Bread vs Stone
By Patricia Ang
I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never be hungry. He who believes in me never thirst. (John 6:35)
In loving relationships, people warn one another of the inevitable consequences of foolish behaviour. In unhealthy relationships, people threaten one another with punishment if they fail to live up to unreasonable demands.
Bread can be broken and shared with others. When we are bread, we share our gifts. We take time to help someone in need. We offer ourselves to serve, to love and to grow in His glory. At times, as we hurry about our own responsibilities, we become too busy to care about other people. We need to find time to be there for those who care about us.
As bread, we are soft, forgiving and compassionate. There is humility, service, forgiveness and growth. We are passionate about the things we do and we are people-centred. When we respect others and treat them with kindness..When we are peacemakers in tense situations..When we forgive others who have hurt us, we are bread for them.
As bread, we provide encouragement. In (1 John 3:18) it is mentioned what we are to do when we see others in need. He told us to have active compassion. Let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed. We have been instructed :”Be doers of the word, but not hearers only.” (James 1 : 22). When we see a need, it is good to talk about it, but we must also do something about it.
Make a difference today. Make a call, send a card, give a gift, offer a hand to help and smile. Love in deed is love indeed.
Are any of your relationships broken or estranged because of something you said or did? Ignoring love ones, misunderstanding good friends, gossiping about fellow colleagues in an organisation?
Have you been feeling hard and cold like a stone? When we are selfish and think of ourselves..When all we are interested in is taking advantage of others. When we are cold to others who could use our friendship, then we are a stone for others.
When we criticise, complain and gossip, we bring others down. When we are jealous, bitter and cold, we have no feelings, we are as hard as a stone. When we use hard thoughts, harsh words, and insensitive actions with those around us and treat them as our enemies, we are like a stone thrown through a beautiful stained glass window, shattering the lives around you. Like a stone we become stagnant for who we are. We refuse to let go of our pride. We become materialistic and selfish. We adopt the attitude – what’s in it for me.
We have a choice. We can be a stone or we can be a bread. Which have you been lately? Which one do you want to be?
We are unable to handle the world matters, yet we are able to make a difference with the people around us – the way, we treat our family member, friendship and community.
When Jesus was tempted by the devil in Matthew 4, who asked Him to turn stones to bread if he is the son of God, Jesus replied, “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of god.”
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever, This bread is my flesh which I will give for the life of the world.” (John 6:51)
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
choice in life
Choices in Life
Our lives are not made up by the dreams that we dream but by the choices that we make. Often we will have plenty of choices in life and usually we have a choice between “Do we do things our way or God’s way?”
Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed (Proverbs 16:3). In his heart, a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.
In1 Corinthians 6:20, Paul reminds us that we have been “bought at a high price”. God cleansed us from our sins by buying us with the high price of His own life. Let us live to bring glory to God. Our eyes, hands, feet, dreams, thoughts have been purchased to reflect the wondrous glory of God’s will and wisdom. Glorify God in your body.
Don’t we all make choices daily in our lives – be it at work, our relationships, spending time with God?
Why do we work? Do we work for a living or do we feel passionate about our work, where we can use our gifts and talents to make a difference in what we do? Is there a feeling of joy, service and fulfilment at work?
For the past few weeks, I was feeling the stress at work. There were too many things to look into and there were datelines to be met – writing the contents and sourcing pictures for collaterals and website, overseeing the interviews for the corporate video, arranging for dates for road shows, sourcing gifts for visitors and doing fund raising for community service project. There was hardly a moment to catch a breather or time to talk to colleagues or friends. Yet by God’s grace, I managed to survive all these and able to perform the tasks diligently and professionally. It is by praying, listening to praise and worship songs and constantly asking Lord to bless me with strength, wisdom and good health.
My soul finds rest in God alone. My salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation He is my fortress. I will never be shaken (Psalm 62:1-2)
The people that we allow into our inner circles are choices that will affect us. People whom we encounter occasionally don’t affect us that much, but those we spend a lot of time with do. We should make sure we surround ourselves constantly with people who are positive and full of faith.
On weekends, after a hectic week of work, I make a choice to relax and spend time with my family and close friends. I make a point to bring my mother out for a meal weekly and spend time with her. Recently, I also visited the Peranakan Museum, Labrador Nature Reserve and Qianhu Fish Farm which has been a refreshing change for me. It is also joy catching up with close friends over coffee and meals. Over the years I realised that it takes 2 people to maintain a good friendship. I am very thankful for my friends from my secondary school days whom we are still in contact. Over the years, I have met fair weathered friends and those who take one for granted and which I eventually chose not to keep in contact with them.
