Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2
God is my stress reliever.
The part of the verse that applies most to me is the transforming and renewing of the mind. I fantasize a lot. As I told Richard while we were studying at the humanities library at Purdue, I daydreamed for a good 5 minutes while I was suppose to be studying.
I find it hard to keep my mind off of somethings. Starcraft, Facebook, you name it. These distractions only hinder me from knowing and being with my God. I've realized that all I really wanted was to love these things, but never allow them to surpass God's #1 slot in my head.
Every little thing is ticking me off this week. But I don't need anger management. I need God.
"I pray for transformation and renewal of my mind. Liberate me from what is currently clouding my judgement. Would you be the light for my path again as I attempt to walk with you again? Save me from my transgressions and quell my anger. For what I am now is not pleasing to you."
God is good, all the [explict] time.
Amen.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Home is Where the Heart is
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.
Ephesians 3:14-15
When I think about home, I always think about my home in Chicago. I tell people, "I will never call West Lafayette my home!" in all fun and foolishness. Purdue is where I go to school, not where I live.
My definition of home, in this case, was a point where my mother and father were, where my two sisters lived, along with all my cousins, aunts, and uncles.
I've come to learn that there can be more than one place called home. At Purdue, I've made so many friends and they've practically become family. We share stories with each other, give advice, and be there for one another when times are rough. We give each other Godly advice as well and share with each other the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
I am glad.
Because I have a family in Chicago and a family in West Lafayette. This I consider my earthly family.
Although my earthly family is not strong or stable. We fight at times and curse each other out. I am encouraged to know that my heavenly family is one with the Lord. Our heavenly family, with God taking care of us, will be so perfect that we will not realize the pain and bickering that we have caused each other here on earth, only to realize God's sovereignty and majesty.
"Home is where the heart is" My heart is with Jesus. Which means that my home is as well. I love my families everywhere and I pray that they will know Christ in any point of their lives, but I find much comfort in the greatest family of all in the body of Christ.
Amen.
Ephesians 3:14-15
When I think about home, I always think about my home in Chicago. I tell people, "I will never call West Lafayette my home!" in all fun and foolishness. Purdue is where I go to school, not where I live.
My definition of home, in this case, was a point where my mother and father were, where my two sisters lived, along with all my cousins, aunts, and uncles.
I've come to learn that there can be more than one place called home. At Purdue, I've made so many friends and they've practically become family. We share stories with each other, give advice, and be there for one another when times are rough. We give each other Godly advice as well and share with each other the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
I am glad.
Because I have a family in Chicago and a family in West Lafayette. This I consider my earthly family.
Although my earthly family is not strong or stable. We fight at times and curse each other out. I am encouraged to know that my heavenly family is one with the Lord. Our heavenly family, with God taking care of us, will be so perfect that we will not realize the pain and bickering that we have caused each other here on earth, only to realize God's sovereignty and majesty.
"Home is where the heart is" My heart is with Jesus. Which means that my home is as well. I love my families everywhere and I pray that they will know Christ in any point of their lives, but I find much comfort in the greatest family of all in the body of Christ.
Amen.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
What is Worship?
Music is just music, just as this song is. But if we take time to sit down and listen through all the beats and melodies of the instruments, we can hear the Holy Spirit speaking to us through these artists.
So let these lyrics pierce your heart as it did mine. As God washed away my blindness and broke through my deafness, He called to me time and time again hoping to catch me once more. Father, you've shattered my darkness.
The word "Again" in the chorus implies that there was more than one instance that we were alive. Being sinners, we have nowhere and no one to turn to except our Savior. By doing so we are saved and the gap is bridged from us to God. But because Satan is always trying to lure us back into Hell with him, we trip and we stumble.
Matt Maher's "Alive Again" helps portray the mercy that is of God. Whether we walk or fall, God is always trying to win us back. We die again and again, but because of God, we are Alive Again.
Amen!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Psalm 42:5,11
Because they're the same verse.
Here we go.
Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.
In this Psalm, the author repeats these lines twice. A repetition that I believe that comes from deep within the soul of this man. He asks himself why. Why am I so sad when I know of God? Why am I so disturbed when I know of my Savior?
The Psalmist knows, but cannot trust in the Lord.
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?" - Matthew 6:25
This is me. I worry about the future and what God has in store for me. What? This is a oxymoron. I worry about what God has in store for me? This is truth; yet I cannot help it.
