Luke 13

The Jews had a viewpoint that many today might often hold to as well - that good things happened to good people (like them, the Chosen); and bad things happened to bad or sinful people.  But, Jesus pointed them to the truth that all men are sinners and need to repent or will perish.  The parable He told clearly showed that those who do not bear fruit will be "cut down".  Repentance is a fruit, along with the fruits of the Spirit, harvesting when seeds are sown, etc.

 When Jesus healed a woman who was crippled for eighteen years, she praised God; but, the synagogue leader was indignant that He healed on the Sabbath.  It is important to not let legalism or self-righteousness get in the way of seeing God at work.    Jesus showed His compassion for the people, that when He seemed to have their attention after the miracle, He went back to His purpose of proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God.   The parables He told showed the kingdom as starting as a small seed and growing large; and also as yeast permeating the whole dough.   Jesus used what is sometimes negative references (e.g. yeast) in a positive way.

Jesus also encouraged them to "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, ...will try to enter and will not be able to".  Even when He heard that Herod was trying to kill Him, He continued doing His Work and pressing on toward Jerusalem, the Cross.   He lamented for Jerusalem; but, offered hope for when He Returns.

Memorial Day Weekend '13

As I was praying, in gratitude, for those who have given their lives for our freedoms and for their loved ones; I was reminded that Christ is One who gave His life for my freedom from the slavery to sin.   I am truly grateful.

While it is good to have a day set apart to remember our fallen veterans; it is also really nice to have an extra day off from work.  It was quite a productive weekend too.   Took care of many things that I don't usually have the time or energy to face; and even had some time for fun on Sunday after church.  Went to the Strawberry Festival, although it was more of a carnival/swap meet.  Unfortunately, there weren't a lot of foods made with strawberry.   I likely would not be going to it again.  Even the normal Main Street was more "interesting".   Afterwards, went for Sushi - haven't had such good sushi for awhile; so, I really enjoyed it.  It was also my last meal before starting my fasting, so that was good.

Church was also good.   The College Young Adult Pastor preached, encouraging us to truly live out our faith by denying ourselves daily and taking up our cross.  There shouldn't be any "comfortable Christians".   Rather than being like the team that is just maintaining the early lead, doing the minimum to win; we should be a team that works at extending that lead even further.  And to effectively make disciples, we need to be disciples ourselves first.

For Sunday Class, I wasn't sure how many would show up, since I knew there were some on vacation for the Holiday weekend.   However, it turned out that we had a full class; including some new visitors.  So, it was good that we met.  I trust that God was able to use the truth from His Word to touch those who were in class.

Weekend Thoughts

It was a blessing to be at church on Sunday.   I am grateful for my Pastor and Worship Leader.   During worship, as the leader talked about making sure that we "taste" rather just do a quick fast-food drive-thru, it reminded me of Psalm 34:8a "Taste and see that the LORD is good..."  The Pastor also led us in prayer directly from Psalm 25:4-5:  "Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long."

My Sunday School class is also growing.   It may even be bigger than I am comfortable with; but, I trust God that He will grant me wisdom to handle the growth effectively.  This class is definitely an example of God working above and beyond what I ever imagined.

I actually had a somewhat "enforced" time of rest this weekend.   The city did repaved the sidewalk in front of my house and blocked off my driveway so that my car could not get out.   I do feel a little more rested than usual, so that was somewhat nice.   Maybe it was because God knew how burnt out I've been lately, and decided that I needed the rest.

 

STR 20th Anniversary

One of the things that stood out the most for me at the STR, Stand to Reason, 20th Anniversary conference was the reminder of the organization's mission & values:  to equip Christian Ambassadors with KNOWLEDGE, WISDOM, and CHARACTER. As Craig Hazen said in his introductory message, there are many examples in Scripture where it emphasizes God's desire for us to KNOW.  This was also the first time I heard Sean McDowell speak, and he was very impressive.   How wonderful that Josh McDowell has passed on his love of apologetics to his son.  Sean pointed out that a person may have knowledge and wisdom, but Character is needed to truly be an ambassador.  We are not just in a post-Christian culture but an anti-Christian one; and we need to "do apologetics" with LOVE.  In talking to skeptics, one of the best ways to reach them is to LISTEN and to stop making "atheist jokes". Then Mary Jo Sharp reminded us that the TRUTH does need to be told, because it is Objective, not Subjective.  Some of the main challenges to Apologetics that she has seen are:  1) poor reasoning skills (e.g. attacking character rather than having a good argument w/reasoning and logic; asking questions rather than having an actual argument; or not defending their views and just attacking instead); 2) apathy toward historical truth (e.g many construct their own view of Christianity), 3) unreasonable requirement for evidence (e.g. asking for "irrefutable proof", which is like asking for a galaxy in the lab before believing one exists); and 4) difficult questions, which need to be addressed with love and respect.

