Sreedhar's Journey

Are you too young to speak in a meeting? Some people say age is just a number. Is there a right age to head a corporation? In the 1980's many Malaysians were coming back from distinguished overseas universities and there was a lack of good human resource. Many moved up rapidly in their organizations. I was one of them. But I remember having to say the following some of those times. Job 32:6, So Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, answered and said: I am young in years, and you are very old; Therefore I was afraid, And dared not declare my opinion to you. If you rely on human wisdom you will be caught out. Your youth will show. I knew in those years that I would be saying foolish things unless I heard from the Lord and became His mouthpiece. I lead teams in my days as a consultant in meetings with senior politicians, government officials and corporate figures. I would have been out of my depth quickly if not for God's presence and wisdom. Father, age is also just a number

What I have to say may offend somebody, but like what I said in my previous post, I pray God would heal you and allow you to see the richness of new understanding. Are you a numbers person? That means you look for special days, home addresses, car number plates, time based on a number or set of numbers? I worked on one international project where the project director was obsessed with this. We would submit reports or have meetings only on specific dates and times. This practice was there in ancient times. Job 31:26-28, If I have observed the sun when it shines, Or the moon moving in brightness, So that my heart has been secretly enticed, And my mouth has kissed my hand; This also would be an iniquity deserving of judgment, For I would have denied God who is above. Job has resisted relying on these time guides. He chose God's time where it is "a good day everyday". What God chooses to do is the best. He knows the times and seasons. In fact, He controls it. God is in cha

When you are down and out, in position, economically, or physically, people associate less with you. Sometimes they even speak badly about you. Even those who are just as bad could speak against you. I suppose it is human nature. Job describes this experience with great detail. He experiences such pain that he cries out to God. Job 30:28 I go about mourning, but not in the sun; I stand up in the assembly and cry out for help. I have heard many that are affected by people speaking behind their backs. Much of this should really be spoken directly with the concerned individual. This would help the offended discover the reason for the offenders actions or words that offended them. I have seen too many misunderstandings in my life. The best way to respond as the offended is to speak directly to the perceived offender. The person who feels that they may have offended somebody, can initiate the process. But, in many cases the offended choose to ignore this approach. It is then best to j

When you speak do people sit up and listen? Do you add value to the conversation? Is your word kept as the final word for the matter? I always believe that to inch your way to this point requires that you be a good listener first. As a husband I get lots of training in this area. Many times I fail and I course correct. :) Job was a person that people honored and respected before he lost everything, including his health. Job 29:22 After my words they did not speak again, And my speech settled on them as dew. Our challenge is most times we want to end the matter or issue quickly. But without everyone understanding the matter well and processing for learning in their own way, any statement made by anyone will not help. In the past, younger people used to show deep respect and honor for older or senior people. And so when the older person spoke, they listened and accepted it. Today, they need to go through the personal learning process to accept it. Unless, you have built honor and re

There is great complexity in how everything is in order. Otherwise, everything will be floating without gravity. Our bodies cannot function correctly. The earth would be superheated or super cold. And please do not say that we will evolve to a point where we can live in one of these extremes. Job asks this interesting question after talking about the metals and minerals in the earth. Job 28:12-13, But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? Man does not know its value, Nor is it found in the land of the living. Our pursuit of knowledge only shows that we do not know everything. It is like water finding its level. It always flows in the direction where it needs to equalize levels. We have huge gaps in understanding. And because there is too much to know, we will keep yearning for more. The water will continue to flow. Job reflects on some understanding on the matter from God. Job 28:28, And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, And

If someone has done wrong they know it. I see hands raised disagreeing with me. Yes, I absolutely know that they know it is wrong. Each one has a God given conscience. The question is whether we are prepared to listen to it. It is a matter of decision. Job says that when a person does not heed God's voice he will suffer the consequences. Job 27:19 The rich man will lie down, But not be gathered up; He opens his eyes, And he is no more. I had originally planned to write about another verse in this chapter, but switched to talking about rich people. Rich people can work hard, but their approach could be full of deceit and manipulation. Everytime their conscience will say it is wrong, but they persist in their wrong. But the promise is that they will become nothing. Even though they may be recognized very highly in this world. They are so fearful of the repercussions of their actions that they live in fear. Job 27:18 He builds his house like a moth, Like a booth which a watc

