When I was in my work meetings the last few days, my question in my previous blog kept appearing like a banner flying across the sky, in my head.
“Do you know who you are – at WORK?” I asked myself.
Having a position or a responsibility is one thing. But having a strong conviction of your true purpose in your workplace opens a totally different dimension, regardless of your designation.
Some of Jesus’ final words before his crucifixion, that I shared in my previous blog came to me.
Allow me to share these leadership lessons that I picked up from this Bible verse:
John 18:37
37 “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world to testify the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
1) Jesus said : You are right in saying I am a king
You’ve got to know who you are:
- Know your position - know the authority it carries and use it accordingly.
- Know what you need to know, to be who you are – equip yourself with the necessary knowledge, skills and preparations.
- Speak with confidence.
- Do not allow other people’s negative thoughts to destroy your self-image.
2) Jesus said : For this reason I was born
-Know your destiny in your workplace – it isn’t just a job, it’s a higher calling!
-You are who you are in your office, business, organization etc. for a reason; God placed you there, it’s no coincidence!
-Be a change agent. Put things in order. Keep making things better. Be the ‘salt’ & ‘light’ – make a difference!
- Analyze your true intention for whatever you do at work – you don’t just report to your earthly boss; you are working for your BIG BOSS (GOD)!
3) Jesus said: and for this I came into the world to testify the truth
-Know your specific roles and responsibilities at work.
-Do it for God, not for men (if you do it for men, you may get disappointed when you are not appreciated, or people do not favor you. But if you do it for God, you fulfill your role with pleasure regardless of the situation)
-Your earthly boss may or may not care about you, but your Heavenly BOSS DEFINITELY loves you to bits!
-Just do the right thing (without complaining) – whatever it takes. God loves a cheerful giver. The Master loves a faithful servant.
-Put your heart into it – walk the extra mile. In your job, give God your best, and He will take care of the rest.
4) Jesus said: Everyone on the side of truth listens to me
- When you fulfill 1,2 & 3, when you are right; there will be people on the side of truth who listen to you.
- There may be those who are not on the side of truth – people who dislike you for personal reasons or those who constantly look for ways to put you down. There may be people who will want to ‘nail you to the cross’!
- Constantly check yourself. If you have made a mistake, quickly correct it. (Only God is perfect. You’re a human with a tendency for errors!)
- But if you have displayed nothing but the truth, when no fault can be found in you…then, take comfort knowing:
Remember, they did it to Jesus first.
Whatever they do to you is NOTHING compared to what they did to Jesus!
Most importantly:
Remember how Jesus responded through it all – with wisdom, power and strength – covered with LOVE.
Jesus lived his entire earthly life, fulfilling His destiny.
JESUS - the TRUE LEADER by example.
Prayer for today:
Dear Lord Jesus, teach me how to be like You in the organization that You have placed me. Teach me how to lead with wisdom, power and strength – covered with LOVE. May I fulfill my destiny in my workplace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
By JJ
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Do You Know Who You Are?
A lot of teenagers like to copy the ways of people they idolize – the fashion, the hairstyles, the way they walk, and the accent they talk. Compliments such as “You look like that Bollywood actress,” “Your hair is just like that Hollywood superstar,” or “You’re sexy like that model!” seems to magically feed the insecurities of many young hearts. Having themselves linked to someone popular gives them a sense of pride. Some would even go to great extents just to receive such comments.
Many youngsters do not know themselves. They want to be something else. They try to be someone else. They struggle to be what others expect them to be. They are terrified of being called ‘old-fashioned’ or 'religious.' They feel ashamed to say they are keeping sex only for marriage. They want to ‘fit in’ and are afraid of being ridiculed by society if they appear to be different.
Do we strive to be ourselves - nothing but the best of ourselves? Do we really dare to be who we are?
It is very sad indeed if we carry the baggage of insecurities with us from childhood into our adulthood and later years.
I always admire people who know who they are, and are proud of who they are, regardless what others may say - people who dare to be different.
There was such a boy.
He never searched for his identity. He never went away on a journey to find out his role. He never once doubted his own identity or power. Nothing dramatic happened to convince himself of who he was. No one had to persuade him to believe his own authority or power.
He always knew – right from the beginning to the end - and he lived it.
Luke 2:41-51 in the Bible details Jesus as a young boy who knew exactly who he was. Here’s what happened.
41 Every year, his parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. When he was 12 years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom. 43 After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44 Thinking he was in their company, they travelled for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends.
45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After 3 days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”
49 “Why were you searching for me? He asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and he was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men.
In his adult years, Jesus also demonstrated his knowledge of his identity many times in various incidents.
Here is another chapter where Jesus affirms who he is, again.
John 8:19-30
19 Then they asked him, “Where is your father?” “You do not know me or my Father,” Jesus replied. “If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” 20 He spoke these words while teaching in the temple area near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no one seized him, because his time had not yet come.
21 Once again, Jesus said to them, “I am going away, and you will look for me, and you will die in your sins. Where I go, you cannot come.”