How about your relationship with God – is it fired with passion to love and serve Him or is it in a lukewarm and stagnant stage? A personal relationship with God through Jesus offers a new way of living. We are invited to receive Christ by faith and when we do, righteousness, as well as many other wonderful blessings is imputed in our lives. (Romans 10:6)
The decision to be a spotlight writer has been one that has truly fulfilling. In order to write the articles, I started reading the bible, daily bread, keeping a book of biblical quotations, attending courses like Alpha and Cafe to know more about the faith and reading books like Billy Graham, Joyce Meyer and John Maxwell. It is a commitment to spend time with God and also to constantly improve in the articles written.
Have you set your mind to pursue the purpose of God passionately or are you pursing your own plan and expecting God to bless it. Well just throw away all your plans and say “Lord, I want your will in your timing. I do not want to be ahead of you, neither do I want to be behind you. Help me to wait patiently on you. God let your will be done in my life.”
Anytime you are doing your best to serve God, you are never wasting your time. God is faithful and He will always bring a reward to those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6)
Our lives are not made up by the dreams that we dream but by the choices that we make. Often we will have plenty of choices in life and usually we have a choice between “Do we do things our way or God’s way?”
Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed (Proverbs 16:3). In his heart, a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.
In1 Corinthians 6:20, Paul reminds us that we have been “bought at a high price”. God cleansed us from our sins by buying us with the high price of His own life. Let us live to bring glory to God. Our eyes, hands, feet, dreams, thoughts have been purchased to reflect the wondrous glory of God’s will and wisdom. Glorify God in your body.
Don’t we all make choices daily in our lives – be it at work, our relationships, spending time with God?
Why do we work? Do we work for a living or do we feel passionate about our work, where we can use our gifts and talents to make a difference in what we do? Is there a feeling of joy, service and fulfilment at work?
For the past few weeks, I was feeling the stress at work. There were too many things to look into and there were datelines to be met – writing the contents and sourcing pictures for collaterals and website, overseeing the interviews for the corporate video, arranging for dates for road shows, sourcing gifts for visitors and doing fund raising for community service project. There was hardly a moment to catch a breather or time to talk to colleagues or friends. Yet by God’s grace, I managed to survive all these and able to perform the tasks diligently and professionally. It is by praying, listening to praise and worship songs and constantly asking Lord to bless me with strength, wisdom and good health.
My soul finds rest in God alone. My salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation He is my fortress. I will never be shaken (Psalm 62:1-2)
The people that we allow into our inner circles are choices that will affect us. People whom we encounter occasionally don’t affect us that much, but those we spend a lot of time with do. We should make sure we surround ourselves constantly with people who are positive and full of faith.
On weekends, after a hectic week of work, I make a choice to relax and spend time with my family and close friends. I make a point to bring my mother out for a meal weekly and spend time with her. Recently, I also visited the Peranakan Museum, Labrador Nature Reserve and Qianhu Fish Farm which has been a refreshing change for me. It is also joy catching up with close friends over coffee and meals. Over the years I realised that it takes 2 people to maintain a good friendship. I am very thankful for my friends from my secondary school days whom we are still in contact. Over the years, I have met fair weathered friends and those who take one for granted and which I eventually chose not to keep in contact with them.
How about your relationship with God – is it fired with passion to love and serve Him or is it in a lukewarm and stagnant stage? A personal relationship with God through Jesus offers a new way of living. We are invited to receive Christ by faith and when we do, righteousness, as well as many other wonderful blessings is imputed in our lives. (Romans 10:6)
The decision to be a spotlight writer has been one that has truly fulfilling. In order to write the articles, I started reading the bible, daily bread, keeping a book of biblical quotations, attending courses like Alpha and Cafe to know more about the faith and reading books like Billy Graham, Joyce Meyer and John Maxwell. It is a commitment to spend time with God and also to constantly improve in the articles written.
Have you set your mind to pursue the purpose of God passionately or are you pursing your own plan and expecting God to bless it. Well just throw away all your plans and say “Lord, I want your will in your timing. I do not want to be ahead of you, neither do I want to be behind you. Help me to wait patiently on you. God let your will be done in my life.”
Anytime you are doing your best to serve God, you are never wasting your time. God is faithful and He will always bring a reward to those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6)
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Led by God
Led By God
By Patricia Ang
“Commit to the Lord in whatever you do and your plans will succeed. In our heart, we can plan our course, but it is the Lord who determines our steps.” How many of us actually submit our plans to the Lord and have faith to be led by HIM? Many of us want things to be done our way, but in actual fact, aren’t we suppose to do things in God’s way and in HIS time?
