Woman Problem

I noticed my salesman seems weary. I asked him what worries him because his aura seems a little low that day. He queried if it shows in his face. Then he confides that he was experiencing a dose of one of those “woman problem”.

I told him that earlier this morning as I opened the bible I came across Nehemiah 8:9 that says “Today is holy to the Lord your God. Do not be sad and do not weep”. I saw his spirit uplifted at that instance and then he smiled. I saw that he only have sandwich instead of the usual heavy meal that his wife always prepare for him. I exclaimed “Ah, that’s why my brother you are sad”. He Laughed.

Whenever we feel down reading the bible uplifts the spirit. After reflecting on the message from the bible we come to acknowledge that GOD is always BIGGER than all problems we encounter. While problems are temporary, the Love of God is permanent. Problems pass but only God remains.

If you are someone experiencing NAGGING by your WIFE, I pray for you to have more patience and love for her. If your wife is always JEALOUS of you, be glad because that means either one or both things: either you are extremely good looking or your wife just loves you so much. If you are one of those hopeless romantic who until now remains to be hopeless because she tends to IGNORE you, do not despair, God has a PLAN for everyone so always be glad.

I was able to motivate my salesman that day thru the verses from the bible and it improved his productivity that day. I realize now that sometimes sharing the word of God has a greater impact in motivating your salesforce more than the usual incentive.

LIFE’S UNEXPECTED TURNS

I was in Malaysia when I receive these messages:

“He's always pursuing you. Just waiting for you to open the door.” She says.

“He loves you. He's just waiting for you to love Him back. Don't take Him for granted.”

It is quite unusual receiving these inspired Christian thoughts while I find myself in Kuala Lumpur. Having been influenced before by Buddhism ideologies I grew confused of various religions. Her messages somehow cause a discomfort inside me which continues to grow.

Two months after, I was in Thailand for a business summit. Seeing several Pagoda and Buddhist influenced structure is quite familiar. I was already acquainted with Buddhism when I was in Vietnam so somehow the atmosphere in Thailand didn’t bother me.

However, I’m quite frustrated by the thought that while almost every street in Bangkok have images of God’s like Ganesh and Shiva, each of the corner street also has an alley leading to areas where you can find flickering white lights and some odd looking young girls wearing almost naked attire. This can be seen by everyone who walks at night and it is quite puzzling. I got confused. A kingdom founded on Buddhism ideologies now suffering in moral decay.

I continue my search and started coming to church again with my parents. There were instances when I was also led to go to St. Francis Square to attend my first CCF. At the end of the service, I was guided to a room where a man was seated ready to explain to new comers about Christian faith. At first I was adamant, telling him that I know Christianity already but something he said struck me.

“I had a son who died a believer. He was very active in church and a leader in one of the discussion groups. At first I questioned God why this happened even questioned my Faith. But then He answered that my son died of natural cause (dengue) while His son had to die to save men from their sins. I felt overwhelmed and embarrassed. I remain faithful to Him and He has given me two more sons who are both actively serving this church.”

After this, I felt uneasy. I can die anytime but if I haven’t accepted Christ then I would not be saved. Perhaps God has an elaborative plan for each one of us. So for selfish reason, I accepted Christ again. For fear of being condemned.  But even for selfishness, it was the first step for me to come back to Him.

I know my search is not yet over, in fact it just began. Every day I am surrounded with temptations and trials, but I know now that Christ is my refuge and through Him I will conquer all. For Him I surrender.

REFLECTION:

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Cor. 10:5)

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45)

BESEECHING GOD’S WISDOM

I never like reading the bible before. You will often see me reading strategy books both in management and in war like Carl von Clausewitz’s ”On War” and Sun Tzu’s “Art of War”. Worst oftentimes, I would be watching porn or drinking alcohol but you would never see me holding the bible.

Thus, preparing for my first bible study in West Africa is very difficult for me. In addition to that, my mind was distraught the past few days. My mother was sick, my sister had a car accident, work added on to stress and my personal relationship failed. I felt I was not in the position to lead a group until my colleague asked me to take the lead. 

I prayed for God for wisdom so I may be able to guide my group accordingly.  As I primed and open the Bible in search for wisdom, one of the book in the old testament appears again.

 “He was a teacher well versed in the Law of Moses.  He had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.”  

I am an amateur Christian and I have little knowledge of the bible, thus it is inspiring to hear of stories of leaders worth emulating for their wisdom.  I understand that old testament is new testament concealed, that these books provide a historical perspective in relation with the new testament.

As I read on the bible, I came across the message of God for us for today. He directed me to Ecclesiastes 8-9 that talks exactly about WISDOM.

One of the verses says “The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools.  Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.” (Ecclesiastes 9:17-18).

Indeed, I have found His message for us that day – WISDOM.

We started the bible study group with a worship song. After singing two worship songs I started receiving skype messages through my phone. I ignored it for awhile but I had to go turn it off since it’s annoying.  Before I was able to turn it off, I saw a message from my sister. She says “Nanay will be released tomorrow from Medical City”. I had  goose bumps and realize that at that instance God answered my prayer and it was fast.  I immediately relay this to the group and they all remarked “Praise God”.

As we reflected on the verses and relate to our own personal lives, we came to realize how we have grown dependent only on our own capabilities and oftentimes too proud to beseech God’s wisdom. When we started holding high positions we tend to be deaf with the opinions of our subordinates or even forget to ask God for wisdom. The verses talks about true wisdom that can only be achieved by following the commandment and surrendering to God.

Sometimes, when we face challenges in our life, we tried all our best to be in control. This is wrong and stressful. When we have done everything we can, we should learn to let go and let God intervene.  After more than an hour of sharing and praying, everyone agreed that the bible discussion was a success and that we have to do it on a regular basis. The participants are Depot Heads that will be assigned to different areas in Africa. It is my hope that whatever we are starting now can eventually be replicated in their assigned areas.

Now I understand that there’s more wisdom I would learn from reading the bible. Indeed, God always pursues us. He waits for us to open the door. He waits for us to love Him back.

Seeking God is the start of true wisdom.