Psalms 139:17-18
How precious to me are your thoughts,God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand when I awake, I am still with you.
This is a new year and now that I'm not working, boy is it a new experience to get up at the same time and not have to go to work. I get to slumber, laze and wonder what to do when everyone else is getting back to the hustle and bustle of life. I call it the retirement internship phase of life until I find myself a new job.
Knowing me and how I can laze all day long without accomplishing anything, I've elected to do up a list of matters that I need/have to do and now need to discipline myself to get it all done!
As I sit in the library and capitalise on the free WiFi, power and aircon (and escape the noisy drilling renovation noise at home), I marvel at how this feels like a student's school holiday period. Yet, it isn't for me because I can't enjoy this all my life (or can I? hmm......)
This new year marks a year of new perspectives because of the new beginnings now that I don't have a job. Yet I know that it is for a significant purpose that God decreed that I would lose my employment on 20 Dec 2013. His thoughts of what he expects me to do would outnumber the sands on the beach. For that, I'm waiting with baited breath what He will place before me in the coming days, weeks and months.
It's a strange feeling to wake up, free from work, but also insecure because come 20 March, I would no longer receive financial income. Humanly, I would love to get myself a job that pays me much more and also treat me much better. Ideally by Feb I would have this all sealed. But, who is to dictate what God will do.
Therefore, on the week 1 of 2014, I seek out in simple faith for the precious thoughts of God in my career path. I proclaim a new revelation on what I am suppose to do, new industry to be in, because the steps I walk ahead should never be same-old stuff. Something new, refreshing and liberating so the days at work at enjoyable and a breath of fresh air.
How pleasant it is to know that the higher thoughts of God on my life are precious gold, and more vast than what I can count.
All is well, all can only get better from here. This also applies to you. Woots!
blessings,
M.
06 January 2014
17 December 2013
take good care
Psalms 141.8
But God, dear Lord, I only have eyes for you. Since I’ve run for dear life to you, take good care of me. (Message version)
Taken from the message version, my heart was drawn to the ending of this verse. The other versions state the hope to be defended or kept safely from evildoers. Yet, I'm not in the same condition as David who was seeking for God as his enemies persecuted him.
All I ask for is for God to take good care of me. To be able to live life without much care, to be healthy, sufficient, happy and most importantly, to never worry about the steps I've to take every waking day of my life.
The year is coming to an end and the mood in the office is reflective and increasingly quiet as people go on leave. It's been a tough work year, what is making things sour is how the unhappiness of work is now burdened with disappointing news in ministry. In the past month, I've yet to come to terms with a young leader deciding to drop out of the ministry for reason I'm not privy to. To have 4 young leaders reduced to 3 is something that has burdened my heart because it's always difficult for me to lose hold of an individual.
I'll always put a prayer of covering over anyone who is leaving, but somehow, it's just me to be concerned if they will be taken care of. Maybe it is because I've also witnessed many who have left the church for other options, only to find out years later that they no longer attend church. I do not profess that I'm able to be that one to strengthen the faith of individuals under me, but I do always try to aid in any way I can for individuals to receive support. In the meanwhile, all I ask of God is to always take care of those whom I've lost.
My body is still relatively young and my heart is currently emotionally strong albeit with many more wounds and scares. Somehow, I always wonder what will happen someday when I'm much older and when I'm unable to keep this momentum of service and got to suffer a setback or two when lives are lost. For that, I can only ask of God to take good care of me.
God, I may not be the faithful person you expect of, but I do pray you continually take good care of us all.
M.
But God, dear Lord, I only have eyes for you. Since I’ve run for dear life to you, take good care of me. (Message version)
Taken from the message version, my heart was drawn to the ending of this verse. The other versions state the hope to be defended or kept safely from evildoers. Yet, I'm not in the same condition as David who was seeking for God as his enemies persecuted him.
All I ask for is for God to take good care of me. To be able to live life without much care, to be healthy, sufficient, happy and most importantly, to never worry about the steps I've to take every waking day of my life.
The year is coming to an end and the mood in the office is reflective and increasingly quiet as people go on leave. It's been a tough work year, what is making things sour is how the unhappiness of work is now burdened with disappointing news in ministry. In the past month, I've yet to come to terms with a young leader deciding to drop out of the ministry for reason I'm not privy to. To have 4 young leaders reduced to 3 is something that has burdened my heart because it's always difficult for me to lose hold of an individual.
I'll always put a prayer of covering over anyone who is leaving, but somehow, it's just me to be concerned if they will be taken care of. Maybe it is because I've also witnessed many who have left the church for other options, only to find out years later that they no longer attend church. I do not profess that I'm able to be that one to strengthen the faith of individuals under me, but I do always try to aid in any way I can for individuals to receive support. In the meanwhile, all I ask of God is to always take care of those whom I've lost.
My body is still relatively young and my heart is currently emotionally strong albeit with many more wounds and scares. Somehow, I always wonder what will happen someday when I'm much older and when I'm unable to keep this momentum of service and got to suffer a setback or two when lives are lost. For that, I can only ask of God to take good care of me.
God, I may not be the faithful person you expect of, but I do pray you continually take good care of us all.
M.
28 November 2013
Overworked but working for meaningful work
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.
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.
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.