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May13, 05(Friday)

Apr22, 05(Friday)

Apr 22, 05 Friday

1.      philosophying

2.      exam

3.      phone Dad

4.      fellowship- Michael, Sharon, Gary, Janice, Dorothy, Ankie, Anita, Alex, Andrew

5.      snacks- Gary, Janice, Ankie, Anita, Alex

6.      bibleing (John)

7.      zzz

Today, Joseph visited Dorothy at her store and they took the bus (99b-16) to church.  It took them 50min which is only 5min by car, because there¡¦s no direct bus route and the available one goes round and round.  Joseph truly experienced the difficulty and hassle Dorothy faced every time she comes to church.  Joseph prayed to his God that the Spirit will inspire someone to do a little act of kindness to Dorothy next time.

Tonight¡¦s bible study was Ephesians 5.  Ephesians 4, 5 is one of the climaxes in the NT.  That¡¦s exciting!  Joseph thanked his God for shepherding him through a good teacher Michael and a group of dear bro & sis in Christ.  The usual snack time afterwards was, as usual, wonderful.  It¡¦s wonderful tonight!  Joseph found that his dear bro & sis in Christ are v. cute and lovely.

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love,

just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 5:1-2

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. 

Live as children of the light. 

Ephesians 5:8

Joseph was v. glad with the presence of Uncle Leung.  Thanks God J  Joseph was v. happy to see Uncle Sum yesterday as they hadn¡¦t met for a couple months.  Thanks God J  Joseph was also v. happy to have dinner with Uncle Kei, Aunt and Andrew 2 days ago.  Thanks God J  Joseph prayed to the Lord that all the Wong members will ¡§My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.¡¨ (Job 42:5), delight in the Lord and live in HIM.  Nothing could be better.

Joseph had the privilege to be on the phone with his Dad, who edified him with God¡¦s words. 

May God teach Joseph to excel in doing his will, amen.

Joseph waited in hope for the Lord, amen.

Joseph realized God had been v. tender to him during this exam period¡K  May God guard him and strengthen him.

J

Apr19, 05(Tuesday)

Apr18, 05(Monday)

Apr 18, 05 Monday

1.      woke up J

2.      msn Haze (happy to chat w/ you J)

3.      read¡K

4.      z z z J

Disappointment with GOD

Today I read Philip Yancey¡¦s Disappointment with God.  It¡¦s like a little bible study on the book of Job.  It talks about faith and belief in God during hard time (suffering).  First part of the book deals with 3 questions: 1) Is God unfair? 2) Is God silent? 3) Is God hidden?  Using Exodus-God¡¦s direct intervention (contact) with the Israelites in the desert, Yancey described given the fact that God was outright fair (a person who breaks a rule was punished immediately), God was speaking out loud, and God could be seen (a pillar of cloud over the tabernacle when Moses went in), the love of God didn¡¦t increase; the Israelites still gave way to idolatry and ignored God.  Next, Yancey put his readers in God¡¦s shoe and browsed through the Bible from cover to cover, from Genesis to NT.  He explained how God was repeatedly hurt and heartbroken seeing his people repeatedly betrayed him.  Then, Yancey recounted the gradual change in God¡¦s confrontation with his people from Genesis to NT- from a strict parent-child relationship with outright, strict guidelines to a freer friendship/lover relationship.  After that, Yancey devoted much of the rest of his book talking the book of Job and a few godly ancient characters e.g. Abraham, Daniel, Joseph, Moses, Paul and those in Hebrews 11- What is the book of Job teaching us?  How can we handle the suffering?  Finally, Yancey discussed the crisis of shakening of faith and turning from belief to disbelief during sufferings and Why do I still believe in God?

An interesting quote: the disappointment with God and the disappointment without God.

Job

Job appealed to God for an explanation to his ¡§unfair¡¨ suffering.  What¡¦s God¡¦s reply?

God: Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge?  Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.  Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation?  Tell me, if you understand¡K (Job 38)

Job: I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.  You asked, 'Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?'  Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.  "You said, 'Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.'  My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.  Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes." (Job 42:1-6)

Job demanded an explanation and God didn¡¦t give him any.  But Job was satisfied.  Why?  Job apparently wasn¡¦t satisfied by having his fortune restored, his long life or his newborn sons and daughters. (Job 42:12-17)  Job was satisfied by God¡¦s presence (speaking out of the whirlwind finally) and the fact that God does care about his suffering.

We know a little more than Job by knowing the cause of Job¡¦s suffering- Satan challenged God to bet whether or not his favourite servant Job would continue to love him if a hard suffering hit Job. (Job 1:6-12, 2:1-6)  At the end, Job didn¡¦t deny God¡¦s existence or break up his relationship with God, though he argued angrily that his suffering was ¡§unfair¡¨ and demanded a talk with God.  We, same as Job, cannot grasp the meaning/reason behind the suffering.

Job is a good example for us to follow but not complete yet.  Why?  Because God finally did appear to Job which was ultimately comforting. (Job became satisfied only after that)  How about for those who suffered and died without seeing directly God¡¦s presence?

NT

Faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see. 

Hebrews 11:1

These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised.  Hebrews 11:39

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is seen is eternal. 

2Corinthians 4:18

We live by faith, but by sight. 

2Corinthians 5:7

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

Romans 8:18

For in this hope, we were saved.  But hope that is seen is no hope at all.  Who hopes for what he already has?  But if we hop for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

Romans 8: 24-25

A Covenant with God

Faith is needed to believe the unseen (the meaning of suffering/heaven) is a different world than the seen (suffering).  To believe that God is with us in the suffering, instead of against us (of coz there are circumstances where God is clearly against us e.g. the punishment of sins).  To believe even when prayers aren¡¦t answered, circumstances don¡¦t change, circumstances seem to contradict God¡¦s providence, etc (Consider Jesus¡¦ 3 prayers of not drinking the cup of suffering unanswered Matthew 26:36-45, Paul¡¦s prayer of removing his thorn in his flesh 2Corinthians 12:7-10), Joseph¡¦s dream/vision led to his slavery to Egypt Genesis 37)

Suffering tests our faith and our love for God.  Let¡¦s consider the marriage oath:

Bride:

I A take thee B to my wedded Husband, to have and to hold from this day forward,

for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and to obey, till death us do part,

according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I give thee my troth..

Chinese: ¦P¥Ì¦@­W

God loves us THAT MUCH.  How deep is our love for God?

Ex-Christians

Sufferings always bring out Why do I believe in God?

Einstein once said, ¡§We humans now know around 2% of this world¡¨.  Though I don¡¦t think we actually know that much, but suppose we do know 2%, it means we don¡¦t know 98%.

Ex-Christians gave up their faith because of a disappointment with God.  They then faced a disappointment without God.

Reason for suffering?

Romans 8:18-27 http://bible.gospelcom.net/passage/?search=Romans%208;&version=31;

Lovers of God

In Hebrews 11, after discussing the faith of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Sarah in God, the author wrote:

Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God.  Hebrews 11:16

If we are in a marriage/bf-gf relationship, do we ever ask, ¡§Am I a good bf/gf/husband/wife?¡¨ 

LOVE is to love at your best without expecting to get anything back.  God loves us this way.

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.  1John 3:6a

How about we?

Our love for God is best shown in suffering.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

God, I pray that your Spirit will strengthen me to do good to your glory and praise.  The Spirit is willing but my flesh is weak.  Have mercy on me and protect your servant.  Thanks J

Apr14, 05(Friday)

Apr 14, 05 Friday

FINAL EXAM

I¡¦ll be back on Apr 25.

Praise the Lord o my soul!  Do what is just and right!  Live in Christ!  Give thanks without ceasing!

I love GOD my Father.  I love my Dad and Mum.

J

Apr2, 05(Sunday)

Apr 2, 05 Sunday- happy raining

1.      church w/ Carmen

2.      lunch w/ Aunt Kei + Andrew

3.      home

4.      reading

5.      coma

Joseph learned:

If I have the gift of prophesy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge,

and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love,

I am nothing. 

1Corinthians 13:2

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.  But the greatest of these is love.  

1Corinthians 13:13

Joseph wishes:

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 

Psalm 51:10

Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. 

Psalm 51:12

Joseph feels:

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow wear,

they will walk and not be faint. 

Isaiah 40:31

Joseph asked:

Why are you downcast, O my soul?

Why so disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God,

for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. 

Psalm 42:5a

Joseph trusts:

Some sat in darkness and the deepest gloom, prisoners suffering in iron chains,

for they had rebelled against the words of God and despised the counsel of the Most High.

