"Karoshi"

A store manager with hamburger chain McDonald's in Yokohama, Japan who died of a brain haemorrhage was a victim of karoshi or death by overwork. The woman had done more than 80 hours of overtime on average per month for the six months before she collapsed in October 2007 during a training programme at a different store. She died in hospital three days later, said an official at the Kanagawa Labour Bureau. [The Star dated 29-10-2009]

Much of our living is spent acquiring and using money, which doesn't last. The temporary nature of material wealth makes it a poor bargain in the search for security in an insecure world. The Bible does not say it's wrong to have money or the things that money can buy. Where we lose our way is when money becomes the driving purpose of our lives. Like the rich man and his barns [Luke 12 : 13-21], we end up pursuing the accumulation of things that eventually will be forfeited - if not in life, then certainly at death.

Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Proverbs 23:4

Treasures in heaven are laid up as treasures on earth are laid down

Joyful living

The New Testament gives us many reasons to rejoice. Jesus said, "Rejoice because your names are written in heaven" [Luke 10:20]

The apostle Peter spoke of the reasons believers can "rejoice with joy inexpressible" 1Peter 1:8. We're not asked to pretend that problems don't exists but to rejoice even in the midst of them.

In Romans, we see the contrast between the two kinds of existence possible in this life. In Romans 1 : 18-32, we read about the sad, frightening life of those who refuse to live for God. It's a life full of trouble and turmoil. But in Romans 5: 1-11, we see what happens when a person trusts Christ. "We have peace," it says. "We rejoice," we're told. And we have hope, love, and salvation. What a contrast!

Let's remember that " ... the joy of the LORD is your strength." [Nehemiah 8:10]

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Happiness is something you choose.

If you know Jesus, you always have reasons to rejoice.

The miracle of marriage

Adam said: "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; ....(Genesis 2:23)

Pastor Howard Sugden said that marriage is the real miracle and not wedding. Anyone can have a wedding, but only God can create a marriage. A miracle is needed to hold two people together. The union of marriage is so strong that we become "one flesh". God wants marriage to be the way it was when He first created Eve from Adam (Genesis 2 : 21-24). To pledge your life to another is indeed an act of faith that requires belief in miracles.

In Ephesians 5 :22-23, Paul asked husbands and wives to turn their thoughts to their relationship with the Son of God. In Him we find Someone who loves to forget the worst and bring out the best. He reminds us not of what we've lost but of what we have yet to find.

Having deep faith in God, lifelong commitment, loyalty, and self-denying love are the dominant themes of a successful marriage.

Nancy Anderson author of 'Avoiding The Greener Grass Syndrome' offers six action to build "hedges" to protect and make a good marriage :

HEAR - give a listening ear to your spouse.
ENCOURAGE - build up your spouse by focusing on positive qualities.
DATE - celebrate your marriage by playing and laughing together.
GUARD - establish safeguard by setting clear boundaries.
EDUCATE - study your mate to truly understand him or her.
SATISFY - meet each other's need.

1 Peter 3:7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

A happy marriage is a union of two good forgivers.
MARRIAGES MAY BE MADE IN HEAVEN, BUT THEY HAVE TO BE WORKED OUT ON EARTH
SUCCESS IN MARRIAGE IS NOT FINDING THE RIGHT PERSON BUT BECOMING THE RIGHT PERSON

Role of Enzymes

Enzymes are special molecules that work as catalysts. This means that enzymes speed up chemical reactions in the body.

Enzymes are primarily protein molecules that consist of amino acids. They act as biological catalysts responsible for all the biochemical reactions taking place in our body that control life's processes. Enzymes are essential for life sustenance and cellular activity. Life is not possible without enzyme. The amount of enzymatic activity in the body is the indicator that determines "sickness and health".

Generally, the human body consists of 70% water, 15% protein, 13% fat and numerous enzymes responsible for various chemical changes in the body. There are more than 3,000 enzymes in our body to keep us in good health. Anything from digestion of food, limb movement, thinking, the changes happpen 24 hours a day without stopping.

Among our nutrient intake, carbohydrate from grains, glycogen contained in meat and animal livers, lactose from milk and fructose from fruits, etc, also are our energy sources.

