Christianity Rediscovered

2023-11-22

22 Principles for A Good and Successful Life - Proverbs 22

Proverbs 22 22 Principles for A Good & Successful Person Lim Liat (c) 22-2-2018 人日学做人 All + All -

Proverbs 22

22 Principles for A Good & Successful Person

Lim Liat (c) 22-2-2018

人日学做人

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1 #0 Foundational Truth- Priority of Life
Your identity & relationship are more important than wealth.

What you are is more important that what you own.
- Name over Wealth
- Relationship over Wealth
- + -
  - Pro 22:1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.
- + - Life is What you do with What you are born with
  - Pro 22:2 The rich and the poor meet together; the LORD is the Maker of them all.
2 God is 1st - Worship & Trust Him
Fear God and develop Humility
- + - #2 Fear of God & Humility brings Success
  - Pro 22:4 The reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life.
- + - #16 Trust the Lord
  - Pro 22:19 That your trust may be in the LORD, I have made them known to you today, even to you.
  - Pro 22:20 Have I not written for you thirty sayings of counsel and knowledge,
3 Be Righteous & Just
- + - #17 Know Right & True
  - Pro 22:21 to make you know what is right and true, that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?
- + - #3 Being Straight brings Life
  - Pro 22:5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked; whoever guards his soul will keep far from them.
- + - #6 Be Just - Injustice brings calamity
  Abuses of Power brings disaster
  - Pro 22:8 Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity, and the rod of his fury will fail.
- + - #14 Exploit or Bully Others Not
  - Pro 22:16 Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth, or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.
- + - #18 Do Not Exploit the Weak
  - Pro 22:22 Do not rob the poor, because he is poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate,
  - Pro 22:23 for the LORD will plead their cause and rob of life those who rob them.
- + - #21 Don't Cheat
  - Pro 22:28 Do not move the ancient landmark that your fathers have set.
4 Prudence
- + - #1 Be Prudent - Escape Danger
  36计走为上计！
  - Pro 22:3 The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.
  - Joseph running away from his master's wife approaches
- + - #12 Watch out for Temptations
  - Pro 22:14 The mouth of forbidden women is a deep pit; he with whom the LORD is angry will fall into it.
- + - #20 Don't Make Pledges nor Put up Security when You are Unable
  - Pro 22:26 Be not one of those who give pledges, who put up security for debts.
  - Pro 22:27 If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you?
5 Learning & Training
- + - #4 Training from Young brings Lasting Result
  - Pro 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
- + - #10 Learning Always
  - Pro 22:12 The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge, but he overthrows the words of the traitor.
- + - #13 Discipline is needed
  - Pro 22:15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
- + - #15 Internalize Knowledge to be able to use it any time
  - Pro 22:17 Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge,
  - Pro 22:18 for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.
6 Be Generously Kind
The Key to Master Wealth
- + - #5 Wealth has Power & Influence - Use it Well
  - Pro 22:7 The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.
- + - #7 Be Kind & Generous
  - Pro 22:9 Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.
7 Avoid Bad Influences
- + - #8 Get Rid of, Or Stay Away from, Trouble Makers
  Mocking Others, Complaints, Proud, Gossipers
  - + - Pro 22:10 Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out, and quarreling and abuse will cease.
    - + - H3887
      - + - BDB Definition:
        
        + - 1) to scorn, make mouths at, talk arrogantly
        
        + - 1a) (Qal)
        
        1a1) to boast
        1a2) to scorn
        
        + - 1b) (Hiphil)
        
        1b1) to mock, deride
        1b2) to interpret (language)
        1b2a) interpreter (participle)
        1b2b) ambassador (figuratively)
        
        1c) (Hithpalpel) to be inflated, scoff, act as a scorner, show oneself a mocker
- + - #19 Stay Away from Angry Influence
  - Pro 22:24 Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man,
  - Pro 22:25 lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.
8 Grace & Truth
- + - #9 Promotion Comes from Purity & Gracefulness
  - Pro 22:11 He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.
9 Work Hard
- + - #11 Be Diligent
  - Pro 22:13 The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside! I shall be killed in the streets!”
- + - #22 Be Skillful - Excel in Your Work
  - Pro 22:29 Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.

