it all started tens of thousands of years ago, when a man name adam, and his wonderful wife eve, were offered a harmless fruit.
harmless in essence, but truly harmful in magnitude the size of history.
they accepted the fruit. and before the teeth even sank into this fruit, the concept of selfishness sprung to life.
from then on, the human race have been plagued with what some see as a curse, but the majority seeing as normality. everyday activity exhibit this behavior, sometimes blatantly apparent, other times as hidden as a shadow in the dark.
today, i look at the people around me, and i see some cursed, but many others apathetically not. this message today is for those that are cursed. there is a way out. you know what is most important, and you have the power to act upon it. it is not easy, but you have been given the power. mysterious, invisible, but undeniably capable.
only you know what you are truly struggling with. you have been given the power. adam and eve truly regret their mistake. with your Father in mind, and His helping hand... you can do it.
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Thursday, February 17, 2005
the simplicity of leadership (and bonus theology lesson)
i am sure many of you have heard of the theological paradox question about the rock, and i am also sure that many of you have stumbled in replying this question to nonchristians.
"can God make a rock so big that he cannot lift?"
most people would say, "this question is a paradox, therefore you cannot answer this question!". i would say NO. in examining questions as such, the rule of critical thinking is that you have to delve into the core of the problem. we know that we can easily replace the term "rock" into something such as "cake", and "lift" would then become "eat".
"can God make a cake so big that he cannot eat?" or you could say
"can God make a chair so strong that he cannot break?"
the premise of the question then can be easily seen as.. "can God create something physical that constrains him?" now the answer to that question is simple.. and the answer is YES! in fact, God did that twice! the first time was in the beginning of creation, when He created man. in creation of man, He also gave them something called "free will", where man are allowed to make their own decision. this means that God cannot alter their decisions in any way. God's will can still be done in this way, but it would not be as he wished, since suffering will come upon his children, meaning that God was constrained in what he wanted!
the second time that he made this "rock" was when he sent his only son Jesus Christ into the earth as a human. very simply, Jesus, who being in very nature God, came down as a human. he was then immediately constrained in the limits of time and space, not to mention ability. therefore, Jesus, who is God, was constrained in time, space, ability, and all sorts of God knows what, making this the second "rock". the most interesting thing is that this second "rock" was created to fix the first "rock"! hahaha.. oh God.
so if anyone ever asks you that question.. you can tell them about these two rocks. and since God has already made something that has constrained Himself, twice, then what will stop Him from making another? just because He hasn't made it, doesn't mean He can't. with that said.. this leads me to my main topic,
the simplicity of leadership. do you believe that? i believe that God made every single one of us leaders. one of the most precious gifts of all humankind is a little thing called free will. with it, we can choose to defy the most high God's commands, or we can obey Him. the options are endless. many of us do not see the vastness of this free will, because we often enclose ourselves in a bubble or a box, whichever shape fits your liking. our options become limited, only what we see in front of us. many tend to end up seeing only themselves and their own life, and what they can do with their own life. only if you get out of this box can you see how much more you can actually do. in addition, putting God in a box is a big mistake as well. God's power is endless, and you can do all things through Him, if He empowers you.
when i was searching for an opportunity to serve at SCBC during this work term, i had the opportunity to meet with my friend Chico. we talked for a bit, and suddenly my eyes were opened as to what i could do as a christian in my church. the youth ministry was currently quite lacking, due to the resignation of our previous youth Pastor Ted, and as well due to the lack of youth "leaders" in the church. we always hear the deacons and pastors say "these youth are the future of the church!" i'd say "NO!" we ARE the leaders! throughout high school, we've gone through so many events, and learned so many things from others. it's time that we take what we've learned and put it to use. being in university, we all have tasted a bit of independence. i say that we should also be independent in serving, and take some initiative. there are unlimited options that you can take. once you expand your horizons, you begin to see what needs are actually around in the church, and in its people. cater to them. as christians, we are designed to love, and there are so many at church that need the loving so much.
so you ask what you can do to serve? there are plenty of opportunities! who around you hasn't been to church lately? who around you doesn't have a fellowship, or a spiritual group of people to confide in? and who around you seem to be under the weather, struggling with something in their life? go be a christian, and reach out to them, embrace them back into the family of Christ.
my goodness all that writing was intense.. i better be hearing from some PEOPLE now.
