Skip to main content

心聲點滴

2023.11.25/26

周力行牧師

人不缺乏愛心,只是愛的對象有所不同。有人願意犧牲自己滿足他人需要,我們稱他們有愛心;有人犧牲他人滿足自己的需要,我們稱他們沒有愛心。實則,這二類人都有愛心,只是前者愛他人過於自己,後者愛自己過於他人。

世界不停的又直接又間接的告訴我們,人生苦短,應當奮力的追求滿足自己。互惠互利自然理想,有時要利己而不得不損人也是在所難免,所以不必迴避。這就是現實。世人都必然要面對,無一幸免,信徒也不能例外。

有時,世界得勝了。有人要滿足虛榮之心,就追求稱許讚賞。法利賽人是其一顯明的例子,他們冗長的禱告是為得人的稱讚(太23.14; 路18.11),所作的善也是要得人的榮耀(太6.2)。有人要得權以滿足自已,要眾人都跟從他,就用各樣的方法來損害異己。就如祭司及法利賽人因耶穌與他們不合就要除掉耶穌(約11.53)。也有人以追求錢財來滿足自己。撒該就是其一例子(路19.7)。他被眾人稱為眾人是因為他是稅吏長,以欺壓同胞得利而成為財主。另外,少年的官也是相仿,因愛錢財過於一切,就放棄了跟從耶穌的大好機會(太19.16-22)。

在耶穌基督裡,世界就失敗了。有人放棄了世上的榮耀,為主走上了受苦的道路。有保羅因為主耶穌就放棄了一切,為要得着至寶的基督(腓3.8)。十九世紀的劍橋七傑,當中有富商之子,有男爵之子,有將軍之子,也有醫生之子,他們本可以享受世人所羨慕的一切榮華,卻為主而選上了十字架的道路,到中國的徧遠鄉村宣教。最後也有在異鄉離世的。有人學效了耶穌基督為門徒洗腳的榜樣 (約13.1-17),用所擁有的權力選擇了服侍眾人的位置:林肯總統是代表的其中之一。也有人為主的緣故,為主耶穌放棄世上的錢財,專心一意的跟從主。除了稅吏長撒該 (路19.1-10),博德恩(William Borden)也是一樣。他捨棄豐厚的財富而選上服侍主的道路,更向世界宣告他是“無保留,無退回,無後悔”( No Reserves—No Retreats—No Regrets)。

對基督徒而言,天國之路是艱難的。這是耶穌基督早早的宣告:“在世上你們有苦難.”(約16.33)。但主耶穌也接着的宣告:“但你們可以放心,我已經勝了世界。”(約16.33)願你選擇跟從耶穌,與世界為敵,在耶穌基督裡過得勝的日子。如此,有一天,我們就可以與保羅一樣宣告:“從此以後,有公義的冠冕為我存留,就是按著公義審判的主到了那日要賜給我的。不但賜給我,也賜給凡愛慕他顯現的人。”(提後4.8)

願你在主裡得勝。

River

2023.09.23/24

From the Pastor’s Desk :Rev. Raphael Chow

Dear brothers and sisters of RCAC,

Rivers possess an enchanting charm that lures the human heart and purifies the soul. Whether it’s the thick morning mist before the dawn, the unhurried murmur of the flowing water, the crystal-clear depths revealing the river’s secrets, or the company of reeds and water grasses basking in the evening glow, rivers always have a way of affecting the passersby, causing them to hasten their steps, slow down, or even paused their journeys. In springtime, rivers awaken the trees, grasses, and wildflowers on their banks, signaling the start of a new year. As summer rains arrive, rivers change, sometimes broadening and sometimes narrowing, flowing with urgency and then tranquility, inspiring people to remain vigilant. In the season of autumn, with leaves ablaze in shades of crimson, the river slows down, enjoying the harvest season. Even in the depths of winter, when all seems to wither, the river continues its ceaseless journey, never resting. Rivers, ever-flowing, nurture the land, fostering lush vegetation, adorning trees in grandeur, offering a home for fish, and providing shelter for soaring birds. In the peaceful presence of their flowing waters, turbulent hearts find tranquility, allowing them to release all worldly troubles and focus on the grace and love of the Divine.

