Several years ago we lived in Bangalore for two years. At that time, Shivaji Nagar was the place where we did a lot of our shopping for basic groceries and meat.

Once while purchasing meat I said to the man “give me something lean with less fat.” He looked at me with surprise and said “that’s the best part — why wold you want to remove it?” I said “are you serious? You really prefer the fat?” He patted his stomach with a big smile and said: “Meat is best with plenty of fat in it.”
I walked away with my purchase of lean meat with a bit of surprise. I realized what was of no value to me was of great value to that man at the meat shop. What some people consider a blessing may also be considered a curse for others.
In the book of Job, Elihu recognized this duality in relation to nature and God’s work when he said: “He loads the thick cloud with moisture; the clouds scatter his lightening. They turn around and around by his guidance, to accomplish all that he commands them on the face of the hapitable world. Whether for correction or for his land or for love, he causes it to happen” (Job 37:11-13).
Elihu used rain as an example to explain that God’s work in some people is seen as a curse while others see it as a blessing. Rain may cause havoc in a land with flooding, landslides, and other calamities. This is seen as a curse. Some people say “the gods are angry at us.”
But far away, some farmer may have been waiting for the rain in its due season. For him, it is a blessing. Then I remember the words of Elihu: “Whether for correction or for his land or for love, he causes it to happen.”
Others around you are doing so well, but you feel like life is tearing you to pieces – a confusing place to be in. Maybe you’re wondering if God still remembers you. You’re wondering if God still remembers you. You’ve probably concluded that the “pieces” of your life can never be put back together again. God has a clear and definite plan for your life. To you and to others, life may not seem to be fair, but God is busy working on your life.
You see some good, lots of bad, and you are completely confused. But just remember: “Whether for correction or for …love, he causes it to happen.” You are God’s child and you are still in his plans. He is still working on you. Give him time.
What is God doing in your life right now?
Leave your response in the comments section of this blog post by clicking here.
 

The train from Bangalore was packed with passengers after our group of about sixty people entered with our luggage. A young man in his mid twenties was frantically pushing his way through this crowd and their luggage. As he made his way closer to where I was standing, I said to him, “Where are you going?” He said “My seat is on the other side and I need to sit down.” I said “Look, you’re not getting very far through this thick crowd any time soon.”

Just then the train jolted a bit and all the passengers were shoved to one side with the movement of the train. I saw this young man grabbing his leg with a painful expression on his face. When I asked him, he told me that for over two years he had been suffering pain from torn ligaments. He opened his bag and showed me all the medicines he had just purchased. For two years, he had been back and forth from one doctor to another. When I asked him if I could pary for him, he reluctantly agreed. After a short prayer, he was instantly healed. Soon, other passengers began tugging on my shirt, asking for prayer.

I was astonished at the response of the people and the extent of their needs. So many are in pain and in need of God’s touch. And it is this pain and brokenness that God uses to draw us to him. If it wasn’t for the pain, we may not realize our need of God. One of Job’s friends recognized this and said “He delivers the afflicted by their affliction and opens their ear by adversity (Job 36:15).

That young man who was healed on the train is now a follower of Jesus. It took two years of pain for God to get his attention. His Ligaments were torn due to natural causes – God didn’t cause it. But God decided to show him mercy and kindness when he healed him. It was God’s mercy that drew him to God.

What are the situations in your life that show your need of God and his mercy? What are the ways in which God is drawing you to him?

Leave your response in the comments section of this blog post by clicking here.

It was a long night of hard work. They were quite experienced and knew their craft well, but each attempt proved to be of no use. Their hearts sank as they experienced failure after failure.

High Risk Increases Value
The survival of their families was on the line. The reputation of their business was at stake here. When all the fishermen came to shore, they will be the only ones with nothing to show for their work.

Failure Confuses the Emotions
They didn’t speak much to each other as they each felt the heaviness in their own hearts. This continued even through the time they were washing their nets after an unprofitable night of work.
Sometimes, God’s Ways Confuse the Situation Even More
After Jesus “borrowed” Peter’s boat in the most uncommon way, he made an unusual request. “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch” (Luke 5:4b). It seemed more of a command than a request.
Obedience May Not Always be from the Heart
It must have been in total frustration that Simon replies “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will net down the nets” (Luke 4:5). This unusual request brought such an unusual catch of fish, that Peter was utterly shaken. How could such an impossible thing happen?
When God Does His Work, He May Shake us up Completely.
“But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man O Lord” (Luke 4:8).    When Peter experienced the work of Jesus, he was impacted,  even to the core of his being.
Be Quick to Repent When God Shakes You up.
Job had a similar heart-shaking experience with God. This experience literally changed him to the core. He responded: “I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”
At what level do we know God? Do we know him well enough to shake us up to the core of our being? Or, is it just a passing acquaintance?
Give your response in the comments section of this blog post by clicking here.

