You Are HERE to Know God

Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 9:23-24, ESV) #ServeToLead #PreachTheWord #KnowingGod

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Lord, Heal My Tongue: The Root of the Problem (Part 6/9)

God has made a provision in Scripture for the healing of our tongues. The first step in acquiring this is to identify the root of the problem. The testimony of Scripture is clear and unequivocal: the root of every problem affecting our tongues is in our hearts.

[This is a reading from Derek Prince's Does Your Tongue Need Healing? (1986) by Derek Prince Ministries International. Published by Whitaker House] #ServeToLead #HealMyTongue

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Lord, Heal My Tongue: Words determine Destiny (Part 4/9)

In the Book of Numbers chapter 13 to 14, there are 10 spies focused on the problems, not on the promises. But there are 2 spies, Joshua and Caleb, focused on the promises, not the problems. They said, "We are able"; the other 12 said, "We are not able." Each got exactly what they said. They all settled their own destinies by the way they used their tongues.

[This is a reading from Derek Prince's Does Your Tongue Need Healing? (1986) by Derek Prince Ministries International. Published by Whitaker House] #ServeToLead #HealMyTongue

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Developing the Leader Within You 2.0 (2018) by John C. Maxwell, Book Review

Developing the Leader Within You 2.0 (2018) by John C. Maxwell

I read the first version of this book before. I even listened to the audiobook many times and watched videos of live seminars on the same subject. I read lots of John Maxwell's books because I love the way he writes: simple, easy to understand, challenging and applicable. I also can sense his passion, sincerity and authority on the subject of leadership. If you're a young reader, I recommend reading The Winning Attitude and Failing Forward. If you're new on the job (whatever your position), I recommend Talent Is Never Enough and Be A People Person. If you're a manager or in the people business, read Winning with People and 25 Ways to Win with People. If you're a team leader, I wholly recommend The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork and The 17 Essential Qualities of A Team Player. If you want to be a better leader, don't miss The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader and The 5 Levels of Leadership. If you want to grow to be an effective person, read Today Matters and How Successful People Think. But if you want to start to explore John's books, start with Developing the Leader Within You. You'll not regret! (I just purchased Leadershift. Haven’t read it).

The new edition – after 25 years and over 2 million copies sold – of this book contains the 10 foundational lessons for becoming a good leader. John writes, "It's still the first book I recommend that people read to start their leadership development journeys." With more than 80% of the content revised, this new edition is fresh and, of course, much better than the previous one. The 10 foundations are:

#1 The Definition of Leadership: Influence

#2 The Key to Leadership: Priorities

#3 The Foundation of Leadership: Character

#4 The Ultimate Test of Leadership: Creating Positive Change

#5 The Quickest Way to Gain Leadership: Problem Solving

#6 The Extra Plus in Leadership: Attitude

#7 The Heart of Leadership: Serving People

#8 The Indispensable Quality of Leadership: Vision

#9 The Price Tag of Leadership: Self-Discipline

#10 The Expansion of Leadership: Personal Growth

I'm very familiar with John's teachings. Besides listen to his audiobooks, I also listen to The John Maxwell Leadership Podcast. So most of the materials in this book are not new to me and yet, because John is always learning – he takes his own advice on personal growth very seriously – I noticed that his writings are getting more interesting and the examples, stories and quotes are just wonderful. As I examine myself with these foundational lessons, I find that my strengths are (also can be my weaknesses if I'm too confident) problem solving, attitude, self-discipline and personal growth. I want to think that I have influence and character. I just see the importance of priorities a few years ago. I need to improve in creating positive change and vision. And I must learn to serve people with love, care and patient. Like John, patience is my greatest weakness.

I will do a book review video soon. So, much of what I've learned from this book I will share in there. As for now, if you want to continue leading, you got to continue learning. Read books.

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Angelus' Quote: How To Kill A Dragon?

