I feel so happy at work this week. I worked closely with our head of department and my colleague to perform quality data analysis and make recommendations for new product format business model. It is an important work because the direction we take will determine the profitability of our business. I'm glad to be able to contribute and learn new things through the experience. Having a colleague doing the same function we can compliment each other, instead of competing each other. Greater teamwork and collaboration were fostered. I look forward to next week where I need to work with different colleagues and get critical stats up and running.
I thank God for the opportunity to learn and grow in my current organization. I will treasure every moment I work with my colleagues and people.
Friday, April 5, 2013
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Relax and overcome anxiety
I tend to get stressed and serious easily especially when taking on unfamiliar task or new task. The way I handled my stress had not been effective. I would always start to question myself why am I feeling that way, what's wrong with me, what beliefs I need to change, and etc. I was being too harsh on myself. It yield destructive result. The more I worry and think, I became more depressed. It would normally take a few days to a week to get it over. I would be very quiet and distracted when meeting people. I would always find a spiritual reason to get myself recovered to normal again. But the result is frustrating as the next cycle of worry would return again.
Just 3 weeks ago, I was asked to lead ISO certification project for our company's new business. I was so stressed up after knowing the expectation given by the managers. I didn't know a lot about my company's procedures and processes as I was new to them. I only joined the team for 2 months. I started to worry a lot. I searched for root cause of my stress with all my energy, asking myself why I feel how I feel. I can't remember the whole process of searching. I only remember I was not happy for many days. I concluded that I was not aware of the presence of my "spiritual enemy" like fear of how people look at me and I didn't pray against it enough. I implemented the "corrective action plan" by praying harder everyday against my "spiritual enemy". It seemed to work for a couple of weeks until the next cycle of stress and worry began.
This endless cycle of anxiety and worry just never stopped. I never seemed to overcome it completely. Frustrating over the method I used, I looked for Mr. Google for secular tips. Who knows, the anxiety symptoms in me have medical reason. One tip I found is very simple. Just take some long breaths repeatedly. 5-7 secs of inhale, 4 secs of hold, then 7-10 secs of exhale. Repeat this for about 20 to 30 times. I tried and the result is immediate. I pondered over the reason I recovered quickly. When I am feeling anxious, I have short breath. Short breath unfortunately does not help control my brain to stay calm and think logically. I am now more aware and conscious of my breathing pattern. When there are things or stresses that cause me to have short breath, I will decisively take a longer breath to calm myself and get moving on again.
I feel much relax now. I don't quickly jump to "judge" myself when I get stressed. I also don't quickly jump to "judge" others when they seem stressed. Nothing wrong with spirituality. If you are a very "spiritual" person, just be aware there are other non spiritual matters affecting our spiritual lives.
For me, I don't fear the next cycle of stress now. I hope to open the new chapter of my life through this Easter.
Just 3 weeks ago, I was asked to lead ISO certification project for our company's new business. I was so stressed up after knowing the expectation given by the managers. I didn't know a lot about my company's procedures and processes as I was new to them. I only joined the team for 2 months. I started to worry a lot. I searched for root cause of my stress with all my energy, asking myself why I feel how I feel. I can't remember the whole process of searching. I only remember I was not happy for many days. I concluded that I was not aware of the presence of my "spiritual enemy" like fear of how people look at me and I didn't pray against it enough. I implemented the "corrective action plan" by praying harder everyday against my "spiritual enemy". It seemed to work for a couple of weeks until the next cycle of stress and worry began.
This endless cycle of anxiety and worry just never stopped. I never seemed to overcome it completely. Frustrating over the method I used, I looked for Mr. Google for secular tips. Who knows, the anxiety symptoms in me have medical reason. One tip I found is very simple. Just take some long breaths repeatedly. 5-7 secs of inhale, 4 secs of hold, then 7-10 secs of exhale. Repeat this for about 20 to 30 times. I tried and the result is immediate. I pondered over the reason I recovered quickly. When I am feeling anxious, I have short breath. Short breath unfortunately does not help control my brain to stay calm and think logically. I am now more aware and conscious of my breathing pattern. When there are things or stresses that cause me to have short breath, I will decisively take a longer breath to calm myself and get moving on again.