So he subjected them to bitter labor;

they stumbled, and there was no one to help.

Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.

He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away their chains. 

Psalm 107:10-14

Joseph said:

¡K¡K.

¡K¡K.

¡K¡K.

¡K¡K.

¡K¡K.

¡K¡K.

¡K¡K.

Where goes my dear rationality?

Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. 

Genesis 1:2

But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. 

Jeremiah 18:4

J

Apr1, 05(Saturday)

Apr 2 Saturday J

1.      teach ESL

2.      lunch w/ elders

3.      98 homebound- sleeping on the bus

4.      home

5.      stretching + resting

6.      chat w/ Frances

7.      zzz

Do not love the world or anything in the world.

If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

For everything in the world¡V the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does¡Vcomes not from the Father but from the world.

The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

1John 2:15-17

God, protect Joseph from harm and let him hold fast to your truth!

Today, in a conversation with 2 elders, Joseph learned about the situation of China and Hong Kong during the WWII Japanese reign and the later Communist reign.  Joseph couldn¡¦t grasp it at all.  It was beyond his rationality.  It was hell.

Joseph msned with Frances.  Frances did a great thing!  Joseph prayed to God that James and Frances will come close to God and may God strength their love.

WELCOME BACK Sharon!  WELCOME BACK Sharon!  WELCOME BACK Sharon!  WELCOME BACK Sharon!  WELCOME BACK Sharon!  WELCOME BACK Sharon!  WELCOME BACK Sharon!  WELCOME BACK Sharon!  WELCOME BACK Sharon!  WELCOME BACK Sharon!  WELCOME BACK Sharon!  WELCOME BACK Sharon! 

WELCOME BACK Sharon!  WELCOME BACK Sharon!  WELCOME BACK Sharon!  WELCOME BACK Sharon!  WELCOME BACK Sharon!  WELCOME BACK Sharon!  WELCOME BACK Sharon!  WELCOME BACK Sharon!  WELCOME BACK Sharon! 

God be with you. J

My dear Dad, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

THANKS for having great patience in bearing my youthful rebellion! (It must be so pain!  I¡¦s a big fool!)

THANKS for your ever love!

THANKS for EVERYTHING!

I pray that God will guide Mum to HIM asap!  God bless you Dad!

Thanks GodJ

Mar31 05(Thursday)

Mar 31, 05 Thursday J

Today, Joseph

1.      read Bible

2.      home cleaning

3.      research in library

4.      home

7:00pm, Joseph was going back home.  He got off the 41 bus and the 98 bus was coming in 10 minutes.  Joseph thought, ¡§The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.  Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field- Matthew 9:37-38¡¨.  Yes, he whispered, ¡§the passengers are plentiful, but the buses are few.  Ask the Lord to send out more buses¡¨.  It was v. cold.

Joseph talked to himself and asked ¡§How much effort should I put in helping people?  People might not appreciate, even feel offended, or simply won¡¦t change.¡¨  Joseph replied, ¡§If you are in trouble or in the wrong, would you want a person to stop helping you when you don¡¦t seem to enjoy it at that moment?  Would you want that person to stop helping you because you can¡¦t improve for that moment?¡¨  Joseph answered, ¡§Absolutely no.¡¨  Then Joseph made up his mind, ¡§I will be all out to help unless I die!¡¨

Joseph thought about the attitude in following God.  He thought of an analogy:

Mary was a perfectly good girl.  His husband Tom committed adultery and left Mary.  Mary was deeply hurt, but she was full of compassion and was willing to forgive Tom and accept him again as his husband if he comes back and apologizes.  She kept phoning Tom, asking him to come back.  3 friends- A, B, C of Tom chatted with Tom.

A: Mary has been v. good to you.  She has so much $.  Let¡¦s go back to her again.  You will have a rich, abundant life living with her.

B: If you do not go back to Mary, as time goes on, she can¡¦t bear it anymore and will sue you and put you in prison for adultery.

C: Mary was your wife.  You did a terrible thing.  You can¡¦t do anything but apologize to her.  Don¡¦t think about anything, just go back apologize.

Finally, Tom made a good decision- C.  He went back to Mary weeping ¡§I have sinned deeply against you!  I was no longer worthy to be your husband.  I deserve to go to prison.  Please leave me and find yourself a better husband.¡¨  Mary wept.  But she put back the marriage ring onto Tom¡¦s finger and said to her friends, ¡§My husband was once dead and astray, but now he is alive and back!  Let¡¦s celebrate!¡¨

In this analogy,

Mary represents God.

Tom represents us, humans.

A represents the attitude, ¡§Believe in God because I can find your meaning of life¡¨

B represents the attitude, ¡§Believe in God because I don¡¦t want to go to hell!¡¨

C represents the attitude, ¡§Have mercy on me God, an unworthy sinner!¡¨

The son said to him, ¡§Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.  I am no longer worthy to be called your son.¡¨  Luke 15:21

Joseph thought about the idea ¡§Who is a hypocrite?¡¨  Many people call others hypocrite because their actions don¡¦t match their words.  Joseph doubted this definition of hypocrisy.  In fact, no one¡¦s actions can perfectly 100% match their words.  Not because they are not working hard enough, but because humans always set goals beyond his present capability, which is a means to bring improvement.  Who would set his goal below his capability?  Only those who are not serious with their life.  For example, person A sets a goal to quit smoking.  But up to now, he¡¦s still can¡¦t resist to smoking sometimes.  We can¡¦t say he¡¦s a hypocrite.  A hypocrite is one who intentionally exaggerates his capability with a will to make a false but good impression.  Such a person deserves to be rebuked.

Joseph was glad that he¡¦s able to keep in touch with Sharon by e-mail.  Joseph was v. and deeply concerned about Sharon.  Joseph prayed for her.  God will make a way! J

Joseph read Romans 14:

The Weak and the Strong

   1Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. 2One man's faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. 3The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him. 4Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.

   5One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. 6He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains, does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. 8If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

Joseph thought twice about his friend¡¦s church issue.  In the above verses Paul told us not to judge.  Why?  Because the person being judged/condemned was doing nothing wrong.  In vv. 6 and 7, he ¡§does so to the Lord¡¨ was repeated for 5 times in a similar manner.  Therefore, in order to distinguish what is good and what is bad, a person only needs to examine:

¡P         Is the action intrinsically good or bad?

¡P         Do I do it with a ¡§do so to the Lord and give thanks to God¡¨ attitude?

In the end, Joseph thanked God for the good day.  Joseph didn¡¦t know what to say.  He went to bed.

God bless Sharon.

Mar30, 05(Wednesday)

Mar19, 05(Saturday)

Mar 19, 05 Saturday

Mar 18

1.      school

2.      met Andrea

3.      met Drema

4.      chat w/ James

5.      reading

6.      walk around in downtown w/ Jane and Francis

7.      bible study

8.      snack- Anki, Janice, Gary, Sharon, Dorothy, Anita, Alex, Michael

9.      zzz

Joseph had a little meditation on Asherah, Magic and Pharisees.

Post-modern Asherah

In the time of antiquity, idolatry- the worship of wood-craved posts or images was v. popular and common.  People trusted in countless worthless idols as if they were capable to deliver them from troubles e.g. crop failure, invasion, drought, impotence, etc.  Of course, their trust was in vain.  Their idols failed them completely and made them fools.  In the past, God repeatedly called his people to turn back from idolatry in order to live a full, real life.  Many didn¡¦t and only some did.

Now, it¡¦s 2005CE.  Some call it the post-modern age.  When these post-modern people look back at the ancient people, they tend to look down on them, ¡§How foolish they are, worshipping a wood?¡¨   Are they superior in wisdom than their ancient counterparts?  Joseph thought- no.  Asherah of the antiquity had somehow evolved and became $ and science.  People in this contemporary age worship $.  $ becomes the master/lord of many people 24hrs a day, 7 days a week.  Its worshippers, typically work, all out, all day wanting to gain as much $ as they can and dream about $ when they sleep.  They believe $ can bring them security in life, happiness and satisfaction.  However, as accidents happen as they always do, e.g. the recent tsunami, economic slum, etc., $ fails its worshippers completely and made them fools.  In the past, people worshipped magic and some similar divine forces, hoping to manipulate nature and other people around.  Modern mankind laughed it out loud.  But as one observes, the situation is still the same.  Nowadays, humans worship science as their lord, thinking science can master and manipulate nature.  Of course, science fails them completely.  They are yet to realize scientists are similar to their ancient counterparts in a way that they are both speculating this ungraspable nature.

