Hidden (Krypto) Treasures

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Month: June 2009 Page 2 of 3

Habit #3 – Have no other god before the LORD

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On June 18, 2009

In 7 habits, Christian

Covey’s Habit #3 – Put First Things First
Christian Habit #3 – Have no other god before the LORD

Isn’t it kind of weird that Dr. Covey would list a habit to “put first things first” as habit #3, instead of habit #1?  Wouldn’t it make more sense to list this as habit #1? When it comes to Christian life, to be a highly effective Christian, there is absolutely no other way than to put God first. The one and only great God (Psalm 86:10), the great ‘I AM’ who does wondrous things, made it very clear, as he commanded his people, that “we should have no other god before the LORD (YHWH)”.

The first requirement for us is that we must be Holy (i.e., distinct) as God is Holy (distinct unlike any other) (Leviticus 19:1-2) and His first commandment to us is that we should have no other gods before the LORD. This kind of goes hand in hand. To be Holy is to start by having no other god before the LORD. But you and I know that this is easier said, than done. When it comes to decisions of life, we often place God in the back burner. Our families, our work, our hobbies, take more precedence. We at times even end up idolizing other pursuits over God.

Interestingly, the LORD does not want to be just the FIRST, but the FOREMOST; not just a PRIORITY, but PREEMINENT in our lives. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “PREEMINENT” as having paramount rank, dignity, or importance; outstanding, supreme. This word is rooted in the Latin verb stem “-minēre,” meaning “to stand out.” (which is essence is DISTINCTIVENESS aka HOLINESS).

Point(s) to ponder:

When you think of your life and the pursuits you are after, what is it that comes to your mind. Position, Power, Pleasure, Family, Business,  Work, Sports, Wealth, … Make a list of those things and see where in that list is the LORD placed (assuming that He made it into that list).

Now remind yourself of the first of the 10 commandments, that is, we should have no other gods before the LORD and also remind yourself of what Jesus said, “Seek Ye FIRST the kingdom of God”. If I may take the liberty to say, all these things (whatever was in your list) will be added unto you, if it is in the permissive will of the LORD. If you’d like, you can now, scratch out the list you made and replace it with just one word – LORD.

To be a highly effective Christian, we ought to make God not just a priority, but PREEMINENT (having paramount rank, dignity and importance) in our lives. He must “stand out” in our lives, so that the cloud of witnesses, those observing us, will see an “outstanding” God in us. We must put first things first, i.e., have no other god before the LORD and put God First.

For related reading, see “The first requirement is to …” and “The Final Matter …”

Matthew 6:31-33 (KJV)
31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Exodus 20:1-3 (KJV)
1 And God spake all these words, saying,
2 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Habit #2 – Make your days count

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On June 17, 2009

In 7 habits, Christian

Covey’s Habit #2 – Begin with the End in Mind
Christian Habit #2 – Make your days count

The Bible counsels that God’s people perish for lack of vision (Proverbs 29:18). We all plan ahead when we take a vacation. We plan our work activities and the activities of our children. In fact, the first thing that most of us do, when we wake up each morning, is we plan out the activities we intend to do for that day. However, seldom is this planning extrapolated into our Christian lives.

Most of us live in a manner as if we will live permanently, amassing wealth and materialistic blessings (and there is nothing wrong with that), however, let us not forget that our final destination is heaven, not earth. In God’s economy, what we do for ourselves counts to be nothing, but what we do for him and his people, even the least of the brethren, great is a reward – heaven (Matthew 25:34-40).

My brother, Remo, who is a full-time missionary with Reaching Hand Society, serving Jesus with my mother, Dr. Iris Paul, in state of Orissa, India,  once shared with me that working for Jesus Christ, is as follows – The work is hard, the pay is low, the hours are long, but the retirement benefits are out of this world (literally). How true? Let’s remember to focus on beginning with the end in mind, making our days count.

Point(s) to ponder:

Are we living our lives in such a manner that

  1. those who remember us after we are dead and gone, will remember the God we served?
  2. we are investing in the lives of others, leaving behind a legacy and not necessarily an inheritance?
  3. our treasures are being stored in heaven and not on earth? (Matthew 6:19-20)
  4. our days count?

Lord, teach us to number our days (Psalm 90), make them count. Let us remember to live with focus on the end in the mind. Has anyone, ever see any titles like CEO, President, Vice President, Manager etc on tombstones? There are no titles on epitaphs.

To be a highly effective Christian, we ought to be in the will of God and his plan for our lives and live it accordingly so that we make each of our days count.

For a related reading, see Teach us to number our days.

Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)
18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

Matthew 25:34-40 (KJV)
34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Habit #1- Reach out first

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On June 16, 2009

In 7 habits, Christian

Internationally recognized, respected leadership authority, and renowned author, Dr. Stephen Covey is no stranger to many in the business world. His #1 best seller, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” is rightfully recognized as the most influential business book of the Twentieth century with more than 20 million copies sold in 38 languages.

