My excuse was because I had bad memory. With so much school stuff to memorize already, I really put no effort into memorizing scripture. I thought that all I needed to know was memorize the 'gist' of it and relate to it whenever I could. This approach was too impersonal to God.
He speaks to us with the Word. The Bible stands out and reaches man with its promises from God, yet it is so difficult to crack it open just once a day and meditate and reflect on what God has to say.
Memorizing scripture allows us to draw ourselves closer to God. To try and understand the truth that He has to present to us by meditating on it even after our Bible's are closed. To defend God whenever He 'needs' us to.
My favorite verse is Romans 8:38-39 :D
Amen.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
"Read the Bible"
Okay.
..and stumbled upon Romans 10.
Call upon the name of the Lord and you will be saved. The word is so close to me; Christ is ever so close to me. Our Lord is the great pursuer of our souls and will never stop. My heart is not with me, but with my Lord. For He is the Lord who deserves all my praise. I will learn to call upon the Lord everyday. Confession will come from the tongue and the mouth, but a firm knowing and establishment of Christ's life, death and crucifiction in my heart. "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raise him from the dead, you will be saved.
Amen.
..and stumbled upon Romans 10.
Call upon the name of the Lord and you will be saved. The word is so close to me; Christ is ever so close to me. Our Lord is the great pursuer of our souls and will never stop. My heart is not with me, but with my Lord. For He is the Lord who deserves all my praise. I will learn to call upon the Lord everyday. Confession will come from the tongue and the mouth, but a firm knowing and establishment of Christ's life, death and crucifiction in my heart. "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raise him from the dead, you will be saved.
Amen.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Quiet Waters
Psalm 23
The LORD is MY shepherd! Jesus Christ has saved me and allowed me to be in fellowship with Him for all eternity! In all the events that I go through in my life, I will always turn to my shepherd and know that He is the best thing for my life.
The passage always gave me a sense of peace. As David speaks to us in this psalm, his confidence in the Lord is to be noted. David knows that God will lead him to peace. He knows that God will restore his soul wherever it may be. He knows that God will be his guide wherever he goes; even in the deepest darkest events in life, there is nothing that can waver his trust in God.
With those promises knowingly fulfilled, David knows that in the end, there will be nothing else but victory. A table will be provided in the presence of our enemies and of course, how can our hearts not overflow with the love that has been provided for us.
"Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
Amen.
The LORD is MY shepherd! Jesus Christ has saved me and allowed me to be in fellowship with Him for all eternity! In all the events that I go through in my life, I will always turn to my shepherd and know that He is the best thing for my life.
The passage always gave me a sense of peace. As David speaks to us in this psalm, his confidence in the Lord is to be noted. David knows that God will lead him to peace. He knows that God will restore his soul wherever it may be. He knows that God will be his guide wherever he goes; even in the deepest darkest events in life, there is nothing that can waver his trust in God.
With those promises knowingly fulfilled, David knows that in the end, there will be nothing else but victory. A table will be provided in the presence of our enemies and of course, how can our hearts not overflow with the love that has been provided for us.
"Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
Amen.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Strong in the Lord
Joshua 1:9
Basketball today with Chris, Richard, and Dan today was fun. The bonding time was good and I finally got a chance to relax a little. If someone were to keep track of stats that game, I would have had a ton of turnovers. But I don't know whats up with basketball, but my teammates kept encouraging me. Richard told me to keep my head up!
God commands and I will obey. One major thing that holds me back is failure. Failure not in the sense that I have failed for myself, but more so for others. I grew up wanting to hit it big in the world so that I could give my parents the retirement that they deserve for giving me so much. With that same mindset, I want to please those around me, which includes my small group and my friends, and yes, even my girlfriend ;)
I need to realize that there is no failure in the eyes of the Lord for He makes the foolish wise and the poor rich. Why do I believe this? Because I have experienced too rich of a life to walk away from Christ now. Because of God's love for me, I will continue to trust in Him.
Despite being discouraged so easily, God has really taught me to be strong and courageous. I use to give up without a moment's notice towards things that I knew I had no chance getting better at, like basketball or school. But God promises me that He will be with me wherever I go.
