As I take a look around the world that we live in, I am astonished with all the things people crave. Power, money, sex, materialism, security, love, and the list go on and on… What is heart-breaking is that I see Christians falling into this trap of what the world supposedly say will satisfy us. What ever happened to the simplicity of life? Whatever happened to believing in God, through thick and thin? Whatever happened to prayers in school? What ever happened to saying the pledge of allegiance? Whatever happened to discipline and accepting the consequences of our actions? Whatever happened to saying ‘In God We Trust?’ In America, we are losing our focus in the One that matters the most. The first president of the United States, George Washington, was a faithful man who prayed before God prior to every battle. He was a great inspiration and role model to many people. I’m confident that because of his faith in God, he kept pressing on knowing that God was in control. I read that he was never wounded in battle and that all the bullets that fired at him only hit his clothing. Simply amazing and obviously protected by God!
There was a young man of the Bible named David. He was a man described by God himself as a man after his own heart. David was the greatest king of Israel. David’s life shows us that God greatly desires our complete trust and worship. There was a time when Israel needed to face the Philistines in battle. A Philistine soldier named Goliath stood out and challenged the men of Israel to fight against him. Goliath was a huge man who was over nine feet tall! He wore helmet and armor weighing about 125 pounds and held a spear which weighed at 15 pounds! He also wore some type of bronze covering his legs and carried a javelin that hung on his back. Simply put, Goliath was a big man who appeared very strong. Goliath challenged the men of Israel to find one man who would be willing to fight him. The losing team would become subjects (become servants) of the winning team. No one from the Israel tribe dared to step up and take on the fight against Goliath. No one except one man…David, who was a shepard. David was nothing like any of the soldiers of Israel. He was just a handsome boy and probably thought of, by the men of Israel, as oblivious to what appears to be reality. He was a blessed musician and poet. He knew that God was in control and trusted that God would give Israel the victory. He believed that God would stay right by him. The men of Israel scoffed at him and didn’t believe he could defeat Goliath. After some convincing, Saul, the king of Israel at the time and the soldiers let him go fight. David defeated Goliath simply as he is (no protective wear) and a staff with 5 stones in his pouch! Here I am thinking how much we can accomplish if we just trusted God! If David trusted in God, then why can’t we do the same?
David trusted in God, but also made a lot of mistakes. He sinned many times but was quick to confess his sins. He wasn’t just confessing because it was the right thing to do, rather it came right from his heart. His repentance was genuine. Even though he suffered from the consequences of sin, he still took joy in forgiveness. David was a man who lived with great zest! Like David, I want to live my life to the fullest in serving God with all my being. I once read a quote from Saint Irenaeus, “The glory of God is man fully alive.” Each and every one of us was created to do something awesome! God meant for us to experience the true nature of ourselves in which He created us to become, however, because of sin we are just dragging along. It doesn’t have to be this way. Yes, we live in a sinful world and face temptations everyday, but I know we have an awesome and forgiving God who loves us so much! There is no way in the world we can be perfect without the help of the Lord, Jesus Christ. So the next time you come face to face with the choices this world has to offer, think about whom you are serving. Are you serving God or man? How much of your time do you spend with your eyes focused on getting an education, earning a living, establishing a career, building a home, staying healthy, and achieving your goals versus the amount of time you spend on your eyes focus on Jesus and His mission? It isn’t wrong to earn a living, build a home, or stay healthy; but Jesus’ followers cannot make these things as priorities if we are considered disciples. Discipleship isn’t about making a home in this world, it’s about preparing for another. It’s about investing in the kingdom of God rather than the kingdom of this world. Every time we face with the choice of settling into this life and striving for the kingdom of God, remember what matters most. We’re on a journey and we simply cannot settle here. There is something so much better in store for us and God promises us that!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
Unattached...
I’ve spent four days reading the passage of Matthew 5:38-42, where Jesus talks about retaliation. I’ve come to understand a few things and I would like to share. I don’t know about you, but when I have been wronged by someone, my first reaction is to get even! The natural reaction is to start thinking of a list of ways to get back at someone. It should not be a priority for us to tally up and keep score. Instead, Jesus is telling us to do good to those who wrong us and we need to learn how to love and forgive. This can be a very difficult thing and feel very unnatural. It really is not natural. It’s more supernatural because only God can give us the strength to love others as he loves us. In this passage, Jesus is telling us that our main desire should not to retaliate but to be UNATTACHED. What do I mean by unattached? Let me break it down for you…
In verse 39a, “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person.” Here, Jesus is asking us to be unattached to self. We are to resist evil. However, when evil is against us, we are to counter evil with good. There have been many instances when the young kids hurl insults on me, whether right to my face or behind my back. My first reaction is hurt and confusion. I could have insulted these kids back to “teach them a lesson,” but I don’t. Instead, I’ve chosen to say positive things to and about them. I give the kids examples of how they would like to be treated by others, so they should do the same. And I still spend time with them regardless of how they treat me.
