It has been a week since my daughters, Sarah and Samantha, returned from Perth last Saturday. In that one week, though I am very pleased to see them, my routine and schedules have been changed quite a fair bit. We have to co-ordinate our schedules including usage of one car now very carefully, so that we can spend as much time as we can together as a family, while making time for our own friends and also time to meeting our other commitments - church ministry, condominium management, office "advisory" work (my staff still calls me for advice), etc.
Tomorrow, my occupation becomes "Unemployed" but I call it "Retired" or maybe "God's Servant". Now, how should I be filling up the Australian immigration form next Sunday when I fly off to Perth?
In the last 7 days, I have eaten a lot, walked a lot, shopped a lot, and tired a lot. It is really sheer endurance keeping up with all these commitments. My church personnel policies, third and final parts are sort of KIVed for the time being but I really would like to get onto them and over with. It is my nature not to KIV and leave things undone for even a short period - maybe overly responsible and it can be good and bad. Good as I will be deemed efficient and reliable; and Bad as I put a lot of pressure on myself - sometimes Iynee also add to it because when she gets excited over one thing, she will never leave you alone till it gets done. Over the long years, after 23 years of working and married life and 18 years of fatherhood, I am trained to "cope" with such pressures. This is how I am slowly building up my PATIENCE and GENTLENESS, two of the nine Fruits of the Spirit.
Over the past week, I realised that Singapore is a city state, nation or country with MANY CITIES within it - Suntec City, Raffles City, Ngee Ann City, Vivo City, Great World City and soon many hubs - Toa Payoh Hub, Ang Mo Kio Hub, etc. These cities are to many women and men, tourists, etc. shopping paradises. I learned about Mango, Zara, Topshop, Dorothy Perkins, Forever 21, Diva, Topman, Pullman and Bear, River Island and many others just walking (actually more like torturing my legs) though VivoCity. It is good for those with big wallets, no end to time to spare, good and sharp eyes and a good nose to spot a deal and the right stuff to buy for themselves. It takes much time to understand the psyche of how the opposite sex purchase their stuff. This is called passion in shopping plus many, many other things to be passionate about in shopping centres. Singaporeans are really a blessed lot, with shopping centres and restaurants opening late into the night every day of the week, unlike in Perth.
On my shopping trips with my family, I am more keen to understand the dynamics on how shopping centres work and appeal to shoppers, the concepts used, the creativity of some entrepreneurs and sustainability, the dining places and their design and environment, car park charges pricing and differentiation, and the product pricing and branding issues of the various retailers and dining outlets. Each shopping or dining experience is a good learning lesson. It is therefore important for me to use my eyes to see in such a way that I can also learn and use my heart to feel how things work and how people behave, after all each successful entrepreneur must have used these senses too to gauge on whether there will be success for themselves. They do not talk about failing until it happens.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Know The God Of Your Fathers
Extracted from Henry Blackaby's CHOSEN to be GOD'S PROPHET
There arose on the scene of the people of God a younger generation that felt they had to begin everything new without any reference to what God had done for Israel. They could not, and would not, recite any of the mighty acts of God done in other generations. Therefore, they did not know the God of their fathers. They had no reference point to the God who delivered the children of Israel out of Egypt. They hardly remembered the stories. They did not understand at all the time in the wilderness. They did not know the mighty deeds of God at Jericho. This generation determined that anything they labelled tradition was to be turned aside. Was it possible that the previous generation, who did not know God, failed to adequately instruct the net generation?
In our own generation, what many today are calling tradition is really the mighty acts of God, which He has done in His people. No child of God must ever forget what God has done. If he does, he will not be able to build on what God has done previously. If you try to lay another foundation than what has already been laid by God, He will let you. The cost of missing what God has already done will be great as you attempt to move forward in your own decisions. Understand, though, that to ignore what God has already done is disobedience. You can call it "creative ministry" all you want, but God may simply call it disobedience.
You are not to ignore the God of your fathers. You are to ask the older generation to tell you what God did in your community to start the church you are now attending. What did God do when He brought that group of people together to begin His local church in that area? Do not try to live in your generation as though you have nothing to do with the previous generation. You are a vital part of a covenant people of God. If all you see that has gone before you are men and you say, "They had their time; now we have our turn," you do not understand that it was not them who built th church; it was God! Do not confuse the men who have preceded you with the God who has preceded you. God later instructed Jeremiah to tell the people:
Thus says the LORD: "Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, "We will not walk in it" (Jer 6:16).
My Thoughts:
1. God only wants obedience and submission from His people in our daily personal relationships with Him. Have we been obedient and have we also submit ourselves perfectly to God daily?
2. The ministry of the local churches today are no different from the time of Jesus. Do we remember how Jesus and the local church carry out their ministries? Do we ask God to always look at and answer our own needs or do we pray that the needs of others will be answered and also ministered to? The only difference is that we are living two thousand years from the time of Jesus. The context may have changed but not the content and the intent (sounds cheem!)