And let this retreat be a blessing in disguise!
Amen!
Basketball today with Chris, Richard, and Dan today was fun. The bonding time was good and I finally got a chance to relax a little. If someone were to keep track of stats that game, I would have had a ton of turnovers. But I don't know whats up with basketball, but my teammates kept encouraging me. Richard told me to keep my head up!
God commands and I will obey. One major thing that holds me back is failure. Failure not in the sense that I have failed for myself, but more so for others. I grew up wanting to hit it big in the world so that I could give my parents the retirement that they deserve for giving me so much. With that same mindset, I want to please those around me, which includes my small group and my friends, and yes, even my girlfriend ;)
I need to realize that there is no failure in the eyes of the Lord for He makes the foolish wise and the poor rich. Why do I believe this? Because I have experienced too rich of a life to walk away from Christ now. Because of God's love for me, I will continue to trust in Him.
Despite being discouraged so easily, God has really taught me to be strong and courageous. I use to give up without a moment's notice towards things that I knew I had no chance getting better at, like basketball or school. But God promises me that He will be with me wherever I go.
And let this retreat be a blessing in disguise!
Amen!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Lend a Helping Hand
Matthew 25:40
This verse is from the parable of the sheep and goats in Matthew. The context of this parable is that service, care, and love through your fellow sheep and goats (your fellow human being) is directly related to showing God how much you love Him.
Looking at the recent tragedies of Haiti, people are pouring cash out of their pockets. There is such a large sum of money from donations that there is confusion on what to spend it on. People of every color from every nation is joining in to help; American Airlines is giving doctors and nurses plane rides for free to Haiti. This is good right?
Yes of course it is! Helping your fellow man or woman when in need is what God wants. He wants his creation to care for each other. But thinking on what Joe said, there is so much more pain and suffering around the world. The biggest one on my mind is world hunger. "If I had the power to change one thing about the world today..." (Question from Friday Night Large Group's Question Game), I would do something about world hunger. Sad to say, but Haiti's tragedy will eventually be forgotten into the recesses of our minds.
Don't get me wrong. I know you want to help and I know I want to do more, but usually we just end up sliding down on our soft futons and couches and end up watching a movie. This is definitely a struggle and temptation to fight.
Jesus knows of how we treat people, whether it be donating money for a cause or helping a friend study for an exam. No matter how little the task ("whatever you did for one of the least of these brother of mine"), it will be recognized. This verse states that the care be brought upon a "brother". This does not necessarily mean a believer, but all of God's created man.
I don't know why, but I am convicted this semester to serve my fellow small group and Cornerstone to the best of my abilities and best of my heart.
Can't wait for the retreat!
Amen!
This verse is from the parable of the sheep and goats in Matthew. The context of this parable is that service, care, and love through your fellow sheep and goats (your fellow human being) is directly related to showing God how much you love Him.
Looking at the recent tragedies of Haiti, people are pouring cash out of their pockets. There is such a large sum of money from donations that there is confusion on what to spend it on. People of every color from every nation is joining in to help; American Airlines is giving doctors and nurses plane rides for free to Haiti. This is good right?
Yes of course it is! Helping your fellow man or woman when in need is what God wants. He wants his creation to care for each other. But thinking on what Joe said, there is so much more pain and suffering around the world. The biggest one on my mind is world hunger. "If I had the power to change one thing about the world today..." (Question from Friday Night Large Group's Question Game), I would do something about world hunger. Sad to say, but Haiti's tragedy will eventually be forgotten into the recesses of our minds.
Don't get me wrong. I know you want to help and I know I want to do more, but usually we just end up sliding down on our soft futons and couches and end up watching a movie. This is definitely a struggle and temptation to fight.
Jesus knows of how we treat people, whether it be donating money for a cause or helping a friend study for an exam. No matter how little the task ("whatever you did for one of the least of these brother of mine"), it will be recognized. This verse states that the care be brought upon a "brother". This does not necessarily mean a believer, but all of God's created man.
I don't know why, but I am convicted this semester to serve my fellow small group and Cornerstone to the best of my abilities and best of my heart.
Can't wait for the retreat!
