7 Keys to a Long Life

Everybody wants to live for a long time. It is a universal desire to be happy and healthy. However, many people are not living to their full potential because they may be putting the effort in the wrong places. I believe God wants us all to live a long, satisfied life.

Recently, when I tuned into the radio, I heard a commercial claiming that we can lose weight without exercise, diet, or basically no effort on our part. They said that their technology can help us lose 10 pounds for only a small fee of a few thousand dollars. I’m sure there are people out there who will fall for it but don’t let that be you. Today, let me share seven keys to long life.

1. Eat regularly. I hope this is good news to your ears! Unlike popular belief, eating is not the problem. God made us to enjoy food. What we eat is the key. It is better to eat several meals a day than to starve and then eat all you can. Think of your body as a car engine. The more active we are during the day, the more fuel it will need to run smoothly. Eat slowly because it takes 20 minutes for the stomach to signal the brain that is full. People in France and China eat heartily and yet they’re not overweight because they take their time eating, laughing, and enjoying their meal in moderation. Try to avoid food at least two to three hours prior to bedtime.

2. Eat small portions. As we get older, our metabolism slows down. Our body takes three to four hours to process the food. When we snack all day, it gives the digestive system no rest. Small portions take a shorter time to process. Eat from a small plate; it will trick your eyes and brain into eating less because it appears as more. When we eat less, we feel more energetic.

3. Cut down on sweets. Sugar, salt, and heroine are all white substances that harm our bodies. An average American takes about 32 spoons of sugar every day! Is it any wonder that we’re the heaviest country in the world? Just because sodas and deserts come in large and meal portions doesn’t mean we’ve to finish it. We shouldn’t waste. But it is better to waste food than to waste your body.

4. Get active. No amount of diet or technology can substitute exercise. The methods really don’t matter as much as regularity and discipline do. I’ve learned that every bit adds up. I often take the farthest parking spot in a parking lot. There’s always space there and others don’t dent my car! I also break down my exercise time into two or three segments per day. Of course this requires dedication and discipline but later it even becomes enjoyable. I take this time to pray or listen to a podcast to learn something. Burning calories slowly is better than a fast and short burst of exercise. I walk for about 20-25 miles every week. You can do that easily!

5. Don’t smoke. If you do, get help and quit as soon as you can. Our dependency on drugs (even prescription ones) and chemicals will shorten our lives. Those harmful products come with a health warning for a reason. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. What you put in it is a test of stewardship. If you want to live a long life, you have to make the right choices.

6. Drive safely. Speeding may be thrilling and a habit but it will hasten your meeting with Jesus. I’m guilty of this myself but when we drive above the speed limit, angels are not obligated to protect us. Whether we agree or not, it is good citizenship to abide by the law of the land. If we want our kids to drive safely, we have to set a good example for them.

7. Pray for divine health. It doesn’t matter what your health condition is right now; you can get better. If you’re sick, Jesus can heal you. But God won’t do what you can do for yourself. Your body is not only where you live but it is where God lives. Pray for long, satisfied life. It is part of your inheritance in Christ. Every time I pass a certain landmark, I have a habit of praying, “Thank you Lord for a long satisfied life”. When we pray for divine health, quoting health and healing scriptures daily then we’ll live a long, satisfied life as God has promised us. I pray and declare health, healing, and wholeness over your body today and all the days of your life.

“With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation” (Psalm 91:16 ESV).

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The Benefits of Giving Back

Giving is an expression of our hearts showing how we feel about others. For God so loved the world that He gave… When He made us, God put an insatiable desire in us to give also. We’re most like God when we give. Giving should be a way of life.

Giving has always been view as good for our soul. Researchers are now finding out that giving is good for our heart also. Charitable work and giving literally makes the heart grow stronger. It is a fast cure for depression, anxiety and despair. It is a remedy to greed. When we give back, we reduce stress and add years to our lives.

Many secular individuals and companies today have put philanthropy on top of their list because they realize that giving back bonds and produces stronger team members. Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, Jeff Skoll (eBay), Google and others give away millions of dollars every year because they’ve learnt the Biblical principle of giving away their money. Is there any wonder they’re prospering!

The Bible says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” We all know the story of the widow’s mite. She gave all she had and two thousand years later, we’re still talking about it! It is not the size of our gift that is important but the attitude of our heart in which we give. When we give, we inspire others for centuries to come.

