Finding A Courageous Wisdom

Scripture

"My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad; my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right" (Pr. 23:15-16).

Observation

What pleases God? And if He is pleasable, what pleases Him the most? The religious leaders thought it was sacrifices, but the Psalmist states: "Sacrifice and meal offering You have not desired" (Ps. 40:6).

In Proverbs, God reveals what brings Him pleasure: "People who live with wise hearts and who speak what is right."

No, not shrewd minds. Not necessarily talent, successful businesses nor large ministries. It may include talent and fruitful profits, but the bottom line is that He delights in people who are wise in heart and have the courage to speak what is right. This is godly "leadership sense." It is motivated by wisdom and results in right decisions. These decisions may not be fashionable or even politically correct, but in the long run, they will result in righteousness.

Application

I have found that making wise decisions and speaking what is right will not win me any popularity contests. It may even be contested by those closest, but still I must take time to consider what is taking place, ponder it deeply, and make wise decisions that will be the best for all involved. What will it require?

Courage.

My daughter and I have been glued to the closing episodes of HEROES on dvd. As the time gets nearer and nearer for the fulfillment of the painted prophecy that New York will go up in flames, killing half the city, the episodes become more and more gripping. Claire, the sweet Odessa cheerleader who has the ability to heal herself has been torn away from her home. She finds herself now in the house of her biological father, a political figure who is careful to ensure that his public image does not ruin his political career. In one scene, he looks at Claire and says "I just want to tell you this: you are a brave girl and I admire your courage." Claire half smiles, not exactly knowing how to handle that complement from a man she thought never ever wanted her around.

Leadership courage is in short supply, but it is abundant toward those who refuse anything less than what is best. That is the prerequisite ... a deep desire to do what is best regardless of the emotional trauma the soul must endure in pressing forward, anticipating push-backs and possible rejections. But that is the mark of a great leader, one the world rejects in the beginning but one the world needs desperately in the end.

Prayer

Father, leadership is loved when the oceans are calm, respected in the storms, and rejected in moments of accountability. No one likes leadership when it exposes our faults and calls us to change. But that is the litmus test of any leader. That is where it counts the most, in confrontation and disagreement. Here leadership is either found to be worthy or wanting. Please give me the courage to be wise, to be true to Your Word, to be committed to each person's best, and in return, feel Your pleasure and delight.

Three Keys That Keep You Up!

Scripture

"Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality" (Romans 12:10-13).

Observation

In this passage Paul is encouraging the Christians in Rome to live in a way that brings honor to God. It begins with kindness and love, honoring each other by giving preference to others. In other words, I'm not fighting for what I want; I'm more interested in being a blessing to others around me.

Next, he talks about not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit: it's a commitment to work hard for the Lord, with a passionate love and joy. Not being lazy or apathetic, but sincerely excited about Jesus and truly grateful for the amazing things that He has done for us.

But it's the next verse: Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer: This is the verse that really caught my attention as I was reading today. Those three things, (1) rejoicing in daily life, even when you can't see a reason to rejoice but knowing that because of God we have every reason to rejoice! And (2) being patient in the midst of trials and hard times; knowing that my God is completely in control. And the reason for the ability to rejoice, the hope, and the patience no matter what? (3) Continuing steadfastly in prayer! Yes, meeting with God in prayer, getting a bigger vision of who He is, how much He loves us, and knowing that nothing is too difficult for Him! And asking, ..for His power and strength, His love and joy to be released into our hard places. So often it's our hearts that need to change before God will change our circumstances.

These three things are vital to our daily victorious life. Because what is it that the enemy is so busy trying to do to us? To steal our joy and hope. To kill our patience and trust in God. To ultimately destroy us by discouragement through wave after wave of trials and tribulation; doubts and confusions.

Application

The enemy pours out his non-stop lies every day. And if I'm not careful, he can sneak some of those lies past my defenses, and it can really mess up my day, and eventually my destiny! But the answer to his lies are rejoicing in hope, being patient in every difficulty because I can trust my God, and continuing steadfastly in prayer, taking His word as my compass, and His Name as my confidence.