Amen!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Calling All Those Who are Dumb?
1 Corinthians 1:27
Now this issue has been brought to my pallet before. A non-believer friend of mine liked to argue. For the sake of the pursuit of knowledge, Christianity is too narrow and closed-minded. Only the ignorant remain as Christians. The religion itself calls you to be caught under the phenomenon called group think and really, people won't and can't think for themselves.
Yes. I had no idea what to say to this person at that time because I was just struggling with my anger towards how he could be right and how I can't even defend what I believe in.
Verse 27 calls upon those who are not superior to shame those who are. The Twelve disciples that followed Jesus were a bunch of 'random' people He chose to follow Him. And look how they overturned the world and brought it to its knees.
God blesses everyone. He calls upon the foolish and weak things because He wants to make a point to the world. That God can do anything! With this normal everyday people, God transformed their lives and made them leaders of the world! This in itself can be viewed as a miracle.
I can definitely vouch for this. Looking at past-Aaron and present-Aaron. These two guys are pretty different in a good way. It is because of God's grace and blessings that present-Aaron has become who he is now. Now I just can't wait for what God has in store for future-Aaron.
Praise the Lord.
Amen!
Now this issue has been brought to my pallet before. A non-believer friend of mine liked to argue. For the sake of the pursuit of knowledge, Christianity is too narrow and closed-minded. Only the ignorant remain as Christians. The religion itself calls you to be caught under the phenomenon called group think and really, people won't and can't think for themselves.
Yes. I had no idea what to say to this person at that time because I was just struggling with my anger towards how he could be right and how I can't even defend what I believe in.
Verse 27 calls upon those who are not superior to shame those who are. The Twelve disciples that followed Jesus were a bunch of 'random' people He chose to follow Him. And look how they overturned the world and brought it to its knees.
God blesses everyone. He calls upon the foolish and weak things because He wants to make a point to the world. That God can do anything! With this normal everyday people, God transformed their lives and made them leaders of the world! This in itself can be viewed as a miracle.
I can definitely vouch for this. Looking at past-Aaron and present-Aaron. These two guys are pretty different in a good way. It is because of God's grace and blessings that present-Aaron has become who he is now. Now I just can't wait for what God has in store for future-Aaron.
Praise the Lord.
Amen!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
What God Gave Me
1 Corinthians 12:4-6
God offers people all sorts of things. Being a good public speaker, athleticism, musical talent, and so on. The list is a long one, but in the end, it comes from One.
What I have come to realize is that God has blessed me with so much. So much that I have yet to find out what it all is in my life. You can say that I have a certain skill, but what role does it play in the work of God? Each and every one of my traits and skills, I plan to lift my Lord higher and higher with each one.
I know that I am mediocre in everything that I do, but excellence is not what God requires. As human beings, it is natural for each and everyone of us to strive for something beyond the ordinary. But when we look at Jesus, who was beyond ordinary, and made himself ordinary and even lower than that to serve others and God, He did great things.
Whatever I gifts and blessings that I have, I will lift it back to God.
Its early in the semester, but I have high hopes for small group and the accountability group that I am going to be involved in! I'm going to put these blessings that you've poured out on me and put them to good use..!
Amen!
God offers people all sorts of things. Being a good public speaker, athleticism, musical talent, and so on. The list is a long one, but in the end, it comes from One.
What I have come to realize is that God has blessed me with so much. So much that I have yet to find out what it all is in my life. You can say that I have a certain skill, but what role does it play in the work of God? Each and every one of my traits and skills, I plan to lift my Lord higher and higher with each one.
I know that I am mediocre in everything that I do, but excellence is not what God requires. As human beings, it is natural for each and everyone of us to strive for something beyond the ordinary. But when we look at Jesus, who was beyond ordinary, and made himself ordinary and even lower than that to serve others and God, He did great things.
Whatever I gifts and blessings that I have, I will lift it back to God.
Its early in the semester, but I have high hopes for small group and the accountability group that I am going to be involved in! I'm going to put these blessings that you've poured out on me and put them to good use..!
