LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD. (Habakkuk 3:2a NIV)
When someone says our reputation precedes us, we know that person has heard about us and what we have done or achieved prior to meeting us. In a sense, it means we have earned ourselves a certain amount of fame—good or bad. If we are known for being charitable, we are doing fine, unless all our works are done in pretense, just for hype. If we, on the other hand, have a reputation for doing the exact opposite of what is right, then we are in a sad state, more often than not acquainted with dishonor. Beyond these two opposites is a third outcome of fame which is seemingly undesirable, yet absolutely necessary. This is the earned reputation for doing the right thing and suffering for doing it.
The apostle Paul said, “I have ... been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked … I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked” (2 Corinthians 11:23-28 NIV).
Paul did the right thing and suffered much for the gospel of Christ. His reputation preceded him—both good and bad—and his imprisonment encouraged many to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly (Acts 9:13-14, 20-21, 26-27; Philippians 1:14). The controversy concerning his total change after his conversion made news, and for that he had many opportunities to share his testimony (Acts 22:2-16; 26:12-18). God did extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them (Acts 19:11-12). Famed for contributing a large part of the writings in the New Testament, Paul was reputed for having led many to the Lord.
What about us? Who do people and the crowd say we are? Are we reputed for doing the right or wrong things? Are our good works publicity stunts to gain popularity and praise from men or are we genuinely interested in helping the needy? Are our actions and testimony bringing glory to or defaming the name of the Lord? Is fame and face more important to us than obeying God? Where do we stand if we know we are to suffer disrepute or be disadvantaged doing what is right?
Let us choose to bring glory to God in every of our actions rather than to ourselves, and let the fame of our God be exceedingly great (Colossians 3:17). If we are famous or desire fame, let us not boast of ourselves but of God (Jeremiah 9:23-24; 2 Corinthians 10:13). Like Habakkuk the prophet, let us say of the LORD, we have heard of Your fame; we stand in awe of Your deeds, O LORD (Habakkuk 3:2a).
Dear Lord, forgive us for the times we place our reputation above all else, just for the sake of face or popularity votes. Help us Lord not to be too proud of ourselves or do things purely for the reason of hype. Set right our hearts O Lord to genuinely desire to help others and to be charitable for the right reasons; not for fame or for the praise of men. Grant us a spirit of humility Lord that we may not envy or be upset even if we do not become famous, reputed, or receive the recognition we deserve for the good we have done. You alone deserve all glory and fame O God, and we stand in awe of Your deeds.
"For I satisfy the weary ones and refresh everyone who languishes." (Jeremiah 31:25 NAS)
According to the World Health Organization (W.H.O.), suicide is one of the three leading causes of death among those aged 15 to 44 years in some countries, and the second leading cause of death in the 10 to 24 years age group. Every year, almost one million people die from suicide. Every 40 seconds, a person commits suicide somewhere in the world, and every 3 seconds a person attempts to die. Each suicide has a serious impact on at least six other people, and the psychological, social and financial impact of suicide on the family and community is immeasurable.
Socio-demographics indicate more males commit suicide than females, but more females attempt suicide. Of those who commit suicide, the majority have experienced a number of stressful life events, such as interpersonal problems, rejection, loss, work and financial problems, or changes in society.
"Very often when people say 'I am tired of life' or 'There is no point in living,' they are brushed off, or are given examples of other persons who have been in worse difficulties,” said the W.H.O. “Neither of these responses helps the suicidal person.”
The W.H.O. advised that the first step to help someone with suicidal tendency is to find a suitable place where a quiet conversation can be held in reasonable privacy. The second is to allocate the necessary time to listen attentively and calmly to understand the person's feelings. The aim of this is to bridge the gap created by mistrust, despair, and loss of hope to give the person the hope that things can change for the better.
Hope is what gives us strength when we are weary, and God is willing and able to increase our power when we lack might (Isaiah 40:29). This hope we have in God is the anchor of our soul which is sure and steadfast, the one that brings us within the veil into the presence of our God (Hebrews 6:19). Without this hope, we have no vision, and without vision, we become unrestrained and perish (Proverbs 29:18). Yet if we wait for the LORD, we will gain new strength and mount up with wings like eagles, run and not get tired, walk and not become weary (Isaiah 40:31).
Jesus said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Are we weary and tired of life or the challenges we face every day? If we are, let us come to the Lord and He will give us rest. Rather than become weary in doing good, let us push ahead even if our life’s journey is wearisome, for in due time we will reap bountiful joy if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9). Remember, God is the One who satisfies the weary; He is the One who refreshes the weak and feeble (Jeremiah 31:25).