Most of our problems/troubles/failures (what I called 'dragons' of life) that happened to us can be avoided or prevented much earlier. Your boyfriend abused you but because early in the relationship you were blinded by your affection for him, you now actually 'stuck' in this unhealthy relationship. You failed your exams because instead of focusing on your studies, you're busying yourself with ministries, thinking, "I'm doing God's works... God wouldn't fail me." You're lazy coming to Bible Study once a week, instead, you waste your time lepaking with your friends and the end of the day you regret that you lack Bible knowledge and never grow into maturity in Christ... Forever a baby Christian.

What if you walk away from that relationship much early on? You'll be happier today! What if you see your studies as God's calling in your life at that period of time? You'll be successful and more useful in the marketplace ministry! What if you choose to come to Bible Study weekly? You'll create a godly habit, discipline, and will be mature in your thinking and walking with the Lord. But what most of us do on the daily basis? We won't take action. We delayed. We think short-term. This is dangerous. This is nurturing 'dragons' in your life.

So, how to kill the dragon? You don't fight it when it fully grew, you'll be defeated. The dragon will be larger than your life, you'll surely lose. It's too late. If you don't take action now or making the hard decision now or think long-term now - you'll burn in the fire! You must destroy it (face it) while it's still young. Or better, break the egg before it hatching, which means, you have to make decisions and resolutions - having principles of life - before the event began. In short: baby dragon [in all cuteness and innocent as it seems], if left unattended, will become large [fury, dangerous] dragon! Now, it's up to you if you want to take heed of my suggestion...

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

John C. Maxwell on Leadership #13 Becoming More Solution Oriented

How do you look at life? Do you see a solution in every challenge or a problem in every circumstance? To make yourself a more solution-oriented team player…

Refuse to give up. Think about an impossible situation you and your teammates have all but given up overcoming. Now determine to not give up until you find a solution.

Refocus your thinking. No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking. Set aside dedicated time with key teammates to work on the problem. Make sure it’s prime think time, not leftover time when you’re tired or distracted.

Rethink your strategy. Get out of the box of your typical thinking. Breaking a few rules. Brainstorm absurd ideas. Redefine the problem. Do whatever it takes to generate fresh ideas and approaches to the problem.

Repeat the process. If at first you don’t succeed in solving the problem, keep at it. If you do solve the problem, then repeat the process with another problem. Remember, your goal is to cultivate a solution-oriented attitude that you bring into play all the time.

Do you see a problem in every circumstance or

A solution if every challenge?

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Things I Wish My Father Knew #7 How to Handle Anger and Disappointments

Among the treasures of fatherhood

are shared moments of accomplishment

with your child –

times when your child

follows the right path

and make you proud – SUCCESS!

There are other moments also – FAILURE!

Times when your child

want to go his own way…

moments filled with

rebellion,

wrong choices,

disappointment.

How can you handle these times of

strained relationship,

disillusionment,

anger?

At times such as these,

your Heavenly Father’s example

can give you patience and courage

to sustain you while you await

the return of your wayward child.

And, He can help you maintain LOVE

sufficient to greet your

returning prodigal

with open arms –

just as the Father,

wait for YOU!

“As a father has compassion

on his children,

so the LORD has compassion

on those who fear him”
(Psalms 103:13)

“Train a child

in the way he should go,

and when he is old

he will not turn from it”

(Proverbs 22:6)

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Book Review: Sometimes You Win, Sometimes You Learn (2015)

Sometimes You Win, Sometimes You Learn:
Life's Greatest Lessons Are Gained from Our Losses (2015)
by John C. Maxwell

When I first became trainee as Assistant Manager at GSC Times Square, KL few years ago, I knew that I don't have experience as a leader at workplace. At school, yes; campus, oh yeah; workplace, not so much (part-time doesn't count). One of books on leadership that was very helpful for me during that challenging time is John C. Maxwell's Ultimate Leadership (2007), a 544 pages book! I underlines, highlighted and taking notes. Bulky book, a bible on leadership (second on the list is Gene Wilkes's Jesus on Leadership). Any books by John C. Maxwell will never fail you, this I'm quite sure. Without exception, Sometimes You Win, Sometimes You Learn is one of the best. Want to know what this book is all about? Read the title and subtitles below - and you'll know what it is all about:

