May your life not be so rushed that you miss out on the "endangered " moments of life.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Slow Down...
May your life not be so rushed that you miss out on the "endangered " moments of life.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Recognizing God's Voice
So often we feel God is speaking to us but we are not sure if it really is God or just my own desires. Or you might feel that God never speaks to you...how do we recognize the voice of God in our lives in the midst of so many other voices?
I John 4:1 "Don't always believe everything you hear just because somebody says it's a message from God. Test it first to see if it really is."
The bible say we must test it – but what criteria should we use and what are the questions we need to ask that will help us discern whether or not this is in fact God speaking to me or not?
The first and probably most important question to ask is does it agree with the Bible.
Luke 21:33 "heaven and earth will pass away but My
words will never pass away."
God will never tell you to violate anything in this book. Never. God will never tell you to ignore or disobey anything in this book. He doesn't say one thing one time, and another thing another time. God is consistent. If He said it in the past, He's going to say it in the future.
So for example God will never tell you to not pay your taxes because He has already instructed us to do so in the Bible.
Most of God's will for your life is already right there in the Bible. You don't even have to pray about it. Just do what it says.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Things I notice about Jesus continued...
Spending time with the family during these recent school holidays reminded me of just how important it is to never stop making an effort when it comes to maintaining our relationships. We put so much effort into building them but often we neglect to put just as much effort into maintaining them.
I was also reminded how easily selfishness can creep into our relationships and just how destructive selfishness can be to our relationships. When I look at the disciples of Jesus and how they engaged with one another when can easily recognize our tendency to be selfish in our relationships. Do you remember conversations they had about who must sit where; about who is the greatest; about what their reward will be; and when Jesus is going to give them back their kingdom by delivering them from the Romans.
Jesus, in sharp contrast, always acted in a selfless manner in all His relationships. You read the gospel stories and we see Jesus always ready to listen; to heal; to help. Never acting in a selfish manner in any of His relationships.
I also notice that because of His selfless behavior it seems bring out the best in others. Because He acts in a selfless manner it forces the other person to change how they relate to Him – it makes them to be better people.
So, if you want to bring out the best in your husband, wife or kids, and strengthen your relationships why not follow Jesus’ example and resolve to never stop making the effort to act selflessly and see the miracle that will take place in your relationships.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Things I notice about Jesus...
Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12 NLT)
Jesus faced constant demands, dangerous opposition and little privacy. Yet He never allowed others to define him. - His parents had their own ideas of who they wanted Him to be – I know that because his dad trained him as a carpenter...
- His disciples had their own idea who they wanted him to be
- The Pharisees and Sadducees wanted to define Him according to their agendas
- The people he encountered, the crowds...palm Sunday had their own view of who Jesus was suppose to be
If we let them then the people around us will shape us into what THEY NEED and that which will fulfil THEIR needs. But he never allowed others to define Him...Matthew 16:13-17
What does that teach us?
1. Know who you are (John 8:12) — "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”" (John 8:12, NIV)
There was no doubt in Jesus’ mind as to who he was. He knew he came from God, and he knew he had a unique mission to fulfil. As believers, we can know we belong to God and that God defines who we are and what we are meant to do on this Earth. Trying to be someone God never intended you to be causes stress! The answer to the question: “Who am I” should be sought and will be found in God. I notice that as Jesus walked among us He knew who He was and it was based on His heavenly father’s opinion of Him
2. Know whom you want to please (John 5:30) — "By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me." (John 5:30, NIV)
Jesus never let the fear of rejection manipulate him. No one can pressure you without your permission. You can’t please everyone; even God can’t! Many of us live in this constant struggle to please the people around us – I must be smarter, I must be thinner, I must have more...Find out what it is that God wants form you and put your energy in pleasing and being obedient to your Father in heaven.3. Know what goals you need to reach (John 8:14) —"Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going." (John 8:14, NIV)
Jesus said, “I know where I came from and where I am going.” Preparation prevents pressure, but procrastination produces it. You work by either priorities or pressures. How clear are you on God’s plan and purpose for your life – this only happens as I spend time with God and God’s people4. Know how to maintain your priorities (Luke 4:42–44) — "At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them. But he said, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.” And he kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea." (Luke 4:42-44, NIV)
Jesus knew how to handle interruptions without being distracted from his primary goal. He did this by spending time in prayer and retreat with the father.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Open my eyes Lord
I have over the years learnt so much from friends and congregants who have been through some very difficult situations, I have learnt from them what maturity is all about. I think maturity is the ability to recognize the life-giving moments in the midst of pain, suffering and even death. It is knowing that even the smallest amount of light is infinitely more powerful than massive amounts of dark. As I recognize these light and life giving moments they give me the strength to face what is before me. I think this is where we struggle - in our pain we struggle to see those life giving moments of grace, a smile from a stranger, a hug from a friend, a meal dropped off by the neighbours.