During the STR Teaching Staff Forum, they talked about:

• The Openness of the Church to Apologetics - it's mixed, and often they need to make a case for it
• "Loss" of Young People in the Church - yes, mainly they leave during college or even younger because of intellectual skepticism.  About 30% come back, but mainly to raise their kids in church, but unfortunately not necessarily b/c they have found answers.  The encouragement was to teach youth with the mindset that you never want them to leave the church in the first place; and we want to not just teach but also to TRAIN
• The "Feminization" of the Church - yes, generally women gravitate toward spiritual things more than men; but, Apologetics has traditionally drawn more men in the audience than women, though that is changing also
• Bad Arguments - one that often comes up is the assertion of the requirement that a person cannot know unless they see; but, that is in reality not the case  (one example given is in police work, where a case wouldn't be "cold" if there was direct visual evidence; yet, they can still often be solved without it)
• Conference Topics - "Compromise is not an option", "One person standing can make a difference"

Luke 12

Even though there were still crowds gathered around Him, Jesus focused on teaching His disciples; because the time for the cross was drawing near.  The first warning against hypocrisy included a reminder that ultimately the truth will be revealed.   Jesus was also preparing his disciples to be encouraged to fear God only and not be afraid even when persecuted.    He did talk about the "unforgiveable sin", blaspheming against the Holy Spirit, which is the sin of unbelief, rejecting the truth that the Holy Spirit reveals and testifies to, the same Holy Spirit Who "will teach you at that time [of persecution] what you should say" in order to provide a defense (i.e. apologia).  Jesus also gave them a warning against greed, teaching through a parable that "life does not consist in an abundance of possessions" and that "whoever stores up things for themselves...is not rich toward God."  Essentially, the two warnings involve the spiritual and the material, not to let anything in either realm hinder us from the true treasures of the Kingdom of God through salvation.

Continuing with that message, Jesus again focused on teaching His disciples, encouraging them not to worry, for life was more than food and clothing; and that they are worth more than the birds that God provides food for; and the wild flowers that are clothed in splendor by God.  Worry does not help or change anything and it displays a lack of faith that God will provide.  In addition to not worrying, He also encouraged them to seek God's Kingdom and store up their treasures in heaven where neither thief can come near nor moth destroy. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Through a parable, Jesus also taught that it was important to be wise and faithful stewards, ready for the Master's return, which can come at any time.   He also makes a remarkable statement that the Master will in turn minister to those who have served faithfully.  In contrast, the wicked servant who does not follow the will of the Master and is not ready for His return, will be punished.  "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked."

Towards the end of the chapter, Jesus says some things that at first glance may be quite surprising.  One was that He said He did not come to bring peace on earth.   He's the Prince of Peace, and many Scriptures associate Him with peace.   So, looking more carefully at what Jesus is saying, He came to bring peace with God by dying on the cross for our sins and reconciling us with God.  All other peace comes after that... inner peace through Him, and world peace when He establishes His Kingdom.  But, until then, the gospel message can divide, when it is received versus rejected.     The other somewhat surprising thing He said was that he was distressed or under constraint.   But, then, He was fully Man as well as fully God; and He did know the unimaginable suffering the Cross would entail, and the incredible burden of taking the sins of the world and dying for that.

In light of that, it makes sense for us to seek reconciliation before we face the Judgment, in which we undoubtedly be condemned for we are guilty of sin.

Selection Committee '13

Serving on the Selection Committee continues to stretch me, and it has been a privilege learning from those I serve alongside.  Initially, I was somewhat let down with how the current elder selections were progressing; but, after yesterday's meeting, I was encouraged.

