Love for the Least

“Anything you did even for the least of my people here, you did also for me.”
[Matthew 25:40]

What is the sign of the saved? It is in their scholarship? Their big bling-bling cross figure hanging on the car’s front mirror? Their willingness to go for mission trip to rural areas? Their ability to amaze the audience attentions and well-said preaching? Their skillful writing on their blog? Posting godly words and hope-filled poems? . . . No.

The sign of the saved is their love for the least . . . for the overlook. No TV3 coverage and Karam Singh Walia's latest report. No radio and holala announcement. No attention-seeker ceremonies. No YouTube advertisements. No, they are just good people doing good things for ordinary people extraordinarily in an ordinary ways.

 For when we do good things to others we do good things to God. Let Jesus’ light reflect from you and shine to others. “Anything you did even for the least of my people here, you did also for me.” 

Help Others to Win

“It is a pleasant thought that when you help a fellow up a steep hill, you get nearer to the top yourself.” (Reynolds Price)

“When you have the ability to help someone win, you will be that person’s friend for life.” (Les Parrot)

I believe that God wants us to help others win in life, to be people who reach back, invest and help others become the best person they can be. To be someone who show the ways or open doors for others to grow and reaching their full potential. It’s a responsibility (also an opportunity) for us to help others win because based on my own experiences and by testimonies from a bunch helpful friends; the one who help others, in reverse, will harvest most reward along the process.

One of my favorites Bible-character is Barnabas. Barnabas was one of the first encourager and motivator for Paul during his initial period of conversion. Barnabas was God mighty instrument in helping Paul win at life. Barnabas stood up for Paul when Jesus first disciples apprehensive about Paul join them in ministry. Paul was accepted and he went on to write half of the New Testament. Today, my readers, you can be a Barnabas in someone’s life.

Do you have a passion to help others win? If you’re secure with yourself, you answer probably a resounding ‘yes’. I hear you! 

John C. Maxwell (and Les Parrot) in a book, 25 Ways to Win with People, suggests 4 steps you can take to help people win (I summaries the point briefly):

1)    Believe in People

If you don’t believe in people, then you are unlikely to do everything you can to help them win. “Those who believe in our ability do more than stimulate us, they create for us an atmosphere in which it becomes easier to succeed.” (John Spalding)

2)    Give people Hope

Hope is one of the most powerful and energizing words in the English language. It’s been said that a person can live forty days without food, four days without water, four minutes without air, but only four seconds without hope. If you want to help people win, then become a purveyor of hope.

3)    Focus on the Process, not just the Win

When you help somebody win, don’t just hand it to him, even if it’s in your power to do so. Help him win. If you assist him in the process, then you’re not just giving him the victory; you’re giving him the means for additional future victories.

4)    Understand that when you help others Win, you also Win

You can’t help winning when you help others win.

THINK BIG Life is not a competition; it’s a mutual beneficial.
START SMALL Simply look around for open doors of opportunity.
GO DEEP Make helping others win a habit for life!

,,,,,,,

Sarawak Laksa, Bossy Blogger and Master's Example

“That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not to be served – and then to give away his life in exchange for many who are held hostage.” (Mark 10:45, The Message)

“The world needs servants. People like Jesus, who ‘did not come to be served, but to serve’. He chose remote Nazareth over center-stage Jerusalem, his dad’s carpentry shop over a marble-columned palace, and three decades of anonymity over a life of popularity.”
(Max Lucado, Cure for the Common Life)

Morning sunrise shine on my bedroom’ window and my heavy eyes browsed over my mini library to get some booze words of inspirations. As I moved my hands to select which book to read, at once, my eyes fixed on drawing block paper-size that is hanged wide open in front of my single bed. It was my quote of the month;

“God is not looking for more stars; He’s looking for more servants.”
(Howard G. Hendricks)

Those words make my day! I skipped my meal, ride to work and whistle along the way. My thought was puffed up with word; servant, servant, servant. As I’m about to place a stand on my motorcycle, I smelled something delicious – Sarawak Laksa! Who can resist that? My nose sent signals to my brain and within millisecond, Mr. Brain instructed Mr. Stomach to make a reactions – it made sound~ I need a breakfast! I need Laksa!

So I waved my hand, with high tone voice almost reach a scream level and commanded, “One special Laksa!!!”

There I was; a motivational writer, an inspired blogger, and a Christian staff worker. Waved my hand violently instead of raised it properly; High tone voice instead of soft, clear and polite words; A General-like command instead of a human-like request. I treat others as my servants and I’m the master! After I realized of my arrogant and bossy state – I’m sorry for the pride. I should raise my hand, soften my voice, and request, “One special Laksa, please~” [Keyword: Please]
Now, isn’t that much better? A servant-like manner? A Christ-like follower?

