Power of Prayer

James concluded his Letter talking about patience and perseverance; and the power of prayer.  " The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." (James 5:16b)

This week, I was able to experience how God answers prayer.   I was not very hopeful about the expected outcome of the challenge that I've been facing at work.  But, my friend and I have been praying about it.  And, yesterday, I was asked to put together some presentation slides on my perspective of the project; so, it actually is now a possibility that a better informed decision may be able to be made.   Even if the outcome is not the preferred one,  I feel better knowing that decision was made with the information from both sides.

Also, I was able to have the "boundaries" conversation with the person I would classify as very "needy"; constantly requesting help for so many things and not taking "no" for an answer.  And for now, I've been able to set the boundary.  However, I realize that I have so much to learn and a long way to go to become an effective communicator, who is not only able to be firm but to also express love and care.  It's a difficult balance; and it was definitely a challenging conversation.   It took pretty much all of my emotional energy.   But, I do feel that God was at work; and that my prayers for wisdom were answered.   He also gave me reassurance that what I was doing was right, through confirmation from others and from seeing the reaction and thoughts of the person I was talking to.   I do see the wisdom in Scripture of how a grateful spirit can change our perspective.

State of the Union

President Obama gave his State of the Union address last night.  Some of this morning's headlines were "President Obama Hits the Reset Button", "Obama Takes Aim at 'Deficit of Trust'", "Obama Tries to Recapture Magic".....

He is still an good speaker, able to capture attention and include humor.   Yet, I've always agreed with the saying that "actions speak louder than words".   And apparently, there are others who agree with me; hence, the not so positive headlines, his dropping approval rating, and the Massachusetts Senate seat wake-up message delivered by the voters.  And while the First Family presents a beautiful picture of a nice family, yet, there are many things that President Obama has done politically that will hurt the American family in the long run.   So, I continue to pray for our president and for our government.   May God grant them wisdom to make wise decisions and to govern rightly.   May God bless America; and may we as a country return to truly being "one nation under God".

Line in the Sand

Drawing the "line in the sand" or setting boundaries can sometimes be hard.  I know that I've been struggling with wanting to help this particular person; but, everything in me said that it was time to set boundaries, even though I can't clearly pinpoint exactly why.  There are many things that led to this decision and I've been praying about it; so, I think I did the right thing; but, it definitely has not been an easy decision.  I place it into God's Hands, and may He reveal to me if I made the wrong decision.   I also pray that He may cause all things to work together for good.

I am grateful that God has provided concurrence from others that I have talked to.   I now just need to pray for wisdom in my speech as I communicate with this person, who has once again tried to push the boundaries.

Lessons Learned

We're only four weeks into the New Year, and I feel like much has happened; and that there have been many lessons learned.
I've been able to see how God answers prayers in ways I did not expect.
I've been learning to face challenges, conflicts, and heavy responsibilities.
I've been dealing with brokenness and seeing how that ties in with my theme this year.
I've been working through dealing with some pain as I had once again been pricked by my "thorn"

I do hope that through all this, I will become more and more the person He created me to be.  That I may walk closer with HIM and become more like HIM.

Yesterday's study in James 4 actually had some pretty important lessons to learn.   God gives grace to the humble, to those who submit to HIM and resist the devil; and the devil will actually flee from us when we do that.  When we feel that God is far away, we just need to draw near to HIM and He will draw near to us.  We are to come before HIM in holiness, fully cleansed and purified.  And we are to be truly grieved by sin.  Moreover, we are not to be arrogant enough to disobey God's law, for He is the one and only Lawgiver and Judge; and we are not to be foolish enough to make plans without including God in them.

As I've been watching the US Figure Skating National Championships, there were lessons to be learned there as well.  It was so clear that a strong foundation is essential to build upon.  Also, that there can be victory after failure.   And for goals that a person has worked hard, focused upon, and sacrificed for; the emotions that go with the highs are lows are so strong because the person has poured themselves into it.