Without enzymes, it would be impossible to digest, absorb and utilise these nutrients. Without enzymes in the body, we would not be able to absorb any nutrients.

Enzymes are also crucial for the reactions of each organ in the body. For example, enzymes digest the food so that food is small enough to pass through the cellular membrane of the small intestines and into the blood. Enzymes in the blood will in turn build muscles, nerves, blood and glands from the fully digested nutrients.

Meanwhile, enzymatic actions will also enable carbohydrates to be stored in liver and muscles as well as converting fat into fatty tissues.

Enzymes also aid the formation of urea so that the latter will be excreted in the urine. One particular type of enzyme even aids the bone and nervous tissue in absorbing phosphorus and another enzyme aids the red blood cells in iron absorption.

Hence, enzyme plays an extremely important role in the propagation of life. Enzymes in the immune system clear and eliminate foreign bodies and toxins in the blood tissues.

Joy of Giving

Jesus warned His followers: "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses" (Luke 12:15).

Paul challenged Timothy to encourage the wealthy in the prosperous city of Ephesus that having great wealth carried great responsibility. That included being humble, finding their security in God not in riches, and using their money to do good. Even if we are not wealthy, God has called us to radical generosity.

It's not wrong to find pleasure in the good things money can buy, but we should never rely on them for happiness. If our fulfillment depends on material possessions, we are crushed when we lose them. But if our joy is found in the Lord, nothing can disrupt it, not even economic distress.

As a Christians, we too are to have a heart of giving. James tells us to listen to the Word and do what is say (1 : 22-23). But he doesn't stop with just telling us to obey. He gives us specific instructions about what we must do. Then he gives us a practical way we can give of ourselves: "Visit orphans and widows in their trouble" (v27).

The Bible encourages us all to give in this way : "Let each one give as he purposes in his heart, nor grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work" [2 Corinthians 9 :7-8].

You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. [Psalm 16:11]

Kindness is the oil that takes the friction out of life.

You can give without loving, BUT you can't love without giving

Pleasure versus Joy

It's not wrong to find pleasure in the good things money can buy, but we should never rely on them for happiness.

The world offers "passing pleasures" (Hebrew 11:25), but the Lord Jesus offers to give us full and lasting joy (John 15:11). Pleasures is dependent on circumsances, but joy is inward and is not disturbed by one's environment.
Pleasure is always changing, but joy is constant! Worldly delights are often followed by depression. True joy is grounded in Jesus Christ, who is "the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8).
To keep experiencing pleasure, we must run from one stimulus to another, for it refuses to be permanently grasped. Joy is just the opposite. It is a gift we receive from God.
Pleasure is built on self-seeking, but joy is based on self-sacrifice. The more we pursue self- gratification, the more empty we feel. If a pint of pleasure gives momentary happiness today, a gallon of excitement and thrills is necessary for the same effect tomorrow. Joy, however, is based on the sacrificial giving of ourselves. As we learn what it means to focus on the needs of others, we find greater fulfillment in God Himself, who meets our every need.

Only when you seek the things of Christ can you find abiding joy.

FOR JOY THAT WILL LAST, ALWAYS PUT CHRIST FIRST

[Extracted from Our Daily Bread dated 05-04-2001 written by HGB]

Forgive and forget

Someone has said, "Forgiveness is not a case of 'holy amnesia' that wipes out the past. Instead, it is the experience of healing that drains the poison from the wound."

Some of life's hurt are so deep and painful to forgive the people who cause them seems impossible. Yet Jesus says that we can't experience His forgiveness if we have an unforgiving spirit.

One factor that motivates us to forgive is that as a Christian we are commanded to, as the child of a Father who forgives. Jesus said' " "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." [Mark 11:25]

Philip Yancey identify three pragmatic reasons why we should forgive :-
First, forgiveness halts the cycle of blame and pain, breaking the chain of ungrace. Without it we remain bound to the people we can't forgive, held in their vise grip.
Second, forgiveness loosens the stranglehold of guilt in the perpetrator. It allows the possibility of transformation in the guilty party, even if a just punishment is still required.
Third, forgiveness creates a remarkable linkage, placing the forgiver on the same side as the party who did the wrong.

