As we start a new year, it would be good to set some goals for yourself and your family. To begin with, you may want to write down a short statement that encapsulates your purpose for life, for example, "To touch lives for God". Ask God for a theme verse to guide you in the new year. You could meditate on this verse and ask God how it should apply to your life.
There are seven aspects to consider in your goals setting. You could add on. For each, write down a couple of measurable goals you want to accomplish next year.
1. Spiritual: You may aim to read the entire Old Testament by end 2011. Or perhaps set aside time once a week to fast and pray for certain needs.
2. Professional: You may want to include specific courses you would like to attend to help you in your professional development. Or perhaps being able to move into another area of work.
3. Finance: You may want to consider how much to save each month. Or perhaps reconsider some of your investment options.
4. Family: You may want to consider what you hope your family can accomplish together this year. It could perhaps be the salvation of one particular member of your family or spending time together once a week to have family devotional time.
5. Home: You may want to consider delineating home responsibilities for each member of the household to accomplish.
6. Leisure: It could be reading a certain number of books/magazines. Or perhaps pick up a new sport/hobby.
7. Health: It could be exercising three times weekly or taking fruits after every meal.
Whatever your goals, they should be measurable and realistic. That is, by the end of the year, you should be able to note down whether those goals have been accomplished.
Finally, let me leave you with a few quotes to encourage you in your endeavours.
“There are infinite possibilities in little beginnings if God is in them.”
“What you are is God’s gift to you; and what you make of yourself is your gift to God.”
“You are God’s project and God never fails.”
“Success is progressive realization of worthwhile goals.”
Wishing each of you a blessed and fruitful New Year!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
Have a CHRIST-filled Christmas
Christmas is just next week; it's a time to commemorate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Jesus' birth was unique in many ways:
1. It was prophesied long ago by many (Gen 3:15;22:18; Is 7:14; 9:6-9; Mic 5:2).
2. His birth was through a virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit (Lk 1:34-35).
3. He was the Incarnate Son of God (Jn 1:14; Ps 2:7,12).
4. He was born in a stable, announced by angels and proclaimed by the shepherds (Lk 2:7-18).
5. Worshipped by the magi (Mt 2:11).
6. Born to be the Saviour of the world (Mt 1:21).
Christmas has always been a season of giving and parties, coming at the end of the year where people receive their bonuses. The commercial world has captilised on this to get people to part with their money. Lest the true meaning and intent of Christmas be lost in the celebrations, here are a few thoughts on Christmas even as wrap up 2010:
Contentment: Learning to live within our means and trying not to live on credit. Whatever God has blessed us with, we ought to be content and possibly share it with those in need (Phil 4:12; 1Tim 6:6).
Harmony: Learning to co-exist with one another on this planet and especially those who are closest and dearest to us. Forgiving one another and receiving forgiveness should be part of our DNA (Phil 4:2).
Righteousness: The wrath of God has been laid on Jesus Christ that we might become the righteousness of God (2 Cor 5:21). Let's not live our lives without God in total abandonment because one day the wrath of God would be unleased again towards those who reject His Son (Rom 1:18-32).
Investment: Not so much of making a quick buck in business, shares, properties, etc. but more so in building up of lives of people we come into contact with on a regular basis. One great investment is to share the good news of salvation and to disciple them for the Lord (Mt 28:19-20).
Service: We have been created by God for good works (Eph 2:10). We have heard the phrase that we should move from success to significance. Significance comes about when we do something meaningful with our lives to help impact society for good.
Thanksgiving: Let's thank God for the greatest gift He has given - Jesus Christ (Jn 3:16), and also the many blessings He has dropped along our way. When we cultivate the attitude of thanksgiving in our lives, we learn to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God (1 Pet 5:6; 1 Th 5:18).
I wish you a CHRIST-filled Christmas!
May you personally experience the CHRIST of Christmas this holiday season.
1. It was prophesied long ago by many (Gen 3:15;22:18; Is 7:14; 9:6-9; Mic 5:2).
2. His birth was through a virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit (Lk 1:34-35).
3. He was the Incarnate Son of God (Jn 1:14; Ps 2:7,12).
4. He was born in a stable, announced by angels and proclaimed by the shepherds (Lk 2:7-18).
5. Worshipped by the magi (Mt 2:11).
6. Born to be the Saviour of the world (Mt 1:21).
Christmas has always been a season of giving and parties, coming at the end of the year where people receive their bonuses. The commercial world has captilised on this to get people to part with their money. Lest the true meaning and intent of Christmas be lost in the celebrations, here are a few thoughts on Christmas even as wrap up 2010:
Contentment: Learning to live within our means and trying not to live on credit. Whatever God has blessed us with, we ought to be content and possibly share it with those in need (Phil 4:12; 1Tim 6:6).
