Hello everyone! It sounds like you guys are doing well :) I miss seeing you guys even though I've only spent a couple of weeks with you guys over winter break hahah, but I really feel like our small group and young nak are a part of my family (even though it took a little while to get to that point..) I wish I could be there in person to ask you how you are doing and such.. But sadly I'm always so far away. But thank you guys for always making me feel like I'm home when I am back from school. Maybe it's because I'm away, but I think about you guys and young nak an unusual amount I think.. haha but you know what I mean?.. Kind of like when you have someone or something with you all the time, like family, friends, or accountability etc. and you kind of forget how important and vital it is to you and your daily life.. but then when you are separated from it, you realize how important it is and how much it matters to you! So I just wanted to say that you guys matter to me and that I appreciate you guys and the stuff that you share.
ANYWAY.. I just read these couple verses sent to me in an email that reminded me of why we do this kind of stuff like blogging, and small group etc:
"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." (Heb 3:13) "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Heb 10:23-25)
I just wanted to pray for young nak, and that we become a body-a church full of encouragement and accountability! Each one of us filled with God's love! I pray that you break down our pride, and get rid of any discouragement we have, or resentment or un-forgiveness or negative judgement and replace it with YOU. Let the love overflow from each one of us and onto others, and let it go beyond our community and into the communities around us! Into our schools, and to our friends. Engulf us and those we encounter in your presence and your love God!! In Jesus' powerful name Amen.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
I lose. You win
John 15 1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
I am easily tempted and persuaded in following my fleshly desires that are of the world. My faith in God feels like a flickering light bulb; it's always on and off. The longer this continues, I feel like I end up questioning God and his plans more and more. I am stubborn.
This passage screams at me to ABIDE ABIDE ABIDE ABIDE ABIDE ...5 more times. I need to stop doubting God's plans for me and just give up everything to Him. I need to trust that in following his word, I will be taken care of. Although a speck of uncertainty in my heart could mislead me, I must have faith. So I pray: give me courage O lord to be honest and real. Wash away my doubts, fears and insecurities I have inside of me. Make me abide in your word and have faith in you. Amen.
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
I am easily tempted and persuaded in following my fleshly desires that are of the world. My faith in God feels like a flickering light bulb; it's always on and off. The longer this continues, I feel like I end up questioning God and his plans more and more. I am stubborn.
This passage screams at me to ABIDE ABIDE ABIDE ABIDE ABIDE ...5 more times. I need to stop doubting God's plans for me and just give up everything to Him. I need to trust that in following his word, I will be taken care of. Although a speck of uncertainty in my heart could mislead me, I must have faith. So I pray: give me courage O lord to be honest and real. Wash away my doubts, fears and insecurities I have inside of me. Make me abide in your word and have faith in you. Amen.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Friendship
Proverbs 12:26: a righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
Ever since college started, I’ve consistently encountered situations where I found myself debating whether or not I should attend certain events in order to continue the stable relationship I have with the three of my best friends. As I was aware that I easily gave into temptation in these environments, took on a different attitude that didn’t reflect my true self, and been apt to regret my past actions, I still wound up going against my beliefs. However, as I have grown closer in faith with Christ this second quarter, I’ve found that I am less drawn to these types of surroundings. Sadly, I have also found that growing distant from this lifestyle also meant growing distant from these friends of mine.
I’ve realized that God has started to prune out the people that has negatively influenced my life, and started to bring in people that has allowed me to begin my spiritual journey and growth in the Lord. However, I hate to think that these friends that know me inside and out, and have been there for me throughout the toughest stages of my life, are the ones that I now have to keep my distance from because they have started to jokingly criticize and make fun of my decisions in adjusting my lifestyle to become more Christ- like.
