Embracing Wisdom: A Key to Professional Success

Embracing Wisdom: A Key to Professional Success

 

Proverbs 23:26 speaks volumes in the realm of both personal and professional development: "My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways." In the dynamic landscape of business, these words carry profound relevance.

🧠 Dedication to Wisdom:

In the pursuit of career excellence, dedicating our hearts to wisdom becomes a guiding principle. It's more than just a commitment to knowledge; it's a pledge to continuous learning, growth, and the application of discernment in every decision we make.

💼 Professional Ethos:

Imagine a workplace where hearts are aligned with wisdom, where decisions are infused with insight, and where the pursuit of excellence is grounded in a commitment to righteous ways. This proverb challenges us to foster an environment where ethical considerations and wisdom shape our professional ethos.

🌐 Global Impact:

In the interconnected world of business, the impact of our decisions extends far beyond our immediate sphere. Delighting in righteous ways translates to a positive ripple effect – influencing not only our careers but also contributing to a culture of integrity that resonates globally.

🚀 Elevating Leadership:

For leaders, this verse underscores the responsibility to foster a culture that values wisdom and righteousness. By embodying these principles, leaders can inspire their teams to reach new heights, fostering an environment where everyone's eyes delight in the ways of ethical and thoughtful leadership.

👥 Community Building:

As professionals, we're part of a broader community. Giving our hearts to wisdom enables us to contribute positively to collective growth. It's an invitation to build networks based on trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to principles that stand the test of time.

In a world that often emphasizes quick gains and shortcuts, Proverbs 23:26 invites us to take a different path. Let's give our hearts to wisdom, finding joy in the pursuit of righteous ways. Together, we can create workplaces and professional relationships that leave a lasting legacy.

#WisdomInAction #ProfessionalDevelopment #LeadershipJourney

Courtesy  :  This article is written  by Anand Pillai, Chief Transformation Officer & Leadership Coach @ Leadership Matters Inc,  New Delhi, India. https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7124239938287509504/

Embracing Divine Guidance in your way < Proverbs 20:24 >

Embracing Divine Guidance in your way < Proverbs 20:24 >

How can you then understand his own way?

“In our journey through life, Proverbs 20:24 serves as a profound reminder: ‘Man’s goings are of the Lord; how can a man then understand his own way?’ This verse encapsulates the essence of divine sovereignty in shaping our paths.

In a world that often demands clear-cut plans and self-assured strategies, this biblical wisdom challenges us to embrace humility. It beckons us to acknowledge the limits of our understanding and the boundless wisdom of the Almighty. As we navigate the complexities of our personal and professional landscapes, it is a call to surrender the illusion of complete control.

Why is this wisdom relevant in our daily lives?

  1. Humility in Leadership: As leaders, recognizing the ultimate guidance of a higher power fosters humility. It prompts us to lead with a spirit of service and an openness to learning from unexpected turns.
  2. Navigating Uncertainty: Life is inherently uncertain. This verse encourages us to find solace in trusting God’s plan even when our own paths seem unclear. It’s a source of strength during moments of doubt and ambiguity.
  3. Building Resilience: Understanding that our journeys are guided by a divine hand instills resilience. It empowers us to face challenges with a steadfast spirit, knowing that every step is part of a grander design.

How can we apply this wisdom in the professional arena?

  1. Decision-Making: In business and career choices, acknowledge that not every outcome is within our comprehension. This recognition allows for a more open-minded approach to decision-making, one that considers divine guidance.
  2. Team Collaboration: Encourage a culture of humility within teams. Recognize that diverse perspectives and unexpected detours may be part of a larger plan. This fosters an environment of mutual respect and understanding.
  3. Work-Life Integration: Beyond the boardroom, understanding Proverbs 20:24 encourages a holistic approach to life. It invites us to integrate our professional and personal journeys, finding purpose and meaning in both.

As we embark on each day, let’s carry the profound wisdom of Proverbs 20:24 in our hearts. Embrace the mystery, cultivate humility, and trust in the divine orchestration of our paths. In doing so, we not only navigate the complexities of today but pave the way for a purposeful and impactful tomorrow.

#DivineGuidance #Wisdom #Humility #Proverbs20:24″

Courtesy  :  This article is written  by Anand Pillai, Chief Transformation Officer & Leadership Coach @ Leadership Matters Inc,  New Delhi, India.

Joy is a weapon of warfare that cannot be overthrown

Joy is a weapon of warfare that cannot be overthrown

Irrespective of your prevailing situations today, express and feel the Joy of the Lord over every contrary situation, be it your work-place or family, church, social etc.

The Father says today, receive of My happy heart. Let joy be your portion. Let the celebration ring in your rafters. Joy is a weapon of warfare that cannot be overthrown, says the Father. Joy is the only container you can offer up that is capable of holding the fullness of My glory. Open your eyes and receive of My fullness. Know that in a moment of time I will turn the tide of circumstances that are ranged against you and cause you to be the last one standing when all the forces of the enemy are in retreat.


