Worship - Youth Group

Sunday's worship was led by the Youth Group and the new Youth Pastor preached.  Since they're usually in a separate worship, it was nice to see them in the main service.

One of the songs we sang was "Come Thou Fount".   The chorus was particularly applicable to me that day, for it reflected what I was feeling:
"O to grace how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to Thee
Prone to wander Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love
Here's my heart Lord, take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above"

The start of the second verse of the hymn caught my attention:  "Here I raise my Ebenezer; Hither by Thy help I come"; for I was wondering what that meant.   From looking it up, it comes from 1 Samuel 7:12 "Samuel then took a large stone and placed it between the towns of Mizpah and Jeshanah.  He named it Ebenezer (which means “the stone of help”), for he said, “Up to this point the Lord has helped us!"

 The sermon was a reminder that while we may fail, we should deal with our problems and turn back to God, like David did.  In facing our challenges, we are to boast in the Lord, not in our own power.  And, we have faith rooted in the knowledge that God will carry us through, because He has done so in the past.  We have victory in the way God created us and we just need to keep Him in the right perspective.  It's reassuring that God uses unlikely people in impossible situations, so that He would be glorified.

I recommit myself to be Holy as He is Holy; and I was encouraged by the reminder from my life verse to lay aside the encumbrance which so easily entangles,run with endurance, and fix my eyes on Jesus.

Cooking Tilapia

One of the challenges of cooking frozen fish is to try to make it not taste "fishy".

Whenever, I pan-fry it, the "fishy" taste still remains.  This time I used butter and Italian bread crumbs.   The breading is definitely better when egg is used; but still, I'm sure it would not have gotten rid of the "fishy" taste.

The fish hot pot does a better job of masking the "fishy" taste.  It may be the green onion and ginger that helps with that.  I layered bok choy, tofu pan fried in sesame oil and soy sauce, and pan fried tilapia pieces, and carrots; and simmered in a clay pot.  It turned out okay; but, some improvements would be to add the bok choy later so it doesn't get overcooked and to use a broth so that there'd be more flavor.  It also would be better to use less liquid, so that it's more like a dish rather than a soup.

Overall, it is clear, though, that fresh fish is much preferred.

Acts 7, Part 1

In Stephen's response, as he is questioned by the Sanhedrin regarding accusations of blasphemy, he shows why his accusers "could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke."  (Acts 6:10)   His knowledge of Israel's history and of Scripture support his declaration of faith as he recounts God's interactions in the life of Israel.

He affirms the fullness of God in all His manifestations through his reference to the "God of glory", as his own face reflects that very glory "like the face of an angel". 

In retelling the stories of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, the twelve patriarchs, Joseph, and Moses; he emphasized God's promises, prophecy,and covenant and showed how Israel rejected those, like Joseph and Moses, who later became their deliverers.

This first part is "To Be Continued....." in the rest of the chapter, when Stephen draws his historical recounting to a close and makes his point.

What a great example to us to ensure that we know Scripture and the truth, and always be able and ready to give an account of it.

Inner Worth

A beautifully cut diamond placed in a setting that displays its attributes effectively will naturally garner attention and admiration.  That is an illustration of what can be observed in our culture with its regard for outward beauty.  Carrying that analogy further, just as a diamond in the rough can be overlooked and disregarded despite its intrinsic worth; inner worth and beauty often goes unnoticed and doesn't seem to be valued as much.

If it were a true diamond in the beautiful setting, then maybe it makes sense that it is admired more; however, with our society's emphasis on outer beauty, the analogy would be that often more worth might be placed even on a "cubic zirconia", as long as it is displayed beautifully.  Only the rare person who does not care about the beautiful setting but places more worth on the intrinsic value will seek the "diamond in the rough" and deserve to have it.  And, the true beauty of a diamond is best revealed when it is reflecting and refracting the light, displaying the beauty of the Creator.

Encouragement

"Do not get discouraged--it may be the last key on the ring that opens the door."

This was the quote on today's page of the "Streams in the Desert" journal; and it provided the encouragement that I needed.  It is a reminder not to give up.  Even though I've already tried many "keys" and the "door" still hasn't opened; there may yet still be a key that does.

