2 Corinthians 2:5
"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves...to claim anything for ourselves, but our sufficiency comes from God."
This is a spiritual paradox, but so true. We may have stuff, but we can only be sufficient when we surrender everything to God and trust Him to provide.
God has given us ability, gifts, talents, and discernment, but these virtues must be surrendered to His control and authority. Otherwise, we plod through life making our own decisions, doing our thing, and living on the perimeter of all God wants to do in and through us. It's really easy for me to live life on auto-pilot as I utilise what I have to make decisions. I'm not talking about easy what to eat decisions, but those which consume more of my time and effort, and what I will place effort in. For example, I have ideal jobs which I just want to apply for and get. However, I must learn to be dependent on God that He will dictate the job which I am to have.
As long as you and I are self-sufficient, we need not ask God for anything. God will not impose His will or way on us. He has given us a "free will" to either obey Him or disobey Him. Have you ever prayed harder than when you are no longer in control and desperate for help that you ask God to make things happen, because we simply can't?
Our choice will determine the consequences we will experience. It is only when we surrender our rights that we can learn to lean and trust God to be our sufficiency. God wants us to be in the center of His will and for Him to be the center of our life.
It's little wonder why people who have little are often the happiest when they receive simple pleasures, rather than us contented folks who can never be satisfied. May we learn to be surrender our self-sufficiency to God.
blessings,
M.
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest upon me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then am I strong" (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
12 November 2008
06 November 2008
Perspectives
Psalm 73:17
"Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end."
It's only day 2 since I returned from my holidays and here I am sitting in irritation and annoyance at the idiocy of my superior/s. People who sit there and do nothing and yet look extremely busy. Apart from creating problems which they can't or won't solve, they sit on work and do nothing until I return. What's worst, the two of them claim to be church attending folks. Yah right!Right now, I've the right frame of mind to call down heaven's fire down on them. Grrrh....
Why do we have such frustration over the many circumstances in life? We are perplexed by the actions and life-style of believers who profess to be devoted to the Lord and cannot understand the ways of man in relation to God. How can they fare so well and yet be so ungodly and abusive to others and live in such unethical principles.
Until, this verse and insights of it came into my inbox some 30 minutes ago, I realised that we, as David, need to go into the sanctuary.
David had this problem as viewed in Psalm 73. He could not understand the prosperity of the wicked, their wealth and welfare, when their life-style was so averse to God. He even thought his efforts to follow God and to live godly was in vain. He said, "When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me." BUT then he said, "Till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny."
In His presence, God speaks to us through the Holy Spirit who dwells within each believer. He gives us His perspective, and an understanding that He is in control and all these little, petty frustrations are temporal and not meant to consume us. Honestly, one day we will all pass away and all these won't matter, so why spend the time fretting and getting agitated over people who don't matter to us?
So I say to myself today, Perspective! Relook at things and adopt a better, clearer perspective because all that is creating annoyance to me is nothing in God's eternal timeframe. As to the idiocy of those above me and still living successfully. Who cares! I'm fine in God's plans and purposes and I shall choose to be happy because His joy is my strength.
blessings,
M.
"For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever" (Romans 11:36).
"Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end."
It's only day 2 since I returned from my holidays and here I am sitting in irritation and annoyance at the idiocy of my superior/s. People who sit there and do nothing and yet look extremely busy. Apart from creating problems which they can't or won't solve, they sit on work and do nothing until I return. What's worst, the two of them claim to be church attending folks. Yah right!Right now, I've the right frame of mind to call down heaven's fire down on them. Grrrh....
Why do we have such frustration over the many circumstances in life? We are perplexed by the actions and life-style of believers who profess to be devoted to the Lord and cannot understand the ways of man in relation to God. How can they fare so well and yet be so ungodly and abusive to others and live in such unethical principles.
Until, this verse and insights of it came into my inbox some 30 minutes ago, I realised that we, as David, need to go into the sanctuary.
David had this problem as viewed in Psalm 73. He could not understand the prosperity of the wicked, their wealth and welfare, when their life-style was so averse to God. He even thought his efforts to follow God and to live godly was in vain. He said, "When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me." BUT then he said, "Till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny."