The bottom line is that the quality of my life is determined by my attitude from moment to moment. If I can make these three keys a part of my daily life, I'll be in great shape!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Your Word tells me that the joy of the Lord will be my strength, and if there's something that I could use more of in my daily life it would be Your strength. I ask Your help to fully apply what You have spoken to me, and that by the power of Your Holy Spirit I would be continually rejoicing in hope of Your perfect plan, no matter what the circumstances may look like; patient in every difficult situation, totally aware that You promise to work it together for good; and continually in prayer and fellowship with You, opening Your Word with delight, daily. Practicing those three things will help me to be a vessel available and useful to You, My King! Thank You, Lord! In Jesus' name. Amen!

Never Leave Your Wingman

Scripture

"There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death" (Proverbs 14:12).

"Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they succeed" (Proverbs 15:22).

Observation

Sometimes it seems easier when we're allowed to fly solo in life.

• Driving a car - no one likes a "back seat driver;";
• Cooking a pot of stew - too many cooks "spoil the soup."

We have the same tendency when it comes to life and leadership. Our natural inclination is to fly solo in decisions that we make. We find ourselves caught up with the busyness of life and view consulting with others as a delay which steals time from the process of moving ahead.

In the movie, "Top Gun," fighter pilots are instructed to fly with a "wingman" into battle. Although trained to be the best of the best in air to air combat, without their wingman, they're subject to blind spots that weakens their defense increasing the risk of being shot down. In a pivotal scene, Tom Cruise, call sign is "Maverick", during a combat training exercise had his sights set on an opportunity that would increase his score. It would be a daring maneuver that required him to choose: wait for his wingman to catch up, or take the fight into his own hands. Rather than wait, Maverick lived up to his call sign and attacked on his own. However, by doing so he exposed his blind side to the "enemy" and his aircraft was immediately "shot down." He was later chastised by the flight commander, "don't ever leave your wingman."

"Mavericks" don't last long in air to air combat and neither will they survive in life and leadership. As instructed by Proverbs, wingmen are so necessary. Rather than a "time stealer" having a wingman to consult actually becomes a time saver; saving us time from having to undo mistakes and errors we would have missed along the way, seeing our decision from different perspectives. They save us from crashing and burning in life.

Application

Sometimes I think there is more "Maverick" in me than I tend to realize (no wonder "Top Gun" is one of my all-time favourites). There is an inclination to fly fast in my decisions and my ways and I fail to realize the wisdom of seeking counselors and outside advice. If I am to succeed, however, in life and leadership, I must heed the same commands "Maverick" received: "do not leave your wingman," especially when flying into battle.

Prayer

Father, thank you for the reminder and the wisdom of Your proverbs. Life was meant to be lived in relationship with wingmen, especially when it comes to the decisions that I make. Thank you, Lord, for surrounding me with wise counselors. They are a valued resource that I must not take for granted. Above all, however, You are the ultimate Wingman in my life. Instruct my soul, O God, in your Word and your Ways, continually. I so need You!

The Siphon of a Complacent Heart

Scripture

"Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. ...brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right." (2 Thessalonians 3:1, 6, 13)

Observation

Placing a priority on the Gospel Message was Paul's earnest purpose. He warns Christians not to hang with people who are lazy, busy about living for their own cravings and not by the teachings of the Lord.

My heart can be easily siphoned by complacency when I am influenced by low energy, apathetic, half-hearted people. It's easy to tire when I'm not doing what is "right" in God's eyes.

Application

I have had a very busy yet fulfilling first six months in 2007. It all let to two church camps I had the privilege to minister in. One was the Downpour camp with Agape and the other was with another church. Then my family and I had one of the most fulfilling holiday in Saigon (see the last post.) It was fulfilling because we were targeted in what we wanted to do in the holiday and we all were fully agreed to it, together. As a result, we moved as one one, although we are four different individuals, each with our own unique bend when it comes to holidays.

Coming back, I feel ready to run the next lap. But before I can do that, I felt I needed to de-clutter my heart from anything and every thing that will slow me down to a place of spiritual complacency. That is why the text this morning from 1 Thess meant so much to me.

I must be careful not to expose my heart and attitude to lazy grumblers, people who talk a lot but when it comes to the doing, they are not there. It's seems harsh for me to think that I get drained by people making excuses. But it's true.

I recognize this within myself, when I catch myself making excuses or being complacent, justifying myself because I'm not living up to what God is calling me to. Apathetic attitudes siphon my own spirit.

