Imagine the obstacles a person would have to overcome to walk from New York City to San Francisco. A man who had accomplished this feat was asked about his biggest hurdle. He said that the toughest part of his trip wasn't walking up the mountains or crossing hot, dry, barren stretches of desert. "The thing that came the closest to defeating me," he admitted, "was the sand in my shoes."
This reminds me of how we can be spiritually defeated by what begins as a little irritant. We let an unkind word, a small setback, or a misunderstanding get us down. Or we allow people around us to influence us in little but wrong ways. Instead of being determined to avoid evil—big or small— (Proverbs 4:14-27), we compromise. We neglect to go to the Lord for forgiveness and help.
Sir Francis Drake, the 16th-century English explorer who had sailed around the world, was crossing the Thames River when a violent storm threatened to capsize his boat. He cried, "Shall I who have endured the storms of oceans be drowned in a ditch?"
We would be wise to ask ourselves, "Shall I, who have come so far by faith, be defeated by 'sand in my shoes'?" We must answer with a resolute no! —Richard De Haan
Lord, grant us strength to overcomeLife's greatest trials that we may meet;And grant it also when we faceThose little trials that would defeat. —D. De Haan
Friday, June 15, 2007
Monday, June 11, 2007
The DONKEY
One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey. He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well.
At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down. A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up. As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!
MORAL:
Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a stepping stone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.
Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
1. Free your heart from hatred - Forgive.
2. Free your mind from worries -Most never happen.
3. Live simply and appreciate what you have.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
We build TEAM according to God's principle
I was blessed by pastor’s shepherding message yesterday. It was about how to build a TEAM according to God's principle.
To join a TEAM is easy but to remain in a TEAM might be harder. Generally the factors that can motivate one in a team, is the the sense of ownership, burden of wanting to achieve something together, a heart wanting to learn from one another, a real relationship that had been developed etc.
As a child of the Most High God, we all know so well that special formula of developing a great TEAM can be founded from the WOG. But the problem is sometimes we are so careless that forget to apply these formula, including myself. As the previous article specigy, many times we accidently allow the enemy to tell us his formula rather than God's formula of building a TEAM.
It is dangerous when we are too depended on speculations to build a TEAM without refering to God's words. It is dangerous when we act something based on our thoughts and not God's thought. God's formula are always so meaningful, but i think it will be much more meaningful if we obey it and dare to live it out. Nevertheless, action speak louder than words.
Thus i need to continuosly make sure to myself when I mean what i say though it is never easy. But i always believe our God will be our strength and encouragement endless time. He support us when we first desire to obey Him. Let me end with this verse, "walk worthily of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and humility, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love; being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:1-3).
To join a TEAM is easy but to remain in a TEAM might be harder. Generally the factors that can motivate one in a team, is the the sense of ownership, burden of wanting to achieve something together, a heart wanting to learn from one another, a real relationship that had been developed etc.
As a child of the Most High God, we all know so well that special formula of developing a great TEAM can be founded from the WOG. But the problem is sometimes we are so careless that forget to apply these formula, including myself. As the previous article specigy, many times we accidently allow the enemy to tell us his formula rather than God's formula of building a TEAM.
It is dangerous when we are too depended on speculations to build a TEAM without refering to God's words. It is dangerous when we act something based on our thoughts and not God's thought. God's formula are always so meaningful, but i think it will be much more meaningful if we obey it and dare to live it out. Nevertheless, action speak louder than words.
Thus i need to continuosly make sure to myself when I mean what i say though it is never easy. But i always believe our God will be our strength and encouragement endless time. He support us when we first desire to obey Him. Let me end with this verse, "walk worthily of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and humility, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love; being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:1-3).
Monday, June 04, 2007
STRIFE... from Cindy Choo
16 Apr 2007
Once again, I am cornered to wake up and smell the roses.
Evil is lurking everywhere… Oh…how ignorant are we in just living our life? I am reminded once more as I was reading through the papers on the issues that are going on in the world. “STRIFE”… That’s right, if you have not read correctly I will repeat it, STRIFE.
