Defer your anger

Defer your anger  Scripture:
The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression. Proverbs 19:11

Observation:

This proverb speaks of a situation that each one of us comes across very often – when someone does something or says something that offends us. An insensitive comment, a careless accident, a rude gesture – anything can easily trigger a flash of anger in us, regardless of age or sex, race or religion. It is so easy with react with anger, to shout, to retaliate.

However, the proverb tells us defer the anger. It doesn’t say bottle it up, but defer it, save it for a later, more suitable time. It is dangerous and unhealthy to keep resentment and anger within. When it finally explodes, it will do far more damage then one could possibly realize. The Scripture says “Do not let the sun go down in your anger”. It’s a bit like manna, which when kept overnight goes bad.

There are avenues that can help us release our anger. One excellent way is sports or exercise. Let it out on a punching bag or squash ball. Some find relief in writing it out in words in a diary. Some find a suitable place to just shout out loud. Maybe sing karaoke or in the bathroom at the tops of their voices. Anger creates energy that must be unleashed, and we should find a suitable place to let it go in a way that does not harm anyone. Therefore next time we feel anger rising up, do not retaliate but think of a place to unleash it safely.

The second part of the proverb speaks of forgiveness. As the saying goes, to err is human, to forgive divine. It is the nature of our God in Heaven to forgive, to overlook our transgressions in mercy when we come to him. Who are we to judge our fellow neighbor? At the end, we are all answerable to God alone who judges. When Jesus came, he said some of the most radical things of the day. To a people who were used to “an eye for an eye”, Jesus said “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”

Some things are not easy to forgive of course, and we need to depend on the power of the Holy Spirit to help us forgive. Only after we forgive can we receive healing. Remember, it is to our glory to pass over the transgressions of others and still treat them well in spite of the way they treat us.

Application: Learn to defer anger and release it later safely. Learn to forgive others that our Heavenly Father may forgive us.

Prayer: Lord, help me control my anger and release it in good time. Help me forgive others as You have forgiven me. In Jesus name, Amen.

Open thine eyes

Open thine eyes

Scripture: Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread Proverbs 20:13

Observation: This proverb speaks of two habits, one we must not follow and one that we should. Firstly, we are asked not to love sleep. The consequence of this is poverty. Secondly, we are asked to open our eyes. The reward is that we will be satisfied with bread i.e our needs will be satisfied.

Literally, there are some of us who like to sleep a lot, and the bed is our greatest pleasure. There is nothing wrong with sleeping well. Peaceful sleep is a blessing from the Lord and helps us recover our strength. However, the sleep mentioned here is aimed at those who doze off out of laziness, who fall asleep out of boredom because they will not take the effort to do something of value. Proverbs 6:10-11 says:-Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man. In contrast, the writer before that exhorts us to consider the ant, and its hardworking ways. The ant is always on the look out for food to take home. When we are called to open our eyes, it is to look out for something worthy to do that will be of value to others and to ourselves.

There is a second meaning to “sleep”. Sleep is also mentioned of those who are ignorant of the things that go on around them. Jesus spoke in the parable of the virgins of those who fell asleep and were not ready when the bridegroom came. The Israelites of old were said to be asleep in their sinful ways, not recognizing how far they had fallen from God’s grace. There are many of us who choose to “sleep” or close our eyes to the problems that are around us. Imagine a man who continues to go to work in his own little cubicle, day after day, not realizing that the company has closed down, and everyone else has left. He is in a sense asleep to the reality around him.

“Opening our eyes” can also mean being conscious of the realities around us and being ready for change when it occurs. It means adopting an attitude of continual learning so that we know what’s going on and be equipped when we need to act. Spiritually, “opening our eyes” also means keeping a close relationship with the Lord, constantly seeking opportunities to see where we can serve Him. One of the great principles emphasized in the “Experiencing God” series is that we should constantly look to see where God is working and join him there. By opening our eyes, we aim to be like the men of Isaachar, “who understood the times and knew what Israel should do”.

Application: Open our eyes and always look actively to see where we may add value by serving God or others.

Prayer: Lord, open my eyes that I may see. Show me where You are and help me serve You by serving others.

Labor not to be rich

Labor not to be rich 
Scripture: Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Proverbs 23:4

Observation: This Proverb tells us not to do two things – do not labor to be rich, and cease from your own wisdom. At first glance, the first part of the proverb seems to contradict Proverbs 6 which exhorts us to be like the ant that is hardworking and not like the sluggard which folds his hands to sleep all the time.

However, it is not our labor that is wrong, it is the motive of our labor. There is nothing wrong with working hard to provide for our family to give them good things in life. However, the warning is for those whose motive is to accumulate more and more, to become richer and richer at whatever the cost, even when they already have enough. Jesus said “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world yet lose his soul?”

