Here are my notes on MATTHEW 24 and 25.
Matthew records what Jesus says on a number of topics:
~ the temple
~ the end times (when) & the symptoms of those times
incl. the gospel being preached - ch.24, v.14
~ the actual event of the end times
incl. God's angels gathering His chosen ones
~ the end times (uncertainty of the exact day/hour)
~ the choices of the Master's servants,
to be faithful/wise or wicked/violent/drunk
~ parable of 10 virgins, illustrating wise & foolish approaches to waiting on the Master's arrival
~ parable of three servants entrusted with the property (talents) of the Master, illustrating that those who increase what He entrusts to them are good/faithful, while those who hide and do not put to work their Master's property are wicked/lazy [=slothful]
~ parable of the "sheep", who sought to help the least of their King's brothers; and the "goats", who did nothing for the least
_______________
I mention this because every now and then some Christian person of my parents' generation tells me that I should make more use of my "talents".
By which they mean things like my musical ability/training or my French language proficiency (not my teaching skill, as that's always being put to work).
I would like to propose that the Parable Of The Talents (as it is often called), is not ultimately about God giving us gifts and talents and us being wicked and lazy if we don't make every effort to subsequently develop and use these.
From my close reading of the passage, I do Not believe that God is telling me to keep up with my music and join the music ministry at my evening (or perhaps even my morning) church. Or that He is telling me I am wicked and lazy just because, between 2003 and 2009, I barely used my gift of French language at all.
I have more to say about what I think Matthew meant here in the context, but I'm going to have to leave things for the moment and get back on this hobby-horse next week (earliest - 2nd Dec.; latest - 5th Dec.). Paid work and Sunday School are quite demanding of my time at present.
Attendez-moi!
L/T.
27 November, 2009
25 November, 2009
Matthieu, le publicain, l'apôtre et l'écrivain
At the moment I'm on a devotional plod with former tax collector, apostle and gospel writer Matthew (alternate name Levi, son of Alphaeus). Considering the parables throughout MATTHEW 24 and 25.
For example, the well-known parable of the talents.
What does it really mean, in the context?
For that matter, what does it NOT mean?
Matthew's gospel is certainly not a simple walk in the park!
L/T.
For example, the well-known parable of the talents.
What does it really mean, in the context?
For that matter, what does it NOT mean?
Matthew's gospel is certainly not a simple walk in the park!
L/T.
23 November, 2009
À Dieu soit la gloire!!
My 4 y.o. cousin Jeremy is officially in remission!
*aeroplaning*
See the details at:
KESJ: Wonderful News !!!
God doesn't always answer our prayers just the way we want them.
But it's thrilling when He does!
Let the organ play..:
Great things He has taught us, great things He has done,
And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son,
But purer, and higher, and greater will be
Our wonder, our rapture, when Jesus we see!
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!
Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He has done.
{Lyrics by Fanny J. Crosby, first published 1875.
Music by William Howard Doane (1832-1915); year of composition unknown.}
L/T.
*aeroplaning*
See the details at:
KESJ: Wonderful News !!!
God doesn't always answer our prayers just the way we want them.
But it's thrilling when He does!
Let the organ play..:
Great things He has taught us, great things He has done,
And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son,
But purer, and higher, and greater will be
Our wonder, our rapture, when Jesus we see!
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!
Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He has done.
{Lyrics by Fanny J. Crosby, first published 1875.
Music by William Howard Doane (1832-1915); year of composition unknown.}
L/T.
Une soirée Jazz
While reading my CMS monthly prayer newsletter, I noticed the following on Day 18 (France):
"Pray..for the GBU's Soirée Jazz on 20 November, to be followed by a week of evangelistic dialogue meetings.."
From my understanding (which may require confirmation - j'espère qu'il y a un/e GBUssien/ne qui puisse m'aider confirmer ces informations), this Soirée Jazz event involves French students & others (predominantly non-Christian) being contacted (i.e. through Bible-stands) and invited by GBU-affiliated believers to the event to hear jazz music and a spoken presentation of the gospel.
Those who attend the event, and subsequently indicate interest in other GBU activities can then come along to other evangelistic events organised by GBUssiens/GBU partners.
