God is Good
Friday, July 29, 2005
Be careful about what you said
I was chatting with my friend online last night, at the end of the conversation, I told her good night, I am going to my dreamland. Goodness, that was what I got the whole night, keep on dreaming all night through, even after I woke up for my toilet break at 2 am, when I go back to sleep again, the dream contiune until morning 6 am when I woke up to go for morning mass, what a night!
And I still can remember part of the dream, it was about Sharon and me at NTU, Sharon and I were trying to do something there, cannot remember exactly what we did, but it was about at the registration counter, the staffs there were not sure how to help us, and we have to go round a few building, from one block to another to get what we want, and the worse thing is that I cannot remember where I park my car, and I got panic, running around and looking for my car, and it was a very "ulu" place, where you can find the jungle around, it was like N U in the 80's when I studied there. Luckily, I found the car and the stuff that we need to do at the end, it was near the "Nan Ta" lake , where the Administration Block is situated... and I woke up by my alarm clock...
I shall not say the word going to dreamland again before I go to sleeep!
Have a Great Day!
And I still can remember part of the dream, it was about Sharon and me at NTU, Sharon and I were trying to do something there, cannot remember exactly what we did, but it was about at the registration counter, the staffs there were not sure how to help us, and we have to go round a few building, from one block to another to get what we want, and the worse thing is that I cannot remember where I park my car, and I got panic, running around and looking for my car, and it was a very "ulu" place, where you can find the jungle around, it was like N U in the 80's when I studied there. Luckily, I found the car and the stuff that we need to do at the end, it was near the "Nan Ta" lake , where the Administration Block is situated... and I woke up by my alarm clock...
I shall not say the word going to dreamland again before I go to sleeep!
Have a Great Day!
The best prayer.
We do not have to talk very much in order to pray well. We know that God is there in His holy tabernacle; let us open our hearts to Him; let us rejoice in His Presence
Monday, July 25, 2005
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Take A Stand!
Let everything you say be...an encouragement.Ephesians 4:29
Gossip by its very nature is destructive, regardless of your rationalisation. It's a sick form of entertainment - and a major sign of insecurity! Let's be honest, knowledge is power; the reason we gossip is to impress others with what "we know."
A student who was the subject of vicious rumours writes: "I remember it like it was yesterday. The queasy stomach, the tears, the hurt. I thought I'd be sick as I sank to my knees on the cold concrete floor...Iknew I didn't deserve this. But that didn't make it any easier. I felt like I didn't have a friend in the world. All because of gossip." God says,
"Evil people relish malicious conversation" ( Proverbs 17:4 ).
Did you get that? Gossip isn't just frivolous - it's down right evil!
So,how should you respond to those who whisper in your ear,
"Have you heard about so 'n so?"
(1) Speak up. Listen: "Fire goes out for lack of fuel, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops" ( Proverbs 26:20 ).
Tell your friends kindly but firmly that gossip is hurtful. If that doesn't work, vote with your feet. Walk away!
(2) Consider the consequences. Wise up! Smart people know if you'll gossip to them, you'll gossip about them! And what's worse, you're dishonouring God and degrading your testimony!
TheBible says, "Whatever you...say, let it be as a representative of..Jesus" ( Colossians 3:17 ). You're representing - whom?
(3) Be an encourager. Paul says, "Let everything you say be...an encouragement.
"So whenever you hear somebody being criticised, turn the conversation
around and say something nice.
Gossip by its very nature is destructive, regardless of your rationalisation. It's a sick form of entertainment - and a major sign of insecurity! Let's be honest, knowledge is power; the reason we gossip is to impress others with what "we know."
A student who was the subject of vicious rumours writes: "I remember it like it was yesterday. The queasy stomach, the tears, the hurt. I thought I'd be sick as I sank to my knees on the cold concrete floor...Iknew I didn't deserve this. But that didn't make it any easier. I felt like I didn't have a friend in the world. All because of gossip." God says,
"Evil people relish malicious conversation" ( Proverbs 17:4 ).
Did you get that? Gossip isn't just frivolous - it's down right evil!
So,how should you respond to those who whisper in your ear,
"Have you heard about so 'n so?"
(1) Speak up. Listen: "Fire goes out for lack of fuel, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops" ( Proverbs 26:20 ).
Tell your friends kindly but firmly that gossip is hurtful. If that doesn't work, vote with your feet. Walk away!
(2) Consider the consequences. Wise up! Smart people know if you'll gossip to them, you'll gossip about them! And what's worse, you're dishonouring God and degrading your testimony!
TheBible says, "Whatever you...say, let it be as a representative of..Jesus" ( Colossians 3:17 ). You're representing - whom?
(3) Be an encourager. Paul says, "Let everything you say be...an encouragement.
"So whenever you hear somebody being criticised, turn the conversation
around and say something nice.
Prayer Snares
You do not receive because the reason you ask is wrong. James 4:3
The manipulative. Direct your prayers to God, not others! For example,don't turn the blessing at meal times into a venting of your frustrations, or try to bounce your prayer off God and hit an unsaved loved one across the dinner table. God gets enough bad PR without that!Jesus said whenever we pray "don't turn [it] into a theatrical production" ( Matthew 6:5 ).
The judgmental. In one church a childless couple was praying for a baby but some members of the prayer group decided that the husband wasn't Godly enough to be a father, so they spent their time asking God to change him. Listen: "We do not ask because we deserve help, but because you are so merciful" ( Daniel 9:18 ). If God only gave children toperfect parents, the human race would be extinct!
