Being a people-builder requires unselfishness.
I want to give you an objective -- be a people-builder for the rest of your life. Begin by writing down the name of one person you want to help build up, then stop and pray.
Ask God to show you that person's strengths. We always build on our strengths, not on our weaknesses. Write down whatever strengths you've seen in him or her in the past.
Then tell that person, "I've been thinking about you because I really care about you. I wanted to share with you - from my viewpoint - the strengths I see in your life because those strengths determine what God wants us to do in our lives."
Imagine the impact you could have if you would commit yourself to being a people-builder; if you determined to bring out the best in everyone you know; to help people grow and to become what God made them to be.
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Thursday, 16 January 2014
Wednesday, 15 January 2014
Jesus Gives Honest Counsel
Jesus shows us that real friends care enough to confront. Even when it's painful, they'll tell you the truth. They won't let you waste your life in silence.
I've found that correcting another person in a loving way is powerful. Done the right way, it builds people up. The difference between the right and the wrong way is your attitude.
If all you're doing is pointing out faults, then stop. The purpose has to be to correct, not to condemn. You need to ask, "What's my motive in this? Am I correcting him for my benefit or for his benefit?"
A lot of times we want to correct people just because they're being jerks and they're hassling us. We think, "If they would stop being such a jerk, my life would be easier."
That's the wrong motive.
Instead, follow Ephesians 4:15, which says, "Speak the truth in love." So the key to proper correction: Affirm the person; then correct the behavior.
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I've found that correcting another person in a loving way is powerful. Done the right way, it builds people up. The difference between the right and the wrong way is your attitude.
If all you're doing is pointing out faults, then stop. The purpose has to be to correct, not to condemn. You need to ask, "What's my motive in this? Am I correcting him for my benefit or for his benefit?"
A lot of times we want to correct people just because they're being jerks and they're hassling us. We think, "If they would stop being such a jerk, my life would be easier."
That's the wrong motive.
Instead, follow Ephesians 4:15, which says, "Speak the truth in love." So the key to proper correction: Affirm the person; then correct the behavior.
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Monday, 13 January 2014
Jesus Challenged People
I want to encourage you to become a people-builder. It is a gift you can give someone that will last forever.
The key to building up people is kindness -- giving them what they need and not what they deserve. Jesus did three things to build up people; he challenged, encouraged, and spoke honestly. He challenged people to be all God made them to be. God doesn't want you to waste your life!
Challenge your family and friends to live beyond themselves and to discover their strengths and abilities. God has given each of us some special abilities, and he wants us to use them to help each other. We're to pass on to others God's many kinds of blessings.
We all need somebody who will help us discover our gifts and who will challenge us to develop, strengthen, and use them. You can play a critical role in this way by helping the ones you love to discover their strengths and abilities, and then challenging them to use them.
And, help them understand how special their gifts are - that we will all miss out on a blessing if they don't use the gifts God has given them. It's like a singer who never sings; we miss out on the blessing that would come from hearing the voice. We are meant to be a blessing to others.
Source: Rick Warren Daily Devotional 14 Jan 2014
Sunday, 12 January 2014
5 Steps to deal with frustration
Here are five simple steps for dealing with frustrations in your life.
Ask yourself, "Did I cause it?" The Bible says, "A man reaps what he sows." (Galatians 6:7 NIV) We are frustrated by many things in life because we bring them on ourselves.
Ask yourself, "What can I learn from it?" Romans 8:28 says, "All things work together for good." (NIV) There are many bad things in the world, but all things work together. God can even take the negative and turn it into a positive if we will let Him. Use irritation as an opportunity to become more like Christ.
Thank God in the situation. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, "In everything give thanks." (NIV) You don't have to be thankful for a bad situation. But you can be thankful in a bad situation. Frustration may be a blessing in disguise.
Turn the frustration into a funny, a humorous event. The Bible says, "A cheerful heart is good medicine." (Proverbs 17:22 NIV) A sense of humor is God's antidote for anger and frustration.
Ask God to fill you with His love. Why? Because 1 Corinthians 13:5 says, "Love is not easily angered." (NIV) Love is self-giving, not self-serving. We get irritated, because we think everyone and everything has to revolve around us. Love concentrates on the other person.
Jesus faced constant frustrations, but He never got irritated. He always made time for people. We get so preoccupied with our own things that we forget that people are the priority in life.
--
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Ask yourself, "Did I cause it?" The Bible says, "A man reaps what he sows." (Galatians 6:7 NIV) We are frustrated by many things in life because we bring them on ourselves.
Ask yourself, "What can I learn from it?" Romans 8:28 says, "All things work together for good." (NIV) There are many bad things in the world, but all things work together. God can even take the negative and turn it into a positive if we will let Him. Use irritation as an opportunity to become more like Christ.
Thank God in the situation. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, "In everything give thanks." (NIV) You don't have to be thankful for a bad situation. But you can be thankful in a bad situation. Frustration may be a blessing in disguise.
Turn the frustration into a funny, a humorous event. The Bible says, "A cheerful heart is good medicine." (Proverbs 17:22 NIV) A sense of humor is God's antidote for anger and frustration.
