Parables of "The Hidden Treasures" and "The Pearl of Great Price"
Everyone has limited time and limited resources. The key to effectiveness and productivity is knowing what are the important ones and then concentrating effort and time on doing them. Life is much simplified, stressed free when we identify the things of utmost of values. Jesus taught this principle of "finding the treasure and giving all to get it" in the parables of "The Hidden Treasures Mat 13:44" and "The Pearl of Great Price Mat 13:45-46". It is so important that Jesus uses two illustrations. This principle is put into practice by Paul in Php 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.
1st Find the Treasure
What is the Treasure? What are things that are of importance and value? This is found in our mission statement for the corporation and in our calling for our personal life. The mission gives us the purpose and meaning of existent. We need to spend time to search for it and to craft it. It is the most important thing to do. Do it first. Find the mission.
2nd Give All to Get It
The follow on step is to spend all the effort and time to realize the found mission. To Paul, it is Jesus Christ. He spent his all to get to know Christ in an intimate way and to grow up to be like Him. All others are considered less valueable than that. Knowing our mission and meaning of life, an individual or in a corporation, enables us to work out a priority list. We should use the things of lower value to get the things of higher value.
Core & Context - Work on Building Up Strength more than Overcoming Weaknesses
This concept is well illustrated by Geoffrey Moore in his books when he speak of core and context. He suggested we should spend time in enhancing and building the core of differentiation from the markets and outsourcing our context. In the book "7 Practices of Effective Ministry", Andy Stanley et al use the Baseball game as illustration - a pitcher (his mission) is to spend effort in improving his pitching rather than spend effort in improving his batting. For me, we need to spend effort in improving our weakness to an acceptable level and spend more efforts in improving our strengths. This pre-supposes that we have found a role than utilizes our strengths.
Not all activities are of equal important. Activities that help you move in the direction of your mission and vision are needful. The others are just distortion. Find your treasure first and spend all to get it.
Next: Watch and Ride the Trend
2009-01-01
Knowledge Tree of Good and Evil
The two famous trees in the Garden of Eden (Gen 2:9) are the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.
There are people who shorten the description and call it the Tree of Knowledge. The result of eating from the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge was sin and death. Hence, they claimed Knowledge is bad and should not be pursued. They also cited 1 Co 8:1 knowledge puffs up to support their case.
Let's take a closer look at the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. What is the keyword here? Knowledge of Good and Evil? Knowledge is the higher qualifier and Good and Evil is the finer descriptor. Knowledge covers a much greater scope than "Good" & "Evil". Or to put it another way, "Good & Evil", Moral, is only a small part albeit a very important part, of knowledge. We cannot drop the finer descriptor of "Good and Evil" and just talk about knowledge. Just talking about Knowledge would be wrong - it is too generalized. The key descriptor is about a specific kind of knowledge of "good and evil".
A better descriptor for the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, given by others, include "Tree of Laws ", "Tree of Knowledge of Sin" or "Tree of Moral". The Tree of Life is compared to the Tree of Laws as "Grace" vs "Laws" for salvation.
Some preachers remarked that man, after eating the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, got to know that there are good and evil things, but they lack the discernment to tell the good from the evil. God gave the Laws later to reveal the sins. But in Romans 2, we know the sense of right and wrong is built into our conscience and man can't argue that they don't know.
For me, I prefer to name the tree, the "Tree of Knowing Good and Evil", to prevent it from being just shortened to knowledge. The Chinese version of the Bible has, I think, a better translation, as the "Tree of Discernment of Good and Evil"(分别善恶的树). Eating the fruit of this Tree shows that man wants to be the judge of good and evil. Man wants to be his own judge of what is good and what is evil. God is kept out of the picture. This, to me, is the greatest rebellion against God. The true judge of all should be God and not man. The created being, man, cannot be the judge. Only the Creator, God, can be the judge.
Is Knowledge Good or Evil?
Knowledge should be judged as good or evil by the content. Any knowledge that excludes God or exalts against God is bad, worldly, and even demonic. The knowledge that originated from God (e.g. Bible ) and Truth is good and Godly. Jesus tells us that we must know the truth and the truth will set us free. Knowledge from the Devil is bad and evil. Knowledge from man cannot be judged that way but must be by content.
Back to 1 Co 8:1 "knowledge puffs up". If you read accurately, and from the context, you will realize that not all knowledge puffs up but only a particular kind of knowledge. Which kind? It is explained in the next verse 1 Cor 8:2, the kind that thinks he knows everything. The ESV translation qualifies with "This 'knowledge' puffs up". ALT also qualified with 'such knowledge'. Knowledge does not puff up. It is the person who thinks he knows all gets puffed up.
The foundation of knowledge, or true knowledge, begins with acknowledgment of God.
The knowledge that comes from God - the Bible is good. There is not much argument against it. But if the knowledge comes from man, can we, conclude from its origin, that it is therefore no good and worldly? I don't think so.
There are people who shorten the description and call it the Tree of Knowledge. The result of eating from the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge was sin and death. Hence, they claimed Knowledge is bad and should not be pursued. They also cited 1 Co 8:1 knowledge puffs up to support their case.
Let's take a closer look at the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. What is the keyword here? Knowledge of Good and Evil? Knowledge is the higher qualifier and Good and Evil is the finer descriptor. Knowledge covers a much greater scope than "Good" & "Evil". Or to put it another way, "Good & Evil", Moral, is only a small part albeit a very important part, of knowledge. We cannot drop the finer descriptor of "Good and Evil" and just talk about knowledge. Just talking about Knowledge would be wrong - it is too generalized. The key descriptor is about a specific kind of knowledge of "good and evil".
A better descriptor for the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, given by others, include "Tree of Laws ", "Tree of Knowledge of Sin" or "Tree of Moral". The Tree of Life is compared to the Tree of Laws as "Grace" vs "Laws" for salvation.
Some preachers remarked that man, after eating the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, got to know that there are good and evil things, but they lack the discernment to tell the good from the evil. God gave the Laws later to reveal the sins. But in Romans 2, we know the sense of right and wrong is built into our conscience and man can't argue that they don't know.
For me, I prefer to name the tree, the "Tree of Knowing Good and Evil", to prevent it from being just shortened to knowledge. The Chinese version of the Bible has, I think, a better translation, as the "Tree of Discernment of Good and Evil"(分别善恶的树). Eating the fruit of this Tree shows that man wants to be the judge of good and evil. Man wants to be his own judge of what is good and what is evil. God is kept out of the picture. This, to me, is the greatest rebellion against God. The true judge of all should be God and not man. The created being, man, cannot be the judge. Only the Creator, God, can be the judge.
Is Knowledge Good or Evil?
Knowledge should be judged as good or evil by the content. Any knowledge that excludes God or exalts against God is bad, worldly, and even demonic. The knowledge that originated from God (e.g. Bible ) and Truth is good and Godly. Jesus tells us that we must know the truth and the truth will set us free. Knowledge from the Devil is bad and evil. Knowledge from man cannot be judged that way but must be by content.
Back to 1 Co 8:1 "knowledge puffs up". If you read accurately, and from the context, you will realize that not all knowledge puffs up but only a particular kind of knowledge. Which kind? It is explained in the next verse 1 Cor 8:2, the kind that thinks he knows everything. The ESV translation qualifies with "This 'knowledge' puffs up". ALT also qualified with 'such knowledge'. Knowledge does not puff up. It is the person who thinks he knows all gets puffed up.
The foundation of knowledge, or true knowledge, begins with acknowledgment of God.
- Pro 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
- Isa 33:6 And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure.
The knowledge that comes from God - the Bible is good. There is not much argument against it. But if the knowledge comes from man, can we, conclude from its origin, that it is therefore no good and worldly? I don't think so.
The existence and nature of God can be seen from His creation. Man in pursuing the truth will be able to discover a portion of the truths of God. The golden rule of love, taught by Jesus, can be found in many cultures. We can find many teachings of Lao Tze and Confucianism that agree with the Bible. Putting it in another way, Biblical Knowledge extends the teachings of Lao Tze and Confucianism. The Lao Tze' and Confucianism discovered the laws or way of the universe and human behavior but did not discover the giver of the order and the personification of the dao (The Way) in Jesus Christ. They will be thrilled to have known Jesus.