But even more influential, is this other book that I have, which is known to many as the Bible. I like the acrostic that someone came up with for the Bible, which is  – Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth (B.I.B.L.E.). While Dr. Covey’s best seller may help us to be effective in our life, the Bible will undoubtedly help us to be Highly Effective Christians, as we follow and serve the Lord Jesus Christ.

Interestingly, there is a striking parallel (as you will see)  between the 7 habits of Highly Effective People and what I believe should be the 7 habits of Highly Effective Christians. I thank God first for His inspiration and then thank Dr. Covey for his book on the 7 habits of highly effective people, which is the premise on which the next 7 articles are.

So fasten your seat belts and get ready to become a highly effective Christian. We start today with Habit #1.

Covey’s Habit #1 – Be Proactive
Christian Habit #1 – Reach out first

While being proactive is the principle of personal choice, reaching out to others is the principle of personal command. This applies to us, not just in the area of our relationship with God, wherein we are commissioned (Matthew 28) to evangelize and be in the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:20), reaching out to those who do not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior, but it also applies to us in the area of our relationships with fellow men/women. Jesus asks us to leave the offering at the altar and be first reconciled with our fellow brothers. In other words, Jesus was saying that we need to reach out to the brother (fellow human) whom we are not right with. In layman’s term, Jesus was saying, be proactive in getting right with God and getting right with man, before it is too late. (Matthew 5:23-26)

Point(s) to ponder:

  1. How are we doing in the habit of proactively reaching out to others as it relates to our relationship with God? Are we proselytizing and sharing the GOSPEL with others, reconciling man with God.
  2. How are we doing in the habit of proactively reaching out to others as it relates to our relationship with ‘man’? Is there someone that you just cannot forgive? Is there someone who has hurt you or your loved ones so much that the mere mention of their names make your blood boil? Is there someone you need to get right with? Remember, Jesus’ words, for your lives to be an acceptable offering to God, FIRST, reach out to those who have offended you, and get right with them FIRST, then come back and offer yourself to God.

This is not a principle of personal choice, but  a principle of personal command. Reach out first.

Matthew 5:23-26 (KJV)
23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;

24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.

26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

Ambassadors for Jesus Christ

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On June 15, 2009

In Christian

We are commissioned to be “Ambassadors for Jesus Christ” – 2 Corinthians 5:20

To understand this best, what better way is there, than to reflect on what defines an earthly appointed ambassador to a country.

There are 7 traits that define an ambassador

  1. Belongs to the King/Country
  2. Alien in the Country he/she lives
  3. Has a mission to accomplish
  4. Is a Spokesperson
  5. Is Armed and Dangerous
  6. Is willing to die for the King/Country
  7. Returns Home upon completion of the mission

As Ambassadors for Jesus Christ, we

  1. Belong to the King of Kings / the Country of Heaven
  2. Are aliens in this earthly domain
  3. Have a mission to man to God – John 3:16
  4. Are spokesperson for Jesus Christ
  5. Are armed and dangerous – a powerful force to be reckoned with when God is on our side
  6. Are/Should be willing to die for the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords
  7. Will one day return back Home to be with God – and we should live incessantly looking forward to the return of Jesus to take us home.

Point to Ponder:

How are we doing as Ambassador for Jesus Christ?

2 Corinthians 5:20-21 (KJV)
20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

The greatest story

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On June 13, 2009

In Christian

For God – the greatest Lover
So loved – the greatest degree
The world – the greatest number
That He Gave – the greatest act
His Only Begotten Son – the greatest gift
That Whoever – the greatest invitation
Believes – the greatest simplicity
In Him – the greatest Person
Shall not perish – that greatest escape
But – the greatest difference
Have – the greatest certainty
Eternal Life – the greatest destiny

From “All the Greatest” by J. Edwin Hortell

For related reading, see GOSPEL defined

Dancing with unseen forces

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On June 12, 2009

In Christian, Movie Motions

An excerpt from Past President, George W. Bush, Jr’s radio address to the Nation in the wake of the Sept 11th twin tower terrorist attack was as follows – This will be a different kind of conflict, against a different kind of enemy. This is a conflict without battle fields or beachheads, a conflict with opponents who believe they are invisible.

A couple of years ago, I watched the movie, Van Helsing. It was a good entertainer, and one particular scene that made me reflect was a scene in which Dracula is dancing with a lady in room with mirrors. In the mirrors, you can observe the reflection of lady but not of Dracula. It seemed as if the lady was dancing with an unseen force.

The Bible records that our struggles are not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, ruler of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual wickedness in the heavenly realms; in a sense, against unseen forces.

What are the unseen forces that you and I are dancing with? Le us remember to put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6) and recognize that the battle belongs to the Lord.
Let us  submit the struggle against anything (seen or unseen) that weighs us down, with prayer and supplication, to the Lord, so you and I can complete the race, fight the good fight, and keep the faith.

Our toddler son, Reuben, telling us the Armor of God. He was a little over 2 years when he said this. Enjoy.