Harmony: Learning to co-exist with one another on this planet and especially those who are closest and dearest to us. Forgiving one another and receiving forgiveness should be part of our DNA (Phil 4:2).
Righteousness: The wrath of God has been laid on Jesus Christ that we might become the righteousness of God (2 Cor 5:21). Let's not live our lives without God in total abandonment because one day the wrath of God would be unleased again towards those who reject His Son (Rom 1:18-32).
Investment: Not so much of making a quick buck in business, shares, properties, etc. but more so in building up of lives of people we come into contact with on a regular basis. One great investment is to share the good news of salvation and to disciple them for the Lord (Mt 28:19-20).
Service: We have been created by God for good works (Eph 2:10). We have heard the phrase that we should move from success to significance. Significance comes about when we do something meaningful with our lives to help impact society for good.
Thanksgiving: Let's thank God for the greatest gift He has given - Jesus Christ (Jn 3:16), and also the many blessings He has dropped along our way. When we cultivate the attitude of thanksgiving in our lives, we learn to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God (1 Pet 5:6; 1 Th 5:18).
I wish you a CHRIST-filled Christmas!
May you personally experience the CHRIST of Christmas this holiday season.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
Last week, I brought my children to watch the 3-D movie adapted from the C.S. Lewis, The Chronicles of Narnia series. This was book five of his 7-parter children's adventure series; only 3 have been made into motion pictures so far. The first that appeared was The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe , followed by Prince Caspian. In this recent movie, the screenplay writer and director exercised a lot of freedom to depart from the original script written by Lewis in the 1950s. However, watching reel movie, you would realise that there're lessons to learn as it applies to real life as well.
This is the first time we are watching a movie with 3-D effect together and it was quite an experience; it brings the characters of the show nearer to you for good theatrical effect. Of course, you would have to put on special googles that they provide. Some don't like wearing the googles though, well cheer up, the 2-D version also came out last Thursday. Buying a 3-D ticket would set you back by another about $3 compared to a 2-D version. Looks like we're going to have more movies being churned out with 3-D effects in future, until of course the novelty wears off.
The movie began with the Pevensies' children Edmund and Lucy, together with their cousin Eustace, going back to the magical land of Narnia through a picture hanging on a wall. Edmund and Lucy were reunited with Prince Caspian (or rather King now) on board the Dawn Treader, albeit with a reluctant crew Eustace, who couldn't help griping along the way. The lessons to be learnt as you watch the movie are aplenty. But one important thread the film is getting at is that we are all on a journey of faith, with temptations and tribulations lining our pathways. Lucy had to resist the temptation to make herself more beautiful while Edmund had to fight the temptation of power and ambition that so frequently haunts him. Eustace typifies a person who lusts after wealth and fame.
On their journey to find out what happened to 7 Lords, whom young Caspian's wicked uncle got rid off by sending them to explore the unknown Eastern Seas beyond the Lone Islands, they met with all kinds of tests and temptations that the prince of darkness put in their way. However, they were told, "To defeat the darkness out there you must defeat the darkness in yourself." And how true that is in life. The greater darkness lies deep within each one of us. Many times the beastly nature in us comes to the fore when we least expect it. That's why the Scripture tells us that we need to put to death the deeds of the flesh (Col 3:5). When a quarrelsome spirit tries to ensnare us, we need to be reminded and apply Proverbs 15:1, "A gentle answer turns away wrath."
As they encountered each Lord, whether dead or alive, they had to reclaim their 7 swords, which symbolically represent the sins that so easily entangles us (Heb 12:1). It is only when these swords are laid down at Aslan's table (before God), that God empowers us to defeat the evil both within and without. Our submission and surrender to God enables Him to accomplish great things through us. On the other hand, if we cling on to pride and lusts within our hearts, we would not be effective in His kingdom. When we call on the name of the Lord, as Lucy did towards the end, He comes in His own special way to provide a way out in our dilemma and conflict. May you and I reach the shores of heaven triumphant having passed the tests of life.
One final note: My children enjoyed the show with the younger one being inspired to create some artwork accompanied by some literary devices for one of her projects in the future. Go and watch it with your family, if you've not done so.
