It has been a month since I left NUS on 30 June 2007.
Searching for the "right job/company" for a 2nd career in my semi-retirement days, as I have found out after 3 months, has indeed been a very painful, challenging, and many a times confusing but very gratifying experience. The real learning in life is in the process and journey, not in the decision made or at the destination arrived.
Like in many situations we are placed in, and with ultimately, the decisions to be made in our every day life, many invitations were received and one gets courted to "try our product, try our company, we are different, join us", that one can easily ends up in "a bewildered, unsettling and confusing" state of mind as to what one really wants.
So, at the end of it, one should remember what one had initially set out to do; one should stick to it amidst the "inviting and courting" and not be swayed or influenced by it. One must know what one is really looking for, for at the end of it, this (interest or passion) is what will sustain and keep one going throughout the learning process and journey, surely a painful but nevertheless an experience to be gained. I must, in all fairness, add that these "marketing" events had been done courteously and in a non-hurting manner. In contrast, I might have hurt or let the "marketing people" down with my ignorance and plain indecisiveness.
So, after hearing out the agency managers and also their representatives from 2 insurance and 2 financial planning/adviser companies, and also attending seminar/induction programme, I have decided to study for the relevant papers and take the required examinations first.
I will now have to study 4 financial modules (though I can be exempted from one because of my MBA) as required by the MAS to be a financial adviser's representative (FAR), register for the exam papers on-line, pass the multiple choice question computerised papers set by the Singapore College of Insurance at Suntec City with a 75% mark for all papers and apply to MAS for the FAR licence once I decide on which company to join.
The 4 papers are M5 (Rules and Regulations), M8 (Collective Investments), M9 (Life Insurance) and HI (Health Insurance).
So, I will be very busy for the next 2 months as I take each step and each paper at a time, while I also try to complete my church "assignments" and responsibilities and my occasional visits to keep in touch with my ex-colleagues and friends. May God grant me the discipline and determination to go through these 2 months of preparation, and also for clarity of understanding in whatever I will be learning.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
My Non-Spiritual Wealth Creation Hobbies and Consuming Passion
In planning for my semi-retirement, I had in February 2006 designed 2 MS-Excel financial templates, one for tracking the family's household/personal expenses and another for tracking the family's assets/liabilities.
I diligently performed the tracking daily, and soon found myself consumed by it - a great joy and fun (passion) doing it and doing it well. I shared my templates with some of my colleagues and friends. Very soon, I felt that this was an area where I could "help and minister" to others, with my personal financial testimony to back me up. Besides, I could draw a good enough income from it. I would also be doing what I felt happiest with, as a 2nd career.
In the past when as a young kid, I was extremely passionate about real estate and property but due to filial piety and obedience to my father, I studied engineering (father's scholarship). However, I still ended up in property management and eventually corporate/information systems planning jobs. Back in 1994, I took a real estate agent course with my wife, passed and obtained a Singapore Institute of Surveyors and Valuers certificate but did not train as a property agent, though at that time I was quite unhappy with my "glamorous/highly secretive" but monotonous, unexciting planning job. Indeed, God has been gracious to me for when the first wave of en-bloc sales started, I put into practice what I have learnt about plot ratio, development potential, etc. I was eventually blessed with an en-bloc sale in March 1996. My hobbies gave me more wealth, great satisfaction compared to my salaried job (not that bad though except heavy responsibilities).
A year later, the property market crashed, though rising again in 1999 (a small 2nd en-bloc wave). I soon lost my passion in real estate and moved on to financial portfolio management, learning on the job (a hobby too) with my theoretical knowledge, by reading, following the industry and also through trial and error. Real estate and financial (now wealth) planning have been my interests due to my inclination to numbers, which I love to do it mentally even.
I diligently performed the tracking daily, and soon found myself consumed by it - a great joy and fun (passion) doing it and doing it well. I shared my templates with some of my colleagues and friends. Very soon, I felt that this was an area where I could "help and minister" to others, with my personal financial testimony to back me up. Besides, I could draw a good enough income from it. I would also be doing what I felt happiest with, as a 2nd career.
In the past when as a young kid, I was extremely passionate about real estate and property but due to filial piety and obedience to my father, I studied engineering (father's scholarship). However, I still ended up in property management and eventually corporate/information systems planning jobs. Back in 1994, I took a real estate agent course with my wife, passed and obtained a Singapore Institute of Surveyors and Valuers certificate but did not train as a property agent, though at that time I was quite unhappy with my "glamorous/highly secretive" but monotonous, unexciting planning job. Indeed, God has been gracious to me for when the first wave of en-bloc sales started, I put into practice what I have learnt about plot ratio, development potential, etc. I was eventually blessed with an en-bloc sale in March 1996. My hobbies gave me more wealth, great satisfaction compared to my salaried job (not that bad though except heavy responsibilities).
A year later, the property market crashed, though rising again in 1999 (a small 2nd en-bloc wave). I soon lost my passion in real estate and moved on to financial portfolio management, learning on the job (a hobby too) with my theoretical knowledge, by reading, following the industry and also through trial and error. Real estate and financial (now wealth) planning have been my interests due to my inclination to numbers, which I love to do it mentally even.
The Law of Explosive Growth: Jesus Expands His Training to Seventy (Luke 9:1 - 10:24)
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
Some time after Jesus sent out His twelve, handpicked disciples for on-the-job training (Luke 9), He expanded His training to include 70 unnamed disciples who followed Him (Luke 10). We have reason to believe both men and women made up this group of 70 trainees, and what they accomplished greatly multiplied Jesus' ministry in Judah.
Before they left, however, many felt apprehensive about being sent out - just look at the long briefing Jesus gave them. Also, after they returned, note their surprise at how well things went. Jesus expected a lot from them, but He also gave them a lot. This valuable team prepared each city for Jesus' coming and in return received valuable training from the experience.
The Law of Explosive Growth teaches that success is determined by who and what the leader teaches. To multiply his or her influence, the leader must teach other leaders and equip them with skills and principles to enable them to influence others. When a leader does this, he or she moves from addition to multiplication.
Some time after Jesus sent out His twelve, handpicked disciples for on-the-job training (Luke 9), He expanded His training to include 70 unnamed disciples who followed Him (Luke 10). We have reason to believe both men and women made up this group of 70 trainees, and what they accomplished greatly multiplied Jesus' ministry in Judah.
Before they left, however, many felt apprehensive about being sent out - just look at the long briefing Jesus gave them. Also, after they returned, note their surprise at how well things went. Jesus expected a lot from them, but He also gave them a lot. This valuable team prepared each city for Jesus' coming and in return received valuable training from the experience.
The Law of Explosive Growth teaches that success is determined by who and what the leader teaches. To multiply his or her influence, the leader must teach other leaders and equip them with skills and principles to enable them to influence others. When a leader does this, he or she moves from addition to multiplication.
Monday, July 30, 2007
The Law of The Inner Circle: Jesus Prepared Men to Represent Him (Luke 9:28-36)
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
Three of Jesus' key men saw Him transfigured on a mountain. He had specifically chosen these three to share the experience with Him, one of several special times He arranged for Peter, James, and John. While the other nine disciples waited at the foot of the mountain for their comrades to return, the "inner circle" witnessed a miracle.
Jesus, the ultimate Trainer and Mentor, did things this way to prepare some key players for future leadership. Watch how He did it. Jesus ...
Three of Jesus' key men saw Him transfigured on a mountain. He had specifically chosen these three to share the experience with Him, one of several special times He arranged for Peter, James, and John. While the other nine disciples waited at the foot of the mountain for their comrades to return, the "inner circle" witnessed a miracle.
Jesus, the ultimate Trainer and Mentor, did things this way to prepare some key players for future leadership. Watch how He did it. Jesus ...
- selected a group of key men (v. 28)
- took them to a special place (v. 28)
- spent time praying with them (vv. 28, 29)
- shared an unusual experience with them (vv. 30, 31)
- provided a lasting memory for them (vv. 32, 33)
- invested special time speaking with them (vv. 34, 35)
- gave them a secret history with Him that prepared them for the future (v. 38)
Generosity: A Candle Loses Nothing by Lighting Another (Luke 9:12-17)
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
God likes win/win situations. We see this in the account of the feeding of the five thousand. Jesus took one basket of fish and bread, blessed it, and fed multitudes. Whoever gave up his lunch basket in the beginning, received 12 times more at the end of the day.
This is how generosity works.
God likes win/win situations. We see this in the account of the feeding of the five thousand. Jesus took one basket of fish and bread, blessed it, and fed multitudes. Whoever gave up his lunch basket in the beginning, received 12 times more at the end of the day.
This is how generosity works.
Delegation: Jesus Shared Both Responsibility and Authority (Luke 9:1-10)
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
Jesus sent out His disciples, two by two, for some on-the-job training. Note how He got them ready for this ministry experience:
1. Motivation: He called them together (v. 1).
2. Impartation: He empowered them and gave them authority (v.1).
3. Delegation: He sent them out to do a job (v. 2).
4. Communication: He gave them specific direction (vv. 3-5).
5. Evaluation: He held them accountable when they finished (v. 10).
If we are going to succeed in our mission (and live to tell about it), we must share the workload with a team. Jesus aimed to develop people as as He shared the work. Consider three methods of distributing tasks among a team:
1. Dumping: Leaders unload a task, happy to relieve themselves of the burden. There is little to no preparation; the leaders focus on getting rid of a task. Major damage can be done to the people who receive the work.
2. Delegating: Leaders prepare ahead of time, then plan how to best give work away to the right people. Less damage results, but the leaders still focus on eliminating the task, not building the people.
3. Developing: This is the ultimate way to share work. Leaders prepare the people and the work, then focus on the training of the people. Both the leaders and the workers benefit.
Jesus sent out His disciples, two by two, for some on-the-job training. Note how He got them ready for this ministry experience:
1. Motivation: He called them together (v. 1).
2. Impartation: He empowered them and gave them authority (v.1).
3. Delegation: He sent them out to do a job (v. 2).
4. Communication: He gave them specific direction (vv. 3-5).
5. Evaluation: He held them accountable when they finished (v. 10).
If we are going to succeed in our mission (and live to tell about it), we must share the workload with a team. Jesus aimed to develop people as as He shared the work. Consider three methods of distributing tasks among a team:
1. Dumping: Leaders unload a task, happy to relieve themselves of the burden. There is little to no preparation; the leaders focus on getting rid of a task. Major damage can be done to the people who receive the work.
2. Delegating: Leaders prepare ahead of time, then plan how to best give work away to the right people. Less damage results, but the leaders still focus on eliminating the task, not building the people.
3. Developing: This is the ultimate way to share work. Leaders prepare the people and the work, then focus on the training of the people. Both the leaders and the workers benefit.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
My Planning Experience: Financially For Retirement
My Dominant Influencing Steady Conscientious personality profile says I am a S and C personality with some D and I characteristics. And I am also a planner by nature, very much so when younger.
I had planned to take a postgraduate degree, have my first child (daughter), next job, second child (daughter and no more), my first $million (it came by God's grace), next house (stayed in 2 houses and 3 apartments in my life), further education for my children, my semi-retirement and "next or 2nd career", etc, till probably I am called home to be with the Lord. Planning is a very deliberate and important activity in one's life but so are the grace and blessings from God, and listening to His voice and direction daily.
Before I activated any plan, I would reflect on what I have done during the current period, whether I have fulfilled most of my responsibilities and commitments, what is the impact and risks to my family, to those around me and to myself. Then, I would calculate the risk, implement and manage the risk.
So, with my elder daughter off to college in Perth in January 2006, I started to look in greater depth on the financial aspects of my plan for semi-retirement, and my "next or 2nd career". I have in many ways started planning for this day some 10 years ago when I had my en-bloc sale in 1996, and again more so 5 years ago.
I had always wanted so much to experience whether I could make it "out there in the jungle" after almost 24 years with NUS. It was going to be a big leap of faith, trusting God in every little baby step I take, amidst much struggle and tussle between heart and mind in achieving new competency, skills, etc. I would be acting like an entrepreneur in certain ways, as I found out recently. No result means no income or S$0.
My confidence to walk out of my very interesting and respected appointment and job (you have to earn it though), that come with many varied and heavy responsibilities, umpteen duties and burdens was boosted very much by the fact that I had always consciously watched/moderated my lifestyle carefully, helped consistently through monitoring my expenses/revenue (from my income generating assets) since February 2006, and supported my strong mental, physical, emotional and spiritual "conditioning" over a long enough period of time.