My family and I are traveling through some majestic mountains. If you ask most people, they will say this happened naturally over many million years. But I am glad I have a clearer answer. God had complete hand in it. Job reflects on God's great power and capability. Job 26:12, He stirs up the sea with His power, And by His understanding He breaks up the storm. Not only is God powerful, He has great knowledge and wisdom. He operates in a manner that still defies human wisdom. One of my sons asked me when was the trinity first mentioned in the Bible. I was reminded that it was right there in Genesis 1. Earlier that morning another son said his favorite verse is Genesis 1:1. If you go on in that chapter, you will read these verses. Genesis 1:2, The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Genesis 1:26, Then God said, “ Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let t

Have you ever left garbage alone for more than a couple of days unsealed? Oh yes! Maggots! And perhaps worms. They have a magical way to appear. They love rotting stuff. They thrive on that. Job's friend Bildad describes man like maggots and worms. Job 25:6, How much less man, who is a maggot, And a son of man, who is a worm? We thrive on rotting stuff? We seem to want the useless. The stuff that is thrown away, when something better is available. It is the greatest gift anyone can receive. It is given without anything being expected back. Bildad is resigned to the fact that man does not deserve more. Job 25:4, How then can man be righteous before God? Or how can he be pure who is born of a woman? Little does he know that God had planned salvation for all mankind so that he can indeed be righteous. God came righteous through the womb of a woman. We remember this day as Christmas. Have a great and wonderful Christmas today. If you have not received the greatest gift on earth, do

It is always difficult for me to watch a movie where they showcase injustice. I suppose this is the main reason why I never liked watching Indian movies. Most of them have very little "feel good" through the whole movie, and usually someone good has to die in the end. However, many watch this. It is probably because they identify with the injustice. It is awful how this makes people remain in their state of destitute and promotes violence. Job shares some of the injustices that happened during his days. Job 24:7 They spend the night naked, without clothing, And have no covering in the cold. Job 24:10 They cause the poor to go naked, without clothing; And they take away the sheaves from the hungry. Job speaks of how God allows all this. He does not know that this is an inheritance from their fathers. The sin that so easily entangles man. Remove God and you have this situation. The United States is going through the same predicament. Their founding fathers were not perfe

I will never forget my first job and my first assignment. It was 1986 and Malaysia was at the tail end of a recession. It was a miracle that I got to start this job less than a month after arriving home from Canada. I was blessed with some great superiors and remember my first consulting report coming out with many red marks (review points). I would say that was the beginning of my professional writing development. They were tough but good days. Job talks testing too. Job 23:10, But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. Truly testing refines us. We do not like it when we go through that period, but we are so great after. It is like my writing skills. I would not be where I am today if not for the period of testing in my days as a consultant. I have always looked forward to when I could switch careers, but God kept me there. On hindsight, I now understand better. When hard times come we wonder what we did to deserve it. It will all make bet

Gold has been the fascination of many ancient kingdoms. Even today there is a sense that it is a representation of a person's or nation's repository of wealth. Many move borders leaving everything behind except the gold in their possession. The sad truth is that others prey on the desperation of these immigrants and take the gold in exchange for little. An example of this are the Vietnamese refugees that came to Malaysia. For racial balance reasons the government of the day chose to classify them as illegal and created a black market around their prison camps. Job is being asked to devalue his wealth in gold and become a pauper to cleanse himself of past wrongs. Job 22:24, Then you will lay your gold in the dust, And the gold of Ophir among the stones of the brooks. The sad truth is that many cultures cause this act using fear. There is a temple that has so much wealth because people literally throw their gold and money in worship. Their hope is that their sins will be forgi

Ever wonder how the sly and wicked people who make unjust gains getaway with it? They flount their wealth and seem to put down the weak. No one seems to speak up against them. I have seen and heard much in my corporate lifetime. They say things like this. Job 21:15 Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him? And what profit do we have if we pray to Him? As a person who has a personal relationship with God, I cringe every time I hear this. It is only a fool who would utter these statements. With media technology today, you can hear the same from leaders worldwide. Does it make them right since many are saying the same thing? Eventually they will enter the grave (or cremated) and have to ponder the yonder. Job 21:30 For the wicked are reserved for the day of doom; They shall be brought out on the day of wrath. Job 21:32 Yet he shall be brought to the grave, And a vigil kept over the tomb. There is a day we will be called to account for our actions. And the consequences expe

