Is your job a mismatch for your gifts?
by Rick Warren
Each of you should go on living according to the Lord's gift to you, and as you were when God called you. This is the rule I teach in all the churches. 1 Corinthians 7:17 (TEV)
"If you are in a job that does not match the gifts, interests and abilities God gave to you, then give serious consideration taking steps to get out of it and into the job God has called you to."
God does not expect you to glorify Him with gifts you don't have. But He does expect you to glorify Him with gifts you do have.
To fulfill God's will for you life, you need work that expresses what God made you to be. If you're in a job that is not using the talents, gifts, abilities, and interests that God gave you, you may want to pray about whether or not you're in a mismatched job.
This is a serious problem and it's a spiritual issue. It is far more important than you may think it is -- because God has given you your gifts, talents and abilities, and one day He's going to say, "What did you do with them?" And do you want to say, "Well, I spent my life at a job that didn't use them."
Now, I know this raises some questions, you may be saying, "Rick, what if my current job doesn't express my gifts?" As someone committed to your fulfillment in life, living for the purpose God designed you for, I urge you toward this: If you are in a job that does not match the gifts, interests and abilities God gave to you, then give serious consideration taking steps to get out of it and get into the job that God has called you to by the very nature of who you are.
It's a very important issue for your spiritual life: Get into what God made you to be. The first step you need to take is some self-appraisal.
You need to ask yourself, "What did God make me to be? And, as the Bible says, "... Try to have a sane estimate of your capabilities by the light of the faith that God has given to you ...." (Romans 12:3, Phillips NT) During this appraisal, you may even discover that you are in the very job God wants you to be, and you can develop a new attitude about your work.
"Each of you should go on living according to the Lord's gift to you ..." (1 Corinthians 7:17, TEV) Pray about this - Are you in a job that doesn't match who God made you to be, or are you exactly where God wants you to be?
Tags: God's Will, Mismatch Job
Showing posts with label Christianity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christianity. Show all posts
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Our Office Work Is God's Plan
Your work is part of God's plan
by Rick Warren
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
"The gifts, the abilities, the talents, even the interests you have they were genetically encoded into you by God."
Your work can be an act of worship. No matter what you do, it's never just a job if you are a believer. This is because God designed you with talents, gifts and interests that He wants used for His glory.
You are custom-made. There's nobody like you in the whole world. And the gifts, the abilities, the talents, even the interests you have they were genetically encoded into you by God. God made you with a specific mission in mind and He wants you to use the gifts he's given you in your work.
The Bible says you are God's workmanship. The Greek word used for workmanship is poema. That's where the English word poem comes from you are God's poem! You are God's work of art. You are God's masterpiece.
Your work is part of God's plan for your life and that is why, as you work, you worship God.
Tags: God, Workmanship, Poema, Work Of Art, Masterpiece, Gifts, Abilities, Talents
by Rick Warren
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
"The gifts, the abilities, the talents, even the interests you have they were genetically encoded into you by God."
Your work can be an act of worship. No matter what you do, it's never just a job if you are a believer. This is because God designed you with talents, gifts and interests that He wants used for His glory.
You are custom-made. There's nobody like you in the whole world. And the gifts, the abilities, the talents, even the interests you have they were genetically encoded into you by God. God made you with a specific mission in mind and He wants you to use the gifts he's given you in your work.
The Bible says you are God's workmanship. The Greek word used for workmanship is poema. That's where the English word poem comes from you are God's poem! You are God's work of art. You are God's masterpiece.
Your work is part of God's plan for your life and that is why, as you work, you worship God.
Tags: God, Workmanship, Poema, Work Of Art, Masterpiece, Gifts, Abilities, Talents
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Do You Know Where Are You Going To?
Billy Graham is now 91 years old with Parkinson's disease.
In January 2000, leaders in Charlotte, North Carolina, invited their favorite son, Billy Graham, to a luncheon in his honor.
Billy initially hesitated to accept the invitation because he struggles with Parkinson's disease. But the Charlotte leaders said, 'We don't expect a major address. Just come and let us honor you.' So he agreed..
After wonderful things were said about him, Dr. Graham stepped to the rostrum, looked at the crowd, and said, 'I'm reminded today of Albert Einstein, the great physicist who this month has been honored by Time magazine as the Man of the Century.
Einstein was once traveling from Princeton on a train when the conductor came down the aisle, punching the tickets of every passenger. When he came to Einstein, Einstein reached in his vest pocket. He couldn't find his ticket, so he reached in his trouser pockets. It wasn't there, so he looked in his briefcase but couldn't find it.
Then he looked in the seat beside him. He still couldn't find it. The conductor said, 'Dr. Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who you are. I'm sure you bought a ticket. Don't worry about it.'
Einstein nodded appreciatively. The conductor continued down the aisle punching tickets. As he was ready to move to the next car, he turned around and saw the great physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his seat for his ticket.
The conductor rushed back and said, 'Dr. Einstein, Dr. Einstein, don't worry, I know who you are no problem. You don't need a ticket. I'm sure you bought one.'
Einstein looked at him and said, 'Young man, I too, know who I am. What I don't know is where I'm going.'
Having said that Billy Graham continued, 'See the suit I'm wearing? It's a brand new suit. My children, and my grandchildren are telling me I've gotten a little slovenly in my old age. I used to be a bit more fastidious.
So I went out and bought a new suit for this luncheon and one more occasion.
You know what that occasion is? This is the suit in which I'll be buried. But when you hear I'm dead, I don't want you to immediately remember the suit I'm wearing.
I want you to remember this: I not only know who I am ... I also know where I'm going.'
"Life without God is like an unsharpened pencil - it has no point."
Tags: Billy Graham, Parkinson's Disease, Albert Einstein, Life Without God
In January 2000, leaders in Charlotte, North Carolina, invited their favorite son, Billy Graham, to a luncheon in his honor.
Billy initially hesitated to accept the invitation because he struggles with Parkinson's disease. But the Charlotte leaders said, 'We don't expect a major address. Just come and let us honor you.' So he agreed..
After wonderful things were said about him, Dr. Graham stepped to the rostrum, looked at the crowd, and said, 'I'm reminded today of Albert Einstein, the great physicist who this month has been honored by Time magazine as the Man of the Century.
Einstein was once traveling from Princeton on a train when the conductor came down the aisle, punching the tickets of every passenger. When he came to Einstein, Einstein reached in his vest pocket. He couldn't find his ticket, so he reached in his trouser pockets. It wasn't there, so he looked in his briefcase but couldn't find it.
Then he looked in the seat beside him. He still couldn't find it. The conductor said, 'Dr. Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who you are. I'm sure you bought a ticket. Don't worry about it.'
Einstein nodded appreciatively. The conductor continued down the aisle punching tickets. As he was ready to move to the next car, he turned around and saw the great physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his seat for his ticket.
The conductor rushed back and said, 'Dr. Einstein, Dr. Einstein, don't worry, I know who you are no problem. You don't need a ticket. I'm sure you bought one.'
Einstein looked at him and said, 'Young man, I too, know who I am. What I don't know is where I'm going.'
Having said that Billy Graham continued, 'See the suit I'm wearing? It's a brand new suit. My children, and my grandchildren are telling me I've gotten a little slovenly in my old age. I used to be a bit more fastidious.
So I went out and bought a new suit for this luncheon and one more occasion.
You know what that occasion is? This is the suit in which I'll be buried. But when you hear I'm dead, I don't want you to immediately remember the suit I'm wearing.
I want you to remember this: I not only know who I am ... I also know where I'm going.'
"Life without God is like an unsharpened pencil - it has no point."
Tags: Billy Graham, Parkinson's Disease, Albert Einstein, Life Without God
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Leadership Summit in Seremban
Two weekends ago, during the Deepavali holidays, I was in Seremban attending a leadership summit.
My identification card plus the programme book that has the various speakers' outlines and for you to write notes.
The musicians, with the keyboardist and drummer from my church, the rest were their good friends.
Dancers from the Christian Dance Fellowship of Malaysia presented us with two dance numbers. Fantastic movements. Made me itch and the thought of me doing it ain't hard ........The second day of the summit ended around 5pm plus and four of us in one car decided to hunt for the infamous Seremban Siew Pow. We went round and round the small Seremban town but can't seem to see it. Last resort, called friends who originated from Seremban to locate the shop. Found one behind the Maybank branch but it has sold all their siew pows for the day.
Called our friend again and he said that there's one more near the toll exit. This is a real challenge but the signboard directing us to it was big enough even though it was across the road.
