What are your views about charity? Some Christians think that there are too many people in need that even if we give, our gifts are too little and cannot help much. But, my thinking is to let God multiply the gifts. If everyone thinks that our giving is too little and chooses not to give, then no one will receive any gifts and help from others.
Then some Christians decided to give but do not know which organization to give to. Also, there are situations in which the gifts go into selfish hands and the gifts do not reach the needy but to the greedy. My guiding principle to address the former struggle is that I give to the organization that God has given me the opportunity to associate with and/or given me the burden to give. As for the latter struggle, I believe in the bible verse from Galatians 6:7 "A man reaps what he sows." I believe that if what I gave fell into a thief, the thief will reap bad fruits and God will judge and punish the thief. So, I could continue to happily give, trusting that God will multiply the gifts and punish those who stole.
Galatians 6:8 to 10 continues to encourage believers to persevere in doing good and to trust God that people who sows bad crops will reap destruction and those who sows good crops will reap eternal life.
Gal 6:8 to 10
8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Actually, these bible verses are not from my bible reading today. But, I see a lot of need in this world and I know God has a big and charitable heart. If God is calling you to give today, and you are experiencing some struggles internally to give, I pray that this sharing may help to resolve some of your issues about giving. Also, I pray that you may experience God's pleasure in your giving.
Showing posts with label Reflections. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reflections. Show all posts
Monday, March 16, 2009
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Learning Progress
The first week of February has passed. I observed I can only meet 60% of my plans. Some people get disheartened for not being able to meet their New Years Resolution. But, not for me. I know my initial plans are always ambitious. So, I just have to adjust my plans in accordance to my physical condition. Those unaccomplished goals can be carried forward to next year's objectives and be met over time.
One of my objective was to join Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). I found one close to my home and will be joining the class on 16 Feb 09 (Monday). I am excited because I want to grow more in God's word.
My Korean language study plan is lagging behind. I tried watching news in Korean thinking the news programme may assist me in pronunciation and listening skills. I remembered I learnt good Japanese pronunciation that way. But, news in Korean is too hard for me. Thus, I decided to watch Korean drama instead.
Last Saturday morning, I had a headache. So, I missed one Korean language class. I think I am in trouble because now my textbook is all written in Korean. So, missing one class can mean a hard time catching up since I do not know enough Korean to efficiently self study.
As for my Keyboard class on Sunday evening, I tend to catch on to the teacher's teaching quite quickly. So, I usually do not need to practice much to be ready for school. But, I still have lots to learn to play music well. I figured if I continue learning, by the time I retire from a full-time working life, I should be ready to serve God related to children's music ministry.
Yes, apart from work, I have many other learning activities that is adding on to an already hectic schedule. But, I never lose sight of why I started on these activities. Honestly, I do not know how long I will live and if I will ever live to the age of retirement when I plan to focus more of my energy in God-serving work. But, I like to think that even while I train now, I am serving God and getting myself ready for Kingdom work. Actually, I think as I train now, I am doing Kingdom work.
I need to keep my heart, brain, eyes and ears open when God asks me to stop. Because, I know my heart's desire deceives me into holding on to things that God may not desire me to hold on for my own good. I need to be disciplined in holding myself in check. Indeed, may God help me because I have lots of limitations!
One of my objective was to join Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). I found one close to my home and will be joining the class on 16 Feb 09 (Monday). I am excited because I want to grow more in God's word.
My Korean language study plan is lagging behind. I tried watching news in Korean thinking the news programme may assist me in pronunciation and listening skills. I remembered I learnt good Japanese pronunciation that way. But, news in Korean is too hard for me. Thus, I decided to watch Korean drama instead.
Last Saturday morning, I had a headache. So, I missed one Korean language class. I think I am in trouble because now my textbook is all written in Korean. So, missing one class can mean a hard time catching up since I do not know enough Korean to efficiently self study.
As for my Keyboard class on Sunday evening, I tend to catch on to the teacher's teaching quite quickly. So, I usually do not need to practice much to be ready for school. But, I still have lots to learn to play music well. I figured if I continue learning, by the time I retire from a full-time working life, I should be ready to serve God related to children's music ministry.
Yes, apart from work, I have many other learning activities that is adding on to an already hectic schedule. But, I never lose sight of why I started on these activities. Honestly, I do not know how long I will live and if I will ever live to the age of retirement when I plan to focus more of my energy in God-serving work. But, I like to think that even while I train now, I am serving God and getting myself ready for Kingdom work. Actually, I think as I train now, I am doing Kingdom work.
