沒自信的人

過去主日崇拜的訊息，
令我想起十多年前的自己，
當年的我其實已經很想事奉上帝被祂使用，
只是我很清楚自己並不聰明，
讀書、做事不及別人，
有心無力叫我如何事奉上帝呢？

中學成績未如理想，
想象自己怎能完成大學課程，
怎料上帝保守我大學畢業。

中學年代嘗試在詩班作司琴，
有人跟我說，"彈琴技巧不足，有心事奉便足夠！"
想象自己琴技不足怎會移民後繼續作司琴，
怎料上帝讓我在青年詩班作司琴。

想象自己琴技不足怎會修讀音樂，
怎料上帝保守我大學音樂畢業。

想象自己琴技不足怎會在成年詩班作司琴，
怎料上帝真的讓我在成年詩班作司琴，還有機會作客席指揮。

想象自己餘生只會在該詩班事奉，
怎料上帝帶領我來到歌鄰敬拜隊事奉，
除作司琴外，也有機會領敬拜和擔任music director。

想象自己琴技不足只能夠照樂譜彈，
怎料上帝讓我開始懂得即興創作。

就好像沒有自信的基甸自覺那麼"廢"，
怎會被上帝揀選作領袖拯救以色列人？
但上帝就是給予一個沒有自信的人機會。
因為上帝不是看著他的過去而呼召他，
上帝只看著將來的他來呼召他。

同樣地多年來上帝給我一次一次機會事奉祂，
而我又願意make my life available to God，
叫我看見當日的呼召是為著今天和將來的。

以弗所書 1:4-7
就如神從創立世界以前、在基督裏揀選了我們、
使我們在他面前成為聖潔、無有瑕疵．
又因愛我們、就按著自己意旨所喜悅的、預定我們、
藉著耶穌基督得兒子的名分、
使他榮耀的恩典得著稱讚．
這恩典是他在愛子裏所賜給我們的。

筆者誠意邀請讀者到歌鄰網站，
收聽2007年11月18日的主日訊息。
Koinonia Evangelical Church 歌鄰基督教會

連結與解釋

馬可福音第六章:

1. 不被尊敬的先知
2. 耶穌差遣十二門徒
3. 施洗約翰被斬
4. 耶穌給五千人吃飽
5. 耶穌在水面上行走

五件表面上看似獨立的個別事件,
而被編排, 被串連在同一章裏, 用意何在?

當耶穌在水面上行走,
主動地介入門徒生命中的一個小環節...

v.50: "It's I", 有"I AM"的意思:

(versus "It's me":
一種比較客套, 表面, 保持距離, 平輩的相互關係)

是一種神聖層面的真接啟示:

不單衹是先知的身份,
不衹局限於夫子差遣學生的角色,
不是以利亞或施洗約翰的接續者, 接捧人, 替代者, 代言人!
不限於醫病, 趕鬼, 行神蹟奇事的人物.

而是門徒生命的核心,
是祂主動地, 直接地介入他們生命中的每部份;
生命的每個環節,
都是圍繞著祂而運行,
得以互相緊扣,
得以連結而賦以意義;
都以祂為依歸,
並且擁有門徒生命的"終極解釋權"!

此時此地,
你生命的解釋權屬於誰?

(BTW, 精煉師(refiner), 多謝你的啟發)!

風高浪急

馬可福音4:35-41

比較外在的風浪, 內心的動盪不安,
更令眾門徒不知所措, 更令人容易迷失!

黑夜中的風浪,
對一班擅長於捕魚的門徒來說,
理應是司空見慣;
怎去處理這種場面,
應該是駕輕就熟,
正正是"乜野風浪未見過?!"

然而, 風浪來臨的時候,
他們逃避去面對, 去處理面前的困境,
反而直接去依賴主的幫助.

與其這樣,
倒不如...
一開船便要求主耶穌站在船頭,
有祂在開路, 為他們擔當一切風浪,
正是"一主當關",
眾門徒便可在船尾安忱無憂,
然而, 主耶穌喜悅這樣安排嗎?

從前, 門徒認識祂不夠透徹, 不夠全面,
二千年後的今日,
主不斷揭示祂是一位怎樣的主,
我們應該累積了足夠的時間去了解祂,
明白祂的心意,
掌握祂的脈博!

不然的話,
是否你對生命還少了一點認真,
是否對生活還欠缺一點投入?

只有上帝，戰勝黑暗！

秋意漸濃，紅葉滿遍，
思念遠人，正處危亂，
火海茫茫，無人能助。
憂慮之際，只管禱告，
唯主安慰，不要憂慮。
如常事主，牠卻臨近，
製造謊話，叫人放棄，
謝主保守，人即警醒，
反向牠說，退我去吧！
幽暗旋渦，隨時隨在，
只有上帝，戰勝黑暗！

先破後立

撤母耳記上7:2-12

(一) 方向迷失 (Disorientation)

1) 約櫃留在基列耶琳達20年之久, 以色列人從來不聞不問,
就讓聖潔而珍貴的敬拜生活白白流逝!
試問:
人生可以有幾多個20年?!
約櫃, 代表"神的同在",
然而, 在以色列人的心目中, 為何已經變成無用的木匣子?

2) 然而, 以色列人仍然因為遭受非利士人的侵擾, 而感到憂慮和困苦!
似乎, 耶和華已離棄了祂的子民...
其實, 他們仍然未曾從罪中醒悟過來,
祂曾經吩咐的事，他們仍未遵行，所以不能從祂得到新的引導。

3) 以色列人沉溺於敬拜巴力(管理農業)和亞斯她錄(管理戰爭與愛).
在迦南人的文化中, 巴力和亞斯她錄是消災解難的"神明",
類似於傳統中國人/香港人文化中的黃大仙和觀世音.
在物慾的世界中, 他/她們彷彿正好滿足了以色列人的慾望(wants)!
然而, 這些"神明"真是能夠滿足選民的真正需要(needs)嗎?

以色列人既然以巴力和亞斯她錄為敬拜軸心,
就算他們同一時間敬拜耶和華,
"一僕侍二主":
試問人生同時間有兩個敬拜軸心...
以色列人的必然結果: 迷失的人生!


(二) 方向重尋 (Re-Orientation)

1) 撤母耳的信息:
"一心", "專心", "單單" 侍奉耶和華.

2) 以色列人的行動:
禱告--禁食--認罪--呼求--獻祭--呼求--神應允

3) 他們除掉諸巴力和亞斯她錄,
獻燔祭, 重新建立屬神的敬拜生活.

4) 立石為記: "到如今耶和華都幫助我們."
一個"先破後立"的重要標記, 人生的轉捩點, 信仰生活的分水嶺.


(三)結語:

1) 香港人有句俚語: "舊既唔去, 新既唔黎"!
或許, 每個人的"過往", 都是那麼令人留戀, 習以為常, 難以擺脫和忘懷!
但"今天"的敬拜的動力和生命意義從何而來, 而"明天"是否依然故我!
你還有幾多個"明天"可以等待, 浪費, 和流逝?!

2) "禱告--禁食--認罪--呼求--獻祭--呼求--神應允"
一個看似我們都耳熟能詳的流程/方程式,
但試問幾多人可以真正/真心做到?!

3) 改革有幾切底, 更新有幾真實:
"少在乎你曾經有多感動, 多激動, 多痛哭流涕,
多在乎你的生命有否轉變(transformed)"!
否則, 人又會走回舊路, 一切努力都變成枉費, 徒然!

4) 人可以擺脫"偶像", 卻不能忘掉(undo)過去.
然而...
新世界就呈然在眼前! 是衪特別為你預備, 鋪排 (tailor-made)!
你願意抖摟勇氣, 承載信心, 去踏進, 去體會這新的處境,
去享受一個屬神子民的筵蓆嗎?