Finally we saw it. This shop frontage is actually facing the North-South Highway.I got Seremban origin fellas questioning me why do I like. Some of them don't purposely go out of the way even though it was located in their own town. Out of town people reacts differently, I supposed.
They have various food products and the fillings for the siew pow could be chicken or pork. It was already late afternoon and I think we were getting the sort of leftovers.
Got myself a box of siew pows and two different kinds of honeycomb biscuits (sak khe ma in cantonese and if you decipher that three words or can't understand, sorry lah. FYI, it's my favourite).Related post - Global Leadership Summit at Malaysia
Tags: Global Leadership Summit, Seremban, Christian Dance Fellowship of Malaysia, Seremban Siew Pow, North-South Highway
Monday, October 06, 2008
Being a Person Under Authority
..."I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith." - Matthew 8:10
The centurion came to Jesus and told Him of his servant who was paralyzed and in terrible suffering. He came to Jesus because he believed He could heal him. He told Jesus of the matter, and Jesus was willing to come with the centurion. But the centurion would not have it. He knew that Jesus, being under the authority of Heaven itself, did not have to see the servant to help him. The centurion understood authority. He understood that he himself had certain rights that his position granted him to have power over situations and people. He also was a man under authority. The centurion understood Jesus' position and what power that position held in Heaven - the power to heal his servant if He chose to exercise that authority.
When Jesus saw that the centurion understood this principle of authority and that He did not have to visit the servant to heal him, He acknowledged the centurion's faith. Jesus knew it took great faith to understand authority and whether He had the authority to do what was being asked.
God has placed a system of authority in our world that requires faith to operate under its boundaries: fathers over sons and daughters, employers over employees, government leaders over the people, church leaders over church members. These are authority structures God has placed in our lives to protect and guide us to His will. Some confuse position with worthiness or qualifications of that position. It is the position that God works through. The fact that an authority may not be a Christian may have no bearing on whether God can work through him as your authority. It is only when that authority counsels against a biblical mandate that we should not follow that person's guidance. The hand of the king is in the hand of God.
Today, we find few who understand this system of authority God has ordained. It requires great faith to operate in this realm. Yet Jesus said that when we understand this, we demonstrate the kind of faith that He rarely sees. Be a person of rare faith. See the authorities placed in your life as those God is using to protect you.
by Os Hillman
Tags: Os Hillman, Centurion, Faith, Principle of Authority
The centurion came to Jesus and told Him of his servant who was paralyzed and in terrible suffering. He came to Jesus because he believed He could heal him. He told Jesus of the matter, and Jesus was willing to come with the centurion. But the centurion would not have it. He knew that Jesus, being under the authority of Heaven itself, did not have to see the servant to help him. The centurion understood authority. He understood that he himself had certain rights that his position granted him to have power over situations and people. He also was a man under authority. The centurion understood Jesus' position and what power that position held in Heaven - the power to heal his servant if He chose to exercise that authority.
When Jesus saw that the centurion understood this principle of authority and that He did not have to visit the servant to heal him, He acknowledged the centurion's faith. Jesus knew it took great faith to understand authority and whether He had the authority to do what was being asked.
God has placed a system of authority in our world that requires faith to operate under its boundaries: fathers over sons and daughters, employers over employees, government leaders over the people, church leaders over church members. These are authority structures God has placed in our lives to protect and guide us to His will. Some confuse position with worthiness or qualifications of that position. It is the position that God works through. The fact that an authority may not be a Christian may have no bearing on whether God can work through him as your authority. It is only when that authority counsels against a biblical mandate that we should not follow that person's guidance. The hand of the king is in the hand of God.
Today, we find few who understand this system of authority God has ordained. It requires great faith to operate in this realm. Yet Jesus said that when we understand this, we demonstrate the kind of faith that He rarely sees. Be a person of rare faith. See the authorities placed in your life as those God is using to protect you.
by Os Hillman
Tags: Os Hillman, Centurion, Faith, Principle of Authority
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Duty at Roy Durman's Healing Crusade
The musicians getting themselves into the mood with the worship singers (in white) getting ready. On Saturday and Sunday evenings, I was assigned the duty of being a counsellor. In between, still managed to squeeze a few shots.
Service started with praise and worship and followed by announcements of various events / happenings.
This Indian lady's legs were weak when she came and through God's healing power, she managed to walk on stage to show God's strength upon her.
These are the people that came up for healing on the deaf and dumb situation.
A few people were chosen by Roy Durman to go up on stage for healing of their deaf and dumb situation.
People that fell under the power of God.
This was Patrick Leong (left) who came to sing two songs before we started the healing crusade on Sunday evening.
There were the people that came went up on stage for healing on their backbones / slip disc / sclerosis.Related post - Roy Durman's Healing Crusade
Tags: Roy Durman, Healing Crusade, Patrick Leong, Praise And Worship, Deaf And Dumb, Sclerosis, Slip Disc, Healing Power
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Roy Durman's Healing Crusade
Rev. Roy Durman is back in town again and he's a superb servant of God used mightily in the area of healing. This event is being hosted by Praise City Church, located in Cheras.Date: 15 Aug to 17 Aug 2008 (time as listed on the left pic)
The main sanctuary upstairs was occupied but sufficient seatings have been arranged for over flowing crowd. Four additional large screens have been set-up to cater for people seated on the ground floor area.
New visitors registering at the reception area.
Healing process taking place. Yesterday night, he requested specifically for people who have breast cancer. Miraculously, after the prayer session, some tested themselves on the spot and confirmed that their lumps have gone just like that.
The front area was large enough to cater for people coming forward to seek prayers for God's healing power.
Not only the crowd in the front was there for healing, they did pray for those who were selected to be on stage that were being prayed for by Rev. Roy Durman himself.
Packed right up to the end of the sanctuary hall.
Next specific healing that was called - hernia. Various individuals have their hernia pain taken away miraculously by the power of God.
Rev. Roy Durman was addressing the crowd on God's healing power.
People joining Rev. Roy Durman in praying for the unhealthy people. Anyone could be heal in the power of Jesus' name provided you believed that He could do it.Tonight, he has mentioned that he will be praying specifically for those who are deaf and dumb. If you knew of anyone who has this issue, please bring them along. If you want to invite someone for this event, it's still not too late by sending out this e-card invitation.
A video was compiled for this event as well and posted in YouTube -
Reading: Roy Durman in Kenya - Partners in Kenya
Tags: Roy Durman, Healing Crusade, Praise City Church, Breast Cancer, Hernia, Deaf, Dumb
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Empowerment Seminar
Just one week before I left Sudan, my fellow church mates came together for an Empowerment Seminar for the Creative Ministry members. I was in charge of games and as usual must plan torturing games ....... hahaYeah Yeah, too bad ..... I'm arranging so no choice.
This game started with two persons locking their arms while leaning on each other's back. Next, start to stand up with the arms still locked.
As the pair is able to stand up, they have to look for the next pair who has succeeded. As with this group, there are eight persons trying to stand up together. The moral - the more the easier to stand up together. In tune with the seminar where I was trying to tell them that teamwork is important.
These are the books that were recommended to be read which will empower us in the Creative Ministry.
Group prayers.
How come I wasn't praying then? Curi ayam ke?Tags: Empowerment Seminar, Creative Ministry
Monday, August 04, 2008
Guilt and Grace
Sometime ago I read a story of a youngster who was shooting rocks with a slingshot. He could never hit his target. As he returned to Grandma's backyard, he spied her pet duck. On impulse he took aim and let fly. The stone hit, and the duck was dead. The boy panicked and hid the bird in the woodpile, only to look up and see his sister watching.
After lunch that day, Grandma told Sally to help with the dishes. Sally responded, "Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen today. Didn't you Johnny?" And she whispered to him, "Remember the duck!" So, Johnny did the dishes.
What choice did he have? For the next several weeks he was at the sink often. Sometimes for his duty, sometimes for his sin. "Remember the duck," Sally'd whisper when he objected.
So weary of the chore, he decided that any punishment would be better than washing more dishes, so he confessed to killing the duck. "I know, Johnny," his grandma said, giving him a hug. "I was standing at the window and saw the whole thing. Because I love you, I forgave you. I wondered how long you would let Sally make a slave out of you." (Steven Cole, "Forgiveness," Leadership Magazine, 1983, 86)
He'd been pardoned, but he thought he was guilty. Why? He had listened to the words of his accuser.
You have been accused as well. You have been accused of dishonesty. You've been accused of immorality. You've been accused of greed, anger, and arrogance.
