Money matters December 21, 2009
Posted by Gabe in Devotion, Ponderings.Tags: Whispers, Thoughts
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I was reading about money in John Piper’s book – Desiring God. Its was comforting to know and to be reminded once again, godliness with contentment is great gain. (1 Tim 6:6).
The past few nights, perhaps unconsciously I have been thinking (and worrying) about the future and how much I was making. I was also “unsatisfied” by the amount of money I “should” be making rather than what I’m making now. With the money I could do so much things.. things I wanted to do but can’t. I rationalised, with the skills I have and the experience I have gained and also with my performance, I should at least be getting the salary to go with it. Coupled with some bad news on cost cutting and the promotion I “should” have gotten, I lost focus.
In the midst of that I forgot something of great importance. Something far more valuable than all the money in the world. – Contentment. Godliness with contentment.
“If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interests in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” ~ 1 Tim 6:3-10
I thank God for His steady voice in our lives. Silly creature, I am. In the midst of the hustle and bustle, I forgot to “stop” and “listen”. I starved my spirit and it grew awfully quiet inside. I knew it, I felt it. But somehow I would always find an excuse. Again I’m very much grateful for God’s voice constantly calling… how gentle it was.
I think its true about human nature, fallen as it is, will always crave for the “more”. More money, more comfort, more luxuries… the magazines, advertisement, media all encourages us to buy “more”. Not that its all bad, it fuels economy and funds growth but there must be a limit and a balance. I would be suprised and impressed if I can find advertisement that does not encourage us to buy. 
“More” is never enough as the saying goes, therefore its never enough. Its henious and evil. Quite an effective weapon of the enemy. Its in built into our world system… you would have new diseases like obesity, shopping theraphy (:p), aneroxia (a reverse form of more), guld (how do you selpl tihs?) and many more..
Our defense against this is – contentment. Find contentment and be grateful in the things I already have and perhaps have even taken for granted.
There are people without homes and yet here I enjoy a roof over my head with ariconditioning, water and electricity.
I have food on the table, more than 3 meals a day if you count in snacks and stuff, and food can always (well almost always) be found at home when there are people who goes starving every night not knowing if tomorrow they would eat.
I have a job that sustains my needs when there are people who do even have a decent job or has to work 2-4 jobs to sustain their living.
I have a family that cares and loves me when there are people out there that does not even have anyone to hug or cry when they need to.
And most importantly I have a personal God who cares for me and loves me just as I am but loves me too much to leave me in my misery or my missing-out-of-life. He continues to encourage, to comfort and to cheer me on to great matters in life. More enjoyable, definitely more lasting. And there are people who are still oblivious to His love and His offer of life.
Returning to a place of trust, a place of obedience and a place of habit. I am tahnkful for the preacher last weekend who talked about these things and whom God uses to speak to me.
My prayer is that He would continue to:
- teach me contentment and godliness.
- teach me gratefulness.
- teach me to love people increasingly more.
- guide me and speak me in the way I should live.
- help me soften my heart so I could be more sensitive to His voice. Help me set up a habit of godliness.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Divine Conspiracy November 26, 2009
Posted by Gabe in Books!, Ponderings.Tags: Thoughts
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I’ve been reading this book, “The Divine Conspiracy - Rediscovering our hidden life in God”, which was given to me by Pastor Mike. Some of the thoughts of the author (Dallas Willard) tickled my mind.
Some thoughts to ponder:
“His Kingdom come”
and
“constant conscious interface with God”.
O what food for thought.
Write more on it later… if later comes.
Awesome God November 23, 2009
Posted by Gabe in Uncategorized.1 comment so far
As I read about Your faithfulness in the testimonies of my brothers in Christ and see the Hand of Yours work in the lives of so many…. And to witness the healing hands of Your in the people close to me, I cannot hold myself from praising You and this song comes into me….
Our God, is an Awesome God.
He reigns from heaven above,
With wisdom, power and love.
Our God is an Awesome God.
(Rick Mullins, 1989)
Beauty will rise… November 16, 2009
Posted by Gabe in Music.Tags: Thoughts
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Another inspirational and life-changing album from God and Steven Curtis Chapman.
What I appreciate about his music is that it will always bring me back to the reality of this world. Going through hard times, joyful times, his songs always brings me back into perspective. His honesty in sharing his family’s sorrow has encouraged countless many, me including. It shows me that there is so much more to this world. So much more than what this world is showing, telling us.
His songs are like a vehicle of God’s whispers into my life. His life is a role model indeed of how a godly man, a godly husband, father, and man should be like. Yet I bear in mind that even he is not perfect, only God is. Nevertheless, it is an encouragement to see someone like him living it out. It tells my heart, “hey its possible to truly live and love God!”
Click HERE to listen to the album. Be blessed.
Unposted blogs.. November 9, 2009
Posted by Gabe in Everyday things, Ponderings.1 comment so far
I’ve got much to blog about, particularly for my own theraphy. :p
Anyway I’m procrastinating… I’ve got like loads of work and I spent my whole day Saturday indulging in games. :p
So what I’ve yet to blog about?
- Birthday celebration.
- Birthday dinners.