Chapter #1 When You're Losing, Everything Hurts

#2 Humility: The Spirit of Learning

#3 Reality: The Foundation of Learning

#4 Responsibility: The First Step of Learning

#5 Improvement: The Focus of Learning

#6 Hope: The Motivation of Learning

#7 Teachability: The Pathway of Learning

#8 Adversity: The Catalyst for Learning

#9 Problems: Opportunities for Learning

#10 Bad Experiences: The Perspective for Learning

#11 Change: The Price of Learning

#12 Maturity: The Value of Learning

#13 Winning Isn't Everything, But Learning Is

Good book! :)

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Sometimes You Win, Sometimes You Learn (Get Your FREE BOOK Here!)

“Difficulties come to you at the right time to help you grow and move forward by overcoming them. The only real misfortune, the only real tragedy come when we suffer without learning the lesson”
(Emmet Fox)

If you’re going to lose – and you are because everyone does – then why not turn it into a gain? How do you do that? By learning from it. A loss isn’t totally a loss if you learn something as a result of it. Your loses can come to define you if you let them. If you stay where a loss leaves you, then eventually you can get stuck there. But know this: Your choices will begin to declare you. You can choose to change, grow, and learn from your losses.

That, of course, is not necessarily easy. In a favourite Peanuts comic strip Charlie Brown walks away from Lucy after a baseball game, head down, totally dejected. “Another ball game lost! Good grief!” Charlie moans. “I get tired of losing. Everything I do, I lose!” “Look at it this way, Charlie Brown,” Lucy replies. “We learn more from losing than we do from winning.” “That makes me the smartest person in the world!” replies Charlie.

It’s a good thought, but not everyone learns from his losses. A loss doesn’t turn into a lesson unless we work hard to make it so. Losing gives us an opportunity to learn, but many people do not seize it. And when they don’t, losing really hurts.

Learning is not easy during down times because it requires us to do things that are not natural. It is hard to smile when we are not happy. It is difficult to positively respond when numb with defeat. It takes discipline to do the right thing when everything is wrong. How can we be emotionally strong when we are emotionally exhausted? How will we face others when we are humiliated? How do we get back up when we are continually knocked down?

In his book Sometimes You Win – Sometimes You Learn (2013), John C. Maxwell wants to help you to answer these and others questions about learning from losses. John believes you can do that using this road maps:

Humility: The Spirit of Learning

Reality: The Foundation of Learning

Responsibility: The First Step of Learning

Improvement: The Focus of Learning

Hope: The Motivation of Learning

Teachability: The Pathway of Learning

Adversity: The Catalyst for Learning

Problems: Opportunities for Learning

Bad Experiences: The Perspective for Learning

Change: The Price of Learning

Maturity: The Value of Learning

I want to give you a FREE COPY of this book – hardcover with large print – if you can answer (comment on my blog post below) these three simple questions: #1 What is your personal motto or favourite quote on failure? #2) Who or what is your main inspiration to move forward in life? And 3) Why you got to have a copy of this book? There are only THREE (3) COPIES AVAILABLE, get your copy now! [Malaysian readers only]

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Letters to Annie: Take Your Concerns to God (Thank You for Asking about Psalm 55:22)

Dear Annie,

            I miss you. Our distances somewhat makes our relationships grow stronger. I really believe that. But then again, I will see you soon. Can’t wait! Yesterday you asked me what Psalm 55:22 mean, well, in short: take your concerns to God. “Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you: He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.”

