Showing posts with label proverbs. Show all posts
Monday, February 4, 2013
All About Positivity
Isn't it great that when you wake up in the morning, positive vibrations are embracing you that will make the entire day full of happiness? Actually, we are the one who decides this kind of instance. We should be thankful that God gave us another day to enjoy His presence and witness the beauty of the world. We have known that this game called life has a straight and short path towards to His Kingdom but it has a lot of challenges and obstacles that we must overcome and believe me, they aren't easy. But the good thing is that we have the power to cultivate positive thinking and looking every situation in the positive side, that's positivity and optimism.
When you are happy at the start of the day, good things will come next. Love can easily be shown to others and a smile can erase a frown. Can you imagine yourself with a sad face the entire day? That is really bad; don't let the situation crush you. In Proverbs 17:22, it says there that "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." If you will let others define your day, then it will only lead to a bad thing. We can start our day by a prayer and reading the bible. It is really good to have devotion in the morning (though I'm not saying night time isn't good) because your mind and heart are still fresh and it feels so good to feed them His words and a joyful soul will follow.
Also, don't worry about everything. Be confident that He will always be there to guide us and that we should be thankful for the blessings that we are receiving instead of questioning of what we don't have. Worrying will not add a single minute into our lives so why waste it? As they say, time is gold and it also says in Philippians 4:6, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." He is just there, waiting for us to ask and a simple thanks will fill His heart with gladness. It is always better to be positive than negative.
For the past few weeks, I've been very sad for no apparent reason (uhmmm, maybe because I was sick hehe) but I think I had some obstacles and I am very happy as I was able to overcome them. There is nothing I cannot do without His help (Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all this through him who gives me strength"). I was having this feeling of negativity but I said, hey, why would I let this single thing ruin my day than to enjoy the life that He gave me? I must stand up and try to be the best person that I should be for His eyes. Believe me friends, it is always good to smile and have a positive outlook. It is your choice to be positive or negative about life, ask yourself, which will give you hope, strength and more wisdom? It is okay to be sad for a while (maybe 30 seconds) but remember these two important words: confidence and faith.
Image taken from enoughisenoughau.blogspot.com
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Handling Criticism
Many of us, for sure, aren't a fan of criticisms. Most of the times, those critiques were unacceptable and being given to us even without asking. Our initial reaction was to reject it especially if those words were harsh and in the stage of stepping on our ego. This may also lead to violent response that might cause committing sins. It is very important to pay attention when we are receiving criticisms. Another result could be a force examination of our weakness and question our abilities and strengths. But isn't it a good thing? It can also help us to comprehend where we stand and identify those things that need improvement. We can also prevent in doing the same mistake if we listen carefully.
Our leaders or other believers might criticize us and we need to penetrate in our mind those words if such opinion can bring us to spiritual growth and unleash our potentials. This kind of attitude is strongly expressed in Proverbs 10:17-18 (17 Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray. 18 Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.)
But hey, it doesn't mean that all criticisms are valid and correct. But as a Christian, it is substantial to know how to respond and assess those things. Don't play the blame game, reject immediately or defend yourself. Primary thing to do is ask God if He is telling something for you then give thanks to that person who took time in showing interest to you and inform him/her that you will reflect on such observation. During the evaluation of criticism, consider important things such as your beliefs, character, lessons you've learned and His teachings. Criticisms could be an opportunity for growth and we must apologize if necessary.
I used to reject criticisms before even I analyze it and that was totally wrong. My church mates in Singapore used to give opinions and provide necessary explanation for some things that I didn't understand. But I have learned that lesson and we should accept things that can prosper and progress us in our journey to maturity. So the next time someone complained about a food that you cooked, take it as an opportunity to improve your skills and never hate that person or swear that you will never cook again.