I will continue to pray for understanding for I know my God is a God whose hope does not disappoint.
Amen.
Here we go.
Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.
In this Psalm, the author repeats these lines twice. A repetition that I believe that comes from deep within the soul of this man. He asks himself why. Why am I so sad when I know of God? Why am I so disturbed when I know of my Savior?
The Psalmist knows, but cannot trust in the Lord.
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?" - Matthew 6:25
This is me. I worry about the future and what God has in store for me. What? This is a oxymoron. I worry about what God has in store for me? This is truth; yet I cannot help it.
I will continue to pray for understanding for I know my God is a God whose hope does not disappoint.
Amen.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Faith That Waits
And the Lord visited Sarah as He had said, and the Lord did for Sarah as He had spoken. For Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. Genesis 21:1-2
Yeah God. You allowed a 100 year old woman to have a baby.
When we take a look at Abraham and Sarah and their son Issac, we can take into account of God's faithfulness. It was all going to happen, we just have no clue when.
I can't say that I am not anxious when I am waiting on the Lord's promises in my life. As a matter of fact, I cannot wait until I see what the Lord has in store for me!
"What will I do after college?" "Who will I fall in love with and marry?" "Kids?" "Church?" "Ministry?" "FUTURE????"
I really want to know now and thats that. But what about God's timing in my life? Since my timing itself is terrible (absolutely terrible), I need God to continuously work in me. With that, I need to learn to become patient and accept God's way of doing things. For it is written, Romans 5:5 . . .
"And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."
I don't know what will happen next, but let your will be done in everything that I am!
Amen!
Yeah God. You allowed a 100 year old woman to have a baby.
When we take a look at Abraham and Sarah and their son Issac, we can take into account of God's faithfulness. It was all going to happen, we just have no clue when.
I can't say that I am not anxious when I am waiting on the Lord's promises in my life. As a matter of fact, I cannot wait until I see what the Lord has in store for me!
"What will I do after college?" "Who will I fall in love with and marry?" "Kids?" "Church?" "Ministry?" "FUTURE????"
I really want to know now and thats that. But what about God's timing in my life? Since my timing itself is terrible (absolutely terrible), I need God to continuously work in me. With that, I need to learn to become patient and accept God's way of doing things. For it is written, Romans 5:5 . . .
"And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."
I don't know what will happen next, but let your will be done in everything that I am!
Amen!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Small Groups Formed
What can I say, but to continually to encourage and cheer my fellow Cornerstone stewardship team on for the hard work thus far.
Joseph, Rachel, Dave, Chris, Alice, Chris, Gloria, Bryan, Sharon, and Esther.
Let's keep each other in prayer!
Every time we talk about small groups, I get pissed off. There is always an objectification of the members. "Love your small group!" and "Lets love these people!". There is a definite implication that we as leaders are to love these members just because they are a part of our small group.
Relationships go deeper than that. Especially since we are trying to model after the relationship that we have with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We are to love them because they are our fellow brothers and sisters and they understand the meaning of True Love, not because it is an obligation.
Although it may seem easy to say now, relationships are hard to maintain especially if you fear the incompatibility between two persons. Just maintain a Christ like mindset no matter what. God sent Christ down knowing that the earth was full of weirdos (aka sinners eh eh). With that said, anything is possible with the Holy Spirit as our guide. Pray for your brothers and sisters who will have the pleasure of sharing their experiences/life/goals/walk with you in a small group environment!
Amen!
Joseph, Rachel, Dave, Chris, Alice, Chris, Gloria, Bryan, Sharon, and Esther.
Let's keep each other in prayer!
Every time we talk about small groups, I get pissed off. There is always an objectification of the members. "Love your small group!" and "Lets love these people!". There is a definite implication that we as leaders are to love these members just because they are a part of our small group.
Relationships go deeper than that. Especially since we are trying to model after the relationship that we have with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We are to love them because they are our fellow brothers and sisters and they understand the meaning of True Love, not because it is an obligation.
Although it may seem easy to say now, relationships are hard to maintain especially if you fear the incompatibility between two persons. Just maintain a Christ like mindset no matter what. God sent Christ down knowing that the earth was full of weirdos (aka sinners eh eh). With that said, anything is possible with the Holy Spirit as our guide. Pray for your brothers and sisters who will have the pleasure of sharing their experiences/life/goals/walk with you in a small group environment!
