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!
Friday, November 13, 2009
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!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Compromise
There are just some people you don't get along with right? With all the conflicting personalities and interests, there is no way that I can get along with that person. Roommates begin as friends will end up hating each other; friends, who you thought you were cool with, begin to talk behind your back. There is a countless number possibilities of what one person can do to hurt another. I've been hearing so many roommate stories that its starting to get old. It is not that I don't care about the lack of compromise, but because I am sad that there is a lack of consideration and realization of Luke 10:27.
"He answered: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
I am a hypocrite for writing this blog because I have [a] unsettled relationship[s]. Luke points it out very clearly to love the Lord AND your neighbor. Not one or the other; I believe that God would want his followers to obey His commands to love others as yourself rather than to hate others and just love Him only. I love God and this is why I will always attempt to love other people regardless of the situation. The basis of my love for you is because of who you are. The continuance and forgiveness of my love for you is because God tells me to never stop loving you when things go wrong. To forgive, let go, and to continue on encouraging one another in light of His's promises.
I believe that there is no such thing as no compromise. Although this is easier said than done, let God's will be done in that His love, in us and through us, shall endure forever.
Amen.
"He answered: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
I am a hypocrite for writing this blog because I have [a] unsettled relationship[s]. Luke points it out very clearly to love the Lord AND your neighbor. Not one or the other; I believe that God would want his followers to obey His commands to love others as yourself rather than to hate others and just love Him only. I love God and this is why I will always attempt to love other people regardless of the situation. The basis of my love for you is because of who you are. The continuance and forgiveness of my love for you is because God tells me to never stop loving you when things go wrong. To forgive, let go, and to continue on encouraging one another in light of His's promises.
I believe that there is no such thing as no compromise. Although this is easier said than done, let God's will be done in that His love, in us and through us, shall endure forever.
Amen.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Messenger
I couldn't find a specific verse, but I just wanted to write. I shared a passage on Wednesday for Cornerstone's weekly prayer meetings. The message was about sinful habits based off of Hebrews 10:26. This passage was on my heart for the past week and I really wanted to share it with Cornerstone. Throughout the first two songs, I kept my eyes on the door hoping more people would come. As I finished up and dismissed everyone to go out and pray, that is when everyone started to walk through the door. As I was about to pray, a friend of mine saw me punching the wall and gave me a weird look. I sighed with disappointment and spoke with God for the alloted time.
I don't want to sound like all is well between me and God, but I wanted to share something that deeply convicted me; something that was also definitely applicable to Cornerstone. Despite the fact that I missed a few of my main points and my presentation was bleh, I was angry that there were so many late comers.
As we were about to close, my friend sat next to me and told me, "The people who needed to hear that message definitely missed out tonight. Don't be so hard on yourself. You are only God's messenger. Just let God and the Holy Spirit work their way into their hearts."
And that was it. I am just a messenger that relied a little too much on myself that day. I hope I realize that and really pray that I will continue to seek the Lord for assistance. I also pray that this messengers will get other opportunities to be a light for my Savior.
Amen..!
I don't want to sound like all is well between me and God, but I wanted to share something that deeply convicted me; something that was also definitely applicable to Cornerstone. Despite the fact that I missed a few of my main points and my presentation was bleh, I was angry that there were so many late comers.
As we were about to close, my friend sat next to me and told me, "The people who needed to hear that message definitely missed out tonight. Don't be so hard on yourself. You are only God's messenger. Just let God and the Holy Spirit work their way into their hearts."
And that was it. I am just a messenger that relied a little too much on myself that day. I hope I realize that and really pray that I will continue to seek the Lord for assistance. I also pray that this messengers will get other opportunities to be a light for my Savior.
Amen..!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Pearly Whites
"He must increase, but I must decrease."
John 3:30
"How do you stay so happy all the time?"
I had to laugh a little when I was asked this. It is usually interesting how a non-Christian or a new believer views me. They tell me about life and complains about its hardship, yet they look at me. Am I an idiot? Has the world pushed me so far that I don't care anymore?
No!
When I was a young Christian, I had a group of guys that I always hung out with. I have to say that these guys were something else! They were funny, never uttered a single curse word, happy, optimistic, and just gung ho about everything. I thought that they were just a bunch of those closet angry people or something is missing in their heads, but no, something was definitely up.
.. and that was the love of Christ. As I was trying to comfort a friend, I explained, "I believe because I have seen; I have seen enough to know.. that God exists. I worship Him because He gave everything; gave and gave until He died. Likewise, I am trying to do the same because I know of this true Love. I am cheerful because I have the greatest Love in the world in my life!"