Moreover, Proverbs 13:20 states: “he who walks with the wise [will] grow wise, but a companion of fools [will] suffer harm.” The bible also says that we are “not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers… -2 Corinthians 6:14,” “to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way… -Romans 16:17,” and “to keep away from every brother who is idle… -2 Thessalonians 3:6”
Knowing that my friends are unbelievers and have caused a few divisions and offenses in my past, am I now suppose to "watch" myself from wanting to build that close relationship with them again? Are my best friends really considered to be the “fools” that will harm me if I continue to engage with their actions? To be honest, it hurts to see that my three friends are getting even closer, as I’m the only one drifting away.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Qualified to Serve
3 "I'm going out to fish," Simon Peter told them, and they said, "We'll go with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
5 He called out to them, "Friends, haven't you any fish?" "No," they answered.
6 He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.
7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, "It is the Lord," he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.
8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards.
9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.
10 Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish you have just caught."
11 Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.
12 Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." None of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord.
13 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish.
14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.
Jesus Reinstates Peter
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
16 Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."
17 The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.
Even in our imperfections, Jesus is willing to overlook all that so that we may truly serve him with everything that we have. If only perfect people served God, then we have absolutely nobody to go forth and change God's people.
Although we are imperfect,
The Lord can use us still,
If we confess our sins to Him
And seek to do His will. —Sper
Being imperfect doesn’t disqualify us from serving God;
it just emphasizes our dependence on His mercy.
4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
5 He called out to them, "Friends, haven't you any fish?" "No," they answered.
6 He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.
7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, "It is the Lord," he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.
8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards.
9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.
10 Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish you have just caught."
11 Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.
12 Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." None of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord.
13 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish.
14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.
Jesus Reinstates Peter
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
16 Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."
17 The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.
Even in our imperfections, Jesus is willing to overlook all that so that we may truly serve him with everything that we have. If only perfect people served God, then we have absolutely nobody to go forth and change God's people.
Although we are imperfect,
The Lord can use us still,
If we confess our sins to Him
And seek to do His will. —Sper
Being imperfect doesn’t disqualify us from serving God;
it just emphasizes our dependence on His mercy.
the hidden treasure
matthew 13:44
"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. when a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field."
-when I read this, I thought it was strange how the man found it, then hid it again. why?
But i guess it makes sense, because he wanted to ensure that no would else would take it before he could secure it. What did he do to make sure that treasure became his? "sold all he had and bought that field." Now the treasure rightfully belongs to him because it's on his land
i noticed that the man didn't receive the treasure (become part of the kingdom of heaven) just because he discovered it. Even though he found it and knew about it, it didn't belong to him... knowledge/belief by itself isn't enough
it became his only after he sold everything in exchange for it. he had to take deliberate action to make sure it became his, and by selling everything for it, he showed that he considered it the most important thing.
and lastly, i noticed that he does this all willingly, "in his joy"
check: are my actions today directed by the "treasure" i have found? if not, what is holding me back? and if so, am i doing it joyfully?
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Testimony of God's Love / Be Faithful
3/19/2011
I hope this link works, it's a testimony by Kim Walker:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nRKt8cPO1k&feature=related
__________________________________________________________________
3/20/2011
Mark 6:14-29
Focusing on verse 20 - In my study bible it says that: Herod ends up arresting and beheading John the Baptist under pressure from his wife and advisers, even though Herod respected John's integrity and previously protected him because he "knew he was a righteous and holy man." In the end, Herod had john killed because of pressure from his peers and family. And then my bible notes said What you do under pressure often shows what you really like.
I thought this note was really interesting and kind of saddening.. Often times I will compromise my identity in christ because of my surroundings or my environment. Like, I never pray before my meals around my non church friends, and I am generally hesitant to defend christianity and our beliefs when talking with non christian friends, afraid of getting into arguments, or turning them away from christianity, or just coming off as weird.
But I pray that God strengthens all of our identities in him, so that we won't compromise ourselves/our identities in christ to our surrounding influences, but that we are strengthened and become his wonderful lights in dark places. I pray for constant encouragement and motivation and faithfulness to you! I lift up this prayer in Jesus' name Amen.
