by Rick Warren
"In six days I, the Lord, made the earth, the sky, the seas, and everything in them, but on the seventh day I rested" (Exodus 20:11 TEV).
Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is just go take a nap. That's because when you're physically down, it's hard to be emotionally and spiritually up. The legendary football (U.S.) coach Vince Lombardi said, "Fatigue makes cowards of us all." That's true. It's amazing how much better things look when you're rested.
If you're discouraged right now, it might not mean you have to make a change; it may simply be that you need some rest.
Farmers know that soil needs rest, so they rotate their crops and systematically leave a portion of their land fallow. They do this because land that has rested produces a greater harvest.
About one hundred years ago, a businessman named Frederick W. Taylor did a scientific study on the workplace and productivity. Do you know what his study proved? That people will produce more if they have periodic breaks; and from that, he introduced the coffee break.
Resting is spiritual. The Bible says God "enjoys giving rest to those He loves" (Psalm 127:2 MSG). You may need to put that verse on your refrigerator. The Bible says it's vain for you to rise up early and stay up late.
The Bible also says, "You made my body, Lord; now give me sense to heed Your laws" (Psalm 119:73 LB). What are His laws for the body? Eat right, get your sleep, exercise, and relax.
Rest is so important, in fact, that God put it in the Ten Commandments. In essence, He said, "Every seventh day you are to rest."
Don't ignore what God established. A good night's sleep makes a big difference. And even a quick nap can help you see things clearly.
© 2009. The Reader's Digest Association, Inc
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Congratulations to FC Barcelona...
The final match of Champions League just ended less than 30 minutes ago. And the winner is FC Barcelona (a.k.a Barca). Congratulations to them, I must say!!! ManUtd failed to write their name in the Champions League History as the first team who could retain the trophy.
Today, the better team wins. Although Barca did not start the match well (especially the first 7 minutes, when ManUtd created 5 shots with none from Barca), but in general they played better after the first goal in the 10th minute. As usual, early goal is difficult to take and it is obviously more difficult to take if you play against a team like Barcelona. Today, it proved to be the case for ManUtd.
Anyway, the better team wins today. Unlike the semi-final between Chelsea vs Barcelona, which the better team (Chelsea) did not win.
If we look back to that particular semi-final, we might think that Barcelona is very lucky to be able in the final (and win the competition now). If they lost in the semi-final to Chelsea (which played much better than them at that time), they will not be the champion today. Lucky? Yes. Fair? Of course not to Chelsea.
But again, in football, luck plays role as well, besides skill.
90% skill and 10% luck, will make you a champion in the game of football.
Again, congratulations to FC Barcelona. We will be back next season...
Today, the better team wins. Although Barca did not start the match well (especially the first 7 minutes, when ManUtd created 5 shots with none from Barca), but in general they played better after the first goal in the 10th minute. As usual, early goal is difficult to take and it is obviously more difficult to take if you play against a team like Barcelona. Today, it proved to be the case for ManUtd.
Anyway, the better team wins today. Unlike the semi-final between Chelsea vs Barcelona, which the better team (Chelsea) did not win.
If we look back to that particular semi-final, we might think that Barcelona is very lucky to be able in the final (and win the competition now). If they lost in the semi-final to Chelsea (which played much better than them at that time), they will not be the champion today. Lucky? Yes. Fair? Of course not to Chelsea.
But again, in football, luck plays role as well, besides skill.
90% skill and 10% luck, will make you a champion in the game of football.
Again, congratulations to FC Barcelona. We will be back next season...
Friday, May 22, 2009
[Revisited] Principle of Life : Love the Lord, your God - 1
This is the continuation of the previous note titled 'Principle of Life : The Shape of Cross'. In previous note, we have learnt from the shape of a cross that there are 2 simple rules of life :
1. Love your God
2. Love your surroundings (neighbors and natures)
In this note, I would like to go little bit further of the first principle, Love your God.
How could we do it? It turns out that the answer is simple, yet not that simple to be done.
Jesus, Himself, has again taught us how to express our love to God. In the Book of John, Jesus said :
"... If you love me (Jesus), you will obey what I command... "
As Christians, we believe that Jesus is God Himself. Hence if you love God, you will obey what God commands.
How can we know what God commands are? We can know through His Words (Bible), prayers, our spiritual experiences with Him, et cetera.