Pursue Knowledge and learn to discern the good and evil. This is maturity.
See also Knowledge Tree of Good and Evil - Looking from Tree of Life
See also Knowledge Tree of Good and Evil - Looking from Tree of Life
Yin Yang and the Bible
A typical difference between Eastern and Modern Western thinking is about options.
Modern Western thinking believes in choosing either Option A or Option B depending on an evaluation function.
Eastern thinking believes in holding both options in balance - the concept of Yin and Yang.
In Confucius' teaching, holding both in balance is called the dao of the middle 中庸之道 or Golden Mean - the course between two extremes.
Boldness is the middle between cowardice and violence.
Love is the middle between hatred and pampering.
Faith is between unbelief and presumption.
Christian living is holding the balance between relying on God and man's effort.
We have
While God does the initiating, we have the responsibility of listening to God and being obedient.
If we don't spend time studying the bible and praying (talking with God), we can't hear God too clearly.
Our sensitivity to God comes from time spent talking and studying His Word and our obedience to what we hear.
Revelation of God comes easily and frequently when we study the Bible. Revelation also comes in our worship and prayer. Take away our effort in pursuing God, and God will seem far away. On the other hand, it is always God who initiates the communication with us. Without God's initiation, no matter how hard we try, we will not hear God.
So while we need to understand the extremes, we maintain our walk in the middle. On one hand, we let God lead us and on the other hand we strive to accomplish what God has revealed and instructed us to do. Grace - God's empowerment only comes when we initiate actions. It takes two to accomplish the work and word of God.
Other points of balance include :
Denying oneself to follow Christ vs Prosperity & Health as one soul prosper
Salvation by Grace and Faith only vs God's workmanship created for good work. see James 2:17-18 Faith without work is dead.
Another point of view is "Both sides of the Same Coin".
A key point in maintaining balance is to get the boot sequence right:
Modern Western thinking believes in choosing either Option A or Option B depending on an evaluation function.
Eastern thinking believes in holding both options in balance - the concept of Yin and Yang.
In Confucius' teaching, holding both in balance is called the dao of the middle 中庸之道 or Golden Mean - the course between two extremes.
Boldness is the middle between cowardice and violence.
Love is the middle between hatred and pampering.
Faith is between unbelief and presumption.
Christian living is holding the balance between relying on God and man's effort.
We have
- Option A: "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" Phi 2:12
- Option B: "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." Phi 2:13
While God does the initiating, we have the responsibility of listening to God and being obedient.
If we don't spend time studying the bible and praying (talking with God), we can't hear God too clearly.
Our sensitivity to God comes from time spent talking and studying His Word and our obedience to what we hear.
Revelation of God comes easily and frequently when we study the Bible. Revelation also comes in our worship and prayer. Take away our effort in pursuing God, and God will seem far away. On the other hand, it is always God who initiates the communication with us. Without God's initiation, no matter how hard we try, we will not hear God.
So while we need to understand the extremes, we maintain our walk in the middle. On one hand, we let God lead us and on the other hand we strive to accomplish what God has revealed and instructed us to do. Grace - God's empowerment only comes when we initiate actions. It takes two to accomplish the work and word of God.
Other points of balance include :
Denying oneself to follow Christ vs Prosperity & Health as one soul prosper
Salvation by Grace and Faith only vs God's workmanship created for good work. see James 2:17-18 Faith without work is dead.
Another point of view is "Both sides of the Same Coin".
A key point in maintaining balance is to get the boot sequence right:
God is 1st, Jesus is the Source and end-point and man just follows and then spirals to greater and greater height. Yin-Yang is the 2D view of the 3D spiral of growth into the image of Christ.
This duality or dichotomy can be seen in Ecclesiastes 3
1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
This duality or dichotomy can be seen in Ecclesiastes 3
1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
For related, see Chinese Classics & The Bible.
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
For related, see Chinese Classics & The Bible.
2008-12-27
Corrective vs Preventive Theology
A highly recommended book is "David - A Man of Passion and Destiny" by C Swindoll. It was a gift from a friend. The greatest benefit from reading the book is the many lessons that we can apply to our lives.
In chapter 18, Swindoll discussed "Corrective vs Preventive" Theology citing Gal 6:6-8. It is a key message for the "Grace-Doctrine" hearers. It clarifies some of the misconceptions that "Grace Doctrine" hearers may have.
We have emphasized too much on confession and repentance of sins - the corrective effort (1 John 1:9) but very little on the preventive effort - Rom 6.
The whole purpose of God's grace to us is not just the forgiveness of sins but the empowerment to live beyond the passive demands of the laws in victory and doing God-glorifying works (Eph 2:10).
Rom 6 tells us we are set free from sin and become slaves to righteousness (Rom 6:22); spent much time arguing against using grace as a license to sin.
Rom 7 speaks of struggle with the flesh, 7:19 But the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing but ended with the secret to victory - Rom 7:25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Rom 8 gives us the encouragement that God is for us and will lead us through and to victory all the way. The secret is "Grace Power - Christ in Us".
Gal preached against justification by laws and stressed that salvation comes only through faith in Christ. Yet it reminded all that God's laws shall not be mocked - we reap whatever we sow. There is forgiveness for sin but not saving from the consequences of our sin. God's grace enables us to learn and walk through the consequences.
Let's follow after the Holy Spirit and be empowered by grace inside to lead a God-glorifying life. We do not have to waste time committing and then repenting from sins.
Summary:
From Gemini:
In chapter 18, Swindoll discussed "Corrective vs Preventive" Theology citing Gal 6:6-8. It is a key message for the "Grace-Doctrine" hearers. It clarifies some of the misconceptions that "Grace Doctrine" hearers may have.
We have emphasized too much on confession and repentance of sins - the corrective effort (1 John 1:9) but very little on the preventive effort - Rom 6.
The whole purpose of God's grace to us is not just the forgiveness of sins but the empowerment to live beyond the passive demands of the laws in victory and doing God-glorifying works (Eph 2:10).
Rom 6 tells us we are set free from sin and become slaves to righteousness (Rom 6:22); spent much time arguing against using grace as a license to sin.
Rom 7 speaks of struggle with the flesh, 7:19 But the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing but ended with the secret to victory - Rom 7:25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Rom 8 gives us the encouragement that God is for us and will lead us through and to victory all the way. The secret is "Grace Power - Christ in Us".
Gal preached against justification by laws and stressed that salvation comes only through faith in Christ. Yet it reminded all that God's laws shall not be mocked - we reap whatever we sow. There is forgiveness for sin but not saving from the consequences of our sin. God's grace enables us to learn and walk through the consequences.
Let's follow after the Holy Spirit and be empowered by grace inside to lead a God-glorifying life. We do not have to waste time committing and then repenting from sins.
Preventing is not trying not to sin but to pursue righteousness leaving us no time to sin.
From Gemini:
Key Points Summarized:
- Misconception of Grace: Many Christians overemphasize confession and repentance (corrective) while neglecting the power of God's grace for overcoming sin (preventive).
- True Purpose of Grace: God's grace is not merely for forgiveness but also for empowerment to live a victorious Christian life.
- Balance: While acknowledging the need for repentance, the focus should shift towards pursuing righteousness and allowing God's grace to prevent sin.
- Key Passages: Romans 6-8, and Galatians 6:6-8 provide a solid foundation for understanding the concept.
DeepSeek: Your Concluding Maxim: The Best SummaryApplying this to your context of teaching and intpersonal interactions, the focus shifts from merely correcting wrong behavior to encouraging and empowering others to live righteously. By fostering a preventive approach, individuals are motivated to pursue righteousness actively, reducing the need for corrective measures. This aligns with the idea of leading by example, showing grace, and fostering an environment where righteousness is the goal, leaving little room for sin.
This preventive approach can transform how you guide and teach others, emphasizing the empowerment of grace and the pursuit of a God-glorifying life, rather than merely avoiding wrongdoing.
"Preventing is not trying not to sin but to pursue righteousness leaving us no time to sin."
