Sunday, May 29, 2011

Trust

Psalm 20: 7
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”


In the NBA, success is measured by consistent per-game production, by total wins, and ultimately by championships. Michael Jordan was able to meet and achieve these parameters exceedingly. But it was not always smooth sailing for Michael. He had to go through years of disappointment against the “Bad Boys” of the Detroit Pistons, or the “Big Three” of the Boston Celtics. Individually he was an immovable force, but his flaw as a leader always got in the way. Michael learned this the hard way. He learned by losing. So in 1991 against Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers, he wowed the basketball world not by his off-balance shots and board-shattering dunks, but by his maturity as a leader. He finally passed the ball to John Paxson who made open shots in crucial situations, and allowed Scottie Pippen to share in playmaking and scoring responsibilities. He finally trusted, and had faith and confidence in his teammates. In his first finals appearance, he led the Chicago Bulls to their first franchise championship.

In the same way, David and his army did not rely on their protective equipment and weaponry to succeed in battle. They relied and trusted on God. They put their faith and confidence on the Lord who had always delivered them time and again against their enemies. David always had this confidence, faith and trust in the Lord during times of great adversity, even at an early age when he faced Goliath (1 Samuel 17: 45-47).

Application
We should always have confidence, faith and trust in the Lord in all things. We should remember how the Lord will always be faithful in our time of need.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

US Vacation Blessings

1. Watched a playoff game between the Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks.


2. Went to NYC and visited the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).

3. Shoes, shoes shoes!
    Left to Right: Me in Zapato del Barcos, sister on Orange Classics and little brother on OTWs.
Thank you Lord!

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Atonement

Leviticus 16: 30
“Because on this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. Then, before the Lord, you will be clean from your sins.”


One of the things I learned working for a Japanese company is the value of discipline. To promote this kind of environment, unique programs are created by the company, supported by all levels of the organization, from janitors up to the President. One activity exemplifying this is “Yoshi Yoshi”. Before crossing a street inside the plant, employees must follow these procedures: Look, point to right and shout “Yoshi”. Look, point to the left and shout “Yoshi”. If the street is clear, then the employee can cross. Anyone caught not complying can be verbally reprimanded on the spot. It’s so simple to do, right?

The problem is, there will always be employees who just can’t seem to follow even the simplest of procedures. Employees who continuously make mistakes will never be tolerated. If an employee repeatedly fails to comply, there is a chance that employee will eventually be fired and let go.

In the same way, God gave us the bible as our employee handbook. It contains rules and procedures we must follow. But unlike the corporate world, despite repeated mistakes, God through his love will not lay us off and will not fire us. There is always a second chance, just as Moses time and again doubted himself (Exodus 3-4), God never gave up on him. Just as the Israelites through the atonement they received, can always come before the Lord, we too have Jesus Christ, the atonement for our sins.

Application
Remember that just as the Israelites offered up sacrifices for their sins, we too have Jesus, the perfect sacrifice. Through him, we are made clean. Through him, there is no shame.