Proverbs 12:17-22
17 A truthful witness gives honest testimony,
but a false witness tells lies.
18 Reckless words pierce like a sword,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19 Truthful lips endure forever,
but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
20 There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil,
but joy for those who promote peace.
21 No harm befalls the righteous,
but the wicked have their fill of trouble.
22 The LORD detests lying lips,
but he delights in men who are truthful.
I do not (should I say rarely?) have a tongue that lies, but I do shoot reckless words and comments that pierce like a sword. This kind of speech is not glorifying to God.
1 Corinthians 13:6 states that love rejoices in truth. In order to understand what truth is, we need to understand/know God, who is the ultimate Truth. He hates lies, deceit, and wicked men. Reading and understanding scripture will bring us closer to God. Understanding His laws will hopefully convict us into living lives of truth.
"People who trust God’s Word should be people whose word can be trusted."
Amen.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Prayer Meeting 4/29
Romans 8:1-11
Verse 1 and 2 - Read it, understand it, know it.
1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.
You either choose sin or God. Verse 1 reaffirms us that there is no condemnation for those who accept Christ's sacrifice.
Condemnation: to judge or pronounce to be unfit for use or service, to express an unfavorable or adverse judgment on; indicate strong disapproval of; censure, to pronounce to be guilty; sentence to punishment.
Christ has paid the ransom and we are set free from the bounds of sin. Verse 9 explains the condition of ownership. If the Spirit of God lives in us, we belong to Him. We are no longer controlled by ourselves or sins that have tempted us in the past. We belong to Christ and He belongs to us.
Amen.
Verse 1 and 2 - Read it, understand it, know it.
1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.
You either choose sin or God. Verse 1 reaffirms us that there is no condemnation for those who accept Christ's sacrifice.
Condemnation: to judge or pronounce to be unfit for use or service, to express an unfavorable or adverse judgment on; indicate strong disapproval of; censure, to pronounce to be guilty; sentence to punishment.
Christ has paid the ransom and we are set free from the bounds of sin. Verse 9 explains the condition of ownership. If the Spirit of God lives in us, we belong to Him. We are no longer controlled by ourselves or sins that have tempted us in the past. We belong to Christ and He belongs to us.
Amen.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
A Wrong Reading
18Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, 19holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith. 20Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.
1 Timothy 1:18-20
"The first point of wisdom is to know the truth; the second, to discern what is false."
My goal in life is to continuing to fight the good fight. The good fight to me is God's glory and God's glory is for me to continue to be faithful towards Him and follow His commands. In order to do so, my wisdom needs to come from God and God alone so that it may be the absolute Truth. I will continue to pray for wisdom and seek out His word as my own. This is especially important since there are many false doctrines out there.
Amen.
1 Timothy 1:18-20
"The first point of wisdom is to know the truth; the second, to discern what is false."
My goal in life is to continuing to fight the good fight. The good fight to me is God's glory and God's glory is for me to continue to be faithful towards Him and follow His commands. In order to do so, my wisdom needs to come from God and God alone so that it may be the absolute Truth. I will continue to pray for wisdom and seek out His word as my own. This is especially important since there are many false doctrines out there.
Amen.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Wait and Run
43Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. - Mark 15:43
I wanted to bring this verse up in our Bible Study today, but our discussion led us in another path.
This verse went along with the question, "How do you know what you are doing in your life is what God wants?"
Life brings us to many crossroads. College students especially are challenged to discover themselves with ultimately what they want to study. Not all students are conflicted with an identity crisis, but consider yourself lucky if you are facing such an ordeal.
But the general question we ask God usually goes like this, "What do you want me to do God?" Often times we get confused and believe that God is telling you to do something, but on the other hand maybe He wants me to wait, or does He? What?
This verse is simple in its message. The action of Joseph of Arimathea reflect both sides of his faith. He was one who "waited for the kingdom of God" as well as one who "went boldly".
Joseph didn't just do one or the other; he did both. He waited and he ran, calm and excited, peaceful and busy, and so on. Although this may seem vague and arbitrary, it is logical in a sense that God deserves our all and our everything. There is nothing else that our strength should be saved for except in glorifying God and God alone.
If you are meek, be still and know He is God. If you have extravagant gifts from God, use it to glorify Him and His people.
I know that I have to be more bold in life. I'm working on it ;)
Amen!
I wanted to bring this verse up in our Bible Study today, but our discussion led us in another path.
This verse went along with the question, "How do you know what you are doing in your life is what God wants?"
Life brings us to many crossroads. College students especially are challenged to discover themselves with ultimately what they want to study. Not all students are conflicted with an identity crisis, but consider yourself lucky if you are facing such an ordeal.
But the general question we ask God usually goes like this, "What do you want me to do God?" Often times we get confused and believe that God is telling you to do something, but on the other hand maybe He wants me to wait, or does He? What?
This verse is simple in its message. The action of Joseph of Arimathea reflect both sides of his faith. He was one who "waited for the kingdom of God" as well as one who "went boldly".
Joseph didn't just do one or the other; he did both. He waited and he ran, calm and excited, peaceful and busy, and so on. Although this may seem vague and arbitrary, it is logical in a sense that God deserves our all and our everything. There is nothing else that our strength should be saved for except in glorifying God and God alone.
If you are meek, be still and know He is God. If you have extravagant gifts from God, use it to glorify Him and His people.
I know that I have to be more bold in life. I'm working on it ;)
Amen!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
2 Corinthians 4
7But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body.
2 Corinthians 4:7-11
"It has been said that the Roman Empire ran on olive oil. It was used in cooking, bathing, medicine, ceremonies, lamps, and cosmetics. For decades, olive oil from southern Spain was shipped to Rome in large clay jugs called amphorae. Those jugs, not worth sending back, were discarded in a growing heap of broken shards known as Monte Testaccio. The fragments of an estimated 25 million amphorae created that man-made hill, which stands today on the bank of the Tiber River in Rome. In the ancient world, the value of those pots was not their beauty but their contents."
This is a pretty neat metaphor. Like clay pots for precious olive oil, we are vessels carrying the gospel. Our bodies, like the clay jugs, are temporary, fragile, and expendable. In a society that values the outward appearances and abilities, the gospel is easily thrown aside and overtaken by seemingly greater things in life. But we need to keep it at heart the greatest treasure that we already have in us. It is only by God's grace and mercy that we may live and speak of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.
Amen.