Amen!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
In Athens
Acts 17:16-23
I missed basically the entire sermon this Sunday due to some bad Chapaghetti I had Saturday night. I ended up taking my bible and reading this passage in the stall. This just means the Word can be read anywhere.
This passage depicts the mission of Paul in Athens. As he roams throughout the streets, he faces many faces of worship. The Athenians do not settle for just one idol, but many. As Paul preaches the good news and Jesus of the resurrection, all found him odd and confusing.
What? So we love Jesus. Looking at us from hindsight, you would have to agree: Christians are weird. Why do they act this way? It would be weird, if other people didn't think that we were weird!
Do not be ashamed. Speak and act the truth that is of verses Acts 17:24-31 and proclaim the Word of God as our life.
How refreshing to know You don't need us.
How amazing to find that You want us.
Amen!
I missed basically the entire sermon this Sunday due to some bad Chapaghetti I had Saturday night. I ended up taking my bible and reading this passage in the stall. This just means the Word can be read anywhere.
This passage depicts the mission of Paul in Athens. As he roams throughout the streets, he faces many faces of worship. The Athenians do not settle for just one idol, but many. As Paul preaches the good news and Jesus of the resurrection, all found him odd and confusing.
What? So we love Jesus. Looking at us from hindsight, you would have to agree: Christians are weird. Why do they act this way? It would be weird, if other people didn't think that we were weird!
Do not be ashamed. Speak and act the truth that is of verses Acts 17:24-31 and proclaim the Word of God as our life.
How refreshing to know You don't need us.
How amazing to find that You want us.
Amen!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
I Finally Found the Reason for Living...
Its been a while since I've written here. The time between might not be written down, but it has definitely been memorable. The summer offered a countless number of blessings where God revealed Himself through the work of others. I was so humbled to the point where I threw myself at the mercy of the Lord. The love that pours out from the Cross and anoints my empty cup with overflowing love. What more can I say? I've never been so content!
During the summer, I did not get the job nor any other selfish things that I so longed for , but God provided me with so much more.
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:5
During the summer, I did not get the job nor any other selfish things that I so longed for , but God provided me with so much more.
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:5
Saturday, June 13, 2009
June 13, 2009 - Tree 63 - I Stand for You
Jesus, I stand for You
No matter what You lead me through
They will chase me out, and close me down
but Jesus, I stand for You
I'll always stand (3x)
for You
I'll always stand (3x)
for You
Jesus, I've stood my ground
When unbelief was all around
I have felt the sting rejection brings
but Jesus, I still stand for You.
I'll always stand (3x)
for You
I'll always stand (3x)
for You
A time will come when everyone
will turn their eyes on the risen son
Until that day, this world will turn away
So I'll take your hand, I'll always stand for You
Guilty of disgrace, but You took my place
Jesus, I'll always stand for You.
I'll always stand (3x)
for You
I'll always stand (3x)
for You
For you
I'll always stand for You
Let this song represent our hearts in all we do for Christ!
Amen!
June 12, 2009 - Indy!
28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30
I am currently on KJ's roommate's ginormous flat screen TV using the internet. Everyone one (Richard is asleep, except for those two lovebirds.
Tonight, I ventured down to Indianapolis with Richard to attend a praise night hosted by a church that Rachel, Jack, Alice, Gloria, and whoever goes to. The praise was pretty awesome and I had a great time worshiping the Lord! Pastor Joseph Kim was also there and he gave a message for us in between the praise sessions. The theme was Fear Factor.
When we think about Fear Factor, we automatically think back to that gruesome show where they make the contestants preform tasks that would induce fear. But what do I fear in life?
Oh there are many things: heights, roller coasters, scary movies (I actually want to watch a few now, but I'll need a group of people hahaha), and so many other things. These fears in life tire me to death. Sinning against God, with the guilt entailed, honestly stresses me out. The fear of sin happening again, the fear of the devil's temptation, and the fear of falling into that temptation is heart aching.
When you concur your fears, it is ideal to do it one step at a time. An example would be overcoming my fear of heights. First I would pull out a ladder, climb the first step, then the next, and then the next and so on until I finally get to the top and hopefully cure myself of that fear.
But this is not how it is like between us and God. Christ has offered us His life! The sacrifice of the Lamb has already cleared our sins just like that! The ENTIRETY of our sins disappear! When we need rest, God will give us the easy yoke.
Thanks guys for such an awesome night!
Amen!