This is the practical gem. It echoes Paul's "walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh" (Gal 5:16). The focus is positive pursuit (Eph 2:10's "good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do"), not negative prohibition. A heart and life filled with the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, etc.) has little room for the works of the flesh. It's displacement, not just resistance.
2008-12-24
Obedience Brings Freedom
In John 8:31-34 we have the flow of concepts...
31 If you abide in my word
32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
34 everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin.
The word 'know' is the original 'ginosko' meaning "to know (by experience, or effort)".
Hence, freedom comes from learning about the Truth (taught by Jesus) and then obeying them by putting them into practice, and then tasting the real experience of freedom. ... Know-Do-Have-KnowMore-cycles to greater and greater freedom.
So we have this interesting truth of "Obedience brings Freedom". Freedom comes not by doing whatever you like but only by following the Truths. Sins and bondage come from disobedience of the truth. If we are trapped in bondage, being forced to do things then we must know that we are following a lie. Discover the truth to reveal the lie and then follow after the truth and you can break free.
This is not difficult to understand. We are built, like machines for an example, to work in a certain way. If we operate not according to our instruction manual, we will malfunction. Only when we follow our operating manual will we find the effectiveness, joy, and fulfillment of life.
31 If you abide in my word
32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
34 everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin.
The word 'know' is the original 'ginosko' meaning "to know (by experience, or effort)".
Hence, freedom comes from learning about the Truth (taught by Jesus) and then obeying them by putting them into practice, and then tasting the real experience of freedom. ... Know-Do-Have-KnowMore-cycles to greater and greater freedom.
So we have this interesting truth of "Obedience brings Freedom". Freedom comes not by doing whatever you like but only by following the Truths. Sins and bondage come from disobedience of the truth. If we are trapped in bondage, being forced to do things then we must know that we are following a lie. Discover the truth to reveal the lie and then follow after the truth and you can break free.
This is not difficult to understand. We are built, like machines for an example, to work in a certain way. If we operate not according to our instruction manual, we will malfunction. Only when we follow our operating manual will we find the effectiveness, joy, and fulfillment of life.
To be free, learn and obey our operating manual - the Bible and receive the Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus the reason for this Christmas season.
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ChatGPT provides the following interesting points:
ChatGPT provides the following interesting points:
Obedience Brings Freedom
Your insight that "obedience brings freedom" is profound. Freedom in Christ is not the license to do whatever we want but the ability to live as we were created to live. Obedience to God's truth leads to a life of purpose, fulfillment, and true joy, as opposed to the emptiness and dissatisfaction of a life lived in sin.
The Path to Freedom
To break free from bondage, one must:
- Identify the Lie: Recognize the false beliefs and practices that lead to bondage.
- Discover the Truth: Engage deeply with the Bible and the teachings of Jesus to uncover the truth.
- Obey the Truth: Put into practice what is learned, leading to experiential knowledge and greater freedom.
Doubao:
2008-12-22
KP#19 Strategy - Plan to Succeed
All project begins with a plan - either in the mind or best layout on paper (or soft copy in computer).
There is the old saying that “a failure to plan is a plan to fail. This is emphasized twice by Jesus in the Parables of "Building a tower" and "Waging a War" in Luke 14:28–33.
The Steps are:
Next:Focus & Priority
There is the old saying that “a failure to plan is a plan to fail. This is emphasized twice by Jesus in the Parables of "Building a tower" and "Waging a War" in Luke 14:28–33.
The Steps are:
- sit down - spend the effort
- count the cost
a. for the total project
b. make sure it is enough to complete and to overcome the obstacles- Luke 14:28, 31 - If not, Come out with alternatives to complete the project - Luke 14:32
- Commit all your resources in fulfilling your plan (eg Calling by God) - Luke 14:33
Half-hearted commitment is not able to bring success.
Next:Focus & Priority
2008-12-18
Advanced Doctrine - Covenant of Grace
In the posting Laying of Hands, we covered the 6 basic doctrines. The 6 doctrines only take 2 verses to cover. What is the advanced doctrine that Paul wanted to cover and spend the entire book of 13 chapters of Hebrew to do it? (There are dispute about who the author of Hebrew was. Most believe it was Paul.)
I think it is the "Doctrine of Grace" or "The New Covenant of Grace". The 6 basic doctrines are actually covered in the Old Testament. The new, more excellence Covenant, the once for all and eternal, the desires and aims of the OT, is accomplished and brought about, by Jesus Christ, the true Great High Priest.
We need to spend lot more time understanding and living out this new covenant of grace. Paul went through great extent explaining the why and how for our benefits that we may focus on Christ, empowered by Christ, put our faith in Christ, run and complete the race before us, following our leaders, encouraging and loving one another, doing God glorifying works to testify the goodness and love of God, and enter into the rest and rewards that Christ has gone before us to obtain for us.
The details are in the mind map Growing Up in Grace.
A comparison of the old and new is shown below:
I think it is the "Doctrine of Grace" or "The New Covenant of Grace". The 6 basic doctrines are actually covered in the Old Testament. The new, more excellence Covenant, the once for all and eternal, the desires and aims of the OT, is accomplished and brought about, by Jesus Christ, the true Great High Priest.
We need to spend lot more time understanding and living out this new covenant of grace. Paul went through great extent explaining the why and how for our benefits that we may focus on Christ, empowered by Christ, put our faith in Christ, run and complete the race before us, following our leaders, encouraging and loving one another, doing God glorifying works to testify the goodness and love of God, and enter into the rest and rewards that Christ has gone before us to obtain for us.
The details are in the mind map Growing Up in Grace.
A comparison of the old and new is shown below:
| | Old | New |
| mediator | High Priest | Christ |
| with | Animal Blood | His Blood |
| frequency | Every Year | Once for all |
| effect | cannot perfect the conscience Heb 9:9 | purify our conscience Heb 9:14 |
| result | dead work | God glorifying work |
| justification | obey the Laws | By faith in Christ's work |
| purpose | payment for sins | payment + new life |
| power | no power | Grace Empowerment CIU |
| effort | manual - follow the laws | Laws within Heart & Mind |
2008-12-15
Be-Do-Have Repeat and Grow
In "Be-Do-Have" of Grace Based Doctrine I wrote about the grace-based doctrine of be-do-have and the conventional performance-based doctrine of have-do-be.
In this post, I want to bring up the reinforcing effect of doing and have-ing on the be. By doing so, we get to understand our identity better. Having strengthens our faith and gives us confidence in our 'be-ing" that was there originally. This is growth. Big accomplishments are achieved through repeated small steps.
If we do and we don't have the success of "have" then we need to check on the method and process of our do.
In this post, I want to bring up the reinforcing effect of doing and have-ing on the be. By doing so, we get to understand our identity better. Having strengthens our faith and gives us confidence in our 'be-ing" that was there originally. This is growth. Big accomplishments are achieved through repeated small steps.
If we do and we don't have the success of "have" then we need to check on the method and process of our do.
- Did we have the right motive?
- Did we hear God correctly?
- Did we have the right methods,?
- And very often, did we give time for the effects to be seen.
The seeds that germinate inside the earth, growing its roots are not seen until the stem and leaves sprout out of the earth. Being persistent and patient is a quality of maturity, especially towards people. On the other hand, we must be alert and flexible to adopt a new strategy if the situation has changed. Life has such interesting variations that make for real joy and challenge in living.
2008-12-01
Reconciliation- A Better Term for Salvation
In an earlier posting, Salvation Re-visited - Relational View we said that salvation is actually about bring people back to God. A shorter term for the rebuilding of relationship between two parties is 'Reconciliation'.
Death is not cessation of life but disconnection from God. Man rejection of God resulted in amity between God and man. It takes Jesus' substitutional death on cross to remove this amity. However, while Jesus makes possible the way back to God, it is still up to man to choose to be reconciled to God. It is a free will decision.
Death is not cessation of life but disconnection from God. Man rejection of God resulted in amity between God and man. It takes Jesus' substitutional death on cross to remove this amity. However, while Jesus makes possible the way back to God, it is still up to man to choose to be reconciled to God. It is a free will decision.