22 This made the Jews ask, “Will he kill himself? Is that why he says, “Where I go, you cannot come?”
23 But he continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.
24 I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins.”
25 “Who are you?” they asked. “Just as I have been claiming all along,” Jesus replied.
26 “I have so much to say in judgment of you. But he who sent me is reliable, and what I have heard from him, I tell the world.”
27 They did not understand that he was telling them about his Father. 28 So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am the one I claim to be, and that I do nothing on my own but speak just as what the Father has taught me.
29 The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.” 30 Even as he spoke, many put their faith in him.
Jesus always knew who he was.
Jesus was sentenced to death – crucified like a criminal ! What was his crime? Claiming he was the Son of God!
Up to the moment of trial for death, Jesus was true to himself.
Here’s his reply to the Roman governor, Pilate who asked him “What is your crime?”
John 18:36-37
36 Jesus said, “My Kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my Kingdom is from another place.”
37 “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world to testify the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
…….And yes, we all know the rest of the story; Jesus was stripped naked and crucified on the cross till he died (as he already predicted would happen).
What was his crime?
Being himself.
Jesus was never ashamed or afraid of staying true to himself – even to the point of death.
Jesus always knew who he was.
Do you know who you are? Do you dare to live it?
-JJ-
49 “Why were you searching for me? He asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and he was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men.
In his adult years, Jesus also demonstrated his knowledge of his identity many times in various incidents.
Here is another chapter where Jesus affirms who he is, again.
John 8:19-30
19 Then they asked him, “Where is your father?” “You do not know me or my Father,” Jesus replied. “If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” 20 He spoke these words while teaching in the temple area near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no one seized him, because his time had not yet come.
21 Once again, Jesus said to them, “I am going away, and you will look for me, and you will die in your sins. Where I go, you cannot come.”
22 This made the Jews ask, “Will he kill himself? Is that why he says, “Where I go, you cannot come?”
23 But he continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.
24 I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins.”
25 “Who are you?” they asked. “Just as I have been claiming all along,” Jesus replied.
26 “I have so much to say in judgment of you. But he who sent me is reliable, and what I have heard from him, I tell the world.”
27 They did not understand that he was telling them about his Father. 28 So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am the one I claim to be, and that I do nothing on my own but speak just as what the Father has taught me.
29 The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.” 30 Even as he spoke, many put their faith in him.
Jesus always knew who he was.
Jesus was sentenced to death – crucified like a criminal ! What was his crime? Claiming he was the Son of God!
Up to the moment of trial for death, Jesus was true to himself.
Here’s his reply to the Roman governor, Pilate who asked him “What is your crime?”
John 18:36-37
36 Jesus said, “My Kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my Kingdom is from another place.”
37 “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world to testify the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
…….And yes, we all know the rest of the story; Jesus was stripped naked and crucified on the cross till he died (as he already predicted would happen).
What was his crime?
Being himself.
Jesus was never ashamed or afraid of staying true to himself – even to the point of death.
Jesus always knew who he was.
Do you know who you are? Do you dare to live it?
-JJ-
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Does the present exist?
Have you ever thought about it? We have the past, present and the future. We have a beginning, and the end. We are born one day and will die one day. What lies in between? The present?
But what is the present? For how long does the present last? 100 years for a human life? 1000 years for a generation? 1,000,000 years for a civilization?
What is the present?
I began to relate it to physical attributes, behavior and character. How would I describe myself? How would I describe someone else? Naturally, we detail people and events according to the ‘present’, but this description might not fit if you take it back into the past or look into the future.
For example, this is a description of me 20 years ago:
1. Scrawny, nicknamed “Hockey sticks”
2. Curly hair
3. Extremely quiet – voice hardly to be heard
4. Unbelievably timid
This is me 10 years ago:
1. Skinny but not scrawny
2. Still curly hair
3. A bit more chatty
4. A little more daring
And this represents me till today:
1. Thin with ideal weight
2. Straightened hair
3. Giving speeches in public
4. Been on adventures - climbed mountains and sailed boats
I was not the same in past. Neither will I remain identical in the future.
Every millisecond that passes becomes the past. Every millisecond that replaces it becomes the future.
What is the present? For how long does it last?
I am beginning to understand Jesus’ teachings with more depth – why did He say “I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End”? Revelations 22:13.
Why is it said, “Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)
Why did Jesus say, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies”? (John 11:25)
Why did God call things that were not as if they were? (Romans 4:17)
Because the past is gone, the present is passing, and the future will be. Only GOD IS who He is.
With this new understanding, here are a few things I’ve learnt today:
1. Never judge yourself or anyone according to the past – look at yourself and others the way Jesus sees you. The past is gone.
Eg: If you used to be a sinner and you have been forgiven by Christ, the past is gone forever.
2. Never condemn yourself or others based on the present. The present passes by with every moment. What is the present, anyway?
Eg: If you are a weak and scared person, that can change. You were made for a greater purpose.
3. See yourself and others into the future – see the goodness that God will create through and in you, as well as others. Call things that were not as if they were.
Eg: If you are sickly, keep saying that you are strong. It will happen.