Pesky Botherances

Like a pebble in a shoe or a fly buzzing around, there are pesky botherances in life that can sometimes intrude upon our balance of well-being.  Responsibilities, Demands, Issues, and To-Do Lists can all just creep up and keep tapping on our shoulders until they get addressed.  Even when we have other areas we need to focus on, these just continue to hover in the back of our minds; and create a disturbance in any peace or contentment we may have.  May the LORD guide me in all areas and grant me the wisdom to address these effectively.

A friend shared a verse with me yesterday that was applicable to our COA service; and is actually a good reminder to just focus on Christ and do our best in living for Him, trusting everything will just work out:
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds."  (Titus 2:11-14)

Community Group Series 3

"Don't fail to do something just because you can't do everything." (Bob Pierce)

The third lesson in this series was one of the harder ones to watch and discuss, since it presented the problem and what's wrong with the picture, particularly extreme poverty (the kind that kills but is preventable).   It was clear in our discussions, that dealing with extreme poverty was a difficult challenge, but we each just need to do what God expects of us individually; and not do nothing just because it seems like too big a problem to resolve.

In the book, it said that, based on statistics and known resources, it is actually possible to wipe out extreme poverty, even if not all poverty.  Our time in history gives us the advantage of awareness, access, and ability to deal with it.   One of the greatest challenges facing us is this growing disparity between the rich and poor.  This disparity raises a moral and practical dilemna, because if all were poor, nobody would be in a position to help; and if all were rich, there would not be a problem; but, because there is this growing gap, the question arises over why the rich doesn't do something since they have the ability to do so.

Thus, the challenge to give.  We are reminded that "It has been said that you can give without loving, but you can't love without giving."   The 2 Corinthians 8:1-8 passage where Paul challenged the Corinthian church to give, using the example of generosity of the Macedonians who gave out of their poverty even beyond their ability because "they gave themselves first of all to the Lord."  Giving shows our love and recognition that we have received the grace of God.  And Christ is the ultimate example, for in vs 9, it said "though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor."   This is clearly illustrated in the Philippians 2:5-11 passage, where Christ "emptied Himself, taking the form of a bondservant, and being made in the likeness of men."

A suggested application of this lesson was to consider the opportunities we have had in our lives and to "pay it forward".  As an example, because we have clean water to drink, and way to "pay it forward" might be to contribute towards building a well in a developing country to provide water to others.

Acts 6

These Acts chapters on Stephen and later Philip bridge the transition of Church ministry from Peter to Paul.  While Peter mainly reached the Jews in Jerusalem and Paul the Gentiles at the "ends of the earth", Stephen and Philip started reaching Hellenistic Jews and those in Judea and Samaria.

As we are introduced to Stephen in Acts 6, we learn that he was a man "known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom", was "full of faith and of the Holy Spirit", was "full of God's grace and power, [and] performed great wonders and signs among the people".   This shows that caring for the widows was considered an important role, for the Seven were carefully chosen and ordained (by God thru prayer, and by the apostles by the laying on of hands).  The Greek root in the word "deacon" is used in this passage, both in the word for the practical ministry of serving tables as well as for the spiritual ministry of teaching the word.

Also, we see that when Satan's attacks of outside persecution and internal sin did not work, Satan tried creating dissension between Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews within the church based on cultural influences.  And once again, the unity in the church, guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the apostles' leadership thwarted Satan's attack. 

There are several things about organization and leadership in the church that can be learned from this passage.  For one, it clearly shows that there is priority placed on prayer and teaching of the word for the apostles.  And by appointing the Seven, it shows me that teachers are not expected to "do it all".   Delegation of tasks is Biblical.  Furthermore, the emphasis in choosing leaders within the church with character and evidence of the Holy Spirit, shows me that those characteristics are more important than things like practical ability.   In discussions related to selection committee, it was said that as long as the leader chosen had the spiritual foundation, they would be able to serve effectively, and if practical ability is needed, they could always pull in other people to help, who have those skills.