When we give, we increase our influence and build a legacy. My mother passed away when I was one year old. My father put my brothers and I, in an orphanage hoping we’ll get a better chance at life which we did. A group of Sunday school ladies from America sponsored me with $12 a month. It fed me, sent me to school and gave me a chance to hear the Gospel. Today, I’m living my dream taking the same mantle to help thousands of others. I talk about my Sunday school ladies who sustained me at every opportunity I get. Their legacy continues. This is the power of giving.

Sow according to where you want to go with your finances. Most people give based on their earning. However, I like to challenge people to think in reverse. Set your giving goals and God will replenish them accordingly. For example, if you want to give away $10,000 per year, you can expect God to bring you at least $100,000. This is based on giving back 10% of our income to God’s work. The only cap to giving is how much you can receive.

One of the biggest hindrances to giving is to think that our gift is too small. We’re okay with unconscious giving – dropping the loose change in the charity jar or telling someone to keep the change because it jingles in our pocket and we don’t like that. However, when we’re about to make an intentional donation, we have all sorts of thoughts crossing our mind. “What difference will it make? I have bills to pay. Someone else can write a much bigger check.” Don’t let that be you. Next time you give small money away, remind yourself that you’re not just parting with a piece of paper or scraps of metal, you’re providing a bag of vegetables, pair of shoes, blanket or medicine for a sick child. A handful of quarter can provide a handful of rice – the only meal of the day for a family. Every small gift makes a big impact.

End of the year is the biggest time for giving back. Let me leave you with a few thoughts that might ignite your philanthropic interest. Give to a cause that you believe in. Give to people and organization you have a relationship with or through a recommendation of someone you know. Give, because you care not because you feel obligated. Give, because your giving will have eternal impact. Money can be deceptive but giving is divine. Giving is one of the most selfish things we can do. When it comes to giving, everybody wins.

A Chinese proverb says, “If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.”

“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full--pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back” (Luke 6:38 NLT).

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Pay It Forward

Most of the time we’re so focused with our own lives that we don’t have the time to think about others. Life is a cycle. What we do for others God will make sure to do for us. When we help those in need, we’re depositing into our own future.

Today, my friend Tyler is hosting his second Pay It Forward event. It will benefit several charities including Build International Ministries. For those of you who know Tyler, you know about his Texas-size heart. He is an exceptional chef but his real mission in life is to help people and expand God’s Kingdom on earth. Every time I talk to him, he’s got a people project on his mind. He’s an outward focused young man of God. Today he’s making history by paying it forward by hosting this fundraiser event. Everybody say, “God bless Tyler!”

One of the greatest hindrances to helping people is to think we don’t have what others need. We look at our time, talent and treasure and nod our heads in despair. I’ve learnt, instead of looking at what we don’t have and giving up, a better approach is to look to God and let him orchestrate our means to help others. First the decision and then comes the provision.

This is what happened to my friend Tyler. He had been sharing with some mutual friends of ours to become the title sponsor for today’s Pay It Forward event. When he approached our friends they were very open and willing to help. They’re some of the most generous people. But they have their limits too. The lady said they’ll help if God brought some extra funds into their hands. As Tyler was sitting in her office a white envelop slipped out of her drawer. She had been looking for that envelop for a long time but she couldn’t find it. She had prayed, “Lord, if you help me find it, I’ll bless someone with it.”  Inside was the exact amount Tyler had requested for them to be the title sponsor! God made sure to provide for Tyler and our friends when they made a decision to help those in need.

I heard a story about strangers paying it forward to buy coffee and pastries at Starbucks. It started with just one customer paying for the person behind him. The next customer was so impressed and thankful that he wanted to do the same. The next customer did the same thing. An unbroken chain of forty seven customers paid it forward for the person coming after them. One customer paid for six drinks in the van after him! Helping people is inspiring and contagious. This is why I’ve dedicated my life to helping others. For the last twenty seven years, thousands of people have given their time, talent and treasure to impact eternity. I’m so grateful to YOU and the lives we’re able to change.