In the Bible, rivers evoke a sense of tranquility and the gift of life. Rivers held profound importance for the Israelites, primarily because the land of Israel itself lacked abundant rivers. While the wilderness stretched far and wide, rivers were a rarity within the borders of Israel. In contrast, regions to the south, such as Egypt, or to the east, like Babylon, boasted numerous rivers. Israel had but one significant river in the east—the Jordan River. Spanning an average width of about 100 feet and depths ranging from 3 to 10 feet, the Jordan River was enveloped by luxuriant vegetation and was home to around 30 different species of fish. Indeed, the Jordan River symbolized the wellspring of life.

In the Old Testament, the Lord used rivers as symbols of fulfilling the human heart. He declared, ” I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs.” (Isaiah 41:18). The Lord promised to personally quench the thirst of human hearts, just as He would cause rivers to flow amidst the desert. The original meaning of this “river” is flowing water teeming with life. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ issued a universal call: “37… Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John 7:37-38). For those whose souls are parched, they can turn to Jesus Christ in faith. In doing so, Jesus pledged that their souls would be sated, filled with peace (John 16:33) and joy (John 16:24), and graced with eternal life (John 3:16). Moreover, this is a mighty river that gushes forth from the depths of the heart, becoming a wellspring of life. However, the condition is “faith”: to believe, to receive, and to wholeheartedly follow the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Mere knowledge and acknowledgment without will not yield the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise; it would be akin to stagnant, lifeless water incapable of bringing life to its surroundings. But for those who believe in the Lord Jesus and follow His lead, obediently heeding His commandments, a new life is assured, a radiant existence awaits, and glory is brought to His name.

May your life flow like a river of living water, transforming deserts into pools of life wherever you tread. May God be glorified through you.

Your servant in Christ,
Pastor Raphael Chow

河流

2023.09.23/24

親愛的列宣家弟兄姊妹:

河流的魅力誘動人心,也洗滌人心。無論是晨曦前的厚厚霧靄,或不徐不疾的潺潺水聲,或清澈見底的淙淙水流,或相伴晚霞的蘆葦水草,總是令過路客急速的步伐,或緩下或停下,甚至忘返。春至,河兒喚醒兩岸樹草野花,提醒人們一年之計開始;夏雨至,河變得時寛時窄,時急時緩,啟迪人們警醒努力;在紅葉之秋,河慢下來了,欣賞著人們忙碌的收取莊稼;冬至,萬物凋零,河仍然不斷的在流動,並未歇息。河,總是滋潤着大地,讓水草可以茂盛,樹木能以壯麗,魚兒也能有窩,飛鳥得以棲息。在盈盈流水面前安靜,更能把人的亂心掃去,使人把一切的煩擾放下,尊注於父神的恩典及慈愛。

聖經中的河流,讓人想到旣寧靜又賦予生命的特質。河流對於以色列人甚為重要,相信是因為以色列境內並沒有很多河流。以色列地河流不多,曠野卻不少。不像南方的埃及,或東方的巴比倫等地,有不少的大河。在以色列國境,主河是東方的約但河。約但河平均寛約100呎,深3至10呎不等。約但河兩岸樹木茂密,內中有30種魚類。約但河的確象徵生命之源。