Every moment of your life, your accuser is filing charges against you. Even his name, Diabolos, means "slanderer." Who is he? The devil.
As he speaks, you hang your head. You have no defense. His charges are fair. "I plead guilty, your honor," you mumble."The sentence?" Satan asks."The wages of sin is death," explains the judge, "but in this case the death has already occurred. For this one died with Christ."
Satan is suddenly silent. And you are suddenly jubilant. You realize that Satan cannot accuse you. No one can accuse you! Fingers may point and voices may demand, but the charges glance off like arrows hitting a shield. No more dirty dishwater. No more penance. No more nagging sisters. You have stood before the judge and heard him declare, "Not guilty."
From In the Grip of Grace
Copyright (W Publishing Group, 1996)
Max Lucado
Tags: In The Grip Of Grace, Max Lucado, Diabolos, Steven Cole, Leadership Magazine
After lunch that day, Grandma told Sally to help with the dishes. Sally responded, "Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen today. Didn't you Johnny?" And she whispered to him, "Remember the duck!" So, Johnny did the dishes.
What choice did he have? For the next several weeks he was at the sink often. Sometimes for his duty, sometimes for his sin. "Remember the duck," Sally'd whisper when he objected.
So weary of the chore, he decided that any punishment would be better than washing more dishes, so he confessed to killing the duck. "I know, Johnny," his grandma said, giving him a hug. "I was standing at the window and saw the whole thing. Because I love you, I forgave you. I wondered how long you would let Sally make a slave out of you." (Steven Cole, "Forgiveness," Leadership Magazine, 1983, 86)
He'd been pardoned, but he thought he was guilty. Why? He had listened to the words of his accuser.
You have been accused as well. You have been accused of dishonesty. You've been accused of immorality. You've been accused of greed, anger, and arrogance.
Every moment of your life, your accuser is filing charges against you. Even his name, Diabolos, means "slanderer." Who is he? The devil.
As he speaks, you hang your head. You have no defense. His charges are fair. "I plead guilty, your honor," you mumble."The sentence?" Satan asks."The wages of sin is death," explains the judge, "but in this case the death has already occurred. For this one died with Christ."
Satan is suddenly silent. And you are suddenly jubilant. You realize that Satan cannot accuse you. No one can accuse you! Fingers may point and voices may demand, but the charges glance off like arrows hitting a shield. No more dirty dishwater. No more penance. No more nagging sisters. You have stood before the judge and heard him declare, "Not guilty."
From In the Grip of GraceCopyright (W Publishing Group, 1996)
Max Lucado
Tags: In The Grip Of Grace, Max Lucado, Diabolos, Steven Cole, Leadership Magazine
Friday, July 11, 2008
Survey Course Using a Doughnut
The method employed by this professor was very profound. Find time to read this as it will change your mindset on certain aspect of getting things done when it seems to fail most of the time. Very unique way of lecturing. Would you believe if I tell you that you may have tears in your eyes towards the end of this article. Not pulling your leg but mine did.
-------------------------------------
There was a certain Professor of Religion named Dr. Christensen, a studious man who taught at a small college in the western United States. Dr. Christensen taught the required survey course in Christianity at this particular institution. Every student was required to take this course in his freshman year, regardless of his or her major.
Although Dr. Christensen tried hard to communicate the essence of the gospel in his class, he found that most of his students looked upon the course as nothing but required drudgery. Despite his best efforts, most students refused to take Christianity seriously.
This year, Dr. Christensen had a special student named Steve. Steve was only a freshman, but was studying with the intent of going onto seminary for the ministry. Steve was popular, he was well liked, and he was an imposing physical specimen. He was now the starting center on the school football team, and was the best student in the professor's class.
One day, Dr. Christensen asked Steve to stay after class so he could talk with him. "How many push-ups can you do?" Steve said, "I do about 200 every night." "200? That's pretty good, Steve," Dr. Christensen said. "Do you think you could do 300?" Steve replied, "I don't know.... I've never done 300 at a time." "Do you think you could?" again asked Dr. Christensen. "Well, I can try," said Steve.
"Can you do 300 in sets of 10? I have a class project in mind and I need you to do about 300 push-ups in sets of ten for this to work. Can you do it? I need you to tell me you can do it," said the professor. Steve said, "Well... I think I can...yeah, I can do it." Dr. Christensen said, "Good! I need you to do this on Friday. Let me explain what I have in mind."
Friday came and Steve got to class early and sat in the front of the room. When class started, the professor pulled out a big box of donuts. No, these weren't the normal kinds of donuts, they were the BIG, extra fancy kind, with cream centers and frosting swirls. Everyone was pretty excited it was Friday, the last class of the year, and they were going to get an early start on the weekend with a party in Dr. Christensen's class.
Dr. Christensen went to the first girl in the first row and asked, "Cynthia, do you want to have one of these donuts?" Cynthia said, "Yes." Dr. Christensen then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Cynthia can have a donut?" "Sure." Steve jumped
down from his desk to do a quick ten. Then Steve again sat in his desk. Dr.
Christensen put a donut on Cynthia's desk.
Dr. Christensen then went to Joe, the next person, and asked, "Joe, do you want a donut?" Joe said, "Yes." Dr. Christensen asked, "Steve would you do ten push-ups so Joe can have a donut?" Steve did ten push-ups!, Joe got a donut.
And so it went, down the first aisle, Steve did ten push-ups for every person before they got their donut. Walking down the second aisle, Dr. Christensen came to Scott. Scott was on the basketball team, and in as good condition as Steve. He was very popular and never lacking for female companionship.
When the professor asked, "Scott do you want a donut?" Scott's reply was, "Well, can I do my own push-ups?" Dr. Christensen said, "No, Steve has to do them." Then Scott said, "Well, I don't want one then." Dr. Christensen shrugged and then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Scott can have a donut he doesn't want?" With perfect obedience Steve started to do ten push-ups. Scott said, "HEY! I said I didn't want one!"
Dr. Christensen said, "Look! this is my classroom, my class, my desks, and these are my donuts. Just leave it on the desk if you don't want it." And he put a donut on Scott's desk. Now by this time, Steve had begun to slow down a little. He just stayed on the floor between sets because it took too much effort to be getting up and down . You could start to see a little perspiration coming out around his brow.
Dr. Christensen started down the third row. Now the students were beginning to get a little angry. Dr. Christensen asked Jenny, "Jenny, do you want a donut?" Sternly, Jenny said, "No." Then Dr. Christensen asked Steve, "Steve, would you do ten more push-ups so Jenny can have a donut that she doesn't want?" Steve did ten .... Jenny got a donut.
By now, a growing sense of uneasiness filled the room. The students were beginning to say "No" and there were all these uneaten donuts on the desks. Steve also had to really put forth a lot of extra effort to get these push-ups done for each donut. There began to be a small pool of sweat on the floor beneath his face, his arms and brow were beginning to get red because of the physical effort involved.
Dr. Christensen asked Robert, who was the most vocal unbeliever in the class, to watch Steve do each push up to make sure he did the full ten push-ups in a set because he couldn't bear to watch all of Steve's work for all of those uneaten donuts. He sent Robert over to where Steve was so Robert could count the set and watch Steve closely.
Dr. Christensen started down the fourth row. During his class, however, some students from other classes had wandered in and sat down on the steps along the radiators that ran down the sides of the room. When the professor realized this, he did a quick count and saw that
now there were 34 students in the room. He started to worry if Steve would be able to make it.
Dr. Christensen went on to the next person and the next and the next. Near the end of that row, Steve was really having a rough time. He was taking a lot more time to complete each set. Steve asked Dr. Christensen, "Do I have to make my nose touch on each one?" Dr. Christensen thought for a moment, "Well, they're your push-ups. You are in charge now. You can do them any way that you want."
And Dr. Christensen went on. A few moments later, Jason, a recent transfer student, came to the room and was about to come in when all the students yelled in one voice, "NO! Don't come in! Stay out!" Jason didn't know what was going on. Steve picked up his head and said, "No, let him come." Professor Christensen said, "You realize that if Jason comes in you will have to do ten push-ups for him?" Steve said, "Yes, let him come in. Give him a donut."
Dr. Christensen said, "Okay, Steve, I'll let you get Jason's out of the way right now. Jason, do you want a donut?" Jason, new to the room, hardly knew what was going on. "Yes," he said, "give me a donut." "Steve, will you do ten push-ups so that Jason can have a donut?" Steve did ten push-ups very slowly and with great effort. Jason, bewildered, was handed a donut and sat down.