When you become outward focus, God becomes laser focused on you and your own need. It doesn’t have to be money. One of the best things we can give to people is our words of encouragement. Bill Gates (Microsoft) and Steve Jobs (Apple) were frenemies. In the dying days of Jobs, he received a letter from Gates. Despite their business battles over the years, they had mutual respect for one another. Jobs cherished Gates’ letter so much that he kept it by his bedside until he passed away. Friend, you may not have a lot of resources right now but can you write a letter of encouragement? I have an “encouragement” file where I keep all the heart-warming letters and cards I’ve received by mail and emails. When I feel discouraged I just read three or four of those letters and I get back my joy and purpose and spring right back to action. Pay It Forward – someday it will come back to you.

Friend, nothing is more satisfying than living a life of giving. God loved us so much that He gave… You can give without loving but you can’t love without giving. Be a part of making an impact in someone's life. God will provide if you make a decision. You don’t have to do anything big. Like the Starbucks customers, buy someone a cup of coffee. Like Gates, take time out of your busy schedule and write a heart-warming letter to someone who needs hope. A small act of giving beats greatest good intentions. The only Jesus many will see and experience is YOU. Pay It Forwards – it ALWAYS comes back to you!

“In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good” (Ecclesiastes 11:6 ESV).

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Broadcast Yourself

We live in the age of media, social networks and webcams that bring instant attention to whatever we want to promote. Often things we see are not very wholesome. But there’s a way you can broadcast yourself without costing you a dime.

Smile.

Yesterday, I got the biggest compliment when someone said to me, “You always have a smile on your face!” I’m not conscience of it anymore but yes there was a time when I made it my personal growth plan to “learn to smile.” Our smile has powerful implications. Researchers say it take forty seven muscles to frown but only four to smile. Today we’ll look at many benefits of smile and laughter.

Our smile is the billboard that either draws people to us or repels people from us. When we smile, we’re saying, I like you; I’d like to get to know you better. If our eyes are the window to our soul, our smile is the window to our heart. When we smile, we express the joy in our hearts. A smile breaks down barrier and makes us welcoming to strangers.

When I was in “smile training” I made me think happy thoughts or a funny incident to get me going. I’m sure, at times, people thought I was stupid. But that didn’t stop me from my smile exercise. Soon it became so part of me that I was smiling naturally. I didn’t have to fake it or manufacture it. I had a cheerful continence without making any effort. Now, everywhere I go people are drawn to me because they feel welcomed to talk to me.

I’ve always felt awkward watching Christian movies where Jesus is characterized as a serious, mystical figure. Sometimes even his voice is altered and it sounds very fake and religious. In a recent version, Jesus is smiling when He comes out of the waters of baptism. He plays with the kids and jokes with the disciples. I believe that Jesus was a lighthearted man. People felt safe to be around him. His smile made people comfortable.  His smile broadcasted His heart.

Modern medical science is finding out the benefits of smile, laughter and a cheerful continence. The neuroscience section of the Discovery Channel lists some of the advantages of laughter. It lowers blood pressure. It reduces stress hormones. It increases disease-killing cells. It releases endorphins – a feel good hormone that reduces stress. It strengthens the immune system. It improves memory and creativity. I don’t know about you but I’ll smile all day just to get the benefit of any one of these. I love it when medical science proves age-old truths in the Bible. God’s Word says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine” (Proverbs. 17:22 NLT). Did you know in many nursing homes, old comedies are being played? It’s bringing healing and lengthening the days of its occupants. Laughter brings longevity.

In our recent missions trip to China, we’re standing in a long line trying to enter the Great Wall. It was a very hot day and there were no covers anywhere. Hundreds of people were packed like sardines. My team and I were all very uncomfortable. Suddenly, I spotted a little Chinese boy and his sister who were with their mother and grandparents. They were being impatient like us. I smiled and made some friendly gestures and immediately they responded. Soon we’re laughing, tickling, playing and providing entertainment to at least couple of dozen people standing in the line around us. The time passed must faster. When we’re about to enter the gate those two kids made their way in front of us to say bye to us. I put my hands on them and prayed a silent prayer for them to know Jesus and serve Him someday.

Smile my friend. It suits you. It will add years to your life. When we broadcast ourselves with a smile, people know we’re open for business. They feel safe to befriend us. We can be healing balm to those who are hurting. A smile, laughter and a merry heart does good like a medicine. Smile!

“All the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast” (Proverbs 15:15 ESV).

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Dignity of Labor

Work has been a part of man’s life since the beginning of creation. God gave Adam a garden to care for. He made Eve to improve Adam! If we’re to live a balanced life, it is important for us to have the right attitude towards work.

