Prison of Unforgiveness

In this modern times, we see many who preach but not live it. It is so sad and frustrating to see this everyday.

It’s almost like people are being hypocrites. They say, share, speak but fail to live it themselves. They forgot that the loudest testimony is a living testimony. People may hear for a while but people remember most from what they see.

This is a hurting world. Look at the reports in the papers and see what’s happening around the world including our own backyard, I.e. own nation/family/friends. The world needs lots of #love and #forgiveness. Yet for pride and selfish reasons, many are unwilling to love and forgive. It’s a whole lot of tic for tac.

Unforgiveness holds us and the other party prisoners. Forgiving is not easy, this is a fact. It requires effort and sometimes a whole bunch of energy. However it is possible. Forgiveness is not just a word or speech. It is to be lived. To have forgiven means to have released yourself and the other party from all offending thoughts and emotions. If you are still being offended occasionally from past memories,etc, then you may want to be honest to yourself — “have you truly forgiven?”

Life is a series of imperfections. We are imperfect. The only perfect being is God. If He is able to extend grace, mercy, love and forgiveness to us, how much more should we do likewise unto others?

You can live a life of freedom and victory today. Decide!

LIAR’s DICE

Interesting name ain’t it. Was very privileged to receive the invite from acclaimed entrepreneur and friend, Datuk Eric Chong & Dato Vinod to the special screening of Liar’s Dice.

For your info, both Datuk(s) are making their first foray into the entertainment industry and already their movie are being selected to contest in the Oscars. The entire movie was produced in India, everything from site to cast, crew, etc. These gentlemen are already huge successful businessmen and yet they continue to surprise and inspire us.

So how was the movie? Well, Dato Vinod was right when he told us not to expect a fast paced movie. Then again, a good movie does not need to be action-packed right? Most important is the story that it tells and this movie does exactly that. Was a story about family, love, etc. and the nameless (people who society takes for granted because they are not famous or rich).

We wish the entire team of producers, directors, casts, crews the very best of luck as they travel to the US for the Oscars.

Checkout the definiton of LIFE in a dictionary and it will probably confuse you more.

Have not blogged for awhile because nothing motivated me enough mentally or emotionally till now. Unfortunately it had to be a negative news that moved me enough mentally and emotionally to login and write about it.

As you would have guessed, I am gonna touch on LIFE. My definition of LIFE is a simple Living In Finite Environment. We are born, we grow then we die. Yes, we do die. We are not immortals but mere mortals with no guarantees for tomorrow. Our life is a journey with a destination.

Moments ago, I received news about a good business friend who was just diagnosed with cancer. I had just met him last week and he was looking great and jovial. This news hit me and it hit me hard.

Perhaps it is not an understatement to say that we mortals are a foolish lot. We chase deadlines, pursue and accumulate wealth, set high goals, etc. Don’t misunderstand me…..all these are well and not sinful but what have we forsaken in our pursuit of those? What are we sacrificing? Is it worth it? Have we set our priorities right? Are we ‘investing’ in the right places?

News such as this brings us to a screeching halt and our mind and emotion is flooded with questions. No doubt the impact is evident “NOW” but we are also sadly short term memory mortals. In time, we lose sight again of our values and priorities and return to our foolish ways…..maybe not everyone.

Spare a thought and prayer for my friend (and family) that he will be strong and healed. Next spare a thought for yourself. What would you do if you are in his shoes? Would you have any regrets? Are you prepared to move on should God almighty says so?

Dying is a simple matter. Question is what have you done or how have you impacted the lives of people around you during your journey? Remember your loved ones too. They will remain here but have you done the needy to prepare for them?

Have a Heart….Me or Others

In this world and age, our favourite word tends to be “ME”. Maybe not everyone out there is like this but certainly we cannot deny that majority is.

Yesterday while I was attending the Crossover service in City Harvest Church KL, I felt God impressed the following upon my heart…

#1
Pastor Kong and Sun, in everything that they do, it is geared towards others. Sure there are always skeptics that will allege that it is for personal fame and glory but as long as we are true to our hearts with the right intentions then persevere.

#2
As human beings, being flesh and blood, it is our nature to always think and care for ourselves first before others. Self satisfaction, self gratification, self achievement, etc… But do we necessarily have to conform to our nature?

#3
It is easier to place ME before others. Our flesh asks us “Why take the risk?”, “Where is the glory in that?”, “People may misunderstand you”, etc. At the end of it all, won’t it be easier to just mind our own business?

#4
Our flesh and the world for that matter says you gotta be a somebody to be able to do something. So meanwhile, care for yourself and when you are UP THERE later, then consider doing something for others. It will not be too late

After all the above ran thru my mind, I was reminded of my past experiences, especially the Most challenging and difficult ones. They were definitely bitter then. Today, I am yet a SOMEBODY but this little nobody is still priceless to Him and can contribute much. A nobody in His hands becomes a Somebody. A minority in His hands becomes the Majority.

Thru my experiences, I am able to give counsel others. I am able to better understand, relate to their state of mind/emotion and even advise them. But before I do all these, I must fulfill these conditions. We must search our hearts and know the True intentions of our actions…

1. I am Willing to put others before Me. When I do, God will take care of me and I shall not lack any good thing
2. See and love people from His perspective.
3. Do it even if it means nobody will ever know about it
4. Let Him equip and guide us to bless others

There is unimaginable joy in putting others first. Blessing others is itself a blessing to ourselves.

Law of the Garbage Truck

My wife shared this wonderful story with me. A valuable lesson and blessed me much Love & Care – Law of the Garbage Truck One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. I mean, he was really friendly. So I asked, “Hey, why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!” This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call : ‘Law of the Garbage Truck’. He said, “You know, many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage – full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it, so sometimes they’ll dump it on you.” His advice? “Don’t take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don’t pick up the garbage others are trying to get rid of. If you do, you’ll take it with you and will end up dumping it on people around you, at work, at home, or on the streets.”   If you want to be happy, do not let garbage trucks – your own or other people’s – overtake your day. Let go anything that’s not positive. Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it! Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don’t.