2023-11-19

The Uniquenss of The Gospel (3) - New Identity vs Trying to Be

How can you live a stress-free life?

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV): Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
1 Peter 2:9 (NIV): But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Galatians 2:20 (NIV): I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

All religions give us a set of rules such that by following them we may attain or become the saints or gods. It is doing first to become.

But the Gospel message is that God, through the Holy Spirit, gives you a new birth with a new identity. You are born into God's family,

John 1:12-13 (NIV): Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

We do good work because we are a good person to start with. We don't do good to become good. Many rich people give to charity to gain a good name. Some become rich through dubious means but give generously as a cover-up or a sense of guilt.

Acting from our identity is simple and easy. Trying to be what we are not is a big struggle.

Believers must realize who they are and then act out from their being.

2023-11-18

The Uniquenss of The Gospel (2) - God's Love over Human Rebellion

Romans 5:8-9 NIV But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!

While we are rebellious toward God, God sent His Son Jesus Christ to die for us and justify us. God's love overcomes our rebellion. Here are a few keys we must take note of:

God loves us in spite of our rebellion and sins. While we are denying God or even ridiculing God, God still loves us and does not hate us. Our sins do not stop God from loving us. God hates sins but not us, human beings. We need to separate sins that God hates from people whom God loves. Sins bound and harm us. God wants to free us from our tormenting sins.
We cannot commit a sin that stops God from loving and saving us. The only way is by our rejection of His salvation offered freely to us.
Once we accept His salvation, we are justified and rebirthed as God's children. Once born again as God's children, we will always be His. It is God who is responsible for us. He is holding our hands and not us trying to hold onto His hands. Our salvation is God's saving effort and not by our works at all.

So, let us live with the confidence that God is for us and is with us. Live securely in the love of God.

Have a joy-filled Christmas.

Rom 8:38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.

Lim Liat (c) 18-11-23

2023-11-17

The Uniquenss of The Gospel (1) - God's Power over Human Wisdom

1 Corinthians 2:4-5 NIV My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.

All philosophies and many religions are based on human wisdom. They are guidelines for living a good and purposeful life. They don't give us the power to follow them. Most of us have to try very hard to follow them. Even so, we may not find the answers to our struggles. The wisdom of humans is limited.

However, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is not just simple, straightforward good news of God's salvation of mankind but is also accompanied by a demonstration of God's power to support its claim. It is God's wisdom with God's power to deliver the promises given to us. Without the demonstration of its power, the gospel message is empty.

Believers are to be joyful that our gospel is God's wisdom and power and not on the limited human wisdom. It is the answer to all our problems. Discover, understand, believe, and receive Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour and Lord, and have a meaningful, peaceful, and joyful Christmas.

Lim Liat (c) 17-11-23

Here is ChapGPT rephrase of the above. Hope you are touched by it.

1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (NIV) states, "My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power."

While numerous philosophies and religions are rooted in human wisdom, serving as valuable guides for leading purposeful lives, they often lack the inherent power to empower individuals. The pursuit of adhering to these principles can be arduous, and despite our best efforts, we may not unearth solutions to our struggles. Human wisdom, by its very nature, is limited.

In stark contrast, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is not merely a straightforward proclamation of God's salvation for humanity; it is accompanied by a tangible demonstration of God's power, reinforcing its profound claims. This Gospel embodies God's wisdom fused with divine power, ensuring the fulfillment of the promises bestowed upon us. Without the manifestation of its inherent power, the gospel message remains hollow.

As believers, we rejoice in the realization that our gospel is grounded in God's wisdom and power, surpassing the constraints of human understanding. It serves as the ultimate solution to our myriad problems. To fully experience its transformative impact, one must explore, comprehend, believe, and accept Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour and Lord. Through this, a meaningful, peaceful, and joyful Christmas awaits.

2023-11-15

What is the Most Important Virtue?

What is the Most Important Virtue?

Most people may suggest 'love'. But love could easily be misunderstood. Love alone may lead to abuse and spoiled 'kids'. As Paul defines love in 1 Cor 13 "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth." We see love includes truth, no evil, etc.

Some will suggest "wisdom'. But wisdom is too abstract to be useful. It is the content of wisdom that will help us. What are the wise words for us to know? The Bible has many verses about wisdom. The foundational verse is Pro 9:10a The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; It is repeated in Pro 1:7,3:7,15:3; Ps 111:10, Job 28:28b; Ecc 12:13, etc.