上帝啊！我不要忘記您！

記憶真是一樣很微妙的東西，
有些記憶會令我銘記於心，
好的記憶當然令我會心微笑，
但是不好的記憶，
我想嘗試忘記卻總是忘記不到。

不知道是否年紀開始大，
還是近來特別忙，
記性開始差，
某些記憶已漸覺糢糊，
有時候這分鐘記得要作那事或想跟別人說些話，
下分鐘便忘記了。

無論如何，
有一樣東西是不可以忘記的，
就是不可忘記上帝對我的愛，
不可忘記我的上帝！

上帝啊！這是我對您的禱告，
求您不要叫年老使我忘記您...
求您不要叫忙碌使我忘記您...
求您不要叫安穩使我忘記您...
求您不要叫耍樂使我忘記您...
求您不要叫習慣使我忘記您...
求您不要叫飽足使我忘記您...
求您不要叫孤單使我忘記您...
求您不要叫徬徨使我忘記您...
求您不要叫灰心使我忘記您...
求您不要叫淚水使我忘記您...
求您不要叫怒氣使我忘記您...
求您不要叫執著使我忘記您...

上帝啊！求您助我時常想起您！
上帝啊！我不要忘記您！

Encounter on the Road to Emmaus

Luke 24: 13-35

(I)The Retreat of the Two Disciples (24:13-24)

(A)The Conversation While in Retreat (13-15a)

1) Their conversation was woefully inadequate and their deliberations impotent because' they had been indifferent to the Word and as a result, they were ignorant of its truth.

2) Aren’t we often just like this? We just being together to talk, share our experiences and ideas for the purpose of comforting one another cannot truly answer the main problems and questions of life or give us peace.

3) Rather, it sould be founded on the Word of God and fellowship with the Savior.

(B)The Condition and Need of the Two Disciples (16-24)

1)The Condition of their Sight—a Problem of Perception (16)

Point: Their problem was one of perception: But what is perception? It is the ability to see below the surface and to understand what is not evident to the average mind. It means the ability to realize what is true. Even though He was standing in their presence, they were unable to perceive His presence.

Application: Christ is not in the grave. He is risen, but even as the risen Lord who has ascended, He is still never remote to us though we may not be relating to His love and presence. He is always near and interested in us. He is always there, but do we perceive His presence?

2)The Nature of their Speech—a Problem of Comprehension (17-24)

Point: Their problem was one of comprehension. Comprehension means an understanding of an object or subject of thought in its entire compass and extent. They lacked insight into Christ’s presence because they lacked comprehension of the person and work of Christ and its meaning to life.

Application: Are we truly comprehending the meaning of the person and work of Christ, past, present, and future with all its implications? And are we living by faith in the light of what that means to us so that it impacts our hearts, minds, our faces, conversations, and actions?

(II)The Results in the Two Disciples (24:31-35)

(A)Transformation of their Sight--Perception (31)

In verse 31 we see the power of the Word to give light and spiritual sight. Suddenly they were able to perceive that this new companion and fellow traveler was the none other than the Lord Himself and they began to perceive and experience the reality of His presence.

(B)The Transformation of their Speech--Comprehension (vs. 32)

The three things they learned:

1) Who was speaking with them? The Christ of the cross? Yes, but more. It was Christ who had now entered His glorified state and body. One might fear remoteness, that He would be less human, less sympathetic with our needs and condition. But no! In His coming to them in their need and distress, even in their retreat, we learn a wonderful lesson, the lesson of His availability, of His pursuit of and sympathy with us as our kindred, as one made like unto His brethren. It showed He is our faithful High Priest who is intimately interested in us and interceding for us (Rom. 8:34; Heb. 2:17-18; 4:14-16).

2) They said “He was explaining (lit. was opening) to us the Scriptures.” As mentioned previously, we might think that the exalted Lord would be independent of the Scripture, but not so. Certainly, the priority and importance of the Bible is seen in the Savior’s actions in this passage. Truly, this is a token or mark of the Bible’s authority and indispensability.

3) Using sound principles of careful Bible study, we must study to know the facts of Scripture; our faith stands and acts on those facts, but never apart from intimacy with the living Christ. So often, rather than intimacy with Christ, we find ourselves studying to prove our point and prove someone else wrong. We need to check our motives.

(C)The Transformation of their Stand for Christ--Action (33-35)

1) Restoration (v. 33a) “They arose” points to a decisive act which demonstrated their restored spiritual condition.

2) Association (v. 33b) They returned and began to relate, minister, and enjoy the fellowship of other believers. This is such an important ingredient of our life as believers for support, growth, encouragement, direction, and motivation.

3) Attestation (v. 34) These men with the others began giving testimony to the risen Savior.

4) Explanation (v. 35) They were explaining what had happened to them and what He had taught them—passing on the good news and the Word for the benefit of others.

(III)Conclusion
Are we open to the Word and God’s plan for learning and interacting with the living Christ? Are we allowing Bible study to be a personal encounter with the living Savior? He personally:

>walks with us in our daily path,
>talks with us through His Word and with whom we can talk through prayer,
>opens our minds to understand and respond to His Word,
>is with us and concerned about us and our every step,
>provides for us regardless of what life may bring, and
>who has left us here to, in the power of His gift, the Holy Spirit, go forth, teach others about Him.

by:J. Hampton Keathley, III , Th.M. "Christ Our Companion".

Saint Patrick Breastplate Prayer

Christ behind me.
Christ before me.
Christ beside me.
Christ between us.
Christ beneath me.
Christ above me.
Christ within me.

[More about St. Patrick]

(The following meditation on St. Patrick's prayer was written by Reverend Ian Cowie of the Scotthish Center of Healing, Edinburgh, Scotland.)

Christ behind me. In the past, all that has been good is in His keeping. I need no regrets, no mementoes. I can let go of all that was good, knowing that it is precious to Him. Give thanks to God for all His goodness.
All that was bad, hurtful, shameful, I consign into the depths of His mercy. All the hurt which I have caused, all the hurt which others have caused me, I lay at the foot of His cross. May the Lord have mercy on us all.

Christ before me. He is the way, stretching before me, from where I am now from this actual situation I am in, right home to our Father’s house. He is the Way, the Way prepared. He has gone ahead into tomorrow to make it ready. The future is a journey home. Through all the dark valleys He will guide and He will provide times when my cup of happiness will overflow. I face the future knowing the Way.

Christ beside me. “I am with you always.” He is in this situation, sharing it with me now. His strong shoulder is under the burden I carry. Every joy and every sorrow He shares with me. He will not fail me, nor forsake me. Nothing can separate me from His love.

Christ between us. To sever and to reconcile, to shield from the sin in one another. To bless all that is good and true. To cleanse from pride, possessiveness, lust. To give laughter, tears, understanding and peace.

Christ beneath me. Underneath are the everlasting arms, cherishing, upholding. When I fall, it is into His arms that I fall. And He will lift me up again. His strength undergirds my weakness.

Christ above me. As a hen gathers her chicks so His love is spread over me, comforting me, shielding me. I claim His protection from all attack and oppression. Under the shadow of His wings I am safe. And in Him I will trust.

Christ within me. I live, yet not I, but Christ within me. My body is Christ’s body, bone of His bone, flesh of His flesh. By the bread broken and the wine poured out, I know that You, Lord, are in me and I in You. You will accomplish the work that You have for me to do, and Your grace is sufficient for me.

Christ behind me in the past, before me in the future, beside me in the present, beneath me to support me, above me to shield me, within me filling my life. Thus enfolded, armed and led, I go forth in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

不自覺的讚美

吃了一口嫩滑美味的雞腿，
我會不自覺地說好味道。

球員成功地入了決勝負的一球，
我會不自覺地叫好，還要為他們慶祝一番。

聽到Vitas唱的高音，
我會不自覺地驚歎他控制聲線無人能及的技巧。

欣賞一場令我感動的電影，
我會不自覺地讚歎導演的佈局。

學生演奏出動人的樂曲，
我會不自覺地稱讚他們的努力。

我們會向令我們感享受的經歷說讚美，
讚美會不自覺地從我們的心底流露出來，
這些不自覺是叫我們難以將讚美收藏起。
其實當我們真實地經歷上帝、享受上帝的榮耀，
讚美同樣地會不自覺地從我們的心底流露出來。
創造我們的上帝是我們最藉得讚美的一位，
經歷上帝多一點，
享受上帝多一點，
讚美上帝多一點！