Another thing we should learn is that Jesus wants us to love God with all our hearts and with all our souls and with all our minds. This means you really have to use all your heart, and all your soul, and all your mind, to love Him. God requires our complete act of love to Him.
It requires our full obedience to Him. It sounds radical. But this is the way God wants us to be. And we have to realize that God is our creator. He can say and he can do whatever He wants. And us, as His creations, only need to follow the creator's instructions.
Jesus did not say, 'If you love me, you will obey some of my commands'.
Jesus said, 'If you love me, you will obey what I command'. It leaves us no room of negotiation when it comes to following His commands.
Many of us, feels that if we have obey 90% of God's commands, we are good enough. We say, 'I think I am doing good enough, I have followed 90% of the commands.'. But it turns out not to be good enough in God's eyes. He needs our full obedience to His commands.
'If you love me, you will obey what I command'
Let's learn how to love God by following His commands.
"... Teacher (Jesus), which is the greatest commandment in the Law?... Jesus replied : 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it : 'Love you neighbor as yourself.'..."
1. Love your God
2. Love your surroundings (neighbors and natures)
In this note, I would like to go little bit further of the first principle, Love your God.
How could we do it? It turns out that the answer is simple, yet not that simple to be done.
Jesus, Himself, has again taught us how to express our love to God. In the Book of John, Jesus said :
"... If you love me (Jesus), you will obey what I command... "
As Christians, we believe that Jesus is God Himself. Hence if you love God, you will obey what God commands.
How can we know what God commands are? We can know through His Words (Bible), prayers, our spiritual experiences with Him, et cetera.
Another thing we should learn is that Jesus wants us to love God with all our hearts and with all our souls and with all our minds. This means you really have to use all your heart, and all your soul, and all your mind, to love Him. God requires our complete act of love to Him.
It requires our full obedience to Him. It sounds radical. But this is the way God wants us to be. And we have to realize that God is our creator. He can say and he can do whatever He wants. And us, as His creations, only need to follow the creator's instructions.
Jesus did not say, 'If you love me, you will obey some of my commands'.
Jesus said, 'If you love me, you will obey what I command'. It leaves us no room of negotiation when it comes to following His commands.
Many of us, feels that if we have obey 90% of God's commands, we are good enough. We say, 'I think I am doing good enough, I have followed 90% of the commands.'. But it turns out not to be good enough in God's eyes. He needs our full obedience to His commands.
'If you love me, you will obey what I command'
Let's learn how to love God by following His commands.
"... Teacher (Jesus), which is the greatest commandment in the Law?... Jesus replied : 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it : 'Love you neighbor as yourself.'..."
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Principle of Life : The Shape of Cross
How should we live our life? In the world filled of many different principles of life, proposed by different people, often we are made confused which one we should take as ours.
Most of us somewhat consciously understand that there is a higher power (God) who created us. And we are, at least equally conscious, that we are not living alone in this world. There are other people around us.
Once I observed the shape of a cross, and it shed a thought on my mind of principle of life. To make a cross, you need one vertical line and one horizontal line. And what could we learn from it?
1. Vertical Line
It refers to our relationship with God
2. Horizontal Line
It refers to our relationship with our surroundings (neighbors, and natures)
Once, Jesus told us about The Greatest Commandment in The Book of Matthew.
"... Teacher (Jesus), which is the greatest commandment in the Law?... Jesus replied : 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it : 'Love you neighbor as yourself.'..."
And we have to understand that we have to take both (vertical and horizontal line) to make a cross. We can't take only of them.
Can we claim that we love God, and not loving our neigbours at the same time?
Can we claim that we love our neighbors only, and not loving God at the same time?
Understanding this, now we could learn from The Shape of Cross on how to life our life.
2 Simple Rules :
First, Love your God. Build your relationship with God
Second, Love your surroundings (neighbors, and natures)
A lesson from the Cross.
Most of us somewhat consciously understand that there is a higher power (God) who created us. And we are, at least equally conscious, that we are not living alone in this world. There are other people around us.
Once I observed the shape of a cross, and it shed a thought on my mind of principle of life. To make a cross, you need one vertical line and one horizontal line. And what could we learn from it?