In verse 39b, “If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Here, Jesus is asking us to be unattached to dignity. Our pride is what makes us desire to rise to the top and to make a good impression on others. Rather, we should be humble. As many of you know, I could have been a professional golfer. That is what people expected of me. Because I responded to the calling of God into ministry and my current employments, there are people who are perplexed to my choice in life. I admit, there are times when I feel a sense of jealousy for my friends who are on the professional tour these days because I know I could be right up there with them. I aim not to be concerned with the impression I make with people, but to do what is good. When people offend me in my choices, I turn to my other cheek and turn to God for his view of my dignity.
In verse 40, “And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.” Here, Jesus is asking us to be unattached to things. We live in a world that is so obsessed and attached to possessions. We should realize that our earthly possessions are only temporary. What we store up here on earth will not lead us to eternity. I’m not saying that we can’t have things, but rather we should not let it get in the way of our discipleship. I’m a neat freak and everything I own is pretty tidy. I worry teenagers will make a mess in my car or in my apartment. Sometimes I don’t even trust them for the fear of stealing or damaging things. But, you know what? It really doesn’t matter because what I have here on earth does not lead me to eternity. I would rather fight in making that personal sacrifice so that the teenagers will see the love of Jesus in their lives.
In verse 41, “If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.” Here, Jesus is asking us to be unattached to time. For most people, time is very scarce and we must always figure out how to balance our responsibilities. We only have 24 hours a day, no more or less. We are to spend our time for kingdom purposes and that means we are to spend it for others. My schedule is very busy and I sometimes get too focused on getting things done rather than focusing on building up an eternal kingdom. A good example of this is that I sometimes would use my lunch time to get some work done so that I could have that extra half hour of watching television at night. Instead, I am reminded that my time spent with the teenagers during lunch period is much more valuable than my time spent watching television. It is relationships that determine results.
Today, ask yourself where you struggle with the most. It may be one or all of the four. It’s okay. Seek God and he will show you the way in what you should do. God is calling us to do great things in our times spent on earth. Let us do all we can to store up heavenly treasures as we live here on earth. Let’s become a better person and go against what is considered “normal” in today’s society. Jesus stood out in His life because he contradicted what people thought was right. We, too, can stand out and be more like Jesus. Let our ordinary lives be given over to God so that he can make it something extraordinary! Amen?
In verse 39a, “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person.” Here, Jesus is asking us to be unattached to self. We are to resist evil. However, when evil is against us, we are to counter evil with good. There have been many instances when the young kids hurl insults on me, whether right to my face or behind my back. My first reaction is hurt and confusion. I could have insulted these kids back to “teach them a lesson,” but I don’t. Instead, I’ve chosen to say positive things to and about them. I give the kids examples of how they would like to be treated by others, so they should do the same. And I still spend time with them regardless of how they treat me.
In verse 39b, “If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Here, Jesus is asking us to be unattached to dignity. Our pride is what makes us desire to rise to the top and to make a good impression on others. Rather, we should be humble. As many of you know, I could have been a professional golfer. That is what people expected of me. Because I responded to the calling of God into ministry and my current employments, there are people who are perplexed to my choice in life. I admit, there are times when I feel a sense of jealousy for my friends who are on the professional tour these days because I know I could be right up there with them. I aim not to be concerned with the impression I make with people, but to do what is good. When people offend me in my choices, I turn to my other cheek and turn to God for his view of my dignity.
In verse 40, “And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.” Here, Jesus is asking us to be unattached to things. We live in a world that is so obsessed and attached to possessions. We should realize that our earthly possessions are only temporary. What we store up here on earth will not lead us to eternity. I’m not saying that we can’t have things, but rather we should not let it get in the way of our discipleship. I’m a neat freak and everything I own is pretty tidy. I worry teenagers will make a mess in my car or in my apartment. Sometimes I don’t even trust them for the fear of stealing or damaging things. But, you know what? It really doesn’t matter because what I have here on earth does not lead me to eternity. I would rather fight in making that personal sacrifice so that the teenagers will see the love of Jesus in their lives.
In verse 41, “If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.” Here, Jesus is asking us to be unattached to time. For most people, time is very scarce and we must always figure out how to balance our responsibilities. We only have 24 hours a day, no more or less. We are to spend our time for kingdom purposes and that means we are to spend it for others. My schedule is very busy and I sometimes get too focused on getting things done rather than focusing on building up an eternal kingdom. A good example of this is that I sometimes would use my lunch time to get some work done so that I could have that extra half hour of watching television at night. Instead, I am reminded that my time spent with the teenagers during lunch period is much more valuable than my time spent watching television. It is relationships that determine results.