Matthew 6:14 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

He who cannot forgive others burns the bridge over which he himself must pass - Herbert

Joy Stealers

Why do many Christians fail to experience real joy, which is listed as a fruit of the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5:22?

In his book Laugh Again, Charles Swindoll suggests three common "joy stealers" - worry, stress, and fear. He defines worry as "an inordinate anxiety about something that may or may not occur." (And it usually doesn't) Stress, say the author, is "intense strain over a situation we can't change or control." (But God can.) And fear, according to Swindoll, is a "dreadful uneasiness over danger, evil, or pain." (And it magnifies our problems.)

Swindoll says that to resist these "joy stealers" we must embrace the same confidence that Paul expressed in his letter to the Philippians. After giving thanks for the Philippian believers (1:3-5), the apostle assured them "that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (v.6).
Whatever causes you worry, stress, and fear cannot ultimately keep God from continuing His work in you. With this confidence we can begin each day knowing that He is in control. We can leave everything in His hands.
Resist those "joy stealers" by renewing your confidence in God each morning. Then relax and rejoice.

[Extracted from Our Daily Bread dated 17-02-2003 written by Joanie Yoder]

Pride Kills

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18

Pride is arrogant self-worship. It is the sin of exalting one's own interests above the interests of others. Pride craves for admiration, and sometimes, even adoration. It does not like to share the limelight. The proud are in love with themselves and seek to bring attention to their own admirable qualities.

Pride is very subtle and can manifest itself in strange ways. No one is exempted from the temptation of pride. It is so rooted in our fallen nature.

Pride is the reason why, in our materialistic society, people buy things they do not need with money they do not have, just to impress people they do not even know.

In Proverbs 6 : 16-19, the wise man lists seven cardinal sins that God hates and detests - pride is the first. In other words, the root of pride is the fountainhead of all the other sins. This makes it vital for us to understand, and walk free from, this enemy of our souls.

Galatians 6:4 tells us that there is a pride that is legitimate and healthy. Man wants and needs to feel good about himself. But this God-given dignity and healthy pride is one that comes from self-examination before God, not comparison with man. The key to healthy pride then is not to compare ourselves with others. Sinful pride emerges when we compare and contrast our strengths with the weakness of others in order to make ourselves feel superior. We may do so either verbally on the outside, or subtly on the inside.

Healthy pride can be nurtured when we realise that in the Bible, humility is not equal to humiliation. Humility enhances the image of God in us. Humiliation destroys our God-given diginity. Humility is demonstrated not in putting ourselves down, but in lifting others up.

A Christian can thus be both proud and humble at the same time. He can be proud of who God has created him to be and yet stay humble because he does not look down on others or consider himself more highly than he ought to.

Proverbs 16:5 The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this : They will not go unpunished.
Isaiah 66: 2 .. "This is the one I esteem : he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word.

Matthew 23 : 12 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

[Extract from Pulling Down Pride by Benny Ho]

Health or Wealth ?

A modern adaptation of Ben Franklin's adage, "Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise," is being promoted today in the evangelical world. It is heralded from the pulpit and hailed on television. It has been made the theme of great crusades, fellowship meetings, prayer groups, and volumes of paperbacks sold in Christian bookstores.

Ben Franklin's quote from Poor Richard's Almanac has a 20th-century counterpart in slogans like this : "God wants every Christian well." "No Christian ever needs to be sick." "If you are not successful or do not have an abundance of all things, it is not God's fault." Or how about these? "If you tithe, you can be assured that you will prosper financially." "God wants all His children prosperous."
This collage of glib mottoes on health and wealth is further exploited by formulas calling for the "release of faith," by pleas for you to give so that you will receive, and by the use of gimmicks to produce what satisfies the flesh, not the spirit.

No assurance is given in the Bible that it is the will of the Father for every Christian to be rich in this world's possession and also to be exempt from sickness. In fact God promises in 2 Corinthians 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness".

1 John 5:14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

Sometimes sickness is allowed for our own betterment and to bring God glory.

[Extracted from Christian Living-Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise? by Paul R.Van Gorder]

Sorrow

During a time of grieve, does your friends seem to forget you? They fail to call, or write, or promise to pray. But those are the times when we can sense God's tenderness most deeply.