2 Corinthians 4:7-11
"It has been said that the Roman Empire ran on olive oil. It was used in cooking, bathing, medicine, ceremonies, lamps, and cosmetics. For decades, olive oil from southern Spain was shipped to Rome in large clay jugs called amphorae. Those jugs, not worth sending back, were discarded in a growing heap of broken shards known as Monte Testaccio. The fragments of an estimated 25 million amphorae created that man-made hill, which stands today on the bank of the Tiber River in Rome. In the ancient world, the value of those pots was not their beauty but their contents."
This is a pretty neat metaphor. Like clay pots for precious olive oil, we are vessels carrying the gospel. Our bodies, like the clay jugs, are temporary, fragile, and expendable. In a society that values the outward appearances and abilities, the gospel is easily thrown aside and overtaken by seemingly greater things in life. But we need to keep it at heart the greatest treasure that we already have in us. It is only by God's grace and mercy that we may live and speak of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.
Amen.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Romans 8:38-39
38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
My favorite verse that I can't seem to memorize. I always get the separate parts all mixed up and out of order.
Today for prayer meeting, Hannah shared this verse. In my head, I was like, "Oh! This is my verse!" But oh man, I was not "convinced" at that point. My own life of its own desires and selfishness separated me from Christ.
The void in my heart, no matter what shape or size, did indeed act like a vacuum. There was nothing that was capable in filling that void. Cliche, but only God can.
Have a quote:
"God designed the human machine to run on Himself. He Himself is the fuel our spirits were designed to burn, or the food our spirits were designed to feed on. There is no other. That is why it is just no good asking God to make us happy in our own way without bothering about religion. God cannot give us happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing." - C.S. Lewis
amen.
My favorite verse that I can't seem to memorize. I always get the separate parts all mixed up and out of order.
Today for prayer meeting, Hannah shared this verse. In my head, I was like, "Oh! This is my verse!" But oh man, I was not "convinced" at that point. My own life of its own desires and selfishness separated me from Christ.
The void in my heart, no matter what shape or size, did indeed act like a vacuum. There was nothing that was capable in filling that void. Cliche, but only God can.
Have a quote:
"God designed the human machine to run on Himself. He Himself is the fuel our spirits were designed to burn, or the food our spirits were designed to feed on. There is no other. That is why it is just no good asking God to make us happy in our own way without bothering about religion. God cannot give us happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing." - C.S. Lewis
amen.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Psalm 121
Psalm 121
A song of ascents.
1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
Verse 4 is our God. Omnipotent and powerful, God does not rest when it comes to His children. As the great pursuer of our souls, our Lord is always with us. He neither sleeps nor rests, but watches over us day and night. With this said and sung, help me to cast my fears, worries, and troubles onto You as well as my joy, laughter, and happiness. Teach me to never turn my cheek the other way because I know you will never do so to me.
Amen.
A song of ascents.
1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
Verse 4 is our God. Omnipotent and powerful, God does not rest when it comes to His children. As the great pursuer of our souls, our Lord is always with us. He neither sleeps nor rests, but watches over us day and night. With this said and sung, help me to cast my fears, worries, and troubles onto You as well as my joy, laughter, and happiness. Teach me to never turn my cheek the other way because I know you will never do so to me.
Amen.
Monday, April 12, 2010
John 14:1-6
There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12
1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. John 14:1
There are many roads, but only one leads to God. Our lives bring us to many forks and obstacles that we face, but our ultimate goal is Christ.
12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12
Just a few verses I need to keep close to my heart.
Amen.
1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. John 14:1
There are many roads, but only one leads to God. Our lives bring us to many forks and obstacles that we face, but our ultimate goal is Christ.
12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12
Just a few verses I need to keep close to my heart.
Amen.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Corrupt Words
Ephesians 4:17-32
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification. — Ephesians 4:29
Gossip is a common form of dirt that comes out of our mouths. It is not necessary for anyone else to know the detriments of another person. Better keep it to yourself if it is not edifying to that person.
I find cursing on the basketball court to be quite common. I catch myself at times and can't help but to feel bad. I need to fight temptation and learn to live a life that is worthy to be considered an example like Christ.
Amen.
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification. — Ephesians 4:29
Gossip is a common form of dirt that comes out of our mouths. It is not necessary for anyone else to know the detriments of another person. Better keep it to yourself if it is not edifying to that person.
I find cursing on the basketball court to be quite common. I catch myself at times and can't help but to feel bad. I need to fight temptation and learn to live a life that is worthy to be considered an example like Christ.
Amen.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Ruth
I randomly opened up the Bible yesterday and read Ruth.
When I read Ruth, I read it a simple story. I thought about what God was trying to tell me in this story, but it was difficult at first. The book Ruth has Ruth as the main character. She is the daughter-in-law of Naomi, who is the wife of Elimelech. Naomi has two sons named Mahlon and Kilion and they marry Orpah and Ruth when the entire family moves to Moab.
Somehow, all three husbands die. Naomi is left to go back to her home in Judah and demands that Orpah and Ruth go back to their homes in Moab.
Ruth refuses to leave Naomi alone even when she has lost all hope in God. Verse 12, "Return home, my daughters; I am too old to have another husband. Even if I thought there was still hope for me - even if I had a husband tonight... no, my daughters. It is more bitter for me than for you, because the Lord's hand has gone out against me!"
Ruth stays with Naomi. She finds a job working for a man named Boaz gleaning (gathering) sheaves. Boaz sees Ruth hardwork ethic and offers her such gratitude that you would not receive from a random person. Naomi and Ruth wanted to be saved from debt and He eventually buys all of Elimelech's property and in conclusion, saves Elimelech, Kilion, and Mahlon's name from disappearing from the town records (from the face of the earth?) and he and Ruth gets married.
From this book, we can draw an important lesson: there will always be followers of Christ around to lift you up and save you.
This story involves Boaz as a redemptive figure that saves Naomi and Ruth from their troubles of holding on to their riches as women. Boaz did not need to help the two women, but he did.
Never forget that there are people around you who can help you. Especially those friends that you know that hold on to the word of God as dearly as you do, never hesitate for the race is suppose to be run together :)
Amen.
When I read Ruth, I read it a simple story. I thought about what God was trying to tell me in this story, but it was difficult at first. The book Ruth has Ruth as the main character. She is the daughter-in-law of Naomi, who is the wife of Elimelech. Naomi has two sons named Mahlon and Kilion and they marry Orpah and Ruth when the entire family moves to Moab.