在舊約中,耶和華神以河流作為滿足人心的象徵。耶和華神宣告說祂要行奇事 “18 我要在光禿的高處開闢江河,在山谷之間開闢泉源;我要使曠野變為水池,使乾地變成水泉。”(賽41.18)。耶和華神要親自滿足人乾渴的心,如同在沙漠中開江河。這“江河”的原意是流動的河水,是充滿生命力的水流。在新約中,耶穌基督向所有人呼籲:“37b人若渴了,可以到我這裡來喝!38信我的人,就像聖經所說的,從他的腹中要湧流出活水的江河來。”。人若心靈乾渴,可以來到耶穌基督前,相信祂。如此,耶穌應許說,這人的心靈必得滿足,生命必然充滿平安(約16.33) 及喜樂(約16.24),也必然得着永生 (約3.16)。不但如此,這是一條大河,要從心中湧出,成為生命之源。但當中的條件是“信”: 相信接受又全心全意遵行主耶穌基督的一切教訓。若只是知道,承認,而沒有行動,恐怕耶穌基督的應許還是不能得到,也只能好像不會流動的死水,沒有生命,也不能為任何環境帶來生命。但若然相信主耶穌,又跟從祂,遵行祂的吩咐,就必定得着新的生命,活出充滿光輝的新生活,榮耀主名。

願你的生命如同活水江河,在你凡到之處,沙漠曠野也成為江河水泉。願神在你身上得着榮耀。

主僕,
周力行牧師

Reflection of JMC

2023.08.05/06

From the Pastor’s Desk: Rev. Raphael Chow

Dear brothers and sisters of RCAC,

Today is a tragic era. While it may not be easy to see in countries in North America, it is evident everywhere in Asia, war-torn nations, or third-world countries: there are abandoned babies, both disabled and healthy, left by their parents; young children losing their parents due to wars; children abandoned because their sister remarried; young people living aimless lives, struggling day by day just to survive; and parents grieving the loss of their children, enduring each day in sorrow.

Paul said, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” (Romans 1:16) This statement is very true. Through the power of the gospel, abandoned infants are adopted by Christians and grow up to become productive individuals; those who lost parents in wars or were abandoned find a home through the care of Christians; those with directionless lives find new and abundant life in Christ; parents grieving each day find not only comfort in Christ but also become a source of comfort for others. This is the power of the gospel, manifesting God’s love, ability, and glory in the lives of the weak, helpless, and hopeless.

These awe-inspiring events do not happen by chance. Behind these stories are a group of unknown Christians moved by God, responding to the call of their Heavenly Father. They come from near and far to these places in need, silently offering their lives just to satisfy the needs of others. If I remembered correctly, a Christian couple who went to Myanmar and served abandoned or orphaned children year after year. These children grew up not only in a healthy environment but also excelled academically, loving God, loving others, serving society and churches. Some were inspired to follow the couple’s footsteps and hope to adopt orphans themselves, giving hope to the hopeless.

God does not call every believer to be a missionary overseas, but Jesus commands all His followers to make disciples of all nations. On one hand, believers should be more aware and understand the situations of various mission fields, striving to participate, including constant prayers for missionaries and mission fields, something both you and I can do. Encouraging and maintaining contact with missionaries or joining short-term mission teams are even better. On the other hand, cross-cultural missions today do not necessarily require going overseas. There are already many ethnic groups in our local areas who have not yet received the message of salvation. They are waiting for believers to go among them and introduce the salvation of Christ. Perhaps what you and I can do is not much, but we can always start with fervent prayer.

” For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) Do you love what the Lord loves?

His Servant
Pastor Raphael Chow

信徒你愛主所愛的嗎?(再思聯合宣教大會JMC)

2023.08.05/06

親愛的列宣家弟兄姊妹:                                                                                                      

現今是悲情的年代。在北美洲的國家中也許不容易看見,但在亞洲或戰亂的國家或第三世界的國家中卻是隨處可見:有殘缺的也有建全的嬰兒被父母遺棄,有小童因戰爭而失去雙親,有孩童因唯一的家人再婚而被拋棄,有少年人沒有理想沒有方向的每天營營役役只為糊口,有失去兒女的父母每天在哀痛中渡過。

保羅說:「這福音是神的大能,要救一切相信的。」(羅1:16) 這話十分可信。因着神的福音,被遺棄的嬰兒被基督徒收養,以致能夠成長大及成為有用的人;在戰亂中失去父母的及被拋棄的因信徒的收留而得着一個家;沒有理想,生命沒有方向的在基督裡面得着了新的生命,而且是豐盛的生命;每天在哀痛中渡日的父母在基督裡不單得着安慰,更而成為多人的安慰。這是福音的大能,在輭弱無助無望的人身上顯出神的慈愛能力及榮耀。

