David, who was anointed to become King of Israel, had many enemies, and he wrote the words of Psalm 18 at a time when God delivered him from those enemies, including Saul, the King he would then replace.
David was so overwhelmed by his enemies that he felt as if “the cords of death entangled” him. He felt that his end was near. In response, David called on the only one who could help, saying “I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies.”
David displayed great courage based on his trust in God, his rock and deliverer. David had been taught and had learned from experience that the Lord was always present for him. No enemy could separate him from the care of the Lord.
Today, when we depend on God for all good things, as David did, we know that God will bring the solutions we need. This doesn’t mean we should ignore emergency services or other kinds of help that are available when we might need them. God provides those resources in our communities for the good of everyone. But realizing that we can rely on God to help us with all our needs is of greater comfort – just as it was for David. Let’s be sure to call on God whenever we need help of any kind.
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; God is my rock, in whom I take refuge (Psalm 18:2).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, often we forget to look to you for help when we need it. Father, teach us to lean on you for protection, guidance, and all that we need, knowing you provide all good things. In Christ’s name, Amen.
Suffering is a human reality. Christians are not exempt from the results of suffering. The Apostles suffered greatly and many of them died horrendous deaths. But it was all for God’s glory and a part of His divine plan for their lives.
When trials come your way, unexpectedly, do you shake your fist, or do you trust God’s ways are higher than yours? Do you say to God, “Not my will, but Yours be done”? Do you trust that He will use that terrible trial for your good and for His glory? God will use all things to make us to the image of His Son and often in the life of the believer that may include pain and suffering. But In times of suffering, He gives us coping mechanisms pray for God’s mercy to come, cry out for His help and we will one day taste of victory. Hallelujah!
Today, please remember there is a day that awaits every believer where all pain and suffering will cease. That is why we must keep our eyes fixed upon the hope of eternity and not on this life. And that is why faith in God is so important it is the rock on which we stand when trials come, and they will. We must remember the hope that God will never leave our side and walks with us through the valley experiences. We also have the ultimate hope of eternal life that awaits us in Christ. That is our anchor during hard times – the hope of eternity.
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” – James 1: 12
Let’s Pray Yahweh, thank you for being with me in my suffering. Father, please help me find your mercy and goodness when trials come and not grumble and complain, Holy Spirit convict my heart and remind me to be thankful for your promises. That bring comfort and opportunities to help those around me who maybe suffering. God, in my suffering I look forward to heaven my home and there that crown of life that awaits me so today I stand firm in faith, trusting like you I will overcome this world. So, I won’t fear. I love you for not allowing me to be alone in my suffering. In Christ’ name, Amen
When we seek God, when we serve Him with our whole hearts, He will hide us in His shelter. Hallelujah! You can be so connected to God that you are untouchable and invisible to the enemy! You are hidden in Him! No matter what is happening around you, you can have strength, confidence and rest.
In life, challenges may come your way, but don’t be worried about them. You know that ultimately things are going to work out for your good. You know that no weapon formed against you shall prosper.
Today, people may try to make you look bad, but don’t give it a second thought. Your future is too bright to be distracted. People don’t control your destiny, God does. Just keep on being your best you, walk in integrity, meditate on the Word, and worship throughout the day so you can stay hidden in God!
“For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.”
(Psalm 27:5, NIV)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I come to You today with an open and humble heart. Father, I surrender every area of my life to You. Mould me into Your image and keep me hidden in You. God, I bless You and praise You today and always in Christ’s Name! Amen.
You may ask the question “why didn’t it work this time”? Have you ever tried something and got the results you wanted, and then tried the same thing again only to get a different result? This happened to Moses in Exodus. They needed water and God told Moses to strike the rock. He struck the rock and water flowed out freely. Another time they needed water again, and God told Moses, “speak to the rock.” He went over and struck the rock. He thought, “Hey, it worked last time, it’ll work this time.” But it didn’t. God had a different plan.
The lesson is that we must listen to God and do what He says. We have to stay open and make adjustments to stay in sync with God’s plan. You can do the same thing the same way you did last time and get different results. It may not be something major, but like Moses, maybe it’s just something small. Something small can have massive consequences. Sometimes a small tweak or a small adjustment can make a major difference in the outcome, as it did with Moses.