There arose on the scene of the people of God a younger generation that felt they had to begin everything new without any reference to what God had done for Israel. They could not, and would not, recite any of the mighty acts of God done in other generations. Therefore, they did not know the God of their fathers. They had no reference point to the God who delivered the children of Israel out of Egypt. They hardly remembered the stories. They did not understand at all the time in the wilderness. They did not know the mighty deeds of God at Jericho. This generation determined that anything they labelled tradition was to be turned aside. Was it possible that the previous generation, who did not know God, failed to adequately instruct the net generation?
In our own generation, what many today are calling tradition is really the mighty acts of God, which He has done in His people. No child of God must ever forget what God has done. If he does, he will not be able to build on what God has done previously. If you try to lay another foundation than what has already been laid by God, He will let you. The cost of missing what God has already done will be great as you attempt to move forward in your own decisions. Understand, though, that to ignore what God has already done is disobedience. You can call it "creative ministry" all you want, but God may simply call it disobedience.
You are not to ignore the God of your fathers. You are to ask the older generation to tell you what God did in your community to start the church you are now attending. What did God do when He brought that group of people together to begin His local church in that area? Do not try to live in your generation as though you have nothing to do with the previous generation. You are a vital part of a covenant people of God. If all you see that has gone before you are men and you say, "They had their time; now we have our turn," you do not understand that it was not them who built th church; it was God! Do not confuse the men who have preceded you with the God who has preceded you. God later instructed Jeremiah to tell the people:
Thus says the LORD: "Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, "We will not walk in it" (Jer 6:16).
My Thoughts:
1. God only wants obedience and submission from His people in our daily personal relationships with Him. Have we been obedient and have we also submit ourselves perfectly to God daily?
2. The ministry of the local churches today are no different from the time of Jesus. Do we remember how Jesus and the local church carry out their ministries? Do we ask God to always look at and answer our own needs or do we pray that the needs of others will be answered and also ministered to? The only difference is that we are living two thousand years from the time of Jesus. The context may have changed but not the content and the intent (sounds cheem!)
MARK: JESUS AS A SERVANT-LEADER - SUMMARY
Today, we move to the 2nd book of the New Testament, MARK.
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
Lessons in Leadership
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
Lessons in Leadership
- Effective leadership requires no worldly credentials.
- Leaders who are change agents always transform the traditional paradigm.
- Healthy leaders are first servants.
- Effective leaders balance the need for solitude and socializing.
- Good leaders provide security and confidence for their followers.
- The greater the leader, the greater the humility and sacrifice required.
- Principles serve effective leaders so leaders can effectively serve the people.
My Thoughts:
It is important to break away from the busyness of each day to spend some time with God and to hear Him. The best times are usually periods of complete quietness around us. I find early mornings, late evenings, etc. very good times to ponder and reflect. Being one who thinks and plans a lot, I also find long early morning walks a very useful way of exercising and a time when I can also ponder, reflect, think and plan, a time to draw some inspiration too . For this I thank my wife, Iynee who is exceptionally disciplined with her daily early morning exercises, 7 days a week, and with her healthy diet. This I say from all honesty and from the bottom of my heart. My daughters always tell me to appreciate her physique which I do. I should learn to praise her more on this aspect. I do often feel proud sharing her "lifestyle" with my colleagues and close friends since I myself cannot even be half a good as she is. She is still at it after more than 17 years. I really cannot imagine how Iynee can be so disciplined. Most people do admire this strength of hers.
In the early days, when my children were in Singapore, I used to feel irritated with her for waking up very early before sunrise and affecting my sleep. But now, I sometimes wake up earlier than her. I remembered that whenever God "called" me, it would usually be about 4.00am. I would search the Bible very intensely and I would cry when the Word "hit" home. That is what solitude means. Resting in God, hearing Him and be also comforted and be confident with oneself especially with Him at our side. Even Jesus has to withdraw from his very intense work and ministering to the people, to find rest and to hear from God. Likewise we should do it, so that we can "re-charge" and continue with whatever ministries we are called to after being ministered to by God.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Why I Decided To Have A Blog
I started sending messages extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible to a group of about 20 colleagues in February 2006. I sent them daily until sometime in November 2006, the day before I left for Perth with my wife and soul mate, Iynee and younger daughter, Samantha.
We left to bring home my elder daughter, Sarah after an eventful year in college. It was a year of trials and trusting God for Sarah, and for Iynee and myself. Sarah is currently into her first year of studies at University of Western Australia, pursuing a B. of Arts (Comm Studies) course.
I felt this callling to share again the messages. I came to know about blogs of PEW and PRAY. I read them daily until one "vanished" ... forever. I thought blogging is really cool as youths (Sorry, PEW and PRAY - you are not in this group though your hearts and looks are) these days take to it like fishes in water. What better way to communicate than to "behave" like them! I was convinced that blogging is the way to go to reach out to all groups of people, from church, office, friends, etc. I also felt that leaders should blog to keep in touch with our youths, our future leaders, and maybe our children, loved ones and friends.