John D. Rockefeller was a businessman and philanthropist. He said, “I believe in the dignity of labor, whether with head or hand; that the world owes no man a living but it owes every man an opportunity to make a living.” America is one of the greatest countries in the world to provide opportunity and reward work excellence. Yet there are more people today who are going on social welfare simply because they don’t want to work.

My friend Ben came to this country with seventy dollars in his pocket. He understood the value of work and opportunity. He worked through several menial jobs but today has three thriving restaurants in Colorado, serving Himalayan cuisines. He employs over fifty local college students and hires chefs from Nepal. His family supports our ministry sending destitute children to school.

God’s Word provides instructions on work and ethics. One of my favorite verses is, “If a man should not work, he shouldn’t eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). It is God’s will for us to work. One mistake people often make is to wait for a perfect job. While it’s good to pray, believe and search for the job of your dream, it is better to start with the best job you can get and work your way to the top. Don’t worry about promotion and the time it takes to get to the top, just be your best at what you have. The cream always rises to the top.

If you’re an employee, work as unto the Lord. Your work-life is a daily sermon to your co-workers. If you’re coming to work on time, putting in a full day’s work, reliable, kind, team player and productive soon they’ll begin to question about your God. You’re setting a God-standard at work when you don’t gossip or talk down on the management. When you’re practicing your Sunday values at work, you’re being a witness for Christ. Your example will draw men and women to the Lord.

Employers, be fair to your co-workers. Recently I was visiting with my friend Ms. Joyce. She works for some other friends of mine in an insurance business. I was having dinner at her home with her children and grandchildren. When the subject of work came up, Ms. Joyce couldn’t say enough nice things about her employers and her office. She kept bragging on the kindness of her boss and the flexibility they offer. The owners go out of their way to treat their employees with great love, respect and honor. Is there any wonder that the company is doing well in spite of the economy! We have workers in our ministry who have been with us fifteen, twenty years because they feel the love and care we provide for them and their families.

A very important part of life is to have balance. I know many friends who are workaholics. All their conversations and social life revolves around work. This is not healthy. People at work are too stressed out today. If you make God your Provider, you’ll be less stressed and more productive. Don’t be a lion at work and come home to give the leftover (time, effort and energy) to your family. Don’t miss out on the best part of life. Once a week, keep a day reserved for your family. Don’t take business calls, emails or do other work activity. When your family sees you value your family, spend time with them and keep healthy boundaries then they will love, respect and honor you more.

“If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need” (Ephesians 4:28 NLT).

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Don’t Seek the Glory

We live in a culture and society where instant gratification is the code of conduct. Our attention span is getting shorter. We don’t like to wait for anything and certainly if we do an act of service, we want the spotlight.

This is very contradictory to the teachings of Jesus. His life was filled with miracles yet He told people He touched “Don’t tell anybody.” How different it is from the mindset of today. You hardly can do anything without getting acknowledged for it. Not that it is wrong to be recognized and thanked for what we do but when we seek the glory for what we do, we’ve missed the heart of it.

Couple of weeks ago, I was traveling in Oklahoma. We stopped for lunch at a local restaurant because I really wanted to try some country food. While we waited for our order I spotted three young soldiers in their uniform eating and having a good time. The sacrifice of the servicemen always touches my heart. I called the waitress to the side and asked her to put their tab under my name and not to tell them anything. When they came to pay their bill I was sitting right next to the counter. Trying to be anonymous I kept talking to my kids. I thought they’d just leave but the waitress had told them. They came by our table to thank me for buying them lunch. I didn’t want to be recognized but it just played out that way. No harm was done that day although I’d have preferred to have been anonymous.

One of the great lessons I learned early in life is to help others without seeking glory for it. There’s nothing wrong when people acknowledge our goodness but when we’re doing something to impress people rather than God then we’re doing it for the wrong motive. A far greater attitude is to help people because it is the right thing to do. What we do for others in secret will be rewarded by God openly.

In December 1938, a 29-year-old London stockbroker by the name of Nicholas Winton was about leave for a Skiing holiday in Switzerland. Just as he was about to leave he got a call from a friend in Prague, Czechoslovakia asking him to come and help him with the most interesting assignment. When Winton got there he found thousands of Jewish refugees living in camps under appalling conditions.