Today, make sure you aren’t doing things just because of tradition, expectation of others, or because it’s the way you have always done it. Instead, listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit inside of you. Follow His leading and stay in sync with the wonderful plan He has for you!
“In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps” (Proverbs 16:9, NIV)
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I submit my mind, will and heart to You. Father, help me to see clearly and listen to Your plans for me. God, please help me to stay close to You always, not living in the past or following tradition, but pressing forward to the new things You have in store for me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.
David was between a rock and a hard place. He was in a very difficult situation when he wrote today’s verse. He was actually running for his life from his very own son, who wanted to kill him and take over the throne. Can you imagine? David was probably feeling overwhelmed, distraught, heartbroken, betrayed and abandoned. Have you ever felt that way, when you can’t believe what’s happening to you?
But, notice that David didn’t just tell the Lord all about his problems. He told the Lord about his faith when he said, “but You, God, are a shield around me”¦” David made the choice to focus on God’s goodness no matter what. The circumstances may be tough, but God is working behind the scenes for you. You may have a difficult relationship, but God is your Restorer. You may have an overwhelming need, but God is your Provider. The doctors may have told you that you have an incurable disease, but God is your Healer.
Today, things may look impossible, BUT WITH GOD, all things are possible! If you’ll keep that constant attitude of faith and victory, you’ll see the hand of God move in your life, and you will experience the life of victory God has in store for you!
”O LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! …But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.”
(Psalm 3:1-3, NIV)
Pray With Me Yahweh, thank You for always being faithful and working in my life. Father, today I open my heart to You and choose to focus on You instead of my circumstances. God, teach me that when things are difficult that I turn to you for my breakthrough. I know that with You, all things are possible and will work for my good, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.
A special word from the Lord, from Pastor Ray Patrick
Everyone knows a story about a smart and talented professional who has lost his or her passion for a role, who no longer looks forward to going to the office yet remains stuck without a visible way out. Getting on the career ladder is a great thing, you start off at the bottom and work your way up, but sometimes you can get stuck and do not even realize it.
“One in Five Employees Claim They Were Mis-sold Opportunities When They Joined Their Organisation – Kelly Global Workforce Index (Kgwi).”
Commenting on the findings, Debbie Pettingill, Director, Kelly Services UK and Ireland said
“Employee retention will become an increasing challenge for employers as we move out of the recession. As we move into a more candidate driven market, this trend is likely to accelerate. Our findings indicate that this problem is being exacerbated by the misrepresentation of job role or company culture at the interview stage, leading to the dissatisfaction of new hires.”
Most of us know what we are trying to escape a “mis-sold” job resulting in a narrowly defined career, inauthentic or unstimulating work, numbing corporate politics, and perhaps blackmail including direct threats of being used as a scapegoat. A job where you are both overlooked and underappreciated. One may ring true for some of you.
“Fewer than Half of Uk Employees Are Happy with the Way Their Careers Are Progressing According to New British Research.”
Why Would A Company or Person Block Your Move?
Well, this could be because of his or her personal insecurity i.e. as the team works well, why rock the boat? Comfort zone: sometimes the team gets too comfortable? Golden child syndrome: you’re working your butt off and your sponsor or other senior is reaping the recognition from your amazing deliverables?
Working a job you don’t like can leave you feeling stuck, forgotten by God, and asking yourself questions like:
Why hasn’t God opened another door for me yet?
Why is God not moving?
Why would God leave me here in this job I hate?
But the truth is God has not left you. He’s not holding back on you. When you feel God is silent, that’s exactly when He’s moving! Your situation does not change God. He still loves you and is with you no matter what.
Instead of looking at our situation from a perspective of fear and worry, we need to look at it through faith and hope.
What Can You Do About it?
Don’t fret, you can handover your work or completely leave the organisation and still stay sane. You might worry that announcing your intentions will cause your company grief, but ultimately you have to do what’s best for you no matter what!
Think and pray long and hard about how you’re going to drop this bombshell as you will need to give notice. A sound method is required to overcome the assault and possible backlash – including of course more prayer and fasting.