In making a career switch at such a late part of one's life, one has to carefully consider, deliberate, calculate, rework, recheck, etc. with continuous, sustained efforts in order to be able to push ahead with what one aspires to do with the last few remaining stages of one's life. The management of financial risks for my dependants/myself that come with following of my heart's desire brings along fears and the need for a very great change of mindset, especially critical as one can never turn back again after the decision to move on is made.
So, after settling my younger daughter comfortably in college in Perth this year, I began to consider when I should move on to my semi-retirement and 2nd career. I drafted my resignation letter in one hour toward the second half of March, contempated on the actual date of giving notice taking into consideration the amount of leave outstanding and the best time to resign for me and the office. I had to prepare my wife mentally for this significant step which I would be taking, constantly assuring her that the family is financially able to continue as it is and that there would be no change to her lifestyle but except mine (only right for me to do so since I wanted to make a move).
We sold off our second car (3-yr old Toyota Altis) 2 months before my last day with NUS, took the NUS/public bus during serving out my notice after the final push to resign came in early April 2007. (I now take the train/public bus to wherever I have to go these days, unless my wife leaves her car to me which is quite infrequent). I had planned to send in my notice on 2 May 2007, giving the office 2 month's notice and enough time to find a replacement even though one month's notice is the norm. Till today, I have heard that no replacement has been found yet or that the office is in more urgent need to fill or replace other positions.
Somehow, I had the assurance of God, as I had never ever regretted my decision to resign and semi-retire even during my notice period from April till June and also up to this day. I felt relieved, though sad to leave as I had gained much respect and trust of many colleagues, from the low to the high of the hierachical ladder of NUS. This was very much confirmed when I received a 50% reply response to my farewell email which I sent out to all those colleagues/partners whom I have known/worked with. I had also been treated to more than 20 farewell lunches/dinner. How I managed to "stuff" those good food in such a short period is still a puzzle to me till today. I really treasured all these people whom I know over all these years, be whether they are nice, easy or challenging to work with. After all, is not life all about relationships, how best we could understand each other and work well with one another, despite our many different personalities and preferences. I still think of these relationships, my friends and colleagues even after I left, now almost 2 months already.
May God bless them abundantly and may they continue to find joy in their work and life. As for me, I press on and look ahead, with the assurance of God's presence beside me.
I had planned to take a postgraduate degree, have my first child (daughter), next job, second child (daughter and no more), my first $million (it came by God's grace), next house (stayed in 2 houses and 3 apartments in my life), further education for my children, my semi-retirement and "next or 2nd career", etc, till probably I am called home to be with the Lord. Planning is a very deliberate and important activity in one's life but so are the grace and blessings from God, and listening to His voice and direction daily.
Before I activated any plan, I would reflect on what I have done during the current period, whether I have fulfilled most of my responsibilities and commitments, what is the impact and risks to my family, to those around me and to myself. Then, I would calculate the risk, implement and manage the risk.
So, with my elder daughter off to college in Perth in January 2006, I started to look in greater depth on the financial aspects of my plan for semi-retirement, and my "next or 2nd career". I have in many ways started planning for this day some 10 years ago when I had my en-bloc sale in 1996, and again more so 5 years ago.
I had always wanted so much to experience whether I could make it "out there in the jungle" after almost 24 years with NUS. It was going to be a big leap of faith, trusting God in every little baby step I take, amidst much struggle and tussle between heart and mind in achieving new competency, skills, etc. I would be acting like an entrepreneur in certain ways, as I found out recently. No result means no income or S$0.
My confidence to walk out of my very interesting and respected appointment and job (you have to earn it though), that come with many varied and heavy responsibilities, umpteen duties and burdens was boosted very much by the fact that I had always consciously watched/moderated my lifestyle carefully, helped consistently through monitoring my expenses/revenue (from my income generating assets) since February 2006, and supported my strong mental, physical, emotional and spiritual "conditioning" over a long enough period of time.
In making a career switch at such a late part of one's life, one has to carefully consider, deliberate, calculate, rework, recheck, etc. with continuous, sustained efforts in order to be able to push ahead with what one aspires to do with the last few remaining stages of one's life. The management of financial risks for my dependants/myself that come with following of my heart's desire brings along fears and the need for a very great change of mindset, especially critical as one can never turn back again after the decision to move on is made.
So, after settling my younger daughter comfortably in college in Perth this year, I began to consider when I should move on to my semi-retirement and 2nd career. I drafted my resignation letter in one hour toward the second half of March, contempated on the actual date of giving notice taking into consideration the amount of leave outstanding and the best time to resign for me and the office. I had to prepare my wife mentally for this significant step which I would be taking, constantly assuring her that the family is financially able to continue as it is and that there would be no change to her lifestyle but except mine (only right for me to do so since I wanted to make a move).
We sold off our second car (3-yr old Toyota Altis) 2 months before my last day with NUS, took the NUS/public bus during serving out my notice after the final push to resign came in early April 2007. (I now take the train/public bus to wherever I have to go these days, unless my wife leaves her car to me which is quite infrequent). I had planned to send in my notice on 2 May 2007, giving the office 2 month's notice and enough time to find a replacement even though one month's notice is the norm. Till today, I have heard that no replacement has been found yet or that the office is in more urgent need to fill or replace other positions.
Somehow, I had the assurance of God, as I had never ever regretted my decision to resign and semi-retire even during my notice period from April till June and also up to this day. I felt relieved, though sad to leave as I had gained much respect and trust of many colleagues, from the low to the high of the hierachical ladder of NUS. This was very much confirmed when I received a 50% reply response to my farewell email which I sent out to all those colleagues/partners whom I have known/worked with. I had also been treated to more than 20 farewell lunches/dinner. How I managed to "stuff" those good food in such a short period is still a puzzle to me till today. I really treasured all these people whom I know over all these years, be whether they are nice, easy or challenging to work with. After all, is not life all about relationships, how best we could understand each other and work well with one another, despite our many different personalities and preferences. I still think of these relationships, my friends and colleagues even after I left, now almost 2 months already.
May God bless them abundantly and may they continue to find joy in their work and life. As for me, I press on and look ahead, with the assurance of God's presence beside me.
Commitment: Solve Our Problems but Save Our Pigs (Luke 8:26-37)
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
Jesus once met a man controlled by a legion of demons. The poor man had lost control and had to be chained and kept under guard. When Jesus cast the offending demons into some nearby pigs, the man instantly grew calm and whole.
Inronically, when the area's residents took one look at the man, they asked Jesus to depart. No dount they felt pleased to see this man healed - but not at the expense of their livestock! They feared the demon-possessed man, but they feared even more a Jesus who took complete control over the situation. It's important to remember in any conflict: Jesus doesn't want to take sides; He wants to take over!
Often we resemble the Gadarenes, those who wanted Jesus to solve their problems but save their pigs. "We don't want to upset things or get radical," we say. "We want change .... as long as it doesn't change us." But this is not Jesus' way.
Note several lessons this passage teaches us about leadership:
1. Leadership means discomfort.
If you're going to be an effective leader; you must live outside of your comfort zone.
2. Leadership means dissatisfaction.
God uses dissatisfaction as a tool to move us to greater things and higher ground.
3. Leadership means disruption.
The status quo is never the goal of a leader: Disruption is our constant companion.
Jesus once met a man controlled by a legion of demons. The poor man had lost control and had to be chained and kept under guard. When Jesus cast the offending demons into some nearby pigs, the man instantly grew calm and whole.
Inronically, when the area's residents took one look at the man, they asked Jesus to depart. No dount they felt pleased to see this man healed - but not at the expense of their livestock! They feared the demon-possessed man, but they feared even more a Jesus who took complete control over the situation. It's important to remember in any conflict: Jesus doesn't want to take sides; He wants to take over!
Often we resemble the Gadarenes, those who wanted Jesus to solve their problems but save their pigs. "We don't want to upset things or get radical," we say. "We want change .... as long as it doesn't change us." But this is not Jesus' way.
Note several lessons this passage teaches us about leadership:
1. Leadership means discomfort.
If you're going to be an effective leader; you must live outside of your comfort zone.
2. Leadership means dissatisfaction.
God uses dissatisfaction as a tool to move us to greater things and higher ground.
3. Leadership means disruption.
The status quo is never the goal of a leader: Disruption is our constant companion.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
The Law of Connection: Jesus Always Met Needs First (Luke 8:24-9:6)
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
Jesus always approached people to meet their needs before He asked them to follow or obey Him. After He delivered the demonized man in Gadara, the man wanted to do something in return. Jesus told him to return to his hometown and spread the news of God's kingdom. The man acted as he did in response to a leader who practiced the Law of Connection. Gratitude nearly always follows grace. Look at the connection and response to these verses alone:
The Leader Connects The People's Response
1. Jesus calmed the sea for the disciples (8:24) 1. They were sent out (9:1-6)
2. Jesus delivered the demonized man (8:33) 2. He was to preach at home (8:39)
3. Jesus healed the woman's blood disease (8:47) 3. She was to exhibit peace (8:48)
4. Jesus raised Jairus's daughter from the dead (8:54) 4. He was to feed and minister (8:55)
Comment:
Every leader must learn to practice what he preaches, meet the needs of those he wants to lead, if they are to follow him.
Jesus always approached people to meet their needs before He asked them to follow or obey Him. After He delivered the demonized man in Gadara, the man wanted to do something in return. Jesus told him to return to his hometown and spread the news of God's kingdom. The man acted as he did in response to a leader who practiced the Law of Connection. Gratitude nearly always follows grace. Look at the connection and response to these verses alone:
The Leader Connects The People's Response
1. Jesus calmed the sea for the disciples (8:24) 1. They were sent out (9:1-6)
2. Jesus delivered the demonized man (8:33) 2. He was to preach at home (8:39)
3. Jesus healed the woman's blood disease (8:47) 3. She was to exhibit peace (8:48)
4. Jesus raised Jairus's daughter from the dead (8:54) 4. He was to feed and minister (8:55)
Comment:
Every leader must learn to practice what he preaches, meet the needs of those he wants to lead, if they are to follow him.
JESUS: The Perfect Man (Luke 7:1-17)
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
There exists no better example of a godly leader than the Lord Jesus Christ. Every word He spoke, everything He did, served to model what godly leadership looks like.
We see Jesus spending a day ministering, not to those who seemed by human standards to be most worthy, but to those who needed Him most. He healed the sick and lame, cast out evil spirits, even raised the dead. And when He entered the home of one of the religious leaders of the day, He spent His time ministering to a lowly sinner.
All of those to whom Jesus ministered had one thing in common. They knew of their own need. They came to Him with empty, outstretched hands, hoping He would show them compassion. And He did not disappoint their hope, for when the people saw Jesus' loving power in action, they glorified God and said, "A great prophet has risen up among us," and "God has visited His people" (Luke 7:16).
Our world is full of needy people, overflowing with men and women who know they're missing out on something, bursting with hurting individuals who come to us with hands outstretched. As leaders for Christ, it is our job to reach out to the whole world so that those who admit their need have a chance to come out to Him.
Comment:
Christians must learn to feel and share in the pain of those in need, helped them to realise their need for the Lord Jesus Christ, who is able to heal all pains and what we humans are not able to do so. We must learn to have the compassion of Jesus and understand the simplicity with which Jesus performed His three and a half years of ministry, if others were to see Jesus in us. For naked we come to this earth, our temporal home and naked we return to God, in heaven.
There exists no better example of a godly leader than the Lord Jesus Christ. Every word He spoke, everything He did, served to model what godly leadership looks like.
We see Jesus spending a day ministering, not to those who seemed by human standards to be most worthy, but to those who needed Him most. He healed the sick and lame, cast out evil spirits, even raised the dead. And when He entered the home of one of the religious leaders of the day, He spent His time ministering to a lowly sinner.
All of those to whom Jesus ministered had one thing in common. They knew of their own need. They came to Him with empty, outstretched hands, hoping He would show them compassion. And He did not disappoint their hope, for when the people saw Jesus' loving power in action, they glorified God and said, "A great prophet has risen up among us," and "God has visited His people" (Luke 7:16).
Our world is full of needy people, overflowing with men and women who know they're missing out on something, bursting with hurting individuals who come to us with hands outstretched. As leaders for Christ, it is our job to reach out to the whole world so that those who admit their need have a chance to come out to Him.
