The first of the year is known for three things: black-eyed peas, bowl games, and lists. Some don’t eat black-eyed peas. Others hate football. But everybody likes lists.
The Bible certainly has its share of lists. Moses brought one down from the mountain.
There are lists of the gifts of the Spirit. Lists of good fruit and bad. Lists of salutations and greetings. Even the disciples’ boat got into the action as it listed in the stormy Sea of Galilee. (If you smiled at that, then I’ve got a list of puns you’d enjoy.)
But the greatest day of lists is still New Year’s Day. And the number one list is the list I call the Laws of the Lighthouse.
The Laws of the Lighthouse contain more than good ideas, personal preferences, and honest opinions. They are God-given, time-tested truths that define the way you should navigate your life. Observe them and enjoy secure passage. Ignore them and crash against the ragged rocks of reality.
Smart move. The wise captain shifts the direction of his craft according to the signal of the lighthouse. A wise person does the same.
Herewith, then, are the lights I look for and the signals I heed:
– Love God more than you fear hell.
– Once a week, let a child take you on a walk.
– Make major decisions in a cemetery.
– When no one is watching, live as if someone is.
– Succeed at home first.
– Don’t spend tomorrow’s money today.
– Pray twice as much as you fret.
– Listen twice as much as you speak.
– Only harbor a grudge when God does.
– Never outgrow your love of sunsets.
– Treat people like angels; you will meet some and help make some.
– ‘Tis wiser to err on the side of generosity than on the side of scrutiny.
– God has forgiven you; you’d be wise to do the same.
– When you can’t trace God’s hand, trust his heart.
– Toot your own horn and the notes will be flat.
– Don’t feel guilty for God’s goodness.
– The book of life is lived in chapters, so know your page number.
– Never let the important be the victim of the trivial.
– Live your liturgy.
To sum it all up:
Approach life like a voyage on a schooner. Enjoy the view. Explore the vessel. Make friends with the captain. Fish a little. And then get off when you get home.
(Source: Max Lucado)
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Israel vs. The World
Nobody likes wars. Ok, well, some do. Some companies and people make huge profits from wars. But never the victims and people directly involved in a war. There are wars all over the world. Sri Lanka has been warring ever since I can remember. Some parts of Africa are warring. But the one that immediately catches the attention of the whole world, inevitably always seems to be Israel's wars.
Malaysia has been quick to rise to the call to protest against Israel, along with a large portion of the Muslim world. At first glance, the protests seem justifiable. Palestinian civilian casualties are in the hundreds, whereas Israel appears to have sustained only paltry losses of lives. Turn to any news channel in Malaysia and you'll see them full of pictures of flattened buildngs in the Gaza, and peoply crying and dead bodies etc.
For the record, no I do not support war. I do not think that it's alright for civilians to lose their lives. But neither do I want to jump the gun and be hasty to choose sides. I believe that we all need to recognise that there are always two sides to a story. I recognise the fact that the US may be backing Israel. But I also recognise the fact that there are a whole lot of people out there who would like nothing less that the complete extermination of Israel.
Please read this article and perhaps you'll know what I mean.
Here's a question I think it would be wise for us to ask ourselves before being so eager to point accusing fingers at Israel; What would we do, if we were in Israel's shoes? Small tiny little country surrounded by 500 million Arabs. Six Muslim countries.
Israel is not new to persecution. World War 2 was a fine example.
So, please at least try to find out the other side of the story before condemning. I too regret the loss of innocent lives. But I would point my finger at Hamas as well, not just Israel.
On another note, my apologies for not posting for 3 months. I've been pretty busy at work. God bless y'all and have a great day, wherever you may be.
Malaysia has been quick to rise to the call to protest against Israel, along with a large portion of the Muslim world. At first glance, the protests seem justifiable. Palestinian civilian casualties are in the hundreds, whereas Israel appears to have sustained only paltry losses of lives. Turn to any news channel in Malaysia and you'll see them full of pictures of flattened buildngs in the Gaza, and peoply crying and dead bodies etc.
For the record, no I do not support war. I do not think that it's alright for civilians to lose their lives. But neither do I want to jump the gun and be hasty to choose sides. I believe that we all need to recognise that there are always two sides to a story. I recognise the fact that the US may be backing Israel. But I also recognise the fact that there are a whole lot of people out there who would like nothing less that the complete extermination of Israel.
Please read this article and perhaps you'll know what I mean.
Here's a question I think it would be wise for us to ask ourselves before being so eager to point accusing fingers at Israel; What would we do, if we were in Israel's shoes? Small tiny little country surrounded by 500 million Arabs. Six Muslim countries.
Israel is not new to persecution. World War 2 was a fine example.
So, please at least try to find out the other side of the story before condemning. I too regret the loss of innocent lives. But I would point my finger at Hamas as well, not just Israel.
On another note, my apologies for not posting for 3 months. I've been pretty busy at work. God bless y'all and have a great day, wherever you may be.
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