Isn't it strange... many a times we are caught valuing the things more than people;
For example :
our mobile phone, our laptop, our all the i-
our house, our land, our building
our car, our credit card, our bank account...
and etc...
When we truly know that investing in the lives of people is more important.
Not only important but more rewarding;
But why is it that we don't have much patience?
i guess it is the return or the result many a times are almost not immediate at all or cannot be predicted.
For instances :
if you are reaching out a friend, how soon will he or she respond to you?
if you are discipling a member, how soon will he or she actually reach your goal?
if you are ...
it is so unlike ...
if you are an architect, you know for very sure by such a time your blueprint is ready.
if you are a builder or a contractor, you know for sure by such a time the building is completed.
if you are a farmer, you know for sure by such a season it bears fruit.
Well, the Lord teaches patience and longsuffering!
2 Tim 4:2
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
Heb 6:12
We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
Jam 5:7
Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains.
Application :
Are you able to exercise a little bit more patience?
A little bit more time?
A little bit more care?
You will never know, probably the next second is the Miracle Point!
Monday, August 16, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Good Idea or God Idea
It's pretty interesting when you have "light bulb" suddenly lighted up with some interesting ideas.
When you look back it is actually a normal idea but never caught your attention until that moment.
And you will somehow tell yourself or the world that that is a good idea... or probably best in the world.
But how do you define good is good?
Psalms 14:3
3 All have turned aside,
they have together become corrupt;
there is no one who does good,
not even one.
The only reference I know is to make reference to the Word of God!
Romans 3:10
10 As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one;
Matthew 19:17
So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”
Therefore, our good idea has to be God idea... then it will surely make a difference.
When you look back it is actually a normal idea but never caught your attention until that moment.
And you will somehow tell yourself or the world that that is a good idea... or probably best in the world.
But how do you define good is good?
Psalms 14:3
3 All have turned aside,
they have together become corrupt;
there is no one who does good,
not even one.
The only reference I know is to make reference to the Word of God!
Romans 3:10
10 As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one;
Matthew 19:17
So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”
Therefore, our good idea has to be God idea... then it will surely make a difference.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Calling or Burden
When was you first time step into ministry?
Serving in a ministry not that "full time" category. How was your feeling?
I believe it was truly exciting especially when you are called by your leader or pastor.
As time goes, after few weeks, after few months, after few years, maybe; somehow the feeling of excitement is not as compared to the beginning.
it somehow has become some kind of a burden; every body is away for holiday but you got to stay to serve because you make that commitment to do so.
Believe me i had the same feeling many years ago.
First of all, if we grasp our Calling genuinely it will make a lot of difference!
Our motivation has to come from the Calling not the burden of feeling being victimized.
Let's walk in the Calling of God not a burden but the burden to surrender to Him.
Ephesians 4:1
1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,
1 Peter 5:6-7
6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Serving in a ministry not that "full time" category. How was your feeling?
I believe it was truly exciting especially when you are called by your leader or pastor.
As time goes, after few weeks, after few months, after few years, maybe; somehow the feeling of excitement is not as compared to the beginning.
it somehow has become some kind of a burden; every body is away for holiday but you got to stay to serve because you make that commitment to do so.
Believe me i had the same feeling many years ago.
First of all, if we grasp our Calling genuinely it will make a lot of difference!
Our motivation has to come from the Calling not the burden of feeling being victimized.
Let's walk in the Calling of God not a burden but the burden to surrender to Him.
Ephesians 4:1
1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,
1 Peter 5:6-7
6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Miracle or Wine
My wife and I attended a wedding recently in KL.
The wedding venue was pretty interesting. The best men, bridesmaids, the daddy and the bride walked down from the stairs to the altar area.
Our guest speaker whom we knew spoke of the account of Jesus at a wedding at Cana. John 2.
Jesus turned the water to wine.
First miracle happened.
That reminds me that there are many people who are looking and desiring to taste the wine rather than knowing the one who performed the miracle.
Most of us can fall into this categories as well.
We may often look for the blessings rather than the Blesser.
We may often eager to have the prize rather that the Giver.
We may often seek for winning rather than the One who guides and mentor us.
Most people are like that. We all can be guilty of that.
BUT if we learn to appreciate what is right, we will learn to HONOR God!
Next time, if you achieve something Honor the One who gave who make it possible for you.
That also reminds me of a story I read many years ago.