Knowing that we seek and obey God's teaching. Which is:

The Seeking & Following.
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." - Matthew 6:33 (ESV) -
The Outcome of Doing:
"Filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God." Philippians 1:11 -
The Blessing:
Proverbs 21:21: "Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor."
Deliverance:
Psa_34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.

The first is to seek Righteousness.

What is Righteousness?

It is a state of being in the right relationship with God and others. Includes Loving God & Others like Self. If you take this definition, righteousness is about relationships and the objective of a relationship is about harmony. It is harmony between God and men and men to men. This harmony is achieved when we all pursue righteousness.

The following are keys to understanding righteousness.

#1 The objective is harmony; so this is the highest value.
- “Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God” (Genesis 6:9). two aspects of being righteous: doing the right thing (being blameless) and having a relationship with God (walking with God).
#2 Living in accordance with God's moral standards,
Confucius says "道不同不可与相为谋”
People with differing values cannot work together.
#3 It involves both faith and obedience --- Trusting God enough to follow His values.
- Trust is the foundation of a relationship
- Neh_9:8b And you have kept your promise, for you are righteous.
#4 Seeking justice
- "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." - Micah 6:8 (NIV)
- Deu_16:19 You shall not pervert justice. You shall not show partiality, and you shall not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and subverts the cause of the righteous.
#5 Having wisdom
- judging needs wisdom to know right or wrong, truth or lies
- Psa_37:30 The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice.
#6 Kindness
- Mat_25:37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?
#7 being justified through faith in Jesus Christ.---Justification is needed when a relationship is broken
- "The righteous will live by faith." - Romans 1:17 (NIV)
- Rom 3:22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.

Among the seven keys shown above, the key value for a lasting relationship is Justice - fairness. Whatever we do, we must ask, that it is fair to all. Fairness is not necessarily equal to equality. Fairness must compensate for the differences in people. Some people are tall, and some are short. Those who are short should be given stools to stand on so that they can reach the height of tall and get the same view of the football match. It is about getting all the people's needs satisfied.

We can learn much about the virtues from Sinology.

国学

Sinology

鬼谷子《谋》圣人之制道, 在隐与匿. 非独忠、信、仁、义也, 中正而已矣’”.
Guiguzi's "Stratagem" says, "The sage's governance lies in concealment and secrecy. It is not only about loyalty, trust, benevolence, and righteousness; it is centered on being fair and just/upright alone."
- 陈蒲清翻译：圣人制定谋略, 表现在隐密. ’不在于表面讲忠、信、仁、义, 只要内心中正就可以了”.
  Chen Puqing's translation: "The sage formulates strategies, manifesting in secrecy. 'It is not merely about outward expressions of loyalty, trust, benevolence, and righteousness; as long as the inner self is upright, it suffices.'"
《易乾文言》曰“义者，利之和也”
- Book of Change - Confucius said righteousness is the harmony of benefits
孟子四端： “恻隐之心，仁之端也；羞恶之心，义之端也；辞让之心，礼之端也；是非之心，智之端也。”
Mencius' Four Virtues: "The heart of compassion is the essence of benevolence; the heart of shame and dislike is the essence of righteousness; the heart of courtesy and modesty is the essence of propriety; the heart of right and wrong is the essence of wisdom."
五德配五行，其中仁配木，礼配火，信配土，义配金，智配水
"The Five Virtues match the Five Elements, with benevolence corresponding to wood, propriety to fire, trustworthiness to earth, righteousness to metal, and wisdom to water.
- 义是我拿刀杀羊代罪！
  righteousness is using a knife to kill a lamb as a sacrifice for my sins
  - righteousness 义 meaning.png

The Chinese word for Righteousness is 义, and the complex form is 義 which has a lamb covering me, showing the subtitutional death of Christ the lamb for us. The ancient pictorial form is even more meaningful as shown below:

It is about a man carrying a weapon(together they stand for the word 我 me) to kill and sacrifice a lamb to cover our sin or to justify us!