Amen!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
The Law of Human Nature
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
One
What is the Law of Human Nature? According to Lewis, this was the Law of "Right and Wrong". The interesting thing was that this law was suppose to be obvious. It was not required to be taught because everyone should know what what right and what was wrong.
Looking at different cultural contexts, we see that there are different values and such to be taught. Does this mean that there is a different definition between right and wrong comparatively to our society? Try imagining a country where selfishness was looked up upon.
Funny thing is, when we are face to face with a decision, we tend to choose the one that most glorifies ourselves. And if we are told otherwise, we would just complain about it not being fair. If I were to choose to only clean my room and my roommates had to clean their rooms AND the bathroom, they would probably request a change. This change in plans would put me in change of cleaning the kitchen, which I would complain and say that its not fair; I get the most work. If the Law of Nature did not exist, what is the difference between a fair section of the house to clean compared to an unfair part?
But, Lewis' main point is this: "We have failed to practise ourselves the kind of behaviour we expect from other people." (I want my roommates to look and see how much I have to clean, but I refuse to look at how much they have to clean.) There is only one Right and Wrong. The reason we are making excuses is that we are ashamed that we are not following the Law of Human Nature. We disregard fairness and point the arrow to me, myself, and I.
"We believe in the Law of Nature... we believe in decency so much - we feel the Rule of Law pressing on us so - that we cannot bear to face the fact that we are breaking it..."
Look at the nations putting in their hand in assisting Haiti's tragedy. It is obvious that a single and absolute Right and Wrong exist.
A look into the tragedy:
Lets be prayerful.
Amen.
One
What is the Law of Human Nature? According to Lewis, this was the Law of "Right and Wrong". The interesting thing was that this law was suppose to be obvious. It was not required to be taught because everyone should know what what right and what was wrong.
Looking at different cultural contexts, we see that there are different values and such to be taught. Does this mean that there is a different definition between right and wrong comparatively to our society? Try imagining a country where selfishness was looked up upon.
Funny thing is, when we are face to face with a decision, we tend to choose the one that most glorifies ourselves. And if we are told otherwise, we would just complain about it not being fair. If I were to choose to only clean my room and my roommates had to clean their rooms AND the bathroom, they would probably request a change. This change in plans would put me in change of cleaning the kitchen, which I would complain and say that its not fair; I get the most work. If the Law of Nature did not exist, what is the difference between a fair section of the house to clean compared to an unfair part?
But, Lewis' main point is this: "We have failed to practise ourselves the kind of behaviour we expect from other people." (I want my roommates to look and see how much I have to clean, but I refuse to look at how much they have to clean.) There is only one Right and Wrong. The reason we are making excuses is that we are ashamed that we are not following the Law of Human Nature. We disregard fairness and point the arrow to me, myself, and I.
"We believe in the Law of Nature... we believe in decency so much - we feel the Rule of Law pressing on us so - that we cannot bear to face the fact that we are breaking it..."
Look at the nations putting in their hand in assisting Haiti's tragedy. It is obvious that a single and absolute Right and Wrong exist.
A look into the tragedy:
Lets be prayerful.
Amen.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Forward
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
Forward
Christianity is not merely a philosophy of morality or even a theology to be considered, argued, or put in a fancy binded book. It is a realization of the world and its perversion that has plagued the generations to come. It is not a matter of what denomination you are, although there is nothing wrong with siding with your religious beliefs. It is, again, a realization.
Pastor Rich from Hebron spoke to Cornerstone Christian Fellowship during our Revival about urgency. He broke the room into two halves: Church problems and World problems. The question that night was: which one of these is weighed heavier?
In the same way, the church needs to overcome its differences and come to realize the one true God and His Son. I'm sure God does not want His people to bicker amongst one another and let His creations on the other side of the world suffer. Let this realization run our lives as we look out for those "immortals" who we face day to day.
Forward
Christianity is not merely a philosophy of morality or even a theology to be considered, argued, or put in a fancy binded book. It is a realization of the world and its perversion that has plagued the generations to come. It is not a matter of what denomination you are, although there is nothing wrong with siding with your religious beliefs. It is, again, a realization.
Pastor Rich from Hebron spoke to Cornerstone Christian Fellowship during our Revival about urgency. He broke the room into two halves: Church problems and World problems. The question that night was: which one of these is weighed heavier?