I pray that God will help us to SEE Him, to see His hand even when (or especially when) all is dark around me.
I pray that God will help us to SEE Him, to see His hand even when (or especially when) all is dark around me.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Adventure...who has time for it?
I recently had to go and fetch my brother in Katima Mullilo (Namibia - Caprivi region). My first thought was one of dread and that it was the last thing I felt like doing, because I had so much "to do".
But he is my brother after all...
Upon reflection I learnt a great lesson. Matthew and Bethany I hope you learn this about life.
Life (God) has a funny way of presenting us with unplanned and unexpected opportunities for ADVENTURE. Never allow life to stand in the way of adventure, because life without adventure is death.
Now I cannot guarantee that you will enjoy the adventure or that it will always just be pure joy and bliss but what I can guarantee you is that if you let them pass you by, you will always regret it!
But he is my brother after all...
Life (God) has a funny way of presenting us with unplanned and unexpected opportunities for ADVENTURE. Never allow life to stand in the way of adventure, because life without adventure is death.
Now I cannot guarantee that you will enjoy the adventure or that it will always just be pure joy and bliss but what I can guarantee you is that if you let them pass you by, you will always regret it!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Just as you are!
"On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." John 20: 19-21 (NIV)
I love how God comes and finds us - no matter where we have managed to "lock" ourselves away. I think one of the main reasons we "lock" ourselves away is fear. Fear of...failure (or success for that matter); being discovered; being hurt...Jesus finds us and sets us free.
He sets us free to be ourselves. One of the biggest lies we come to believe as people, is that God cannot possible want me...as me, or that he possible would want to use me...as me! We all think that we must first change, be different, do different, look different...
But in this story we see Jesus finding a bunch of men who were scared (locked away) and who believed that they were "failures" and that they were not "good enough".
Not only does he come looking for them, but when he finds them notice that he doesn't rebuke them but instead he speak life to them: "Peace be with you".
And with that he set them free and he tells them that he wants THEM!
Finally notice how he then sends them out into the world.
Remember: Jesus will seek YOU (just as you are...he does wait for you to first change), speak life to you and unlock you from your place of fear, and then send you into the world!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Easter
I have been challenged of late by the Cross of Christ. Easter is such a special season for us as Christian because it reminds us that God is forever calling us. The challenge for me has been this - how have I responded to this call? At first it was an eager "YES", until I realized that it is a call that takes me into the desert and then the cross.
So my enthusiastic "YES" is not all that enthusiastic anymore.
But His love for me compels me to respond with a "YES".
So my enthusiastic "YES" is not all that enthusiastic anymore.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Who not What!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Celebrate You!
I have come to discover that most people are unhappy with who they are or least with some aspect of who they are and we pray prayers that go something like this: "Lord please make me more like...(this or that person)"
Now I am not sure that this is the best way of praying, why? Well, because no one is perfect!
You hang around people long enough and you will quickly discover that every personality (type) has its positives and negatives.