This next lap, I want to live differently by:

• Recognizing lazy and complacent attitudes within my life.
• Being careful not to allow unbiblical, negative talk around me, siphon my fervour for working from my heart for Jesus.
• Reminding myself to keep the Word of God spreading rapidly and accurately, a priority in my life.
• Ensuring that I stay true to scripture in my living and in all my teaching
  
• Place my schedule under evaluation of the Lord daily to make sure I'm "doing what is right" in His eyes.

Prayer

Dear God,
Forgive me for my complacent, apathetic attitudes. I want my heart to be filled with joy to spread Your Wotrd rapidly through my life. Help me to do what is right in Your eyes and never tire doing so. I need You and love You so much!

If You Are Going To Saigon.....

My family just returned from a very fulfilling trip to Saigon. We are so glad we went on this trip, although we never quite knew of anyone who had been there on a holiday. But we enjoyed every experience we had in Saigon - every meal was an unusual experience; the sights and sound of the city got us curious and kept us excited; and the people were so welcoming.

Let me just share with you some insights from what I read and saw and experienced, if you are going to Saigon....

This is a city of motorbikes. Everyone seemingly has a motorbike even though the average wage is one US dollar (160 000 VND) a day.

I heard that if you befriend a local, they will spend their last few cents on a meal for you. They will refuse to take anything towards the cost (and you probably shouldn’t offer) and they will be genuinely honoured to eat with you. You can make a friend for life in seconds.

As a foreigner the Police will leave you alone. They know you bring money into the country.

Everywhere is manic with activity yet strangely serene. Eventually your ears will filter out the noise and you’ll fall in step with the traffic. You’ll wonder why the traffic seemed so scary when you first arrived.

Seventy percent of the population were born after the war. So you see lots and lots of young people - always lean and slim.

Don’t get too tied down with that communism thing. Vietnam is communist in name only. You don’t suffer a nanny state here.

Don’t worry about your personal safety. Or at least don’t panic about it. Vietnam is probably the safest place you will visit in Indo China( according to Lonely Planet). Just keep things close to you. Money belts are not needed. Stick you wallet in your pocket, like you do at home.

People will rip you off only occasionally. In the many taxi rides we took, I was cheated only once, when the driver took us in a circle when the place we wanted to be was just around the corner.

Find out what things cost. Don’t accept the rip off price but accept the reasonable price.

And yes people are poor here. Ignore the TV shops, the motorbikes, the cars etc. It’s for a (growing) select few. Most people still live in a one room home and sleep on the floor.

Learn to smile with people here. Smiling is important here. Smile when you’re haggling, smile when you’re arguing, smile when you’re asking for your money back. People will appreciate it and actually it’s a nicer way to live. If you’re being over charged make an “oh no” face, but do it half smiling. They’ll realise they’ve been sussed but they’ll smile back in a “I’ve been caught” way and most likely offer you the real price.

Relax…they can smell nervous tourists and it’s like a red rag to a bull. My son and I were at Ben Thant market buying fruits to bring home and here came a group of nervous, suspicious, kia-su Singaporean tourists haggling prices - they really put off the vendors!

Learn to enjoy it even when things go wrong. Get stuck in a traffic jam in a taxi between crossroads because the traffic light got faulty (and it gets faulty all the time!) and the driver will turn to you laughing, shrug and say: “Traffic bad”. Smile back. It's Saigon and not Singapore, remember?

Oh and they will call you fat (because they are not!). They will ask how much you weigh, how old you are, how much you paid for your T-shirt that you bought at Saigon Square. And they will shake their heads in disbelief that you paid so much more! Don't be discouraged. It is still so much cheaper and better than what you would get in Bangkok!

Enjoy the city. You can stroll into a serene park amidst noisy traffic and find some soul solitude instantly. You will find cute puppies on sale by the roadside. They eat them as delicacy. Try the food at the night market in Ben Thant. The ice coffee is like nothing you have tasted, ever! We had to go there a second night, just for the ice coffee. And there is a prawn dish cooked over a fire at your table. That's an experience because where else would a waiter peel the prawns for you?

Don’t feel guilty if you only eat in top restaurants. Your dollars will still pay for a wage here. And the total bill will be like a meal for four at McDonald's back home.

There is no where else like Saigon. People who have been here longer, have told me that only five years ago it was all bicycles on the road. Now it’s mostly motorbikes but more and more cars are starting to appear. Vietnam is changing. The change is here but McDonalds and Starbucks haven’t arrived yet. Nothing is ruined. Not yet.

