Twice as Much

GROUP DEVOTION - DECEMBER 26, 2009

Today´s Passage: Zech. 9:11-17

撒 迦 利 亞 9:12 你 們 被 囚 而 有 指 望 的 人 都 要 轉 回 保 障 。 我 今 日 說 明 ， 我 必 加 倍 賜 福 給 你 們 。
"Return to your fortress, o prisoners of hope, even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you" (Zechariah 9:12, NIV)

Today´s Word:
God wants to bring to pass everything that He´s promised to you! He longs to give you the deepest desires of your heart. He wants to restore to you twice as much as what´s been stolen from you! But you have to do your part and stay filled with hope. That means that no matter how long you´ve been in that negative situation, no matter how many setbacks you´ve suffered; you´ve got to get up each day with the attitude that this could be the day God turns it all around!

The Bible says that the Name of the Lord is a strong tower. When you put your trust and hope in Him, you are in a fortress of strength. Nothing can steal your joy, peace, or enthusiasm. You are positioned for victory! You are positioned for power! And you are positioned to receive everything God has in store for you!



Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness. Thank You for Your promise to restore every area of my life. I choose to be a prisoner of hope trusting in Your Name alone. I bless You today and always. In Jesus´ Name, Amen.

Meditation:
What Promise from God do you need to claim in His name today? Does your inner flame glow with a passion to claim this promise? How can I prevent anything or anyone from stealing my joy, peace, and passion?

(Adapted from Joel Osteen Ministry Devotion Series; Cantonese version available in video.)

Your Appointed Time

GROUP DEVOTION - NOVEMBER 28, 2009

Today´s Passage: Hab. 2:2-20

哈 巴 谷 書 2:3 因 為 這 默 示 有 一 定 的 日 期 ， 快 要 應 驗 ， 並 不 虛 謊 。 雖 然 遲 延 ， 還 要 等 候 ； 因 為 必 然 臨 到 ， 不 再 遲 延 。

"For the vision is yet for an appointed time…though it tarry, wait for it" (Habakkuk 2:3 KJV)

Today´s Word:
God has an appointed time to fulfill the visions, dreams, and desires in your heart. Just because it has taken a long time or because you´ve tried and failed, doesn´t mean it´s not going to happen. Don´t give up on those dreams! Don´t be complacent about pursuing what God has placed in your heart. Our God is a faithful God. No matter how long it´s been, no matter how impossible things looks, if you´ll stay in faith, your appointed time is coming.

Remember, every dream that´s in your heart, every promise that has taken root, God put it in there. And not only that, but He has every intention of bringing it to pass. Hold on to that vision today by declaring, "My time is coming. God is working behind the scenes on my behalf. I will fulfill my destiny!" As you continue to hold on to that vision and speak life over your dreams, you´ll see them begin to take shape. You´ll see your faith grow, you´ll see your hope strengthen, and you´ll see yourself step into the destiny God has prepared for you!



Prayer:
Father in heaven, I receive Your truth today. I receive Your promises today. I ask that You ignite my heart with Your holy fire so that I can pursue Your perfect plan for my life. Make my thoughts and words agreeable to Your will. In Jesus´ Name, Amen.

Meditation:

What dreams do you have in your heart right now? If your dream has been dead, what does it take to revive it? If your dream is not budding, what is preventing it from growing?

(Adapted from Joel Osteen Ministry Devotion Series; Cantonese version available in video.)