1. Vertical Line
It refers to our relationship with God
2. Horizontal Line
It refers to our relationship with our surroundings (neighbors, and natures)
Once, Jesus told us about The Greatest Commandment in The Book of Matthew.
"... Teacher (Jesus), which is the greatest commandment in the Law?... Jesus replied : 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it : 'Love you neighbor as yourself.'..."
And we have to understand that we have to take both (vertical and horizontal line) to make a cross. We can't take only of them.
Can we claim that we love God, and not loving our neigbours at the same time?
Can we claim that we love our neighbors only, and not loving God at the same time?
Understanding this, now we could learn from The Shape of Cross on how to life our life.
2 Simple Rules :
First, Love your God. Build your relationship with God
Second, Love your surroundings (neighbors, and natures)
A lesson from the Cross.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Your schedule doesn't lie - so it's time to shape up
There's an old phrase that says : "What you do speaks so loudly I cannot hear what you are saying."
You can say that your primary value involves putting your family first but if time with your family is not all over your schedule, well then the truth of the matter is that your family life isn't your priority.
You can say that being in world-class physical condition is another top value, but if I don't see five or six big-time workouts etched into your weekly schedule, then the reality to be confronted is that your health just isn't as important as you profess it to be.
You can argue that self-development is an essential pursuit to you because the better you are, the more effective you'll be.
Show me your schedule and I'll discover the truth.
Because your schedule doesn't lie.
There can be no authentic success and lasting happiness if your daily schedule is misaligned with your deepest values.
That's a big idea that has been so helpful to so many of the executive clients that I coach.
If there is a gap between what you do and who you are, you are out of integrity.
You are not walking your talk. Your life can't work.
Your schedule is the best barometer for what your truly value and believe to be important. Too many people talk a good talk. But talk is cheap. Show me your schedule and I'll show you what your priorities are.
I used to be a lawyer. Witnesses in the courtroom could say what they wanted to. But the evidence never lied.
By Robin Sharma, leadership expert and best-selling author of The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari.
(The Article is taken from 'The Standard', Monday, May 11, 2009)
You can say that your primary value involves putting your family first but if time with your family is not all over your schedule, well then the truth of the matter is that your family life isn't your priority.
You can say that being in world-class physical condition is another top value, but if I don't see five or six big-time workouts etched into your weekly schedule, then the reality to be confronted is that your health just isn't as important as you profess it to be.
You can argue that self-development is an essential pursuit to you because the better you are, the more effective you'll be.
Show me your schedule and I'll discover the truth.
Because your schedule doesn't lie.
There can be no authentic success and lasting happiness if your daily schedule is misaligned with your deepest values.
That's a big idea that has been so helpful to so many of the executive clients that I coach.
If there is a gap between what you do and who you are, you are out of integrity.
You are not walking your talk. Your life can't work.
Your schedule is the best barometer for what your truly value and believe to be important. Too many people talk a good talk. But talk is cheap. Show me your schedule and I'll show you what your priorities are.
I used to be a lawyer. Witnesses in the courtroom could say what they wanted to. But the evidence never lied.
By Robin Sharma, leadership expert and best-selling author of The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari.
(The Article is taken from 'The Standard', Monday, May 11, 2009)
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Ten 'Can'-mandments
"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13 NIV).
So often we think of commandments as a list of don'ts. Instead of focusing on what we can't do, let's start looking at what we can with this list of ten "can"-mandments!
1. Instead of thinking, "It will never fly," think, "Through God's strength, it's worth the try!"
2. Replace the thought, "It won't work," with faith that, with God's strength, it will work!
3. When someone says, "It's never been done before," respond by saying, "That means God's giving us the opportunity to be the first."
4. "What if we fail?" What if we fail to try, knowing God says we can do everything through Him who gives us strength?
5. "We don't have the money." Where God guides, he provides so that we can do everything he has called us to do.
6. "We don't have the time!" Perhaps God is telling us to re-evaluate our priorities as we rely upon his direction and strength.
7. "We don't have the expertise." Maybe not, but we can learn as God directs our path.
8. "It's been tried before." But we're wiser now because we know we can do everything when we rely on God's strength instead of our own.
9. If someone says, "There are so many problems with it," respond by saying, "Yet, there are so many possibilities when we're trusting God instead of ourselves."
