My favourite verse...

Anger??

Last week I've just encountered an incident that left me wondering how i had reacted the way that is not usually me. I must say that I've come a long way to realise that anger really does go to one extreme if you cannot control it. Last week, i encountered an experience that has taught me love and peace.

What happen was during soccer last week, i happened to make a comment on someone in my team and he got really furious. He felt insulted on his part and on my part, i made that comment to protect a teen that has been hurt(i could have used another approach). That resulted in violent threats from him to fight with me and vulgar vocabulary being thrown at me. I was even pushed and poked in the chest a couple of times. Some others were also being dragged into the commotion. All this while, i kept my cool and refused to retaliate despite his instigation. Finally, after a long negotiation, he cooled down and i apologised to him for that silly comment. He accepted it and he left.

The next day, i woke up abruptly at 5am in the morning recollecting the post traumatic experience. It left me feeling angry and agitated about the whole incident. Negative thoughts ran through my mind as i pictured myself overpowering him with whatever unarmed combat skills that i have acquired. But God whispered into my heart, and i cried out to him. Later that morning, still feeling the soreness in my heart, i picked up my bible and began reading the daily devotions at the back of my bible. There and then God spoke to me and restored me in the following verses...

I was reminded in James 1:19-20... "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be QUICK TO LISTEN, SLOW TO SPEAK and SLOW TO BECOME ANGRY, for man's anger does not bring about THE RIGHTEOUS LIFE THAT GOD DESIRES."

And God was quick to remind me in Romans 12:18..."If it is possible, as far as it DEPENDS ON YOU, live at peace with everyone."

Finally God gave the final punch to my restoration in Romans 14:19..."Let us therefore MAKE EVERY EFFORT to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification."

From there, I've decided that the 'person' is after all still a human loved by God, and i shouldn't judge or discriminate him for whatever he has done. Rather, i should encourage him and reach out to him, so that he would come to know Jesus, who would eventually be his guidance in life.

Isn't God good at dealing with matters of the heart? AMEN!!

Floods and Rivers

Quoting from a book that i read...

"Floods and rivers are both bodies of water. Floods damage. Rivers are useful in many ways. The difference? Focus."

Rivers - flowing in a clear direction. Intensify.
Floods - flowing in every direction. Diversify.

Leaders must learn how to channel their time and energy toward a focused vision

Here is how this principle works... What you focus on expands. If i were to tell you to focus on finding Suzuki Swift cars on the road, you will notice them everywhere because what you focus on expands. So, as leaders, we should focus our time, energy and resources. Expansion is a by-product of realizing, just because we can, doesn't mean we should.

So these questions remains...

1. How many activities are you trying to perform?
2. How thin are you spreading yourself?
3. Are you a flood or a river?

Abstract from "Habitudes - Images that form Leadership Habits and Attitudes"

Attitude!

Blessed New Year!

Welcome 2007!!! It's back to work today!

2006 has passed with many life's lessons that has brought joys and sadness. One thing remains...God's faithfulness in all circumstances and situations! I can't help but to reflect and give thanks to God for his providence and blessings in 2006, how he has guided me and taught me as i struggled with life's expectations. Indeed, i have grown and i am excited as i looked into this new year in anticipation that my God will continue his good works. Praise be to God for he is good!!!

Hallelujah!

"For i know the plans i have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Jesus Christ

God is Good...All the time...and all the time...God is Good!!!

Praise God for a tremendously fun time during the Youth Camp...had lots of laughter during the Celebration Night and lots of good clean fun during the games time. I praise God indeed for the friendships formed between people and for the many lessons that we learnt through sharings and bonding with one another. God is indeed faithful and He has called us not only to be fruitful(good works), but also to be faithful in whatever we do. Let us all look forward to God telling us..."Well done, good and FAITHFUL servant!" Matthew 25:21