For Your Sake

GROUP DEVOTION - OCTOBER 31, 2009

Today´s Passage: 2 Peter 3:1-9

彼 得 後 書 3:9 主 所 應 許 的 尚 未 成 就 ， 有 人 以 為 他 是 耽 延 ， 其 實 不 是 耽 延 ， 乃 是 寬 容 你 們 ， 不 願 有 一 人 沉 淪 ， 乃 願 人 人 都 悔 改

"The Lord isn´t really being slow about His promise, as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake…" (2 Peter 3:9, NLT)

Today´s Word:
It doesn´t take very long to discover that God´s timing is not always our timing. It´s easy to question and wonder why you´ve been waiting for your breakthrough for 15 years and your neighbor got their breakthrough in 15 minutes! In the Bible, Abraham waited 20 years for his promise, and in the upper room the disciples waited about ten days. I don´t know how long you´ll have to wait, but you´ve got to understand that God has your best interest at heart. He is being patient for your sake. He´s aligning things and waiting for the exact right moment! If you´ll just continue waiting with the right attitude, then at the right time, God will bring it to pass.

Remember, God is always working behind the scenes for your good. Just because you don´t see any changes taking place doesn´t mean they aren´t happening. Keep standing, keep believing, and keep hoping because your breakthrough is coming for your sake!




Prayer:
Father in heaven, today I choose to surrender all my questions, all my fears, and all my doubts. I know that You have only my best interest at heart. I trust You and believe that You are working behind the scenes for my sake. In Jesus´ Name, Amen.

Meditation:
Have you ever given up on something or someone too early and thus ended up regretting for not waiting? What drives you not to wait a little longer? What could have caused you to persevere and endure?

(Adapted from Joel Osteen Ministry Devotion Series; Cantonese version available in video.)

He Collects Your Tears

GROUP DEVOTION - SEPTEMBER 26, 2009

Today´s Passage: Psalm 56:1-13

詩 篇 56:8 我 幾 次 流 離 ， 你 都 記 數 ； 求 你 把 我 眼 淚 裝 在 你 的 皮 袋 裡 。 這 不 都 記 在 你 冊 子 上 麼 ？

"You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in Your bottle. You have recorded each one in Your book" (Psalm 56:8, NLT)

Today´s Word:
Do you know how important you are to God? He cares so much about every detail of your life. He cares about your thoughts, feelings, and emotions. In fact, what you are going through is so important to Him that He records every sorrow and collects every tear you´ve shed.

Why would God record your sorrows and collect your tears? It´s because He loves you so much. He is your Defender. He´s keeping account of every wrong that´s ever been done to you so that He can make up for every single one of them. He wants to restore everything that has ever been stolen. He wants to heal every single hurt and pain. He sees the longings and desires of your heart, and you can rest assured that behind the scenes He is working things out for your good!

Be reminded that God is with you today. He is on your side. He has your best interest at heart, and He is working to bring restoration and peace to every area of your life. Keep standing, keep believing, and keep doing the right thing because the One who collects your tears will restore every broken place in your life!



Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me and setting me free. Thank You for being my Defender. I choose to release every hurt, pain and sorrow, knowing that You will make all things new. In Jesus´ Name, Amen.

Meditation:
When was the last time you shed a tear? Do you believe that God has been keeping account of your tears? How did you think God would collect your tears and restore your broken heart?

(Adapted from Joel Osteen Ministry Devotion Series; Cantonese version available in video.)

Natural vs. Spiritual

Oswald Sanders wrote in his classic book Spiritual Leadership about the following differences between our Natural vs. Spiritual behaviors.

NATURAL ========= SPIRITUAL

Self-confident ----------- Confident in God

Knows men -------------- Also knows God

Makes own decision ------ Seeks God's will

Ambitious ------------------ Self-effacing

Uses own methods ------- Finds and follows God's methods

Commands others ------- Objey God

Motivated by self -------- Motivated by love for God and man

Independent ------------- God-dependent

Our old self often stands in the way of our goal towards Spiritual Maturity. Spiritual goal requires spiritual means. Thankfully, it is possible for us to get there through God by prayer with the help of the Holy Spirit.

A Love Letter from Jesus (with Reply from Martha)

During my long spiritual journey, I have treasured a very meaningful "Love Letter from Jesus" which was circulating on the Internet. I liked this letter so much that I translated it into Chinese, and then authored a follow-up letter titled "A Reply from Martha", acknowledging that we all share the "DNA" of Martha sometimes.