Celebrate how God made you. Rejoice in who you are and rather pray something like this: "Lord make me the best possible version of me"
You might look at Peter (the guy in the Bible)and think what a hot headed fool, so full of himself, never thinking before speaking, he always "reacts" to a situation rather that "respond", not a good leader...etc.
But if I am not mistaken isn't he the guy that Jesus said he will build His church on?
Thank God for creating YOU and that you ARE part of His plan.
Now I am not sure that this is the best way of praying, why? Well, because no one is perfect!
You hang around people long enough and you will quickly discover that every personality (type) has its positives and negatives.
Celebrate how God made you. Rejoice in who you are and rather pray something like this: "Lord make me the best possible version of me"
You might look at Peter (the guy in the Bible)and think what a hot headed fool, so full of himself, never thinking before speaking, he always "reacts" to a situation rather that "respond", not a good leader...etc.
But if I am not mistaken isn't he the guy that Jesus said he will build His church on?
Thank God for creating YOU and that you ARE part of His plan.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
The God who calls us..."Come follow me"
I started this blog to record my Ironman 70.3 journey and to share the lessons learnt along the way, but then a very dear friend of mine reminded me that others enjoy my blog and find it meaningful and that I should blog more often - so here goes...
The season of Lent reminds me that God has a plan for his people, humanity, creation and so our God is a God that forever calls us... he calls us out of our places of brokenness, pain and hopelessness, into his presence, into healing, into life, into purpose, wholeness and hope; “Come follow me...” he called the Israelites from slavery, he called the Essenes, he called Elijah, he called Moses, he called John the Baptist : "Came follow me" and this journey has two key stops, two key moments that I believe repeat themselves over and over in our lives (perhaps because we slow learners or stubborn) but they are key in reaching our destination which ultimately is eternal life in the presence of God.
The first is the desert, the desert is so important throughout scripture, we see the desert experience in the lives of all the key figures in the Bible, because it teaches obedience and devotion which is necessary if we are to progress along this journey. The desert is where I realize that God needs to be part of my life if I am to "survive"
The second key moment along this journey is the cross! Complete surrender to God to the point of dying to self. This is where God doesn’t just have a piece of me but he is at the centre and my whole life revolves around Him. The Cross is where I realize that God shouldn't just be part of my life but that he should be at the center of my life should that I can "live life to its fullest"
The season of Lent reminds me that God has a plan for his people, humanity, creation and so our God is a God that forever calls us... he calls us out of our places of brokenness, pain and hopelessness, into his presence, into healing, into life, into purpose, wholeness and hope; “Come follow me...” he called the Israelites from slavery, he called the Essenes, he called Elijah, he called Moses, he called John the Baptist : "Came follow me" and this journey has two key stops, two key moments that I believe repeat themselves over and over in our lives (perhaps because we slow learners or stubborn) but they are key in reaching our destination which ultimately is eternal life in the presence of God.
The first is the desert, the desert is so important throughout scripture, we see the desert experience in the lives of all the key figures in the Bible, because it teaches obedience and devotion which is necessary if we are to progress along this journey. The desert is where I realize that God needs to be part of my life if I am to "survive"
The second key moment along this journey is the cross! Complete surrender to God to the point of dying to self. This is where God doesn’t just have a piece of me but he is at the centre and my whole life revolves around Him. The Cross is where I realize that God shouldn't just be part of my life but that he should be at the center of my life should that I can "live life to its fullest"
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Mauritius
Well I had a wonderful weekend in Mauritius and it was an experience that I will never forget, it would have been so much nicer if Catherine came with but at least I got to meet some very interesting people. I met the spokesperson for vodafone, the Dutch ambassador to the Vatican; and last but not least Miss France!
But one thing that just struck me once again was how money changes your world-view and also the way you interact with the people around you.
Matthew and Bethany I pray that you will always remember that it is not what you have or don't have that determines your value in life! But rather what you become and what God thinks off you.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."
