With Thanksgiving coming up, everyone is all giddy and excited for seeing their family back home again. When I was a Freshman at Purdue, I hated it here. Purdue was one place on earth that I did not want to be at. I missed my mom, dad, sisters, and grandma. There was no one here at Purdue for me. All my friends from my high school went to Urbana Champaign or the University of Chicago. I missed everyone so much! God, why did you place me in this deserted place?
But family isn't so hard to come by even if you are at a place like Purdue (No offense ^^). As time passed, God placed these people in my lives.
I met my first small group leader at at AAA callout. He was handing out Cornerstone bookmarks in front of the classroom of the callout. Man, as I look back at it now, this guy had balls (Holy balls). And this is how I started going to Cornerstone because of a weirdo passing out Cornerstone bookmarks at an AAA callout.
God has really shown me so much over these past years through my time here at Purdue and my time at Cornerstone. I've met all types of people, both good and bad. But God has really taught me to love these people; love them as my own, you know, like a family.
John 17:23 says, "I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."
This verse was from Jesus' prayer for all believers that we may come in unity and reflect Jesus' love upon each other. And I have learned just that :)
Now that I'm leaving for Chicago, I'm gonna miss my family here at Purdue. Really, really. I use to say, "I'll never call Purdue my home!" But home is really where the family is and because of God, I have many :D
Praise the Lord!
Amen!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Humbled
"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14
I was definitely humbled today during Winterization. Right after Joe's message about world view and how we should take into serious consideration of how media is desensitizing many serious issues, I go and talk about The Hangover. Thank you Chris Leong. Yes the movie was hilarious, but the first thought that should come to my mind is not that it was a funny movie, but a sad and worry some topic. Instead of laughing at such moral lacking topics, I should learn to be concerned and pray.
On a side note, what a glorious day :)
Amen.
I was definitely humbled today during Winterization. Right after Joe's message about world view and how we should take into serious consideration of how media is desensitizing many serious issues, I go and talk about The Hangover. Thank you Chris Leong. Yes the movie was hilarious, but the first thought that should come to my mind is not that it was a funny movie, but a sad and worry some topic. Instead of laughing at such moral lacking topics, I should learn to be concerned and pray.
On a side note, what a glorious day :)
Amen.
Friday, November 20, 2009
tl;dr
"Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one." Isaiah 44:8
"Christians seem to have a lot of difficulty witnessing to unbelievers. It is easier to talk about the church we attend than to talk about Christ."
I blame myself a lot for not knowing enough of the Bible (which is in fact still truth). I always say that I will be a witness, but in the end, when placed in a situation with my non-Christian friends, my will disappears. Instead of explaining to them my passion for Christ, the physicality of the church is brought up. My non-Christian friends question my Friday night church attendance since service is usually only held on Sundays and the pointless conversation goes on.
It seems at though I am taking the easy way around of things; never wanting to attempt the serious stuff. A-use-to-be-close friend of mine can relate. I back down way too easily when it comes to what I believe in and what I want. When it comes to my relationship with God, there should be no hesitation. I should be able to express it freely and without shame to anyone. Instead of trembling and being afraid all the time, I need to place all myself in God and believe that He's will may be done by using me as a witness.
This blog is just a long rambling, but I hope someone reads it. My heart has been all over the place recently. When I say all over the place, my priorities have been shifted, my desires are confused; basically, there is a lot of uncertainty. As people plainly put it, you can't be a man and be uncertain. A man should have leadership qualities and is the decision maker. A leader of the church should lead his people without leaving any sheep behind.
Thank you Joe Kim for putting in so much effort in tonight's Large Group discussion. Friday nights are always the blunt end of the sword with people. As I just absorbed the message and the input, one song constantly ran through my head:
As disturbing as the 2nd video was, I was ashamed of myself for laughing so hard. I tried leading my group into a more serious discussion as well, but that was incredibly difficult since I was immature enough to poke fun at such a serious topic in Christianity. Instead of seeing suffering and sinfulness, I viewed it as another Superbad or Hangover movie. I need new glasses.
During worship, the prayer came from deep within my heart. For change, for love, and for selflessness. God, I really want to see through the eyes of Jesus. Open up my eyes to the things that you see. As little as I have given tonight in Large Group, I have received an abundance.
