Month April 2010

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My Read of the Month:

Title: Think and Grow Rich
Author: Napoleon Hill
Published: 1960
Genre: Self-development/motivational
Ratings: 5.0 out of 5 stars

How to get money is the main message of this book after observing that millions of people are paralysed with the fear of
poverty.

Though published some 50 years ago, the concepts and principles presented in this book are timeless; a product of two decades of research conducted by Napoleon Hill. Mr. Hill draws on stories of Andrew Carnegie, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and other millionaires of his generation to illustrate his principles.

Some of them debunked conventional financial wisdom, and were thought-provoking such as ‘knowledge is not power, but only potential power’; ‘hard work and honesty alone will not bring riches’; ‘money does not make more money’; ‘money is “shy and timid” and need to be attracted’.

However, the most priceless truth I learned from this book which was surprisingly related to achieving riches was about sex! According to Napoleon, the driving force of sex when appropriately harnessed and transmuted “is capable of lifting men into a higher sphere of thought which enables them to master the sources of worry and petty annoyance which beset their pathway on the lower plane.”

And he further added that because of this misunderstanding and misuse of sex (this great force), majority of men had lowered themselves to the status of the lower animals. Don’t you just agree?

Believe it or not, this fascinating and in-depth book is built on biblical principles and truth. That is why I found this book explosive! It really expanded my horizon to receive more from this Infinite Intelligence (a term made in this book in reference to God). And it has to be read with an objective and opened mind.

And whether the principles work or not, give me some time to test them out okay? When I reach my financial goals, I will update here in my blog. Haha…

Who should read it: Everyone should especially for those who desire (and not merely wishing) to get rich- this could also be used in its general sense of financially, spiritually, mentally and materially.

Making my Life count

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“Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people),

Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil.

Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is.

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but ever be filled and stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit.

Speak out to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, offering praise with voices [and instruments] and making melody with all your heart to the Lord,

At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.”

Ephesians 5:15-20 (The Amplified)

Fruitful Years beyond Forty

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I came across an interesting observation that was presented in a book that I’m currently reading. This was something closely related to my previous entry.

In his book Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, he stated:

“Seldom does an individual enter upon highly creative effort in any field or endeavor before the age of forty. The average man reaches the period of his greatest capacity to create between forty and sixty.”

Napoleon’s reason for his statement is from the analysis of more than 25,000 people who had succeeded in an outstanding way. And the results showed that they rarely do so before the age of forty.

He explains that people do not strike their real pace until they are well beyond the age of forty to fifty. At that phase, it is where they’ve learned to harness their knowledge and experience.

What about those who do not succeed even beyond forty? I think that’s where we get the term- mid-life crisis which happens to middle-aged people.

I’m definitely inclined towards agreeing with the author, but with us now in the Internet Age, free access to almost unlimited knowledge can help accelerate the growth development of people.

At the same time, I’m also encouraged by this and can look forward in approaching that age with hope and anticipation. That’s because I can expect to reap a harvest (by His grace) from the decisions, choices and commitments that I’m embarking today.

Reaching Peak Potential

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Over the weekend, Manchester United won an all important match 3-1 against Tottenham Hotspurs to keep their BPL Championship titles hopes alive.

Besides the gallant display, I was particularly impressed with red devil’s old guard, Ryan Giggs who scored two of the three goals for the home team.

Exceptional Ryan Giggs

Unnoticed by some, this 37-year-old player was playing and almost completing his 20th highly-competitive season for Manchester United.

And considering that he has won almost every coveted award or prize available (except the elusive world cup), his consistency and insatiable appetite for success is commendable.

What’s more remarkable is how Giggs has defied all odds to fully stretch and reach his peak potential as a soccer player at his age despite the average soccer player best-by-date being at 28-30 years old.

Excellence required to peak

Here’s a quote worth mentioning: “Winner never quit, and quitters never win”.

If there’s anything that can be learnt from Giggs, it would be his relentless pursuit of excellence to raise the bar of his game. That’s because it is so easy for us to lose the drive to excel after tasting a bit of success.

Likewise, it is my prayer that I’ll have this similar spirit of excellence and stay focus on the goal that God has set for me; to keep on keeping on in reaching my peak potential.

I’m believing God for more (of Him and from Him) and not settling for anything less. I simply desire to become and accomplished all that God has created and destined me for.

Internet Evangelism Day (IED) 2010

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Come join the IED@SG Focus Day this Sat 24 Apr at Kum Yan Methodist Church, 1 Queen Street [map] and gain practical handles on thinking about new media for learning and communications [Session 1, 10-12pm].

Then connect with a new media faith community on online mission opportunities for you and your church! [Session 2 & 3, 2-5pm]

You may register here>>>.

What a Divine Wedding Gift!

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I have an amazing personal testimony to share; one that attests of God’s providence and goodness!

My wife and I had discussed about going for another overseas trip during the June holidays to make up for what we deemed as a not-enough and too-short honeymoon.

However, with us in the midst of fulfilling our “Arise & Build” church-building fund, we deliberated and mutually decided to postpone that second trip.

The wedding gift

Not too long after that, I was having an overseas tele-conversation with a good friend of mine. And that was when he told me that he had prepared a surprise wedding gift for me.

Can you guess what it was?

Yup! It was a wedding gift that comprised of fully paid two-way air tickets including accommodation at the destination that my wife and I had initially planned to go!

So this June, my wife and I will be going on a sponsored second honeymoon trip. Amazing.

Coincidence? I doubt so.

It is more believable to attribute this perfectly-timed and detailed-fit gift to God than it is to luck or chance.

What this tells me is that my God is good and He loves me (us) so!

Experiencing His Resurrection Power

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“I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him.

This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.

Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come.

God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church.

And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.”

Ephesians 1:19-23 (New Living Translation)

A New Lease of Life in Christ

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Two years ago, I witnessed a good friend of mine, Thomas responding in receiving Christ in his life.

That was a miraculous moment!

Two weeks ago, I witnessed Thomas responding again.

This time it was obeying the call to follow Christ whole-heartedly with the baptism of water.

Now that was an awesome moment!

Resurrecting from the dead

Jesus said, “I’m the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies”. (c.f. John 11:25).

As symbolic as the baptism is of burying our old-self in the watery grave and resurrecting as His new creation with the life Christ, I’m delighted for Thomas as he is experiencing a new lease of life through Christ.

Are you sick in your body?

Is your marriage in shambles?

Are you facing a road block or a dead end in your career?

Are you in saddled by mounting debts?

Is your dream buried and tucked away as a lost cause?

Are you in bondage with a destructive habit(s)?

Jesus is not dead. He is alive! He is not against us. He is for us!

This easter, remember the resurrecting power of Christ and unleash His power in your life. I guarantee that your life will never be the same again.