Immediately Winton began a rescue operation for the children. After he returned to England, Winton worked as a stockbroker by the day and labored late into the night to bring Jewish children out of the danger zone. After the war Winton didn’t tell anyone, not even his wife Grete about his wartime heroic effort. Half a century later Grete discovered a scrapbook in their attic with all the children’s photos, a complete list of names, letters from the parents to Winton and other documents. Winton had rescued 669 children from the sure death of the Nazi regime. Half a century later Winton was recognized by various groups, and the nation of Israel. Today Sir Nicholas Winton is 104 years old. He still wears the ring given to him by some of the children he saved. On the ring is inscribed: “Save one life, save the world.”

 

Friend, very few of us can do great things but all of us can do a small thing in a great way. You may not be able to save hundreds of lives like Sir Winton but can you buy lunch for a serviceman? Jesus healed people without getting recognition from the religious institution of His days. Can you reach out and touch a broken heart? Modesty is a lost art today. But God never forgets anything we do in His name. When we help others without seeking glory for it, God Himself will pay us back.

Don’t say to yourself I cannot do anything great. Don’t seek greatness; have a heart to help. Don’t focus on what you cannot do. Do what you can. When we save one life with the Gospel of Christ, we give them eternal passage. Save one life, save the world!

His master replied, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness” (Matthew 25:21 NIV)!

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7 Secrets of Happiness

I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t want to be happy. Happiness is a basic human need. It’s a feeling that brings us joy, fulfillment and ecstasy. Happiness shouldn’t be our goal but it’s a byproduct of our thoughts, words and action.

Most people make the mistake of thinking that happiness is conditioned to external things. Some people think happiness is found in things and people. But happiness is an internal attitude. Today we’ll discuss seven secrets to living a happy and fulfilled life.

Happiness rule #1. You’re perfect! You’re made in the image of God. You have God’s DNA in you. Your behavior may need to catch up to your God-class status but never forget who you are. If you’re a Christian, you’re a child of God. He never manufactures junk. You’re smart. Good looking. Attractive. Disciplined. Funny. Creative and much more. Accept and embrace who you are.

Happiness rule #2. Dwell on positive thoughts. Your life will follow your thoughts. Bad things happen to good people. You don’t have to psyche yourself up to think negatively. They come automatically. Train yourself to look at the good in everything, and you’ll have a continual feast. A grateful heart does not have room for negative thinking.

Happiness rule #3. Get up quickly. The Bible says, a righteous man may fall seven times but he will rise up again. We all have weaknesses. We all make mistakes. The best thing we can do with our wrongs is to repent and learn from them. When we learn to pick ourselves us quickly after a disappointment, we’ll find happiness again.

Happiness rule #4. Find the best in people. Let’s face it. Most of our disappointment and discouragement come from people letting us down. Sometimes these people are the closest to our hearts. I’ve found that most people have something good in them that deserved to be recognized and celebrated. Let’s focus on the 80% good in people and overlook the 20% not so good. When we focus on the good, we’ll bring out the best in people.

Happiness rule #5. Forgive quickly. Forgiveness is a big idea. God invented it to redeem us from our sins. Without God’s forgiveness we’re all bound for eternal damnation called hell. When we forgive people and let go of the offense, we’re in God-class. When you forgive, you set a prisoner free – that prisoner is you! Let’s learn to forgive quickly because we need to be forgiven every day.

Happiness rule #6. Celebrate today! It took your whole life to get to today. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is not promised. Today is a gift! Don’t live in the regrets of yesterday. The Bible teaches not to be over-ambitious about tomorrow. Celebrate the “small” things in life because one day you’ll realize they were the “big” things. Laugh often, love outrageously and give extravagantly. Every day, tell your loved ones how much they mean to you!

Happiness rule #7. Give more than you receive. The greatest joy in life is in our giving. No man is awarded for what he takes but what he gives. Winston Churhill said, “We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.” When we deliver more than expected we’re setting ourselves up for happiness. Share your time, talent and treasure. For God so loved the world that He gave… If you want to be like God – give!

As you can see, there’s no deep secret to happiness for our lives. It’s you who holds the key to your own happiness. When we surrender ourselves to God’s will and live to bless others we will find the ultimate fulfillment in life.

“How happy is the man who has put his trust in the LORD” (Psalm 40:4 Holman).

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