When Bondage is the Norm
I’ve always wondered about those animals used for farm labor. They spend most of their days toiling under the hot Sun. Carying the weight of the plow and pulling the soil apart with all their might.

For all this hard work and effort, they are frequently rewarded with a lash of the whip. It is a similar plight experienced by various animals that are used for labor. But what about those animals in the wild that are free?
When Bondage is Unknown
When God rebuked Job for his lack of trust, this was one of the examples used. “Who has let the wild donkey free? Who has loosed the bonds of the swift donkey, to whom I have given the arid plain for his home and his salt land for his dwelling place? He scorns the tumult of the city, he hears not the shouts of the driver.” (Job 39:5-7)
But the animals used for labor have never known freedom. They have spent their entire life in captivity. This kind of life has become normal for them.
When Bondage Becomes Identity
For humans, God intended for us to be free. We were to have domonion over the whole earth. But one by one, our experiences and struggles have “enslaved” us. We have somewhat “acquired” much of the bondage that we face. In fact, for so many, their situations have such a strong grip on them that they cannot think differently. It is as if this has become their identity in life. They have never known anything different.
When Freedom Replaces Bondage
In the midst of this bondage and brokenness, God shows up with his mercy. His kingdom invades our “normal” situation of bondage and we get a glimpse of fredom.
Once we get a taste of that freedom, we are hooked. Of course, life becomes an even greater struggle of breaking out of our bondage and living in the freedom that God offers. Its a quest that continues throughout our lives, constantly moving towards more and more freedom in Christ.
Then one day we’ll reach home and know the ultimate freedom that God intended for us.
In which areas do you feel “bound” and need freedom? Share your experiences of tasting God’s freedom.
Share your thoughts in the comments section of this blog post by clcking here.

Teaching has been a part of my life since I was a college student. Beginning with Sunday School classes, small groups, teaching practicums, sermons, and seminary teaching, this has been a wonderful journey for me. Here are some things I have learned about the teaching process.

1. Preparation and expertise are ongoing processes

People who teach are on a journey. It’s a journey of learning, implementing, teaching, and then back to learning. The process continues as we develop as a person and as a teacher. It’s not possible to claim that you have mastered any subject. You just have some basic knowledge, and you continue to learn.

 2. Continuously put things in a broad perspective

Students need to be continually reminded of the big picture. Why are we studying what we study? This applies to classes in Sunday Schools to Universities. If they don’t get the big picture, they quickly lose focus.

 3. Don’t impress, but aim for clarity

Although it is important to be likable, the focus should not be to impress. Trying to impress students with your vast knowledge and ability can simply backfire. Focus your attention on providing clarity to your subject. Give them opportunities for that “Aha” moment where learning leads to discovery and passion.

 4. Focus on life change and comprehension rather than finishing the lesson

As a teacher, you are responsible for finishing the course outline. But that should not be your main focus. Aim for life change. Make sure that your students leave your class as a changed person. Focus your teaching on impacting their hearts, not just their minds.

 5. Connect at a personal level rather than “positionally.”

Although you are the “Teacher,” make sure to connect with the students at a more personal level. Be vulnerable as an individual who is struggling to learn and make that life change in yourself. Go beyond your position as the teacher, and become much more.

 6. Start from where they are and bring them along with you

With whatever subject you teach, figure out where they are at the present. Ask questions at the beginning of the course. Take note of ongoing class discussions and evaluate where they are in their thinking and practice. These discussions help you to see if they are coming along with you or if you’ve left them behind much earlier.

7. Continue to learn from the Master Teacher

Jesus is our best example of one who teaches with his life. He is the Master Teacher from whom we can learn. Develop and maintain your relationship with Jesus. As your life is enriched through a relationship with Jesus, that will overflow from your life to your students.

Please leave your response in the comments section of this blog post.

