by Rick Warren
“Show me the path where I should go, O Lord; point out the right road for me to walk” (Psalm 25:4 LB).
Getting time with God each day is one of the spiritual habits of effective people. We develop spiritual fitness by having a quiet time each day for Bible reading and prayer.
What’s the reason for that? To get direction from God: “Show me the path where I should go, O Lord; point out the right road for me to walk” (Psalm 25:4 LB).
Sometimes we can get so busy in life that we can forget the direction we’re going. Like the pilot in World War II flying over the Pacific, he radioed back, “I have absolutely no idea where I’m going. I’m lost. But I’m making record time.”
Many times we get very busy. We need to slow down and get direction from God. This means we spend time with God on a daily basis; we talk to God in prayer; we let him talk to us from his Word; and we listen for his direction.
I can honestly say that every major decision in my life has been made in a quiet time.
Jesus is our model; he “often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:16 NIV). You can’t get to know God if you’re always in a crowd. You get to know God in a one-on-one encounter.
Notice the Bible says Jesus withdrew often; his quiet time was his source of strength.
And Jesus teaches that we are strengthened as we develop a deep and intimate relationship with him: “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you” (John 15:7 NIV).
© 2009. The Reader's Digest Association, Inc.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
God Says You Are Capable
by Rick Warren
You have a right now to go directly to God; you have direct access. You don’t have to pray through anybody else. You don’t have to confess through anybody else. You don’t have to go through anyone else to have fellowship with God. The Bible teaches that you have a direct line now.
In addition, God says you have been gifted for ministry to serve other people. Every Christian is a minister. That doesn’t mean every Christian is a pastor, rather minister. Anytime you’re using your talents and gifts to help others you’re ministering.
Notice the Bible verse above says, “He saved us for his holy work.” You are saved to serve. Why did God save you? So you could serve him.
You may be thinking, “How do I know what my ministry is?” You look at your talents, your gifts, and your abilities. You look at how God shaped you. God wants you to use those talents and gifts to help other people. Every time you do that, that’s called ministry: nothing fancy, scary, or supernatural about it. It’s just helping others.
Can you minister in a sales office? Yes, you can. Can you minister as an accountant? Yes, you can. Can you minister driving a truck? Sure! Anytime you’re helping other people in his name, you’re ministering.
In fact, God says you’re necessary in the church. You’re a necessary part of this family. Look at it this way, if I don’t use my talents—you get cheated. If you don’t use your talents—I get cheated. Everybody else in the congregation gets cheated.
We’re all important; we’re all necessary to do our part as we fit together.
© 2009. The Reader's Digest Association, Inc.
You have a right now to go directly to God; you have direct access. You don’t have to pray through anybody else. You don’t have to confess through anybody else. You don’t have to go through anyone else to have fellowship with God. The Bible teaches that you have a direct line now.
In addition, God says you have been gifted for ministry to serve other people. Every Christian is a minister. That doesn’t mean every Christian is a pastor, rather minister. Anytime you’re using your talents and gifts to help others you’re ministering.
Notice the Bible verse above says, “He saved us for his holy work.” You are saved to serve. Why did God save you? So you could serve him.
You may be thinking, “How do I know what my ministry is?” You look at your talents, your gifts, and your abilities. You look at how God shaped you. God wants you to use those talents and gifts to help other people. Every time you do that, that’s called ministry: nothing fancy, scary, or supernatural about it. It’s just helping others.
Can you minister in a sales office? Yes, you can. Can you minister as an accountant? Yes, you can. Can you minister driving a truck? Sure! Anytime you’re helping other people in his name, you’re ministering.
In fact, God says you’re necessary in the church. You’re a necessary part of this family. Look at it this way, if I don’t use my talents—you get cheated. If you don’t use your talents—I get cheated. Everybody else in the congregation gets cheated.
We’re all important; we’re all necessary to do our part as we fit together.
© 2009. The Reader's Digest Association, Inc.
Friday, August 21, 2009
You have to have 'blood pressure' to stay alive...
I remember that one day, my sister - a medical science student in her 3rd year now, told me that for all organisms to stay alive, they must have their blood flowing throughout the whole body system. To make the blood flows, pressure must exist. But she warned me that, although having blood pressure is necessary, but abnormal blood pressure (higher or lower than normal) will do harm to the body system, sooner or later.
When I think about it, it is somehow analogous to our life, at least in one perspective. It is on how life goals, life problems, or anything else, give you a reason (red:pressure) to wake up or to live life for another day.
