For Good Money Management, Know the State of Your ‘Flocks’

 

 

Notice:
Effective from 26th Feb, all articles will be posted up on Saturdays from 3.00pm onwards.

You can’t deal with reality unless you are aware of reality – and the truth is, we all sometimes ignore what’s going on with our money. Have you ever found yourself saying something like, “I just don’t know where it all goes”? If so, that is a huge warning that you’re headed for trouble.

As I meditated upon what Solomon says, “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations” (Proverbs 27:23-24 NIV) and I observed how business interests were all caught up in people’s flocks and herds – those were their assets & that they would talk about the value of knowing the state of their flocks during Bible times.

And, I plan to focus on four things about my finances –as I say this to myself, “what you own, what you owe, what you earn, and where it goes,” and these four things does help me to be financially free as I did my today’s reading.

Truly, I observed how Habakkuk described the time when he had struggles and doubts to have understood why the wicked in Judah were not punished for their sin (Habakkuk 1:2-4, 12-17, NIV). Indeed, I also saw how the Psalmist had been afflicted with shame that brought punishment every morning even though he had a pure heart and cleanse his hands in innocence (Psalm 73:13-14, NIV). Yet, the righteous are perishing in their righteousness and wicked are living in their wickedness (Ecclesiastes 7:15, NIV). But, one thing stands is joy in suffering (James 1:3, NIV) that brings much fruitfulness. And, this encourages me to have a joy amidst of sufferings in the LORD once I trust God for Him to reveal Himself to me in my life.

This joy in suffering also encourages me to have the joy in giving my time and resources to others and trusting God to supply all my needs to be met (Philippians 4:10-19, NIV) as I learn the principle of accounting so that I could be a responsible money manager.

Indeed, we should be grateful to know how God’s a plan to bless our finances.

Do you want to know where your money is going?

(Written by Jeremy Koh, 23rd January 2020)

Profile Background:
Jeremy Koh is a disabled graduate from Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore – formerly known as Spastic Children Association (1987-1997). He graduated with Certificates in Microsoft Office Skills. Jeremy has worked in ServeHope Pte Ltd – Project Assistant/Email Marketing Consultant for 5 years (March 2008 – August 2013). And, Jeremy did a research work for the keyguard at (these)abilites Pte Ltd handling all KeyGuard Operations for 10 months in World United College South East Asia (Tampines Branch). He was Executive Assistant with Vision Strategy Storytelling (3 months, Aug to Oct 2017). Jeremy worked as GB Connector in GrowthBeans Team in Savior-Asia Consulting Pte Ltd (October 2018 to December 2019). Today, he continues to be in GB Youth Organizing Team/as a GB Youth Facilitator in YouthCorps Singapore, a former member of the Special Needs Cluster in YCS, and a Founder in the ground up initiative project called – Project Story for LIFE that serves the Special Needs Community at-large in society today.

Prayer Response to this featured article:
Jesus, help us to have joy in suffering + to have the joy in giving & learn the principle of accounting responsible as we become money manager today.

Save for Tomorrow so you’re’ Not Just Living for Today

 

If you’re not saving’ anything, you have a “live for today” mentality. This is where you think, “I’ve got it now, so I’ll spend it now. Forget about tomorrow!”

John D. Rockefeller was the wealthiest man of his time. He’s famous for having been asked multiple times about the secret of his wealth. His answer became known as his 10-10-80 principle. He’d tell people that he got wealthy by giving the first 10 percent of whatever he made back to God. The second 10 percent went into savings, and he learned to live on the remaining 80 percent.

As I meditated upon what Solomon says, ”The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets” (Proverbs 21:20, TLB), this reminds me that saving is one way that God tests me in my finances + be responsible with what He’s given me. Though, culture says to pay all your bills first – but then you don’t have any money for saving and tithing. Yet, God says, “Pay me first, then pay yourself second (savings), and then pay your bills after that.”

Indeed, I observed how Jeremiah cried out for justice for God to show His mercy to the injustice knowing for the fact that the hearts of the Israelites were far off though their lips sang praises of the LORD + they grew in His ways & bear for Him (Jeremiah 12:1-3, NIV). And, this made me pondered upon how I have to examine my heart to give myself unto the LORD as I worship Him and sing praises to His wonderful Name daily.

Today, I accept the grace that God is giving me + taking the hard steps to live the purpose that He’s given me for tomorrow as I did my CNY’s weekend reading.