The mass-produced. May be you think there's a better chance of getting answers to your prayers if you involve a lot of people. And sometimes you will. But with God, what matters is the faith with which you pray,not the size of the team. Jesus said, "If two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven" ( Matthew 18:19 ). When you face a situation too big to handle alone, reach for someone who really knows God and begin to praying agreement with them. By the way, do you have any prayer partners?
The manipulative. Direct your prayers to God, not others! For example,don't turn the blessing at meal times into a venting of your frustrations, or try to bounce your prayer off God and hit an unsaved loved one across the dinner table. God gets enough bad PR without that!Jesus said whenever we pray "don't turn [it] into a theatrical production" ( Matthew 6:5 ).
The judgmental. In one church a childless couple was praying for a baby but some members of the prayer group decided that the husband wasn't Godly enough to be a father, so they spent their time asking God to change him. Listen: "We do not ask because we deserve help, but because you are so merciful" ( Daniel 9:18 ). If God only gave children toperfect parents, the human race would be extinct!
The mass-produced. May be you think there's a better chance of getting answers to your prayers if you involve a lot of people. And sometimes you will. But with God, what matters is the faith with which you pray,not the size of the team. Jesus said, "If two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven" ( Matthew 18:19 ). When you face a situation too big to handle alone, reach for someone who really knows God and begin to praying agreement with them. By the way, do you have any prayer partners?
Dealing With Faultfinders
Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Luke 6:28
How does God want us to treat the faultfinders in our lives? They are people who, when they don't win, act "hurt" and blame others for everything that's gone wrong. Know anybody like that? The Bible says,"Speaking the truth in love...grow up...into...Christ" ( Ephesians 4:15). Here are some pointers to help you:
(1) Never confront with power, only with love! Recognise that the outward bravado of the faultfinder usually disguises deep insecurity; it lets them shift the focus off their own fears and onto the faults of others.
(2) Move towards, not away from. Our first inclination is to ignore or isolate difficult people. Don't! Difficult people often want to be ignored, so avoiding them just provides emotional distance for them to hide. Plus it confirms their belief that you don't care, that you won't listen because you think they're wrong and you're right.
(3)Engage relationally. Show genuine interest in their family, their work and their well being. Faultfinders usually struggle with giving and receiving love. They're inclined to elevate opinion and loyalty above communication and reconciliation. Nowhere is this more evident than in their personal lives. So be prepared to empathise with the trail of broken relationships you're likely to find.
(4) Bless and affirm. Mark Twain said, "Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see." Faultfinders generally get more kicks than kisses.
So,"Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you."
Avoiding them doesn't work; neither does arguing. But "love never fails."
How does God want us to treat the faultfinders in our lives? They are people who, when they don't win, act "hurt" and blame others for everything that's gone wrong. Know anybody like that? The Bible says,"Speaking the truth in love...grow up...into...Christ" ( Ephesians 4:15). Here are some pointers to help you:
(1) Never confront with power, only with love! Recognise that the outward bravado of the faultfinder usually disguises deep insecurity; it lets them shift the focus off their own fears and onto the faults of others.
(2) Move towards, not away from. Our first inclination is to ignore or isolate difficult people. Don't! Difficult people often want to be ignored, so avoiding them just provides emotional distance for them to hide. Plus it confirms their belief that you don't care, that you won't listen because you think they're wrong and you're right.
(3)Engage relationally. Show genuine interest in their family, their work and their well being. Faultfinders usually struggle with giving and receiving love. They're inclined to elevate opinion and loyalty above communication and reconciliation. Nowhere is this more evident than in their personal lives. So be prepared to empathise with the trail of broken relationships you're likely to find.
(4) Bless and affirm. Mark Twain said, "Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see." Faultfinders generally get more kicks than kisses.
So,"Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you."
Avoiding them doesn't work; neither does arguing. But "love never fails."
Why go to church?
If you're spiritually alive, you're going to love this!
If you're spiritually dead, you won't want to read it.
If you're spiritually curious, there is still hope!
A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday."I've gone for 30 years now," he wrote, "and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all."
This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column,much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:
"I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this ... They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today.
Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!"
When you are DOWN to nothing .... God is UP to something!
Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible!Thank God for our physical AND our spiritual nourishment!
"When Satan is knocking at your door, simply say, "Jesus, could you get that for me?!!"
Building Great Relationships (1)
Do the hard work of getting along with each other.James 3:18
To build great relationships and influence others for God, you must do 2 things:
Place a high value on people. Face it: if you're self-absorbed, you won't make building good relationships a priority. You've got to place a high value on people - because God does! That means expecting the best of them; assuming their motives are good unless they prove otherwise;valuing them by their best moments, not their worst; giving them your friendship with no strings attached, rather than asking for theirs.
Try to understand people. Many of us care about others, yet we still remain out of touch. Often that's because we don't try to understand them. Surveys consistently show that the number one problem in churches(and companies) that fail to grow is leadership that's out of touch with people's needs. To improve your understanding of people and build great relationships, keep in mind the following truths and actions you can take to bridge the gap caused by them.
(a) People are insecure, so give them confidence.
(b) People want to feel special, so sincerely compliment them.
(c) People desire a better tomorrow, so offer them hope.
(d) People need to be understood, so listen to them.
(e) Peopleare basically self-centred, so speak to their needs first.
(f) People get emotionally low, so encourage them.
(g) People want to be associated with success, so help them to win.
When you try to understand people and help them to succeed, you lay the ground work for great relationships -and you influence people for God!
To build great relationships and influence others for God, you must do 2 things:
Place a high value on people. Face it: if you're self-absorbed, you won't make building good relationships a priority. You've got to place a high value on people - because God does! That means expecting the best of them; assuming their motives are good unless they prove otherwise;valuing them by their best moments, not their worst; giving them your friendship with no strings attached, rather than asking for theirs.