Comment:
Christians must learn to feel and share in the pain of those in need, helped them to realise their need for the Lord Jesus Christ, who is able to heal all pains and what we humans are not able to do so. We must learn to have the compassion of Jesus and understand the simplicity with which Jesus performed His three and a half years of ministry, if others were to see Jesus in us. For naked we come to this earth, our temporal home and naked we return to God, in heaven.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Positive Attitude: Jesus' First Job Was to Change Their Perspective (Luke 6:20-23)
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
What did Jesus do first when training His leaders? He transformed their perspective and attitude. He talked about the blessing of being poor, hungry, hated, insulted, or persecuted. Talk about a change of attitude! Effective training always begins with attitude and perspective, challenging individuals from the inside out.
What did Jesus do first when training His leaders? He transformed their perspective and attitude. He talked about the blessing of being poor, hungry, hated, insulted, or persecuted. Talk about a change of attitude! Effective training always begins with attitude and perspective, challenging individuals from the inside out.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Mentoring: Jesus Spent the Majority of His Time with Twelve, Not Twelve Hundred (Luke 6:12-19)
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
In less than one generation, the disciples of Jesus progressed from ignorant laborers to bold spiritual leaders in now is what the largest organization in the world. How could this transformation occur?
It happened because Jesus spent the bulk of His time with them. The Son of God invested the majority of His time with twelve, not twelve hundred. Jesus practised the axiom: More time with less people equals greater kingdom impact.
Like all good mentors, Jesus provided:
1. Handles: He simplified truth into something his men could grasp, practice, and pass on to others. He took complex theology and made it usable.
2. Roadmaps: Roadmaps give you the big picture; they reveal where you are; they show you what roads to take; and they tell you what roads to avoid. Jesus did this consistently with the Twelve.
3. Laboratories: Labs are safe places for experimentation. Jesus didn't just lecture. He provided labs for His disciples to practiced what they learned.
4. Roots: Jesus gave His followers a firm foundation and a sense of heritage. They sunk their roots into solid ground and were willing to die for Him and His teaching.
5. Wings: Jesus empowered His men to soar beyond where He went Himself (John 14:12). He pushed them and cheered them on in their victories.
In less than one generation, the disciples of Jesus progressed from ignorant laborers to bold spiritual leaders in now is what the largest organization in the world. How could this transformation occur?
It happened because Jesus spent the bulk of His time with them. The Son of God invested the majority of His time with twelve, not twelve hundred. Jesus practised the axiom: More time with less people equals greater kingdom impact.
Like all good mentors, Jesus provided:
1. Handles: He simplified truth into something his men could grasp, practice, and pass on to others. He took complex theology and made it usable.
2. Roadmaps: Roadmaps give you the big picture; they reveal where you are; they show you what roads to take; and they tell you what roads to avoid. Jesus did this consistently with the Twelve.
3. Laboratories: Labs are safe places for experimentation. Jesus didn't just lecture. He provided labs for His disciples to practiced what they learned.
4. Roots: Jesus gave His followers a firm foundation and a sense of heritage. They sunk their roots into solid ground and were willing to die for Him and His teaching.
5. Wings: Jesus empowered His men to soar beyond where He went Himself (John 14:12). He pushed them and cheered them on in their victories.
The Law of Intuition: Jesus Saw Potential in Simon and Matthew (Luke 5:10,11,27,28)
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
Would any of us have picked Simon the fisherman or Matthew the tax collector to be on our team? The former spoke more than he thought; the latter took more than he gave. But Jesus saw them both as diamonds in the rough.
Jesus could see beyond the imperfections, and He put a "ten" on their foreheads instead of the "three" or "four" they deserved. Unstable Peter became a solid leader of the church at Jerusalem, while Matthew became one of the most generous people in the Gospels.
The Law of Intuition enables leaders to spot potential. Consider the biblical record ......
1. Who would have chosen a stammering Moses to be a spokesman for God?
2. Who would have chosen a shepherd boy like David to be King of Israel?
3. Who would have chosen an uncouth John the Baptizer to prepare the way for Jesus?
4. Who would have chosen a converted prostitute, Mary, to herald the resurrection?
Would any of us have picked Simon the fisherman or Matthew the tax collector to be on our team? The former spoke more than he thought; the latter took more than he gave. But Jesus saw them both as diamonds in the rough.
Jesus could see beyond the imperfections, and He put a "ten" on their foreheads instead of the "three" or "four" they deserved. Unstable Peter became a solid leader of the church at Jerusalem, while Matthew became one of the most generous people in the Gospels.
The Law of Intuition enables leaders to spot potential. Consider the biblical record ......
1. Who would have chosen a stammering Moses to be a spokesman for God?
2. Who would have chosen a shepherd boy like David to be King of Israel?
3. Who would have chosen an uncouth John the Baptizer to prepare the way for Jesus?
4. Who would have chosen a converted prostitute, Mary, to herald the resurrection?
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Communicating Vision: Jesus Shared a Compelling Vision (Luke 5:10)
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
Jesus presented a compelling vision, using assuring terms ("Do not be afraid"), familiar pictures ("you will catch"), and a challenging goal ("men"). He cast His vision in one sentence of 11 words! A vision that is short, sharp, and shaped to fit the people enables leaders to succeed.
Jesus presented a compelling vision, using assuring terms ("Do not be afraid"), familiar pictures ("you will catch"), and a challenging goal ("men"). He cast His vision in one sentence of 11 words! A vision that is short, sharp, and shaped to fit the people enables leaders to succeed.
The Law of Buy-In: Jesus Builds a Team Before His Men Understand It All (Luke 5:1-11)
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
The Law of Buy-In reminds us that people buy in to the leader before they buy in to the vision of the leader. Jesus directed three seasoned fishermen to let down their nets in a certain part of the lake in order to get a catch. Peter responded that they had fished hard all night, without catching anything. Yet he gave Jesus' word higher authority than his own experience.
This is crucial. Jesus' leadership drew a buy-in from professionals who felt certain they knew the fishing business better than He did. When Jesus' directions proved fruitful, they became willing to follow Him anywhere. Even before they understood all the places they would be going, they left everything to follow Him.
The Law of Buy-In reminds us that people buy in to the leader before they buy in to the vision of the leader. Jesus directed three seasoned fishermen to let down their nets in a certain part of the lake in order to get a catch. Peter responded that they had fished hard all night, without catching anything. Yet he gave Jesus' word higher authority than his own experience.
This is crucial. Jesus' leadership drew a buy-in from professionals who felt certain they knew the fishing business better than He did. When Jesus' directions proved fruitful, they became willing to follow Him anywhere. Even before they understood all the places they would be going, they left everything to follow Him.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Self-Discipline: Jesus Teaches That the First Person You Lead Is You (Luke 4:3-10)
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
Jesus faced three major temptations during his 40 days in the desert. The enemy approached Him and tried to entice Him through the following temptations:
1. Legitimate needs (v. 3): He tried to get Jesus to act apart from God in order to meet His legitimate needs.
2. Spiritual gifting (vv. 6, 7): He tried to urge Jesus to use His giftedness for self-profit or to draw a crowd.
3. Personal worship (vv. 9, 10): He tried to convince Jesus to get ahead by linking up with a power other than God.
Jesus teaches every leader that the first person you lead is you. We earn the right to lead others when they see us lead well in our own lives.
Comment:
Your personal testimony is the only real motivation to others to have you as their leader. You have to be seen to practise what you preach or simply said, you have to lead consistently by example.
Talk is cheap but action can sometimes be costly, at the risk to your time, health or well-being, money, position, promotion, etc. which you have to be prepared to take on and lose some of it when you lead. So, a leader has to be prepared for "personal loss" to oneself and a gain to others.
Jesus faced three major temptations during his 40 days in the desert. The enemy approached Him and tried to entice Him through the following temptations:
1. Legitimate needs (v. 3): He tried to get Jesus to act apart from God in order to meet His legitimate needs.
2. Spiritual gifting (vv. 6, 7): He tried to urge Jesus to use His giftedness for self-profit or to draw a crowd.
3. Personal worship (vv. 9, 10): He tried to convince Jesus to get ahead by linking up with a power other than God.
Jesus teaches every leader that the first person you lead is you. We earn the right to lead others when they see us lead well in our own lives.
Comment:
Your personal testimony is the only real motivation to others to have you as their leader. You have to be seen to practise what you preach or simply said, you have to lead consistently by example.
Talk is cheap but action can sometimes be costly, at the risk to your time, health or well-being, money, position, promotion, etc. which you have to be prepared to take on and lose some of it when you lead. So, a leader has to be prepared for "personal loss" to oneself and a gain to others.
The Role of the Wilderness (Luke 4:1-13)
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
The role of the wilderness in the preparation of a leader cannot be overemphasized. Both Luke and Matthew record Jesus' time in the wilderness at the beginning of His ministry. Jesus spent 40 days alone, in the desert, abstaining from food and nosie and distraction. Both Gospel writers tell us this was a time ordained by the Holy Spirit.
So what happens to leaders in this wilderness season? Luke gives us a hint:
1. We recognize that God will lead us into seasons of growth, not gratification.
2. We fight battles and overcome temptations to take shortcuts.
3. We learn discipline and the art of depending on God.
4. We are broken of self-sufficiency and self-promotion.
5. We solidify our sense of mission.
6. We gain perspective.
7. We are prepared to enter our vocation.
Comment:
Jesus had been prepared to go through this process for 40 days in the desert. Even though He is God, He could have chosen not to do so. Leaders in developing a close personal relationship with God need to feel like Him. They must similarly go through this wilderness process, without which they would never understand what it is like to be disciplined and to depend on God. That is why with suffering comes perseverance.
The role of the wilderness in the preparation of a leader cannot be overemphasized. Both Luke and Matthew record Jesus' time in the wilderness at the beginning of His ministry. Jesus spent 40 days alone, in the desert, abstaining from food and nosie and distraction. Both Gospel writers tell us this was a time ordained by the Holy Spirit.
So what happens to leaders in this wilderness season? Luke gives us a hint:
1. We recognize that God will lead us into seasons of growth, not gratification.
2. We fight battles and overcome temptations to take shortcuts.
3. We learn discipline and the art of depending on God.
4. We are broken of self-sufficiency and self-promotion.
5. We solidify our sense of mission.
6. We gain perspective.
7. We are prepared to enter our vocation.
Comment:
Jesus had been prepared to go through this process for 40 days in the desert. Even though He is God, He could have chosen not to do so. Leaders in developing a close personal relationship with God need to feel like Him. They must similarly go through this wilderness process, without which they would never understand what it is like to be disciplined and to depend on God. That is why with suffering comes perseverance.
Monday, July 23, 2007
21 QUALITIES: PASSION - John Served God with Gusto (Luke 3:2-22)
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
The best single word to describe John the Baptist might be the word "passion". John's passion began even before he was born. He leaped in his mother's womb when Mary spoke of her pregnancy (Luke 1:41). His passion for God grew so great, that before he began his public ministry, he lived alone in the desert, wearing camel's hair and a leather belt and eating locusts and wild honey (Matt. 3:4). He was a radical and unafraid to let anyone know it.
John needed passion to fulfill his God-given calling. Every pioneer needs passion. Pioneers cannot be satisfied with mere maintenance, for they have nothing yet to maintain. They create from nothing. The common folk often view them as eccentric - but their passion attracts other pioneers.
What gave John his passion?
1. He spent time in solitude.
Before John began his public ministry, he lived in the wilderness and spent much time with God. He boiled with the presence of God and could hardly stay quiet.
2. He felt consumed with his mission.
John knew of Jesus' identity and His soon advent. John urgently tried to prepare the way for Him.
3. He possessed a magnetic temperature and wiring.
John is described as a voice crying out (Luke 3:4) an an exhorter (3:18). Like a magnet, he repelled some and attracted others.
4. He possessed a strong sense of justice.
When people asked John what they should do, he told them to do justice (3:10-14). This hunger for justice drove him. He wouldn't sit still until he saw results.
5. He saw things as black and white.
Like others with prophetic gifts, John saw most issues as either black or white. While this sounds narrow to most pastors or businesspersons, this is part of what gave John his passion.
6. He felt dissatisfied with anything but action.
John was a doer. He didn't want people to merely talk about repentance and faith. He told the Pharisees they should bring forth fruit to prove their repentance.
Passion makes for an effective ministry. So how can you increase your passion?
1. Take your temperature. Get an honest assessment from coworkers: Are you passionate about what you do? You can't start a fire in your organization unless it first burns in you.
2. Return to your first love. Many leaders allow life to push them off track. Think back to when you first began your career. What drove you? What made you enthusiastic?