The desire to be rich continues to cloud the hearts of men. The deceitfulness of wealth is one of the 3 things Jesus said will choke the Word, making it unfruitful. It blinds good men and greed has become the downfall of so many throughout history. Jesus said “No one can have two masters. You cannot serve both God and mammon”. Mammon means money. Does money serve us or do we serve money? The person who labors to be rich is serving mammon.  

Tithing and giving is a good test of our hearts. How easily we give to God and to others also tests how attached we are to money. When we don’t have enough, tithing is a test of faith. When we already have much more than we need, tithing is a test of greed. In fact, the rich should give much more than 10% but many can’t even give 10% because money blinds them. The rich man who labors not to be rich but to serve God has this thought in his heart “how will I earn more that I may bless others more?” Consider the example of Pastor Rick Warren who became mega-rich through his PDL books. He refused to change his lifestyle, and only keep 10% of his income while giving the rest away to worthy causes.

Now moving on to the second part: cease from thy own wisdom. We have two choices in our thinking. Do it independently in our own mind only or consider God. An excellent and famous Proverb reads “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own outstanding. Consider the Lord in all your ways and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 We are called to always consider the Lord in our thoughts and decisions, and seek His counsel and blessing.

Application: Labor, but not to be rich, but to serve God and bless others. Consider the Lord in all that we think and plan.

Prayer: Lord, lead me away from the temptation of riches, but teach me to work hard and bless others with what You bless me. Help me consider Your ways in all that I do and think. In Jesus name, Amen.

Through wisdom a house is built

Through wisdom a house is built   
Scripture: Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established Proverbs 24:3

Observation: This Proverb speaks of building and establishing a house. But what does the house allude to? Is it the physical building, or something more? In a previous message, I once shared that there are 4 types of houses. The first is our own bodies. Our bodies are said to be the temple of the Holy Spirit for those of us who have accepted Christ into our hearts. The second type of house is our family. The term “the house of Jacob” refers to all the descendants, the family of Jacob. The third type of house is our church which is also known as the house of God. The fourth type of house is our workplace, our home away from home.

For each type of house, we are called to build it, and to build it through wisdom, and establish it through understanding. But how do we get this wisdom? James 1 says “If anyone lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously without finding fault. But he who asks must believe and not doubt….” Therefore, the first way we get wisdom is to ask our Mighty God, and believe that He will bless us with wisdom.

Jesus said “The wise man built his house upon the rock.” Jesus is our Rock of Salvation, and any house which is not founded on Jesus Christ is in vain.

As our bodies are precious, and Jesus dwells in us, we must take care of our bodies. Do not do things like smoking and overeating or anything that harms or destroys our bodies. What we think about is also important. If Jesus is the guest of our house, we would be careful to think right thoughts before Him.

In respect of our families, we must take some time to build up our children and our spouses. We need to draw them to Jesus, to cultivate in them a love for the Word of God and Prayer, even from a young age.

As for the church, the body of Christ, we should see what gifts we have and serve our brothers and sisters, even in simple ways. In our workplace, we spend much time, and others must see us as the light of the world, the city on a hill, for we represent Christ to all.

Application: Ask God for wisdom, lay the foundation of the purpose of our lives on Jesus Christ, and aim to build our four houses in whichever way we can

Prayer: O Father in Heaven, bless me with wisdom I pray that I may know how to live life. Let my purpose always be founded on Jesus Christ and empower me to build myself, my family,  my church and my workplace. In Jesus name, Amen.

Take away the dross

Take away the dross 
Scripture: Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer. Proverbs 25:4

Observation:- This Proverb looks at the refining process of silver, whereby the impurities (called the dross) are burned away by fire. The result is a vessel for the finer, or something of fine, precious value.

Spiritually, this speaks of how God sends us tests and hardships, problems and difficulties which we struggle to face. Somehow at the end of the day, we realize that it was God’s purpose to make us better people through that suffering we endured. The greatest example of all was of course our Lord Jesus. Born into the world in a lowly stable, the Lord endured a difficult start to life, working hard as a carpenter, and losing his earthly father early on. Finally, he was subjected to the worst torture and suffering to be endured by anyone throughout history as He gave His life to bring salvation to the world. In the Book of Hebrews, it is written that Jesus was perfected through His suffering. How much more those of us who follow Him?

Early Christians were martyred by the thousands and the underground church in China were persecuted for many decades. However, in today’s world, probably not many of us have truly suffered in that way. Nevertheless, we experience the day to day disappointments and sufferings like the breakdown of relationships, loss of loved ones, failed business ventures or investments, lost opportunities, verbal and physical abuse. No one born into this world can escape suffering. However, those of us who know God must realize that suffering is part of God’s way of making us better, purer, more refined for His service.