Somehow, all three husbands die. Naomi is left to go back to her home in Judah and demands that Orpah and Ruth go back to their homes in Moab.
Ruth refuses to leave Naomi alone even when she has lost all hope in God. Verse 12, "Return home, my daughters; I am too old to have another husband. Even if I thought there was still hope for me - even if I had a husband tonight... no, my daughters. It is more bitter for me than for you, because the Lord's hand has gone out against me!"
Ruth stays with Naomi. She finds a job working for a man named Boaz gleaning (gathering) sheaves. Boaz sees Ruth hardwork ethic and offers her such gratitude that you would not receive from a random person. Naomi and Ruth wanted to be saved from debt and He eventually buys all of Elimelech's property and in conclusion, saves Elimelech, Kilion, and Mahlon's name from disappearing from the town records (from the face of the earth?) and he and Ruth gets married.
From this book, we can draw an important lesson: there will always be followers of Christ around to lift you up and save you.
This story involves Boaz as a redemptive figure that saves Naomi and Ruth from their troubles of holding on to their riches as women. Boaz did not need to help the two women, but he did.
Never forget that there are people around you who can help you. Especially those friends that you know that hold on to the word of God as dearly as you do, never hesitate for the race is suppose to be run together :)
Amen.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
rise just like the risen Christ
Romans 6:1-11
Just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. —Romans 6:4
When my small group was talking about the things that we should deny in our lives, the list was pretty long. How can we possibly take this list of things and remove it from our lives? Its not about how you can remove these things from your life, but your perception of these things.
Our attitudes need to reflect one thing: that the things of this earth mean nothing to us in comparison to Christ. Because to us, there is nothing greater.
Amen.
Just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. —Romans 6:4
When my small group was talking about the things that we should deny in our lives, the list was pretty long. How can we possibly take this list of things and remove it from our lives? Its not about how you can remove these things from your life, but your perception of these things.
Our attitudes need to reflect one thing: that the things of this earth mean nothing to us in comparison to Christ. Because to us, there is nothing greater.
Amen.
Friday, April 2, 2010
and today He died for me
He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth. —Isaiah 53:7
Today is Good Friday. Christ was led to Calvary with the cross and died for our sins. The day we received a love we did not deserve. The day where the purest, most innocent, holiest amongst holiest man died for doing nothing but good. He had to die though, God willed it. Yet knowing that His death was eminent, that it was just a matter of time, His life was not wasted. He washed His disciples feet, even the feet of the disciple that was going to betray Him!
And yes, Jesus knew! But Jesus had a mission. He had to shed His blood; He had to die this day.
4 Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
Isaiah 53:4-5
All worship and praise to the slain Lamb.
Thank you Jesus, thank you.
Amen.
Today is Good Friday. Christ was led to Calvary with the cross and died for our sins. The day we received a love we did not deserve. The day where the purest, most innocent, holiest amongst holiest man died for doing nothing but good. He had to die though, God willed it. Yet knowing that His death was eminent, that it was just a matter of time, His life was not wasted. He washed His disciples feet, even the feet of the disciple that was going to betray Him!
And yes, Jesus knew! But Jesus had a mission. He had to shed His blood; He had to die this day.
4 Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
Isaiah 53:4-5
All worship and praise to the slain Lamb.
Thank you Jesus, thank you.
Amen.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Sanctify
1 Peter 3:8-17
Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts. —1 Peter 3:15
As believers, we are promised blessings if we stick to doing what is good. This passage differentiates the "they" and "us". We should not fear the same things that they fear (ver 14). In the same way, we need to know who are God is. We need to understand Him so that we are able to separate/sancifty Him from everything else that is in our lives. Our hearts should contain God and everything; not everything. There needs to be a distinct separation between God and everything else that is important to us because He alone is worthy of this level of praise.
Amen.
Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts. —1 Peter 3:15
As believers, we are promised blessings if we stick to doing what is good. This passage differentiates the "they" and "us". We should not fear the same things that they fear (ver 14). In the same way, we need to know who are God is. We need to understand Him so that we are able to separate/sancifty Him from everything else that is in our lives. Our hearts should contain God and everything; not everything. There needs to be a distinct separation between God and everything else that is important to us because He alone is worthy of this level of praise.
Amen.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Because God
If anyone says to you, “Why are you doing this?” say, “The Lord has need of it.”
Mark 11:3
Why am I doing this? Because the Lord has need of it. Do not be mistaken; God does not need me, or any of us. Our almighty God, all powerful and all knowing does not depend on any creature. It is because He so graciously wants us to.
It is astounding to me how God is using such lowly means to accomplish His purpose. This verse is from the passage titled, "The Triumphal Entry". Same passage Joe preached on today during service. Joe talked about how we need to understand obedience beyond words and actions. Our works are a reflection of our hearts. We need to know that these works mean nothing if we don't understand that it is because God allows us to worship Him.
I most definitely can bring a donkey from point A to point B! I bring this donkey because God has allowed me to worship Him. With all my soul, I will give Him the glory that He alone deserves and no one else.
God looked at me and took me in and used me for His glory.
Anyone else would have laughed and walked away.
- Why do I give myself to God? Because He has need of it. -
Amen!
Mark 11:3
Why am I doing this? Because the Lord has need of it. Do not be mistaken; God does not need me, or any of us. Our almighty God, all powerful and all knowing does not depend on any creature. It is because He so graciously wants us to.
It is astounding to me how God is using such lowly means to accomplish His purpose. This verse is from the passage titled, "The Triumphal Entry". Same passage Joe preached on today during service. Joe talked about how we need to understand obedience beyond words and actions. Our works are a reflection of our hearts. We need to know that these works mean nothing if we don't understand that it is because God allows us to worship Him.
I most definitely can bring a donkey from point A to point B! I bring this donkey because God has allowed me to worship Him. With all my soul, I will give Him the glory that He alone deserves and no one else.
God looked at me and took me in and used me for His glory.
Anyone else would have laughed and walked away.
- Why do I give myself to God? Because He has need of it. -
Amen!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Stepping Out
13Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." 14Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."
We live according to how we plan our own futures without knowing the uncertainties that may occur. We are so comfortable with our own plans and how amazing our lives could be without worrying about anything wrong that can happen. But anything can happen. God works in anyway He wants because in the end, He deserves the glory.
Stepping out of your comfort zone and take risks. There is no such thing as a life glorifying God without risks. If you are not taking risks, you do not bring in results.