I am grateful that for the past couple of weekends, I've had some "downtime" to find some renewal and rest.  I continue to pray for strength and guidance through all that comes up in my life.

After the Rain

The sun came out this weekend, and we had a little break from the storms.  With the rains came a lot of dirt and debris to clean up; but, we can look forward to the rainbow, to the growth of plants, and to the blooming of flowers.   After the Rain is similar to my theme of Beauty from Ashes.

There are more rains coming in the weather; but, also in my life.  However, I am able to be thankful in the midst of the challenges, because I know that my faith is being refined, that I am growing and learning, and that I am turning to the LORD.  I do hope that through all this, I may become a more caring, wiser, and stronger leader.   I pray that my faith may grow and my character made stronger; and that no matter what, I may be a reflection of HIM.

Thunderstorms

We've been hit by major thunderstorms all week; and the heavy rains have unfortunately caused some damages throughout the region.  There have been tornado warnings, flood warnings, evacuations, etc.   I personally am grateful for my home, the protection from the rains, and not having had to go out in the storms much.  And, in light of all that has been going on in Haiti, when kept in proper perspective, I do have much to be thankful for.

Yet, the storms have not just been in the weather.   At work, it's been quite a challenging week.   I am working with an organization that continually pushes us to do more and in a shortened timeframe, without taking into consideration our concerns about effort and resources; and not doing enough on their part to accommodate.  And, to add to that, I'm not getting very much support from my own organization either.   I just hope that through all this, I will learn and develop into a better leader; and that I will do what is right and be effective, despite the challenges.

Just as there are benefits also to having rain, I also see some good things happening in the midst of all these storms.   Last night, in my community group, one person whose son and daughter-in-law have been helping with the college group, asked if I would be willing to lead the Truth Project in the college group.  I think that is the one of the best target audiences for that series; so, I think it would be good.

Beauty Will Rise

I was listening to Steven Curtis Chapman's title song from his latest album, "Beauty Will Rise"; and it fits so well with my theme this year.  Just his being able to write such beautiful songs as those on this album after such a terrible tragedy is in itself an example of how God can cause beauty to rise from the ashes.  Here are the lyrics:

It was the day the world went wrong
I screamed til my voice was gone
And watched through the tears as everything
came crashing down
Slowly panic turns to pain
As we awake to what remains
and sift through the ashes that are left
behind

But buried deep beneath
All our broken dreams
we have this hope:

Out of these ashes... beauty will rise
and we will dance among the ruins
We will see Him with our own eyes
Out of these ashes... beauty will rise
For we know, joy is coming in the morning...
in the morning, beauty will rise

So take another breath for now,
and let the tears come washing down,
and if you can't believe I will believe
for you.

Cuz I have seen
the signs of spring!
Just watch and see:

Out of these ashes... beauty will rise
and we will dance among the ruins
We will see Him with our own eyes
Out of these ashes... beauty will rise
For we know, joy is coming in the morning...
in the morning...

I can hear it in the distance
and it's not too far away.
It's the music and the laughter
of a wedding and a feast.
I can almost feel the hand of God
reaching for my face
to wipe the tears away, and say,
"It's time to make everything new."

"Make it all new"

This is our hope.
This is the promise.
This is our hope.
This is the promise.
That it would take our breath away
to see the beauty that's been made
out of the ashes...
out of the ashes...
That it would take our breath away
to see the beauty that's been made
out of the ashes...
out of the ashes...

Out of these ashes... beauty will rise
and we will dance among the ruins
We will see Him with our own eyes
Out of this darkness... new life will shine
and we'll know the joy is coming in the morning...
in the morning...beauty will rise!

Oh, Beauty will rise
Oh, Beauty will rise
Oh, oh, oh, Beauty will rise
Oh, oh, oh, Beauty will rise
Oh, oh, oh, Beauty will rise

Prayer

I bow before the Lord my God in silence.   There are no words.  In the quietness, I feel the comfort of His surrounding presence and the strength of His arms holding me.  His Grace is amazing.  My burdens I lay at His feet and my pain I place on the altar.  In gratefulness I wonder at His gracious blessings.   I trust Him, even when there are things I don't understand.  My God is Good and He loves me.  He died to save me from my sins.   He rose from the dead to give me new life.  He went to prepare a place for me.  And He will be coming back.  Amen.