這些令人震奮的事件並不自然而然地發生。在這些故事的背後,有一群不為人知的基督徒被神感動,他們就回應了天父的呼召。他們或從遠方或從近處到了這些有需要的地方,默默的就為這些人們獻上了自己的生命,為的只是讓這些生命中有需要的人能夠從主耶穌得着滿足。印象中,有一對基督徒夫婦去了緬甸,在緬甸境內就年復一年的服侍一些被遺棄或失去雙親的孤兒。這些孤兒們長大成人,不但在一個健康的環境中成長,更是學有所成,愛主愛人,能夠服侍社會,也建立教會。有的更願意學習這對夫婦,將來也收養孤兒,讓無望的得盼望。

神沒有呼召每一位信徒都成為海外宣教士,主耶穌卻吩咐所有跟從祂的都要使萬民都成為祂的門徒。一方面,信徒應當更多的知道及明白各宣教工場的情況,努力參與,包括你我都能夠付出的,就是恆常的為宣教士及宣教工場禱告。若能常與宣教士聯絡並鼓勵他們,或參加短宣隊的服侍就當然是更好。另一方面,今天的跨文化宣教事奉已經不需要去到海外才能參與了。就在我們所住的區域就已經有不少其他族裔的群體在救恩的門外。他們也正在等待著信徒去到他們當中,把基督的救恩介紹給他們。也許你我能作的都不多,但總可以從禱告開始。

「神愛世人,甚至把他的獨生子賜給他們,叫一切信他的,不至滅亡,反得永生。」(約3:16) 你是否愛主所愛?

主僕,
周力行牧師

The Sea

2023.06.24/25

From the Pastor’s Desk:Rev. Raphael Chow

On a childhood day, for reasons I have long forgotten, I went mountain climbing. The mountain had an altitude approximately half that of Victoria Peak in Hong Kong. At that time, the sky was devoid of clouds, and it was a pure blue. Standing at the summit, I gazed southward and saw the continuous and magnificent mountain ranges. Looking eastward, I beheld the vast expanse of the azure sea, stretching afar. The sea resembled a silky carpet, smooth as a mirror, perfectly complementing the splendor of the sky. Another time, during the peak of summer, after swimming in the sea, I leisurely enjoyed the surrounding scenery on the beach. Suddenly, what astonished me was the sound of the tides. The rhythmic tides gently lapped against the rocks on the shore, tenderly washing over the fine sand. Accompanied by occasional breezes, the leaves rustled and sang. This duet of nature can truly rival the works of master composers. Occasionally, seagulls joined in as guest performers, creating a rich variation in this trio. These scenes, once witnessed with your own eyes, will stay with you for a lifetime, bringing you everlasting enjoyment.

The ocean can also be fearsome and awe-inspiring. When a tsunami arrives, it can easily destroy cities and leave countless people homeless. The ocean is always cold, mysterious, and full of hidden dangers. Even the warm currents in the ocean are not very warm (about 4 degrees Celsius). The deeper you go into the sea, the darker it becomes. There are reefs, hidden currents, and dangerous animals, including fierce predators and species with deadly toxins.

The meaning contained within the ocean in the Bible is exceedingly rich. The ocean signifies the mighty power of God: the sea is created by God (Psalm 95:5; Acts 4:24; Revelation 14:7; Jonah 1:9), and God has set the boundaries of the sea (Genesis 1:2, 9-10; Psalm 104:5-9; Job 38:8-11). However, at the same time, the ocean is also a source of opposition against God: the waves of the sea are arrogant (Job 35:8-11) and always attempt to surpass the boundaries set by God (Jeremiah 15:22). There are fierce beasts in the sea (Genesis 1:20-21; Psalm 104:24-26). Moreover, terrifying and powerful beasts that oppose God also emerge from the sea (Daniel 7:3; Revelation 13:1). In the Book of Daniel, for instance: “3 Four great beasts… came up out of the sea. 4 The first was like a lion… a second beast, which looked like a bear… another beast… looked like a leopard… 7 After that, in my vision at night I looked, and there before me was a fourth beast—terrifying and frightening and very powerful. It had large iron teeth; it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left…” (Daniel 7:3-7).