If your wife is insecure, lovingly tell her that she is confident and she will change.
If your husband is hot tempered, encourage him that he is patient and you will
see the difference.
I’d like to conclude with this dream I had yesterday (which gave me this revelation, in the first place!) :
A few friends asked me, “What do you think of, so and so? And I enthusiastically replied, “So, and so, is the nicest, most patient and loving person I’ve met?”
Shocked, they asked me, “Are you sure you are talking about the right one? We have known this person for so many years, and this description definitely doesn’t fit at all?”
In my dream, I replied:
“Of course it won’t fit. Your judgment is based on the past, and the so-called present.
But I look at things the way Jesus does. It is exactly what will be.
Don’t hang on to the past. It is gone.
Don’t just live on the present. It is passing.
Keep your hope in the future. It will be.
By JJ
Phillipians 1:6 (The Bible)
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
But what is the present? For how long does the present last? 100 years for a human life? 1000 years for a generation? 1,000,000 years for a civilization?
What is the present?
I began to relate it to physical attributes, behavior and character. How would I describe myself? How would I describe someone else? Naturally, we detail people and events according to the ‘present’, but this description might not fit if you take it back into the past or look into the future.
For example, this is a description of me 20 years ago:
1. Scrawny, nicknamed “Hockey sticks”
2. Curly hair
3. Extremely quiet – voice hardly to be heard
4. Unbelievably timid
This is me 10 years ago:
1. Skinny but not scrawny
2. Still curly hair
3. A bit more chatty
4. A little more daring
And this represents me till today:
1. Thin with ideal weight
2. Straightened hair
3. Giving speeches in public
4. Been on adventures - climbed mountains and sailed boats
I was not the same in past. Neither will I remain identical in the future.
Every millisecond that passes becomes the past. Every millisecond that replaces it becomes the future.
What is the present? For how long does it last?
I am beginning to understand Jesus’ teachings with more depth – why did He say “I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End”? Revelations 22:13.
Why is it said, “Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)
Why did Jesus say, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies”? (John 11:25)
Why did God call things that were not as if they were? (Romans 4:17)
Because the past is gone, the present is passing, and the future will be. Only GOD IS who He is.
With this new understanding, here are a few things I’ve learnt today:
1. Never judge yourself or anyone according to the past – look at yourself and others the way Jesus sees you. The past is gone.
Eg: If you used to be a sinner and you have been forgiven by Christ, the past is gone forever.
2. Never condemn yourself or others based on the present. The present passes by with every moment. What is the present, anyway?
Eg: If you are a weak and scared person, that can change. You were made for a greater purpose.
3. See yourself and others into the future – see the goodness that God will create through and in you, as well as others. Call things that were not as if they were.
Eg: If you are sickly, keep saying that you are strong. It will happen.
If your wife is insecure, lovingly tell her that she is confident and she will change.
If your husband is hot tempered, encourage him that he is patient and you will
see the difference.
I’d like to conclude with this dream I had yesterday (which gave me this revelation, in the first place!) :
A few friends asked me, “What do you think of, so and so? And I enthusiastically replied, “So, and so, is the nicest, most patient and loving person I’ve met?”
Shocked, they asked me, “Are you sure you are talking about the right one? We have known this person for so many years, and this description definitely doesn’t fit at all?”
In my dream, I replied:
“Of course it won’t fit. Your judgment is based on the past, and the so-called present.
But I look at things the way Jesus does. It is exactly what will be.
Don’t hang on to the past. It is gone.
Don’t just live on the present. It is passing.
Keep your hope in the future. It will be.
By JJ
Phillipians 1:6 (The Bible)
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
Get rid of the temper, spread some honey
Many times in our lives, we encounter people who simply annoy us – partners who never seem to understand, staff who never get it right, bosses who yell, customers who complain and parents who scold…
We want to make them see our point of view and agree with us.
However, instead of getting our message across correctly, too often, we are quick to allow the fangs of anger to show up, and emit venomous words.
Dale Carnegie said, “If your temper is aroused, and you tell them a thing or two, YOU will have a fine time unloading YOUR feelings.
But what about THE OTHER PERSON?
Will HE share your pleasure?”
Today, I would like to encourage you to ‘’Get rid of the temper, and spread some honey’
To control anger and speak with gentleness….
Why?
Because unleashing your angry emotions is NOT going to win you anything.
BUT by spreading honey, you will win people to your way of thinking.
Proverbs 15:1 in the Bible says: A gentle word deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.
1) First things first – You’ve got to get rid of the temper.
Begin by LISTENING WITH YOUR HEART
When someone does something upsetting or says unpleasant words, our first reactions are usually to get angry or upset.
If we want to get rid of the temper and spread some honey, the very first thing to do is to BE QUIET….Resist the urge to lash out with your tongue or defend yourself. Just listen.
Think from the other person’s perspective. Let others share what they feel and think. Allow them to talk it out and express their emotions. Just listen and try to understand what they are feeling, and what has caused their reactions. Put yourself in their place. Think what they think, feel what they feel. Acknowledge their emotions.