Today, ask yourself where you struggle with the most. It may be one or all of the four. It’s okay. Seek God and he will show you the way in what you should do. God is calling us to do great things in our times spent on earth. Let us do all we can to store up heavenly treasures as we live here on earth. Let’s become a better person and go against what is considered “normal” in today’s society. Jesus stood out in His life because he contradicted what people thought was right. We, too, can stand out and be more like Jesus. Let our ordinary lives be given over to God so that he can make it something extraordinary! Amen?
Friday, December 18, 2009
Χριστούγεννα
Is it the Christmas season already? Above is the Greek word for "Christmas." There's no particular reason why I chose to use the Greek word, other than I thought it was cool-looking :) Another year has rolled on by and there are so many exciting things to do! Christmas means different things for people. It’s easy to get caught up in the parties, banquets, shopping, eating, and bunches of fun… Despite of the busyness during this time of the year, we need to remember the significance of this season. And that is…Jesus Christ! It is ironic to celebrate through the comforts of this holiday season, while Jesus was born in a place where most of us would not even consider. He was born away from home after Mary and Joseph had traveled many restless miles wandering through the nature of this world. Jesus wasn’t born in a hospital or even in a secure warm environment. He was born in a barn. I imagine that the barn wasn’t as clean as one would think. What about personal hygiene that most of us are so obsessed about these days? This was the last of Mary and Joseph’s worries because a Savior would be born and has come to redeem the world. Do you think the life of Jesus was ever comfortable? I doubt it. Jesus took his public ministry out into the world. He spent very little time at home. He roamed through the roads, mountains, hills, water, and towns to spread his love and the gospel. Finally, he accepted the blame and took up his own cross for the burden of EVERYONE’S sins. Why did he do that? So that we may have hope and everlasting life!
Let this season be a time of reflection, thankfulness, and celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. We cannot really celebrate Christmas or the New Year if we are slaves to sin. Materialism, money, and artificial pleasure easily entangle us and crowding out Christ of Christmas. Be careful in getting too busy for Jesus. Take in consideration what the message means to all of us. I must admit that I get excited every year that Christmas comes around. I love spending time with my family during this holiday season. We have our own traditions and celebrations. When I discovered that Christmas Day was going to be different for my family this year…I was disappointed. I’ve come to realize that I truly enjoy the traditions that I have every year, but it doesn’t change the true meaning of Christmas. I shouldn’t be disappointed because there is one thing that never changes…that’s Jesus Christ! Praise the Lord!
A couple of days ago another leader and I hosted a Christmas party for the kids that lives in the dorms here at school during the week. We felt that it would be great to spend some time with the teens. We did everything we could to make it the best party for the teens, but what it really mattered is that we spent time with them like Jesus spent time with the little children. Matthew 19:14-15, “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.’” I was so exhausted when the night was over! I spent a lot of time preparing, cooking, organizing games, leading games, and playing basketball with the teens. Oh, yeah…when all of that was over, cleaning up all the mess! It was a wonderful night of fun and celebration. My prayer is that I hope these teens will remember the night not because of all the fun they had and the good foods that they ate, but to also remember that they had caring people there in their lives that were willing to sacrifice their own time to be with them. This Christmas season wasn't the only time I spend time with the teens, but it was an opportunity and a privilege.
So, really…it doesn’t matter how Christmas is celebrated this year because there are many ways to demonstrate God’s love for the world in our own lives. Let this Christmas season be the beginning of your new life wherever you stand in your relationship with the Lord. Everyday can be a Christmas Day for you and that is what God desires from us! I hope you don’t get too wrapped up around the things of the holiday season. Rather, I hope you will understand that the Christmas message tells us that God’s grace is greater than us more than we can ever know. For this Christmas, the best gift you can give to the Lord is to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior. Give Him the gift that He wants – your heart, soul, and life! It’s not too late! I hope that you will celebrate Jesus everyday for the rest of your life and extend that love unto other people.
God Bless you during this holiday season!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Following the example of Christ...
It’s hard to believe that this past summer has flown by so quickly! Is it just me or does the days seem like it’s passing by within a blink of an eye? Regardless of how slow or fast time feels like, I can’t believe it’s November already! School is in session. The sun rises up later in the mornings. You step outside into the cool and crisp air. The days are getting colder as we get closer to winter! The sun sets earlier in the evening. I’m sitting here and wondering if I have missed anything? Do I take each and every day for granted or do I take advantage of every opportunity? Despite of my ups and downs, I have pure joy in knowing that I have Jesus Christ in my heart! This pure joy becomes a feeling of brokenness as I think of other deaf teenagers that I come across that do not know Jesus Christ. And that is why I choose to wake up each and every day giving everything I have to the Lord.