In His presence, God speaks to us through the Holy Spirit who dwells within each believer. He gives us His perspective, and an understanding that He is in control and all these little, petty frustrations are temporal and not meant to consume us. Honestly, one day we will all pass away and all these won't matter, so why spend the time fretting and getting agitated over people who don't matter to us?
So I say to myself today, Perspective! Relook at things and adopt a better, clearer perspective because all that is creating annoyance to me is nothing in God's eternal timeframe. As to the idiocy of those above me and still living successfully. Who cares! I'm fine in God's plans and purposes and I shall choose to be happy because His joy is my strength.
blessings,
M.
"For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever" (Romans 11:36).
04 November 2008
Overseeing your flock
Acts 20:28
"Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood."
I stand here in the morning of Kansai Airport awaiting for my flight back home. It has been a fast 8 days of holiday and extremely purposeful. The most purposeful holiday I ever had in all my trips to Japan.
Many reasons exists for me being here and one of the key top priorities is for me to be here for one of my flock. Despite the fact that I have an annual national leaders conference to attend, I willingly skipped it, not because there was a social holiday excuse, but because I knew this was the most opportune time for me to be here to talk, counsel and encourage one of my mentees.
As I read this verse via my email newsletter, I am again reminded of the purpose of the call of a leader. Firstly, we are to be vigilent over ourselves. Without taking good care of our lives and soul, we will be unable to do anything more. A maintained vehicle is a operational vehicle good for transporting people.
Thereafter, being ministered, we need to keep our eyes over the others placed before us. Life comprises more than US, OUR STUFF and OUR GOALS. People whom the Lord purchased with His blood are treasure which need to be guarded and watchfully monitored. What good does it do when we someday go up to heaven, safe and sound, but without bringing along people with us?
May you too recognise the truth of this passage as I did, standing here in front of the free internet portal, with the morning sun shining at the airport runway. Keep watch over yourself, and then, the flock which is before you.
blessings,
M.
"May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (Hebrews 13:20-21)
"Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood."
I stand here in the morning of Kansai Airport awaiting for my flight back home. It has been a fast 8 days of holiday and extremely purposeful. The most purposeful holiday I ever had in all my trips to Japan.
Many reasons exists for me being here and one of the key top priorities is for me to be here for one of my flock. Despite the fact that I have an annual national leaders conference to attend, I willingly skipped it, not because there was a social holiday excuse, but because I knew this was the most opportune time for me to be here to talk, counsel and encourage one of my mentees.
As I read this verse via my email newsletter, I am again reminded of the purpose of the call of a leader. Firstly, we are to be vigilent over ourselves. Without taking good care of our lives and soul, we will be unable to do anything more. A maintained vehicle is a operational vehicle good for transporting people.
Thereafter, being ministered, we need to keep our eyes over the others placed before us. Life comprises more than US, OUR STUFF and OUR GOALS. People whom the Lord purchased with His blood are treasure which need to be guarded and watchfully monitored. What good does it do when we someday go up to heaven, safe and sound, but without bringing along people with us?
May you too recognise the truth of this passage as I did, standing here in front of the free internet portal, with the morning sun shining at the airport runway. Keep watch over yourself, and then, the flock which is before you.
blessings,
M.
"May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (Hebrews 13:20-21)
23 October 2008
Righteous Living
Titus 2:7-8
"In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us."
It's really hard to be live a blameless life before man, but it is something we really need to try to achieve.
Today in the new paper, the trashy cover story of the day writes about a girl who encounters a cyberspace pervert who flashes at her via his webcam. While he was exposing himself to her, she was capturing images of him so that she could use it as evidence to bring him to justice. However, despite the evidence at hand, she does not want to report the issue to her parents and the police as she herself is breaking a rule set by her parent - she is not supposed to be using instant messaging. To quote her "I was afraid my parents would scold me if they find out that I had disobeyed them and used instant messaging. My father has read articles and think there are a lot of bad guys oline... I guess he was right."
