The End

"Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind."
--Ecclesiastes 12:13, NIV

John 6

This chapter begins with the miracle recorded in all four Gospels, the feeding of the 5,000.  In this passage, we see Jesus going up to the mountainside to spend time resting and for retreat and prayer; in the midst of the demands from ministry and the press of the multitudes.  Yet, because of His compassion for the people and desire to teach His disciples, He cuts short His rest in order to teach and feed the people.  This miracle demonstrates Christ's power of Creation, as He abundantly fed the people with only five loaves and two fish, with a leftover basket for each of the apostles.  What a clear object lesson of how God can do the impossible and provide above and beyond what we can imagine.  He is the Prophet who provides and also declares the Word of God.

Then, with the section on Walking on Water, Jesus demonstrates His power over creation (e.g. winds, gravity, time-space, etc).   And the Matthew 14 passage records the appropriate response, "Truly you are the Son of God"

Church

It was a full "Church" day yesterday to cap off a busy weekend.  After going to my own church in the morning, I went to visit a friend's church about an hour away in the evening.  It was a truly beautiful church with an amazing view both inside and out in the patio.  I was able to see the sunset and praise God for the beauty of His Creation.

I also found it interesting to visit another Church.   It's nice to see how other parts of the Church body worship; and because it was all so new to me, I was able to pay attention to the details.   It was interesting that they take offering by having baskets near the altar and having us walk up and give it.   They serve communion weekly, they had Bible verses on the screens during the instrumental bridge sections of the songs, and when they did Scripture reading, at the end, the congregation responded with "Thanks be to God".   I could tell, not surprisingly because of their location and reputation as a "celebrity church" that they were a more outgoing, feeling-oriented, media-savvy.   But, it was nice to see the balance in emphasis in Scripture and prayer.

The message was interesting, using the passage with the discussion between God and Abraham about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.   Starting with the burning bush passage, it was pointed out that the question Moses asked (why the bush burned but was not consumed) was never really answered, but instead, Moses was brought to "Holy Ground" in the presence of God.   Similarly, the questions we ask in our most difficult moments may never really get answered, but, in the bigger context may be what draws us into the presence of God.  Then, going back to the conversation between Abraham and God, we see that Abraham's initial outburst about God's justice and mercy was modified, when he remembered that though God treated him as a "friend" in conversation with him, yet he really was in the presence of God; and was reminded that God is Just and Merciful.   The message was light when touching on sin and the holiness of God, but, was applicational and relevant.

I'm glad I had a chance to visit with my friend, though she found that her Bible Study group was no longer meeting after the evening service; but has been moved following the afternoon service.   But, it was nice that we had a chance to go to dinner afterwards to talk and catch up and share prayer requests.   We found a vegan restaurant that was pretty good - I had a Pad See U with soy fish, with kale and broccoli as the vegetables.   Interesting, and nice to feel like we were eating healthy.

The previous evening, my family tried an all-you-can-eat Hot Pot place.   It was Vietnamese, so the soup base was spicy and some of the ingredients were not what we were used to; but, it was tasty and seemingly pretty healthy.  And the price was pretty good at $12.99 per person.  They also had a nice sweet chili sauce for dipping.

In conversations with a couple of friends, I am convinced that it is all God that I am able to continue to juggle work (even with the extra major project), church (class, AV, COA, small group), remodel (will need to deal with the rental soon also), family and friends, etc; and have not really dropped any balls.   I feel that being abld to handle all this and with a joyful attitude has got to be supernatural.    Even the little things are not being dropped on the wayside.  Last week, I washed my car; on Friday, I cleaned house, Saturday, I reviewed Bible Study, exercised, did grocery shopping, took care of some tenant-friend things, and was still able to spend time with family; and Sunday was pretty much church and fellowship all day.  I am thankful to God for enabling me.  Amen!

US FS Nationals

This weekend is the US Figure Skating National Championships.  I've always loved watching figure skating, for the blend of artistry and athleticism.   The result of hard work, talent, and commitment is motivating.