I hope this link works, it's a testimony by Kim Walker:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nRKt8cPO1k&feature=related
__________________________________________________________________
3/20/2011
Mark 6:14-29
Focusing on verse 20 - In my study bible it says that: Herod ends up arresting and beheading John the Baptist under pressure from his wife and advisers, even though Herod respected John's integrity and previously protected him because he "knew he was a righteous and holy man." In the end, Herod had john killed because of pressure from his peers and family. And then my bible notes said What you do under pressure often shows what you really like.
I thought this note was really interesting and kind of saddening.. Often times I will compromise my identity in christ because of my surroundings or my environment. Like, I never pray before my meals around my non church friends, and I am generally hesitant to defend christianity and our beliefs when talking with non christian friends, afraid of getting into arguments, or turning them away from christianity, or just coming off as weird.
But I pray that God strengthens all of our identities in him, so that we won't compromise ourselves/our identities in christ to our surrounding influences, but that we are strengthened and become his wonderful lights in dark places. I pray for constant encouragement and motivation and faithfulness to you! I lift up this prayer in Jesus' name Amen.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
moses the intercessor!
"Although this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our wickedness and our sin, and take us as your inheritance"
context: Moses pleading with God to go with the Israelites to Canaan. The Israelites have just been caught worshiping the golden calf, and God is still very angry at them, and vows not to go with them.
When intercessing for the Israelites, moses includes himself as part of their sin. "our wickedness and our sin," even though he is personally exempt from punishment.
(Exodus 32:10) God says, "I [will] destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation"
So basically, God clears Moses from punishment... makes a distinction between him and the rest of the Israelites, because he didn't participate in idol-worship.
But Moses gets rid of that distinction, and puts himself along with them. [It's like in pirates of the caribbean when the governor is about to hang Jack and Will, but not Elizabeth-she is off the hook because she is the governor's daughter. But instead, she goes to stand with Jack and Will, to share in whatever punishment they receive. And as a result, the governor let them all free]
Moses does the same thing with the Israelites! (exodus 32:32) He puts himself along with them, accepting whatever punishment for their sin that they will receive.
application: Following Moses' example, if we are intercessing for others, we need to get rid of the distinction between "our" and "their" sin. we can take ownership of whatever we are pleading for, and be humbled by it.
Idk about anyone else, but I have this issue with pride. I think when I pray for others, I make that distinction in my head- it's "their" sin. As if I'm better somehow, because I didn't personally commit that sin. But what does that matter? I have my own sins; they're different, but just as punishable. And when I was reading this, the Holy Spirit totally rebuked me, saying "hey, you're not off the hook, sin-free or anything either! someone is intercessing for YOU right now"
Monday, March 14, 2011
ONE THING God does not forgive.
Matthew 12:30-32
"He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters. And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come."
While I was doing my qt today, I had like 2-3 different passages that stood out to me but I wanted to share this one in particular. Why? God is always loving and forgiving of our sins yet there is ONE condition to all of that: NEVER speak against the Holy Spirit. Basically, it is saying we can ignore and choose to disobey anything or everything that has to do of man but anything of God, we must ultimately always obey. It gets me thinking...how many times did I ignore the Holy Spirit when it asked me to do something? I didn't realize how foolish I must have been to ignore God's will placed upon me. And this could apply to a lot of us because we often place our man-made decisions and needs before what God would want for us. In the side note section of my bible it says : "Jesus gave solemn warning in these verses to people whose hard-heartedness placed them on the brink of disaster. Blasphemy against the Spirit evidently is not just a one-time offense; rather, it is an ongoing attitude of rebellion-a stubborn way of life that continually resists, rejects and insults God's Spirit. This is what makes it, in effect, an eternal sin."