Also, in this passage, we see that in the face of opposition and even false accusations and trial, Stephen is able to have peace and reflect the presence of the Holy Spirit in his life.

Busy

I can relate to the picture - it's been so busy since the beginning of the year; and this weekend in particular was filled with constant activity.  Fortunately, though, most of the "busy-ness" are "good types of busy". 

Friday was the Christian Outreach in Action (COA) volunteer appreciation dessert.   It was nice, and they had plenty of desserts throughout the kitchen and dining room; with drinks outside in a really beautiful patio area.  The home of the board president, where it was held, had a nice layout that allowed good flow of traffic throughout the various rooms.  Little pen gifts and raffled baskets of cupcakes rounded off the event.

Saturday, after the RTB lecture was a 50th Birthday Party for one of the members of my Sunday class.  It was nice to spend time with people outside of class; and to meet the family members of the guest of honor.  They had a buffet of some good food; and the signs they put up around the room with quotes related to aging were humorous.

Sunday, after church, was a lunch get-together with some of my Community group members.   We had good food and conversation, and ended with prayer.

In the midst of all these, I was running around trying to get a hostess gift for the lunch party; and also trying to organize a send-off get-together from a missionary to Mexico from my class.  We collected contributions for a monetary gift for her; and it truly was a display of the generosity of the people in class.

All these activities can help me to develop in the areas of social interaction and communication; and give ideas for hosting get-togethers as well.   At the same time, these can enable developing deeper friendships and relationships.

Being Faithful in Keeping Christ First

My Pastor concluded his "Christ First" series from Colossians.  The key verses for his series were:

• "And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy" (Colossians1:18)

• "To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."(Colossians 1:27)

In the sermon, he gave interesting nicknames for those listed in 4:7-18 (with some good related tips):  Tychichus - Quick Study Intern (find mentors), Onesimus - Redeemed Runaway (find place to serve), Aristarchus - Second Fiddle (put aside pride), Mark - Recovered Quitter (take advantage of second chances), Justus - Motivated Misfit (be willing to change as needed for the cause of Christ), Epaphras - Entrepreneur (take difficulties and turn them around as opportunities for God), Luke - Loyal Luke (be able to be counted on), Demas - Costly Casualty (don't get lost in the world), Nympha - Hospitable Hostess (use whatever gifts you have), Archippus - Impulsive Minister (serving faithfully with background like being privileged son of Philemon), and Paul - Wounded Winner  (faithfulness even in chains).

And he concluded with what FAITHFULNESS to Jesus Christ means:

• Giving when you feel like keeping
• Praying for others when you need prayer
• Getting up when you have stumbled badly
• Courage to stay when others run away
• Suffering patiently when you can't understand why
• Working when you can't see immediate results
• Finishing when pleasures beckon you to leave your post
• Remaining warm-hearted to others when the world is cold to you
• Looking for opportunities when life stinks

His final closing verse was:
"This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful."  (1 Corinthians 4:1-2)

This sermon, being on faithfulnes, is close to my heart and is in keeping with my life verse.

"Making the Case for I.D."

At an RTB meeting over the weekend, Dr Fuz Rana lectured on making a case for Intelligent Design, based on his new book "Creating Life in the Lab" (geared towards, as he said, "apologetics junkies and nerds" ;-) ).

The Three Pillar approach he presented included:

• Probabilities - like the example that there has not been enough time in history to be able to evolve the 1.4 x 10^70 existing genetic codes.  While probabilities provide essentially a negative argument, in that it likely is, because probability shows it can't have happened by chance; it is used in direct response to the naturalistic evolution argument that things that appear to be designed are evolved, and can be a good argument.
• Analogies - with similarities to other codes that have an intelligent agent, by analogy, so must genetic code.  While analalogies like the Watchmaker example were challenged by people like Hume for comparing dissimilar systems, when there are numerous identical properties, examples, and multiple similarities; analogies can be an effective positive argument and is the most common way to reason, often used in science and law.  Interestingly, Simon Conway Morris has said that genetic code in nature displays eerie perfection and startling evidence of optimization.
• Empirical - this is becoming more common, with the rise of synthetic biology (e.g. post-translation modifications to proteins to re-engineer for other useful purposes) and is the argument introduced in his book.  Essentially, since it takes a lot of intelligent effort to create a crude mimic of life in a lab (i.e. knowledge, clever strategy, expert execution, etc); Life really must be have an Intelligent Designer.