10. Instead of saying, "It's not working out," say instead, "Let's try it one more time, but this time focused on God and the truth that we can do this through Him who gives us strength."
"Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse" (Philippians 4:8 MSG).
@2009, Purpose Driven Life
So often we think of commandments as a list of don'ts. Instead of focusing on what we can't do, let's start looking at what we can with this list of ten "can"-mandments!
1. Instead of thinking, "It will never fly," think, "Through God's strength, it's worth the try!"
2. Replace the thought, "It won't work," with faith that, with God's strength, it will work!
3. When someone says, "It's never been done before," respond by saying, "That means God's giving us the opportunity to be the first."
4. "What if we fail?" What if we fail to try, knowing God says we can do everything through Him who gives us strength?
5. "We don't have the money." Where God guides, he provides so that we can do everything he has called us to do.
6. "We don't have the time!" Perhaps God is telling us to re-evaluate our priorities as we rely upon his direction and strength.
7. "We don't have the expertise." Maybe not, but we can learn as God directs our path.
8. "It's been tried before." But we're wiser now because we know we can do everything when we rely on God's strength instead of our own.
9. If someone says, "There are so many problems with it," respond by saying, "Yet, there are so many possibilities when we're trusting God instead of ourselves."
10. Instead of saying, "It's not working out," say instead, "Let's try it one more time, but this time focused on God and the truth that we can do this through Him who gives us strength."
"Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse" (Philippians 4:8 MSG).
@2009, Purpose Driven Life
Thursday, May 7, 2009
What a match... Unbelievable... This is why we love football...
I bring you the latest update from UEFA Champions League Semi-Final between Chelsea and Barcelona.
It was unbelievable. I was speechless to see the very last minute groundbreaking goal from Iniesta. It was just complete madness. Not playing up to the standard, Barcelona was constantly attacked by Chelsea players. Defending clumsily. Not having even one shot on target for the whole 90 minutes. Conceding 1 goal, which was enough, to ensure Chelsea to go to the final.
But you know what? On the 93th minute, the only shot on target by Barca, shook the whole stadium. He scored just slightly outside of the penalty box. That one precious goal was enough to bring Barcelona to the Final.
Chelsea players were stunned. Barcelona players were running all over the pitch. What an unbelievable finish.
This game reminds me of Champions League Final in 1998/1999. It was the final between Bayern Munich and Manchester United. Bayern scored in the first half and the scoreline stayed at 1 - 0 up to 91 minutes. On the 92nd minute, Ole Gunnar scored. And changed the scoreline to 1 - 1. But it was not over. On 93rd minute, Teddy Sherringham came in. And on the 94th minute, magically he managed to slot the ball in. And the scoreline changed to 1 - 2. Manchester United was then crowned as the champion of Europe. Two goals in the last 3 minutes of the game.
Everything can happen in football... As long as the time still ticking, miracles can still happen...
This is why many people likes to watch soccer... There is always hope...
But to be fair to Chelsea, personally I feel that Chelsea is more deserved to be in the final. They played better. They had more chances. There were several fouls and handballs which were not justified. Poor Chelsea. You lost something you deserve to get. That is football (and our life). Sometimes you play well, you still lose. Or vice versa.
Anyway, the result will not change. It is over. Just think about the coming final in May 27.
Manchester United vs Barcelona. I promise you, this will be a very very entertaining match. So don't miss it.
My bet is ManUtd will beat Barcelona by 2 - 0. See you at Rome, Barca...
Glory Glory Man United...
It was unbelievable. I was speechless to see the very last minute groundbreaking goal from Iniesta. It was just complete madness. Not playing up to the standard, Barcelona was constantly attacked by Chelsea players. Defending clumsily. Not having even one shot on target for the whole 90 minutes. Conceding 1 goal, which was enough, to ensure Chelsea to go to the final.
But you know what? On the 93th minute, the only shot on target by Barca, shook the whole stadium. He scored just slightly outside of the penalty box. That one precious goal was enough to bring Barcelona to the Final.
Chelsea players were stunned. Barcelona players were running all over the pitch. What an unbelievable finish.