I feel much relax now. I don't quickly jump to "judge" myself when I get stressed. I also don't quickly jump to "judge" others when they seem stressed. Nothing wrong with spirituality. If you are a very "spiritual" person, just be aware there are other non spiritual matters affecting our spiritual lives.
For me, I don't fear the next cycle of stress now. I hope to open the new chapter of my life through this Easter.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
God Restored My Shattered Dreams
I have a
spiritual breakthrough after reading the book “Think Big” written by Dr. Ben
Carson. He became prominent after making medical history by being the first
surgeon in the world who operated successfully on Siamese twins in 1987. I was
inspired by the many things the humble man wrote. Here are two most important
take-away for me on the concept of “thinking big” and success:
- He defines success as reaching beyond ourselves and helping other people in a specific ways
- Houses, cars, and bank accounts – none of those things are important. You know what is important? Knowledge and hard work – the abilities that allow you to acquire those things.
I became
discouraged after many changes in my company over the last few years and the
lack of progress in my career advancement. My fresh-graduate’s dream of
becoming the COE of a fortune 500 company faded many years ago.
Recently,
my dream is rekindled again. I don’t dream to be the COE of any organization (in
fact anyone can call themselves a COE if they own a small business). I envision
to become an expert in my career field. I dream to become a speaker and author
one day. I want to impact many lives and disciple the younger generations
through my walk with Christ.
Do you have
a life vision? If yes, I pray that God’s guidance and strength be with you.
If no, can
I encourage you to seek him humbly for it?
“Only one
life soon will pass, only what’s done for Christ will last”
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Giving Breakthrough Testimony
I was a very stingy person. I always wanted to receive and hoard as much as possible to make my life more secure. I always worried about money and I was not happy with my life.
During Hope Church Conference 2011, God changed my heart. One of our pastors mentioned that "Giving is Living". Holy Spirit led me to repent from my old mindsets. I responded to God by giving to the church building fund. I decided an amount that truly represented my heart. It broke my record of giving to God. I felt happy to be a giver.
Since then, God gave me overflowing joy like never before. The joy in my heart surpasses the amount of money I gave to him. God also leads me in ministry, career and relationship. God recently give me a strong burden to reach out not only my immediate family, but also my relatives in the entire family tree as well. I am praying for them regularly.
All glory be to God!
During Hope Church Conference 2011, God changed my heart. One of our pastors mentioned that "Giving is Living". Holy Spirit led me to repent from my old mindsets. I responded to God by giving to the church building fund. I decided an amount that truly represented my heart. It broke my record of giving to God. I felt happy to be a giver.
Since then, God gave me overflowing joy like never before. The joy in my heart surpasses the amount of money I gave to him. God also leads me in ministry, career and relationship. God recently give me a strong burden to reach out not only my immediate family, but also my relatives in the entire family tree as well. I am praying for them regularly.
All glory be to God!
My Conversion Story
I was a very bad person. I ever altered my exam result to cheat my family. I took advantage as the only son in the family and I bullied my two younger sisters. I beat them up when I had a bad day outside my home. I asked them to do many things for my own pleasure. I treated them as my slaves. I did not respect my parents and grandparents. I shouted at them when I didn't get what I wanted.
In my first year studying in Singapore in 2000, I was very lonely. My seniors in the university brought me to church and lifegroup. I was touched by their care and love. By faith, I accepted Christ as I was not satisfied with my life.
My dad objected strongly about my conversion. But God changed my life. My dad fell into debt crisis in 2004 just after I graduated. God enabled me to love my dad. With my dad's limited income and amidst the pressure from money lenders, I helped him clear his debt gradually in a painstaking 3 years. My dad's heart was softened after the debt saga. He called me during one Christmas’s eve to say "Merry Christmas" to me. He knew I was celebrating Christmas and what Christmas meant to me (my parents are staying in Malalysia while I am staying in Singapore). My relationship with my two sisters also improved a lot. We are able to share our hearts and our problems with each other despite our distance.
God is still transforming my life to glorify him more. By faith, you can receive him and experience a transformed life too!
In my first year studying in Singapore in 2000, I was very lonely. My seniors in the university brought me to church and lifegroup. I was touched by their care and love. By faith, I accepted Christ as I was not satisfied with my life.
