Define Yourself (or You Will Be Falsely Defined) (Mark 3:20-35)
This week, I watched a thought-provoking debate between Richard Dawkins and Ayaan Hirsi Ali. Many of you know Richard Dawkins, a reductionist atheist who wrote the famous book, “The God Delusion.” I mentioned him a few weeks ago in another message.
Ayaan Hirsi Ali grew up as a Muslim and became an atheist after moving to Europe. Ever since then, she has criticized all religions, including Christianity. She frequently appeared on CNN and other channels. Dawkins and Ali were partners in crime, promoting atheism.
However, in a truly unexpected and dramatic twist, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a staunch critic of all religions, recently underwent a profound transformation. She found solace and redemption in Christianity, accepting Jesus Christ as her personal savior. This seismic shift, a shock to Richard Dawkins, sparked a heated debate on her newfound faith.
The debate, a battle of intellectual giants, is a must-watch. It delves into the survival of Western civilization, the well-being of our children, and the future generations, all in the context of the pervasive mind virus of wokeism and Marxism.
The debate, a clash of two levels of consciousness, is fascinating. Both Ayaan Hirsi Ali and Richard Dawkins were once intellectual radical atheists. However, Ayaan Hirsi Ali has ascended to a higher level of consciousness, recognizing the destructive nature of radical atheism and the vacuum it created for the mind viruses to infest.
I have noticed in this debate that Ayaan Hirsi Ali is considerate, but Richard Dawkins is condescending. According to the Taoist philosophy of Laozi and Zhuangzi, persons of lower consciousness tend to be condescending and sarcastic.
For example, Zhuangzi began his book by telling the story of the Peng bird with a thousand miles of wingspan, flying 9,000 miles above the sky. A cicada looks up at the giant Peng bird flying above him and says it is stupid and useless to fly that high. But the Peng bird doesn’t care what the cicada says because they belong to two different worlds—heaven and earth.
There are many stories like this in Zhuangzi. When a person of lower consciousness can’t understand that of a higher consciousness, they try to define them using condescending terms. On the contrary, a person from a higher consciousness is considerate when dealing with them, as Paul put it, speaking the truth in love.
In the debate, Richard Dawkins constantly tries to define Ayaan Hirsi Ali using condescending words like BS, nonsense, ridiculous, etc. Dawkins's book title is also condescending, “The God Delusion.”
On the contrary, Ayaan Hirsi Ali politely invites him to see what she sees, mainly how atheism has caused the potential extinction of the great Western civilization in recent decades.
Richard Dawkins has also recently softened his stance on atheism. He now calls himself a cultural Christian because he appreciates Christian culture, art, and music. The irony is that he enjoys the fruit but wants to kill the tree. Isn’t it hypocrisy? People like this are not conscious of their own hypocrisy but quick to define others.
Jesus doesn't allow the hypocrites to define him. They called him Beelzebul, the head of the demons. Even his family thought he had gone insane and tried to stop him. Jesus prevents being defined by defining himself according to God’s definition.
The truth is, if you don’t define yourself, the world will define you. In fact, the world is constantly defining you. There are numerous Richard Dawkins, Sam Harrises, and the like who try to define you as delusional, BS, ridiculous, nonsense, and so on.
How do you define yourself? You can’t define yourself based on your own fantasy of who you think you are. The best way to define yourself is based on what God thinks you are. Today, we will look at how Jesus defined himself and defend his definition when he was being defined by the world. So, let’s begin!
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21/05/2024
We tend to gather more than we need. This week, get rid of at least three items in your house that you no longer use or need. If possible, try and donate or regift those items if they’re still of use; otherwise, throw them away. Purging your space will make you more open to more possibilities in the future.
Only a cultivated life bears fruit, and only a fruitful life is worth living. Spiritual Fitness Center provides a unique and effective process for self-cultivation.
The benefits of spiritual fitness include: improved emotional well-being, strengthened ability to manage stress, enhanced self-awareness, increased sense of purpose, enriched ability to experience joy and happiness, deepened connection to oneself, greater resilience in the face of challenges, expanded capacity for forgiveness, heightened sense of gratitude, uncommon inner peace, strengthened intuition, effective leadership.
There are over 100 benefits of spiritual fitness that can make the rest of your life the best of your life. To learn more, visit SpiritualFitness.org. Looking forward to seeing you there. (https://SpiritualFitness.org).