I've been motivated to not just become more focused on prayer; but, we were urged to spend time fasting as well, particularly for the next time we meet.   The idea is to utilize the regular meal time for prayer instead.   I can extend this to apply to my current evening fast - to pray as I begin and end the fast daily.  During the meeting we spent much time in prayer; and I can see how essential it is in this process.

Also, we've been able to see God at work, "pruning" the list of candidates before we even get to the interviews and selection decisions.   Another area in which I am encouraged is that while I can see that I am more "quiet" and may not contribute as much verbally to the meetings, I am serving by handling the meeting minutes, elder bios, etc.   And, I know that I would speak up if there really was a need to do so.

I trust the LORD that His Will will be done; and that we will be His instruments to select the leaders for our church who He has chosen.  Amen.

27-May:  I decided to fast today, rather than tomorrow, when I have a really heavy schedule and long day.  I actually started last night; and won't eat until tomorrow morning.   So, it will be about a 36 hour fast.  I do feel like God has been with me today; for, I have not felt overly hungry; I've had this sense of peace all day; and I've had a chance to pray and spend time with God more than the usual.   I do feel that this has been good preparation for tomorrow; and I look forward to seeing God at work in the elder selection process.

28-May:  The committee interviewed the candidates today.  We spent much time in prayer; and after the interviews, I am at peace with the selections as having been made with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Mother's Day '13

This year is flying by, and Mother's Day has come and gone.  As with our tradition, we had Baby Dedications at church.   How special to have a verse picked out by the Pastor for each child dedicated, based on his/her name.

After church, cooking and preparation for my family dinner was a whirlwind of busy-ness:

• Turkey - My mom had a turkey she wanted me to cook, so it took several hours (including the marinating the night before).   I roasted it in the bag breast-side down; and then flipped it over for the last part of it.  Most of it was juicy; though some parts of the breast still came out dry
• "Fish and Chips" - I did a modified version, using fish sticks and sweet potato fries instead.   Instead of baking in separate sheet before transferring to the dish; I thought it would be easier to bake on the oven-safe dish I was serving it in.   The fries were not easy to flip; and the fish sticks were soggy on the part that were touching the fries.   May have worked okay, if they were all on single layers by themselves.
• Fish Hot Pot - This dish probably turned out the best.   I used a broth made from the turkey innards the night before; and then added napa cabbage, various fish cakes, sauteed mushroom, pan-fried fish (the Alaskan rock cod fillet worked quite well), and added tofu at the end.   Also, made udon noodles available to be served with it
• Brussel Sprouts - My pan was barely big enough to cook the brussel sprouts, but, it was okay.  However, by putting it into a baking dish and placing it into the oven to keep warm, it ended up cooking quite a bit more and the color faded
• Vegetable Vermicelli - pan fried snap peas, carrots, and mushrooms; added broth and seasoning, and then the vermicelli.   Dish was alright
• Bread - Served chestnut bread and garlic bread.  Both were pretty good
• Juice - Had cherry cider, pomegranate, and papaya.   Papaya probably tasted the best, pomegranate the healthiest; and cherry cider was "different"
• Dessert - The strawberry cream puffs were excellent (really light and fluffy) and the sweet potato cake was beautiful (the filling seemed like it would be more fitting for a pastry bun, though)

All-in-all, it turned out fine and my mom enjoyed it.   Everyone also had a chance to take home leftovers as well.

Bowers Museum

Finally had a chance to visit Bowers Museum.   It's really nice that Target sponsors First Sundays with special family festivals - this time the theme was Renaissance.  I'm also really glad I had a chance to catch the "Gems of the Medici" special exhibit - it's probably the best one of the exhibitions this year. 

For the permanent exhibits, I enjoyed the "Ancient Arts of China" the most; and it was interesting to see the California exhibits as well.  Overall, it's not a very big museum and only takes a couple of hours to get through.  But, it's a nice setting, it's restaurant has nice decor and beautiful patio eating area, and it is a pleasant place to visit.

Nat'l Day of Prayer '13

It was nice to be able to be part of a National Day of Prayer event yesterday.   It is a much-needed reminder of how much we need to pray for our nation, our government, and people here and around the world.   One of the things that I really liked about being at an event like this, is that we are able to see how the diverse body of Christ can get together in one accord and PRAY.   There were so many ethnicities, backgrounds, and types of people represented at the gathering - it was neat to be part of it.