Post-modern Pharisees (Luke 11:37-54)

¡§Woe to you, because you are like unmarked graves, which men walk over without knowing it.¡¨ (v.44)

Jesus replied, ¡§And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them. (v. 46)

¡§Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering.¡¨ (v. 52)

In the antiquity, Pharisees- the social elites portrayed the ideology in society and set up standards defining what is good and bad.  They put forth lots of unnecessary and meaningless rules for people to follow.  In our post-modern society, who are these Pharisees?  Fashion industry!  Fitness center!  Nowadays, the fashion industry portrays the ideal lady to be 36-24-36, who is slim without any fat at all.  It makes clothing which is overly tight, unnecessarily revealing and only fits those who are unhealthily slim.  Who can wear such clothing?  Not even 1 in a thousand!  Today, fitness center promotes girls to lose weight to be sickly slim and guys to train up their body to be fit as an athlete.  They are placing such a heavy burden on people.  People need to go to the gym 30min-1hr every day.  When they miss it, they feel deep guilt and insecurity.  Plus, people need to watch and calculate their diet down to a couple units of calories.  When they eat something ¡§wrong¡¨, they are again full of guilt.  This ideology is sick.  It is illogical.  It is useless.  It burdens people¡¦s life with meaningless commitment and robs them of a real life!  For example, what is the use of a 200lbs bench press?  The fitness field calls it ¡§healthy¡¨.  It doesn¡¦t make sense.  In the gym, many people can run 10k at ease.  They are super-healthy or too-healthy!  In a word, people are turning to be athletes instead of being healthy or keeping fit!  Moreover, even for those who can meet the standard of this pervert ideology, they gain nothing.  For example, their marriage, friendship, dating, contribution in society, etc won¡¦t benefit from what they take huge pains to achieve.  All is in vain!  What a sick trend!  The idolatry of fashion is vain.

He told them, ¡§The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.

Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.  Luke 10:2

These 2 trends are hugely worrying.  Many have fallen into their traps.  They lead to death!  Not physical death but a death of life/soul.  Joseph whispered to himself, ¡§What can I do?¡¨  Then Joseph answered, ¡§Do not lose faith in helping.  Pray continually and seek the Lord.  For, in the same way, God has saved you from all these.¡¨

Today

1.      ESL

2.      lunch w/ elders

3.      snack w/ Jenny

4.      met Martin

5.      home

6.      met Thomas

7.      home

8.      chat w/ Dorothy

9.      zzz

The historical Joseph

Who is the historical Joseph? lol

Joseph was again surprised by Jane¡¦s continual support.

Joseph thanked the Lord for this good day and his guidance.

http://www.christianstudy.com/data/hymns/midi/newsongsofpraise/song400.mid

Praise the Lord o my soul.

Know that the Lord is God, the King.

It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

P.s.

Joseph constantly saw something v. attractive.  He said to himself, ¡§I love the Lord and this is my commitment and what I choose to commit.¡¨ 

I will be careful to lead a blameless life¡K  Psalm 101:2a

Mar17, 05(Thursday)

Mar 17, 05 Thursday

His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man;

the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.

Psalm 147:10-11

Last night, Joseph prayed and the Lord comforted him.  Joseph was originally bothered by the fact that he, originally a top student, had misused his talents and had accomplished v. little in the academic field.  He regretted and apologized to the Lord.  But the Lord showed him a case- http://www.rthk.org.hk/rthk/tv/hkcc/20050214.html, where William, a top notch high school student, who was originally going to study in a medical school in England, had a car accident and lost all his memories.  After the memory loss, William lost all his academic accomplishments.  He had nothing and no edge over other peers as he always had.  However, the Lord strengthened him and William became v. confident again and resumed his studying.  Joseph realized that the most essential thing in life is not what he has, what he owned or any life accomplishments, but it is whether he has a heart for God and work diligently for God today.  Joseph was overjoyed for such a reply.  ¡§A man finds joy in giving an apt reply- and how good is a timely word!¡¨, Proverbs 15:23  His burden was off and he went to sleep.

Today, Joseph woke up at 11:00am.  It was a simple day.  He did some reading, some msning w/ Sharon, Dorothy, Jane, some commenting on Kevin¡¦s diary, some newspaper reading, some bible reading and cooking food.

Joseph, through his chat with some of his friends, noticed that many times, people become overwhelmed by emotions in a relationship whether it is dating, marriage or friendship and ignore their rationality.  But, a relationship without rationality will almost surely fail or simply can¡¦t reach its highest potential or greatest happiness.  And in fact, a relationship with rationality, contrary to common thoughts, is not boring or unromantic.  Very often, people in a dating relationship would say ¡§I know it¡¦s not good, but I can¡¦t help!¡¨  Joseph firmly believed that if one cannot even manage/help oneself, how can he/she manage/help another person in the relationship (1).  Joseph believed, they might still do ¡§ok¡¨ when times are good.  But they will surely fail when difficulties arise.  But, what does Joseph think about puppy love?  Do people there need to do the same?  Joseph would say yes, because, when a person becomes far-sighted, he/she would not only see the initial happiness, but also the huge pain followed the break-up at the end.  Plus, there is not just 1 boy/girl in this whole world.  There are millions of amazing boys and girls, thanks God J  Therefore, logically one should not worry about the idea ¡§If I do not date him/her, I might lose my love¡¨.  That¡¦s illogical and an inappropriate Christian attitude.  Joseph also believed that, those who are confident of playing girls/boys in relationships, would eventually get played and gain nothing.  Joseph has many ideas about love, dating and marriage.  However, we need to note that he¡¦s not currently in a relationship.  His ideas are theoretically v. sound but they need to wait for empirical data for further confirmation or verification.

Joseph was surprised by the support of Jane and Dorothy, and some other friends of his.  He thought in his mind, ¡§Why?¡¨.  Then he asked himself, ¡§Why do I support my friends?¡¨ and replied ¡§Because I care about them and hope they can all be happy.¡¨  So he realized that his friends want him to be happy too.  Joseph appreciated all of them and prayed to the Lord for them.

Now it¡¦s 10:42pm.  Joseph went to bed and slept.  May the Lord continue to train up this immature man, amen.

Footnote:

1.      Having the ¡§I can¡¦t help¡¨ feeling is perfectly ok and normal.  What matters is how you react to it.  For example, you feel tired today, but instead of dozing off at my workplace, you still fulfil all my duties and do a good job; you have a liking for a boy/girl, but instead of flirting with him/her right away, you control your emotions and be a friend of him/her first.

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your Spirit lead me on level ground.

Psalm 143:10

Mar16, 05 (Wednesday)

Mar 16, 05 Wednesday

Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary?  Who may live on your holy hill?

He, whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous,

¡K

who keeps his oath even when it hurts.

¡K 

He who does these things will never be shaken.

Psalm 15

Today is March 15^th, 2005CE.  Joseph woke up at 6am.  But he was too tired, collapsed and returned to his coma until 9:30am.  Then, Joseph got up and did his wash-up.  Having no time for breakfast, he briefly grabbed 6 Rocky Mountain chocolates and dashed out to chase his bus.  Recently in these couple weeks, chasing the bus has been Joseph¡¦s usual way of starting his day.  When he went out of his building, he watched the time and it was already 2 minutes late for his bus.  A little drop in his morale, Joseph walked instead of the usual running.  ¡§O what can you do after all?¡¨  However God did care for Joseph and he gave him another 480, an exceptionally fast 480 which took him to school without being late, against all odds.  So, Joseph was in time and he thanked the Lord.

In his religious class ¡§Origin of Christianity¡¨, Joseph no longer felt being challenged by his professor Dietmar Neufeld.  Joseph had thought it through and realized the fact that they were just using different paradigms (1) in biblical studies.  He knew, by reason, that his paradigm is more rational and superior, and so he was comforted with security.

After class, Adriana left quickly without waiting for Jane.  Joseph found it weird.  As usual Joseph had lunch with his best friend Jane, having a good chat about various current issues and concerns.  Then they left for classes.

After class, as usual, Joseph chatted with his good friend James.  James told him that he had sold his bike but was not sure whether the buyer would cheat him or not and his $7000 might fly away.  He was worried and anxious.  Joseph thought in his mind, ¡§The Lord will provide.  Money flies away but your life is always secured and satisfied by the Lord.  So it doesn¡¦t matter¡¨, but he prayed for James anyway.  Money was never an important topic for Joseph.  The reasons were uncertain.  Maybe his dear father on earth had always provided him with ample budget, maybe his dear Father in heaven had always taught him that $ was not only for oneself selfishly, but to be shared and used to benefit others (Luke 16:9), or maybe he was a lazy person, without good planning of his life.  It seemed that Joseph fitted all 3 cases anyway.