What keeps you from being able to save part of your income?

(Written by Jeremy Koh, 27th January 2020)

Profile Background:
Jeremy Koh is a disabled graduate from Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore – formerly known as Spastic Children Association (1987-1997). He graduated with Certificates in Microsoft Office Skills. Jeremy has worked in ServeHope Pte Ltd – Project Assistant/Email Marketing Consultant for 5 years (March 2008 – August 2013). And, Jeremy did a research work for the keyguard at (these)abilites Pte Ltd handling all KeyGuard Operations for 10 months in World United College South East Asia (Tampines Branch). He was Executive Assistant with Vision Strategy Storytelling (3 months, Aug to Oct 2017). Jeremy worked as GB Connector in GrowthBeans Team in Savior-Asia Consulting Pte Ltd (October 2018 to December 2019). Today, he continues to be in GB Youth Organizing Team/as a GB Youth Facilitator in YouthCorps Singapore, a former member of the Special Needs Cluster in YCS, and a Founder in the ground up initiative project called – Project Story for LIFE that serves the Special Needs Community at-large in society today.

Prayer Response to this featured article:
Thank you Jesus for giving us the grace to help us live the purpose in our lives today;

CHRISTIAN VIEWPOINT FEATURE #4

How Bible Scholars and Treasure Hunters Unearthed Modern Jerusalem:
Modern Israeli leaders are unequivocal about the importance of Jerusalem to the state of Israel.“It has been proved without a doubt that Jerusalem is the main artery of our national consciousness,” former Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in 2017. “The root of Zionism is in Zion.

(For more info, do click the link https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2022/january-web-only/jerusalem-archaeology-history-zionism-treasure-hunters.html – Andrew Lawler, 27th January 2022 (inside Christianity Today)

‘Your Will Be Done’ – The Glory of Christ’s Human Choices:
All of Jesus’s human life led him to this garden. As he knelt and prayed in Gethsemane, waiting in agony – with beads of sweat “like great drops of blood falling down to the ground” (Luke 22:44) – here he made the Choice.

(For more info, do click the link https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/your-will-be-done – by David Mathis – 23th Jan 2022 (Executive Editor – inside Desiring God)

A Father’s Good Pleasure:
A recent experience stirred in me a desire to share a word for fathers. I have fathers of younger children particularly in mind, those on the front end of their fathering days, when a man is seeking to establish godly habits so that, by his example, his children might see the shadow of their heavenly Father.

(For more info, do click the link https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/a-fathers-good-pleasure – by Jon Bloom, 5th Jan 2022 (Staff Writer– inside Desiring God)

A Son Worthy to Be King:
Many a new Bible reader have run into Matthew’s Gospel, eager and determined, only to trip over the first seventeen verses. We come expecting story, expecting drama, expecting angels and magi and a baby born in Bethlehem.

(For more info, do click the link https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/a-son-worthy-to-be-king – by Scott Hubbard, 12th Dec 2021 (Editor – inside Desiring God)

Suffering Taught Me the Sovereignty of God:
Jesus saved me thirty-seven years ago. A janitor at my college used his breaks to preach the gospel. I eventually repented and believed, and Jesus rescued me from the tragedy of not knowing God.

God gave me a ravishing hunger to know him. So I read and reread my Bible, I prayed, and I prayed more, and I plunged headfirst into the church. As I grew, I was exposed to Reformed teaching about the sovereignty of God and learned that he works his purposes in my life and in all things for his glory and for the good of those who love him. Pursuing God became the passion of my life.

(For more info, do click the link – https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/suffering-taught-me-the-sovereignty-of-god by Pastor Bobby Scott (Los Angeles, California) – inside Desiring God – 22nd Nov 2021)

Prophetic Word: It’s a Season to “’Ride the Wave’”
I heard the spirit of God say “This next season looks like ‘Riding the Wave.’” Before someone rides a wave, they must learn to lie down and balance on a surfboard. This is a time of learning, training, and preparing for the progression of the surfing experience. Right before you ‘Ride the Wave,’ you must 'Catch the Wave.’ Catching the wave is “the point when the wave hits the tail end of the surfboard and starts to push the surfer as he or she is paddling.”