This game reminds me of Champions League Final in 1998/1999. It was the final between Bayern Munich and Manchester United. Bayern scored in the first half and the scoreline stayed at 1 - 0 up to 91 minutes. On the 92nd minute, Ole Gunnar scored. And changed the scoreline to 1 - 1. But it was not over. On 93rd minute, Teddy Sherringham came in. And on the 94th minute, magically he managed to slot the ball in. And the scoreline changed to 1 - 2. Manchester United was then crowned as the champion of Europe. Two goals in the last 3 minutes of the game.
Everything can happen in football... As long as the time still ticking, miracles can still happen...
This is why many people likes to watch soccer... There is always hope...
But to be fair to Chelsea, personally I feel that Chelsea is more deserved to be in the final. They played better. They had more chances. There were several fouls and handballs which were not justified. Poor Chelsea. You lost something you deserve to get. That is football (and our life). Sometimes you play well, you still lose. Or vice versa.
Anyway, the result will not change. It is over. Just think about the coming final in May 27.
Manchester United vs Barcelona. I promise you, this will be a very very entertaining match. So don't miss it.
My bet is ManUtd will beat Barcelona by 2 - 0. See you at Rome, Barca...
Glory Glory Man United...
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Manchester United is on the way to make a history in Champions League
Fantastic. Entertaining. Devastating. Those are what I have to say after watching how Manchester United played this morning. Aggressive Football.
With an 1 - 0 advantage claimed at home last week, Manchester United came to Emirates Stadium. They came with a full strength squad just to sweep Arsenal away from the competition. 2 Goals in the first 10 minutes of the game has proved devastating to Gunners. All Gunners in the world stood in disbelief to see the club they support to simply just being knocked out in 10 minutes by The Red Devils.
Thanks to those 2 early goals, no one could see any chance for Arsenal to recover. And that was just GAME OVER for Arsenal. The final scoreline was 1 - 3. And ManUtd will march to Rome.
Let's stop the EUPHORIA for a moment. Tonight, there will be another important match between Chelsea and Barcelona (at Stamford Bridge). This match will decide who ManUtd will meet at Rome. Criticized for the 'anti-football' tactics on the first leg, Chelsea will try to prove their true football at home. Barcelona will not be quiet as well. They will keep exhibiting their beautiful, yet deadly, plays. Personally, I prefer to see Barcelona in the Final. They are just beautiful.
Aggressive - Fast Counter Attack Football vs Beautiful-Smooth-Deadly Football...
What an interesting match.
If ManUtd succesfully defends the Champions League trophy, they will be the first and the only club, so far, in this world, to do so.
One step to be history maker.
Glory Glory Manchester United... ^_^
With an 1 - 0 advantage claimed at home last week, Manchester United came to Emirates Stadium. They came with a full strength squad just to sweep Arsenal away from the competition. 2 Goals in the first 10 minutes of the game has proved devastating to Gunners. All Gunners in the world stood in disbelief to see the club they support to simply just being knocked out in 10 minutes by The Red Devils.
Thanks to those 2 early goals, no one could see any chance for Arsenal to recover. And that was just GAME OVER for Arsenal. The final scoreline was 1 - 3. And ManUtd will march to Rome.
Let's stop the EUPHORIA for a moment. Tonight, there will be another important match between Chelsea and Barcelona (at Stamford Bridge). This match will decide who ManUtd will meet at Rome. Criticized for the 'anti-football' tactics on the first leg, Chelsea will try to prove their true football at home. Barcelona will not be quiet as well. They will keep exhibiting their beautiful, yet deadly, plays. Personally, I prefer to see Barcelona in the Final. They are just beautiful.
Aggressive - Fast Counter Attack Football vs Beautiful-Smooth-Deadly Football...
What an interesting match.
If ManUtd succesfully defends the Champions League trophy, they will be the first and the only club, so far, in this world, to do so.
One step to be history maker.
Glory Glory Manchester United... ^_^
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Human : Small and Powerless, Yet Proud Creature
2 days ago, I came across this video on the web unintentionally. And the video has opened the eyes of my heart, and has made me speechless in awe. In the video, there is a person and this particular person shows how the earth looks like starting from the ground, then 10 km away, 100 km away, 100000 km away, till 100 millions lightyears away. You will see how small, us, human, is in the whole universe. We are extremely micro creature inside the whole universe.
My reaction, when I was watching this video, was speechless. Amazed. It really makes me realized that human is indeed very little in the universe.
But the strange thing is?