Then, Joseph went for snacks and did some reading.  But he wasn¡¦t in a good, energetic shape and he didn¡¦t read much.  Instead, he¡¦s looking here and there and observing people around.  In fact Joseph has been quite burned out lately.

It was 4:00pm; Joseph entered the classroom, sat beside his friend Ferma (2), and read by himself.  Ferma was chatting cheerfully and loudly with her friend Monica about some dating issue.  At that time, Ferma was talking quite happily and loud, so a couple classmates were looking at their conversation too.  Suddenly, Ferma said to Monica, ¡§I would never imagine Joe to be a nasty guy¡¨.  Then Ferma turned to Joseph and said ¡§I would never imagine you to be a nasty guy in a relationship¡¨.  Joseph didn¡¦t quite know how to respond and so he replied with a smile and briefly returned to his own reading.  Such a compliment was unordinary and unexpected.  Joseph thought in his mind, ¡§Why?¡¨

It was a good class.  After class, as usual, Joseph walked with Jane to the bus stop.  Joseph phoned Aldwin and they planned to meet together for a dinner tonight.

After taking 99b and 17, Joseph arrived at downtown, Granville and Robson, and met Aldwin.  Aldwin was still the same and Joseph was v. happy to see his ¡§new¡¨ (3) good friend again.  They chatted happily about current issues and concerns and went for dinner in a v. original Japanese restaurant in Robson near the beach.  That Japanese restaurant was v. original with many Japanese eating there and speaking Japanese.  Joseph was the first time to be in such a Japanese environment and he found it v. unique and interesting.  Aldwin told Joseph that his girlfriend Joyce might be coming over to UBC for a medicine program.  This was shocking news to Joseph.  First, Joyce¡¦s mark was close to 100.  Next, the fact that Aldwin and Joyce could stay in Vancouver together was awesome.  Finally, Aldwin said he had been praying every day for this issue.  Joseph was extremely overjoyed and he thanked the Lord.  Aldwin then told Joseph that he had bought a student Bible last month and had been reading John (now had read 4 chapters).  Joseph was v. happy and he thanked the Lord again.  They chatted v. happily.  Aldwin had made some close friends in Vancouver and one of them was a Christian and invited Aldwin to his church and Aldwin enjoyed it v. much. 

They said goodbye and Joseph went home. 

After shower, Joseph phoned Jermyn, praying that God will guide him and ¡K

Lately, Joseph was under pressure, because he realized he had made a huge mistake (4) through his laziness.  He was burned out but he trusted the Lord.

Joseph thanked Jane and Dorothy wholeheartedly for their continual support and comfort.  He appreciated it a lot though they might not know.

Now it¡¦s 2:00am.  Joseph finished his diary.  He couldn¡¦t sleep.  He needs to pray.

Footnote:

1.      Paradigm is a set of assumptions, concepts, values, and practices that constitutes a way of viewing an intellectual/academic subject.  For example, when a situation A happens, there arise various interpretations/assumptions- different school of thoughts.  Based on a particular assumption, a person starts building up his knowledge about the situation A, using his specific value as a tool to judge.  Joseph found it hard to study secular biblical studies because I do not even approve its first step- its paradigm, e.g. there are no miracles, no intervention by God, etc.  But now as Joseph¡¦s taking such a course, he needs to follow the rules of the game (its paradigm).

2.     Ferma is a girl who is full of compassion, love, kindness, diligence, zest of life, etc.  She is, no doubt, a model human to learn from.

3.      Joseph met Aldwin last year¡¦s 2^nd semester and became good friends.  They have seen each other only for 4 times including this time.  But they are v. good friends.

4.      Suffering reveals the true character and quality of a person.  Let¡¦s see how Joseph will handle this pain in his heart.  ¡¨Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.  The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.¡¨  Mark 14:38

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. 

Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.

  Psalm 143:8

Mar15, 05 (Tuesday)

Mar 15, 05 Tuesday

1.      devotion (Jeremiah, Acts, Psalm, Proverbs)

2.      reading

3.      reading

4.      msn w/ Jane

5.      reading diaries

6.      msn w/ Sharon

7.      bible study- Michael, Gary, Janice, Jane, Dorothy, Andrew, Anita

8.      zzz

Praise God my rock!

Search me, O God, and know my heart;

test me and know my anxious thoughts.

 See if there is any offensive way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting. 

Psalm 139:23-24

Today, I stayed home all day.  Productivity was low.  I originally intended to do lots of reading.  I turned out to be resting.  Thanks God for the good rest J

Thanks God for the wonderful chat w/ Jane and Sharon.  I¡¦m v. grateful to have these 2 good friends.  Thanks God J

Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; sing praise to his name, for that is pleasant.  Psalm 135:3

I know the Lord is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods.  Psalm 135:5

It needs extreme wisdom and libraries of life experiences to understand ¡§the Lord is great¡¨.  My God Almighty, I pray that I continue to remain in you and your words in me, that I grow in maturity, love and wisdom to understand your LOVE towards me and to revere you with awe and absolute respect, and to practise your LOVE to people around me.  Thanks God J

To love the Lord means to have the generosity to love others around me: be a generous giver.  (2Corinthians 8-9).  Moreover, God¡¦s care for his people is AWESOME, as he has also promised ¡§You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion¡¨ (2Corinthians 9:13).  Thanks God J

I especially like Luke 21:1-4 (give even out of poverty) and Mark 11:22-25 (pray and trust).

Today, I especially pray for those who are in dating relationships, those who are in marriage, and those who are in adultery and marital problems.  I pray and I trust the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth!  I pray and the Lord Almighty will work it out!  Praise God J

Marriage should be honoured by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.  Hebrew 13:4

Tonight our bible study talked about how to prepare for a good, forever marriage.  We focused on the topic of sex.  Nowadays, many marriages fail because the husband/wife commits adultery or the husband/wife cannot find satisfaction within marriage.  Therefore, before marriage, the couple needs to understand each other thoroughly well, and in this case- sexual character.  Wives need to understand male¡¦s sexual characteristic that he¡¦s v. prone to sexual temptations and his sexual appetite is big.  Wives have to take note of that and not ignore this aspect of marriage but supporting him.  Husbands need to get involved in family instead of a sole focus on work, providing emotional care to wives and children.  This topic is a v. practical and important issue, which needs to be addressed before marriage.  God bless all marriages J

The commitment to your partner in marriage is exactly like the commitment to God.  If one can¡¦t commit to his partner forever, he can¡¦t commit to God.  If one can¡¦t commit to God forever, he can¡¦t commit to his partner forever.  Ultimate commitment!

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:

He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like noonday sun.  Psalm 37:5-6

Commit to your partner and he/she will satisfy you to the top of the world J

He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favour than he who has a flattering tongue.  Proverbs 29:23

Whoever flatters his neighbour is spreading a net for his feet.

Proverbs 29:5

¡§Beware of your friends; do not trust in your brothers.

For every brother is a deceiver, and every friend a slanderer.

Friend deceives friend, and no one speaks the truth. 

They have taught their tongues to lie; they weary themselves with sinning.

You live in the midst of deception; in their deceit they refuse to acknowledge me,¡¨ declares the Lord.

Jeremiah 9:4-6

Last few days, I read Proverbs.  I learn that in order to learn to do good, I need to love rebuke.  An honest rebuke leads me to the everlasting path while a flattering talk guides me to death and self-deception.  That¡¦s so true.  When problems arise, we need to seek advice from mature Christians, a person who is mature in life experiences and who is mature in the relationship with God so that he knows God¡¦s will.  A mature atheist can¡¦t get you anywhere, let alone an immature peer.

Thanks God for EVERYTHING J  Do the best!

Mar14, 05 (Monday)

Mar 14, 05 Monday

1.      school

2.      school

3.      school

4.      home

Thanks God for today.

Woe to you when all men speak well of you,

for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets.  Luke 6:26

Better is open rebuke

than hidden love.

Wounds from a friend can be trusted,

but an enemy multiplies kisses.  Proverbs 27:5-6

A rebuke impresses a man of discernment

more than a hundred lashes a fool.  Proverbs 17:10

 Let a righteous man strike me-it is a kindness;

let him rebuke me-it is oil on my head.

