with 14:10-11). Judas began to feel deceived. It did not pay to be Jesus follower. The authorities were against Jesus. Jesus and His disciples were poor. Jesus was so foolish, thought Judas, that He even turned away a rich young ruler, refused to be made king, and when the world lay at His feet, lost His opportunities. Judas did not care for the poor (John 12: 5-6) and hated to be associated with an increasingly unpopular group. He wanted to avoid danger for himself. Most of all, he wanted the upper grade of society to recognize him. Finally, Judas threw in his lot with them and listened to their flattery (Luke 22: 3-6_. He tasted power when everything depended upon his signal (Mark 14:43-45; John 18:3) only to find that he had tried to save his life but lost it to all eternity.

We must not be misled by Judas’s remorse, for remorse is not the same as repentance (Matthew 27:3-5). Remorse is wishing you had not acted a certain way (because of unpleasant consequences), yet refusing to ask and receive forgiveness. Repentance is deliberate change in life’s direction following the receiving of forgiveness. Judas did not ask pardon of Jesus or of God. When Judas chose to take his life, he demonstrated his unbelief and closed the door upon any opportunity of reconciliation with Jesus, who has now become his Judge.

How solemnly we should look to the root motive of our hearts!! Do we seek Jesus for material comfort of friendship with Christians and social advantages at a church, or do we come to Him because, as Peter said in John 6:68-69, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.” “The Lord knows those who are His” (2 Timothy 2:19). What is the root motive of your heart in coming to church? Are you confident that the Lord knows you as His child and follower?

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Designed for Ting Ting (Oil Painting)

Designed for Ting Ting (Oil Painting)