Being a very small creature (and extremely weak and powerless in the universe), we are still so proud with ourselves. Proclaiming that we can do everything. With our money. With our intelligence. With our power. With our everything. We do everything we want, according our own rules. We do not care about what God says. What we care is what we think it is right.
We feel that everything must be proved by science. Otherwise, it is flawed. Science is human creation. Who are we, in this universe, so that we can be proud with our thinking? I am not saying that science is useless. Science is important. But we have to have the understanding that science has limitations. Our intelligence and our minds are limited. People are always asking people to prove existence of God, by science.
Who is limitless and boundless? He is God, and God alone. He is the creator of the universe. He created, literally, everything. The whole universe.
Just imagine if suddenly God decided just to take away the oxygen supply in all the earth. Can God do it? Yes, He can. Will He do it? I don't know. It is all in His Hands. If He wants it, He can do it. What can humans do? Nothing right. Even, the most intelligent scientist in this world can do nothing to stop this from happening or to solve the problem arised.
I observes how people are loving money, more than God. Power, more than God. Fame, more than God. Sex, more than God. Even there are people who are willing to harm their relatives just to get those things.
Don't you think that our life is more than just money? fame? power? sex? other temporary worldly things?
Maybe, we should stop and think.
What have we been doing in these all years?
Have we lived according to His Words?
What have I done for others?
Am I living according to His Plans?
Note : The Video is on http://www.crazylovebook.com/. Just go to "Video", and watch 'The Awe Factor of God'.
My reaction, when I was watching this video, was speechless. Amazed. It really makes me realized that human is indeed very little in the universe.
But the strange thing is?
Being a very small creature (and extremely weak and powerless in the universe), we are still so proud with ourselves. Proclaiming that we can do everything. With our money. With our intelligence. With our power. With our everything. We do everything we want, according our own rules. We do not care about what God says. What we care is what we think it is right.
We feel that everything must be proved by science. Otherwise, it is flawed. Science is human creation. Who are we, in this universe, so that we can be proud with our thinking? I am not saying that science is useless. Science is important. But we have to have the understanding that science has limitations. Our intelligence and our minds are limited. People are always asking people to prove existence of God, by science.
Who is limitless and boundless? He is God, and God alone. He is the creator of the universe. He created, literally, everything. The whole universe.
Just imagine if suddenly God decided just to take away the oxygen supply in all the earth. Can God do it? Yes, He can. Will He do it? I don't know. It is all in His Hands. If He wants it, He can do it. What can humans do? Nothing right. Even, the most intelligent scientist in this world can do nothing to stop this from happening or to solve the problem arised.
I observes how people are loving money, more than God. Power, more than God. Fame, more than God. Sex, more than God. Even there are people who are willing to harm their relatives just to get those things.
Don't you think that our life is more than just money? fame? power? sex? other temporary worldly things?
Maybe, we should stop and think.
What have we been doing in these all years?
Have we lived according to His Words?
What have I done for others?
Am I living according to His Plans?
Note : The Video is on http://www.crazylovebook.com/. Just go to "Video", and watch 'The Awe Factor of God'.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Who will enter the Kingdom of Heaven?
In Matthew 7 : 15 - 23, Jesus told a parable of a tree and its fruit. In this story, Jesus teaches us two things.
1. Watch out for false prophets (Matthew 7 : 15)
Jesus has warned us to beware of false prophets. In today's world, we have witnessed that there are people who preach and mislead others, through their teachings and religious practices (e.g religious sects). So, beware of those false prophets.
How can we know which prophets are false? Jesus gave us a rule of thumb.
'By their fruit you will recognize them... Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit... A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit... Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.' (Matthew 7 : 16 - 20).
So what are the fruits?
In Galatians 6 : 22 - 23, it is clearly said that,
The fruit of the spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control.
We may use this principle as one of our guidance.
2. It is important to follow God's Will
In the verse 21 - 23, Jesus said,
'Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord', will enter the kingdom of heaven... but only he who does the will of my Father (God) who is in heaven... Many will say to me on that day (referring to judgement day), 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evil-doers!'
From these verses, we all can see that what matters to God is whether you do and you live according to His Will. If we are not living according to His Will, we will not enter the kingdom of Heaven.