Thus, she cannot bring the man to justice as she would incriminate herself and be liable for punishment.
In the book of John 8-1:11, when Jesus was dealing with the prostitute and the pharisees who were condemning her, he challenged them. "Let he who has not sinned cast the first stone". Naturally, no one responded and eventually everyone left.
Today, as we amble through life, can we honestly say that we are actively living lives of integrity and setting an example by doing what is good? Or are we so subdued by our daily routines that we live as per everyone else?
May you and I be reminded to try harder. That our lives will demonstrate the goodness of God before man. Be distinguished.
blessings,
M.
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds." (Romans 12:2)
"In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us."
It's really hard to be live a blameless life before man, but it is something we really need to try to achieve.
Today in the new paper, the trashy cover story of the day writes about a girl who encounters a cyberspace pervert who flashes at her via his webcam. While he was exposing himself to her, she was capturing images of him so that she could use it as evidence to bring him to justice. However, despite the evidence at hand, she does not want to report the issue to her parents and the police as she herself is breaking a rule set by her parent - she is not supposed to be using instant messaging. To quote her "I was afraid my parents would scold me if they find out that I had disobeyed them and used instant messaging. My father has read articles and think there are a lot of bad guys oline... I guess he was right."
Thus, she cannot bring the man to justice as she would incriminate herself and be liable for punishment.
In the book of John 8-1:11, when Jesus was dealing with the prostitute and the pharisees who were condemning her, he challenged them. "Let he who has not sinned cast the first stone". Naturally, no one responded and eventually everyone left.
Today, as we amble through life, can we honestly say that we are actively living lives of integrity and setting an example by doing what is good? Or are we so subdued by our daily routines that we live as per everyone else?
May you and I be reminded to try harder. That our lives will demonstrate the goodness of God before man. Be distinguished.
blessings,
M.
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds." (Romans 12:2)
17 October 2008
Quick to Listen, BUT slow to react
James 1:19-20
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
I received this verse via an email on a work day and I stopped to look at it for a while. Immediately, I told myself, how difficult it is for me to be quick to listen and slow to speak or react. Especially at work where I do my stuff at a hyper fast speed. Typically, when I start my day, the moment I see all my emails, I'll start working to read thoroughly and settle them one at a time. Call it a perculiar behaviour, but unlike most colleagues, I simply cannot have an inbox which is filled with unread emails. I simply must read everyone of them and settle them as soon as I can.
This also is seen in the way which I handle my projects. Everything must be quickly resolved and talked through. I cannot stand it when I resolve matters and it gets stuck in the next level due to people who work slowly or take their own time to read the email only at the end of the day. You can imagine me at an irritable mood the moment I wait for half a day and get no response or approval.
The moment I laid my eyes on this verse and resigned myself to it, I sighed because I knew that it's a virtue to be slow in reaction. It prevents one from acting impulsively. I know because I normally react to situations quickly in anger, some friends react quickly in compassion or with good intentions. But often, if we pondered and deliberated, we would have done things differently.
Today, may we learn to to be attentive and allow God to calm us so we can react slowly. I truely believe that as we wait and ponder before we react, we'll react well. The bible says, we'll end up behaving righteously because we never got angry and in our anger sinned.
blessings,
M.
"They said to one another, "Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; that's why this distress has come upon us." (Genesis 42:21)
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
I received this verse via an email on a work day and I stopped to look at it for a while. Immediately, I told myself, how difficult it is for me to be quick to listen and slow to speak or react. Especially at work where I do my stuff at a hyper fast speed. Typically, when I start my day, the moment I see all my emails, I'll start working to read thoroughly and settle them one at a time. Call it a perculiar behaviour, but unlike most colleagues, I simply cannot have an inbox which is filled with unread emails. I simply must read everyone of them and settle them as soon as I can.
This also is seen in the way which I handle my projects. Everything must be quickly resolved and talked through. I cannot stand it when I resolve matters and it gets stuck in the next level due to people who work slowly or take their own time to read the email only at the end of the day. You can imagine me at an irritable mood the moment I wait for half a day and get no response or approval.
