Recently I had a business discussion with my superior. We touched on a couple of issues which we were not in alignment and both parties were assertive in our thinking. Although the discussion ended amicably eventually, I knew that there was a point in time during our discussion that I was not respectful in my attitude and heart towards my superior.
Holy Spirit convicted my heart in this area and I knew what I did was not right. I remembered there were 3 separate recent occasions which God spoke to me previously in this area.
Only previously I was reading John Bevere’s Honor’s Reward and I like what he wrote: Therefore the fear of the Lord in a person’s heart says to its leader, “I ‘m aware of the authority on you that it originates from God. Therefore you already have my respect and honor. You don’t have to earn it.”
You give respect to the superiors that were assigned over you. You do not wait for them to earn your respect.
Elder Timothy shared in one of Saturday meetings:
3 John 1:2 “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”
He mentioned our soul would encompass attitudes, character, habits, thinking, social skills etc that would affect our success in life. God cares about our soul as much as He cares about our spirit. He knew that receiving His salvation is one thing while leading a successful life in the secular world is another area we need to learn. Hence God says, “… just as your soul prospers.”
And this area will involve the renewing of our minds.
Romans 12:2, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Pastor Amos shared in one of the Sunday service:
Haggai 1:5, “Now therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts: “Consider your ways! …”
Psalm 127:1, “Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain.
From the above scriptures, we can infer that even if we are in God’s will to be in a particular role or position in a company waiting to be promoted within the same company or to other places, “ If God is not with us”, meaning if we do not do it through God’s way, we too are wasting time.
From all the seeds that was sowed in me from hearing the Word from my leaders and in so many different ways, it was definitely an affirmation to what my heart tells me to do.
The next day, I decided to apologize to my superior first thing in the morning when I reach the office. Although there were so many meetings going on throughout the day, I eventually got the opportunity to do so during lunch. My superior was surprised and said he did not feel that I was disrespectful in any way. He felt it was a business discussion and hence it could sometimes get serious. However I knew I did the right thing regardless.
Anonymous
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
God gave me strength to face my adversaries
A couple of months after resigning my previous job as a financial planner, I started to work at my relative’s restaurant as a waiter. It was not an office job but I was grateful to God and my relative for suggesting me to help him. After all, I needed the money for my living expenses.
It was all going well until one day, my ex boss and some of my ex colleagues came to patronize the restaurant that I was working in. I grasped when I saw them. One of the reason why I resigned from my previous job was I could not get along well with my ex boss style of management. It was not a very amicable departure from my previous job.
I head back into the kitchen. I do not feel good to meet my ex boss again and I started to ask God, “God, why is this happening? It will be so awkward for me to serve him.” At that instance, I could feel the presence of God surrounding me. At the same time, there was a sense of supernatural peace welling up in my heart. The following verse came into my mind as if God was teaching me.
Philippians 2:13-15, “for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,”
With the renewed strength, I went out to greet my ex boss and my ex colleagues and serve them. And I make sure I do a good job with a smile on my face. I did it with joy in my heart. However I did not expect what was about to come at me.
While I was serving tea, my ex boss said to me, “I observed you and you are so fast and hardworking in our new job. I think if you had adopted the same attitude working for me as you are right now, you would not have landed into this state.”
I was shocked momentarily. He made the statement purposefully with the full awareness of everyone sitting at the table. Looking back, it was truly amazing how I could keep my cool and continue to serve them with a genuine smile on my face. The peace of God in me and His presence was so strong. True strength comes when adversity hits. I had to do what I was paid for and the peace of God shielded me from the shame.
After my ex boss and ex colleagues left, I did not complain or dwell on the unnecessary hurtful remarks made on me. Instead, I just had this compassion to pray for them to know Jesus one day and start developing a relationship with God. Praise God. God was teaching me to look at things through His eyes. Who knows all of them who have witnessed the event might start thinking why I could respond in this manner despite the deliberate shame my ex boss tried to put on me; and hopefully they will realize it was because of Jesus.
Anonymous
It was all going well until one day, my ex boss and some of my ex colleagues came to patronize the restaurant that I was working in. I grasped when I saw them. One of the reason why I resigned from my previous job was I could not get along well with my ex boss style of management. It was not a very amicable departure from my previous job.
