_
As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"
"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. (Jn 9:1-3)
I must admit, that when bad things hit, my first thought is similar to that of the disciples. What did I do wrong? Or more often, my response will be to whine, to complain, to grumble about how unfair it is (I may not openly say it, but what I am doing is effectively accusing God of being unfair & unjust).
How little I truly understand the will and purposes of God in my life! Indeed, that kind of attitude unconsciously revealed for all to see my unbelief in God's promises in Jeremiah 29:11!
God forgive me! I am now asking God to help me attain a new attitude; so that I can say with conviction, just as Paul did:
Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. (2 Cor 12:8-9)
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Friday, June 13, 2008
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Jeremiah 29:11
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For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jer 29:11)
My entire working career has been a testimony of the faithfulness of God as promised in Jeremiah 29:11.
It started when I graduated from the university in 1995. Concerned about landing the first job, I really had no idea where I should go. So I followed my classmates in applying for jobs in various multinational companies. I did not have the impressive grades some of them had, neither am I the hardcore "engineering type" who could answer complex technical questions at job interviews. I remembered telling my interviewer then not to ask me technical questions, but that if they are willing to take me, I believe I could learn quickly on the job. Guess what? I got the job, instead of some of my friends who had far superior jobs. God's provision? Most definitely.
So began my 5 years in a wafer fab. The start was difficult, but by God's grace, I did well, and was widely acknowledged to be one of the top performers among my peers. Promotions came, and by the end of the fourth year, I was leading a group of engineers. By then, I was married, my wife was pregnant, and work was getting too busy, and out of hand. Almost everyday, I got to work while it was still dark and never left the office till it was dark. And with rising financial commitments, I needed a better paying job too.
It was at that time that Ps YC was leaving his managerial job in his company, so he helped circulate my resume to his colleagues. It was not long before I was offered a better paying job there. God's favour once again. Not to mention that my old company offered me a promotion and a 4-figure salary increment to tempt me to stay. It was tempting...but realising that the new job was God's provision, I left anyway. And how did I know it was the right decision? Consider this...one week before I reported for work in the new company, a new bus service was started and it links my house to the doorstep of my new office. Uncanny? Nah...just God's provision and perfect timing.
So I have been in here since. Almost 8 years, and I have changed internal jobs 3 times, each time for the better. And everytime, it was NEVER initiated by me. Somehow, God's faithfulness is always at work, ensuring that I do well and as a result gained favour with the management. So whenever job rotation opportunities arise, I was approached by management to take up the job.
My current job is again is a testimony of that. It was a rare opening from our HQ in USA to run a critical portion of the worldwide business process. It was never before opened to non-US folks. I was initially hesitant, as expections were high, and I was kinda risk adverse, being comfortable where I was. But management persisted in trying to persuade me, and after also sensing God's call to increase my "influence" in my job, I took it up. That was 2 years ago. It was the most difficult, complicated and demanding job so far. Again by grace, I did well, and I became known to many people in the company in both the regional and worldwide offices. It also helped me build a skill-set that expanded my scope and horizon, making me able to take up jobs beyond technical roles.
That is to prove instrumental in God's next step of career development for me. A few months back, My worldwide division underwent a massive re-structuring and re-organisation. Many senior managers did not survive the reorganisation. My job was safe, but with the massive structural change, the relevance and value of my role takes a massive hit, and with that, advancement prospects are no longer as good.
It was a little worrying...and I did ponder how I should respond to that...should I start looking for other jobs within the company? I had hardly surrendered the matter to God when my office phone rang. It was a call from the regional office. One of their staff holding an important position had just been transferred to another division and they are inviting me to apply for her vacant position!
Wow...talk about immaculate timing. I prayed and I just knew this was God's open door. I could almost recognize his fingerprints on this opportunity. With His grace and favour, I aced the interviews this week and was just informed last Friday that I have landed the job, with very realistic potential of moving on to my next job grade if I do well in this new appointment.
What can I say? God is faithful, and no one is better at planning my career development than He is. May all glory, honour and thanks be unto Him!
_
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jer 29:11)
My entire working career has been a testimony of the faithfulness of God as promised in Jeremiah 29:11.