(The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984 (Jn 3:16-17). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.)
But one thing that just struck me once again was how money changes your world-view and also the way you interact with the people around you.
Matthew and Bethany I pray that you will always remember that it is not what you have or don't have that determines your value in life! But rather what you become and what God thinks off you.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Life...bitter-sweet!
I have just been reminded again this week that life is full of surprises and most of the time it is bitter-sweet. A lady came to see me this morning and asked if I could marry her and her fiancee but the only catch is that the ceremony will be in Mauritius and would I be willing to go to Mauritius (all expenses paid) and do the ceremony for them...mm mm let me think about it....yes!!! What a wonderful surprise, I did not wake up this morning even thinking that I will be going to Mauritius to conduct a wedding. Then in my next meeting of the morning my worship pastor told me he was leaving! Again I did not wake up this morning expecting that.
So, life is and always will be a journey which often surprises us. Some surprises are sweet and others...bitter! Are we open to being surprised? Are open to the journey that God wants to take us on or are we so caught up in our schedules and "to-do-lists" that we miss what God wants to do for us, in us, and through us.
So, life is and always will be a journey which often surprises us. Some surprises are sweet and others...bitter! Are we open to being surprised? Are open to the journey that God wants to take us on or are we so caught up in our schedules and "to-do-lists" that we miss what God wants to do for us, in us, and through us.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Pace Yourself...
Life is not a sprint!
10 Principles to build your life on...Part 2
VI. EDUCATION Pro3:13-24.
Pillar No. 6 - Take divine wisdom by diligent study of God’s word
Instruction:
Pro 3:21 My son, do not lose sight of these things. Use priceless wisdom and foresight.
Pro 3:22 Then they will mean life for you, and they will grace your neck.
Promise:
Pro 3:23 Then you will go safely on your way, and you will not hurt your foot.
Pro 3:24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid. As you lie there, your sleep will be sweet.
VII. RISK TAKING Pro 3: 25-26
Pillar No. 7 - Do not be afraid to take the step of faith. Take your confidence in the power of God.
Instruction:
Pro 3:25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the destruction of wicked people when it comes.
Promise:
Pro 3:26 The LORD will be your confidence. He will keep your foot from getting caught.
It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotion, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.
Pillar No. 6 - Take divine wisdom by diligent study of God’s word
Instruction:
Pro 3:21 My son, do not lose sight of these things. Use priceless wisdom and foresight.
Pro 3:22 Then they will mean life for you, and they will grace your neck.
Promise:
Pro 3:23 Then you will go safely on your way, and you will not hurt your foot.
Pro 3:24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid. As you lie there, your sleep will be sweet.
VII. RISK TAKING Pro 3: 25-26
Pillar No. 7 - Do not be afraid to take the step of faith. Take your confidence in the power of God.
Instruction:
Pro 3:25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the destruction of wicked people when it comes.
Promise:
Pro 3:26 The LORD will be your confidence. He will keep your foot from getting caught.
It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotion, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.
VIII. OPENHANDEDNESS Pro_3:27-28
Pillar No. 8 - Practice compassion and sympathy with less fortunate people
Instruction:
Pro 3:27 Do not hold back anything good from those who are entitled to it when you have the power to do so.
Pro 3:28 When you have the good thing with you, do not tell your neighbor, "Go away! Come back tomorrow. I’ll give you something then."
IX. UNITY Pro_3:29-30
Pillar No. 9 - Be at peace with all people as much as possible
Pro 3:29 Do not plan to do something wrong to your neighbor while he is sitting there with you and suspecting nothing.
Pro 3:30 Do not quarrel with a person for no reason if he has not harmed you.
In a Peanuts cartoon Lucy demanded that Linus change TV channels, threatening him with her fist if he didn't. "What makes you think you can walk right in here and take over?" asks Linus.
"These five fingers," says Lucy. "Individually they're nothing but when I curl them together like this into a single unit, they form a weapon that is terrible to behold."