For my blog, my "Terms of Reference" are to share on:
1. Word of God
2. Leadership messages
3. Personal spiritual experiences with God
4. My other passions and interests and
5. Also to learn from others
God bless
Andrew
We left to bring home my elder daughter, Sarah after an eventful year in college. It was a year of trials and trusting God for Sarah, and for Iynee and myself. Sarah is currently into her first year of studies at University of Western Australia, pursuing a B. of Arts (Comm Studies) course.
I felt this callling to share again the messages. I came to know about blogs of PEW and PRAY. I read them daily until one "vanished" ... forever. I thought blogging is really cool as youths (Sorry, PEW and PRAY - you are not in this group though your hearts and looks are) these days take to it like fishes in water. What better way to communicate than to "behave" like them! I was convinced that blogging is the way to go to reach out to all groups of people, from church, office, friends, etc. I also felt that leaders should blog to keep in touch with our youths, our future leaders, and maybe our children, loved ones and friends.
For my blog, my "Terms of Reference" are to share on:
1. Word of God
2. Leadership messages
3. Personal spiritual experiences with God
4. My other passions and interests and
5. Also to learn from others
God bless
Andrew
God's Initiative ... Not Ours
Extracted from Henry Blackaby's "Chosen to be God's Prophet"
The common people of this generation are not looking for professional religionists to find real answers. Professional religionists often are what turn the common person away from God. People want a deep, abiding, and real relationship with God. Yet on our own, within that relationship, every one of us can have down times and even question our calls. None of us will, at times, be immune from looking over our lives and questioning why nothing seems to be happening. We can become very self-centred. But when God chooses someone, He Himself will affirm the person before the eyes of all the people.
Would you rather try to endorse your own ministry before people or would you rather have God endorse and affirm you? You do not confirm your ministry, God does! If He does not, you are in trouble. You can launch a public-relations campaign so you will be more acceptable. However, seeking acceptance from the world is of no use to God. You do not have to announce you are going to have a big building program and then blame the people if it does not work. If God wants a building program, it will work. If you start something and it does not seem to go well, consider carefully that God, on purpose, may not be authenticating what you told the people - because it did not come from Him, but from your own head. You may have wanted to do something outstanding for God and forgot that God does not want that. He wants you to be available for Him, and more important, to be obedient to Him. God is looking for a person in whom He can entrust His leadership. They key is not what a person can do, but what God will do in and through a person's life.
We will not be looking so much at Samuel as at the God who called Samuel. We will examine what God does in a time of crisis. It is critical to understand that the time of Samuel's calling fell during the worst era in Israel's history. Four hundred years of the judges had brought them to this time. Sadly, it was a time very similar to our own as we also see what the Scripture says: "Everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judg. 21:25).
.......................
A major part of the tragedy of this four-hundred-year period is that the leaders of the people of God never recognised that they were in a deep problem. They never recognized that they themselves were the problem. Godless thinking, especially by the leaders, out the people into four hundred years of spiritual bondage.
.....................
The common people of this generation are not looking for professional religionists to find real answers. Professional religionists often are what turn the common person away from God. People want a deep, abiding, and real relationship with God. Yet on our own, within that relationship, every one of us can have down times and even question our calls. None of us will, at times, be immune from looking over our lives and questioning why nothing seems to be happening. We can become very self-centred. But when God chooses someone, He Himself will affirm the person before the eyes of all the people.
Would you rather try to endorse your own ministry before people or would you rather have God endorse and affirm you? You do not confirm your ministry, God does! If He does not, you are in trouble. You can launch a public-relations campaign so you will be more acceptable. However, seeking acceptance from the world is of no use to God. You do not have to announce you are going to have a big building program and then blame the people if it does not work. If God wants a building program, it will work. If you start something and it does not seem to go well, consider carefully that God, on purpose, may not be authenticating what you told the people - because it did not come from Him, but from your own head. You may have wanted to do something outstanding for God and forgot that God does not want that. He wants you to be available for Him, and more important, to be obedient to Him. God is looking for a person in whom He can entrust His leadership. They key is not what a person can do, but what God will do in and through a person's life.
We will not be looking so much at Samuel as at the God who called Samuel. We will examine what God does in a time of crisis. It is critical to understand that the time of Samuel's calling fell during the worst era in Israel's history. Four hundred years of the judges had brought them to this time. Sadly, it was a time very similar to our own as we also see what the Scripture says: "Everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judg. 21:25).
.......................
A major part of the tragedy of this four-hundred-year period is that the leaders of the people of God never recognised that they were in a deep problem. They never recognized that they themselves were the problem. Godless thinking, especially by the leaders, out the people into four hundred years of spiritual bondage.
.....................
21 LAWS: JESUS AND THE LAW OF LEGACY - A Leader's Lasting Value Is Measured by Succession (Matt. 28:16-20) (Last Part)
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
Jesus' IDEA for Leaving a Legacy
Jesus faced the task of changing the lives of people thousands of years after Him - and he succeeded. He did it without writing any books, building any schools, or founding any institutions. So if Jesus chose to deposit His legacy in people, we should learn His method and practice it as best we can. Consider Jesus' IDEA for working in the lives of people:
Instruction
Jesus constantly taught, most often with parables. More than half of the Gospels' content presents Jesus' teaching. The parable of the sower gives us insight into how Jesus worked. When the disciples asked Him about the meaning of the parable, He explained it, revealing insightful truth cloaked in the story.