這一切是個夢嗎？

牧者能夠在六個星期前定下講題嗎？
領敬拜者能夠在五個星期前揀選配合主題的詩歌嗎？
領敬拜者能夠與牧者一起編排敬拜嗎？
領敬拜者能夠在四個星期前與牧者一起編排四星期後的敬拜嗎？
領敬拜者能夠有音樂總監替他處理音樂編排嗎？
有音樂總監為領排隊繪畫敬拜流程的藍圖嗎？
有牧者會親身牧養敬拜隊嗎？
有美術指導為隊工設計形象嗎？
有美術指導為不同敬拜設計配合主題的平面設計嗎？
敬拜流程每次可以不同嗎？
敬拜流程會有監製嗎？
敬拜當日整個敬拜流程會有排練嗎？
敬拜後會有檢討嗎？
這一切是個夢嗎？
在八個月前這一切是我們的夢，
但八個月後的今天，
這一切已在歌鄰裡孕育生長起來了，
這不再是個夢了！

連月來大家在適應緊湊的節奏，
開會、編排、練習、牧養、開會、編排、練習、牧養…
一起努力慢慢學習，由零開始，現已漸漸上軌道了。
現在我們的隊工裡有：
三位牧者、一位敬拜監製、一位美術指導、
三位領敬拜者、三位音樂總監、
三位琴手、一位Bass手和兩位伴唱手。
真的看見上帝集合我們一起的心意，
來自不同教會的弟兄姊妹，
有著不同的恩賜、有著不同的性情，
在過程中上帝不斷雕琢和建立我們每一個，
好叫我們學習同心去事奉上帝。

祈求上帝繼續幫助我們看見異象！
祈求上帝繼續幫助我們同心事奉！
祈求上帝繼續幫助我們在崗位盡忠！
祈求上帝繼續幫助我們有力事奉！
祈求上帝繼續幫助我們明白你更多！
上帝感謝你！

Cultivating a Prevailing Worship Team

Last Sunday Lorraine and I taught a workshop at AFC Production Conference.

The workshop is called "Cultivating a prevailing worship team." It aimed at educating participants the importance and methods to minister to artists and musicians (worship team). There were about twenty participants from eight churches.

A worship team needs to be nurtured in the following areas:

1. character shaping
2. spiritual formation
3. theological understanding of worship
4. biblical literacy on prayers
5. relationship building
6. team building
7. professionalism
8. healthy rhythm

While the participants were impressed by the depth, breadth and importance of the subject, some were skeptical on whether all these could be accomplished in real life. For some it sounded like fantasy and to others it appeared unachievable because it seemed to require much resources.

Here is one written feedback we have received:
Can you add some success stories or struggles in cultivating a worship team? It's all too idealistic with all the high standards & expectations (E.g. professionalism), but I want to hear how it actually worked out in church life.

I sighed (at the skepticism) as I read the feedback.

It reminds me that one should not take for granted what we have build up in Koinonia's worship team in the past eight months. What we have today are both blessings from God and hard work and discipline on our part.

If I had a chance to respond to the feedback, here are the three advices I would give:
Vision
Babysteps
Discipline over a long period of time...

Hearing the Voice of Jesus

Spiritual Discernment: On Hearing the Voice of Jesus
Lecture by Darrell Johnson at Regent College on November 22, 2004

約翰福音 10:14-15
我是好牧人．我認識我的羊、我的羊也認識我。
正如父認識我、我也認識父一樣．並且我為羊捨命。

10:3-5
看門的就給他開門．羊也聽他的聲音．他按著名叫自己的羊、把羊領出來。
既放出自己的羊來、就在前頭走、羊也跟著他、因為認得他的聲音。
羊不跟著生人、因為不認得他的聲音．必要逃跑。

How does the Good Shepherd speak to us? What means does He use?

1. Written word. Scripture
2. The preached word. Proclamation
3. Unique gifts of the Spirit: prophecy, wisdom
4. Books, human authors
5. Trusted friends, mentors, counsellors
6. Dreams, visions
7. Circumstances
8. Holy discontent. Restlessness
9. Conscience, developed through training by Scripture
10. Inner voices, some may come from the Shepherd

Any one of the above is not a sufficient, sure indication of the voice of God (except number 1).

How can I discern His voice from all the others I hear in my mind and spirit? Are there some objective safeguards to ensure that the voice I am hearing is the voice of Jesus?

1. Inner voice always speak in concert with scripture
2. Inner voice always speak in concert with the character of Jesus
3. Inner voice always tell us to do the Jesus-like thing (in truth and love)
4. Inner voice always draw us closer to Himself
5. Inner voice does not argue. It is quietly authoritative. Its command is self-authenticating.
6. Inner voice is usually the quietest

重整

友人搬屋留下一些書給我們，
再加上我們多年來所累積的書，
越覺不夠位置安放，
結果上星期終於買了兩個書架，
白天工作後，晚上便忙著將書排放好。
以往沒有將書籍分類，
如今是一個好機會去重整這些書架上的書，
我們便下定決心要為這些書各從其類。

要重整混亂地擺放著的書，
倘若你不太認識它們，
要重整它們是好不容易的，
總算沒有辜負那三年在書店工作的經驗，
那些中文書和音樂書各從其類地安置好，
而英文書的處理便由夫君辦妥，
分工合作，大概兩晚時間完成了。
身體雖然疲累，但卻很有滿足感，
因為說了多時要重整書架的任務，
終於達成，齊齊整整，看見成果！

生命來到某一刻，
你會發覺也要重整一番。
或許工作太多、
事奉太多、
要處理人與事情太多，
自覺也有點忙亂了！
是時候停下來重整一番，
但需要有決心地停下來，
好好去認知令你忙亂的人與事，
要花一些時間學習重整，
重整完，再上路！

求上帝幫助我知道心裡的混亂！
求上帝幫助我看見難阻我與你相處的事物！
求上帝幫助我重整我的生命！
讓我生命可輕省地觸摸到你！
讓我生命可聽到你的聲音！
讓我生命可有位置讓你來充滿我！

Eyes

Excerpt from Michel Quoist’s Prayers (1963)


Man’s eyes have great power, for they convey the soul. When God dwells in a man, his eyes can carry God to men.

I am now about to close my eyelids, Lord,
For my eyes this evening have finished their work,
And my vagrant glances will return home,
Having strolled for a day in the market place.

Thank you, Lord, for my eyes, windows open on the wide world;
Thank you for their look that carries my soul as the broad sunbeam carries the light and warmth of you sun.
I pray to you, during the night, that tomorrow, when I open my eyes to the clear morning,
They shall be ready to serve both my soul and my God.

May my eyes be clear and straightforward, Lord, and give others a hunger for purity;
May my look never be one of disappointment, disillusionment, despair,
But may it know how to admire, contemplate, adore.

May my eyes learn to close in order to find you more easily;
But may they never turn away from the world because they are afraid.
May my eyes be penetrating enough to recognize your Presence in the world,
And may they never shut on the afflictions of men.

May my eyes be firm and steady,
But may they also know how to soften in pity and be capable of tears.

May my gaze not soil the one it touches,
May it not disturb, but may it bring peace.
May it not sadden, but rather may it transmit joy.
May it not attract in order to hold captive,
But rather may it persuade others to rise above themselves to you.

May my eyes disquiet the sinner because in them he will see your light,
But may their reproach lead to encouragement.

Grant that may eyes may be startling because they are an encounter, and encounter with God.
Grant that they be a call, a loud clear call that brings all the world to its doorstep,
Not because of me, Lord,
But because you are to pass by.

That my eyes may be all this, Lord,
Once more, this evening,
I give you my soul,
I give you my body,
I give you my eyes,
That when they look at men, my brothers,
It may be you who look at them
And you who beckon.

Prayer Before a Twenty-dollar Bill

Excerpt from Michel Quoist’s Prayers (1963)
As read out during Oikos on July 27.


We can hardly respect money enough for the blood and toil it represents.
Money is frightening. It can serve or destroy man.

Lord, see this bill! It frightens me.
You know its secrets, you know its history.
How heavy it is!
It scares me, for it cannot speak.
It will never tell all it hides in its creases.
It will never reveal all the struggles and efforts it represents, all the disillusionment and slighted dignity.
It is stained with sweat and blood,
It is laden with all the weight of the human toil which makes its worth.

