Some of you may be very familiar with Psalm 23 authored by King David. It is one of my favorite psalms. It expresses David’s experience and longing for God’s presence. David in his youth was “alone” shepherding in the wilderness. Oftentimes, he could run into wild animals such as lions and wolfs attacking his herds. Under such condition lacking of other’s help, he can only rely on God’s help in protecting himself and his sheep. “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 耶和華是我的牧者，我必不致缺乏 (Psalm 23:1)” vividly depicts his life experience. It also reflect my own experience in the year of 2014. Therefore, let me take the opportunity to elaborate a few things that my family and I have experienced during the year – they represent our fond memories of you, my friends, and most importantly, our thanksgiving to our Lord in Heaven.

In viewing of the ever changing environment and increasing violence and terrorism in this world, I thought the Year 2014 is like a year of “gloomy hope” – we were overwhelmed by shocking news such as the tragic events of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 and AirAsia Airline Flight QZ8501, then, random school shootings and the quick spiraling of moral decay across the country. In addition, within the year, we were told that my working company would spin off her two hardware divisions to minimize her losses. This kind of gloomy news caused tremendous impact to the local area economy and to the country. So, where is hope? How long can we stay in this used to be milk-and-honey land? And, is there still thing of eternal value? They seems to be reasonable questions to ask, I think. However, these questions have an answer. That is God Himself – He is the hope and He is our shepherd to accompany and to comfort us throughout different situations.

In the early part of this year, in my working company, my colleagues and I were shocked to learn that our annual performance ratings are not as good as previous years. Hence, rising worry for resource action had casted all over us for months. Eventually we were spared from the resource action due to various situations. I know there is going to be another round of action waiting but I can only hold down my hope of God’s mercy because He is faithful.

In the middle of this year, my kids had an opportunity to go to the Far East teaching English camps. We know it is not easy but is a good opportunity for them to grow in Him. We asked God for their spiritual renewal, health and safety in that country. Weeks later, they came back safely and shared their excitements and life changing experiences, even though they had encountered pressure from local authority to withdraw. This reminds me of Jesus’ teaching to disciples when He sent them out. Jesus said, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. 我差你們去，如同羊進入狼群，所以你們要靈巧像蛇，馴良像鴿子。(Matthew 10:16)” He also taught them that they do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time they will be given what to say, for it will not be they speaking, but the Spirit of their Father speaking through you 你們被交的時候，不要思慮怎樣說話或說什麼話，到那時候必賜給你們當說的話；因為不是你們自己說的，乃是你們父的靈在你們裡頭說的 (Matthew 10:19-20).

Later part of the year, my daughter graduated from her college and we attended her ceremony. It is a joyous event and we were there to observe her moments. I know she has her struggle on both adapting fast paced college life and maintaining good academic works in the past. But she made it. I can only say it is by God’s grace that she can complete her study. We are looking forward to God’s leading on her next step. Psalm 127 indicates, “Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from Him. 兒女是耶和華所賜的產業，所懷的胎是他所給的賞賜。(Psalm 127:3)”. We thank God for His reward and we pray that they can be used by God.

In the past year, our church is stable and we have the opportunity to reach out many new comers to the area through various types of gathering. We saw God’s hand continue to lead us to spread Gospel around the area. Even though the economic environment in the area is gloomy, we don’t lose hope because He is our great shepherd!

Someone once said, “Times of trouble are times for trust”. If we choose complaining and grumbling, like Israelites did in the wilderness, it will definitely make our situation even harder to bear – we will be drowned. On the other hand, if we choose to trust in God and wait patiently, then we can face the situation with peace and strength, because He promised us that “those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. 但那等候耶和華的，必重新得力。他們必如鷹展翅上騰，他們奔跑卻不困倦，行走卻不疲乏。(Isaiah 40:31)”. In a similar teaching, Apostle Peter also asked us to cast all our anxiety on our Lord Jesus because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). King David in his psalm 40 also indicated to us his experience of delivery from God. He said, “I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. (Psalm 40:1) 我曾耐性等候耶和華，他垂聽我的呼求。”

Therefore, my dear friends and brothers and sisters, at the eve of year 2015, “let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. (Hebrew 10:23-24) 堅守我們所承認的指望，不致搖動，因為那應許我們的是信實的。又要彼此相顧，激發愛心，勉勵行善。” Please remember that the LORD is our shepherd.

May you have a great holidays and happy New Year!

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Disclaimer: The sharing is pure from my personal view; therefore, please don’t take it to be absolute. Thanks.

My colleague stopped by my office last Thursday to chat a little bit. In the end of our conversation, he sighed how fast time has gone – only two more weeks Christmas is coming. I replied to him, “Yes, it is truly flying!”
December is always a month of fast and busy month for my family. In order to be ready for the coming winter, we winterize house and cars, put lawn mower back to storage and refreshed snow shoveling equipment, etc., especially after saw the 8-foot of snow in Buffalo, we felt that we cannot take the preparation lightly. Besides, as Christmas and New Year are around the corner, preparing for church Christmas and New Year celebrations are also part of our busy schedule.