In the same way, the church needs to overcome its differences and come to realize the one true God and His Son. I'm sure God does not want His people to bicker amongst one another and let His creations on the other side of the world suffer. Let this realization run our lives as we look out for those "immortals" who we face day to day.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Wilderness
Luke 4:1-13
It was only Winter Break, but temptation of all forms were present. I was allowed to do anything I wanted. It was break and I felt like I was free from all responsibility. It was an interesting feeling. I had 3 weeks to play and do whatever I wanted. I tried reading the Bible at the beginning of the week, but as the break progressed, I was spiritually empty and too drowned in my selfishness in doing what I wanted to do.
Jesus listed 3 commands in recollection during his trials: you cannot live on earthly things alone, worship God only, and do not test God.
Jesus did not fall to any luxury that was offered to him; anything that would make us turn our heads at a moments glance. Why is it so hard to maintain this relationship between God and us? Why is accountability even necessary when it comes to God, but not when we dream about money, cars, Sequence, friends, girl/boy-friend and other worldly things. I don't need someone to remind me to practice guitar because I enjoy doing it on my own!
I really wish I was more like Jesus. This man I look up to and long to be more Him. Even though I am continuously learning to grasp the world as he saw it, I am still amazed at his being. To never be tempted, to never fall under the devil's plans knowing your stance in God's kingdom.
I'm just a broken person looking for the Son and ultimately the Father.. Because there is a sacrifice for the sinner.
Amen.
It was only Winter Break, but temptation of all forms were present. I was allowed to do anything I wanted. It was break and I felt like I was free from all responsibility. It was an interesting feeling. I had 3 weeks to play and do whatever I wanted. I tried reading the Bible at the beginning of the week, but as the break progressed, I was spiritually empty and too drowned in my selfishness in doing what I wanted to do.
Jesus listed 3 commands in recollection during his trials: you cannot live on earthly things alone, worship God only, and do not test God.
Jesus did not fall to any luxury that was offered to him; anything that would make us turn our heads at a moments glance. Why is it so hard to maintain this relationship between God and us? Why is accountability even necessary when it comes to God, but not when we dream about money, cars, Sequence, friends, girl/boy-friend and other worldly things. I don't need someone to remind me to practice guitar because I enjoy doing it on my own!
I really wish I was more like Jesus. This man I look up to and long to be more Him. Even though I am continuously learning to grasp the world as he saw it, I am still amazed at his being. To never be tempted, to never fall under the devil's plans knowing your stance in God's kingdom.
I'm just a broken person looking for the Son and ultimately the Father.. Because there is a sacrifice for the sinner.
Amen.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Casting
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Worries are worries until they past away. God offers to give us comfort and the light yoke. He wants us to have faith in what He can do for us. Our egos tell us that we need to fight through everything ourselves to prove to society the rightful owner. But I for one can say that I would be nothing without God today. My fears and failures I have placed at His feet. Through that He gives me strength to better myself for His kingdom. And overall, because of a Father's love, my anxiety is lifted from my head. There is no existing ignorance on my head, but a realization that God is my ultimate provider for my life. All I need to do is have faith.
Amen.
Worries are worries until they past away. God offers to give us comfort and the light yoke. He wants us to have faith in what He can do for us. Our egos tell us that we need to fight through everything ourselves to prove to society the rightful owner. But I for one can say that I would be nothing without God today. My fears and failures I have placed at His feet. Through that He gives me strength to better myself for His kingdom. And overall, because of a Father's love, my anxiety is lifted from my head. There is no existing ignorance on my head, but a realization that God is my ultimate provider for my life. All I need to do is have faith.
Amen.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Be Filled With the Spirit
"... be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Ephesians 5:18-20
I've always compared my experiences with different brothers and sisters, like my church back at home compared to Cornerstone. Why are some people just so much more spiritual? This took me back to Pastor Rich's message. In that message, the two main characters of the parable of the tax collector and the pharisee, were the two members. Both were seen as different. The pharisee was obviously seen as more spiritual compared to the tax collector that swindles for a living. But the message here was made clear to me that night: regardless of where we are in our spiritual walk, we are one and the same because we are all reaching for the Highest Goal.