Demonstration
Educational philosophy today relies too heavily on instruction. If Jesus had taught the disciples and done nothing more, they never would have carried on His legacy. But Jesus shared His life with them. Jesus' disciples went through three phases in their training:
Jesus' IDEA for Leaving a Legacy
Jesus faced the task of changing the lives of people thousands of years after Him - and he succeeded. He did it without writing any books, building any schools, or founding any institutions. So if Jesus chose to deposit His legacy in people, we should learn His method and practice it as best we can. Consider Jesus' IDEA for working in the lives of people:
Instruction
Jesus constantly taught, most often with parables. More than half of the Gospels' content presents Jesus' teaching. The parable of the sower gives us insight into how Jesus worked. When the disciples asked Him about the meaning of the parable, He explained it, revealing insightful truth cloaked in the story.
Demonstration
Educational philosophy today relies too heavily on instruction. If Jesus had taught the disciples and done nothing more, they never would have carried on His legacy. But Jesus shared His life with them. Jesus' disciples went through three phases in their training:
- Come and see. Jesus invited them to observe Him and His priorities. He invited them to evaluate Him (and themselves in light of what He was doing).
- Come and follow Me. Jesus asked for a greater level of commitment. The disciples were to do more than observe; they were to associate with Him.
- Come and be with Me. This phase occupied most of Jesus' three years of ministry. He required the disciples' commitment and companionship. The Twelve were present with Him as He taught, traveled, prayed, ate with "sinners," healed the sick, and raised the dead. They saw consistency between His teaching and His actions, and they learned the how and why of all He did.
Experience
After Jesus had modeled good leadership and taught spiritual truths, He didn't turned His men loose and move on. He gradually worked them into positions of independent leadership by giving them valuable experience. Jesus gave His followers an opportunity to practice what He had taught and to practice leadership.
Assessment
Jesus repeatedly evaluated the progress of His disciples. After the return of the seventy, He debriefed them (Luke 10:17-24). Jesus also gave individual assessment to His disciples, including specific feedback concerning their character and their capabilities.
If you want to leave a legacy, you must look to people to carry it for you. Find the right people, and use the right preparation process for each of them. Only as you pour yourself into them will they be able to pour out themselves for others. No one can give what he does not have.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Defining Moments In Samuel's Life
Extracted from Henry Blackaby's Chosen to be God's Prophet
Section 1 : Faithful Priest
"Then I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest who shall do according to what is in My heart and in My mind. I will build him a sure house, and he shall walk before My anointed forever."
1 SAMUEL 2:35
DEFINING MOMENTS IN SAMUEL'S LIFE
"In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes"
Judges 17:6
When you read about the life of Samuel there are incredible defining moments that capture your attention. Many events that happen throughout an ordinary day are not noteworthy. There are all kinds of routines that are normal and natural every day. But defining moments of life shape the whole direction in which you go. These moments may determine where you live, who you marry, what college you attend, or what direction your occupation takes. As these defining moments come, they bring both soberness and joy to life.
Reading and meditating on Samuel's defining moments will help you to take a closer look at your own life. If you will take a spiritual inventory of your life, ministry, and family, you will find there are some moments that are different from the run-of-the-mill moments. These moments are so incredibly different from the ordinary times of life that you simply cannot forget what God did in your life, to your life, and through your life. These defining moments that come in your relationship to God, your ministry, or your life itself then shape and define your life.
When you read of how God directed Samuel, you will become aware that there is a clear word from the Scriptures for your own life also. For Samuel, God guided and shaped him to be a prophet in the midst of His people when the people insisted on disobeying Him.
National and local occurrences in our day can also be defined as times of spiritual crisis, as occurred in Samuel's day. But what are the dynamics involved in crucial times? What does God have in mind when He selects and shapes a person? How does He go about it? How does He bring His purposes to pass through His chosen servant? A glimpse into what God did in Samuel will help you see what God must do to develop the leader His people need. In turn, this will help you define God's divine moments in your life.
My Thoughts:
I have my defining moments:
1. The moments when my pillar of support, my father passed away, at age 51. I had just turned 21 then. Real life begun and the sheltered life vanished, once and for all. I learnt more in the next 10 years what I should have learnt in 30 years.
2. Followed immediately by a breaking off with my Christian girlfriend within days. I wanted to face reality as I am not a Christian boyfriend. I studied in an Anglican school for 10 years, had weekly chapel lessons and sung hymns every day, and was quite a playful and naughty boy, too.
3. That period was when I really questioned God. I was not a Christian then, and I knew in my heart that I would be one some day - never knew which day. I even asked God why am I in such a situation and why not take away my life. Who could understand what I felt then? But God must have a purpose for me.
4. 15 years later, I was very down in my job. One day, God "opened" my eyes and I found comfort in Him and an opening was found a year later.