I have a number of friends who are rich. Defined as those with access to cash and investments in excess of more than a couple of million dollars. I would truly urge them to invest in projects that have eternal blessings for mankind. Why? Because they and their family can only spend so much. Or, should I say, need so much. Job's friend Zophar was quite direct. Job 20:18 He will restore that for which he labored, And will not swallow it down; From the proceeds of business He will get no enjoyment. You can only consume so much, while 41,000 people are dying daily without the opportunity to hear the gospel even once. This is gospel poverty. Imagine the celebration that would be had in heaven because you gave and literally thousands were saved because you invested in one or more strategically positioned leader who became an evangelist and a trainer of evangelists. Don't waste the blessing God has given you. It is given for a purpose. Job 20:26 Total darkness is reserved for

Another year is rapidly coming to a close. I had to work on some budgets while on vacation till late last night. Having a chest cold/flu that does not seem to go away. Many things to plan for as I get into the new year. Seems like I have it bad. I just lost a dear friend about my age to cancer. He went through this for 2 years. But like Job he can make this statement. Job 19:25 For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth Alex is at home with the Heavenly Father. He finished the race well. We do not know why now, and why not later. We only know his assignment here on earth is done. You and I will one day finish our assignments on earth like Alex. Until then our work is not done. As John Newton said it in the movie "Amazing Grace", you have work to do Wilbur (William Wilberforce was instrumental in enacting a law against slavery in the United Kingdom). I have work to do because many do not know that their Redeemer Lives . Father, my year ahea

You have probably heard this phrase, "With friends like these, who needs enemies?" Perhaps, some are even saying, "With relatives like these...". Don't worry. I am not speaking about you. But there are many who experience condemnation from within. That is the hardest to go through. The very space you hope to receive comfort and shelter, is the same place you get even more injured and depressed. Job had the same problem. Job 18:19-21, He has neither son nor posterity among his people, Nor any remaining in his dwellings. Those in the west are astonished at his day, As those in the east are frightened. Surely such are the dwellings of the wicked, And this is the place of him who does not know God. Bildad is talking about Job in the whole chapter. The statements keep building up and climaxes with these verses. He calls Job wicked. He says Job does not know God. Oh my! What a pronouncement. And this is a friend!? In spite of all this we have a friend that sticks to

When you are in a mess. With no friends. Everyone only thinks evil of you. Where do you turn? I have a friend who went through that. He was being investigated for corruption. I will never forget the day he shared his situation after he got out on bail. We hugged, cried and prayed together. He was obviously falsely accused and eventually fully restored. In those times only God may be the true friend. Job was also looking for true friends. Job 17:3 Now put down a pledge for me with Yourself. Who is he who will shake hands with me? When you are down and out, you need friends that would stick by you. You know it is not his or her doing. You want to be that support until they get through this. There was one person who knew his greatest confidante, named The Rock, would desert him in the time of greatest need. Even deny knowing him. Jesus was being condemned to death by crucification. The most humiliating way to die. Peter runs away. But Peter gets restored after Jesus rises from the dea

I am grateful to God that I have many friends from around the globe. I have lived on 3 continents and it is amazing how you can build relationships with so diverse a crowd. No, I still do not fully understand each culture, but close enough to be able to seek God and cry together. Job was seeking similar kinds of friends, but he did not find them. Job 16:5, But I would strengthen you with my mouth, And the comfort of my lips would relieve your grief. Job wanted a listening ear. Or, just friends to be around him. Instead, they proceeded to analyze the situation and judge him. It is difficult for people in the same mess to look beyond their mess. That's why consultants help. They are external to your issues and could give perspectives that you never saw. Job was looking for advocates that would pray and cry with him. Job 16:21 Oh, that one might plead for a man with God, As a man pleads for his neighbor! Do you have a friend that would do that? Perhaps it is your spouse, a family

Justice is delivered when someone who does wrong experiences the consequences of the wrong committed. Consequences are both natural and structured. Structured could mean a day without play (for a child), a fine (for a small infringement), or even a prison term (for a serious criminal offence). A natural consequence is everything God has prepared. Rejection from others, because their God given conscience rejects the wrong, or God himself can pronounce direct judgements. So what did Job do wrong to deserve the seemingly natural judgement from God ? Job 15:20 The wicked man writhes with pain all his days, And the number of years is hidden from the oppressor. Yet another person accuses Job of doing something wrong. Frankly, we have all done wrong and do not deserve the opportunity for reconciliation with God. Job's friend continues his discourse and describes all the other bad things that will happen to a wicked man. But does it all mean anything? The whole human race is a mess fr