I got in touch with Mia* (pseudonym), my Korean francophone sister from June/July mission, to find out how the evening had gone (20/11 was this Friday just past).
Here's an excerpt of her reply:
"La soirée s'est très bien passée, c'était K.[Kade*] et les deux autres collègues qui ont organisé et il y avait bq d'invités (environs 100 ps?)."
Translation:
The evening went very well, it was [Kade*] and two other colleagues who organised it, and there were many guests [i.e. non-GBUssiens who had been invited] (around 100 people?)..
If this be true, then - à Dieu soit la gloire, et beni soit son nom!!
In God my Saviour does my heart rejoice!
L/T.
"Pray..for the GBU's Soirée Jazz on 20 November, to be followed by a week of evangelistic dialogue meetings.."
From my understanding (which may require confirmation - j'espère qu'il y a un/e GBUssien/ne qui puisse m'aider confirmer ces informations), this Soirée Jazz event involves French students & others (predominantly non-Christian) being contacted (i.e. through Bible-stands) and invited by GBU-affiliated believers to the event to hear jazz music and a spoken presentation of the gospel.
Those who attend the event, and subsequently indicate interest in other GBU activities can then come along to other evangelistic events organised by GBUssiens/GBU partners.
I got in touch with Mia* (pseudonym), my Korean francophone sister from June/July mission, to find out how the evening had gone (20/11 was this Friday just past).
Here's an excerpt of her reply:
"La soirée s'est très bien passée, c'était K.[Kade*] et les deux autres collègues qui ont organisé et il y avait bq d'invités (environs 100 ps?)."
Translation:
The evening went very well, it was [Kade*] and two other colleagues who organised it, and there were many guests [i.e. non-GBUssiens who had been invited] (around 100 people?)..
If this be true, then - à Dieu soit la gloire, et beni soit son nom!!
In God my Saviour does my heart rejoice!
L/T.
20 November, 2009
Des gars, des bonhommes - amis de longtemps
ATTN:
Captain Samuel L.W. Chan (resident of Singapore), and Anthony Lui (resident of London).
If perchance you read this, my brothers (oops, nearly typed "bothers", hehe), this is just a quick acknowledgement that your names appeared on my trimesterly prayer calendar on WED. 18/11, and thus, you were duly prayed for (with reference to COLOSSIANS 1-2 and 1 THESSALONIANS 3).
If alive, do send word in the next year.
If dead, see you in the place that isn't hell!!
Your sister (or auntie, in Ant's case),
L/T.
Captain Samuel L.W. Chan (resident of Singapore), and Anthony Lui (resident of London).
If perchance you read this, my brothers (oops, nearly typed "bothers", hehe), this is just a quick acknowledgement that your names appeared on my trimesterly prayer calendar on WED. 18/11, and thus, you were duly prayed for (with reference to COLOSSIANS 1-2 and 1 THESSALONIANS 3).
If alive, do send word in the next year.
If dead, see you in the place that isn't hell!!
Your sister (or auntie, in Ant's case),
L/T.
19 November, 2009
Dieu peut-il utiliser les faibles?
Can God use weak people?
Can He use people who are the worst of sinners?
Can He use those who by nature are blasphemers, persecutors, violent?
People like ME (slow to listen, quick to speak and quick to become angry)?
There but for the grace of God go I.
And in light of that
- and a chunk of Bible text from 1 TIMOTHY 1
- I say:
"Here I am. Send me!"
________________
1 Timothée 1,12-17
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength,
that He considered me faithful,
appointing me to His service.
Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man,
I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.
The grace of our Lord was poured out on me
abundantly, along with the faith
and love that are in Christ Jesus.
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance:
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners
- of whom I am the worst.
But for that very reason I was shown mercy
so that in me, the worst of sinners,
Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience
as an example for those who would believe on Him
and receive eternal life.
Now to the King
eternal, immortal, invisible,
the only God,
be honor and glory for ever and ever.
L/T.
Can He use people who are the worst of sinners?
Can He use those who by nature are blasphemers, persecutors, violent?