The response I got was something along the lines of, "Haha I should talk to you more often!"
Happiness isn't hard to come by. As a matter of fact, its usually right under your nose :)
Amen.
John 3:30
"How do you stay so happy all the time?"
I had to laugh a little when I was asked this. It is usually interesting how a non-Christian or a new believer views me. They tell me about life and complains about its hardship, yet they look at me. Am I an idiot? Has the world pushed me so far that I don't care anymore?
No!
When I was a young Christian, I had a group of guys that I always hung out with. I have to say that these guys were something else! They were funny, never uttered a single curse word, happy, optimistic, and just gung ho about everything. I thought that they were just a bunch of those closet angry people or something is missing in their heads, but no, something was definitely up.
.. and that was the love of Christ. As I was trying to comfort a friend, I explained, "I believe because I have seen; I have seen enough to know.. that God exists. I worship Him because He gave everything; gave and gave until He died. Likewise, I am trying to do the same because I know of this true Love. I am cheerful because I have the greatest Love in the world in my life!"
The response I got was something along the lines of, "Haha I should talk to you more often!"
Happiness isn't hard to come by. As a matter of fact, its usually right under your nose :)
Amen.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Prayer
For tonight's Cornerstone Large Group discussion, we talked about prayer. Prayer in the context of a sure "thing" that we have in our lives. Many of the responses that I got from my group was similar to things I have heard in the past before; this applies to me as well.
Our Prayers: selfish, only when we want something, only when we are happy, only when we
have time, easily forget to pray throughout our lives, non-existent prayer life.
It's time to stop fooling ourselves. When we say that God has been distant in our lives, who do you think is the one moving away? It sure as heck is not God that is running away from us.
Our lives revolve around so many things that it just pushes God to the back of our minds. We forget; but when we do remember, we are too busy and caught up with life to bring Him back.
I put it in this context: If you really cared for someone, what would be the one thing that you want them to have in their lives? God.
With God in your life, everything is bright and you should be able to taste the victory. Pray to your Lord and Savior because He is the most important thing in our lives; not because of what He does, but because of who He is.
Amen
Our Prayers: selfish, only when we want something, only when we are happy, only when we
have time, easily forget to pray throughout our lives, non-existent prayer life.
It's time to stop fooling ourselves. When we say that God has been distant in our lives, who do you think is the one moving away? It sure as heck is not God that is running away from us.
Our lives revolve around so many things that it just pushes God to the back of our minds. We forget; but when we do remember, we are too busy and caught up with life to bring Him back.
I put it in this context: If you really cared for someone, what would be the one thing that you want them to have in their lives? God.
With God in your life, everything is bright and you should be able to taste the victory. Pray to your Lord and Savior because He is the most important thing in our lives; not because of what He does, but because of who He is.
Amen
Monday, October 19, 2009
Humble Hearts
For this is what the high and lofty One says--he who lives forever, whose name is holy: "I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite."
Isaiah 57:15
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
James 4:10
God humbled me in terms of my abilities and what I can handle. I've heard stories from Purdue Alumni and how Cornerstone was run back in the past and I have to say, "WHOA!"
Having my heart and mind set, I thought that I had everything ready to be a small group leader. I was acting all high and mighty knowing that I had a direct influence on these people; I could actually save a life?? That gave me balls of steel.
But God gave me a wake up call. These abilities, emotions, wisdom, the knowledge, the leadership qualities, the laughter, the love was not of my own. I have been given provisions all my life and I've realized that I have not been giving enough credit to the One who gave it all. To humble myself to the One who is up in Heaven, knowing that this opportunity was given to me because of love for me.
Yes. A man who had everything came down to Earth to die for nothing worthwhile, but to choose to reside in this humbled heart of mine. Here I stand in humbleness and I am glad.
Amen.
Isaiah 57:15
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
James 4:10
God humbled me in terms of my abilities and what I can handle. I've heard stories from Purdue Alumni and how Cornerstone was run back in the past and I have to say, "WHOA!"
Having my heart and mind set, I thought that I had everything ready to be a small group leader. I was acting all high and mighty knowing that I had a direct influence on these people; I could actually save a life?? That gave me balls of steel.
But God gave me a wake up call. These abilities, emotions, wisdom, the knowledge, the leadership qualities, the laughter, the love was not of my own. I have been given provisions all my life and I've realized that I have not been giving enough credit to the One who gave it all. To humble myself to the One who is up in Heaven, knowing that this opportunity was given to me because of love for me.