Whether it is the sea or the beasts, their power is limited. Our Lord controls the great sea (Mark 4:35-41; Matthew 14:45-52) and also destroys the beasts (Isaiah 27:1). Moreover, our Heavenly Father will one day annihilate evil: “And the beast was captured… And the false prophet… were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur” (Revelation 19:20). The sea will exist no more, and the former heavens and earth will pass away (Revelation 21:1). Instead, a perfect sea of glass, bright as crystal, will take its place (Revelation 4:6; 15:2). At that time, all cold, mysterious, dark, and dangerous circumstances will cease to exist with the vanishing sea.

I eagerly anticipate the embrace of eternal warmth, light, peace, and joy within it. “But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13).

His Servant
Pastor Raphael Chow

大海

2023.06.24/25

親愛的列宣家弟兄姊妹:

孩提時的一天,也忘記了是什麼緣故,就去了登山。山的海拔約有太平山的一半。那時,萬里無雲,天是純淨的一片蔚藍。在山頂處向南遠眺,只見山脈連綿,好不壯麗。向東俯瞰,卻是寶藍色的大海,一望無際。大海彷如絲綢的地毯,光滑如鏡,把天的瑰麗襯托得近乎完美。另一回,盛夏時分,我在海中暢泳後,就在沙灘上悠哉游哉的欣賞著周遭景色。突然,令我心豁然而開的,是潮汐之音。海潮有節奏地輕輕拍打着岸邊的岩石,又温柔的沖刷着灘上的細沙,加上不時的和風掠過,樹葉就沙沙和唱。這大自然的二重奏,真能比美音樂大師的作品。偶爾,海鷗也加入客串演出,就成為豐富的三重奏變奏。這些景象,恐怕只要曾出現在你眼前,便隨你一輩子,讓你一生受用。

大海也可懼可畏。海嘯到來時可以輕易的摧毁城市,讓無數人家園盡失。大海總是冰冷神秘又危機四伏。就是海洋中的暖流也不是很温暖的(約攝氏4度);越進入海的深處越是黑暗;海中又有礁石,有暗流暗湧,也有危險的動物,包括兇猛的獵食類及帶劇毒的種類。

大海在聖經中蘊藏的意思甚為寛廣。大海表明上帝創造的大能:大海是上帝所造 (詩95:5; 徒4:24; 啟14:7; 拿1:9),上帝也劃定海的界限(創1:2, 9-10; 詩104:5-9; 伯38:8-11)。但同時,大海也是對抗上帝之源:大海的浪是狂傲的(伯35:8-11),總是要越過上帝所定的界限(耶15:22),有猛獸在其中(創1:20-21; 詩104:24-26)。更甚的,是敵擋上帝、可怕且有大能力的獸也是從海中上來(但7:3; 啟13:1)。以但以理書為例:「3有四個大獸從海中上來… 4頭一個像獅子…5又有一獸如熊… 6…又有一獸如豹… 7其後我在夜間的異象中觀看,見第四獸甚是可怕,極其強壯,大有力量,有大鐵牙,吞喫嚼碎,所剩下的用腳踐踏…」(但7:3-7)。

無論是海是獸,他們的可怕,僅此而已。我們的主控制大海(可4:35-41; 6:45-52),也消滅獸(賽27:1)。不單如此,我們的天父更有一天會把邪惡除去「那獸被擒拿…假先知,也與獸同被擒拿。他們兩個就活活的被扔在燒著硫磺的火湖裡」(啟19:20)。海不再有了,以往的天地也過去了(啟21:1)。相信,取而代之的是完美的玻璃海,明亮如水晶(啟4:6; 15:2)。那時,冰冷神秘黑暗危險等,就隨着大海不再了。 