My head will not refuse it.  Psalm 141:5

I¡¦m v. happy:

• Not that because it is a super nice weather, but that I have a ¡§beautiful feeling¡¨ (¤ß¹Ò) in my heart.
• I met Ferma and had a good chat w/ her.  God bless you.  God bless your dating..
• I had a good chat w/ Jane.  God bless you.  Thanks for you remind.
• I had a good chat w/ James.  God bless you.  God bless you and Francis.
• I had a good chat w/ Vivian.  God bless you.  God bless you and Rex.
• I already have everything but God keeps on giving me EXTRAS.

God, revive the zest and power of life in me!  I¡¦m v. sure I¡¦m able to make it J  OK, I can also an impressionist.

Today I observed one thing.  I decided to include it here (though unwillingly as it¡¦s not such a praiseworthy topic) because I thought it would be quite useful to girls.  When I was at school, I was totally surprised by a significant number of girls who wore super short skirts, so short that it¡¦s only a few inches below their underwear.  Seriously, it¡¦s unbelievably short.  As usual, a significant number of girls were wearing low-cut tops which exposed close to half of their breasts.  Now, let me tell you what a guy thinks: a girl who ¡§expose¡¨ herself (or overly express herself) or striving hard to catch attention won¡¦t be able to attract any ¡§good¡¨ guys (guys w/ good intentions), rather she will v. likely to attract ¡§bad¡¨ guys (guys w/ bad intentions).  (Notice: I define a good guy as a guy with good intention, whether he¡¦s good looking or not.  Know that in this world there exist 1) handsome, bad guys, 2) ugly, bad guys, 3) ugly, good guys, 4) handsome, good guys¡K)  There are 2 reasons:

1.      When the girl, who dresses explicitly, chat with a guy face to face in public, she exerts a HUGE amount of pressure on him that she will basically scare him off or he will probably avoid her.  What pressure?  For a normal guy with a good heart and a decent level of morality, he would be so embarrassing to chat with a prostitute like girl as he would worry A LOT that others might think he¡¦s indecent and solely interested in sex or looking at her ¡§exposed¡¨ area.  So, he would basically leave the conversation in order to retain his good integrity and good name.  OK, even if that guy is not that ¡§good¡¨ a person.  He would still feel a lot of pressure.  As she is catching a HUGE amount of people¡¦s attention and everyone will be looking at their direction, the guy will feel v. uneasy.

2.      A girl who strives hard to catch attention (dress explicitly) exerts a v. bad impression on ¡§good¡¨ guys and ¡§good¡¨ guys won¡¦t like this type of girls.  Why?  Because the girl clearly expresses the fact that she¡¦s a v. inadequate person, having an insecure self-esteem.  Who wants to have a girlfriend who is constantly worrying about this and that and how others are thinking of her and can¡¦t focus on her dating relationship?  ¡§Good¡¨ guys like confident girls (whether she¡¦s pretty or not is out of the topic of this discussion).

Therefore, a girl who acts in the way described above will be v. unlikely to be able to attract ¡§good¡¨ guys.  However, she does is ultimately successful in attracting ¡§bad¡¨ guys, those who approach you for sex.  To be frank, this kind of dressing is super provocative to guys (come on, she¡¦s dressing more and more like prostitutes in porn magazines) and the girl is basically setting a trap for guys and for herself.  Don¡¦t do it!  It will ruin your life!  Your dating!  Your marriage!  Your family!  Your EVERYTHING!

I now realized that my religious studies professor Dietmar Neufeld is extremely interested in history but not in theology, while I¡¦m v. interested in theology.  Can one do history accurately without theology?  No.  Theology is our reality.  Christian theology leads to one reality and atheistic ideology leads to a totally different reality.  If one is constructing the past or the future, he must rely on theology/ideology.  One who hasn¡¦t dealt with the truth of reality or the philosophy of history can never be a prominent historian.  Even though he knows a lot, a lot of them are vain and not meaningful.

I said it not to say my professor is not good or anything.  I don¡¦t mean anything at all.  Don¡¦t misunderstand.  He¡¦s truly a remarkable person, with outstanding talents and kindmess.  I respect him a lot.  The thing I want to tell is, God creates us and gives us talents to use them to the FULL.  I pray that Dietmar Neufeld will meet his God one day and express the FULL POWER of his talents to benefit humanity the MOST.

Mar 12

1.      teach ESL

2.      lunch w/ elders

3.      home

4.      volunteer (phone)

5.      read

6.      chat w/ Jane

7.      zzz

Mar 13

1.      church

2.      lunch w/ Dorothy

3.      volunteer (phone)

4.      read

5.      home

6.      zzz

Thanks Jane for reminding me a great, remarkable thing J  (Seriously I don¡¦t feel anything at all)

Thanks Michael for your reminder.  I almost forgot it J

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.  Proverbs 18:10

P.s.

I¡¦m a mere human with all kinds of weaknesses.  Thanks God.

Mar 11, 05 (Friday)

Mar 11, 05 Friday

1.      school

2.      read (met Jane & Adriana)

3.      dinner w/ Jane

4.      fellowship- Michael, Jermyn, Sharon, Gary, Janice, Dorothy, Rex, Vivian, Jane, Andrew, Anita

5.      snack

6.      home

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.  John 15:13

THANKS GOD for the beautiful day.

THANKS GOD for a best friend Jane.

THANKS GOD for a funny story of Adriana.

THANKS GOD for good friends James and Francis.

THANKS GOD for Rex and Vivian coming to fellowship.

THANKS GOD for my dear brothers and sisters in Enoch fellowship.

THANKS GOD for the interesting knowledge from reading.

THANKS GOD for my life.

THANKS GOD for I was lost but you found me and called me, you forgave me, you wiped out all my transgressions and cleansed me within, you blot out all my shame and restore my integrity and crown me with love and compassion.

THANKS GOD for you are ever with me, amen.

¡§Come!¡¨ Whoever is thirsty, let him come;

and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.

  Revelation 22:17

Praise the Lord my God, o my soul!

I see 2 mysteries, indescribable by words and unimaginable by reason:

1.      Love between a couple; the father and mother¡¦s love for his child.

2.      God¡¦s love for me.

God, may I have the wisdom to practise this love?

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!

1John 3:1a

P.s.

Thanks all Enoch brothers and sisters, the sharing tonight is wonderful.

Thanks Matthew for leaving a comment.  God bless you J

Mar 10, 05 (Thursday)

Mar 10, 05 Thursday

1.      church prayer meeting + bible study

2.      lunch w/ Decant Ho and Aunt Ho

3.      visited James (chatted w/ Francis)

4.      dinner w/ James

5.      read

6.      home

7.      phone Jonathan, Vivian, Dorothy

8.      read Bible (Luke 13-18)

9.      zzz

THANKS GOD!

The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing.  They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.  For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.  2Thessalonians 2:9-12

Jane told me her good friend Adriana wants to evangelize to our religious studies professor Dietmar Neufeld- http://www.cnrs.ubc.ca/neufeld.htm.  GOOD IDEA!  I thought about it.  In order to have a meaningful evangelical conversation, we need to understand his ideology beforehand and analyze the reasons why he doesn¡¦t believe.  It¡¦s quite obvious he is v. confident that his interpretation of the Bible is more objective and intelligible than the Christian view.  Apparently, he has researched a lot of the history of Christianity, the canonical books, the apocryphal, and the pseudepigrapha.  I guess he believes Christianity is of such a wide diversity of different (often contradicting) perspectives that the Christian¡¦s chosen view of Jesus and God is largely biased; comparable to a political group is biased with its own favoured ideology.  Therefore, lately, I have great interest to research about how orthodox Christians compile our present-day canon- by what criteria they select the canonical books (from the huge amount of books available), and whether the orthodox Christian interpretation of the Bible is objective (or superior) or not. 

God bless J

So now, I am reading a book: Lost Christianities: The Battles for Scripture and the Faiths We Never Knew by Bart D. Ehrman- http://www.unc.edu/depts/rel_stud/faculty/EhrmanCV1.html, which describes the history of the compilation of the canon.  I¡¦m halfway through the book, and up to now, what have I found?

