Living by the Word: Trusting the Lord

My human instinct is to make the logical decisions and try harder. 

Congruent to my BC (before Christ) days, I'm self reliant. Growing up in a home where independence was stressed, I've come to rely on myself for a lot of things. Whether it was studying, working, or emotional struggles, I did them alone aka self motivation and self sufficiency (sometimes the lack thereof haha). The world told me I can achieve anything if I put in my best effort. However, no matter how hard I tried, sometimes I couldn't do it - achieve happiness, satisfaction, health, wealth, and especially growth and understanding. It really came to show that I'm not God. 

Relying on someone... man it's really hard for me. I often can't and don't like to rely on a human being, who is so tangible, but to God who is not tangible is even harder. I guess it's hard for different reasons, but in the end, it's a form of pride. 

It was a hard lesson for me all throughout this year, and it's still a hard lesson I'm continuously learning... because I must trust God... in everything. EVERYTHING!!! It's like a hidden pride that tells you, "well this is small, so I can handle it on my own." It's like the elderly people who don't want their butt wiped by someone else. Sorry, a little too vivid, but there are things that you want to handle on your own because you're used to it. It's a habit carried on from your BC days. You make the decisions, execute it, and it's your responsibility. Where does God glory in all this? He doesn't. You do your thing and God does His own...? hm sounds bad? It IS bad!!! Don't worry, I'm not yelling at you. I'm just frustrated at myself. 

When did I start stealing so much glory from God? 

Even as a believer, I find myself making "logical decisions" and putting my effort to change myself. 

if I'm selfish, I'm gonna try real hard to be selfless

if I'm proud, I'm gonna try real hard to be humble

if I'm depressed, I'm gonna try real hard to be joyful

It's not our naturally tendency to perfectly exemplify the fruits of the spirit nor have godly characteristics. We were born in filth, and we are merely kicking and screaming in the filth if we don't depend on God. Let me tell you, I've tried, and man was I hopeless. It's not like pooping, where it'll eventually come out if you sit long enough. You just gotta trust and pray (well you do have to put in the effort... but trust and pray first!)

Trust? What about the end results? I have to be logical.

It sounds simple and obvious what usually happens to churches who decide to use their logic. Churches began performing like businesses, and eventually lure more people in. However, God wants it His way. While those churches are pointed out and scorned, your daily thoughts are hidden. 

Like this past weekend... so convicting...

My friend and I were walking on the sidewalk when a lady stopped me for money/food. Usually I completely ignore people asking for money because I heard a lot about poor people being fake, because technically they could go into shelters and be fed. So as I was trying to leave, my friend decided to buy her food. I reluctantly followed them into Subway. After she got her perfect sandwich, with her usual toppings (it seemed like), she was ready to leave. However, my friend wanted to share our faith with the lady, but as she was walking toward the door she told us she was born again ~14 years ago and that she thinks about God every and LEFT! I was speechless. I thought, omg what a liar (i saw car keys in her hands while my friend didn't) and also, she just wasted my friend's money! I thought a lot of things... but kept quiet until spoken to. My friend apologized for my discomfort :(didn't have to do that...) and asked me what I was thinking. 

I didn't trust her. How could I? Logically speaking, she was fairly well dressed in business wear, with a handbag and car keys. That's when my friend said something so convicting (inspired by the Holy Spirit), 

"Do you trust her or do you trust God?" and if that wasn't enough, "God loves her."

Man... I guess this is what fellowship is for -_- tear my heart open and reveal its ugliness! (but I like it hehe). No, I didn't trust God in this matter, and no I did not really consider her a person. Oh my wretched soul... Why is it that I can give to my brothers and sisters (who actually aren't hungry poor), but I can't give to a random person on the street? Yes, trust issues, not just with the person but with God. I can't trust that God will do His will through a lying beggar. But why am I so concerned? It's not like God will definitely work through that person if she was a real beggar. It makes no difference. God works through the privy pot and the unusual circumstances to magnify Himself more. In the end, my motive should be to glorify God. Trust and obey. 

Matthew 25:35-41

³⁵For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, ³⁶ I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' ³⁷Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? ³⁸And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? ³⁹And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' ⁴⁰And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'
 ⁴¹"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

When you trust and obey, God will bless you. And what more of a blessing to be used as an instrument in God's plans. God has His own plans, but the fact that I can be a means to accomplish His grand purposes would bring joy to this broken vessel! 

Please pray that I would trust God in all circumstances, leave behind all worldly wisdom, and have a desire to have God be glorified. Pray for me just for one minute if you're reading this, because when you turn away, you will forget. And I can't have you forget and abandon your duty to plead with me, because God must change my heart. Then when He does, you can praise Him with me. For without prayer, it's just another self improvement movement.


Philippians 3:13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Sunday Reflections: Adopted by God

 Speaker: Mike Chon
Scripture Focus: Galatians 4:1-11

This weekend, Lighthouse was blessed to have Elder Mike Chon speak for our congregation during Pat's vacation. I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed the sermon, and how I much more I understand God's love for me. I see why I must preach the gospel to myself  daily, to be reminded of the great love of God and live in light of it. I often forget or don't do it :( Oh, why even then does God love me so...

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; 
his mercies never come to an end; 
they are new every morning; 
great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

I. Introduction

Roman Adoption

       Back in the days, Roman Emperors adopted grown men as their sons to take over 
       his kingdom. While the adopted son shared no common blood, he inherited 
       everything from the father, all the land, money and power. However, the adopted son 
       forfeited anything else he would've inherited by his former father. Therefore through 
       the adoption process, the son:
        - gains a whole new identity
        - receives all the benefits (as though he was the real son)
        But at the same time:
        - loses old identity
        - loses former benefits

Our Adoption
       Not only were we given earthly parents (or adopted by parents), we have a great father 
       who loves us. Through God's adoption of us, we now have a new identity in Christ.