It is heavy, heavy, Lord.
It fills me with awe, it frightens me.
For it had death on its conscience…
All the poor fellows who killed themselves for it,
To possess it for a few hours,
To have through it a little pleasure, a little joy, a little life.

Through how many hands has it passed, Lord?
And what has it done in the course of its long, silent journeys?

It has offered white roses to the radiant fiancée.
It has paid for the baptismal party, and fed the rosy-cheeked baby.
It has provided bread for the family table.
Because of it there was laughing among the young and joy among the elders.
It has paid for the saving visit of the doctor,
It has bought the book that taught the youngster,
It has clothed the young girl.

But it has sent the letter breaking the engagement,
It has paid for the death of the baby in its mother’s womb,
It has bought the liquor that made the drunkard,
It has produced the movie unfit for children,
And has recorded the indecent song,
It has broken the morals of the adolescent and made of the adult a thief.
It has bought for a few hours the body of a woman.
It has paid for the weapons of the crime and for the wood of the coffin.

O Lord, I offer you this bill with its joyous mysteries, its sorrowful mysteries.
I thank you for all the life and joy it has given.
I ask your forgiveness for the harm it has done.
But above all, Lord, I offer it to you as a symbol of all the labors of men, indestructible money, which tomorrow will be changed into your eternal life.

At the Door

Excerpt from Michel Quoist’s Prayers (1963)
As read out during Oikos on July 27.


The boy stumbled on the landing and the door slammed behind him.
He had been punished.
Suddenly aware of his disgrace, he rushed in anger at the unfeeling door.
He slapped it, pounded it, stamping and shrieking.
But on the wooden surface not a fiber moved.
The boy caught sight of the keyhole – ironic eye of that sullen door –
But on peering into it he saw that it was blocked.
Then, in despair, he sat down and cried.

I watched him, smiling, and realized, Lord, that often I exhaust myself before locked doors.
I want to make my points, convince, prove,
And I talk and brandish arguments,
I strike hard to reach the imagination or the emotions,
But I am politely or violently dismissed – I wasted my strength, vain fool that I am.

Grant, Lord, that I may learn to wait reverently,
Loving and praying in silence,
Standing at the door till it is opened.

拍子簿

第一眼看見這本拍子簿，
已很想擁有它，但我卻放棄了。
正當我想回心轉意再進入店子買它下來的時候，
卻找不著它，我很後悔沒把它留住，很後悔...很後悔...

每次經過這店子，我總會想起它，
我卻連想進入那店子的勇氣也沒有，
我恐怕找不著它的感覺，我恐怕後悔的感覺...

有一天我不經意地再走進那店子，
我竟然看見它再次出現，
我捉緊它，我認定我不要再錯過這個機會，
我決定要買它下來，我要好好運用它，我要好好珍惜它！

一本拍子簿叫我看重每一個機會，
每次上帝給我的機會在我身邊擦過，
我感覺到嗎？我看見它嗎？我有找緊它嗎？我有珍惜它嗎？
人生會有多少個第二次機會？
機會過去或許不復返，
因為錯過的機會隨之而流到下一位願意珍惜它的手中去。

好像那個祭司和那個利未人，
他們放棄幫助那個落在強盜手中的人，
唯獨那位好撒瑪利亞人把握機會，停下來幫助他。

又好像以斯帖得了王后的位份，
就是為了現今拯救她民族的機會，
要不然，她的民族仍會從別處得拯救。

上帝呀！
求你讓我看見你給我的機會，
既然知道是上帝給予的機會，
求上帝助我用心去感受、
求上帝助我用心去行。
好叫我不會說後悔。

一個能夠與他相處的機會...
一個能夠向他表達關懷的機會...
一個能夠向他說對不起的機會...
一個能夠讓他認識上帝的機會...
一個能夠讓他建立信心的機會...
一個能夠讓我更認識上帝的機會...
一個能夠讓上帝改變我的機會...
一個能夠讓自己成長的機會...
一個能夠用恩賜事奉上帝的機會...
一個能夠禱告的機會...
一個能夠閱讀上帝話語的機會...

上帝的話

週二晚牧者與敬拜小組默想創世記第一章。

創造主創造萬物，
上帝只要說一句話，
要有就有、命立就立...
上帝的話是滿有權柄，
上帝的話是滿有創意，
上帝的話是滿有智慧。

上帝說要將光和暗分開，
有晚上、有早晨...

上帝說要將水上下分開，
有天、有地...充滿空間

上帝說要使地上發生植物，
有青草、有菜蔬、有樹木...充滿土地

上帝說要將天上的光體分類，
有節令、有日子、有年歲...充滿宇宙

上帝說要使水中有生命的物，
有魚兒、有水中生物...充滿大海

上帝說要使天空有生命的物，
有大鳥、有小鳥...充滿天空

上帝說要使大地有活物，
有牲畜、有昆蟲、有野獸...充滿大地

上帝說要照自己的形像造人，
有男、有女...生養眾多充滿地面

願上帝的話也充滿我們的心!

令人心靈振奮的查經!

今晚參與了Oikos Small Group的查經,
很久未嘗過查經帶給我的雀躍和心靈振盪的感覺!
真是一種久旱逢甘露的甜蜜!

有牧者的教導,孜孜善誘,illustration...
還有弟兄姊妹們的積極討論,提問,回應...

是難得和難忘的一晚!
這是一個新的開始!
願所有歌鄰人在神的話語上,繼續學習和長進!

醒覺到自己也擁有些聖經工具書,
未有好好利用,
是時候"清點存貨"
將它們從封存的書架中"釋放"出來!

同樣地,我也要從困鎖牢籠中,
像一頭飢渴了[祂的話語]多時的猛獸,
衝向神的話語中!
領受:教訓、督責、使人歸正、教導人學義!

腦海中,不期然浮現出以下經文:

<詩篇>
1:1 不從惡人的計謀，不站罪人的道路，不坐褻慢人的座位。
1:2 惟喜愛耶和華的律法，晝夜思想，這人便為有福！
(註:"思想"在原文中的基本意思是"動物的低聲咆哮聲",
例如,當你嘗試把狗兒口中的食物,波波,或樹枝等拿走時,
牠會發出陣陣wooooo....聲:
It belongs to me! Don't even think about it!)

參考:賽31:4 [禱告:真的要做那頭不驚惶,不縮伏的獅子!]
賽38:14 [禱告:主啊!當我哀鳴時,求你幫助!]

<提後>
3:16 聖經都是　神所默示的（註：或作“凡　神所默示的聖經”），
於教訓、督責、使人歸正、教導人學義都是有益的，
3:17 叫屬　神的人得以完全，預備行各樣的善事。

創意無限

上星期四與六位歌鄰的弟兄姊妹往Regent College，
參加由Bruce Kuhn單獨演譯了Cotton Patch Gospel。
他創意地運用話劇、音樂劇、演說的元素，
演譯了耶穌基督的生平。
他一人扮演多個角色：
旁白、耶穌、希律、馬太、等...
台詞戲劇性和生動地演譯，
有時候又用唱歌和身體語言表達，
若不是經過心思、時間、創意和對經文的熟識，
他不能在個多小時演譯出一個又緊湊又輕鬆的演出。

那天晚上叫我不得不讚歎創造主的創造，
滿有創意的上帝創意地創造地上的每一物，
祂又創意地創造我們每一個與別不同的人，
祂又願意將創意放在我們身上，
叫我們好好運用祂給予我們的創意。

當上星期正思想創意這個題目的時候，
竟然昨天晚上牧者與我們敬拜小組思想和討論這個課題。
創意是無限制的，
上帝很高興看見我們的創意。
但令創意受到限制卻有很多原因：
創意者不練習運用創意...
創意者不再發揮創意...
創意者害怕沒有聽眾或觀眾...
創意者害怕其創意不被接納...
創意者為要迎合聽眾或觀眾的口味而去用創意...

我們是需要以信心用創意去創造、生產和練習，
在上帝的榮美和真理中自由地發揮創意！
願上帝祝福歌鄰，
使創意運用在上帝的聖工裡，
叫上帝的名得著榮耀！

我相信

經歷最辛苦的時刻，
達三天之久...

你撫摸我的傷口，
使痛楚減輕...
你抹去我不止的淚水，
叫枕頭不要弄濕...
你在我身邊守候著我，
等待我痊癒...