Having too high 'blood pressure' level is like having too much life goals or too much problems or too much anything else. And eventually it will make people over-stressed mentally and physically, and will lead to unwanted things, such as diseases, mental disorders, etc.
Having too low 'blood pressure' level is like having too little life goals or too little problems or too little anything else. And life becomes meaningless. Why should I wake up and live life for another day, if I do not have anything in mind? It will cause, most likely, equally harmful effects as having too high 'blood pressure'.
So what is the best then?
The normal 'blood pressure' is the best for us. Not too much and not too little. We have a reason to live, but we are not over-stressed by our reasons.
The analogy is obviously not explaining things completely. But it might be true, at least, in a part.
So, what is your 'blood pressure' level then?
When I think about it, it is somehow analogous to our life, at least in one perspective. It is on how life goals, life problems, or anything else, give you a reason (red:pressure) to wake up or to live life for another day.
Having too high 'blood pressure' level is like having too much life goals or too much problems or too much anything else. And eventually it will make people over-stressed mentally and physically, and will lead to unwanted things, such as diseases, mental disorders, etc.
Having too low 'blood pressure' level is like having too little life goals or too little problems or too little anything else. And life becomes meaningless. Why should I wake up and live life for another day, if I do not have anything in mind? It will cause, most likely, equally harmful effects as having too high 'blood pressure'.
So what is the best then?
The normal 'blood pressure' is the best for us. Not too much and not too little. We have a reason to live, but we are not over-stressed by our reasons.
The analogy is obviously not explaining things completely. But it might be true, at least, in a part.
So, what is your 'blood pressure' level then?
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Beware The Rupert
Beware The Rupert
Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. —2 Corinthians 11:14
In the June 6, 1944, D-Day invasion of Europe, an armada of Allied ships assaulted the beaches of Normandy, France. Simultaneously, thousands of airplanes dropped paratroopers into the action. Along with the paratroopers, the Allies also dropped hundreds of rubber dummies behind the enemy lines. Called “Ruperts,” these dummies were intended to simulate an attack to confuse the enemy. As the Ruperts landed, some German outposts were tricked into fighting the “paradummies,” creating a vital crack in the walls of Fortress Europe.
We accept that kind of deception as part of a legitimate military operation designed to thwart oppressive forces. What we should not accept is the deception Satan throws our way. Paul explained that the devil “transforms himself into an angel of light” (2 Cor. 11:14), and his servants appear to be people who are promoting righteousness (v.15).
We must be alert! Our spiritual enemy would love to have followers of Christ distracted by false teaching and faulty doctrine. But as we keep our eyes on Jesus and the clear teachings of Scripture, our Lord can keep us aimed in the right direction.
Don’t be tricked by Satan’s Ruperts. —Bill Crowder
Each day amid life’s noisy throng
We’re bound to hear this world’s case,
And if we’re not alert to wrong,
The Savior’s name we may disgrace. —D. De Haan
God’s truth uncovers Satan’s lies.
Copyright 2009, RBC Ministries
Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. —2 Corinthians 11:14
In the June 6, 1944, D-Day invasion of Europe, an armada of Allied ships assaulted the beaches of Normandy, France. Simultaneously, thousands of airplanes dropped paratroopers into the action. Along with the paratroopers, the Allies also dropped hundreds of rubber dummies behind the enemy lines. Called “Ruperts,” these dummies were intended to simulate an attack to confuse the enemy. As the Ruperts landed, some German outposts were tricked into fighting the “paradummies,” creating a vital crack in the walls of Fortress Europe.
We accept that kind of deception as part of a legitimate military operation designed to thwart oppressive forces. What we should not accept is the deception Satan throws our way. Paul explained that the devil “transforms himself into an angel of light” (2 Cor. 11:14), and his servants appear to be people who are promoting righteousness (v.15).
We must be alert! Our spiritual enemy would love to have followers of Christ distracted by false teaching and faulty doctrine. But as we keep our eyes on Jesus and the clear teachings of Scripture, our Lord can keep us aimed in the right direction.
Don’t be tricked by Satan’s Ruperts. —Bill Crowder
Each day amid life’s noisy throng
We’re bound to hear this world’s case,
And if we’re not alert to wrong,
The Savior’s name we may disgrace. —D. De Haan
God’s truth uncovers Satan’s lies.