-Fitness -being -management -management
14/05/2024
This week, choose one thing each day to focus your attention on as you do it. For example, wash your face and pay attention to the feeling of water on your skin. Or, buy yourself some nice chocolate and eat it as slowly as possible, enjoying each note and flavor that comes up.
Only a cultivated life bears fruit, and only a fruitful life is worth living. Spiritual Fitness Center provides a unique and effective process for self-cultivation.
The benefits of spiritual fitness include: improved emotional well-being, strengthened ability to manage stress, enhanced self-awareness, increased sense of purpose, enriched ability to experience joy and happiness, deepened connection to oneself, greater resilience in the face of challenges, expanded capacity for forgiveness, heightened sense of gratitude, uncommon inner peace, strengthened intuition, effective leadership.
There are over 100 benefits of spiritual fitness that can make the rest of your life the best of your life. To learn more, visit SpiritualFitness.org. Looking forward to seeing you there. (https://SpiritualFitness.org).
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07/05/2024
This week, practice putting a positive spin on things that get you down. Do this by focusing on a current hardship you’re facing, then listing off three positive outcomes associated with it. Repeat as necessary!
Only a cultivated life bears fruit, and only a fruitful life is worth living. Spiritual Fitness Center provides a unique and effective process for self-cultivation.
The benefits of spiritual fitness include: improved emotional well-being, strengthened ability to manage stress, enhanced self-awareness, increased sense of purpose, enriched ability to experience joy and happiness, deepened connection to oneself, greater resilience in the face of challenges, expanded capacity for forgiveness, heightened sense of gratitude, uncommon inner peace, strengthened intuition, effective leadership.
There are over 100 benefits of spiritual fitness that can make the rest of your life the best of your life. To learn more, visit SpiritualFitness.org. Looking forward to seeing you there. (https://SpiritualFitness.org).
-Fitness -being -management -management
Have you ever heard of the Epiphyllum flower? It’s breathtakingly beautiful. It’s also known as the Orchid Cactus. It blooms at night, so it’s also known as the Queen of the Night. It grows in the tropical zone, but you can keep it indoors if you want to grow it here in New Jersey.
If you have seen the flower, you know how majestic it is and will never forget its mesmerizing beauty. However, this flower is banned in our family.
My grandma loved it. When I was young, everyone in the family enjoyed watching it bloom. Since it bloomed only at night, each time it was about to bloom, we moved the pot to the center of the living room and stayed up late at night, sitting around it, eating snacks, and drinking tea to watch it bloom.
It emits a subtle, sweet, spellbinding fragrance as captivating as the flower itself. However, as glamorous as it is, it withers before sunrise, making you wonder why God allows such a beautiful flower to bloom at night and last only a few hours. What a shame!
The Chinese use epiphyllum as a metaphor for the brevity of joy. They say, “Joy is as shortlived as epiphyllum!” Later, my father banned this flower from our home because it reminded him of the brevity of joy in our family. We had many joyful moments, but they were always short, much shorter than sad times.
So, he thought this flower symbolized a curse. He was never superstitious, but this flower seems to affect him emotionally. It’s like a symbol of the evil spirit that kills joy. Satan’s mission is to kill your joy and God’s joy.
I wonder if the brevity of joy is just in our family or a global phenomenon. The reality of “living happily ever after” seems to belong only to someone else. Have you experienced a long-lasting joyful life? Have you ever seen anyone you know well living happily after? On social media, many people appear to be living happily ever after.
But, as I grew older and have heard many people’s stories, I began to think that “living happily ever after” only seemed to be in fairy tales. Am I too cynical? Is the wisdom of ages accurate that “Joy is but fleeting as the Queen of the Night?” Can we have lasting joy? It seems fleeting joy is the nature of this fallen world.
According to the Bible, God redeems us from this fallen world not only to give us eternal life but also eternal joy. The Lord says through Isaiah,
“So the ransomed of the LORD shall return,
and come to Zion with singing;
everlasting joy shall be upon their heads;
they shall obtain joy and gladness,
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” (Is 51:11).
The ransomed are those redeemed by the Lord—that’s us. Zion represents the presence of the Lord. It says everlasting joy shall be upon our heads. The word “upon” is translated from Hebrew, עַל (al), meaning “over, beyond, or above.” So, it means the everlasting joy shall overflow us.