A young poor boy was deeply sad when he saw his friend received a new bicycle from his father.
Someone noticed that and asked him why was he sad.
He said when he grows up he wants to be like the father who gave.
He knew what means to be a giver, a blesser...
Application:
Do we just want the product of a miracle or do we want to know and encounter the One who perform the miracle?
The wedding venue was pretty interesting. The best men, bridesmaids, the daddy and the bride walked down from the stairs to the altar area.
Our guest speaker whom we knew spoke of the account of Jesus at a wedding at Cana. John 2.
Jesus turned the water to wine.
First miracle happened.
That reminds me that there are many people who are looking and desiring to taste the wine rather than knowing the one who performed the miracle.
Most of us can fall into this categories as well.
We may often look for the blessings rather than the Blesser.
We may often eager to have the prize rather that the Giver.
We may often seek for winning rather than the One who guides and mentor us.
Most people are like that. We all can be guilty of that.
BUT if we learn to appreciate what is right, we will learn to HONOR God!
Next time, if you achieve something Honor the One who gave who make it possible for you.
That also reminds me of a story I read many years ago.
A young poor boy was deeply sad when he saw his friend received a new bicycle from his father.
Someone noticed that and asked him why was he sad.
He said when he grows up he wants to be like the father who gave.
He knew what means to be a giver, a blesser...
Application:
Do we just want the product of a miracle or do we want to know and encounter the One who perform the miracle?
Friday, July 23, 2010
Faithful or Faithless
How faithful are we?
Is it something for us to say or for someone to credit us?
What is faithfulness? Loyal, Constant, Steadfast, Realiable, Belief
Faithfulness is religious conviction!
Faithfulness is God's Attribute. Taking away that is like God no longer there!
Faithfulness is not how good we are;
Faithfulness is not how much we have accomplished;
Jesus says in Matthew 25:21
"His master replied, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!"
Faithfulness is being described as faithful with a few things.
If you are faithful with your few things... not many... you can be found faithful with people's things.
And it is very true, if you are faithful with just a few things, you will be put in charge of many things.
For the younger ones, have you ever wonder why you were given only small amount of money to handle?
When your parents or those above you have found you to be faithful, trustworthy, you would be surprise that you will be entrusted with more.
What if you are faithless?
Well do something about as you have known that you are faithless.
But the good news is in 2 Tim 2:13
If we are faithless, He remain faithful, for He cannot disown Himself.
What a wonderful God and Saviour we serve!
When you are faithless, go to His word!
Hebrews 4:12
For His word is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Psalms 119:103
How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Psalms 119:105
Your word is the lamp of my feet and a light for my path.
Jeremiah 15:16
Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts.
Romans 10:17
So then Faith comes by hearing and hearing the message of God!
Application:
How can you be faithless if you hear and hear the Word of God?
How can you be faithless if you eat the Word of God?
How can you be faithless if you are faithful with a few things?
Surely not!
Is it something for us to say or for someone to credit us?
What is faithfulness? Loyal, Constant, Steadfast, Realiable, Belief
Faithfulness is religious conviction!
Faithfulness is God's Attribute. Taking away that is like God no longer there!
Faithfulness is not how good we are;
Faithfulness is not how much we have accomplished;
Jesus says in Matthew 25:21
"His master replied, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!"
Faithfulness is being described as faithful with a few things.
If you are faithful with your few things... not many... you can be found faithful with people's things.
And it is very true, if you are faithful with just a few things, you will be put in charge of many things.
For the younger ones, have you ever wonder why you were given only small amount of money to handle?
When your parents or those above you have found you to be faithful, trustworthy, you would be surprise that you will be entrusted with more.
What if you are faithless?
Well do something about as you have known that you are faithless.
But the good news is in 2 Tim 2:13
If we are faithless, He remain faithful, for He cannot disown Himself.
What a wonderful God and Saviour we serve!
When you are faithless, go to His word!
Hebrews 4:12
For His word is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Psalms 119:103
How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Psalms 119:105
Your word is the lamp of my feet and a light for my path.
Jeremiah 15:16
Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts.
Romans 10:17
So then Faith comes by hearing and hearing the message of God!
Application:
How can you be faithless if you hear and hear the Word of God?
How can you be faithless if you eat the Word of God?
How can you be faithless if you are faithful with a few things?