Here is a link to view the 2009 Eagle Rock Camp video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEZ5Ia2bvI0; picture slides at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FE7Is4-RP1c. This camp is one of the few camps that Deaf Teen Quest coordinates. We had a fun-filled week with many different activities and worship time. It was awesome! The leaders that bring their teenagers to camp also follow up by investing in their lives after camp during the year. This camp isn’t just a “one week thing.”
Just like many of you, I live a very busy life and it gets busier by the day. I work full time at a deaf school and then for most evenings I teach American Sign Language at a community college. On top of that, I am involved in a ministry called Deaf Teen Quest. It can feel quite overwhelming at times. I do my absolute best to develop relationships with the teenagers, but sometimes it feels like it’s not enough. Working in a school environment has some advantages. I am able to see what the teenagers go through everyday. The sin and temptations consumes them and a lot of times they don’t even realize it. I notice because their behavior shows it. It breaks my heart; however, it also motivates me to display positive images into their lives. As sad as it seems, some teachers seem like they don’t care and all they want to do is punish, punish, and punish. I am a believer in discipline, but I also believe in showing that I care. While I’m here to discipline the kids, I’m also doing everything I can to be involved in their lives. A good example of this is that some days I will sit with the kids during lunch to eat and talk with them. A lot of times I don’t even say anything…the kids do all the talking! I want them to recognize that I’m interested in them. I also try to attend to sporting events to support the teenagers. This is a fun and excellent time to interact with other deaf teenagers, while showing support to deaf teenage athletes!
Despite of everything that I try to do, there are days when I just feel like all of my investment of my life for the teenagers goes to waste. I just don’t see any results and I get frustrated. Really frustrated! It would be easier if I could just do whatever I want and invest in my own time. When I read 1 Corinthians 11:1, which says, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” We are to follow Jesus Christ’s example in our lives. Sometimes it’s hard and it just doesn’t feel like a difference is being made, but we must have faith that God is at work in other people’s lives. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” I like this verse because God is asking for our absolute faith and trust in Him. As long as we are following Christ’s example, things will work out according to His purpose and plans. It can be mind boggling. I would much rather have faith and not know than to know and not have faith. I think there is greater reward in having faith without seeing!
In closing, whatever the circumstance, know that God is with you and loves you. God cares for you enough to send Jesus to die for our sins. Jesus carried the burden for us and now it’s our turn to carry the burden for those who need Jesus in their lives. As Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Let’s follow the example of Christ by dying to self for others. You just may never know when you see the results of God’s work. A couple of weeks ago, I felt like I needed some time to be alone so I did not sit with the teenagers during lunch time. For about a month or two up to that point, I felt like I wasn’t making any difference or that the teens didn’t even care that I invest my life for them. In the middle of that week, I went to the cafeteria to refill my water bottle. As soon as I walked into the room, a few teenagers turned around and were so HAPPY to see me and wanted me to sit with them! At that moment, I felt a pure joy in knowing that I’ve been doing all that I can and these teens do recognize that. I realized that God is at work and I just need to trust in Him. These kids want to be loved and given attention to, just like anyone else that you are ministering to at this moment. Persevere and don’t ever give up! Amen?
Here is a link to view the 2009 Eagle Rock Camp video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEZ5Ia2bvI0; picture slides at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FE7Is4-RP1c. This camp is one of the few camps that Deaf Teen Quest coordinates. We had a fun-filled week with many different activities and worship time. It was awesome! The leaders that bring their teenagers to camp also follow up by investing in their lives after camp during the year. This camp isn’t just a “one week thing.”
Just like many of you, I live a very busy life and it gets busier by the day. I work full time at a deaf school and then for most evenings I teach American Sign Language at a community college. On top of that, I am involved in a ministry called Deaf Teen Quest. It can feel quite overwhelming at times. I do my absolute best to develop relationships with the teenagers, but sometimes it feels like it’s not enough. Working in a school environment has some advantages. I am able to see what the teenagers go through everyday. The sin and temptations consumes them and a lot of times they don’t even realize it. I notice because their behavior shows it. It breaks my heart; however, it also motivates me to display positive images into their lives. As sad as it seems, some teachers seem like they don’t care and all they want to do is punish, punish, and punish. I am a believer in discipline, but I also believe in showing that I care. While I’m here to discipline the kids, I’m also doing everything I can to be involved in their lives. A good example of this is that some days I will sit with the kids during lunch to eat and talk with them. A lot of times I don’t even say anything…the kids do all the talking! I want them to recognize that I’m interested in them. I also try to attend to sporting events to support the teenagers. This is a fun and excellent time to interact with other deaf teenagers, while showing support to deaf teenage athletes!