Jesus Christ has now fulfilled that prophecy. Before he went to the cross, Jesus revealed the secret to overflowing joy. He said,
“I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:11).
The word “complete” here is translated from Greek, πληρόω (plēróō), meaning “to fill or to make full.” It describes filling a cup or container to the brim so it cannot be filled anymore. It carries a sense of brimming or overflowing to depict complete fullness.
It’s similar to what King David said in his Psalm 23, “My cup overflows.” So Jesus Christ redeemed us from the fleeting joy and prolonged suffering of this fallen world, giving us eternal joy with everlasting life.
Since we can live eternal life now, as I have mentioned in my previous messages, we can also experience eternal joy right here, right now. His joy is what allowed him to endure the cross. In the same way, his joy in us will help us endure this fallen world with a smile. What did Jesus say so that his joy may be in you and your joy may overflow?
Today, we will look at this passage and explore the secret to overflowing joy so that your joy will not be as fleeting as the Queen of the Night, but your cup of joy will overflow. You will also overcome the ups and downs of life with this overflowing joy. So, let’s begin!
26/04/2024
Delivering more blessings on behalf of Trinity Presbyterian Church to the Children Cancer Society!
24/04/2024
Honored to deliver another blessing to Spectrum for Living!
23/04/2024
Sometimes, it feels easier to think negatively about things than it is to feel positive. Practice looking on the bright side of things by challenging each negative thought with a positive one.
For example, when you think of a thought like, “I’m so lazy, I never accomplish anything.” Challenge it with something positive, like, “It’s okay that some days I don’t check everything off my to-do list. I am smart, capable, and worthy of rest.”
Only a cultivated life bears fruit, and only a fruitful life is worth living. Spiritual Fitness Center provides a unique and effective process for self-cultivation.
The benefits of spiritual fitness include: improved emotional well-being, strengthened ability to manage stress, enhanced self-awareness, increased sense of purpose, enriched ability to experience joy and happiness, deepened connection to oneself, greater resilience in the face of challenges, expanded capacity for forgiveness, heightened sense of gratitude, uncommon inner peace, strengthened intuition, effective leadership.
There are over 100 benefits of spiritual fitness that can make the rest of your life the best of your life. To learn more, visit SpiritualFitness.org. Looking forward to seeing you there. (https://SpiritualFitness.org).
-Fitness -being -management -management
16/04/2024
If you find yourself getting overwhelmed and distracted by your worries throughout the day, make a habit of scheduling in worry time. It might sound silly or strange, but compartmentalizing time to worry allows you a set time to check in with what’s going on emotionally.
Start by setting a timer for 20 minutes, and allow yourself that time to grieve, cry, write, whatever. Just try not to do it close to your bedtime.
Only a cultivated life bears fruit, and only a fruitful life is worth living. Spiritual Fitness Center provides a unique and effective process for self-cultivation.
The benefits of spiritual fitness include: improved emotional well-being, strengthened ability to manage stress, enhanced self-awareness, increased sense of purpose, enriched ability to experience joy and happiness, deepened connection to oneself, greater resilience in the face of challenges, expanded capacity for forgiveness, heightened sense of gratitude, uncommon inner peace, strengthened intuition, effective leadership.
There are over 100 benefits of spiritual fitness that can make the rest of your life the best of your life. To learn more, visit SpiritualFitness.org. Looking forward to seeing you there. (https://SpiritualFitness.org).
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Discover the surprising truth about how most adults breathe anxiously, and learn how to return to a state of calm and normal breathing. Explore the significance of sighing and how it relates to your body's need for oxygen. Find out how anxiety can affect your breath and ways to alleviate it. Uncover the secrets of breath control from ancient wisdom to modern science.
In this powerful video, we explore the significance of forgiveness through the teachings of Jesus. Discover how Jesus trusted us with God-like power and encourages us to forgive others, despite having the ability to harm them. Learn how forgiveness can bring healing and follow Jesus' example in your own life.
Discover the extraordinary peace promised by Jesus in John 14:27. Learn how to receive and maintain this unique peace, enabling you to forgive and find serenity even in your most painful moments. Find comfort in knowing that Jesus offers his peace to you, so claim it in times of panic, fear, or anguish.
09/04/2024
Gratitude is a powerful thing that can boost your mood and make you feel more at ease with every aspect of your life. This week, take the time each day (even if it’s just for a moment) to list off a few things you’re grateful for.