When we KNOW something is bad for us, I think that's the Holy Spirit telling us it's bad! Yet so many times we choose not to break those bad habits and live on ignoring what God has placed in our hearts. It's like I am putting ear muffs from God's voice pretending I didn't hear anything. This passage makes me want to take action right away. I would not want to be a Christian that "continually resists" the holy spirit because there is nothing more hurtful to God's eyes than sinning knowing the sin.
"He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters. And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come."
While I was doing my qt today, I had like 2-3 different passages that stood out to me but I wanted to share this one in particular. Why? God is always loving and forgiving of our sins yet there is ONE condition to all of that: NEVER speak against the Holy Spirit. Basically, it is saying we can ignore and choose to disobey anything or everything that has to do of man but anything of God, we must ultimately always obey. It gets me thinking...how many times did I ignore the Holy Spirit when it asked me to do something? I didn't realize how foolish I must have been to ignore God's will placed upon me. And this could apply to a lot of us because we often place our man-made decisions and needs before what God would want for us. In the side note section of my bible it says : "Jesus gave solemn warning in these verses to people whose hard-heartedness placed them on the brink of disaster. Blasphemy against the Spirit evidently is not just a one-time offense; rather, it is an ongoing attitude of rebellion-a stubborn way of life that continually resists, rejects and insults God's Spirit. This is what makes it, in effect, an eternal sin."
When we KNOW something is bad for us, I think that's the Holy Spirit telling us it's bad! Yet so many times we choose not to break those bad habits and live on ignoring what God has placed in our hearts. It's like I am putting ear muffs from God's voice pretending I didn't hear anything. This passage makes me want to take action right away. I would not want to be a Christian that "continually resists" the holy spirit because there is nothing more hurtful to God's eyes than sinning knowing the sin.
rock solid or sand papered?
haha terrible title.
Matthew 7;24-27
"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.
Ladies and gentlemen the story of my life. In my reflection I wrote this:
I am the foolish man. I hear what I'm supposed to do in "spur of the moment" revelations but my worldly self prevents me from following up with it. I am watching myself crumble before my own eyes. My solution is for me to just do it but its just too hard sometimes more like all the time more like every time.
All i gotta do is be a strong christian man(which we need more of cuz the ones now are sooo weak, we christian men need to step the heck up)and just do what i'm told by God and go out and deliver. But it is tough because of the atmosphere im in the people i hang with, things at school at church at home, all aspects.
My goals that i feel like if i accomplished these then game over...my life would be perfect...
1.workout
2. qt
3. no sandwiches
4. active in church
5. active in my frat
6. tithe
i think this was it for now but i really feel like once all this is done then man ill be the man my life would take a 180 degree turn and everything will be as the world should be.
until next time
peace & love
Matthew 7;24-27
"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.
Ladies and gentlemen the story of my life. In my reflection I wrote this:
I am the foolish man. I hear what I'm supposed to do in "spur of the moment" revelations but my worldly self prevents me from following up with it. I am watching myself crumble before my own eyes. My solution is for me to just do it but its just too hard sometimes more like all the time more like every time.
All i gotta do is be a strong christian man(which we need more of cuz the ones now are sooo weak, we christian men need to step the heck up)and just do what i'm told by God and go out and deliver. But it is tough because of the atmosphere im in the people i hang with, things at school at church at home, all aspects.
My goals that i feel like if i accomplished these then game over...my life would be perfect...
1.workout
2. qt
3. no sandwiches
4. active in church
5. active in my frat
6. tithe
i think this was it for now but i really feel like once all this is done then man ill be the man my life would take a 180 degree turn and everything will be as the world should be.
until next time
peace & love
Thursday, March 10, 2011
God doesn't tempt, he tests.