(For more info, do click the link – https://www.charismanews.com/culture/87306-prophetic-word-it-s-a-season-to-ride-the-wave by Diane Anil – inside Charisma News – 2nd Nov 2021)

Prophetic Insight: The Lighthouses and the Lost:
On the most eastern point of the Australian shoreline is a lighthouse. The Cape Byron Lighthouse sits 94 meters above sea level but is only 22 meters tall as it was built on a large rocky outcrop. There was no need for the lighthouse to be a towering structure because the rock on which it sits ensures the vantage point that allows it to fulfil its purpose. It shines a light into the darkness so that travelers can safely navigate the shoreline in safety.

(For more info, do click the link – https://www.charismamag.com/blogs/prophetic-insight/50024-the-lighthouses-and-the-lost by Charissa Steffens – inside Prophetic Insight – 27th Aug 2021)

How Mothers (and Others) Minister in Disrupted Spaces:
For many parents, the advent of the school year brings with it a familiar and difficult dynamic: cycles of interruptions. As mothers, in particular, we learn to be flexible with our plans and structure our days to bend to our kids’ needs.

(For more info, do click the link https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2018/september-web-only/how-mothers-and-others-minister-in-disrupted-spaces.html – Tina Osterhouse, 18th September 2018 (inside Christianity Today)

Three Ways God Tests You through Your Finances

Notice:
Do take note that your CNY’s devotional feature will be posted up on 31st Jan Monday from 6.30pm onwards on this blog. 

 Money shows what you love most. You’re going to give your most time and money to whatever you love most – and your calendar and bank statement will prove it.

I consider upon how God’s looking for three specific things as Rick Warren has highlighted out inside the Daily Hope devotional text today.

• Money shows what you love most. You’re going to give your most time and money to whatever you love most – and your calendar and bank statement will prove it. As Jesus says, “Don’t store up treasures here on earth . . . Store your treasures in heaven . . . Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be” (Matthew 6:19-21 NLT). Wherever you want your heart to be, put your money there, and you’ll get interested in it.
  
• Money shows what you trust most. It shows what you have faith in. Are you trusting in money or God for security? Are you trusting in money or God for your happiness? As Solomon says, “Trust in your money and down you go! Trust in God and flourish as a tree!” (Proverbs 11:28, TLB).
• Money shows if God can trust you. Unmanaged finances are a symptom of an unmanaged life. God is looking to see how well you manage material things before he gives you spiritual blessing. The Bible says, “If you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?” (Luke 16:11-12 NIV).

 As Solomon says, “Trust in your money and down you go! Trust in God and flourish as a tree!” (Proverbs 11:28 TLB) and I am thankful that God is using money to see if I am responsible to handle to handle the material possessions that He has entrusted me with as I did my today’s meditation.

What does your bank statement reveal that you love most today?

 (Written by Jeremy Koh, 28th January 2020)

Profile Background:
Jeremy Koh is a disabled graduate from Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore – formerly known as Spastic Children Association (1987-1997). He graduated with Certificates in Microsoft Office Skills. Jeremy has worked in ServeHope Pte Ltd – Project Assistant/Email Marketing Consultant for 5 years (March 2008 – August 2013). And, Jeremy did a research work for the keyguard at (these)abilites Pte Ltd handling all KeyGuard Operations for 10 months in World United College South East Asia (Tampines Branch). He was Executive Assistant with Vision Strategy Storytelling (3 months, Aug to Oct 2017). Jeremy worked as GB Connector in GrowthBeans Team in Savior-Asia Consulting Pte Ltd (October 2018 to December 2019). Today, he continues to be in GB Youth Organizing Team/as a GB Youth Facilitator in YouthCorps Singapore, a former member of the Special Needs Cluster in YCS, and a Founder in the ground up initiative project called – Project Story for LIFE that serves the Special Needs Community at-large in society today.

Prayer Response to this featured article:
Jesus, test our responsibility as we handle money today;

The Word

 

As I did my New Year’s reading, I praise God for nourishing me spiritually through reading + understanding His Word and hearing Him speak through His spoken Word to know that He was there at the beginning of time, like how the Scriptures said, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning” (John 1:1–2, NIV). Truly, God created all things through His spoken His Word and how the creation is being sustained by God’s Word alone (Colossians 1:16b, NIV), and that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14, NIV).

Today, I thank God for giving me Jesus as the living Word in my life as I read the Scriptures daily. As such, the Word deepens my understanding of God as I reflect the life that He has equipped me to live by every day as I pondered through my reading.

Is Jesus your living Word today?