I am currently on KJ's roommate's ginormous flat screen TV using the internet. Everyone one (Richard is asleep, except for those two lovebirds.
Tonight, I ventured down to Indianapolis with Richard to attend a praise night hosted by a church that Rachel, Jack, Alice, Gloria, and whoever goes to. The praise was pretty awesome and I had a great time worshiping the Lord! Pastor Joseph Kim was also there and he gave a message for us in between the praise sessions. The theme was Fear Factor.
When we think about Fear Factor, we automatically think back to that gruesome show where they make the contestants preform tasks that would induce fear. But what do I fear in life?
Oh there are many things: heights, roller coasters, scary movies (I actually want to watch a few now, but I'll need a group of people hahaha), and so many other things. These fears in life tire me to death. Sinning against God, with the guilt entailed, honestly stresses me out. The fear of sin happening again, the fear of the devil's temptation, and the fear of falling into that temptation is heart aching.
When you concur your fears, it is ideal to do it one step at a time. An example would be overcoming my fear of heights. First I would pull out a ladder, climb the first step, then the next, and then the next and so on until I finally get to the top and hopefully cure myself of that fear.
But this is not how it is like between us and God. Christ has offered us His life! The sacrifice of the Lamb has already cleared our sins just like that! The ENTIRETY of our sins disappear! When we need rest, God will give us the easy yoke.
Thanks guys for such an awesome night!
Amen!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
June 7, 2009 - John 3
Starting Over
In this chapter, Jesus answers Nicodemus, a Pharisee, who was considered a well educated and wealthy man, asks the ultimate question. The question was, "How do you get into Heaven?" or in other words, "Where is the start over button in my life?"
This question may have a simple answer (1 Peter 1:16), but people often misconstrue this simple answer. There are two inadequate answers: the curve and the balance.
The curve is like the bell shaped grading curve you get in your classes. You want to get good enough grades so that you are better than the majority of the people.
The balance is the balancing instrument with the two sides: one side is heavier than the other or they are both equal.
People often fall for these misinterpretations. You just have to be more holy than most people and you will be fine. Or you just have to have more holy deeds than sinful deeds and you will be fine. Pastor Green gave us an example about the church offering that is collected every service. A church would get a new roof just because the mafia thinks that they could knock off a guy and atone for their sin by just paying it back to God.
This "start over button" that God offers is only available through Jesus Christ! Only through faith in Jesus Christ can one reach Heaven!
And we know that people judge us view us differently as Christians and I'm glad they do! Hopefully they will see Heaven hungry, Christ-like servants and really question themselves about Christ. Now we know that we are ambassadors of Christ, but our faith in Him tell us more than just about ourselves:
Our faith in Christ reveals to others about just how faithful Christ really is!
He offers us this start over button that we never deserved and even allowed us to live with Him!
Praise the Lord for His faithfulness!
Amen.
In this chapter, Jesus answers Nicodemus, a Pharisee, who was considered a well educated and wealthy man, asks the ultimate question. The question was, "How do you get into Heaven?" or in other words, "Where is the start over button in my life?"
This question may have a simple answer (1 Peter 1:16), but people often misconstrue this simple answer. There are two inadequate answers: the curve and the balance.
The curve is like the bell shaped grading curve you get in your classes. You want to get good enough grades so that you are better than the majority of the people.
The balance is the balancing instrument with the two sides: one side is heavier than the other or they are both equal.
People often fall for these misinterpretations. You just have to be more holy than most people and you will be fine. Or you just have to have more holy deeds than sinful deeds and you will be fine. Pastor Green gave us an example about the church offering that is collected every service. A church would get a new roof just because the mafia thinks that they could knock off a guy and atone for their sin by just paying it back to God.
This "start over button" that God offers is only available through Jesus Christ! Only through faith in Jesus Christ can one reach Heaven!
And we know that people judge us view us differently as Christians and I'm glad they do! Hopefully they will see Heaven hungry, Christ-like servants and really question themselves about Christ. Now we know that we are ambassadors of Christ, but our faith in Him tell us more than just about ourselves:
Our faith in Christ reveals to others about just how faithful Christ really is!
He offers us this start over button that we never deserved and even allowed us to live with Him!
Praise the Lord for His faithfulness!
Amen.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
May 30, 2009 - Lamentations 3:25
The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him.