I like a quote from one of the ice dancers, that if our dreams don't scare us, then they aren't big enough.   What a reminder to dream big!

But, without skaters like those in the past such as Michelle Kwan and Davis & White, I don't really have any "favorites".  There also aren't any who would be considered established champions these days.  Even though there are several with potential and have stood on the podium, none have been consistently on the top.

So, far, I've been most impressed with Karen Chen, and I liked her choice of music "Requiem for a Dream".   Good for her that she made it on the podium her first time at seniors just as she set her goal to do.   I also really enjoyed hearing the Piano Guys music being used in a figure skating program.

25-Jan:  I've always like Adam Rippon, but up until now, he really hasn't fully lived up to his potential.  It was so great that he was able combine all his great abilities together to throw down an excellent program for these championships!  I'm glad he made it back on the podium.  I also really like Jason Brown's personality, contagious excitement, and his performance ability.  I do hope that he'll be able to add a quad soon.  They were both great to watch.

Boundless

An article I read in Boundless had some points of note in it regarding characteristics for our future spouse.   It said that we should look for:

• Help Mate instead of Soul Mate - that there is only one soul mate for us is a myth
• Fruit of the Spirit instead of Fruit of Life - there are those that may enjoy the fruit of life due to looks, charisma, etc; but, evidence of the fruits of of the Spirit in their lives is more important and lasting
• Mr Righteous instead of Mr Right - it is important to find a person who seeks to be righteous
• Compatibility instead of Crush - crushes come and go; shared compatibility, especially spiritual is more important
• Faithful Ending instead of Fairy Tale - true happily ever after comes with someone who is faithful and will draw you closer to Christ

In His Hands

There are some things that are weighing heavily or are unsettling, but I am grateful for some time off, time to spend with God, and ways I see Him at work.

For my focus this year on telling of the wondrous works of God.   I think I've been able to encourage another by sharing how God was helping me through similar "attacks from the Enemy".   And, I'm able to enable others telling of the wondrous works of God by changing my class schedule to allow for sharing about one of the ministries a couple in my class started.

I've been tasked to manage a highly visible project at work with a short timeline and major dependency on many other people.   I'm working at trusting God through the stress and pressure.

There have been some disappointments, and it has affected me emotionally.  I keep looking to God and to the Truth to help me through this.

One source of assurance actually comes from an older praise song I came across in one of my music books - "Lord, I'm in Your Hands":
Lord, I'm in Your hands,
Lord, I'm in Your heart.
In Your Thoughts,
In Your plans,
Never on my own.
Lord, I'm in Your hands,
Lord, I'm in Your heart.
In Your Thoughts,
In Your plans,
Never left alone.
And when the darkness closes in
and fear begins to rise,
help me to remember
You're always by my side.
Lord, I'm in Your hands,
Lord, I'm in Your heart.
In Your Thoughts,
In Your plans,
Never on my own.
And when the darkness closes in
and fear begins to rise,
help me to remember
You're always by my side.
Lord, I'm in Your hands


Amen.

John 5:16-47

This is actually quite a difficult passage to understand, and it is very theologically packed.   This is testimony of Who Jesus Is from Jesus Himself.  I also think that it would be impossible to explain this passage without the doctrine of the Trinity.   Jesus clearly and emphatically ("Truly, Truly") says that He is equal to God the Father, is of the same mind, purpose, and will of the Father, has the power to give life at will, is to be as honored as the Father is, and has been given the authority to JUDGE.  No mere man could make such claims; only God can.  And Jesus said that He is qualified to JUDGE because He is fully God and fully Man.   This passage also provides information about judgement - eternal life to those who hear and believe; and condemnation to death for those who do not, because their deeds are evil.

20-Jan:   In Jewish Law, two or three witnesses were needed to validate testimony.  So, Jesus pointed to five witnesses who have testified to the truth:   1) God (Father and Holy Spirit), 2) John the Baptist, 3) His Works of signs and wonders, 4) Scriptures, and 5) Moses.   Yet, the Jewish religious leaders would not believe the testimonies because they were not willing to, and they preferred the honor of man over the honor of God.