Matthew 4
1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted[a] by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’[b]”5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:
“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’[c]”
7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’[d]”
8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”
10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’[e]”
11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
In the beginning verse it says that the Spirit led Jesus into the desert to be tempted by the devil. This to me was like "WOW...why would the holy spirit lead someone into temptation?" But then I realized that the Spirit tested Jesus by allowing Satan to tempt him to sin. I feel like we live in a materialistic society surrounded by countless of temptations such as money, lust, drugs and alcohol etc. I don't think I have EVER gone through a day without being tempted and because of so many temptations, I often get angry at God or even start falling away from Him. However, HE purposely allow our faith to be tempted to measure how strongly and successfully we can walk with Him. So instead of always feeling like we're being tempted by the devil, it would be more encouraging and correct in saying that God is testing us. He watches us every moment of our lives and by ALLOWING us to be tempted, he wants us to overcome sin and experience the feeling of victory over evil. As children of God, I believe that we all have the ability to differentiate between what's right and wrong. We just do. And it is our choice to accept or ignore the tests God has set out for us in our journey with Him.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
the importance of God-fearing leaders
Going along with charles' post on leaders...
Exodus 32 (not going to put in the whole chapter cause it's a lot)
context: While Moses is up on Mt. Sinai talking to God, the Israelites approach Aaron and say, "Come, make us gods who will go before us." (verse 1)
So Aaron gets all the jewelry from the ppl... "he took what they handed him and made it into an idol case in the shape of a calf, fashioning it with a tool." (v. 4)
My question is, why does Aaron do what he does?
1. He is focused on pleasing the people
They come to him with a complaint, and his focus is on solving it for them himself, instead of directing the focus to God. This demonstrates a lack of humility!
2. In focusing on how to please the people, he lacks fear of God
This much is clear because he disobeys a direct commandment! (You shall not make for yourselves an idol, Exodus 20:4)
So what happens as a result?
-Moses confronts Aaron, wants him to explain/defend himself
"What did these people do to you, that you led them into such great sin?" (v. 21)
Since Aaron is the leader, he is held responsible for the people and their sin.
But Aaron's response is the same as Adam and Eve! He tries to shift the blame on others.
"You know how prone these people are to evil" (v.22)
Plus, he acts like he had nothing really to do with it
"Then they gave me the gold, and i threw it into the fire, and out came this calf!" (v.24)
...Nice try Aaron. Verse 4 tells us all about how you took a tool and personally carved the shape of a calf out of the gold.
It's like when you're a kid and you're trying to explain to your parents how all the cookies disappeared... something along the lines of "And then they just jumped down onto my plate!"
It's when you make excuses, thinking they won't catch you, but they see through it right away, because the results of your action are so obvious.
Like a little kid, Aaron has put himself into a difficult position, and he gets called out on it.
Bottom line: It is important to have humble leaders who fear God, who bring problems to God, rather than relying on themselves to solve them.
I think this is something to reflect upon as you (hopefully!) step up to lead in the future, and/or elect people who will lead the ministries you take part in
BE A LEADER
When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
— John 13: 12-17
Jesus washed the feet of his own disciples. And then tells all of them to do the same unto others. You shouldn't NOT serve because you feel you are at a higher status. Jesus (who was GOD) served his stupid disciples. And those that have been served, repay that service unto others. As Jesus said "You will be blessed if you do them."
Never feel that you're too young or unprepared to serve or lead. You've been served by people your whole life, and hopefully you can see that it was because of God's love that you've been served by those people. Spread that service.
Love,
Charlesypoo
— John 13: 12-17
Jesus washed the feet of his own disciples. And then tells all of them to do the same unto others. You shouldn't NOT serve because you feel you are at a higher status. Jesus (who was GOD) served his stupid disciples. And those that have been served, repay that service unto others. As Jesus said "You will be blessed if you do them."
Never feel that you're too young or unprepared to serve or lead. You've been served by people your whole life, and hopefully you can see that it was because of God's love that you've been served by those people. Spread that service.