There are more with you than those that are against you. Say to your eyes be opened and to your ears "hear the marching of angels in the Mulberries..." This is going forth unto victory time. This is that season when walls of opposition are pulled down, and the spoil of the earth comes into your hands as a recompense to My glory. Feel My strength coursing in you this day. Receive of My vitality and My dunamis* power to manifest the miracle and receive of the full measure of all that I have promised you even this day, says the Father.

Courtesy: Father's Heart

Footnote*

*Dunamis (Ancient Greek: δύναμις) is the philosophical concept of potentiality and actuality. The Greek dunamis is used 120 times in the New Testament. Loosely, the word refers to “strength, power, or ability.” It is the root word of our English words dynamite, dynamo and dynamic.

The Greek dunamis is used 120 times in the New Testament. Loosely, the word refers to “strength, power, or ability.” It is the root word of our English words dynamite, dynamo and dynamic.

In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30), the servants are given wealth based on their dunamis, or their “ability” to handle money. In Mark 9:1 Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see that the kingdom of God has come with power.” “Power” here is dunamis.

However, dunamis is not just any power; the word often refers to miraculous power or marvelous works (such as in Matthew 7:22; 11:21, 23; Mark 5:30; Luke 5:17; 9:1; 10:13; and Acts 8:13). Dunamis can also refer to “moral power and excellence of soul,” according to Thayer’s Greek Lexicon. 

Are You Bi-Polar?

Two days back, i started soon from my office and I was walking towards the main gate to catch the bus. I felt like God insisting me that I would be getting a bus in five minutes, but in my thought, I was thinking, “Where would the bus come at this time? Let me wait for 5 minutes and book a cab to my house”. I didn’t trust the inner voice and had my own execution plan. But, as insisted, I got my bus in 5 minutes while waiting. Similarly, sometimes, we act ‘bipolar’ when it comes to our faith. While I was reading Matthew Chapter 16, I was stuck with this verse for a long time. Christ asks His disciples in verse 15 that,

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

I was thinking, If Christ would be asking the same question to me today, what would I answer? The answer to this question reveals our spiritual condition and eternal destiny. Christ didn’t ask this question to raise identity crisis or curiosity as to what would other people think about Him. Instead, His question forced the disciples to have to grapple with their own beliefs concerning Him.

“Faith that is untested is no faith at all.” Some would have head knowledge but that is not going to help them spiritually. When it comes to responding such a question as Peter did in verse 16,

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

We will come to know that our faith is well-founded in Christ.  Jesus’ affirmation to his response was favorable for Peter which we can see in the verse 17,

Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

But, did Peter really understand who Jesus was? This salty-tongued, former sailor, after the interaction was reproved by Christ that Peter was thinking, talking and acting like devil himself from verses 21-23,

From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

Even Peter forsook Jesus three times as predicted by Jesus. I am not sure what would I have done if I was in Peter’s shoes. Sometimes, our faith is bi-polar.

We also can see Elijah, who called down fire from heaven and disposed 850 false prophets and praying for rain, was running from a wicked woman.  Like Elijah, one minute we’re calling down fire from Heaven and the next minute sitting down under a juniper tree, feeling all alone and wishing we were dead (I Kings 18:1-19:4). He was sitting under the Juniper tree wishing he were dead.  Unbelievable right! When I was reading about Elijah in the Bible, I was so hard on him – how can he behave like this? Where did his faith go? But, don’t be so hard on him – we often are just like him.

One minute we’re so close to Heaven that we could almost reach out and touch God; the next minute we’re down-in-the-dumps, mournfully singing “Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen.” And remember, if we are not careful, we will act the same way. This is how our faith remains sometimes – bi-polar. We often live by sight and not faith –we try to attempt things which can be done only from our strength and forget that in our weakness He is our strength. Hence, we are afraid to sign on the dotted line of a blank sheet of paper and leave the blanks up to God to fill in. We are afraid what He might put there.

Sometimes, we like Peter and Elijah, might be on the top of spirituality and fall the next second when we are asked to follow Him, without knowing where we need to go.

But, it need not be that way, IF we’ll remember to “cast down our imaginations and anything that exalts itself against the knowledge of God by bringing every thought into obedience of Christ” (II Cor. 10:5).  Or, another way to say it is “Refusing to dwell on suspicions and speculations by making sure nothing blots out God’s Face from view as I lasso every wayward thought and bring it under Jesus’ Lordship.”

Ups-and-downs.  Highs and lows.  Delights and despair – Such is so often our rollercoaster ride of faith.  That’s why we must daily spend time alone with the Savior, “renewing our minds” (Rom. 12:2) by “studying to show ourselves approved unto God” (II Tim. 2:15) as we “hide His Word in our hearts” (Ps. 119:11).  Help us, O Lord.