Only then will you know the right words to say – words that will speak straight to their heart.
For example:
One day, I met a very demanding person at work. He yelled out a long list of complaints, condemning my colleague's inefficiency regarding his room. My colleague came running to me, pouring out all the complaints - saying she was so afraid to see the chief interviewer again.
Initially, I felt very annoyed. I thought to myself – “What a snob? Can’t he see for himself that this is an old building? How can he expect a 5-star hotel room in a 30-year old office?
But I told myself to BE QUIET. I listened to all the complaints and tried to think from his perspective. I asked myself, "How would I feel if I were him?"
I gathered that the man had been to many luxurious places. This was probably the first of his worst experience. The minimum facilities came as a shock to him.
My job was to help him adapt to this new situation – not to analyze whether or not he was a snob!
I needed to have the right attitude towards him. I needed to serve with a sincere heart.
When I listened with my heart, then I knew the right words to say.
When you throw away the temper and listen with your heart, you have already won half of the game of getting your ideas across.
2) This brings us to the second step – SPREAD THE HONEY
How do you do this? By SPEAKING THE RIGHT WORDS WITH YOUR MOUTH
Back to my story …. I went over to his room.
I said, “Sir, I’m so sorry that our office is a 30-year old building with minimum facilities. I know this place is so bad compared to the many places you have been to. I feel so embarrassed that we only have this place to offer you. Sir, could you please tell me all your dissatisfaction? … please don’t leave anything out. As your host, we will try our best to make it better.
I picked gentle words to convey my message. I spoke with an empathetic tone. I said it sincerely from my heart.
GENTLE WORDS + EMPATHETIC TONE + SINCERE HEART = HONEY
Then I waited for ‘honey’ to do the job.
The man also went quiet for a while. He looked around for a few moment. He stepped out of his room as I followed behind him.
Then he spoke:
“Yes, this is a really old building. This is the first time I am coming to this place. You don’t need to feel bad. What you have provided is good enough, given such a short notice. I really appreciate your effort. Thank you so much.”
My colleague couldn’t believe it when I told her how nice the man was!
How did gushes of complaints turn into streams of contentment?
The answer lies in spreading the honey.
When you throw a temper, people taste its bitterness. But when you spread honey, people delight in its sweetness.
Had I thrown a temper and spoken my initial thoughts, I am sure his reactions would have been far worse than my staff had experienced!
A sincere apology, gentle words and a little understanding can soften an angry heart.
As the old maxim says, “A drop of honey catches more flies than a gallon of gall.”
-JJ-
We want to make them see our point of view and agree with us.
However, instead of getting our message across correctly, too often, we are quick to allow the fangs of anger to show up, and emit venomous words.
Dale Carnegie said, “If your temper is aroused, and you tell them a thing or two, YOU will have a fine time unloading YOUR feelings.
But what about THE OTHER PERSON?
Will HE share your pleasure?”
Today, I would like to encourage you to ‘’Get rid of the temper, and spread some honey’
To control anger and speak with gentleness….
Why?
Because unleashing your angry emotions is NOT going to win you anything.
BUT by spreading honey, you will win people to your way of thinking.
Proverbs 15:1 in the Bible says: A gentle word deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.
1) First things first – You’ve got to get rid of the temper.
Begin by LISTENING WITH YOUR HEART
When someone does something upsetting or says unpleasant words, our first reactions are usually to get angry or upset.
If we want to get rid of the temper and spread some honey, the very first thing to do is to BE QUIET….Resist the urge to lash out with your tongue or defend yourself. Just listen.
Think from the other person’s perspective. Let others share what they feel and think. Allow them to talk it out and express their emotions. Just listen and try to understand what they are feeling, and what has caused their reactions. Put yourself in their place. Think what they think, feel what they feel. Acknowledge their emotions.
Only then will you know the right words to say – words that will speak straight to their heart.
For example:
One day, I met a very demanding person at work. He yelled out a long list of complaints, condemning my colleague's inefficiency regarding his room. My colleague came running to me, pouring out all the complaints - saying she was so afraid to see the chief interviewer again.
Initially, I felt very annoyed. I thought to myself – “What a snob? Can’t he see for himself that this is an old building? How can he expect a 5-star hotel room in a 30-year old office?
But I told myself to BE QUIET. I listened to all the complaints and tried to think from his perspective. I asked myself, "How would I feel if I were him?"
I gathered that the man had been to many luxurious places. This was probably the first of his worst experience. The minimum facilities came as a shock to him.
My job was to help him adapt to this new situation – not to analyze whether or not he was a snob!
I needed to have the right attitude towards him. I needed to serve with a sincere heart.
When I listened with my heart, then I knew the right words to say.
When you throw away the temper and listen with your heart, you have already won half of the game of getting your ideas across.
2) This brings us to the second step – SPREAD THE HONEY
How do you do this? By SPEAKING THE RIGHT WORDS WITH YOUR MOUTH
Back to my story …. I went over to his room.