Love,
Charlesypoo
The Great Commandment
Hey, this is a great idea! It encouraged me to do my quiet time today, which I haven't done in over a month now I think. It's been a long time. It's been really hard for me here to make time for God.. Being away made me realize how important fellowship is, and how important having a church and mentors/friends are, but at the same time I realized I can't depend on them all the time. I think this semester has been a challenge for me to rely on God, and just God, and learn how to devote time on my own to develop my friendship with him (which I am currently failing). I feel like a baby just learning how to walk (with God) on my own.
Anyway, since I haven't been talking to God through prayer or listening to him through the word, I've been feeling like he's been absent in my life or really distant. (Even though he's right there!!) But I still can't shake this feeling of absence in my life, like I'm missing something, and even though I know why I feel that way.. I can't get myself to do my QT's every day or pray.. why?? I don't know, the enemy has got a hold of me!.. it's a constant battle!! You know, but I'm thankful, because I'm also reminded of how so many of my friends and non-believers feel/are living their lives. It's very routine and I feel like I'm lacking a lot of the pure joy I felt when I was closest to God.
It's funny because I made one of these blog things about a year ago and I dedicated it to showing God's work in my life, and re-reading my last post made me realize how dry i've gotten and how joyless I am! I mean I'm happy traveling and sight-seeing and being abroad etc but I haven't felt that excitement and pure heavenly joy in a while. BUT i'm really glad this small group blog came about because re-reading my last post reminded me of a lot of things. And just spending time writing this out is making me realize a lot of things! The verses I want to share come from
Mark 12:28-34
The Greatest Commandment
28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.[a] 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’[b] 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[c] There is no commandment greater than these.”
32 “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.
[I really liked this last verse because I see it as the presence of Heaven and the presence of God, is very similar to the presence of love and the knowing or wisdom of the Word. The man replies "wisely" implying that he knows very well the teachings of God, because Jesus says in Matthew what the greatest commandment is, but not only does he KNOW the word, he LOVES God, because only a man who loves God and has a deep, confident and wonderful relationship with God could reply with such an answer as verse 32.]
Two words: Love God.. and the rest will fall into place
I pray that all of us will not only make God our number 1, but that we love him "with all our heart, all our understanding and with all our strength." I want to think about You all the time, and I pray that you engulf our minds, bodies and souls with your presence and your spirit. I pray that you pound in us revelations, and fill our lives this week with divine encounters, and allow us to carry out your will in our daily lives. I pray that you fill us with a love so great that it blows people away, impacting and transforming lives every moment we are interacting with someone else. Let us be your great warriors and soldiers and be the light where there is darkness. Let us love one another, for you have shown us great mercy and love first. We praise you and your Greatness, to which no one can compare. You truly are an Awesome God, worthy of our time, commitment and whole selves. I thank you for all you've done and provided me; I am humbled in your presence. I offer this blog and this blog post to you and may it be pleasing to you and fill you with joy and a lot of smiles! I love you God, and I pray all these things in Jesus' merciful name AMEN.
And I love you guys! I'm sorry this post was so long, it (probably) won't happen again!
Thank you for a lot of things. KEEP ME POSTED!
Anyway, since I haven't been talking to God through prayer or listening to him through the word, I've been feeling like he's been absent in my life or really distant. (Even though he's right there!!) But I still can't shake this feeling of absence in my life, like I'm missing something, and even though I know why I feel that way.. I can't get myself to do my QT's every day or pray.. why?? I don't know, the enemy has got a hold of me!.. it's a constant battle!! You know, but I'm thankful, because I'm also reminded of how so many of my friends and non-believers feel/are living their lives. It's very routine and I feel like I'm lacking a lot of the pure joy I felt when I was closest to God.
It's funny because I made one of these blog things about a year ago and I dedicated it to showing God's work in my life, and re-reading my last post made me realize how dry i've gotten and how joyless I am! I mean I'm happy traveling and sight-seeing and being abroad etc but I haven't felt that excitement and pure heavenly joy in a while. BUT i'm really glad this small group blog came about because re-reading my last post reminded me of a lot of things. And just spending time writing this out is making me realize a lot of things! The verses I want to share come from
Mark 12:28-34
The Greatest Commandment
28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.[a] 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’[b] 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[c] There is no commandment greater than these.”