5. In 1995 while discussing a draggy en-bloc sale, I woke up one day sensing the deal was done. It was a deal, not a no deal. My life changed, and so did my bank account, my car and my house. God has blessed me very much so that I will have one less big worry in my life. I have more time for Him.
6. 5 years later, I saw Jesus in a tear drop when I was singing the song "Here I Am, Lord". Now you know why my blog is called by this name. I started to have my first crying spell and to "hear" God, always at some point of the songs I sang and also through my quiet time. Not very "theological" then, I woke up early in the mornings, searched high and low through the Bible to find out what is God saying to me. I also felt comforted after each "baby" cry. It is my wish that every brother and sister can experience God and to hear Him. God wants to have a personal relationship with each of His people, only if we care to.
7. And many, many more defining moments.
8. That is why I am still clinging on to God's promises. If I am faithful to Him, He will be faithful to me. He has lead me through many trials that I had gone through and He will also lead me through those trials which are coming by.
9. To God be the glory.
Section 1 : Faithful Priest
"Then I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest who shall do according to what is in My heart and in My mind. I will build him a sure house, and he shall walk before My anointed forever."
1 SAMUEL 2:35
DEFINING MOMENTS IN SAMUEL'S LIFE
"In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes"
Judges 17:6
When you read about the life of Samuel there are incredible defining moments that capture your attention. Many events that happen throughout an ordinary day are not noteworthy. There are all kinds of routines that are normal and natural every day. But defining moments of life shape the whole direction in which you go. These moments may determine where you live, who you marry, what college you attend, or what direction your occupation takes. As these defining moments come, they bring both soberness and joy to life.
Reading and meditating on Samuel's defining moments will help you to take a closer look at your own life. If you will take a spiritual inventory of your life, ministry, and family, you will find there are some moments that are different from the run-of-the-mill moments. These moments are so incredibly different from the ordinary times of life that you simply cannot forget what God did in your life, to your life, and through your life. These defining moments that come in your relationship to God, your ministry, or your life itself then shape and define your life.
When you read of how God directed Samuel, you will become aware that there is a clear word from the Scriptures for your own life also. For Samuel, God guided and shaped him to be a prophet in the midst of His people when the people insisted on disobeying Him.
National and local occurrences in our day can also be defined as times of spiritual crisis, as occurred in Samuel's day. But what are the dynamics involved in crucial times? What does God have in mind when He selects and shapes a person? How does He go about it? How does He bring His purposes to pass through His chosen servant? A glimpse into what God did in Samuel will help you see what God must do to develop the leader His people need. In turn, this will help you define God's divine moments in your life.
My Thoughts:
I have my defining moments:
1. The moments when my pillar of support, my father passed away, at age 51. I had just turned 21 then. Real life begun and the sheltered life vanished, once and for all. I learnt more in the next 10 years what I should have learnt in 30 years.
2. Followed immediately by a breaking off with my Christian girlfriend within days. I wanted to face reality as I am not a Christian boyfriend. I studied in an Anglican school for 10 years, had weekly chapel lessons and sung hymns every day, and was quite a playful and naughty boy, too.
3. That period was when I really questioned God. I was not a Christian then, and I knew in my heart that I would be one some day - never knew which day. I even asked God why am I in such a situation and why not take away my life. Who could understand what I felt then? But God must have a purpose for me.
4. 15 years later, I was very down in my job. One day, God "opened" my eyes and I found comfort in Him and an opening was found a year later.
5. In 1995 while discussing a draggy en-bloc sale, I woke up one day sensing the deal was done. It was a deal, not a no deal. My life changed, and so did my bank account, my car and my house. God has blessed me very much so that I will have one less big worry in my life. I have more time for Him.
6. 5 years later, I saw Jesus in a tear drop when I was singing the song "Here I Am, Lord". Now you know why my blog is called by this name. I started to have my first crying spell and to "hear" God, always at some point of the songs I sang and also through my quiet time. Not very "theological" then, I woke up early in the mornings, searched high and low through the Bible to find out what is God saying to me. I also felt comforted after each "baby" cry. It is my wish that every brother and sister can experience God and to hear Him. God wants to have a personal relationship with each of His people, only if we care to.
7. And many, many more defining moments.
8. That is why I am still clinging on to God's promises. If I am faithful to Him, He will be faithful to me. He has lead me through many trials that I had gone through and He will also lead me through those trials which are coming by.
9. To God be the glory.
21 LAWS: JESUS AND THE LAW OF LEGACY - A Leader's Lasting Value Is Measured by Succession (Matt. 28:16-10) (Part 1)
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
Just about anybody can make an organisation look good for a moment - by launching a flashy new program or product, drawing crowds to a big event, or slashing the budget to boost the bottom line. But leaders who leave a legacy take a different approach. They lead with tomorrow as well as today in mind.
When all is said and done, your ability as a leader will be judged by how well your people and your organisation did after you were gone. Your lasting value will be measured by succession.