So you better get there fast...before it gets too commercialized.

Another Downpour Testimony

One of the pastors had lunch with a young lady who attends Agape today. This lady is getting ready to go back to her homeland. She came to Singapore for theological studies and while here, she has been attending Agape regularly.

At the Downpour Camp, she felt God was preparing her for her return to her homeland. She'd felt fearful and confused about what the future holds upon her return home. The only family she has is her 38 yr old niece who is dying. And there are safety and financial issues to cope with, on top of where God is really leading her to in terms of the ministry. There were multiple adjustments to be made and she was fearful about the transitions.

But something happened in the camp. On the the first night, when I asked what would keep us away from God's love - fear? failures? or disappointment? - she immediately knew it was her fears. So, she laid it down at the altar that night, and felt God's love upon her. He tenderly assured her that He is with her and will always be with her no matter what.

She was healed. And now, she's looking forward to her return.

How marvellous is the love of the Lord!

Awed By The Downpour Of His Love

Yesterday was my turn to receive from God's Downpour, after the church camp. I really didn't have a firm grip of what God has done in the camp in the lives of His people until yesterday at the Sunday service. I knew at the end of the camp that God had done a deep, deep work but depth is always difficult to fathom unless well articulated and yesterday morning, I left church filled up as I heard from various ones how their lives are changing because of God's downpour of love.

Pastor Lili brought us a summary of the teachings from the camp. She weaved into her sermon various testimonies from people of different walks in life.

There was this teenager who came to the camp with a problem that was growing bigger and bigger. He felt misunderstood and burdened. But at the camp, as he bundled all his disappointments and placed them at the feet of the Lord, he walked away free from that heaviness .

A single mum found the Lord to be the Father of the fatherless and on her drive back from the camp her children affirmed that they have a heavenly father in God. Oh, how marvelous His love.

A working mum so wanted to secure her personal 'break' after the camp but the Lord revealed the nature of His love to her. Love is more then just a warm feeling inside, she said. True love sacrifices; it suffers for the sake of the other. That is how God loves us and we are called not just to be admirers of his love but imitators of God's love (Eph 5:1). She decided then to use her holidays to cook for her kids!

A man who suffered a mild heart- attack a week before the camp found himself going to the camp at the very last minute. What wasn't possible to begin with became possible eventually. And at the camp, he came to the altar to let go of years of unforgiveness and bitterness of heart. He left the camp feeling so liberated. He felt like a new person!

Another young man struggled with receiving the love of the Lord. He often felt disqualified to receive God's love because of his sins. But at the altar one night, the Lord spoke to him that he must forgive himself because God has forgiven him. He did just that and walked away liberated!

Another mum came up to share about the many struggles she had with her 21-year old son. His cutting remarks and text messages were deeply wounding. But at the camp, the downpour of God's love in her life gave her the supernatural strength to love her difficult son and take practical steps to demonstrate love to him.

A cell shepherd declared his commitment to lead his cell to continually walk in God's love by bringing the cell together for accountability and mentoring so that this 'mountain' experience of God's love is not lost in the 'valleys' of everyday living.

After the service, I was talking to another man who had a bad experience right after the camp. His car was broken into while his family was having lunch in a certain town in Malaysia, on their way back to Singapore. They lost all their belongings, including their passports and cash. The amazing thing was he was not as disturbed. At lunch, he heard the Lord say to him that He was more important than His blessings. This man's heart was prepared for what was to follow. So when they came face to face with the loss, he did not lose his inner posture - his eyes were still fixed upon the face of God. He had learned to look at God's face more then God's hands. He was loving God for God more than for all His blessings!

As I left church, I chatted with a lady who had been to all but one camp in 17 years. She said while God has done so much in this camp, what stood up was not so much the hand of God at work. She said we left the camp wanting to walk in love more than just wanting to wallow in His love for ourselves. It was the Face of God that remains in focus after the camp. That was the depth of the downpour camp!

Later in the evening I received an sms about a group of Agapians who had taken time that afternoon to visit the residents in Pek Kio to bless them with some goodies that they had bought in Malaysia. It was walking in God's love because He has so loved us!

What a downpour of love....it has begun!

If you like to listen to the testimonies and the summary lessons from the Downpour camp,
just click here.