Amennnnnnn =__=
We live according to how we plan our own futures without knowing the uncertainties that may occur. We are so comfortable with our own plans and how amazing our lives could be without worrying about anything wrong that can happen. But anything can happen. God works in anyway He wants because in the end, He deserves the glory.
Stepping out of your comfort zone and take risks. There is no such thing as a life glorifying God without risks. If you are not taking risks, you do not bring in results.
Amennnnnnn =__=
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Far Better
4He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
Revelation 21:4
When we claim the name of Jesus as our own, we are saved. This verse is the His promise to us that if we accept Christ on the cross, there will be no more suffering when we finally see Him in Heaven.
The life we have here isn’t all there is. There is a far, far better place that Jesus is preparing for those who love Him (John 14:2-3). — Cindy Hess Kasper
Amen.
Revelation 21:4
When we claim the name of Jesus as our own, we are saved. This verse is the His promise to us that if we accept Christ on the cross, there will be no more suffering when we finally see Him in Heaven.
The life we have here isn’t all there is. There is a far, far better place that Jesus is preparing for those who love Him (John 14:2-3). — Cindy Hess Kasper
Amen.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Worst Possible Senarios
10 But he knows the way that I take;
when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
11 My feet have closely followed his steps;
I have kept to his way without turning aside.
Goodness. I caught a glimpse of Job's devotion when I read Job 23. In Job's case, he really did undergo the worst case scenario. In the midst of failure in academia, careers, family and friends, and everything that we hold close to us, can we stand like Job did? At the moment, I know that I will never denounce God in my life, but I know that I will not be able to take it like Job is. "...when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold." An unwavering answer to suffering is what Job responds with.
Amen!
when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
11 My feet have closely followed his steps;
I have kept to his way without turning aside.
Goodness. I caught a glimpse of Job's devotion when I read Job 23. In Job's case, he really did undergo the worst case scenario. In the midst of failure in academia, careers, family and friends, and everything that we hold close to us, can we stand like Job did? At the moment, I know that I will never denounce God in my life, but I know that I will not be able to take it like Job is. "...when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold." An unwavering answer to suffering is what Job responds with.
Amen!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Give Thanks
1 Thessalonians 5:18
18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
No matter what season in our lives, no matter what we are going through, no matter the degree of happiness or sadness in our lives, let my heart be one that gives thanks to God for all of it. Hardships and blessings and how we view God in them brings out the amount of faith we have in Christ.
If you see God's blessings in times of difficulty, you are not deceiving yourself, but realizing God's plans for you. If you see God's blessing in good times, which you often will, thats great! Never stop praising the Lord who is with us always.
Joshua 1:9
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
Amen.
18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
No matter what season in our lives, no matter what we are going through, no matter the degree of happiness or sadness in our lives, let my heart be one that gives thanks to God for all of it. Hardships and blessings and how we view God in them brings out the amount of faith we have in Christ.
If you see God's blessings in times of difficulty, you are not deceiving yourself, but realizing God's plans for you. If you see God's blessing in good times, which you often will, thats great! Never stop praising the Lord who is with us always.
Joshua 1:9
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
Amen.
Do You Understand?
John 13
My CCUC Small Group went over this passage this week and it has been on my mind for the past few days. Verse 12 specifically:
12When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them.
12耶稣洗完了他们的脚 ，就穿上衣服， 又坐下，对他们说 ：我向你们所做的 ，你们明白麽 ？
Chapter 13 takes place before the death of Christ. In this passage, Christ realizes to His disciples that His time was almost up. He washes their feet. Note that in this passage, He knew that Judas Iscariot was going to betray Him (ver 11). By washing Judas' feet, Jesus is making a statement. I am washing the feet of my enemy; I am serving my enemy.
Jesus's attitude is most admirable in this situation and we often ask ourselves what Jesus would really do because it is ultimately the right answer. Being forgiving towards our enemies would be the right thing to do .But being human, we cannot find ourselves in the Christ-like end of the spectrum. It is easier said than done.
Then look at it this way and ask yourselves just as Jesus asks His disciples (YOU), "Do you understand what I have done for you?" Do you truly understand the reason of Jesus' servitude here on Earth? In other words, do you understand why WE should be servants for other people here on Earth?
I've been thinking of the answer to this question and what kind of answer I can give with how much God has been working in my life. Jesus came down from Heaven and made Himself nothing to serve ME because He wanted me to understand God's love. He made Himself the lowliest servant so that God the Father can be glorified.
My servitude in church can only be because of one thing: to glorify God. Christ was my example (ver 14) and showed me this love. I understand and accept this and in turn, reflect this back to "others" so that they may understand that Christ is my ultimate source of joy. "Others" is a broad category because it includes EVERYONE, just like how Jesus served.
I am continually searching for myself in Him and boy, I would love it if you would join me!
Amen!
My CCUC Small Group went over this passage this week and it has been on my mind for the past few days. Verse 12 specifically:
12When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them.
12耶稣洗完了他们的脚 ，就穿上衣服， 又坐下，对他们说 ：我向你们所做的 ，你们明白麽 ？
Chapter 13 takes place before the death of Christ. In this passage, Christ realizes to His disciples that His time was almost up. He washes their feet. Note that in this passage, He knew that Judas Iscariot was going to betray Him (ver 11). By washing Judas' feet, Jesus is making a statement. I am washing the feet of my enemy; I am serving my enemy.
Jesus's attitude is most admirable in this situation and we often ask ourselves what Jesus would really do because it is ultimately the right answer. Being forgiving towards our enemies would be the right thing to do .But being human, we cannot find ourselves in the Christ-like end of the spectrum. It is easier said than done.
Then look at it this way and ask yourselves just as Jesus asks His disciples (YOU), "Do you understand what I have done for you?" Do you truly understand the reason of Jesus' servitude here on Earth? In other words, do you understand why WE should be servants for other people here on Earth?
I've been thinking of the answer to this question and what kind of answer I can give with how much God has been working in my life. Jesus came down from Heaven and made Himself nothing to serve ME because He wanted me to understand God's love. He made Himself the lowliest servant so that God the Father can be glorified.
My servitude in church can only be because of one thing: to glorify God. Christ was my example (ver 14) and showed me this love. I understand and accept this and in turn, reflect this back to "others" so that they may understand that Christ is my ultimate source of joy. "Others" is a broad category because it includes EVERYONE, just like how Jesus served.
I am continually searching for myself in Him and boy, I would love it if you would join me!