To create a legacy, you need to be strategic and intentional. The following guidelines can help you get started:
1. Decide ahead of time what you are willing to give up.
Being a leader has a price; being a leader who leaves a legacy has an even greater price. When you work to create a legacy, your life is no longer your own. That's why it's so important to know what you are willing to give up so that others can go up.
What are you willing to give up? How much of your time? How much of your money? How many opportunities will you forgo? How many of your dreams are you willing to set aside to ensure that one or maybe two survive in the lives of others?
2. Take the initiative to start the process.
If you want to create a legacy, you have to initiate the process - and there will be times when you'll have to fight for it. Jesus' followers had various agendas. Some like Simon the Zealot, wanted Him to lead a revolt against Rome. Others, like James and John, wanted positions of power (Mark 10:37). Even Peter tried to dissuade Jesus from the very act that would release the other disciples to follow Jesus' footsteps (Matt.16:22).
3. Know your goals with each person.
The process of creating a legacy relies primarily with people. It requires the selection of the right people and the right development process for each individual. Jesus carefully chose His legacy carriers. Scripture says He intentionally picked the twelve He wanted; He didn't take the first guys who showed up. And He didn't treat all of them the same. He had a specific development process for each person.
4. Prepare to pass the baton well.
Once you have prepared your people, you need to prepare for the transition. There's a real art to preparing a successor, and it doesn't always go smoothly. Jesus had trouble handling the baton to His followers. He appeared to them after His resurrection and gave them the Great Commission because some of them still didn't get it. Peter, James, and John all returned to fishing after they saw Jesus resurrected! As you prepare to hand off to a successor, do everything you can to make for a smooth transition. And even then, plan to offer additional assistance without getting in the way.
End of Part 1
Just about anybody can make an organisation look good for a moment - by launching a flashy new program or product, drawing crowds to a big event, or slashing the budget to boost the bottom line. But leaders who leave a legacy take a different approach. They lead with tomorrow as well as today in mind.
When all is said and done, your ability as a leader will be judged by how well your people and your organisation did after you were gone. Your lasting value will be measured by succession.
To create a legacy, you need to be strategic and intentional. The following guidelines can help you get started:
1. Decide ahead of time what you are willing to give up.
Being a leader has a price; being a leader who leaves a legacy has an even greater price. When you work to create a legacy, your life is no longer your own. That's why it's so important to know what you are willing to give up so that others can go up.
What are you willing to give up? How much of your time? How much of your money? How many opportunities will you forgo? How many of your dreams are you willing to set aside to ensure that one or maybe two survive in the lives of others?
2. Take the initiative to start the process.
If you want to create a legacy, you have to initiate the process - and there will be times when you'll have to fight for it. Jesus' followers had various agendas. Some like Simon the Zealot, wanted Him to lead a revolt against Rome. Others, like James and John, wanted positions of power (Mark 10:37). Even Peter tried to dissuade Jesus from the very act that would release the other disciples to follow Jesus' footsteps (Matt.16:22).
3. Know your goals with each person.
The process of creating a legacy relies primarily with people. It requires the selection of the right people and the right development process for each individual. Jesus carefully chose His legacy carriers. Scripture says He intentionally picked the twelve He wanted; He didn't take the first guys who showed up. And He didn't treat all of them the same. He had a specific development process for each person.
4. Prepare to pass the baton well.
Once you have prepared your people, you need to prepare for the transition. There's a real art to preparing a successor, and it doesn't always go smoothly. Jesus had trouble handling the baton to His followers. He appeared to them after His resurrection and gave them the Great Commission because some of them still didn't get it. Peter, James, and John all returned to fishing after they saw Jesus resurrected! As you prepare to hand off to a successor, do everything you can to make for a smooth transition. And even then, plan to offer additional assistance without getting in the way.
End of Part 1
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Covenant with God
I went to SKS Book Warehouse (http://www.sksbooks.com/) at Tan Boon Liat Building along Outram Road on Saturday, 9 June 2007 to look for The Maxwell Leadership Bible (TMLB) after "googling" for it as Acts Lifestyle at China Square Central, which I last bought TMLB about three years ago, did not carry it when I went there a few days earlier.
I saw this book which captured my interest, purely because of my personal experience with God some 6-7 years ago. The book is "CHOSEN to be GOD'S PROPHET", LESSONS from the LIFE OF SAMUEL, HOW GOD WORKS IN and THROUGH THOSE HE CHOOSES by HENRY BLACKABY. Some of us would have gone through Henry Blackaby and Claude King's book on "Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God".
In the INTRODUCTION of the book, we are told that a COVENANT WITH GOD had several significant features:
1. It was always a choice God made! It was initiated by Him and for His eternal purposes in this world.
2. His choice of a people was not based on the people, but on His love. This is clearly seen in Deuteronomy 7:6-11.
3. God spelled out very clearly the conditions that were to be followed by His covenant people. He promised to be faithful to them completely and to bless them above all the peoples of the earth (Ex. 19:5). They were to fear Him, love Him, obey Him, and serve Him, keeping all His commandments (Deut. 10:12-13). If they did not obey Him, He would discipline them and work against them. The most complete and detailed description of these two sides to God's relationship with His people can be seen and read in Deuteronomy 28.
