It is a myth that we naturally and intuitively know how to love. Here, I am not talking about just romantic love, though it is also included. Instead, I am talking about another kind of love that Jesus mentioned in Matthew 22:39, “love your neighbour.” Neighbour? What...
In my upbringing, the concept of "duty" is important. It's not about whether I like it or not, it's about "our" well-being. Mom started working after dinner, it's my duty to do the dishes. My sister will mop the floor.“Duty” is not a popular word. It implies an obligation. Somebody...
In 1975, 17-year-old Vera Brandes organized a late-night concert at the Opera House in Cologne, Germany, featuring the pianist Keith Jarrett. Due to some mistakes, on the concert night, the requested Bösendorfer 290 Imperial concert grand piano wasn’t prepared! To everybody’s...
Imagine with me: It is now December 31, 2020. (Yes, 2020. Not 2019.) You are hanging out with a group of friends. Since you guys have known one another for years and you trust one another, your sharing is usually deep and honest. Now, it is your turn for your annual “year-end game.&rdquo...
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 In Galatians 6:5, Paul teaches that “each one should carry his own load.” The idea here is that we should all be responsible for our own burdens. This is a hallmark of mature adults...
Early this week I had the privilege of teaching a session in the Macau Bible Institute. The current president of the Macau Bible Institute was my youth pastor when I was a teenager. He was also a great table tennis player – that’s why I faithfully attended youth fellowship! I went...
The Bible is full of inspiration. The Word of God brings comfort to the heart. It challenges us and wakes us up when we become complacent. The Bible is truly “living and active.” This year, I found myself returning to the same bible verse time after time. This Bible verse is...
Recently, I have been fascinated by something that I read, something that points to a common fallacy that we easily fall into but also something that few of us are willing to admit. Author Stephen Covey describes this type of thinking this way, “We judge ourselves by our intentions and...
Over the summer, I had a great time travelling with my family back to Scotland: the place where I studied and where my son was born. The last time we were there was 15 years ago and we have never been back since. The old places brought back a lot of great and not-so-great memories. There was...
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 Years ago, before I joined Island ECC as a pastor, I was...