(Written by Jeremy Koh, 1st January 2022 – New Year’s Day)

Profile Background:
Jeremy Koh is a disabled graduate from Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore – formerly known as Spastic Children Association (1987-1997). He graduated with Certificates in Microsoft Office Skills. Jeremy has worked in ServeHope Pte Ltd – Project Assistant/Email Marketing Consultant for 5 years (March 2008 – August 2013). And, Jeremy did a research work for the keyguard at (these)abilites Pte Ltd handling all KeyGuard Operations for 10 months in World United College South East Asia (Tampines Branch). He was Executive Assistant with Vision Strategy Storytelling (3 months, Aug to Oct 2017). Jeremy worked as GB Connector in GrowthBeans Team in Savior-Asia Consulting Pte Ltd (October 2018 to December 2019). Today, he continues to be in GB Youth Organizing Team/as a GB Youth Facilitator in YouthCorps Singapore, a former member of the Special Needs Cluster in YCS, and a Founder in the ground up initiative project called – Project Story for LIFE that serves the Special Needs Community at-large in society today.

Prayer Response to this featured article:
Thank you Jesus for giving us your living Word today

MISSIONARY NEWS FEATURE #14

Turkey: 

Turkey is a nation torn in different directions. It crosses 2 continents. 3% is Europe (Thrace), and 97% is Asia (Anatolia). It has economic links with Europe, cultural links with Central Asia, and sits near conflict areas such as Iraq/Syria, the Balkans, and the Caucasus. Turkey is a secular state, yet to be Turk is to be Muslim! The constitution, courts, and military are meant to uphold religious freedom, but even some secular Turks can be as anti-Christian (and anti-Western, anti-minority) as Islamists are. Turkey’s strategic location has made it important throughout history. It could serve as a powerful and stable mediator in a region of great conflict. But more and more, it looks like it is moving toward being a dictatorship rather than a democracy. Thousands of people associated with the political opposition parties have been arrested or lost their jobs. Even some loyalists were “not loyal enough” and lost theirs, too! We pray for God's will to be done in this influential nation and for Turkey to be used for His glory.

For over 1,000 years, this region was a stronghold of Christianity. Later it became a centre for the spread of Islam. The Christian population declined from 22% in 1900 to 0.21% in 2010. Few of today’s 73 million Turkish Muslims have ever truly heard the gospel. The ancient Churches survived until the beginning of the 20th century, but massacres (Armenians), severe persecutions (Assyrians), and emigration (Greeks) removed most of them from the land. We pray for a reviving work of the Holy Spirit among the 130,000 Christians from these ancient confessions who’ still remain in Turkey.

(Do click onto this link – https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/11-24/ & https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/11-25/ to read for further news by Operation World Prayer News, 24 & 25th Nov 2021)

South Africa:
Do pray for all in government and leadership, that the priorities would be justice, righteousness, and economic improvement for all. Greater transparency, a more mature democracy, and free press, would all help combat corruption and deception. The nation faces high rates of rape and violent crime. The legacy of racism and injustice do not justify the lawlessness and wickedness evident. Do pray that the spirit of violence, both physical and sexual, might be bound under the authority of Christ.

(Do click onto this link – https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/11-01/ to read for further news by Operation World Prayer News, 1st Nov 2021)

Slovenia:
Slovenia has had a Protestant witness since the Reformation, but still has very few evangelical churches and needs church-planting teams. The very small evangelical population is divided by ethnic group. Do pray for unity, and for an Evangelical Alliance to unite the churches. Most congregations lack a full-time pastor, and need outside financial assistance. Do pray for Slovene believers to evangelize their country, to support their pastors, and even to send missionaries!

(Do click onto this link – https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/10-27/ to read for further news by Operation World Prayer News, 27th Oct 2021)

Slovakia:
Slovakia has a strong Christian heritage, but the many Catholic, Lutheran, and Reformed Churches struggle with low attendance. Praise God for renewal movements, especially among Lutherans who focus on young people and small groups (Family Fellowships). Do pray that the Holy Spirit would bring new life to the strong foundation of Christianity here.

(Do click onto this link – https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/10-26/ to read for further news by Operation World Prayer News, 26th Oct 2021)

Russia:
The fall of the Iron Curtain opened Eastern Europe and Central Asia to evangelism, church planting, rebirth of a Christian society, Bible translation work, and more. Churches more than doubled in number and in size, and the number of people who identify themselves as non-religious or atheist dropped by more than half from before 1991! Evangelicals tripled in number since 1991, and now have a recognized place within Russian religious culture. Their experience and maturity allow them to face with wisdom the agendas of both Western and Russian governments. But the days of fast growth (1990s) soon ended. Moscow and St Petersburg have only 10% of Russia’s population, but the largest amount of mission activity, ministry, and resources.