For leaders, the only way to keep moving forward is to keep developing leaders. Once you stop developing leaders, your progress also stops. Investing your life to develop other leaders is essential to the future of any leader. Here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Everyone has leadership potential
Working with the view that there is potential in everyone can be quite rewarding. You will see the most “unlikely” people rising up to take the challenge of leadership. When given the opportunity, and when people begin to believe that more is possible, they move forward one step at a time.
2. Each person is different and leads differently
People often lead according to their own personality styles. Allow for differences in styles as you train them. Help them to see the value in the differences. These differences make them who they are in a unique way.
3. Look for FAST people
These are some amazing qualities that cannot be taught but grow out of a development of inate character. So look for people that are Faithful, Available, Submissive, and Teachable. Skills and knowledge can be taught and developed over time. So, when you find FAST type of people, grab them and invest in them.
4. Be in it for the long haul
Developing leaders is a long and ardous effort. Since it is a process which takes years, be willing to put in the time. Some develop quickly and others take time. Hang in there so you can look back in the future and see the long trail of leaders you leave behind. That will be your true leggacy and gift to the next generation.
5. Think of each encounter (and person) as an investment
Every time you encounter someone in your organization, see it as an an opportunity to develop them and bring them up to the next level. This perspective will significantly elevate the quality of your interaction with them.
6. A period of “incubation” is needed
For some people, they simply need time to develop. They may have the qualities that are needed (FAST), but still need time to deal with their personal issues.
7. Finally, release them
The leaders you develop are not yours forever. They will be with you for a time, but eventually they must be released to be on their own or to move on to another organization. Sometimes, another leader, or another situation may be what is needed to move them up to the next level. Ultimately, your true and genuine goal is to develop them.
Please leave your response in the comments section of this blog post by clicking here.

Through my years of being a pastor, I’ve learned a lot about what not to do as well as what to do. Each year was a learning experience as I have ministered on two continents. In both situations, I have learned much over these years, but the most important lesson is that the pastoral ministry and the local church are not to be ignored. God has a great plan for the local church, and he will use pastors who are selflessly committed to the task.

1. Know who you are and what you are passionate about.

If you don’t recognize who you are and what is important to you, you will always remain unstable. This unstability will cause you to vacilate in the midst of important decisions that need to be made in your leadership.

2. Be sure of your calling and know who called you.

Whenever people tell me they feel called to ministry, I ask them to have it confirmed. You’ve got to be sure of your calling and be firm that God has called you to the pastoral ministry.

3. Listen to everyone but follow your heart.

Be open to listen to every kind of idea and opinion. But as you do that, be sure to follow your heart. Of course, this implies you know what your heart tells you. Calm yourself down each day and listen. Listen intently for the voice of the Holy Spirit as he speaks to your heart. Ultimately it is that voice that you must heed.

4. Turn rare commodities into common items

Sometimes we see people who use their spiritual gifts to gain prominence and recognition. Those particular giftings are seen as rare commodities in churches. But when we train a large number of people to operate in their spiritual gifts, the situation changes. All of a sudden, that which was rare becomes a common aspect. The same principle can be used with leadership, teaching, preaching, serving, or other practices. Make it common and ordinary.

5. Genuinely love people .

It is imperative that you as the pastor love the people and express it in a genuine way. If you can’t or don’t experss it genuinely, then they may never sense it.

6. Stay out of politics even if it kills you

Politics will kill your vison. Once your vision is gone, you are just as good as dead.

7. Plan on staying for a long time in the same church.

Just as the concept of follow-through is important in sports, it is vital in your pastoral ministry. Be willing to stick it out in the long run.

Please share your response in the comments section of this blog post by clicking here.

 

Love and betrayal
“Where are they coming from? Where are they going?” He frantically searched with bewilderment, but couldn’t find where the ants were coming from. They were crawling in and out of his laptop computer from every conceivable location. Surprised by this intrusion, he continued his search to figure out where they were coming from.

Matthew was a very careful user of his computer. A few months prior to this incident, he experienced “the mother of all computer disasters” – a crashed hard disk, with no warning signs. After going through the long process of getting it repaired under warranty, this intrusion by the ants was totally unexpected, and brought further fears of an impending disaster.
 Surprise turns to fear
When he finally found the hiding place of the encroachers, his surprise turned to fear. The computer case, of all places, meant to protect his computer from such intrusions became the home for these ants! I’m sure he felt cheated and betrayed by the very instrument meant to protect his computer.
 First class betrayal
Often, those who should protect, are the ones who deny and hurt. Jesus experienced a similar scenario when he was betrayed by one of his 12 disciples. While he was on the Mount of Olives praying with them, Judas came to betray him into the hands of his enemies. Jesus said, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” (Luke 22:48) Our closest friends are the ones we least expect to betray us, yet Jesus knew Judas’ plans much in advance.
Throughout the four gospels, we see the love of Jesus expressed in various ways. Second only to the Cross, was his prayer for his disciples in John 17. He distinguished his disciples from the rest of the world; for they belonged to the Father. He protected them and kept them safe by the name given to him by the Father. He wanted them to have joy to the fullest measure. The culmination of his prayer was his desire to see the love of the Father in them, and that Jesus be in them. Such close love and union was his desire for his disciples.
It was immediately after prayer, that Judas came to betray him with a kiss. This reminds me of Michael Card’s song that says, “why did he use a kiss to show them -that’s not what a kiss is for.” After experiencing a relationship with Jesus closer than most of the people, he was willing to betray him with a kiss.
 How much will God forgive?
At the cross, he showed his love for all people, including his enemies, when he says, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing (Luke 23:34). Could this prayer apply for Judas also? Why not? Are there limits to the love of Jesus?
 Does God still love me?
Many continue to struggle with their failures and weaknesses. Somehow they are afraid that there is no longer any possibility for God to love them. They fear that they have crossed the point of no return with God. But the reality is that God is not angry at you. He still loves you. His ultimate aim is to develop you into the image of his son Jesus.
 So, go to him. He loves you.
Share your reflections in the comments section of this blog post by clicking here.