2008-11-28
The Main Secret of Success - God's Part & Man's Part
The main secret of success is given in Joshua 1:1-9. It started with God taking the initiative again - this time with Joshua after the death of Moses. It also shows God's plan for mankind does not end with the death of a person. His plan continues with the election of a new person to take over. It is easy for God to speak to Joshua as Joshua had been with Moses most of the time when God talked to Moses. Joshua has a relationship and a heart for God. (Exo 33:11, Deu 31:14).
Step#1 Have a Relationship with God through Jesus Christ
The 1st step is to get connected with God. God has taken the initiative of sending His Son Jesus Christ to come to this earth and die for us so that we may get connected back to God the Creator and the Source of Life. It is God who seeks after us to have a relationship with Him.
Step#2 Receive Your Calling from God
God told Joshua about his mission in life - lead His people to inherit the promised land Jos 1:6. Each of us has our calling from God - to impact the world around us for His glory. God may also call us out to another area of influence. But whatever it is, God promised you the support to achieve the mission He has given you. His mission for us is for good success - Jos 1:7,8.
Step#3 Be Assured of God's Support & Promise
God said he would be with us whenever we go to Jos 1:9; He will not fail us for He is ABLE and He will not forsake us for He is WILLING. We are given assurance in John 14:16 - forever with us and Heb 13:5 and 13:6.
Step#4 Arise & Go - Start
The keywords used are "NOW", "ARISE", "GO", "POSSESS the LAND".... simply "JUST DO IT".
God has done His part- calling, empowerment, commission, accompaniment, assurance, and the detailed instructions in the Bible.
Step#5 Follow the Bible
The detailed instructions are given in the BOOK - the BIBLE. Joshua was taught how to read the Bible too
This is implied in meditating on the Word of God day and night. Read, Study, and Talk over the Word with the Holy Spirit as a teacher with the attitude of willingness to obey and execute the Rhema Words received.
Our Part
The secret to success is simply to Know God and Follow Him. God has taken the 1st step in reaching out and telling us how. It is up to us to put it into action and realize the success that God has intended for us.
Step#1 Have a Relationship with God through Jesus Christ
The 1st step is to get connected with God. God has taken the initiative of sending His Son Jesus Christ to come to this earth and die for us so that we may get connected back to God the Creator and the Source of Life. It is God who seeks after us to have a relationship with Him.
Step#2 Receive Your Calling from God
God told Joshua about his mission in life - lead His people to inherit the promised land Jos 1:6. Each of us has our calling from God - to impact the world around us for His glory. God may also call us out to another area of influence. But whatever it is, God promised you the support to achieve the mission He has given you. His mission for us is for good success - Jos 1:7,8.
Step#3 Be Assured of God's Support & Promise
God said he would be with us whenever we go to Jos 1:9; He will not fail us for He is ABLE and He will not forsake us for He is WILLING. We are given assurance in John 14:16 - forever with us and Heb 13:5 and 13:6.
Step#4 Arise & Go - Start
The keywords used are "NOW", "ARISE", "GO", "POSSESS the LAND".... simply "JUST DO IT".
God has done His part- calling, empowerment, commission, accompaniment, assurance, and the detailed instructions in the Bible.
Step#5 Follow the Bible
The detailed instructions are given in the BOOK - the BIBLE. Joshua was taught how to read the Bible too
- Not depart from the Mouth - i.e. speak the word, confess the word.
- Meditate on it Day and Night. - hiding His Word in our hearts all the time.
- Follow it Exactly - Take it as the Standards for Living. Not to turn to right or left; Not try to be smarter than the Word. Do not try to take shortcuts. Don't be corrupted by the world's teaching. Stick to the Word and act on it accordingly no matter what even looking foolish to the world.
This is implied in meditating on the Word of God day and night. Read, Study, and Talk over the Word with the Holy Spirit as a teacher with the attitude of willingness to obey and execute the Rhema Words received.
Our Part
The secret to success is simply to Know God and Follow Him. God has taken the 1st step in reaching out and telling us how. It is up to us to put it into action and realize the success that God has intended for us.
===
Gemini: Additional Thoughts
The text could be enriched by incorporating additional biblical perspectives on success, such as:
- The concept of stewardship (Luke 12:48)
- The importance of character development (Proverbs 22:1)
- The role of adversity in building resilience (Romans 5:3-5)
- The significance of serving others (Matthew 22:37-39)
2008-11-25
KP#18 Customers Services & More
The Golden Rule of Customer Service is "Empathy" - Seeing things from Customer's view point and treating them as they would like to be treated. This is the famous Luke 6:31 Do as you wish others would do to you. There are criticisms against this verse - citing it as too self-centered ( I think empathy is implied in the verse) and propose other versions. Here are the summary:
How is a person delighted and thrilled by your service ? By going beyond his expectation. This is the teaching of Mat 5:38-48. When customers complained, don't fight back. Listen to his grievances and see things from his view poins. Could you do more to help solve his problems. Go the extra mile and seize back the initiative. If you think this is the best, let me share with you that you are only reacting to his demand.
The Higher Level Pro-active Service
A higher level of service is able to foresee his needs and when he realize his needs and it was already taken off, he will be trule impressed --- "they think of everything for me!" Mat 6:8 Be not therefore like them: for your Father knows what things you have need of, before you ask him.
Caveat
If you are not making money to serve the extra-mile customers, then drop them ... you are not designed to serve them. This could be due to inappropriate Business Model (pricing, service model ). e.g. Budget Airlines does not compete with SIA on service. Othere reasons are: processes wrong, jobs spec wrong, staff's competence wrong and staff's motivation wrong.
Go For Non-Customers
We tend to fall into myopic's trap - only seeing our present customers and trying to keep them happy and emotionally engaged with us. Another part of our business should be reaching out to people that are not our customers yet. How can we reachout to this larger pool of non-customers ? The Parable of the Wedding Feast Mat 22:1-14, Luke 14:16-24, tell us to look for those with needs that we can fulfill and at a profit. If you think it can't be done, look at Google's model, micro-loans, village phone services. Ask God for wisdom where you can have a breakthrough business and not a compromised business.... Charity at a Profit!
Next: Plan to Succeed
- The Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would others do unto you.
- The Platinum Rule: Do Unto Others as They Would Have You Do Unto Them.
(Do they know what is best for themselves?) - The Rhodium Rule: Do unto others as Jesus would have us do unto them.
(Love as Jesus; for their benefits from God's viewpoint. e.g. an alcoholic would like to have more alcohol and that is not good for them).
How is a person delighted and thrilled by your service ? By going beyond his expectation. This is the teaching of Mat 5:38-48. When customers complained, don't fight back. Listen to his grievances and see things from his view poins. Could you do more to help solve his problems. Go the extra mile and seize back the initiative. If you think this is the best, let me share with you that you are only reacting to his demand.
The Higher Level Pro-active Service
A higher level of service is able to foresee his needs and when he realize his needs and it was already taken off, he will be trule impressed --- "they think of everything for me!" Mat 6:8 Be not therefore like them: for your Father knows what things you have need of, before you ask him.
Caveat
If you are not making money to serve the extra-mile customers, then drop them ... you are not designed to serve them. This could be due to inappropriate Business Model (pricing, service model ). e.g. Budget Airlines does not compete with SIA on service. Othere reasons are: processes wrong, jobs spec wrong, staff's competence wrong and staff's motivation wrong.
Go For Non-Customers
We tend to fall into myopic's trap - only seeing our present customers and trying to keep them happy and emotionally engaged with us. Another part of our business should be reaching out to people that are not our customers yet. How can we reachout to this larger pool of non-customers ? The Parable of the Wedding Feast Mat 22:1-14, Luke 14:16-24, tell us to look for those with needs that we can fulfill and at a profit. If you think it can't be done, look at Google's model, micro-loans, village phone services. Ask God for wisdom where you can have a breakthrough business and not a compromised business.... Charity at a Profit!
Next: Plan to Succeed
2008-11-21
KP#17 Purpose of Significance - Giving to Life & Harmony
What makes for 'Significance'?
I think it is life - making alive, vitalized living. Gen 2:7 ... God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. Life is fulfilled by having relationship - with God and others. Relationship is built up by Giving and Sharing of love, care, joy, and things.