Dr. Christensen finished the fourth row, and then started on those visitors seated by the heaters. Steve's arms were now shaking with each push-up in a struggle to lift himself against the force of gravity. By this time sweat was profusely dropping off of his face, there was no sound except his heavy breathing; there was not a dry eye in the room.
The very last two students in the room were two young women, both cheerleaders, and very popular. Dr. Christensen went to Linda, the second to last, and asked, "Linda, do you want a donut?"; Linda said,very sadly, "No, thank you." Professor Christensen quietly asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Linda can have a donut she doesn't want?"
Grunting from the effort, Steve did ten very slow push-ups for Linda. Then Dr. Christensen turned to the last girl, Susan. "Susan, do you want a donut?" Susan, with tears flowing down her face, began to cry. "Dr. Christensen, why can't I help him?" Dr. Christensen, with tears of his own, said, "No, Steve has to do it alone. I have given him this task, and he is in charge of seeing that everyone has an opportunity for a donut whether they want it or not.
When I decided to have a party this last day of class, I looked at my grade book. Steve here is the only student with a perfect grade. Everyone else has failed a test, skipped class, or offered me inferior work. Steve told me that in football practice, when a player messes up he must do push-ups. I told Steve that none of you could come to my party unless he paid the price by doing your push ups. He and I made a deal for your sakes.""Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Susan can have a donut?"
As Steve very slowly finished his last push-up, with the understanding that he had accomplished all that was required of him, having done 350 push-ups, his arms buckled beneath him and he fell to the floor.
Dr. Christensen turned to the room and said. "And so it was, that our Savior, Jesus Christ, on the cross, plead to the Father, 'Into Thy hands I commend My spirit.' With the understanding that He had done everything that was required of Him, He yielded up His life. And like
some of those in this room, many of us leave the gift on the desk, uneaten."
Two students helped Steve up off the floor and to a seat, physically exhausted, but wearing a thin smile. "Well done, good and faithful servant," said the professor, adding "Not all sermons are preached in words."
Turning to his class, the professor said, "My wish is that you might understand and fully comprehend all the riches of grace and mercy that have been given to you through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He spared not only His Begotten Son, but gave Him up for us all, for the whole Church, now and forever.
Whether or not we choose to accept His gift to us, the price has been paid." "Wouldn't you be foolish and ungrateful to leave it lying on the desk?"
Tags: Professor of Religion, Doughnut, Donut, Christianity, Jesus Christ
-------------------------------------
There was a certain Professor of Religion named Dr. Christensen, a studious man who taught at a small college in the western United States. Dr. Christensen taught the required survey course in Christianity at this particular institution. Every student was required to take this course in his freshman year, regardless of his or her major.
Although Dr. Christensen tried hard to communicate the essence of the gospel in his class, he found that most of his students looked upon the course as nothing but required drudgery. Despite his best efforts, most students refused to take Christianity seriously.
This year, Dr. Christensen had a special student named Steve. Steve was only a freshman, but was studying with the intent of going onto seminary for the ministry. Steve was popular, he was well liked, and he was an imposing physical specimen. He was now the starting center on the school football team, and was the best student in the professor's class.
One day, Dr. Christensen asked Steve to stay after class so he could talk with him. "How many push-ups can you do?" Steve said, "I do about 200 every night." "200? That's pretty good, Steve," Dr. Christensen said. "Do you think you could do 300?" Steve replied, "I don't know.... I've never done 300 at a time." "Do you think you could?" again asked Dr. Christensen. "Well, I can try," said Steve.
"Can you do 300 in sets of 10? I have a class project in mind and I need you to do about 300 push-ups in sets of ten for this to work. Can you do it? I need you to tell me you can do it," said the professor. Steve said, "Well... I think I can...yeah, I can do it." Dr. Christensen said, "Good! I need you to do this on Friday. Let me explain what I have in mind."
Friday came and Steve got to class early and sat in the front of the room. When class started, the professor pulled out a big box of donuts. No, these weren't the normal kinds of donuts, they were the BIG, extra fancy kind, with cream centers and frosting swirls. Everyone was pretty excited it was Friday, the last class of the year, and they were going to get an early start on the weekend with a party in Dr. Christensen's class.
Dr. Christensen went to the first girl in the first row and asked, "Cynthia, do you want to have one of these donuts?" Cynthia said, "Yes." Dr. Christensen then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Cynthia can have a donut?" "Sure." Steve jumped
down from his desk to do a quick ten. Then Steve again sat in his desk. Dr.
Christensen put a donut on Cynthia's desk.
Dr. Christensen then went to Joe, the next person, and asked, "Joe, do you want a donut?" Joe said, "Yes." Dr. Christensen asked, "Steve would you do ten push-ups so Joe can have a donut?" Steve did ten push-ups!, Joe got a donut.
And so it went, down the first aisle, Steve did ten push-ups for every person before they got their donut. Walking down the second aisle, Dr. Christensen came to Scott. Scott was on the basketball team, and in as good condition as Steve. He was very popular and never lacking for female companionship.
When the professor asked, "Scott do you want a donut?" Scott's reply was, "Well, can I do my own push-ups?" Dr. Christensen said, "No, Steve has to do them." Then Scott said, "Well, I don't want one then." Dr. Christensen shrugged and then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Scott can have a donut he doesn't want?" With perfect obedience Steve started to do ten push-ups. Scott said, "HEY! I said I didn't want one!"
Dr. Christensen said, "Look! this is my classroom, my class, my desks, and these are my donuts. Just leave it on the desk if you don't want it." And he put a donut on Scott's desk. Now by this time, Steve had begun to slow down a little. He just stayed on the floor between sets because it took too much effort to be getting up and down . You could start to see a little perspiration coming out around his brow.
Dr. Christensen started down the third row. Now the students were beginning to get a little angry. Dr. Christensen asked Jenny, "Jenny, do you want a donut?" Sternly, Jenny said, "No." Then Dr. Christensen asked Steve, "Steve, would you do ten more push-ups so Jenny can have a donut that she doesn't want?" Steve did ten .... Jenny got a donut.
By now, a growing sense of uneasiness filled the room. The students were beginning to say "No" and there were all these uneaten donuts on the desks. Steve also had to really put forth a lot of extra effort to get these push-ups done for each donut. There began to be a small pool of sweat on the floor beneath his face, his arms and brow were beginning to get red because of the physical effort involved.
Dr. Christensen asked Robert, who was the most vocal unbeliever in the class, to watch Steve do each push up to make sure he did the full ten push-ups in a set because he couldn't bear to watch all of Steve's work for all of those uneaten donuts. He sent Robert over to where Steve was so Robert could count the set and watch Steve closely.
Dr. Christensen started down the fourth row. During his class, however, some students from other classes had wandered in and sat down on the steps along the radiators that ran down the sides of the room. When the professor realized this, he did a quick count and saw that
now there were 34 students in the room. He started to worry if Steve would be able to make it.
Dr. Christensen went on to the next person and the next and the next. Near the end of that row, Steve was really having a rough time. He was taking a lot more time to complete each set. Steve asked Dr. Christensen, "Do I have to make my nose touch on each one?" Dr. Christensen thought for a moment, "Well, they're your push-ups. You are in charge now. You can do them any way that you want."
And Dr. Christensen went on. A few moments later, Jason, a recent transfer student, came to the room and was about to come in when all the students yelled in one voice, "NO! Don't come in! Stay out!" Jason didn't know what was going on. Steve picked up his head and said, "No, let him come." Professor Christensen said, "You realize that if Jason comes in you will have to do ten push-ups for him?" Steve said, "Yes, let him come in. Give him a donut."
Dr. Christensen said, "Okay, Steve, I'll let you get Jason's out of the way right now. Jason, do you want a donut?" Jason, new to the room, hardly knew what was going on. "Yes," he said, "give me a donut." "Steve, will you do ten push-ups so that Jason can have a donut?" Steve did ten push-ups very slowly and with great effort. Jason, bewildered, was handed a donut and sat down.
Dr. Christensen finished the fourth row, and then started on those visitors seated by the heaters. Steve's arms were now shaking with each push-up in a struggle to lift himself against the force of gravity. By this time sweat was profusely dropping off of his face, there was no sound except his heavy breathing; there was not a dry eye in the room.
The very last two students in the room were two young women, both cheerleaders, and very popular. Dr. Christensen went to Linda, the second to last, and asked, "Linda, do you want a donut?"; Linda said,very sadly, "No, thank you." Professor Christensen quietly asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Linda can have a donut she doesn't want?"
