Ezra 6:7
Do not interfere with the work on this temple of God. Let the governor of the Jews and the Jewish elders rebuild this house of God on its site.
I've been seriously overworked in the past year, and more so in the last few months. The workload is continue to pile up and it is not just about office work, there's also a fair bit of ministry work. With frequent travels, business issues to resolve, even my admin time is tossed aside as I struggle to balance thinking strategic and being operational. At times, I realise that I don't even rest well and my personal (selfish) time has disappeared.
Doesn't help that there's going to be another work restructuring and I'm very upset over how I'm sidelined. My emotions are settling from the frustrations I felt 2 weeks ago, but it's rather challenging to continue on this pace to solve work issues and also see ministry go on at a listless pace. Such is the annoyance that I feel everytime I see people not pulling their weight, or not even moving at a pace that I feel they should.
One thing that propels me on and on all the time is the need to continue working. Not just work, but actually more on the things of God. I would burn myself up just to take on more responsibilities if I feel no one is going to do it. In the past weeks, I've actually wondered if I'm reaching burn out pace, but somehow, I'm grateful on how God's provision is for me to have a day or sometimes hours where I can stone (like now) and resolve admin matters that keep my sanity.
Tonight would mark something special because I'm invited to share in the discovery ranger's camp services. For 3 sessions I would be required to share a message and conduct personal ministry. Gosh, I'm excited as well as super nervous about it because I'm no licensed minister nor am I an experienced speaker. Sure, I can teach and conduct lessons, but....
Well, how this will turn out will be anyone's guess and I'm going there to do what I believe I'm asked to do. I took up this invite simply because I knew it was right for me to, and I also believe that the hours that we have in life should be dedicated in continuous building of the house of God - that it would bring Him glory.
May the hours you live be spent on meaningful works on God.
M.
28 November 2013
21 October 2013
God, not man
Hosea 11: 9
I will not execute my fierce anger, I will not again destroy Ephraim; for I am God and not man, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come to destroy.
These past weeks is budget planning week and when I'm faced with what I deem to be sheer stupidity, I get really upset. It didn't help that on one day, one colleague of another colleague had blatently said something untrue of me to management and I was outraged.
When I'm upset and angry at work, it is as if a volcano has exploded because I make it very obvious. I'm not one who forgets and forgives easily and if I could have my way, I would steamroll over people who offend me.
I'm also one who believes in logic and consequences, and that is where today's verse hit me because I often wonder why God does or does not do things accordingly.
The truth is, when I read the verse "I am God and not man", it made me really assured that God is God and not of the behaviour nor logic of man. If not for this fact, we could be dealing with a punishment in most situation or an unceasing rage.
I'm grateful when I consider how God's sovereignty and plans for us is always covered with a inexplicable love that translates to grace for us. For the times we disobey, or do nothing that pleases Him, He still loves us and never can bring Himself to destroy us - even if we deserve it.
This is God, one of grace and agape love and bigger than my imagination.
M.
I will not execute my fierce anger, I will not again destroy Ephraim; for I am God and not man, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come to destroy.
These past weeks is budget planning week and when I'm faced with what I deem to be sheer stupidity, I get really upset. It didn't help that on one day, one colleague of another colleague had blatently said something untrue of me to management and I was outraged.
When I'm upset and angry at work, it is as if a volcano has exploded because I make it very obvious. I'm not one who forgets and forgives easily and if I could have my way, I would steamroll over people who offend me.
I'm also one who believes in logic and consequences, and that is where today's verse hit me because I often wonder why God does or does not do things accordingly.
The truth is, when I read the verse "I am God and not man", it made me really assured that God is God and not of the behaviour nor logic of man. If not for this fact, we could be dealing with a punishment in most situation or an unceasing rage.
I'm grateful when I consider how God's sovereignty and plans for us is always covered with a inexplicable love that translates to grace for us. For the times we disobey, or do nothing that pleases Him, He still loves us and never can bring Himself to destroy us - even if we deserve it.
This is God, one of grace and agape love and bigger than my imagination.
M.
14 October 2013
Listening to advice
Proverbs 12:15
The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.
I meet up youths and young adults and I'm blessed to have a few who are always open to listen to me, even if it seems that I've always something to lecture them about.
It's difficult enough to have to go through issues, but to have someone tell you what to do, why you need to stop doing or draw out points to correct - that is a pain. So, I often wonder why the few that I oversee would always stick around to be corrected. Afterall, they are young, and the young will always make mistakes.
For every one of those whom I have who listen to me, I'm blessed because I see in them the willingness to change for the better. I don't proclaim to have all the answers that they would need, but at least they know I tell them what I know to guide in the best I can. For such like these, the bible records them to be wise.