Significance is therefore related to Giving and Supporting Life and Relationship. It also involves in creating and preserving the environment for sustaining life and living. Generosity is key attribute of Significance. God set the example in the parable of 'laborers in the vineyard' Mat 20:1-16. It can also be named "God's Pay System".
The mindmap below gives the details:
The value of Generosity, the Principle of True Giving, unconditionally and expecting no reward, is illustrated in the Parable of the Host in Luke 14:11-15 and illustrated negatively by the Parable of the Rich Fool in Luke 12:16-21. See the mind map below:
Corporation of today measure the 'Triple Bottom Lines' of
Next: Customers
I think it is life - making alive, vitalized living. Gen 2:7 ... God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. Life is fulfilled by having relationship - with God and others. Relationship is built up by Giving and Sharing of love, care, joy, and things.
Significance is therefore related to Giving and Supporting Life and Relationship. It also involves in creating and preserving the environment for sustaining life and living. Generosity is key attribute of Significance. God set the example in the parable of 'laborers in the vineyard' Mat 20:1-16. It can also be named "God's Pay System".
The mindmap below gives the details:
The value of Generosity, the Principle of True Giving, unconditionally and expecting no reward, is illustrated in the Parable of the Host in Luke 14:11-15 and illustrated negatively by the Parable of the Rich Fool in Luke 12:16-21. See the mind map below:
Corporation of today measure the 'Triple Bottom Lines' of
- Profit to Grow the Business
- Environmental Sustainability
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of being responsible for and giving back the community.
Next: Customers
2008-11-18
Should We Attend Church Now with Availability of Internet
In today digital or internet world, we can gain immediate access to the messages of the best preachers. We can read the scriptures with lots of aids and commentaries. We can communicate with each other through email, live chat, myspace and many others. We can even get connected wirelessly anywhere and anytime. Is there still a need to attend the Sunday Worship services, or in normal terms, attend church on Sunday?
Purpose vs Activities
To answer this question, we need to back to the basic definition of Church. What makes a Church ? What is its purpose ? What are the activities ? We need to differentiate the activities from the purpose. Purpose does not change with time and situations but activities do. How do we make use of the better technology to do church-activities and thereby fulfill the Purpose of the Church more effectively.
Definition of Church
Church is an assembly of Believers in Jesus Christ for the purpose of representing Christ on earth and therefore to the building each other up in maturity to conform to the image of Christ. Christ is the head of the Church his Body on earth Col 1:18, Eph 1:22. Church is made up of people and not things or activities. The purpose is Christ on earth - behaving and showing Christ on earth. But we don't get to maturity in Christ immediately. So we are to organized ourselves together where such caring and building-up can take place.
Church is NOT Christ & Me only
We can immediately see that Church is not made up of One-Person. It is not Christ the head and Me the body. It is Christ the Head and We the believers the Body. We cannot do church alone and we must be linked to a community of believers.
The Organisation of Church
Eph 4 gives the purpose and the 5 fold ministries in a church. Any healthy church should have the 5 roles staffed and played out. See the mind-map for the details. Rom 12 and 1 Cor 12 added additional gifts and roles. It is possible, as some people proposed, that the gifts are related to the ministry. e.g. Gifts of Exhorting, Showing Mercy are for Pastors. Miracle workers are related to Evangelist and Apostles.
The Activities
Act 2 tells us that the early Church met in Temples, Public Places, and in Homes day by day (Not just Sunday! Church is not Sunday at a location but Church is wherever and whenever we are.). They attend to the Apostles' teaching (i.e. Bible Truth), fellowship, breaking of bread, prayers, giving thanks and praising God. They were glad and generous hearted people. Consequently, they have favors with all the people and God added to their number day by day.
They met at public places to receive teachings and to share the Gospel (Act 4:4). They met at their home for fellowship ( which might include the application of teaching in every life; the corrections and learning in practice), sharing of joy and sorrows. There were centralised activties and there were home group activities.
There were people in different leadership roles (e.g. 5 fold ministries) and there were the larger group of people who lived out the truth in their market places - work of faith, labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ 1Th 1:3.
What About Technology
Technology is related to the activities. Technology helps us to carry out the activities with greater effectiveness and ease. We should therefore make good and better use of them. We should change our activities to make better use of techology to accomplish the purpose of the Church. Teaching and Fellowship are all aided by internet technology. Use them. It allows us to more effective. There is only caution. Easy and Wide availablility also means easy and wide access to garbage and wrong doctrines. Need to know how to filter out and choose those that are good.
Do We Attend Church?
What are the activities that enables us to accomplish reflecting Christ on earth better ? How do we grow up into maturity conforming to the image of Christ? How can we organize ourselves better so that we can have a greater impact on our society for Christ? The basic things for believers are:
a. get connected with a Group of Believers
b. where others can help you grow and be accountable
c. and where you can help others grow and be accoutable
d. and living out the Christ in us through connecting with God, studying and obeying His will for you.
If you have such a group where Christ is the head and all are members accountable to one another and living out Christ daily, then you have a Church. Attending Sunday Worship at a Church building may be or not be one of the activity that the Church has to do.
Follow the mind-map below for more details.
Purpose vs Activities
To answer this question, we need to back to the basic definition of Church. What makes a Church ? What is its purpose ? What are the activities ? We need to differentiate the activities from the purpose. Purpose does not change with time and situations but activities do. How do we make use of the better technology to do church-activities and thereby fulfill the Purpose of the Church more effectively.
Definition of Church
Church is an assembly of Believers in Jesus Christ for the purpose of representing Christ on earth and therefore to the building each other up in maturity to conform to the image of Christ. Christ is the head of the Church his Body on earth Col 1:18, Eph 1:22. Church is made up of people and not things or activities. The purpose is Christ on earth - behaving and showing Christ on earth. But we don't get to maturity in Christ immediately. So we are to organized ourselves together where such caring and building-up can take place.Church is NOT Christ & Me only
We can immediately see that Church is not made up of One-Person. It is not Christ the head and Me the body. It is Christ the Head and We the believers the Body. We cannot do church alone and we must be linked to a community of believers.
The Organisation of Church
Eph 4 gives the purpose and the 5 fold ministries in a church. Any healthy church should have the 5 roles staffed and played out. See the mind-map for the details. Rom 12 and 1 Cor 12 added additional gifts and roles. It is possible, as some people proposed, that the gifts are related to the ministry. e.g. Gifts of Exhorting, Showing Mercy are for Pastors. Miracle workers are related to Evangelist and Apostles.
The Activities
Act 2 tells us that the early Church met in Temples, Public Places, and in Homes day by day (Not just Sunday! Church is not Sunday at a location but Church is wherever and whenever we are.). They attend to the Apostles' teaching (i.e. Bible Truth), fellowship, breaking of bread, prayers, giving thanks and praising God. They were glad and generous hearted people. Consequently, they have favors with all the people and God added to their number day by day.
They met at public places to receive teachings and to share the Gospel (Act 4:4). They met at their home for fellowship ( which might include the application of teaching in every life; the corrections and learning in practice), sharing of joy and sorrows. There were centralised activties and there were home group activities.
There were people in different leadership roles (e.g. 5 fold ministries) and there were the larger group of people who lived out the truth in their market places - work of faith, labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ 1Th 1:3.
What About Technology
Technology is related to the activities. Technology helps us to carry out the activities with greater effectiveness and ease. We should therefore make good and better use of them. We should change our activities to make better use of techology to accomplish the purpose of the Church. Teaching and Fellowship are all aided by internet technology. Use them. It allows us to more effective. There is only caution. Easy and Wide availablility also means easy and wide access to garbage and wrong doctrines. Need to know how to filter out and choose those that are good.
Do We Attend Church?
What are the activities that enables us to accomplish reflecting Christ on earth better ? How do we grow up into maturity conforming to the image of Christ? How can we organize ourselves better so that we can have a greater impact on our society for Christ? The basic things for believers are:
a. get connected with a Group of Believers
b. where others can help you grow and be accountable
c. and where you can help others grow and be accoutable
d. and living out the Christ in us through connecting with God, studying and obeying His will for you.