Do we know of anyone who is going through stressful times? Are we conscious of the people around us who are facing interpersonal problems, rejection, loss, financial difficulties or changes in society that are affecting them negatively? If we know of such people, let us not ignore them or be insensitive to them. Instead, let us give them hope by sharing with them Christ Jesus our Lord who is able to grant them strength and refreshment in weariness, salvation and joy forevermore.
Dear Lord, forgive us for sometimes yielding to feelings of hopelessness in our weariness facing the seemingly endless challenges in our lives. Grant us the strength Lord to withstand, and remind us constantly to turn to You to get refreshed, especially in times of agony and distress. Keep us focus on You Lord in moving forward to what lies ahead, that we may not lose heart or grow weary in doing good. Help us bridge the gap with those who are weary Lord, that we may be the ones to bring them the joy and hope of Your salvation.
And He told them a parable, saying, "The land of a rich man was very productive. (Luke 12:16 NAS)
In his article 'Three Ways to Become Rich — One-Way to Live the Good Life' at Forbes.com, Panos Mourdoukoutas mentioned three approaches to getting rich which are revealed in Forbes World’s Billionaires’ list.
The first is the Company-builder way. This is seen in how Carlos Slim Helu amassed his wealth by setting up large-well managed corporations in heavy industry, mining and retailing. Mr. Slim holds the title of world’s richest man for the third consecutive year on Forbes’ list. According to Biography.com, he became a billionaire after the economic crash of 1982 when he purchased investments at low prices which later turned extremely valuable.
The second is the Business-builder way. This is exemplified by how Microsoft founder Bill Gates made his fortune in helping engineers and marketers become entrepreneurs, who in turn helped other engineers and marketers become their own entrepreneurs. Mr. Gates holds second place on Forbes’ list.
The third is the Financier way. This can be seen in how Berkshire Hathaway’s Chairman Warren Buffett accumulated his fortune through buying up shares of well-managed corporations and entrepreneurial ventures. Mr. Buffett holds third place on Forbes’ list.
In concluding his article, Mourdoukoutas wrote that irrespective of which path one follows to riches, history has shown that staying rich is often more difficult than getting there, and being rich does not warrant a good life. According to another article at Forbes.com, although Mr. Slim retains the title as world's richest man, his fortune estimated recently is down by $5 billion as compared to a year before. The primary reason for this is the lower share price of his America Movil stock, which accounts for more than half his net worth. The company moreover has been ordered by Mexican regulators to cut charges it levies on mobile phone competitors in exchange for dropping a record fine of $1 billion in April 2011 for monopolistic practices after a year-long appeal and dispute.
Like Mr. Slim and the others who top Forbes’ list as the richest, our Lord Jesus Christ also mentioned in a parable about a rich man whose land was very productive. This rich man reasoned to himself what he should do, since there was no place to store his crops. Eventually, he decided on tearing down his barns to build larger ones, and there store all his grain and goods (Luke 12:16-20).
“Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry,” said the rich man to himself. But God said to him, “You fool! This very night your soul is required of you.” Who will now own what the rich man had prepared? For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul (Matthew 16:26; Mark 8:35-36)?
Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven … for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).
Let us therefore be content with what we have, for many who want to become rich have fallen into temptation and a snare, and many foolish and harmful desires have plunge men into ruin and destruction (1 Timothy 6:8-9). Some have become unfruitful, choked by the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things (Mark 4:19). Since we know no amount of riches can warrant a good life, why then should we seek to become rich or desire the trophies wealth offers?
If therefore we are rich in this present world, let us not to be conceited or fix our hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Do good and be rich in good works, always ready to share, that we may store up for ourselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future to take hold of that which is truly life (1 Timothy 6:17-19).
Dear Lord, forgive us for sometimes putting our trust in the riches of this world. Help us Lord not desire or seek to become rich, but be content with what we already have. In our riches Lord, grant us a heart to help those in need of care, instead of storing up to accumulate more. All that we have O Lord belongs to You and comes from You. In You Lord we put our trust, for You are our provider and the sustainer of our soul.
But his wife, from behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. (Genesis 19:26 NAS)
In the book, Who Moved My Cheese? by Dr. Spencer Johnson, a fable was told of how four characters—two mice and two miniature humans—react to the discovery of stolen cheese. The humans became angry and rant at the unfairness of the situation, but eventually went home hungry. The mice on the other hand accepted the fact, and moved on to search for new cheese. The underlying principles to learn from this story are acceptance and adaptability when dealing with changes in work and life. In a sense, it is about not looking back to what was already lost, and to move forward to what lies ahead.