- Self-reflection of the year.
- Gua Tempurung
Have quite a bit on my plate. A project to exit and close. A trip right in between up north. And of course, the impending new project/ assignment.
Juggling jugglin’……
Forgive… November 9, 2009
Posted by Gabe in Ponderings, Randomness.Tags: Thoughts
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Had this post in the draft section a long time… guess I should just post it up.
Before God found me, I think I can say I’m a person who holds quite a bit of grudges. Ever since Jesus, I guess I’ve changed quite a bit. One of the many things I’ve noticed as I reflect on my life is that I find myself much easier to forgive.
I think its better to forgive than to let bitterness and resentment dwell in me. Knowing its nature, it eats me up on the inside until I start to resent myself. Its a devastating and destructive nature – unforgiveness.
Hard as it may, I would just ask God to take it away whenever it comes up. And simply trust Him and have faith that it will be or has been taken away. The, of course, pain is still there and the trust is not restored instantly, but I’m better off as I have started my journey of healing.
In life, there are many who have hurt us or have caused us pain, its much easier to forgive and time is precious. Just a blink of an eye, we might not have a chance to live that moment again.
I want a pet dragon! November 5, 2009
Posted by Gabe in Everyday things, Randomness.Tags: Thoughts
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Imagine that.. 
Writing a book? October 29, 2009
Posted by Gabe in Books!, Ponderings.Tags: Thoughts
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I just came back from a discussion we had over at Ps. M’s place. We conversed initially about prayer and then it drifted to preaching. After a while, the conversation turned to the universal church. The conversation took a twist and thats when something in me stirred, more than usual. My interest was captivated. My ears were perked up and my mind was working in sync with my words at that hour of the night. Thats a rare occasion for me. Unless of course it is way pass the normal night hours and I’m loaded with a few shots of caffeine.
Anyway I had a thought, and I was still wondering if it was God. I have the inspiration to write a book , a journal or a thesis about a subject I’ve been pondering on. Titles and discussion items came one after another. What to write about… Ideas and concepts came into my mind. Inspiration from God? I believe so.
Yet being what I am today, I tend to be sceptical. Writing a book is no easy task. It would involved extensive research, hours, days and even weeks of interviews and discussions. I need to be an expert in certain subjects or rather have competent knowledge in. Not to mention the amount of time I would put in. Yet if it is Your will, let it be done. I pray You would bring people to help me and to inspire me.
So there are several things I need to do or research on. First things first, I need to find out how to write a book. I’ve read countless books and reading is some sort of a passion for me. Yet how does an author constructs a chapter? Does it start with an objective? Beginning, key points and ending? I think its is not as simple as secondary/ primary school methods.
So its an exciting endeavour. Hope it is not… I pray it is not merely wishful thinking or spur of the moment.
Whats the title you ask? — Its a secret. :p
God forbid. :p
A time of testing October 28, 2009
Posted by Gabe in Devotion.Tags: Whispers
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“The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that,
” ‘though seeing, they may not see;
though hearing, they may not understand’
“This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.
“No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him.” ~ Luke 8:10-18
As I did my devotion today, I prayed that God will speak to me. I sought comfort and peace for myself. God blessed me with the verses above, blessed me with His whispers. I’ve received the word of God into my current situation.
I’m glad my heart is not like those paths that the seeds have fallen and that the devil has not taken those words from me.
Roots – I believe I’ve some roots from God’s discipline throughout the years. There have been many breaking of the grounds and the soil. Hard lessons, often painful but my heart has become more fertile to His word. I thank God for helping me with perseverance.
I do not wish to have a heart like those covered in thorns. Jesus said there will be times of testing. I guess this is my time. Glad I’ve not fallen away. Those I believe I’ve still some worries of life but I do want to mature. So I pray for God to help me see and hear.
Help me cultivate a noble and good heart by helping me retain the word in me. And with perseverance, this will result in good crops to Your glory.
I was wondering what was the connection between those two seemingly connected parables. The parable of the Sower and A Lamp on a Stand. I believe we are to live out what we believe in the open. Hence I’m not afraid to share my struggles and my victories in the open. God gets all the glory when He delivers me or teaches me a lesson.
Then the words “Consider carefully how you listen.” To listen to Your whispers? Careful not to miss the lessons or Your voice in our struggles and trials. And the parables ends with a blessing and a warning. Those who have will be given more.
Grant me strength for the day. Wisdom and peace. Mercy and Love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Dessert for two? October 28, 2009
Posted by Gabe in Everyday things, Randomness.add a comment
We decided to have lunch as a treat from the stresses of the week. And it was only a Tuesday! :p …. So anyway we had a set lunch, one for each person and it was a normal lunch. I didn’t really enjoyed mine as I found it too creamy.
When the dessert was brought in, we had a good laugh.
Hmmm… if it was a date, it would have been alright for the waitress to bring us the desserts in one plate. Problem is… I was sharing the plate with this person…
Haha! :p What was the waitress thinking… two grown men sharing dessert on the same plate.. :p Funny thing was my other colleague had a plate and dessert by her own. So it left us laughing when the dessert was brought in.
It was funny, so I thought I’d share it here.