Thanks Joe again. Must have been really tough.
Well. There is much more to say from this foolish heart of mine, but I need to wake up in 4 hours for Winterization. If you made it this far down, let me say, "I love you."
z_z
Amen.
"Christians seem to have a lot of difficulty witnessing to unbelievers. It is easier to talk about the church we attend than to talk about Christ."
I blame myself a lot for not knowing enough of the Bible (which is in fact still truth). I always say that I will be a witness, but in the end, when placed in a situation with my non-Christian friends, my will disappears. Instead of explaining to them my passion for Christ, the physicality of the church is brought up. My non-Christian friends question my Friday night church attendance since service is usually only held on Sundays and the pointless conversation goes on.
It seems at though I am taking the easy way around of things; never wanting to attempt the serious stuff. A-use-to-be-close friend of mine can relate. I back down way too easily when it comes to what I believe in and what I want. When it comes to my relationship with God, there should be no hesitation. I should be able to express it freely and without shame to anyone. Instead of trembling and being afraid all the time, I need to place all myself in God and believe that He's will may be done by using me as a witness.
This blog is just a long rambling, but I hope someone reads it. My heart has been all over the place recently. When I say all over the place, my priorities have been shifted, my desires are confused; basically, there is a lot of uncertainty. As people plainly put it, you can't be a man and be uncertain. A man should have leadership qualities and is the decision maker. A leader of the church should lead his people without leaving any sheep behind.
Thank you Joe Kim for putting in so much effort in tonight's Large Group discussion. Friday nights are always the blunt end of the sword with people. As I just absorbed the message and the input, one song constantly ran through my head:
As disturbing as the 2nd video was, I was ashamed of myself for laughing so hard. I tried leading my group into a more serious discussion as well, but that was incredibly difficult since I was immature enough to poke fun at such a serious topic in Christianity. Instead of seeing suffering and sinfulness, I viewed it as another Superbad or Hangover movie. I need new glasses.
During worship, the prayer came from deep within my heart. For change, for love, and for selflessness. God, I really want to see through the eyes of Jesus. Open up my eyes to the things that you see. As little as I have given tonight in Large Group, I have received an abundance.
Thanks Joe again. Must have been really tough.
Well. There is much more to say from this foolish heart of mine, but I need to wake up in 4 hours for Winterization. If you made it this far down, let me say, "I love you."
z_z
Amen.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Romans 14 is Great
With some Facebook stalking, you will know why i chose to read this chapter tonight.
This chapter basically compares two types of Christians: strong and weak. From my own understanding and pride driven life, I would automatically claim myself to be a stronger Christian than others. I was even surprised when I was talking to a younger friend here at Purdue and the topic on hand was about my friends. "I thought you didn't accept younger people as your friend because you wanted to play the older brother role."
This really woke me up. This was the type of character I was playing? A self-portrayed, high and mighty know it all who, apparently, is so far from 'knowing' everything that I could not help myself from laughing... AT MYSELF as I was reading this passage!
My pride has driven me beyond who Jesus was. He was a selfless man full of humility. He knew He was the Son of God, so what? "Who are you to judge someone else's servant?" Even though we are along different wavelengths with God, we live for the same God. "He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord...For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone."
"If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord."
I have been humbled beyond belief this past summer and even right now.
Whatever we do, wherever we're at, different stages in life, different problems, etc., if you walk with God, let me walk with you.
Amen!
P.S. I was going to write about this passage in another perspective, but I was afraid people will read this. AND JUDGE HAHA ;)
This chapter basically compares two types of Christians: strong and weak. From my own understanding and pride driven life, I would automatically claim myself to be a stronger Christian than others. I was even surprised when I was talking to a younger friend here at Purdue and the topic on hand was about my friends. "I thought you didn't accept younger people as your friend because you wanted to play the older brother role."
This really woke me up. This was the type of character I was playing? A self-portrayed, high and mighty know it all who, apparently, is so far from 'knowing' everything that I could not help myself from laughing... AT MYSELF as I was reading this passage!