Sack Lunches 午餐袋

Forwarded Message

主旨: 如果有人願意為不認識的人付出,那就是愛
標題:
看了很感動。小小的行動卻可以達到很大的作用,有時甚至是你所始料未及的 …
---------------------.
I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my
assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight.
'I'm glad I have a good book to read. Perhaps I will get a short
nap,' I thought.
我把我的手提行李放上飛機的行李箱裡後坐到我的位子上。今天的飛行時間將會很長,「我很高興我帶了一本好
可以閱讀,也許我也可以小睡一番。」我心裡想著。
Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and
filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me.
I decided to start a conversation. 'Where are you headed?' I asked the
soldier seated nearest to me. 'Petawawa.
We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we're
being deployed to Afghanistan.’
就在起飛前,一列士兵沿著走道走來,把空位都填滿了,就坐在我的周圍。我決定和他們聊聊天。「你們要去哪裡?」
我問坐在我旁邊的一位士兵。「倍塔窪。我們要在那接受兩週的特種訓練,然後我們將被派到阿富汗去。」
After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack
lunches were available for five dollars. It would be
several hours before we reached the east, and I quickly decided a
lunch would help pass the time..
起飛後大約一個小時,機上廣播將開始販售午餐袋,每袋美金五元。到達美東之前還有好幾小時,所以我很快地決定要買個午餐來打發一點時間。
As I reached for my wallet, I overheard soldier ask his buddy if he
planned to buy lunch. 'No, that seems like a lot of
money for just a sack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks.
I'll wait till we get to base ' His friend agreed.
當我伸手去拿錢包時,聽到一個士兵問他的同袍是否要買個午餐?「不要啦!一個午餐袋要花那麼多錢,也許那根本不值五元。我會等到達基地後再吃。」他的同袍同意他的說法。
I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I
walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight
attendant a fifty dollar bill. 'Take a lunch to all those soldiers.'
She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes
wet with tears, she thanked me. 'My son was a soldier in Iraq; it's
almost like you are doing it for him.'
我環顧其他的士兵,沒有一個人要買午餐。我走向飛機後面拿了張五十元鈔票給空服員。「請給那些士兵一人一份午餐。」
她把我的手拉過去而且緊緊地抓住,眼眶中泛著淚光,她感激地告訴我:「我的兒子是在伊拉克的士兵,你這樣做就好像是為了他而做一樣。」
Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers
were seated. She stopped at my seat and asked,
'Which do you like best - beef or chicken?'
拿了十袋午餐,她沿著走道向著士兵的座位走去,她經過我的座位時停下來問我說:「你比較想要那一種餐,牛肉還是雞肉?」
'Chicken,' I replied, wondering why she asked. She turned and went to
the front of plane, returning a minute later with a
dinner plate from first class. 'This is your thanks.'
「雞肉。」我狐疑地回答,想著她為什麼要這樣問。她回頭向著飛機的前端走去,過了一分鐘後端著頭等艙的餐過來。
「這是為了感謝你所做的。」
After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane,
heading for the rest room. A man stopped me. 'I saw what you did. I
want to be part of it. Here, take this.' He handed me twenty-five
dollars.
當我們吃飽後,我再次向著飛機後面的洗間走去。有一個人把我叫住:「我看到你剛剛做的那件事,我想參與一份,這個你收下。」他給了我二十五元。
Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down
the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked, I hoped he was
not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on
my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held
out his hand, and said, 'I want to shake your hand.'
我一回到座位,就看到機長沿著走道走過來,邊走邊看著座位號碼,我希望他不是要找我,可是我注意到他只看這我這邊的座位號碼。當他走到我這排時停了下來,微笑著伸出他的手來說:「我想和你握手。」
Quickly unfastening my seatbelt I stood and took the Captain's hand.
With a booming voice he said, 'I was a soldier and I was a military
pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I
never forgot.' I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of
the passengers.
我很快地把安全帶解開站了起來握了機長的手。他用宏亮的聲音說:「我以前也是個軍人,是軍機的飛行員。有一次有人買
了個午餐送給我,那件事對我來說是永生難忘的恩惠。」當全機乘客的掌聲響起時,我的臉都紅了。
Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A
man who was seated about six rows in front of me
reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine. He left another
twenty-five dollars in my palm.
稍後我走到飛機的前面去伸伸腿。有個坐在我前六排的人伸出了他的手,等著要和我握手。他也塞了二十五元在我手心裡。
When we landed I gathered my belongings and started to deplane.
Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put
something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a
word. Another twenty-five dollars!
我們降落後,我把我的東西收拾好了準備下飛機。有個等候在機門前的人把我叫住,在我襯杉口袋裡塞了東西後不發一語轉身離去。又是二十五元!
Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their
trip to the base. I walked over to them and handed them
seventy-five dollars. 'It will take you some time to reach the base.
It will be about time for a sandwich. God Bless You.'
進到航站後,我看到那幾位士兵集合要出發前往基地。我向著他們走過去,交給他們七十五元。「你們到基地還要一段時間,剛好可以去吃個三明治,上帝祝福你們。」
Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their
fellow travelers. As I walked briskly to my car,
I whispered a prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were
giving their all for our country. I could only give them a
couple of meals.
十個青年人帶著全機旅客的愛與尊敬離開了飛機。當我輕快地走向我的車的時候,我默默地為他們能平安地回來禱告。這些士兵把他們的所有都獻給了國家,而我能給他們的卻是幾份餐而已。
It seemed so little...
看起來真的不多 …
A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank
check made payable to 'The United
States of America' for an amount of
'up to and including my life.'
退伍軍人就是,在他生命的某一段日子,開了一張空白支票給「美利堅合眾國」,金額是「最高包括我的生命」。
That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who
no longer understand it.'
這就是榮譽,但是這個國家有太多人現在已經不瞭解那是什麼了。
May God give you the strength and courage to pass this along to
everyone on your email buddy list....
願上帝賜你力量及勇氣把這個信傳給在你通訊錄上的每個人。
I JUST DID.
我剛剛已經寄出了。
如果有人願意為不認識的人付出,那就是愛;愛所能引發的效應是無限大的,而且會讓其他的人起而效尤。而士兵為了保衛國家而無私無我,甚至付出生命,則是為了保護在後方的所有的人,讓大家能安居樂業,這也是最大的愛了。

Gift to Pamela Yang (Oil)

Gift to Pamela Yang (Oil)