 There were, of course, details of the lecture that flew over my head; but, at least I was able to learn a term that if I could repeat, would be quite impressive - "chloramphenical  acetyltransferase"   ;-)

Rock

"From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock [that] is higher than I."  (Psalm 61:2)

At times like these when I feel somewhat overwhelmed, it helps to just focus on God, my Rock.  This Psalm 61:2 verse is so appropriate, for the "end of the earth" indicates the limit or boundary that's far from what I am accustomed to; "overwhelmed" is to feel covered or enveloped by darkness or calamity; and the "rock" is a place of refuge.

It is a reassuring reminder that God, my Rock, is higher than all that is here on Earth.  He is Sovereign and Almighty.   So, I trust that He will be my strength through all that is weighing me down, all that is stretching me in so many different directions, and all that is keeping me busy.  He is my strong foundation, and I know that I can lean on Him.

More on Leadership

I came across on interview of Condoleezza Rice on Leadership, in which she made some really clear points on what makes a good leader:

• VISION, one that is not to unreachable but on the other hand is high enough that it would inspire and motivate striving towards
• GROUNDING, centered in such a way that they are not easily tossed or swayed
• MENTORS, no one makes it all on their own

Also, as I've been reading the book on "Biblical Eldership" by Alexander Strauch, it gave me reassurance that leaders don't have to be multi-talented.  They just need to be able to find people to support them in areas in which they are not strong.  Responsibility can and should be shared and delegated.

Acts 5:17-42

"The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name."  (Acts 5:41)

Wow! To be able to rejoice after suffering, by having the perspective of being counted worthy to suffer for Christ. That's like considering it a privilege and honor.  It's amazing to be able to do that, in the midst of opposition, persecution, jail, trials, and flogging.

This passage illustrates a few points:

• We can still encounter opposition and challenges when we are doing God's Will.  The apostles were arrested and taken to trial more than once just for proclaiming the Gospel and doing God's work.  And, even when they were released by the angel, they were told to continue proclaiming.  This was affirmation from God.  So, even when we face roadblocks, it doesn't necessarily mean it's time to give up.
• Logical persuasive argument can be effective even in the face of fury.  The Sanhedrin was so furious that they wanted to put the apostles to death; but, Gamaliel was able to persuade them to let the apostles go.  Whether or not it was correct reasoning, it was logical and persuasive.  So, imagine how effective we can be when we are not only logical and persuasive, but can back it up with the TRUTH.

Encouragement through Prayer

What I've been learning about Prayer recently, actually applies to my area of focus on "Encouraging Others" this year.   I came to this realization as I was thinking about something my Assistant Pastor said during prayer with the Worship Team before service yesterday.  He encouraged us to not just say that would be praying for someone when we learn of a need; but, that we would pray right there and then with them directly.   That would fit right in with my theme verse, for it would be encouragement through words, should be edifying, would apply to the need, and would give grace.

I've never considered myself to be a Prayer Warrior, and I know that this is an area that I feel I need to work on improving.  But, what I can see is that the same reasons that hinder my ability to encourage (i.e. lack of communication skills) also hinder my ability to express myself in prayer well.   Being aware of that, I can work on developing; and just this morning, I could tell that it made a difference.

I've also been seeing through our Acts study, how the Early Church leaders were people of prayer, and that it is one of the essential elements of a church.  I can see how my pastors at church have made even more of an effort to incorporate prayer; and I can see the effect.  And, I can see that prayer is powerful and effective.  Just yesterday, a couple in my class shared the praise of seeing God at work in their son's life, which is an answer to prayer.