What does it mean to be Led by God? It is to surrender everything to the Lord – whatever that we have, our thoughts, our expectations, the people that we care for and also those we interact with. We ask him to lead us in our thoughts and actions, and to remember that whatever we do, we do it for his glory. Always remember that whatever God plans are for you, they are for your best interests. Sometimes when things do not happen the way you want it to happen, it could be a blessing in disguise or it may not be an appropriate timing or it may just be God’s way of saying ‘NO’ for that particular issue. It is someone’s loss not to cherish you for who you are but always have faith that God loves you and HE definitely knows the desires of your heart. Keep on praying and grow in your relationship with God.
In our lives there are times we face countless opportunities yet there are times certain matters in our lives may not be going well with us. There may be times no matter how hard we try, we may face closed paths as we surge forward in our actions. And as we are so busy devoting our time and energy to paths that will not yield productive results, we lose sight of the available opportunities that are present within our sight. Be conscious of the people and signs that come along your way. They are there are a reason, it could be God’s way of guiding you in your lives. Yet one being oblivious to these signs will be a fruitless effort on HIS part. At times when we are awaken from our senses, and return to the available choices, the doors may be closed by then. Don’t waste time on doors that are closed. Listen to what Our Lord has to say. At times HE shows us the signs and indications through the people we meet but are we willing to put aside our ego/pride to listen. Remember only people who care for your well being will bother to give you advice and pray for you. They do not have a duty to do that, they do it out of good intentions. Do not take these people for granted.
“For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13). God walks through us as we engage our minds, open our mouths, move our feet and use our hands to do what he has already put into our heart. Say ‘Yes’ to our God and you will feel the inner peace within you. HE will give you the ability to perform HIS will. Pray to the Lord for the ability to discern what is HIS purpose and direction for you in your life. The Lord does not reveal to you HIS will to you. HE calls you and as you move out of our comfort zone and obey Him. HE reveals to you step by step, empowering you as you go on in your life.
God is never content with status quo in our lives. Every day in countless ways, HE will develop you into a greater likeness of His Son. In our respective lives, we will be given experiences and put into situations that will allow us to grow in spiritual maturity i.e. having the same attitude, the same responses and the same discernment as Jesus. When you begin to understand that, to be led by God will take on a whole new meaning.
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, and working for the Lord and not for men. Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
By Patricia Ang
“Commit to the Lord in whatever you do and your plans will succeed. In our heart, we can plan our course, but it is the Lord who determines our steps.” How many of us actually submit our plans to the Lord and have faith to be led by HIM? Many of us want things to be done our way, but in actual fact, aren’t we suppose to do things in God’s way and in HIS time?
What does it mean to be Led by God? It is to surrender everything to the Lord – whatever that we have, our thoughts, our expectations, the people that we care for and also those we interact with. We ask him to lead us in our thoughts and actions, and to remember that whatever we do, we do it for his glory. Always remember that whatever God plans are for you, they are for your best interests. Sometimes when things do not happen the way you want it to happen, it could be a blessing in disguise or it may not be an appropriate timing or it may just be God’s way of saying ‘NO’ for that particular issue. It is someone’s loss not to cherish you for who you are but always have faith that God loves you and HE definitely knows the desires of your heart. Keep on praying and grow in your relationship with God.
In our lives there are times we face countless opportunities yet there are times certain matters in our lives may not be going well with us. There may be times no matter how hard we try, we may face closed paths as we surge forward in our actions. And as we are so busy devoting our time and energy to paths that will not yield productive results, we lose sight of the available opportunities that are present within our sight. Be conscious of the people and signs that come along your way. They are there are a reason, it could be God’s way of guiding you in your lives. Yet one being oblivious to these signs will be a fruitless effort on HIS part. At times when we are awaken from our senses, and return to the available choices, the doors may be closed by then. Don’t waste time on doors that are closed. Listen to what Our Lord has to say. At times HE shows us the signs and indications through the people we meet but are we willing to put aside our ego/pride to listen. Remember only people who care for your well being will bother to give you advice and pray for you. They do not have a duty to do that, they do it out of good intentions. Do not take these people for granted.
“For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13). God walks through us as we engage our minds, open our mouths, move our feet and use our hands to do what he has already put into our heart. Say ‘Yes’ to our God and you will feel the inner peace within you. HE will give you the ability to perform HIS will. Pray to the Lord for the ability to discern what is HIS purpose and direction for you in your life. The Lord does not reveal to you HIS will to you. HE calls you and as you move out of our comfort zone and obey Him. HE reveals to you step by step, empowering you as you go on in your life.