Try to understand people. Many of us care about others, yet we still remain out of touch. Often that's because we don't try to understand them. Surveys consistently show that the number one problem in churches(and companies) that fail to grow is leadership that's out of touch with people's needs. To improve your understanding of people and build great relationships, keep in mind the following truths and actions you can take to bridge the gap caused by them.
(a) People are insecure, so give them confidence.
(b) People want to feel special, so sincerely compliment them.
(c) People desire a better tomorrow, so offer them hope.
(d) People need to be understood, so listen to them.
(e) Peopleare basically self-centred, so speak to their needs first.
(f) People get emotionally low, so encourage them.
(g) People want to be associated with success, so help them to win.
When you try to understand people and help them to succeed, you lay the ground work for great relationships -and you influence people for God!
Friday, July 22, 2005
Stop Your Complaining!
Stay away from complaining and arguing.Philippians 2:14
Counsellors say that complainers are the hardest people in the world to help. You can't satisfy them, but they won't let you stop trying, so you end up feeling trapped. Once you earn a reputation as a complainer,people will avoid you like the plague!
Attitudes don't just happen; you choose them. Paul says, "Rejoice in the Lord always" ( Philippians 4:4). Joy is a command. It's non-optional and non-negotiable. Joylessness is a sin: one that church folks are particularly prone to indulge in; one that seems to be readily tolerated amongst us; one that's never the object of church discipline. Even televangelists don't get cancelled for displaying too much of it.
The Psalmist writes, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" ( Psalm 118:24 NIV). He doesn't say "yesterday was God's day, how happy I was then," or "tomorrow will be God's day, I'll endure until then." No, "This day with its blessings and challenges is a gift from God, so I'm not going to insult Him by complaining."Complaining is usually self-centred. It focuses on what you don't like.Get over yourself! True joy is a choice; one that comes to those whohave devoted themselves to something greater than their own personal happiness. Listen: "For we have sinned and grown old, and our father is younger than we." A life of gratitude and service to others will keep you young until you die. But a life of complaining will age you prematurely and possibly hasten your death. So - stop your complaining!
Counsellors say that complainers are the hardest people in the world to help. You can't satisfy them, but they won't let you stop trying, so you end up feeling trapped. Once you earn a reputation as a complainer,people will avoid you like the plague!
Attitudes don't just happen; you choose them. Paul says, "Rejoice in the Lord always" ( Philippians 4:4). Joy is a command. It's non-optional and non-negotiable. Joylessness is a sin: one that church folks are particularly prone to indulge in; one that seems to be readily tolerated amongst us; one that's never the object of church discipline. Even televangelists don't get cancelled for displaying too much of it.
The Psalmist writes, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" ( Psalm 118:24 NIV). He doesn't say "yesterday was God's day, how happy I was then," or "tomorrow will be God's day, I'll endure until then." No, "This day with its blessings and challenges is a gift from God, so I'm not going to insult Him by complaining."Complaining is usually self-centred. It focuses on what you don't like.Get over yourself! True joy is a choice; one that comes to those whohave devoted themselves to something greater than their own personal happiness. Listen: "For we have sinned and grown old, and our father is younger than we." A life of gratitude and service to others will keep you young until you die. But a life of complaining will age you prematurely and possibly hasten your death. So - stop your complaining!
Monday, July 11, 2005
Worry never fixes anything
God, when I am in need of comfort, Your loving presence fills me, relieving every longing of my heart. I am ready for whatever the day may bring.
You are always with me, God- even when I am so busy at work or at home that I may not be consciously aware of You. But then a gentle nudge from my subconscious speaks to me of Your love and grace all around me. You are the voice of compassion I hear, the encouraging smile of a friend, the words of love spoken-just what I need when I need it.
So whatever happens today, I know that You are right here with me, encouraging me and reminding me of what I may not always see in myself: I am an expression of Your spirit. You and I are one.
YOU COMFORT ME, GOD, WITH YOUR LOVING, LIGHT-FILLED PRESENCE
You are always with me, God- even when I am so busy at work or at home that I may not be consciously aware of You. But then a gentle nudge from my subconscious speaks to me of Your love and grace all around me. You are the voice of compassion I hear, the encouraging smile of a friend, the words of love spoken-just what I need when I need it.
So whatever happens today, I know that You are right here with me, encouraging me and reminding me of what I may not always see in myself: I am an expression of Your spirit. You and I are one.
YOU COMFORT ME, GOD, WITH YOUR LOVING, LIGHT-FILLED PRESENCE
Sunday, July 10, 2005
"Only One Thing!"
You are worried...about many things, but only one thing is needed.
Luke 10:41-42
Sometimes the reason we approach God with a list of requests the length of our arm is because we're more interested in His "presents" than His presence. What we consider needs, are often wants. Can you imagine having "only one thing" on your agenda; like just wanting to be with Him? David said, "One thing have I asked of the Lord...that I may dwell... [in His presence] all...my life" ( Psalm 27:4 ).
Speaking of His presence, Jesus told Martha, "You are worried... about many things, but only one thing is needed." No doubt, Martha loved Jesus. In fact she couldn't do enough for Him. The problem was, she was so busy serving Him that she didn't know how to relax and just enjoy just being with Him! Sound familiar?
If you're not spending time enjoying God's presence, you're way over-scheduled! Maybe like Martha you think that unless you do the job yourself it won't get done right. And who knows, you may be right! But remember this: God will never ask you to do anything that hinders your relationship with Him. He wants that to be your top priority!
So, if you're so busy serving God that you're not doing the "one thing"He really wants from you, right now would be a good time to heed the words of the old hymn "Turn your eyes upon Jesus; look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace." So, how about it?