Yes. A man who had everything came down to Earth to die for nothing worthwhile, but to choose to reside in this humbled heart of mine. Here I stand in humbleness and I am glad.
Amen.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
And Naturally . . .
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33
"O you of little faith?" Yep thats me. Holding a leadership position in Cornerstone, been walking with the Lord for so long, yet. . .
Like a pagan, I run towards things that I want. Oh man there are just somethings that I want with all my heart. I cannot disclose them for you, but considering the world, I long to conform. I considered God's provisions for me and for my future, but I am still wavering.
On my drive back to Woodfield today waiting on traffic, I prayed a loud prayer. "God that you would just continually change me from the inside out; so that I will seek you with all my heart. Things of this earth will not please me or love me like you do. Oh Lord, with all my brokenness, I come to you and lay my transgressions at your feet. God, I am an idiot."
Amen.
Matthew 6:33
"O you of little faith?" Yep thats me. Holding a leadership position in Cornerstone, been walking with the Lord for so long, yet. . .
Like a pagan, I run towards things that I want. Oh man there are just somethings that I want with all my heart. I cannot disclose them for you, but considering the world, I long to conform. I considered God's provisions for me and for my future, but I am still wavering.
On my drive back to Woodfield today waiting on traffic, I prayed a loud prayer. "God that you would just continually change me from the inside out; so that I will seek you with all my heart. Things of this earth will not please me or love me like you do. Oh Lord, with all my brokenness, I come to you and lay my transgressions at your feet. God, I am an idiot."
Amen.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Profit and Salvation
But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ...
Philippians 3:7-8
As a business major, the only word that sparks in my mind and everyone else around me is profit. A positive return on investments will make the world go around.
We look at the life of Jesus Christ. He came down from Heaven from the right hand side of God and made himself nothing. Nothing was to be gained in a worthwhile sense that would benefit God in anyway. Yet Christ died on the Cross to save all of our lives.
Now in the business world, Jesus would get fired for sure.
When I was a wee little Freshman, I was asked by my leader Tim Chou if I was interested in leading for Cornerstone during my Sophomore year. The opportunity seeker that I am, accepted immediately. At that point, all I wanted was the status that could be put on paper, you know, like my Resume. But by the grace of God, I soon realized that the reasons that I was serving were all wrong. My entire Sophomore year resulted in my own spiritual growth rather than me attempting to lead others to Christ.
And what a ride it has been! God has been so good to me through the people that He has allowed into my life and the things that He has shown me. There are ups and downs and downs and downs, but I will praise my Father in Heaven nonetheless.
I will probably take another perspective on this verse tomorrow. Stay tuned!
Amen.
Philippians 3:7-8
As a business major, the only word that sparks in my mind and everyone else around me is profit. A positive return on investments will make the world go around.
We look at the life of Jesus Christ. He came down from Heaven from the right hand side of God and made himself nothing. Nothing was to be gained in a worthwhile sense that would benefit God in anyway. Yet Christ died on the Cross to save all of our lives.
Now in the business world, Jesus would get fired for sure.
When I was a wee little Freshman, I was asked by my leader Tim Chou if I was interested in leading for Cornerstone during my Sophomore year. The opportunity seeker that I am, accepted immediately. At that point, all I wanted was the status that could be put on paper, you know, like my Resume. But by the grace of God, I soon realized that the reasons that I was serving were all wrong. My entire Sophomore year resulted in my own spiritual growth rather than me attempting to lead others to Christ.
And what a ride it has been! God has been so good to me through the people that He has allowed into my life and the things that He has shown me. There are ups and downs and downs and downs, but I will praise my Father in Heaven nonetheless.
I will probably take another perspective on this verse tomorrow. Stay tuned!
Amen.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Heart Failure
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:26
I am weak at heart. Scary movies, live performances, skits, singing in front of a crowd, COM 114 speeches, calling people up, you name it, I can't do it. I get the butterflies almost instantaneously as if I was actually a mutant butterfly man myself.
Just recently, an aura of dread and hopelessness has come upon me. It was very hard to see the light of things. I prayed for comfort and wisdom, but God did not deliver.
He did not deliver the one thing I wanted, but gave me something else instead: His Love.
I've recently realized how much I cannot do without depending on the Lord. My God, provider, portion, and redeemer. The Love that is the only one worthy to be considered true love.
So listen.
Through Him leading me through, I can lead Bible studies, I can pray in front of an entire church, I can share my testimony shamelessly, I can dance and sing, I can act a fool.. and a fool for God I can be!
Lord take this brokenness and piece it back together so that I can become more for you again.
Amen.