Grunting from the effort, Steve did ten very slow push-ups for Linda. Then Dr. Christensen turned to the last girl, Susan. "Susan, do you want a donut?" Susan, with tears flowing down her face, began to cry. "Dr. Christensen, why can't I help him?" Dr. Christensen, with tears of his own, said, "No, Steve has to do it alone. I have given him this task, and he is in charge of seeing that everyone has an opportunity for a donut whether they want it or not.
When I decided to have a party this last day of class, I looked at my grade book. Steve here is the only student with a perfect grade. Everyone else has failed a test, skipped class, or offered me inferior work. Steve told me that in football practice, when a player messes up he must do push-ups. I told Steve that none of you could come to my party unless he paid the price by doing your push ups. He and I made a deal for your sakes.""Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Susan can have a donut?"
As Steve very slowly finished his last push-up, with the understanding that he had accomplished all that was required of him, having done 350 push-ups, his arms buckled beneath him and he fell to the floor.
Dr. Christensen turned to the room and said. "And so it was, that our Savior, Jesus Christ, on the cross, plead to the Father, 'Into Thy hands I commend My spirit.' With the understanding that He had done everything that was required of Him, He yielded up His life. And like
some of those in this room, many of us leave the gift on the desk, uneaten."
Two students helped Steve up off the floor and to a seat, physically exhausted, but wearing a thin smile. "Well done, good and faithful servant," said the professor, adding "Not all sermons are preached in words."
Turning to his class, the professor said, "My wish is that you might understand and fully comprehend all the riches of grace and mercy that have been given to you through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He spared not only His Begotten Son, but gave Him up for us all, for the whole Church, now and forever.
Whether or not we choose to accept His gift to us, the price has been paid." "Wouldn't you be foolish and ungrateful to leave it lying on the desk?"
Tags: Professor of Religion, Doughnut, Donut, Christianity, Jesus Christ
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Good Deeds Remembered
The man slowly looked up. This was a woman clearly accustomed to the finer things of life. Her coat was new. She looked like that she had never missed a meal in her life. His first thought was that she wanted to make fun of him, like so many others had done before.
"Leave me alone," he growled. To his amazement, the woman continued standing. She was smiling -- her even white teeth displayed in dazzling rows. "Are you hungry?" she asked.
"No," he answered sarcastically. "I've just come from dining with the president. Now go away."
The woman's smile became even broader. Suddenly the man felt a gentle hand under his arm. "What are you doing, lady?" the man asked angrily. "I said to leave me alone." Just then a policeman came up. "Is there any problem, ma'am?" he asked. "No problem here, officer," the woman answered. "I'm just trying to get this man to his feet. Will you help me?"
The officer scratched his head. "That's old Jack. He's been a fixture around here for a couple of years. What do you want with him?" "See that cafeteria over there?" she asked. "I'm going to get him something to eat and get him out of the cold for awhile." "Are you crazy, lady?" the homeless man resisted. "I don't want to go in there!"
Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up. "Let me go, officer. I didn't do anything." "This is a good deal for you, Jack," the officer answered. "Don't blow it." Finally, and with some difficulty, the woman and the police officer got Jack into the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner.
It was the middle of the morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had already left and the lunch bunch had not yet arrived. The manager strode across the cafeteria and stood by he table. "What's going on here, officer?" he asked. "What is all this. Is this man in trouble?" "This lady brought this man in here to be fed," the policeman answered.
"Not in here!" the manager replied angrily. "Having a person like that here is bad for business." Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. "See, lady. I told you so. Now if you'll let me go. I didn't want to come here in the first place." The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled. "Sir, are you familiar with Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street?" "Of course I am," the manager answered impatiently. "They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms." "And do you make a goodly amount of money providing food at these weekly meetings?" "What business is that of yours?" "I, sir, am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company."
"Oh." The woman smiled again. "I thought that might make a difference." She glanced at the cop who was busy stifling a giggle. Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?"
"No thanks, ma'am," the officer replied. "I'm on duty." "Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?" "Yes, ma'am. That would be very nice." The cafeteria manager turned on his heel. "I'll get your coffee for you right away, officer."
The officer watched him walk away. "You certainly put him in his place," he said. "That was not my intent. Believe it or not, I have a reason for all this."
She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest. She stared at him intently. "Jack, do you remember me?" Old Jack searched her face with his old, rheumy eyes "I think so -- I mean you do look familiar." "I'm a little older perhaps," she said. "Maybe I've even filled out more than in my younger days when you worked here, and I came through that very door, cold and hungry."
"Ma'am?" the officer said questioningly. He couldn't believe that such a magnificently turned out woman could ever have been hungry.
"I was just out of college," the woman began. "I had come to the city looking for a job, but I couldn't find anything. Finally I was down to my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment. I walked the streets for days. It was February and I was cold and nearly starving. I saw this place and walked in on the off chance that I could get something to eat."
Jack lit up with a smile. "Now I remember," he said. "I was behind the serving counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said that it was against company policy." "I know," the woman continued. "Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich that I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner table and enjoy it.
I was afraid that you would get into trouble. Then, when I looked over, I saw you put the price of my food in the cash register I knew then that everything would be all right." "So you started your own business?" Old Jack said. "I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up. Eventually I started my own business, that, with the help of God, prospered."
She opened her purse and pulled out a business card. "When you are finished here, I want you to pay a visit to a Mr. Lyons. He's the personnel director of my company. I'll go talk to him now and I'm certain he'll find something for you to do around the office." Shesmiled. "I think he might even find the funds to give you a little advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until you get on your feet. If you ever need anything, my door is always opened to you"
There were tears in the old man's eyes. "How can I ever thank you? " he said."Don't thank me," the woman answered. "To God goes the glory. Thank Jesus. He led me to you."
Outside the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused at the entrance before going their separate ways. "Thank you for all your help, officer," she said."On the contrary, Ms. Eddy," he answered. "Thank you. I saw a miracle today, something that I will never forget. And...And thank you for the coffee."
If you have missed knowing me, you have missed nothing. If you have missed some of my emails, you might have missed a laugh.
But, if you have missed knowing my LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST, you have missed everything in the world. Have a Wonderful Day And May God Bless You Always.
Tags: Good Deeds, Christianity, Lord, Savior, Jesus Christ
"Leave me alone," he growled. To his amazement, the woman continued standing. She was smiling -- her even white teeth displayed in dazzling rows. "Are you hungry?" she asked.
"No," he answered sarcastically. "I've just come from dining with the president. Now go away."
The woman's smile became even broader. Suddenly the man felt a gentle hand under his arm. "What are you doing, lady?" the man asked angrily. "I said to leave me alone." Just then a policeman came up. "Is there any problem, ma'am?" he asked. "No problem here, officer," the woman answered. "I'm just trying to get this man to his feet. Will you help me?"
The officer scratched his head. "That's old Jack. He's been a fixture around here for a couple of years. What do you want with him?" "See that cafeteria over there?" she asked. "I'm going to get him something to eat and get him out of the cold for awhile." "Are you crazy, lady?" the homeless man resisted. "I don't want to go in there!"
Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up. "Let me go, officer. I didn't do anything." "This is a good deal for you, Jack," the officer answered. "Don't blow it." Finally, and with some difficulty, the woman and the police officer got Jack into the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner.
It was the middle of the morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had already left and the lunch bunch had not yet arrived. The manager strode across the cafeteria and stood by he table. "What's going on here, officer?" he asked. "What is all this. Is this man in trouble?" "This lady brought this man in here to be fed," the policeman answered.
"Not in here!" the manager replied angrily. "Having a person like that here is bad for business." Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. "See, lady. I told you so. Now if you'll let me go. I didn't want to come here in the first place." The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled. "Sir, are you familiar with Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street?" "Of course I am," the manager answered impatiently. "They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms." "And do you make a goodly amount of money providing food at these weekly meetings?" "What business is that of yours?" "I, sir, am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company."
"Oh." The woman smiled again. "I thought that might make a difference." She glanced at the cop who was busy stifling a giggle. Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?"
"No thanks, ma'am," the officer replied. "I'm on duty." "Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?" "Yes, ma'am. That would be very nice." The cafeteria manager turned on his heel. "I'll get your coffee for you right away, officer."
The officer watched him walk away. "You certainly put him in his place," he said. "That was not my intent. Believe it or not, I have a reason for all this."
She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest. She stared at him intently. "Jack, do you remember me?" Old Jack searched her face with his old, rheumy eyes "I think so -- I mean you do look familiar." "I'm a little older perhaps," she said. "Maybe I've even filled out more than in my younger days when you worked here, and I came through that very door, cold and hungry."