Like the fable by Dr. Johnson, the Bible also recorded for us an event in the Old Testament that teaches about not looking back. When Sodom and Gomorrah were about to be destroyed, the angels told Lot to take his wife and two daughters, and leave Sodom so they may not be swept away in the punishment of the cities. When Lot hesitated, the angels seized his hand and the hand of his wife and of his two daughters, and brought them outside the city. One of the two angels then said, “Escape for your life! Do not look behind you, and do not stay anywhere in the valley” (Genesis 19:15-17).
When Lot finally reached Zoar, the LORD rained on Sodom and Gomorrah brimstone and fire out of heaven, and overthrew the cities. Lot's wife, however, from behind Lot, looked back and became a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:23-26).
Many of us know the reason behind Lot's wife becoming a pillar of salt. Just as Lot hesitated when told to leave the city, his wife was also reluctant to leave, having lived a life of luxury in Sodom for a long time with all her possessions left behind. Her heart was of regret and longing, unwilling to part with her earthly gains, wishing to stay behind to keep what she once had. Lot, unlike his wife, although hesitant, accepted his lost and obeyed the LORD’s command to look ahead.
Are we like Lot's wife at times? Do we hold to the past with yearning as if all hope is lost for the future? Can we put our trust in God completely on what lies in the days and years to come?
The Bible said in reference to our former manner of life, we should lay aside the old self which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit (Ephesians 4:22). Since therefore we have laid aside the old self with its evil practices, we ought to put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created us (Colossians 3:9-10).
No doubt, not all things that lie behind us are evil practices, lusts, deceit or unchristian like. Nonetheless, our past should not burden, afflict, plague, distress, bother or hinder us from moving forward. The past should be lessons learned and not something that holds us back. Unless we are willing to let go of our past painful experiences, misgivings and wrongdoings, our lives can take a toll and destroy what lies ahead.
Jesus said, "No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62). Forgetting what lies behind, therefore, let us reach forward to what lies ahead and press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14). Let us put our complete trust in God, for He knows the plan He has for us; plans for welfare and not for calamity to give us a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).
Dear Lord thank You for helping us not look back to our past in sadness, pain or regret. Teach us Lord to accept the things we cannot change, and to move on to do that which You have made Your plans for us. Guide us Lord in the days and years ahead as we face new challenges and cope with changes in life and work. Strengthen and renew us Lord as we put aside our old ways, along with our past misgivings and wrongdoings, that we may not unwittingly destroy our future. In You O Lord we put our complete trust, for You alone know what lies ahead.
A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart. (Ecclesiastes 4:12b NAS)
Rope making has been around for a long time, and there are many different ways of making it. Depending on how a rope is made will determine the different characteristics that can be introduced to the finished rope.
One of the most common ropes used today is the laid or twisted rope. According to various sources of information from the web, a laid rope has a preferred direction for coiling. A right-laid rope is coiled clockwise to prevent kinking. This type of rope needs to be bound at its ends to prevent untwisting.
Laid rope of three strands is usually preferred because of its proven strength to carry a load or lash a structure. Such a rope is made by twisting three strands of fiber in one direction and then laying the strands together by allowing the strands to twist together in the opposite direction. Fibers are first gathered and spun into yarns, and a number of these yarns are then formed into strands by twisting. Each of these strands are twisted tightly and joined to make the twist coil the rope. This counter-twisting is what holds the finished rope together to make it a stable and unified object.
A marriage relationship is like the making of a three strand rope. Depending on how much we are willing to let the Lord guide us as a couple and in our family life will determine how our marriage relationship turns out. Unless we have Christ to hold fast our relationship like a threefold cord with strands bound together, a marriage or family can quickly be torn apart (Ecclesiastes 4:12). Just as a laid rope has a preferred direction for coiling, even when two have become one flesh in marriage, each can still have differing opinions and preference, and these can lead to both going different directions.
I have been married for more than twenty years, and I have seen marriages that last till the end and those that did not last. I know and understand how hard it is for couples with differing opinions and preference to stay together, and I know what it means to tolerate one another. I thank God my wife and I are still growing in love after all these years because Christ is the center of our lives. Without Christ, I can never be sure how our marriage relationship would be today, for we differ much in thoughts and character. I know for sure, however, that without the Lord things would not have been the same.