I head back into the kitchen. I do not feel good to meet my ex boss again and I started to ask God, “God, why is this happening? It will be so awkward for me to serve him.” At that instance, I could feel the presence of God surrounding me. At the same time, there was a sense of supernatural peace welling up in my heart. The following verse came into my mind as if God was teaching me.
Philippians 2:13-15, “for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,”
With the renewed strength, I went out to greet my ex boss and my ex colleagues and serve them. And I make sure I do a good job with a smile on my face. I did it with joy in my heart. However I did not expect what was about to come at me.
While I was serving tea, my ex boss said to me, “I observed you and you are so fast and hardworking in our new job. I think if you had adopted the same attitude working for me as you are right now, you would not have landed into this state.”
I was shocked momentarily. He made the statement purposefully with the full awareness of everyone sitting at the table. Looking back, it was truly amazing how I could keep my cool and continue to serve them with a genuine smile on my face. The peace of God in me and His presence was so strong. True strength comes when adversity hits. I had to do what I was paid for and the peace of God shielded me from the shame.
After my ex boss and ex colleagues left, I did not complain or dwell on the unnecessary hurtful remarks made on me. Instead, I just had this compassion to pray for them to know Jesus one day and start developing a relationship with God. Praise God. God was teaching me to look at things through His eyes. Who knows all of them who have witnessed the event might start thinking why I could respond in this manner despite the deliberate shame my ex boss tried to put on me; and hopefully they will realize it was because of Jesus.
Anonymous
I was asked why churches are so rich nowadays and why should mega church pastors be paid so much
Recently I met up with a group of old friends for dinner. I was the only Christian among them and one of them brought up the topic of rich mega churches in Singapore and well paid pastors. Another one brought up the topic of churches using GIRO approach to take out 10% of church members salary. Having heard this, it was a rare opportunity to share with them more about God. I told them I tithe and give to my church as well and took the opportunity to share my testimony with them.
However looking back at what I have shared, I thought about how I could have expressed myself better in several areas and deliver God’s Word in a more presentable way..
1 Peter 3:15. “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;”
Given another opportunity, I would share it like this.
I tithe 10% of my salary to my church. Gross, not net; and on top of it, I give as and when God leads me. The next thing you might or might not ask me is why I you do this? Isn’t it crazy to enter a religion and give 10% of my salary to the church just because the bible says so?
One point which I would like to highlight is while the bible did speak about tithing and giving, I give out of my heart willingly. It was an inside out decision rather than just because the bible or pastor says so. It did not begin with following a set of do and don’t rules.
2 Corinthians 9:7, “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”
The second point and the most important point was this willingness originates purely from my personal relationship with God. God changed my life and I want to bless the church so that they have the finances to reach out to more people to experience the love of God in their lives. The gospel is free but the channel is not. Brochures, rental of function rooms, mission trips etc requires finances.
I am not in a position to judge how much salary a pastor should draw. However I know that accepting and knowing God truly brings about a change in a person’s life. Imagine a successful millionaire who had a son who wastes money unnecessary, indulge in unpleasant habits, disrespectful and got into trouble with the law every now and then. After years of trying to correct his son, the situation just got worse and the millionaire was literally helpless. One day, his son happened to meet the pastor through coincidence. They chatted and the pastor took the opportunity to share the gospel with this boy. This boy being touched by the love of God, decided to accept Jesus as his God. He went home, told his father what happened, repented and gradually changed over time. To the millionaire, it was a miracle. He was so thankful to this Jesus that he became a Christian as well. Not only that he wanted to bless the pastor and the church financially out of his gratitude because that was what he thought he had to offer. Easily he could give a million dollars to the church and another million to the pastor to spend. The pastor became rich overnight. We all know that there are things in life that money cannot buy.
Thereafter, I would share my own testimony on how God changed my life.
Malachi 3:10-12, “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the LORD of hosts, “ If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it. “ And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the LORD of hosts; And all nations will call you blessed, For you will be a delightful land,” Says the LORD of hosts.