So how are you going to approach it? What’s your reasoning going to be? How are you going to get them to understand exactly why you’re doing this? What do you need to do in order to prepare for the big day?
Easy, you’re going to read this guide.
Strategy 1 – Remote Working Arrangement
This could be a great approach if 80% of your work can be undertaken remotely. However, while there is a very logical argument to be made in favor of working from home, many people equate remote work to a lack of productivity and laziness. These people do not realize that the switch from an office to working from home can actually lead to significant increases in productivity.
Strategy 2 – What’s in It for Me?
What’s in it for me? That question sounds a little selfish, doesn’t it? Maybe you aren’t being compensated fairly, or you’re not happy with the effort vs return. When you know your client and team needs you and you’re willing to stay for a price, don’t mess around. Give them the real number or offer that will make it worth your while to stick it out for awhile.
Strategy 3 – The Budget Cut
The re-structuring. The downsizing. The dreaded budget cut. Whatever name you want to give it, this can be terrifying for a lot of professionals. However, if you’re already thinking about leaving, so maybe it doesn’t have to be such a scary thing. In fact, maybe it can be extremely positive for both parties.
Strategy 4 – The Ease Out
Still feeling weary about leaving the organization. Propose easing yourself out of the post. Pick a time frame, maybe four weeks or so, and come up with a plan for slowly taking yourself out of the position. This also allows you some time to slowly ramp down your time commitment.
Strategy 5 – Burning Bridges in the Industry
“Sometimes it’s about networking and being nice to people and not burning any bridges – but remembering to draw line where you must.”
There’s no harm in an early exit from a job you never plan to mention again or an interim role where you have clearly agreed on a start and finish date. But if your manager is well connected to your industry you should try to leave on a good note. Why? Because it’s a small world and the next hiring manager may put in a call to his or her former colleague (a.k.a., your new manager) to get the unofficial scoop. It happens, so if you’re going to leave anyway then try to fulfill your end of the deal.
Strategy 6 – Get Moving Fast
Imagine, for example, that you were hired to help the company manage multiple programmes and projects across the globe, but a recent change in leadership means all efforts moving forward will be focused locally.
If you’re spending your days just trying to find ways to be productive or are undertaking a role you never signed up for, you have every right to pursue new opportunities. Of course, the first course of action should normally be to discuss this with your manager to see if there are other roles you can take on. But if you know that this isn’t going to happen in the new world, get moving fast.
Strategy 7 – Your Dream Job Awaits
“When you’re being interviewed, always treat the interview as a 50-50 thing,” says Andy Dallas, a director at Robert Half International, recruitment consultants. “Ask what you can expect to be doing in your first week, month and three months. Ask what a successful year looks like.”
Dream jobs don’t come every day. So, if you have a chance at yours, take it quickly and congratulate yourself for being strong enough to leave when you were unhappy.
Strategy 8 – Remeber to Be Patient
We will not always be in a job we desire. Maybe you are fresh out of school and are working a job that has nothing to do with the degree you just earned. Maybe you are in a situation where you are working at a job where you are overqualified, overworked, and fed up. Maybe, for the most part, you love your job but get discouraged by the mundane tasks that take up time from doing the aspects of your job you love most.
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” – James 4:10 NIV
Here’s the thing: God will still use this season to grow, develop, and prepare you. Any season that humbles us is preparing us for what God has next.
We seem to be entering a new age of megaprojects as countries around the world mobilise the private sector to invest heavily in multi-billion or sometimes multi-trillion dollar infrastructure initiatives.
Megaprojects (sometimes also spelled “mega projects”) are very large investment projects and require care in the project development process to reduce any possible optimism bias and strategic misrepresentation.
The most expensive large-scale megaprojects in the world range from bridges, tunnels, highways, railways, airports, seaports, power plants, dams and wastewater projects to entire city districts.
Megaprojects seem to be practically recession-proof and have continued despite the 2008 global economic slowdown likely spurred megaproject construction, since the governments of some countries among them China, India, and the United States saw investment in infrastructure as a way to stimulate growth. Moreover, many large corporations are locked into megaprojects, because only enormous undertakings seem capable of nudging their bottom lines.