三天過去了...

我的痛消失了...
我相信...是你擔去我的重擔...
我的淚止住了...
我相信...是你抹乾我的眼淚...
我的傷痊癒了...
我相信...是你醫治了我的心...

你讓我如此經歷，
好叫我來日能明白同樣經歷的人...
你讓我明白，
我可當他們的安慰者...

我天上的父，
我感謝你！

抱自己一下

這陣子的心情不是很好, 有一點想躲起來不見人的感覺.

不知道為什麼, 只知道應該獎勵一下自己, 逗自己開心一下,
抱抱自己, 然後說 "辛苦了''

"辛苦了...."

喜樂的眼淚

今天有機會在某機構幫忙敬拜團體Recruitment裡當interviewer.

由12點見人見到差不多6點, 累死了!!!

我們有一條問題是問''你是怎樣認識耶穌的呢?你是怎麼成為基督徒的呢?''
我因為這樣而聽了很多不同的故事.
一個一個的人在我眼前落淚.

讓很多人都覺得怎麼Recruitment也會搞到人哭?

聽了很多感人的故事. 感謝神用了這次機會來提醒我祂是多麼的奇妙.



看到別人哭, 我偷偷的也眼濕濕了一陣子....

那時喜樂的眼淚..

馬大的腳,馬利亞的心!

自己是個容易忙亂的人,
遇到任何tasks擺在面前,總希望盡快完成它,
但往往忽略了去領會某件事情的背面和深層意義!
我會稱這種狀態為馬大症候群 (Martha's Syndrome):
只顧忙亂,忙亂,忙亂......
只是聚焦於task-oriented,忽略了people-oriented的重要性,
更而偏離了God-oriented的原義!

在歌鄰過往事奉的日子,我驚覺自己太著重事情的成敗得失,
流於把自己放在事情的中心,未能全然觸摸和體貼上帝的脈搏!

噢!衪就是結果子樹的泉源!
是衪把樹栽種在溪水旁,提供了水份和養份,
讓樹苗茁壯成長!

就讓我重新re-prioritize我生命的各個細節,
不計較成敗得失,才能免於憂慮,
繼而全情投入生活中的每個階段!

願歌鄰人有著馬利亞的心,忙而不亂的步伐!
還記得主耶穌的應許嗎?讓我們抓緊衪:

"我是葡萄樹,你們是枝子.
常在我裡面的,我也常在他裡面,
這人就多結果子;
因為離了我,你們就不能做甚麼." (約15:5)

後語:
禱告後,心情輕鬆了,穩妥了,舒暢了,...微笑了!
"Try your best, He will do the rest!"

Dolce Momento

意大利文dolce momento是sweet moment的意思，
對你來說何時是甜蜜的時刻？
筆者認為無論在甚麼時刻，
倘若能夠察覺上帝的同在，
那就是甜蜜的時刻…

當我知道從創世以前上帝早已揀選了我，
這就是甜蜜的時刻…

當我知道上帝將音樂恩賜給予我，
這就是甜蜜的時刻…

當我用心彈琴敬拜上帝，
這就是甜蜜的時刻…

當與弟兄姊妹一起高聲敬拜上帝，
這就是甜蜜的時刻…

當我獨自走著而知道上帝給我作伴，
這就是甜蜜的時刻…

當我感低落而知道上帝明白我的心情，
這就是甜蜜的時刻…

當我感絕望而知道上帝是我的盼望，
這就是甜蜜的時刻…

當我軟弱無力又感受到上帝賜力量
這就是甜蜜的時刻…

當我擔重擔又感受到上帝給我釋放，
這就是甜蜜的時刻…

當我流淚又感受到上帝抹去我的眼淚，
這就是甜蜜的時刻…

甜蜜的時刻實在數也數不盡，
筆者願意日後與你們分享更多dolce momento！

河流與管弦樂

曾經想過可以用兩幅圖畫來形容歌鄰的事奉團隊。

一幅是河流的圖畫。正如不同的山川、溪澗、深淵、瀑布，源遠流長，在這裡匯聚一起成為大江，在歌鄰事奉的弟兄姊妹也來自不同的教會及成長背景，在這裡加入團隊，在各個事工當中事奉。

不過我不太喜歡用河流這個比喻的原因是：當溪水流入大江之後，便徹底地失去了它的獨特性。本來溪澗的水性，在這道鴻流中再也沒跡可尋。這不是我想見到的事奉團隊。

另一幅是管弦樂團的圖畫。不同的音樂家，合作演奏出一首美麗的樂曲。觀眾坐著欣賞的時候，他們會聽到一首首悠揚動聽的音樂，被這隊管弦樂團演奏出來。一方面觀眾固然可以聽到樂曲的演譯，但與此同時，細心傾聽之下，也可以分辨出小提琴的演奏、大提琴的演奏、鋼琴的演奏、笛子的演奏、搞擊樂器的演奏。每件樂器雖在演奏同一樂章，卻從不失掉本身的聲音及獨特性。

這個就是我的心願。歌鄰的事奉團隊、歌鄰的敬拜隊，會像一隊管弦樂團。我們奏出好的音樂的同時，也不埋沒每個人的性情、風格、和呼召的獨特性。各自發揮功用，俾此佩搭。

要做到這樣的話，我們就不單要發掘和發揮各自的音樂恩賜，我們也需要認識俾此在音樂上的成長故事。例如，我們的音樂訓練、喜好、鐘愛，在音樂事奉上的期望、起跌、成敗得失等等。

以後幾次的練習，讓我們學習留心和珍惜俾此的成長故事。

Jealousy and Envy

Jealousy and Envy

Content comes from Rory Noland's The Heart of An Artist (chapter six)

Anger and Bitterness

• What is the feeling of jealousy?
• Anger: you are angry that they are more successful than you
• It’s difficult to admit because:
  - Covet: Against Biblical teaching
  - Shame
  - Admit to inferiority
• Therefore we often sweep it under the rug and pretend it’s not there
• It comes out in many ways: competition, bad-mouthing behind peoples’ back
• Eventually lead to bitterness:
  - you want those people to fail
  - Not only that we envy what others have but that we don’t want them to have it instead of us

Dealing with it
1. Confess it as sin

• Cultivate self-awareness – know when you are jealous
• Beware of denial
• Don’t hide it or justify it. Just admit it
• God knows your thought
• Tell Him that you need help
• Seek help

2. Appreciate your God-given talent

• While we are busy envying someone else’s talents, we forget about what God has given us
• What is it that God has given you to do well?

3. Give credit where credit is due

4. The real issue is faithfulness

• Parable of five talents, two talents, and one talents (Matthew 25)
• We don't know why some receive more than others
• But the real issue is not who gets what but whether I’m going to be faithful and obedient with what I’ve been given
• It is a stewardship issue

5. Quit comparing with others

• Gordon MacDonald: “the soul cannot be healthy when one compares himself or herself to others. The soul dies a bit every time it is involved in a lifestyle that competes. It gives way to the destructive forces of rivalry, envy and jealousy.”
• We need to discover our own talents
• So I can be secure about who God made me to be and what He’s called me to do
• We need to discover the unique role God has for us and fulfill it with enthusiasm
• Be content by being what God has called us to be rather than by trying to be someone else

6. Turning envy into worship

• Mathew 20 - Parable of the worship pastor and his worship team
• “Didn’t I pay you what we agreed upon? I haven’t cheated you out of anything. Can’t I do what I want with my money? Or are you envious because I am generous?”
• My envy can be turned to worship:
  - I can acknowledge God’s sovereignty in the way He distributes talents and abilities
  - I can worship His goodness for giving me more talent than I deserve
  - I can worship the Giver instead of the gift

7. Develop relationships instead of rivalries

• We tend to alienate ourselves from the people we envy
• Reverse this tendency: do everything we can to develop relationships with them
• The more we get to know them the less threatening they become
• Pray regularly for them
• God puts us together to work with each other not against each other
• Instead of competing, we can learn a lot from each other