            Annie, the Bible promises this: tough times are temporary but God’s love is not – God’s love endures forever. So what does that mean to you and me personally? Just this: from time to time, everybody faces disappointments and broken relationships (maybe friendships or with family members) – so will you. And when tough times arrive, God always stands ready to protect you and to heal you. Your task, my dear one, is straightforward: You must share your burdens with Him. What kind of burden? Any burden. But take note as Corrie ten Boom observed, “Any concern that is too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden.” Those are comforting words for me, especially during difficult days. Smile.

            Whatever the size of your challenges, remember Psalm 55:22, God is big enough to handle them. Ask for Him to help you today, with faith and with fervour. Instead of turning things over in your mind, turn them over to God in prayer. Instead of worrying about your next decision, ask God to lead the way. “Cast your burden upon the Lord” the One who cannot be shaken, and rest assured that He always hears your prayers and “He will sustain you.” As for “the righteous,” you must keep your personal relationship with God alive. Keep on believe in the Son, Jesus Christ and sustain your faith with the Word of God every day. And don’t neglect to practise good deeds and love your neighbours. For the righteous are saved by grace through faith, faith that produce godly deeds and actions.

Thank you for asking me about Psalm 55:22. I appreciate it. I learned and encouraged by the Word myself. I commend your thirst to know about the truth. Let us claim all of God’s promises in the Bible such as this one. Our sins, our worries, our lives – we may cast them all on Him. So dear, what’s your response to this verse? Oh ya, read the whole chapter of Psalm 55 for its context, okay? So, I’ll wait for your reply soon.

Aku sayau ka nuan,

Richard

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Our Wired Lives on Facebook Series: #3 The Difference Between Public, Private and Personal

Currently I’m reading Randi Zuckerberg’s book Dot Complicated: Untangled Our Wired Lives (2013). After Randi layouts some amazing benefits of the Internet, she then proceed to write about the ‘grey zone’:

“Before the Internet came along, we could categorize our information in three simple ways: public, private, or personal.

            Public information is exactly what it sounds like. This is everything you’re totally cool with people knowing or having access to, or winding up on the front page of a newspaper.

            Private information includes the things that you would only tell your lawyer, therapist, doctor, spouse, diary, or absolutely no one at all.

            But then there’s personal information – the category in between, full of complicated nuance. This includes things you might tell your friends but you probably won’t share with strangers.

            I post family photos on Facebook all the time for my friends to see. I see photos of my friend’s kids, weddings, and families. None of these photos are private per se. It wouldn’t ruin anyone’s life if these cute, harmless photos wound up in the press. But these images are certainly personal, which means my friends trust me to behave appropriately when I see them.

            It’s generally pretty easy to identity information as either public or private. But when it comes to personal information – that middle ground between something that’s okay to share slightly outside your immediate circle but not with absolutely everyone – you enter a bit of a grey zone.

            Before the Internet arrived, the grey zone was there, but it was much smaller. You could be fairly certain that if you showed your vacation bikini pics to your friends, it didn’t mean your aunt and your aunt’s friends and some random guy you once went to high school with were also going to see, distribute, and comment on them. Your friends would understand the nuance and context of what they were seeing and know not to share personal material with the outside world. Sitting around the coffee table looking at your photo albums, you controlled the distribution of your information.

            But online you don’t have the luxury. Online you have private and you have public, and the entire concept of personal information has vanished.

            This causes problems…

            When personal information goes public, it’s really hard to know what to do about it…

            This whole situation needs to be fixed. It can’t be that we’re going to have to adjust to a world where we cannot share anything but our utmost public and sterile information. Sharing the personal stuff with others is an essential aspect of what it means to be human. If our online lives are to be fully integrated, then as we go forward we need to find a way to bring back personal information online. We must be able to post some pool pics without the whole world finding out, even if one of our friends is feeling little overenthusiastic with the share button that day…

            Repost unto others as you would have them repost unto you.”

[Long excerpt from Dot Complicated: Untangling Our Wired Lives by Randi Zuckerberg (Harper-Collins Publishers, 2013), page 78-80. Buy this book!]