Here, we take a look at 5 of the biggest, most important and spectacular megaprojects around the world.
Waterworld Hotel Concept, Songjiang, China By Atkin’s Architecture Group
Waterworld Hotel, Songjiang, China
Waterworld Hotel, Songjiang, China
Waterworld Hotel Concept, Songjiang, China By Atkin’s Architecture Group
Songjiang Hotel, China
“We Drew Our Inspiration from the Quarry Setting” Says Atkins Design Studio
The five-star hotel is designed by UK architecture office Atkins for Shimao Group and will offer around 400 rooms, with underwater restaurants, clubs, shopping facilities, a 10-meter deep aquarium and various sport activities such as rock climbing and bungee jumping.
The waterfall is a key feature of this hotel built into a 328-foot-tall quarry outside of Shanghai. The 19-story hotel will have the waterfall cascading down the middle and two hotel floors that are entirely underwater.
The building will get its energy from geothermal sources and will feature a green roof.
With its 650 architects spread around the world in 60 offices, Atkins Design Studio is an enormous organisation, with some pretty amazing Megaprojects under its belt.
The Three Gorges Dam Project
The Three Gorges Dam Project
The Three Gorges Dam Project
The Three Gorges Dam Project
Three Gorges Dam
Man has long used technology to harness nature and dam building has always been one of the most controversial methods.
Building a dam causes dramatic effects on the environment, yet can benefit man in innumerable ways.
Three Gorges Dam located in Sandouping, Yiling, Hubeiis is the largest power station in the world and took 14 years to complete at a cost of USD $37 billion ( ¥180 billion). The original estimated cost was USD $6 billion ( ¥20 billion). It can produce as much as 15 nuclear power plants and is expected to create 10% of China’s entire energy supply.
The Three Gorges Dam has moved 39 trillion kilograms of water 175 metres above sea level which scientists believe has altered the planet enough to change the speed at which the earth rotates.
The dam was first suggested by Sun Yat-sen, the first president of the Republic of China in 1919 and people have been working on it, researching how it would work and where exactly it would go for nearly 100 years.
London Crossrail
London Crossrail
Crossrail is Europe’s largest infrastructure project and is set to boost London’s rail capacity by 10%. The project will deliver approximately 11.9km of twin bore tunnels.
The $23 billion development 73-mile rail project will connect London from East to West, improving access to Heathrow Airport, central London as well as city’s surrounding towns and suburbs.
Eight boring machines have been cutting their way through earth to create 26 miles (42km) of tunnels.
Construction of Crossrail began at Canary Wharf in London Docklands on 15 May 2009, with tunnelling work starting in May 2012.
The Crossrail project is about 65% complete and engineers will now continue upgrading existing stations and building new stations in central London and London Docklands.
Working in partnership with China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute and the China Railway Design Institute, ADPI also won the competition to design and develop Terminal 3 at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport in 2011. Phase 1 of the project will increase the airport’s capacity to 45 million passengers per year by 2020.
Beijing’s new international airport
Beijing’s new international airport
Beijing International Airport Terminal 1 to be World’s Biggest
Beijing’s new international airport
January 2013 saw work approved for a new airport in Beijing. With large sweeping, non-conforming arches that span inwards with curves to the interior, there is a definite stamp of Zaha Hadid Architects with their design language.
Playing host to eight runways and with the capabilities to cater for 130 million passengers every year, Beijing’s new international airport will be among the world’s largest and busiest once complete in 2017.
International Space Station (ISS)
One Giant Leap for Mankind
International Space station
The International Space Station (ISS) is the largest artificial body in orbit and can often be seen with the naked eye from Earth.
It may be one of the most ambitious scientific ventures ever and also the largest masterpiece of the human engineering in orbit around Earth at present. The station consists mainly of habitable and science modules, external trusses and solar panels to provide power.
The ISS provides a platform to conduct scientific research including astrobiology, astronomy, human research including space medicine and life sciences, physical sciences, materials science, space weather and weather on Earth.
What exciting projects did we miss on our list? Let us know in the comments section below.