God is never content with status quo in our lives. Every day in countless ways, HE will develop you into a greater likeness of His Son. In our respective lives, we will be given experiences and put into situations that will allow us to grow in spiritual maturity i.e. having the same attitude, the same responses and the same discernment as Jesus. When you begin to understand that, to be led by God will take on a whole new meaning.
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, and working for the Lord and not for men. Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Staying focus
Staying Focus
By Patricia Ang
In our lives we face trials and tribulations like the death of a love one, the end of a relationship, failure in business or in studies, being in debt, how then in spite of what we are going through in our lives are we able to stay focus on the Lord? Jesus never promise believers a life free of pain, difficulty or loss. We are not exempt from struggle, heartache or disappointment. Yet in Psalm 46 it states that God is our shelter, our strength, ever ready to help in times of trouble.
How many of us actually stay focus in what we are doing in our lives? Do we set goals for 1 year, 5 years or 10 years? Sometimes in our career, when it comes to job interviews we are so confident of the goals and plans that we tell our potential employers. However when we actually get the job, do we achieve those goals? How about our spiritual life? Are there goals set to seek the eternal kingdom of God? Solely going to church and not reading the bible or not attending spiritual courses or not even being in fellowship with fellow church members may actually leave one stagnant in our spiritual lives.
Paul said: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Living a life of faith means never knowing where you are being led. But it does mean loving and knowing the one who is leading. A life of faith literally means putting God first in your life. Be serious in your commitment to the Lord. God is more important than anything else in life.
Sometimes in life, we meet people whom we feel indignant by their words and actions, their malicious gossip, their hypocrisy, their pride and to think that some of these people are our fellow Christians that we know. As we look at their actions, one can’t help thinking out aloud, if they are serving God in their ministry, why do they not walk the talk and behave like Christians? Will we be like them when we join their Ministry? Some of us because of such people actually distance ourselves away from the church and our Lord. When such situations arise, pray for yourself, read the bible, say the rosary and pray for these people that the Lord will lead them back on the straight path. God is all the strength we need.
What’s your personal relationship with Jesus? Pray and seek him first. Only Jesus has the power to deliver souls from sin and guilt, from fear, distress and despair. Turn to him in your moments of despair and sorrow. When you are down, seek Him first. Go to a quiet place, empty your mind and meditate by turning your focus on the crucifix and placing the image in the middle of your mind and be in the presence of the Lord. God draws near to those who draw near to Him.
Pray and have faith then things will show up to you. Only you will know and understand his plans for you. Read the word, the bible daily to be guided in our way of living. Only God knows what you need and the answer is from him alone. Do not be disappointed when he does not revert. You may face a closed door or you may travel along an unknown path, but whatever the situations are, stay focus on the Lord.
Be alert to the opportunities that He has sent you. Don’t forget that at times the people that you meet are the guardian angles sent from above. We can pray to God but we also have to put in the effort in the prayers we ask for.
“In God alone there is rest for my soul, from him comes my safety; with him alone for my rock, my safety, my fortress, I can never fall,” (Psalm 62). The Bible promises those who believe in Christ that they will have a companion on the journey to help encourage and strengthen them in whatever may come their way. HE is the one who promised: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper, I will not fear.” (Heb 13:5).
By Patricia Ang
In our lives we face trials and tribulations like the death of a love one, the end of a relationship, failure in business or in studies, being in debt, how then in spite of what we are going through in our lives are we able to stay focus on the Lord? Jesus never promise believers a life free of pain, difficulty or loss. We are not exempt from struggle, heartache or disappointment. Yet in Psalm 46 it states that God is our shelter, our strength, ever ready to help in times of trouble.
How many of us actually stay focus in what we are doing in our lives? Do we set goals for 1 year, 5 years or 10 years? Sometimes in our career, when it comes to job interviews we are so confident of the goals and plans that we tell our potential employers. However when we actually get the job, do we achieve those goals? How about our spiritual life? Are there goals set to seek the eternal kingdom of God? Solely going to church and not reading the bible or not attending spiritual courses or not even being in fellowship with fellow church members may actually leave one stagnant in our spiritual lives.
Paul said: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Living a life of faith means never knowing where you are being led. But it does mean loving and knowing the one who is leading. A life of faith literally means putting God first in your life. Be serious in your commitment to the Lord. God is more important than anything else in life.