Those, however, who would not want to be corrected live because they feel that there's noone who is allowed to speak into their lives. They are called fools because life comprises more than our own ideals and plans.
Listen to advice from those who love us and who we view as godly, because it profits us much to heed their instructions which are meant to keep us from harm and pitfalls.
M.
The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.
I meet up youths and young adults and I'm blessed to have a few who are always open to listen to me, even if it seems that I've always something to lecture them about.
It's difficult enough to have to go through issues, but to have someone tell you what to do, why you need to stop doing or draw out points to correct - that is a pain. So, I often wonder why the few that I oversee would always stick around to be corrected. Afterall, they are young, and the young will always make mistakes.
For every one of those whom I have who listen to me, I'm blessed because I see in them the willingness to change for the better. I don't proclaim to have all the answers that they would need, but at least they know I tell them what I know to guide in the best I can. For such like these, the bible records them to be wise.
Those, however, who would not want to be corrected live because they feel that there's noone who is allowed to speak into their lives. They are called fools because life comprises more than our own ideals and plans.
Listen to advice from those who love us and who we view as godly, because it profits us much to heed their instructions which are meant to keep us from harm and pitfalls.
M.
09 October 2013
To know the heart and mind of God
1 Samuel 2:35
I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who will do according to what is in my heart and mind. I will firmly establish his priestly house, and they will minister before my anointed one always.
This verse jumped at me some 2 weeks ago and I've been sharing it on occasions. It is important to me because I claim this truth that God will raise for Himself faithful people who will do according to what is in His heart and mind.
The heart and mind are always different. To know the heart is to understand the emotions, to know the mind is to understand the logic. Often we have a situation where the feelings of our heart is tangent to the logic flow of the mind. Yet, this person/people that God will raise up will be one who knows the heart and mind of God and will do accordingly. What a powerful life such an individual will live.
The fact that God will raise up such people is a promise to claim, work at so we can receive.
M.
I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who will do according to what is in my heart and mind. I will firmly establish his priestly house, and they will minister before my anointed one always.
This verse jumped at me some 2 weeks ago and I've been sharing it on occasions. It is important to me because I claim this truth that God will raise for Himself faithful people who will do according to what is in His heart and mind.
The heart and mind are always different. To know the heart is to understand the emotions, to know the mind is to understand the logic. Often we have a situation where the feelings of our heart is tangent to the logic flow of the mind. Yet, this person/people that God will raise up will be one who knows the heart and mind of God and will do accordingly. What a powerful life such an individual will live.
The fact that God will raise up such people is a promise to claim, work at so we can receive.
M.
23 September 2013
Still confident in God?
Psalms 27:13
I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
As this verse stares at me in the desktop calendar of my office, the word "still confident" pops out at me. Something about it speaks to me because it reaches into the past weeks of my inner recesses of my being.
Everything I view gets clouded and more challenging when I review how things are in the natural. Problems are always compounded, issues never seem to be resolved and nothing ever seems hopeful when we look at the details that always point to a losing battle and a sucky life.
But today, I'm reminded that my perspectives in the past weeks have been rather clouded by what I feel. The confidence I should have must always be there because God is always in control. I cannot just say confidence is always with me, but I need to re-instruct myself again and again to see God above my perspectives. Only then can I be still confident to see the goodness of the Lord.
M.
I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
As this verse stares at me in the desktop calendar of my office, the word "still confident" pops out at me. Something about it speaks to me because it reaches into the past weeks of my inner recesses of my being.
Everything I view gets clouded and more challenging when I review how things are in the natural. Problems are always compounded, issues never seem to be resolved and nothing ever seems hopeful when we look at the details that always point to a losing battle and a sucky life.
But today, I'm reminded that my perspectives in the past weeks have been rather clouded by what I feel. The confidence I should have must always be there because God is always in control. I cannot just say confidence is always with me, but I need to re-instruct myself again and again to see God above my perspectives. Only then can I be still confident to see the goodness of the Lord.
M.
13 September 2013
Leaving. Why not me?
Genesis 12:1
The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.
Just a week ago, as I was overseas with Kevin, envy struck me because I had desired to move overseas like him but I never got my chance to and what hit harder was during my stay in the luxury of an apartment of an acquaintance who obtained an expat package for a new job offer. They never aimed for such an opportunity, but with how things turned out, they moved when the offer came to explore new grounds.
It's pretty ironic to me that 2 of my ex-rangers who do not have a penchant to travel overseas in the past, have instead been posted overseas because of their job. Meanwhile, I who always wanted to leave the country and work overseas, have not seen that dream come to pass.
Still, what happens to each of us is amazing. It's about moving out of your comfort zone because God directs you. In my case, it is about staying in a discomfort zone because God says so.