Colossians

I've completed the outline for my next class Bible Study series.   It'll be in the Book of Colossians.   In recent months, we've studied epistles from Peter, James, and soon Paul.  It'll be interesting to see the different styles, though all of them addressed trials and challenges for Believers.

Overall, the title of the series will be titled "Being In Christ".   And, through the study of each chapter, we will see that Being in Christ is to be: 

1. His Body
2. Alive with HIM
3. His servants
4. Devoted to Prayer

My prayer is that the Spirit will guide us through the study of HIS Word and show us how we can more effectively be the Body of Christ where He is head, living for HIM, serving Him, and devoted to prayer.  Amen.

Motivation

I've always loved watching Figure Skating; and this, being an Olympic year, I've been following the US Figure Skating Championships with enthusiasm.  It always provides motivation for me as I watch the artistry and technical abilities of the top skaters come together, built on the foundation of hard work and discipline. 

Yesterday was no exception.   I watched as Jeremy Abott, Evan Lysacek, and Johnny Weir skated their way to the men's US Olympic team for Vancouver next month.  So much emotion was displayed, built up from their determination, the pressure, etc.

It made me stop and think about what I wanted to work that hard for.  What is truly worth all that dedication and sacrifice?   The clear answer to me is:  eternal rewards.   Those will last forever, and those are worth pursuing.  I pray that this year, as I pray and study, I may be able to set clear goals that are part of God's Plan.

Speech

In our study this week in James 3, it clearly shows how truly powerful our speech is, especially with the tongue's potential for destruction through false teaching or in spreading like a fire.  We often don't think about the magnitude of the evil which can result from the words we say; yet all of us are guilty of stumbling in this area.  What comes out of our mouth is a reflection of what's in our heart, and it is important that our speech reflect our new nature in Christ.   As James indicates, it could bring "disorder and every evil practice" when using worldly wisdom, or it could result in righteous fruit if we exercise godly wisdom in this area.

With my tongue, I can praise God; and I can offer up prayers for others.   Today, I would offer up prayers for those suffering in the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti; and I especially pray for the relief efforts there.  I pray for wisdom for the leaders and for the effective use of the aid sent there.  I also offer prayer for the safe travels and blessings for my family on their MLK holiday weekend trip.  I also praise God for my friendship and the time of fellowship and sharing with my friend who stayed with me.  I pray for her safe return back to school and for God's strength and guidance as school starts again.  And I do have a praise that it looks like my mom's health has gotten better now that we've gotten rid of the mold after remolding the room with the water damage.  I hope that was it.

My Thorn

So, here I am once again contemplating my thorn.   I have truly placed it on the altar and given it as a burnt offering to the LORD.   Yet, I've learned that it does not mean that my thorn will no longer cause me pain; nor that it has been taken away.   It just means that I've given it to the LORD, and trust that He will or will not take it away, according to His Will and Plan for my life.  I submit to that, am content in my situation, and have even learned to rejoice in my circumstance.

However, I do admit that sometimes I feel sad and want the thorn to be taken away.  But, I praise God that His grace is truly sufficient for me.   While I entrust my life to HIM, and have given HIM my thorn, I also know that it is possible that He may one day decide to take it away.  So, I just try to be ready and prepared for whatever comes my way - watching and waiting.

In accepting the possibility that my thorn may stay with me the rest of my life, I have moved forward with my house "projects"; and I do feel that my home is becoming more and more, a place of peace and rest.