Sometimes in life, we meet people whom we feel indignant by their words and actions, their malicious gossip, their hypocrisy, their pride and to think that some of these people are our fellow Christians that we know. As we look at their actions, one can’t help thinking out aloud, if they are serving God in their ministry, why do they not walk the talk and behave like Christians? Will we be like them when we join their Ministry? Some of us because of such people actually distance ourselves away from the church and our Lord. When such situations arise, pray for yourself, read the bible, say the rosary and pray for these people that the Lord will lead them back on the straight path. God is all the strength we need.
What’s your personal relationship with Jesus? Pray and seek him first. Only Jesus has the power to deliver souls from sin and guilt, from fear, distress and despair. Turn to him in your moments of despair and sorrow. When you are down, seek Him first. Go to a quiet place, empty your mind and meditate by turning your focus on the crucifix and placing the image in the middle of your mind and be in the presence of the Lord. God draws near to those who draw near to Him.
Pray and have faith then things will show up to you. Only you will know and understand his plans for you. Read the word, the bible daily to be guided in our way of living. Only God knows what you need and the answer is from him alone. Do not be disappointed when he does not revert. You may face a closed door or you may travel along an unknown path, but whatever the situations are, stay focus on the Lord.
Be alert to the opportunities that He has sent you. Don’t forget that at times the people that you meet are the guardian angles sent from above. We can pray to God but we also have to put in the effort in the prayers we ask for.
“In God alone there is rest for my soul, from him comes my safety; with him alone for my rock, my safety, my fortress, I can never fall,” (Psalm 62). The Bible promises those who believe in Christ that they will have a companion on the journey to help encourage and strengthen them in whatever may come their way. HE is the one who promised: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper, I will not fear.” (Heb 13:5).
The Fear Factor
The Fear Factor
By Patricia Ang
What keeps us from stretching our potential? Each of us has been blessed with unique personality, gifts and talents. What than prevents us from using all these gifts? The FEAR factor – fear of the unknown can really paralyze us. I am sure all of us at some point in time have become fearful about dying, getting cancer, losing a love one, losing our jobs, not finding the love of your life, not bringing up our children in the proper ways, facing personal conflicts and even money problems and so much more.
As adults, we work so hard at our jobs that at times we neglect the people around us. Some of us have regular working hours while others work longer hours. Only a minority of us actually loves what we are doing and we get paid for the work that we do. The majority of us are embroiled in office politics, chasing after the next pay increment / promotion or finding ourselves stuck in jobs which we are unhappy in. Have we ever taken the time to ask the Lord, what are his plans for us? How do we bring Christ to our workplace? Start the day with a prayer to ask the Lord to guide us and whatever we do; it is for the glory of God each day.
Anxieties, worries, worldly cares are all bondage of fears. There are times when we worry too much about our future that we immerse ourselves in worldly cares. We forget to live for the present by placing our Faith and Trust in Him. Hence Jesus forbids his disciples to worry: “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do the very thing, why do you worry about the rest?” (Luke 12:25-26). If we want to take the world to ourselves and be in control, do everything for selfish gains, we will be torn apart and be tired out. As a result, we may lose focus when reading the word of God. Our bodies need rest, sleep, our minds and spirit need nourishment in the word of God. If we become too preoccupied with worldly care, then greed, selfishness, quarrels, fights, discontentment, gossips and misunderstandings will stay in the persons’ heart, instead of God.
Fear is not putting our trust in God. A trusting heart is the answer for a worried mind. When we are most afraid, that is when we need confidence in God. Psalm 112 speaks of a person who fears the Lord, delights in His commandments and is gracious to others. However the most striking statement from there is “He will not be afraid of evil things; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.”
How many of us are affected by the comments made by the people around us? These comments at times may discourage us and may even prevent us from reaching our dreams, stretching our potential and instead we end up staying in our comfort zones. However has it occurred to us that it is only when we experience the ups and downs in life can we truly experience life. Each experience that we encounter and the people that we meet in our lives are meant for a reason. Let’s take the time to learn from such experiences and cherish the people we meet.
To overcome the fear factor, we must acknowledge it. Then we surrender everything to the Lord. “When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust, I will not be afraid” (Psalm 56:3). By doing so, this gives us a growing confidence and it takes faith and a conscious decision to trust in the Lord.
If we feel fearful, let us remember God’s promise (Isaiah 41: 10): “So, do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
By Patricia Ang
What keeps us from stretching our potential? Each of us has been blessed with unique personality, gifts and talents. What than prevents us from using all these gifts? The FEAR factor – fear of the unknown can really paralyze us. I am sure all of us at some point in time have become fearful about dying, getting cancer, losing a love one, losing our jobs, not finding the love of your life, not bringing up our children in the proper ways, facing personal conflicts and even money problems and so much more.