In summary, the most important value is righteousness, which is to achieve harmony among different subjects (God and man, man and man) based on justice. But because man could not keep his side of the relationship since he committed sin, Jesus came as the sacrificial lamb to pay the price to justify men and to restore the relationship between God and men. To have good relationships, when making decisions and plans, please aim for fairness for all from their perspectives (not what we think is good for them). That is just right. That is righteousness.

Lim Liat (c) 15-11-23

2023-11-13

The Prodigal Son Parable - The Chinese Perspective

Younger, the Prodigal Son

accept his Father's love but ignore righteousness
"unconditional love" becomes his license to sin
The consequences become his teacher for him to realize his sin and the unconditional love gives him the confidence to return to his father.
Punishment may not lead to repentance.
Unconditional love does that. Else, the regrets and condemnation will lead to suicide

Older, the Self-righteous Son

performance-based acceptance
focus on righteous behavior and ignore his father's unconditional love
his performance mindset cannot accept "unconditional" love.
living under such a belief causes one to be:
- proud - I did it all by myself
- condemning others
- anger and jealousy for others' success
- unforgiving
- a life of stress and anxiety - within himself, he knows he fails to live up to the righteous standard in some if not many ways.

The Chinese View

The balance of Love & Righteousness
- Love has righteousness within
  - Romans 13:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
  - John 14:15 “If you love me, you will obey my commandments.
- Righteousness must have love within
  - Romans 7:12 So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.
  - Deuteronomy 28: NIV. If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country.
  - John 8:11 “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
  - Luke 15:24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
- Love without righteousness leads to lust
- Righteousness without love leads to brutality
- The balance show of love (forgiving) or righteousness (discipline) will depend on the timing, situation, and the person involved

从国学的观点看浪子回头的寓言
From the perspective of traditional Chinese culture, the allegory of a prodigal son's repentance can be understood as follows:

浪子只要父亲的爱而忽略了父亲的义的教导大哥只是看到父亲的义的教诲而忽略了父亲无条件的爱。在国学的观点里，爱和义是不可分割的 (阴阳的观念) 爱中有义，义中有爱。只有爱而没有义会造成溺爱，欲望的放纵。只有义而没有爱会造成残酷和孽待。爱与义的表现要依照天时地利和各人的人性。对有些人要处罚，有些只是警告，有些是饶恕。
The prodigal son seeks his father's love and disregards his father's teachings on righteousness,
The elder brother, on the other hand, only sees the father's moral teachings and overlooks the father's unconditional love.
In the viewpoint of traditional Chinese culture, love and righteousness are inseparable (in the concept of Yin and Yang).
There is righteousness in love, and there is love in righteousness.
Having only love without righteousness can lead to indulgence and unrestrained desires.
Having only righteousness without love can result in cruelty and harsh treatment.
The manifestation of love and righteousness should be in accordance with the timing, the situation, and the individual's nature.
For some individuals, punishment may be necessary, for others, a mere warning, and for some, forgiveness is appropriate.

Lim Liat (c) 2-Oct-23

2023-11-04

Proverb 03 Pathway to Life, Health & Riches

Introduction

To fully appreciate Proverb 3, we begin by reflecting on our perspectives about life?

Life's Three Perspectives - 人生三观
- Worldview - 世界观/宇宙观
- Life Perspective - 人生观
- Value System - 价值观

What are the differences we have with others? 什么是三观不同
Quotes from Maugham: "The Moon and Sixpence" - 毛姆：《月亮与六便士》
- 1. You revere God's laws, while he worships authority; this is a difference in worldview.
  你敬畏天理，他崇拜权威；这是世界观不同。
- 2 You strive for an ideal life, he strives to be superior to others; this is a difference in life perspective." 你努力是为了理想的生活，他努力是为了做人上人；这是人生观不同。"
- 3 You stand on the side of conscience, he stands on the side of the winners; this is a difference in values.你站在良知一边，他站在赢者一边；这是价值观不同。

Methods of Wise

Trust in the Lord Pro 3:5.

It means to do ...