Please click HERE and listen to both audio letters, which I co-produced with a few dear CSAFers. (See if you can recognize their voices.)

The Lyrics of The Love Letter from Jesus is provided below.

How are you? I just had to send you this letter to tell you how much I love you and care about you. I saw you yesterday as you were walking with your friends. I waited all day, hoping you would walk and talk with me also. As evening drew near, I gave you a sunset to close your day and a cool breeze to rest you. Then I waited, but you never came. O yes, it hurt me, but I still love you because I am your friend.

I saw you fall asleep last night, and I longed to touch your brow so I spilled moonlight upon your pillow and your face ... Again I waited, wanting to rush down so we could talk. I have so many gifts for you.

You awakened late this morning and rushed off for the day. My tears were in the rain. Today you looked so sad, so alone. It makes my heart ache because I understand. My friends let me down and hurt me many times but I love you. I try to tell you in the quiet green grass. I whisper it in the leaves and trees and breathe it in the colours of the flowers. I whisper it to you in the mountain streams and give the birds love songs to sing. I clothe you with warm sunshine and perfume the air. My love for you is deeper than the oceans and bigger than the biggest want or need you could ever have.

We will spend eternity together in heaven. I know how hard it is on earth. I really know because I was there and I want to help you. My Father wants to help you, too. He's that way, you know. Just call me, ask me, talk to me. It is your decision ... I have chosen you and because of this I will wait ... Because I love you.

Your Friend,
JESUS

Direct Line to Heaven

I heard a funny joke about "Talking to Heaven" by Pastor Joel Osteen of Lakewood Church in Texas. It always brings smile to my heart everytime I listen to it.

Click HERE to play the audio. Enjoy!

Remember that wherever your DEVOTION PLACE may be, it will also be a LOCAL CALL !

Rise Above the Earth

To look above the horizon in near-space, the secret is figuring out which facet of our life to motivate to embrace the issues of life. Our hearts have to: rise to an altitude high enough to pursue God's will, withstand extreme pressure of the peers, and be trackable from where we got lost in our life. All you need is a committed heart, and some willing time to try.

Preparing to Meet God

God does not quickly run into someone's presence. There is no place for a sleepy, careless attitude in contacting and communing with the living God. We must prepare ourselves for it.

Here are a few reminders when you do your daily devotion:

(1) Be willing to obey
(2) Be sensitive to listen
(3) Be clean in your hearts
(4) Show a deep respect for God's presence

You need to meet regularly with God. Priority number one is to find a place where you won't be disturbed for a minimum of 30 minutes. Go to any safe place. Put up a "Do Not Disturb" sign if you have to.

You must provide yourself with that place these things:
(1) Desk - sit down in a comfortable posture.
(2) Light - ensure you have plenty of illumination for reading.
(3) Bible - read the printed scriptures systematically. Don't rely on your memory.
(4) Journal - use a note-pad to remember what God says. This is your personal life-book.

Your spiritual journey starts today!

p.s. To show your reverence for God Almighty, I learned that some may choose to take off their shoes, clean up well, turn off cell phone, etc. Whatever you desire to do for such sacred moment, that is between you and God.

Small Group Devotion Series (2009-2010)

DEVOTION COMPASS

Main Goals:

• Practice devotion daily (or weekly at the minimum).

• Re-calibrate our life to depend on God more.

• Create a quiet environment (STILL TIME, SAFE PLACE, SYSTEMATIC SCRIPTURES).

• Form a habit (Learn from others, Practice useful skills, Nurture a desire to meet Jesus).

• Do it together on the last Saturday of each month.

• Utilize common devotion materials to promote sharing of experience.

Please PRAY for your commitment to participating during the coming year.