Do you remember the time you called your friend and got no response? Calls were unanswered, emails ignored, and missed calls were not returned. Maybe they are just busy – you know their schedule. Then you wonder if this “silence” is intentional or unintentional. Maybe they are upset with you regarding something. Maybe its nothing to worry about at all. Everything is fine. Whatever the case, it troubles you considerably.

 
That Eerie Feeling
There are times when our prayers seem to go nowhere. The lack of response from God troubles our hearts more than anything else. We wonder if God has forgotten us. We consider the possibility that God is angry with us. Surely there must be a reason for this divine silence.
What’s the purpose of His silence?
Sometimes, God’s silence allows us time to think and to learn. That divine silence allows us to experience – for a brief time – what it is to live without God’s guidance. It can be an eerie feeling, like the “calm before the storm.” But quickly we realize that God’s voice is truly essential.
God also waits in silence for our response, for our obedience. In essence, “the ball is in our court.” He has done a tremendous work in our hearts, and now it is up to us to obey. God waits in silence since it is “our move” now. Certainly it is a divine silence of expectation.
Here is the scary part of God’s silence
The most dangerous form of God’s silence is when he allows us to have our own way. He has spoken to us on numerous occasions, but we have failed to obey. We’ve had our own agenda, and we wonder why God is disturbing us. So God steps back and allows us to live and experience life without his guidance. Although this may seem like a favorable option for a time, we soon run into danger. We continue in our own way until we realize that what we needed all along was his voice.
God is not angry with us
In his silence, he simply waits for our return. God is not angry with us. Many fail to return to God thinking that he is angry with them because of their lack of obedience. They wonder if God will accept them back. Rather than being angry, he is like a hopeful parent waiting for the children to return home where they belong. No matter how late it is, he is waiting, ready to open the door.
God’s silence – for any reason – is his choice. Job experienced that in his own life and he responded: “When he is quiet who can condemn? When he hides his face, who can behold him, whether it be a nation or a man? (Job 34:29)
Our obligation
Although we don’t have the option to question God regarding his silence, we have the obligation to return. We return not for his benefit, but for our sustenance and future. That eerie divine silence may mean several things, but certainly we are to learn the lessons of life and quickly return to him.
How have you responded to God’s silence?
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We were all students struggling to work and pay our own way through our Masters program. The pressures mounted even more as our final exams were just a week away.

A few of us gathered to pray and we shared our struggles. One person, as he shared his troublesome predicament, blurted out loud “I just hope God knows what he is doing.” Then there was silence. We all looked at each other wondering what we just heard. One person said to him “What did you just say?” Then he realized what he said and corrected himself “Well…I suppose God does know what he is doing.”

I’ve looked back to that incident many times over the years and realized that I’m no different. It’s so difficult to trust, and so easy to complain. Although our situation may not be so severe, we have much in common with Job who said “Today also my complaint is bitter; my hand is heavy on account of my groaning. Oh, that I knew where I might find him, that I might come even to his seat! I would lay my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments.” (Job 23:1-4)

As we increase our words of complaint and gather with others who do, we get sucked into an irresistible current that pulls us down. As Job sat with his friends, they did not help his situation at all. They simply confused the whole situation. Job complained, and his friends condemned! What a combination to get tangled up in.

I’m grateful for the few who are willing to call us into account for our complaining attitude. They stop us in our tracks and ask “What did you just say?” Then, the silence obviously proves the point.

Yes, God is our heavenly father and we have the option to come before him and complain. But we need to move away from that complaining mode as quickly as possible and move into the place of trust in our Father who is truly in control.

Have you had an amusing experience of complaining?

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