簽名嗎？

幾個星期前有某位牧者（不是本會牧者）多次說笑般要求聽眾買新書的同時向他索取簽名。原因是他年紀老邁，看到他書中的簽名的時候好叫讀者為他禱告。我對此並不贊同。可是，我這樣的想法會否過分小心眼？若你當時也在場，有勞告訴我你的觀感。

To whom you give thanks?

When we festively enjoy this Thanksgiving season, the world has not slowed down its pace. Read this month's cover story of TIME.com--God vs. Science. Also you can find yet another article on wired.com titled "The Church of the Non-Believers". Both aimed at challenging Christianity with New Atheisism. Frquent readers of my blog would know my take on this debate. The reason behind my mentioning these two articles is a question--what are you doing this Thanksgiving? I cannot help but sensing two problems in our so-called Christian lives. I'll make it personal (as always) to illustrate my points.

First, take a moment to think about this question: are you in peace with your Lord?
I took a deep breath and came up with a picture of what I have done the last week. "Have I been in peace with God?" I asked myself. I did spend a lot of time sleeping and on gatherings. Did I spend enough time with Him this season of worship? I did sing some thanksgiving songs, had some group thanksgiving prayers and gave thanks in front of others a couple of times. I asked myself the third time, "was I in peace with my Heavenly Father?"

Second, while relaxing in this enjoyable moment of the year, I wonder, "did I come to others in His image in the last few days?" The world goes at its own pace, no matter we stand or rest. If I haven't poked around, I wouldn't come across the aforementioned articles. And who knows how many I have already missed? The point is not about catching up with every bit of news or current thinkings. Rather, read those articles carefully. Immerse yourself in them and then ask yourself, "where do I stand in these discussions?" How would you respond if a friend of yours come to you about these topics? The world is not going to wait for us to take response. If you feel responsible for taking a stand in this daily battle, you've got to learn about what's going on and diligently prepare for it. Many, many times I have read about Christians being criticized on making use of what being considered "stale" theological views, views that cannot keep up with the current world.

The English career fellowship in my church is called Connections. What a vision in this name! How are we connecting with the Creator who gave up His own life for our sins today? How are we connecting with our neighbors, our coworkers, and the others who are working hard at the other end of the world while we are celebrating our holidays? Dear Lord, please forgive me this thanksgiving season for my sins against you and my negligence towards you. Please give me wisdom and strength in living more Christ-like and making good connections with those around. May Your Spirit be with me and remind me of you day and night. In Jesus, my Lord and Savior's name, amen.