Although we may come from different backgrounds and have different experiences with God, God brings us together. Small group leader, praise leader, fellowship member? We are all the same.
These two verses call us to welcome the Holy Spirit as well as each other into our hearts. Speak to one another with praises. Praise the Lord and give thanks as one. The only thing that matters is that God receives the highest praise! As long as we lift each other up to the Lord, there is nothing else that matters because we are all running after Jesus Christ Himself.
Amen!
Ephesians 5:18-20
I've always compared my experiences with different brothers and sisters, like my church back at home compared to Cornerstone. Why are some people just so much more spiritual? This took me back to Pastor Rich's message. In that message, the two main characters of the parable of the tax collector and the pharisee, were the two members. Both were seen as different. The pharisee was obviously seen as more spiritual compared to the tax collector that swindles for a living. But the message here was made clear to me that night: regardless of where we are in our spiritual walk, we are one and the same because we are all reaching for the Highest Goal.
Although we may come from different backgrounds and have different experiences with God, God brings us together. Small group leader, praise leader, fellowship member? We are all the same.
These two verses call us to welcome the Holy Spirit as well as each other into our hearts. Speak to one another with praises. Praise the Lord and give thanks as one. The only thing that matters is that God receives the highest praise! As long as we lift each other up to the Lord, there is nothing else that matters because we are all running after Jesus Christ Himself.
Amen!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Finals Week
It's finals week and studying is really taking a toll on everyone. At this time, we try to cram every little bit of information that we have learned from the beginning of the semester into a few nights of studying hoping that everything works out in the end. This is me at least. Finals week is actually not too bad for me compared to everyone else. On the other hand, my last two weeks were insane. It was then that I was really tested and put to my limit. My 24 hours was put to the test.
During that time, my priorities found their place. Regardless of being the right place or not, these priorities naturally shifted to their place in my life. The disappointing thing to me was that God did not remain on top. When things got tough, it was school work. My projects, team meetings, papers, exams, and homework became my top priority. Though those hardships, I wanted myself to turn to God regardless of my circumstance, but in my selfishness, I kept my eyes on the grades, my earthly desire.
This really struck me for the past week as my prayer, devotionals, and meetings with God has dwindled exponentially. I need to come back to God and place Him above all. Above all is where I want Him to be in my life; my desire for Him to be above everything is above all other desires as well. I will search for a verse pertaining to this later on.
Amen and Good night!
During that time, my priorities found their place. Regardless of being the right place or not, these priorities naturally shifted to their place in my life. The disappointing thing to me was that God did not remain on top. When things got tough, it was school work. My projects, team meetings, papers, exams, and homework became my top priority. Though those hardships, I wanted myself to turn to God regardless of my circumstance, but in my selfishness, I kept my eyes on the grades, my earthly desire.
This really struck me for the past week as my prayer, devotionals, and meetings with God has dwindled exponentially. I need to come back to God and place Him above all. Above all is where I want Him to be in my life; my desire for Him to be above everything is above all other desires as well. I will search for a verse pertaining to this later on.
Amen and Good night!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Luke 1:46-80
I'm reading over these two songs from Mary and Zechariah and I can tell they were filled with the Holy Spirit. The first line of both songs glorifies God and lifts Him up. "My soul glorifies the Lord"..."Praise be to the Lord." Prayers have become very cliche sounding because of similar overused phrases are used and it really annoyed me. But my ignorance towards the Lord needs to stop here. God is to be glorified in any way. It is not exactly what comes out of our mouths, but the overflow of our heart. Anyways, my vocabulary sucks and I stick at articulating my feelings. But thank goodness God is God!
Amen.
I'm not showing up to prayer meeting tomorrow HEHE.
Amen.
I'm not showing up to prayer meeting tomorrow HEHE.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Luke 1:26-45
In these passages, the birth of Jesus was foretold. The Holy Spirit though God's almighty power preforms a miracle and gives Mary a child. The main message in these verses was the humbleness of Elizabeth, Zechariah's wife. She questioned why she was visited by such a holy, privileged Mary. Verse 45, "Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" Her faith in what Jesus will do for her was unwavering. It even made baby Jesus leap in her womb!