Despite of everything that I try to do, there are days when I just feel like all of my investment of my life for the teenagers goes to waste. I just don’t see any results and I get frustrated. Really frustrated! It would be easier if I could just do whatever I want and invest in my own time. When I read 1 Corinthians 11:1, which says, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” We are to follow Jesus Christ’s example in our lives. Sometimes it’s hard and it just doesn’t feel like a difference is being made, but we must have faith that God is at work in other people’s lives. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” I like this verse because God is asking for our absolute faith and trust in Him. As long as we are following Christ’s example, things will work out according to His purpose and plans. It can be mind boggling. I would much rather have faith and not know than to know and not have faith. I think there is greater reward in having faith without seeing!
In closing, whatever the circumstance, know that God is with you and loves you. God cares for you enough to send Jesus to die for our sins. Jesus carried the burden for us and now it’s our turn to carry the burden for those who need Jesus in their lives. As Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Let’s follow the example of Christ by dying to self for others. You just may never know when you see the results of God’s work. A couple of weeks ago, I felt like I needed some time to be alone so I did not sit with the teenagers during lunch time. For about a month or two up to that point, I felt like I wasn’t making any difference or that the teens didn’t even care that I invest my life for them. In the middle of that week, I went to the cafeteria to refill my water bottle. As soon as I walked into the room, a few teenagers turned around and were so HAPPY to see me and wanted me to sit with them! At that moment, I felt a pure joy in knowing that I’ve been doing all that I can and these teens do recognize that. I realized that God is at work and I just need to trust in Him. These kids want to be loved and given attention to, just like anyone else that you are ministering to at this moment. Persevere and don’t ever give up! Amen?
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
A "thorn" in my flesh...
2 Corinthians 12:7-10, “To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
We all have received some kind of “thorn” in our flesh during our lifetime that have prevented us from doing something. In this passage, I believe the Apostle Paul may be talking about some type of physical ailment that he was experiencing at the time. It was obviously a hindrance to his ministry that kept him from working. Paul prayed to God three times to take the pain away from him, but God simply didn’t. Whatever the thorn Paul was experiencing made it difficult for Paul because he was the kind of person who is able to achieve things with a purpose and get things done. During this experience, I’m sure he felt frustrated and helpless. Paul was reminded that he needed to trust and depend in God so much more and to remain humble. He realized that he was becoming stronger through his weakness.
In the past couple of weeks I’ve been experiencing a type of “thorn” in my flesh. It started about two and a half weeks ago when my lower back pain was bothering me. I’ve had very light low back pain in the past that would go away in a few days, however, this time it felt different. It became progressively worse. There are many factors that may have triggered it. Regardless of what was happening, the Lord spoke to my heart about Paul’s thorn and prompted me to understand what that means. This painful experience with my lower back really convicted my heart about pride. I have always had the mentality that if I took good care of myself that everything would be fine and that I wouldn’t need to depend on anyone or anything. The past couple days the pain was unbearable and it got to the point where I really had very low mobility and range of motion. I was literally crawling around in my apartment. I couldn’t bend, twist, or move in any way. I finally gave up and text a friend of mine for help. Like Paul, I prayed and prayed to God to remove the pain away from me because I didn’t want to deal with doctors or medicine. Somehow this made me feel imperfect if I “gave in.” God didn’t remove the pain, but he taught me that I needed to recognize my own limitations. I cannot do everything on my own and that there are people who can help me, even doctors! I do not like doctors at all and I do not like medicine, but I had to suck down my own pride. I realized that I needed God’s help even if it’s through doctors.
I have to admit, I like being able achieve things on my own and it was hard to confess that I had a physical weakness. I’m sure Paul felt the same way. He felt the frustration of not being able to do anything. I felt that. Through this experience, I realized that my weakness has helped me develop my character and deepens my relationship with the One who has full control and holds things together – the Lord, Jesus Christ. Life is full of obstacles, hindrances, and setbacks and when they do occur, we must depend on only God. God will give us the strength that we need (Philippians 4:13). We are much stronger when we allow God to have full control than when we are alone. My back pain has not fully gone away. I feel like I’ve been humbled by this experience because it has cause me to re-think about some things. It’s not about what I can do or plan to do because ultimately it can fail. That is why God says to me that His grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in my weakness. During this time of my weakness, I am turning to God a lot more. I’m not asking “Why?” but rather, I’m asking “What are you trying to say to me?” I believe God has a message to teach me and I don’t fully get it right now, but if I continue to earnestly seek Him, I will come to an understanding.
As I close today, I encourage you to stay positive whatever your circumstance may be. Rather than asking God “Why?” is this happening to me, ask God “What can I learn from this experience?” The man Job (read the book of Job in the Bible if you don't know the story) did not do anything to lose all his wealth, health, & possessions because he did something wrong. God simply allowed this to happen to test his faith in Him. This may be a time of testing for you and me. Hang in there and we will make it through! God Bless you!