II. Pre Adoption [v. 1-3 I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world.]

(I had a lot of confusion about the OT times so I will update after I find out for sure what I"m talking about)

III. Adoption Process

A. The Father  Initiator of Adoption [v.4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law...]

       - God has given us time to understand the law and knows that we cannot keep it

       - God is sovereign in adoption, as much as God is sovereign in natural birth

       - God gave up Jesus in order to adopt us 

             [Eph 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with 

             every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the 

             world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons 

             through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will...]

B. The Son  Requirements for Adoption [v.5 ...to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.]

C. The Spirit  Proof of Adoption [v.6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!"]

       - Holy Spirit - He's in our hearts to let us know God is our father 
       - He tugs at our hearts and assures us of God

IV. Result of Our Adoption

A. We became sons of God [v.7a So you are no longer a slave, but a son...]

       - we have been taken away from the orphanage and adopted
       - completely born perfect in God's family (as though we were never adopted)

B. We became co-heirs with Christ [v.7b ...and if a son, then an heir through God.]

       - we've been promised everything (kingdom) through everything he
          could give us (salvation, spiritual blessings)
       - what else do you want?
          because we often want more (fill in blank with worldly things)  
       

C. We live by grace, not by works [v.8-11 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? You observe days and months and seasons and years! I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain."]
       - if we are all adopted, treat each other as brothers & sisters in love

       - although we have been adopted, we often think: it would be better, 
         more fun, be able to fulfill life back at the "orphanage"
         ^ don't try to merit things that aren't from God


Illustration: There was a couple who adopted 2 boys from a Russian orphanage. The orphanage was in horrible condition. The room with multiple cribs and babies was silent and stunk with human feces due to unchanged diapers. The room was silent because the infants knew that crying would not bring food nor attention. As the couple left with the 2 baby boys in their arms, the boys were shocked by the first sunlight and the gust of wind. They reached for the orphanage, and as they did, the father reminded them that they were going to a much better place. At home, the boys ate like there is no tomorrow, because they weren't certain of filling their stomachs the next day. But as time passed, the boys understood that they had a provider who would take care of them daily.
Matt 7:11 If  you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

Sharing the Gospel:

       Many are still orphans, not knowing the love of God, and unadopted.

       If we are able to see the pain of unadopted children (who eventually are kicked out 

       of the orphanage at age 16, 17, 18 and onto being ~80% homeless and sometimes 

       committing suicide), how much more passionately should we share the gospel to 

       those who have yet to be adopted.

Relflections:

       Overall, after reflecting upon hearing the message and reflecting on it, I've come to 

       love God and Christ more for what Jesus has done on the cross, and for God's 

       decision to do so. God chose an orphan like me who doesn't deserve a second 

       glance (or the first) with nothing to offer but filth. I am eternally grateful. Thank you 

       God the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit.

Sunday Reflections: Children's Ministry Training

There was a Children's Ministry Training on Sunday led by Pastor Pat.

I went in not knowing what we would be going through.

But it was same as always, myself before God. 

Always start with your heart before God.

Preparation for lessons start with preparing the self. When I went in, I did not expect to learn how to study the Bible. However, this was something I ALWAYS wanted to learn "properly". I mean, I've done my own studies with my own style, but to be taught by Pastor Pat... what an honor!

So let me share some wonderful things with you.

First, let us begin with why we must study the word long before the day of lesson. Any teacher would agree that some sort of preparation must be done, but with the word of God and the glory of God at stake, there is a need to handle the material with care and all seriousness. (hm i hope that's a word cus i tend to make up words by adding -ness to everything) 

Handling the word:


2 Tim 2:14-17a Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. But avoid irrelevant babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness and talk will spread like gangrene.

   -worker who is unashamed before God
               "        approved by God (as in the Farming analogy where the farmer can handle 
                                                 responsibilities and is approved to work, qualified to harvest straight)
    -when truth becomes filtered, it becomes untruth
James 3:1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.
   -we are warned from teaching without being cautious of what we teach

Preparation:

1) Prepare Yourself
         - pray 
         - dealing with sins (yet trust in His forgiveness)
2) Read the Text
         - understand it, get familiar with it, see how it fits
3) Make Observations (study time)
         - Ex. John 6:59
                "This" - must look at previous context to answer what (flesh)
                "father" - who? those in wilderness for 40 years
                "feed" - how do you eat spiritual bread
                and watch for tense of verbs, nouns, adjectives, adverbs
4) Come to Conclusion
         - summarize - in one sentence, what's the point of the passage
5) Check Your Answer
         - go through commentaries, curriculum, etc.
         - if  you're wrong when you check 15 commentaries, you're probably wrong
6) Think Through Application
         - goal of teaching is CHANGE
         - 1st - where it applies to own life (relevance to me)
         - 2nd - outward
         - study early and LIVE IT!
7) Prepare your lesson

        - 1 Tim 2:15 Do your best... (indep clause)


Tips:


1) Use Senses
         - visualize the lessons
         - illustrations
2) Use Illustrations
         - help them see the most important points
3) Use Gestures
4) Use Your Volume 
         - silence, loudness, softness all have an affect
5) Pick on Them
         - not making fun of them, but asking questions to have kids pay attention
6) Keep Them in Suspense
         - have kids on edge, wondering what would come next
         - this provokes participation and anticipation



There was, obviously, much more. But I'm trying to get out of the habit of feeling the need to do blogging perfectly. I realized I spend way too much time trying to include everything and correcting. I need to break out of my perfectionist mind set... which is a whole new topic.