He Who Honors God

A recent movie night for my small group rekindled the smoldering fire within me. Eleven of us (including little Susan) watched the classic film 'Chariots of Fire' together at my home. The immediate audience reaction to different scenes was priceless. You have to be there to feel the disappointment when Eric Liddell was bumped off the track, and the elation when he rised up from the dirt to break the tape at the finish-line. Of course, who can forget the little girl's blush when Eric winked at her jokingly during a church service scene?

Though it was my seventh time viewing this movie, its impact on me remains strong as ever. At the 400-meter final heat, Liddell (the Christian giant who refused to dishonor God on Sabbath Day and gave up his chance of winning the 100-meter race which happened to be on a Sunday) honored God, and God honored him in return. This was indeed a great learning moment for all of us. Let us continue to run the best race we can in our life to honor God, for His pleasure. He promised to honor those who honor Him. Amen!

撒 母 耳 記 上 2:30: "因 此 ， 耶 和 華 ─ 以 色 列 的 　 神 說 ： 我 曾 說 ， 你 和 你 父 家 必 永 遠 行 在 我 面 前 ； 現 在 我 卻 說 ， 決 不 容 你 們 這 樣 行 。 因 為 尊 重 我 的 ， 我 必 重 看 他 ； 藐 視 我 的 ， 他 必 被 輕 視 。"

1 Samuel 2:30: "Therefore the LORD God of Israel declares, 'I did indeed say that your house and the house of your father should walk before Me forever'; but now the LORD declares, 'Far be it from Me--for those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me will be lightly esteemed."

---

To re-trace this memorable moment, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwyltmUR3MU&feature=related

Dubai - Heaven On Earth?

The Dubai Short-Term Mission Team (DSTMT) has had a brief taste of the so-called 'Heaven On Earth" for two weeks. Is it really as glamorous as advertized? As my flight touched down at DXB, I immediately marveled at the lavishly designed skyscrapers, competing for the pitch-dark skyline. I noticed that the airport police does not carry any visible weapon or gun. I reasoned that everyone here is so rich that they want for nothing. The crime rate here must have been much much lower than that of L.A. However, on the very next day, I witnessed first-hand the rudeness of a local Arab quarreling over a minor traffic issue. My impression of Dubai as the 'Heaven On Earth' immediately changed. At any rate, I was glad to be in Dubai as a member of the DSTMT, bringing a message of hope and love in Jesus name to the hundreds of foreign Chinese laborers we came into contact. May they all find Jesus as their personal source of faith, hope, and love, especially during today's turbulent time of global financial tsunami.

Young Chinese Professionals in Dubai

These young professionals are only in their 20s, yet they have left China and come to Dubai for better job opportunities. All of them are well-educated college graduates in China, but they are now working in hotels or restaurants as waiters and waitresses. When we played games with them, they are all full of energy. That night, I had the chance to share my personal salvation testimony, and to remind them of the importance of caring for one another, rejoicing in the Lord always, and bonding with unity in Christ. I pray that my spiritual journey can be an encouragement to these young people as they grow up through life. We left the sand dune just a few minutes after mid-night. How I wish that their future will be filled with better opportunities than what they have now in Dubai. More importantly, I pray that they will all grow up spiritually to become stronger and more matured Christian leaders when they return to China some day.

These young people enjoyed singing Amy Sand's song, especially "有一天" (One Day). Here is the lyrics:　(詞曲：盛曉玫One Day music/lyrics: Amy Sand)
有一天, 你若覺得失去勇氣,
有一天, 你若真的想放棄,
有一天, 你若感覺沒人愛你,
有一天, 好像走到谷底.

那一天, 你要振作你的心情,
那一天, 你要珍惜你自己,
那一天, 不要忘記有人愛你,
那一天, 不要輕易說放棄.

這個世界, 真有一位上帝,
祂愛你, 祂願意幫助你,
茫茫人海, 雖然寂寞,
祂愛能溫暖一切冷漠,
這個世界, 真有一位上帝,
祂的雙手, 渴望緊緊擁抱你,
漫漫長夜, 陪你走過,
祂愛你, 伴你一生之久.

