Blessed to be a blessing!

Genesis 12:2 says ""I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing." This is the promise of God to Abraham. Putting a bit more thought into this verse, we realize that there is a another lesson that we can learn here instead of just focusing on the blessing of Abraham.

It is important that we also take into consideration the reason why Abraham is being blessed by God. The Lord told Abraham: “I will bless you and you shall be a blessing.” Abraham was blessed so that he could be a blessing!

The same is true today. The Lord has done so much for us! He has blessed us with so many good things, the most important of which is His grace and mercy - undeserved favor! He has allowed us to come into His Kingdom and be a part of the great things He’s doing! What we have received should not only be for our own enjoyment but for the salvation of a dying world around us!

God gives freely to us so that we may give freely to others! Let’s not be afraid to give out the blessings God has granted us! Share HIS goodness!

To whom much is given, much is required. We are blessed so that we can be channel of HIS blessing to others.

Be Blessed.

Simple Faith

When Jesus told Nicodemus, "You must be born again," Nicodemus didn't get it: "Can a man...enter into his mother's womb a second time and be born?" (John 3:4 ). Sometimes bright people can be their own worst enemy. They think, "Unless I can explain it I can't accept it." Jesus told Nicodemus, "Look at the wind. You can't catch it or control it. So is everyone who is reborn through God's Spirit" (See John 3:8). In other words, "You didn'thave anything to do with your first birth, so you've nothing to do with your second one. God prepared your heart by sending the right people, the right circumstances, and the right word at just the right time to show you your need of Him."

In the belly of the fish Jonah prayed: "Salvation is of the Lord" (Jonah 2:9). Jonah realised, "If I'm to get out of this mess it'll have to be God's doing. I can't work my way out or reason my way out." So he prayed: "Out of the belly of hell cried I" (Jonah 2:2). Sometimes we have to go through tough times and back before we're willing to do it God's way. "Without faith [trust without analysis or preconditions] it is impossible to please God" (Hebrews 11:6).

The things of God cannot be explained, only revealed. Anything less would be unfair for then the sharp people would get it and the slow ones wouldn't. Jesus said unless we become as little children we won't even be aware of His kingdom. Our biggest struggles come from wanting a reason for everything. All God asks is that we trust Him. When we do, life works the way it's supposed to.

Be Blessed

Note: The article above is taken from daily devotion email from The Word for Today brought by TheVine in association with The Rhema Broadcasting Group Inc, New Zealand and UCB International Ltd

Defining Moments

It was a defining moment when Joshua said to Israel, '… choose for yourselves… as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord' (Joshua 24:15 NKJV).

First, in our life,defining moments show us who we really are. Our defining moments usually come as a surprise and happen during times of crisis, such as facing a personal failure,;taking an unpopular stand, suffering without complaining,;being asked to forgive or making a hard choice. Sometimes, defining moments occur when we don't see them for what they are. It's only afterwards, as we look back, that we understand their importance. Either way, they define who we are.

Secondly ,defining moments show others who we are. Most days we can wear a mask, but during defining moments we can't. Our image means nothing. Neither does our resolve or connections. We've no time to put a spin on our actions. Whatever is truly inside us is revealed to everyone. As a leader, defining moments tell the people following you who you really are, what you stand for, and why you're leading. Handled well, a defining moment can bond leaders and followers for life. Handled poorly, it can end your ability to lead.

Thirdly, defining moments determine who we will become. You'll never be the same person after a defining moment. That's because defining moments are not normal, and what's 'normal' doesn't work in these times.

Defining moments are like intersections in our lives - they give us an opportunity to turn, change direction, and seek a new destination. They present options and opportunities. In these moments, we must choose. And the choice we make will define us!

Note: The article above is taken from daily devotion email from The Word for Today brought by TheVine in association with The Rhema Broadcasting Group Inc, New Zealand and UCB International Ltd

Honoring God in the Marketplace.