If you have such a group where Christ is the head and all are members accountable to one another and living out Christ daily, then you have a Church. Attending Sunday Worship at a Church building may be or not be one of the activity that the Church has to do.
Follow the mind-map below for more details.
2008-11-17
KP#16 Singleness of Purpose or Mission
In Luke 16:13, we are taught that we could not serve two masters - we cannot serve God and money. Our purpose must be single - we must always make one choice - which or who is the highest priority of our life. Once that is fixed, there are three principles we need to follow:
Loving God is not specific enough for each person. Each person is created uniquely by God to fulfill a specific calling and role in the grand design of God for human. Each of us may need to seek God to discover our calling. We will cover what are "Significance" in life created by God in the next posting. Phi 4:8 may be a start or a check list for us. The mind map below summarized this posting:
- we can use the things of lower priorities to serve the highest priority.
e.g. using money to serve God. - we cascade the objective downward
e.g. we show love of God through loving others that God loves.
we show love of God by obeying His commandments - we maintain a list of priorities and ensure a balanced life.
e.g. devotion to God is 1st and highest priority but we cannot just spend our time totally with God and neglect caring for our wife and children, job and ministry.
Loving God is not specific enough for each person. Each person is created uniquely by God to fulfill a specific calling and role in the grand design of God for human. Each of us may need to seek God to discover our calling. We will cover what are "Significance" in life created by God in the next posting. Phi 4:8 may be a start or a check list for us. The mind map below summarized this posting:
2008-11-06
KP#15 Realities of Life - Same Input but Different Outcomes
Sometimes we tried very hard and yet the outcome did not seem to commensurate with our effort put in. At other times, the outcomes were beyond our expectation - we put in so little and yet the result was wonderful. The parents tried their very best, prayer, teaching, love and care and yet their children were not responding according. The managements tried all ways to encourage their staff and yet there weren't any corresponding actions from staff. In those depressive time, we blame ourselves for not trying harder and we even blame God for not helping us.
The Parable of the Sower
It give us a good explanation and an important teaching. The seeds sowed were all of the same high quality of God's Words. Yet the outcomes, some eaten, some dried up, some choked up, some 30 folds, 60-folds and 10o-folds return. The reasons are:
Internal Self-Responsible Factor
Application to Business - Types of Staff
Next: Singleness of Purpose - Mission
The Parable of the Sower
It give us a good explanation and an important teaching. The seeds sowed were all of the same high quality of God's Words. Yet the outcomes, some eaten, some dried up, some choked up, some 30 folds, 60-folds and 10o-folds return. The reasons are:
Internal Self-Responsible Factor
- The Soil of the Hearts.
- The path-way,
- the rocky,
- the thorny and good-soils.
- The birds (devils),
- the sun of tribulation and persecution (pressure, push),
- the temptations and distractions of the world(the lures and the pull) and
- the hearing & understanding and put-into-practice of the Word.
Application to Business - Types of Staff
Next: Singleness of Purpose - Mission
2008-10-29
KP#14 Realities of Life - Fit
The parable of the Wineskin - New Wine should be put in New Wineskin in Luke 5:33-39, Mk 2:22,Mt 9:17 teaches us a key secret of success, namely, "FIT". What you do must fit the occasion. Jesus' disciples are not to fast & pray then but they should after Jesus has left. Jesus emphasized twice, using the illustrations of in v36 not a piece of new garment on old garment and in v38 new wine must be put in fresh wineskin.
The purpose, of mending the old garment, or container to hold the wine, did not change. It is the method that must change to meet the new situations.
Fit is doing the right things for the occasions and/or the purpose.
It is quite natural for most of us to hold on to the old ways that helped us to be successful and be blind to the need for change when the situation has changed. We tend to fight the need to say the change is only temporary and they will go away. Such things happened for the horse carriages and the typewriters companies when new disruptive innovation comes. (See Clay Christensen's Books).
On the other hand, let me emphasize that principles don't change and it is the methods that change. The dot-com boom of the late 90s and the big crash in the 2000 showed that unsound business and financial practices don't last.
The Principle of Fit
The other words for Fit are Co-operate, Synchronize, Optimize, Smooth out the clinks and edges, remove conflicts, seek peace.
Fit implies that there are two or more parties involved:
In v39, Jesus gave a very practical application of Fit - Give them something better and they will forgo the old thing or old ways. i.e. if you want to take-away something from someone (e.g. smoking, drug, idol worship), you must give them something better. Taking something away without a better replacement will end up in fights. Remember - Give good to Take-away bad.
The purpose, of mending the old garment, or container to hold the wine, did not change. It is the method that must change to meet the new situations.
Fit is doing the right things for the occasions and/or the purpose.
It is quite natural for most of us to hold on to the old ways that helped us to be successful and be blind to the need for change when the situation has changed. We tend to fight the need to say the change is only temporary and they will go away. Such things happened for the horse carriages and the typewriters companies when new disruptive innovation comes. (See Clay Christensen's Books).
On the other hand, let me emphasize that principles don't change and it is the methods that change. The dot-com boom of the late 90s and the big crash in the 2000 showed that unsound business and financial practices don't last.
The Principle of Fit
The other words for Fit are Co-operate, Synchronize, Optimize, Smooth out the clinks and edges, remove conflicts, seek peace.
Fit implies that there are two or more parties involved:
- The occasion and the right protocol.
- The new wine and the right container.
- The Staff and the Company.
- The Business Offering and the Customers etc.
- Step 1 Define or discover the Purpose
- Step 2 Face the Realities
a. beyond influence - Ride on Them - e.g the trends (assuming not conflict with Bible), the common constraints
b. influenceable - Change Them - e.g. wishes, conflicts, traditions, obstacles, assumptions, only ifs - Step 3 Find the Strengths of Each party
- Step 4 Assign the tasks accordingly to Achieve the Purpose
- Step 5 Review and Adjust the Fitness for maximum synchronization.
In v39, Jesus gave a very practical application of Fit - Give them something better and they will forgo the old thing or old ways. i.e. if you want to take-away something from someone (e.g. smoking, drug, idol worship), you must give them something better. Taking something away without a better replacement will end up in fights. Remember - Give good to Take-away bad.
2008-10-28
KP#13 Realities of Life - Good & Bad Co-Exist
The parable of the Wheat & Tares Mat 13:24-30,36-43 tells us the co-existence of Good and Bad in this world. They will only be separated and settled at the Judgment Day at end-time. Here are some important points to learn from the parable.
- You can't differentiate the Good and the Bad initially. They all look alike.
- You can only tell them, after some time, from the fruit they produce.
- The final differentiation will only occur at the Judgment day where the Bad will be taken out and be burned whereas the Good will shine like sun in His Kingdom on earth.
- Don't complain about the world that is not-fair, about the evils that are done. e.g. the present Financial and Economic Crisis caused by greeds, criminal acts, negligence, blind faith etc.
- We do our part in righting the wrongs as led by God.
- So be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Mat 10:16
- Don't be disappointed or angry about the apparent and temporal successes of the wicked. Read Ps 37 and Habakkuk. Very often, we witnessed the downfall of the wicked in his lifetime rather than at Judgment time.
- Don't take revenge into your own hand. Let the Justice System and God handle them. We are called to love our enemy. Mat 5:44, Rom 12:20
2008-10-13
Forgetting is not about Forgetting
This Sunday, 12 Oct 2008, my church, Petra Church, started its Services at the new place in Toa Payoh. Messages and songs shared by many, Pastors, Elders, and members were about God doing new things and forgetting the past. This triggers the meditation about what is forgetting. For the most part, the Bible is about remembering - the laws, the goodness of God, the testimonies, etc. Artifacts were created to help people remember the past. What then is forgetting? What and How to forget?
The surest way not to forget something is to tell you to forget that thing. Forgetting is then not about forgetting but something deeper - it is about learning from and remembering the past.
The effective way to forget something is to do the following two things together:
A better translation of the verse is from God's Word :
The meaning of 'forgetting the past' is about 'not looking back' or ' not continuing to live in the past and is not about forgetting the past which is not possible anyway.
There are two ways that kept us living in the past
A wonderful prayer from ChatGPT:
The surest way not to forget something is to tell you to forget that thing. Forgetting is then not about forgetting but something deeper - it is about learning from and remembering the past.