Copyright 2009, RBC Ministries
Monday, August 17, 2009
The 64th Indonesian Independence Day (Hong Kong)
Below is a message from Consul General of The Republic of Indonesia in Hong Kong, Ferry Adamhar, in celebration of the 64th Anniversary of the Indonesian Independence. The message was published on a Hong Kong Local Newspaper, The Standard, on August 17, 2009 (Monday), page 16.
[Start]
In its endeavour to nurture democracy, Indonesia must also deal with some challenges. Recent terrorist bombing in Jakarta appeared to be one of the biggest challenges that Indonesia has to courageously deal with. Such tragic attacks posed an assault to democracy and freedom in Indonesia. Nonetheless, Indonesia remains steadfast in its commitment and vigilance against terrorism. Furthermore, our courage in consolidating our democracy and bringing prosperity to our people will not be deterred by such cowardly acts. The continuously nurtured political climate and economic development in the past five years provide strong foundation for Indonesia; the terror results in insignificant negative impact on Indonesia's strong economy and positive image.
Indonesia's economy is now one of the most stable among Asian nations. The stable political climate is one of the factors that make investors come to Indonesia for a good investment. Challenged by the current financial tsunami, in 2009 Indonesia's economy is expected to grow by about four percent. Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati predicts that the economic growth in the first semester of 2009 may reach 4.1 percent, and in the second semester 4.6 percent, bringing the total to 4.3 percent. In spite of the fact that the GDP growth slowed from 6.4% y-o-y (Q4 2008) to 4.4% y-o-y (Q1 2009), this is better than expected; better than almost all developed economies, and better than most Asian nations. Current economic slowdown was much less distinct and has been more moderate than for many other countries, especially among Southeast Asian. In the first quarter this year, externally focused sectors continued to be impacted by the global slowdown, while domestic demand rebounded on optimistic consumer confidence, stable retail prices and renewed investor confidence. Private consumption, which accounts for 60% of GDP, also remains robust.
As one of the most mineral-rich countries in the world, with significant deposits of gold, copper, silver, tin and coal, Indonesia is among the world's leading coal producers and plans to double its coal use by 2025, mostly to generate electricity. In addition, Indonesia is one of the world's main oil producers, although the production has fallen in recent years. It also has great potential for renewable energy, especially geothermal, which can help sustain the long-term economic growth. With the assumption that the growth will continue steadily, the baseline projection for the economic growth in 2010 and 2011 will be 6.9% and 7.1%.
In the manufacturing sector, Indonesia is one of the favourable place as an alternative production base. And industry could easily find the labour resources; vast landl; natural resources (65% of coal used for Hong Kong electricity is from Indonesia); as well as infrastructure and utilities. In 2007, Indonesia's strong attempt to boost better economic and investment climate was confirmed on the new investment law No. 25/2007 and Law on Special Economic Zones 2007 which is favourable for foreign investors. The improvement of infrastructure (roads, railways, airports and seaports facilities, and telecommunication) is also prioritized.
In its relation to Hong Kong, in 2008 Indonesia was Hong Kong's 20th largest trading partner, and 23rd largest export destination (6th largest among ASEAN-10). Moreover, Hong Kong's total exports to Indonesia increased by 20.1% YoY to US$ 2,177 millions. Major export items included telecommunication equipment and parts (37% of the total), knitted or crocheted fabrics (7.1%), woven cotton fabrics (5.9%), semi-conductors, electronic valves, and tubes (3.1%), and computers (2.7%).
On the other hand, Hong Kong's imports from Indonesia grew by 10.9% YoY to US$ 2,302 millions in 2008. Major imports included coal (33.2% of the total), edible products and preparations (11%), telecommunication equipment and parts (8.3%), electrical machinery and apparatus (2.8%), and electrical apparatus for electrical circuits (2.7%).
As one of its main programs of Visit Indonesia Year 2009, this year Indonesia is even more prepared to be the host of Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE). Apart from Bali that has been a magnet for many international-scale business, social and cultural events, Indonesia offers you many other venue to organize an event : Bali, Jakarta, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Medan and other rising MICE starts, such as Bandung, Batam, Padang, Makassar, and Manado. Additionally, within the sphere of democracy, 491 different ethnic groups and tribes who speak of 726 different languages reside peacefully side by side in more than 17,000 beautiful islands, stretched accross the equator. With these differences Indonesia offers ample variety of tourism industries and destinations.
For those who want to spend their holiday or spend some leisure time, Indonesia is the right place to be since it offers diverse tourism activities and destinations for different types of travellers.