Marketplace ministry is infact an effective means of reaching out to others about Christ. We can choose to honor God through our business or our employment. You may ask - Can a business have a Christian testimony without ever saying a word? Absolutely. Read the following story of a real life example.

Chick-fil-A is a restaurant chain headquartered in College Park, Georgia, United States that specializes in chicken entrées. It is the second-largest chicken-based fast-food chain in the United States (behind Kentucky Fried Chicken). The company's stated corporate purpose is "to glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us, and to have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A." The company is a great example of a business that is modeling Christian values and producing a quality product in the competitive fast-food industry. Chick-fil-A is one of the fastest-growing chains nationally, currently with over two billion dollars in annual sales.

One of the defining distinctions of Chick-fil-A is that the restaurants are not open on Sundays. From the time Truett Cathy, the company's founder, started in the restaurant business in 1946, he believed that God wanted him to honor the Sabbath by keeping the stores closed on Sundays. Infact Truett Cathy is a devout Christian who has taught Sunday School for over 51 years.

Although he was challenged on this idea many times by shopping mall operators, Truett Cathy always held that "we will have more sales in six days than those who are open for seven." This has proven to be true, and today it is no longer an issue to fulfill the malls' requirement to remain open on Sunday. In a interview with ABC News's Nightline, Dan Cathy (son of company owner S. Truett Cathy) stated that - "He wanted he and his employees to spend time with family and worship."

The messages in the company's kids' meals always reinforce education, values, and integrity. Although the employees do not wear their faith on their sleeve, the fruit of the company is known by many - especially the many young restaurant employees who receive educational scholarships each year. The company also focuses on character-building programs for kids, foster homes, and other community services. The appearance of their headquarters conveys their values - a sense of quality without extravagance.

In an era when profits, not people, are the driving force behind business Truett Cathy offers a refreshing approach to business management based on one simple concept: FAITH and HONORING GOD. I believe we too can learn something from this story and apply it to our own life and vocation.

Be Blessed.

Do What You're Called To Do

In Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life, Dr Charles Swindoll writes: 'Once upon a time, the animals decided that they should do something meaningful to meet the problems of the new world. So they organised a school. They adopted an activity curriculum of running, climbing, swimming, and flying. To make it easier to administer, all the animals took all the subjects.

The duck was excellent at swimming. In fact, he was better than his instructor was! However, he made only passing grades in flying, and was very poor in running. Since he was so slow in running, he had to drop swimming and stay after school to practice running. This caused his webbed feet to be badly worn so he became only average in swimming. But 'average' was quite acceptable, therefore nobody worried about it; except the duck.

The rabbit stayed at the top of his class in running, but developed a nervous twitch in his leg muscles because he had so much make-up work to do in swimming.

The squirrel was excellent in climbing, but he encountered constant frustration in flying class because his teacher made him start from the ground up instead of from the treetop down… so he only got a 'C' in climbing and a 'D' in running.

The eagle was a problem child and was severely disciplined for being a non-conformist. In climbing classes, he beat all the others to the top, but insisted on using his own way of getting there!'

'Having then gifts… let us use them… ' (Romans 12:6 NKJV). When God has gifted and graced you to do something, give yourself to it and let the rest go.

Note: The article above is taken from daily devotion email from The Word for Today brought by TheVine in association with The Rhema Broadcasting Group Inc, New Zealand and UCB International Ltd

Wait…Believe...Cling to HIS promise

The beginning of April has been a solemn month for me especially remembering the death of my Savior who gave up everything so that I can have life and life in abundance. It also reminded me about my good friend who has "changed his address" to be with the Lord six years ago. As I reflect on this, I am blessed with what is written in Psalms 30:11-12 11. Here it goes based on New American Standard Version:

You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
You have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness,
That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent
O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever.

God indeed turns mourning into dancing! He takes away the anguish of being clothed in sadness and replaces it with gladness. However, notice what God doesn’t do – simply stop your mourning and make it disappear. No, He transforms it…into joy! He turns your sorrow into gladness. He takes your failure and creates success!

