Same Difference!

Life is a real challenge when your back is up against the wall. Everytime you get out of the situation, someone will just arrive to twist your arm and give it a hard wrench. Never have I ever thought that ministry is a walk in the park. No way! Life is a constant struggle and I'm always trying to keep my head above water. My struggle is like stirring the sea for sharks to sniff me out and grabbing a bite. Sheez! Did I said that I was in the cage?
No wonder King Solomon wrote in the book of Ecclesiastes, saying "Meaningless! Meaningless! Everything is meaningless!" Life is like an endless cycle of routines and monotony!
Wait! Didn't Solomon ended the book with this word? "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgement, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." Ecc 12:13-14.
Oops! That must have included the mundane and the boring stuffs too!
Ok God, You win! I submit.

I Felt Like A Punching Bag For Others

Recently, I've been in lots of thoughts about being a effective people developer. Our church has always been lacking in this area. We are not affirming enough of our church members to stretch and develop their spiritual gifts. I'm guilty of it myself too! With so many things to do within so little time, I beginning to doubt if I'm ever a effective leader.
There has been quite a few things that has happened that is affecting my thought patterns and outlook in life. Sometimes it is worth mentioning, but many times worrying to spill out. But there is one niggling factor that has shakened my confidence in handling people, my inability to influence life. Sad to say I'm a bit perturbed and discouraged that we have not arrived what we set forth to do. So much talk but so little actions. Sometimes, I just felt like a punching bag, ready to be used for some people's woes and problems. Maybe it has to do with my character, or just plain ignorance. I've failed to observe trends and anticipate potential hiccups. Whatever it is, I guess the biggest problem could be attributed to one thing, the lack of communications with my charges. We talk about being transparent to one another, but I've get a feeling that we are just having a piece of one way mirror over our face, you can see others, but people can't see you.
You know the end result of being a punching bag? All woes, anger, frustrations and discouragement are deposited on you. And that is what I'm feeling now.

Pray like you never prayed before

What's it like to pray until drops of blood drip down your forehead? I would never understand that nor experience it. Jesus was agonising whether to take the cup of suffering, till He said that this was to be the will of His Father. Back of His mind, I believe He never doubted that He would have to shoulder the sins of the world. I thank God for that immensed responsibility, that cup of suffering that Jesus would have to bear it alone. Simple deal, that if Jesus didn't walked that road, we would all be done in by our sins. Lord Jesus, I thank You for the suffering you carried for me. You died that I might have eternal life, and that I may truly know that You're the Son of God. Lord, it's time for me to take that place, to pray until drops of blood drip down my forehead, for I will never know how much you love me until You said, "Father, not My will, but Yours be done." As in this season of 40 days of prayer and fasting, let us all stand in the gap, pray like we never prayed before, for we are made for such a time like this!