Amen.
Amen.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Luke 1:1-25
Luke takes it upon himself to let the truthful accounts of Jesus to be passed on. He is passing his knowledge and his investigations down to Theophilus (name or honorary title addressed to the friends of God meaning ME and YOU). This is his mission.
There was a priest name Zechariah. He and his wife were followers of God. The two had no children. One day when Zechariah was chosen to burn incense for the alter in a temple, he was met by Gabriel, an angel from God. From verse 13, we know that Zechariah has been long praying for a son and on that day, received one by the grace of God. This child will be filled with the Holy Spirit at birth and will lead many people of Israel back to the Lord. God's promise is apparent in this passage as Zechariah is given a miracle.
Verse 22 is another act of God. Zechariah is unable to speak of the angel that he has just seen. Just as Jesus did not want the ones he has healed to boast of His miracles. I think because Christianity is strongly pillared on the basis of faith, God did not want His people to believe in Him because of the things that He can do, but for the things that He will do if we believed.
Amen.
There was a priest name Zechariah. He and his wife were followers of God. The two had no children. One day when Zechariah was chosen to burn incense for the alter in a temple, he was met by Gabriel, an angel from God. From verse 13, we know that Zechariah has been long praying for a son and on that day, received one by the grace of God. This child will be filled with the Holy Spirit at birth and will lead many people of Israel back to the Lord. God's promise is apparent in this passage as Zechariah is given a miracle.
Verse 22 is another act of God. Zechariah is unable to speak of the angel that he has just seen. Just as Jesus did not want the ones he has healed to boast of His miracles. I think because Christianity is strongly pillared on the basis of faith, God did not want His people to believe in Him because of the things that He can do, but for the things that He will do if we believed.
Amen.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Hey Thanks Jesus
This past year as a leader has put me in some tough spots. As a result, I have gotten closer to a few members more so than others. This I regret greatly, but I know that God is giving more time next semester to get to know my small group more. This is a continuous, never ending relationship between God, my small group, and I. And I for one, believe that love is patient.
In the beginning, I expected my small group to be the best. Perfect attendance, no quiet moments, and a lot of openness was just a few on my list. I expected growth and fruit bearing till they dropped like coconuts from the tree. My head was high and chin was up.
As the semester went on, something happened. Attendance dropped, people left early, excuses thrown everywhere. Where was the perfect little Small Group that I expected? All this "work" I put in and nothing.
Luke 17:11-19
This passage was given to me during the break at the Ambassadors' Thanksgiving dinner. The passage describes Jesus' encounter with 10 men who had leprosy on his way to Jerusalem. These 10 men were desperate for healing and because of their faith, was healed from their disease. The 10 men then ran off.
Just then, one of men came back praising God and threw himself at the feet of Jesus and thanked Him. Verse 17 and 18, "Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?""
I will relate this to our fellow brothers and sisters. So often, have I felt frustration towards my more apathetic brothers and sisters. Where was the passion I asked myself? Why don't you want to go to Large Group today? Does anyone care about all the work that was put into making everything work on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays? I've seen the frustration in my fellow leaders faces and I ask the same question that Jesus asked.
With those that I meet up with and try to encourage, I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to nourish their growing hearts. But I believe that God has a plan for all of us. Even if only one person says, 'thank you Jesus' now, I know that You will never cease to work in us. Slowly, but surely. One man today, a few more tomorrow.
Amen.
PS. Never writing this late ever again. Thoughts jumbled. Incoherent. Blah.
In the beginning, I expected my small group to be the best. Perfect attendance, no quiet moments, and a lot of openness was just a few on my list. I expected growth and fruit bearing till they dropped like coconuts from the tree. My head was high and chin was up.
As the semester went on, something happened. Attendance dropped, people left early, excuses thrown everywhere. Where was the perfect little Small Group that I expected? All this "work" I put in and nothing.
Luke 17:11-19
This passage was given to me during the break at the Ambassadors' Thanksgiving dinner. The passage describes Jesus' encounter with 10 men who had leprosy on his way to Jerusalem. These 10 men were desperate for healing and because of their faith, was healed from their disease. The 10 men then ran off.
