It's Not About You

Men can be very selfish. We are always thinking about ourselves, who we are, where we are in the business world, what we have achieved, where we want to be one day. That’s typical of men, and a fewer ladies too. Since my messages are directed at men, let’s look at ourselves before we look at others, before we start pointing fingers. Remember this though. Each time you point at someone else, there are four fingers pointing back at you. It has always been about me, my, and I. Actually, it should not always be about us. Yes, there are those times when it is about us as individuals, but we should think about those around us as well.

I started studying about leadership and coaching, especially Christian-based coaching and leadership through an organization I was involved with. I purchased a book from the USA and attended the first classes where the international tutor was presenting here in South Africa. I’m still busy with it but at my own pace. Recently while reading the Bible, which I do every night [at least one to three chapters], I started reading the book of Philippians, and I came upon this verse, and it had me thinking once again. Philippians 2:3 is as follows – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” This hit me between the eyes!

As I read it I saw my flaw, who I truly was and maybe how others saw me too. I didn’t want to be seen as such a person. I wanted to be seen as God saw me, or so I thought. I realized that others around me needed attention and needed to be encouraged, or needed something more than I needed. Today I try and lift up others up, praising them for who they are, coaching them when necessary, and being that leader in my community that can make a difference in others. Maybe you are there, but if not, why not try being that man that humbles himself and places others before his own desires and needs. This changed who I was and made me a better man. Be blessed.

Obey Always

Men can be difficult at times. We always try to be who we want to be, not always pleasing to others behind the scenes. Let me add to this… Men disobey orders, rules and commands which they should not. This is mostly employed men, who work for bosses or have supervisors who manage them, but business owners fit in here as well. When you are surrounded by others, including your seniors in the company, you “perform” as if showing off. But when you are alone, you drop the false pretence and mope about your work, maybe the conditions, maybe the salary you are earning which does not satisfy you, and so on…

As Christian men and believers we should obey at all times. We should perform greatly at all times, even when alone. Business owners, you too have someone whom you should obey and perform greatly at all times. God is watching us all. I used to be like this, especially when I was still employed years ago and, after becoming my own boss, I still did it. Then I realized God was watching me. Was I pleasing Him? Was I glorifying Him each moment of each day? No, I was not! Once again, the book of Colossians, again chapter 3 offered me something to meditate upon.

Colossians 3:22 says the following; “Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favour, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.” This verse bowled me over. I was still a slave in this world. Yes, I was a “slave” to my God and He was watching my every move. I repented and asked God to change me and change my attitude. My new life started from that day onwards. I made sure that He was glorified in everything I did. Where are you right now? Does this look familiar to you as well? Then turn to God and repent. Pray and ask that He starts changing you from this day forward. Today I walk with music in my step and a smile on my face, always knowing that god is by my side. Enjoy!

 

A Day Of Rest

As we are supposedly all Christian men [and women], born again believers, why do many of us take it for granted to work on Sundays? I know a few personally who do just that. Is it right or wrong? Let's see what the Bible says about this...

Reading Hebrews chapter 4 offers us understanding of how God feels about it, and I was guilty of that too. Now, my day of "rest" [Sunday/Sabbath] is about God and my family.,. In verse 1 it speaks about the promise if we enter God's rest. That promise still stands today! And the second part of verse 1 offers us a warning! We must be careful if we fall short of this promise. Wow! God is warning us that there are circumstances if we disobey Him.

Verse 3 says the following; "Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said, 'So I declared on oath in my anger, They shall never enter my rest.' And yet his work has been finished since the creation of the world." Those who DO NOT enter His rest on the "Sabbath" are doomed. They shall be banished from His presence. I did not want that in my life but only to please Him who is my God and Saviour. I changed and now have one motto...

First God, then family, and lastly, my business and all other things in life. My life has turned dramatically and I'm being blessed and He takes care of all my needs and even some desires. Where do you stand right now? Are you in His rest or not? Then it's time for you to make that change and become what you have believed - that He is God and what you do right will please Him always. Amen.

Stop Being Harsh!

Is it just men or is it just our nature to be harsh at times? Men are very predictable when it comes to being rude. This happens mostly in our working world, but many a times it lands up with us at home too. Workers, colleagues or employees make us fume at times and this changes our characters for that instant. We tend to become rude, bossy and nasty. That’s men for you. Am I wrong in saying this? I don’t think so because I have had that issue in my life around various folks – before with my colleagues, then with my employees and, without truly realizing it, with my family, especially with my wife whom I love dearly. I prayed and prayed for God’s intervention and things started changing. Why? Because I allowed the Holy Spirit to convict me each time I became different in my actions.

Regarding our spouses, we as men should love them and cherish them. We should be the strong pillars they lean on, that’s what God wants from us, what He expects from us. Colossians 3:19 comes to mind, that chapter about rules for holy living. It states the following; “Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.” This was Paul’s message to those he addressed this letter to, the men of Colosse. As he spoke to the men of the day I think it applies to us today as well. Yes, God’s Word is for all of us, past, present, and future. How we live out our lives determines what comes from inside of us, what lies deep in our hearts.

Pray and ask God to let His Spirit to come and lead you, to guide you, and to teach you about these small traits that live in us, that are part of our characters. These should not be part of who we are in Christ. I am still on that growing path of ridding myself of such traits, with the Holy Spirit’s help of course. Every so often I still pray for God’s help in certain areas of my life, and one place is the rude and harsh side of my character that I want to get rid of. Be blessed and enjoy the new journey ahead. Amen.

Power of Prayer - requests

Hi my brothers...  [and any sisters that read these posts of MOP ministry]...

God has laid it deep on my heart to send out an invitation to those who need prayer for anything which they need God's hand upon or answers from God. Please feel free to contact me and I'll post your requests here only using your name, no other info at all... for privacy reasons...

Send your requests to me via email to nelson.canha@gmail.com and I'll start the prayer chain in MOP Ministry...

Be blessed and not stressed! Amen...

Your brother in Christ,
Nelson Canha

MOP Ministry founder...
Johannesburg, Krugersdorp, South Africa