My pride has driven me beyond who Jesus was. He was a selfless man full of humility. He knew He was the Son of God, so what? "Who are you to judge someone else's servant?" Even though we are along different wavelengths with God, we live for the same God. "He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord...For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone."
"If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord."
I have been humbled beyond belief this past summer and even right now.
Whatever we do, wherever we're at, different stages in life, different problems, etc., if you walk with God, let me walk with you.
Amen!
P.S. I was going to write about this passage in another perspective, but I was afraid people will read this. AND JUDGE HAHA ;)
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Self-Control
People are constantly looking for our lives to be different. Whether to live a holy life worthy for God’s kingdom or a life considered to be well accepted by society and its norms. When we question ourselves and if these goals are obtainable, it often times leads down to the individual having any control in their life. Do you have your life under control so that you are able to obtain these goals? The implication of having your own life under control takes all the credit away from God, our creator. We will turn out head towards what we think will be best for us and will continue to strive for success that is not necessarily destined for us. “The Bible teaches that you already have everything you need to take charge of your life.” As Christians, we need to realize that, although God has already laid out his plan for us, we are ultimately called to pick up our cross and follow Him.
The Bible is often viewed as a storybook. It is more than this. It gives us valid, non-contradicting instructions to live a holy life in accordance to our Savior Jesus Christ. “How often we allow fatigue, loneliness, fear, anger, and other emotional and physical factors to dictate and destroy our lives—all the while hoping that someone or something will turn everything around for us without us having to do a thing.” This is a true statement. As human beings, we long for relationships and personal interactions with others. Even with this truth, have we forgotten that this love has already been offered to us? The love of our Savior who bore all our sins and saved us from eternal damnation has already allowed us a new direction in life, one that is guided by God. Because we have been crucified with Christ, we no longer have the passions nor desires of sin. Because we live with the Holy Spirit in us, it is only natural to strive after it, to know what living a Christian life with control of our lives living for God really means.
The Bible is often viewed as a storybook. It is more than this. It gives us valid, non-contradicting instructions to live a holy life in accordance to our Savior Jesus Christ. “How often we allow fatigue, loneliness, fear, anger, and other emotional and physical factors to dictate and destroy our lives—all the while hoping that someone or something will turn everything around for us without us having to do a thing.” This is a true statement. As human beings, we long for relationships and personal interactions with others. Even with this truth, have we forgotten that this love has already been offered to us? The love of our Savior who bore all our sins and saved us from eternal damnation has already allowed us a new direction in life, one that is guided by God. Because we have been crucified with Christ, we no longer have the passions nor desires of sin. Because we live with the Holy Spirit in us, it is only natural to strive after it, to know what living a Christian life with control of our lives living for God really means.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Weary
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:30-31
Wow let me say, I do not have the stress/responsibility that comes from leading a bible study every week like I felt last year and I am already breaking down. As the semester went on, I thought that I would be stead fast and strong towards my small group members. I enjoy doing one on ones very much so and thought that I would and could make the time as the semester progressed. Boy was I wrong.
From previous years, I know that I live a very procedural lifestyle. Everything is the same week by week. Class, come back home, work, study, nap, etc. I did not want anything to change at all. But then I realized my selfishness.
Christ was not selfish in discipleship. If he was, there would be nothing left for mankind. Lucky for us, our God is merciful. Whew!
These two verses from Isaiah relate to me a lot, and probably to the majority of Christians out there. Trying to abide to His laws and commands are hard especially since we live in such a tempting world. I my case, I am tempted to take the easy way out rather than lead others to Christ. I mean, its not that I don't meet with my members, but I don't sacrifice my time and do it enough. This applies to reading the Word as well.
But I hope in the Lord that He will give me strength to do His good work. And I can only count on God to supply me with wisdom, the right words to say, and the right heart to serve. Those who rely on themselves will only grow tired and weary; they will also stumble and fall. But those who hope in the Lord will soar on wings like eagles and forever run on the fuel I like to call . . .
LOVE!
Amen!
Isaiah 40:30-31
Wow let me say, I do not have the stress/responsibility that comes from leading a bible study every week like I felt last year and I am already breaking down. As the semester went on, I thought that I would be stead fast and strong towards my small group members. I enjoy doing one on ones very much so and thought that I would and could make the time as the semester progressed. Boy was I wrong.