I know some of you are wanting to correct my title. Don't worry. You will understand better later in my post. Is there life after death? This is a perennial question for all of mankind. But we live in an era where the most printed and read document in the world has been authenticated by so many scholars. This is the Bible. And what does the Bible say about life after death? Job seems to have some doubts. Job 14:10 But man dies and is laid away; Indeed he breathes his last And where is he? Many live their lives in great doubt and great fear as well. They do everything possible to delay death or to perhaps avoid it. I for one pray that I live a long life to be able to accomplish everything the Lord has placed in my heart. Oh yes, and I need to do some practical things to stay healthy. But what does God say? This is probably one of the most quoted verse from the most authenticated book in the world. The Bible (in case you have already forgotten). John 3:16, For God so loved the

Have you heard of the term "smart cookie"? I have, but I looked it up today and it says the following: If you can imagine it, men once referred to an attractive woman as a “cookie,” and you know cookies look delicious and are meant to be eaten. They are not meant to have brains and think for themselves. Certainly, the term was never meant to be pejorative — in fact, it has always been used affectionately — but a very attractive woman who was also really intelligent was merely a “smart cookie.” These days, it is probably best applied, if at all, to children. Job had a different view of the "expert advice" his friends were offering. Job 13:4-5, But you forgers of lies, You are all worthless physicians. Oh, that you would be silent, And it would be your wisdom! Job is obviously frustrated by his friends' advice. He knows the statements may be true, but his life does not reflect it. Instead he pleads to God. Job 13:20-21, Only two things do not do to me, Then

There are many things required of us on a daily basis. One of them is to act wisely in all matters. We could be doing the wrong things due to poor information, or bad influence. We need to constantly review the information we have and correct our plans, if needed. Hence, the need for us to go to the source of prefect wisdom, God. Job knew this. Job 12:13, With Him are wisdom and strength, He has counsel and understanding. He goes on in this chapter to talk about many things that happened where you have no rational explanation. There seems to be injustice all around. Or, is there? God certainly has final say. Job said it here. Job 12:14 If He breaks a thing down, it cannot be rebuilt; If He imprisons a man, there can be no release. Assuming those in authority over us have our well being in mind, their decisions should always be for our good. Of course, we live in an imperfect system operated by imperfect men. But with God He always makes decisions for our good. It may not make se

My first degree was in computer science. I loved the logic and somehow many others could not. In 1980 it was an important curious first year course for many. This caused the computer room to be jam packed at assignment time. It is actually very simple. The computer knows nothing more than what you tell it, and comprehend nothing more than the processing facility built. In the same way man is only able to know and comprehend so much. I like how Zophar the Naamathite says it in this chapter. Job 10:7-9, “Can you search out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than heaven—what can you do? Deeper than Sheol—what can you know? Their measure is longer than the earth And broader than the sea. We can never fully appreciate everything about God, or His thoughts and ways. But one thing we do know is that He wants the best for us as our Heavenly Father. God works together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Do y

There are people living here on earth who go about their daily activities like mere routine, with no long term vision. For them it may be just about having the next good meal, meeting or entertainment. There is no view of eternity that they can behold after death. If you believe there is no God then it probably does not matter. But Job has important perspectives in this chapter. Job 10:12, You have granted me life and favor, And Your care has preserved my spirit. He acknowledged that God had a part to play in giving him life. His well being was looked after by God's favor and care upon him. But at the same time he seems to indicate fear of death. At least in this chapter. Perhaps it is because of his suffering at this time. Job 10:20-21, Are not my days few? Cease! Leave me alone, that I may take a little comfort, Before I go to the place from which I shall not return, To the land of darkness and the shadow of death, A land as dark as darkness itself, As the shadow of death, wi