Lamentations 3:25
What do I want? I want what my better off friends have. Their lives don't seem as hard as mind and it sure looks like I am suffering a lot more than they are. When are you going to give me what I want and need? When is it my turn? How much longer do I wait until I get something good?
Personally, I ask these questions a lot. I see other people who are so much better off than I am and start questioning the Lord, why am I this way? But who knows how God works. He made us as beings to worship Him. So hopefully I see that I am that vessel for Him; my purpose in life is the glorify Him and enjoy it both as single actions. I pray that I can see what good things that God wants me to have and not the things that I personally want. And overall have Him on top of my list.
Amen.
Lamentations 3:25
What do I want? I want what my better off friends have. Their lives don't seem as hard as mind and it sure looks like I am suffering a lot more than they are. When are you going to give me what I want and need? When is it my turn? How much longer do I wait until I get something good?
Personally, I ask these questions a lot. I see other people who are so much better off than I am and start questioning the Lord, why am I this way? But who knows how God works. He made us as beings to worship Him. So hopefully I see that I am that vessel for Him; my purpose in life is the glorify Him and enjoy it both as single actions. I pray that I can see what good things that God wants me to have and not the things that I personally want. And overall have Him on top of my list.
Amen.
Friday, May 29, 2009
May 29, 2009 - AMBA - Hebrews 11:13-16
If you read the entire chapter, you will see that the entire chapter is filled with a short description of how these Bible characters lived faithfully for God.. EXCEPT! for verses 13 to 16. Odd isn't it.
13All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth.
14People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own.
15If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return.
16Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
Today's speaker at Ambassadors.. I forgot his name.. talked about living by faith by using this passage. He first made us list our personal top three things that we currently want in life ie. being successful, making a lot of money, finding that special someone, getting good grades, finding a job, etc. The point of this was to "surprisingly" find out that loving God was not listed at number one or even number two or three!
Why was it so hard to live by faith? The biggest reasons that hit me was that persecution and pain. When we live by faith, we are persecuted why? In this day and age, everything needs a definite answer and therefore, to live by faith is to give up all intellectual thinking, in this case, to be stupid in the eyes of our non-believer loved ones. Also, I would assume that you all would agree that persevering through faith in troubling times is terribly difficult. We question God's love, His presence, as well as His Promise.
Overall, it was hard understanding him since he keep repeating vague points, but I think his main point was that: if you want to live by faith, you have to really want God!
If I really wanted God like I wanted a girlfriend, money, A+'s, then there would be no problem living by faith. As a matter of fact, if God was number one on our lists, I highly doubt that there will be a number two or number three!
NO NO NO
THAT IS NOT THE CASE! We should be living lives with all of that "stuff"! BUT with God as number one! There is no problem "living with the things promised" (Verse13), but if it hinders your relationship with God, then something has to be done. But we have to realize that we are aliens and strangers of this earth. We, as believers, do not belong here. Verse13, we do not receive the things promised doesn't mean that we don't get them, it means we don't love them in our lives as much as we should.
And if we go on to verses 15 and 16, we are continuously looking for a place; usually a place without pain, without grief, without suffering, where we can spend our times with our loved ones, etc. Without knowing, we are actually unconsciously looking for... Heaven :D
And in the end, it comes down to us wanting Heaven sooo bad! In that case, living by faith is a sound answer.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Another thing: (2nd Part of Verse 16)Do you live lives that God Himself is not ashamed to call Himself your God? Hopefully so! Personally, I have to re-evaluate myself and reset all my priorities and move God to His rightful first place in my life. Hopefully, God is not ashamed to call Aaron Lam his God :D and build me a nice city up in Heaven ^^
Amen!
13All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth.
14People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own.
15If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return.
16Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
Today's speaker at Ambassadors.. I forgot his name.. talked about living by faith by using this passage. He first made us list our personal top three things that we currently want in life ie. being successful, making a lot of money, finding that special someone, getting good grades, finding a job, etc. The point of this was to "surprisingly" find out that loving God was not listed at number one or even number two or three!
Why was it so hard to live by faith? The biggest reasons that hit me was that persecution and pain. When we live by faith, we are persecuted why? In this day and age, everything needs a definite answer and therefore, to live by faith is to give up all intellectual thinking, in this case, to be stupid in the eyes of our non-believer loved ones. Also, I would assume that you all would agree that persevering through faith in troubling times is terribly difficult. We question God's love, His presence, as well as His Promise.