Amen!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Instructions to Timothy and Us
1 Timothy 4
This passage was Paul's set of instructions to Timothy. From loving the Lord with all your heart to abstaining from gossip, this passage has a whole lot to explain. Because this passage is from Paul to Timothy for him to become a better teacher of the Word, a lot of it has to do with making your reading of scripture known to others. In other words, I take it as knowing the Word, living out the Word, and preaching the Word through your actions (and of course through talking).
Verse 15 and 16 stuck out to me the most. "Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers."
Because people will abandon the faith and God to follow other things, the instructions for verse 15 and 16 are a conscious prayer for these people as well as myself. Honestly, I have to tell you and all who read that I've wandered away for the past months. It's been tough. But daily, I continue to persevere so that I will save myself and my hearers through the love that is Jesus Christ.
I've been accountability-ing with a friend of mine for the past week and I've honestly forgotten about the blogs for the Spreak. God teaches us to persevere in His doctrine and even with this blog that is in the back of my mind, I trust that God will use this time that I take my time to type this blog, to really bless me (and those who read it). What a bad run on sentence :p
Amen!
This passage was Paul's set of instructions to Timothy. From loving the Lord with all your heart to abstaining from gossip, this passage has a whole lot to explain. Because this passage is from Paul to Timothy for him to become a better teacher of the Word, a lot of it has to do with making your reading of scripture known to others. In other words, I take it as knowing the Word, living out the Word, and preaching the Word through your actions (and of course through talking).
Verse 15 and 16 stuck out to me the most. "Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers."
Because people will abandon the faith and God to follow other things, the instructions for verse 15 and 16 are a conscious prayer for these people as well as myself. Honestly, I have to tell you and all who read that I've wandered away for the past months. It's been tough. But daily, I continue to persevere so that I will save myself and my hearers through the love that is Jesus Christ.
I've been accountability-ing with a friend of mine for the past week and I've honestly forgotten about the blogs for the Spreak. God teaches us to persevere in His doctrine and even with this blog that is in the back of my mind, I trust that God will use this time that I take my time to type this blog, to really bless me (and those who read it). What a bad run on sentence :p
Amen!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Being Ashamed of Christ
26If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God." Luke 9:26-27
We are all familiar with the passage before this as Jesus asks His disciples, "Who do you say I am?" Verse 23 to 25 is important and should never be overlooked, but as I continued reading, I couldn't recall verses 26 to 27.
Here Jesus flat out says that He will be ashamed of me when we are in heaven if I am ashamed of Him here on earth. If we take a look closer, the facts will appear. Christ was going to face death. He knows it; His disciples know it. But compared to every living being on this earth, no one is more willing to accept rejection and death unlike Jesus Christ.
In order for us to understand Christ, we must deny ourselves (ver23). We must not be ashamed of the Cross, but pick it up our own cross (.. and take up HIS cross) and follow Christ without any shame.
Amen.
We are all familiar with the passage before this as Jesus asks His disciples, "Who do you say I am?" Verse 23 to 25 is important and should never be overlooked, but as I continued reading, I couldn't recall verses 26 to 27.
Here Jesus flat out says that He will be ashamed of me when we are in heaven if I am ashamed of Him here on earth. If we take a look closer, the facts will appear. Christ was going to face death. He knows it; His disciples know it. But compared to every living being on this earth, no one is more willing to accept rejection and death unlike Jesus Christ.
In order for us to understand Christ, we must deny ourselves (ver23). We must not be ashamed of the Cross, but pick it up our own cross (.. and take up HIS cross) and follow Christ without any shame.
Amen.
Monday, March 8, 2010
The Law is Good
8We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. 9We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine 11that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.
When I read this, I thought back to the fact that Christ came down from heaven not to heal the healthy, but the sick. Even though this is in the context of preaching the truth verses false doctrine, Paul explains that the law is for us from God. Sinners need God's commands. Why? Because we are simply aimless without it. We will lead ourselves/each other to our demise without having any rules or limitations in our lives. God provides theses laws and commands us to follow them because He cares and loves us.
For whatever reason, verse 11 is confusing me. And for everything else that opposes God will and ultimately for those sinners who has been given to us by God to lead?
Amen.
When I read this, I thought back to the fact that Christ came down from heaven not to heal the healthy, but the sick. Even though this is in the context of preaching the truth verses false doctrine, Paul explains that the law is for us from God. Sinners need God's commands. Why? Because we are simply aimless without it. We will lead ourselves/each other to our demise without having any rules or limitations in our lives. God provides theses laws and commands us to follow them because He cares and loves us.
For whatever reason, verse 11 is confusing me. And for everything else that opposes God will and ultimately for those sinners who has been given to us by God to lead?
Amen.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
The Vine and the Branches
4Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:4-5
It is through Jesus Christ and His unending love and care that allows us to become who we are today. Christ is the great pursuer of our souls. Whenever we feel like God has forsaken us and left us wandering in the desert, who is truly the one who has wandered? Jesus promises change in these passages; the type of reformation that is not possible through any other means but Christ alone.
2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful.
It is God who cleanses our souls of all sin. He destroys those things in our lives that are not beneficial to us.
Amen.
5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:4-5
It is through Jesus Christ and His unending love and care that allows us to become who we are today. Christ is the great pursuer of our souls. Whenever we feel like God has forsaken us and left us wandering in the desert, who is truly the one who has wandered? Jesus promises change in these passages; the type of reformation that is not possible through any other means but Christ alone.
2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful.
It is God who cleanses our souls of all sin. He destroys those things in our lives that are not beneficial to us.
Amen.
Monday, March 1, 2010
john 14:9-14
i accepted Christ when i was a kid during vacation bible club, but seriously started chasing after Him when i was in high school. life was different and my perspectives changed. as i went on to college, thats when i realized that my life was nothing without Christ and i realized His majesty.
"don't you know me... even after I have been among you such a long time?"
i find myself eating baby food still after all this time, but its a constant battle and i will be forever hungry. these words i can assure you and myself is truth because there is nothing without the Father.
amen.
i accepted Christ when i was a kid during vacation bible club, but seriously started chasing after Him when i was in high school. life was different and my perspectives changed. as i went on to college, thats when i realized that my life was nothing without Christ and i realized His majesty.
"don't you know me... even after I have been among you such a long time?"
i find myself eating baby food still after all this time, but its a constant battle and i will be forever hungry. these words i can assure you and myself is truth because there is nothing without the Father.
amen.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Memorizing Scripture
My excuse was because I had bad memory. With so much school stuff to memorize already, I really put no effort into memorizing scripture. I thought that all I needed to know was memorize the 'gist' of it and relate to it whenever I could. This approach was too impersonal to God.