Luke 10:41-42
Sometimes the reason we approach God with a list of requests the length of our arm is because we're more interested in His "presents" than His presence. What we consider needs, are often wants. Can you imagine having "only one thing" on your agenda; like just wanting to be with Him? David said, "One thing have I asked of the Lord...that I may dwell... [in His presence] all...my life" ( Psalm 27:4 ).
Speaking of His presence, Jesus told Martha, "You are worried... about many things, but only one thing is needed." No doubt, Martha loved Jesus. In fact she couldn't do enough for Him. The problem was, she was so busy serving Him that she didn't know how to relax and just enjoy just being with Him! Sound familiar?
If you're not spending time enjoying God's presence, you're way over-scheduled! Maybe like Martha you think that unless you do the job yourself it won't get done right. And who knows, you may be right! But remember this: God will never ask you to do anything that hinders your relationship with Him. He wants that to be your top priority!
So, if you're so busy serving God that you're not doing the "one thing"He really wants from you, right now would be a good time to heed the words of the old hymn "Turn your eyes upon Jesus; look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace." So, how about it?
Saturday, July 09, 2005
Why do you call your priests "Father"?
Why do Catholics call their priests "Father" when the Bible says . . . "Call no one on earth your father; for one is your Father, who is in Heaven." (Matthew 23:9).
Catholics call their priest "Father":
1. Because he IS a Spiritual Father to them.
a. In infancy he baptized them and, therefore, was the instrument . . . the agency . . . of their spiritual REBIRTH just as the physical fathers of Catholics are responsible for their PHYSICAL birth.
b. He gives them spiritual FOOD for their souls whenever they receive the Body and Blood of Christ in Holy Communion. "For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed." (John 6: 57). PROVIDING NOURISHMENT IS ANOTHER OBLIGATION OF A FATHER.
c. In confession, the priest not only forgives sin in the name of Christ, but also ADVISES them as to the best way to overcome their difficulties . . . spiritual and material. THIS, TOO, IS THE DUTY OF A FATHER.
d. Like a father, the priest is always at the death-bed of a Catholic to console and assist him. No Catholic would WANT to die without a priest -- HIS SPIRITUAL FATHER -- beside him. Therefore, a priest does not DEMAND this title. Catholics call him "Father" as a sign of the affection he shares with their natural parents, and because he shares with them the duties and obligations of a parent.
THEREFORE, this text of St. Matthew is not to be taken literally or as a general law. Catholic priests do not DEMAND this title. It is for them a source of HUMILITY rather than of PRIDE, for it reminds the priest of his OBLIGATIONS as a spiritual FATHER to his flock.
Catholics call their priest "Father":
1. Because he IS a Spiritual Father to them.
a. In infancy he baptized them and, therefore, was the instrument . . . the agency . . . of their spiritual REBIRTH just as the physical fathers of Catholics are responsible for their PHYSICAL birth.
b. He gives them spiritual FOOD for their souls whenever they receive the Body and Blood of Christ in Holy Communion. "For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed." (John 6: 57). PROVIDING NOURISHMENT IS ANOTHER OBLIGATION OF A FATHER.
c. In confession, the priest not only forgives sin in the name of Christ, but also ADVISES them as to the best way to overcome their difficulties . . . spiritual and material. THIS, TOO, IS THE DUTY OF A FATHER.
d. Like a father, the priest is always at the death-bed of a Catholic to console and assist him. No Catholic would WANT to die without a priest -- HIS SPIRITUAL FATHER -- beside him. Therefore, a priest does not DEMAND this title. Catholics call him "Father" as a sign of the affection he shares with their natural parents, and because he shares with them the duties and obligations of a parent.
THEREFORE, this text of St. Matthew is not to be taken literally or as a general law. Catholic priests do not DEMAND this title. It is for them a source of HUMILITY rather than of PRIDE, for it reminds the priest of his OBLIGATIONS as a spiritual FATHER to his flock.
Leadership
Have a sane estimate of your capabilities. Romans 12:3-4
Without a "sane estimate" of your capabilities as a leader, you set yourself up for trouble. So ask:
1) Am I a control freak? You empower others by being willing tore linquish power. That requires security; the kind that comes from knowing who you are before God. If you have one pencil and you think it's the only one you'll ever have, you'll hold on to it. But when you know you've dozens you can say, "Here, take what you need!"
(2) Do I inspire loyalty? In the past people were loyal to you because you were the leader. Nowadays they won't be loyal to anybody they don't respect, and who doesn't respect them. They need to feel, "I'm a better person because of your leadership
(3) Am I willing to develop myself? Paul writes: "Work hard so God can approve you" ( 2 Timothy 2:15 ). It takes time to accomplish anything of significance. But it's never too late to grow. Leaders who recognise the importance of their assignment keep developing themselves.
(4) Am I passionate, or driven? There's a difference. When you'redriven, you seek other people's approval by focusing strictly on the goal. When you're passionate, you relish the journey as much as the destination. Driven people burn out, passionate people don't.
(5) Can I accept my limitations? By acknowledging your limitations you encourage the same openness in others. John Maxwell says, "I no longer believe that the most spiritual people build the biggest churches or work the hardest. Fatigue is no indication of spiritual maturity ...it just makes me vulnerable to sin and error."
Without a "sane estimate" of your capabilities as a leader, you set yourself up for trouble. So ask:
1) Am I a control freak? You empower others by being willing tore linquish power. That requires security; the kind that comes from knowing who you are before God. If you have one pencil and you think it's the only one you'll ever have, you'll hold on to it. But when you know you've dozens you can say, "Here, take what you need!"