"Ma'am?" the officer said questioningly. He couldn't believe that such a magnificently turned out woman could ever have been hungry.
"I was just out of college," the woman began. "I had come to the city looking for a job, but I couldn't find anything. Finally I was down to my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment. I walked the streets for days. It was February and I was cold and nearly starving. I saw this place and walked in on the off chance that I could get something to eat."
Jack lit up with a smile. "Now I remember," he said. "I was behind the serving counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said that it was against company policy." "I know," the woman continued. "Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich that I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner table and enjoy it.
I was afraid that you would get into trouble. Then, when I looked over, I saw you put the price of my food in the cash register I knew then that everything would be all right." "So you started your own business?" Old Jack said. "I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up. Eventually I started my own business, that, with the help of God, prospered."
She opened her purse and pulled out a business card. "When you are finished here, I want you to pay a visit to a Mr. Lyons. He's the personnel director of my company. I'll go talk to him now and I'm certain he'll find something for you to do around the office." Shesmiled. "I think he might even find the funds to give you a little advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until you get on your feet. If you ever need anything, my door is always opened to you"
There were tears in the old man's eyes. "How can I ever thank you? " he said."Don't thank me," the woman answered. "To God goes the glory. Thank Jesus. He led me to you."
Outside the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused at the entrance before going their separate ways. "Thank you for all your help, officer," she said."On the contrary, Ms. Eddy," he answered. "Thank you. I saw a miracle today, something that I will never forget. And...And thank you for the coffee."
If you have missed knowing me, you have missed nothing. If you have missed some of my emails, you might have missed a laugh.
But, if you have missed knowing my LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST, you have missed everything in the world. Have a Wonderful Day And May God Bless You Always.
Tags: Good Deeds, Christianity, Lord, Savior, Jesus Christ
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Bible Humour
Q. What kind of man was Boaz before he married Ruth?
A. Ruthless.
Q. What do they call pastors in Germany ?
A. German Shepherds.
Q. Who was the greatest financier in the Bible?
A. Noah He was floating his stock while everyone else was in liquidation.
Q. Who was the greatest female financier in the Bible?
A. Pharaoh's daughter. She went down to the bank of the Nile and drew out a little prophet.
Q. What kind of motor vehicles are in the Bible?
A. Jehovah drove Adam and Eve out of the Garden in a Fury. David's Triumph was heard throughout the land. Also, probably a Honda, because the apostles were all in one Accord.
Q. Who was the greatest comedian in the Bible?
A. Samson. He brought the house down.
Q. What excuse did Adam give to his children as to why he no longer lived in Eden ?
A. Your mother ate us out of house and home.
Q. Which servant of God was the most flagrant lawbreaker in the Bible?
A. Moses. He broke all 10 commandments at once.
Q. Which area of Palestine was especially wealthy?
A. The area around Jordan. The banks were always overflowing.
Q. Who is the greatest babysitter mentioned in the Bible?
A. David. He rocked Goliath to a very deep sleep.
Q. Which Bible character had no parents?
A. Joshua, son of Nun.
Q. Why didn't they play cards on the Ark ?
A. Because Noah was standing on the deck.
PS. Did you know it's a sin for a woman to make coffee? Yup, it's in the Bible. It says "He-brews"
Keep Smiling!!!!!
Tags: Jokes, Funny, Humour, Bible Humour
Monday, March 24, 2008
Easter Day Celebration
This was after we had set the necessary music equipments up right early on Sunday morning at the International Youth Centre hall.
Quick rehearsals were required for certain performances to ensure familiarity with the new hall / stage area.
The Easter celebration began with the Chinese Church's presentation which was superb when they rendered their songs.
The morning service continued with Pastor Ben Ranis and Pastor Esther Lee leading the congregation into worship.
Part of the crowd that were worshipping during the worship time. An estimated crowd of 500 attended the Easter service.
The youth team presented their drama with a good moral behind it. The old lady in the drama had to pretend that she has died in order to get her three sons to come back to visit her. The three sons were so frightened with the "resurrected" mother who told them that it was the only way for her to see her three sons.Have you been visiting your folks lately? What the old folks need is your time and not your Astro or materials stuff that you could provide.
The Easter service went on with another dance performance that has children as young as 5 years old.
Our Nigerian sisters came in with their dance movements. Always admired the way they shake their bodies, really natural. Even our Malaysian ladies were in awe of it.
These were the people that came up for prayersseeking God to heal their sicknesses.
Our Nigerian brothers and sisters had their own presentation belting out three songs (or was it two? sorry guys).
The finale song entitled "Song of Ezekiel" was the last performance of the Easter service.
Was supposed to be one of the flag bearers but due to my thigh injury, unable to perform the dance this round.Saturday, March 22, 2008
Good Friday
Love this man
No one falls in love by choice, it is by CHANCE.
No one stays in love by chance, it is by WORK.
And no one falls out of love by chance, it is by CHOICE. 
He did something for you, now do something for him. Spread his word. Matthew 10:32 'Whoever acknowledges Me before men, I will acknowledge him before My Father in heaven. But whoever disowns Me before men, I will disown him before My Father in heaven.
Tags: Good Friday, Jesus, Father in Heaven, Christianity
He did something for you, now do something for him. Spread his word. Matthew 10:32 'Whoever acknowledges Me before men, I will acknowledge him before My Father in heaven. But whoever disowns Me before men, I will disown him before My Father in heaven.Tags: Good Friday, Jesus, Father in Heaven, Christianity
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
The Bible is Like...
“Going to the cinema to watch movies is sinful,” declared Disciple Ah Kow. “No, it’s not,” countered Disciple Ah Lek who loves to watch movies, “It’s educational.” Both disciples were washing toilets in the Sow-lin Monastery. The monastery has this policy that its disciples should share in the maintenance of the premises. The policy was instituted for building character in its disciples. The monastery also saves by not employing more janitorial staff.
“Watching movies corrupts the soul,” Ah Kow continued, “Did not the Apostle Peter said, ‘Do not love the world or anything in the world.[1]’” “But the Apostle Paul said, ‘be transformed by the renewing of your mind.[2]’ Going to movies will renew our minds.” responded Ah Lek. “Sinner!” shouted Ah Kow, “You just want to watch semi-naked girls.” “Do not,” Ah Lek shouted back, “I want to watch the movie The Passion of the Christ.” “Liar!” screamed Ah Kow pushing Ah Lek. Ah Lek responded with a well executed ‘drunken tiger falling down the hill’ roundhouse kick.
Abba Ah Beng was sitting crossed legged eating durian[3] in the main hall when his two disciples were brought before him. He looked up at Ah Kow and Ah Lek with a gleam in his eyes, which set the two disciples’ knees quaking[4]. “Fighting again, I see,” sighed Abba Ah Beng, “Ah Kow, open this durian with this screwdriver.” Ah Kow reached out to grab the durian and tried to open the fruit. All he managed to get were lots of painful scratches. “Here, let me,” said Ah Lek as he reached out and grab the screwdriver. With a skilful poke and twist, he opened the fruit into two pieces revealing the seeds with its golden fleshy outer layer.
A rich aroma filled the hall. Both Abba Ah Beng and Ah Lek inhaled with a satisfied “Hmm.” Ah Kow gagged. “Such a wonderful smell” sighs Ah Lek. “So horrible-lah. Like rotten eggs!” Ah Kow complained. “Here,” Abba Ah Beng said, “eat, eat.” Ah Lek took a seed and ate its luscious flesh with a look of ecstasy on his face. “Very good-lah” he commented. Abba Ah Beng beamed. “Sure good-lah. Special tree, B94” he explained. Meanwhile, Ah Kow shut his eyes as he put the fleshy seed in his mouth. “Urgh!” he croaked, “the inner seed is so hard.” Then he choked and turned blue as he had accidentally swallowed the seed.
“The Bible is like a durian,” explained Abba Ah Beng, as he performed the Heimlich manoeuvre on Ah Kow. “To apply it, you have to know how to open it. Otherwise all you get are some painful wounds. With the correct technique, which is the Holy Spirit, you can open the Bible and taste of its teachings. The succulent fleshy part of the seed is the interpretations and traditions of the church. These are the negotiable part of the Bible; like going to the movies, wearing jeans to church, or playing drums during worship. Some people love it, others hate it. The hard seed is the inner core of Biblical teaching. It is non-negotiable and consists of truths such as God is three and one (the Trinity), Jesus is the Son of God, and Jesus is fully human and fully God. This seed when planted in the right soil will grow into a tree and bear good fruits.”