"Which channel do you want?" asks Linus. Turning away, he looks at his fingers and says, "Why can't you guys get organized like that?"
X. SATISFACTION Pro_3:31-32
Pillar No. 10 - Be satisfied with what you have and practice the spirit of thankfulness
Pro 3:31 Do not envy a violent person. Do not choose any of his ways.
Pro 3:32 The devious person is disgusting to the LORD. The LORD’S intimate advice is with decent people.
DO YOU WANT TO BE PROSPEROUS AND SUCCESSFUL THIS YEAR?
Jos 1:8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Pillar No. 8 - Practice compassion and sympathy with less fortunate people
Instruction:
Pro 3:27 Do not hold back anything good from those who are entitled to it when you have the power to do so.
Pro 3:28 When you have the good thing with you, do not tell your neighbor, "Go away! Come back tomorrow. I’ll give you something then."
IX. UNITY Pro_3:29-30
Pillar No. 9 - Be at peace with all people as much as possible
Pro 3:29 Do not plan to do something wrong to your neighbor while he is sitting there with you and suspecting nothing.
Pro 3:30 Do not quarrel with a person for no reason if he has not harmed you.
In a Peanuts cartoon Lucy demanded that Linus change TV channels, threatening him with her fist if he didn't. "What makes you think you can walk right in here and take over?" asks Linus.
"These five fingers," says Lucy. "Individually they're nothing but when I curl them together like this into a single unit, they form a weapon that is terrible to behold."
"Which channel do you want?" asks Linus. Turning away, he looks at his fingers and says, "Why can't you guys get organized like that?"
X. SATISFACTION Pro_3:31-32
Pillar No. 10 - Be satisfied with what you have and practice the spirit of thankfulness
Pro 3:31 Do not envy a violent person. Do not choose any of his ways.
Pro 3:32 The devious person is disgusting to the LORD. The LORD’S intimate advice is with decent people.
DO YOU WANT TO BE PROSPEROUS AND SUCCESSFUL THIS YEAR?
Jos 1:8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Monday, February 14, 2011
10 Principles to build your life on...Part 1
10 PILLARS OF A PROSPEROUS LIFE - Proverbs 3:1-3:35
King Solomon, who ruled in the golden days of prosperity of Israel from 971 BC to 931 BC, wrote the book of Proverbs under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In Proverb Chapter 3, he recorded the secrets of living in good health, success and peace. Let us study these biblical principles and discover that it is also relevant to our lives today.
I. PRIORITY: Prov 3:1-4
Pillar No. 1 - Set your priority according to God’s word.
Instruction toward God:
Pro 3:1 My son, do not forget my teachings, and keep my commands in mind,
Promise if you will obey:
Pro 3:2 because they will bring you long life, good years, and peace.
Instruction toward others:
Pro 3:3 Do not let mercy and truth leave you. Fasten them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart.
Promise if you will obey:
Pro 3:4 Then you will find favour and much success in the sight of God and humanity.
The arrangement or your priorities today will determine the product of your future.
Clovis Chappell, a minister from a century back, used to tell the story of two paddleboats. They left Memphis about the same time, traveling down the Mississippi River to New Orleans. As they traveled side by side, sailors from one vessel made a few remarks about the snail's pace of the other.
Words were exchanged. Challenges were made. And the race began. Competition became vicious as the two boats roared through the Deep South.
One boat began falling behind. Not enough fuel. There had been plenty of coal for the trip, but not enough for a race. As the boat dropped back, an enterprising young sailor took some of the ship's cargo and tossed it into the ovens. When the sailors saw that the supplies burned as well as the coal, they fuelled their boat with the material they had been assigned to transport. They ended up winning the race, but burned their cargo.
God has entrusted cargo to us, too: children, spouses, friends. Our job is to do our part in seeing that this cargo reaches its destination. How much cargo do we sacrifice in order to achieve the promotion, the win, the finances,...?