"can God make a rock so big that he cannot lift?"
most people would say, "this question is a paradox, therefore you cannot answer this question!". i would say NO. in examining questions as such, the rule of critical thinking is that you have to delve into the core of the problem. we know that we can easily replace the term "rock" into something such as "cake", and "lift" would then become "eat".
"can God make a cake so big that he cannot eat?" or you could say
"can God make a chair so strong that he cannot break?"
the premise of the question then can be easily seen as.. "can God create something physical that constrains him?" now the answer to that question is simple.. and the answer is YES! in fact, God did that twice! the first time was in the beginning of creation, when He created man. in creation of man, He also gave them something called "free will", where man are allowed to make their own decision. this means that God cannot alter their decisions in any way. God's will can still be done in this way, but it would not be as he wished, since suffering will come upon his children, meaning that God was constrained in what he wanted!
the second time that he made this "rock" was when he sent his only son Jesus Christ into the earth as a human. very simply, Jesus, who being in very nature God, came down as a human. he was then immediately constrained in the limits of time and space, not to mention ability. therefore, Jesus, who is God, was constrained in time, space, ability, and all sorts of God knows what, making this the second "rock". the most interesting thing is that this second "rock" was created to fix the first "rock"! hahaha.. oh God.
so if anyone ever asks you that question.. you can tell them about these two rocks. and since God has already made something that has constrained Himself, twice, then what will stop Him from making another? just because He hasn't made it, doesn't mean He can't. with that said.. this leads me to my main topic,
the simplicity of leadership. do you believe that? i believe that God made every single one of us leaders. one of the most precious gifts of all humankind is a little thing called free will. with it, we can choose to defy the most high God's commands, or we can obey Him. the options are endless. many of us do not see the vastness of this free will, because we often enclose ourselves in a bubble or a box, whichever shape fits your liking. our options become limited, only what we see in front of us. many tend to end up seeing only themselves and their own life, and what they can do with their own life. only if you get out of this box can you see how much more you can actually do. in addition, putting God in a box is a big mistake as well. God's power is endless, and you can do all things through Him, if He empowers you.
when i was searching for an opportunity to serve at SCBC during this work term, i had the opportunity to meet with my friend Chico. we talked for a bit, and suddenly my eyes were opened as to what i could do as a christian in my church. the youth ministry was currently quite lacking, due to the resignation of our previous youth Pastor Ted, and as well due to the lack of youth "leaders" in the church. we always hear the deacons and pastors say "these youth are the future of the church!" i'd say "NO!" we ARE the leaders! throughout high school, we've gone through so many events, and learned so many things from others. it's time that we take what we've learned and put it to use. being in university, we all have tasted a bit of independence. i say that we should also be independent in serving, and take some initiative. there are unlimited options that you can take. once you expand your horizons, you begin to see what needs are actually around in the church, and in its people. cater to them. as christians, we are designed to love, and there are so many at church that need the loving so much.
so you ask what you can do to serve? there are plenty of opportunities! who around you hasn't been to church lately? who around you doesn't have a fellowship, or a spiritual group of people to confide in? and who around you seem to be under the weather, struggling with something in their life? go be a christian, and reach out to them, embrace them back into the family of Christ.
my goodness all that writing was intense.. i better be hearing from some PEOPLE now.