Thereafter, I would share my own testimonies on how God has proven His faithfulness in blessing my career, business, and other needs of my life through supernatural favor. I would also share the steadiness and peacefulness in the midst of chaos. I read some where in a book which speaks of a picture that best describes such a situation. A painting of a bird hiding safely in the cleft of the rocks while the thunder storm and waves rage violently against the rocks all around it.
When the opportunity arises again, I believe that the above preparation would give people a more complete understanding on the subject of tithing and giving; as well as putting the criticism of an “overpaid” pastor in a better perspective.
JY
However looking back at what I have shared, I thought about how I could have expressed myself better in several areas and deliver God’s Word in a more presentable way..
1 Peter 3:15. “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;”
Given another opportunity, I would share it like this.
I tithe 10% of my salary to my church. Gross, not net; and on top of it, I give as and when God leads me. The next thing you might or might not ask me is why I you do this? Isn’t it crazy to enter a religion and give 10% of my salary to the church just because the bible says so?
One point which I would like to highlight is while the bible did speak about tithing and giving, I give out of my heart willingly. It was an inside out decision rather than just because the bible or pastor says so. It did not begin with following a set of do and don’t rules.
2 Corinthians 9:7, “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”
The second point and the most important point was this willingness originates purely from my personal relationship with God. God changed my life and I want to bless the church so that they have the finances to reach out to more people to experience the love of God in their lives. The gospel is free but the channel is not. Brochures, rental of function rooms, mission trips etc requires finances.
I am not in a position to judge how much salary a pastor should draw. However I know that accepting and knowing God truly brings about a change in a person’s life. Imagine a successful millionaire who had a son who wastes money unnecessary, indulge in unpleasant habits, disrespectful and got into trouble with the law every now and then. After years of trying to correct his son, the situation just got worse and the millionaire was literally helpless. One day, his son happened to meet the pastor through coincidence. They chatted and the pastor took the opportunity to share the gospel with this boy. This boy being touched by the love of God, decided to accept Jesus as his God. He went home, told his father what happened, repented and gradually changed over time. To the millionaire, it was a miracle. He was so thankful to this Jesus that he became a Christian as well. Not only that he wanted to bless the pastor and the church financially out of his gratitude because that was what he thought he had to offer. Easily he could give a million dollars to the church and another million to the pastor to spend. The pastor became rich overnight. We all know that there are things in life that money cannot buy.
Thereafter, I would share my own testimony on how God changed my life.
Malachi 3:10-12, “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the LORD of hosts, “ If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it. “ And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the LORD of hosts; And all nations will call you blessed, For you will be a delightful land,” Says the LORD of hosts.
Thereafter, I would share my own testimonies on how God has proven His faithfulness in blessing my career, business, and other needs of my life through supernatural favor. I would also share the steadiness and peacefulness in the midst of chaos. I read some where in a book which speaks of a picture that best describes such a situation. A painting of a bird hiding safely in the cleft of the rocks while the thunder storm and waves rage violently against the rocks all around it.
When the opportunity arises again, I believe that the above preparation would give people a more complete understanding on the subject of tithing and giving; as well as putting the criticism of an “overpaid” pastor in a better perspective.
JY
I have been thinking how God leads us in His will
Recently I have been seeking God for directions in my life. I am not seeing things happening as fast or as what I would have desired. During my quiet time, God brought me to the knowledge of the scripture below.
Psalm 139:16, “Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.”
When I first read this, it seems to me that how we are going to live each day has already been planned for us by God. This would be something that the secular world would call it “fate”. This means that whatever I do and how things will turn up in my life has already been “predestined”. If my business does well, it will be luck. If my business does not perform. It is fated. If someone met an accident or contracted certain diseases, it is fated or unlucky.
I started to ponder and mediate on the scriptures as I do not think this is what the scripture meant and how God wants us to lead our lives. It will be a hopeless one. So I started asking God and He gave me some answers as time passes.
Firstly, there is no mention of “luck” in the bible. God wants us to prosper in all things, just as our soul prospers. He delights in our prosperity.
Psalm 35:27, “Let the LORD be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.”