From previous years, I know that I live a very procedural lifestyle. Everything is the same week by week. Class, come back home, work, study, nap, etc. I did not want anything to change at all. But then I realized my selfishness.
Christ was not selfish in discipleship. If he was, there would be nothing left for mankind. Lucky for us, our God is merciful. Whew!
These two verses from Isaiah relate to me a lot, and probably to the majority of Christians out there. Trying to abide to His laws and commands are hard especially since we live in such a tempting world. I my case, I am tempted to take the easy way out rather than lead others to Christ. I mean, its not that I don't meet with my members, but I don't sacrifice my time and do it enough. This applies to reading the Word as well.
But I hope in the Lord that He will give me strength to do His good work. And I can only count on God to supply me with wisdom, the right words to say, and the right heart to serve. Those who rely on themselves will only grow tired and weary; they will also stumble and fall. But those who hope in the Lord will soar on wings like eagles and forever run on the fuel I like to call . . .
LOVE!
Amen!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
No Condemnation
"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life." John 5:24
The words condemned and convicted get thrown around a lot. In prayers, small group discussions, sermons, etc. Although there are huge differences between the two, they seem to be interchangeable sometimes. When we get convicted, it seems as if God has just struck our hearts with the realization of the sin in our lives. In this case, we are convicted to be condemned. When Christians are convicted, it will most likely lead them to a feeling of condemnation.
Because we are Christian, these words are definitely not interchangeable. Conviction deals with what you do or are doing to bring yourself closer to God. Condemnation is who you are; are you with or without Christ in your life? Did you accept the blood of Christ on the Cross and know deep down in your heart that it was He who saved you from death?
So. What you do and who you are.
As Christians, there is a clear distinction between the two. As Christians, because we believe and have given up our hearts to our Savior, there is no condemnation. Our sin have been already washed away the day we accept Christ as our Savior. Conviction will ultimately lead us to repentance and bring us back to Him. Condemnation is the feeling that we cannot come to God due to our sins and failures, a very clever tactic of the devil.
But understand that if you confess with your heart that Jesus is Lord, and believe that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved past, present, and future.
Amen!
The words condemned and convicted get thrown around a lot. In prayers, small group discussions, sermons, etc. Although there are huge differences between the two, they seem to be interchangeable sometimes. When we get convicted, it seems as if God has just struck our hearts with the realization of the sin in our lives. In this case, we are convicted to be condemned. When Christians are convicted, it will most likely lead them to a feeling of condemnation.
Because we are Christian, these words are definitely not interchangeable. Conviction deals with what you do or are doing to bring yourself closer to God. Condemnation is who you are; are you with or without Christ in your life? Did you accept the blood of Christ on the Cross and know deep down in your heart that it was He who saved you from death?
So. What you do and who you are.
As Christians, there is a clear distinction between the two. As Christians, because we believe and have given up our hearts to our Savior, there is no condemnation. Our sin have been already washed away the day we accept Christ as our Savior. Conviction will ultimately lead us to repentance and bring us back to Him. Condemnation is the feeling that we cannot come to God due to our sins and failures, a very clever tactic of the devil.
But understand that if you confess with your heart that Jesus is Lord, and believe that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved past, present, and future.
Amen!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
My Fingers Hurt
It's been stressful you know? So to de-stress, I've been playing a lot of worship on my guitar (this does not mean I can play). It is always comforting to know that there is always someone willing to lift your troubles away.
God, singing and praising to you gives me so much joy. This joy does not come from merely playing the right chords and making the music sound good; no, this is my praise to God despite the difficult, confusing, painful, tiring, and stressful times.
So I'm praising God, how does that de-stress you?
Because giving praise to my Lord and Savior brings me joy. And this joy can overcome any task/problem that I am dealing with. This joy translates to love and care that I know God has for me, and this love gives me strength. Even though this seems like a math formula, it simply says, "God is my de-stressor.
I'm a terrible singer and guitarist, but I know God doesn't mind ^^
There is no verse this time; just a little something that I do that I wanted to share. And yes, my left ring finger hurts. Anyone got some finger healing advice?
Amen!