I am so glad that we serve an awesome and mighty God, who says, “all things work together for good to them that love Him, and to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Ecclesiastes 3:4 says there is a season for every thing in life. There is a time to weep, a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. So no matter situation we are in, let’s take time to dwell on this promise in Psalms 30. Our sorrows, disappointments, tragedies and failures are very real– but they are also “raw material” for a divine transformation that our Lord will accomplish in His time for His glory.

And we WILL dance! God will do it. Our part is simply to wait…believe…and cling tightly to this wonderful promise!

Be Blessed

In remembrance - Cmdr. Amos Pee

It has been six years since our good friend and fellow Royal Ranger Councilman, Cmdr. Amos Pee, has returned to the Lord. Amos is always remembered for his generosity and his desire to help others who are in need. Being a no nonsense person, he is very well known for his "scumbag" quote.

We had good time together with Amos and his family - Phebe and David. The beautiful memories of sharing really good times in Taman Negara, Cameron Highlands and even Sibu Island trip. The times we shared together as close friends and commanders were fabulous.

He was known and loved for his generosity and any visitors to his home would have a struggle on their hands if they tried to leave before he'd fed them! Cmdr. Amos is a good cook and an expert in Chinese tea. His lamb chop is the best lamb chop I have ever tasted. His knowledge of the different Chinese tea blend is indeed amazing. I tell my friend that heaven needs a real good cook....that is why he has to go first.

I am constantly reminded of people that God brings along our path of life. Cmdr. Amos was one of them in my life. I learned the art of giving and blessing others from him.

Amos always desire to see his Royal Rangers outpost, Melaka #1, to strive to new heights in reaching, teaching and keeping children for Christ. He is a councilman who is very strict and there is no excuse when it comes to the life of a child. He always requests the commanders to give their very best so that every child that comes through Royal Rangers will be blessed. He will invest his time and money in the ministry and he is known to be one of the big time patch collectors in Royal Rangers.

On 7th April 2004, I have lost a good friend and a dedicated Royal Rangers Commander. He was such a special person; caring, dedicated, unselfish and sincere. The greatest tribute we can pay Cmdr. Amos is to pray that the seeds he sowed in so many through the years of generosity will result in a rich harvest in the years to come: that would be his lasting desire.

I miss him dearly. May the good Lord bless his soul and keep his family safe in HIS loving arm.

HIS Plan.....!!!!

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

We often develop strategies, game-plans, life-plans – and then, at some obstacle or critical point, we say – “Just stick to the plan!” It’s usually good advice.

Life is always sending unexpected surprises, but praise God, nothing takes Him by surprise. He’s the master planner. Our family might turn against us, our friends let us down, illness, afflictions, problems and “situations” on every side…God still has a plan, for you, and for me.

Joseph is a prime example of life’s surprises. It took 13 years of endurance and character-building for him to fulfill this part of God’s plan. Sold as a slave into Egypt by his own brothers, betrayed and imprisoned, he must have wondered a lot where God was and what He was doing. But finally, as a prepared vessel, Joseph was placed in the highest position in the land, second only to Pharaoh, and commissioned to execute God’s plan for saving the world from famine. So the Lord had surprises of His own. Revealing himself to his brothers, Joseph summed it up beautifully: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good, in order to bring it about as [it is] this day, to save many people alive. .” (Genesis 50:20)

When our situations are difficult to handle and downright impossible to explain, we need to remind ourselves that God said, “I know the plans I have for you.” Through these situations we discover how faithful and sovereign He truly is. He knows what we can handle and He will never give us more. When the test is completed, we come out with character, stronger in faith, more in love, more useful to Him, and ready for our next test.

The fact that we have problems is a sign that we also have a promise. It’s only a matter of time before God reveals His good intentions – so until then, let’s stick to the plan! His !!!

Be Blessed