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
the Three
some time ago, there existed many jewels. these jewels were distinct in appearance and in essence. one time, 3 jewels united, and fellowshiped with each other. their power illuminated, glowed as their essence entwined with each other, forming a radiant flow of light. other jewels looked and saw that it was pleasing. from then they were called the First, the Second, and the Third.
one day, one of the 3 jewels, the First, united with another jewel, Tai. their union was also pleasing, but in an entirely new way. this new jewel was a curious discovery of two of the Three, but the Third was oblivious. the new jewel glowed with a different light, sparkling in shades of green and blue, yellow and gold. the Two suddenly changed, and their light started to glow differently in reaction. their essences became parallel, and their light shined in a corresponding theme. soon after, another new jewel came along, called Fal. and this too was a very curious jewel for the Two.
the Third noticed slight disunion with the Two jewels, and began to flicker, questioning its own power. its essence was tested, and it set forth all its power and glory, magnifying itself to double and triple its brightness. it confronted the Two, who then became oblivious to its glory, but they revealed to the Third of their discoveries. the Third then spread its power, and joined the two new jewels, Tai and Fal, and all was good.
time passed, and the Third's power still flourished. but soon enough, the Two started to weaken, and their light flashed like sirens. desperately, the Three seeked to restore their original power. The Third then spread its power into the Two, but also set forth onto a journey.
the Third shined its light out into the jewel field, and the field accepted it gladly. many responded by flickering back, but those who didn't, the Third took notice. soon enough, the Third found the two jewels, Tai and Fal, and realized that they were different. so much of their light had been depleted, that only a small ray inside their core still remained, like a candle in the wind. and in memory, the Third recognize where he saw their light; in the Two. their light was also spread out all over the jewel field, unable to be recovered, sacrificed for the power of others. the Third felt despair, that the balance of the two jewels have been disrupted, and so much of them have left them.
one day, one of the 3 jewels, the First, united with another jewel, Tai. their union was also pleasing, but in an entirely new way. this new jewel was a curious discovery of two of the Three, but the Third was oblivious. the new jewel glowed with a different light, sparkling in shades of green and blue, yellow and gold. the Two suddenly changed, and their light started to glow differently in reaction. their essences became parallel, and their light shined in a corresponding theme. soon after, another new jewel came along, called Fal. and this too was a very curious jewel for the Two.
the Third noticed slight disunion with the Two jewels, and began to flicker, questioning its own power. its essence was tested, and it set forth all its power and glory, magnifying itself to double and triple its brightness. it confronted the Two, who then became oblivious to its glory, but they revealed to the Third of their discoveries. the Third then spread its power, and joined the two new jewels, Tai and Fal, and all was good.
time passed, and the Third's power still flourished. but soon enough, the Two started to weaken, and their light flashed like sirens. desperately, the Three seeked to restore their original power. The Third then spread its power into the Two, but also set forth onto a journey.
the Third shined its light out into the jewel field, and the field accepted it gladly. many responded by flickering back, but those who didn't, the Third took notice. soon enough, the Third found the two jewels, Tai and Fal, and realized that they were different. so much of their light had been depleted, that only a small ray inside their core still remained, like a candle in the wind. and in memory, the Third recognize where he saw their light; in the Two. their light was also spread out all over the jewel field, unable to be recovered, sacrificed for the power of others. the Third felt despair, that the balance of the two jewels have been disrupted, and so much of them have left them.
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
post number one: the beginning
university life is a wonderful thing. i would consider this only the second phase of life, following adolescent, kiddy life. only after university are you given the opportunity to do everything on your own. make your own decisions. in our adolescent phase of life, teenagers are blinded as to what are the different choices that one has to make to survive in real life. what bills have to be paid. how to do the groceries. what kind of things we should buy and not buy. what are the things we should learn about and not learn about. but now that we leave home to our various universities, live at our various residences, we finally discover how many choices actually exist in our lives. the reality of choosing the wrong path becomes ever so much closer to heart. how much power do we have? power enough to determine our own futures, change your life from prosperous and plentiful in one second, into desperate and needy in the next.