Reflection Exercise

1. Write down the names of any people in your life toward whom you have feelings of jealousy and envy

2. Confess your sin of jealousy and envy to God and ask Him for His help in dealing with this sin

3. Think about how you can turn your jealousy and envy into worship

4. Describe the negative results of comparing yourself with others

5. Choose someone in your life to whom you can be accountable for how you handle feelings of jealousy and envy

捨不得

為「點樣做好呢份工」系列的最後一堂敬拜預備的時候，
沒有覺得捨不得的感覺，
因為我知道接下來仍有數不盡的敬拜同樣要編排，
直到剛過去的週日終於來到系列的最後一堂了，
當我在敬拜中奏出最後一首歌「再遇祢」的前奏，
莫名的捨不得湧至，
强忍仍留在眼洭的眼淚，
叫我要用心的彈完那首詩歌。

回望這七星期裡，
感謝上帝給我不少美麗的回憶：
牧者在敬拜隊的教導…
牧者為敬拜隊開始新blog，並附上靈修資料…
與隊工一起參與編排敬拜流程…
與隊工一起奏出音樂敬拜上帝…
看見拍攝隊的勞苦…
看見很多很多新朋友的來臨…
看見有新朋友信主…
看見每次敬拜後牧者為很多新朋友和弟兄姊妹個別禱告…

我深信這些景象會繼續出現，
歌鄰人，繼續努力呀！

Meditation for Worship on 2007.05.27 (II)

終於來到系列的最後一堂了，感覺如何？ 覺得自己成長了嘛？
不如來一個重溫：

Week 4: 延續學習弧線

“What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving.” (Jesus)

耶穌說：

"Are you tired?

Worn out?

Burned out on religion?

Come to me.

Get away with me and you'll recover your life.

I'll show you how to take a real rest.

Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it.

Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.

I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.

Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

馬太褔音 11:28-30

你人生的 Overarching learning curve 是什麼？

今天的你和兩年前的你有什麼分別？

兩年後的你和今天的你比較會如何？

期望自己在那一方面進步？

Week 5: 營建支持網絡

你們當以基督耶穌的心為心。
他本有神的形像、不以自己與神同等為強奪的．
反倒虛己、取了奴僕的形像、成為人的樣式．
既有人的樣子、就自己卑微、存心順服、以至於死、且死在十字架上。
所以神將他升為至高、又賜給他那超乎萬名之上的名、
叫一切在天上的、地上的、和地底下的、因耶穌的名、無不屈膝、
無不口稱耶穌基督為主、使榮耀歸與父神。
腓利比書 2:5-11

你帶著什麼心態來為自己建立網絡呢？

歌鄰這網絡和你所認識的其他網絡分別在那裡？

Week 6: 辦公室政治

王的心在耶和華手中，好像隴溝的水，隨意流轉。(箴言 21:1)
我們曉得萬事都互相效力叫愛神的人得益處 (羅馬書 8:28)

你能夠安然地面對今天遇上的困難嗎？

你會越來越像耶穌嘛？

Meditation for Worship on 2007.05.27 (I)

終於來到系列的最後一堂了，感覺如何？ 覺得自己成長了嘛？

不如來一個重溫：

Week 1: 我在這裡作什麼？

主耶穌說：「所以凡聽見我這話就去行的、好比一個聰明人、把房子蓋在磐石上。雨淋、水沖、風吹、撞著那房子、房子總不倒塌．因為根基立在磐石上。凡聽見我這話不去行的、好比一個無知的人、把房子蓋在沙土上。雨淋、水沖、風吹、撞著那房子、房子就倒塌了．並且倒塌得很大。」 太7:24-27

今天你人生的基石是什麼？

有把握抵擋雨淋、水沖、風吹嗎？

Week 2: 個人實力評估

所羅門王早年認識自己的限制 (limitation), 挑戰 (challenge), 業務 (business), 核心價值 (core values) 。卻因忽視自己的危機 (threat) ，行到人生的盡頭，聖經給他的結語是：

他不願全心順服交托上帝，以違背上帝心意的方式 (3:1-3；11:1-10) 去鞏固自己的國力，最終國家走下坡，自己的人生也失敗收場 (11:4，6)。

你有多了解自己呢？

在人生的盡頭，你最希望得到評價是什麼？

Week 3: 知識型經濟生涯

「凡勞苦擔重擔的人、可以到我這裡來、我就使你們得安息。我心裡柔和謙卑、你們當負我的軛、學我的樣式、這樣、你們心裡就必得享安息。因為我的軛是容易的、我的擔子是輕省的。」 太十一28-30

你渴望得安息嗎？

記得如何可以得安息嗎？

Handling Criticism

Handling Criticism

Contents come from Rory Noland's The Heart of the Artist (chapter 5)

The dangers of defensiveness

• It alienates us from others
• Defensiveness keeps us from the truth
• Defensiveness keeps us from being all we can be

Why it is difficult for artists to receive feedback

• To be vulnerable is a price every performer pays.
• Because art is such a personal thing, it’s difficult for us to separate ourselves from our work.
• Another reason we feel vulnerable is because we are constantly being evaluated.
• And it doesn’t help that critiquing the art is, more often than not, very subjective.

Responding to feedback

Be quick to listen
· Listen as a beloved child of God

Be slow to speak
· Our first response should not be a defensive one.
· Our first response should be to ask ourselves: Is any of this true?

Be discerning

Have a teachable spirit
· No matter what age you are, you always have something to learn

Learn how to fail graciously
· No one’s expecting perfection (except maybe us), so we don’t need to defend ourselves every time we fail.
· When we mess up, let’s swallow our pride, admit it, learn from it, and move on.

Giving feedback

• Give your overall impression first
• Try to say something positive
• Acknowledge effort and hard work
• Avoid hyperbole
• Avoid negative comparisons

心繫歌鄰

昨天晚上，
牧者如常的來到敬拜小組的練習中，
牧養我們更親近上帝，
他帶領我們用約二十分鐘去安靜自己，
當中發出一些問題讓我們安靜思想。

第一個問題：
「今天已是今個系列第六次練習，
還有多一次練習便到本系列的尾聲，
環顧這六次的事奉、敬拜或種種的經歷，
你第一件事想起甚麼或者你有甚麼感想？」

我以為自己第一會想起數星期的練習和敬拜，
而我的腦海中第一卻是浮現了一些新朋友的臉孔，
我的心很關心他們在這七次後還會否繼續參加歌鄰或信主？
因為他們願意進入教會已是一件不容易的事，
何況他們不只是來一次聚會，
而是來多次聚會，
我真盼望他們來歌鄰，
不是單單學會做好他的工作，
也能夠認識和經歷到我們的上帝。

我更關心第七次後歌鄰會怎樣，
人數會維持現狀？
還是會退回這系列前的人數？
雖然參與歌鄰不在乎人數，
這一刻我的心對歌鄰很著緊，
我卻真真實實地感受我真的是屬於歌鄰的一份子，
我心繫歌鄰 -- 一間建立基督身體的群體！
我深信上帝在掌管一切，
上帝的時間和上帝的祝福是最好的！

Meditation for Worship on 2007.05.20 (II)

Thursday
"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.

• In what ways have you delighted in competition, rivalry, jealousy, winning, laughing at other people’s weaknesses?
• What serious effort have you put into community building recently?
• Name three significant efforts that you have put into building the fellowship of God’s people this year so far. How do you feel about your contributions?
• Making peace – is the identity and job description of the sons and daughters of God.

Friday
"You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.
"Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.

• Think about the faces and events (persecutions) that happen in your home/office everyday.
• Read this passage again
• How would a “blessed person” respond in those circumstances?
• In what ways can these persecutions “drives you deeper into God’s kingdom”?

Meditation for Worship on 2007.05.20 (I)

八福的餘下四福

Tuesday
"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for.

• Try to become more aware of God’s caring for you as you care for others
• Try to remember how God had cared for you the last time that you cared for others

Wednesday
"You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

• We all have an inside world and an outside world.
• Isn’t it interesting how our inside world can be totally different from our inside world?
• Sometimes we put so much effort into maintaining our outward image (how we talk, how we behave, how we appear to others, and most commonly, how we perform) that we ignore our spiritual health, our spiritual wellbeing, that is, our relationship with God.
• Is there such a gap in you?
• When we single-mindedly focus on performance, we lose sight of the relationship that makes the performance meaningful.
• No wonder we can’t see God sometimes.
  