4. When God's people lived faithfully with God, God would bless the nations of the world through them. This is still true today. Jesus stated this clearly in Matthew 28:18-20. We would do well to remember that the most crucial aspect of God's convenant with His people, in both the Old Testament and the New Testament, was that His people were to be faithfully and constantly taught "to observe [practice and live out faithfully] all things that I have commanded you" (Matt. 28:20; see also Deut 30:15-20).
5. As the people obeyed, God promised, "And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matt 28:20; see also Deut. 32:46-47).
Like the manner in which we cling on to in a life-saving situation, do we cling on to God's promise?
I saw this book which captured my interest, purely because of my personal experience with God some 6-7 years ago. The book is "CHOSEN to be GOD'S PROPHET", LESSONS from the LIFE OF SAMUEL, HOW GOD WORKS IN and THROUGH THOSE HE CHOOSES by HENRY BLACKABY. Some of us would have gone through Henry Blackaby and Claude King's book on "Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God".
In the INTRODUCTION of the book, we are told that a COVENANT WITH GOD had several significant features:
1. It was always a choice God made! It was initiated by Him and for His eternal purposes in this world.
2. His choice of a people was not based on the people, but on His love. This is clearly seen in Deuteronomy 7:6-11.
3. God spelled out very clearly the conditions that were to be followed by His covenant people. He promised to be faithful to them completely and to bless them above all the peoples of the earth (Ex. 19:5). They were to fear Him, love Him, obey Him, and serve Him, keeping all His commandments (Deut. 10:12-13). If they did not obey Him, He would discipline them and work against them. The most complete and detailed description of these two sides to God's relationship with His people can be seen and read in Deuteronomy 28.
4. When God's people lived faithfully with God, God would bless the nations of the world through them. This is still true today. Jesus stated this clearly in Matthew 28:18-20. We would do well to remember that the most crucial aspect of God's convenant with His people, in both the Old Testament and the New Testament, was that His people were to be faithfully and constantly taught "to observe [practice and live out faithfully] all things that I have commanded you" (Matt. 28:20; see also Deut 30:15-20).
5. As the people obeyed, God promised, "And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matt 28:20; see also Deut. 32:46-47).
Like the manner in which we cling on to in a life-saving situation, do we cling on to God's promise?
Early Retirement or More Likely Semi-Retirement
I am still officially a staff member of NUS, clocking almost 24 years service. With my National Service stint taken into account, I recently collected my 25 years long service award, a 4-figure sum. I like to believe that this is an achievement in these days of constant change and uncertainty.
I always knew I will never ever make it till age 62 with NUS. To all those who lasted or soon to be there, I SALUTE them for their sheer endurance and loyalty. God bless them for their commitment.
And in 4 days time, I do not have a title and a name card. Just my reputation or creditabiity to bang on in my next job and God with me. Now, is a credit card necessary to prove your creditability!
Though I will be in early retirement or I like to call it semi-retirement, the only differences are that I have one less body (big one) to account to and that I am going to do what I like best in my heart. Do I really know what I like? I have to find out, there in the "thick jungle" and through hearing God.
Even in semi-retirement, I will still have to be accountable to God, my wife, children, other family members, church and all the ministries that comes with it, condominium management affairs, and never, never to forget all those friends who have loved or still love me. After all, life is really about relationships - personal relationship with God and fellow human beings. Without loving relationships, we would be like prisoners living in a cell, cast away from others and living in a world of our own, unless we find Him with us. That is why, some prisoners turned over after being in prison. They felt that God was with them when their loved ones and friends have "forgotten and abandoned" them.
These 15 days, I have been very busy with church work, some more farewell lunches while on leave, spending time with my family especially my 2 darling daughters back from Perth, shopping at Suntec City and VivoCity, meals at Princess Terrace (Penang buffet) at Kings Copthorne and Crystal Jade Dining at Vivocity (view of Straits of Singapore is fantastic). The Island Cafe at Tangs Store at Vivocity ($9.90 set lunches) also has a very nice garden view, inches away from you and facing Telok Blangah Road. Take it from a person who has a hand in Dining@NUS.
I always knew I will never ever make it till age 62 with NUS. To all those who lasted or soon to be there, I SALUTE them for their sheer endurance and loyalty. God bless them for their commitment.
And in 4 days time, I do not have a title and a name card. Just my reputation or creditabiity to bang on in my next job and God with me. Now, is a credit card necessary to prove your creditability!
Though I will be in early retirement or I like to call it semi-retirement, the only differences are that I have one less body (big one) to account to and that I am going to do what I like best in my heart. Do I really know what I like? I have to find out, there in the "thick jungle" and through hearing God.
Even in semi-retirement, I will still have to be accountable to God, my wife, children, other family members, church and all the ministries that comes with it, condominium management affairs, and never, never to forget all those friends who have loved or still love me. After all, life is really about relationships - personal relationship with God and fellow human beings. Without loving relationships, we would be like prisoners living in a cell, cast away from others and living in a world of our own, unless we find Him with us. That is why, some prisoners turned over after being in prison. They felt that God was with them when their loved ones and friends have "forgotten and abandoned" them.