Celebrating 2009 New Year Eve in the Sand Dune

The foreign workers work long hours. During their break time, at around 8pm, we met them in the sand dune nearby their workplace. The sand dune location is not marked at all. I am sure I will get lost if I were to go there by myself. You got to have been there a good number of times before you can recognize where exactly it is located. Of course, Pastor Sze knows the way, just like a shepherd who knows his sheep. After walking through the sand for about ten minutes, we finally arrived at our destination in a trough area away from the windward side. There we were greeted by about 30 workers waiting for the program to start. That night, we led the praise time for about 30 minutes, then sister Agnes shared her personal testimony. In the cool of desert night, Paster Sze gave a message of hope right on the New Year Eve of 2009. Then we divided up into small groups to pray for one another. We not only prayed for the future of the foreign workers, but also for the future of their mother land China. May the testimonies of these Christian workers in Dubai shine forth as the light of the world wherever they go.

There's a Story Behind Each Face

Many Chinese workers lived in the apartment complex nearby the Dragon Mart. Here sister Lo opens her apartment home for gathering. I was told a good number of Chinese workers currently reside at this small apartment. I had a good chat with brother Li Chen, who came from northern China (he is seating by the door in the picture). He told me he accepted Christ about 3 years ago, and he works in the bathroom products business. But due to the economic turmoil in Dubai, he must now return to China. It was a joy listening to his stories about his witnessing to a non-believer friend and his personal testimonies about his overcoming the temptation of greed. Along with many other Chinese transient workers, Li lived at sister Lo's apartment which is full of bunked beds. Just a side note, when I entered her apartment, I met an Indian man who is typing at a computer to access the Internet. Then I realized that sister Lo is also running a home business servicing as an "Internet Bar". To make room for our gathering that night, all of the computer terminals have already been put aside by the walls. Praise God that sister Lo is willing to let Pastor Sze use her place for fellowship and outreach. The Dubai Short Term Mission Team (DSTMT) spent some one-on-one time with every single visitors. Initially, two DSTMT members chatted with one visitor. As more visitors arrived, we divided up into smaller groups. The small room of about 200 square feet was quickly filled with more than ten tenants who just returned from their work in the Dragon Mart. Then, Paster Sze shared some words of encouragement, and publicized about the upcoming baptism a few days later (Jan 2). Praise the Lord, several of sister Lo's tenants came and got baptized right on that day. The wonderful work of God continues in Dubai.

Work on the Knees

All work begins with the words of prayer. God already knew our needs even before we ask Him. Indeed, He loves to hear our prayer. Even Christ Himself listens carefully to our petition so that He can intercede on our behalf. Right after our worship on the Lord's Day (which is on Friday in Dubai), Pastor Sze called for a prayer circle to petition on behalf of a sister (facing out in the picture on right) whose husband is still not a Christian yet. We all kneeled down and prayed fervently for his salvation. There were tears streaming down from her face. And we all look forward to hearing from our sister the good results of our prayer some day.