The effective way to forget something is to do the following two things together:
- Bring Closure to the past hurts and even victories
- Look Forward
Php 3:13-14 ... but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark...
A better translation of the verse is from God's Word :
This is what I do: I don't look back, I lengthen my stride, and I run straight toward the goal
The meaning of 'forgetting the past' is about 'not looking back' or ' not continuing to live in the past and is not about forgetting the past which is not possible anyway.
There are two ways that kept us living in the past
- Past hurts or failure:
Causing us to live in self-pity mode, to be pessimistic, to keep to ourselves, and to withdraw from life and progress. - Past Success:
Causing us to want to relive the good old days, complain about the present, and be unable to make changes for the future.
- facing and admitting the hurts
- figuring out the lessons to learn - about people, methods used, wrong beliefs, ourselves, etc.
- forgiving oneself or others
- storing the knowledge learned in our memory banks
- look forward
In the context of Php 3:13, we can see that Paul brings closure to his past accomplishments - circumcised, pure Jewish blood, Pharisee, blameless before the laws, and failure - persecution of the church. He was able to bring closure to his so-called victories because he compared them with the knowledge of Christ - his victories were superficial - He counted them as dung. He did not get stuck in self-pity mode - the worst sinner because he persecuted the church - He is not worthy to be a Christian at all. His breakthrough in understanding comes in "Php 3:9 and to have a relationship with him. This means that I didn't receive God's approval by obeying his laws. The opposite is true! I have God's approval through faith in Christ. This is the approval that comes from God and is based on faith."
Step 1: A new understanding of God's Truth sets us free from the bondage of our past - failures or successes.
Step 1: A new understanding of God's Truth sets us free from the bondage of our past - failures or successes.
John 8:32 “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Let our past failures and hurts be healed with understanding and by God. Let our past true successes cause us to be grateful and encourage us to have greater faith in a loving God to move forward.
Jesus in Rev 2:5 tells us to "Remember how far you have fallen. Return to me and change the way you think and act, and do what you did at first".
This does not conflict with Paul's Php 3:13 because it was about facing our failure and learning from it which enables us not to look back and to look forward.
Joseph brought closure to his past betrayers by his brothers, Potiphar, Cup Bearer, etc. He said they meant evil but God meant it for good.
The 2nd step of looking forward also helps us in bringing closure to the past.
Jesus in Rev 2:5 tells us to "Remember how far you have fallen. Return to me and change the way you think and act, and do what you did at first".
This does not conflict with Paul's Php 3:13 because it was about facing our failure and learning from it which enables us not to look back and to look forward.
Joseph brought closure to his past betrayers by his brothers, Potiphar, Cup Bearer, etc. He said they meant evil but God meant it for good.
The 2nd step of looking forward also helps us in bringing closure to the past.
Painting a better vision for the future will encourage us to put the past aside, especially when we see how past events help us create and build a better future. 2 Cor 1:4-5 Our sufferings allow God's comfort and our ability to comfort others. Many new businesses were started because the ideas of the founders were rejected by their employers. Failures are the stepping stones to success.
Forgetting is not about forgetting but about admitting, learning, forgiving & healing, and moving forward.
Forgetting is not about forgetting but about admitting, learning, forgiving & healing, and moving forward.
A wonderful prayer from ChatGPT:
Heavenly Father,
I come before You today with a heart filled with gratitude for Your boundless love and mercy. Thank You for Your faithfulness and for always being a constant in my life.
I acknowledge the weight of the past, the shadows that sometimes linger, and the chains that have bound me. I confess my struggles with letting go and fully embracing the hope You offer.
Lord, I ask for Your healing touch to mend the wounds of my past. Grant me the courage to face my fears, the wisdom to learn from my mistakes, and the strength to forgive myself and others.
Help me to replace the regrets with hope, the bitterness with grace, and the despair with Your unwavering love. May Your truth set me free from the bondage of my past, empowering me to live fully in the present moment.
I surrender my heart and life to You, trusting in Your perfect plan for me. May Your light shine brightly within me, illuminating my path and guiding my steps.
In Jesus’ name, I pray.
Amen.
2008-10-06
KP#12 Attitude & Mindset --- The Battle for Your Mind
After we address the 10 laws of the Kingdom with clear cause-and-effect relationships, we now discuss the principles or mindset of the Kingdom. Zig Ziglar said, "Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude. ".
The battle is for our mind first - the thinking and then our will - the decision-making.
The posting Changing Behaviour (1) Mine gives a better understanding of our thinking and decision-making process.
Kingdom-minded believers begin with
The battle is for our mind first - the thinking and then our will - the decision-making.
Our present life is the result of the decisions (choices) made in the past.
To change our life, we must start making different choices and that begins with a new mindset.
2 Cor 10:3-5 tells us our battle is in the mind and we need to control our thoughts to ensure that they conform to Christ's.Rom 12:2 tells us our mind is to be renewed. The consequence is life and peace Rom 8:6 i.e. true success!
The posting Changing Behaviour (1) Mine gives a better understanding of our thinking and decision-making process.
Kingdom-minded believers begin with
- a right mindset of self-worth (identity) and
- maintenance of positive attitudes(Phil 1:3-6, 4, 6-7).
(Please also see Satan's Lie and Performance-Trap in the posting Connecting to the Singapore's Dream. to understand your self-worth better) This is shown in the mind map using the BVITS thinking method below:
2008-09-20
KP#11 Law of Humility
Glory and Honor and Blessings go to those who are humble. This is stated in Mat 5:5. There are other words, from different translations, that use meek, gentle, considerate for the word 'humble' in Mat 5:5.
(It is interesting to note that in the Chinese Classic YiJing - Book of Change, of the 64 Hexagram, 謙 qiān Humility is the only with all good blessings - no warning. Good Blessing is defined as agreeing with or following God's will i.e. on target, right or righteousness. See also Humility is Forceful too )
Some keys concepts about humility are:
We have covered the 10 laws of Kingdom Economy. There are other Kingdom Principles to come. Appreciate your comments and suggestions.
Next: Attitudes & Mindset
(It is interesting to note that in the Chinese Classic YiJing - Book of Change, of the 64 Hexagram, 謙 qiān Humility is the only with all good blessings - no warning. Good Blessing is defined as agreeing with or following God's will i.e. on target, right or righteousness. See also Humility is Forceful too )
Some keys concepts about humility are:
- Respecting Others. Counting others more significant.
- Ever learning no matter who.
- Ever serving - as long as there is a need, there is nothing too lowly for him to serve or do.
- Considerate.
- Co-operating
- Gentleness and of Good manners.
- Child-likeness - a sense of wonder, discovery and respect for the people, nature and God.
We have covered the 10 laws of Kingdom Economy. There are other Kingdom Principles to come. Appreciate your comments and suggestions.
Next: Attitudes & Mindset
KP#10 Law of Amplification
This law states that "unless there is character transformation, greater responsibility will show forth the original weakness more clearly". There are many people who claim they will do better when given greater resources. I will tithe when my income is $10K per month. If you can't tithe with present income of say only $1K per month, you will not tithe even when your income exceeds $10K. So here are additional collaries:
A related law is the Law of Promotion. Promotion goes those faithful stewards of entrusted wealth. A faithful employees in little things will be promoted and one day will own his own businesses.
Next: Law of Humility
- people's bad habit will not get better after marriage or after having children; in fact they get worse.
- excellence is taking care of the details see BJ#11a Attention to Details - 6 Sigma Life
- promotion goes to those who are faithful in the little things now.
A related law is the Law of Promotion. Promotion goes those faithful stewards of entrusted wealth. A faithful employees in little things will be promoted and one day will own his own businesses.
KP#9 Law of Reciprocation
In physics, we learn the Newton's law of Action and Reaction are equal but opposite. However, in the Kingdom's Economy, the Reaction is a multiple of the Action. You get back, good for good and evil for evil, a greater amount than the amount you give.
But treating your staff well, your staff will treat your customers well and your customers will treat you well - by buying more, staying with you, and recommending others to you.