It started when I graduated from the university in 1995. Concerned about landing the first job, I really had no idea where I should go. So I followed my classmates in applying for jobs in various multinational companies. I did not have the impressive grades some of them had, neither am I the hardcore "engineering type" who could answer complex technical questions at job interviews. I remembered telling my interviewer then not to ask me technical questions, but that if they are willing to take me, I believe I could learn quickly on the job. Guess what? I got the job, instead of some of my friends who had far superior jobs. God's provision? Most definitely.
So began my 5 years in a wafer fab. The start was difficult, but by God's grace, I did well, and was widely acknowledged to be one of the top performers among my peers. Promotions came, and by the end of the fourth year, I was leading a group of engineers. By then, I was married, my wife was pregnant, and work was getting too busy, and out of hand. Almost everyday, I got to work while it was still dark and never left the office till it was dark. And with rising financial commitments, I needed a better paying job too.
It was at that time that Ps YC was leaving his managerial job in his company, so he helped circulate my resume to his colleagues. It was not long before I was offered a better paying job there. God's favour once again. Not to mention that my old company offered me a promotion and a 4-figure salary increment to tempt me to stay. It was tempting...but realising that the new job was God's provision, I left anyway. And how did I know it was the right decision? Consider this...one week before I reported for work in the new company, a new bus service was started and it links my house to the doorstep of my new office. Uncanny? Nah...just God's provision and perfect timing.
So I have been in here since. Almost 8 years, and I have changed internal jobs 3 times, each time for the better. And everytime, it was NEVER initiated by me. Somehow, God's faithfulness is always at work, ensuring that I do well and as a result gained favour with the management. So whenever job rotation opportunities arise, I was approached by management to take up the job.
My current job is again is a testimony of that. It was a rare opening from our HQ in USA to run a critical portion of the worldwide business process. It was never before opened to non-US folks. I was initially hesitant, as expections were high, and I was kinda risk adverse, being comfortable where I was. But management persisted in trying to persuade me, and after also sensing God's call to increase my "influence" in my job, I took it up. That was 2 years ago. It was the most difficult, complicated and demanding job so far. Again by grace, I did well, and I became known to many people in the company in both the regional and worldwide offices. It also helped me build a skill-set that expanded my scope and horizon, making me able to take up jobs beyond technical roles.
That is to prove instrumental in God's next step of career development for me. A few months back, My worldwide division underwent a massive re-structuring and re-organisation. Many senior managers did not survive the reorganisation. My job was safe, but with the massive structural change, the relevance and value of my role takes a massive hit, and with that, advancement prospects are no longer as good.
It was a little worrying...and I did ponder how I should respond to that...should I start looking for other jobs within the company? I had hardly surrendered the matter to God when my office phone rang. It was a call from the regional office. One of their staff holding an important position had just been transferred to another division and they are inviting me to apply for her vacant position!
Wow...talk about immaculate timing. I prayed and I just knew this was God's open door. I could almost recognize his fingerprints on this opportunity. With His grace and favour, I aced the interviews this week and was just informed last Friday that I have landed the job, with very realistic potential of moving on to my next job grade if I do well in this new appointment.
What can I say? God is faithful, and no one is better at planning my career development than He is. May all glory, honour and thanks be unto Him!
_
Friday, May 30, 2008
Take Heed
_
"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
(Rev 3:14-22)
Familiar chapter on lukewarmness, but never fails to make me uncomfortable, because it paints a reflection of me that I would rather not see. No Christian wants to be called "lukewarm", but the unfortunate fact is that many of us are. I am definitely a culprit as well.
I am neither "hot nor cold" when I can go through most parts of my life without a conscious sense of dependence on God. I am lukewarm when I think I am doing well in the sight of God and men, often making many decisions without first seeking the guidance and direction of the One I call Lord, so ften neglecting and ignoring the presence of God in my life.
I depend on my gifts, my abilities, my resources to get me through situations, in making decisions, often taking so many things for granted. I often pride myself on how capable I am to be able to do all that I can. How often do I pause to give thanks to the Source of my the resources, gifts and abilities? How often do I really allow God to decide for me, instead of assuming what I want for my life will have the approval of God?
When was the last time that I have rejected the easy path, and chosen God's narrow path for me, to forego comfort so as to allow God's fires to refine me?
