Devotion Thoughts: Watch my words!

Have I been talking too much in the church lately? Am I shouting like a fool?

Many things cross my mind today as I read the Daily Bread which talk about Ecc 9:13-18

http://odb.org/2010/06/22/no-one-remembered/

We all have our ways of doing things. Some do to impress. Some do to show authority. As for me, it is always that I do so that I can build up others. But sometime, my actions and words can be mistaken with insincere motives. I am also very careful not to overstep those in authority, especially the Pastor and Elders – “Never slay the LORD’s anointed with words”.

In particular, verse 17 reminded me again of how I should speak:

The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded
than the shouts of a ruler of fools

I used to think very hard and long before I ever make a comment, a suggestion or sharing a personal experience. But today, I am reminded to speak quietly. Once said, I should hold my peace whether it is accepted or not.


I like this word: ALIVE

Always
Live
In
View of
Eternity

When I see things with eternity in perspective, then I will be more careful in my words and actions.

A Wise person speaks with eternity in perspective.

You reap what you sow!

Are we seeing the ill-effect of the Casinos in Singapore now?

The recent serial of murder and assaults at the Kallang area has heighten fear among many. Singapore is no longer a safe place to walk alone at night. My boss, who goes for his daily night walk is now wearier whenever he sees a group of foreign workers gathering together. He has a theory behind the many crimes that recently spook Singapore. He is a foreigner and so he can identify with how a foreign worker feels. His told me this:

“When a foreign worker gets his pay, he thinks of making rich quick. So, he steps into the casino. Unfortunately, as always be, gamblers always loose in the casino. However, the foreign worker needs to send money home. The only resort is to steal and kill to get that few hundred dollars.”

Hearing what he says, I am reminded that “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. (Gal 6:7)

In life, we always think we can do away with a small sin and indulgence and get away with it. Like cheating on small things and some compromises – paying less for our car parking fees; taking more than what we required from company office’s stationery; breaking the speed limits; reporting what is not accurate at work reports; …

Likewise, in our church, we sow the spirit of lethargy and complacency. And so, we reap lukewarm and stagnant growth for many years. I shall not elaborate less I be labeled as critical.

Singapore is willing to sow the seed of greed with the incoming of 2 casinos, believing that it will create 35,000 jobs and boost the economy. But, there is a price to pay – the nation can never be called a safe country anymore.
.

Money, in the name of religion

Many years ago, my big boss sneered when the topic on religion was being discussed : “All religions are just out to get people's money!” Unfortunately, he is always right

In Singapore, we have seen Catholic priest, Buddhist monk, Muslim cleric, and now church all involving in money tussles with the Law.

Yesterday, another church in Singapore is being probed by the Commercial Affair Department (CAD) about the church money matters.

http://sg.yfittopostblog.com/2010/05/31/city-harvest-church-members-under-investigation/

More significantly is the testimony of one comment:

Atheist on May 31, 2010 at 7:20 pm
I am glad this is happening. Its high time, the authorities checked all these churches, temples and mosques, so many ppl give with the intention that the $$ goes for good causes like to the poor, less fortunate and etc. In particulr, so many of these churches practice the old testament of giving 10% of ur salary to the church and on top of that weekly donations.
Many years back, i joined City Harvest and after gg thru 3 month orientation with them, I was a “member” of the church. Then they started asking for 10% of our pay and the church actually have ” cell group leaders” or “debt collectors” to harrasses us for that $$. I wasnt too happy but I gave them my 10% which was a 3 figure sum. Things went out of hand when they requested for my payslip to check if I was really giving 10% of my pay in which I immediately stopped gg to the church as I felt something was not right.
And of significance, it is notably that since the birth of this church, the pastor has apparently upgraded his cars, to condominiums and etc.
This checking of financial records should be an annual thing. Just the other day, I saw a monk driving a BMW 7 series at my block to attend a funeral to chant prayers. When he stepped out, you shld have seen the faces of the family and relatives at the wake. I too was surprised.


Well, my fellow BSG leaders, hope we can all reflect and learn from this comment (whether his comment is true or not).