My dad objected strongly about my conversion. But God changed my life. My dad fell into debt crisis in 2004 just after I graduated. God enabled me to love my dad. With my dad's limited income and amidst the pressure from money lenders, I helped him clear his debt gradually in a painstaking 3 years. My dad's heart was softened after the debt saga. He called me during one Christmas’s eve to say "Merry Christmas" to me. He knew I was celebrating Christmas and what Christmas meant to me (my parents are staying in Malalysia while I am staying in Singapore). My relationship with my two sisters also improved a lot. We are able to share our hearts and our problems with each other despite our distance.
God is still transforming my life to glorify him more. By faith, you can receive him and experience a transformed life too!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Hope Conference Reflections
1. Giving is living.
2. Sacrifice and suffering to produce maturity and fruits
John 12:24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.
3. Jesus is the head and we are his body. If the head commands the right hand to raise, the right hand is raised. It would be strange if the head commands the right hand to raise, the left hand is raised. In the same way, Jesus, who is the head, commands us to do His will, it would be strange if we, his body, refused to obey. The head commands the body to be victorious, so we, also must be victorious!
4. A loving father loves every child the same but he loves each one uniquely. Our heavenly father is a good and loving father. He loves us so uniquely and it is sometimes beyond our understanding. Some might have to go through more suffering. Yet, God's love for them is the same!
5. Best leadership principle - be yourself. It basically means we do what we believe. Don't have to conform to the pressure of this world. It is how we influence the most.
6. Leadership wisdom - seek council to get the best decision. We can't possibly see things from every angle from our position. Don't need to impress and presume we always have the best and right idea.
Pro 11:14 For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.
7. Mission started with the very nature and heart from God. The Father sent the Son. Jesus is the first missionary. He came to live among us. We are called to live in the neighborhood to carry out God's mission.
8. Chairs-for-souls: Faith is much more valuable than gold and silver. Give courageously and generously!
9. Don't allow devil's lie to destroy the unity in the church. The devil plants negative thoughts in our mind against our brothers and sisters. Resist Him! Choose loving and kind thoughts toward them instead.
2. Sacrifice and suffering to produce maturity and fruits
John 12:24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.
3. Jesus is the head and we are his body. If the head commands the right hand to raise, the right hand is raised. It would be strange if the head commands the right hand to raise, the left hand is raised. In the same way, Jesus, who is the head, commands us to do His will, it would be strange if we, his body, refused to obey. The head commands the body to be victorious, so we, also must be victorious!
4. A loving father loves every child the same but he loves each one uniquely. Our heavenly father is a good and loving father. He loves us so uniquely and it is sometimes beyond our understanding. Some might have to go through more suffering. Yet, God's love for them is the same!
5. Best leadership principle - be yourself. It basically means we do what we believe. Don't have to conform to the pressure of this world. It is how we influence the most.
6. Leadership wisdom - seek council to get the best decision. We can't possibly see things from every angle from our position. Don't need to impress and presume we always have the best and right idea.
Pro 11:14 For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.
7. Mission started with the very nature and heart from God. The Father sent the Son. Jesus is the first missionary. He came to live among us. We are called to live in the neighborhood to carry out God's mission.
8. Chairs-for-souls: Faith is much more valuable than gold and silver. Give courageously and generously!
9. Don't allow devil's lie to destroy the unity in the church. The devil plants negative thoughts in our mind against our brothers and sisters. Resist Him! Choose loving and kind thoughts toward them instead.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Righteousness and peace of God
Rom 4:4-5 Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.
Rom 4:14 For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless,
Rom 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
It is so marvelous to know that we are declared righteous by God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We are not made righteous by what we do (did) and do (did) not do. But we are made righteous through faith and faith alone.
It is clear that righteousness is not earned by work (not even a single good work!), if it is so, it is not a gift, but an obligation. God credits us as righteous through our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
How precious are these thoughts! Thank be to God! Knowing that God is not so concerned about what we do and what we don't do, but more concerned about our faith in Him, how much courage we should have to do His will everyday! How much peace He grants his children when they have faith in Him?
Rom 4:14 For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless,
Rom 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
It is so marvelous to know that we are declared righteous by God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We are not made righteous by what we do (did) and do (did) not do. But we are made righteous through faith and faith alone.
It is clear that righteousness is not earned by work (not even a single good work!), if it is so, it is not a gift, but an obligation. God credits us as righteous through our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
How precious are these thoughts! Thank be to God! Knowing that God is not so concerned about what we do and what we don't do, but more concerned about our faith in Him, how much courage we should have to do His will everyday! How much peace He grants his children when they have faith in Him?