This is one of the main weapon Satan is using to destroy the very place mankind is thriving. Small matters are made into big issues. Leaders of the world waste time and resources fighting against one another, instead of channeling those precious ‘assets’ for the good of their country men. Just take a good look at our closest neighboring country – Thailand and further east, Timor Leste. ‘Brothers’, seemingly of a the same nationality fight against one another in this war torn country, ravaged by the predecessors through years of colonization and later civil war.
Go up north of China and we will have Nepal, warring against the same people sharing a common nationality… And this crosses to the India continent, Middle East and Africa continent. In most of these countries, they have been colonized, been through the worst year in history – the Japanese atrocities, the Holocaust, Cold War, oppression from colonization and massacre in the name of ethnic cleansing and the superiority of a certain ‘race’!
The people in these countries been though it all – varying in intensity of their experience, nevertheless in despair just as the other of their countrymen; killing, rape, looting, bombing …this are a few named mayhem that can be seen to strike fear in the hearts of men. Even after all these are over, ‘brothers’ of the same nationality rise up against one another and fight amongst themselves. Those seeking for peace and a new start have to go through the whole mean cycle once more. The freedom and independence that one country gained supposedly for the good of the particular country – to start anew, given a second change is shattered once more through greed and power craze.
In actual sense nothing changes, the country men who have hope for a better future is once again shattered. The brave man and woman who have fought for the country’s freedom, laying down their life, every fiber of their body, to break the bondage and chains of colonization and cruel leaders are long forgotten.
Indeed independence does not come cheap. Many times, blood has to be shed; for a free country… If we are not careful, the same scenario that is happening in our current world affairs can happen to our church as well. The same STRIFE that Satan uses to destroy our world (the physical) can also be used to destroy God’s house (the spiritual). It is already happening…
If only we can all put our differences aside and putting what God wants as the main priority in his house, surely we will have more time to reach out rather than use the time ‘warring’ against one another. It’s hard many times to deny our ‘rights’. But than again, we are no longer our self but of God. If we are to be true disciple, then we have to deny our self and take up the cross, “then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.” (Matthew 16:24)
Hard truth perhaps, but much needed if we are to see God’s Kingdom expand. Jesus gives us the freedom from bondage of sin through the shedding of his blood and body, that we may be given a new life – like the many brave man and woman as I have mentioned earlier. It was with a price. Nevertheless, His was a far better plan, better good for mankind – SALVATION. Yet, we see many instances ‘brothers’ (Christians) fight amongst themselves just like the world, forgetting the very price that have been paid for freedom! If we are reckless, we will go through the very same vicious cycle like many of the other countries are going through…
In God’s house, no one is better than the other. Even leaders are merely appointed by God not as how the world would appoint, but appointment through God’s standard in His word. Therefore, we ought to examine our hearts and check our motives. I know it seems lame to some of us to be talking bout all ‘this crap’, but like it or not, God is not please with individuals who are self-centered only wanting the blessings of God for themselves! When challenge to give of time and resources, all kind of excuses is cooked up just to get away from it!
If we give selflessly – and I mean everybody in the house of God, then we can see a far greater work of God! It is a privilege indeed that we are given to serve our Father and we are merely His vessels that He use in touching life, make disciples and plant churches. However, He can only use vessels that live it right with Him. I am not saying that we need to be perfect – than we will all be in heaven with our Father, but a repentance attitude. Zechariah 3:7, "This is what the LORD Almighty says: `If you will walk in my ways and keep my requirements, then you will govern my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you a place among these standing here.”
OBEDIENCE is after all better than sacrifice, But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king." (1Samuel 15:22-23)
Therefore, let’s keep UNITY in our Father’s house… understanding as well how God works, not the way the world function and works, but according to His very divine nature. Don’t allow and let Satan have a foothold in planting the spirit of strife, when Satan have an inch to it then he will start ruling.
Resolve any issues in our hearts as soon as possible that can birth bitterness, unforgiveness and sin. Be reconciled, do it God’s way!!!
Once again, I am cornered to wake up and smell the roses.
Evil is lurking everywhere… Oh…how ignorant are we in just living our life? I am reminded once more as I was reading through the papers on the issues that are going on in the world. “STRIFE”… That’s right, if you have not read correctly I will repeat it, STRIFE.