Priority Check...is there room in your life for...
1) Worship – Love
2) Fellowship – Compassion
3) Discipleship – Growth
4) Ministry – Service
5) Mission – Mission
II. RELIANCE: Prov 3:5-6
Pillar No. 2 - Rely on the wisdom and power of God and not of your own understanding only.
Instruction:
Pro 3:5 Trust the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.
Promise:
Pro 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths smooth.
You can never rely on God if your perception is limited only on what you can see. The Bible said: We do not look at the things that can be seen. We look at the things that cannot be seen. The things that can be seen will come to an end. But the things that cannot be seen will last forever. (2Cor 4:18 NLV)
Relying and trusting God required the activation of our 6th sense which is the eyes of faith. The bible said: Faith assures us of things we expect and convinces us of the existence of things we cannot see. Heb 11:1 GW
III. OBEDIENCE: Prov 3:7-8
Pillar No. 3 - Obey God’s word and not your own will and desires
Instruction:
Pro 3:7 Do not consider yourself wise. Fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.
Promise:
Pro 3:8 Then your body will be healed, and your bones will have nourishment.
Though God has a wonderful plan for our future but we can only come to the fullness of God’s plan into our lives by the walk of faith. Faith is the ability to see our future based on the promises and guidance of the word of God. You have to choose to believe on the word of God even if it is opposite with our feelings and human understanding. The eyes of God can see not only our past and present but God can see our future.
Our faith is what allows us to enter the future -- not with a question mark -- but with an exclamation point!
IV. SOWING Pro_3:9-10
Pillar No. 4 – Acknowledge God’s ownership of everything by giving back what is due to Him and be generous also with other people
Instruction:
Pro 3:9 Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the first and best part of all your income.
Promise:
Pro 3:10 Then your barns will be full, and your vats will overflow with fresh wine.
Sowing is part of natural and universal law and giving to the Lord is compare to it. God measures the allocation of our blessings by our generosity. You can never have a time of harvest in the future unless you start sowing today.
2Co 9:6 Remember this-a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.
2Co 9:7 You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully.
2Co 9:8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.
V. PLIABILITY Pro_3:11-12
Pillar No. 5 - Be teachable! Brokenness and pliability of the heart is the beginning of maturity
Instruction:
Pro 3:11 Do not reject the discipline of the LORD, my son, and do not resent his warning,
Profit:
Pro 3:12 because the LORD warns the one he loves, even as a father warns a son with whom he is pleased.
Blessing can be a disaster if we are not ready when it comes. That is the same reason that God wants to shape us first to fit in for the blessing that God is going to pour on us.
The preparation time plus the process of shaping maybe hard and painful, but the outcome is surely for our own benefit.
King Solomon, who ruled in the golden days of prosperity of Israel from 971 BC to 931 BC, wrote the book of Proverbs under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In Proverb Chapter 3, he recorded the secrets of living in good health, success and peace. Let us study these biblical principles and discover that it is also relevant to our lives today.
I. PRIORITY: Prov 3:1-4
Pillar No. 1 - Set your priority according to God’s word.
Instruction toward God:
Pro 3:1 My son, do not forget my teachings, and keep my commands in mind,
Promise if you will obey:
Pro 3:2 because they will bring you long life, good years, and peace.
Instruction toward others:
Pro 3:3 Do not let mercy and truth leave you. Fasten them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart.
Promise if you will obey:
Pro 3:4 Then you will find favour and much success in the sight of God and humanity.
The arrangement or your priorities today will determine the product of your future.
Clovis Chappell, a minister from a century back, used to tell the story of two paddleboats. They left Memphis about the same time, traveling down the Mississippi River to New Orleans. As they traveled side by side, sailors from one vessel made a few remarks about the snail's pace of the other.
Words were exchanged. Challenges were made. And the race began. Competition became vicious as the two boats roared through the Deep South.