Can you say ‘God is good’ as Asaph did in Psalm 73:1, even though you’re about ready to cave into the pressure?  Never forget the three most important words in the Bible are “God loves you” (John 3:16), “God is faithful” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Always rest in His sufficient grace and unchanging nature. Then, even in the midst of tears (and fears), we can say as Job said in Job13:15,

“Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him;
    I will surely defend my ways to his face.”

God bless you. Continue to trust and sustain on Him!!

This message is published by an IT professional who works for an MNC in Madurai, India.

Kairos – Seize your opportunity

Kairos – Seize your opportunity

 “But when the time had fully come God sent His son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.” Galatians 4:4

If you have ever organized or coordinated a nativity play you know what I am talking about. I worked as a Sunday school teacher for nearly 4 years and we used to put nativity play every year with small kids. I am telling you it’s not one of the easiest job in the world. It is very frustrating at times because we cannot have all the kids playing their part in correct timing. When its “Joseph’s” turn to enter the stage he will be crying and sitting in mamas lap. When its shepherds’ scene, two shepherds will be fighting and one would have gone for a “wee” break. The wise men will be arguing over their gifts. And you will lose your energy shouting “Joseph… its your turn now”, “Shepherds… its your turn”…

But look at Anna in the bible:

“There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.”

Underline the words “coming up to them at that very moment”. One translation put it this way: “She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God.”

It’s almost like God is orchestrating a grand nativity scene here. Timing is everything. Anna had to be present in the right place at the right time to do her part. God planned his characters for the birth of his Son in a grand way. Anna and Simeon’s role are very crucial in the birth of Jesus.

Deuteronomy 19:15 says “By the mouth of two or three the matter shall be established”.

Once Jesus said to the Pharisees “In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true. I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me.”

Therefore, the testimonies of two or three are very important to confirm the birth of Messiah. And Simeon and Anna were chosen as the two witnesses. Anna had to be there in the temple when Mary and Joseph were there. She had to be there when Simeon was there.

The bible says “Coming up to them at that very moment…while Simeon was talking..”, Anna entered the grand stage of God’s nativity and played her part.

Isn’t that great? She was in tune with God and she fulfilled her role in an impeccable way. She was not in a huff with God. She didn’t wake up in the wrong side of the bed. She didn’t frustrate God by her tantrums. She was not late to church that day. She didn’t take her phone and informed her pastor “I am not feeling great today, I am feeling depressed because nothing interesting is happening in my life. So I won’t be coming to the temple”. If she had done that she would have missed playing her part in God’s nativity!

TIMING IS EVERYTHING IN GOD’S KINGDOM! Christmas is all about God’s timing.

Galatians 4:4 says

“But when the time had fully come God sent His son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.”

In the Greek language there were two words for time: one is “Kronos” from which we get chronology and other is “Kairos” which means “opportune time” – you seize an opportunity that comes your way.

Kairos – You seize an opportunity that comes your way.

Anna must not have had a clue that she was part of this grand play. She had a bad past as her husband died when she was very young. But she didn’t get stuck to her painful past. She could have easily blamed God and lived in bitterness. She could have played a pity party all her life. She had reasons to get depressed. But she moved forward to be part of this God’s grand nativity play. Imagine if Anna had not moved forward from that past she would have been mourning and complaining to God. She would have been at home depressed. She would have been thinking over the death of her husband again and again and asked God “WHY”? And probably when Simeon was in temple Anna would have missed her part in God’s nativity play!

Anna moved forward to be present at the right time to see God’s miracle!!! You need to be in the right place and at the right time to see God’s miracle. For that, you need to be in tune with God. For that you need to move forward.

Jesus arrived late to the home of Mary and Martha and by that time Lazarus was already in the tomb. Mary struggled to move forward and she lived in the “past”. She didn’t even realize that Jesus has arrived and is in the “present”. She said “If you had been here this tragedy would not have happened”.

How many of you are crying to God like this? How many of you are struggling to move forward like Mary? But Jesus replied, “If you believe you will see the glory of God.” Jesus must have reminded Mary that He is the God of NOW and FUTURE and we should not dwell in the PAST.

You might have had a bad past like Anna. May be a bad marriage, a divorce. May be a bad experience in workplace. May be a loss of loved one. But God is saying “Forget the former things. Do not dwell on the past. I am doing something new in your present. Can’t you see it?”

Therefore be faithful to God even in tough times like Anna. Anna was praying, worshipping God even amidst tough times. Just play your part daily and do it cheerfully. Be in tune with God. Trust God’s timing and be part of God’s timing. Stop regretting your past and move forward to be part of Gods timing. Just like Anna one day you will see God’s miracle at the right time.

Kairos!!!  Seize an opportunity that comes your way…

This message is written by Bro. Davidson Samuel who is an IT Professional /  Subject Matter Expert in Banking domain, based out of Scotland, UK.