我期待著在其中享受永遠的温暖光明平安喜樂。“但我們照他的應許、盼望新天新地、有義居在其中。。”(彼後3.13)

主僕,
周力行牧師

Knoll

2023.05.06/07

From the Pastor’s Desk: Rev.Raphael Chow

Dear brothers and sisters of RCAC,

In my high school years, I attended a school in the suburbs with a small river nearby. The school was a seven-story building. Looking out from the classroom on the fifth floor, I could see a lush green meadow and forest on the opposite bank of the river, and in the distance, a small hill about ten stories high. Compared to Lion’s Hill in the distance, this was just a small hill covered with ordinary trees and weeds; it had no grand appearance, no winding mountain path, no towering ancient trees, no unique sights, and no valuable minerals.

In spring, as the trees sprouted and the branches turned tender green, the small hill was awakened and brought to life. Occasionally, the mist would envelop it, making the hill appear to be both hidden and visible. Nevertheless, the hill always had a gentle smile, greeting passersby. In summer, the scorching sun poured down a golden glow, and the hill was suddenly covered in a layer of golden light, showing off its charming dominance. The local cicadas woke up and sang loudly in the trees without reservation. The hill was fascinated by their singing and had not a trace of impatience. In autumn, the leaves turned brown and fell off, and the hill put on a brown coat. The cicadas left, and the cool autumn breeze swept across the land. The sun also went home early. The hill said goodbye to the sun but did not lose its calm hope because it knew that it would see the sun again tomorrow. In winter, the bitter cold wind blew from all sides, and the insects and birds all took refuge. However, the hill was warm and gentle, as if welcoming the coming winter: “Old friend, it’s nice to see you again!”

Year after year, the environment around the hill was not always the same. One year, the green grass under the hill became a junkyard, which was quite unsightly. The hill did not argue or protest but silently offered the land and blessed its users. Once, it was in the height of summer. On that day, there was a heavy rainstorm, and lightning struck the hill when I happened to be gazing at it. Smoke and flames surged, but because of the continuous rain, the smoke and fire were quickly suppressed, and the hill returned to calm. Now, the junkyard is gone, and the grassland is gone, replaced by houses, roads, entertainment centers, and office buildings. The hill remains the same, embracing everything on the earth, whether it’s insects, cicadas, or humans. It offers everything with a smile every day, bringing blessings to the earth.

The hill is not voiceless or soundless. So the poet said, “Let the rivers clap their hands; let the mountains shout together for joy before the Lord” (Psalm 98:8). The hill’s enduring constancy reflects that of the Creator. As the poet wrote, “26They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. … 27 But you remain the same, and your years will never end” (Psalm 102:26-27). What is more important is that this true God has thoughts of peace for you, not disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?” (Psalm 121:1)

Your servant in Christ,
Pastor Raphael Chow

山丘

2023.05.06/07

親愛的列宣家弟兄姊妹:

中學時期就讀於一間近郊的學校,旁邊有一道小河。學校為七層的建築物。從第五層的課室外眺,近處可見河的對岸是一片翠綠的草地及叢林,而遠處則可見一座約十數層樓高的小山丘。比起遠處的獅子山,這只是一座小山丘,被一般的樹木雜草覆蓋;沒有高大巍峨的外觀,沒有蜿蜒山徑,沒有參天古木,沒有獨特景點,更沒有寶貴礦藏。