Ephesians 6:12-18 (KJV)
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Is your God Able?

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On June 11, 2009

In Christian

King Darius asked Daniel, Is the God whom you serve continually able to deliver you from the lions? The world is asking God’s people the same question – IS YOUR GOD ABLE?
What is our answer going to be? The following is an A-to-Z answer that may be useful for us to know, so that we can answer the world’s question.

Yes, our God is able. He is able to …
A – Attend to our cries and Accept the unacceptable
B – Bind the Broken heart
C – Captivate lives and set the Captives free
D – Deliver us out of all our troubles
E – Exorcise Evil and Exalt the humble
F – Fight for the Fatherless and the weak
G – Guard and protect us
H – Help the helpless
I – Intimately pursue us even though He is Infinite
J – Justify the sinner and provide for all our needs (His name is Jehovah Jireh)
K – Kindly rule over everything (He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords)
L – Light our paths and direct our ways
M – Make miracles happen
N – Never leave us nor forsake us
O – Orchestrate Order in our lives, being Omnipotent (all powerful), Omniscient (all knowing) and Omnipresent (is everywhere)
P – Parent the orphan
Q – Quintessentially answer all the Questions of our life
R – Raise the dead in Spirit and Flesh
S – Save the sinners (His name is Jesus, which means He shall save the sinners from their sins)
T – Teach us his ways that are perfect
U – Understand our problems and circumstances
V – Victorious triumph over our problems and circumstances
W – Work Wonders (Wonderful is His Name); He is the Widow’s companion
X – Xenophilicly Love, accepting the alien as his own
Y – Yield to our call/cry
Z – Zealously love you and me, unlike any other

Author: Holy Spirit
Conduit: Mano Paul

Daniel 6:20 (KJV)
20 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?

Nara-hari

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On June 10, 2009

In Christian

We have heard and we know that God made man in the image of God. But, did you know that God made God in the image of man?

Nara-hari means ‘man-God‘ in Sanskrit. I was introduced to this title for Jesus Christ by the Aradhna music group that have a wonderful ministry of reaching many with the love of Jesus, through their unique songs and singing style. In fact, the title Nara-hari (‘man-God’) can be conferred on no one else, except Jesus Christ.

Genesis 9:6 accounts for the inexplicable love of God – God made man in God’s own image.
Philippians 2:7 accounts for the insurmountable love of God – God made God in the image (likeness) of man.

Think about this – The Son of God (Jesus) became the Son of Man so that the sons/daughters of men can become the sons/daughter of God.

O, behold, what manner of LOVE, God, the Father has bestowed upon us, that he should GIVE his only begotten son, the ONLY NARA-HARI, so that we can be called the CHILDREN of God. (1 John 3:1)

Genesis 9:6 (KJV)
6 Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.

Philippians 2:5-11 (KJV)
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

A desperate God

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On June 9, 2009

In Christian

I remember an incident that happened when I was a little boy. My parents had taken me for some festive event, in a public place, where I got separated from my parents and was lost in the crowd. In that crowd, I found my way somehow to the individual with a microphone and said something like “my parents are lost“. Hearing that announcement, my parents who were desperately and anxiously looking for me, found me with the announcer and we were reunited.

What I’d like us to focus is that many times, we who are lost, dont think that we are lost. We instead think that God is no where to be found and that God is lost. I should have rightfully told the announcer, that “I was lost” but instead, I said “My parents are lost”. All the time, my parents were desperately looking for me, even in a crowd, because I was loved and I belonged to them. Likewise, God desperately looks for each one of us, even in a world filled with many, because each of us are loved and each of us belong to Him. Jesus (God) is a seeking shepherd who will leave the 99 to seek after the 1 that is lost.

If you were to tell God, “I am lost without you” (as a child who has lost his/her parents), you may only be pleased to hear Him say “I am desperate without you” (as a parent who has lost their son/daughter).

When you think that God is No-Where to be found, the reality is God is NOW-HERE to be found! Tell God, “I am lost with you” and wait to hear Him respond …

Luke 15:1-6 (KJV)
1 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.
2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying,
4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

Status Quo vs. God’s Quo

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On June 8, 2009

In Christian

In Latin, the pharase Status Quo literally means ‘the state in which’. Many a times, we find ourselves saying of our lives that it is just the way it is. It is the Status Quo. The Bible however counsels us not to be caught up with the Status Quo but instead be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2) and to look at God’s Quo.

If you and I are going to say that “Life is just the way it is, we are never going to see  how it can be different“. The Status Quo may tell us that the life we have been given is what we deserve, but God’s Quo does not want us to settle for life just as it is, because God’s Quo is not just about life, but life abundantly (which we can have only in Jesus Christ).

Status Quo may be about ‘the state in which‘ we live.
God’s Quo is about  ‘the God in which‘ is life, and that is ABUNDANT LIFE.

Which one would you never choose for your life – Status Quo or God’s Quo? Think about it!

John 10:10 (KJV)
10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Romans 12:2 (KJV)
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

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