 “He set aside the privilege of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death – and the worst kind of death at that: a crucifixion” (Philippians 2:7-8 The Message)

Jesus entered the world to serve. He is the Boss of Creation but He washed His disciples’ feet. Master over angels but chose to be a slave for mankind. If that doesn’t convince you to serve, I don’t know what to write anymore. Questions: Now, why should we expect anything less? Shouldn’t we do the same? If the Master served, we as His Servants should follow His example: serve.

Have the mind set of servanthood wherever you are – home, office, class, church, and shopping mall or even at Laksa stall. Wear the banner of servanthood with whomever you meet – colleague, pregnant lady, old people, children, parent, strangers or even Laksa stall’s owner. Keep the attitude of servanthood whenever you are – 24 hours a day minus sleeping time.

Love the overlook…

…lower your nose and chin 45 degree,

…and offer your hands for the needy

Yes, offer your hands… Remember; we serve because Jesus Christ’s pierced hands, the greatest servant who ever lived, had done it first. THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Week 59: Money, Money, Money!

“There is nothing wrong with men possessing riches. The wrong comes when riches possess men.” (Billy Graham)

“Money is like sea water. The more you drink, the thirstier you get.” (Roman proverb)

You can’t win. If you run after money, you’re materialistic. If you don’t get it, you’re loser. If you get it and keep it, you’re miser. If you don’t try to get it, you lack ambition. If you get it and spend it, you’re a spendthrift. If you still have it after a lifetime of work, you’re fool who never got any fun out of life*.

You can’t win. Even right now problems that related to money will always win your everyday’s life. You look at that pile of bills, loan letters and that empty refrigerator. You stare at KFC’s menu lists, your car’s fuel meter and calendar. They may seem difference in functions but they have the same requirement – money! Personally, I believe that having all the money you need won’t solve your problems (at least not in a long-term) nor to have no money can reduce your struggle with it. You just can’t win, and the good news is that you don’t have to lose either. All you have to do is to keep it in the right perspective.

As I sit and ponder on the subject of “money” in a small living room of my mother’s house (not mine), I figured that these 7 points may be helpful for us to remember:

1) Money can’t buy everything

Money can buy:

a bed, but not sleep,

books, but not brains,

food, but not appetite,

finery, but not beauty,

a house, but not a home,

medicine, but not health,

luxuries, but not culture,

amusement, but not happiness,

companions, but not friends,

flattery, but not respect. (Unknown)

2) Money as a means to bring blessing to other people

One of the marks of true faith and of committed discipleship is how generous we use our money to help those in need. Question; did you think your money as a means to bring blessing to other people, or simple as a means of making yourself more prosperous, comfortable, and secure here in this world? 

3) Money is not our Master

P.T. Barnum writes, “Money is in some respects like fire; it is a very excellent servant, but a terrible master.”  Some of us are a slave of money rather than a slave for God. Instead of God rules our life, we choose to let money rules our life. No wonder greedy and corruptions are one of our major problems in this country. By the way, who’s your Master?

4) Money is not evil

Money is not evil, it is neutral! The LOVE of money is evil, it is fatal! “Love of money is a root of all kind of evils.” (1Timothy 6:10) I often heard people try to soften or explain away the words of Paul in a sentimental way. But Paul as well as those of Jesus tells us that it is impossible to love God and money. Don’t hate money if you have none and don’t love money if you have one.

5) Money is to be used wisely

How do you used your money is as important as how you earns you money. You can know all you need to know about someone’s standards, motives, driving desires, and religion by how they used their money. No matter if you have much or little money – used it wisely!

6) Money belongs to God

Someone asked me, “Is that your car?” “Nope, not mine” I said. “But I saw you drive it every day”. “Oh, actually it belong to the bank, I just borrow (loan) it” The truth is all things belongs to God! All our possessions and savings are not our own, but God’s. Not even my person, or my own life, belongs to me; rather, I belong to God.

7) Use money to lay up Treasures in Heaven

I believe that Jesus is Lord and Savior. I believe that Heaven is real. And I believe that whenever I use ‘my’ money to further His Kingdom as my respond to His abundance Grace and sacrificial Love, Jesus increases my treasures in Heaven. With boldness and careful words, I have to share this: we all someday will give an account to God, and that the choices we make today even regarding how we use money have eternal consequences. If you never thought about it before, maybe it’s time for you to lay up treasures in the most secure place; Heaven. (P.s: Have you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? After all, He’s the owner of ALL Treasures.)

THINK BIG Money belongs to God, therefore, used it wisely

START SMALL Bless others with your money and don’t let it be your Master

GO DEEP Love God not money

*Quote from Bits & Pieces, ©1996 The Economics Press, Inc.

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Trust More and Fear Less (Free Books inside!)

Went I was a kid, I forget for a brief years the word ‘ fear’ in the dictionary of my childhood’s life, well, except, I’m fear of one thing… one spot… one area… toilet! Yes, that dark gloomy toilet stands still near the jungle of our old house – creepy. It was creepier once the evening came. No light, just a candle stand. No radio (of course) but only the sound of jungle’s residences. I always imagine that there was a monster, rather; a giant hand might come out from the toilet bowl anytime I would enter the toilet’s chamber. That ancient toilet was where my fears occupied. I never forget how I’m paralyzed by the fear of entering that ancient toilet.