春天,樹木發芽,枝條嫩綠,就喚醒了小山丘,也帶來活潑生氣。偶爾,霧氣繚繞,令山丘若隱若現。縱是如此,山丘總是展示溫文的微笑,向著途人問好。夏天,太陽火辣辣金燦燦的光茫潑灑下來,山丘頓時蓋上一層金色光芒,顯出迷人的霸氣。當地裡的蟬兒睡醒,就毫不客氣的在樹上朗聲高歌。山丘痴迷的在欣賞,沒有一絲的煩躁。秋天,樹葉枯了,落了,山丘也換上了棕色的外套。蟬兒離去了,清涼的秋風掃過了大地,太陽也提早歸去了。山丘告別了太陽,但無減平靜的盼望,因知道明天還會再見。冬天,凜冽寒風四面吹擊,蟲鳥都迴避了。山丘卻溫文和緩,彷彿在歡迎到來的寒冬:「老朋友,又再見了,多好!」

年復一年,山丘的環境並非恆常一致。有一年,山丘腳下一片青綠色草地變成了廢車塲,好不大煞風景。山丘沒有爭辯,也沒有抗議。只是默默的獻出土地,祝福著土地的用者。有一回,想是盛夏時分。那一天暴雨傾盆,雷電交加。也不知為何我那時正眺望那山丘,突然電光一閃,就擊在山丘上。只見煙霧及火熖澎湧而起,但因為連綿大雨,那煙與火就轉眼間被壓了下去,山丘重歸平靜。如今,廢車場沒有了,草地沒有了,取而替代的是屋苑道路,文娛中心,辦公大樓。山丘依舊,始終如一,抱擁大地的一切,或蟲或蟬或人。每天在微笑中獻出一切,為大地帶來祝福。

山非無言,更非無聲。所以詩人說「願大水拍手,願諸山在耶和華面前一同歡呼。」(詩98:8)。山的恆久不變,反映創造者的不變。如詩人所記「26天地都要滅沒、你卻要長存.天地都要如外衣漸漸舊了…27惟有你永不改變,你的年數沒有窮盡。」(詩102:26-27)。更重要的是這位真神「所懷的意念,是賜平安的意念,不是降災禍的意念,要叫你們末後有指望。」(耶29:11)

「我要向山舉目;我的幫助從何而來?」(詩121:1)

主僕
周力行牧師

Higher Ground

2023.03.18/19

From the Pastor’s Desk: Rev. Raphael Chow

Dear brothers and sisters of RCAC,

When Christians pray to God, we sometimes ask according to our own desires. Perhaps we have been a Christian for a long time, but there are times when we ask for our own longings, which may not necessarily be God’s will. Often, God does not grant us what we ask for, but prepares something far better for us. As it is written in the Scriptures: “’For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’” (Isaiah 55:8-9) And as Paul said: “However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’— the things God has prepared for those who love him—” (1 Corinthians 2:9; see also Isaiah 64:4)

To God I ask for strength to achieve success, He gives me weakness to trust in Him no less.
To God I pray for health to accomplish grandeurs, He gives me frailty to attain goodness.
To God I seek for wealth to bring me happiness, He gives me poverty to grant me wisdom’s finesse.
To God I plead for all to enjoy life’s pleasures, He gives me life itself to savor every treasure.
To God I crave for power to receive people’s praise, He gives me humbleness to be showered in His grace.
To God I desire smooth paths to reach my goals, He gives me hardships to mold my character’s roles. [1]
To God I wish for fame to attract many a face, He gives me obscurity to glorify Him in my space.
To God I implore for talents to expand His Kingdom, He gives me obstacles to follow Him with wisdom.
To God I pray for wisdom to solve life’s trials, He gives me insight to obey Him in all my styles.
To God I seek for eloquence to sway the crowd, He gives me pain to show compassion and love aloud.
To God I ask for judgment to point out mistakes, He gives me introspection to know my own breaks.
To God I beg to remove challenges for happiness, He gives me a heavier cross to taste joy’s fullness.

Although believers may pray for temporary blessings in this world, the Lord often gives eternal blessings to those who belong to Him. Eternal blessings may not bring physical comfort, and sometimes even lead believers into difficulty and challenges. However, if believers can persevere by the grace of the Lord, what they ultimately receive will be priceless, eternal blessings. May you be filled with abundant blessings.

[1] Gordon Lee, Open Mine Eyes

Your servant in Christ,
Pastor Raphael Chow