People like ME (slow to listen, quick to speak and quick to become angry)?
There but for the grace of God go I.
And in light of that
- and a chunk of Bible text from 1 TIMOTHY 1
- I say:
"Here I am. Send me!"
________________
1 Timothée 1,12-17
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength,
that He considered me faithful,
appointing me to His service.
Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man,
I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.
The grace of our Lord was poured out on me
abundantly, along with the faith
and love that are in Christ Jesus.
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance:
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners
- of whom I am the worst.
But for that very reason I was shown mercy
so that in me, the worst of sinners,
Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience
as an example for those who would believe on Him
and receive eternal life.
Now to the King
eternal, immortal, invisible,
the only God,
be honor and glory for ever and ever.
L/T.
17 November, 2009
Je ne sais pas ce qui arrivera demain
I don't know about tomorrow,
It may bring me poverty;
But the One Who feeds the sparrow,
Is the One Who stands by me.
And the path that be my portion,
May be through the flame or flood,
But His presence goes before me,
And I'm covered with His blood.
Many things about tomorrow,
I don't seem to understand;
But I know Who holds tomorrow,
And I know Who holds my hand.
(From the hymn, "I know Who holds tomorrow"
- lyrics & music by Ira Stanphill, circa 1950)
I grew up with this hymn, and it is pure GOLD.
L/T.
It may bring me poverty;
But the One Who feeds the sparrow,
Is the One Who stands by me.
And the path that be my portion,
May be through the flame or flood,
But His presence goes before me,
And I'm covered with His blood.
Many things about tomorrow,
I don't seem to understand;
But I know Who holds tomorrow,
And I know Who holds my hand.
(From the hymn, "I know Who holds tomorrow"
- lyrics & music by Ira Stanphill, circa 1950)
I grew up with this hymn, and it is pure GOLD.
L/T.
16 November, 2009
Où se trouve le coeur de la bergère
Le 20 septembre, 2009
En ce jour-là, je me suis rendue compte que je voulais assister les GBUssiens et leurs responsables dans leur tâche d'annoncer la bonne nouvelle aux étudiants de France.
On m'a dit que ce n'était pas assez de faire un an avec les GBUs..qu'il valait mieux d'en considérer deux ans ou plus (longtemps, par exemple). Cela ne me derange pas; si Dieu le veut, je suis heureuse de donner tous les jours de ma vie à cette tâche.
Pourtant, on m'a parlé aussi de ce qu'il était necessaire de faire à propos de préparer pour deux ans (ou une vie) d'une telle tâche - il s'agit de deux ans de travail avec des étudiants chez moi, dans mon pays de naissance, avant de venir à l'étranger pour joindre les GBUssiens.
En ce moment, je travaille dans mes écoles, j'essaie de trouver plus de temps pour lire la Bible et prier, et je fais appel aux quelques responsables australiens pour apprendre de ce qui serait possible.
Soyez patient..encore!
L/T.
En ce jour-là, je me suis rendue compte que je voulais assister les GBUssiens et leurs responsables dans leur tâche d'annoncer la bonne nouvelle aux étudiants de France.
On m'a dit que ce n'était pas assez de faire un an avec les GBUs..qu'il valait mieux d'en considérer deux ans ou plus (longtemps, par exemple). Cela ne me derange pas; si Dieu le veut, je suis heureuse de donner tous les jours de ma vie à cette tâche.
Pourtant, on m'a parlé aussi de ce qu'il était necessaire de faire à propos de préparer pour deux ans (ou une vie) d'une telle tâche - il s'agit de deux ans de travail avec des étudiants chez moi, dans mon pays de naissance, avant de venir à l'étranger pour joindre les GBUssiens.
En ce moment, je travaille dans mes écoles, j'essaie de trouver plus de temps pour lire la Bible et prier, et je fais appel aux quelques responsables australiens pour apprendre de ce qui serait possible.
Soyez patient..encore!
L/T.
10 November, 2009
Conversation: jeune élève juif
Yesterday, while at the school of my Jews, I went out to one of the playground areas at 11h05, to say hello to a few of the kids I taught Music to in 2007 and 2008. They commented that they hadn't seen me in a while, so I explained how I'd visited Paris, London, HK and Paris again.