Topic: Paul and His Judaizing Opponents p.99

Ehrman described Paul¡¦s arguments that the Gentiles can become Christians without observing the Jewish religious laws e.g. food law, sacrificial rituals, circumcision rule, etc. and the counter-arguments given by the Judaizers.  Ehrman quoted Roman 3:10 and Galatians 2:15-16 to represent Paul and he quoted Matthew 5:17-20, 19:17 to represent Matthew as a Judaizer.  Then he wrote:

           ¡§For Matthew, the entire Jewish Law needs to be kept, down to the smallest letter.  The Pharisees, in fact, are blamed not for keeping the Law but for not keeping it well enough.  It is worth noting that in this Gospel, when a rich man comes up to Jesus and asks him how to have eternal life, Jesus tells him that if he wants to live eternally he must keep the commandments of the Law (Matthew 19:17).  One might wonder: If the same person approached Paul with the same question twenty years later, what would he have said?  Would he have told him to keep the Law?  His own writing gives a clear answer: decidedly not (CF. Rom 3:10; Gal. 2:15-16).

           It is hard to imagine Paul and Matthew ever seeing eye to eye on this issue.¡¨ (p.99)

Analyzing the canonical books, academic biblical scholars tend to look at them individually and separately, assuming no relationships between the books (unless it¡¦s necessary).  Now, I do not comment about this methodology, though it would be immensely interesting to do a philosophy of the rationale of biblical studies.  For a Christian, we can easily quote Colossians 2:6-23 and Hebrews 8-10 to explain the meaning of Jewish religious laws e.g. food law, sacrificial rituals, circumcision rule, etc.  But, for this moment, let¡¦s stick to the game of the academic biblical scholars.

Matthew:

Does Matthew, in the book of Matthew, argue for an adherence to Jewish Law?  There is confusion here as Ehrman did not make a distinction between 1) the 10 commandments and 2) the other religious laws e.g. food law, sacrificial rituals, circumcision rule, etc. and just named them as Jewish Law altogether.  In Matthew, it¡¦s clear that the main theme strongly supports an adherence to 1) the 10 commandments e.g. Matthew 5:17-30, regarding the fulfilment of the Law, murder and adultery and Matthew 19:17 regarding the observance of 10 commandments.  But, 2) in Matthew 9:10-17 (Fasting ritual), Matthew 12:1-14 (Sabbath rule), Matthew15:1-20 (Clean-and-Unclean rule), Matthew 19:1-12 (Divorce rule), etc., there is overwhelming evidences that Matthew strongly argues for the un-necessity of observance to the Jewish religious laws.

Paul:

In Galatians 2:16, was Paul talking about the un-necessity of the 10 commandments or the Jewish religious laws e.g. food law, sacrificial rituals, circumcision rule, etc.?  Now, it¡¦s unlikely that Paul was talking about the latter as the whole book doesn¡¦t mention any of the religious rituals.  So what was Paul telling about the Law- the 10 commandments?  To abolish it?  It¡¦s v. unlikely because how can Paul disprove the 10 commandments while condemning the various evil acts (including idolatry, murder, sexual immorality, and covet- commandment no.1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 10) and promoting the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:10-23?  It would be a contradiction.  In addition, Paul used the word- ¡§justification¡¨ and related it to the observance of the Law.  Therefore, the main theme of Galatians is apparently dealing with the relationship of justification and the observance of the Law, instead of the abolishment of the Law.

My critique:

1.      Ehrman is inaccurate in failing to distinct the 10 commandments and the Jewish religious laws.

2.      Matthew clearly endorses the observance of the Law- the 10 commandments, though he does not argue to keep the whole Law e.g. Sabbath- 4^th commandment and the Jewish religious laws e.g. food law, sacrificial rituals, circumcision rule, etc in Matthew.

3.      Paul clearly endorses the observance of Law- the 10 commandments, and he talks nothing about the religious laws in Galatians.

4.      There¡¦s no evidence about the contradiction between Matthew and Paul (the book of Matthew and Galatians) about the attitude towards the Law.

Ehrman taught New Testament Greek and Exegesis in the Princeton Theological Seminary in 1985.  Can you believe it?

Yes, I¡¦m a Christian.  My view might be biased.  But, this case is so obvious and everyone (Christians and non-Christians) can easily judge the above interpretation is spurious and unintelligent. (For non-Christians, you can read the Bible online- http://bible.gospelcom.net/versions/index.php?action=getVersionInfo&vid=31#books&version=31; and check it yourself)

There are 2-3 similar cases in the book.  I¡¦ll list them out when I have time.

Now that I have come across 2 professional biblical scholars, I strongly suspect that secular bible scholars are no more objective, though they always claim themselves to be neutral and more objective, than Christian scholars.

If I have time, I really want to do a philosophy of the methodology of biblical studies/exegesis, as I strongly suspect that the current method is v. subjective and irrational e.g. anti-Christ.

He said, The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you,

but to others I speak in parables,

so that,

¡§¡¦though seeing, they may not see;

though hearing, they may not understand.¡¦¡¨ 

Luke 8:10

Is it because they have a closed, rejecting, heart to God, God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie?  The mistake is so obvious.  How can I explain?

God, grant me more wisdom!  May the Holy Spirit work on their heart and bring them to you God!

P.s. it¡¦s a great chat with Francis.  God bless James and Francis!  I pray hard to you God.  Please Please Please strengthen them in you God!  J

Mar 9, 05 (Wednesday)

Mar 9, 05 Wednesday

1.      school

2.      dinner w/ Jane

3.      reading

4.      read Bible (Luke + Acts)

5.      zzz @ 11:45pm

Praise the Lord, o my soul, and forget not all his benefits-

who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,

who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,

who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle¡¦s.

 Psalm 103:2-5

THANKS GOD FOR THIS WONDERFUL WEEK.

I have been busy reading lately.

I have watched a tv program- http://www.rthk.org.hk/rthk/tv/hkcc/20050214.html.  I love it v. v. v. much.  I admire the persevering spirit of the young man.  I admire the love within his family.  O God, I pray for my family too J  God bless all families on earth J

Jesus looked at them and said, ¡§With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.¡¨  Matthew 19:26

Last couple days, when I was reflecting on some philosophical questions, I began to think, ¡§What ideology do I use in my thinking?¡¨  I practise the line of thinking of a moralist- a Biblical (Christian) moralist.  I also found myself to be a perfectionist.  Therefore, my identity/personality is a moralist and a perfectionist.  Hmm¡K however, I¡¦m not diligent enough¡K 

I like the name ¡§Theophilus¡¨, which means one who loves God.

p.s.

Thanks Dorothy for her prayer.

Thanks Jane for her prayer.

Mar 4, 05 (Friday)

Mar 3, 05 (Thursday)

Mar 3, 05 Thursday

But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 

Fight the good fight of the faith.

Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 

In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus,

who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession,

I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.  1Timothy 6:11-14a

Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Joshua 1:8

Last couple days in this week, I had been doing a research paper for my Family Studies Class (Family Diversity in North America).  I had posted it up on the Meditation page.  Feel free to comment on it.

Let me summarize what I did in the last few days:

Feb 27

1.      church

2.      lunch (Aunt Sophia, Jane, Dorothy)

3.      studying

4.      studying

5.      more studying (Thomas Kuhn¡¦s The Structure of Scientific Revolutions)

6.      on the phone w/ Karen

7.      intend to be sleepless, but failed¡K  (Thanks God, as I realize afterwards I do not need to be sleepless.)

8.      zzz- 2am

Feb 28

1.      paper

2.      paper

3.      paper

4.      on the phone w/ Dorothy (emergency support- Hebrew 10:25)

5.      zzz- 1am

Mar 1

1.      on the phone w/ Dorothy (emergency support- Hebrew 10:25)

2.      paper

3.      paper

4.      paper

5.      zzz- 1am

Mar 2

1.      school

2.      msn w/ James

3.      on the phone w/ Olga

4.      on the phone w/ Dorothy

5.      msn w/ Michael

6.      zzz- 1am

My meditations:

1.      The Purpose of Fashion:

On Feb 27, Sunday night, I turned on the TV when I was taking a break from reading.  The channel was playing a fashion program showing girls wearing explicit clothing in cat-walk.  You blood of vipers¡K  I turned off the TV and walked away.  Then I meditated- What is the meaning of fashion?  Beauty is a gift given to us by God to appreciate and enjoy- e.g. beautiful nature, beautiful people, etc.  Fashion is an elegant art, like painting, sports, etc. to manifest this human beauty to glorify God, who creates beautiful and wonderful things, pleasant to our eyes and soul.  Fashion¡¦s purpose is to nourish a godly character- understanding the beauty of God and his amazing providence and always having a thankful, joyful heart.  Now, what is the popular Fashion Channel doing?  They shame themselves (of coz the name of God), claiming to promote fashion and human beauty- originally such an elegant art, but turn out to promote sexual arousal and evil desires and all kinds of evil, permissive behaviour.  Nowadays when you watch those cat-walks, you hardly get any nourishment for your soul and development of a godly character (or virtues).  Instead they are constantly, aggressively provoking your evil desires, tempting you to sin