Ever watched the TV series MacGyver? He is able to get out of everything, or find a solution to a situation with the most creative ways. The person who wrote the MacGyver story must be well studied and creative. But he cannot match the Creator. Job 9:4, God is wise in heart and mighty in strength. Who has hardened himself against Him and prospered? I beg your pardon. You don't believe in God? So you believe we came from nothing, and we love and have other emotions because of some evolved instinct? I apologize for being so forthright. Give me a break! Job in this chapter refers to nature and even names star constellations. Do you think he was a primitive being? He knew how to reason and here is referring to God as the Almighty with great wisdom and righteousness. Ok, let me assume that you are convinced that God is the creator, then He is the most important person in helping us understand our identity. In fact our identity is with Him. Without Him we are just a small speck in thi

It is quite interesting to discover how many people are upset with you without you knowing it. Was this a misunderstanding? Did they get offended for someone else because of a perceived wrong? Sometimes it could be due to cultural differences. Job is being counseled that the people who hate you will be shamed. Job 8:22, Those who hate you will be clothed with shame, And the dwelling place of the wicked will come to nothing. From almost day one of my working life I have had to deal with projects that are politically linked. I was 23 when I was part of a team reviewing all the different loans 2 politically connected cooperatives had given out. Everything would have been alright if not for the economic downturn of the mid-80's. I had to interview a politician from a neighboring country because of a company he was involved in that defaulted on its loans with the bank. Was I liked? Life can be pretty tough when you do the right thing and people dislike you for it. But, the promise is

Did you sleep well last night? I only slept 3. 5 hours last night. Had a 5am conference call that stretched across from the US east coast to India. I must admit that it was not easy but it was worth every minute. I then joined a prayer meeting at 6.05am. Breakfast at 7am with the Word and this journal. What a tough day it is going to be. But not as tough as what Job went through. Job 7:21, Why then do You not pardon my transgression, And take away my iniquity For now I will lie down in the dust, And You will seek me diligently, But I will no longer be. Can you feel Job's pain? Read the whole chapter . He could not sleep. His mind is filled with nightmares. He is now wishing for death. He sounds tired with no relent for his suffering. But the one thing I appreciate about Job during this time is that he continues to speak to God. Why? He recognizes that God is ultimately in charge. God can change the circumstances. I need to learn to keep turning to God when I am in suffering. Some

Is there such a thing as luck? Does anything happen by chance? Are we human beings by luck? Here is the definition I gleaned from the internet for luck : success or failure apparently brought by chance rather than through one's own actions. By chance? What is that? Job had a similar set of questions. Job 6:13, Is my help not within me? And is success driven from me? So what drives our well being? Is it this thing called chance. By chance, I had success in my exams. By chance, I succeeded in job. By chance, I prospered in my business. There are many who would consider the reason for success as being hardwork and a little bit of luck. What is that? Hardwork does not guarantee success? What about wisdom? There are many things that operate with great logic and consequence. Spending time on TV and the internet will take time away from study. If you don't count the cost for an investment, you will run out of money. If you only associate with people that are failures, you increase

A friend of mine just saw someone wearing a t-shirt saying, "Life is the slowest form of suicide". What do you think about this statement? I know a number of people that are in 90's. One 94 year old former President of the United States just died a few days ago. Is life meant to be that bad a struggle? One of Job's friends thinks this way as well. Job 5:7, Yet man is born to trouble, As the sparks fly upward. What is wrong with these people? I believe it has something to do with their misconception of God. He even says how you are to worship God. Job 5:23, For you shall have a covenant with the stones of the field, And the beasts of the field shall be at peace with you. Unless I am reading this wrong, Job's friend is asking him to worship or have a communion with stones in the field. What a foolish thing to do. Why do this when you can and should be worshiping the Creator rather than the created. Man's understanding of God is flawed. Much is needed to retu

Do you believe in ghosts? Many in the modern and western worlds cannot accept the existence of ghosts. Hollywood loves making many movies around this "spirit world". In reality these things are being experienced by people who have no reason to fool around with these ideas. I apologise if I am reading too much into the text, but Job's friend seems to be talking about an encounter with a ghost. Job 4 :15-16, Then a spirit passed before my face; The hair on my body stood up. It stood still, But I could not discern its appearance. A form was before my eyes; There was silence; Then I heard a voice saying: How would you like to experience this? Job was basically being told that it is impossible to be good enough to avoid the punishment of God. Who is telling this? The ghost? Who are they? If they make you fearful they cannot be good. The "spirit" seems to say things that only an angel could say. Based on all this we can only conclude that it is a fallen angel. Ghost