This is one of the main weapon Satan is using to destroy the very place mankind is thriving. Small matters are made into big issues. Leaders of the world waste time and resources fighting against one another, instead of channeling those precious ‘assets’ for the good of their country men. Just take a good look at our closest neighboring country – Thailand and further east, Timor Leste. ‘Brothers’, seemingly of a the same nationality fight against one another in this war torn country, ravaged by the predecessors through years of colonization and later civil war.
Go up north of China and we will have Nepal, warring against the same people sharing a common nationality… And this crosses to the India continent, Middle East and Africa continent. In most of these countries, they have been colonized, been through the worst year in history – the Japanese atrocities, the Holocaust, Cold War, oppression from colonization and massacre in the name of ethnic cleansing and the superiority of a certain ‘race’!
The people in these countries been though it all – varying in intensity of their experience, nevertheless in despair just as the other of their countrymen; killing, rape, looting, bombing …this are a few named mayhem that can be seen to strike fear in the hearts of men. Even after all these are over, ‘brothers’ of the same nationality rise up against one another and fight amongst themselves. Those seeking for peace and a new start have to go through the whole mean cycle once more. The freedom and independence that one country gained supposedly for the good of the particular country – to start anew, given a second change is shattered once more through greed and power craze.
In actual sense nothing changes, the country men who have hope for a better future is once again shattered. The brave man and woman who have fought for the country’s freedom, laying down their life, every fiber of their body, to break the bondage and chains of colonization and cruel leaders are long forgotten.
Indeed independence does not come cheap. Many times, blood has to be shed; for a free country… If we are not careful, the same scenario that is happening in our current world affairs can happen to our church as well. The same STRIFE that Satan uses to destroy our world (the physical) can also be used to destroy God’s house (the spiritual). It is already happening…
If only we can all put our differences aside and putting what God wants as the main priority in his house, surely we will have more time to reach out rather than use the time ‘warring’ against one another. It’s hard many times to deny our ‘rights’. But than again, we are no longer our self but of God. If we are to be true disciple, then we have to deny our self and take up the cross, “then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.” (Matthew 16:24)
Hard truth perhaps, but much needed if we are to see God’s Kingdom expand. Jesus gives us the freedom from bondage of sin through the shedding of his blood and body, that we may be given a new life – like the many brave man and woman as I have mentioned earlier. It was with a price. Nevertheless, His was a far better plan, better good for mankind – SALVATION. Yet, we see many instances ‘brothers’ (Christians) fight amongst themselves just like the world, forgetting the very price that have been paid for freedom! If we are reckless, we will go through the very same vicious cycle like many of the other countries are going through…
In God’s house, no one is better than the other. Even leaders are merely appointed by God not as how the world would appoint, but appointment through God’s standard in His word. Therefore, we ought to examine our hearts and check our motives. I know it seems lame to some of us to be talking bout all ‘this crap’, but like it or not, God is not please with individuals who are self-centered only wanting the blessings of God for themselves! When challenge to give of time and resources, all kind of excuses is cooked up just to get away from it!
If we give selflessly – and I mean everybody in the house of God, then we can see a far greater work of God! It is a privilege indeed that we are given to serve our Father and we are merely His vessels that He use in touching life, make disciples and plant churches. However, He can only use vessels that live it right with Him. I am not saying that we need to be perfect – than we will all be in heaven with our Father, but a repentance attitude. Zechariah 3:7, "This is what the LORD Almighty says: `If you will walk in my ways and keep my requirements, then you will govern my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you a place among these standing here.”
OBEDIENCE is after all better than sacrifice, But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king." (1Samuel 15:22-23)
Therefore, let’s keep UNITY in our Father’s house… understanding as well how God works, not the way the world function and works, but according to His very divine nature. Don’t allow and let Satan have a foothold in planting the spirit of strife, when Satan have an inch to it then he will start ruling.
Resolve any issues in our hearts as soon as possible that can birth bitterness, unforgiveness and sin. Be reconciled, do it God’s way!!!
Saturday, June 02, 2007
"Before they call, I will answer." (Isaiah 65:24).
One night I had worked hard to help a mother in the labor ward; but in spite of all we could do, she died, leaving us with a tiny, premature baby and a crying two-year-old daughter. We would have difficulty keeping the baby alive, as we had no incubator (we had no electricity to run an incubator). We also had no special feeding facilities. Although we lived on the Equator, nights were often chilly with treacherous drafts.