¡P         Although they claim to be wise, they became fools.  Romans 1:22

¡P         A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct, but a man of understanding delights in wisdom.  Proverbs 10:23

¡P         The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.  Proverbs 12:15

¡P         There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.  Proverbs 14:12

¡P         For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as gall, harp as a double-edged sword.  Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave.  Proverbs 5:3-5

Do not be fooled by these fools.  Do not enjoy what they provide.  Do not walk in their ways. (Proverbs 4:14-17)  Look through them and think about the consequence.  They are providing poisons!  Consider the pain and grieve of divorces and quarrel in relationships and marriages.  A trap of death and everlasting pain and shame.  Hold fast to what is good and perfect! (Proverbs 3:1-4)

2.      My Devotions

¡P         Psalm 126

We were like men who dreamed. (v.1b)  Many times God¡¦s guidance and providence have been beyond my expectations.  For example, my coming to study in Canada (I was v. down at first), my dating relationship, Gospel camp, God¡¦s miraculous interventions in my family relationships, friendships, God saving my life and my friends¡¦ life (though I didn¡¦t know it at that time)¡K  It¡¦s hard for me to elaborate all of them here (ask me about it when you see me).  It would require many many pages.  So many blessings!  I¡¦m sure you have A LOT of blessings from God too!  Give thanks to God J   

¡P         Psalm 127

(vv.1-3) In this Psalm, the writer told us that the building of a house, the security of a city, the prosperity of our job, and having children are all guarded/controlled by God and a free blessing from God.  In fact, after we read the Bible and understand God more, we notice that everything in this world is not merely controlled by an impersonal, mechanical natural law.  We can see God¡¦s intervention in our life A LOT.

(vv. 3, 5)  God¡¦s blessings are like arrows in the hands of a warrior when he contend with his enemies!  In view of wickedness, we do not need to fear.  We walk with God and God is our shield and he will use arrows to shoot away all wickedness and satan.  Pray continually to God and have an upright heart. J

¡P         Psalm 128

(vv. 1-4) Here, God¡¦s blessings are the prosperity of our labour, a good wife and good children.  But in the Bible, though many people receive prosperity after sufferings e.g. Job (Job 42:12), Joseph (Gen. 41:41-45), etc., God also tells us doing God¡¦s will doesn¡¦t necessarily lead to good circumstances, e.g. the suffering of Paul, Peter, Stephan, etc.  Questions arise: ¡§If prosperity is uncertain, why does God always talk about it in the Psalms?¡¨ and ¡§Should we Christians still aim at a prosperous life?¡¨  I think (I¡¦ll check with my pastor) material prosperity or a stable life free from suffering is surely a blessing by God.  But, for a particular individual, if it¡¦s God¡¦s will that, say, we go do a mission and suffer a lot (e.g. Paul and Peter), it means, in this case, suffering has even greater joy and blessings than material prosperity or a stable life free from suffering.  Extreme sufferings, therefore, are exceptional cases, which have exceptionally greater blessings than normal blessings as in vv. 1-4.  Therefore, we do not have to worry about losing the blessings in vv. 1-4, because if it¡¦s God¡¦s will for us to suffer, God will provide an even greater blessing.  For example, if it¡¦s God¡¦s will that a girl will not have a husband, God will provide even better blessings and joyfulness to her so that she will be as happy as those who have husbands.  However, we need to take note, these exceptional blessings are exceptional cases- rare.  Actually, we even do not need to speculate what God¡¦s will is.  What we need to do is to walk with God, develop a Christ like heart and receive God¡¦s providence and goodness as God has promised us.

In order to develop a Christ like heart, we need to read the Bible and meditate on it and practise it.  If we still worry about something and worry whether God will give us this and that, we can examine our desires and the thing we hope for.  We all have desires in our heart- godly desires and sinful desires.

u          Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.  Psalm 27:4

u          Praise the Lord¡K who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagles.  Psalm 103:5

God¡¦ s glad to satisfy our godly desires, which is according to the Scripture and give us the thing, which is good according to the Scripture.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.  And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.  What, then, shall we say in response to this?  If God is for us, who can be against us?  He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all¡Vhow will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?  Romans 8:28-32

3.      Waiting for God¡¦s providence

I meditate on the concept of God¡¦s providence.  As a Christian, we need to combine faith and logic.  Logic without faith is unspiritual and cannot help us to understand and get close to God.  If we just use logic to speculate God¡¦s will, we will sure miss out a lot and even become heresies.  God¡¦s providence and will can simply be illogical or non-logical or trans-logic, e.g. parting the Red Sea, Abraham sacrificing Isaac, conquer of Jericho¡K  In unfavourable situations, it¡¦s hard to wait for God¡¦s providence.  It¡¦s a test of faith.  For example, imagine a Christian, with a wife and several kids, got laid off.  Money is running short and a pub offers an unchristian job to him.  Should he take it?  Let¡¦s see some examples from the Bible:

• Sarai- (Genesis 16:1-1-6) Sarai did not trust God¡¦s promise that a child will be born to her.  Therefore she used her own method- asked her slave servant to bear a child for her.  The consequence was a great family quarrel and dispute afterwards and the present hostility between Christians (Isaac) and Muslims (Ishmael).
• Saul- in 1Samuel 13:1-15, the situation was desperate because the mighty Philistine was about to destroy the Israelite army.  Saul was commanded by Samuel (his counsellor) to wait for him in the battle ground and he will come to help Saul (1Samuel 10:8).  However, seeing Samuel was not coming yet, Saul worried and doubted ¡§maybe God¡¦s angry with me¡¨, and so sacrificed burnt offering and fellowship offering to seek favour from God.  However, when Samuel arrived, he rebuked Saul¡¦s lack of faith in God and Saul suffered a great evil consequence!

"You acted foolishly," Samuel said. "You have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. 14 But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people, because you have not kept the LORD's command."  1Samuel 13:13

• Asa- (2Chronicles 16:7-10, 12) King Asa used to be dong God¡¦s will and greatly blessed by God.  However, he did 2 mistakes- 1) at his time, Baasha, king of Israel was posing a threat to his kingdom (Judah).  Asa did not think God¡¦s help was enough for protection and decided to seek alliance with Ben-Hadad, king of Aram.  He was then rebuked by Hanani the prophet and suffered a great evil consequence.

At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said to him: "Because you relied on the king of Aram and not on the LORD your God, the army of the king of Aram has escaped from your hand.  Were not the Cushites and Libyans a mighty army with great numbers of chariots and horsemen?  Yet when you relied on the LORD , he delivered them into your hand.  For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war."  2 Chronicles 16:7-9

2) (v.12) In his last years, he suffered a severe illness but he just seek the help from physicians without seeking the Lord.

• Jehoshaphat (2Chronicles 20:35-37)- Jehoshaphat did a wrong thing to do business with an anti-Christ.  He should have trusted the Lord for his providence of prosperity instead of relying on his own way of making money.  Finally, the Lord destroyed his whole business.

In the above examples, we can see that a lack of faith in God can be a great sin with v. evil consequence!  We are v. fortunate to have the Bible.  Now, we can refer to examples of God¡¦s providence in times of worry and distress.  How blessed we are than the ancients!  Let¡¦s have great faith in God.  Pray to God not to increase our faith, but to change our unbelieving heart!

God bless you J

First seek the counsel of the LORD.  2 Chronicles 17:4

p.s. Psalm 32, 37:3-6 is AWESOME!

Feb 26, 05 (Saturday)

Feb 26, 05 (Saturday)

Thanks God for EVERYTHING!

Today:

1.      teach ESL

2.      lunch with elders

3.      home

4.      study

I like my Chinese name ¶À¼w¹| because the meaning of my name is exactly the goal and meaning of my life-¥H¼w¦æÆg¬üºq¹|¤W«Ò.

Everything is AMAZING, thanks God.

Today I had 2 fun ideas:

• Many times we hear people (Christian and Non-Christian alike) complaining ¡§Many so-called Christians are having good words while having no godly deeds!¡¨.  Now, we have 2 types of people here:

1.    good words + no action (those being complained)

2.    no words + no action (complainers)

People of the 1^st type are worse, aren¡¦t they?  No, sorry!  It might seem they are worse as they lack integrity; however, both types of people are ending up with the same bad result- no action.  Both are to be condemned, because of no action.  Therefore, you who are always complaining should not think you are doing a better job than those you are complaining for you are just the same- no action.  If you think those you are complaining are wicked and evil, you are just the same- wicked and evil.  Stop making all sorts of ¡§seemingly reasonable¡¨ excuses!  Look into yourself, repent to God and pray for a change of heart.  Remember you are not making a change to win an approval of men, but for the one up in Heaven.