We all have received some kind of “thorn” in our flesh during our lifetime that have prevented us from doing something. In this passage, I believe the Apostle Paul may be talking about some type of physical ailment that he was experiencing at the time. It was obviously a hindrance to his ministry that kept him from working. Paul prayed to God three times to take the pain away from him, but God simply didn’t. Whatever the thorn Paul was experiencing made it difficult for Paul because he was the kind of person who is able to achieve things with a purpose and get things done. During this experience, I’m sure he felt frustrated and helpless. Paul was reminded that he needed to trust and depend in God so much more and to remain humble. He realized that he was becoming stronger through his weakness.
In the past couple of weeks I’ve been experiencing a type of “thorn” in my flesh. It started about two and a half weeks ago when my lower back pain was bothering me. I’ve had very light low back pain in the past that would go away in a few days, however, this time it felt different. It became progressively worse. There are many factors that may have triggered it. Regardless of what was happening, the Lord spoke to my heart about Paul’s thorn and prompted me to understand what that means. This painful experience with my lower back really convicted my heart about pride. I have always had the mentality that if I took good care of myself that everything would be fine and that I wouldn’t need to depend on anyone or anything. The past couple days the pain was unbearable and it got to the point where I really had very low mobility and range of motion. I was literally crawling around in my apartment. I couldn’t bend, twist, or move in any way. I finally gave up and text a friend of mine for help. Like Paul, I prayed and prayed to God to remove the pain away from me because I didn’t want to deal with doctors or medicine. Somehow this made me feel imperfect if I “gave in.” God didn’t remove the pain, but he taught me that I needed to recognize my own limitations. I cannot do everything on my own and that there are people who can help me, even doctors! I do not like doctors at all and I do not like medicine, but I had to suck down my own pride. I realized that I needed God’s help even if it’s through doctors.
I have to admit, I like being able achieve things on my own and it was hard to confess that I had a physical weakness. I’m sure Paul felt the same way. He felt the frustration of not being able to do anything. I felt that. Through this experience, I realized that my weakness has helped me develop my character and deepens my relationship with the One who has full control and holds things together – the Lord, Jesus Christ. Life is full of obstacles, hindrances, and setbacks and when they do occur, we must depend on only God. God will give us the strength that we need (Philippians 4:13). We are much stronger when we allow God to have full control than when we are alone. My back pain has not fully gone away. I feel like I’ve been humbled by this experience because it has cause me to re-think about some things. It’s not about what I can do or plan to do because ultimately it can fail. That is why God says to me that His grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in my weakness. During this time of my weakness, I am turning to God a lot more. I’m not asking “Why?” but rather, I’m asking “What are you trying to say to me?” I believe God has a message to teach me and I don’t fully get it right now, but if I continue to earnestly seek Him, I will come to an understanding.
As I close today, I encourage you to stay positive whatever your circumstance may be. Rather than asking God “Why?” is this happening to me, ask God “What can I learn from this experience?” The man Job (read the book of Job in the Bible if you don't know the story) did not do anything to lose all his wealth, health, & possessions because he did something wrong. God simply allowed this to happen to test his faith in Him. This may be a time of testing for you and me. Hang in there and we will make it through! God Bless you!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
God is what holds us together...
For a while now I've been thinking about how big our God really is and had an opportunity to listen to a couple of sermons about this topic. Two days ago, I went for a really long run, roughly about 20 miles, so yes, it was a really long run! A lot was going through my mind as usual. I took the opportunity to pray about many different things. During this time, I realized that I was able to see more detail about my surroundings. What I mean by that is I've noticed things more than I have in the past year living in this city. I've heard about such and such places, but never really knew where they were. I realized that there is so much more that I can learn about and so much more I can explore. If I was flying on an airplane, I could see the big picture. But if I rode a car, I could see more than I could when I am flying on an airplane. But if I rode my bike, I notice things even more. Then when I run, I notice things even so much more! The point of this is that there's so much I have not seen, yet God knows it all! Why? Because he is the creator of this earth. God is the one that started it all and he is still at work. Our God is truly a BIG God! And if you don't really believe this, then maybe this will convince you...To explain this a little bit more, I think you will be fascinated if you have not heard of this before. Louie Giglio, a Christian pastor/evangelist, gives a sermon about how inconceivably BIG our God really is. Louie talked about how God spoke the universe into being...how he spoke stars out of his mouth that are huge raging balls of fire...and so on. I think you get the idea. Louie then talks about our bodies. I'm already fascinated with this because as an athlete, I'm amazed how much we can push our bodies to the limit! God knitted our bodies into an amazing detail and wonder. At this point, I'm thinking, "No wonder we make things more complicated than we should because we're complicated beings!" Then Louie continues to connect this with how God is really our sustainer. The God who created everything is the God that we can trust because he has the power to hold things together when things seems to be falling apart.