This is the first time we are watching a movie with 3-D effect together and it was quite an experience; it brings the characters of the show nearer to you for good theatrical effect. Of course, you would have to put on special googles that they provide. Some don't like wearing the googles though, well cheer up, the 2-D version also came out last Thursday. Buying a 3-D ticket would set you back by another about $3 compared to a 2-D version. Looks like we're going to have more movies being churned out with 3-D effects in future, until of course the novelty wears off.
The movie began with the Pevensies' children Edmund and Lucy, together with their cousin Eustace, going back to the magical land of Narnia through a picture hanging on a wall. Edmund and Lucy were reunited with Prince Caspian (or rather King now) on board the Dawn Treader, albeit with a reluctant crew Eustace, who couldn't help griping along the way. The lessons to be learnt as you watch the movie are aplenty. But one important thread the film is getting at is that we are all on a journey of faith, with temptations and tribulations lining our pathways. Lucy had to resist the temptation to make herself more beautiful while Edmund had to fight the temptation of power and ambition that so frequently haunts him. Eustace typifies a person who lusts after wealth and fame.
On their journey to find out what happened to 7 Lords, whom young Caspian's wicked uncle got rid off by sending them to explore the unknown Eastern Seas beyond the Lone Islands, they met with all kinds of tests and temptations that the prince of darkness put in their way. However, they were told, "To defeat the darkness out there you must defeat the darkness in yourself." And how true that is in life. The greater darkness lies deep within each one of us. Many times the beastly nature in us comes to the fore when we least expect it. That's why the Scripture tells us that we need to put to death the deeds of the flesh (Col 3:5). When a quarrelsome spirit tries to ensnare us, we need to be reminded and apply Proverbs 15:1, "A gentle answer turns away wrath."
As they encountered each Lord, whether dead or alive, they had to reclaim their 7 swords, which symbolically represent the sins that so easily entangles us (Heb 12:1). It is only when these swords are laid down at Aslan's table (before God), that God empowers us to defeat the evil both within and without. Our submission and surrender to God enables Him to accomplish great things through us. On the other hand, if we cling on to pride and lusts within our hearts, we would not be effective in His kingdom. When we call on the name of the Lord, as Lucy did towards the end, He comes in His own special way to provide a way out in our dilemma and conflict. May you and I reach the shores of heaven triumphant having passed the tests of life.
One final note: My children enjoyed the show with the younger one being inspired to create some artwork accompanied by some literary devices for one of her projects in the future. Go and watch it with your family, if you've not done so.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
The Book of Proverbs
At the end of this month, those of us who have been faithfully following the daily Bible reading would have completed the New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs. Keep up the readings and you'd have wisdom beyond your years! May I congratulate you on your perseverance and diligence in reading God's Word.
The Book of Proverbs has many brief, pithy sayings that reflect the experiences of Solomon and other wise men of that time. Someone has said that proverbs are "short sentences drawn from long experience." Every culture has proverbs, some unique to a particular group, others similar to those of other people. Both the OT and NT contain many proverbs that grew out of the experiences of the Jewish people, which the Holy Spirit has recorded and preserved for our instruction.
Proverbs is not organised as a sequence of ideas that flow from one to the next. It is rather a patchwork with a variety of segments that can be studied independently. The first nine chapters contain the closest approach to an extended discussion of a theme. Following the introduction (1:1-7), comes a series of 12 parental admonitions introduced by "my son" (1:8,10, 2:1, etc.) These were designed to strengthen a young man's resolve not to fall for wicked companions and beguiling women, but to whet his appetite for the pursuit of wisdom.
The heart of the book, and the source of its name, begins with chapter 10 right up to 22:16. This contains the major portion of Solomon's recorded proverbs, consisting of 374 of the 3000 proverbs he is said to have spoken (1 Kg 4:32). Next comes two collections called "the sayings of the wise" (22:17-24:22; 24:23-34). They are given by other men known for their wisdom and tend to be more extended. Then comes another collection of Solomon's proverbs (25:1-29:17), collected and transcribed at a later time by scholars working under King Hezekiah. Many are expressed as similes or comparisons here. Ch 30 contains the words of Augur; Ch 31 is ascribed to King Lemuel, both personages we know nothing much about other that what was stated.