First Experience of a Home Church in Dubai

On the second last day of our trip, Pastor Sze requested two Dubai Short Term Mission Team (DSTMT) members, with 1 brother and 1 sister, to join him and visit a male worker camp in the suburb. He told us that the dormitory room we planned to visit is not big enough to fit the entire DSTMT team. So, he left it to our own discretion. Except for two members who had to stay behind to plan for the next day, the rest of us (2 brothers and 4 sisters) were able to sign on. Upon our arrival after an hour's drive, I immediately sensed tension in the air at the gate of the compound (see picture). Seeing a few police cars parked outside the gate, Pastor Sze cautioned that we probably shouldn't stay for too long. (We later found out that there had been some incidents within the compound earlier that day caused by some racial disturbance between the Chinese and Indian workers.) At any rate, Pastor Sze led us to a small dormitory room (about 10 feet by 20 feet) occupied by a Christian brother. Within 5 minutes, about 15 brothers showed up. Then, sister Jane shared her testimony to encourage them, and we all sang a few songs, including "有一位神" (There is One God). Then Pastor Sze's shared a brief message about peace. It was such a cozy meeting with no room to spare; everyone was jam-packed shoulder-to-shoulder just like those home churches in China. I sensed God's presence in that little room with His protective arms over-shadowing His sheep. Since it is not proper to bring so many visitors (especially females) into a male worker compound, we did not stay for too long. Right before we departed, we sang for them their most favorite song "我今天為你祝福" (Today I Bless Thee). Its lyrics speak from our hearts: "我今天為你祝福，耶和華必天天看顧， 你在家，在外，你出你入，耶和華必一路保護， 你當除去恐懼的心，因為這不是從神來， 靠著耶穌永不搖動，我們一生蒙了大福。" Trying not to cause any unnecessary trouble to our Christian brothers, we left quietly from the back side. During this quick 30 minutes visit, I witnessed first-hand the harshness faced by our brothers in the dormitory. And I felt really blessed being able to worship freely and comfortably back in the U.S.

A Fortress in the Desert

For two weeks, the Dubai STMT (DSTMT) stayed in this comfortable two-storey house, hosted by a Singapore brother Samuel who has a vision for the gospel and a heart to outreach to the people in Afghanistan and in Dubai. His wife Ling is a wonderful cook. Here in this spiritual fortress in the desert, the DSTMT was fed healthily every morning before we departed for each spiritual battle. In the evening, after we returned from a long day of work, we were always treated with surprises and surprises of delicious dinner. I thank God for their faithful service. May God continue to bless their ministry in Dubai. Interestingly enough, a Moslem mosque is nearby this house. Every morning, the mosque's loudspeakers broadcast its chanting of Islamic prayer call at about 5am and at 7am. God does have a sense of humor; He utilized these chanting calls to keep our work schedule on time. We never needed an alarm clock to wake up.

An Evening of God's Working in Dubai

Under the cover of the night, the remaining 6 Dubai Short-Term Mission Team (DSTMT) members (Janet Suen, Stanley, Janet Lau, Vicky, Wei-Wei, and Victor) held our last rally at the designated worship center which is located about 1 hour's drive away from our residence. Upon our arrival, a crowd of more than 170 foreign Chinese workers had already gathered, eagerly waiting. There the DSTMT praised God with them together and offered our personal testimonies of thanksgiving. Actually, this rally was also a special evening celebrating the 2 year anniversary of the Dubai Ministry started by Pastor Sze and his co-workers. When Pastor Sze asked if there were any born-again Christians who wanted to be baptized, about 25 to 30 people raised their hands (as seen in the picture). Within 30 minutes, all of them (with a couple sisters) were baptized right on the spot. I thank God for the moving of the Holy Spirit. And I could clearly see the genuine smile on their faces. Though the future of these foreign workers may be uncertain, I am confident that they are all in the good care of God's loving hands, guiding them through every single step of their way. Personally, I had never witnessed such an unreserved response to the call for baptism by so many Christians all at the same time. For those Christians who have been contemplating about baptism for over ten or twenty years, perhaps this may prompt them to act more quickly to get baptized.

My Personal Testimony - 我的個人見証

我是張樹德, 從小我的性格都很孤僻, 能夠談上心事的朋友是聊聊可數. 每當有團體的活動都沒有人來邀請我去參加, 我就仿如一個孤島, 無人問津. 我冰冷地喊著說 : 我是一塊石頭, 我是一個孤島.

美國的歌手Paul Simon曾經說:
「我要築起圍牆,
我不需要友誼, 友誼帶來痛苦…
我是一塊石頭, 我是一個孤島.
一塊石頭不會感到痛苦.
一個孤島不會哭泣. 」

在中學最後一年還未進入大學的暑假, 我踏出了離開孤僻的第一步 -- 我主動參加了香港救世軍中心主辦的暑期義工. 在這兩個多月裡, 我結交了一班參加義工的新朋友.我們一起主辦兒童活動, 清潔公園等等. 這經驗讓我初嚐真誠的友誼, 至今仍是瀝瀝在目. 我感覺到友誼所帶來的喜樂.