God, singing and praising to you gives me so much joy. This joy does not come from merely playing the right chords and making the music sound good; no, this is my praise to God despite the difficult, confusing, painful, tiring, and stressful times.
So I'm praising God, how does that de-stress you?
Because giving praise to my Lord and Savior brings me joy. And this joy can overcome any task/problem that I am dealing with. This joy translates to love and care that I know God has for me, and this love gives me strength. Even though this seems like a math formula, it simply says, "God is my de-stressor.
I'm a terrible singer and guitarist, but I know God doesn't mind ^^
There is no verse this time; just a little something that I do that I wanted to share. And yes, my left ring finger hurts. Anyone got some finger healing advice?
Amen!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Wisdom
As college students, we strive for academic success. There is always the conflict of balancing God and school work in our daily schedule. I've been finding that pretty hard to do recently. With Thanksgiving break coming up, there is absolutely no mercy from any of my professors. Paper after paper, after exam, and etc. They are ruthless.
This struggle between finding time to read the Word and doing my homework continues to ensue, but I need to come to realize that God would not want me or any of us to fail out of school. The worldly wisdom mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:20 is not unnecessary wisdom, but wisdom that is not in the same category as the wisdom of God. As Paul put it, it is "foolish wisdom of the world." He put down wise men and philosophers not because their teachings are not of any merit, but because they do not preach of Christ crucified, His life and resurrection. Take on both challenges, but place the Word of God on a lower shelf where you can just pull it out and read anytime.
Owning both types of wisdom is necessary today; without a paying job, it will prove quite difficult to get anywhere. So continue to work hard, ultimately for the good of God!
Amen.
This struggle between finding time to read the Word and doing my homework continues to ensue, but I need to come to realize that God would not want me or any of us to fail out of school. The worldly wisdom mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:20 is not unnecessary wisdom, but wisdom that is not in the same category as the wisdom of God. As Paul put it, it is "foolish wisdom of the world." He put down wise men and philosophers not because their teachings are not of any merit, but because they do not preach of Christ crucified, His life and resurrection. Take on both challenges, but place the Word of God on a lower shelf where you can just pull it out and read anytime.
Owning both types of wisdom is necessary today; without a paying job, it will prove quite difficult to get anywhere. So continue to work hard, ultimately for the good of God!
Amen.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Living for God
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.
1 Peter 4:1-2
Taking a verse and dissecting it word by word and phrase by phrase can help us understand what God is trying to tell us even further than just reading and glancing over a verse or passage.
The chapter/verse starts out with "therefore" as a means to the end. The ends referred in this passage is the done-ness of sin. The "suffering" of Christ as He hung on the cross is proof of this. Because Christ has displayed such an immense amount of love towards us in His suffering, verse 1 directs us to take upon the same attitude that Jesus had. This attitude will ultimately destroys sin and breed love.
Sorry God. I've been blogging too late and my mind is like Jello right now.
Amen.
1 Peter 4:1-2
Taking a verse and dissecting it word by word and phrase by phrase can help us understand what God is trying to tell us even further than just reading and glancing over a verse or passage.
The chapter/verse starts out with "therefore" as a means to the end. The ends referred in this passage is the done-ness of sin. The "suffering" of Christ as He hung on the cross is proof of this. Because Christ has displayed such an immense amount of love towards us in His suffering, verse 1 directs us to take upon the same attitude that Jesus had. This attitude will ultimately destroys sin and breed love.
Sorry God. I've been blogging too late and my mind is like Jello right now.
Amen.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Simply Love
I feel like I have a weekly theme that God wants me to think about. This week seemed to be about humility.
When I think about how society rules the cultural norm, humility plays no part in it. Defined from dictionary.com, humility is "the quality or condition of being humble; modest opinion or estimate of one's own importance, rank, etc." Everyone wants to be heard. Everyone needs to be noticed, to have a voice and say in something that would make them feel important. There is a constant striving of becoming the best person in selective categories such as most outspoken, most popular, wealthiest, etc. A longing to be anything less of that is non-existent in this society. You have to be someone!
As Christians, this sort of self-ism stands nowhere in what we believe in. Our Savior and role model is our prime example. If you read John 13, Jesus washes his disciple's feet. How lowly can you get! Peter acknowledges that Jesus is Christ and refuses to let the Messiah wash his feet, but Jesus insists.