(2) Do I inspire loyalty? In the past people were loyal to you because you were the leader. Nowadays they won't be loyal to anybody they don't respect, and who doesn't respect them. They need to feel, "I'm a better person because of your leadership
(3) Am I willing to develop myself? Paul writes: "Work hard so God can approve you" ( 2 Timothy 2:15 ). It takes time to accomplish anything of significance. But it's never too late to grow. Leaders who recognise the importance of their assignment keep developing themselves.
(4) Am I passionate, or driven? There's a difference. When you'redriven, you seek other people's approval by focusing strictly on the goal. When you're passionate, you relish the journey as much as the destination. Driven people burn out, passionate people don't.
(5) Can I accept my limitations? By acknowledging your limitations you encourage the same openness in others. John Maxwell says, "I no longer believe that the most spiritual people build the biggest churches or work the hardest. Fatigue is no indication of spiritual maturity ...it just makes me vulnerable to sin and error."
Two Questions
Make the most of every opportunity. Colossians 4:5
Author Myers Barnes said,
"Time management is an oxymoron. It cannot be managed. You cannot save time, lose time, turn back the hands of time,or have more time tomorrow than today. Time is unemotional,uncontrolled, unencumbered. It moves forward regardless of circumstances, and in the game of life, creates a level playing field for everyone. Since you can't change time, you must change how you approach it."
Once your goals have been set in prayer and you're certain your steps are being directed by the Lord, ask yourself each day:
(1) What's required of me? Any realistic assessment of your priorities must start with questions like: "What must I do to be a better Christian, or marriage partner, or parent, or worker? If you lead others the question should be, "What must I personally do that cannot be delegated to somebody else?" Always start with the requirement question.Give it careful thought before moving to the next question.
(2) What brings me the greatest fulfilment? If you do only what you must and what's effective, you'll be highly productive but you may not be fulfilled. But a note of caution: some of us want to start with the fulfilment question before we've answered the requirement question.Don't! You'll never succeed if you don't have the discipline to take care of the first question, before addressing the second.
William James said, "Being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook." If you bring your priorities into focus by constantly asking these two questions,you've a good chance of fulfilling God's purposes for your life.
Author Myers Barnes said,
"Time management is an oxymoron. It cannot be managed. You cannot save time, lose time, turn back the hands of time,or have more time tomorrow than today. Time is unemotional,uncontrolled, unencumbered. It moves forward regardless of circumstances, and in the game of life, creates a level playing field for everyone. Since you can't change time, you must change how you approach it."
Once your goals have been set in prayer and you're certain your steps are being directed by the Lord, ask yourself each day:
(1) What's required of me? Any realistic assessment of your priorities must start with questions like: "What must I do to be a better Christian, or marriage partner, or parent, or worker? If you lead others the question should be, "What must I personally do that cannot be delegated to somebody else?" Always start with the requirement question.Give it careful thought before moving to the next question.
(2) What brings me the greatest fulfilment? If you do only what you must and what's effective, you'll be highly productive but you may not be fulfilled. But a note of caution: some of us want to start with the fulfilment question before we've answered the requirement question.Don't! You'll never succeed if you don't have the discipline to take care of the first question, before addressing the second.
William James said, "Being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook." If you bring your priorities into focus by constantly asking these two questions,you've a good chance of fulfilling God's purposes for your life.
Lesson In Life
A group of working adults got together to visit their University lecturer. The lecturer was happy to see them. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.
The Lecturer just smiled and went to the kitchen to get an assortment of cups - some porcelain, some in plastic, some in glass, some plain looking and some looked rather expensive and exquisite.
The Lecturer offered his former students the cups to get drinks for themselves.
When all the students had a cup in hand with water, the Lecturer spoke:"If you noticed, all the nice looking, expensive cups were taken up,leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal that you only want the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. What all you wanted was water, not the cup, but we unconsciously went for the better cups."
"Just like in life, if Life is Water, then the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold/maintain Life, but the quality of Life doesn't change."
"If we only concentrate on the cup, we won't have time to enjoy/taste the water in it."
"Faith gives us a new vision of the world. Without it we see only the darker side of life. We are still slaves. It is faith which liberates us and makes us see the Spirit of power and love at work in our lives."
The Lecturer just smiled and went to the kitchen to get an assortment of cups - some porcelain, some in plastic, some in glass, some plain looking and some looked rather expensive and exquisite.
The Lecturer offered his former students the cups to get drinks for themselves.
When all the students had a cup in hand with water, the Lecturer spoke:"If you noticed, all the nice looking, expensive cups were taken up,leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal that you only want the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. What all you wanted was water, not the cup, but we unconsciously went for the better cups."
"Just like in life, if Life is Water, then the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold/maintain Life, but the quality of Life doesn't change."
"If we only concentrate on the cup, we won't have time to enjoy/taste the water in it."
"Faith gives us a new vision of the world. Without it we see only the darker side of life. We are still slaves. It is faith which liberates us and makes us see the Spirit of power and love at work in our lives."
Friday, July 08, 2005
Resting In God
If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to Me and I will giveyou rest. Matthew 11:28
Nobody was busier than Jesus, yet He was never in a hurry. He had a lot more to do than you, yet He never seemed to do it in a way that severed the life-giving connection between Him and the Father, or interfered with His ability to give love when love was required. He regularly withdrew from activity to the place of solitude and prayer. And when His disciples returned, flushed with success, their adrenaline pumping from abusy time of ministry, He told them "Come away...all by yourselves andrest a while" ( Mark 6:31 ). Mark explains that "Many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat." Sound familiar?Constant hurry is the mark of an un-prioritised life. It's a sign that second and third things have become first things.