The verse that my Assistant Pastor encouraged us to think upon and share with others is:
"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us." (1 John 5:14)

More Cooking

I tried making a few new dishes this weekend; and there were a few learn-from-experience items to note; though, overall, they turned out fairly well:

• Fajitas - This was good; marinated the Flap Meat with taco seasoning and pan fried with onions, garlic, ginger, cilantro, and bell peppers.  Served with tortillas and cheese
• Tomato Beef Stew - It was more oily/greasy than usual, since I used the leftover Flap Meat instead.   The tomato gives it more of a soup flavor; and without the potatoes, it didn't taste as much like the typical.  The other ingredients worked fine together - carrots, ginger, cilantro, onion, paprika, chili pepper, and salt & pepper
• Breaded Chicken Cutlets - Simply just dipped the chicken cutlet pieces into egg and covered with bread crumbs; and then pan fried.   It was really good right out of the pan; but, some were not done, and so I put them in the oven to bake, not wanting it to brown too much through frying.  However, baking caused it to be less crispy.  So, it is better to pound into even thinner strips so that the chicken will be cooked by the time the outside is browned when pan frying; and forgo the baking.  One egg was plenty for two chicken breasts cut up
• Roasted Zucchini - It was fine the usual way, with just olive oil, salt, and pepper; but, I added lemon and that unfortunately brought out a little bitterness in the vegetable.  So, skip the lemon next time; and it would not be bad to mix Italian seasoning  spices with the olive oil

Community Group Series 2

Last night, we had our second session in this six lesson series.  It seemed to go really well, even better than the first.  As I think more about it, however, I am starting to be a little unsure as to why.   I know that the book left an extremely favorable impression on me, so much so, that I lent it to several others, and it led me to lead this Community Group series.  And many other people must have felt the same way, for it was the 2010 Christian Book of the Year.   Yet, what is puzzling me is that there really was no earth-shatteringly new information; and I have already been aware of the need for the WHOLE gospel.  So, why did it make such an impact on me?  Also, people in my Community Group are very giving and compassionate already, so why has this been such a good study so far?

I know that this gives us a lot of really good quotes and reminders.   And, of course, as believers, we cannot help but be affected when we are faced with the plight of the needy.  Maybe, it's because this not only touches the heart, but, backs it up with solid Scriptural teaching.   So, is it because our hearts, minds, and souls are all reached and affected?

Well, whatever the reasons, our group had really good discussions.  Yesterday's lesson personalized it.  It pointed out that just as we all have physical blind spots, we also have blind spots to needs around us that we just may not want to see.  And, of course the question "Are you willing to be open to God's will for your life?" is a challenge for us to evaluate whether there are things that we are clinging to and are afraid to give up.  The Matthew 25 passage pointed out that there should be outward evidence of our inner faith through compassion for the needy.  It was interesting that those who were condemned in judgment, were not condemned for not going to Bible Study or Prayer Meetings or Church, but for not being compassionate to those in need.   That shows how important this is to the heart of God and who we are in HIM; and illustrates James' assertion that faith without works is dead.  The final quote we covered was that from John MacArthur "The true gospel is a call to self-denial.  It is not a call to self-fulfillment."

Acts 4:32-5:16

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."  (1 Peter 5:8)

I wonder if Peter thought about the situation in the Early Church described in Acts, as he penned the verse above in his NT letter.   Satan tried to persecute the Church by arresting Peter and John and telling them to stop speaking in the name of Christ; but in spite of that, the Church continued to grow and was even filled with the Spirit.  And then, Satan tried to infiltrate the Church by filling Ananias' and Sapphira's hearts (Acts 5:3) to lie to the Holy Spirit and God.  But, God executed fatal judgment for allowing their hearts to be filled by Satan instead of the Holy Spirit; and the fear of God was instilled in the Church.  This purging of sin allowed the Church to continue to effectively minister through the Spirit.   In a way, Acts 4:32-36 and Acts 5:12-16 describing the Spirit-filled church are almost like bookends to the Acts 5:1-11 story of how God dealt with sin at this critical time at the beginning of the Early Church.

This passage is a reminder that the Enemy is actively trying to find ways to attack the Church, especially one that is Spirit-filled and effective for God.  But, it is also an encouragement that our God is indeed Sovereign and can overcome and will ultimately be victorious.