One boat began falling behind. Not enough fuel. There had been plenty of coal for the trip, but not enough for a race. As the boat dropped back, an enterprising young sailor took some of the ship's cargo and tossed it into the ovens. When the sailors saw that the supplies burned as well as the coal, they fuelled their boat with the material they had been assigned to transport. They ended up winning the race, but burned their cargo.
God has entrusted cargo to us, too: children, spouses, friends. Our job is to do our part in seeing that this cargo reaches its destination. How much cargo do we sacrifice in order to achieve the promotion, the win, the finances,...?
Priority Check...is there room in your life for...
1) Worship – Love
2) Fellowship – Compassion
3) Discipleship – Growth
4) Ministry – Service
5) Mission – Mission
II. RELIANCE: Prov 3:5-6
Pillar No. 2 - Rely on the wisdom and power of God and not of your own understanding only.
Instruction:
Pro 3:5 Trust the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.
Promise:
Pro 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths smooth.
You can never rely on God if your perception is limited only on what you can see. The Bible said: We do not look at the things that can be seen. We look at the things that cannot be seen. The things that can be seen will come to an end. But the things that cannot be seen will last forever. (2Cor 4:18 NLV)
Relying and trusting God required the activation of our 6th sense which is the eyes of faith. The bible said: Faith assures us of things we expect and convinces us of the existence of things we cannot see. Heb 11:1 GW
III. OBEDIENCE: Prov 3:7-8
Pillar No. 3 - Obey God’s word and not your own will and desires
Instruction:
Pro 3:7 Do not consider yourself wise. Fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.
Promise:
Pro 3:8 Then your body will be healed, and your bones will have nourishment.
Though God has a wonderful plan for our future but we can only come to the fullness of God’s plan into our lives by the walk of faith. Faith is the ability to see our future based on the promises and guidance of the word of God. You have to choose to believe on the word of God even if it is opposite with our feelings and human understanding. The eyes of God can see not only our past and present but God can see our future.
Our faith is what allows us to enter the future -- not with a question mark -- but with an exclamation point!
IV. SOWING Pro_3:9-10
Pillar No. 4 – Acknowledge God’s ownership of everything by giving back what is due to Him and be generous also with other people
Instruction:
Pro 3:9 Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the first and best part of all your income.
Promise:
Pro 3:10 Then your barns will be full, and your vats will overflow with fresh wine.
Sowing is part of natural and universal law and giving to the Lord is compare to it. God measures the allocation of our blessings by our generosity. You can never have a time of harvest in the future unless you start sowing today.
2Co 9:6 Remember this-a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.
2Co 9:7 You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully.
2Co 9:8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.
V. PLIABILITY Pro_3:11-12
Pillar No. 5 - Be teachable! Brokenness and pliability of the heart is the beginning of maturity
Instruction:
Pro 3:11 Do not reject the discipline of the LORD, my son, and do not resent his warning,
Profit:
Pro 3:12 because the LORD warns the one he loves, even as a father warns a son with whom he is pleased.
Blessing can be a disaster if we are not ready when it comes. That is the same reason that God wants to shape us first to fit in for the blessing that God is going to pour on us.
The preparation time plus the process of shaping maybe hard and painful, but the outcome is surely for our own benefit.
Where to from here...
 |
| Swim - 41min |
 |
| Bike - 3h35min |
I thought that once I had done this Ironman 70.3 that it would be out of my system and life will return back to "normal"...well it would seem that I am well and truly hooked. So I define "normal" differently now!
So, I will continue to write this blog as a legacy for my children.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Ironman 70.3 Buffalo City 2011
It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life, something that I will remember for ever. I will write more about my experience and share some more videos and photos once I have gotten my head around it all.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Jailbreak 2010
It is Ironman next week and what a journey it has been, the problem with triathlon is that it is so addictive because I am already wondering and thinking about my next challenge. I will do a video diary next week which I will post as a legacy for my kids and a reminder to myself for when I get to old to do this anymore!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)