At which point one of the kids asked me if I'd been to Notre-Dame (famous cathedral in Paris).
I said, yes, but hadn't bothered to go inside, since I found even the outside quite disturbing.
At this child's look of surprise, I went on to explain, briefly, that because I am a Protestant Christian, I was not in agreement with (protesting against) the way the Catholic Church was running in France.
A tiny snapshot conversation with a Jewish former student. One little seed sown - one link in a chain that, who knows, might lead them to Yehoshua, the Moshiach (i.e. Jesus).
Random!
L/T.
At which point one of the kids asked me if I'd been to Notre-Dame (famous cathedral in Paris).
I said, yes, but hadn't bothered to go inside, since I found even the outside quite disturbing.
At this child's look of surprise, I went on to explain, briefly, that because I am a Protestant Christian, I was not in agreement with (protesting against) the way the Catholic Church was running in France.
A tiny snapshot conversation with a Jewish former student. One little seed sown - one link in a chain that, who knows, might lead them to Yehoshua, the Moshiach (i.e. Jesus).
Random!
L/T.
09 November, 2009
Jérémie, fils de ma cousine
To learn about my little "nephew" Jeremy (4 ans), who has been undergoing treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia since septembre, you can look at this link:
KESJ: 8 November 2009
http://blog.loui.com.au/2009/11/8-november-2009.html
It brings me great joy to announce the positive progress he has made - but my cousin's blog tells it best!
If you have a look, do THANK God for the gift of recovery from grave illnesses - this is (by the way) not the right of Christians, nor a sure promise we can always expect right here, right now, or in this lifetime.
It is a gift. A welcome gift, but a gift alone. (Not a right.) Read the Bible, know it well enough, and you will agree.
Jésus disait:
"In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart!
I have overcome the world."
JEAN 16,33
L/T.
KESJ: 8 November 2009
http://blog.loui.com.au/2009/11/8-november-2009.html
It brings me great joy to announce the positive progress he has made - but my cousin's blog tells it best!
If you have a look, do THANK God for the gift of recovery from grave illnesses - this is (by the way) not the right of Christians, nor a sure promise we can always expect right here, right now, or in this lifetime.
It is a gift. A welcome gift, but a gift alone. (Not a right.) Read the Bible, know it well enough, and you will agree.
Jésus disait:
"In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart!
I have overcome the world."
JEAN 16,33
L/T.
05 November, 2009
Deux écoles: juive ou chrétienne
Until the week ending 20th November, God has graciously provided work in two very different school environments.
Mes juifs
One school is an old hunting-ground of mine. Well - not really a hunting-ground. It's a Jewish school in the affluent/well-off suburbs east of the city of Sydney. It has been over 2 years since this school invited me to start work there as a Music teacher of K-2 (children aged from 5 to 8), Choir and Recorder ensemble leader, and piano accompanist for religious celebrations including Pesach, Siddurim and Mitzvah presentations.
This November, I return for my 3rd set of Mitzvah rehearsals. I play the piano, help the Kindergarten children consolidate their knowledge of the Hebrew or English songs they are singing, give them their musical cues to sing or stop at the right times, etc.
It's a very Jewish school - prayers (in Hebrew) every morning, emphasis on doing good works (mitzvot), trying to get in the good books of the Lord of the universe who made the heavens and the earth (Adon Olam - commonly referred to as Hashem).
What freedom my Jews have in Australia! - to live openly as the Jewish people, to observe their religious practices publicly, to let people (even Gentiles like me) know what they believe and why they believe it.
Mes élèves des familles qui n'opposent pas notre Évangile
Since 21st October, I've also been teaching 1 day per week at an Anglican school closer to the Southern Highlands than to Sydney suburbs (near Campbelltown). This school is overtly Christian - all teachers claim Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and themselves as His servants. (Well, we try the latter, anyway..) Each day in my "salle de classe" I am able to talk freely about the Lord Jesus as much as I want to my students - all aged between 10 and 12 years old. Most are from families that do not live under the Lordship of Christ - but who are open to their children being taught about Him.