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Jehovah Kaddesh
Is it okay if we are motivated towards being holy because we want to avoid feeling guilty? Of course, not OK! In fact, it is wrong!
What is the bottom of our motivation? We must check and know clearly it is for God or for self. Wrong motivation will last temporary. It focuses on the external and outward appearance. It always has no substance. Right motivation will last for eternity because the source of motivation is from God and the goal is to glorify God. God is an eternal God!
What is the bottom of our motivation? We must check and know clearly it is for God or for self. Wrong motivation will last temporary. It focuses on the external and outward appearance. It always has no substance. Right motivation will last for eternity because the source of motivation is from God and the goal is to glorify God. God is an eternal God!
1 Peter 2:9-10 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Are you proud to be called into God's kingdom? Are you afraid of rejection because of God's name? This is what always happened in HK movie: a rebellious youngster who is almost killed from gang fighting, a 'big' brother from another gang came and saved his life. How grateful and loyal will he be to his 'big' brother who rescued him? He would give his life fully to follow his new master since his life 'belong' to him.
Are you proud to be called into God's kingdom? Are you afraid of rejection because of God's name? This is what always happened in HK movie: a rebellious youngster who is almost killed from gang fighting, a 'big' brother from another gang came and saved his life. How grateful and loyal will he be to his 'big' brother who rescued him? He would give his life fully to follow his new master since his life 'belong' to him.
1 Peter 1:13-16 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
What do you think is God’s heartbeat when He gave us the command to be holy because He is holy?
I think a loving father would want his son to possess and imitate his good traits. God loves us and wants the best in us so he command us to be holy. One important theology we need to know about holiness: we are created in God's image - man are made to be holy according to God's design. when we are holy, we are like God and we can give glory to Him. We are able to draw people closer to our holy God. If we are not holy, we draw people closer to our 'unholy gods'.
What do you think is the meaning "living in ignorance" in verse 14?
This means we don't care about the word of God, neglect seeking the truth. We can't be sanctified by God. Bible is the manual of our lives - basic instruction before leaving earth. So it is important that we align our lives with God's word. Sanctification is a life long process. We need to be intentional in seeking God's truth in order to be sanctified by God.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Lessons from Dr. Stephen Tong's gospel rally & book
1) God gives men work because he does not want men to become lazy. He created objects for men to observe, analyze, see, study and think. Then men shall enjoy the fruits of his labor. All jobs whether it is high level or low level requires our minds to see, hear, observe and think. We have to actively do this to give God glory in our work.
Do you give all your energy and focus to do your work? Do you take short cut / cut corner to get your work done faster?
2) Heb 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
God's existence does not depend on whether we believe him or not. He will not cease to exist whether we meet a problem or not. He will not cease to exist whether we feel him or not.
Do you have a smaller faith in God when things are not turning out the way you want? Does your faith in Him fluctuate so regularly like the wave tossed by the wind? What is the object of your faith?
3) Priority: God --> Men --> Things
We have to constantly remind ourselves that men are more important than things. Things are created by God to serve men, not the other way around. But men must submit to God's rule. We can use the same principle on the stewardship of money. Men must not serve money. Money should be used to serve men.
Do you let money control you or you control money?
4) Order of importance: Truth --> Rational --> Emotion --> Will / Action
Philosophy from Plato:
"The least wisest men let their will control their actions. The less wiser men let their emotion control their action. The wisest men let their mind control their emotion and will, finally action."
A wise man will not let his emotion become the master of his rational. Instead, he will let his emotion become the slave of his rational.
But the wisest men can only go thus far, and nothing else follows...their rational still cannot surpass the truth, which can only be found in God.
Are your rational, emotion, will and action led and guided by the truth?
Do you give all your energy and focus to do your work? Do you take short cut / cut corner to get your work done faster?
2) Heb 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
God's existence does not depend on whether we believe him or not. He will not cease to exist whether we meet a problem or not. He will not cease to exist whether we feel him or not.
Do you have a smaller faith in God when things are not turning out the way you want? Does your faith in Him fluctuate so regularly like the wave tossed by the wind? What is the object of your faith?