• Often times, elders/friends/other people teach us (or correct us when we wrong) their wisdoms/advice though they may not possess that wisdom/advice in their own life/living.  We are intended to feel ¡§You hypocrite, how dare you teach me?  Go away!¡¨  But now I have to say to you, ¡§What are you doing here?  Aren¡¦t you supposed to learn?  The fact that this person having no integrity doesn¡¦t undermine this wisdom at all!  Are you now learning wisdom or are you evaluating the person¡¦s personality (refer to the 1^st case, complaining without a change in heart is useless and even harmful)?  Be humble, do not argue; learn and meditate on the wisdom and be wise!¡¨  In short, learning should not be bothered by unrelated factors, e.g. how well he/she is doing.  (I do have reasons in suggesting not to argue at that moment.  Some of you might ask ¡§But what he/she is saying is incorrect, I need to clarify it¡¨  Remember, when a person is scolding you or correcting you, he/she is usually v. emotional and v. irrational.  It¡¦s no use to reason.  You better reason after he/she has calmed down later.)

Today I think, Jane is actually doing a great job.  In spite of her many struggles, she consistently relies on God for help.  I can see she has a big change and has improved a lot through the help of God.  It¡¦s an awesome attitude to learn from!  Joseph, be humble and learn.  Thanks God.

Thanks God for answering my prayer by showing me his promise:

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

We know what sin is through reading God¡¦s word.  However, God didn¡¦t just point out and condemn our sins, but also promised us a change!  AMAZING!  How I long for a change?  Thanks God!  Now, I am v. sure it will be a victory because God is with me and God is with James.  God bless.

Another thing I learn- I must be more active and take the initiative to meet people around.

Praise the Lord!

Feb 25, 05 (Friday)

Feb 24, 05 (Wednesday)

Feb 23, 05 (Wednesday)

You own conduct and actions have brought this upon you.

This is your punishment.

How bitter it is!

How it pierces to the heart!

Jeremiah 4:18

This is pain!  Real pain!  In this world, there are disasters, sickness and sadness.  But they are no pain at all!  The most painful of all pains is to sin against God, to fall short of his glory, to repay God evil for good, to be forsaken and punished by God.

A man¡¦s spirit sustains him in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?

Proverbs 18:14

This is exactly the real problem of pain.

I apologize for all if you cannot see the zeal of LIFE in me in the past couple days.  It¡¦s been a rough time for me.  A war within my heart, how can I bear?

But one thing I¡¦m always firm.  God is my Lord in whatever times- good time and bad time.  He is my Lord whom I will always look towards him and worship him!

Thanks God as he is AMAZING!  Praise the Lord from everlasting to everlasting.  Amen.

Feb 15, 05 (Tuesday)

Feb 15, 2005 Tuesday

1.      home

2.      S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Chinese New Year Lunch

3.      home

4.      chat w/ Dorothy

5.      bible study (Alex, Crystal, Jane, Michael, Gary, Janice)

6.      home

I love you, O Lord, my strength.

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;

my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.

He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.

Psalm 18:1-3

¡§Because he loves me,¡¨ says the Lord, ¡§I will rescue him;

I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

He will call upon me, and I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honour him.

With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.¡¨

Psalm 91:14-16

I look straight ahead.  I saw satan.  Using his wicked, shameful plans, he¡¦s stirring up controversies, irrational confusions and an emotionally-charged atmosphere among a couple of my friendships.  But, idiot satan, you can¡¦t fool me.  Because, I trust in the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth!  The Lord is my fortress!  With him, I will sure crush you!  Victory is on my side!  I can feel it even now.

Amen.

With God we will gain victory, and he will trample down our enemies.

Psalm 108:13

Feb 14, 05(Monday)

Feb 10, 05(Thursday)

Feb 10, 2005 Thursday

1.      church (prayer meeting + bible study + Chinese new year pot-luck lunch)

2.      home

3.      Chinese new year dinner (Grandma, Uncle Sum, Aunt Sum, Calvary, Uncle Kei, Andrew, Aunt Leung)

4.      home

So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ¡§We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.¡¨

Luke 17:10

God is love, whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.

I John 4:16

Thanks God SO MUCH!!!  I¡¦m such a blessed man!  How can it be true?

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?  Run in such a way as to get the prize.  Anyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.  They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

2 Corinthians 9:24-25

Joseph!  Strict discipline!  Total commitment!

My meditations:

Things I regret in my life:

There are 2 things I regret deeply in my life.  First, it¡¦s my bad relationship with my Father and Mother.  I used to be v. rude and impolite and unloving to them, due to my utter stupidity, stubbornness and lack of wisdom (while thinking I was wise).  I was such a foolish fool!  I treated them bad in the past, because I was v. demanding: my life should be this and that, without using my brain in any sense.  I became a fool and chased after the wind, without understanding.  Amazingly, God has mercy on me, a fool.  Even though I walk in the way of the wicked and ignorance, I didn¡¦t die for the Lord watched over me and saved me from there.  Now, thanks to God¡¦s grace and my Father¡¦s endless prayers in so many years, I gave up my life to God.  Now, my family has a 180 degree turn and becomes full of love.  It¡¦s no longer a regret and the struggle has turned into a blessing, thanks to God almighty!  Without God, who can change the stubborn heart of a man?  Praise the Lord!  God bless my family, my Father and my Mother!  My second regret is with my ex-girlfriend.  She was a nice girl, but I repaid evil for good.  What a fool am I?  I broke up with her because I no longer found ¡§feel¡¨ in her.  Worse, after we broke up, she gradually went to church less and less and became obsessed with the worldly trend.  O God, what can I do?  I was such a fool.  God bless her and rescue her!

¡K.  I think I should have got more meditations, but I can¡¦t think of one right now.

Lately, Pastor Michael taught a lot about family and marriage.  I think I will have a BIG family, at least 5 kids.

Now, there¡¦s a discussion in my church on whether salvation is through a one-time confession/repentance or through confession/repentance + doing God¡¦s will.  In every church, it¡¦s v. normal and natural to have disagreements.  But we must know that, having disagreements doesn¡¦t mean we can act rudely or speak harshly.  We must always act as a humble servant and speak gently.  Personally, I¡¦m inclined to support the latter view.  However, I don¡¦t think it really matters much.  Whatever view you support, you still have to bear the same responsibility of being a good Christian and loving your neighbours.  Therefore whatever view it is, it does not actually change our duty as a Christian.  This matter can easily be dealt with by having a meaningful, rational discussion.  Set up a board, listing all the for and against arguments and let people choose it themselves according to the evidences, plus telling them ¡§it doesn¡¦t really matter which view you take, you are still the same Christian¡¨.  This disagreement is unlike the homosexuality case, where there exist one-sided strong against evidences.  The problem of this issue is Pride- pride of wisdom. 

Two Kinds of Wisdom

   13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15Such ¡§wisdom¡¨ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

   17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peaceloving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

Another problem added to this issue is a lack of communication between church mates.  This problem or thing to be improved is v. obvious in the case of Sophia and Thomas. (many people don¡¦t know how to help, having no idea who is in charge of helping)  Clear communication clears away many unnecessary gossips, fake, misleading information and worries.  Clear communication is the most basic and essential element for the well-being of any types of relationship according to my social work studies- marriage, family, parent-child¡K  God bless us J

I meditate on how to train a good, pure heart.  O God, let me have great delight in your law and may you train my heart with your truth?  O God, I need your Holy Spirit and power to tame my wicked heart.  God, be with me, have mercy on me, a sinner and your dear servant.  Help me, O Lord my God!  Thanks God.

Praise the Lord.  May your glory be shown?

Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,

 for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.

Psalm 112:4

Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.

Psalm 105:15

Feb 6, 05(Sunday)

Feb 6 2005 Sunday

1.      church (Sunday school + worship)

2.      lunch (Jane, Carmen, Thomas, Melinda, Dorothy)

3.      volunteering @ Parker Place w/ Vivian (2:30-5pm)

4.      home

5.      pray a lot for help!

6.      dinner (Grandma + Uncle Sum + Aunt Sum + Calvary + Uncle Kei + Andrew + Aunt Leung)

7.      home

8.      pray a lot for help!

Thanks God for the re-union dinner.  It¡¦s such a great blessings.