Meditation for Worship on 2007.05.13 (II)

Friday, Saturday

Understand the Scripture behind what you sing: Let Your Glory Fall

Ruler of the nations

the world has yet to see

the full release of your promise

the church in victory

以弗所書 3:5-13
這奧祕在以前的世代、沒有叫人知道、像如今藉著聖靈啟示他的聖使徒和先知一樣．
這奧祕就是外邦人在基督耶穌裏、藉著福音、得以同為後嗣、同為一體、同蒙應許。
我作了這福音的執事、是照　神的恩賜...

叫我把基督那測不透的豐富、傳給外邦人．
又使眾人都明白、這歷代以來隱藏在創造萬物之　神裏的奧祕、是如何安排的．
為要藉著教會、使天上執政的、掌權的、現在得知　神百般的智慧．
這是照　神從萬世以前、在我們主基督耶穌裏所定的旨意。

Turn to us Lord and touch us
make us strong in your might
Overcome our weakness
that we could stand up and fight

我們因信耶穌、就在他裏面放膽無懼、篤信不疑的來到　神面前。
所以我求你們、不要因我為你們所受的患難喪膽．這原是你們的榮耀。

Follow Scripture: Learn to pray like Paul for the church.

Pray after him...

Pray for Koinonia.

以弗所書 3:14-21
因此。我在父面前屈膝、
求他按著他豐盛的榮耀、藉著他的靈、叫你們心裏的力量剛強起來、
使基督因你們的信、住在你們心裏、叫你們的愛心、有根有基、
能以和眾聖徒一同明白基督的愛、是何等長闊高深、
並知道這愛是過於人所能測度的、便叫　神一切所充滿的、充滿了你們。
　神能照著運行在我們心裏的大力、充充足足的成就一切超過我們所求所想的．
但願他在教會中、並在基督耶穌裏、得著榮耀、直到世世代代、永永遠遠。阿們。

Meditation for Worship on 2007.05.13 (I)

Wednesday, Thursday

Romans 羅馬書 8:18-26
我想現在的苦楚、若比起將來要顯於我們的榮耀、就不足介意了。
受造之物、切望等候　神的眾子顯出來。
因為受造之物服在虛空之下、不是自己願意、乃是因那叫他如此的。
但受造之物仍然指望脫離敗壞的轄制、得享　神兒女自由的榮耀。
我們知道一切受造之物、一同歎息勞苦、直到如今。

• Allow pictures of "受造之物、一同歎息勞苦" comes to your mind.

不但如此、就是我們這有聖靈初結果子的、也是自己心裏歎息、等候得著兒子的名分、乃是我們的身體得贖。

• Allow also "自己心裏歎息、等候..." come to surface.

我們得救是在乎盼望．只是所見的盼望不是盼望．誰還盼望他所見的呢。
但我們若盼望那所不見的、就必忍耐等候。
況且我們的軟弱有聖靈幫助、我們本不曉得當怎樣禱告、只是聖靈親自用說不出來的歎息、替我們禱告。
鑒察人心的、曉得聖靈的意思．因為聖靈照著　神的旨意替聖徒祈求。

• Let the Holy Spirit lead you to pray...
• Let hope arises out of this prayer.

Let Your Glory Fall

Father of creation

unfold your sovereign plan

Raise up a chosen generation

that will march through the land

All of creation is longing

for your unveiling of power

Would you release your anointing

oh God let this be the hour

Let your glory fall in this room

let it go forth from here to the nations

Let your fragrance rest in this place

as we gather to seek your face.

(c) 1991 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing

Wilbur's Sharing to Worship Team - 2007.05.08

As worship leaders, we have accustomed to living in a weekly pattern of planning, practice, rehearsal, and performance, planning, practice, rehearsal, and performance…

When everything becomes mechanical and we have adjusted to this rhythm, it is easy to lose sight of the significance behind all these exercises, i.e., worshipping God, and leading, ministering, and witnessing to the congregation.

We need to disrupt this pattern. We need to insert a time of reflection into this rhythm.
Tonight we will go through a time of silence and reflection together.

Silence can be threatening. Fifteen minute can feel like an hour if you are not accustomed to spending time in silence. Your mind may wander away. You may be bombarded by many images or random thoughts. Tell yourself that it is okay. Rejoin the reflection when you are ready. Remember: silence is your friend not your foe.

We will spend 16 minute on this reflection - divided into four equal sections.

(1) Pay attention to yourself

• What is your body telling you now?
• What is your foot, your arm, your back, your head telling you now?
• Are you tired?
• What is your heart telling you now?
• Are you joyful, sad, angry, burned out?
• Pay attention to these signals coming from your body.
• Acknowledge them.
• Present them to God. Tell Him how you feel right now.
• Listen to His voice.

(2) Pay attention to worship

• Picture yourself going through the rehearsal and set up during the past Sunday. What happened?
• What was the dominant picture and/or feeling during this time?
• Were you focused, nervous, confident, distracted?
• Tell God what happened.
• Listen to His voice.
• Now you walked up the stage. Picked up your instruments. Stood before the microphone. The music began. What happened during the actual presentation?
• What touched you most during those moments?
• Tell God what happened.
• Listen to His voice.

(3) Pay attention to God’s Word

• Reflect on Sunday's sermon.
• What touched you most during those moments?
• How did you encounter God in His Word? What challenge did He give you? What was your prayer?
• Listen to His voice.
• Now you came forward to partake the Holy Communion.
• What went through your mind and body at that time?
• Tell God what happened.
• Listen to His voice.

(4) Pay attention during rehearsal

• Imagine that you have come to this coming Sunday's last song “Let your glory fall.”
  Listen to me as I read you the lyrics…
• What is your heart telling you right now?
• Where will your heart be when you present this song?
• How will you worship with this song this Sunday?
• Tell God.
• Listen to His voice.

As you attend to God (no matter how imperfectly sometimes), be assured that God is paying attention to you all the time.

Meditation for Worship on 2007.05.06 (II)

八福過去睇過好多次，唔知道你有冇睇過 The Message 版本？

Saturday

"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought."

• Are you content with who you are in Christ?
• Who are you?
• What is your inheritance?

每一天，無論晴或雨主恩典抱著我，他永遠在我身邊
每一天有不懼怕失去了方向因為神是我路上的光
他是我的盾牌；他是我的保障耶和華我的神，他救我脫離死亡他以仁愛慈悲為我冠冕他用美物使我所願得以知足他的愛叫我福杯滿溢

Sunday

"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat."

• Do you hunger to have more of God in your life?
• Come to worship today with this thought! Your thirst and hunger will be satisfied.

這一天，漫步原野青草處，放下忙碌工作，重整我困惑心靈，
神奇妙信實，全能者施恩庇蔭，我靜聽主安慰之聲。

主，讓我再度來到你的施恩寶座前，
讓我屈膝敬拜，全心讚頌，救主的奇妙救恩，

主，讓我再度來到你的施恩寶座前，
求你再復興我，能讓我再遇見你。

Meditation for Worship on 2007.05.06 (I)

八福過去睇過好多次，唔知道你有冇睇過 The Message 版本？



Thursday

"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule."

• Two kinds of attitudes are possible when a person is "at the end of his/her rope." There is the "grasping" kind and the "surrendering to God" kind.
• Learn to realize today that "the end of your rope" is a blessing because it is a wake up call for you to surrender to God.

這一天，漫步原野青草處，放下忙碌工作，重整我困惑心靈，
神奇妙信實，全能者施恩庇蔭，我靜聽主安慰之聲。

主，讓我再度來到你的施恩寶座前，
讓我屈膝敬拜，全心讚頌，救主的奇妙救恩，

主，讓我再度來到你的施恩寶座前，
求你再復興我，能讓我再遇見你。

Friday

"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you."

• What is most dear to you in this world?
• Live today as if you have lost it.
• Feel the Dearest One's embrace.
• Learn to realize that the dearest thing in life is a Who not a What.
  

主，讓我再度來到你的施恩寶座前，
讓我屈膝敬拜，全心讚頌，救主的奇妙救恩，

主，讓我再度來到你的施恩寶座前，
求你再復興我，能讓我再遇見你。

Psalm 23 for Busy People

The Lord is my pace setter, I shall not rush.
He makes me to stop and rest for quiet intervals.