In the Purpose Driven Life, Pastor Rick Warren asks us to serve God with our unique SHAPE – Skills, Heart, Ability, Personality and Experience. Our painful experiences in the past can especially be used to help others who are going through similar pains and touch them in a special way because we too understand.

For me, there are 3 main purposes of suffering. Growth, God and Grace. Firstly, we grow through our suffering. Secondly, we draw closer to God through our suffering and finally, we learn to understand the Grace God gives us to enable us to serve Him even in our humble weakness.

Application: Bring whatever suffering we have to God and let Him use it to help us grow, draw closer to Him and lean on His grace.

Prayer: Lord, all my suffering I submit to you. Let it help me grow, Lord, and help me know You more, and know Your grace more and more. In Jesus name, Amen

As a dog returns to his vomit

As a dog returns to his vomit

Scripture: As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly Proverbs 26:11

Observation: This Proverb first gives us the image of a dog returning to its vomit and compares it as similar to a fool returning to his folly. Most people know it’s foolish to get drunk, smoke, gamble, overeat, womanize, break traffic rules, etc… yet they do it over and over again. For high profile stars like Tiger Woods, Wayne Rooney and Ashley Cole, the coverage is dramatic, and their foolishness is broadcasted across the whole world as their marriages crumble. For normal people like you and me everywhere, we too suffer, and come back again and again to foolish habits. It could be wasting hours on end watching the television or going online or playing computer games or shopping. Quite often at the end of it, we regret and wonder why we keep doing it again and again. It is like a short term fix to fulfill our boredom, disappointment, or even hurt but only leaves us feeling worse afterwards.

What does Scripture teach us about breaking these foolish habits? Jesus said that if your eye causes you to sin, it is better to gouge it out and throw it away rather than have your whole body die in the fire. Probably I don’t think anyone would seriously do this literally, but the principle is that we have to take very serious action to stop doing these things. Of course, breaking these habits often takes a long arduous process, but in the long term, we would be better off if we stop returning to our vomit.

Application:- One practical way is that we should stop putting ourselves in places where temptation is strongest. If you want to stop drinking, don’t go to a pub. If you want to stop smoking, don’t hang out with smokers. Using allegory from Psalm 1, do not sit in the seat of smokers. Sometimes, we really need to flee from temptation.

Some bad habits are spiritual in nature and may even have roots from family and we need to speak out to break it in Jesus name. A son in a family of drinkers who is becoming an alcoholic may have to declare “I break all family soul ties I have linked to alcohol in Jesus name. I renounce my addiction to alcohol in Jesus name. I receive your freedom and righteousness and healing O Lord, in Jesus name.”

Finally, we should replace the bad habit with a good habit for that particular time slot. For example, if a man used to go drinking on a Friday night, he should instead go play badminton or help out in a children’s home or help clean the church. Leaving a vacuum and doing nothing is only inviting trouble.

Prayer: Lord, give me the strength to flee from places of temptation, to stand up and pray and declare Your victory in my life and to have the wisdom to exchange my bad habits for good, purposeful living instead.

To answer or not to answer

To answer or not to answer

Scripture:- Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit Proverbs 26:4-5

Observation: These two verses seem to contradict each other and indeed boggle the mind at first read. One author actually places this in his book as one of the contradictions in the Bible.

After thinking about these verses, I believe the verse is first speaking about in general, and then in specific. Generally, it is a waste of time to answer fools. The more we argue with them, the more we will become like them. In general, it is not worth it to sink down to their level and start arguing. Some fools actually get an ego boost when they think they have found a worthy thing to argue about. I once had a friend who just loved to argue, and contradict what others said. After a while, we realized there was really no point trying to talk to him. Jesus also said “neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you”.

As for the second verse, there are some fools that we deeply care about. It could be a husband or wife or child or family member or close friend and we need to correct them if they are wrong. Because of the special relationship they have with us, it is possible that they will hear us and not remain conceited and wise in only their own eyes. I think the key here is to choose our battles. We can’t try to win every battle, but if we can drum in the important points at the right time, perhaps we can win the war and help make the fool a wiser person. However, we must choose our timing carefully. There was once a lady who prayed to the moon year after year. One day her young granddaughter came and innocently told her “Popo, why are you so silly? People have already walked on the moon” After that, she was never seen praying to the moon again….

Application: In general, don’t argue with people who have already set their mind on something and will never back down. In special circumstances, answer a fool for the fool’s sake at the right time, praying they will realize the truth.

Prayer: Lord, help me to have the wisdom not to argue unnecessarily, but to say choice words of season at the right time that will help others.

In Jesus name, Amen

The Four Generations

The Four Generations

Scripture:-

There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother. There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness. There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up. There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men. Proverbs 30:11-14

Observation:-

This Proverbs speaks of four generations, each with a specific fault. One curses and complains. One is righteous in his own eyes. One is proud and lofty. One is harsh and ruthless. In the realm of psychology, there are likewise documented four main personalities of the human race and when we compare the four generations and the main weaknesses of each personality, we find an interesting parallel.