He speaks to us with the Word. The Bible stands out and reaches man with its promises from God, yet it is so difficult to crack it open just once a day and meditate and reflect on what God has to say.
Memorizing scripture allows us to draw ourselves closer to God. To try and understand the truth that He has to present to us by meditating on it even after our Bible's are closed. To defend God whenever He 'needs' us to.
My favorite verse is Romans 8:38-39 :D
Amen.
He speaks to us with the Word. The Bible stands out and reaches man with its promises from God, yet it is so difficult to crack it open just once a day and meditate and reflect on what God has to say.
Memorizing scripture allows us to draw ourselves closer to God. To try and understand the truth that He has to present to us by meditating on it even after our Bible's are closed. To defend God whenever He 'needs' us to.
My favorite verse is Romans 8:38-39 :D
Amen.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
"Read the Bible"
Okay.
..and stumbled upon Romans 10.
Call upon the name of the Lord and you will be saved. The word is so close to me; Christ is ever so close to me. Our Lord is the great pursuer of our souls and will never stop. My heart is not with me, but with my Lord. For He is the Lord who deserves all my praise. I will learn to call upon the Lord everyday. Confession will come from the tongue and the mouth, but a firm knowing and establishment of Christ's life, death and crucifiction in my heart. "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raise him from the dead, you will be saved.
Amen.
..and stumbled upon Romans 10.
Call upon the name of the Lord and you will be saved. The word is so close to me; Christ is ever so close to me. Our Lord is the great pursuer of our souls and will never stop. My heart is not with me, but with my Lord. For He is the Lord who deserves all my praise. I will learn to call upon the Lord everyday. Confession will come from the tongue and the mouth, but a firm knowing and establishment of Christ's life, death and crucifiction in my heart. "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raise him from the dead, you will be saved.
Amen.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Quiet Waters
Psalm 23
The LORD is MY shepherd! Jesus Christ has saved me and allowed me to be in fellowship with Him for all eternity! In all the events that I go through in my life, I will always turn to my shepherd and know that He is the best thing for my life.
The passage always gave me a sense of peace. As David speaks to us in this psalm, his confidence in the Lord is to be noted. David knows that God will lead him to peace. He knows that God will restore his soul wherever it may be. He knows that God will be his guide wherever he goes; even in the deepest darkest events in life, there is nothing that can waver his trust in God.
With those promises knowingly fulfilled, David knows that in the end, there will be nothing else but victory. A table will be provided in the presence of our enemies and of course, how can our hearts not overflow with the love that has been provided for us.
"Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
Amen.
The LORD is MY shepherd! Jesus Christ has saved me and allowed me to be in fellowship with Him for all eternity! In all the events that I go through in my life, I will always turn to my shepherd and know that He is the best thing for my life.
The passage always gave me a sense of peace. As David speaks to us in this psalm, his confidence in the Lord is to be noted. David knows that God will lead him to peace. He knows that God will restore his soul wherever it may be. He knows that God will be his guide wherever he goes; even in the deepest darkest events in life, there is nothing that can waver his trust in God.
With those promises knowingly fulfilled, David knows that in the end, there will be nothing else but victory. A table will be provided in the presence of our enemies and of course, how can our hearts not overflow with the love that has been provided for us.
"Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
Amen.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Strong in the Lord
Joshua 1:9
Basketball today with Chris, Richard, and Dan today was fun. The bonding time was good and I finally got a chance to relax a little. If someone were to keep track of stats that game, I would have had a ton of turnovers. But I don't know whats up with basketball, but my teammates kept encouraging me. Richard told me to keep my head up!
God commands and I will obey. One major thing that holds me back is failure. Failure not in the sense that I have failed for myself, but more so for others. I grew up wanting to hit it big in the world so that I could give my parents the retirement that they deserve for giving me so much. With that same mindset, I want to please those around me, which includes my small group and my friends, and yes, even my girlfriend ;)
I need to realize that there is no failure in the eyes of the Lord for He makes the foolish wise and the poor rich. Why do I believe this? Because I have experienced too rich of a life to walk away from Christ now. Because of God's love for me, I will continue to trust in Him.
Despite being discouraged so easily, God has really taught me to be strong and courageous. I use to give up without a moment's notice towards things that I knew I had no chance getting better at, like basketball or school. But God promises me that He will be with me wherever I go.
And let this retreat be a blessing in disguise!
Amen!
Basketball today with Chris, Richard, and Dan today was fun. The bonding time was good and I finally got a chance to relax a little. If someone were to keep track of stats that game, I would have had a ton of turnovers. But I don't know whats up with basketball, but my teammates kept encouraging me. Richard told me to keep my head up!
God commands and I will obey. One major thing that holds me back is failure. Failure not in the sense that I have failed for myself, but more so for others. I grew up wanting to hit it big in the world so that I could give my parents the retirement that they deserve for giving me so much. With that same mindset, I want to please those around me, which includes my small group and my friends, and yes, even my girlfriend ;)
I need to realize that there is no failure in the eyes of the Lord for He makes the foolish wise and the poor rich. Why do I believe this? Because I have experienced too rich of a life to walk away from Christ now. Because of God's love for me, I will continue to trust in Him.
Despite being discouraged so easily, God has really taught me to be strong and courageous. I use to give up without a moment's notice towards things that I knew I had no chance getting better at, like basketball or school. But God promises me that He will be with me wherever I go.
And let this retreat be a blessing in disguise!
Amen!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Lend a Helping Hand
Matthew 25:40
This verse is from the parable of the sheep and goats in Matthew. The context of this parable is that service, care, and love through your fellow sheep and goats (your fellow human being) is directly related to showing God how much you love Him.
Looking at the recent tragedies of Haiti, people are pouring cash out of their pockets. There is such a large sum of money from donations that there is confusion on what to spend it on. People of every color from every nation is joining in to help; American Airlines is giving doctors and nurses plane rides for free to Haiti. This is good right?
Yes of course it is! Helping your fellow man or woman when in need is what God wants. He wants his creation to care for each other. But thinking on what Joe said, there is so much more pain and suffering around the world. The biggest one on my mind is world hunger. "If I had the power to change one thing about the world today..." (Question from Friday Night Large Group's Question Game), I would do something about world hunger. Sad to say, but Haiti's tragedy will eventually be forgotten into the recesses of our minds.