Deuteronomy 8:18, “Ad you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth”
Someone has asked me, “Why some non Christians are still able to make so much money and be so successful in their careers and businesses even though they are not Christians?” My answer was, “Probably God knows that He could only touch these people at those times of their lives.”
Secondly, the way I see Psalm 139:16 is God has given each one of us a specific calling in our life; even before we are born and that is His will for our lives. A calling which each of us need to find out what God wants us to do. Very often, this calling has the purpose of glorifying His name. For example, you might be called to be a successful businessman to finance the expansion of the kingdom of God. Or you might be called to be a teacher to touch the lives of students because you have the gift of interacting with kids.
Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Who needs future and who needs hope? Us. And how do we define what future or desires we hope to achieve? By thinking about it.
Ephesians 3:20, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,”
This means that each time we think of new dreams, God can make it bigger and better than that. When we are young, we dream of toys to buy. When we get a little older, we dream of getting good grades, good life partner, successful career, happy family and the list never ends.
In this way when we are very certain of God’s will in our lives and we think of our dreams that are aligned with God’s will, we can have the confidence that our dreams will come to pass eventually in spite of challenges, circumstances or situations that might seem otherwise. For His ways are higher than our ways.
Isaiah 55:8-9, ““For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.”
I am encouraged by His words.
Steve
Psalm 139:16, “Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.”
When I first read this, it seems to me that how we are going to live each day has already been planned for us by God. This would be something that the secular world would call it “fate”. This means that whatever I do and how things will turn up in my life has already been “predestined”. If my business does well, it will be luck. If my business does not perform. It is fated. If someone met an accident or contracted certain diseases, it is fated or unlucky.
I started to ponder and mediate on the scriptures as I do not think this is what the scripture meant and how God wants us to lead our lives. It will be a hopeless one. So I started asking God and He gave me some answers as time passes.
Firstly, there is no mention of “luck” in the bible. God wants us to prosper in all things, just as our soul prospers. He delights in our prosperity.
Psalm 35:27, “Let the LORD be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.”
Deuteronomy 8:18, “Ad you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth”
Someone has asked me, “Why some non Christians are still able to make so much money and be so successful in their careers and businesses even though they are not Christians?” My answer was, “Probably God knows that He could only touch these people at those times of their lives.”
Secondly, the way I see Psalm 139:16 is God has given each one of us a specific calling in our life; even before we are born and that is His will for our lives. A calling which each of us need to find out what God wants us to do. Very often, this calling has the purpose of glorifying His name. For example, you might be called to be a successful businessman to finance the expansion of the kingdom of God. Or you might be called to be a teacher to touch the lives of students because you have the gift of interacting with kids.
Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Who needs future and who needs hope? Us. And how do we define what future or desires we hope to achieve? By thinking about it.
Ephesians 3:20, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,”
This means that each time we think of new dreams, God can make it bigger and better than that. When we are young, we dream of toys to buy. When we get a little older, we dream of getting good grades, good life partner, successful career, happy family and the list never ends.
In this way when we are very certain of God’s will in our lives and we think of our dreams that are aligned with God’s will, we can have the confidence that our dreams will come to pass eventually in spite of challenges, circumstances or situations that might seem otherwise. For His ways are higher than our ways.
Isaiah 55:8-9, ““For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.”
I am encouraged by His words.
Steve
My preferred approach vs my boss’s instructions
A couple of months ago, I was assigned an additional job role in developing a new business with a range of new products. I realized I had passion in this new role and I was extremely motivated to do a good job. Within 3 months, I created a marketing proposal that earned the praise and approval from the higher management. I was so convinced that this business could take off. At that point in time, I knew that the grace of God was upon this project. Moreover I felt that this was the direction God wants me to embark on.
Just upon finishing my project, my new boss arrived. He did not agree with putting any more resources into this new business and wanted me to focus on other areas. I had to pull my brakes on the plans that I have made in developing this new business. Nonetheless, I spent hours trying to convince him and even went to the extent of using other channels to bring my personal opinion across.