A lasting marriage is one that has Christ as the center. Even in a strained relationship where a husband and wife go opposite directions in opinions or preference, with Christ as Lord, they can stay strong to carry any load together and move ahead in one direction. Like fibers that are spun into yarns to make the twist coil the rope, if we like branches hold fast to the Vine and abide in Christ, we can be assured our relationship will bear much fruit (John 15:5). Just as a finished rope of three strands cannot be held together without counter-twisting, and branches can do nothing without the Vine, so it is with a marriage relationship.
Let us hold fast therefore to the One who is able to keep us and our family together (Joshua 23:8; Jude 24). For in Christ alone can we build a family that is stable and unified, with relationships that last and are not quickly torn apart. With one heart, let us as a family agree with one another even if we differ in opinions or preference to affirm as Joshua did, “as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15).
Dear Lord, thank You for holding fast our marriage relationship. We know Lord that as a family our relationship hinges on putting You first in our lives. You O Lord are the Vine and we are the branches. Without You, we can do nothing. Guide us therefore Lord in our building of a relationship that lasts. Help us not go opposite directions over differing opinions or preference, but to willingly give in to or agree with the other in love. You are the center of our lives Lord and in You alone we are assured our relationship will bear much fruit till the end.
Then the king gave a great banquet, Esther's banquet, for all his princes and his servants; he also made a holiday for the provinces and gave gifts according to the king's bounty. (Esther 2:18 NAS)
According to a news article in The Telegraph, a national holiday was declared by Kenya when Barack Obama won America’s presidential election in 2008. The declaration was greeted with scenes of wild celebration in the home village of Nyangoma Kogelo in western Kenya. Kgalema Motlanthe, the South African president, told Mr Obama then that his election "carries with it hope for millions of … countrymen and women as much as it is for millions of people particularly of African descent both in the continent of Africa as well as those in the Diaspora."
"We have a new spring in our walk and our shoulders are straighter," said Desmond Tutu, the Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town. He added saying, it told "people of color that for them, the sky is the limit."
Like the national holiday declared by Kenya to celebrate President Obama’s electoral victory, the Bible mentioned a holiday that was declared by King Ahasuerus in celebration of Esther's royal crowning as queen (Esther 2:17-18). The occasion was greeted with grandeur like a dream come true, a blessing bestowed that seemingly guaranteed a safe haven for the people of Israel, since Queen Esther was also a Jew. Sadly, however, that was not to be the case, for Haman—one of the king’s men—had other plans for the sons of Israel.
The days of holidaying ceased as Haman’s plans unfolded, and although Queen Esther found favor in the eyes of the king, it was not for the purpose of Israel’s acceptance that God had in mind. Esther’s appointment as queen was for a reason—to save the people of Israel (Esther 4:14). We know the rest of the story, how the Jews in exile were delivered from destruction and Mordecai from the gallows.
When the king’s edict granted the Jews in every city the right to assemble and protect themselves, wherever the king's decree arrived, the Jews rejoiced with great celebration and declared a public festival and holiday (Esther 8:11, 17). After the Jews rid themselves of their enemies, their sorrow was turned into gladness, from mourning into a holiday with feasting and rejoicing, the sharing of food among one another, and the giving of gifts to the poor (Esther 9:22).
What about us? How do we celebrate our victories and success when God turned our mourning into joy? Do we celebrate the occasion with worship and thanksgiving to God in declaring it a holy day of rejoicing to share food with one another and give gifts to the poor? While it is understandable for us to readily spend excessively on our own holidaying, we should not forget the needy in our midst. Let us therefore not hesitate to bring food and material goods to the poor, for they need all these more than us. In the same way, let us also share with them spiritual food to satisfy their hungry souls in bringing to them the joy of salvation through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Rather than wait till Christmas or special occasions, let us always be ready to give good gifts and carry with us hope to the millions in grandeur display of God’s generosity and bountiful mercies. For with God the sky is not the limit; with Him all things are possible (Matthew 19:26; Mark 10:27). Rejoice and be glad, for each new day is a day the LORD has made (Psalm 118:24). Like a new spring in our walk that comes with each new day, let us with shoulders straightened and upright, march forth without shame to share the gospel of Christ to bring joy and salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16).
Thank You dear Lord for making the impossible possible, and for turning our sorrow into joy, our mourning into a holiday of celebration. We rejoice O Lord for each new day is a day made by You, and You have saved us from death and given us eternal life. Renew the joy of our salvation Lord that we may celebrate each day and especially the Lord's Day each week to keep it holy. Grant us a willing heart Lord to share what we have with those in need, to bring to them food and Your salvation that they may like us experience Your bountiful blessings poured down without limit.