What am I wearing now? Clothes that look good in the eyes of men, which is nakedness to God, or the white clothes of righteousness of Christ?
What are my eyes looking at now? Is my vision so tuned to the ways of the world that I have become blind to what really pleases the Lord?
Ps YC gave us all a good reminder recently from Psalm 147 on what really pleases the Lord:
His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man;
the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.
We may have gotten many things wrong, especially if we think that it is our earthly achievements that gain us His favour and delight.
But there is hope. The loving & heartwarming words from our Heavenly Father are in Rev 3:20-22.
It starts with me. Take heed. Repent. Overcome.
_
"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
(Rev 3:14-22)
Familiar chapter on lukewarmness, but never fails to make me uncomfortable, because it paints a reflection of me that I would rather not see. No Christian wants to be called "lukewarm", but the unfortunate fact is that many of us are. I am definitely a culprit as well.
I am neither "hot nor cold" when I can go through most parts of my life without a conscious sense of dependence on God. I am lukewarm when I think I am doing well in the sight of God and men, often making many decisions without first seeking the guidance and direction of the One I call Lord, so ften neglecting and ignoring the presence of God in my life.
I depend on my gifts, my abilities, my resources to get me through situations, in making decisions, often taking so many things for granted. I often pride myself on how capable I am to be able to do all that I can. How often do I pause to give thanks to the Source of my the resources, gifts and abilities? How often do I really allow God to decide for me, instead of assuming what I want for my life will have the approval of God?
When was the last time that I have rejected the easy path, and chosen God's narrow path for me, to forego comfort so as to allow God's fires to refine me?
What am I wearing now? Clothes that look good in the eyes of men, which is nakedness to God, or the white clothes of righteousness of Christ?
What are my eyes looking at now? Is my vision so tuned to the ways of the world that I have become blind to what really pleases the Lord?
Ps YC gave us all a good reminder recently from Psalm 147 on what really pleases the Lord:
His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man;
the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.
We may have gotten many things wrong, especially if we think that it is our earthly achievements that gain us His favour and delight.
But there is hope. The loving & heartwarming words from our Heavenly Father are in Rev 3:20-22.
It starts with me. Take heed. Repent. Overcome.
_
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Thoughts at 38
_
Watched Iron Man yesterday on my 38th birthday. Good movie; definitely one of the better superhero movies. Casting Robert Downing Jr as Tony Stark was an excellent choice, possibly as good as Hugh Jackman/Wolverine. Wrong casting will kill any superhero movie. (Remember George Clooney as Batman/Bruce Wayne? That was really BAD...)
But I digress..... actually what left a deep impression from the movie was the dialogue between Tony Stark and Yinsen when they were prisoners in Afganistan. Yinsen basically told the hedonistic Tony Stark that despite the fact that he may be one of the richest and most intelligent man alive, but if he lives just for himself and not for loved ones and family, then he is but "a man who has everything, but in fact has nothing".
And Yinsen's final words to Stark: "Don't waste your life".
Profound words....not too far from what Jesus said in Luke 12:15b - "..Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions."
Words to ponder as I approach mid-life. The things I pursue in life, how I live, and who I live for. What is the legacy I want to leave behind?
_
Watched Iron Man yesterday on my 38th birthday. Good movie; definitely one of the better superhero movies. Casting Robert Downing Jr as Tony Stark was an excellent choice, possibly as good as Hugh Jackman/Wolverine. Wrong casting will kill any superhero movie. (Remember George Clooney as Batman/Bruce Wayne? That was really BAD...)
But I digress..... actually what left a deep impression from the movie was the dialogue between Tony Stark and Yinsen when they were prisoners in Afganistan. Yinsen basically told the hedonistic Tony Stark that despite the fact that he may be one of the richest and most intelligent man alive, but if he lives just for himself and not for loved ones and family, then he is but "a man who has everything, but in fact has nothing".
And Yinsen's final words to Stark: "Don't waste your life".
Profound words....not too far from what Jesus said in Luke 12:15b - "..Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions."
Words to ponder as I approach mid-life. The things I pursue in life, how I live, and who I live for. What is the legacy I want to leave behind?