We want microwave maturity. We try to exchange wisdom for information and depth for breadth - and it doesn't work. Depth comes slowly.Following Jesus can't be done at a sprint; you can't go faster than the one who's leading. So, slow down. Don't just work for God - spend time with Him!
Nobody was busier than Jesus, yet He was never in a hurry. He had a lot more to do than you, yet He never seemed to do it in a way that severed the life-giving connection between Him and the Father, or interfered with His ability to give love when love was required. He regularly withdrew from activity to the place of solitude and prayer. And when His disciples returned, flushed with success, their adrenaline pumping from abusy time of ministry, He told them "Come away...all by yourselves andrest a while" ( Mark 6:31 ). Mark explains that "Many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat." Sound familiar?Constant hurry is the mark of an un-prioritised life. It's a sign that second and third things have become first things.
We want microwave maturity. We try to exchange wisdom for information and depth for breadth - and it doesn't work. Depth comes slowly.Following Jesus can't be done at a sprint; you can't go faster than the one who's leading. So, slow down. Don't just work for God - spend time with Him!
Gang
They say the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. It may appear to be so, but the reality is that things are not really any better over there than in your own back yard. However, there's something fascinating and luring about the other side that makes us desire to have it. This is most certainly when it comes to gangs and other sorts of relationships.
It is interesting, but if you ask a member why he or she became part of the gang?
you will probably hear similar stories.
They had unsatisfying home lives, harsh parents, too many rules and not enough love and attention. They turned to the gangs because they saw love and freedom in the ranks, they thought it was a law-free environment where they could express themselves and live a fuller, richer life.
Unfortunately, they often find exactly what they are looking for in the gangs. However, they are kidding themselves if they think it is a law-free environment. Though the rules for belonging in a gang may not fit into the mould of what is acceptable in society, there are things by which each member must abide to be a part of the group. When they do, they experience the blessedness of obedience, the rewards of conforming to the expectations of the gang.If only they'd realized that they could find similar blessedness in the shadow of their families rather than seeking it in such a dangerous lifestyle. What freedom is there found in a life of violence and fear? What blessings can really come out of relationships that depend on disobedience to one authority to be able to give obedience to another? I suppose that is what is often said about Christianity by those who choose not to believe in the one true and living God. Why would Christians want to give up their freedom to abide in a law that is so demanding when they can live freely according to their own wants and needs. However, we have to consider which grass is really greener?"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the wicked, Nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of scoffers: But his delight is in the law of Jehovah; And on his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the streams of water, That bringeth forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also doth not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The wicked are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the wicked shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For Jehovah knoweth the way of the righteous; But the way of the wicked shall perish." Psalm 1 (ASV)The home life of the gang member may have been terrible. Some parents are not able to cope with the responsibilities and others that are filled with their own rebellion and anger which leads them to wrong decisions and actions. However, most kids have it much better at home, even if they don't realize it. Homes with rules are not meant to be prisons, but rules are given to guide and protect the children so that they will make it to adulthood. God has given us a set of laws. In our daily existence, many of the Levitical laws now seem useless and inappropriate. Perhaps they are. However, God's law was given for a purpose – to help and guide His people into a long and blessed life. If we look at only the top Ten Commandments, each of those will keep us walking on the greener grass even if it appears better on the other side of the fence.
Take, for instance, the command to not covet our neighbor's spouse. We may think it is harmless to wish for their attention or desire their touch. However, the more we covet, the more we ignore that which God has given us. As we covet our neighbor's spouse, we grow apart from our own family and our life begins to fall apart.
The grass may seem greener on the side of the fence with no law, where there is a freedom from authority other than ourselves. However, life is not better with that kind of freedom. The grace of God gives us the freedom to live under His care, in His good and perfect Word. There we will find the blessings of obedience and the rewards of our inheritance in the Kingdom of God. Just as staying home when the gang seems to be so appealing, life in God's sovereignty, delighting in His Law as we live in His grace is truly where we will find the greener pastures.
It is interesting, but if you ask a member why he or she became part of the gang?
you will probably hear similar stories.
They had unsatisfying home lives, harsh parents, too many rules and not enough love and attention. They turned to the gangs because they saw love and freedom in the ranks, they thought it was a law-free environment where they could express themselves and live a fuller, richer life.
Unfortunately, they often find exactly what they are looking for in the gangs. However, they are kidding themselves if they think it is a law-free environment. Though the rules for belonging in a gang may not fit into the mould of what is acceptable in society, there are things by which each member must abide to be a part of the group. When they do, they experience the blessedness of obedience, the rewards of conforming to the expectations of the gang.If only they'd realized that they could find similar blessedness in the shadow of their families rather than seeking it in such a dangerous lifestyle. What freedom is there found in a life of violence and fear? What blessings can really come out of relationships that depend on disobedience to one authority to be able to give obedience to another? I suppose that is what is often said about Christianity by those who choose not to believe in the one true and living God. Why would Christians want to give up their freedom to abide in a law that is so demanding when they can live freely according to their own wants and needs. However, we have to consider which grass is really greener?"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the wicked, Nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of scoffers: But his delight is in the law of Jehovah; And on his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the streams of water, That bringeth forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also doth not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The wicked are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the wicked shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For Jehovah knoweth the way of the righteous; But the way of the wicked shall perish." Psalm 1 (ASV)The home life of the gang member may have been terrible. Some parents are not able to cope with the responsibilities and others that are filled with their own rebellion and anger which leads them to wrong decisions and actions. However, most kids have it much better at home, even if they don't realize it. Homes with rules are not meant to be prisons, but rules are given to guide and protect the children so that they will make it to adulthood. God has given us a set of laws. In our daily existence, many of the Levitical laws now seem useless and inappropriate. Perhaps they are. However, God's law was given for a purpose – to help and guide His people into a long and blessed life. If we look at only the top Ten Commandments, each of those will keep us walking on the greener grass even if it appears better on the other side of the fence.