1 Keep god's commandments pro 3:1
- Get length of days, & long life & peace Pro 3:2,
- Training of A Child According to Proverb 22v6
2 Have love & faithfulness pro 3:3
- get favour & success of God & man. Pro 3:4
3 Do not lean on your own understanding. pro 3:5
- Be not wise in your own eyes; 3:7a
4 In all your ways acknowledge him, pro 3:6
Seek God's guidance & obey God‘s commands.
- he shall direct thy paths
5 Fear the lord 3:7b,
6 Turn away from evil. pro 3:7c
- Do not plan evil against your neighbor, who dwells trustingly beside you. Pro 3:29
- Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm. Pro 3:30
- Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways, Pro 3:31
- for the devious person is an abomination to the LORD, but the upright are in his confidence. Pro 3:32
7 Give tithe
- Honor the Lord with thy substance, & with the first fruits of all thine increase Prov 3:9
  - So shall thy barns(Store House, Bank Accounts) be filled with plenty, Pro 3:10
  - thy presses(Production, Work) shall burst out with new wine. (Good Products, Productivity, Overflowing). Pro 3:10
8 Accept discipline
- My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline or be weary of his reproof, Pro 3:11
  - for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. Pro 3:12
9 Has generosity
- Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Pro 3:27
  - Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it"--when you have it with you. Pro 3:28
10 Be humble
- but to the humble he gives favor. Pro 3:34
  - Not Proud
    - Toward the scorners, God is scornful, Pro 3:34
healing to your flesh & refreshment to your bones. Pro 3:8
See Also
- - Basic principles for living well - proverbs 21
- - Principles for A Good & Successful Person from Proverbs 22

Values of Wisdom

What do you value?

1 More Valuable Than Possessions
- for the gain from her is better from silver and gold. Pro 3:14
  - Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, Pro 3:13
- more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Pro 3:15
  - Long life on right hand Pro 3:16;
  - riches & honor on Left Pro 3:16
2 Full of Life
- Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. Pro 3:17
  - She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; Pro 3:18
  - those who hold her fast are called blessed. Pro 3:18
3 Creativity
- The LORD by wisdom founded the earth;
  - by understanding he established the heavens; Pro 3:19
- by his knowledge, the deeps broke open, and the clouds dropped down the dew. Pro 3:20
4 Security
- keep wisdom & discretion Pro 3:21
  - they will be
    - life for your soul and
    - adornment for your neck. Pro 3:22
  - Then you will
    - walk on your way securely, and
    - your foot will not stumble. Pro 3:23
  - If you lie down
    - you will not be afraid;
    - your sleep will be sweet. Pro 3:24
5 Peace
- Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes, Pro 3:25
  - for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught. Pro 3:26
6 Blessings
- Wicked
  - The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked Pro 3:33,
- Righteous
  - but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous. Pro 3:33
  - The Righteous - Wisdom from Proverbs 11-13
7 Honor
- The wise will inherit honor Pro 3:35
  - but fools get disgraced. Pro 3:35

Lim Liat (c) 4-11-23

2023-08-30

The Secret Recipe for Handling Change

(go to Chinese 华文 text)

1 Typical Ways for Handling Change

1. Predict what is likely to happen
- Usually, it is an extension of the past. This is fine if there are no fundamental changes. But we know that Black Swam events like COVID-19, and the Fukushima tsunami height exceed engineers' safety height by 5.2m, etc.
- A better way is Scenario Planning - We try to foresee the likely scenarios and work out our plans.
2. Make Contingency Plans for the Worst Case Scenario:
- This is a prudent action. But as in above, the change may exceed our expectations and our contingency is not adequate.
3. Watch and Adapt
- Be alert, and watch out for the early signs of potential changes, and get ready to handle it when the change magnitude increases. iChing hexagram #2 坤 first stage line says 初六履霜，堅冰至。 Stepping on frost, solid ice arrives.
4 Keep Our Options open:
- Preparing for every eventuality may be too costly and impractical. So it may be better to keep our options open in our decision-making.
5. From what is happening now, figure out the future implications:
- With the aging population, it is easy to figure out increasing needs for healthcare, entertainment for the aged since they have time and money, and so forth. With the prevalence of mobile phones, all business transactions should be done through them - no need for physical cash, credit cards, or other physical artifacts.

2 The Better Way:

Using the Unchanging to Handle the Ever-Changing
1. The Chinese have a saying "以不变治万变“ - "using the unchanging to manage the ever-changing".
2. This is best illustrated by Jeff Bezos of Amazon. He said that instead of trying to figure out what customers may want, one should ask what customers want that never change. The answer seems quite obvious: cheapest, most choices, and immediate delivery. So he built Amazon to deliver those customers' values and he never had to change his strategies.
3. As believers, we have the unchanging eternal God and His Words for us to rely on to meet whatever changes we may face.