3. Associate with people of passion. Birds of a feather flock together. Hot coals stay hot when they remain in the fire. Find passionate people and let them rub off on you.
The best single word to describe John the Baptist might be the word "passion". John's passion began even before he was born. He leaped in his mother's womb when Mary spoke of her pregnancy (Luke 1:41). His passion for God grew so great, that before he began his public ministry, he lived alone in the desert, wearing camel's hair and a leather belt and eating locusts and wild honey (Matt. 3:4). He was a radical and unafraid to let anyone know it.
John needed passion to fulfill his God-given calling. Every pioneer needs passion. Pioneers cannot be satisfied with mere maintenance, for they have nothing yet to maintain. They create from nothing. The common folk often view them as eccentric - but their passion attracts other pioneers.
What gave John his passion?
1. He spent time in solitude.
Before John began his public ministry, he lived in the wilderness and spent much time with God. He boiled with the presence of God and could hardly stay quiet.
2. He felt consumed with his mission.
John knew of Jesus' identity and His soon advent. John urgently tried to prepare the way for Him.
3. He possessed a magnetic temperature and wiring.
John is described as a voice crying out (Luke 3:4) an an exhorter (3:18). Like a magnet, he repelled some and attracted others.
4. He possessed a strong sense of justice.
When people asked John what they should do, he told them to do justice (3:10-14). This hunger for justice drove him. He wouldn't sit still until he saw results.
5. He saw things as black and white.
Like others with prophetic gifts, John saw most issues as either black or white. While this sounds narrow to most pastors or businesspersons, this is part of what gave John his passion.
6. He felt dissatisfied with anything but action.
John was a doer. He didn't want people to merely talk about repentance and faith. He told the Pharisees they should bring forth fruit to prove their repentance.
Passion makes for an effective ministry. So how can you increase your passion?
1. Take your temperature. Get an honest assessment from coworkers: Are you passionate about what you do? You can't start a fire in your organization unless it first burns in you.
2. Return to your first love. Many leaders allow life to push them off track. Think back to when you first began your career. What drove you? What made you enthusiastic?
3. Associate with people of passion. Birds of a feather flock together. Hot coals stay hot when they remain in the fire. Find passionate people and let them rub off on you.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Listening: Jesus Did This to Connect with People (Luke 2:42-52)
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
Even at 12 years of age, Jesus was listening and asking questions. He never grew out of the habit. Before ministering to needy people or telling them about the kingdom, He took the time to listen. He knew that to connect with people's hearts, He had to use His ears.
Comment:
It would be good to make a conscious and sustained effort to be still and to be listening, to God first. It helps greatly if one tries by starting each day to read and learn God's Word, to listen to Him and God willing, hear His response in our time of quietness and in reflection as we take stock of a period of time and the activities that have passed through, where and how we should continue to go forth from here.
When we learn to listen to God, we will learn to listen to others and we will learn to care for others. We also need to be patient to do so, a real challenge in our fast-paced life. Despite this, keep trying and ask God for help and discipline. He is there all the time for us.
Even at 12 years of age, Jesus was listening and asking questions. He never grew out of the habit. Before ministering to needy people or telling them about the kingdom, He took the time to listen. He knew that to connect with people's hearts, He had to use His ears.
Comment:
It would be good to make a conscious and sustained effort to be still and to be listening, to God first. It helps greatly if one tries by starting each day to read and learn God's Word, to listen to Him and God willing, hear His response in our time of quietness and in reflection as we take stock of a period of time and the activities that have passed through, where and how we should continue to go forth from here.
When we learn to listen to God, we will learn to listen to others and we will learn to care for others. We also need to be patient to do so, a real challenge in our fast-paced life. Despite this, keep trying and ask God for help and discipline. He is there all the time for us.
MARY: Chosen Vessel For God's Highest Purposes (Luke 1:26-38)
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
Mary had to know that sooner or later, somebody would be chosen as the vessel of God's very highest purpose. She must have realized that somebody would be chosen to bring the Messiah into the world, that somebody would be most blessed among all women.
But she couldn't have known that, from the beginning of time, God had His eye on her as that somebody. He had prepared her for bearing, then rearing, the One who would be the Savior of the world.
This woman of faith responded with alarm when an angel of the Lord told her she had found favor with God and would give birth to the baby Jesus. "How can this be?" she asked. "I'm a virgin!"
A legitimate question!
In short, the messenger answered, "With God, all things are possible. He has chosen you and honored you as the one to give birth to the Son of God."
And Mary's response? "I am the Lord's servant! May everything you have said come true."
There may be times when we as leaders ask, "How can this be?" or wonder how God could do something through us. But wise leaders will respond the way Mary did: "I am your servant! May it be as You have said!"
Comment:
It is God's decision to choose who He has in mind, and not for anyone to decide whether he/she is able, to fulfill His calling, mission and purposes. And whoever God chooses, He will ensure that he/ she will be equipped to do all the tasks needed for the purposes that God has decided for him/her to accomplish. And God also wants us to believe and have faith that He will provide all things required to fulfill the purposes. That is why wise leaders will never run away or go against God, most willingly submitting to God's calling and trusting God to provide, all the way.
Our human mind and our spiritual being will always be in tension, challenging each other unless we relinquish control of our dependency totally to God and humbly admit and submit to Him that we need His provision for every step we take.
May we be able to take each step with faith and trusting God to deliver every of the outcomes as He purposed.
Mary had to know that sooner or later, somebody would be chosen as the vessel of God's very highest purpose. She must have realized that somebody would be chosen to bring the Messiah into the world, that somebody would be most blessed among all women.
But she couldn't have known that, from the beginning of time, God had His eye on her as that somebody. He had prepared her for bearing, then rearing, the One who would be the Savior of the world.
This woman of faith responded with alarm when an angel of the Lord told her she had found favor with God and would give birth to the baby Jesus. "How can this be?" she asked. "I'm a virgin!"
A legitimate question!
In short, the messenger answered, "With God, all things are possible. He has chosen you and honored you as the one to give birth to the Son of God."
And Mary's response? "I am the Lord's servant! May everything you have said come true."
There may be times when we as leaders ask, "How can this be?" or wonder how God could do something through us. But wise leaders will respond the way Mary did: "I am your servant! May it be as You have said!"
Comment:
It is God's decision to choose who He has in mind, and not for anyone to decide whether he/she is able, to fulfill His calling, mission and purposes. And whoever God chooses, He will ensure that he/ she will be equipped to do all the tasks needed for the purposes that God has decided for him/her to accomplish. And God also wants us to believe and have faith that He will provide all things required to fulfill the purposes. That is why wise leaders will never run away or go against God, most willingly submitting to God's calling and trusting God to provide, all the way.
Our human mind and our spiritual being will always be in tension, challenging each other unless we relinquish control of our dependency totally to God and humbly admit and submit to Him that we need His provision for every step we take.
May we be able to take each step with faith and trusting God to deliver every of the outcomes as He purposed.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Credibility: Luke's Authority to Write About Jesus (Luke 1:1-4)
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
Luke felt the need to establish his credibility as a biographer for Jesus. He wasn't one of the twelve disciples, an eyewitness of Christ, or even a theologian. So he opens his book by explaining why he chose to write Jesus' story.
Good leaders recognize the need to establish their credibility.
Luke felt the need to establish his credibility as a biographer for Jesus. He wasn't one of the twelve disciples, an eyewitness of Christ, or even a theologian. So he opens his book by explaining why he chose to write Jesus' story.
Good leaders recognize the need to establish their credibility.
LUKE: JESUS AS THE PERFECT MAN - SUMMARY
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
SUMMARY
Luke is the only Gospel writer to record the events of Jesus' life in chronological order. Experts consider hime to be one of the most accurate historians of his day, although by trade, he was a medical doctor. Rather than beginning his Gospel traditionally, he assures his readers he founded his account on historically verifiable information and evidence - he wants to establish credibility for his message.
Luke portrays Jesus as the perfect Man. He recognizes Jesus' divinity, but wants to give his readers a picture of what a human life might look like if a man were to walk with God consistently. Jesus, once again, becomes the Ultimate Leader.
From Luke's vantage point, Jesus lives the perfect life of leadership and authority. He is the Man who, because He never sins, truly does take dominion over the earth and subdue it. (Gen. 1:26-28). The animals and fish obey Him; sick bodies obey Him; fig trees obey Him - even the dead obey Him. Everywhere Jesus goes, He leads. Everywhere Jesus goes, He serves.
Luke also portrays Jesus as an equipping Leader. He focuses on the teaching ministry of Jesus, that He equips and empowers every hungry person who comes to Him. Those who come to Him already full and satisfied get nothing. Those who come to Him starving receive everything needed. That's how Jesus leads. He compels no one to do anything, yet followers flock to Him by the thousands. As you read through Luke, look especially for examples of the Laws of Empowerment, Navigation, Influence, Connection, Intuition, and Reproduction.
God's Role in Luke
God reveals to us in Luke what a perfect leader looks like; he looks like Jesus. Instead of forcing others to follow or or submit to His power, Jesus loves them into a desire to follow. He sets the standard for us in His exercise of authority over people, over the elements of nature, and even over the powers of His day. His serene and authoritative response to adverse circumstances shows us how we are to respond to our own difficult circumstances. His fulfillment of a divine purpose challenges us to pursue our own.
Jesus teaches us that a leader cannot pursue love and power simultaneously. Instead of pursuing power, Jesus pursues love - and in the end, He gets both. Today, He holds more power and elicits more love than anyone in history.
Lessons in Leadership
SUMMARY
Luke is the only Gospel writer to record the events of Jesus' life in chronological order. Experts consider hime to be one of the most accurate historians of his day, although by trade, he was a medical doctor. Rather than beginning his Gospel traditionally, he assures his readers he founded his account on historically verifiable information and evidence - he wants to establish credibility for his message.
Luke portrays Jesus as the perfect Man. He recognizes Jesus' divinity, but wants to give his readers a picture of what a human life might look like if a man were to walk with God consistently. Jesus, once again, becomes the Ultimate Leader.
From Luke's vantage point, Jesus lives the perfect life of leadership and authority. He is the Man who, because He never sins, truly does take dominion over the earth and subdue it. (Gen. 1:26-28). The animals and fish obey Him; sick bodies obey Him; fig trees obey Him - even the dead obey Him. Everywhere Jesus goes, He leads. Everywhere Jesus goes, He serves.
Luke also portrays Jesus as an equipping Leader. He focuses on the teaching ministry of Jesus, that He equips and empowers every hungry person who comes to Him. Those who come to Him already full and satisfied get nothing. Those who come to Him starving receive everything needed. That's how Jesus leads. He compels no one to do anything, yet followers flock to Him by the thousands. As you read through Luke, look especially for examples of the Laws of Empowerment, Navigation, Influence, Connection, Intuition, and Reproduction.
God's Role in Luke
God reveals to us in Luke what a perfect leader looks like; he looks like Jesus. Instead of forcing others to follow or or submit to His power, Jesus loves them into a desire to follow. He sets the standard for us in His exercise of authority over people, over the elements of nature, and even over the powers of His day. His serene and authoritative response to adverse circumstances shows us how we are to respond to our own difficult circumstances. His fulfillment of a divine purpose challenges us to pursue our own.
Jesus teaches us that a leader cannot pursue love and power simultaneously. Instead of pursuing power, Jesus pursues love - and in the end, He gets both. Today, He holds more power and elicits more love than anyone in history.
Lessons in Leadership
- Healthy leaders have nothing to prove, nothing to lose, and nothing to hide.
- Wise leaders speak the truth, whatever the cost.
- Effective leaders provide incentives to their followers.
- Successful leaders discern, then develop, then delegate.
- Great leaders feel secure enough to express emotions and be vulnerable.
- The best leaders love the world, serve the many, but train the few.
- Good leaders practice repetition until others embrace the vision.
- The most powerful force in a leader's life is love for people.
Friday, July 20, 2007
The Law of Legacy: Jesus Turned His Ministry Over to His Disciples (Mark 16:15,16)
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
Before Jesus departed this world, He gathered His disciples and issued a final command. We call it the Great Commission. He told them to go and preach the gospel to every creature on earth. Just as He came to seek and save the lost, they were to continue His ministry and fulfill it.
Jesus' legacy remains to this day because He carefully laid a foundation. He trained twelve men to reproduce His ministry. He passed on transferable concepts that anyone could learn after He had gone. If He had failed to multiply Himself in others, Christianity would have died long ago.