I said, “Sir, I’m so sorry that our office is a 30-year old building with minimum facilities. I know this place is so bad compared to the many places you have been to. I feel so embarrassed that we only have this place to offer you. Sir, could you please tell me all your dissatisfaction? … please don’t leave anything out. As your host, we will try our best to make it better.
I picked gentle words to convey my message. I spoke with an empathetic tone. I said it sincerely from my heart.
GENTLE WORDS + EMPATHETIC TONE + SINCERE HEART = HONEY
Then I waited for ‘honey’ to do the job.
The man also went quiet for a while. He looked around for a few moment. He stepped out of his room as I followed behind him.
Then he spoke:
“Yes, this is a really old building. This is the first time I am coming to this place. You don’t need to feel bad. What you have provided is good enough, given such a short notice. I really appreciate your effort. Thank you so much.”
My colleague couldn’t believe it when I told her how nice the man was!
How did gushes of complaints turn into streams of contentment?
The answer lies in spreading the honey.
When you throw a temper, people taste its bitterness. But when you spread honey, people delight in its sweetness.
Had I thrown a temper and spoken my initial thoughts, I am sure his reactions would have been far worse than my staff had experienced!
A sincere apology, gentle words and a little understanding can soften an angry heart.
As the old maxim says, “A drop of honey catches more flies than a gallon of gall.”
-JJ-
Monday, July 4, 2011
You Are What You Listen To
People say, “You are what you eat” or “You are what you read.”
Equally true is, “You are what you listen to.”
Yesterday, while I was driving, I had to change the radio stations a couple of times because the songs were just ‘garbage’ to my soul. My ‘’mind filters’’ are very sensitive to WORDS, and rubbish disgusts me.
The tune is catchy, I must admit. Even though I hate it, it keeps playing in my mind…but the WORDS…Goodness, gracious! How can people even sing it?
Imagine! The young people today spend hours listening and singing along to music on their handphones and iPods. Many don’t pay attention to the lyrics or what it means. They simply sing along without realizing that those words are seeping into their souls.
Equally true is, “You are what you listen to.”
Yesterday, while I was driving, I had to change the radio stations a couple of times because the songs were just ‘garbage’ to my soul. My ‘’mind filters’’ are very sensitive to WORDS, and rubbish disgusts me.
The tune is catchy, I must admit. Even though I hate it, it keeps playing in my mind…but the WORDS…Goodness, gracious! How can people even sing it?
Imagine! The young people today spend hours listening and singing along to music on their handphones and iPods. Many don’t pay attention to the lyrics or what it means. They simply sing along without realizing that those words are seeping into their souls.
Soon, they become what they listen to.
For example, check out this song - ‘Good Girls Go Bad’ by Cobra Starship
I make them good girls go bad
I make them good girls go
Good girls go bad
(Good girls go bad)
I know your type
You're daddy's little girl
Just take a bite
Let me shake up your world
'Cause just one night couldn't be so wrong
I'm gonna make you lose control
She was so shy
Till I drove her wild
I make them good girls go bad
I make them good girls go bad
You were hanging in the corner
With your five best friends
You heard that I was trouble
But you couldn't resist
I make them good girls go bad
I make them good girls go bad…
Isn’t this the exact scenario of the world today?
The boys take great pride in making ‘good girls go bad.’ These boys happily splash their fountain of life on every ‘Jane, Janet & Mary,” feeling a sense of ‘accomplishment’ about the numbers under their belts – when in fact, they are slaves to their sinful desires. These boys possess a life producing power but are unable to control their desires.
And the ohh….the girls…"I know your type…boy, you’re dangerous…but just one night couldn’t be so wrong..”!!! Then off they go with some Tom, Dick & Harry!
And there you have it, two willing partners on a mission to SIN …"mission accomplished!”
Sadly, many young people these days do not value virginity nor ‘keep it’ till marriage - because they have fallen prey to "mind programming", which causes them not to see their see their self-worth!
If you listen and sing along to this kind of songs everyday till it gets into your brain - you won’t even realize you have become the song!
I feel worried and saddened at how ignorant this world is towards the various techniques that are being used to program our minds.
Whether we are adults, youth or children – our minds are being programmed without our knowledge.
For example, check out this song - ‘Good Girls Go Bad’ by Cobra Starship
I make them good girls go bad
I make them good girls go
Good girls go bad
(Good girls go bad)
I know your type
You're daddy's little girl
Just take a bite
Let me shake up your world
'Cause just one night couldn't be so wrong
I'm gonna make you lose control
She was so shy
Till I drove her wild
I make them good girls go bad
I make them good girls go bad
You were hanging in the corner
With your five best friends
You heard that I was trouble
But you couldn't resist
I make them good girls go bad
I make them good girls go bad…
Isn’t this the exact scenario of the world today?
The boys take great pride in making ‘good girls go bad.’ These boys happily splash their fountain of life on every ‘Jane, Janet & Mary,” feeling a sense of ‘accomplishment’ about the numbers under their belts – when in fact, they are slaves to their sinful desires. These boys possess a life producing power but are unable to control their desires.
And the ohh….the girls…"I know your type…boy, you’re dangerous…but just one night couldn’t be so wrong..”!!! Then off they go with some Tom, Dick & Harry!