As adults, we work so hard at our jobs that at times we neglect the people around us. Some of us have regular working hours while others work longer hours. Only a minority of us actually loves what we are doing and we get paid for the work that we do. The majority of us are embroiled in office politics, chasing after the next pay increment / promotion or finding ourselves stuck in jobs which we are unhappy in. Have we ever taken the time to ask the Lord, what are his plans for us? How do we bring Christ to our workplace? Start the day with a prayer to ask the Lord to guide us and whatever we do; it is for the glory of God each day.
Anxieties, worries, worldly cares are all bondage of fears. There are times when we worry too much about our future that we immerse ourselves in worldly cares. We forget to live for the present by placing our Faith and Trust in Him. Hence Jesus forbids his disciples to worry: “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do the very thing, why do you worry about the rest?” (Luke 12:25-26). If we want to take the world to ourselves and be in control, do everything for selfish gains, we will be torn apart and be tired out. As a result, we may lose focus when reading the word of God. Our bodies need rest, sleep, our minds and spirit need nourishment in the word of God. If we become too preoccupied with worldly care, then greed, selfishness, quarrels, fights, discontentment, gossips and misunderstandings will stay in the persons’ heart, instead of God.
Fear is not putting our trust in God. A trusting heart is the answer for a worried mind. When we are most afraid, that is when we need confidence in God. Psalm 112 speaks of a person who fears the Lord, delights in His commandments and is gracious to others. However the most striking statement from there is “He will not be afraid of evil things; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.”
How many of us are affected by the comments made by the people around us? These comments at times may discourage us and may even prevent us from reaching our dreams, stretching our potential and instead we end up staying in our comfort zones. However has it occurred to us that it is only when we experience the ups and downs in life can we truly experience life. Each experience that we encounter and the people that we meet in our lives are meant for a reason. Let’s take the time to learn from such experiences and cherish the people we meet.
To overcome the fear factor, we must acknowledge it. Then we surrender everything to the Lord. “When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust, I will not be afraid” (Psalm 56:3). By doing so, this gives us a growing confidence and it takes faith and a conscious decision to trust in the Lord.
If we feel fearful, let us remember God’s promise (Isaiah 41: 10): “So, do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Trust
Trust
By Patricia Ang
Trust. What is TRUST to us today? How much is TRUST worth in today’s society? We live in a world that is filled with suspicion, conspiracy, betrayal, deceit and dishonor. As a result of some of these actions that we encounter, this leads to a lack of trust of one another. So, why TRUST?
Amidst all the trials and tribulations, are we willing to trust in God entirely, are we willing to surrender every apsect of our lives to Him? Have you been asking God what is He going to do for you? Believe in God as you know Him to be when you are nearest or even far away from Him. This is a test of your trust in Him. Let your attitude of your life to be a continued willingness to be dependent upon Him and your life will have a sacred and an inexpressible charm that will be pleasing to God.
Trust is the link that brings us into a relationship-any relationship. Without trust we are lost in our own world. Hence how does one develop trust? Here are some of the ways:
Have Faith
We will find it easier to trust ourselves and others if we first trust God. God is always there standing by us through thick and thin. His love for us is secure. This allows us to relax and trust in Him. It is stated in the scriptures that God will open the door if we knock on it (Matthew 7:8) and in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-6) Jesus makes it clear that the love of God extends especially to the weak.
Be Honest
Try opening up and talk honestly about ourselves, our problems, our needs, though at times it may feel uncomfortable to do so. However when we take that risk, the people around us will also tend to be more open and honest with us and that is how trust begins to build up in relationships.
Be Generous
We encourage people to behave in a trustworthy fashion by trusting them, giving them a benefit of doubt. We try to resist the temptation of adopting a judgmental attitude to others. Be a service to others, be it sharing our time, our gifts or just being a listening ear for others.
Practice Acceptance
Recognizing that someone can’t be trusted in certain ways doesn’t mean that the entire relationship should be discarded. We need to acknowledge that fact that this only so far some people are able to go. We then have to work on forgiving and accepting the person for who he/she is and also praying for their wellbeing.
Be Reliable
Trust is doing what we say we will do, whether of not it is convenient. This means honoring our commitments, whether big or small. This means calling when we say we will, showing up for appointments on time, keeping our word to our family and friends.
Be a Steward of Relationships
Trustworthy people are those who can successfully nurture and preserve relationships with others. This takes commitment and effort. The most important assets that we have are relationships and we shouldn’t be quick to comprise them or place other things above them. It is easy to place our careers above our relationships. However being a steward of relationships means taking the time to catch up with our friends periodically, helping to do the housework at home to lighten the load on our family members and being there for our children at their school events.