One student midwife went for the box we had for such babies and the cotton wool that the baby would be wrapped in. Another went to stoke up the fire and fill a hot water bottle. She came back shortly in distress to tell me that in filling the bottle, it had burst (rubber perishes easily in tropical climates)." And it is our last hot water bottle!" she exclaimed. As in the West, it is no good crying over spilled milk, so in Central Africa it might be considered no good crying over burst water bottles. They do not grow on trees, and there are no drug stores down forest pathways."All right," I said, "put the baby as near the fire as you safely can, and sleep between the baby and the door to keep it free from drafts. Your job is to keep the baby warm."
The following noon , as I did most days, I went to have prayers with any of the orphanage children who chose to gather with me. I gave the youngsters various suggestions of things to pray about and told them about the tiny baby. I explained our problem about keeping the baby warm enough, mentioning the hot water bottle, and that the baby could so easily die if it got chills. I also told them of the two-year-old sister, crying because her mother had died.
During prayer time, one ten -year-old girl, Ruth, prayed with the usual blunt conciseness of our Africanchildren "Please, God" she prayed, "Send us a hot water bottle today. It'll be no good tomorrow, God, as the baby will be dead, so please send it this afternoon." While I gasped inwardly at the audacity of the prayer, she added, "And while You are about it, would You please send a dolly for the little girl so she'll knowYou really love her?" As often with children's prayers, I was put on the spot. Could I honestly say "Amen"?
I just did not believe that God could do this. Oh, yes, I know that He can do everything; the Bible says so. But there are limits, aren't there?. The only way God could answer this particular prayer would be by sending me a parcel from the homeland. I had been in Africa for almost four years at that time, and I had never, ever, received a parcel from home. Anyway, if anyone did send me a parcel, who would put in a hot water bottle? I lived on the Equator!
Halfway through the afternoon, while I was teaching in the nurses' training school, a message was sent that there was a car at my front door. By the time I reached home, the car had gone, but there on the verandah was a large 22-pound parcel. I felt tearspricking my eyes. I could not open the parcel alone, so I sent for the orphanage children.
Together we pulled off the string, carefully undoing each knot. We folded the paper, taking care not to tear it unduly. Excitement was mounting. Some thirty or forty pairs of eyes were focused on the large cardboard box. From the top, I lifted out brightly-colored, knitted jerseys. Eyes sparkled as I gave them out. Then there were the knitted bandages for the leprosy patients, and the children looked a little bored. Then came a box of mixed raisins and sultanas - that would make a batch of buns for the weekend.
Then, as I put my hand in again, I felt the.....could I really be? I grasped it and pulled it out. Yes, a brand new, rubber hot water bottle. I cried. I had not asked God to send it; I had not truly believed that He could. Ruth was in the front row of the children. She rushed forward, crying out, "If God has sent the bottle, He must have sent the dolly, too!" Rummaging down to the bottom of the box, she pulled out the small, beautifully-dressed dolly. Her eyes shone! She had never doubted! Looking up at me, she asked: "Can I go over with you and give this dolly to that little girl, so she'll know that Jesus really loves her?" Of course, I replied!
That parcel had been on the way for five whole months, packed up by my former Sunday school class, whose leader had heard and obeyed God's prompting to send a hot water bottle, even to the Equator. And one of the girls had put in a dolly for an African child -five months before, In answer to the believing prayer of a ten-year-old to bring it "that afternoon."
"Before they call, I will answer." (Isaiah 65:24).
When you receive this, say the prayer. That's all you have to do. No strings attached. Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive. There is no cost, but a lot of rewards. Let's continue praying for one another.This awesome prayer takes less than a minute.
Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless my friends reading this. I ask You to minister to their spirit. Where there is pain, give them Your peace and mercy. Where there is self-doubting, release a renewed confidence to work through them. Where there is tiredness or exhaustion, I ask You to give them understanding, guidance, and strength. Where there is fear, reveal Your love and release to them Your courage. Bless their finances, give them greater vision, and raise up leaders and friends to support and encourage them.Give each of them discernment to recognize the evilforces around them and reveal to them the power they have in You to defeat it. I ask You to do these things in Jesus' name. Amen
One student midwife went for the box we had for such babies and the cotton wool that the baby would be wrapped in. Another went to stoke up the fire and fill a hot water bottle. She came back shortly in distress to tell me that in filling the bottle, it had burst (rubber perishes easily in tropical climates)." And it is our last hot water bottle!" she exclaimed. As in the West, it is no good crying over spilled milk, so in Central Africa it might be considered no good crying over burst water bottles. They do not grow on trees, and there are no drug stores down forest pathways."All right," I said, "put the baby as near the fire as you safely can, and sleep between the baby and the door to keep it free from drafts. Your job is to keep the baby warm."
The following noon , as I did most days, I went to have prayers with any of the orphanage children who chose to gather with me. I gave the youngsters various suggestions of things to pray about and told them about the tiny baby. I explained our problem about keeping the baby warm enough, mentioning the hot water bottle, and that the baby could so easily die if it got chills. I also told them of the two-year-old sister, crying because her mother had died.
During prayer time, one ten -year-old girl, Ruth, prayed with the usual blunt conciseness of our Africanchildren "Please, God" she prayed, "Send us a hot water bottle today. It'll be no good tomorrow, God, as the baby will be dead, so please send it this afternoon." While I gasped inwardly at the audacity of the prayer, she added, "And while You are about it, would You please send a dolly for the little girl so she'll knowYou really love her?" As often with children's prayers, I was put on the spot. Could I honestly say "Amen"?
I just did not believe that God could do this. Oh, yes, I know that He can do everything; the Bible says so. But there are limits, aren't there?. The only way God could answer this particular prayer would be by sending me a parcel from the homeland. I had been in Africa for almost four years at that time, and I had never, ever, received a parcel from home. Anyway, if anyone did send me a parcel, who would put in a hot water bottle? I lived on the Equator!
Halfway through the afternoon, while I was teaching in the nurses' training school, a message was sent that there was a car at my front door. By the time I reached home, the car had gone, but there on the verandah was a large 22-pound parcel. I felt tearspricking my eyes. I could not open the parcel alone, so I sent for the orphanage children.
Together we pulled off the string, carefully undoing each knot. We folded the paper, taking care not to tear it unduly. Excitement was mounting. Some thirty or forty pairs of eyes were focused on the large cardboard box. From the top, I lifted out brightly-colored, knitted jerseys. Eyes sparkled as I gave them out. Then there were the knitted bandages for the leprosy patients, and the children looked a little bored. Then came a box of mixed raisins and sultanas - that would make a batch of buns for the weekend.
Then, as I put my hand in again, I felt the.....could I really be? I grasped it and pulled it out. Yes, a brand new, rubber hot water bottle. I cried. I had not asked God to send it; I had not truly believed that He could. Ruth was in the front row of the children. She rushed forward, crying out, "If God has sent the bottle, He must have sent the dolly, too!" Rummaging down to the bottom of the box, she pulled out the small, beautifully-dressed dolly. Her eyes shone! She had never doubted! Looking up at me, she asked: "Can I go over with you and give this dolly to that little girl, so she'll know that Jesus really loves her?" Of course, I replied!
That parcel had been on the way for five whole months, packed up by my former Sunday school class, whose leader had heard and obeyed God's prompting to send a hot water bottle, even to the Equator. And one of the girls had put in a dolly for an African child -five months before, In answer to the believing prayer of a ten-year-old to bring it "that afternoon."
"Before they call, I will answer." (Isaiah 65:24).
When you receive this, say the prayer. That's all you have to do. No strings attached. Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive. There is no cost, but a lot of rewards. Let's continue praying for one another.This awesome prayer takes less than a minute.
Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless my friends reading this. I ask You to minister to their spirit. Where there is pain, give them Your peace and mercy. Where there is self-doubting, release a renewed confidence to work through them. Where there is tiredness or exhaustion, I ask You to give them understanding, guidance, and strength. Where there is fear, reveal Your love and release to them Your courage. Bless their finances, give them greater vision, and raise up leaders and friends to support and encourage them.Give each of them discernment to recognize the evilforces around them and reveal to them the power they have in You to defeat it. I ask You to do these things in Jesus' name. Amen
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