Let technology supposed to help us, not lord it over us.

Let technology fill our lives with meaning, rather than fear.

Let technology empowered us, rather than overwhelmed us.

Let technology become tools of opportunity to glorify God in everything,

rather than promote insecurity.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Letters to Annie: Don't Let Your Problems Get You Down

Like Wonder Woman, Be Strong!

Dear Annie,

            I noticed that you’re having bad moods lately. Yes, problems come and go. I will see you soon okay and we going to talk about it face-to-face. Though we’re separate hundreds miles away, I try my best to be there when you need me. If not physically, then through phone calls. All of us face those occasional days when things don’t happened the way we want it to be or when relationships around us went through brokenness, arguments and pain. But, when we find ourselves overtaken by the frustrations of life, we must catch ourselves, take a deep breath, and lift our thoughts upward. A.W. Tozer wisely advise: “Keep your feet on the ground, but let your heart soar as high as it will. Refuse to be average or to surrender to the chill of your spiritual environment.”

            Although we must occasionally struggle to rise above the distractions and disappointments of tough times (or probably tough relationships), we need never struggle alone. We are for one another. Or better, God is here – eternally and faithfully, with infinite patience and love. “People who do what is right may have many problems, but the Lord will solve them all” (Psalm 34:19). And I believe our friends, family members, and maybe close colleagues are also willing to help us restore perspective and peace to our souls. “The first step in solving a problem,” write John Peter Flynn, “is to tell someone about it.” Our only action is to let them.

            Remember I told you to be optimistic about life? Well, I want to add to that. Be a realistic optimist. Your attitude toward the future will help create your future. So think realistically about yourself and your situation while making a conscious effort to focus on hopes, not fears; on self-growth, not stumbling blocks; on God’s sovereign power, not present problems. My Annie, don’t let your problems get you down!

Here are some of my favourite quotes that help to restore my perspective when I’m having difficult times. I hope it can help you too: “He who can’t endure the bad will not live to see the good” (Yiddish Proverbs); “The worst thing in your life may contain seeds of the best. When you can see crisis as an opportunity, your life becomes not easier, but more satisfying” (Joe Kogel); “Storms make trees take deeper roots” (Claude McDonald); “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows” (Helen Keller); “The human capacity to fight back will always astonish doctors and philosophers. It seems, indeed, that there are no circumstances so bad and no obstacles so big that man cannot conquer them” (Jean Tetreau); “Every problem contains within itself the seeds of its own solution” (Edward Somers); etc. You can have all my quotation books when you marry me!

My love, this is a trustworthy saying: “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Don’t let your problems get you down. Let God cares for you.

I miss you. You look prettier when you smile you know [laugh]!

I love you Annie.

Most genius and supportive boyfriend ever,

Richard

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Letters to Annie: Lasting Relationships are Built Upon Trust and Honesty

Dear Annie,

            It will always be you. I can’t imagine what my life will be if there is no you. When you said you love me, I trust you. I trust you to be faithful because you also want me to be faithful to you too and I want nothing else, except for you to be happy. I read in the book of Zechariah 8:16, “These are the things you must do: Speak truth to one another; render honest and peaceful judgements in your gates.” God is the God of truth, and to trust is to tell the truth. Let us be transparent to one another.

            From my observations and personal failures, I learned that lasting relationships are built upon honesty and trust. Without trust, people soon drift apart. But with trust, relationships grow and flourish (But envy, jealousy and unwarranted suspicious are trio-evils in relationships). Even though we’re not married yet, I like what Ed Young recommends to young couples in his book, “Trust is like ‘money in the bank’ in a marriage. There must be a reasonable amount of it on deposit to ensure the security of a marital union.” As Christians, by God’s grace we should always be trustworthy, encouraging and loyal. “The single most important element in any human relationship,” writes Catherine Marshall, “is honesty – with oneself, with God, and with others.” We should be thankful for the people who are loyal to us. I’m very thankful for you.