And there you have it, two willing partners on a mission to SIN …"mission accomplished!”
Sadly, many young people these days do not value virginity nor ‘keep it’ till marriage - because they have fallen prey to "mind programming", which causes them not to see their see their self-worth!
If you listen and sing along to this kind of songs everyday till it gets into your brain - you won’t even realize you have become the song!
I feel worried and saddened at how ignorant this world is towards the various techniques that are being used to program our minds.
Whether we are adults, youth or children – our minds are being programmed without our knowledge.
Look around you.
Listen to the music in a club, pub or disco. Will you hear them playing Josh Groban’s “You Raised Me Up?”…or a gospel song, “Amazing grace that saved a wretch like me”….. NO! Definitely NOT!
Instead, you will see youngsters dancing to “Good Girls Go Bad”….or Jennifer Lopez’s lyrics “Dance the night away…if you’re an animal, get on the floor…”…or Ms Nina’s “Baby, I’ve never seen someone with that body…I want to make you lose control…”
On the other hand, compare the songs you will hear in a church…lyrics such as, “Change my heart or God, make it ever true”…..”My sins are forgiven, I am a new person”….”I once was lost, but now I’m found”…….
Why is this so?
One simple answer – MIND PROGRAMMING (you can google search ‘mind control’ and ‘mind programming’ for more info)
When do boys make good girls go bad? When do girls want to lose control?
Is it after they come out of a church, or after a drink at the pub?
Words have power. Music has power – they can work to ignite flames of desire or feelings from within you, without you realizing it (it can be good or bad).
You don’t believe it?
Sit down and just listen to the lyrics of the songs on the radio, or in the disco. How do you feel?
Next, listen to Mozart or some romantic, slow love songs. How do you feel?
Listen to Martin Luther King’s freedom speech. How do you feel?
Listen to someone telling you off? How do you feel?
Do you remember the young killers who suddenly took out guns and killed their schoolmates in America? Or teenagers who killed their parents?
Do you know one thing they had in common? They listened to heavy metal music before committing the murder – songs with lyrics that said, “Kill….don’t be afraid….just do it…I’m tired of this life….let’s end it….”
When do boys make good girls go bad? When do girls want to lose control?
Is it after they come out of a church, or after a drink at the pub?
Words have power. Music has power – they can work to ignite flames of desire or feelings from within you, without you realizing it (it can be good or bad).
You don’t believe it?
Sit down and just listen to the lyrics of the songs on the radio, or in the disco. How do you feel?
Next, listen to Mozart or some romantic, slow love songs. How do you feel?
Listen to Martin Luther King’s freedom speech. How do you feel?
Listen to someone telling you off? How do you feel?
Do you remember the young killers who suddenly took out guns and killed their schoolmates in America? Or teenagers who killed their parents?
Do you know one thing they had in common? They listened to heavy metal music before committing the murder – songs with lyrics that said, “Kill….don’t be afraid….just do it…I’m tired of this life….let’s end it….”
Look at the lives of people who spend their time listening to good music (classical, instrumental, love songs, gospel, praise & worship etc.) or great speeches (motivational talks, sermons etc.)– generally, they are more patient, passionate about life with a purpose, nice, and do better in studies.
Compare them with those who feed their minds with ‘rubbish’ – words with no substance - pubs & clubs type music, heavy metal etc…. – generally, they are impatient, rough, do not have a sense of purpose in life, and are quick to give in to their fleshly desires.
It’s a FACT – WORDS and RHYTHM affect your mind, and thus behavior.
Doctors use it to calm you during therapy. Counselors utilize it to encourage you. Motivational speakers use the right words and intonation to inspire you. Even politicians use it to make you believe.
Likewise, the world can also use music & words to corrupt your mind and cause bad behavior.
But the question is, do you even realize it - the power of words and rhythm in your life?
Analyze your whole life. Have you already allowed the world to program your mind?
Think about it – your mind is constantly being bombarded with words and rhythm wherever you go.
Whether you like it or not, YOU ARE ALREADY BEING PROGRAMMED, little by little, day by day.
But it’s NOT too late!
The CHOICE is YOURS!
Be selective – filter what goes into your heart & mind.
When it comes to food, you know how to diet - you avoid oily & fattening food because it’s not good for your health. When you put on weight, you can see it and quickly start to cut down on food.
But the heart & mind – you can’t see it! That’s why it’s so easy to neglect it!
But in fact, the same applies to your soul – avoid rubbish! Fill your ears & mind with good things that will benefit you. Not just music, but also words that people say, or words that you read.
If you have children, pay attention to what they listen to (songs, speeches, books they read etc). From a young age, as parents, feed their minds with good things - so that when they grow up, they will know what garbage is when they listen to it. Speak words of encouragement and blessings to them. Then, when they love goodness from young, it will be difficult for the world and sin to penetrate.
But if the foundation is not laid, the spirit is weak… thus the world has the upper hand and the mind is very vulnerable to being programmed.
So, KNOW the difference between good and bad.
