"And Joshua said, Ah, Sovereign Lord, why did You ever bring this people
across the Jordan to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us? If only we had been content to stay on the other side of the Jordan!" - Joshua 7:7
Have you ever felt like you were doing what God wanted you to do, but your plans were totally frustrated? This was how Joshua felt. The Lord had been with the people of Israel as they entered the Promised Land. They defeated every enemy because of God's blessing and
protection. They had just taken the city of Jericho. The next battle was the city of Ai. They scouted the enemy and determined it would require only 3,000 men to defeat them. They attacked, and soon the reports came back that they were being routed. Joshua could not understand this. He cried out to God asking why this was happening.
The Lord said to Joshua, "Stand up! What are you doing down on your face? Israel has sinned; they have violated My covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own
possessions. That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies; they turn their backs and run because they have been made liable to destruction. I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction" (Joshua 7:10-12).
Whenever we open ourselves up to sin, we become liable. God removes His protective shield from our lives in order for the sin in our lives to be purged out. He often uses the enemy of our souls to accomplish the task.
If you feel you are being thwarted in some way, examine your life to see if there is any sin that is the cause of the problem. Adversity is not always due to sin, but it can be. Ask Him. He will show you. As with Joshua, God immediately answered this prayer when Joshua asked. He
desires for His children to live in a right relationship with Him.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
PLACING TRUST IN OUR STRENGTH
"So the Lord sent a plague on Israel, and seventy thousand men of Israel fell dead". - 1 Chronicles 21:14.
When was the last time your overconfidence cost the lives of 70,000 men? That is exactly what happened to David. David made what might appear to be an innocent request of his general, Joab. But the minute Joab heard the request he cringed. He knew David was in big trouble for this one. You see to number the troops was a great sin in Israel because it was against the law. Why? Because it demonstrated that you were placing more trust in numbers than in the living God. David displayed enough pride to cost the lives of 70,000 fighting men. God gave him three choices of punishment for his sin. A plague was the one he chose, and it resulted in the loss of 70,000.
Throughout Israel's history, God set the stage for battles to be won, miracles to take place, and people to exercise faith. The stage was always set so that man could not take credit for what God did. Consider Gideon who was only allowed 300 men to fight an army of 100,000. Consider Jehoshaphat, who had to lead his army with his singers. God defeated the enemy. Consider Joshua, who was told simply to walk around Jericho seven times, and they would get victory. God did things in some very unconventional ways!
How does this relate to you and me as workplace believers? Well, the minute you and I place more trust in our abilities than in God, we are guilty of numbering the troops. How does He punish us? Sometimes it's through letting a deal go sour. Sometimes it's through problems with a client or vendor. Sometimes situations just blow up in our face. Other times, He lets us go on for a long time doing our own thing, but eventually He deals with it.
The lesson here is to learn daily and complete dependence on God. Use your gifts and abilities through the power of the Holy Spirit. Ask Him daily for direction and wisdom. His ways won't always line up with conventional wisdom. When we begin depending on our abilities only, God has a responsibility to make known to us who is the giver of the blessings.
When was the last time your overconfidence cost the lives of 70,000 men? That is exactly what happened to David. David made what might appear to be an innocent request of his general, Joab. But the minute Joab heard the request he cringed. He knew David was in big trouble for this one. You see to number the troops was a great sin in Israel because it was against the law. Why? Because it demonstrated that you were placing more trust in numbers than in the living God. David displayed enough pride to cost the lives of 70,000 fighting men. God gave him three choices of punishment for his sin. A plague was the one he chose, and it resulted in the loss of 70,000.
Throughout Israel's history, God set the stage for battles to be won, miracles to take place, and people to exercise faith. The stage was always set so that man could not take credit for what God did. Consider Gideon who was only allowed 300 men to fight an army of 100,000. Consider Jehoshaphat, who had to lead his army with his singers. God defeated the enemy. Consider Joshua, who was told simply to walk around Jericho seven times, and they would get victory. God did things in some very unconventional ways!
How does this relate to you and me as workplace believers? Well, the minute you and I place more trust in our abilities than in God, we are guilty of numbering the troops. How does He punish us? Sometimes it's through letting a deal go sour. Sometimes it's through problems with a client or vendor. Sometimes situations just blow up in our face. Other times, He lets us go on for a long time doing our own thing, but eventually He deals with it.
The lesson here is to learn daily and complete dependence on God. Use your gifts and abilities through the power of the Holy Spirit. Ask Him daily for direction and wisdom. His ways won't always line up with conventional wisdom. When we begin depending on our abilities only, God has a responsibility to make known to us who is the giver of the blessings.