Apart from busying in all kinds of preparations, I do think December is particularly meaningful. I call it a month of blessing – it is the time of year that we celebrate our Lord Jesus’ birth to this world to take away our sin and it is also the time of year to enjoy family reunions and holiday relaxation when kids are off their schools.Thinking about “blessing”, I couldn’t help but to recall many blessings that I have received after 11+ months. To name a few: I am still alive and well; I am having a loving family; I am still being employed; I still have a place to stay; I have a bunch of friends who love me; I have a good and caring church to worship, etc. Aren’t they worthy of my remembering and appreciation? Sure, they are!

Then, a question comes to my mind: “Is there a best blessing of all – a blessing that we would rather give up all other blessings in order to receive it? In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus gave us “Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl”. He indicated that the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. 天國又好像買賣人尋找好珠子，遇見一顆重價的珠子，就去變賣他一切所有的，買了這顆珠子。(Matthew 13:45-46). In the merchant’s eye, the precious pearl is worthy of all his fortune and pursuit. Therefore, the best blessing of all is like the precious pearl to the merchant’s eye.

If we think the question further, we will ask, “What is the source of all blessings?” It is “Jesus Himself” because apostle Paul told us, “For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. 因為萬有都是靠他造的，無論是天上的、地上的，能看見的、不能看見的，或是有位的、主治的、執政的、掌權的，一概都是藉著他造的，又是為他造的。 他在萬有之先，萬有也靠他而立。(Colossians 1:16-17). Most importantly, without Him, as apostle Paul said, we are still in sin because there is no reconciliation between us and God – there is no path to redemption (John 14:6).

Therefore, my dear friends, do you like the best blessing of all? In this month of blessing, let me tell you that the best blessing of all is to receive Jesus into your heart, to have Him with you throughout your life.
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Disclaimer: The sharing is pure from my personal view; therefore, please don’t take it to be absolute. Thanks.

For most of us, month of November is a season of Thanksgiving. We thank God for His provision and His protection in the past. We also thank God for giving us friends, family and children. It is especially joyous and meaningful when we give thanks together through family gathering. Last Thursday, we had our kids back from college and many friends and families came to join our Thanksgiving night gathering. It is really great to see and to talk with everyone during the gathering. How can we not giving thanks?

 
On the other hand, the day after Thanksgiving, which is commonly known as Black Friday, is also marked the beginning of Christmas shopping for many of us. Last Friday afternoon, we decided to go with the flow by going to a local mall searching for good bargains. While we were strolling around the mall, I discovered that this year seems to be quieter than last year. Thinking it a little bit, a possible reason could due to we missed the traditional door-buster time or due to the fact that many stores had already started their Black Friday shopping time earlier – from Thanksgiving night. Interesting thing is: according to a recent consumer survey, many stores didn’t see their sales increase in this year, even with longer duration of shopping time was offered. So, go figure!

 
While we were walking around, we saw many stores posted “On Sale” signs on their windows. Its intent, presumably, is to draw more potential buyers to their stores. I did observe that those stores with higher % of discounts do attract more visits from deal hunters. Apparently, good bargains are always welcome. In fact, I don’t think there is anything wrong in looking for good bargains. However, from my past experience, we are more likely to buy things that are “non-essential” and / or buy things “with lower quality”, if we are compelled to buy them based on cheaper price solely. Therefore, caution should be taken when searching for “on sale” purchases. How about looking for “Not for sale” item? Should we still get it?

 
In the book of 1 Kings, chapter 21, it details a story that Ahab, the king of Samaria (Israel), coveted a vineyard belonging to Naboth the Jezreelite. The vineyard was in Jezreel, close to the palace of Ahab and Ahab was very eager to get it. If we think a little bit, we would find that for Ahab, it is really not necessary to add one more vineyard on top of many that he has already owned. However, His obsession of the vineyard eventually drove him to kill Naboth, through using his queen Jezebel’s scheme, in order to take over the vineyard. It is quite disturbing!

 
In this incident, Naboth repeatedly told Ahab that his vineyard is “Not for Sale” because Naboth believes that his land is belong to God since it was allocated to his ancestors by God. For this reason, the vineyard is not supposed to sell or transfer to others (Numbers 26:52-56). For doing so would dishonor God. Ahab, on the other hand, couldn’t give up his burning desire. So, what can we learn from this incident? Firstly, Naboth knows honoring God is more important than personal gains. The question to us is: Can we do the same? Secondly, Ahab’ coveting of Naboth’s possession blinds his conscience and cause Naboth’s life. This is a mistake that we should by all means avoid it.

 
My dear brothers and sisters, as we are entering the month of December, we should examine our minds constantly – Are we honoring our God? Do we shop for good bargains that are only necessary and good for others? May our Lord remember you and keep you as always!
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Disclaimer: The sharing is pure from my personal view; therefore, please don’t take it to be absolute. Thanks.