This is the attitude that could save mankind. Now its not saying that all Christians should be losers and always 2nd place in school or in the market. The message that we want to send out to all the people of the world is that it is all because of Christ. The very reason that I am a Purdue student with a loving family, friends, and an immense amount of things that has occurred in my life is solely because of Christ. Because of that, I will humble myself in His presence.
And thats not the end! Being humble is great and all, so lets take this even further.
The very thing that humility breeds is love itself. Christ died for our sins simply because He humbled Himself so that we may live.
He humbled Himself and loved us to the end, the very end of His life.
Just think about it. How would someone see you as when you walk with humility? When you do a favor for someone, will they see that you are doing it out of love or other reasons? and so on.
Jesus, you have shown me true love. With that, I love others and will bless your name!
Amen!
When I think about how society rules the cultural norm, humility plays no part in it. Defined from dictionary.com, humility is "the quality or condition of being humble; modest opinion or estimate of one's own importance, rank, etc." Everyone wants to be heard. Everyone needs to be noticed, to have a voice and say in something that would make them feel important. There is a constant striving of becoming the best person in selective categories such as most outspoken, most popular, wealthiest, etc. A longing to be anything less of that is non-existent in this society. You have to be someone!
As Christians, this sort of self-ism stands nowhere in what we believe in. Our Savior and role model is our prime example. If you read John 13, Jesus washes his disciple's feet. How lowly can you get! Peter acknowledges that Jesus is Christ and refuses to let the Messiah wash his feet, but Jesus insists.
This is the attitude that could save mankind. Now its not saying that all Christians should be losers and always 2nd place in school or in the market. The message that we want to send out to all the people of the world is that it is all because of Christ. The very reason that I am a Purdue student with a loving family, friends, and an immense amount of things that has occurred in my life is solely because of Christ. Because of that, I will humble myself in His presence.
And thats not the end! Being humble is great and all, so lets take this even further.
The very thing that humility breeds is love itself. Christ died for our sins simply because He humbled Himself so that we may live.
He humbled Himself and loved us to the end, the very end of His life.
Just think about it. How would someone see you as when you walk with humility? When you do a favor for someone, will they see that you are doing it out of love or other reasons? and so on.
Jesus, you have shown me true love. With that, I love others and will bless your name!
Amen!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
The Right Words
I always find myself trying to look for the right words to say at the right time. You know, something, maybe a word or phrase, that is so applicable and comforting that you have just become a godsend for that small group member or just a random friend.
I've taken my role as a small group leader and one of the older guys at church into deep consideration. My actions and words echo. When it comes to judging, there is a certain pressure on me just because I "lead" and I'm "older". I've become frustrated and disappointed at myself for not upholding these roles in the correct fashion lately. My pride allows me to think that I know everything that has to deal with God; that because I am a leader, I am very holy (far from it). I need to snap out of it and realize that I am nothing; if it wasn't for Christ's love, I would have continued to dwell deeper into my sin.
So God, please help me to drop my pride. The words of this mouth is not from the heart that was born from your hands, but of my own selfishness. I've always had this misconstrued conception of standing so high when it was the Lord who has given me this opportunity as a leader to help others. The right words may sounds good, but I need to depend more on the Holy Spirit and God's Word[s]. I can lead with my own words, but how will it feel leading with the right heart, a heart after God's own?
Amen.
I've taken my role as a small group leader and one of the older guys at church into deep consideration. My actions and words echo. When it comes to judging, there is a certain pressure on me just because I "lead" and I'm "older". I've become frustrated and disappointed at myself for not upholding these roles in the correct fashion lately. My pride allows me to think that I know everything that has to deal with God; that because I am a leader, I am very holy (far from it). I need to snap out of it and realize that I am nothing; if it wasn't for Christ's love, I would have continued to dwell deeper into my sin.
So God, please help me to drop my pride. The words of this mouth is not from the heart that was born from your hands, but of my own selfishness. I've always had this misconstrued conception of standing so high when it was the Lord who has given me this opportunity as a leader to help others. The right words may sounds good, but I need to depend more on the Holy Spirit and God's Word[s]. I can lead with my own words, but how will it feel leading with the right heart, a heart after God's own?