Monday, February 25, 2008
SELF DISCIPLINE
''It is better to have self-control than to conquer a city.'' - Proverbs 16:32 NLT
First and foremost, building strong character reqiures self-discipline. Self-discipline is the ability to do what's right, when you don't feel like it. Plato asserted, ''The first and best victory is to conquer self.'' Yes, your greatest victories are internal one. Bobby Jones was winning golf tournament by age 12. But he had a temper. His nickname was ''club-thrower.'' An older gentleman called Grandpa Bart recognised Jones' talent and his character issues. He said, 'Bobby, you're good enough to win, but you'll never win big until you control that temper of yours.' Jones did master his temper, and went on to win his first U.S Open at 21. Grandpa Bart used to say, 'Bobby was 14 when he mastered golf, but he was 21 when he mastered himself.' English theologian Henry Parry Liddon observe, 'What we do on some great occasion will probably depend on what we already are; and what we are will be the result of previous years of self-discipline.'
If you're serious about building strong character, set higher standards for yourself and refuse to lower them. Need a role model? You won't find a better one than Jesus. He said, 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself' (Matthew 16:24 NIV). Each day look for an opportunity to say 'no' to yourself in some small area. Try it; you'll be surprised how hard it is. But the payoff will come when you need to say no to yourself in some big area of life. Like saving for a rainy day, you'll have spiritual strength to draw on when you need it.
First and foremost, building strong character reqiures self-discipline. Self-discipline is the ability to do what's right, when you don't feel like it. Plato asserted, ''The first and best victory is to conquer self.'' Yes, your greatest victories are internal one. Bobby Jones was winning golf tournament by age 12. But he had a temper. His nickname was ''club-thrower.'' An older gentleman called Grandpa Bart recognised Jones' talent and his character issues. He said, 'Bobby, you're good enough to win, but you'll never win big until you control that temper of yours.' Jones did master his temper, and went on to win his first U.S Open at 21. Grandpa Bart used to say, 'Bobby was 14 when he mastered golf, but he was 21 when he mastered himself.' English theologian Henry Parry Liddon observe, 'What we do on some great occasion will probably depend on what we already are; and what we are will be the result of previous years of self-discipline.'
If you're serious about building strong character, set higher standards for yourself and refuse to lower them. Need a role model? You won't find a better one than Jesus. He said, 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself' (Matthew 16:24 NIV). Each day look for an opportunity to say 'no' to yourself in some small area. Try it; you'll be surprised how hard it is. But the payoff will come when you need to say no to yourself in some big area of life. Like saving for a rainy day, you'll have spiritual strength to draw on when you need it.
Friday, February 22, 2008
THE MIRACLE OF COMPOUNDING INTEREST
Saving and investing for the future is great gain. Be it towards retirement, college trust, medical purpose or dream vacation. We will look at the reality and the benefit of starting early to save for the future. Compounding interest is simply the interest you earn on both the principal and the accrued interest.
There is a story of a master who gave his servants talents. To one he gave five, another two and another one. The one he gave five talents doubled it, so did the one with two. The one he gave one talent buried his in the ground for safekeeping. Their master returned and praised the two servants who doubled theirs, while he called the third servant lazy and wicked.
Our talents should multiply! Let us look at another story of two children Helen and Ruth. Their parents begin saving =N=25,000 per annum towards their college fund. Helen’s parent began saving when she was age 1 till age 10. Ruth’s parent started at age 10 till age 26. Now let’s see the magic of compounding interest work for both of them.
AGE HELEN’S SAVINGS COMP INT RUTH’S SAVINGS COMP INT
1 25,000.00 26,000.00 0.00 0.00
2 25,000.00 53,040.00 0.00 0.00
3 25,000.00 81,162.00 0.00 0.00
4 25,000.00 110,408.00 0.00 0.00
5 25,000.00 140,824.00 0.00 0.00
6 25,000.00 172,457.00 0.00 0.00
7 25,000.00 205,355.00 0.00 0.00
8 25,000.00 239,569.00 0.00 0.00
9 25,000.00 275,152.00 0.00 0.00
10 0.00 312,158.00 25,000.00 26,000.00
11 0.00 324,644.00 25,000.00 53,040.00
12 0.00 337,630.00 25,000.00 81,162.00
13 0.00 365,180.00 25,000.00 110,408.00
14 0.00 379,787.00 25,000.00 140,824.00
15 0.00 394,978.00 25,000.00 172,457.00
16 0.00 410,777.00 25,000.00 205,355.00
17 0.00 427,208.00 25,000.00 239,569.00
18 0.00 444,296.00 25,000.00 275,152.00
19 0.00 462,068.00 25,000.00 312,158.00
20 0.00 480,551.00 25,000.00 350,644.00
21 0.00 499,773.00 25,000.00 390,670.00
22 0.00 519,764.00 25,000.00 432,297.00
23 0.00 540,555.00 25,000.00 475,589.00
24 0.00 562,177.00 25,000.00 520,613.00
25 0.00 584,864.00 25,000.00 576,438.00
26 0.00 608,051.00 25,000.00 616,136.00
250,000.00 425,000.00
At age 26 years of age Helen and Ruth both have a =N=600,000+, however, Helen’s parent contribution was =N=250,000.00, while Ruth’s was =N=425,000.00. Rates are based on 4% interest compounded annually. Today banks offer 4% for your child’s super saver account. Of course, this analysis works perfectly in an environment of stable inflation rate and minimum rate of currency devaluation. Imagine the figures in dollars saved at a New York bank!