            I asked myself, Do I want Annie to trust me? and Do I want my friends to trust me? Yes, yes for both. Then I thought, if I want people to trust me, I should first be a friend that they can trust. We first become who we want people to be and to treat us. We don’t demand trust. We grow it, we give it away – we earn it. If we ever having an issue of trust in the future, let’s take Charles Swindoll advice: “Whatever you do when conflicts arise, be wise. Fight against jumping to quick conclusions and seeing only your side. There are always two sides on the streets of conflict. Look both ways.”

 I want to build a firm foundation of trust with you – no shaky foundations. A foundation of meaningful relationships. If we want our relationship to last, trust God, be honest and trustworthy. But then again, let’s not too focus on ourselves. God is our greatest priority, without Him we are nothing. Psalms 20:7 says, “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses [some in human relationships]: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God” (Bracket mine).

God be honour and gloried in us.

I call you tonight.

I miss you.

Your faithful,

Richard

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Joseph's Dilemma: When Divorcing Mary is Right (Or, Is There Any Better Plan?)

“Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:20-21, NLT).

Before the angel explained this to Joseph, it must have been intensely personal and painful for him. Imagine: Mary’s unplanned pregnancy was a shock! Joseph must felt betrayed. We don’t know how he really reacted, but we are told how he planned to respond: “[Joseph] was a good man and did not want to disgrace [Mary] publicly so he decided to break the engagement quietly” (Matthew 1:19). Hurt and disappointed as he must have been, he still refused to take things out on Mary. A gentleman indeed. Mary might die stoned by the people if Joseph had gone public with Mary’s pregnancy and disavowed his own involvement. But the Scriptures tells us that Joseph could not set aside his personal character as a “good” (or righteous) man. But he did have to set aside pride and disappointment in order to practise compassion toward Mary.

By the way, Joseph’s intention were correct according to the law, but God intervened with a better plan: “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife.” If Joseph was not persuaded by Mary’s explanation, then God provided the second witness that confirmed the story. Until Joseph faced the angel, the only possible explanations had been negatively human. Suddenly, with God in the picture, the shattering changes become filled with hope and promise.

Like Joseph, once we discover God’s direction, our actions ought to be determined and immediate. Joseph married Mary and honoured her special role by not physically consummating the marriage until after Jesus was born. “When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus” (Matthew 1:24-25). Soon or later, like Joseph, paying attention to God will lead us to take actions no one else seems to be taking. Following God’s guidance may involve not following what others are doing or what others think should be done.

Think about this: Waiting on God doesn’t necessary mean doing nothing. We want him to direct our lives and that may well mean taking the steps we know we can take. There are always obedient actions we can undertake while we are waiting for direction in some area. Like Joseph, move forward, trusting God’s guidance. Believe in Him.

God helps me to follow You, even when Your will leads me far from what others are doing

or what others think should be done.

I ask You to help me obey immediately, with determination, like Joseph. Amen.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Reference:

Life Application Study Bible Devotional: Daily Wisdom from the Life of Jesus (Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2011)

"Dark Shadow" Ministry: A Curse can become a Blessing

It’s amazing how something seen initially as a curse can become a blessing. Alcoholism, when accepted, becomes a source of well-being and inspiration. Cancer, when accepted, brings the key to a spiritual search that leads to Christ and inner peace. HIV, when accepted, can be the beginning of a healthy lifestyle, an awareness of being human and a new creation in Christ, and the opportunity to serve in a unique way the needs of others.

I beginning to meet people and read more and more about the importance of the ‘dark shadow’ in people’s lives – the hurtful experience in our lives – the ‘dark shadow’ that few people are willing to talk about. It is in our ‘dark shadow’, I believe, that disease (I have few friends with HIV/AIDS in mind as I write this) has a special place because it gets mingled with fear and strength, shame and hope, rejection and love. If we are able to confront our disease and speak about all the feelings that surround it and seek Christ in it, then we become aware of who we are in a most special way. God in Christ loves you and me. It’s cliché but true: disease presents challenges that lead to growth.