3) Priority: God --> Men --> Things
We have to constantly remind ourselves that men are more important than things. Things are created by God to serve men, not the other way around. But men must submit to God's rule. We can use the same principle on the stewardship of money. Men must not serve money. Money should be used to serve men.
Do you let money control you or you control money?
4) Order of importance: Truth --> Rational --> Emotion --> Will / Action
Philosophy from Plato:
"The least wisest men let their will control their actions. The less wiser men let their emotion control their action. The wisest men let their mind control their emotion and will, finally action."
A wise man will not let his emotion become the master of his rational. Instead, he will let his emotion become the slave of his rational.
But the wisest men can only go thus far, and nothing else follows...their rational still cannot surpass the truth, which can only be found in God.
Are your rational, emotion, will and action led and guided by the truth?
God's Sovereignty
A Sovereign Bullet
On April 20, 2001, the Peruvian Air Force shot down a missionary plane, mistaking it for a drug courier. In the plane were the pilot Kevin Donaldson and a missionary family, Jim and Veronica Bowers and their two children, seven-month-old Charity and six-year-old Cory. Veronica had Charity in her lap sitting in the back of the Cessna 185. As the bullets sprayed the plane, one of them entered Veronica’s back and passed through her and into her daughter. Both died. The pilot, with shattered knees, crash-landed the plane in a river, and the other three survived.
Seven days later at the memorial service in Fruitport, Michigan, Jim Bowers gave his testimony and explained why the sovereignty of God in the deaths of his wife and daughter was the rock under his feet.
"Most of all I want to thank God. He’s a sovereign God. I’m finding that out more now. . . . Some of you might ask, “Why thank God?” . . . Could this really be God’s plan for Roni and Charity; God’s plan for Cory and me and our family? I’d like to tell you why I believe so. He goes on to give fifteen reasons. In that context, he says, “Roni and Charity were instantly killed by the same bullet. (Would you say that’s a stray bullet?) And it didn’t reach Kevin, who was right in front of Charity; it stayed in Charity. That was a sovereign bullet.”
But what about the Peruvian fighter pilots? Didn’t they have wills? Didn’t they make mistakes or, perhaps, even sin against an innocent missionary family? Jim Bowers said, “Those people who did that simply were used by God. Whether you want to believe it or not. I believe it. They were used by Him, by God, to accomplish His purpose in this, maybe similar to the Roman soldiers whom God used to put Christ on the cross.”
Above is extracted from John Piper's "Sweet and Bitter Providence"
Gen 50:19-20 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
Job 1:12 The LORD said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.”
Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.
Job 2:6 The LORD said to Satan, “Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life.”
God is in control when evil men seem to harm us or take advantage of us. He uses people and events to accomplish his purpose. No one can touch a strand of our hair without God's permission.
Do you believe in God's sovereign rule over all things?
On April 20, 2001, the Peruvian Air Force shot down a missionary plane, mistaking it for a drug courier. In the plane were the pilot Kevin Donaldson and a missionary family, Jim and Veronica Bowers and their two children, seven-month-old Charity and six-year-old Cory. Veronica had Charity in her lap sitting in the back of the Cessna 185. As the bullets sprayed the plane, one of them entered Veronica’s back and passed through her and into her daughter. Both died. The pilot, with shattered knees, crash-landed the plane in a river, and the other three survived.
Seven days later at the memorial service in Fruitport, Michigan, Jim Bowers gave his testimony and explained why the sovereignty of God in the deaths of his wife and daughter was the rock under his feet.
"Most of all I want to thank God. He’s a sovereign God. I’m finding that out more now. . . . Some of you might ask, “Why thank God?” . . . Could this really be God’s plan for Roni and Charity; God’s plan for Cory and me and our family? I’d like to tell you why I believe so. He goes on to give fifteen reasons. In that context, he says, “Roni and Charity were instantly killed by the same bullet. (Would you say that’s a stray bullet?) And it didn’t reach Kevin, who was right in front of Charity; it stayed in Charity. That was a sovereign bullet.”
But what about the Peruvian fighter pilots? Didn’t they have wills? Didn’t they make mistakes or, perhaps, even sin against an innocent missionary family? Jim Bowers said, “Those people who did that simply were used by God. Whether you want to believe it or not. I believe it. They were used by Him, by God, to accomplish His purpose in this, maybe similar to the Roman soldiers whom God used to put Christ on the cross.”