The details are seen in the mind-map below:
Law of Harvest talks about giving of things. Law of Reciprocation talks about how you interact and treat others. It is about relationship building. A better term and a corollary from this, could be Empathy. Changing others begins with changing the way we interact with others first.
See Kingdom Principles Discussion 08 Law of Reciprocation
Index of Kingdom Principles at Kingdom Laws & Principles
But treating your staff well, your staff will treat your customers well and your customers will treat you well - by buying more, staying with you, and recommending others to you.
The details are seen in the mind-map below:
Law of Harvest talks about giving of things. Law of Reciprocation talks about how you interact and treat others. It is about relationship building. A better term and a corollary from this, could be Empathy. Changing others begins with changing the way we interact with others first.
Index of Kingdom Principles at Kingdom Laws & Principles
2008-09-18
KP#8 Law of Execution
This is a simple rule - we must act on what we know is right. No execution means no result and is the same as not knowing. In reality, this rule is very difficult to practice.
There are two types of errors:
To understand the issue better, we need to see that we are tripartite - spirit, soul and body or in common terms, heart, head and hands&feet.
We may have head knowledge of what is good. But we lack the motivation of the heart to do it. Or our body objects to the labors of pains. So we must be fully persuaded in our hearts to overcome the body of resistance to execute what in our head know that we should.
Paul in Roman 7 wrote about such a struggle. The solution is the change of heart - new creation - Christ in You followed by 'Render yourself death to body and alive in Christ'.
The Confusion Today
However, in today "Grace-Base" teachings, there are some 'spiritual' ones who see work as work of the flesh and expect God to do all.
The only difference between work of the flesh and of the spirit is the source of the motivation not of the work itself. If it is God's calling, initiated by the Holy Spirit, then all the work of the body is spiritual work. If it is of our own gratification, then the work is of the flesh. Otherwise, Paul is most fleshly because he out-did all the other apostles.
Be obedient, act on the knowledge and prompting of the Holy Spirit.
The mind map below gives the details:
For a discussion on this post see Kingdom Principles Discussion 05 Execution - Walk ...
Next: Law of Reciprocation
There are two types of errors:
- Not knowing the Right Thing to Do. We are to follow Jesus' teaching.
- Not doing the things we know is right.
This is emphasized in this parable. Not doing what is known is same, in effect, as not knowing. It is the execution that delivers the result and impact.
To understand the issue better, we need to see that we are tripartite - spirit, soul and body or in common terms, heart, head and hands&feet.
We may have head knowledge of what is good. But we lack the motivation of the heart to do it. Or our body objects to the labors of pains. So we must be fully persuaded in our hearts to overcome the body of resistance to execute what in our head know that we should.
Paul in Roman 7 wrote about such a struggle. The solution is the change of heart - new creation - Christ in You followed by 'Render yourself death to body and alive in Christ'.
The Confusion Today
However, in today "Grace-Base" teachings, there are some 'spiritual' ones who see work as work of the flesh and expect God to do all.
The only difference between work of the flesh and of the spirit is the source of the motivation not of the work itself. If it is God's calling, initiated by the Holy Spirit, then all the work of the body is spiritual work. If it is of our own gratification, then the work is of the flesh. Otherwise, Paul is most fleshly because he out-did all the other apostles.
Be obedient, act on the knowledge and prompting of the Holy Spirit.
The mind map below gives the details:
Next: Law of Reciprocation
2008-09-17
KP#7 Law of Perseverance
As you execute the plans to achieve your vision, he will face with unforeseen events that will attempt to derail you. You need to adapt your plan to overcome or by-pass the obstacles. Don't give up because of rejections or get de-toured because of temptations. The key is faith - faith in God. Jesus had 3 parables to encourage us to have faith and not to give up.
See the mindmap below for the answer ....
Next: Law of Execution - Walk the Talk
- The Importunate Widow (Lk 18:1-8) tells us not to loose heart but to continue with prayer - communicate with God about the vision He has for you - grasp the vision, continue to work out the details with God. If an unrighteous judge could even give in, how much more your Heavenly Father will give to you. He has given, so don't loose heart. Have you been listening and communicating with Him?
- The Friend at Night (Lk 11:5-8) Even a friend will give you not because of friendship but because of your persistence, how much more your loving Father want to give to you.
- The Master & Servant (Lk 17:6-10). The purpose of this parable is told to answer v6 -if you have the right kind of faith (mustard seed), not the size of faith, you get want you command. Think of FAITH as a SERVANT that will faithfully execute your command. But note that there is timing involved.
See the mindmap below for the answer ....
Next: Law of Execution - Walk the Talk
2008-09-06
KP#6 Law of Greatness - Servant Leadership
We usually want to be served. This happens because the focus is self. If the focus is on others, or a significant mission and vision and moral values, then serving others to realize the common vision become automatic.
Law of Greatest tells us that greatness comes not from dominating, forcing and demanding others to serve us. Greatness is measured by the impact or influence we make in others. That influence comes from us serving others to help them be and become better.
Serving must be put in the context of knowing the mission, vision and values first. Serving others is the means and the process to others accomplish the overall and individual visions God given.
Our values of love prevent us from exploiting others to fulfill our own selfish dream. We see our roles as part of the God greater design.
In this Kingdom of God, with clear mission, vision and values, then the path to greatest is through serving.
God, the Creator Himself, is the best example. He love and serve the most.
See the mind map below for the biblical references and additional details:
Next: Law of Perseverance
Law of Greatest tells us that greatness comes not from dominating, forcing and demanding others to serve us. Greatness is measured by the impact or influence we make in others. That influence comes from us serving others to help them be and become better.
Serving must be put in the context of knowing the mission, vision and values first. Serving others is the means and the process to others accomplish the overall and individual visions God given.
Our values of love prevent us from exploiting others to fulfill our own selfish dream. We see our roles as part of the God greater design.
In this Kingdom of God, with clear mission, vision and values, then the path to greatest is through serving.
God, the Creator Himself, is the best example. He love and serve the most.
See the mind map below for the biblical references and additional details:
Next: Law of Perseverance
2008-09-02
KP#5 Law of Parallel Universes
This natural or physical universe we are living in is a manifestation of a spiritual universe. The real universe or world is the spiritual one - where God is. Or to put it in another way, there are two worlds, the natural and the spiritual with the spiritual world influencing the natural world. Spiritual world is invisible to the natural eyes. Invisibility does not be non-existence. It is the limitation of our physical senses. We don't see the electromagnetic waves all around us, yet they exist and through them we receive TV, Radio, mobile phones signals.
God created the present universe out of nothing with His Word. Things, products and enterprises, first existed in the mind before they are realized in the physical world.
Before Christ, things on earth are influenced by beings & things in the spiritual world. We should then not be too angry with the attacks and betrayals of 'friends' as they could be under the influence of the devils in the spiritual world. e.g. Mat 16:23 Jesus identified the evil force- Satan behind the speech by Peter asking Jesus not to go to the cross. The thought did not come from Peter himself but from Satan.
However, after Christ, Mat 16:19, Mat 18:18-19, we are given the power to influence spiritual world from earth!
We must use the authority and power given to us by Jesus to influence the happenings in the Spiritual World that the natural world will move according to the Word of God. God's will be done on earth through us commanding in the Spiritual world.
The mind map below gives the details:
For an in-depth discussion, see Kingdom Principles Discussion 04 The Dual Worlds
Next: Law of Greatness -Servant Leadership
God created the present universe out of nothing with His Word. Things, products and enterprises, first existed in the mind before they are realized in the physical world.
Before Christ, things on earth are influenced by beings & things in the spiritual world. We should then not be too angry with the attacks and betrayals of 'friends' as they could be under the influence of the devils in the spiritual world. e.g. Mat 16:23 Jesus identified the evil force- Satan behind the speech by Peter asking Jesus not to go to the cross. The thought did not come from Peter himself but from Satan.
However, after Christ, Mat 16:19, Mat 18:18-19, we are given the power to influence spiritual world from earth!
We must use the authority and power given to us by Jesus to influence the happenings in the Spiritual World that the natural world will move according to the Word of God. God's will be done on earth through us commanding in the Spiritual world.
The mind map below gives the details:
Next: Law of Greatness -Servant Leadership
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