The moment I laid my eyes on this verse and resigned myself to it, I sighed because I knew that it's a virtue to be slow in reaction. It prevents one from acting impulsively. I know because I normally react to situations quickly in anger, some friends react quickly in compassion or with good intentions. But often, if we pondered and deliberated, we would have done things differently.
Today, may we learn to to be attentive and allow God to calm us so we can react slowly. I truely believe that as we wait and ponder before we react, we'll react well. The bible says, we'll end up behaving righteously because we never got angry and in our anger sinned.
blessings,
M.
"They said to one another, "Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; that's why this distress has come upon us." (Genesis 42:21)
11 October 2008
The truth of the Matter
Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails
This verse says it all and sometimes we need to remember the truth behind God word.
May you and I learn to find and comprehend what is God's purpose for our lives.
"But I said, "I have labored to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing. Yet what is due me is in the LORD's hand, and my reward is with my God." (Isaiah 49:4)
Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails
This verse says it all and sometimes we need to remember the truth behind God word.
May you and I learn to find and comprehend what is God's purpose for our lives.
blessngs,
M.
"But I said, "I have labored to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing. Yet what is due me is in the LORD's hand, and my reward is with my God." (Isaiah 49:4)
06 October 2008
Rock of Ages
Isaiah 26:4
“Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.”
We are probably only at one of the many low points of a financial downturn. Everyday, I watch the stock market indices slide down and this often is translated into my financial investments dropping in dollar value. I'm doing nothing yet, just watching, waiting and wondering when the job market becomes spooked. Oh how I'm not looking forward to the poor market condition in the near future.
It's scary when markets go into freefall and the only thing that seems to be certain is this feeling that we are not even reaching the worst pont yet. However, all financial planning people wil tell you that if you have lotsa cash and time and can afford to invest during this downturn, when/should the economy pick up, you'll make a huge gain. That truth is of course conditional upon the fact that things do go upand you have the benefit of time.
Time makes all seasonal ups and downs of our life seem like a minor skip or hiccup. Afterall, if we look back at our past and remenice about the most sad days, it really does not seem to be as sad as how we felt that the world was coming to an end, then.
But even time will someday come to an end. The only thing amidst all turmoil and uncertainties is the fact that God remains God and His character and provisions are constant.
Today and these coming months, may you and I learnt to look less at the issues and problems which surround us. We must really learn to encounter life with a perspective that we can never place our trust and hope in anything around us. God and God alone is the stable, solid rock which we can trust.
blessings,
M.
"He stood, and shook the earth; he looked, and made the nations tremble. The ancient mountains crumbled and the age-old hills collapsed. His ways are eternal." (Habakuk 3:6)
“Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.”
We are probably only at one of the many low points of a financial downturn. Everyday, I watch the stock market indices slide down and this often is translated into my financial investments dropping in dollar value. I'm doing nothing yet, just watching, waiting and wondering when the job market becomes spooked. Oh how I'm not looking forward to the poor market condition in the near future.
It's scary when markets go into freefall and the only thing that seems to be certain is this feeling that we are not even reaching the worst pont yet. However, all financial planning people wil tell you that if you have lotsa cash and time and can afford to invest during this downturn, when/should the economy pick up, you'll make a huge gain. That truth is of course conditional upon the fact that things do go upand you have the benefit of time.
Time makes all seasonal ups and downs of our life seem like a minor skip or hiccup. Afterall, if we look back at our past and remenice about the most sad days, it really does not seem to be as sad as how we felt that the world was coming to an end, then.
But even time will someday come to an end. The only thing amidst all turmoil and uncertainties is the fact that God remains God and His character and provisions are constant.
Today and these coming months, may you and I learnt to look less at the issues and problems which surround us. We must really learn to encounter life with a perspective that we can never place our trust and hope in anything around us. God and God alone is the stable, solid rock which we can trust.
blessings,
M.
"He stood, and shook the earth; he looked, and made the nations tremble. The ancient mountains crumbled and the age-old hills collapsed. His ways are eternal." (Habakuk 3:6)