If we step back and look at Jesus' three-and-a-half-year ministry outlined in Mark, we can see Him preparing to have His legacy from the beginning:
1. He chose twelve potential leaders to mentor (3:13-19).
2. He spent the majority of His time with them (3:14).
3. He told them from the start that they, too, would be doing this (1:17).
4. He reproduced both His burden and His vision for people (6:7-13).
5. He allowed them to witness and even participate in His miracles (8:1-9).
6. He issued an imperative for them to go and do what He did (16:15,16).
7. He promised the credibility and provision they would need (16:17,18).
8. He worked with them, confirming their work and words (16:19,20).
Before Jesus departed this world, He gathered His disciples and issued a final command. We call it the Great Commission. He told them to go and preach the gospel to every creature on earth. Just as He came to seek and save the lost, they were to continue His ministry and fulfill it.
Jesus' legacy remains to this day because He carefully laid a foundation. He trained twelve men to reproduce His ministry. He passed on transferable concepts that anyone could learn after He had gone. If He had failed to multiply Himself in others, Christianity would have died long ago.
If we step back and look at Jesus' three-and-a-half-year ministry outlined in Mark, we can see Him preparing to have His legacy from the beginning:
1. He chose twelve potential leaders to mentor (3:13-19).
2. He spent the majority of His time with them (3:14).
3. He told them from the start that they, too, would be doing this (1:17).
4. He reproduced both His burden and His vision for people (6:7-13).
5. He allowed them to witness and even participate in His miracles (8:1-9).
6. He issued an imperative for them to go and do what He did (16:15,16).
7. He promised the credibility and provision they would need (16:17,18).
8. He worked with them, confirming their work and words (16:19,20).
The Law of Victory: Jesus' Resurrection Surprised Everyone (Mark 16:1-7)
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
Every Easter in churches around the world, Christians retell the story of Jesus' resurrection from the dead. From a leadership perspective, this event is the paramount illustration of the Law of Victory.
The disciples had lost their Teacher and Lord. The Jewish leaders had quieted their opposition. The common people had lost their hope of a revolution against Rome. Even the devil thought he had finally stopped this divine Leader and forced Him to abort His mission (1 Cor. 2:8).
What a surprise awaited that first Resurrection Sunday morning?
When Jesus rose from the dead, He gave His followers a potent hope to end every doubt about His kingdom. Jesus practiced the Law of Victory - and at least part of every leader's credibility comes from practicing this law (although no one can do it quite the way He did it).
Every Easter in churches around the world, Christians retell the story of Jesus' resurrection from the dead. From a leadership perspective, this event is the paramount illustration of the Law of Victory.
The disciples had lost their Teacher and Lord. The Jewish leaders had quieted their opposition. The common people had lost their hope of a revolution against Rome. Even the devil thought he had finally stopped this divine Leader and forced Him to abort His mission (1 Cor. 2:8).
What a surprise awaited that first Resurrection Sunday morning?
When Jesus rose from the dead, He gave His followers a potent hope to end every doubt about His kingdom. Jesus practiced the Law of Victory - and at least part of every leader's credibility comes from practicing this law (although no one can do it quite the way He did it).
The Law of Sacrifice: Jesus Gave Up His life to Gain the World (Mark 15:15-24)
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
Anywhere worth going carries a price tag. Jesus chose to endure torture, mocking, humiliation, and an excruciating death, even though He could have stopped it at any moment (Matt. 26:53). The Leader of humankind, the Last Adam (1 Cor. 15:45), decided that gaining the world was worth the pain of the Cross.
Anywhere worth going carries a price tag. Jesus chose to endure torture, mocking, humiliation, and an excruciating death, even though He could have stopped it at any moment (Matt. 26:53). The Leader of humankind, the Last Adam (1 Cor. 15:45), decided that gaining the world was worth the pain of the Cross.
PONTIUS PILATE: A Leader Who Refused To Take Responsibility (Mark 13:1-15)
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
Pontius Pilate, the governor of Judea, stood at a crossroads. The fate of the very Son of God rested in his hands. This same Jesus, who only a week before had performed miracles of healing and provision, now faced a mob demanding his death.
Pilate interrogated Jesus and found He had done nothing worthy of crucifixion. But instead of leading - instead of taking an unpopular stand and allowing this innocent man to go free - Pilate gave in to the outrage of an unruly crowd. He released a notorious criminal and sentenced this guiltless man to die an agonising death on a cross. Pilate recognized the injustice. But with the mob looking on, Pliate "washed his hands" of Jesus' blood (Matt. 27:24) and allowed Him to be executed.
In a moment of supreme paradox, God used Pilate's refusal to lead and do what was right to carry out His own plan of salvation. In His providence, God saw into the heart of Pilate and knew that when push came to shove, this man would give in to the demands of the crowd.
When God calls His people to lead, when He calls us to make unpopular stands, we cannot "wash our hands" of the responsibility. Leaders will face moments when they have no choice but to stand up to the crowd and do what is right.
Pontius Pilate, the governor of Judea, stood at a crossroads. The fate of the very Son of God rested in his hands. This same Jesus, who only a week before had performed miracles of healing and provision, now faced a mob demanding his death.
Pilate interrogated Jesus and found He had done nothing worthy of crucifixion. But instead of leading - instead of taking an unpopular stand and allowing this innocent man to go free - Pilate gave in to the outrage of an unruly crowd. He released a notorious criminal and sentenced this guiltless man to die an agonising death on a cross. Pilate recognized the injustice. But with the mob looking on, Pliate "washed his hands" of Jesus' blood (Matt. 27:24) and allowed Him to be executed.
In a moment of supreme paradox, God used Pilate's refusal to lead and do what was right to carry out His own plan of salvation. In His providence, God saw into the heart of Pilate and knew that when push came to shove, this man would give in to the demands of the crowd.
When God calls His people to lead, when He calls us to make unpopular stands, we cannot "wash our hands" of the responsibility. Leaders will face moments when they have no choice but to stand up to the crowd and do what is right.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Responsibility: Caring in the Midst of Crisis (Mark 14:32-42)
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
Jesus must have endured His most difficult moments in the Garden of Gethsemane, just prior to His arrest, trial, and crucifixion. The Gospels tell us He felt deeply distressed and troubled (Mark 14:33). He cried out and His sweat became like blood (Luke 22:44). In His time of dire need, however, His twelve followers drifted off to sleep. Twice He found them snoring. They had no idea how critical this night would be.
Instead of screaming at them in anguish, however, He encouraged them to pray for themselves (Mark 14:38). Even though He had every right to demand better performance, He felt compassion for them and gave them direction. He wanted them to stay protected from temptation. His sense of responsibility and concern overcame His preoccupation with the Cross. His date with destiny did not overshadow His love and concern for His weak and sleepy staff. In the garden He provided us with the ultimate display of a leader's responsibility.
Jesus must have endured His most difficult moments in the Garden of Gethsemane, just prior to His arrest, trial, and crucifixion. The Gospels tell us He felt deeply distressed and troubled (Mark 14:33). He cried out and His sweat became like blood (Luke 22:44). In His time of dire need, however, His twelve followers drifted off to sleep. Twice He found them snoring. They had no idea how critical this night would be.
Instead of screaming at them in anguish, however, He encouraged them to pray for themselves (Mark 14:38). Even though He had every right to demand better performance, He felt compassion for them and gave them direction. He wanted them to stay protected from temptation. His sense of responsibility and concern overcame His preoccupation with the Cross. His date with destiny did not overshadow His love and concern for His weak and sleepy staff. In the garden He provided us with the ultimate display of a leader's responsibility.
Vision: Jesus Called His Followers Back to the Original Goal (Mark 13:1-37)
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
In His discourse on the end of time, Jesus paused to remind His men why he bothered to reveal such prophetic information. He declared that the gospel must be preached to the whole world - then the end would come. Jesus regularly called attention to the vision of God.
In His discourse on the end of time, Jesus paused to remind His men why he bothered to reveal such prophetic information. He declared that the gospel must be preached to the whole world - then the end would come. Jesus regularly called attention to the vision of God.
Bell Sheep: Jesus Found a Model to Affirm (Mark 12:41-44)
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
Once in a while, Jesus would use someone as a public example. For example, he affirmed the centurion for his faith, admonished the Pharisees for their pride, and commended a poor widow for her generosity.
One day Jesus spotted a destitute woman in the temple. Although she had almost nothing, she put two small coins into the treasury. Jesus singled her out and lauded her example. He even favorably compared her to the rich who gave out of their surplus. God considered Her gift more noble than others!
Jesus used a strategy called "bell sheep." When you want to encourage certain behavior, find someone who is doing what you want, and call attention to it. Affirm it. Like a shepherd hanging a bell around the neck of the sheep he wants the flock to follow, encourage others to watch the example of the one doing right. Visual sermons yield far better results than verbal ones.
Once in a while, Jesus would use someone as a public example. For example, he affirmed the centurion for his faith, admonished the Pharisees for their pride, and commended a poor widow for her generosity.
One day Jesus spotted a destitute woman in the temple. Although she had almost nothing, she put two small coins into the treasury. Jesus singled her out and lauded her example. He even favorably compared her to the rich who gave out of their surplus. God considered Her gift more noble than others!
Jesus used a strategy called "bell sheep." When you want to encourage certain behavior, find someone who is doing what you want, and call attention to it. Affirm it. Like a shepherd hanging a bell around the neck of the sheep he wants the flock to follow, encourage others to watch the example of the one doing right. Visual sermons yield far better results than verbal ones.
Jesus Reduces His Core Values to Two (Mark 12:28-34)
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
Jesus declared that the entire Law could be reduced to loving God with all our hearts and loving our neighbor as we love ourselves. This is the genius behind core values. Jesus summarized His vast kingdom using two simple phrases. Can you do that with your life and work?
Jesus declared that the entire Law could be reduced to loving God with all our hearts and loving our neighbor as we love ourselves. This is the genius behind core values. Jesus summarized His vast kingdom using two simple phrases. Can you do that with your life and work?
Security: Jesus Could Do the Unpopular (Mark 11:15-17)
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
How could Jesus, so full of love, drive the money changers out of the temple? He felt secure in His identity and mission; He did not need consensus. Margaret Thatcher once rightly asked, "What great cause would have been fought and won under the banner, 'I stand for consensus'?"
How could Jesus, so full of love, drive the money changers out of the temple? He felt secure in His identity and mission; He did not need consensus. Margaret Thatcher once rightly asked, "What great cause would have been fought and won under the banner, 'I stand for consensus'?"
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Servant Leadership: The Way Up Is Down (Mark 9:33 - 10:16)
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
When Jesus caught His disciples arguing about who among them is the greatest, they felt embarassed - but Jesus didn't rebuke them for wanting to be great. He simply gave them an unexpected formula: Be a servant.
Later, when the disciples asked about those who cast out demons in His name, Jesus said, "He who is not against us is on our side" (Mark 9:40,41). A short time later, His disciples angered Him again when they became more concerned with crowd control than with humility and service (10:13-18).
For Jesus, children presented the best example of the required attitude for servant leaders. Children exhibit humility, wonder, honesty, innocence, trust, and dependence. Note four leadership lessons we glean from Mark 9; 10:
1. The greater the leader, the greater the servant (9:35).
2. Leaders include others when they serve (9:40).
3. Any service rendered will be rewarded (9:41).
4. Servant leaders must become childlike (10:13-16).
When Jesus caught His disciples arguing about who among them is the greatest, they felt embarassed - but Jesus didn't rebuke them for wanting to be great. He simply gave them an unexpected formula: Be a servant.
Later, when the disciples asked about those who cast out demons in His name, Jesus said, "He who is not against us is on our side" (Mark 9:40,41). A short time later, His disciples angered Him again when they became more concerned with crowd control than with humility and service (10:13-18).