Listen to good stuff! Pay attention to words & lyrics. Switch radio stations if it’s crap. Avoid negative topics that demoralize you. Walk away politely if you can. If there’s nothing you can do anything about it – FILTER it in your head. Replace them with positive and godly thoughts. Pray in your heart.
Don’t allow the WORDS (sound, spoken or written) and RYTHM (music, tone of voice etc.) to stimulate desires or feelings (eg: lust, depression, anger etc) that do not benefit you.
INTENTIONALLY SELECT WHAT YOU WANT TO LISTEN TO.
PROTECT YOUR HEART & MIND because it determines your ACTIONS.
The Bible teaches us the perfect WEAPON against mind programming:
Ephesians 6:10-18
The Whole Armor of God
10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we[a] are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.[b] 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.[c] 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.[d]
FIGHT mind control! REPROGRAM your mind today!
The BATTLE is on…
By, JJ.
Compare them with those who feed their minds with ‘rubbish’ – words with no substance - pubs & clubs type music, heavy metal etc…. – generally, they are impatient, rough, do not have a sense of purpose in life, and are quick to give in to their fleshly desires.
It’s a FACT – WORDS and RHYTHM affect your mind, and thus behavior.
Doctors use it to calm you during therapy. Counselors utilize it to encourage you. Motivational speakers use the right words and intonation to inspire you. Even politicians use it to make you believe.
Likewise, the world can also use music & words to corrupt your mind and cause bad behavior.
But the question is, do you even realize it - the power of words and rhythm in your life?
Analyze your whole life. Have you already allowed the world to program your mind?
Think about it – your mind is constantly being bombarded with words and rhythm wherever you go.
Whether you like it or not, YOU ARE ALREADY BEING PROGRAMMED, little by little, day by day.
But it’s NOT too late!
The CHOICE is YOURS!
Be selective – filter what goes into your heart & mind.
When it comes to food, you know how to diet - you avoid oily & fattening food because it’s not good for your health. When you put on weight, you can see it and quickly start to cut down on food.
But the heart & mind – you can’t see it! That’s why it’s so easy to neglect it!
But in fact, the same applies to your soul – avoid rubbish! Fill your ears & mind with good things that will benefit you. Not just music, but also words that people say, or words that you read.
If you have children, pay attention to what they listen to (songs, speeches, books they read etc). From a young age, as parents, feed their minds with good things - so that when they grow up, they will know what garbage is when they listen to it. Speak words of encouragement and blessings to them. Then, when they love goodness from young, it will be difficult for the world and sin to penetrate.
But if the foundation is not laid, the spirit is weak… thus the world has the upper hand and the mind is very vulnerable to being programmed.
So, KNOW the difference between good and bad.
Listen to good stuff! Pay attention to words & lyrics. Switch radio stations if it’s crap. Avoid negative topics that demoralize you. Walk away politely if you can. If there’s nothing you can do anything about it – FILTER it in your head. Replace them with positive and godly thoughts. Pray in your heart.
Don’t allow the WORDS (sound, spoken or written) and RYTHM (music, tone of voice etc.) to stimulate desires or feelings (eg: lust, depression, anger etc) that do not benefit you.
INTENTIONALLY SELECT WHAT YOU WANT TO LISTEN TO.
PROTECT YOUR HEART & MIND because it determines your ACTIONS.
The Bible teaches us the perfect WEAPON against mind programming:
Ephesians 6:10-18
The Whole Armor of God
10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we[a] are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.[b] 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.[c] 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.[d]
FIGHT mind control! REPROGRAM your mind today!
The BATTLE is on…
By, JJ.
A Poem : Do You Listen With Your Heart?
Do you hear when the leaves rustle?
Do you feel it when the gentle wind blows?
Do you sip a glass of orange juice bit by bit?
Do you taste the flavor of flour that coats a piece of cake?
Do you see the little spider crawling?
Do you touch the morning dew on a blade of grass?
Do you sniff the scent of your own perfume?
Do you hear a soft cry in a crowded place bustling with noise?
Do you read between the lines of a sentence?
Do you hear beyond the words that are spoken?
Do you understand further than logic or reason?
Do you hug someone even when they make mistakes?
Do you hold back your words when someone deserves to be scolded?
Do you remember your childhood days when you wished to be understood?
Do you love even when it makes it you angry?
Do you listen with your heart?
By JJ.
Do you feel it when the gentle wind blows?
Do you sip a glass of orange juice bit by bit?
Do you taste the flavor of flour that coats a piece of cake?
Do you see the little spider crawling?
Do you touch the morning dew on a blade of grass?
Do you sniff the scent of your own perfume?
Do you hear a soft cry in a crowded place bustling with noise?
Do you read between the lines of a sentence?
Do you hear beyond the words that are spoken?
Do you understand further than logic or reason?
Do you hug someone even when they make mistakes?
Do you hold back your words when someone deserves to be scolded?
Do you remember your childhood days when you wished to be understood?
Do you love even when it makes it you angry?
Do you listen with your heart?
By JJ.
The Power of Your Words
In her best-selling book, “The Secret,” Rhonda Byrne details how you can alter your life and feelings by changing the words you speak.