Trust to get trust.
In Matthew 7:12 “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Laws and the Prophets.” In short if we begin to treat other people as we like to be treated, more often than not, this will be mirrored back to us.
In stressful, confusing situations, we might ask a worried “What now?” Yet if we look to the Lord and trust in his care, our fear will be replaced with peace. Just as God determines the weather, He also controls the cycles in our lives. “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” (Eccl 3:11). Do we resist these seasons and complain about the conditions or do we trust God and thank Him for whatever he has planned for us?
By Patricia Ang
Trust. What is TRUST to us today? How much is TRUST worth in today’s society? We live in a world that is filled with suspicion, conspiracy, betrayal, deceit and dishonor. As a result of some of these actions that we encounter, this leads to a lack of trust of one another. So, why TRUST?
Amidst all the trials and tribulations, are we willing to trust in God entirely, are we willing to surrender every apsect of our lives to Him? Have you been asking God what is He going to do for you? Believe in God as you know Him to be when you are nearest or even far away from Him. This is a test of your trust in Him. Let your attitude of your life to be a continued willingness to be dependent upon Him and your life will have a sacred and an inexpressible charm that will be pleasing to God.
Trust is the link that brings us into a relationship-any relationship. Without trust we are lost in our own world. Hence how does one develop trust? Here are some of the ways:
Have Faith
We will find it easier to trust ourselves and others if we first trust God. God is always there standing by us through thick and thin. His love for us is secure. This allows us to relax and trust in Him. It is stated in the scriptures that God will open the door if we knock on it (Matthew 7:8) and in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-6) Jesus makes it clear that the love of God extends especially to the weak.
Be Honest
Try opening up and talk honestly about ourselves, our problems, our needs, though at times it may feel uncomfortable to do so. However when we take that risk, the people around us will also tend to be more open and honest with us and that is how trust begins to build up in relationships.
Be Generous
We encourage people to behave in a trustworthy fashion by trusting them, giving them a benefit of doubt. We try to resist the temptation of adopting a judgmental attitude to others. Be a service to others, be it sharing our time, our gifts or just being a listening ear for others.
Practice Acceptance
Recognizing that someone can’t be trusted in certain ways doesn’t mean that the entire relationship should be discarded. We need to acknowledge that fact that this only so far some people are able to go. We then have to work on forgiving and accepting the person for who he/she is and also praying for their wellbeing.
Be Reliable
Trust is doing what we say we will do, whether of not it is convenient. This means honoring our commitments, whether big or small. This means calling when we say we will, showing up for appointments on time, keeping our word to our family and friends.
Be a Steward of Relationships
Trustworthy people are those who can successfully nurture and preserve relationships with others. This takes commitment and effort. The most important assets that we have are relationships and we shouldn’t be quick to comprise them or place other things above them. It is easy to place our careers above our relationships. However being a steward of relationships means taking the time to catch up with our friends periodically, helping to do the housework at home to lighten the load on our family members and being there for our children at their school events.
Trust to get trust.
In Matthew 7:12 “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Laws and the Prophets.” In short if we begin to treat other people as we like to be treated, more often than not, this will be mirrored back to us.
In stressful, confusing situations, we might ask a worried “What now?” Yet if we look to the Lord and trust in his care, our fear will be replaced with peace. Just as God determines the weather, He also controls the cycles in our lives. “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” (Eccl 3:11). Do we resist these seasons and complain about the conditions or do we trust God and thank Him for whatever he has planned for us?
Walk the Talk
Walk The Talk
By Patricia Ang
How do we lead a Christian Life? Do we behave as Christians in our workplace, with our family and friends, in fellowship with our fellow church members in the various ministries? Do we apply what we read in the bible and apply in practice in our daily lives? This year, I have heard and personally come across several incidents of people of the same religion that hardly walk the talk yet they say they are devoted Christians.
On surface, these are very religious people. They attend mass and they are active in the various church ministries. However the way they handle matters in their daily lives, the way they behave and talk, at times one wonders whether what they do, is it for solely for fame and glory, and are they conscious of their behaviors? We tend to lose respect and trust in these people who behave in such manner. It can be also quite discouraging as these people are either our colleagues or our friends. One of my friends told me that we can’t tell them how to lead their lives as they made a choice in leading their lives. The only thing we can do is just to pray for them. That our Lord may open their eyes to the lives they are leading, open their hearts and ears to what our Lord has to say to them.