Take, for instance, the command to not covet our neighbor's spouse. We may think it is harmless to wish for their attention or desire their touch. However, the more we covet, the more we ignore that which God has given us. As we covet our neighbor's spouse, we grow apart from our own family and our life begins to fall apart.
The grass may seem greener on the side of the fence with no law, where there is a freedom from authority other than ourselves. However, life is not better with that kind of freedom. The grace of God gives us the freedom to live under His care, in His good and perfect Word. There we will find the blessings of obedience and the rewards of our inheritance in the Kingdom of God. Just as staying home when the gang seems to be so appealing, life in God's sovereignty, delighting in His Law as we live in His grace is truly where we will find the greener pastures.
A Word To Singles
Commit everything...to the Lord...and He will help you.Psalm 37:5
When you meet that "someone special," here are 5 questions you shouldconsider:
(1) Is the relationship based on honesty? The Bible speaks about,"Telling each other the truth" ( Ephesians 4:25 ). Relationships thrive on openness and trust. When deceit creeps in, it's time to get truthful in a hurry, or call it quits.
(2) Can you be yourself? Paul writes, "Each of us is an original" (Galatians 5:26 ), and "Let's...be what we were made to be" ( Romans12:6 ). If you feel like you constantly need to reinvent yourself or walk on your tiptoes, you're in the wrong relationship. Wise up! If they disapprove of you now, do you seriously think marriage will improve things?
(3) Is either of you possessive? The Bible says, "Love is...neverjealous" ( 1 Corinthians 13:4 ). If one of you can't make a move without the other's permission, it's a red flag, back off!
(4) Have you established physical boundaries? If the relationship ended today would you regret your level of involvement? You may know that the Bible says, "Run...from sexual sin" ( 1 Corinthians 6:18 ), but do you understand why God says He made sex as a commitment specifically for marriage? And why it can otherwise leave you feeling "used?"
(5) Do you plan your time together? Without a specific plan it's easy to get more physically involved than you should. That's why it's good to agree up front as to your boundaries. Listen: "Commit everything...to the Lord...He will help you." Lasting relationships always put God first- always!
When you meet that "someone special," here are 5 questions you shouldconsider:
(1) Is the relationship based on honesty? The Bible speaks about,"Telling each other the truth" ( Ephesians 4:25 ). Relationships thrive on openness and trust. When deceit creeps in, it's time to get truthful in a hurry, or call it quits.
(2) Can you be yourself? Paul writes, "Each of us is an original" (Galatians 5:26 ), and "Let's...be what we were made to be" ( Romans12:6 ). If you feel like you constantly need to reinvent yourself or walk on your tiptoes, you're in the wrong relationship. Wise up! If they disapprove of you now, do you seriously think marriage will improve things?
(3) Is either of you possessive? The Bible says, "Love is...neverjealous" ( 1 Corinthians 13:4 ). If one of you can't make a move without the other's permission, it's a red flag, back off!
(4) Have you established physical boundaries? If the relationship ended today would you regret your level of involvement? You may know that the Bible says, "Run...from sexual sin" ( 1 Corinthians 6:18 ), but do you understand why God says He made sex as a commitment specifically for marriage? And why it can otherwise leave you feeling "used?"
(5) Do you plan your time together? Without a specific plan it's easy to get more physically involved than you should. That's why it's good to agree up front as to your boundaries. Listen: "Commit everything...to the Lord...He will help you." Lasting relationships always put God first- always!
Think!
The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways.Proverbs 14:8
In order to become a better thinker, you need to:
(1) Do what works for you. Immanuel Kant used to stare out his window at a tower in order to think creatively; when trees grew up threatening to block his view, he chopped them down. Samuel Johnson said he needed apurring cat, an orange peel and a cup of tea in order to write. Some of us like music, some do better at a computer, some must write in longhand. Do whatever works for you!
2) Write down your thoughts. If you don't write down your ideas you'll lose them. In Bird By Bird, Anne Lamott says, "I have an index card and pens all over the house - by the bed, in the bathroom, in the kitchen,by the phones...I used to think that if something was important enough I'd remember it...but then I wouldn't...[writing down your ideas rightaway is] not cheating. It doesn't say anything about your character."
3) Put your thoughts into action quickly. Dave Goetz, founder of CustomZigns.com says, "For me, when an idea hits it strikes fire...the more time that passes after the idea strikes, the less heat it gives off. I forget parts of it, it doesn't seem so great. Ideas have a short shelf life." Author Alfred Montapert says, "Every time a person puts an idea across, he finds ten people who thought about it before he did -but they only thought about it." Don't just think creatively, put those God-given ideas into action and make a difference in His world!
Think!
God gave you a brain - use it! If you're serious about becoming a better thinker, understand this: great thinking comes from good thinking!
If you want to become a great thinker, concentrate on becoming a good thinker. But before becoming a good thinker, you need to become a thinker. And in order to become a thinker, you need to be willing to produce a bunch of mediocre and downright bad ideas. Only by practicing and developing your thinking daily will your ideas get better.
Your thinking ability is determined not by your desire to think, but by your past thinking. So, to become a good thinker, do more thinking. Once the ideas start flowing, they get better. And once they get better, they keep improving. And so does your life!
In order to become a better thinker, you need to:
(1) Do what works for you. Immanuel Kant used to stare out his window at a tower in order to think creatively; when trees grew up threatening to block his view, he chopped them down. Samuel Johnson said he needed apurring cat, an orange peel and a cup of tea in order to write. Some of us like music, some do better at a computer, some must write in longhand. Do whatever works for you!