He provides me with images of stillness, which restores my serenity.
He leads me in ways of efficiency, through calmness of mind.

And His guidance is my peace.
Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each dayI will not fret, for His presence is here.

His timelessness, His all-importance will keep me in balance.
He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my activity

By anointing my mind with His oils of tranquillity.
My cup of joyous energy overflows.

Surely harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruits of my hour,
For I shall walk in the pace of the Lord and dwell in His house forever.

Author unknown.

Handling Praises

How to Handle Praises

Challenge: How to receive praises? How to digest them?

Danger: If not digested, will accumulate to become pride

Learning: how to receive praises with BOTH humility and gratitude

Some people are trained to respond to praises by saying "感謝主!"
There is nothing wrong with saying "感謝主!"
It becomes a threat when one routinely repond to praises by saying "感謝主!" mechanically

Problems with a mechanical response:

(1) Hypocrisy

• People will think: Do you really mean it?
• Mechanical response does not imply humility

(2) Conversation stopper

Example:

• A: "I love your presentation!"
• B: "感謝主!"
• A: "I like the part when you say..."
• B: "Alleluia! 感謝主!"
• A thinking: I have some other comments about possible improvements, but forget it...

(3) Pride

• Saying "感謝主!" but does not take time to reflect and digest
• Instead let those praises accumulate
• Or worse yet, store them up in a treasure box

What i am learning to do when praised:

(1) Be Curious

• "How did it help you?"
• "Which part helped?"
  (I want to learn what worked)
• "How may it be improved?"

(2) Express Gratitude

• "I am thankful that it helps you."
• "Thanks for your encouragement."
• "I am thankful for my team."
• "I am thankful that God has spoken to you through me."

(3) Rejoice

• It is healthy to rejoice (no need to feel guilty)
• Like children rejoicing for accomplishing some work with their father

(4) Digest

• You don't need to forget. These memory may be called up as positive motivator on rainy days.
• But don't linger on it
• Bring it to the cross
• Imagine praises as someone giving you a bunch of flowers
• You appreciate the flowers and then bring them to Jesus
• Lay it down at the foot of the cross
• This process takes discipline and deliberate effort

The point here is not whether one should or should not say "感謝主!" when receiving praises. The point is, watch out when your response has become mechanical. Say what you mean and mean what you say. In other words, be authentic!

Isaac Watts' hymn - When I survey the wonderous cross
(Stanza 1 & 4)

When I survey the wondrous cross,
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

Meditation for Worship on 2007.04.29

一 切 所 有 的 、 都 是 我 父 交 付 我 的 ． 除 了 父 、 沒 有 人 知 道 子 ． 除 了 子 和 子 所 願 意 指 示 的 、 沒 有 人 知 道 父 。 凡 勞 苦 擔 重 擔 的 人 、 可 以 到 我 這 裡 來 、 我 就 使 你 們 得 安 息 。 我 心 裡 柔 和 謙 卑 、 你 們 當 負 我 的 軛 、 學 我 的 樣 式 、 這 樣 、 你 們 心 裡 就 必 得 享 安 息 。 因 為 我 的 軛 是 容 易 的 、 我 的 擔 子 是 輕 省 的 。

Mat 11:27-30 (The Message)

Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly.
"The Father has given me all these things to do and say.
This is a unique Father-Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge.
No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does.
But I'm not keeping it to myself; I'm ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen.

• The topic is about knowledge of and intimacy with God
• Accessibility is not the issue. Through the Son, one has full access to the Father - full access!
• The problem is with paying attention to Jesus
• Are you listening?

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion?

• Are you?

Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life.
I'll show you how to take a real rest.

• Real Rest? Can you imagine "real rest"? Try to describe it.

Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it.
Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.

• What is "the unforced rhythms of grace"?
• What is Jesus' secret recipe for real rest?

I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.
Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

• How may one keep company with Jesus?
• Do one thing to keep company with Jesus today

歌鄰牧者心

行走聖樂界廿幾年，
參加過無數的教會詩班。
小學時代參與兒童詩班，
中學時代參與少年詩班，
大學時代參與週六詩班，
打工時代參與週日詩班，
歌鄰時代參與敬拜小組。

大大小小的排練，
都是指揮帶領詩班練詩、練詩、練詩...
多年來從未見過有牧者親身來到詩班中在屬靈上關心或牧養詩班。
曾經見過不少的詩班員一直是沒有團契生活或教會生活，
詩班好像成為他們一個舒式區域或逃避區域，
只需要一味唱、一味唱...便滿足一翻，
卻缺乏了與信徒相通、
缺乏了彼此建立、
缺乏了在愛裡成長。
其實有多少牧者真的會知道他們的處境和屬靈上的需要？

雖然歌鄰的敬拜小組與詩班的練習模式有所不同，
但卻發生了歷年來在聖樂事奉裡前所未遇見的事，
就是歌鄰的牧者主動關心並牧養敬拜小組的屬靈生命。

首先牧者預先知道我們要帶領的詩歌，
在我們練習前二十分鐘，
牧者以聖經教導及幫助我們的心去演譯這些詩歌。
再者，牧者隨著訊息編印好一些問題讓我們作靈修默想之用。
最後，牧者帶領我們每人開聲禱告。
短短的二十分鐘，
我們靠著上帝安靜自己，
我們靠著上帝反省自己，
我們靠著上帝重整自己，
我們靠著上帝滿有能力，
我們靠著上帝合而為一。

多謝歌鄰牧者對我們的關心和愛心！
多謝上帝給歌鄰的牧者心！
筆者真的感動到流淚了！

Meditation for Worship on 2007.04.22

· Live out these songs this week: 這是天父世界, 你的信實廣大, 再遇你

· Look at what’s around you! Pay attention to creation to your life. Pay attention to your life.

Meditate on this passage: The Message – Luke 12:22-32

He continued this subject with his disciples. "Don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or if the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your inner life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the ravens, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, carefree in the care of God. And you count far more.

"Has anyone by fussing before the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? If fussing can't even do that, why fuss at all? Walk into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They don't fuss with their appearance—but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. If God gives such attention to the wildflowers, most of them never even seen, don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?

"What I'm trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Don't be afraid of missing out. You're my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself.

· In what ways are you “preoccupied with getting” these days?

· What do you think is God trying to give you instead?

· What of your Father’s kingdom do you desire?

· Ask Him to remove whatever it is that is blocking the kingdom from entering so that you can receive it fully.

活著就是敬拜

保羅在羅馬書十二章一節如此說："Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is true worship." (TNIV)

把身體 (意思指生活、生命) 獻上，作聖潔而蒙神悅納的活祭，這是真正的敬拜。

Eugene Peterson 在 The Message 裡，有精彩的意譯：

"So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering."

這大概就是這個博客的出發點：嘗試讓我們生活中的一點一滴，都化成活祭獻上，作為對上帝的敬拜。

所有在歌鄰基督教會參與事奉的弟兄姊妹，都歡迎向 Wilbur 查詢關於投稿博客的詳情。

這是一個雙語言 (中英文) 博客。

博客管理: Wilbur

接納投稿、留言的簡單原則：愛上帝並且愛你的鄰舍。

博客內容享屬筆者及留言者意見，並不代表歌鄰立場。

可按此往歌鄰基督教會網站。

Authenticity of the Worshiper

Who Is The Worship Leader?

One lesson that I have learned from ministry experience is: be authentic!

The question that you must ask yourself when you stand on stage is first and foremost a question of identity: Who am I?

A worship leader is:

(1) A Performer
You are there to perform in front of the One Audience who listens to you with enthusiasm.

(2) A Leader
You are there to lead the congregation to glorify God in worship

(3) A Witness
You are there to witness Christ through worship

Regarding witnessing:
You must be the same person off stage as you are on stage.
When people detect discrepencies, they label it hypocricy. When you lose credibility, you lose the ability to witness.
Therefore, be authentic. Live a worshipful life!

回到敬拜軸心

本欄是 Wilbur 對歌鄰的事奉團隊的分享和勸勉。
內容來自每週在 worship team practice 時段裡的分享。