For Jesus, children presented the best example of the required attitude for servant leaders. Children exhibit humility, wonder, honesty, innocence, trust, and dependence. Note four leadership lessons we glean from Mark 9; 10:
1. The greater the leader, the greater the servant (9:35).
2. Leaders include others when they serve (9:40).
3. Any service rendered will be rewarded (9:41).
4. Servant leaders must become childlike (10:13-16).
The Top Ten Leadership Principles of Jesus (Mark 8:34-38)
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
The Gospels demonstrate beyond all doubt that Jesus is the Ultimate leader. No one has influenced people more than He. Although He never wrote a book or taught in a seminary, His movement continues to grow over two thousand years after He departed the earth. Consider ten leadership principles we see in His life, as recorded in the four Gospels:
1. Leadership is servanthood (Matt. 20:25-28; Mark 8:35).
2. Let your purpose prioritize your life (Matt: 6:33; Luke 19:10; John 17:4).
3. Live the life before you lead others (Luke 7:22,23; John 14:11).
4. Impact comes from relationships, not positions (Luke 9:6; John 4:5-30).
5. Leaders must replenish themselves (Mark 1:35-38; 6:31).
6. Great leaders call for great commitment (Matt. 10:17; Mark 8:34-38).
7. Show security when handling tough issues (Mark 11:27-33; Luke 20:19-28).
8. Credibility comes by meeting needs and solving problems (Luke 5:12-15; 8:38,39).
9. Leaders must choose and develop their key people (Mark 3:14; Luke 10:1).
10. There is no success without a successor (Matt. 28:20; Acts 1:18).
The Gospels demonstrate beyond all doubt that Jesus is the Ultimate leader. No one has influenced people more than He. Although He never wrote a book or taught in a seminary, His movement continues to grow over two thousand years after He departed the earth. Consider ten leadership principles we see in His life, as recorded in the four Gospels:
1. Leadership is servanthood (Matt. 20:25-28; Mark 8:35).
2. Let your purpose prioritize your life (Matt: 6:33; Luke 19:10; John 17:4).
3. Live the life before you lead others (Luke 7:22,23; John 14:11).
4. Impact comes from relationships, not positions (Luke 9:6; John 4:5-30).
5. Leaders must replenish themselves (Mark 1:35-38; 6:31).
6. Great leaders call for great commitment (Matt. 10:17; Mark 8:34-38).
7. Show security when handling tough issues (Mark 11:27-33; Luke 20:19-28).
8. Credibility comes by meeting needs and solving problems (Luke 5:12-15; 8:38,39).
9. Leaders must choose and develop their key people (Mark 3:14; Luke 10:1).
10. There is no success without a successor (Matt. 28:20; Acts 1:18).
Another Blog of the Family
Iynee and Sarah both decided to team up and have a blog dedicated to their interests, writing about food which is a Singapore pastime. Food blogging seems to be the rave now. It is really good for those who love to eat and go around Singapore hunting for food to fill their stomach, big or small.
Paul and I visited the newly renovated Old Airport Hawker Centre yesterday for lunch. We had a big bowl of Lor Mee each, and Toa Payoh Rojak located opposite the Lor Mee stall and soursop drink. Real yummy, especially the Lor Mee. For the rojak stall, you have to first take a queue number, then wait for it to appear on the LED display screen in front of the stall. When your number appears on the screen, you have to go and tell the hawker what order you want and they will immediately "cook" up the rojak for you. To each SME, their own order process.
Paul is really a good buddy for food after I left NUS OED where you can find many food buddies there. Thanks, Paul for all the foodie places, company and lift all these times.
Here is Iynee/Sarah's blog.
http://we-eat-to-live.blogspot.com/
Paul and I visited the newly renovated Old Airport Hawker Centre yesterday for lunch. We had a big bowl of Lor Mee each, and Toa Payoh Rojak located opposite the Lor Mee stall and soursop drink. Real yummy, especially the Lor Mee. For the rojak stall, you have to first take a queue number, then wait for it to appear on the LED display screen in front of the stall. When your number appears on the screen, you have to go and tell the hawker what order you want and they will immediately "cook" up the rojak for you. To each SME, their own order process.
Paul is really a good buddy for food after I left NUS OED where you can find many food buddies there. Thanks, Paul for all the foodie places, company and lift all these times.
Here is Iynee/Sarah's blog.
http://we-eat-to-live.blogspot.com/
One Week in Perth and Settling Back to Normality
These past 3 weeks had been quite busy, with my life and schedule turned quite upside down.
It was a great time enjoying the return of my two "darlings" to Singapore for their winter holidays (Must also remember and never forget the one big darling that brought these two small darlings out - me a very blessed man with 3 darlings! hmm! What more can a man ask for?), and our family trip in Perth when sending the two darlings back last week.
The 2 weeks with my two Ss (Sarah and Samantha) saw me visiting so many cities in Singapore (who says Singapore is a small city!) and pumping up my stomach. Actually, if one is not "fit" to take all these CCAs, one would need to pay a visit to both the stomach or orthopaedic surgeon. My poor stomach and feet! Frankly, walking and also swimming are very good for one's health. I am not so sure about eating or more so, gluttoning!
Well, Perth is still very much the same but for a few important changes as compared to the 5 months back when our family was there during the CNY period. This had been my 3rd trip this year. If it is to continue like that, I have better consider applying for Aussie PR. The buildings and 5th railway line in the city are still "under construction". In Singapore, if one builds at this pace, "mesti kena LD" already! The weather was cool and dry, between 6 and 20 deg C. You do not sweat even if you are walking far and for a continuously long period.
The coffee (long black, skinny and latte especially at Dome, Hampden Road near Trinity College, UWA and also everywhere else) is still just as good. Food in the food court still tastes the same except that prices seemed to have increased by 5%, especially their poh piah called wraps. I can say food Down Under is really fresh - vegetables and salads - so shiok, plus the milk, coffee, tea, meats - you cannot really find such quality in many places in Singapore. Of course, price not so shiok lah, except for the price of milk, biscuits and meats.
The bus/train fares have also gone up by 5% since 1 July (1 zone $2.10 to $2.20 and 2 zones $3.20 to $3.40). No wonder, the minimum wage is now $13.74 per hr. And in Aussie dollar, hor! One consolation - free bus rides within Perth CBD on any Transperth services or the 3 CAT services. At such high prices about $10 per meal, at least I can rest my stomach some what, but not my feet. As is our usual routine, Iynee reminded me to the infinity times that we must walk to King's Park and I "kay kiang" said, ok and why not walk till Currie Hall or UWA, a cool 6km from Hay Street. The time taken is about 2 hours. My poor feet! Other Singapore visitors to Perth go golfing and we walking -we are extraordinary folks, mate! Result - no weight gained and no weight loss, too. Ha! Ha!
So back to Singapore last Sat evening and first thing, Iynee said we "cheong" to TP Crystal Jade. Wah, we makan until our stomach showed some "pregnancy" features. Do you know that the heart to a woman is not just about diamonds nowadays but also through their stomach? Equality for the fairer sex, hor!
But alas, me being the Chairperson of Housekeeping at home (1 member only) suddenly or as after every holiday, decided to face reality. I had better get my house back to order - so the luggage storing, floor vacuuming and mopping, and clearing the two darlings' rooms returned - Return of Martha, oops more of Andrew! I shall do more in this area for the next few weeks, cleaning up the house slowly.
And finally with everything done for what had been left undone for the past 2 weeks and today, thank you, Lord, I have much peace of mind. So, I am back to my blog, reflecting and contemplating on what to do and to achieve next - talking like a normal achieving Singaporean, no more feeling like an Aussie good-day mate!
But not to forget, church work seems to flow in the minute I stepped out of the Qantas plane last Sat, and like an endless stream too. I shall detailed this another time. Good-day mate!
It was a great time enjoying the return of my two "darlings" to Singapore for their winter holidays (Must also remember and never forget the one big darling that brought these two small darlings out - me a very blessed man with 3 darlings! hmm! What more can a man ask for?), and our family trip in Perth when sending the two darlings back last week.
The 2 weeks with my two Ss (Sarah and Samantha) saw me visiting so many cities in Singapore (who says Singapore is a small city!) and pumping up my stomach. Actually, if one is not "fit" to take all these CCAs, one would need to pay a visit to both the stomach or orthopaedic surgeon. My poor stomach and feet! Frankly, walking and also swimming are very good for one's health. I am not so sure about eating or more so, gluttoning!
Well, Perth is still very much the same but for a few important changes as compared to the 5 months back when our family was there during the CNY period. This had been my 3rd trip this year. If it is to continue like that, I have better consider applying for Aussie PR. The buildings and 5th railway line in the city are still "under construction". In Singapore, if one builds at this pace, "mesti kena LD" already! The weather was cool and dry, between 6 and 20 deg C. You do not sweat even if you are walking far and for a continuously long period.
The coffee (long black, skinny and latte especially at Dome, Hampden Road near Trinity College, UWA and also everywhere else) is still just as good. Food in the food court still tastes the same except that prices seemed to have increased by 5%, especially their poh piah called wraps. I can say food Down Under is really fresh - vegetables and salads - so shiok, plus the milk, coffee, tea, meats - you cannot really find such quality in many places in Singapore. Of course, price not so shiok lah, except for the price of milk, biscuits and meats.
The bus/train fares have also gone up by 5% since 1 July (1 zone $2.10 to $2.20 and 2 zones $3.20 to $3.40). No wonder, the minimum wage is now $13.74 per hr. And in Aussie dollar, hor! One consolation - free bus rides within Perth CBD on any Transperth services or the 3 CAT services. At such high prices about $10 per meal, at least I can rest my stomach some what, but not my feet. As is our usual routine, Iynee reminded me to the infinity times that we must walk to King's Park and I "kay kiang" said, ok and why not walk till Currie Hall or UWA, a cool 6km from Hay Street. The time taken is about 2 hours. My poor feet! Other Singapore visitors to Perth go golfing and we walking -we are extraordinary folks, mate! Result - no weight gained and no weight loss, too. Ha! Ha!
So back to Singapore last Sat evening and first thing, Iynee said we "cheong" to TP Crystal Jade. Wah, we makan until our stomach showed some "pregnancy" features. Do you know that the heart to a woman is not just about diamonds nowadays but also through their stomach? Equality for the fairer sex, hor!
But alas, me being the Chairperson of Housekeeping at home (1 member only) suddenly or as after every holiday, decided to face reality. I had better get my house back to order - so the luggage storing, floor vacuuming and mopping, and clearing the two darlings' rooms returned - Return of Martha, oops more of Andrew! I shall do more in this area for the next few weeks, cleaning up the house slowly.
And finally with everything done for what had been left undone for the past 2 weeks and today, thank you, Lord, I have much peace of mind. So, I am back to my blog, reflecting and contemplating on what to do and to achieve next - talking like a normal achieving Singaporean, no more feeling like an Aussie good-day mate!
But not to forget, church work seems to flow in the minute I stepped out of the Qantas plane last Sat, and like an endless stream too. I shall detailed this another time. Good-day mate!
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Vision: Jesus Based His Vision on His Values (Mark 8:31-33)
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
While Peter sought comfort for his king, Jesus sought conquest for the kingdom. This teaches us that leaders must:
While Peter sought comfort for his king, Jesus sought conquest for the kingdom. This teaches us that leaders must:
- build a vision off of their values
- correct others who drift from the vision
- help the team lay aside personal agendas to reach their vision
- pay the price to achieve their vision
Commitment: Moving from Displaying Care to Drawing Commitment (Mark 8:1-21)
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
Leadership development always begins with showing concern for the emerging leader, then securing a foundation, and finally drawing commitment.
Jesus models this process in Mark 8: For the second time, Jesus fed thousands in a miraculous way (vv. 1-9), teaching the disciples that God can provide food. A deeper lesson came later when they recognised Jesus had performed the miracle to show them that God would meet all their needs (vv. 7-12). Jesus also warned them about the "leaven of the Pharisees" and to guard against their attitude and perspective (vv. 14, 15).
Jesus slowly moved his men from consumers to contributors. Jesus wanted to get emerging leaders to think about issues beyond themselves. Note the stages of His developmental process:
1. Shepherd: He met their immediate needs; He provided security.
2. Equipper: He trained them to serve; He provided opportunities.
3. Developer: He mentored them to lead others; He provided personal challenge.
Leadership development always begins with showing concern for the emerging leader, then securing a foundation, and finally drawing commitment.
Jesus models this process in Mark 8: For the second time, Jesus fed thousands in a miraculous way (vv. 1-9), teaching the disciples that God can provide food. A deeper lesson came later when they recognised Jesus had performed the miracle to show them that God would meet all their needs (vv. 7-12). Jesus also warned them about the "leaven of the Pharisees" and to guard against their attitude and perspective (vv. 14, 15).