Ask God to fill you with His love. Why? Because 1 Corinthians 13:5 says, "Love is not easily angered." (NIV) Love is self-giving, not self-serving. We get irritated, because we think everyone and everything has to revolve around us. Love concentrates on the other person.
Jesus faced constant frustrations, but He never got irritated. He always made time for people. We get so preoccupied with our own things that we forget that people are the priority in life.
Source: Rick Warren Daily Devotional 13 Jan 2014
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Wednesday, 8 January 2014
Giving 17 March 2013
Giving 17 March 2013
So the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror and with miraculous signs and wonders. He brought us to this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey; and now I bring the firstfruits of the soil that you, O LORD, have given me."
- Deut 26: 8-10
Nation of Israel began to give offering to the Lord a, part of that was to bring their firstfruits…
The israelites were thankful to the Lord when they offer their offerings.
When we offer what would be the right attitude and motivation?
So whats in your heart when you give your offerring? Are you expecting something in return?
the idea of giving to the Lord should come from a heart that worships God, not a heart that's looking for something in return.
Point - giving is always an act of worship and thanksgiving, not just a business proposition.
But how can a person truly worship God in giving?
Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.
-Romans 13:7-8
Eg: when we receive our salaries and blessings? What do we do? Are we separating right away what is for the Lord or we pay the bills muna such as gadget bills, credit card, bayad sa bahay, top up, allowance then kong ano yong matira yun nalang para kay Lord? :)
Or is it a good thing to do other way around? Segregate na natin yong para ka Lord then we distribute what is remaining
So para po walang hindrance sa ating generous offerings - let no debt remain outstanding except the continuing debt to love one another.
Amen po ba?
Prayer
Father in heaven, we give back to you in thankfulness on what you have given to us in kindness.
We acknowledge that the world and its resources are not ours but yours, and that you have put us in charge on these things.
Help us to exercise responsibly the authority on what you have provided us.
Let Jesus Christ be the pattern for all our dealings with one another as we live our lives.
Bless the church and the whole congregation and make everyone become a cheerful giver.
Bless the offering we now present back to you, so that they may be used in the work and glory of your Kingdom .
This is our prayer. . . In Jesus name . . . Amen
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So the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror and with miraculous signs and wonders. He brought us to this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey; and now I bring the firstfruits of the soil that you, O LORD, have given me."
- Deut 26: 8-10
Nation of Israel began to give offering to the Lord a, part of that was to bring their firstfruits…
The israelites were thankful to the Lord when they offer their offerings.
When we offer what would be the right attitude and motivation?
So whats in your heart when you give your offerring? Are you expecting something in return?
the idea of giving to the Lord should come from a heart that worships God, not a heart that's looking for something in return.
Point - giving is always an act of worship and thanksgiving, not just a business proposition.
But how can a person truly worship God in giving?
Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.
-Romans 13:7-8
Eg: when we receive our salaries and blessings? What do we do? Are we separating right away what is for the Lord or we pay the bills muna such as gadget bills, credit card, bayad sa bahay, top up, allowance then kong ano yong matira yun nalang para kay Lord? :)
Or is it a good thing to do other way around? Segregate na natin yong para ka Lord then we distribute what is remaining
So para po walang hindrance sa ating generous offerings - let no debt remain outstanding except the continuing debt to love one another.
Amen po ba?
Prayer
Father in heaven, we give back to you in thankfulness on what you have given to us in kindness.
We acknowledge that the world and its resources are not ours but yours, and that you have put us in charge on these things.
Help us to exercise responsibly the authority on what you have provided us.
Let Jesus Christ be the pattern for all our dealings with one another as we live our lives.
Bless the church and the whole congregation and make everyone become a cheerful giver.
Bless the offering we now present back to you, so that they may be used in the work and glory of your Kingdom .
This is our prayer. . . In Jesus name . . . Amen
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Mother's day 2013
Mother's day 2013
The love of a mother is beyond compare
One who dearly loves and is always there
From scraped knees
To falls from trees
A mother cares for all
From "I told you so"
To "That's a no-no! "
A mother answers the call
Mothers cook, mothers clean, some even work a job
Even with all their strength, a mother still knows how to sob
Mothers should be honored for all they have done
Every day of the year, not just one
There is nothing better than a mother's love
For her time on this earth thank God above
A mother's love endures forever
No matter how much I have grown
My mother's love is always shown
She has become a mentor and a guide
Within her always I am able to confide
No better payment for her I can find
Then to love her with heart, and with mind
To the one who bore me; I share my emotion
To the one who raised me; Absolute devotion
To this woman I express my joy
You will always be our "mama"
Sent from my iPad
The love of a mother is beyond compare
One who dearly loves and is always there
From scraped knees
To falls from trees
A mother cares for all
From "I told you so"
To "That's a no-no! "
A mother answers the call
Mothers cook, mothers clean, some even work a job
Even with all their strength, a mother still knows how to sob
Mothers should be honored for all they have done
Every day of the year, not just one
There is nothing better than a mother's love
For her time on this earth thank God above
A mother's love endures forever
No matter how much I have grown
My mother's love is always shown
She has become a mentor and a guide
Within her always I am able to confide
No better payment for her I can find
Then to love her with heart, and with mind
To the one who bore me; I share my emotion
To the one who raised me; Absolute devotion
To this woman I express my joy
You will always be our "mama"
Sent from my iPad
The persistent widow
The persistent widow
Luke 18:1-8 The Parable of the persistent widow
Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, saying: "There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man.
Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, 'Get justice for me from my adversary.'
And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, 'Though I do not fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.' "
Then the Lord said, "Hear what the unjust judge said. And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them?
I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:1-8 NKJV)
INTRODUCTION
Gaano ba tayo ka persistent? (Sigasig)
- never give up
- dont quit
- never surrender
1. Evidently the element of persistence in prayer was very important to
Jesus...
b. As the first verse reads: "Then He spoke a parable to them, that
men always ought to pray and not lose heart..."
Example: life in Singapore is so busy and cannot find time for God
[Are we persistent in our prayers? Do we appreciate the value of such
persistence? Or have we lost heart and don't pray as we ought? Let's
see what we can glean from the parable of "The Persistent Widow"...]
what is our attitude towards prayer?
- do we just pray when we need something from God?
- do we pray even in good times and bad times?
- do we have doubts in our prayers
- prayes with doubt is faithless
I. THE PARABLE ITSELF
A. THE CHARACTER OF THE JUDGE - Lk 18:2
1. One who did not fear God nor regard man
2. An unjust judge, for which this parable is sometimes known as
"The Unjust Judge"
B. THE DISTRESS OF THE WIDOW - Lk 18:3
1. She has some adversary who has wronged her
2. She seeks the aid of the judge to avenge her (katarungan)
C. THE DIFFICULTY SHE FACED - Lk 18:4a
1. The judge would not help her at first (dead ma)
2. Repeated attempts seem to fall on deaf ears
D. AT LAST THE JUDGE HEEDS HER COMPLAINT - Lk 18:4b-5
1. Not out of any sense for what was right in the sight of God or
man
2. But only to avoid being wearied by her constant appeals
[Unlike many of the parables, we are not left on our own to determine
the point of this parable. Jesus Himself makes it clear as we
consider...]
II. THE PARABLE APPLIED
A. HEAR WHAT THE UNJUST JUDGE SAID...
1. He was moved by the persistence of the widow
2. Even when he was not moved by reverence for God or regard for
man
B. SHALL NOT GOD AVENGE HIS OWN ELECT?
1. This is an argument from the lesser to the greater
a. If an unjust judge will heed a persistence widow...
b. ...how much more will a Just God heed His chosen people!
2. Our assurance is even stronger when we note the following
contrasts:
The Widow God's People
a. A stranger a. His elect, 1 Pe 2:9-10
b. Only one b. We are many
c. At a distance c. We can come boldly, He 4:15-16
d. An unjust judge d. A righteous Father
e. On her own e. God is for us, Ro 8:31-32
f. Pleads her own case f. We have an Advocate, Ro 8:34
g. No promise of an answer g. Promise given, Lk 18:8a
h. Access limited h. Access unlimited (can pray to God anytime)
i. Asking provoked judge i. Asking delights God
3. If persistence paid off for the widow, how much more for God's
elect who pray?
C. GOD WILL AVENGE HIS ELECT!
1. He may bear long with the prayers of His persecuted people...
- Lk 18:7b
a. For example, cf. Re 6:9-10
b. His longsuffering may be to give the persecutors time to
repent - 2 Pe 3:9
2. But when His vengeance comes, it will come swiftly!
a. There is a Day coming in which God will take vengeance
- cf. 2 Th 1:7-9
b. And when it comes, there will be "sudden destruction" with
no way of escape - cf. 1 Th 5:1-3
D. BUT WILL THERE BE FAITH ON THE EARTH WHEN HE COMES?
1. The Lord will come, avenging His elect
2. But His delay may prompt some to lose faith (implying lack of
prayer is indicative of a lack of faith!)
3. The Lord's concern over this matter is what prompts this
parable!
a. That men always ought to pray
b. That men not lose heart
CONCLUSION :
1. Have you begun to lose heart? Has your faith weakened?
a. The state of your "prayer life" reveals the true condition of
your faith!
b. If you do not pray "always" (cf. "without ceasing" 1 Th 5:17),
your faith is waning!
2. But the Lord has given us reason to believe in the power of prayer
in this parable...
a. Especially when we are persecuted for the cause of Christ
b. For we do not serve an unjust judge, but a God who has made us
His elect people!
Prayer is simply talking to God our Father. Persist in talking to God until this life comes to an end, when we will all stand before the Judge and there will be justice. This life is like a marathon and to be a Christian is to run through to the end. Persistence plus patience equals perseverance.
May this parable of "The Persistent Widow", along with "The Friend At
Midnight", encourage us never to lose heart and stop praying!
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