_
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Being Watched Over
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I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD watches over you— the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life;
the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
(Psalm 121)
I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD watches over you— the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life;
the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
(Psalm 121)
It dawned on me how often we take things for granted. We forget that when things go well, it is because the Lord God Almighty is watching over us.
We travel safely to work and back home each day...
We don't fall down and break a bone when we walk...
We don't succumb to the millions of viruses and bacteria all around us...
We have good food and clean water each day...
We are not ravaged by cyclones and earthquakes...
We have peace and a good government in the land...
We can worship God freely without persecution...
It is by the love, grace and mercy of the one who watches over us faithfully without slumber.
I had an experience recently which vividly reminded me of God's invisible hand watching over even the "more mundane and less important" area of my life. Let me elaborate:
Every month, 10% of my salary goes into a savings plan with the company. Every 6 months, the money accumulated is used to buy our company's shares on Wall Street at a discount, after which I can choose to hold on to the shares or to sell them via a computer stockbroking system in the company.
Just his month, another lot of shares came into my account. I needed some money to balance the accounts, so I decided to sell these shares, but I have no idea what is the best price to sell them. So I arbitrarily set a significantly higher price than the recent stock price, hoping that the price will rise to that level, at which the shares will be automatically sold, and the money transferred to my bank.
Imagine my surprise when I went back to the office the next day and found the shares already sold (while I was sleeping). It seems that the share price, for some unknown reason, spiked up within that trading day hitting the price I set, before closing much lower at the end of the trading day.
That was not all. A couple of days later, my company announced a multi-billion dollar acquisition of another company. As a result, the share price tumbled 15% overnight and has not recovered since.
Looks like I sold the shares at the best possible time, despite being clueless about all these. It is better than having the best stockbroker in the world looking after your investments...
Nothing beats the One who watches over us, because He is in full control of ALL the wealth on the earth.
Wow...
"The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore..."
Thank you Lord.
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Thursday, May 15, 2008
Pray for Myanmar and China
The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.
The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.
All you have made will praise you, O LORD; your saints will extol you.
They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might,
so that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.
The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.
You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made.
The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.
The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.
You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made.
The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.
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(Psalm 145:8-19)
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Let us intercede and appeal to the mercy and grace of God...that indeed His love for people will drive Him to hear the cries of the people and to save them, from death, from hunger, from sickness and despair.
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Wednesday, April 30, 2008
The Long One ... Psalm 119
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Hardly got into Psalm 119 and already I had to stop to ponder this:
You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed.
Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!
Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands.
(Psalm 119:4-6)
Firstly, I am not taking seriously the fact that God's precepts are to be fully obeyed. Most of the time, my obedience tend to be partial, half hearted. Why? I believe because I do not fear God enough, and with that, the lack of motivation to be steadfast in all my ways in obeying God's decrees.
The solution? The psalmist continues in verses 7-8.
I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws.
I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me.
I know how weak I am...the important thing, I believe, if I caught the heart of the psalmist..is not to give up trying. Take it one day at a time, strive to walk as righteous as we can before God. Praise Him, obey Him always. And when we do fail, keep crying out to Him for grace and mercy.
I know I have this to my advantage, based on His Word:
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
(Psalm 51:17)
"This is the one I esteem:
he who is humble and contrite in spirit,
and trembles at my word."
(Isa 66:2b)
_
_
Hardly got into Psalm 119 and already I had to stop to ponder this:
You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed.
Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!
Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands.
(Psalm 119:4-6)
Firstly, I am not taking seriously the fact that God's precepts are to be fully obeyed. Most of the time, my obedience tend to be partial, half hearted. Why? I believe because I do not fear God enough, and with that, the lack of motivation to be steadfast in all my ways in obeying God's decrees.
The solution? The psalmist continues in verses 7-8.
I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws.
I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me.
I know how weak I am...the important thing, I believe, if I caught the heart of the psalmist..is not to give up trying. Take it one day at a time, strive to walk as righteous as we can before God. Praise Him, obey Him always. And when we do fail, keep crying out to Him for grace and mercy.
I know I have this to my advantage, based on His Word:
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
(Psalm 51:17)
"This is the one I esteem:
he who is humble and contrite in spirit,
and trembles at my word."
(Isa 66:2b)
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