後來我一個人從香港來到美國中部的一個鄉村小鎮唸大學. 這裡很偏僻, 我這個在都市中長大的香港人,要面對在生活上和言語上很大的挑戰. 我舉目無親, 好像又回到心中的孤島. 第二年, 我結識了一些基督徒的同學. 他們慢慢地幫助我去接觸基督教. 我開始認識這位對我似乎陌生, 但又讓我感覺到衪存在的神.

每當我感到無力, 孤單, 徬徨的時候, 我這個遊子也曾向這位神呼求. 那時,我仍不是基督徒, 但心中有個意念, 就是「若人不能做的事, 這位神一定能夠做得到」. 但是當問題順利解決之後, 我自以為這都是因為自己的努力, 這位我曾經向祂呼求的神,已經被我丟在心中的角落, 被我遺忘了. 相反, 現在回想, 我知道神從來沒有忘記我.

大學畢業前那年的冬天, 我與朋友們第一次來到美國西部的「大峽谷」渡假. 我站在嚴峻的大峽谷邊緣, 心中充滿自信. 我想:「若是我努力不懈地去奮鬥, 我一定有飛黃騰達的一天」. 誰不知, 小小的我, 在宏偉的大峽谷相比之下, 實在太渺小了. 有時, 當我的心靜下來的時候, 我思想到那讓這深達千里的「大峽谷」從無變有的創造主. 我知道我的生命都是在祂指頭的掌管之下. 在那一刻, 神使我感受到祂的存在. 祂回到我空虛的心田裡.

後來, 我來到洛杉磯唸研究院, 主修工商管理和電腦. 當時, 我一心一意要開始我「淘金的美國夢」. 在我剛剛到達洛杉磯的第一天, 雖然人生路不熟, 我卻找到三位室友一同租兩個房間. 誰不知, 他們都是基督徒. 我一再肯定, 神從來沒有離開我.

有一個晚上, 我與我的室友聊天, 我們談天說地, 講到人生, 哲學, 宗教的問題. 他突然問我 : 「你想認識神嗎? 」 我告訴他我對神並不陌生, 而且我曾在天主教的中學唸書, 可是從來未有人向我傳福音和教我如何認識神. 他接著就打開聖經告訴我 : 「因為人犯了罪, 以致與神分開, 但藉著聖子耶穌在十字架上所流的寶血, 就能洗淨我心中的污穢, 只要我願意承認所犯的罪. 神是信實的, 是公義的, 祂必能赦免我的罪, 更成為神的兒女」. 我說我願意悔改, 接受耶穌作我生命的救主. 從那一刻, 我一直以來心中的孤僻和空虛, 就被主耶穌填滿了. 我不再是孤島.

成為基督徒之後, 我仍然努力去完成學業和工作. 但我的人生目標再不是「淘金的美國夢」. 我的價值觀不再是單為自己, 而是要藉著聖經(就是神的話語)去遵守神的教導. 在馬太福音第六章25至29節, 耶穌說 : 「不要為生命憂慮, 喫甚麼, 喝甚麼, 為身體憂慮穿甚麼. 生命不勝於飲食麼. 野地裡的百合花, 怎麼長起來. 它也不勞苦, 也不紡線, 然而我告訴你們, 就是所羅門極榮華的時候, 他所穿戴的還不如這花一朵呢? 」 . 我真正體會到人生的目的和意義.

我新的生命已經從孤島中走出來了. 主耶穌成為了我生命的力量和方向. 每當我感到徬徨的時候, 我可以向我的神禱告, 去尋求衪的幫助和指導. 更重要的是耶穌就是道路, 真理, 生命. 祂讓我能夠走上永生的路. 朋友, 我熱誠的希望你也能夠.