In his new-age bestseller, “The Law of Attraction,” Micheal J. Losier, explains how to attract good things into your life by replacing negative thoughts and words with positive ones.
Both Rhonda Byrne & Micheal J. Losier give similar examples. Eg: If you don’t have money, don’t keep saying “I don’t have money.” Instead, replace those negative words with positive ones. Say, “I am having money.”
According to this school of thought, your subconscious mind will change your behavior and attitude towards money, thus attracting the riches that you’ve been dreaming of.
The key, as they say, lies in getting the right words and thoughts to sink into your subconscious mind (in other words, your heart & soul).
Even Napolean Hill, in his classic, “Think & Grow Rich” advocates the same idea. Donald Trump, the tycoon, is also famous for saying “Think Big.” These people’s lives prove the notion that it is possible to speak things into existence.
Now a simple question – What do you use to think? What do you use to describe your feelings? What do you use to speak? What do you use to pray?
A simple answer – WORDS.
So, it’s not too much to say, your life is made up of WORDS!
All these famous best-selling writers agree that the most successful people in life have realized this power and harnessed it to their benefit - while the rest of the world sits and accepts fate as an inevitable cycle.
Although many of these books and ideas have gained popularity in recent years, these concepts are not new at all.
Even more than 2000 years ago, Romans 4:17 in the Bible says “...call those things which are not as if they were...”
These words sum up the ideas in “The Secret” and “The Law of Attraction” – if you desire for something to happen, THINK about it as if it has already happened. TALK about it as if it has already happened. SPEAK to the situation. FEEL it as if it has already happened – regardless of the current situation.
And what do you use to do that? – WORDS
While on earth, Jesus healed the sick, made the blind see and the lame walk, with the power of His Words. When people pray, I have seen the sick being cured instantly. Even I have experienced instant healing a few times, just harnessing this power – by saying and believing I am healed, in Jesus’ Name. This is the same power He has given to those of us who believe.
I cannot imagine my condition if I simply accept my situation as fate. If I choose to wait for life’s cycle to turn around, then I wonder how long it would take.
It’s true, life has its ups and downs. But whether you ride on the waves like a proud surfer, or drown beneath, depends on what you THINK, SPEAK and ACT.
And you do that with WORDS.
Truly, this concept has existed since the beginning of time. The Bible says:
John 1:1-3
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
God Himself SPOKE the entire universe into existence, with the WORD! This is the beginning of Creation.
And He has given the same power to us today – to speak things into existence.
...if we BELIEVE...
By, JJ
In his new-age bestseller, “The Law of Attraction,” Micheal J. Losier, explains how to attract good things into your life by replacing negative thoughts and words with positive ones.
Both Rhonda Byrne & Micheal J. Losier give similar examples. Eg: If you don’t have money, don’t keep saying “I don’t have money.” Instead, replace those negative words with positive ones. Say, “I am having money.”
According to this school of thought, your subconscious mind will change your behavior and attitude towards money, thus attracting the riches that you’ve been dreaming of.
The key, as they say, lies in getting the right words and thoughts to sink into your subconscious mind (in other words, your heart & soul).
Even Napolean Hill, in his classic, “Think & Grow Rich” advocates the same idea. Donald Trump, the tycoon, is also famous for saying “Think Big.” These people’s lives prove the notion that it is possible to speak things into existence.
Now a simple question – What do you use to think? What do you use to describe your feelings? What do you use to speak? What do you use to pray?
A simple answer – WORDS.
So, it’s not too much to say, your life is made up of WORDS!
All these famous best-selling writers agree that the most successful people in life have realized this power and harnessed it to their benefit - while the rest of the world sits and accepts fate as an inevitable cycle.
Although many of these books and ideas have gained popularity in recent years, these concepts are not new at all.
Even more than 2000 years ago, Romans 4:17 in the Bible says “...call those things which are not as if they were...”
These words sum up the ideas in “The Secret” and “The Law of Attraction” – if you desire for something to happen, THINK about it as if it has already happened. TALK about it as if it has already happened. SPEAK to the situation. FEEL it as if it has already happened – regardless of the current situation.
And what do you use to do that? – WORDS
While on earth, Jesus healed the sick, made the blind see and the lame walk, with the power of His Words. When people pray, I have seen the sick being cured instantly. Even I have experienced instant healing a few times, just harnessing this power – by saying and believing I am healed, in Jesus’ Name. This is the same power He has given to those of us who believe.
I cannot imagine my condition if I simply accept my situation as fate. If I choose to wait for life’s cycle to turn around, then I wonder how long it would take.
It’s true, life has its ups and downs. But whether you ride on the waves like a proud surfer, or drown beneath, depends on what you THINK, SPEAK and ACT.
And you do that with WORDS.
Truly, this concept has existed since the beginning of time. The Bible says:
John 1:1-3
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
God Himself SPOKE the entire universe into existence, with the WORD! This is the beginning of Creation.
And He has given the same power to us today – to speak things into existence.
...if we BELIEVE...
By, JJ
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