2) Write down your thoughts. If you don't write down your ideas you'll lose them. In Bird By Bird, Anne Lamott says, "I have an index card and pens all over the house - by the bed, in the bathroom, in the kitchen,by the phones...I used to think that if something was important enough I'd remember it...but then I wouldn't...[writing down your ideas rightaway is] not cheating. It doesn't say anything about your character."
3) Put your thoughts into action quickly. Dave Goetz, founder of CustomZigns.com says, "For me, when an idea hits it strikes fire...the more time that passes after the idea strikes, the less heat it gives off. I forget parts of it, it doesn't seem so great. Ideas have a short shelf life." Author Alfred Montapert says, "Every time a person puts an idea across, he finds ten people who thought about it before he did -but they only thought about it." Don't just think creatively, put those God-given ideas into action and make a difference in His world!
Think!
God gave you a brain - use it! If you're serious about becoming a better thinker, understand this: great thinking comes from good thinking!
If you want to become a great thinker, concentrate on becoming a good thinker. But before becoming a good thinker, you need to become a thinker. And in order to become a thinker, you need to be willing to produce a bunch of mediocre and downright bad ideas. Only by practicing and developing your thinking daily will your ideas get better.
Your thinking ability is determined not by your desire to think, but by your past thinking. So, to become a good thinker, do more thinking. Once the ideas start flowing, they get better. And once they get better, they keep improving. And so does your life!
What State do you live in?
Philippians 4:11-13
Not that I complain of want; for I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound; in any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want. I can do all things in him who strengthens me.
Not that I complain of want; for I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound; in any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want. I can do all things in him who strengthens me.
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Don't Worry
Mat 6:25-34
So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life, whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes.
Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing?
Look at the birds. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are. Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not.
And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomonin all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.
And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith!
So don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing.
Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things?
Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day IF you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.
So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries.
Today's trouble is enough for today.
So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life, whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes.
Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing?
Look at the birds. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are. Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not.
And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomonin all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.
And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith!
So don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing.
Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things?
Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day IF you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.
So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries.
Today's trouble is enough for today.
Positive Thinking
If you want to get somewhere, you have to know where you want to go and how to get there. Then never, never,never give up.
The secret of life isn't what happens to you, but what you do with what happens to you.
Help other people to cope with their problems and your own will be easier to cope with.
Never use the word impossible seriously again. Toss it into the verbal wastebasket.
Self-trust is the first secret of success. So believe in and trust yourself.
Stand up to your obstacles and do something about them.You will find that they haven't half the strength you think they have.
Joy increases as you give it, and diminishes as you try to keep it for yourself.
In giving it, you will accumulate a deposit of joy greater than you ever believed possible.
How you think about a problem is more important than the problem itself - so always think positively.
Go at life with abandon; give it all you've got. And life will give all it has to you.
The secret of life isn't what happens to you, but what you do with what happens to you.
Help other people to cope with their problems and your own will be easier to cope with.
Never use the word impossible seriously again. Toss it into the verbal wastebasket.
Self-trust is the first secret of success. So believe in and trust yourself.
Stand up to your obstacles and do something about them.You will find that they haven't half the strength you think they have.
Joy increases as you give it, and diminishes as you try to keep it for yourself.
In giving it, you will accumulate a deposit of joy greater than you ever believed possible.
How you think about a problem is more important than the problem itself - so always think positively.
Go at life with abandon; give it all you've got. And life will give all it has to you.
Sunday, July 03, 2005
Inner Strength!
I am...equal to anything through Him who infuses inner strength into me. Philippians 4:13
When we awake each morning we've no idea what will happen to us. We hope for trouble-free days in which all our desires will be fulfilled, yet we know from experience this isn't always the case. We live in a real world with real problems. Our enemy the devil is real and he works in every way possible to bring discouragement, fear and failure to us.
That's why David said,
"If you make the Lord your refuge...no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your dwelling. For He orders His angels to protect you wherever you go...
The Lord says, "I will rescue those who love Me. I will protect those who trust in My name. When they call on Me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue them and honour them. I will satisfy them with a long life and give them My salvation" ( Psalm 91:9-16).
No matter what may come our way, we should believe that when it arrives we'll be more than able to handle it. Actually, the level of attack is often the best indicator as to the level of blessing that waits for us beyond the attack. That's why Paul writes,
"I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me" (Philippians 4:13 ).
Inner strength is better than outer strength,because if you can stay strong inwardly you can handle anything that comes against you outwardly, and still keep moving forward.
When we awake each morning we've no idea what will happen to us. We hope for trouble-free days in which all our desires will be fulfilled, yet we know from experience this isn't always the case. We live in a real world with real problems. Our enemy the devil is real and he works in every way possible to bring discouragement, fear and failure to us.
That's why David said,
"If you make the Lord your refuge...no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your dwelling. For He orders His angels to protect you wherever you go...
The Lord says, "I will rescue those who love Me. I will protect those who trust in My name. When they call on Me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue them and honour them. I will satisfy them with a long life and give them My salvation" ( Psalm 91:9-16).
No matter what may come our way, we should believe that when it arrives we'll be more than able to handle it. Actually, the level of attack is often the best indicator as to the level of blessing that waits for us beyond the attack. That's why Paul writes,
"I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me" (Philippians 4:13 ).
Inner strength is better than outer strength,because if you can stay strong inwardly you can handle anything that comes against you outwardly, and still keep moving forward.
Friday, July 01, 2005
God will make your path straight!
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own insight.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own insight.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
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