Both disciples blinked in awe at Abba Ah Bang’s insight, the durian forgotten. Abba Ah Beng calmly finished his durian, burped and said, “I’m going to town, my movie starts in an hour.”
Endnotes:
- 1 John 2:15a
- Romans 12:2b
- A durian is a round fruit with thorns on the outside. It is the King of fruits. Either you love it or hate it. Want to know more, google ‘durian’ and hope your computer do not smell.
- Disciple Ah Kow later set up the Christian group called Quakers.
read more here
Tags: Bible, Monastery, Durian, King of Fruits, Cinema, Trinity, Son of God, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Biblical Teaching, Heimlich
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Sweating Outcomes
In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat - for He grants sleep to those He loves. - Psalm 127:2
Coming into the Promised Land in business will change the way you and I view our work. No longer will we see getting up early and staying up late as God's way. Living in the Promised Land in work means we know that God is the source of our provision and that our work is an act of worship to Him. Provision is a by-product, not an end in itself. Work is no longer something that must be sweated and toiled upon to make ends meet. "Could this really be true?" you might be saying.
God has made it clear that obedience is the assurance of provision. Whenever we go beyond the normal workday due to fear of non-provision, we are operating in unbelief. We are saying that it is up to us to make things happen. Sure, there are times when we work longer hours due to a deadline, but we must be sure the motive is not out of fear of loss or fear of non-provision. If we are obedient to what God has called us to, He will provide our every need. This can be a hard lesson for goal-oriented workplace believers.
I recall coming into this understanding. I had been a workaholic. Long hours were common. Then God shook up my world and I was challenged by a friend to examine my motives for working long hours. I realized the source of those long hours was fear. Once I came into this understanding, I refused to work long hours even though the natural man would tell me I'd never make things happen if I worked a normal work week. Again, this reasoning is based on a lack of faith. If we are obedient to what God has called each of us to, we will not lack. At times it may be less than what we might like; at other times it may be more than we deserve. These are God's ways.
The Bible tells us to come out of Babylon. Babylon is a system of work and philosophy that is contrary to God's ways. Are you operating in any aspect of work from a Babylonian value system? Ask the Lord to reveal this to you. Begin to walk in the freedom He has given us in our work life.
By Os Hillman, April 25, 2007
After reading the above, how true it is that at times I do go through such thinking. Dwindling faith? Or trying to think logically/practically?
Tags: Promised Land, Babylon, God's Way, Workaholic
Coming into the Promised Land in business will change the way you and I view our work. No longer will we see getting up early and staying up late as God's way. Living in the Promised Land in work means we know that God is the source of our provision and that our work is an act of worship to Him. Provision is a by-product, not an end in itself. Work is no longer something that must be sweated and toiled upon to make ends meet. "Could this really be true?" you might be saying.
God has made it clear that obedience is the assurance of provision. Whenever we go beyond the normal workday due to fear of non-provision, we are operating in unbelief. We are saying that it is up to us to make things happen. Sure, there are times when we work longer hours due to a deadline, but we must be sure the motive is not out of fear of loss or fear of non-provision. If we are obedient to what God has called us to, He will provide our every need. This can be a hard lesson for goal-oriented workplace believers.
I recall coming into this understanding. I had been a workaholic. Long hours were common. Then God shook up my world and I was challenged by a friend to examine my motives for working long hours. I realized the source of those long hours was fear. Once I came into this understanding, I refused to work long hours even though the natural man would tell me I'd never make things happen if I worked a normal work week. Again, this reasoning is based on a lack of faith. If we are obedient to what God has called each of us to, we will not lack. At times it may be less than what we might like; at other times it may be more than we deserve. These are God's ways.
The Bible tells us to come out of Babylon. Babylon is a system of work and philosophy that is contrary to God's ways. Are you operating in any aspect of work from a Babylonian value system? Ask the Lord to reveal this to you. Begin to walk in the freedom He has given us in our work life.
By Os Hillman, April 25, 2007
After reading the above, how true it is that at times I do go through such thinking. Dwindling faith? Or trying to think logically/practically?
Tags: Promised Land, Babylon, God's Way, Workaholic
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Oriental Hearts & Mind Study Institute
This morning I attended the Inaugural Dialogue conducted by Oriental Hearts & Mind Study Institute ("OHMSI") held at PJ Gospel Hall, Jalan Gasing, Petaling Jaya.Rev Dr Hwa Yung, Bishop from the Methodist Church of Malaysia was the moderator for the dialogue and both main speakers, Dr Lim Kar Yong, a lecturer in New Testament Studies with Seminari Theoloji Malaysia and Dr K. J. John, Executive Director of OHMSI gave us an interesting insight on the topic of "Was Jesus Political?"
Thereafter, five commentators gave their viewpoints on the topic:-
* Rev Dr Hermen Shastri, General Secretary, Council of Churches of Malaysia and Christian Federation of Malaysia
* Dr Beth Baikan, Catholic Scholar from Stella Maris Parish, Sabah
* Brother Goh Keat Peng, Executive Secretary, Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism
* Brother Steven CM Wong, Chairman, NECF Research Commission
* Sister Tricia Yeoh, Senior Policy Analyst, Centre for Public Policy Studies
It was well attended with more than 300 people and two Members of Parliament were there to lend their support for this event, YB Lee Hwa Beng and YB Theresa Kok. Ivy Josiah from Women's Aid Organisation was there too. Glad to see brothers and sisters from various denominations namely, Methodist, Brethren, Lutheran, Anglican, Baptist, Presbyterian, Catholic, Evangelical Free Church and Assemblies of God.
At this dialogue, I was able to meet up with a number of bloggers:-
* David Chang
* Steven Sim
* Tricia Yeoh
* Lim Kar Yong
OHMSI - was set up in 2004 with the goal to create frameworks for dialogue and engagement where followers of Jesus Christ and members of society become relevant and significant in the public spaces of national life. But, is the Bride of Christ in Malaysia ready for this task of public space engagement? Can Christians be political without getting involved in party politics? What is the role of Christians on public issues and the related public policy dialogue? Are we an Islamic State? Can we evolve a Bangsa Malaysia? Who will fight corruption and for integrity? Whose responsibility is it to ensure the application of universal valuesIn the light of many challenges facing Malaysia, what is our role as Christians in Malaysia to continue to be the salt and light of the Gospel on these issues and concerns?
Tags: Oriental Hearts & Mind Study Institute, OHMSI, Anglican, Baptist, Presbyterian, Catholic, Evangelical Free Church, Assemblies of God, Lee Hwa Beng, Theresa Kok, PJ Gospel Hall, Dr Hwa Yung, Lim Kar Yong, New Testament Studies, Seminari Theoloji Malaysia, KJ John, Dr Hermen Shastri, Council of Churches of Malaysia, Christian Federation of Malaysia, Dr Beth Baikan, Stella Maris Parish, Goh Keat Peng, Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism, Steven CM Wong, National Evangelical Christian Fellowship, NECF, Tricia Yeoh, Centre for Public Policy Studies
Friday, July 13, 2007
Can Christians Make A Lot of Money?
Absolutely “YES”! Christians can make a lot of money. But some may think having a lot of money is sinful! It is worldly!
In fact some may also be influenced by certain kind of “poverty mentality” teaching where one has to be poor in order to be spiritual! Some may also feel that money will pull you away from God. Well, pulling one away may be true for some but not for all.
We need to have the right teaching on money. Money itself is neutral; there is nothing right or wrong. It all depends on how you use it. If you use it for good mean then it is good. If you use it for bad mean then it is bad. So the problem is not with money but the GREED of money is the root of all evils.
Next, money itself does not make you more or less spiritual. It is developing a close and intimate relationship with God that makes you spiritual. I am very sure you are able to find a lot of rich people who fear God. In fact in the Old Testament you can find many great men of God who are rich and prosperous like the case of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. They are all very rich and prosperous and they fear God.
So, can Christians make a lot of money? Absolutely “YES” and there is no doubt about it! If you are a businessman earn as much as you can for the glory and kingdom of God. If you are working in the marketplace, put in all your heart, do your best and get increment and promotion every year.
However, I would like to list out 3 strong warnings. When you see these warnings lighted up, then it is the beginning of one drilling away from God, serving money rather than God and ultimately forsaking Jesus Christ.
But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. I Timothy 6:8-10
1) No time for God
If you work until you don’t have time for God then this is the first serious warning. You start to miss the cell group, prayer meeting and church service then there must be a problem. I understand that there is peak period but not for the whole year! So money starts to take a very important position in your heart.