Now, I know the Bible talks a lot about faith and trust in the Lord, our God. If you are like me, there are days when you feel like it's impossible to trust God. Maybe it's because you've been searching for an answer and still am at loss...or maybe something happened to your loved one...or maybe you've lost your job...or maybe God tells you to move to a different country...or maybe you're struggling with temptation...or maybe (insert here with your current reason why you feel it's impossible to trust in God)... I think you get the idea.
Colossians 1:15-17, says, "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
You see in this verse that it is God that is the first, now, and last. He is the reason why we should trust him. He is the Creator. He is what holds us together! I mean that literally, God is the reason why we our bodies holds together. As I was saying before, we are complicated beings created by God. There are so many parts to our bodies that help us function. The human body consists of biological systems, that consist of organs, that consist of tissues, that consist of cells and connective tissues. The most important molecule I want to hit on is the molecule called laminin. Wikipedia describes laminin as this: "Laminins are a family of proteins that are an integral part of the structural scaffolding of basement membranes in almost every animal tissue." In plain english, laminins are what literally holds us together. They hold one cell of our bodies to the next cell. Without them, we will literally fall apart. Isn't that amazing. Laminin is what holds our bodies together...God is the creator of our bodies...therefore God holds us together! If you still don't get it, then take a look of the picture I posted above.
This what the structure of laminin looks like and this is not the "Christian" portrayal of it! If you look up laminin in the scientific/medical piece of literature, this is what you will see. Yet, I am amazed to why many scientists/medical people still doubt God when the truth is right there. The first time I saw this picture, I was amazed that the very core of our beings is the shape of the cross. Isn't it clear to you that our God is real? How can you not believe in that? No matter what, you will always continue to find evidences in life that links to God. I was blessed when I learned about laminin in a way that God continues to prove to me that he's real in my life! And I hope that this has blessed you in a special way as well. God Bless you and see you next time!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Walking alongside...
John 15:4-5, "Remain in me, and I will 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. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
I had the most amazing time earlier this week with a group of Deaf Teen Quest (DTQ) leaders at a spiritual retreat in Tennessee. Upon my arrival, I looked around nervously and wondered what to expect in the next few days. I did notice the peace and quiet; the views were absolutely gorgeous! There's a main cabin that has a long deck with rocking chairs to over look the mountains miles and miles away. Looking straight ahead, someone tells me that on the other side is North Carolina. "Wow!" I thought. God is so amazing! Really, is there a God that created all of this just for me? I mean, WOW! It was absolutely breathtaking. If you think about it, God has brought each and every one of us here for a reason and none of us is a mistake. I find this very clearly in Ephesians 1:4, which says, "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight." You may be wondering right now or have wondered why on earth you're here? No matter what happens in your life or where life takes you, know this...God created you the way he wanted and he desires one thing from you.
A loving and intimate relationship with Him. That is what God desires from you. The staple message throughout the retreat was John 15, which talks about the vine and the branches and the importance of remaining in Him. I have read this chapter several times and I can say that it hits the spot in my heart every time. Especially this time, I've lost focus on how important it is to remain in Christ. There have been so many situations and circumstances that I've faced this year which led to discouragement. No matter what, I've held close to God. That's what God wants from me...to remain in Him.
As I look back in my life, I realize that I've been through a lot to get to where I am today. Quite honestly, I still wonder at times where the heck I'm going? Earlier in my life, I wanted to be a professional golfer. God closed the door on that one. After college graduation, I worked several part time jobs not really knowing what I want to do or what God has called me to do. Somehow along the way, I ended up in Master's Commission, a full time discipleship program. I went through that for two years of my life. I returned back home, not knowing what's next in my life. Within 3 months, I moved to a new city and landed upon a new job and a new ministry. This has been a challenging year and I did wonder from time to time if I've made a right choice.
On the third day of my retreat, I was sitting outside observing nature and praying. I spent some time reading a devotional and the Bible. I wrote in my journal and expressed my feelings about all the things I've listed above. Immediately, I heard a silent voice in my heart from God saying, "Be still and know that I'm God." I knew what that meant. For me, it means that I'm heading the right direction and that I needed to stop trying to do thing in my own power and control. God was saying that he knows what he is doing and I just needed to stop trying so hard to figure things out. I know that I'm called doing what I do. For a long time I've struggled with the word, called. The day before, someone said that you're not called until you get there. Somehow that made sense to me. I'm here right now. I'm in the deaf ministry that I know God has been stirring in my heart to be a part of it. Yes, there are days when I don't think I can do the "job," but God didn't place me here because it was going to be easy. Being a follower of Christ means fighting for life and continue sweating it all out in love. You may be wondering right now what God has called you to do. Just know this, if God has been stirring your heart to do some special work for him, obey it even if it doesn't make sense! And when you get to that destination, you have been called by God.