I need to keep my heart, brain, eyes and ears open when God asks me to stop. Because, I know my heart's desire deceives me into holding on to things that God may not desire me to hold on for my own good. I need to be disciplined in holding myself in check. Indeed, may God help me because I have lots of limitations!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
One Step at a Time (一歩ずつ or 一步一步来）
Over the last few months, I have reflected and tried to practise doing things one step at a time. I think for me, understanding and practising this truth is a survival skill I must learn. And I realise this truth goes hand in hand with Jesus command to Christians "to remain in Him" (John 15:4). Why? Because by remaining in Him, we learn to listen, respond and be obedient to Him even when we do not know how our little actions, one step at a time, may lead us to.
To me, if I do not learn to do things one step at a time, I may really end up not accomplishing anything and end up being frustrated when I am faced with difficult tasks. Practical applications for me in doing things one step at a time are as follows:
1. Work
At work, I face many issues and problems that require time to resolve. I need to prioritise important issues and quickly troubleshoot, establish and document feasible processes and to set the procedures for many people to follow. If I do not take things one step at a time, I think I will be very stressed and will not be able to set an example of calmness and sound mind at work.
2. Dealing with sickness/fatigue
Sickness often either make me very unproductive or it spoils my schedule in trying to exercise and build strength to feel better. In moments of sickness, if I do not take things one step at a time, I think I will either go mad or feel very frustrated. In illness, taking things one step at a time means to focus on actions that will make me well. This includes sleeping, eating right and maintaining a calm composure. Forget about unaccomplished tasks and massive number of unread emails at work since to worry about such things and not taking care of my health is a sign that I do not trust God, is willful and is not glorifying to God.
3. Growing in Christ, Overcoming Sins
Everyday, I display a multitude of sins. If I focus on the number of sins I commit each day, I would have found myself most unworthy to follow Christ and may give up in my walk with God. Yet, if I focus on each sin item that Jesus brings to my mind each day, and submit myself to overcome one sin at a time, my walk with God would not have been as frustrating.
Indeed, I think taking things one step at a time is all about trusting God. God has the big picture which I do not. Thus, to me following behind Him one step at a time is to trust that He will lead me in the right path. It means being obedient to His directions each day in my life even when I do not readily see what that obedience leads to. Indeed, I would like to take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ. I believe God delights in such simple obedience. Thus, even though I have my limitations now and cannot go and accomplish greater things in the kingdom of God, I believe when I obey one step at a time, God is already very pleased with me.
To me, if I do not learn to do things one step at a time, I may really end up not accomplishing anything and end up being frustrated when I am faced with difficult tasks. Practical applications for me in doing things one step at a time are as follows:
1. Work
At work, I face many issues and problems that require time to resolve. I need to prioritise important issues and quickly troubleshoot, establish and document feasible processes and to set the procedures for many people to follow. If I do not take things one step at a time, I think I will be very stressed and will not be able to set an example of calmness and sound mind at work.
2. Dealing with sickness/fatigue
Sickness often either make me very unproductive or it spoils my schedule in trying to exercise and build strength to feel better. In moments of sickness, if I do not take things one step at a time, I think I will either go mad or feel very frustrated. In illness, taking things one step at a time means to focus on actions that will make me well. This includes sleeping, eating right and maintaining a calm composure. Forget about unaccomplished tasks and massive number of unread emails at work since to worry about such things and not taking care of my health is a sign that I do not trust God, is willful and is not glorifying to God.
3. Growing in Christ, Overcoming Sins
Everyday, I display a multitude of sins. If I focus on the number of sins I commit each day, I would have found myself most unworthy to follow Christ and may give up in my walk with God. Yet, if I focus on each sin item that Jesus brings to my mind each day, and submit myself to overcome one sin at a time, my walk with God would not have been as frustrating.
Indeed, I think taking things one step at a time is all about trusting God. God has the big picture which I do not. Thus, to me following behind Him one step at a time is to trust that He will lead me in the right path. It means being obedient to His directions each day in my life even when I do not readily see what that obedience leads to. Indeed, I would like to take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ. I believe God delights in such simple obedience. Thus, even though I have my limitations now and cannot go and accomplish greater things in the kingdom of God, I believe when I obey one step at a time, God is already very pleased with me.
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