These 15 days, I have been very busy with church work, some more farewell lunches while on leave, spending time with my family especially my 2 darling daughters back from Perth, shopping at Suntec City and VivoCity, meals at Princess Terrace (Penang buffet) at Kings Copthorne and Crystal Jade Dining at Vivocity (view of Straits of Singapore is fantastic). The Island Cafe at Tangs Store at Vivocity ($9.90 set lunches) also has a very nice garden view, inches away from you and facing Telok Blangah Road. Take it from a person who has a hand in Dining@NUS.
21 QUALITIES: RESPONSIBILITY - Pontius Pilate Failed to Lead (Matt. 27:11-31)
Extracted From the Maxwell Leadership Bible
President Harry Truman was right when he said, "The buck stops here." Leaders cannot pass the buck. We cannot lead without taking responsibility. It comes with the territory.
Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Israel, gives us a sad example of a leader who failed to take responsibility. When Jesus appeared before him for judgment, he could find nothing wrong in Him. Yet instead of judging Him as innocent, he succumbed to the pressure of the crowd. Sensing they wanted to punish an innocent man, he gave them a choice: Barabbas or Jesus? When they wrongly chose Jesus as the more gulity man, Pilate walked over to a basin of waterand tried to wash his hands of any responsibility for his decision. He pretended he could evade ownership of the consequences. Pilate committed the sin of omission and tried to get off on a legal technicality.
None of this surprised the Jews, since Pilate had a history of such behaviour. He tended to withdraw when things heated up. Once he put the Roman eagle in the temple, prompting 5000 Jews to march to his vacation home to demand he remove it. He called in the army and demanded they leave. When they refused, he threatened to cut off their heads. The Jews got down on their knees, in essence saying, "Go ahead!" Shocked by their moral conviction, he backed down. From that point on, the Jews knew this man lacked a backbone and would run from responsibility. He illustrates moral and political compromise. Just why did Pilate "wash his hands" of responsibility?
1. He had a problem with foundations (v. 22).
Pilate never forged the character to withstand adversity. Conflict paralyzed him.
2. He had a problem with futility (vv. 23, 24).
He perceived that no good would come from a right decision, so why waste time?
Apathy proliferates when we sense that action seems useless.
3. He had a problem with fear (v. 24).
Pilate felt preoccupied with survival. If he fought the Jews, he feared the loss of control, image, or position. His wife's warning added fuel to his fear.
4. He had a problem with failure (v. 24).
Pilate knew a riot was brewing. The last time it happened, he failed to rise to the occasion and the Jews called his bluff. They knew he worried most about failure than they did.
5. He had a problem with focus (v. 24).
Leaders cannot be neutral or passive over crucial decisions. Pilate picked up a basin and tried to wash his hands of the whole mess. No good leader does this.
President Harry Truman was right when he said, "The buck stops here." Leaders cannot pass the buck. We cannot lead without taking responsibility. It comes with the territory.
Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Israel, gives us a sad example of a leader who failed to take responsibility. When Jesus appeared before him for judgment, he could find nothing wrong in Him. Yet instead of judging Him as innocent, he succumbed to the pressure of the crowd. Sensing they wanted to punish an innocent man, he gave them a choice: Barabbas or Jesus? When they wrongly chose Jesus as the more gulity man, Pilate walked over to a basin of waterand tried to wash his hands of any responsibility for his decision. He pretended he could evade ownership of the consequences. Pilate committed the sin of omission and tried to get off on a legal technicality.
None of this surprised the Jews, since Pilate had a history of such behaviour. He tended to withdraw when things heated up. Once he put the Roman eagle in the temple, prompting 5000 Jews to march to his vacation home to demand he remove it. He called in the army and demanded they leave. When they refused, he threatened to cut off their heads. The Jews got down on their knees, in essence saying, "Go ahead!" Shocked by their moral conviction, he backed down. From that point on, the Jews knew this man lacked a backbone and would run from responsibility. He illustrates moral and political compromise. Just why did Pilate "wash his hands" of responsibility?
1. He had a problem with foundations (v. 22).
Pilate never forged the character to withstand adversity. Conflict paralyzed him.
2. He had a problem with futility (vv. 23, 24).
He perceived that no good would come from a right decision, so why waste time?
Apathy proliferates when we sense that action seems useless.
3. He had a problem with fear (v. 24).
Pilate felt preoccupied with survival. If he fought the Jews, he feared the loss of control, image, or position. His wife's warning added fuel to his fear.
4. He had a problem with failure (v. 24).
Pilate knew a riot was brewing. The last time it happened, he failed to rise to the occasion and the Jews called his bluff. They knew he worried most about failure than they did.
5. He had a problem with focus (v. 24).
Leaders cannot be neutral or passive over crucial decisions. Pilate picked up a basin and tried to wash his hands of the whole mess. No good leader does this.
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