Friends, to face and live with a disease on a daily basis, inviting it to be the source of dependence on God’s grace and use that opportunity to serve others, and making it a friend, is a unique life experience. I don’t have a serious ‘dark shadow’ in my life, but I observed that those who face lives with a disease in a way that is glorifying God have a blessed life indeed. Isaac Tan, founder of Crisis Home, a non-profit ministry caring for people living with HIV/AID, have many great stories to tell. Stories about how the ‘dark shadow’ can become a living hope, well of inspiration and create awareness in people’s lives. Most teachers, have at some time been forced to confront their ‘dark shadow’ and we all are the beneficiaries. I’m one of the benefactors. I’m not sure what I’m getting at as I write this… but thank you. Thank you for those who stay strong living in their ‘dark shadow’ and making the Light known in your ministry. Thank you for your unique ministry.  

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Adversity into Triumph: Coffee into Sweet Smelling Fragrance

A young woman was complaining to her father about how difficult her life had become. He said nothing, but took her to the kitchen and set three pans of water to boiling. To the first pan, he added carrots; to the second, eggs; and to the third, ground coffee. After all three had cooked, he put their contents into separate bowls and asked his daughter to cut into the eggs and carrots and smell the coffee.

“What does this all mean?” she asked impatiently. “Each food,” he said, “teaches us something about facing adversity, as represented by the boiling water.” The carrot went in hard but came out soft and weak. The eggs went in fragile but came out hardened. The coffee, however, changed the water to something better. “Which will you be like as you face life?” he asked. “Will you give up, become hard – or transform adversity into triumph? As the ‘chef’ of your own life, what will you bring to the table?” The questions are very thoughtful.

On adversity, Alice H. Mortenson, wrote a poet:

Sometimes God takes away our props

that we might lean on Him,

allow temptations, so we’ll grow

And triumph over sin.

Sometimes He takes away our strength

for doing earthly things

to rest our bodies that our souls

may soar on eagle’s wings.

Let’s not resent it when He says,

“Come ye apart – Be still”

or chafe at disappointments

that are His sovereign will.

Oh, let’s not doubt or question “Why?”

with unexplained delays,

but keep on soaring ‘neath His wings

with gratitude and praise!

When you face adversity, face with hot boiling water, would you change the water to something better? Would you transform adversity into triumph? God have a purpose in your adversity. Trust Him. Truth Jesus in your adversity. Let the hot boiling water turn coffee into a sweet smelling fragrance!

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Don't Waste Your Illness

“A sickbed often teaches more than a sermon” (Thomas Watson)

“A faith that can’t be tested can’t be trusted” (Warren Wiersbe)

While illness is a hardship every person wishes to avoid, it comes sooner or later upon us all. The Bible teaches that suffering is not to be wasted. “What circumstances could have rendered the Word of God sweeter and the presence of God so real, the help of God so precious?” asked Hudson Taylor about a difficult period in his life.

Several Scriptures point to special blessings that can come from periods of illness, including:

Awaken to us the sweetness of Scripture (Psalms 119:50, 71, 92, 143)

Driving us to prayer (Isaiah 38:1-2)

Deepening the prayer lives of others (James 5:13-15)

Leading us to spiritual introspection (Psalms 119:67)

Humbling our souls (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

Developing the qualities of patience and endurance in us (James 1:2-4)

Developing maturity (Romans 5:1-5; Isaiah 48:10, Hebrews 2:10)

Enabling us to empathize and comfort others

who will later go through the same thing (2 Corinthians 1:3)

Heightening our desire for heaven (Job 19:25-29; Romans 8:18)

Providing an opportunity for us to witness to others (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

Glorifying God (John 11:4; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

[from Robert J. Morgan, Preacher’s Sourcebook of Creative Sermon Illustrations (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2007), 741.]

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.