One thing I know for sure in what each and every one of us has been called to do. God has created us to have a loving relationship with Him. You have been called by God to love Him with all your heart, mind, and soul. Whether you're a Christian or not, God fearfully and wonderfully made you (Psalm 139:14) and he wants you to talk to Him, walk alongside him, and to love him with everything you have! Life is full of storms. If you truly know God in your heart and believe in Christ as Lord and Savior, you will continue to put your faith and hope in Him no matter what! My prayer is that if you don't know the Lord as your personal Savior, you will choose to do that right now. Or if you have a personal relationship with Christ, that you will continue to remain in Him and go through a life-pruning process and bear plentiful fruit. The reason for all of this is that apart from God we cannot do anything. God is what holds us together.
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for the powerful message of John 15 and the importance of remaining in the vine. I pray for those lost souls in the world, hearing or deaf, to come to know you. I also pray for those who are struggling to continue to put their hope and faith in you alone. Thank you for your wonderful and abounding love. I cannot thank you enough. I give you all the glory and praise, Amen!
I had the most amazing time earlier this week with a group of Deaf Teen Quest (DTQ) leaders at a spiritual retreat in Tennessee. Upon my arrival, I looked around nervously and wondered what to expect in the next few days. I did notice the peace and quiet; the views were absolutely gorgeous! There's a main cabin that has a long deck with rocking chairs to over look the mountains miles and miles away. Looking straight ahead, someone tells me that on the other side is North Carolina. "Wow!" I thought. God is so amazing! Really, is there a God that created all of this just for me? I mean, WOW! It was absolutely breathtaking. If you think about it, God has brought each and every one of us here for a reason and none of us is a mistake. I find this very clearly in Ephesians 1:4, which says, "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight." You may be wondering right now or have wondered why on earth you're here? No matter what happens in your life or where life takes you, know this...God created you the way he wanted and he desires one thing from you.
A loving and intimate relationship with Him. That is what God desires from you. The staple message throughout the retreat was John 15, which talks about the vine and the branches and the importance of remaining in Him. I have read this chapter several times and I can say that it hits the spot in my heart every time. Especially this time, I've lost focus on how important it is to remain in Christ. There have been so many situations and circumstances that I've faced this year which led to discouragement. No matter what, I've held close to God. That's what God wants from me...to remain in Him.
As I look back in my life, I realize that I've been through a lot to get to where I am today. Quite honestly, I still wonder at times where the heck I'm going? Earlier in my life, I wanted to be a professional golfer. God closed the door on that one. After college graduation, I worked several part time jobs not really knowing what I want to do or what God has called me to do. Somehow along the way, I ended up in Master's Commission, a full time discipleship program. I went through that for two years of my life. I returned back home, not knowing what's next in my life. Within 3 months, I moved to a new city and landed upon a new job and a new ministry. This has been a challenging year and I did wonder from time to time if I've made a right choice.
On the third day of my retreat, I was sitting outside observing nature and praying. I spent some time reading a devotional and the Bible. I wrote in my journal and expressed my feelings about all the things I've listed above. Immediately, I heard a silent voice in my heart from God saying, "Be still and know that I'm God." I knew what that meant. For me, it means that I'm heading the right direction and that I needed to stop trying to do thing in my own power and control. God was saying that he knows what he is doing and I just needed to stop trying so hard to figure things out. I know that I'm called doing what I do. For a long time I've struggled with the word, called. The day before, someone said that you're not called until you get there. Somehow that made sense to me. I'm here right now. I'm in the deaf ministry that I know God has been stirring in my heart to be a part of it. Yes, there are days when I don't think I can do the "job," but God didn't place me here because it was going to be easy. Being a follower of Christ means fighting for life and continue sweating it all out in love. You may be wondering right now what God has called you to do. Just know this, if God has been stirring your heart to do some special work for him, obey it even if it doesn't make sense! And when you get to that destination, you have been called by God.
One thing I know for sure in what each and every one of us has been called to do. God has created us to have a loving relationship with Him. You have been called by God to love Him with all your heart, mind, and soul. Whether you're a Christian or not, God fearfully and wonderfully made you (Psalm 139:14) and he wants you to talk to Him, walk alongside him, and to love him with everything you have! Life is full of storms. If you truly know God in your heart and believe in Christ as Lord and Savior, you will continue to put your faith and hope in Him no matter what! My prayer is that if you don't know the Lord as your personal Savior, you will choose to do that right now. Or if you have a personal relationship with Christ, that you will continue to remain in Him and go through a life-pruning process and bear plentiful fruit. The reason for all of this is that apart from God we cannot do anything. God is what holds us together.
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for the powerful message of John 15 and the importance of remaining in the vine. I pray for those lost souls in the world, hearing or deaf, to come to know you. I also pray for those who are struggling to continue to put their hope and faith in you alone. Thank you for your wonderful and abounding love. I cannot thank you enough. I give you all the glory and praise, Amen!
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