If we as fellow brothers and sisters can’t walk the talk, then how can we grow in unity in the respective ministries to serve the Lord and grow to serve him in his glory? Some of us engage in idle talk, some of us subject ourselves to scandals and groundless rumors, some are ignorant about it, yet some of us persist in doing that so as to inflate our ego. As a result this has created tension and misunderstanding in respective ministries.
We are Christ’s ambassadors and God is using us to speak to each of you. It is important that Christians act and speak so that we can glorify our Lord. When you give your word, keep it. If you make a commitment, honour it. If you take on an obligation, fulfill it. Our honesty and reliability should be so evident that we can be trusted for any contract we make. What better testimony could be said of a believer than this: “He gave this word, that’s good enough for me.” And if non Christians can trust us in business matters, they are more likely to believe us when we speak about the Gospel.
Have you encountered situations when our good intentions are being misunderstood? They are times we just feel it’s not worth the effort, but as mentioned in (1 Peter 4:8-10) “Love each other deeply, because loves covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to another without grumbling. Each one of us should use whatever gift we have received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”
We are God’s children and we ought to pray as Christ did. Praying for one another is essential, for praying and ministry brings healing, love, sharing, growth, unity and encouragement. We pray for our repentance, for ourselves to grow to be more like Christ each day. We pray to receive God’s mercy, his healing touch and forgiveness as we forgive those who have hurt us intentionally or unintentionally with their words and deeds. Pray for each other as we grow in fellowship and in maturity as we seek his eternal kingdom.
Brothers and Sisters, let’s walk the talk. Let’s apply what we learn in our lives. Sometimes it takes a third party to see what we are doing in our lives, yet it also takes courage to speak up. Hence if we do encounter such people, who out of good intentions, tell us what we are doing wrong in our lives, let us listen with humility and try to repent. Let us learn and grow together and by all our actions, may we seek and serve the Lord.
By Patricia Ang
How do we lead a Christian Life? Do we behave as Christians in our workplace, with our family and friends, in fellowship with our fellow church members in the various ministries? Do we apply what we read in the bible and apply in practice in our daily lives? This year, I have heard and personally come across several incidents of people of the same religion that hardly walk the talk yet they say they are devoted Christians.
On surface, these are very religious people. They attend mass and they are active in the various church ministries. However the way they handle matters in their daily lives, the way they behave and talk, at times one wonders whether what they do, is it for solely for fame and glory, and are they conscious of their behaviors? We tend to lose respect and trust in these people who behave in such manner. It can be also quite discouraging as these people are either our colleagues or our friends. One of my friends told me that we can’t tell them how to lead their lives as they made a choice in leading their lives. The only thing we can do is just to pray for them. That our Lord may open their eyes to the lives they are leading, open their hearts and ears to what our Lord has to say to them.
If we as fellow brothers and sisters can’t walk the talk, then how can we grow in unity in the respective ministries to serve the Lord and grow to serve him in his glory? Some of us engage in idle talk, some of us subject ourselves to scandals and groundless rumors, some are ignorant about it, yet some of us persist in doing that so as to inflate our ego. As a result this has created tension and misunderstanding in respective ministries.
We are Christ’s ambassadors and God is using us to speak to each of you. It is important that Christians act and speak so that we can glorify our Lord. When you give your word, keep it. If you make a commitment, honour it. If you take on an obligation, fulfill it. Our honesty and reliability should be so evident that we can be trusted for any contract we make. What better testimony could be said of a believer than this: “He gave this word, that’s good enough for me.” And if non Christians can trust us in business matters, they are more likely to believe us when we speak about the Gospel.
Have you encountered situations when our good intentions are being misunderstood? They are times we just feel it’s not worth the effort, but as mentioned in (1 Peter 4:8-10) “Love each other deeply, because loves covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to another without grumbling. Each one of us should use whatever gift we have received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”
We are God’s children and we ought to pray as Christ did. Praying for one another is essential, for praying and ministry brings healing, love, sharing, growth, unity and encouragement. We pray for our repentance, for ourselves to grow to be more like Christ each day. We pray to receive God’s mercy, his healing touch and forgiveness as we forgive those who have hurt us intentionally or unintentionally with their words and deeds. Pray for each other as we grow in fellowship and in maturity as we seek his eternal kingdom.
Brothers and Sisters, let’s walk the talk. Let’s apply what we learn in our lives. Sometimes it takes a third party to see what we are doing in our lives, yet it also takes courage to speak up. Hence if we do encounter such people, who out of good intentions, tell us what we are doing wrong in our lives, let us listen with humility and try to repent. Let us learn and grow together and by all our actions, may we seek and serve the Lord.
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