Allow me also to express my sincere gratitude to the Government and People of the People's Republic of China for their continued support to maintaining and enhancing the development of a fruitful and mutually beneficial relationship between Indonesia - Hong Kong SAR - the People's Republic of China.
And for the Indonesian community in Hong Kong, Dirgahayu Kemerdekaan Indonesia.
[End]
[Start]
In its endeavour to nurture democracy, Indonesia must also deal with some challenges. Recent terrorist bombing in Jakarta appeared to be one of the biggest challenges that Indonesia has to courageously deal with. Such tragic attacks posed an assault to democracy and freedom in Indonesia. Nonetheless, Indonesia remains steadfast in its commitment and vigilance against terrorism. Furthermore, our courage in consolidating our democracy and bringing prosperity to our people will not be deterred by such cowardly acts. The continuously nurtured political climate and economic development in the past five years provide strong foundation for Indonesia; the terror results in insignificant negative impact on Indonesia's strong economy and positive image.
Indonesia's economy is now one of the most stable among Asian nations. The stable political climate is one of the factors that make investors come to Indonesia for a good investment. Challenged by the current financial tsunami, in 2009 Indonesia's economy is expected to grow by about four percent. Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati predicts that the economic growth in the first semester of 2009 may reach 4.1 percent, and in the second semester 4.6 percent, bringing the total to 4.3 percent. In spite of the fact that the GDP growth slowed from 6.4% y-o-y (Q4 2008) to 4.4% y-o-y (Q1 2009), this is better than expected; better than almost all developed economies, and better than most Asian nations. Current economic slowdown was much less distinct and has been more moderate than for many other countries, especially among Southeast Asian. In the first quarter this year, externally focused sectors continued to be impacted by the global slowdown, while domestic demand rebounded on optimistic consumer confidence, stable retail prices and renewed investor confidence. Private consumption, which accounts for 60% of GDP, also remains robust.
As one of the most mineral-rich countries in the world, with significant deposits of gold, copper, silver, tin and coal, Indonesia is among the world's leading coal producers and plans to double its coal use by 2025, mostly to generate electricity. In addition, Indonesia is one of the world's main oil producers, although the production has fallen in recent years. It also has great potential for renewable energy, especially geothermal, which can help sustain the long-term economic growth. With the assumption that the growth will continue steadily, the baseline projection for the economic growth in 2010 and 2011 will be 6.9% and 7.1%.
In the manufacturing sector, Indonesia is one of the favourable place as an alternative production base. And industry could easily find the labour resources; vast landl; natural resources (65% of coal used for Hong Kong electricity is from Indonesia); as well as infrastructure and utilities. In 2007, Indonesia's strong attempt to boost better economic and investment climate was confirmed on the new investment law No. 25/2007 and Law on Special Economic Zones 2007 which is favourable for foreign investors. The improvement of infrastructure (roads, railways, airports and seaports facilities, and telecommunication) is also prioritized.
In its relation to Hong Kong, in 2008 Indonesia was Hong Kong's 20th largest trading partner, and 23rd largest export destination (6th largest among ASEAN-10). Moreover, Hong Kong's total exports to Indonesia increased by 20.1% YoY to US$ 2,177 millions. Major export items included telecommunication equipment and parts (37% of the total), knitted or crocheted fabrics (7.1%), woven cotton fabrics (5.9%), semi-conductors, electronic valves, and tubes (3.1%), and computers (2.7%).
On the other hand, Hong Kong's imports from Indonesia grew by 10.9% YoY to US$ 2,302 millions in 2008. Major imports included coal (33.2% of the total), edible products and preparations (11%), telecommunication equipment and parts (8.3%), electrical machinery and apparatus (2.8%), and electrical apparatus for electrical circuits (2.7%).
As one of its main programs of Visit Indonesia Year 2009, this year Indonesia is even more prepared to be the host of Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE). Apart from Bali that has been a magnet for many international-scale business, social and cultural events, Indonesia offers you many other venue to organize an event : Bali, Jakarta, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Medan and other rising MICE starts, such as Bandung, Batam, Padang, Makassar, and Manado. Additionally, within the sphere of democracy, 491 different ethnic groups and tribes who speak of 726 different languages reside peacefully side by side in more than 17,000 beautiful islands, stretched accross the equator. With these differences Indonesia offers ample variety of tourism industries and destinations.
For those who want to spend their holiday or spend some leisure time, Indonesia is the right place to be since it offers diverse tourism activities and destinations for different types of travellers.