Pain and sorrow are inescapable facts of life. All of us grieve at one time or another - including those of us who are Christ-followers. For the believer, however, there is something beyond the tears, pain and loss. There is hope. Yet the Holy Spirit is our source of gladness, 'bringing us the richest treasures man can wish or God can send.' - David McCasland.

Sadness, tears, and mourning are familiar territory for everyone on this earth - even for Jesus. Jesus saw Mary and Martha and their friends mourning (Lazarus death), and He too was overcome. Sorrowing with them, "Jesus wept" [John 11:35]

The psalmist David also experience hopeless despair, as he struggled with his own failures, the attacks of others, and the disappointments of life. In Psalm 6:6 he said, "I am worn out from groaning; all night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears." The depth of his sorrow and loss drove him to heartache - but in that grief he turned to God of all comfort. In the pain and struggle of living without answers, we can always find comfort in our heavenly Father. Just like David, in his frustration, his doubts and fears turned to trust. Psalm 13:5, from his heart he prayed, "But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation."

Isaiah 53:4 Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.

The psalmist said that while God's Word gives life, there is still the combination of "comfort in my affliction" Psalm 119:50

Even in life's toughest circumstances, we can, with God's help, enjoy a measure of healing. - Dave Branon

Happiness key to longer life

Everyone wants to be happy. But many fail in their quest to find that elusive prize because they are looking in the wrong places.
Proverbs 16 : 20 tells us, "Whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he." And Psalm 146 : 5 indicates that happiness comes to those who find their help and hope in God.

Happiness does not heal, but happiness protects against falling ills, says Ruut Veenhoven of Rotterdam's Erasmus University in a study in 2008.
Happiness can be bolstered by friendship and human community, as well as larger social factors such as freedom, democracy, effective government institutions and rule of law. Happy people were more inclined to watch their weight, were more perceptive of symptoms of illness, tended to be more moderate with smoking and drinking and generally lived healthier lives. They were also more active, more open to the world, more self-confident, made better choices and built more social networks.

Richard De Haan, a writer of Our Daily Bread list Ten Rules for Happier Living :
1) Give something away
2) Do a kindness
3) Give thanks always
4) Work with vim and vigor
5) Visit the elderly and learn from their experience
6) Look intently into the face of a baby and marvel
7) Laugh often - it's life lubricant
8) Pray to know God's way
9) Plan as though you will live forever - you will
10) Live as though today is your last day on earth

Psalm 112 : 1 Praise the LORD. Blessed [Happy] is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands.

Proverbs 17 : 22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

What is Wisdom ?

If you are given a heart's desire, what would yours be ?
Solomon asked for WISDOM.
He accomplished so much, yet he found all of them worthless. It's equally provocative to realize that Solomon later seemed to wonder wheteher he had made the right choice. According to the book of Ecclesiastes, which shows us where he was in his thinking at the end of his life, Solomon eventually came to the place where he had serious questions about whether he had really been wise in asking for wisdom. Until he remembered his God (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14), he forgot that we live not merely for ourselves but for the honor of the One who made us to worship and enjoy Him forever.
He candidly stated that his wisdom had only increased his misery (Ecclesiastes 1:18)

Solomon acknowledges that wisdom encourages (1) thoughtfulness, (2) realism, (3) reverence, and (4) joyfulness.

Wisdom encourages thoughtfulness. It encourages a person to use his head.
Ecclesiastes 2:13-14 I saw that wisdom is better than folly, just as light is better than darkness. The wise man has eyes in his head, while the fool walks in the darkness; but I came to realize that the same fate overtakes them both.

Wisdom encourages realism. We must come to grips with the real nature of life and death, and God and enduring values.
Ecclesiastes 9:3 This is the evil in everything that happens under the sun: The same destiny overtakes all. The hearts of men, moreover, are full of evil and there is madness in their hearts while they live, and afterward they join the dead.

Wisdom encourages reverence for God. We have lost a sense of the fear of God, of the wisdom of obedience, and of the expectation of accountability.
Ecclesiastes 12:13 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.

Wisdom encourages joyfulness in the life that God gave us.
Ecclesiastes 11:9-10 Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment. So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless.

[Extract from 'Ecclesiastes' written by M.R.De Haan II]