2) Unable to give
If you are earning a lot of money and having difficulty in giving (may it be offering or tithing) then this is the second serious warning. Your giving is so painful and difficult; it is like ripping off your skin then you are treating money as THE most important perhaps even more important than God.
3) Violate the word of God
If you think it is alright to compromise and violate the word of God in order to earn more money because in the business world one needs to be unscrupulous and honesty has no place to stand. Then this is the last warning that money is getting hold of you.
Lastly, I pray that God will give you the power to gain wealth. The most important thing is not having a lot of money but having God because by having God you will have everything (including money).
Tags: Christian, Money, Old Testament, Jesus Christ, God
In fact some may also be influenced by certain kind of “poverty mentality” teaching where one has to be poor in order to be spiritual! Some may also feel that money will pull you away from God. Well, pulling one away may be true for some but not for all.
We need to have the right teaching on money. Money itself is neutral; there is nothing right or wrong. It all depends on how you use it. If you use it for good mean then it is good. If you use it for bad mean then it is bad. So the problem is not with money but the GREED of money is the root of all evils.
Next, money itself does not make you more or less spiritual. It is developing a close and intimate relationship with God that makes you spiritual. I am very sure you are able to find a lot of rich people who fear God. In fact in the Old Testament you can find many great men of God who are rich and prosperous like the case of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. They are all very rich and prosperous and they fear God.
So, can Christians make a lot of money? Absolutely “YES” and there is no doubt about it! If you are a businessman earn as much as you can for the glory and kingdom of God. If you are working in the marketplace, put in all your heart, do your best and get increment and promotion every year.
However, I would like to list out 3 strong warnings. When you see these warnings lighted up, then it is the beginning of one drilling away from God, serving money rather than God and ultimately forsaking Jesus Christ.
But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. I Timothy 6:8-10
1) No time for God
If you work until you don’t have time for God then this is the first serious warning. You start to miss the cell group, prayer meeting and church service then there must be a problem. I understand that there is peak period but not for the whole year! So money starts to take a very important position in your heart.
2) Unable to give
If you are earning a lot of money and having difficulty in giving (may it be offering or tithing) then this is the second serious warning. Your giving is so painful and difficult; it is like ripping off your skin then you are treating money as THE most important perhaps even more important than God.
3) Violate the word of God
If you think it is alright to compromise and violate the word of God in order to earn more money because in the business world one needs to be unscrupulous and honesty has no place to stand. Then this is the last warning that money is getting hold of you.
Lastly, I pray that God will give you the power to gain wealth. The most important thing is not having a lot of money but having God because by having God you will have everything (including money).
Tags: Christian, Money, Old Testament, Jesus Christ, God
Sunday, July 08, 2007
International Justice Mission
International Justice Mission's History
Founded in 1997, IJM began operations after a group of human rights professionals, lawyers and public officials launched an extensive study of the injustices witnessed by overseas missionaries and relief and development workers. This study, surveying more than 65 organizations and representing 40,000 overseas workers, uncovered an early unanimous awareness of abuses of power by police and other authorities in the communities where they served. Without the resources or expertise to confront the abuse and to bring rescue to the victims, these overseas workers required the assistance of trained public justice professionals.
When the poor are hungry, homeless or alienated, the Church has come to their aid by providing food, shelter and missionaries to meet the pressing needs. But when the poor have been oppressed, treate unjustly and suffered under the hand of someone more powerful, little was done on their behalf.
Accordingly, IJM was established to help fill this void, acting as an organization that stands in the gap for victims when they are left without an advocate. IJM staff members (human rights experts, attorneys and law enforcement professionals) receive case referrals from, and work in conjunction with, other non-governmental organizations and casework alliances abroad.
Knew of a Malaysian blogger - Rachel Loo - who blogs under "The Good Life", a lawyer by profession, is also an Associate of International Justice Mission, which is based based in Washington DC. IJM has many christian lawyers, investigators and social workers who brings Good News about Injustice to a Hurting World.
Tags: International Justice Mission, Human Rights, Injustice, Abuse of Power, NGO, Non-Governmental Organisation, Hurting World, Washington DC, The Good Life, Social Worker
Founded in 1997, IJM began operations after a group of human rights professionals, lawyers and public officials launched an extensive study of the injustices witnessed by overseas missionaries and relief and development workers. This study, surveying more than 65 organizations and representing 40,000 overseas workers, uncovered an early unanimous awareness of abuses of power by police and other authorities in the communities where they served. Without the resources or expertise to confront the abuse and to bring rescue to the victims, these overseas workers required the assistance of trained public justice professionals.
When the poor are hungry, homeless or alienated, the Church has come to their aid by providing food, shelter and missionaries to meet the pressing needs. But when the poor have been oppressed, treate unjustly and suffered under the hand of someone more powerful, little was done on their behalf.Accordingly, IJM was established to help fill this void, acting as an organization that stands in the gap for victims when they are left without an advocate. IJM staff members (human rights experts, attorneys and law enforcement professionals) receive case referrals from, and work in conjunction with, other non-governmental organizations and casework alliances abroad.
Knew of a Malaysian blogger - Rachel Loo - who blogs under "The Good Life", a lawyer by profession, is also an Associate of International Justice Mission, which is based based in Washington DC. IJM has many christian lawyers, investigators and social workers who brings Good News about Injustice to a Hurting World.
Tags: International Justice Mission, Human Rights, Injustice, Abuse of Power, NGO, Non-Governmental Organisation, Hurting World, Washington DC, The Good Life, Social Worker
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Ten Commandments
I'm sure you have heard of the Bible's Ten Commandments that were given by God to Moses.
The Ten Commandments are as follows:-
ONE: 'You shall have no other gods before Me.'
TWO: 'You shall not make for yourself a carved image--any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.'
THREE: 'You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.'
FOUR: 'Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.'
FIVE: 'Honor your father and your mother.'
SIX: 'You shall not murder.'
SEVEN: 'You shall not commit adultery.'
EIGHT: 'You shall not steal.'
NINE: 'You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.'
TEN: 'You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's.'
NOW, after getting used to and have memorised by hard on the above Ten Commandments, the Vatican Holy See came out with another Ten Commandments. Nothing religious but a very practical commandments for all citizens irrespective of your religion.
Out came the "Drivers' Ten Commandments" as listed below:-
1. You shall not kill.
2. The road shall be for you a means of communion between people and not of mortal harm.
3. Courtesy, uprightness and prudence will help you deal with unforeseen events.
4. Be charitable and help your neighbor in need, especially victims of accidents.
5. Cars shall not be for you an expression of power and domination, and an occasion of sin.
6. Charitably convince the young and not so young not to drive when they are not in a fitting condition to do so.
7. Support the families of accident victims.
8. Bring guilty motorists and their victims together, at the appropriate time, so that they can undergo the liberating experience of forgiveness.
9. On the road, protect the more vulnerable party.
10. Feel responsible toward others.
Besides your respective country's road transport laws, you have 10 more to abide now.
Tags: Bible, Ten Commandments, Vatican Holy See, Drivers' Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments are as follows:-
ONE: 'You shall have no other gods before Me.'
TWO: 'You shall not make for yourself a carved image--any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.'
THREE: 'You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.'
FOUR: 'Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.'
FIVE: 'Honor your father and your mother.'
SIX: 'You shall not murder.'
SEVEN: 'You shall not commit adultery.'
EIGHT: 'You shall not steal.'
NINE: 'You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.'
TEN: 'You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's.'
NOW, after getting used to and have memorised by hard on the above Ten Commandments, the Vatican Holy See came out with another Ten Commandments. Nothing religious but a very practical commandments for all citizens irrespective of your religion.
Out came the "Drivers' Ten Commandments" as listed below:-
1. You shall not kill.
2. The road shall be for you a means of communion between people and not of mortal harm.
3. Courtesy, uprightness and prudence will help you deal with unforeseen events.
4. Be charitable and help your neighbor in need, especially victims of accidents.
5. Cars shall not be for you an expression of power and domination, and an occasion of sin.
6. Charitably convince the young and not so young not to drive when they are not in a fitting condition to do so.
7. Support the families of accident victims.
8. Bring guilty motorists and their victims together, at the appropriate time, so that they can undergo the liberating experience of forgiveness.
9. On the road, protect the more vulnerable party.
10. Feel responsible toward others.
Besides your respective country's road transport laws, you have 10 more to abide now.
Tags: Bible, Ten Commandments, Vatican Holy See, Drivers' Ten Commandments
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