at the same time, this power we all wield is capable to be used on others. each one of us have the power to alter everyone else's life. in my current stage of life, i am able to see how certain people have made an influence to the lives of the people around them. i myself experienced close friendship for one moment, and emotional defeat in the next. seeing this happen to even myself, i now understand not only the delicacy of human feeling, but as well as the strength in human action. i believe that everyone is capable of this, young or old, weak or strong, because we were made as intelligent beings, all of us able to make our own choices, and therefore capable of making a difference in this world.
i am also beginning to slowly see these differences in the union of my three worlds. for the past four months i have been concentrating on settling at the university of waterloo, as well as in it's chinese christian fellowship. as time progressed, i was exceptionally amazed as to what the university town had to offer, and the passionate and loving people that i could share my life with. in no time, i realized that i used the power i had to make a change to the place, as well as to some people's lives, and they had done the same to me. even now i must say that i've grown very fond of the experiences that i have had at the university, and i trust that many others would say so themselves as well. coming back to toronto became an internal struggle. i was returning back to an unstable world, where all things were uncertain, and friendships could hardly be trusted. some people at home i've always trusted and relied on as a friend and a support, but many others, as i finally admitted, were no less than casual acquaintances that had no desire to accept my friendship. returning back to toronto was different from what i expected. a lot of things changed, but i couldn't pinpoint what. my home did not feel like home. suddenly i was in a place i felt that i didn't belong to, and i had no home. my third and final world brings forth the most challenge and struggle. that world is myself; what makes victor, victor. my own sprititual walk, and my own struggles with sin. in addition, my family life, which is very capable of driving me insane. the next phase of life helped everything grow, including my problems.
fascinatingly, the three worlds began to collide. waterloo stirred with toronto, toronto dipped in waterloo, served with a hefty helping of victor. my eyes are wide open in surprise to see how everything is mixing, and when it is finally done, only THEN will i understand my true influence, my true spiritual gifts, and my true mission that my God has put forth in my life.
at the same time, this power we all wield is capable to be used on others. each one of us have the power to alter everyone else's life. in my current stage of life, i am able to see how certain people have made an influence to the lives of the people around them. i myself experienced close friendship for one moment, and emotional defeat in the next. seeing this happen to even myself, i now understand not only the delicacy of human feeling, but as well as the strength in human action. i believe that everyone is capable of this, young or old, weak or strong, because we were made as intelligent beings, all of us able to make our own choices, and therefore capable of making a difference in this world.
i am also beginning to slowly see these differences in the union of my three worlds. for the past four months i have been concentrating on settling at the university of waterloo, as well as in it's chinese christian fellowship. as time progressed, i was exceptionally amazed as to what the university town had to offer, and the passionate and loving people that i could share my life with. in no time, i realized that i used the power i had to make a change to the place, as well as to some people's lives, and they had done the same to me. even now i must say that i've grown very fond of the experiences that i have had at the university, and i trust that many others would say so themselves as well. coming back to toronto became an internal struggle. i was returning back to an unstable world, where all things were uncertain, and friendships could hardly be trusted. some people at home i've always trusted and relied on as a friend and a support, but many others, as i finally admitted, were no less than casual acquaintances that had no desire to accept my friendship. returning back to toronto was different from what i expected. a lot of things changed, but i couldn't pinpoint what. my home did not feel like home. suddenly i was in a place i felt that i didn't belong to, and i had no home. my third and final world brings forth the most challenge and struggle. that world is myself; what makes victor, victor. my own sprititual walk, and my own struggles with sin. in addition, my family life, which is very capable of driving me insane. the next phase of life helped everything grow, including my problems.
fascinatingly, the three worlds began to collide. waterloo stirred with toronto, toronto dipped in waterloo, served with a hefty helping of victor. my eyes are wide open in surprise to see how everything is mixing, and when it is finally done, only THEN will i understand my true influence, my true spiritual gifts, and my true mission that my God has put forth in my life.
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