The point is, start to save early and be committed to your savings plan. Time waits for no one. Helen’s parent saved =N=25,000 only for 10 years, and Ruth’s did not save for the first 9 years, and had to contribute almost twice the amount that Helen’s parent did for 17 years to arrive at about the same place.
The miracle of compounding interest can work for a child, adult, business organization or even an economy. Start a plan today!
There is a story of a master who gave his servants talents. To one he gave five, another two and another one. The one he gave five talents doubled it, so did the one with two. The one he gave one talent buried his in the ground for safekeeping. Their master returned and praised the two servants who doubled theirs, while he called the third servant lazy and wicked.
Our talents should multiply! Let us look at another story of two children Helen and Ruth. Their parents begin saving =N=25,000 per annum towards their college fund. Helen’s parent began saving when she was age 1 till age 10. Ruth’s parent started at age 10 till age 26. Now let’s see the magic of compounding interest work for both of them.
AGE HELEN’S SAVINGS COMP INT RUTH’S SAVINGS COMP INT
1 25,000.00 26,000.00 0.00 0.00
2 25,000.00 53,040.00 0.00 0.00
3 25,000.00 81,162.00 0.00 0.00
4 25,000.00 110,408.00 0.00 0.00
5 25,000.00 140,824.00 0.00 0.00
6 25,000.00 172,457.00 0.00 0.00
7 25,000.00 205,355.00 0.00 0.00
8 25,000.00 239,569.00 0.00 0.00
9 25,000.00 275,152.00 0.00 0.00
10 0.00 312,158.00 25,000.00 26,000.00
11 0.00 324,644.00 25,000.00 53,040.00
12 0.00 337,630.00 25,000.00 81,162.00
13 0.00 365,180.00 25,000.00 110,408.00
14 0.00 379,787.00 25,000.00 140,824.00
15 0.00 394,978.00 25,000.00 172,457.00
16 0.00 410,777.00 25,000.00 205,355.00
17 0.00 427,208.00 25,000.00 239,569.00
18 0.00 444,296.00 25,000.00 275,152.00
19 0.00 462,068.00 25,000.00 312,158.00
20 0.00 480,551.00 25,000.00 350,644.00
21 0.00 499,773.00 25,000.00 390,670.00
22 0.00 519,764.00 25,000.00 432,297.00
23 0.00 540,555.00 25,000.00 475,589.00
24 0.00 562,177.00 25,000.00 520,613.00
25 0.00 584,864.00 25,000.00 576,438.00
26 0.00 608,051.00 25,000.00 616,136.00
250,000.00 425,000.00
At age 26 years of age Helen and Ruth both have a =N=600,000+, however, Helen’s parent contribution was =N=250,000.00, while Ruth’s was =N=425,000.00. Rates are based on 4% interest compounded annually. Today banks offer 4% for your child’s super saver account. Of course, this analysis works perfectly in an environment of stable inflation rate and minimum rate of currency devaluation. Imagine the figures in dollars saved at a New York bank!
The point is, start to save early and be committed to your savings plan. Time waits for no one. Helen’s parent saved =N=25,000 only for 10 years, and Ruth’s did not save for the first 9 years, and had to contribute almost twice the amount that Helen’s parent did for 17 years to arrive at about the same place.
The miracle of compounding interest can work for a child, adult, business organization or even an economy. Start a plan today!
STAY TEACHABLE
"Wise men and women are always learning, always listening for fresh insights.'' - Proverbs 18:15 TM
When it comes to staying teachable, understand 2 things:
1. Nothing is interesting if you are not interested - Philip B. Cosby writes: ''There is a theory of human behaviour that says people subconsciously retard their own growth. They come to rely on cliches and habits. Once they reach the age of their own personal comfort with the world, they stop learning and their minds run on idle for the rest of their days. They may progress organizationally, they may be ambitious and eager, and they may even work night and day, but they learn no more.'' It's a tragedy when we allow ourselves to get in a rut and never climb out. We miss the best God has to offer. In contrast, teachable people are fully engaged in life. They get excited about things. They are interested in discovery, disscussion, application and growth.