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, (Philippians 2:5 NAS)
There is a game I like to play with my family, even though I seldom win. I call it the ‘Game of Attitudes.‘ In this game, every member of the family is not to speak a negative word or make any complain for a day. At the end of the day, all of us would then evaluate ourselves to find out how we have faired and the number of times we have failed. A penalty may be imposed on the one who has made the highest number of mistakes, such as to do an assigned housework or to contribute to the family's household fund.
Staying free of complain and negative speech are attitudes few of us can maintain at all times. The Bible said our attitudes should be like that of Christ Jesus our Lord (Philippians 2:5). Having been made perfect in Christ, we ought to keep this attitude; and if in anything we have a different attitude, God will reveal that to us (Philippians 3:15). In relation to our former manner of life, therefore, we should lay aside our old self which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and be renewed in the spirit of our minds (Ephesians 4:22-23).
If we profess ourselves to be walking in the light (1 John 1:7), then we ought not to have any dirty rotten attitudes going on now (DRAGON), lest we stain the name of our Lord and deceive ourselves (1 John 1:8). As children of God, let us not profess or love only in words or tongue but with actions and positive attitudes, for these are evidences the world look for in a changed life to know we belong to Christ. God knows our hearts and our attitudes; He knows all things (1 John 3:18-20).
Are we prepared to play the ‘Game of Attitudes’ today? If we are, then let us not speak a negative word or make any complain. Regardless the outcome of our evaluation, let us play the game over again each day, and see for ourselves the changes God can do in transforming our attitudes and character to bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
Thank You dear Lord for changing our hearts when we give ourselves completely to You. We know Lord we can never achieve absolution in keeping good attitudes all the time while we are here on earth, but we certainly want to try. Holy Spirit, renew our minds that we may reveal Christ in our lives, and not tamper with dirty rotten attitudes that put God’s name to shame. Forgive us O Lord for the times we fail to keep our attitudes right. Transform us to be more and more like You each day Lord, that You may increase and we decrease.
For to this end Christ died and lived
again, that He might be Lord both
of the dead and of the living.~ Romans 14:9 (NAS) ~
But God demonstrates His own love
toward us, in that while
we were yet sinners,
Christ died for us. ~ Romans 5:8 (NAS) ~
Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment. (1 Corinthians 1:10 NAS)
We have heard the term ‘agree to disagree.’ In a sense it is about keeping our cool despite differing opinions. Reference.com defines it as “the resolution of a conflict … whereby all parties tolerate but do not accept the opposing position.” An example of such a conflict resolution found in the Bible is recorded in the Book of Acts. Paul and Barnabas had a disagreement over who they should bring along for the second missionary journey. Consequently, they parted company and continued in the ministry of the Lord separately (Acts 15:36-40).
Many churches are still in disagreement over various issues today. Some differ in opinions on theology or doctrinal interpretations, others disagree on practices and teachings. Nevertheless, if the fundamental truths are agreed upon that Christ died and resurrected to save us all, and that whoever believes in Him is granted eternal life, as one body of Christ we should not be divided. We should instead agree to disagree on differing opinions, and put aside our differences to work together to achieve the common goal Christ had given us (1 Corinthians 1:10). We may not agree on everything, but we can with one mind conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ to stand firm in one spirit and strive together for the faith (Philippians 1:27).
Are we frequently in conflict with others over some opinions? If we are, let us learn to resolve our conflicts and tolerate one another. If the conflicts cannot be resolved without separation, then let us agree to part peacefully without hindering the life of the other. Let us move on courageously and continue to do what the Lord has in His plan for us without bitterness or displeasure.
When among believers, therefore, as brothers and sisters in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, we should all agree with one another not to have divisions among us. Instead, we should be completely united in the same mind and judgment (1 Corinthians 1:10). For where two or three have gathered together in the Lord’s name, He is with us in our midst (Matthew 18:20). Let us as one body in Christ stick together so we may have no division, but have the same care for one another as members of the same body (1 Corinthians 12:25).
Thank You dear Lord for granting us the wisdom to understand the fundamentals of Your word. We know Lord we can never fully comprehend all the mysteries written in Your word until the day we see You face to face. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are Your ways higher than our ways, and Your thoughts than our thoughts. Help us therefore Lord to learn to agree to disagree when it comes to conflict resolution, that we may not split hairs over differences in interpretation, teaching, understanding or the like. Comfort us and heal our hearts O Lord should separation be inevitable, that we may continue to stand firm and courageously move forward to do Your will.