3 The Unchanging is God

Hebrews 13:8: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."
/ Jesus' love for us never changes. It does not depend on us but on him the faithful one. 2 Tim 2:13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
James 1:17: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."
/ External changes do not change the good and perfect gift from God.
Numbers 23:19: "God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?"
/ God's promise is sure.
Isaiah 40:8: "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever."
/ We are all so familiar with the changing of seasons, the growth and death of all living things, that we are unable to believe in the unchanging yet we secretly long for the eternal. God is the One who will satisfy our longing.
Psalm 102:25-27: "Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, but you are the same, and your years have no end."
/ Another reassurance of God's unchanging power and love for us.
Psalm 33:11: "But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations."
/ The plan of God is to bless you and your descendants. Don't worry about who will care for your children.
Revelation 1:8 (ESV): "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."
/ God surpasses time and is not restricted by time like us. He is ever present and the origin of lives and time.

4 Follow God's Word

Matthew 5:17-20. 17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.
/ All the laws and promises of God are to be fulfilled. We are to live according to God's standards of right and wrong. The sin of Adam and Eve is that they rejected God's Words and standards and wanted to judge right and wrong according to their wishes.

Lessons:

The best way to handle change is to use the unchanging to meet every change. Rest and trust in our eternal God whose promises to us will not change but be fulfilled. His Words and His Laws are never changing too. We must follow God's values and laws(how things will work, causes and effects given in the Bible) in all we do.

Prayer:

We give thanks to God who is unchanging, who gives us Laws and Promises to bless and guide us. We shall follow His standards and Laws in our lives and trust Him, in times of challenges, that He will enable us to overcome them. May we live in confidence, peace, and joy because our God is unchanging and keep His promises always. Hallelujah!

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读经分享 1050

治变的秘方

1 处理变化的典型方式

预测可能发生的情况：
通常，这是过去的延续。如果没有根本性的变化，这是可以的。但是我们知道像COVID-19这样的黑天鹅事件，以及福岛海啸使得海啸高度超出工程师的安全高度5.2米等情况。更好的方式是情景规划 - 我们尝试预见可能的情景并制定我们的计划。
为最坏情况制定应急计划：这是一种谨慎的做法。但如上所述，变革可能超出我们的预期，我们的应急计划可能不足够。
观察并适应：
保持警惕，留意潜在变化的早期迹象，并在变化的幅度增加时做好准备应对。易经卦辞第二卦坤的初六爻说：“踏霜堅冰至”。踏上霜冻，坚冰到来。
保持选择的开放性：为每一种可能性做准备可能过于昂贵和不切实际。因此，在决策中保持选择的开放性可能更好。
从当前发生的事情中找出未来的影响：随着人口的老龄化，很容易想象出对医疗保健的需求增加，因为老年人有时间和金钱，等等。随着手机的普及，所有的商业交易都应该通过手机进行 - 不需要实体现金、信用卡或其他实体物品。

2 更好的方式：

用不变的东西应对不断变化中国有句谚语：“以不变治万变” - “用不变的来管理不断变化的”。这最好由亚马逊的杰夫·贝佐斯来说明。他说，与其试图弄清顾客可能想要什么，不如问顾客永远不会改变的是什么。答案似乎非常明显：最便宜、最多选择和即时交付。因此，他建立了亚马逊来传递这些顾客的价值观，他从未改变过自己的策略。作为信徒，我们有永恒不变的上帝和祂的话语，可以依靠来应对我们可能面临的一切变化。