2. Successful people view learning differently than those who are unsuccessful - That doesn't mean that unsuccessful people are unable to think the way successful people do. If you have the desire and the discipline, you can retrain yourself to think differently. Teachable people are always open to new ideas and are willing to learn from anyone who has something to offer. Sidney J. Harris wrote: ''A winner knows how much he still has to learn, even when he is considered an expert by others. A loser wants to be considered an expert by others, before he has learned enough to know how little he knows.'' Bottom line it's truly remarkable how much a person has to learn, before he realizes how little he knows. So, stay teachable.
When it comes to staying teachable, understand 2 things:
1. Nothing is interesting if you are not interested - Philip B. Cosby writes: ''There is a theory of human behaviour that says people subconsciously retard their own growth. They come to rely on cliches and habits. Once they reach the age of their own personal comfort with the world, they stop learning and their minds run on idle for the rest of their days. They may progress organizationally, they may be ambitious and eager, and they may even work night and day, but they learn no more.'' It's a tragedy when we allow ourselves to get in a rut and never climb out. We miss the best God has to offer. In contrast, teachable people are fully engaged in life. They get excited about things. They are interested in discovery, disscussion, application and growth.
2. Successful people view learning differently than those who are unsuccessful - That doesn't mean that unsuccessful people are unable to think the way successful people do. If you have the desire and the discipline, you can retrain yourself to think differently. Teachable people are always open to new ideas and are willing to learn from anyone who has something to offer. Sidney J. Harris wrote: ''A winner knows how much he still has to learn, even when he is considered an expert by others. A loser wants to be considered an expert by others, before he has learned enough to know how little he knows.'' Bottom line it's truly remarkable how much a person has to learn, before he realizes how little he knows. So, stay teachable.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
THE LION AND THE COUGAR
A pointed fable is told about a young lion and a cougar. Both thirsty,the animals arrived at their usual water hole at the same time. They immediately began to argue about who should satisfy their thirst first. The argument became heated, and each decided he would rather die than give up the privilege of being first to quench his thirst. As they stubbornly confronted each other, their emotions turned to rage.Their cruel attacks on each other were suddenly interrupted. They both looked up. Circling overhead was a flock of vultures waiting for the loser to fall. Quietly, the two beasts turned and walked away. The thought of being devoured was all they needed to end their quarrel.
Friday, February 15, 2008
FACE TO FACE
"I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.'' - 2 John 12.
It is easy to fire off a letter to someone in this age of electronic communication because of its expediency. In business we call this being efficient. However, there are times when nothing but a face-to-face meeting is the appropriate means of communication. We know that verbal skills are a very small portion of communication. Body language, voice tone, and our expressions make up the majority of our overall communication. This cannot be seen through a letter or electronic medium.
John knew that being face to face with those he ministered to be important. And for John, it meant some major trouble to get from one place to another. It wasn't as simple as getting into a car or hopping onto an airplane. John's desire and determination to visit and talk face to face reinforces the importance of one-on-one personal communication. I once had to confront a businessman about some problems we were having in a business deal. He lived in another town. The negotiations had stalled to some degree. I could have attempted to solve the problem over the phone. But I realized the serious nature of the issues required a face-to-face meeting. I drove two hours to his office and met with him face to face. It meant all the difference. It demonstrated to my friend I was serious enough about solving the problem to take a day to come see him. It also showed I valued him and he was worth the effort. This resulted in him giving greater emphasis to the issue.
Next time a situation arises that requires more focused communication, consider whether the situation requires a personal visit. You may find this will be the key to resolving issues that otherwise might end in a stalemate.
It is easy to fire off a letter to someone in this age of electronic communication because of its expediency. In business we call this being efficient. However, there are times when nothing but a face-to-face meeting is the appropriate means of communication. We know that verbal skills are a very small portion of communication. Body language, voice tone, and our expressions make up the majority of our overall communication. This cannot be seen through a letter or electronic medium.
John knew that being face to face with those he ministered to be important. And for John, it meant some major trouble to get from one place to another. It wasn't as simple as getting into a car or hopping onto an airplane. John's desire and determination to visit and talk face to face reinforces the importance of one-on-one personal communication. I once had to confront a businessman about some problems we were having in a business deal. He lived in another town. The negotiations had stalled to some degree. I could have attempted to solve the problem over the phone. But I realized the serious nature of the issues required a face-to-face meeting. I drove two hours to his office and met with him face to face. It meant all the difference. It demonstrated to my friend I was serious enough about solving the problem to take a day to come see him. It also showed I valued him and he was worth the effort. This resulted in him giving greater emphasis to the issue.
Next time a situation arises that requires more focused communication, consider whether the situation requires a personal visit. You may find this will be the key to resolving issues that otherwise might end in a stalemate.
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