Overall, it was hard understanding him since he keep repeating vague points, but I think his main point was that: if you want to live by faith, you have to really want God!
If I really wanted God like I wanted a girlfriend, money, A+'s, then there would be no problem living by faith. As a matter of fact, if God was number one on our lists, I highly doubt that there will be a number two or number three!
NO NO NO
THAT IS NOT THE CASE! We should be living lives with all of that "stuff"! BUT with God as number one! There is no problem "living with the things promised" (Verse13), but if it hinders your relationship with God, then something has to be done. But we have to realize that we are aliens and strangers of this earth. We, as believers, do not belong here. Verse13, we do not receive the things promised doesn't mean that we don't get them, it means we don't love them in our lives as much as we should.
And if we go on to verses 15 and 16, we are continuously looking for a place; usually a place without pain, without grief, without suffering, where we can spend our times with our loved ones, etc. Without knowing, we are actually unconsciously looking for... Heaven :D
And in the end, it comes down to us wanting Heaven sooo bad! In that case, living by faith is a sound answer.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Another thing: (2nd Part of Verse 16)Do you live lives that God Himself is not ashamed to call Himself your God? Hopefully so! Personally, I have to re-evaluate myself and reset all my priorities and move God to His rightful first place in my life. Hopefully, God is not ashamed to call Aaron Lam his God :D and build me a nice city up in Heaven ^^
Amen!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
May 28, 2009 - Habakkuk
Habakkuk is one of those Old Testament books that are rarely mentioned. During the retreat, the 3 short chapters of Habakkuk were our daily devotionals.
I found Habakkuk to be very interesting. It is basically a conversation between God and Habakkuk in written format. From chapter 1 to chapter 2, Habakkuk gives two complaints, which are both followed with a response from the Lord. Chapter 3 closes the book with a personal prayer from Habakkuk.
As you read Habakkuk's story, you can't help but to feel his agony. His home, Judah, was being invaded by the Babylonians, yet, knowing that God sees the entirety of this happening, does not do a single thing. Living life, hearing things from other people and experiencing them yourself, you can't help but to know what Habakkuk is going through. We know that God is all powerful and the overseer of all things, yet he will allow these bad things to happen, in this case, allowing the Babylonians to pillage Judah.
What we learn from this book ie. Habakkuk's experience is that we have no idea what God is capable of. Our minds, although seemingly high in intelligence, cannot at all comprehend the greatness that is of God.
In chapter 1 verse 5, the Lord declares:
5 "Look at the nations and watch—
and be utterly amazed.
For I am going to do something in your days
that you would not believe,
even if you were told.
So there must be a reason, usually one that we cannot comprehend, that God is raising up these blood thirsty Babylonians. But why do it in such a cruel manner? Isn't God a God of peace and Love?
Very often, we question God's promise. The promise of salvation; eternal life to us was so easy to come by right? All we had to do was accept Jesus' sacrifice for us on the Cross.
3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time;
it speaks of the end
and will not prove false.
Though it linger, wait for it;
it will certainly come and will not delay.
In this verse, God reminds us that His promise will most definitely come. Even though it lingers (I take this as having a hard time in life), wait for it and it will certainly come. In other words, our faith is being tested. Tested, not in the sense of cruelty, but in hope that we can pull through.
Another thing that Habakukk questions is the presense of God. Is He here or not? If He is why doesn't He do anything to stop this?
20 But the LORD is in his holy temple;
let all the earth be silent before him."
The Lord is always here with us. As kids, we probably have had our time of bad mouthing the teacher when he or she was absent, but the Lord is in his holy temple, always.
Something that I need to learn from Habakukk is the entire chapter 3. Even though he is going through bad times, he realizes that there is just no one like our God. In chapter 3, he gives the Lord endless praise. Verses 17-18 :D
All praise and glory to Him!
Amen.
I found Habakkuk to be very interesting. It is basically a conversation between God and Habakkuk in written format. From chapter 1 to chapter 2, Habakkuk gives two complaints, which are both followed with a response from the Lord. Chapter 3 closes the book with a personal prayer from Habakkuk.
As you read Habakkuk's story, you can't help but to feel his agony. His home, Judah, was being invaded by the Babylonians, yet, knowing that God sees the entirety of this happening, does not do a single thing. Living life, hearing things from other people and experiencing them yourself, you can't help but to know what Habakkuk is going through. We know that God is all powerful and the overseer of all things, yet he will allow these bad things to happen, in this case, allowing the Babylonians to pillage Judah.