3 不变的是上帝

希伯来书13:8：“耶稣基督，昨日今日一直到永远，是一样的。” / 耶稣对我们的爱永不改变。这不取决于我们，而取决于祂这位忠信的主。提摩太后书2:13：“我们若失信，他仍是可信的，因为他不能背乎自己。”
雅各书1:17：“各样美善的恩赐和各样完全的赏赐都是从上头来的，从众光之父那里降下来的，在他并没有改变，也没有转动的影儿。” / 外部的变化不会改变上帝赐予的美好和完美的恩赐。
民数记23:19：“神非人，必不致说谎；也非人子，必不致后悔。他说话岂不照着行呢？他发言岂不要成就呢？” / 上帝的应许是确实的。
以赛亚书40:8：“草必枯干，花必凋残，惟有我们神的话必永远立定。” / 我们都对季节的更迭、一切生物的生长与死亡如此熟悉，以至于无法相信永恒的不变，但我们内心深处渴望永恒。上帝是满足我们渴望的那一位。
诗篇102:25-27：“你古时立了地的根基，诸天也是你手所造的。天地都要灭没，你却要长存；天地都要像衣服渐渐旧了，你要将天地如裘皮般更换，天地就都改变了；惟有你永不改变，你的年数没有穷尽。” / 这是关于上帝不变的能力和对我们的爱的再次保证。
诗篇33:11：“耶和华的谋算永远立定，他心中的思念万代常存。” / 上帝的计划是祝福你和你的后代。不要担心谁会照顾你的孩子。
启示录1:8（ESV）：“主神说：‘我是阿拉法，我是俄梅戛，是昔在今在以后永在的全能者。’” / 上帝超越时间，不受我们这样受时间限制。祂永在，是生命和时间的源头。

4 遵循上帝的话语：

马太福音5:17-20：“你们不要想我来要废掉律法和先知；我来不是要废掉，乃是要成全。我实在告诉你们，就是到天地都废去了，律法的一点一画也不能废去，都要成全。” / 上帝的所有律法和应许都将会实现。我们要按照上帝关于对错的标准来生活。亚当和夏娃的罪在于他们拒绝了上帝的话语和标准，希望根据自己的意愿判断对错。

教训：

处理变革的最佳方式是用不变的来应对每一次变化。在我们的永恒上帝那里安息和信靠，祂对我们的应许不会改变，而是会实现。祂的话语和律法也永远不会改变。我们必须在所做的一切中遵循上帝的价值观和律法（圣经中给出的事物如何运作、因果关系）。

祷告：

我们感谢那不变的上帝，祂给了我们律法和应许来祝福和引导我们。我们要在生活中遵循祂的标准和律法，并在挑战时信靠祂，相信祂会使我们克服困难。愿我们因为上帝不变并始终信守祂的应许，而充满信心、平安和喜乐。哈利路亚！

Lim Liat (c) 29-8-23

2023-08-27

The Secret of John's Victorious Life

(go to Chinese 华文 text)

Introduction:

Peter, the one who said he loved Jesus denied Jesus three times.
! Luke 22:33 But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” ... 60 Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed.
John, the one who always remembers that he is loved by Jesus, could be found at the feet of the cross of Jesus. He was there to hear Jesus' last instructions to take care of Jesus' mother.
So, the secret of John's victorious life can be found in "the disciple who Jesus loved". John did not trust his own ability but derived his strength and security from remembering that he was loved by Jesus always. We must learn to trust God and let God lead and care for us. Our duty is to obey and follow Him.

John 13:23 :

"Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved."
! the special bond between Jesus and this particular disciple John.
It does not mean Jesus loves John more than others, but rather, it is John's appreciation and reception of Jesus' love more than others. Jesus' love is the same but different people receive it differently.

John 19:26 :

"When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, 'Woman, behold, your son!'"
! Jesus entrusted John with the care of his mother. John was the only disciple there. Are we near Jesus for Him to assign tasks to us?

John 20:2 :

"So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, 'They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.'"
! John's own name and identity are not as important as "the disciple" loved by Jesus. The value of our being is in Jesus' love for us. We feel valuable when someone loves and cares for us.

John 21:7 :

"That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, 'It is the Lord!' When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea."
! Being close to Jesus enables John to know Him immediately even though Peter has been with Jesus too.