Don't get me wrong. I know you want to help and I know I want to do more, but usually we just end up sliding down on our soft futons and couches and end up watching a movie. This is definitely a struggle and temptation to fight.
Jesus knows of how we treat people, whether it be donating money for a cause or helping a friend study for an exam. No matter how little the task ("whatever you did for one of the least of these brother of mine"), it will be recognized. This verse states that the care be brought upon a "brother". This does not necessarily mean a believer, but all of God's created man.
I don't know why, but I am convicted this semester to serve my fellow small group and Cornerstone to the best of my abilities and best of my heart.
Can't wait for the retreat!
Amen!
This verse is from the parable of the sheep and goats in Matthew. The context of this parable is that service, care, and love through your fellow sheep and goats (your fellow human being) is directly related to showing God how much you love Him.
Looking at the recent tragedies of Haiti, people are pouring cash out of their pockets. There is such a large sum of money from donations that there is confusion on what to spend it on. People of every color from every nation is joining in to help; American Airlines is giving doctors and nurses plane rides for free to Haiti. This is good right?
Yes of course it is! Helping your fellow man or woman when in need is what God wants. He wants his creation to care for each other. But thinking on what Joe said, there is so much more pain and suffering around the world. The biggest one on my mind is world hunger. "If I had the power to change one thing about the world today..." (Question from Friday Night Large Group's Question Game), I would do something about world hunger. Sad to say, but Haiti's tragedy will eventually be forgotten into the recesses of our minds.
Don't get me wrong. I know you want to help and I know I want to do more, but usually we just end up sliding down on our soft futons and couches and end up watching a movie. This is definitely a struggle and temptation to fight.
Jesus knows of how we treat people, whether it be donating money for a cause or helping a friend study for an exam. No matter how little the task ("whatever you did for one of the least of these brother of mine"), it will be recognized. This verse states that the care be brought upon a "brother". This does not necessarily mean a believer, but all of God's created man.
I don't know why, but I am convicted this semester to serve my fellow small group and Cornerstone to the best of my abilities and best of my heart.
Can't wait for the retreat!
Amen!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Calling All Those Who are Dumb?
1 Corinthians 1:27
Now this issue has been brought to my pallet before. A non-believer friend of mine liked to argue. For the sake of the pursuit of knowledge, Christianity is too narrow and closed-minded. Only the ignorant remain as Christians. The religion itself calls you to be caught under the phenomenon called group think and really, people won't and can't think for themselves.
Yes. I had no idea what to say to this person at that time because I was just struggling with my anger towards how he could be right and how I can't even defend what I believe in.
Verse 27 calls upon those who are not superior to shame those who are. The Twelve disciples that followed Jesus were a bunch of 'random' people He chose to follow Him. And look how they overturned the world and brought it to its knees.
God blesses everyone. He calls upon the foolish and weak things because He wants to make a point to the world. That God can do anything! With this normal everyday people, God transformed their lives and made them leaders of the world! This in itself can be viewed as a miracle.
I can definitely vouch for this. Looking at past-Aaron and present-Aaron. These two guys are pretty different in a good way. It is because of God's grace and blessings that present-Aaron has become who he is now. Now I just can't wait for what God has in store for future-Aaron.
Praise the Lord.
Amen!
Now this issue has been brought to my pallet before. A non-believer friend of mine liked to argue. For the sake of the pursuit of knowledge, Christianity is too narrow and closed-minded. Only the ignorant remain as Christians. The religion itself calls you to be caught under the phenomenon called group think and really, people won't and can't think for themselves.
Yes. I had no idea what to say to this person at that time because I was just struggling with my anger towards how he could be right and how I can't even defend what I believe in.
Verse 27 calls upon those who are not superior to shame those who are. The Twelve disciples that followed Jesus were a bunch of 'random' people He chose to follow Him. And look how they overturned the world and brought it to its knees.
God blesses everyone. He calls upon the foolish and weak things because He wants to make a point to the world. That God can do anything! With this normal everyday people, God transformed their lives and made them leaders of the world! This in itself can be viewed as a miracle.
I can definitely vouch for this. Looking at past-Aaron and present-Aaron. These two guys are pretty different in a good way. It is because of God's grace and blessings that present-Aaron has become who he is now. Now I just can't wait for what God has in store for future-Aaron.
Praise the Lord.
Amen!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
What God Gave Me
1 Corinthians 12:4-6
God offers people all sorts of things. Being a good public speaker, athleticism, musical talent, and so on. The list is a long one, but in the end, it comes from One.
What I have come to realize is that God has blessed me with so much. So much that I have yet to find out what it all is in my life. You can say that I have a certain skill, but what role does it play in the work of God? Each and every one of my traits and skills, I plan to lift my Lord higher and higher with each one.
I know that I am mediocre in everything that I do, but excellence is not what God requires. As human beings, it is natural for each and everyone of us to strive for something beyond the ordinary. But when we look at Jesus, who was beyond ordinary, and made himself ordinary and even lower than that to serve others and God, He did great things.
Whatever I gifts and blessings that I have, I will lift it back to God.
Its early in the semester, but I have high hopes for small group and the accountability group that I am going to be involved in! I'm going to put these blessings that you've poured out on me and put them to good use..!
Amen!
God offers people all sorts of things. Being a good public speaker, athleticism, musical talent, and so on. The list is a long one, but in the end, it comes from One.
What I have come to realize is that God has blessed me with so much. So much that I have yet to find out what it all is in my life. You can say that I have a certain skill, but what role does it play in the work of God? Each and every one of my traits and skills, I plan to lift my Lord higher and higher with each one.
I know that I am mediocre in everything that I do, but excellence is not what God requires. As human beings, it is natural for each and everyone of us to strive for something beyond the ordinary. But when we look at Jesus, who was beyond ordinary, and made himself ordinary and even lower than that to serve others and God, He did great things.
Whatever I gifts and blessings that I have, I will lift it back to God.
Its early in the semester, but I have high hopes for small group and the accountability group that I am going to be involved in! I'm going to put these blessings that you've poured out on me and put them to good use..!
Amen!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
The Law of Human Nature
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
One
What is the Law of Human Nature? According to Lewis, this was the Law of "Right and Wrong". The interesting thing was that this law was suppose to be obvious. It was not required to be taught because everyone should know what what right and what was wrong.
Looking at different cultural contexts, we see that there are different values and such to be taught. Does this mean that there is a different definition between right and wrong comparatively to our society? Try imagining a country where selfishness was looked up upon.