Allow me also to express my sincere gratitude to the Government and People of the People's Republic of China for their continued support to maintaining and enhancing the development of a fruitful and mutually beneficial relationship between Indonesia - Hong Kong SAR - the People's Republic of China.
And for the Indonesian community in Hong Kong, Dirgahayu Kemerdekaan Indonesia.
[End]
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Excelling at What You Do
by Rick Warren
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people” (Colossians 3:23 TEV).
During the 2008 Summer Olympics, Michael Phelps gave us an extraordinary display of the pursuit of excellence. But the truth is every athlete in the Olympics pursues excellence as peak performers in their categories of competition.
The Bible identifies five characteristics of people who excel at what they do.
1. People who excel work with enthusiasm. Regardless of whether the job is big or small, give it your best. Great performers give their best effort, no matter the size of the audience: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people” (Colossians 3:23 TEV).
2. People who excel sharpen their skills. They never stop developing, growing, learning, and improving: “If your ax is dull and you don’t sharpen it, you have to work harder to use it. It is smarter to plan ahead” (Ecclesiastes 10:10 TEV). It takes more than desire to excel, it takes skill! Remember, you’re never wasting time when you’re sharpening your “ax.”
3. People who excel keep their word. They are reliable. They can be counted on to do what they say they’ll do. So they excel because people of integrity are rare in our society: “Everyone talks about how loyal and faithful he is, but just try to find someone who really is!” (Proverbs 20:6 TEV).
4. People who excel maintain a positive attitude. Even under pressure, or change, or unrealistic demands, they don’t allow themselves to become negative: “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life . . .” (Philippians 2:14–16 NIV). And remember: “If your boss is angry at you, don’t quit! A quiet spirit can overcome even great mistakes” (Ecclesiastes 10:4 NLT).
5. People who excel do more than is expected. This is a secret that every successful person has discovered. You’ll never excel by only doing what is required. Jesus said, “If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously” (Matthew 5:40–42 MSG).
The Broadway lyricist Oscar Hammerstein once told the story of seeing the top of the Statue of Liberty from a helicopter. He was impressed because of the incredible detail the artist had sculpted on an area that no one was expected to see. In fact, the Statue of Liberty was completed with no idea that man would someday be able to fly over the statue!
When you’re tempted to cut corners, thinking, “No one will ever know,” remember God is looking down and sees everything you do. Give him your best this week!
© 2009. The Reader's Digest Association, Inc.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people” (Colossians 3:23 TEV).
During the 2008 Summer Olympics, Michael Phelps gave us an extraordinary display of the pursuit of excellence. But the truth is every athlete in the Olympics pursues excellence as peak performers in their categories of competition.
The Bible identifies five characteristics of people who excel at what they do.
1. People who excel work with enthusiasm. Regardless of whether the job is big or small, give it your best. Great performers give their best effort, no matter the size of the audience: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people” (Colossians 3:23 TEV).
2. People who excel sharpen their skills. They never stop developing, growing, learning, and improving: “If your ax is dull and you don’t sharpen it, you have to work harder to use it. It is smarter to plan ahead” (Ecclesiastes 10:10 TEV). It takes more than desire to excel, it takes skill! Remember, you’re never wasting time when you’re sharpening your “ax.”
3. People who excel keep their word. They are reliable. They can be counted on to do what they say they’ll do. So they excel because people of integrity are rare in our society: “Everyone talks about how loyal and faithful he is, but just try to find someone who really is!” (Proverbs 20:6 TEV).
4. People who excel maintain a positive attitude. Even under pressure, or change, or unrealistic demands, they don’t allow themselves to become negative: “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life . . .” (Philippians 2:14–16 NIV). And remember: “If your boss is angry at you, don’t quit! A quiet spirit can overcome even great mistakes” (Ecclesiastes 10:4 NLT).
5. People who excel do more than is expected. This is a secret that every successful person has discovered. You’ll never excel by only doing what is required. Jesus said, “If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously” (Matthew 5:40–42 MSG).
The Broadway lyricist Oscar Hammerstein once told the story of seeing the top of the Statue of Liberty from a helicopter. He was impressed because of the incredible detail the artist had sculpted on an area that no one was expected to see. In fact, the Statue of Liberty was completed with no idea that man would someday be able to fly over the statue!
When you’re tempted to cut corners, thinking, “No one will ever know,” remember God is looking down and sees everything you do. Give him your best this week!
© 2009. The Reader's Digest Association, Inc.
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