Then, if we see in the second part of the readings, there will be people who are doing things in His Name, but God will not recognize them. Again, it is clear that God asks us to follow His Will, instead of merely doing things in His Name. God does not find favor in people who are doing things in His Name, but not according to His Will.
How can we know His Will? Through His Living Words (Bible), Prayers, and Life Experiences.
So, what God wants to see from us is our obedience to His Will and His Plans for us.
God never plans to fail us. All His plans are good for us.
God bless you.
1. Watch out for false prophets (Matthew 7 : 15)
Jesus has warned us to beware of false prophets. In today's world, we have witnessed that there are people who preach and mislead others, through their teachings and religious practices (e.g religious sects). So, beware of those false prophets.
How can we know which prophets are false? Jesus gave us a rule of thumb.
'By their fruit you will recognize them... Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit... A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit... Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.' (Matthew 7 : 16 - 20).
So what are the fruits?
In Galatians 6 : 22 - 23, it is clearly said that,
The fruit of the spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control.
We may use this principle as one of our guidance.
2. It is important to follow God's Will
In the verse 21 - 23, Jesus said,
'Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord', will enter the kingdom of heaven... but only he who does the will of my Father (God) who is in heaven... Many will say to me on that day (referring to judgement day), 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evil-doers!'
From these verses, we all can see that what matters to God is whether you do and you live according to His Will. If we are not living according to His Will, we will not enter the kingdom of Heaven.
Then, if we see in the second part of the readings, there will be people who are doing things in His Name, but God will not recognize them. Again, it is clear that God asks us to follow His Will, instead of merely doing things in His Name. God does not find favor in people who are doing things in His Name, but not according to His Will.
How can we know His Will? Through His Living Words (Bible), Prayers, and Life Experiences.
So, what God wants to see from us is our obedience to His Will and His Plans for us.
God never plans to fail us. All His plans are good for us.
God bless you.
Friday, May 1, 2009
The Cheat Test : The Need for Moral Guidance
Direct my steps by Your Word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me. —Psalm 119:133
Dan Ariely, an economics professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, conducted some tests on human behavior. In one experiment, the participants took an examination in which they would receive money for each correct answer. The participants didn’t know, however, that Ariely was not testing their knowledge but whether they would cheat. He set up the test so that the groups thought it would be easy to get away with cheating.
Prior to taking the exam, one group was asked to write down as many of the Ten Commandments as they could remember. To Ariely’s astonishment, none from this group cheated! But all the other groups did have those who cheated. Recalling a moral benchmark made the difference.
Centuries ago, the psalmist understood the need for a moral benchmark and asked for divine aid in following it. He prayed to the Lord, “Direct my steps by Your Word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me. . . . Teach me Your statutes” (Ps. 119:133-135).
Ariely’s “cheat test” experiment illustrates our need for moral guidance. The Lord has given us His Word as a lamp for our feet and a light for our path (v.105) to direct us in our moral choices. —Dennis Fisher
How precious is the Book divine
By inspiration given!
Bright as a lamp its doctrines shine,
To guide our souls to heaven. —Fawcett
Like a compass, the Bible always points us in the right direction.
Copyright 2009, RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI 49555 USA.
Dan Ariely, an economics professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, conducted some tests on human behavior. In one experiment, the participants took an examination in which they would receive money for each correct answer. The participants didn’t know, however, that Ariely was not testing their knowledge but whether they would cheat. He set up the test so that the groups thought it would be easy to get away with cheating.
Prior to taking the exam, one group was asked to write down as many of the Ten Commandments as they could remember. To Ariely’s astonishment, none from this group cheated! But all the other groups did have those who cheated. Recalling a moral benchmark made the difference.
Centuries ago, the psalmist understood the need for a moral benchmark and asked for divine aid in following it. He prayed to the Lord, “Direct my steps by Your Word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me. . . . Teach me Your statutes” (Ps. 119:133-135).
Ariely’s “cheat test” experiment illustrates our need for moral guidance. The Lord has given us His Word as a lamp for our feet and a light for our path (v.105) to direct us in our moral choices. —Dennis Fisher
How precious is the Book divine
By inspiration given!
Bright as a lamp its doctrines shine,
To guide our souls to heaven. —Fawcett
Like a compass, the Bible always points us in the right direction.
Copyright 2009, RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI 49555 USA.
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