Amen.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Witness Something Great
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
Hebrews 12:1
"The self-absorbed thinking conveyed in the line, "Well, me and Jesus got our own thing goin'," is hardly the defining characteristic of true believers. Being willing to stand alone against error is one thing, but individualism in general is nowhere commended in Scripture. Such thinking flies smack in the face of God's emphasis on building local communities of believers who are universally united in Christ around the true gospel."
-Crosswalk's Alex Crain (christianity.com)
As a kid, secrets were tough to handle. You just wanted to tell someone no matter who it was! It was like the secret itself was too much for my little, innocent boy brain to handle.
What about now? Should we continue to conceal the love of Christ within our own confined walls or do spread the love that is overflowing and never ending? God is not a secret at all; He's the most popular God on earth! The only secret is how God's love has been affecting your life, continuously molding you into a being that is worthy to call God's own as well as the world's witness in Christ.
Amen..! (Gotta wake up in 4 hours.. I'm pooped!)
Hebrews 12:1
"The self-absorbed thinking conveyed in the line, "Well, me and Jesus got our own thing goin'," is hardly the defining characteristic of true believers. Being willing to stand alone against error is one thing, but individualism in general is nowhere commended in Scripture. Such thinking flies smack in the face of God's emphasis on building local communities of believers who are universally united in Christ around the true gospel."
-Crosswalk's Alex Crain (christianity.com)
As a kid, secrets were tough to handle. You just wanted to tell someone no matter who it was! It was like the secret itself was too much for my little, innocent boy brain to handle.
What about now? Should we continue to conceal the love of Christ within our own confined walls or do spread the love that is overflowing and never ending? God is not a secret at all; He's the most popular God on earth! The only secret is how God's love has been affecting your life, continuously molding you into a being that is worthy to call God's own as well as the world's witness in Christ.
Amen..! (Gotta wake up in 4 hours.. I'm pooped!)
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Never Too Late
I've been having many conversations with people that have just been a real encouragement. Many of these people I would not even think would be having a talk about this topic is here right in front of me (well over the internet at times). The theme within all of these conversations were similar: I think I need God again.
These stories are similar as well. I know what is right, but I continue to do what is wrong. What is wrong has been such a drawing factor in their lives that this is what they believed was worth living for. Life has been so lively and fulfilling in terms of social life and social acceptance from other people that there is no longer a need for the love of an omnipotent God. The God that we once knew that pushed to the recesses of the mind and forgotten. God, in reality, who everyone needs in their lives, was just something else.
What we fail to realize, and I included need to hold this simple fact into my heart, that God actually waits for you. The common phrase goes, "Love waits for no one" is not entirely true; it does not apply to our Heavenly Father. Our God will wait for us, the prodigal sons and daughters, time and time again as we fall away. As we run away and decide that other things in our lives are of more important worth at the moment, I find it to be quite interesting that we always go back to God in the end.
Why to God? Why not to the things that we loved so much? I'm sure i don't have to articulate such a point because I am sure you have all felt it before and its not a good feeling.
In the end, it is never too late to go back to God. Take a sharpie and underline "never" on your computer screen.
Amen!
These stories are similar as well. I know what is right, but I continue to do what is wrong. What is wrong has been such a drawing factor in their lives that this is what they believed was worth living for. Life has been so lively and fulfilling in terms of social life and social acceptance from other people that there is no longer a need for the love of an omnipotent God. The God that we once knew that pushed to the recesses of the mind and forgotten. God, in reality, who everyone needs in their lives, was just something else.
What we fail to realize, and I included need to hold this simple fact into my heart, that God actually waits for you. The common phrase goes, "Love waits for no one" is not entirely true; it does not apply to our Heavenly Father. Our God will wait for us, the prodigal sons and daughters, time and time again as we fall away. As we run away and decide that other things in our lives are of more important worth at the moment, I find it to be quite interesting that we always go back to God in the end.
Why to God? Why not to the things that we loved so much? I'm sure i don't have to articulate such a point because I am sure you have all felt it before and its not a good feeling.
In the end, it is never too late to go back to God. Take a sharpie and underline "never" on your computer screen.
Amen!
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