Funny thing is, when we are face to face with a decision, we tend to choose the one that most glorifies ourselves. And if we are told otherwise, we would just complain about it not being fair. If I were to choose to only clean my room and my roommates had to clean their rooms AND the bathroom, they would probably request a change. This change in plans would put me in change of cleaning the kitchen, which I would complain and say that its not fair; I get the most work. If the Law of Nature did not exist, what is the difference between a fair section of the house to clean compared to an unfair part?
But, Lewis' main point is this: "We have failed to practise ourselves the kind of behaviour we expect from other people." (I want my roommates to look and see how much I have to clean, but I refuse to look at how much they have to clean.) There is only one Right and Wrong. The reason we are making excuses is that we are ashamed that we are not following the Law of Human Nature. We disregard fairness and point the arrow to me, myself, and I.
"We believe in the Law of Nature... we believe in decency so much - we feel the Rule of Law pressing on us so - that we cannot bear to face the fact that we are breaking it..."
Look at the nations putting in their hand in assisting Haiti's tragedy. It is obvious that a single and absolute Right and Wrong exist.
A look into the tragedy:
Lets be prayerful.
Amen.
One
What is the Law of Human Nature? According to Lewis, this was the Law of "Right and Wrong". The interesting thing was that this law was suppose to be obvious. It was not required to be taught because everyone should know what what right and what was wrong.
Looking at different cultural contexts, we see that there are different values and such to be taught. Does this mean that there is a different definition between right and wrong comparatively to our society? Try imagining a country where selfishness was looked up upon.
Funny thing is, when we are face to face with a decision, we tend to choose the one that most glorifies ourselves. And if we are told otherwise, we would just complain about it not being fair. If I were to choose to only clean my room and my roommates had to clean their rooms AND the bathroom, they would probably request a change. This change in plans would put me in change of cleaning the kitchen, which I would complain and say that its not fair; I get the most work. If the Law of Nature did not exist, what is the difference between a fair section of the house to clean compared to an unfair part?
But, Lewis' main point is this: "We have failed to practise ourselves the kind of behaviour we expect from other people." (I want my roommates to look and see how much I have to clean, but I refuse to look at how much they have to clean.) There is only one Right and Wrong. The reason we are making excuses is that we are ashamed that we are not following the Law of Human Nature. We disregard fairness and point the arrow to me, myself, and I.
"We believe in the Law of Nature... we believe in decency so much - we feel the Rule of Law pressing on us so - that we cannot bear to face the fact that we are breaking it..."
Look at the nations putting in their hand in assisting Haiti's tragedy. It is obvious that a single and absolute Right and Wrong exist.
A look into the tragedy:
Lets be prayerful.
Amen.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Forward
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
Forward
Christianity is not merely a philosophy of morality or even a theology to be considered, argued, or put in a fancy binded book. It is a realization of the world and its perversion that has plagued the generations to come. It is not a matter of what denomination you are, although there is nothing wrong with siding with your religious beliefs. It is, again, a realization.
Pastor Rich from Hebron spoke to Cornerstone Christian Fellowship during our Revival about urgency. He broke the room into two halves: Church problems and World problems. The question that night was: which one of these is weighed heavier?
In the same way, the church needs to overcome its differences and come to realize the one true God and His Son. I'm sure God does not want His people to bicker amongst one another and let His creations on the other side of the world suffer. Let this realization run our lives as we look out for those "immortals" who we face day to day.
Forward
Christianity is not merely a philosophy of morality or even a theology to be considered, argued, or put in a fancy binded book. It is a realization of the world and its perversion that has plagued the generations to come. It is not a matter of what denomination you are, although there is nothing wrong with siding with your religious beliefs. It is, again, a realization.
Pastor Rich from Hebron spoke to Cornerstone Christian Fellowship during our Revival about urgency. He broke the room into two halves: Church problems and World problems. The question that night was: which one of these is weighed heavier?
In the same way, the church needs to overcome its differences and come to realize the one true God and His Son. I'm sure God does not want His people to bicker amongst one another and let His creations on the other side of the world suffer. Let this realization run our lives as we look out for those "immortals" who we face day to day.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Wilderness
Luke 4:1-13
It was only Winter Break, but temptation of all forms were present. I was allowed to do anything I wanted. It was break and I felt like I was free from all responsibility. It was an interesting feeling. I had 3 weeks to play and do whatever I wanted. I tried reading the Bible at the beginning of the week, but as the break progressed, I was spiritually empty and too drowned in my selfishness in doing what I wanted to do.
Jesus listed 3 commands in recollection during his trials: you cannot live on earthly things alone, worship God only, and do not test God.
Jesus did not fall to any luxury that was offered to him; anything that would make us turn our heads at a moments glance. Why is it so hard to maintain this relationship between God and us? Why is accountability even necessary when it comes to God, but not when we dream about money, cars, Sequence, friends, girl/boy-friend and other worldly things. I don't need someone to remind me to practice guitar because I enjoy doing it on my own!
I really wish I was more like Jesus. This man I look up to and long to be more Him. Even though I am continuously learning to grasp the world as he saw it, I am still amazed at his being. To never be tempted, to never fall under the devil's plans knowing your stance in God's kingdom.
I'm just a broken person looking for the Son and ultimately the Father.. Because there is a sacrifice for the sinner.
Amen.
It was only Winter Break, but temptation of all forms were present. I was allowed to do anything I wanted. It was break and I felt like I was free from all responsibility. It was an interesting feeling. I had 3 weeks to play and do whatever I wanted. I tried reading the Bible at the beginning of the week, but as the break progressed, I was spiritually empty and too drowned in my selfishness in doing what I wanted to do.
Jesus listed 3 commands in recollection during his trials: you cannot live on earthly things alone, worship God only, and do not test God.
Jesus did not fall to any luxury that was offered to him; anything that would make us turn our heads at a moments glance. Why is it so hard to maintain this relationship between God and us? Why is accountability even necessary when it comes to God, but not when we dream about money, cars, Sequence, friends, girl/boy-friend and other worldly things. I don't need someone to remind me to practice guitar because I enjoy doing it on my own!
I really wish I was more like Jesus. This man I look up to and long to be more Him. Even though I am continuously learning to grasp the world as he saw it, I am still amazed at his being. To never be tempted, to never fall under the devil's plans knowing your stance in God's kingdom.
I'm just a broken person looking for the Son and ultimately the Father.. Because there is a sacrifice for the sinner.
Amen.
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