However I came to the realization that things were not going in the direction that I wanted and I begin to wonder. On one hand I thought I felt that God is leading me to bring this new business project to greater heights. On the other hand, it seems like I am not submitting to my boss’s instructions and trying to get my ways across if not around. Perhaps I was being too stubborn. Holy Spirit started to convict me in 2 areas:
Firstly, Jesus did not insist on His way but He sought God’s leading and direction. He was reluctant to go to the cross but He chose to obey.
Luke 22:41-42, “And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.””
Secondly, the bible tells us to obey our bosses.
Colossians 3:22-24, “Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
It was not biblical for me not to submit to my boss wishes and orders if they are not against the ways of God.
I struggled for quite some time. Eventually, I told God, “Father, I give up on my own agenda. There is no point arguing with my boss or to be antagonistic. Whatever my boss asks me to do, I will do so without murmuring or complaining for the bible teaches us to submit to higher authorities. I will yield to your Word”
The grace of God is certainly on me to start out the new business but it might not be His will for me to embark further on this new business. I am still finding out.
Anonymous
Just upon finishing my project, my new boss arrived. He did not agree with putting any more resources into this new business and wanted me to focus on other areas. I had to pull my brakes on the plans that I have made in developing this new business. Nonetheless, I spent hours trying to convince him and even went to the extent of using other channels to bring my personal opinion across.
However I came to the realization that things were not going in the direction that I wanted and I begin to wonder. On one hand I thought I felt that God is leading me to bring this new business project to greater heights. On the other hand, it seems like I am not submitting to my boss’s instructions and trying to get my ways across if not around. Perhaps I was being too stubborn. Holy Spirit started to convict me in 2 areas:
Firstly, Jesus did not insist on His way but He sought God’s leading and direction. He was reluctant to go to the cross but He chose to obey.
Luke 22:41-42, “And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.””
Secondly, the bible tells us to obey our bosses.
Colossians 3:22-24, “Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
It was not biblical for me not to submit to my boss wishes and orders if they are not against the ways of God.
I struggled for quite some time. Eventually, I told God, “Father, I give up on my own agenda. There is no point arguing with my boss or to be antagonistic. Whatever my boss asks me to do, I will do so without murmuring or complaining for the bible teaches us to submit to higher authorities. I will yield to your Word”
The grace of God is certainly on me to start out the new business but it might not be His will for me to embark further on this new business. I am still finding out.
Anonymous
I could only share with my friend how to ask God for help in times of need
I had the opportunity to know a friend of mine better recently. From our conversation, he was convinced that life is like a rat race. I tried to share with him that there is another life that he could lead through knowing Christ Jesus. A life of hope and joy with the confidence of knowing God is with you in good times as well as seeing you through bad times.
John 10:10, “… I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
John 16:33, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.””
However I could feel that the Word was not getting into him. I could not even put my thoughts across in a manner that I wanted because I was constantly interrupted by my friend. Prayer for my friend is necessary in this case. In the end, I just managed to share with him how to ask God for help in times of need perhaps not now but in future.
From what I have personally experienced and from some of the testimonies that I have heard, if a person reaches a point of desperation that he humbly comes before God and seek His help sincerely, even though the person does not know God personally, I believe God will respond in such situations. He is just waiting for the right opportunity to touch the lost.
Psalm 51:17, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart - these, O God, You will not despise.”
Of course it will be a different case if it is a case of tempting God like what Satan did.
Matthew 4:5-7, “Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written:
‘ He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and, ‘ In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’”
Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the LORD your God.’””
SL
John 10:10, “… I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
John 16:33, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.””
However I could feel that the Word was not getting into him. I could not even put my thoughts across in a manner that I wanted because I was constantly interrupted by my friend. Prayer for my friend is necessary in this case. In the end, I just managed to share with him how to ask God for help in times of need perhaps not now but in future.
From what I have personally experienced and from some of the testimonies that I have heard, if a person reaches a point of desperation that he humbly comes before God and seek His help sincerely, even though the person does not know God personally, I believe God will respond in such situations. He is just waiting for the right opportunity to touch the lost.
Psalm 51:17, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart - these, O God, You will not despise.”
Of course it will be a different case if it is a case of tempting God like what Satan did.
Matthew 4:5-7, “Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written:
‘ He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and, ‘ In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’”
Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the LORD your God.’””
SL
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