Firstly, there is the generation that curses his father and does not bless his mother. The image comes to mind immediately of an ungrateful, complaining, moody person. This is the main weakness of the Melancholic, although brilliant and talented, and capable of achievements of very high standard, are also prone to mood swings and typical grumbling and complaining when others cannot meet their high standards. They find it hard to be thankful for the good things that they have.

Secondly, there is the generation that is pure in their own eyes, but are not washed from their filthiness. The Phlegmatics are often content in their own little worlds, watching the world go by happily, while thinking they are just fine and righteous where they are. They are however, quite often guilty of the sin of omission. To condone the wrongs that go on around them without doing anything is to be party to the wrongs themselves.

Thirdly, there is the generation who have lofty eyes. These speak of the Sanguines who have the biggest egos and love the praises of men the most. They are quite often the best talkers and the life of a party, but they also quite easily become jealous and immature when things don’t go their way. As their heads are quite often in the clouds, they often do not pay attention to the day to day important things that needs to be done.

Finally, there is the generation whose teeth and jaws are as swords and knives, who do not hesitate to devour the poor and needy. These speak of the Cholerics who will have their way at all costs without consideration for anyone else. Their words are often harsh and impatient and will not hesitate to tell off anyone who gets in their way. They are great leaders and often achieve great things but also hurt many people.

Application:-

All of us have some mixture of the strengths and weaknesses of each of these personalities. In respect of the weaknesses, we need to be aware of them and work towards overcoming them. Melancholics need to learn to be thankful and appreciate the simpler things in life and not expect others to be as perfect as them. Phlegmatics need to learn to be more helpful, to step out of their box and do the right things when they have to. Sanguines must learn to be more humble, and be more grounded and aware of the things around them. Cholerics need to be more compassionate, and patient to the people around them.

Prayer:-

Lord, I thank You for the special way that you made me, with my own unique strengths and weaknesses. Help me grow stronger in the areas you have made me strong, and give me the grace to grow more mature in the areas where I am weak. Help me O Lord, in all things. In Jesus name, Amen.    

Vision and the Word‏

Vision and the Word

Scripture:- Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. Proverbs 29:18

Observation:- This Proverb speaks of 2 things:- Vision and Obedience to God’s Word. Without vision, the people perish…. What does it mean? If the driver of a bus or the pilot of a plane or the captain of a ship lost his vision, what would happen to the passengers?. They would very likely perish together. Likewise, the success of any organization, any church, any family is vision. A father foresees that in the future, his son will need a good education to get a good job in the future, so he makes his son study and sends him to good schools. An enterprising boss foresees that his core employees today will become his key leaders tomorrow, and invests time, resources and training into them. Vision drives on an organization, a department, a church, a cell group, a family, an individual.

Vision is basically looking ahead, planning for tomorrow, striving for a better future. Without vision, people will go about life listlessly with no clear indication of what they are doing and where they are going. But with vision, comes purpose, an envisioned outcome, a clear plan.

Most of us are not leaders, but vision is still important individually. If we don’t look ahead to see how we can learn and improve ourselves, the chances are that we will regress, stagnate or even deteriorate. Vision keeps us alive and gives us hope. One of the main reasons that the Purpose Driven Life is so popular is that it defines for us a vision of where we should aim in life, to fulfill God’s five-fold purpose for us.

It is no coincidence that in the same proverb talking about vision is immediately the mention of he who obeys God’s Word. Our vision, our purpose, how we should live our life is right there in God’s Word. For those of us who follow Christ, our ultimate vision is to become like Him, more and more each day. As Paul said, to live is Christ. Christ was ever before him, his vision, his purpose for each new day. As we set Christ as our ultimate vision, he also begins to show us visions for us right where we are – in our workplace, in our families, in our personal growth. And the lesson is this - whatever our vision, it must be grounded in God’s Word. Therefore, it is important for us to read and study the Word often

In his novel series on learning to listen to God’s voice, Pastor Mark Virkler shared that there are 2 primary ways we hear God’s voice. Through Vision and the Rhema Word. I have found vision very effective in my quiet times and spiritual journaling. I would picture Jesus in my mind, perhaps in the fields, or at the well, riding on the mule or by the seaside. And that would put me in a good position to hear the Words that the Lord would say to me and write it down.

Application:-Pay attention to vision as we live life. As we pray and go about our business, see the pictures in our minds that God gives us. Commit our visions to Him. Always remain strong in reading the Word to make sure we follow the right vision. Our ultimate vision is to become like Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Be thou my vision O Lord of my life. Let my purpose, my vision always be in you. Help me see the visions You place in my heart and be obedient to serve You faithfully. In Jesus name, Amen.