Psalm 73:26
I am weak at heart. Scary movies, live performances, skits, singing in front of a crowd, COM 114 speeches, calling people up, you name it, I can't do it. I get the butterflies almost instantaneously as if I was actually a mutant butterfly man myself.
Just recently, an aura of dread and hopelessness has come upon me. It was very hard to see the light of things. I prayed for comfort and wisdom, but God did not deliver.
He did not deliver the one thing I wanted, but gave me something else instead: His Love.
I've recently realized how much I cannot do without depending on the Lord. My God, provider, portion, and redeemer. The Love that is the only one worthy to be considered true love.
So listen.
Through Him leading me through, I can lead Bible studies, I can pray in front of an entire church, I can share my testimony shamelessly, I can dance and sing, I can act a fool.. and a fool for God I can be!
Lord take this brokenness and piece it back together so that I can become more for you again.
Amen.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Scary
My Fear is this verse:
"... But he will answer, 'I don't know you or where you come from.'"
Luke 13:25
This verse is from a passage titled "The Narrow Door" in Luke 13:22-30.
Many believe that they are saved. In America, numbers of people professing as Christians reach up to 80-90% yet how many of us really know Christ. Facebook profiles tell me that you're a Christian, but I do not see any fruits growing on your branches. Why this passage scares me so much is because "many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to".
This narrow path is Jesus Christ. We must realize that association with Christ will not bring us salvation, but identification with Him. Eating and drinking is not enough to maintain a solid foundational relationship with someone. We have to do more than that.
Relationships can never be one sided for it to work. This passage may infer that we need to do deeds/work in order to receive salvation, but is this not true? We need to run after God just as He sent His Son down to us.
Hearing "... But he will answer, 'I don't know you or where you come from.'" sends a chill down my soul. Let us repent and trust in the Lord.
Amen.
"... But he will answer, 'I don't know you or where you come from.'"
Luke 13:25
This verse is from a passage titled "The Narrow Door" in Luke 13:22-30.
Many believe that they are saved. In America, numbers of people professing as Christians reach up to 80-90% yet how many of us really know Christ. Facebook profiles tell me that you're a Christian, but I do not see any fruits growing on your branches. Why this passage scares me so much is because "many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to".
This narrow path is Jesus Christ. We must realize that association with Christ will not bring us salvation, but identification with Him. Eating and drinking is not enough to maintain a solid foundational relationship with someone. We have to do more than that.
Relationships can never be one sided for it to work. This passage may infer that we need to do deeds/work in order to receive salvation, but is this not true? We need to run after God just as He sent His Son down to us.
Hearing "... But he will answer, 'I don't know you or where you come from.'" sends a chill down my soul. Let us repent and trust in the Lord.
Amen.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Repentance is First
This is what the Sovereign Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, says "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it."
Isaiah 30:15
Living according to this verse goes against all human nature. We live to run and succeed. Society elects only those worthy of status and ability. And that is why the second part of this verse say, "but you would have none of it." We are innately fixed on solving problems by ourselves. You should look to no one because that is only a sign of weakness, which disproves your own ability.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
Matthew 11:28-29
God wants us to rest in Him, not to be burdened over and over again with sin. Our salvation is not borne from a list of good deeds, but from out dependence on Him. With that we need to repent; to free ourselves from the burdens of this world, which drags us away from our Savior.
This week tore me apart. Exams, studying, misc. I was stressing out to the max. But I need to learn to take up the yoke that will give me rest, not the heavy yoke that I think I can carry by myself. The Lord calls us to rest on his gentle and humble yoke. And to do this, we need to repent.
When we repent, we are in agreement with God. And there is nothing else but rest when we are in unity with our Lord.
Amen.
Isaiah 30:15
Living according to this verse goes against all human nature. We live to run and succeed. Society elects only those worthy of status and ability. And that is why the second part of this verse say, "but you would have none of it." We are innately fixed on solving problems by ourselves. You should look to no one because that is only a sign of weakness, which disproves your own ability.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
Matthew 11:28-29
God wants us to rest in Him, not to be burdened over and over again with sin. Our salvation is not borne from a list of good deeds, but from out dependence on Him. With that we need to repent; to free ourselves from the burdens of this world, which drags us away from our Savior.
This week tore me apart. Exams, studying, misc. I was stressing out to the max. But I need to learn to take up the yoke that will give me rest, not the heavy yoke that I think I can carry by myself. The Lord calls us to rest on his gentle and humble yoke. And to do this, we need to repent.
When we repent, we are in agreement with God. And there is nothing else but rest when we are in unity with our Lord.
Amen.
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