32 “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.
[I really liked this last verse because I see it as the presence of Heaven and the presence of God, is very similar to the presence of love and the knowing or wisdom of the Word. The man replies "wisely" implying that he knows very well the teachings of God, because Jesus says in Matthew what the greatest commandment is, but not only does he KNOW the word, he LOVES God, because only a man who loves God and has a deep, confident and wonderful relationship with God could reply with such an answer as verse 32.]
Two words: Love God.. and the rest will fall into place
I pray that all of us will not only make God our number 1, but that we love him "with all our heart, all our understanding and with all our strength." I want to think about You all the time, and I pray that you engulf our minds, bodies and souls with your presence and your spirit. I pray that you pound in us revelations, and fill our lives this week with divine encounters, and allow us to carry out your will in our daily lives. I pray that you fill us with a love so great that it blows people away, impacting and transforming lives every moment we are interacting with someone else. Let us be your great warriors and soldiers and be the light where there is darkness. Let us love one another, for you have shown us great mercy and love first. We praise you and your Greatness, to which no one can compare. You truly are an Awesome God, worthy of our time, commitment and whole selves. I thank you for all you've done and provided me; I am humbled in your presence. I offer this blog and this blog post to you and may it be pleasing to you and fill you with joy and a lot of smiles! I love you God, and I pray all these things in Jesus' merciful name AMEN.
And I love you guys! I'm sorry this post was so long, it (probably) won't happen again!
Thank you for a lot of things. KEEP ME POSTED!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Gom's devo (3.7.11)
Acts 2:42 ESV
And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Job 23:12 ESV
I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food.
For us, Christianity is more than just a religion. It's a relationship with our heavenly father, and the foundation to a great relationship is communication. There are many ways we can communicate with God, but for us, the key component is the Bible and prayer. We've all heard people tell us how important our QT is to us, but have we ever taken the time to fully comprehend how important it really is? I know I haven't.
Reading todays verses reminded me of how important reading the Bible is even if it is only bits and pieces. The Bible is the written word of God, and we should follow Job's example in that we must value His Words more than food. We should also back up our lifestyle with prayers because He responds with action.
Yours truly,
Gom
Start!
Fresh start!
We are the Copy Room Small Group because of the 90% chance that our small group will get interrupted by someone needing to use the copy machine in our room. But whether it be a Korean College Student or an old man whose head is unnaturally shiny, we bond through the talks and laughs we share as a body of Christ.
Rules for CRSG (Copy Room Small Group) members:
1 - Post regularly. At least once a week, you must either:
a. Post a thought/devotional from your own QT as a new blog post
b. Thoughtfully comment on another person's post
2 - If rule one is not upheld by a member, he or she receives a strike. When you get to 2 strikes, you will be given a punishment (TBD). Let's not get into punishments.
Let's keep this up guys. Who knows, we might be a reason for someone's salvation one day. Let's keep each other accountable.
Love,
Charles Oppa
We are the Copy Room Small Group because of the 90% chance that our small group will get interrupted by someone needing to use the copy machine in our room. But whether it be a Korean College Student or an old man whose head is unnaturally shiny, we bond through the talks and laughs we share as a body of Christ.
Rules for CRSG (Copy Room Small Group) members:
1 - Post regularly. At least once a week, you must either:
a. Post a thought/devotional from your own QT as a new blog post
b. Thoughtfully comment on another person's post
2 - If rule one is not upheld by a member, he or she receives a strike. When you get to 2 strikes, you will be given a punishment (TBD). Let's not get into punishments.
Let's keep this up guys. Who knows, we might be a reason for someone's salvation one day. Let's keep each other accountable.
Love,
Charles Oppa
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