Just then, one of men came back praising God and threw himself at the feet of Jesus and thanked Him. Verse 17 and 18, "Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?""
I will relate this to our fellow brothers and sisters. So often, have I felt frustration towards my more apathetic brothers and sisters. Where was the passion I asked myself? Why don't you want to go to Large Group today? Does anyone care about all the work that was put into making everything work on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays? I've seen the frustration in my fellow leaders faces and I ask the same question that Jesus asked.
With those that I meet up with and try to encourage, I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to nourish their growing hearts. But I believe that God has a plan for all of us. Even if only one person says, 'thank you Jesus' now, I know that You will never cease to work in us. Slowly, but surely. One man today, a few more tomorrow.
Amen.
PS. Never writing this late ever again. Thoughts jumbled. Incoherent. Blah.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Family
With Thanksgiving coming up, everyone is all giddy and excited for seeing their family back home again. When I was a Freshman at Purdue, I hated it here. Purdue was one place on earth that I did not want to be at. I missed my mom, dad, sisters, and grandma. There was no one here at Purdue for me. All my friends from my high school went to Urbana Champaign or the University of Chicago. I missed everyone so much! God, why did you place me in this deserted place?
But family isn't so hard to come by even if you are at a place like Purdue (No offense ^^). As time passed, God placed these people in my lives.
I met my first small group leader at at AAA callout. He was handing out Cornerstone bookmarks in front of the classroom of the callout. Man, as I look back at it now, this guy had balls (Holy balls). And this is how I started going to Cornerstone because of a weirdo passing out Cornerstone bookmarks at an AAA callout.
God has really shown me so much over these past years through my time here at Purdue and my time at Cornerstone. I've met all types of people, both good and bad. But God has really taught me to love these people; love them as my own, you know, like a family.
John 17:23 says, "I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."
This verse was from Jesus' prayer for all believers that we may come in unity and reflect Jesus' love upon each other. And I have learned just that :)
Now that I'm leaving for Chicago, I'm gonna miss my family here at Purdue. Really, really. I use to say, "I'll never call Purdue my home!" But home is really where the family is and because of God, I have many :D
Praise the Lord!
Amen!
But family isn't so hard to come by even if you are at a place like Purdue (No offense ^^). As time passed, God placed these people in my lives.
I met my first small group leader at at AAA callout. He was handing out Cornerstone bookmarks in front of the classroom of the callout. Man, as I look back at it now, this guy had balls (Holy balls). And this is how I started going to Cornerstone because of a weirdo passing out Cornerstone bookmarks at an AAA callout.
God has really shown me so much over these past years through my time here at Purdue and my time at Cornerstone. I've met all types of people, both good and bad. But God has really taught me to love these people; love them as my own, you know, like a family.
John 17:23 says, "I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."
This verse was from Jesus' prayer for all believers that we may come in unity and reflect Jesus' love upon each other. And I have learned just that :)
Now that I'm leaving for Chicago, I'm gonna miss my family here at Purdue. Really, really. I use to say, "I'll never call Purdue my home!" But home is really where the family is and because of God, I have many :D
Praise the Lord!
Amen!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Humbled
"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14
I was definitely humbled today during Winterization. Right after Joe's message about world view and how we should take into serious consideration of how media is desensitizing many serious issues, I go and talk about The Hangover. Thank you Chris Leong. Yes the movie was hilarious, but the first thought that should come to my mind is not that it was a funny movie, but a sad and worry some topic. Instead of laughing at such moral lacking topics, I should learn to be concerned and pray.
On a side note, what a glorious day :)
Amen.
I was definitely humbled today during Winterization. Right after Joe's message about world view and how we should take into serious consideration of how media is desensitizing many serious issues, I go and talk about The Hangover. Thank you Chris Leong. Yes the movie was hilarious, but the first thought that should come to my mind is not that it was a funny movie, but a sad and worry some topic. Instead of laughing at such moral lacking topics, I should learn to be concerned and pray.
On a side note, what a glorious day :)
Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