Above is extracted from John Piper's "Sweet and Bitter Providence"
Gen 50:19-20 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
Job 1:12 The LORD said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.”
Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.
Job 2:6 The LORD said to Satan, “Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life.”
God is in control when evil men seem to harm us or take advantage of us. He uses people and events to accomplish his purpose. No one can touch a strand of our hair without God's permission.
Do you believe in God's sovereign rule over all things?
Knowing the Father of mercies
2 Cor 1:3-4 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (ESV)
What happen to us is not more important than how we perceive what happen to us.
Why the Father of mercies and not the Father of love is used in this verse?
Since the fall of man, we don't deserve any good things from God. Yes, we face troubles in life, but the trouble actually could have been worse. In his mercy, he only allows trouble that we can bear. God, by his mercy, didn't repay us what our sins deserve.
With this understanding, we can be comforted by God when we go through troubles. For His mercy is sufficient for us!
What happen to us is not more important than how we perceive what happen to us.
Why the Father of mercies and not the Father of love is used in this verse?
Since the fall of man, we don't deserve any good things from God. Yes, we face troubles in life, but the trouble actually could have been worse. In his mercy, he only allows trouble that we can bear. God, by his mercy, didn't repay us what our sins deserve.
With this understanding, we can be comforted by God when we go through troubles. For His mercy is sufficient for us!
Precious lessons about work
I can't emphasize more the importance of patience. Without patience we can't do anything excellently.
I can't emphasize more the importance of clarity. Without clarity of instruction, we can't do anything correctly.
One must know his resources and capabilities before committing to do anything or give any promise. When we are clear what is required, we can give our 100% focus and heart to get the thing done.
I can't emphasize more the importance of clarity. Without clarity of instruction, we can't do anything correctly.
One must know his resources and capabilities before committing to do anything or give any promise. When we are clear what is required, we can give our 100% focus and heart to get the thing done.
Knowing your identity in God to render humble service to others
John 13:3-5 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
Knowing his power and authority in God, he demonstrated his love, humility, gentleness, servanthood spirit, kindness to his disciples.
Do you ever try very hard to prove something to somebody?
If we know our position and identity in God, we don't have to prove anything to anybody!
We can feel secure to give humble service to others.
Joy comes from total submission to God and humble service to others. We don't have to try to be someone until we forget to serve others.
It is also interesting to note the Lord's incredible patience with Judas Iscariot. He washed his feet and serve him meal just as other disciples. Judas had been dishonest with Jesus for a long time. Yet the Lord still keep him and give him chance after chance to repent. The Lord never gives up on us. He always hopes.
Knowing his power and authority in God, he demonstrated his love, humility, gentleness, servanthood spirit, kindness to his disciples.
Do you ever try very hard to prove something to somebody?
If we know our position and identity in God, we don't have to prove anything to anybody!
We can feel secure to give humble service to others.
Joy comes from total submission to God and humble service to others. We don't have to try to be someone until we forget to serve others.
It is also interesting to note the Lord's incredible patience with Judas Iscariot. He washed his feet and serve him meal just as other disciples. Judas had been dishonest with Jesus for a long time. Yet the Lord still keep him and give him chance after chance to repent. The Lord never gives up on us. He always hopes.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Your hour of trials and tribulations
John 12:23 Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
John 12:27 “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.
The hour has come for Jesus to suffer and die on the cross. He was willing to submit fully to God. In his mind, he already saw the victory and glory (the resurrection) that is going to come. He must have felt joy despite of the forthcoming trouble.
When your hour of trials and tribulations arrive, will you stand firm in God to go through it and expect God to "resurrect" you till the end? God will spare your life if your time is not up yet.
The greater we suffer for Christ, the closer we reach great victory. Take heart when you suffer for the sake of Christ!
John 12:27 “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.
The hour has come for Jesus to suffer and die on the cross. He was willing to submit fully to God. In his mind, he already saw the victory and glory (the resurrection) that is going to come. He must have felt joy despite of the forthcoming trouble.
When your hour of trials and tribulations arrive, will you stand firm in God to go through it and expect God to "resurrect" you till the end? God will spare your life if your time is not up yet.
The greater we suffer for Christ, the closer we reach great victory. Take heart when you suffer for the sake of Christ!
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