Image taken from smashinghub.com
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Strenght & Joy
Today is a very challenging moment, haha... I only had 2 hours of sleep (blame it on the TV series Spartacus, yeah I did a marathon). After a month of "no coffee", I decided that I need one today and to reward myself (mahirap kayang walang kape for a month!). But eventually, I asked myself, what is the purpose? To keep me awake? To give me strength for today? To keep my eyes open? Then eventually, something gave me the urge to pray (yes, in my office desk!) and there I found out that true strength shouldn't come from a coffee but only from Him. I was reminded of my favorite verse (I think I have many favorite verses), Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength". Lately, I am having difficulty with my training as some of the business ideas and system functionalities were new to me but when I pray for wisdom, alas! I can do the tasks perfectly and can understand clearly the ebooks I was reading and the videos I was watching. Clearly, all things in life should be trusted on Him and pray for wisdom, pray for clarity and pray for everything as all of these are a piece of cake to Him. Remember Proverbs 3:5? (Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding), isn't it wonderful that we just need to trust on Him and rest assured that everything will be alright? Isn't it a great feeling that there is someone whom we can trust and relay all our questions and problems? I have read all these verses before and I'm sure you also did (parang gasgas na kumbaga) but still, His words are powerful as always. Maybe we understand it differently but I am sure that it leads to one common goal and purpose. What I have learned today is that there are two ways to overcome challenges (whether if it is small or a huge one), first is to seek strength from Him (1 Chronicles 16:11 - "Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually) and second is to have a joyful heart, be glad and enjoy the life He has given to us, contiue to smile and forget all the worries (Proverbs 17:22 - "A joyful heart is a good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones"). Have a great week ahead!
Monday, May 7, 2012
Why Lifegroup/Small group is Important?
The moment I knew that I was transferring to Dubai, my first concern was to look for a church. I felt that I need to sharpen this burning passion that I have in serving Him. As a believer, it is our worthy goal of becoming a godly person and we recognized that prayer and bible study are the major factors in achieving this objective. But did you know that right relationship is a critical part in our journey toward godliness? I believe that sometimes, we experience that friends, family members and co-workers may hinder us to walk closely in His path. Based on a survey, Christians here in Dubai is only about 10 to 15 percent and by that, I am surrounded with people who do not share my beliefs and values. And I felt that I need relationships that will keep this buring passion and that will challenge me to become the person God wants me to be. Sadly, some of the believers interact with other level such as just to enjoy the company and share common interests. But we need relationships that are based more than that, we need people that will encourage and build us up in our faith.
In Proverbs 27:17, it says there that "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another". These relationships can lead to a great level of friendships and can counsel us based upon God's words. They will give you advise but sometimes it is not that comfortable to hear those words but hey its beneficial and leans within the words of Him. They are not afraid to speak the truth even if it is painful to hear. Isn't it a good thing to be honest and be surrounded with people that wants you to become a better person and that leads you to his wonderful path? Also, if we got off track, or got into a very disheartening moment, they will confront us and lead us to the right direction. In times of suffering and difficulty, they are always on our side, comforting us and provide useful advise and constanly reminds us that He has a greater plan for everything and it will be revealed on His perfect timing. In times of trials, they will encoureage us to stand still and they could walk with us through all the process until we claim victory. Such friends are priceless treasures.
Isn't it a wonderful thing how our lives are being changed by these people? So right now, I am happy that I have a small group not just to have companions because I'm lonely but also to be surrounded with people that I believe will direct me to the BEST way. Let's continue to attend this lifegroup and be excited about shepherding or one to one. Now, ask yourselves this, what kind of relationship I have? If I don't have this kind of relationship, what might have happened to me? Just remember guys that we were not created to walk alone on our Christian journey.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Commitment
Proverbs 16:3 - Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Commitment is following Jesus. I know that committing entirely to Him isn't that easy but we should always make it to a point to do the best that we can and to have an inner fulfillment. It is also a choice between following His ways or pursue our ways. Commitment builds up faith and develops character. It is a spiritual discipline requiring time, work and determination. For several instances, we can't really commit to God the way we want to be due to some factors. Such as time, as sometimes we prioritize "other activities" rather than serving Him and we always say that we don't have enough time due to work, household chores and the best excuse is that we were tired. Everyday is a blessing from Him, so why don't we commit our daily plans for Him as a start. Commit everything that we do and always put Him in our every action and let Him guide us. Some ways that will be helpful to develop our commitment are reading the bible, pray daily, serve Him, come to Church and focus to heaven which means give to Him your full trust and focus on Him despite the trials, let's set our eyes only unto Him.
1 Peter 4:19 - So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. In our Christian life, there will always be challenges, expect obstacles in life and be prepared for any trials. In these moments, we should be reminded that our Lord is bigger than our problems that whatever it takes, put your trust only to Him and continue to soar high by serving Him and totally commit everything to Him. Suffering is a temporary instance, but as soon as we overcome it, the fulfillment and joy is indescribable. The feeling that we were able to survive without compromising our commitments to Him will be a tremendous accomplishment.