Jesus slowly moved his men from consumers to contributors. Jesus wanted to get emerging leaders to think about issues beyond themselves. Note the stages of His developmental process:
1. Shepherd: He met their immediate needs; He provided security.
2. Equipper: He trained them to serve; He provided opportunities.
3. Developer: He mentored them to lead others; He provided personal challenge.
Compassion: Love for People Moves Jesus to Lead (Mark 6:34)
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
Jesus' leadership was empowered not by a sense of duty or obligation, or by a desire to build an image, but by compassion. Great leaders, like Jesus, build a deep love for people that moves them to do far more than obligation could ever induce. Do you deeply love those you lead?
Jesus' leadership was empowered not by a sense of duty or obligation, or by a desire to build an image, but by compassion. Great leaders, like Jesus, build a deep love for people that moves them to do far more than obligation could ever induce. Do you deeply love those you lead?
Monday, July 16, 2007
SIMON PETER: Privileged to See What Most Others Couldn't (Mark 5:35-43)
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
As one of Jesus' most beloved and privileged leaders, the apostle Peter saw some astonishing things, things that others - not even most of the other twelve - ever had a chance to witness.
Mark records how Jesus allowed no one to follow Him to the home of Jairus, a synagogue ruler whose daughter had just died from an illness, except Peter and the brothers James and John. For a reason not clearly spelled out in the Scripture, Jesus wanted only these three leaders with Him when He performed one of His most amazing miracles.
No one could see what Peter saw that day without coming away profoundly changed and inspired. Peter had witnessed Jesus cast out demons and perform miracles of healing, and he had heard HIm teach with God-given authority. But on this remarkable day, Jesus gave Peter the privilege of seeing how He held power over life and death itself.
All who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ for their salvation have access to Him at any time. But at special times, Jesus specifically calls his leaders - those with a unique call of service in ministry - to see and hear special things, things they alone have the privilege to witness. It is a special trust with unique responsibilities.
As one of Jesus' most beloved and privileged leaders, the apostle Peter saw some astonishing things, things that others - not even most of the other twelve - ever had a chance to witness.
Mark records how Jesus allowed no one to follow Him to the home of Jairus, a synagogue ruler whose daughter had just died from an illness, except Peter and the brothers James and John. For a reason not clearly spelled out in the Scripture, Jesus wanted only these three leaders with Him when He performed one of His most amazing miracles.
No one could see what Peter saw that day without coming away profoundly changed and inspired. Peter had witnessed Jesus cast out demons and perform miracles of healing, and he had heard HIm teach with God-given authority. But on this remarkable day, Jesus gave Peter the privilege of seeing how He held power over life and death itself.
All who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ for their salvation have access to Him at any time. But at special times, Jesus specifically calls his leaders - those with a unique call of service in ministry - to see and hear special things, things they alone have the privilege to witness. It is a special trust with unique responsibilities.
The Principle of Resting and Caring (Mark 4:35-41)
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
When a terrifying storm convinced the disciples they were about to die, they forget one important factor: Jesus was in the boat and had told them they were going to the other side of the lake (Mark 4:35). His word always comes to pass.
When they finally awakened Jesus, He got up, rebuked the wind and the sea, and everything became completely calm. So long as the disciples assumed control of their situation, Jesus rested. But when they cast their care on Him and released control to Him, He cared for everything and they could rest.
This remains true for every leader today. While we must take responsibility, we are never to take control. Only God is big enough to take control. The principle works this way:
1. We care ... He rests. God will allow us to mess up the situation.
2. He cares ... we rest. When we release control to Him, we find peace.
When a terrifying storm convinced the disciples they were about to die, they forget one important factor: Jesus was in the boat and had told them they were going to the other side of the lake (Mark 4:35). His word always comes to pass.
When they finally awakened Jesus, He got up, rebuked the wind and the sea, and everything became completely calm. So long as the disciples assumed control of their situation, Jesus rested. But when they cast their care on Him and released control to Him, He cared for everything and they could rest.
This remains true for every leader today. While we must take responsibility, we are never to take control. Only God is big enough to take control. The principle works this way:
1. We care ... He rests. God will allow us to mess up the situation.
2. He cares ... we rest. When we release control to Him, we find peace.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
A Real Break Finally
We will be flying off to Perth very soon and that is where my REAL 1-week break will be spent.
Take care and have a blessed week ahead.
Till I blog once more (Sarah just changed the look of my blog - I call this teamwork).
Take care and have a blessed week ahead.
Till I blog once more (Sarah just changed the look of my blog - I call this teamwork).
Friday, July 6, 2007
The Principle of the Seed (Mark 4:2-20)
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
Who is the sower in Jesus' parable? The sower is a person of influence, a leader, anyone who declares God's Word. The sower scatters a lot of seed, and only later determines the character of the soil. Note a few principles all leaders need to know about sowing seed:
1. A lot of seed must be scattered to produce a crop.
2. Not all soils produce, but we cannot reap if we do not sow.
3. We must continue sowing, because one day we will reap a harvest.
4. The soil that produces will multiply; we will reap more than we sow.
5. We will reap in proportion to what we have sown.
6. We cannot do anything about last year's harvest, but we can about this year's.
7. We must believe in the seed we sow, knowing that some will produce fruit.
8. Once we see fruit, all our effort seems worthwhile.
Who is the sower in Jesus' parable? The sower is a person of influence, a leader, anyone who declares God's Word. The sower scatters a lot of seed, and only later determines the character of the soil. Note a few principles all leaders need to know about sowing seed:
1. A lot of seed must be scattered to produce a crop.
2. Not all soils produce, but we cannot reap if we do not sow.
3. We must continue sowing, because one day we will reap a harvest.
4. The soil that produces will multiply; we will reap more than we sow.
5. We will reap in proportion to what we have sown.
6. We cannot do anything about last year's harvest, but we can about this year's.
7. We must believe in the seed we sow, knowing that some will produce fruit.
8. Once we see fruit, all our effort seems worthwhile.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Leaving Someone You Love in the Hands of God (Last Part) - Only God is In Control
What can a parent or parents do when their loved ones are in pain overseas and when they are not with them there? The stark reality confronted us. We just had to leave the heartbreaking situation to God. We could only pray for God to take control of every situation or to intervene, and remained calm in the Lord. How can we help? There is no way, simply no way when you have no close relatives, no close friends, etc. to offer help or to mitigate such a dreaded event thousands of miles away. We could only advise Sarah to talk her heart out to Student Services Manager, Marion and on our part by calling Marion who was very sympathetic and attentive to the problem. She herself has experienced these heartbreaks with her son studying in Sydney.
Iynee could not follow Sarah and I over to Perth in January 2006. She had to take care of Samantha and also had to fulfill her work commitments. So, off we went, Sarah and I to begin a new phase of life for her. We also agreed that Iynee would fly over to Perth in mid-February 2006 to check on how Sarah was coping. It must have been God's plan, for we had simply not anticipated Sarah in such a "trying" situation. We were simply first timers/green horns. Perhaps, it would not have happened if Sarah had stayed in Currie Hall, that was what I thought. But, the fact was we had applied late to Taylor's College; there would definitely not be any room available for her - only 20 single rooms, 10 for each sex, and she would have been placed on the waiting list.
A parent would always feel the pain of missing his/her child when he/she was sent overseas for study. Would a child know how to take care of himself/herself, be disciplined to manage the new-found freedom and also many other things in life (eye-openers) awaiting him/her abroad - in a city with a more liberal, open and easy-going way of life? Would the child be apprehensive to being away in an unfamiliar place, with no loved ones or close friends around her? This would really depend on whether the child is mature enough, disciplined and well grounded to manage all the temptations, etc. awaiting him/her. A great "eye-opener" to them, and could be good and bad. Maybe they could manage better, if he/she is, over 18 years of age or after NS training. Could Singaporean parents, those who are more closely knitted to their families feel comfortable to send their children far away, and feeling very worried for them all the time while they are away. Not so. It is not just the cost of the education but the overly-protective love of Asian parent(s) for their child! This, I felt is more with our Asian culture where our children would stay as long as they like with their parents and for the parents similarly with them. Parents would simply love to have their children around and hopefully, also their grandchildren to be always around with them; maybe some would not. Besides the affordability issue of an overseas education, it is always a struggle for parents/child to come to a reconciliation of both parties' hearts and mind, whenever the topic of overseas education cropped up. I suggest parents listen and not dictate to the child, seek as much information from professional agencies and close friends with children who are toying with the idea of studying abroad, and a must, pray to God for the right decision to be made. This was why we allowed 16-year old Sarah to make her decision as we felt she has always been a strong and mature child. She was looking forward to it, and there were no negative thoughts, signs, dreams, etc. against her/our decision for her to go to Perth.
Coming back, we prayed and kept trusting in God that all would be well. A week later, she called again, cried and while doing so, her handphone was taken over by Ms M, who made a very, very heartless, cruel remark that Sarah be sent back to Singapore. Was this the kind of love to be shown to a young girl just past 16 years of age by a homestay provider? The handphone bill that night came up to almost S$150 and as a result, M1, the telco service provider had to check with Iynee (all our handphones are under her account), on whether Sarah's handphone had been misplaced and fallen into someone else's hands. Thanks to M1 for being alert.
Iynee flew off to Perth a week after the 2nd crying incident. And guess what, Ms M called her Criterion Hotel room (she found out from Sarah of her arrival and stay at the hotel) that very evening when she checked in, and repeated what she had said earlier, to bring Sarah back to Singapore. On the next day, she went to Taylors College to see Marion and to check out on Sarah. It was agreed that a move to another homestay be effected over the weekend.
I shall not elaborate on the details of Sarah moving out from Ms M's homestay, which again happened to be just another very difficult episode where Iynee, Sarah and Sharon (my PA, Philip's daughter who happened to be studying in Perth too) were threatened by Ms M ridiculously beyond reason, with a law suit and trying to call in the police for tresspassing onto her house, when the weekly rental was still being paid to Ms M. Thank God, He was there for Sarah. The year 2006 was a long year of trial and testing for Sarah and for both of us. She/we did come out of it, much stronger and with even more faith in God, and in a way, Samantha had much to thank Sarah for, as her move to Perth this year had been so much smoother and pleasant, benefiting from the experiences Sarah went through. Samantha is now staying in Currie Hall and has yet to experience any of the difficulties Sarah had gone through last year. Praise God! Who knows what will have happened if we had sent her to Trinity College in Melbourne, her originally desired destination for foundation studies.
We just simply praised God that 2006 was a year that we had trusted God so much, and God had also provided Paul, a Singaporean whom we met with a business at Criterion Hotel, and later became our very close friends and a very great help (an angel to us) to my family and Sarah. It was also the start of ourselves walking even closer with God. Thanks, Paul. We will always be grateful to you and we pray that God will bless you and Lily all the days of your life.
If any parent(s) or their child has the intention of studying in Australia especially in Perth, and feel that we could be of some help to them/their child in this matter, please let us know and we will most willingly share our experiences and the challenges, and offer further help, if necessary and if we can.
To God be the glory.
Iynee could not follow Sarah and I over to Perth in January 2006. She had to take care of Samantha and also had to fulfill her work commitments. So, off we went, Sarah and I to begin a new phase of life for her. We also agreed that Iynee would fly over to Perth in mid-February 2006 to check on how Sarah was coping. It must have been God's plan, for we had simply not anticipated Sarah in such a "trying" situation. We were simply first timers/green horns. Perhaps, it would not have happened if Sarah had stayed in Currie Hall, that was what I thought. But, the fact was we had applied late to Taylor's College; there would definitely not be any room available for her - only 20 single rooms, 10 for each sex, and she would have been placed on the waiting list.
A parent would always feel the pain of missing his/her child when he/she was sent overseas for study. Would a child know how to take care of himself/herself, be disciplined to manage the new-found freedom and also many other things in life (eye-openers) awaiting him/her abroad - in a city with a more liberal, open and easy-going way of life? Would the child be apprehensive to being away in an unfamiliar place, with no loved ones or close friends around her? This would really depend on whether the child is mature enough, disciplined and well grounded to manage all the temptations, etc. awaiting him/her. A great "eye-opener" to them, and could be good and bad. Maybe they could manage better, if he/she is, over 18 years of age or after NS training. Could Singaporean parents, those who are more closely knitted to their families feel comfortable to send their children far away, and feeling very worried for them all the time while they are away. Not so. It is not just the cost of the education but the overly-protective love of Asian parent(s) for their child! This, I felt is more with our Asian culture where our children would stay as long as they like with their parents and for the parents similarly with them. Parents would simply love to have their children around and hopefully, also their grandchildren to be always around with them; maybe some would not. Besides the affordability issue of an overseas education, it is always a struggle for parents/child to come to a reconciliation of both parties' hearts and mind, whenever the topic of overseas education cropped up. I suggest parents listen and not dictate to the child, seek as much information from professional agencies and close friends with children who are toying with the idea of studying abroad, and a must, pray to God for the right decision to be made. This was why we allowed 16-year old Sarah to make her decision as we felt she has always been a strong and mature child. She was looking forward to it, and there were no negative thoughts, signs, dreams, etc. against her/our decision for her to go to Perth.
