Sreedhar's Journey

Proverbs 23 is advice for people who do get into the high life.  In my journey through the corporate ladder I have had many fine meals and because I enjoy food I do not have a problem consuming anything offered.  But the advice is clear.  Do not be taken in with the offers.  Verse 3 says, "Do not desire his delicacies, For they are deceptive food".  This is wonderfully and courageously direct.  Yes, we must watch ourselves and our waistlines.  All good advice to ensure we stay correct with the Lord.  Otherwise, we may enter into unwritten obligations that cannot be fulfilled.  This can affect the rest of your life.  Not good when you want to maintain a good testimony for Him. The rest of the chapter deals with the same high life environment but deviates to matters of the child and the need for physical consequences if there is disobedience.  All good if done in love.  Those who have attended my Character First Family semina...

Lee Yen and I are very fond of our children.  I will never forget the experience of holding Sharmaine for the first time when she was born.  I was alone in a waiting room with her while they did some post-delivery routines with Lee Yen.  It was an emotional time as I prayed over her.  It was the same with all our other children.  I pray daily for them.  Lee Yen and I are not perfect parents, but we do what we can.  We believe God has them in His hands.  They are richly blessed by His ever abiding presence in their lives.  We truly believe on this verse. Proverbs 22:6, Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 22  has many verses that I quote for my Character First training and times of sharing.  But today, I am going to look more deeply at verses that I have not often used. Verse 2 says, "The rich and the poor have this in common, The Lord is the maker of them...

Whenever someone does anything we are always questioning their true motive.  We do not trust the seen actions, emotions and words spoken.  Why is he doing this?  Does he want something in return? We may never get a straight answer when we ask these questions.  However, there is a person who knows.  Yes, God knows our inner thoughts and desires that our ways would get right. Proverbs 21:2 A person may think their own ways are right,     but the Lord weighs the heart. We see another attribute of God here.  Proverbs 21:31 says, "The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord." Truly as people seeking for good things to happen we make plans for victory. We make every effort to ensure success. But can we predict the future? Can we control what the competition is going to do. What about the many other things that we do not control. Yes, the horse, the equipment, the people are made ready for the day of ba...

In the world today you are encouraged to speak up and make a case for things that are done unjustly, or incorrectly. It is fair to speak up if we follow the principles of Matthew 18:15-17 .  However, too many times we get into heated discussions and speak "about the person" rather than "to the person".  Proverbs highlights this unacceptable behavior.  In fact it says that you bring honor to yourself by avoiding strife.  Meet the person one on one in love, with a genuine interest in their well being. Proverbs 20:3 It is to one’s honor to avoid strife,     but every fool is quick to quarrel. Proverbs 20:7 says, "The righteous who walks in his integrity - blessed are his children after him!".  Fathers, our walk brings blessings upon our children.  Why withhold that blessing by doing wicked and unwise things.  We cannot be fools.  This seems logical but much short term view goes into our actions, words and attitudes thereby harming our...

In my years in corporate life I have seen how people seek favor from those in power.  I have not seen it personally, but business promoters would also provide ways to involve those in positions of influence to "participate" in projects or businesses.  I am thankful that many knew my stand on corruption.  These issues are not new.  The writer of the book of Proverbs experienced it and shares wisdom on this. Proverbs 19:6 Many curry favor with a ruler,     and everyone is the friend of one who gives gifts. Proverbs 19  speaks of a young person, a fool, a lair, a son and a lazy person.  Whatever your goal in life, do right to achieve those goals.  Pursue them with both eyes open.  Consider the approaches before taking the first steps. The writer keeps giving instruction to be generous , and truly God is no debtor.  He will repay what is given, as though you had lent to the Lord. Again, I am reminded that there are many who are ...

I have been discussions with individuals in the past where they do not listen.  They speak first and never listen.  They have no interest in coming to an understanding by listening to your presentation.  It is obviously wise to first seek to understand before seeking to be understood.  Our mouths (and hearts) get in the way of new understanding.  This is the biggest mistake any leader can make. His or her junior and customer facing staff are collecting information everyday. If we do not listen to them and seek to understand, we and the organization will fail. Proverbs 18:2 Fools find no pleasure in understanding     but delight in airing their own opinions. Proverbs 18 almost sounds like an old wise man sitting by a veranda giving all kinds of advice to his grandson. Don't get me wrong. I mean this in a good way. Yes, all granddads should do this. In fact, fathers especially should do this. Cannot wait. Verse 12 says "Before destructio...

Have you signed a contract before?  Lawyers always insert a termination clause because they believe that nothing is permanent and a legal document should allow for this.  Some relationships are very complex and so the termination clauses can be elaborate, complex and lengthy to provide clarity in the event of separation.  When we sign the contract we do it with smiles and celebration.  When we terminate it, we do it with lawyers. Proverbs 17:14 Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam;     so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out. Proverbs 17 speaks of many things in the human relationship. Doing what is right is truly cool when God is in the center of it. It seems so difficult when society supports corruption, divorce, unfaithfulness and excuses for anger and fighting. Just look at the newspapers today and you will find it all. It is a mess. Today, make God the center. This is an urging for me as well. Think right. Speak right. Thi...