Yet, I still ponder and wonder, and know that beauty can rise from the ashes of the burnt offering.  There is one person who has caused me to think more upon this.   My initial impression is that while I have respect for this person's abilities and role in my church, what James talks about in the Bible as evidence of faith, is not so clearly visible at the level I seek.  Still, it may just be that I don't know well enough yet or that God is still at work.  And week by week, little by little, I've been drawn in more and more, by little actions here and there.  I've been praying for God's wisdom and perspective, and I trust that God knows what is best for me.  May His Will be done.

Princess and the Frog

Last night, my friend and I went to watch Disney's Princess and the Frog.  In typical Disney style, it was a sweetly romantic story with both touching and funny moments.  And, similar to previous fairy tales, this one once again evokes hopes of happily ever after when the prince and princess find true love.   I also really liked the depiction of Tiana's strong family background and the evidence of her parents' love, which helped her through challenging times.  Someday, our princes may come.....

It really has been nice fellowshipping and sharing with my friend who is staying with me.  We share about what God is doing in our lives; and we catch up with what's being going on and what God's been teaching us.  God is good, and I am truly grateful for precious friendships that are uplifting.

Proverbs 16:9

I was watching a video journal entry on John Waller's website where he quoted Proverbs 16:9: "In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps."

My prayer is the same as his, which is essentially what Proverbs 16 is saying, that ultimately, I want my steps to be determined by God.  I want my plans to be HIS plans.  I want to walk where he guides me.   I want to live my life for HIM!

Full Cup

There have been several times this past week that I've felt like a cup filled to the rim, and that if any new responsibilities or issues were added, it would just all overflow.  But, I thank God, that at times like that, I can gain comfort that He is with me and can help me handle all that comes my way.  I also thank God that in the midst of all that, I was still able to see Him at work as well.

One amazing answer to prayer was at my aunt's memorial service and funeral.  While I had expected a Buddhist service, I was amazed to walk into the funeral home chapel to hear hymns playing in the background.  My relatives chose a funeral home that assigned a pastor to speak at the service, and he presented a clear gospel message with many references to Scripture.   He addressed the things that were important to the Chinese culture (e.g. education, wealth, success); yet emphasized that all of that passes away; and that what's truly important is what lasts for eternity, which is what is found in Christ.   I pray that seeds were sown; and the strong message takes root in those who needed to hear.

I'm also grateful that all went smoothly when running the projector for service.  I'm also grateful that we had a good study in James 2 in my class.   There were some challenges with the faith without works is dead and faith is made complete by works discussions; but, I trust that the Spirit will made the truth clear.  I'm also humbled by the servant's hearts of those in my class.   One member responded to the request to help with another member with moving and packing boxes for storage.  And, on Sunday, I'm grateful that we had a good time of fellowship in our class potluck at my home.

God is good.   While my cup sometimes seems "too full" with responsibilities and challenges; I am grateful that it's also full with blessings. 

Colossians 3:1-2

In the sermon on Sunday, our Asst Pastor referenced Colossians 3:1-2:
"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."   And one thing that he said stood out:  "The only way to keep seeking heaven is to keep thinking heaven."

This is a message that I think God has been making me aware of fairly often recently.  It is so important to keep our minds on things above.  It goes along with the Philippians 4:8 passage on thinking about things that are pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.   I do want to make sure that I do this, so that my life can be pure and holy; and pleasing to the LORD.  Amen.

New Years 2010

The New Year has arrived, and we've started a new decade.

Knott's was fun.   The Snoopy on Ice show was good; and I was impressed that the true meaning of Christmas was displayed with the quoting Scripture on the Nativity story and skating to Christmas Hymns.  I'm also glad I had a chance to hear the "new" Newsboys.  But, they seem to be a different band now that Michael Tait, formerly of DC Talk, has replaced Peter Furler as the frontman and lead singer.  They seem to have a different sound and a different dynamic.

Most of the New Years' weekend was spent working on my mom's room.   It's close to completion now.

Yesterday, my Sunday class started again.   We had a good study in James 1.  But, it was the prayer time that was really poignant.   There are so many needs; and several people shared things that were really deep on their hearts.  I do pray for wisdom to know how to respond to needs, how to be the Body of Christ.