What we learn from this book ie. Habakkuk's experience is that we have no idea what God is capable of. Our minds, although seemingly high in intelligence, cannot at all comprehend the greatness that is of God.
In chapter 1 verse 5, the Lord declares:
5 "Look at the nations and watch—
and be utterly amazed.
For I am going to do something in your days
that you would not believe,
even if you were told.
So there must be a reason, usually one that we cannot comprehend, that God is raising up these blood thirsty Babylonians. But why do it in such a cruel manner? Isn't God a God of peace and Love?
Very often, we question God's promise. The promise of salvation; eternal life to us was so easy to come by right? All we had to do was accept Jesus' sacrifice for us on the Cross.
3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time;
it speaks of the end
and will not prove false.
Though it linger, wait for it;
it will certainly come and will not delay.
In this verse, God reminds us that His promise will most definitely come. Even though it lingers (I take this as having a hard time in life), wait for it and it will certainly come. In other words, our faith is being tested. Tested, not in the sense of cruelty, but in hope that we can pull through.
Another thing that Habakukk questions is the presense of God. Is He here or not? If He is why doesn't He do anything to stop this?
20 But the LORD is in his holy temple;
let all the earth be silent before him."
The Lord is always here with us. As kids, we probably have had our time of bad mouthing the teacher when he or she was absent, but the Lord is in his holy temple, always.
Something that I need to learn from Habakukk is the entire chapter 3. Even though he is going through bad times, he realizes that there is just no one like our God. In chapter 3, he gives the Lord endless praise. Verses 17-18 :D
All praise and glory to Him!
Amen.
Friday, May 15, 2009
May 15, 2009 - Amba(5/15/09) - Isaiah 6:8-13
This is a good passage to go over if you have time, but I am just going to comment a little on these six verses. If you need a guide to the rest of this chapter, just go to (http://www.enduringword.com/commentaries/2306.htm).
8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying,
"Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"
And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"
9 He said, "Go and tell this people:
" 'Be ever hearing, but never understanding;
be ever seeing, but never perceiving.'
10 Make the heart of this people calloused;
make their ears dull
and close their eyes. a]" style="font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 0.5em; ">[a]
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
hear with their ears,
understand with their hearts,
and turn and be healed."
11 Then I said, "For how long, O Lord?"
And he answered:
"Until the cities lie ruined
and without inhabitant,
until the houses are left deserted
and the fields ruined and ravaged,
12 until the LORD has sent everyone far away
and the land is utterly forsaken.
13 And though a tenth remains in the land,
it will again be laid waste.
But as the terebinth and oak
leave stumps when they are cut down,
so the holy seed will be the stump in the land."
Isaiah 6:8-13
Here Isaiah displays a heart that is true. In verse 8, we see the Trinity asking, "Whom shall I send... who will go for Us..." God does not really need to ask any questions. He knows all and whomever will stand up, will stand up. This verse begs a difference between two types of servants: one that will say "Here I am, I will go!" and one that will say "Here I am, send me!" The "I will go" servant is a servant who determines that they themselves are ready to serve God, not when God calls him/her. The "send me" servant is a servant whose readiness is determined by God.
I consider myself the "Here I am, I will go!" servant mainly because I believed that I was ready to be a leader figure for the church, when I really wasn't. I did not wait on God's timing, but my own. Despite the fact that Cornerstone offered an amazing opportunity for me to grow, my mindset going into it was not the right one. Unlike Isaiah who was asking the Lord to send him, I told the Lord that I would go. See the difference?
The rest will come tmrw ^^
Amen!
Monday, May 11, 2009
May 11, 2009 - Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
I've heard this verse a million times, but I have yet to truly apply it into my life. It is not because I do not want to trust in God, it is because I don't know how much I should trust in Him. When there are downfalls in life, we usually ask the question why? Why this and why that. We look for answers to all of our problems because we want to know what justification was there for any of this, usually bad, things to happen. I look up to the sky, ever so often, in disbelief that God would have allowed some things that have happened to happen.
The thing is, we try to understand every little thing that God has set for us that we end up confusing ourselves and ultimately pinning all the blame onto Him. I need to learn how to trust in Him with ALL my heart. I am such a prideful person that I cannot stand help. I need to allow God to work in me and not selfishly pursue the life that I believe would be the best for me, but a life that is best for me for God.