………

Does fear haunted you lately? Does fear creeping you out, left you in the darkness, making strange sounds, monstering around and waving his giant hand at the entrance of your life like that old ancient toilet does to me? I know you have one like mine; in fact, I suspect that you ‘owned’ it.

“Fear,” explained pastor and writer, Max Lucado, “never wrote a symphony or poem, negotiated a peace treaty, or cured a disease. Fear never pulled a family out of poverty or a country out of bigotry. Fear never saved a marriage or a business. Courage did that. Faith did that. People who refused to consult or cower to their timidities did that. But fear itself? Fear herds us into a prison and slams the doors.”
Do you want to walk out of it?

He continues, “Imagine your life, wholly untouched by angst. What if faith, not fear, was your default reaction to threats? If you could hover a fear magnet over your heart and extract every last shaving of dread, insecurity, or doubt, what would remain? Envision the day when you can trust more and fear less.”

……………

Prior to my fear for that ancient toilet, with a stolen Bible (from my aunt’s room) on my young tender hand, when my English is limited to only ‘yes’, ‘no’, ‘thank you’ and ‘okay’; my heart stir to write and memorize this part of the Scripture, “Don’t be afraid” (Isaiah 41:10) and I did! I walk out facing my fear with the knowledge that I should trust God more than any external voices in the world. Trust more and fear less.

Maybe you should write and memorize this too: “Don’t be Afraid” Trust more and fear less. (P.s: Jesus said that!)

Regards,

Rich

 ................

For month September free books, I would like to give you a copy of Max Lucado book entitle, Fearless. There are only 3 books available for you to request. No fear, just request! May this book help you to overcome your fear... Trust God more and fear less.

Do you want to have a copy of this book? Do these 2 things:

1)    Comment below “Bro, I want to have one copy_(Your name)_ because I'm tired of fearful living. I want to trust more and fear less.”

2)    E-mail me at Motivates4life@hotmail.com or send message to my Facebook your real name, phone no. and your postal address.

Don't Run Out of Fuel

I love riding motorcycle very much. It’s fast, cheap and easy to handle (and free parking too). One day while riding to work I found out that my motorcycle’s meter is about to indicate that my fuel is empty (I thought its ‘E’nough). So I ride to the nearby petrol station to fill it but as calculated in the Law of Mechanic – my motorcycle went off just about 100 meters from Shell petrol station. What a frustration!

This is a problem some people face. I have personally known many want-to-achieve people who sets their goals and started on their engine to destination only to drop out somewhere at the side of the road, because they didn’t have sufficient “fuel” to finish the ride. What a frustration! Give me 5 minutes to talk with someone and I could tell instantly if he or she had “fuel up” their “tank” lately. Chinese proverb summaries it well, “Dig the well before you are thirsty.”

If you desire to grow, it is critical that you have a long-term thinking. You must be certain that you have enough energy, resources and motivation to finish the ride.

Here are several things that you can do to stay “fuel up”;

Make a “Dream List” and stay motivated

Writing a blog that can motivate others is definitely one of items in my Dream List. Regularly talk about it and search ways to make it come true. Do you have a “Dream List”? If not, write one and see that written dreams will keep you motivated to achieve it.

Associate with Successful People

Be friend with many regardless their stand in the society but associate with success people more often because by spending more time with them; you can pick up their attitudes, habits and learn their success secrets. (P.s: Success here refer to holistic success of a men)

Attend Power-Packed Meetings

Go for conferences, seminars and talks that can boost your knowledge and generate more ideas. For me, attending Church meeting every Sunday help me to “fuel up” my mind and soul on the Word of God. Plus, it’s totally free!

Listen to Motivational and Teaching Audios

Nothing can beat my learning time than riding my bicycle every evening (if possible) and plug up my download motivational and teaching audios while enjoying the ride. You can do the same thing too; instead of listening to radio or unproductive music all day long, why don’t you download or buy some motivational and teaching audios this month. I guarantee you – you’ll get ‘fuel up’ much faster and effectively!

Read Mind-Building Books

Read books! Read books! Read books! Nothing can beat a physical, wood smelling and piled of papers other than a good book to empowered and motivate you. Read books!

Identify Fuel Leaks

Eliminate or reduce those things that drain you of productive energy and creativity such as too much watching Korean movies and Glee!

Sustain Spiritual Strength

Through regular devotions on the Word of God keep your ‘spirit man’ strong. Never close the day without reading God’s Word.

Friends, don’t run out of “fuel” – keep filling it! You don’t want to stop 100 meters from petrol station. Keep your tanks topped off by investing time in personal mental, physical, and spiritual renewal. I wish you the best and hey! Keep motivated.  THINK BIG. GO DEEP. START SMALL.