John 21:20 :

"Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, 'Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?'"
! Peter wanted to know what would happen to John. Jesus told Peter to mind his own business. Jesus had a different plan for John. John had written five books of the Bible, the Gospel of John, 3 Letters of John, and the last book, Revelation. John could not be martyred and was exiled to Patmos to write Revelation. He lived to be about 90+ according to tradition. . 6 AD – c. 100 AD;

Lesson Learned:

Our worth is in Jesus' love for us. We need to remind ourselves constantly of this wonderful relationship. It is so easy, in the business of living, to be self-centric and self-reliant. We tend to forget what Jesus said. "Apart from me, you can do nothing" John 15:5. When trouble strikes, remember we shall be OK because we are loved by Jesus. Live a secure and joy-filled life because we are loved by Jesus.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for your love and Jesus' love for us. We are valuable in your sights and so we must live with gratitude and security. We are reminded of Ps 23:4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Thank you for your love for us. It is our worth and our purpose. Praise be to God, our heavenly Father, our Lord Jesus Christ, and our comforter and guide the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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读经分享 1049

约翰胜利生活的秘密

简介：

彼得，那个曾说过他爱耶稣的人，三次否认了耶稣。

路加福音22:33 但耶稣对他说：“彼得啊，我告诉你，今天鸡叫以先，你要三次说不认得我。”... 60 彼得说：“你这人啊，我不知道你说的是什么！” 说话之间，鸡就叫了。

约翰，那个始终记得自己被耶稣爱着的人，站在耶稣十字架底下。他在那里听见了耶稣的最后吩咐，要他照顾耶稣的母亲。

因此，约翰胜利生活的秘诀可以在“耶稣所爱的门徒”中找到。约翰不依赖自己的能力，而是从始终记得耶稣爱他中获得力量和安全感。我们必须学会信靠上帝，让上帝引导和照顾我们。我们的职责是顺从并跟随祂。

约翰福音13:23：

“有一个门徒靠着耶稣的怀抱，是耶稣所爱的。”

^ 耶稣和这位门徒约翰之间的特殊联系。这并不意味着耶稣比其他人更爱约翰，而是约翰比其他人更深刻地感受和接受了耶稣的爱。耶稣的爱是一样的，但不同的人以不同的方式接受它。

约翰福音19:26：

“耶稣看见母亲和他所爱的那门徒站在旁边，就对他母亲说：‘妇人，看哪，这是你的儿子！’”

^ 耶稣托付约翰照顾他的母亲。约翰是唯一在那里的门徒。我们是否靠近耶稣，让祂分派任务给我们呢？

约翰福音20:2：

“她就跑去见西门彼得和耶稣所爱的那个门徒，对他们说：‘有人把主从坟墓里挪去了，我们不知道放在哪里。’”

^ 约翰自己的名字和身份并不像被耶稣所爱的“门徒”那样重要。我们的存在价值在于耶稣对我们的爱。当有人爱和关心我们时，我们才感到宝贵。

约翰福音21:7：

“那门徒就是耶稣所爱的，对彼得说：‘是主！’”

^ 靠近耶稣使约翰能够立刻认出祂，即使彼得也曾与耶稣在一起。

约翰福音21:20：

“彼得转过来，看见耶稣所爱的那个门徒跟着，就是在晚餐的时候靠着耶稣胸膛说：‘主啊，卖你的是谁？’”

^ 彼得想知道将会发生什么事情。耶稣告诉彼得管好自己的事情。耶稣为约翰有不同的计划。约翰写了五卷圣经，包括约翰福音、约翰的三封书信，以及最后一卷启示录。约翰没有被殉道，被流放到帕特摩斯写启示录。根据传统，他活到了90岁以上。约公元6年 – 约100年。

得到的教训：

我们的价值在于耶稣对我们的爱。我们需要不断地提醒自己这段美好的关系。在生活的忙碌中，很容易变得自我中心和自信满满。我们往往忘记了耶稣所说的：“若不常在我里面，你们就不能作什么。”（约翰福音15:5）当困难降临时，记住我们会没事，因为耶稣爱我们。因为被耶稣所爱，过上安全和充满喜乐的生活。

祷告：

天父，感谢您的爱以及耶稣对我们的爱。在您的眼中，我们是宝贵的，因此我们必须怀着感恩和安全感来生活。我们想起诗篇23:4，“我虽然行过死荫的幽谷，也不怕遭害，因为你与我同在。你的杖、你的竿，都安慰我。”感谢您对我们的爱，这是我们的价值和目的。赞美归于上帝，我们的天父，我们的主耶稣基督，以及我们的安慰者和引导圣灵。阿门。

Lim Liat (c) 27-8-23