There are different types of proverbs (similar to what was mentioned about psalms):
1. Contrast: second line says something in opposition or contrast to the first. When read as an entity, the two lines reflect different dimensions of the same truth. Contrasting proverbs predominate in Ch 10-15. eg. "The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous." (15:29, NASB)
2. Parallelism: the same thing is stated in two different ways so as to reinforce or bring out additional aspects of the main idea; found mostly in Ch 16-20. eg. "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling." (16:18)
3. Addition: the second line completes and enlarges the meaning of the first, which cannot be properly understood by itself. Appears frequently in Ch 17, 20-21. eg. "He who returns evil for good, evil will not depart from his house." (17:13)
4. Comparison: usually in the form of a simile; found in the second collection of Solomon's proverbs beginning at Ch 25. eg. "Like apples of gold in the settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances." (25:11)
5. Extension: basic proverb consists of two lines but some are longer, which occurs mostly in "the sayings of the wise". eg. Pr 22:17-21
As you read the Book of Proverbs, let the wisdom of the wise guide you in your everyday living. "Strike while the iron is hot" - a contemporary proverb reminding us to seize the day whenever opportunity presents itself, to do good rather than evil. Many proverbs give us practical advice as to what we ought to do. For instance, Pr 1:10ff counsels us not to follow the ways of sinners but to walk away from them. Of course, sinners here could also be the tempter who comes to put evil thoughts into our minds, in order that we may accomplish his plans and purposes. Do not consent has to do with resisting the devil (Ja 4:7) that he may flee from you. Seize each moment to live for God.
Carpe Diem!
The Book of Proverbs has many brief, pithy sayings that reflect the experiences of Solomon and other wise men of that time. Someone has said that proverbs are "short sentences drawn from long experience." Every culture has proverbs, some unique to a particular group, others similar to those of other people. Both the OT and NT contain many proverbs that grew out of the experiences of the Jewish people, which the Holy Spirit has recorded and preserved for our instruction.
Proverbs is not organised as a sequence of ideas that flow from one to the next. It is rather a patchwork with a variety of segments that can be studied independently. The first nine chapters contain the closest approach to an extended discussion of a theme. Following the introduction (1:1-7), comes a series of 12 parental admonitions introduced by "my son" (1:8,10, 2:1, etc.) These were designed to strengthen a young man's resolve not to fall for wicked companions and beguiling women, but to whet his appetite for the pursuit of wisdom.
The heart of the book, and the source of its name, begins with chapter 10 right up to 22:16. This contains the major portion of Solomon's recorded proverbs, consisting of 374 of the 3000 proverbs he is said to have spoken (1 Kg 4:32). Next comes two collections called "the sayings of the wise" (22:17-24:22; 24:23-34). They are given by other men known for their wisdom and tend to be more extended. Then comes another collection of Solomon's proverbs (25:1-29:17), collected and transcribed at a later time by scholars working under King Hezekiah. Many are expressed as similes or comparisons here. Ch 30 contains the words of Augur; Ch 31 is ascribed to King Lemuel, both personages we know nothing much about other that what was stated.
There are different types of proverbs (similar to what was mentioned about psalms):
1. Contrast: second line says something in opposition or contrast to the first. When read as an entity, the two lines reflect different dimensions of the same truth. Contrasting proverbs predominate in Ch 10-15. eg. "The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous." (15:29, NASB)
2. Parallelism: the same thing is stated in two different ways so as to reinforce or bring out additional aspects of the main idea; found mostly in Ch 16-20. eg. "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling." (16:18)
3. Addition: the second line completes and enlarges the meaning of the first, which cannot be properly understood by itself. Appears frequently in Ch 17, 20-21. eg. "He who returns evil for good, evil will not depart from his house." (17:13)
4. Comparison: usually in the form of a simile; found in the second collection of Solomon's proverbs beginning at Ch 25. eg. "Like apples of gold in the settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances." (25:11)
5. Extension: basic proverb consists of two lines but some are longer, which occurs mostly in "the sayings of the wise". eg. Pr 22:17-21
As you read the Book of Proverbs, let the wisdom of the wise guide you in your everyday living. "Strike while the iron is hot" - a contemporary proverb reminding us to seize the day whenever opportunity presents itself, to do good rather than evil. Many proverbs give us practical advice as to what we ought to do. For instance, Pr 1:10ff counsels us not to follow the ways of sinners but to walk away from them. Of course, sinners here could also be the tempter who comes to put evil thoughts into our minds, in order that we may accomplish his plans and purposes. Do not consent has to do with resisting the devil (Ja 4:7) that he may flee from you. Seize each moment to live for God.
Carpe Diem!
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