You can either schedule it into your day by setting time aside, or just squeeze it in where it makes sense—like during a shower, while you comb your hair, brush your teeth, or you’re sitting at a stoplight.
Only a cultivated life bears fruit, and only a fruitful life is worth living. Spiritual Fitness Center provides a unique and effective process for self-cultivation.
The benefits of spiritual fitness include: improved emotional well-being, strengthened ability to manage stress, enhanced self-awareness, increased sense of purpose, enriched ability to experience joy and happiness, deepened connection to oneself, greater resilience in the face of challenges, expanded capacity for forgiveness, heightened sense of gratitude, uncommon inner peace, strengthened intuition, effective leadership.
There are over 100 benefits of spiritual fitness that can make the rest of your life the best of your life. To learn more, visit SpiritualFitness.org. Looking forward to seeing you there. (https://SpiritualFitness.org).
-Fitness -being -management -management
Discover the profound meaning behind Jesus' death and resurrection in this Easter message. Learn how His sacrifice brings reconciliation and freedom to broken relationships, both with God and among people, nations, religions, and politics. Embrace the power of redemption and let go of guilt and fear.
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Discover how Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations applies to the modern era of social media. Learn how to use your platform to teach and share biblical wisdom, while building a global community.
Discover the profound impacts of Jesus' resurrection on our lives. Through the acrostic E-A-S-T-E-R, we'll explore how Easter sets us free to live, love, lead, and leave a legacy. From gaining a glimpse of eternal life to embracing childlike faith, these gifts of Easter transform our perspective. Join us on this inspiring journey.
02/04/2024
Write a poem expressing the way that you feel at this very moment. It doesn’t have to rhyme, and it can be as long or short as you want it to be.
If you want a little structure, try a Haiku. Otherwise, go free form and just write whatever sounds good to you.
Only a cultivated life bears fruit, and only a fruitful life is worth living. Spiritual Fitness Center provides a unique and effective process for self-cultivation.
The benefits of spiritual fitness include: improved emotional well-being, strengthened ability to manage stress, enhanced self-awareness, increased sense of purpose, enriched ability to experience joy and happiness, deepened connection to oneself, greater resilience in the face of challenges, expanded capacity for forgiveness, heightened sense of gratitude, uncommon inner peace, strengthened intuition, effective leadership.
There are over 100 benefits of spiritual fitness that can make the rest of your life the best of your life. To learn more, visit SpiritualFitness.org. Looking forward to seeing you there. (https://SpiritualFitness.org).
-Fitness -being -management -management
Unlock the transformative message of Easter as we explore the six gifts bestowed upon humanity through Jesus' resurrection. Explore the concepts of Eternity, Advantage, Serenity, Truth, Enlightenment, and Reconciliation, and embrace the freedom and grace offered to us. Join us on this spiritual journey to understand the true meaning of Easter.
Discover how King Solomon's wisdom attracted people from all nations. Explore the secrets behind his three thousand Proverbs and one thousand and five songs, which captivated kings and commoners alike. Unearth the strategies he employed to reach a global audience in the absence of social media.
Discover the true meaning of enlightenment in Christianity and how it goes beyond personal growth. Learn how Jesus' teachings emphasize the importance of enlightening others and how it leads to personal enlightenment. Explore the transformative power of shining your light in this insightful video.
Discover the universal truth that philosophers throughout history have been searching for. Jesus embodies the truth, and His resurrection proves His words. Learn how to embrace this spiritual truth and experience freedom from guilt and shame.
Discover how Jesus' resurrection offers peace and serenity, freeing us from stress and anxiety. Learn how to claim the gift of serenity and find comfort in Jesus' constant presence in this inspiring video.
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Discover how the spiritual advantage, a gift from God, can give you a 99% chance of succeeding in life. Learn how it can override other disadvantages and set you free from obstacles. Find out the conditions for receiving this unfair advantage.
Discover how to embody the mindset of Christ and avoid conforming to worldly ways. Explore biblical insights and teachings on the distinction between believers and non-believers. Illuminate your path to a fulfilling and abundant life.
Discover the profound wisdom in Jesus' words from John 15 and learn how believers can tap into their spiritual discernment. Gain a deeper understanding of the mind of Christ and how it empowers us to discern truth from deception. Ignite your spiritual growth today!
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