Surely not!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Understand or Understanding
Perceive the intended meaning of words, language or a speaker
Be sympathetically or knowledgeably aware of the character or the nature of
Both Understand and Understanding is important in relationship.
Otherwise it's called Mis-understand or Mis-understood.
Imagine how and what damage it would be when one is misunderstood; especially done with a good intention but the action was wrongly interpreted.
"They don't understand me."
"You won't believe what they have done to me."
"He/she makes me so angry."
"I want to resign."
Those are familiar words of people who are frustrated. We do not know exactly what they have gone through but one portion is they would done something with good intention but not appreciated or really of need at all.
Reacting to what others say and do will render you helpless.
Many find themselves a victim instead of a victor.
I find one way to overcome is to be at a good attitude and be a proactive person.
Be a person who lead people.
Be a person who solve problems before they arise.
Proactive is an adjective : creating or controlling a situation by causing something to happen rather than responding to it after it has happened.
Proactive sees the invisible instead of focusing the visible.
Our cars are make to look forward of what's coming ahead so that we can avoid mishap.
Application :
Are you proactive or reactive?
Do you normally understand or need to be told?
Be sympathetically or knowledgeably aware of the character or the nature of
Both Understand and Understanding is important in relationship.
Otherwise it's called Mis-understand or Mis-understood.
Imagine how and what damage it would be when one is misunderstood; especially done with a good intention but the action was wrongly interpreted.
"They don't understand me."
"You won't believe what they have done to me."
"He/she makes me so angry."
"I want to resign."
Those are familiar words of people who are frustrated. We do not know exactly what they have gone through but one portion is they would done something with good intention but not appreciated or really of need at all.
Reacting to what others say and do will render you helpless.
Many find themselves a victim instead of a victor.
I find one way to overcome is to be at a good attitude and be a proactive person.
Be a person who lead people.
Be a person who solve problems before they arise.
Proactive is an adjective : creating or controlling a situation by causing something to happen rather than responding to it after it has happened.
Proactive sees the invisible instead of focusing the visible.
Our cars are make to look forward of what's coming ahead so that we can avoid mishap.
Application :
Are you proactive or reactive?
Do you normally understand or need to be told?
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Dream or Dreaming
DREAM
it can be...
= a series of thoughts, images and sensations occuring in a person's mind during sleep
= a cherished aspiration, ambition or ideal
= an unrealistic or self-deluding fantasy
= a person on thing perceived as wonderful or perfect
= a state of mind in which someone is or seems to unaware of their immediate surroundings
Dream or Dreaming is amazing!
No one can actually tell how true can it be when on is Dreaming or having a Dream!
The most recent movie INCEPTION really amazed me.
Not because of the effects... but the one who thought of this in his mind or dream!
Bible has many examples of those who dream:
=Joseph in the book of Genesis
=the Butler's future was revealed in a dream
=the Baker's furture too was revealed in a dream
=the Pharoah's dream of the famine
=Abimelech was warned in a dream
=Jacob's dream
=Daniel has all understanding of dreams and visions
=Joel's prophesy that old men shall dream dreams
= etc
What is your dream?
What if you don't dream?
if you dream, why dream small? Dream Big?
It costs nothing to Dream Big!
Many times our Dream is just too small!
Tell me a dream that goes far beyond one could think of... it is still the smallest if we refer it to God, Himself.
it can be...
= a series of thoughts, images and sensations occuring in a person's mind during sleep
= a cherished aspiration, ambition or ideal
= an unrealistic or self-deluding fantasy
= a person on thing perceived as wonderful or perfect
= a state of mind in which someone is or seems to unaware of their immediate surroundings
Dream or Dreaming is amazing!
No one can actually tell how true can it be when on is Dreaming or having a Dream!
The most recent movie INCEPTION really amazed me.
Not because of the effects... but the one who thought of this in his mind or dream!
Bible has many examples of those who dream:
=Joseph in the book of Genesis
=the Butler's future was revealed in a dream
=the Baker's furture too was revealed in a dream
=the Pharoah's dream of the famine
=Abimelech was warned in a dream
=Jacob's dream
=Daniel has all understanding of dreams and visions
=Joel's prophesy that old men shall dream dreams
= etc
What is your dream?
What if you don't dream?
if you dream, why dream small? Dream Big?
It costs nothing to Dream Big!
Many times our Dream is just too small!
Tell me a dream that goes far beyond one could think of... it is still the smallest if we refer it to God, Himself.
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