When God had spoken to Abram, it was a challenge for him to leave in faith and he did. I stayed in faith because I heard God. It's never about yourselves or the world would have consumed us. I know if I insisted on leaving on my terms, I would likely never turn back and also, I may have well turned my back on God eventually.
For whatever reasons that He brings people out, or keeps them. He will show his purpose and they will always be the best plans He has for us. So, don't run away from God, or elect to take His directions for your life lightly.
M.
The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.
Just a week ago, as I was overseas with Kevin, envy struck me because I had desired to move overseas like him but I never got my chance to and what hit harder was during my stay in the luxury of an apartment of an acquaintance who obtained an expat package for a new job offer. They never aimed for such an opportunity, but with how things turned out, they moved when the offer came to explore new grounds.
It's pretty ironic to me that 2 of my ex-rangers who do not have a penchant to travel overseas in the past, have instead been posted overseas because of their job. Meanwhile, I who always wanted to leave the country and work overseas, have not seen that dream come to pass.
Still, what happens to each of us is amazing. It's about moving out of your comfort zone because God directs you. In my case, it is about staying in a discomfort zone because God says so.
When God had spoken to Abram, it was a challenge for him to leave in faith and he did. I stayed in faith because I heard God. It's never about yourselves or the world would have consumed us. I know if I insisted on leaving on my terms, I would likely never turn back and also, I may have well turned my back on God eventually.
For whatever reasons that He brings people out, or keeps them. He will show his purpose and they will always be the best plans He has for us. So, don't run away from God, or elect to take His directions for your life lightly.
M.
26 August 2013
A man equivalent to 100
Judges 7:3 & 7
Now announce to the army, ‘Anyone who trembles with fear may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’” So twenty-two thousand men left, while ten thousand remained....The Lord said to Gideon, “With the three hundred men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Let all the others go home.”
In a few of my meeting with the national staff, we have talked about this passage and how it often applies when we review how many who have been raised often do not materialise to be a mighty army. The painful fact is that many are available but only a portion are willing to stay, yet within this only a fraction would be ready for God's use.
It does pain my heart to acknowledge the fact that a small percent of the initial conscript will eventually be ready for that day of victorious battle. More so because I've been witnessing a fair bit of high-potential individual drop off the as the days, months and years pass. Will no one remain eventually?
Yet, the battle Gideon had was won with 300 men. A o.oo9% of the original conscript size. In the eyes of man, it must be insane to go to war with such a small team, no matter of elite they could be. However, God would not share His glory and have Israel boasts of its own might. So as we all know of it, the God used the 300 men to route the Midianites.
What does it take to prepare a man who will be one of the 300 ready warriors whom God will call to battle? I take this seriously because I know that a godly-ready man is worth his equivalent to one hundred available ones that God would not deem ready for use.
Honestly, I always wonder how many whom I have the opportunity to teach would still remain on to serve God in steadfastness and be liken to the 300 that God will select to bring Him glory. This is not for me to select, nor for me to take glory that I've raised a person equivalent to a hundred man. But I do think it is important to have high standards in whatever we do for God. If this means we've to ready the people under us and invest what we can so they can be of use when the call is sound, then let us do it.
M.
Now announce to the army, ‘Anyone who trembles with fear may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’” So twenty-two thousand men left, while ten thousand remained....The Lord said to Gideon, “With the three hundred men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Let all the others go home.”
In a few of my meeting with the national staff, we have talked about this passage and how it often applies when we review how many who have been raised often do not materialise to be a mighty army. The painful fact is that many are available but only a portion are willing to stay, yet within this only a fraction would be ready for God's use.
It does pain my heart to acknowledge the fact that a small percent of the initial conscript will eventually be ready for that day of victorious battle. More so because I've been witnessing a fair bit of high-potential individual drop off the as the days, months and years pass. Will no one remain eventually?
Yet, the battle Gideon had was won with 300 men. A o.oo9% of the original conscript size. In the eyes of man, it must be insane to go to war with such a small team, no matter of elite they could be. However, God would not share His glory and have Israel boasts of its own might. So as we all know of it, the God used the 300 men to route the Midianites.
What does it take to prepare a man who will be one of the 300 ready warriors whom God will call to battle? I take this seriously because I know that a godly-ready man is worth his equivalent to one hundred available ones that God would not deem ready for use.
Honestly, I always wonder how many whom I have the opportunity to teach would still remain on to serve God in steadfastness and be liken to the 300 that God will select to bring Him glory. This is not for me to select, nor for me to take glory that I've raised a person equivalent to a hundred man. But I do think it is important to have high standards in whatever we do for God. If this means we've to ready the people under us and invest what we can so they can be of use when the call is sound, then let us do it.
M.