The North Caucasus region is the poorest and least stable region in Russia. It has the highest unemployment, the highest birth rates, and widespread corruption. The region’s 7 republics contain 50 to 60 ethnic groups of Caucasus, Turkic, and Iranian origin. The North Caucasus peoples are among the least reached on earth, and they live in Europe’s least-evangelized region.

(Do click onto the links – https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/10-14/ & https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/10-15/ to read for further news by Operation World Prayer News, 14th & 15th Oct 2021)

Estonia:
Estonia found political and economic success after the time of Soviet domination (1940-1988). Poverty remains a problem, and greed for material possessions grows as the economy grows. Estonia faces a crisis of values as the people become more and more secular in their attitudes.

(Do click onto this link – https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/05-18/ to read for further news by Operation World Prayer News, 18th May 2021)

Eritrea:
Religious freedom remains a major issue. A 2002 government ruling banned all religious groups from meeting together and practicing their faith without official recognition, and it granted recognition only to Sunni Islam, Eritrean Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Evangelical Lutheran groups. The effects of this on all Eritreans are significant, especially so on Christians within non-approved groups. Some posit this as a reaction against the evangelical growth within the Orthodox Church and during the long war with Ethiopia. Do pray for the government acceptance of religious groups and for restoration of basic human rights and religious freedom to all Eritreans.

Eritrea longs for peace and national stability. It is located in a region filled with countries fraught with conflict and crises. War and drought left millions dependent on food aid from abroad. Many face extreme poverty with no relief ahead. Mandatory military service limits the size of the workforce. Many people flee the country to escape the military, and the money sent home by those who live abroad now provides a vital source of income for the country.

(Do click onto this link – https://operationworld.org/locations/eritrea/ & https://operationworld.org/prayer-calendar/05-16/ to read for further news by Operation World Prayer News, 17th & 16th May 2021)

Mary’s Song

As I did my Christmas’ reading, I noted how Mary “hurried” to visit her cousin Elizabeth (Luke 1:39, NIV) after all the shocking events of Gabriel’s annunciation and how she said a bold “yes” to God after Gabriel confirmed God’s word at the first greeting between the two women. And, Elizabeth prophesied over Mary that caused her to respond by singing to God’s promise shown to her life. Truly, I saw how Mary was able to conceive and was to bear the newborn Christ – being the mother of our Lord that came true through the words of the angel (Luke 1:28, NIV). Indeed, God chose Mary to birth out Jesus Christ who was going to give eternal life & the redemption to all men as their Messiah being regenerated and sanctified by the Holy Spirit within her. Through this, Mary walked in fear the Lord where God’s elect has been spoken out from generation to generation; to the end of the world where we can be the partakers of His grace like how Mary declared, “From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation” (Luke 1:48b–50, NIV).

Hence, I sing an anthem of praise and promise from my heart to know that a Saviour has been born on this day. And, this encourages me to place the priority of God’s purpose in my life just as Mary did as I did my weekend’s reading.

What song will you be singing this Christmas today?

(Written by Jeremy Koh, 25th December 2021 – Christmas Day)

Profile Background:
Jeremy Koh is a disabled graduate from Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore – formerly known as Spastic Children Association (1987-1997). He graduated with Certificates in Microsoft Office Skills. Jeremy has worked in ServeHope Pte Ltd – Project Assistant/Email Marketing Consultant for 5 years (March 2008 – August 2013). And, Jeremy did a research work for the keyguard at (these)abilites Pte Ltd handling all KeyGuard Operations for 10 months in World United College South East Asia (Tampines Branch). He was Executive Assistant with Vision Strategy Storytelling (3 months, Aug to Oct 2017). Jeremy worked as GB Connector in GrowthBeans Team in Savior-Asia Consulting Pte Ltd (October 2018 to December 2019). Today, he continues to be in GB Youth Organizing Team/as a GB Youth Facilitator in YouthCorps Singapore, a former member of the Special Needs Cluster in YCS, and a Founder in the ground up initiative project called – Project Story for LIFE that serves the Special Needs Community at-large in society today.

Prayer Response to this featured article:
Jesus, ‘Lord, my soul glorifies you, ‘and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour’ (Luke 1:46b–47, NIV).