What freedom we have in Australia! - to share our faith, to proclaim the gospel of Christ, to invite others to find out more about what we believe and why we believe it.
En dehors de mon pays?
But what of the lands outside this country?
Do they have such freedom?
I think not.
Can the good news of God the Son, Jesus Christ, be so freely proclaimed outside Australian borders?
In Asia?
In Europe?
I think not.
Then what am I still doing here, if I have the same passion for the lost as my Lord and Saviour does?
I cannot answer.
L/T.
Mes juifs
One school is an old hunting-ground of mine. Well - not really a hunting-ground. It's a Jewish school in the affluent/well-off suburbs east of the city of Sydney. It has been over 2 years since this school invited me to start work there as a Music teacher of K-2 (children aged from 5 to 8), Choir and Recorder ensemble leader, and piano accompanist for religious celebrations including Pesach, Siddurim and Mitzvah presentations.
This November, I return for my 3rd set of Mitzvah rehearsals. I play the piano, help the Kindergarten children consolidate their knowledge of the Hebrew or English songs they are singing, give them their musical cues to sing or stop at the right times, etc.
It's a very Jewish school - prayers (in Hebrew) every morning, emphasis on doing good works (mitzvot), trying to get in the good books of the Lord of the universe who made the heavens and the earth (Adon Olam - commonly referred to as Hashem).
What freedom my Jews have in Australia! - to live openly as the Jewish people, to observe their religious practices publicly, to let people (even Gentiles like me) know what they believe and why they believe it.
Mes élèves des familles qui n'opposent pas notre Évangile
Since 21st October, I've also been teaching 1 day per week at an Anglican school closer to the Southern Highlands than to Sydney suburbs (near Campbelltown). This school is overtly Christian - all teachers claim Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and themselves as His servants. (Well, we try the latter, anyway..) Each day in my "salle de classe" I am able to talk freely about the Lord Jesus as much as I want to my students - all aged between 10 and 12 years old. Most are from families that do not live under the Lordship of Christ - but who are open to their children being taught about Him.
What freedom we have in Australia! - to share our faith, to proclaim the gospel of Christ, to invite others to find out more about what we believe and why we believe it.
En dehors de mon pays?
But what of the lands outside this country?
Do they have such freedom?
I think not.
Can the good news of God the Son, Jesus Christ, be so freely proclaimed outside Australian borders?
In Asia?
In Europe?
I think not.
Then what am I still doing here, if I have the same passion for the lost as my Lord and Saviour does?
I cannot answer.
L/T.
03 November, 2009
La chaleur
Everything feels like it's heating up. There are November days in Sydney that just make you sick of summer. Even though technically, in Australia, it's still just springtime!
Today we experienced 37-degree temperatures. And, as often happens when such extremes hit, I have a headache I cannot get rid of.
It's not just the weather heating up though - work is, too. This school term (19th October to 9th December) I have work in Menangle, near Campbelltown NSW; also in Bondi Junction NSW, near the sea. Feels so busy. So much running around. And yet it's not even 5 days per week that I need to work!
Then again, maybe it's just the heat that seems to be adding to my stress levels.
Oh that it were cooler!
And calmer.
It's like I don't have time to think.
Not even about the future.
L/T.
Today we experienced 37-degree temperatures. And, as often happens when such extremes hit, I have a headache I cannot get rid of.
It's not just the weather heating up though - work is, too. This school term (19th October to 9th December) I have work in Menangle, near Campbelltown NSW; also in Bondi Junction NSW, near the sea. Feels so busy. So much running around. And yet it's not even 5 days per week that I need to work!
Then again, maybe it's just the heat that seems to be adding to my stress levels.
Oh that it were cooler!
And calmer.
It's like I don't have time to think.
Not even about the future.
L/T.
Anniversaire de mon père (en retard)
In the last post I neglected to mention my father's birhday.
Oops!
Happy birthday, Dad (wherever you are in Asia) - PHIL. 4:19.
L/T.
Oops!
Happy birthday, Dad (wherever you are in Asia) - PHIL. 4:19.
L/T.
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