Psalm 37:5 - Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this. In reality, we have multiple commitments, we want to be committed to family, church, personal growth, community, etc. These commitments are good but not equally good. Yes, sometimes we fail to commit on such manner that we consider family first before the church, girlfriend/boyfriend comes first before the church, etc. The best thing that we can do is to balance our time. Always monitor what we need to do at each particular moment. We should be reminded that there is one commitment that always takes priority, that should never be compromised and that is our commitment to God. This comes before all other commitments — and in fact it is because we are committed to God that we also want to keep our commitments in all the other areas. Commitment to God is the foundation for all the others, for why we do them - and how we can be successful in managing our multiple commitments. Put God first.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Friends-SG
It's been more than three years now since I started working here in Singapore. I started without any friends, I was on my own. During my first few weeks in my first employer, I was able to find true, good and genuine friends. I instantly had a nice relationship with them. My SG friends list started to increase. I truly believe that being surrounded with good friends, the life is so much easier. I mostly turn into them for some advise and seek their opinions and comments on anything. Everytime I am having some difficulties, I run to them. In Proverbs 17:17 (A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need), it was pointed out that true friends will always be there for you. Everytime I knock on the door of their hearts, an open hand always embraces me, ready to help me and lift me up (not literally haha).
In return, I also ensure that I can help my friends in the best way that I can. Whether if it is spiritual advise, monetary or a shoulder to cry on. I am truly blessed that I have these friends. But we should always be careful to choose who should we be friends with, we must choose wisely as it mentioned in Proverbs 18:24, "There are friends who destroy each other, but a real friends sticks closer than a brother". I am definitely sure that I have the most genuine friends in the world. Living alone in a foreign country is not easy, you are miles away from your family and it is really a good thing to have a treasure besides you. In my three years here, I've been through a lot, I encountered numerous problems but with the help of my friends I was able to survive.
Though sometimes there will be misunderstanding or "tampuhan" moments, in my opinion, these trials strengthens the friendship. This was emphasized in Proverbs 27:17 (As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend) that we should be opened to our trusted friends' judgement or opinion, this is just to mold us in the ways that we believe will be beneficial for us. It was clearly stated in Proverbs 27:5-6, "Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses." Some arguments maybe useful to enlighten us of the correct path and decision that we should take. That's a REAL friend, who is always honest and love you for whoever you are and can accept your past without further questions.
To my friends here in Singapore whom I know for more than 3 years now, thank you so much! I appreciate your friendship, I appreciate the help and I will treasure it forever. (Why do I sounds like I'm leaving SG?).
In return, I also ensure that I can help my friends in the best way that I can. Whether if it is spiritual advise, monetary or a shoulder to cry on. I am truly blessed that I have these friends. But we should always be careful to choose who should we be friends with, we must choose wisely as it mentioned in Proverbs 18:24, "There are friends who destroy each other, but a real friends sticks closer than a brother". I am definitely sure that I have the most genuine friends in the world. Living alone in a foreign country is not easy, you are miles away from your family and it is really a good thing to have a treasure besides you. In my three years here, I've been through a lot, I encountered numerous problems but with the help of my friends I was able to survive.
Though sometimes there will be misunderstanding or "tampuhan" moments, in my opinion, these trials strengthens the friendship. This was emphasized in Proverbs 27:17 (As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend) that we should be opened to our trusted friends' judgement or opinion, this is just to mold us in the ways that we believe will be beneficial for us. It was clearly stated in Proverbs 27:5-6, "Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses." Some arguments maybe useful to enlighten us of the correct path and decision that we should take. That's a REAL friend, who is always honest and love you for whoever you are and can accept your past without further questions.
To my friends here in Singapore whom I know for more than 3 years now, thank you so much! I appreciate your friendship, I appreciate the help and I will treasure it forever. (Why do I sounds like I'm leaving SG?).
Sunday, July 24, 2011
As Good As It Gets
For most of my friends, I am a jolly person and seems like I don't have any problems at all. I can make you laugh, put bright lights in your days and uplift your spirit. For the last two lifegroups that we had, I served as a discussion leader and these last two topics are portraying and working in my life right now.