Coming back, we prayed and kept trusting in God that all would be well. A week later, she called again, cried and while doing so, her handphone was taken over by Ms M, who made a very, very heartless, cruel remark that Sarah be sent back to Singapore. Was this the kind of love to be shown to a young girl just past 16 years of age by a homestay provider? The handphone bill that night came up to almost S$150 and as a result, M1, the telco service provider had to check with Iynee (all our handphones are under her account), on whether Sarah's handphone had been misplaced and fallen into someone else's hands. Thanks to M1 for being alert.
Iynee flew off to Perth a week after the 2nd crying incident. And guess what, Ms M called her Criterion Hotel room (she found out from Sarah of her arrival and stay at the hotel) that very evening when she checked in, and repeated what she had said earlier, to bring Sarah back to Singapore. On the next day, she went to Taylors College to see Marion and to check out on Sarah. It was agreed that a move to another homestay be effected over the weekend.
I shall not elaborate on the details of Sarah moving out from Ms M's homestay, which again happened to be just another very difficult episode where Iynee, Sarah and Sharon (my PA, Philip's daughter who happened to be studying in Perth too) were threatened by Ms M ridiculously beyond reason, with a law suit and trying to call in the police for tresspassing onto her house, when the weekly rental was still being paid to Ms M. Thank God, He was there for Sarah. The year 2006 was a long year of trial and testing for Sarah and for both of us. She/we did come out of it, much stronger and with even more faith in God, and in a way, Samantha had much to thank Sarah for, as her move to Perth this year had been so much smoother and pleasant, benefiting from the experiences Sarah went through. Samantha is now staying in Currie Hall and has yet to experience any of the difficulties Sarah had gone through last year. Praise God! Who knows what will have happened if we had sent her to Trinity College in Melbourne, her originally desired destination for foundation studies.
We just simply praised God that 2006 was a year that we had trusted God so much, and God had also provided Paul, a Singaporean whom we met with a business at Criterion Hotel, and later became our very close friends and a very great help (an angel to us) to my family and Sarah. It was also the start of ourselves walking even closer with God. Thanks, Paul. We will always be grateful to you and we pray that God will bless you and Lily all the days of your life.
If any parent(s) or their child has the intention of studying in Australia especially in Perth, and feel that we could be of some help to them/their child in this matter, please let us know and we will most willingly share our experiences and the challenges, and offer further help, if necessary and if we can.
To God be the glory.
The Law of Empowerment: Jesus Gave Authority to His Team (Mark 3:13-19)
Extracted from The Maxwell Leadership Bible
Leadership teams must be chosen. Jesus deliberately chose all twelve members of His staff. He didn't call for a vote; He made the personnel decisions Himself. Note what we learn about team building from Jesus' selection of the twelve:
1. Selection: He handpicked them. He prayed all night about it (Luke 8:12).
2. Motivation: He selected the ones He personally wanted. There was chemistry.
3. Connection: He chose them to be with Him. He modeled life in close proximity.
4. Permission: He released them and gave them specific assignments.
5. Commission: He empowered them and gave them authority to do their job.
Leadership teams must be chosen. Jesus deliberately chose all twelve members of His staff. He didn't call for a vote; He made the personnel decisions Himself. Note what we learn about team building from Jesus' selection of the twelve:
1. Selection: He handpicked them. He prayed all night about it (Luke 8:12).
2. Motivation: He selected the ones He personally wanted. There was chemistry.
3. Connection: He chose them to be with Him. He modeled life in close proximity.
4. Permission: He released them and gave them specific assignments.
5. Commission: He empowered them and gave them authority to do their job.
Leaving Someone You Love in the Hands of God (Part 5) - One of the Saddest Days in My Life and No Choice But to Trust God
For one who has always been thinking ahead - of the next job while on the present job, of early retirement before 50 years old, of the general and future needs of each family member, you can say that I have everything planned out for a "smooth passage in life" for myself, Iynee, Sarah and Samantha. Can I really be in control? Yes, I would like to think so, but in reality it can only be half complete for only God is the One in control and He can complete everything for us. That is why it is quoted in the Bible that many are the plans in a man's heart, but they are only for the purposes of God to prevail. I had to learn this reality very, very hard on Saturday, 21 January 2006 and the days following it.
As with each morning from 17 to 20 January 2006 while I was in Perth, I would take the train to reach Claremont very early by 7.00am to be with Sarah, either at the homestay or at Taylors College nearby. That Saturday was one of the saddest days in my life. Before, all I could remember about saddest days were the day when my paternal grandmother passed away in early 1975 while I was a recruit at 1 CDO Bn (I did not earned a red beret), the day when my dad passed away in 1979 after I just became an adult at 21 years of age, and following very soon, the day when I broke off with Iynee in December 1979 because of our different religions. Why did I consider these 3 days my saddest days? Because, each time I would really cry my heart out uncontrollably.
21 January 2006 was really a very sad day as it was the culmination of much planning, final execution, and start of an overseas education life journey in Perth for Sarah, my darling daughter. She would be left all alone in Perth with the homestay lady, Ms M, a complete stranger. That day, just before noon, I said a prayer with Sarah in her big room at the homestay at Claremont before I took the train back to Perth for my flight back to Singapore. That day, I told myself to be strong and not to cry in front of Sarah. But deep in me, I was crying in my heart and I did wiped away a few tears. Sarah is a strong girl and I thought she too, felt the same way I did deep in her heart. I had "dedicated" much of my life to my family, especially looking after both Sarah and Samantha's physical needs for the last 16 years. I sometimes questioned God on why unlike other men, I was placed in such a unique situation and the long period of time I had been put into it. If I declared that I can feel what a mother feels for her loved ones to people around me (mother's love and sacrifice; have not heard about father's love and sacrifice so far - too much stereotyping in life), I am sure not many of them will really believed me, as they would not know how much time I had given "looking after the home and the children". Denying oneself for the sake of others and even more so for God is an ongoing exercise, and always a pre-requisite to knowing the heart of God. It is through all these sacrifices all these years that I am slowly able to build up my strong faith in God. I would always asked God why? why? why? But, He never answered the why so I suppose He has His purposes for me to do it, do it and do it. I began slowly to accept many things that I was been put into as I move on in life and at work. My outlook and my reasoning of life became "more philosophical" as commented by some of my non-Christian ex-colleagues. Actually, becoming more spiritual in perspective and in practice.
Sarah was initially very happy at the homestay for the first 2 weeks but things took a big U-turn in early February 2006. We would call her twice a week in the evenings, talking to her using Skype for about at least half an hour each time. In early February 2006, she called and cried, complaining that Ms M would scold her for not keeping her room clean and picking on her for every small thing, particularly about clearing the wastepaper basket and on vacuuming her room. Sarah claimed she had done all these jobs but Ms M had not seen it. She also informed us that Ms M wanted her out of her house during the weekends to "go enjoy herself" and not "cooped up in her room". We could not imagine her doing that as she had no relatives or close friends in the college yet, and she was never an "outdoor or party" sort of girl. Further, one canot assume feeling safe in a foreign country especially moving around at night, unless in a group. Many Singaporeans do not really know how safe they are in Singapore until they experienced life in another country, including Australia. One can never take safety for granted or assumed a quiet neighbourhood can be safe. I do not feel that way in the evenings when I was out of Perth city at night. Before this incident and it was on Australian Day, 26 January 2006 when Iynee was trying to call Sarah from Singapore, Sarah had gone out with a group of college friends to the city to watch the fireworks; Ms M did not know where she was. Iynee was frantically worried and though I too was also worried, I had to maintain my cool as the situation cannot afford me to behave in a similar manner like Iynee. I have been trained over the years to stay cool by a very, very excitable wife and sometimes by the ridiculous demands of customers at work). Ms M disclaimed responsibility for Sarah's actions where in this situation both parties were equally at fault - Sarah for not informing her where she would be going and how late she would be back, and Ms M for not bothering to made a check with her. In essence, Ms M was not cut out to be a homestay provider as she just did not understand how to live with another person or share her privacy, with an adult or a child. She had probably never really taken care of another human being. This we found later from the second homestay providers. Was it a coincidence or God's plan?
To be continued another day.
As with each morning from 17 to 20 January 2006 while I was in Perth, I would take the train to reach Claremont very early by 7.00am to be with Sarah, either at the homestay or at Taylors College nearby. That Saturday was one of the saddest days in my life. Before, all I could remember about saddest days were the day when my paternal grandmother passed away in early 1975 while I was a recruit at 1 CDO Bn (I did not earned a red beret), the day when my dad passed away in 1979 after I just became an adult at 21 years of age, and following very soon, the day when I broke off with Iynee in December 1979 because of our different religions. Why did I consider these 3 days my saddest days? Because, each time I would really cry my heart out uncontrollably.
21 January 2006 was really a very sad day as it was the culmination of much planning, final execution, and start of an overseas education life journey in Perth for Sarah, my darling daughter. She would be left all alone in Perth with the homestay lady, Ms M, a complete stranger. That day, just before noon, I said a prayer with Sarah in her big room at the homestay at Claremont before I took the train back to Perth for my flight back to Singapore. That day, I told myself to be strong and not to cry in front of Sarah. But deep in me, I was crying in my heart and I did wiped away a few tears. Sarah is a strong girl and I thought she too, felt the same way I did deep in her heart. I had "dedicated" much of my life to my family, especially looking after both Sarah and Samantha's physical needs for the last 16 years. I sometimes questioned God on why unlike other men, I was placed in such a unique situation and the long period of time I had been put into it. If I declared that I can feel what a mother feels for her loved ones to people around me (mother's love and sacrifice; have not heard about father's love and sacrifice so far - too much stereotyping in life), I am sure not many of them will really believed me, as they would not know how much time I had given "looking after the home and the children". Denying oneself for the sake of others and even more so for God is an ongoing exercise, and always a pre-requisite to knowing the heart of God. It is through all these sacrifices all these years that I am slowly able to build up my strong faith in God. I would always asked God why? why? why? But, He never answered the why so I suppose He has His purposes for me to do it, do it and do it. I began slowly to accept many things that I was been put into as I move on in life and at work. My outlook and my reasoning of life became "more philosophical" as commented by some of my non-Christian ex-colleagues. Actually, becoming more spiritual in perspective and in practice.
Sarah was initially very happy at the homestay for the first 2 weeks but things took a big U-turn in early February 2006. We would call her twice a week in the evenings, talking to her using Skype for about at least half an hour each time. In early February 2006, she called and cried, complaining that Ms M would scold her for not keeping her room clean and picking on her for every small thing, particularly about clearing the wastepaper basket and on vacuuming her room. Sarah claimed she had done all these jobs but Ms M had not seen it. She also informed us that Ms M wanted her out of her house during the weekends to "go enjoy herself" and not "cooped up in her room". We could not imagine her doing that as she had no relatives or close friends in the college yet, and she was never an "outdoor or party" sort of girl. Further, one canot assume feeling safe in a foreign country especially moving around at night, unless in a group. Many Singaporeans do not really know how safe they are in Singapore until they experienced life in another country, including Australia. One can never take safety for granted or assumed a quiet neighbourhood can be safe. I do not feel that way in the evenings when I was out of Perth city at night. Before this incident and it was on Australian Day, 26 January 2006 when Iynee was trying to call Sarah from Singapore, Sarah had gone out with a group of college friends to the city to watch the fireworks; Ms M did not know where she was. Iynee was frantically worried and though I too was also worried, I had to maintain my cool as the situation cannot afford me to behave in a similar manner like Iynee. I have been trained over the years to stay cool by a very, very excitable wife and sometimes by the ridiculous demands of customers at work). Ms M disclaimed responsibility for Sarah's actions where in this situation both parties were equally at fault - Sarah for not informing her where she would be going and how late she would be back, and Ms M for not bothering to made a check with her. In essence, Ms M was not cut out to be a homestay provider as she just did not understand how to live with another person or share her privacy, with an adult or a child. She had probably never really taken care of another human being. This we found later from the second homestay providers. Was it a coincidence or God's plan?
To be continued another day.
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