Amen.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
May 10, 2009 - Mom's the Word
Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Proverbs 9:9-10, NIV
Fear is the origin of all understanding. According to this verse, the fear of the Lord will bring to anyone wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. But we must realize that this is not a relationship based of off apprehension, but a fear based off of love. What is this kind of fear is this you ask? It is the love shown through a sacrifice on the cross, but if you want a more literal example, you can look at your mother.
Yes it is mother's day. This is the day we celebrate our mothers for these many hard years of labor just so that we may have a plate full of food and a roof over our heads. When we think about benefitting from fear, moms usually take the cake. Having a general sense of momliness, I am sure that all of you have had a good arguement, beating, scolding, and whatever else that has caused you to run with your tail between your legs back into your room sobbing. Thats what moms do; its their job.
I've remember thinking to myself why my mom was such a queen bee. But looking back at those days of feather duster whippings, it was all for my own good; my mom was teaching me.
But God wants the best for us! The instructions that have been given to us over the past years in my life have not always been the most pleasing to ourselves or to our own benefit, but they have been imparted on us for a reason: growth! Although my mother was not and still not a Christian, she pushed onto me morals and ethics that I would not have learned at school. And by the grace of God, she had a little help from my neighbor who was a church counslor at that time who ultimately brought me to church. From that point on, she allowed me to go to church knowing that there could be some benefit from it. She wanted the best for me just as our Father in Heaven does. Honor thy mother today and thank the Lord for giving you such an amazing woman into your life! So let these seeds that are continuously being planted, be freakin' planted so that our good will ultimately result in God's good!
Amen!
Monday, May 4, 2009
May 4, 2009 - My Conversation With a Hedge
He who neglects discipline despises himself, But he who listens to reproof acquires understanding.
The fear of the LORD is the instruction for wisdom, And before honor comes humility.
Ever take a good look at your friends and realize how great everything is going for them compared to you? I feel this crap all the time. When I was younger, my parents never stopped comparing me to my cousin who was the same grade as me. Skillwise, gradewise, everything. He was considered the 'perfect child that every parent wants' and I was apparently lacking what he had. Now at that time, my parents were the ones giving me instructions and telling me to read more and play less games. What I've failed to realize was the love that that embedded behind those harsh words.
So often I have questioned God's plans in my life. "Why me? Why this? Why not him or her? Am I the only one to suffer?" It seems like God is treating me unfairly compared to others or that others are not challenged as hard as I am. But let it stand that God is a God of mystery and grace. We cannot see all the perspectives of what He has planned for us nor what He has planned for everyone else. All we do know is that God loves us enough to discipline us into stronger and better people. Praise the Lord forever and ever.
Amen.
Friday, May 1, 2009
May 1, 2009 - That Skip Over Verse
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
If I recall correctly, this was Gloria's favorite verse(s) that she shared with us one Wednesday evening.
The commands:
1) Be joyful always
2) Pray Continuously
3) Give thanks in all circumstances
You must be kidding me! Unless your life is complete happy, everyone loves you, and nothing but blessings are being poured out to you, it will be pretty difficult to be joyful always. to pray continuously, and give thanks in every situation no matter good or bad.
This verse, according to the author of today's devotional Laura MacCorkle, is the skip over verse simply because this is near impossible to do. It is easily stated and used as solutions to problems, but if we truly put forth an effort to apply this to our lives, we will most certainly come empty handed.
How can I be joyful when I study my butt off to get that failing grade when a slacker gets through with a passing grade? How can I be joyful when I go to every meeting and work hard only to come out short? How can I be thankful when a bus sees you there and drives through the puddle of water next to you anyways? How can I be joyful when a friend does not want to speak to you anymore? How can I pray when it seems like nothing is going the way that it should be?
These 3 instructions were from Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians. Paul was reminding the church of Thessalonica how God's people should live and that our attitudes should not be influenced by circumstances.
As Christians, we have accepted that our lives are for the greater glory of God for He has given us a second chance. So how do we carry out Paul's seeming "impossible" instructions?
I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Phil. 4:13).
Anything is possible if we believe and have faith in our Father. It was through His grace and mercy that we were allowed to even breathe another breath of air. Christ died on the cross and took the wrath of mankind onto Himself so that we may live. And it is ONLY through Jesus Christ that helps us live this way. And this is the kind of living that God wants for His children just as Christ has lived.
Allow God to pick you up and smile ^^
Amen.
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