Nothing to worry. In Matthew 6:34, states "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own". These past few days, I've been in these what we call "obstacles" in our lives. There are lot of things that I need to do, need to accomplish, need to finish and need to execute. I know that I shouldn't worry about what will come cause my faith in Him is hundred percent. I'm thankful that I have these people around me who can still uplift my days and provide me even a little piece of happiness. Yes, I need those people not just to forget my worries but also to see that there will always be a sunshine after the storm. In Proverbs 12:25, "Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up." Instead of sitting in the corner and continue to think of these problems, why don't we talk to someone whom we trust, share your emotions and be encouraged with their lives. I believe that worrying is useless and just a waste of time. You will not accomplish anything, time is running and can't put additional hour in our life after the crying moments and self pity. Worry is like a rocking char, it gives you something to do but it doesn't get you anywhere. I sometimes realize that worrying may lead to questioning my trust in Him, so I just get up, think of positive things and believing He is working and preparing something good for me. I saw this one FP post from my friend: "Hope is wishing something would happen. Faith is believing it will happen. Courage is making it happen. Love makes it easy.". We need the complete recipe in achieving positive attitudes, we can make it, I can make it and as Mariah said "I can make it through the rain".
I'm fine, thanks. Most of men can't show real feelings and emotions to others. I can say that I am one of them. I am very, very good in hiding my emotions. If you see me quiet and ask me if I'm okay, I will say 'yes! and everything's fine'. But deep down inside me I know I'm undergoing a lot of stress. I'm not saying that I'm a 'plastic' person, maybe I am trying to stand firm and believing that I can do everything thru Him. I'm not sure if I am showing two sides of me and showing different personalities to different group of people, friends and even to my family. We are all a work in progress. Can you believe that before, I can't show to my sister my 'Christian' side and was afraid to show her what's something new to me? I was afraid to show her that I have changed and I'm reading bible and I am now praying in new ways (before it was a 'memorized' prayer). In Matthew 6:5, "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full". I don't want to be a hypocrite that in front my LG-mates, I can pray with all my heart but in front of my family... nahhh.. I'm shy. It's a good thing that I am now more open to them and can discuss the bible and His lessons and words. As Christians, we should always be showing one face, don't be shy with our ways, be proud and continue to serve Him. Monday, January 31, 2011
Integrity
Integrity, as defined in Wikipedia is a concept of consistency of actions, values, methods, measures, principles, expections and outcomes. In ethics, integrity is regarded as the honesty and truthfulnessof one's action. The definitions seems to be easy to understand but the question is, do we have this positive trait? Our integrity can be measured on the number of promises we have done against the quantity of which we have broken. When we have integrity, we are respected and we have self respect.
This word defines who we are, on what kind of relationship we have to others and how they look into us. This also sometimes serves as a basis and list of all our positive attitudes but it also damages our testimony if we did something that is not on that list, meaning we commited a mistake. It also determines how we react in a situation whether if it is full of pressure or in the midst of crisis. Integrity has four major roles in our life:1. Blesses Us. In Proverbs 20:7 (The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after Him), it describes here that if we are obedient to all His commands and teachings, an overflowing of blessings will be given to us. We should walk in faith with Him and let Him lead us to His path.
2. Judges Us. Job 31:6 - "Let God weigh me in honest scales and He will know that I am blameless". In everything we do, we are answerable to all our actions and these actions will evaluate us how we live our life and what kind of relationship we have with Him. We should always be consistent and don't fall on negativity and don't let others influence you.
3. Protects Us. Psalm 25:21 - "May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you". Once we have integrity, we are protected as we are bound with all the positive attitudes for showing our values and honesty to everyone. As long as we are doing the right thing, we don't have to worry on what will will happen the next day as we have Him in our life.
4. Guides Us. Proverbs 11:3 - "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity." By doing only right things all the time will provide us a guide in every situation. Since the experience of being with Him and living in a rightful way, our decision making becomes matured, more passionate in doing good things and that we have these guidelines on every action we take.
In this fast pacing world right now, we might encounter several situations where choices can be made on how to react on it. With our conversation to others and all the words we are using, are we honest enough? Integrity is a simple word with variety of explanations and definitions but I think the simple way to have it is to do the right things all the time. I admit that I am still a work in progress and it's not easy but we have options and we have God who is always watching us.
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