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.

Devotions'15

In addition to finishing up last year's daily Bible reading, I will also start using "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers.  I was chatting with one of the Worship Team members and she was yet another one of those who said that this devotional has been life-changing.    SO, I will go through it once again; and see if this time around, I may gain new insights that I haven't before....

19-Jan:

• Phil 1:20 was the verse used to point to giving "my utmost for His highest".  It was pointed out that there is a relationship between our giving our best to God and our need to seek holiness and "in nothing..shall be ashamed", so that in boldness we can glorify God.
• "Worship is giving God the best that He has given you."  That's an interesting definition of worship.  It is similar to the one I've often used - worship is ascribing to God the worth He deserves. We are encouraged to "pitch our tents" where we can have quiet time with Him.  "The lasting value of our public service for God is measured by the depth of the intimacy of our private times of fellowship and oneness with Him"  This would be excellent to expand upon and tie in with the passage on David not wanting to offer to God anything that cost him nothing; or the example of Jesus to spend time alone with the Father as an integral part of His ministry.

Devotions'14-15 (cont)

This year, I'm not going to start another read-through-the-Bible devotional like I have the past couple of years.   But, I will try to finish up the rest of the "Life Principles Daily Bible".   Based on my sharing about how "being still" is so important to living joyfully, I wanted to have an entry for Devotions so that this area would not be neglected this year.  I will use this as a continuation of the Jan 2, 2014 entry for recording notes for this year.

2-Jan:

• Isaiah 59:2 clearly shows how our sins can affect our relationship with God:  "But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear."  In contrast, for their obedience, God said to the Rechabites in Jeremiah 35:19, they "shall not lack a man to stand for Me always"
• God's faithfulness, despite His People's unfaithfulness, is once again shown in His declaration in Isaiah 5:18, that despite the discipline that will be coming, "even in those days" that will not be completely destroyed.  The "remnant" is evidence of God's love and faithfulness.
• Col 4:17 says to take heed to the ministry we have been called to, that we may fulfill it - that's pretty clearly stated!
• Jeremiah 15:1 gives honor to Moses and Samuel (even though neither were "perfect"), in contrast to the unfaithfulness of the people.  I want to be counted among those who are counted as righteous, like Moses and Samuel  
• Jeremiah 17:8 very much reminds me of Psalm 1, of a tree firmly rooted that has no fear of the heat and drought, but will continue to be green bear fruit.   What a beautiful picture.
• In Jeremiah 21:5, God said that He Himself would war against His People, even in anger and wrath and great indignation for their sin and lack of repentance, not heeding the warnings of the prophets.  May I never cause God to be that angry against me.  Amen.
• 2 Thes 1:9 actually clearly states that there is "the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,"  contrary to those who say there is no eternal hell.  And the worst part of it, is eternal separation from God
• Jer 26:24 shows God's protection of Jeremiah from death before his time
• Jer 29:10-14 is used as the passage to remind us that "disappointments are inevitable but discouragement is a choice".   God is for us, we have hope, and we can always go to Him in prayer.
• Jer 33:3 "Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know."  - God promises to answer our prayers; and He can reveal to us "great and mighty things".  Reminds me of my focus for 2015, which seems to indicate that prayer plays a part in "telling of the wondrous works of God"
• Jer 33:20-22 was confusing when I first read it; but, knowing that God is faithful even when His people are not; re-reading carefully, and looking up supplemental material; what this verse is actually saying is that His covenant is as sure as day and night

JOY

Last year, God had taught me much through my journey on finding Joy in Living.  At church yesterday, I had a chance to share about this in the worship ministry team devotional time.  In preparing for the devotional, I was able to expand on some of the things I had learned about Joy.

The key verse is Psalm 16:11b  "In Your Presence is fullness of Joy" showing that Joy is directly related to the Presence of God in our lives. But, the question that may be raised is, but since God is always present in our lives, why are we not always JOYFUL?   It is because there are so many things that can rob us of our JOY by obscuring the presence of God in our lives.   So, when we are not JOYFUL, it is not because God is not present (even though it may feel like it, because during times of difficulty and sadness, a common question is "Where are you God?"); the truth is that God is always present, but there is something that is getting in the way of our awareness of His Presence.

Ways that help us to live more joyfully can be categorized into three areas:

1. Walk in the Spirit or Abide in Christ - Joy is a fruit of the Spirit, so we can more effectively bear the fruit of joy when we are walking in the spirit and abiding in Christ, as "branches in the vine".  So, things that can get in the way of walking in the Spirit are the Flesh and things of the World; because they are in constant conflict with the Spirit.   Therefore, sin is a major thief of JOY because it hurts our fellowship with God and cause us, like Adam and Eve after the Fall, to want to hide from the presence of God.  Related to that, if we try to find our joy in anything or anyone other than God, at most it can only offer us temporary happiness which is a poor substitute for true joy that can only be found in Christ
2. Be Still - We need to intentionally seek to be in the presence of God, like in prayer, devotions, or worship.  In the story of Mary and Martha, while Martha was busy running around making preparations, Mary was able to ENJOY the presence of God by sitting at Jesus's feet.   So, even if we are doing good things like serving, if we are too busy that it makes us forget Who we are doing it for or distracts us from spending time in His Presence, this too can "steal" our JOY
3. Give Thanks - Throughout Scripture, Thanksgiving is very much related to JOY.  When we see God's Hand at work, how He has blessed us, the things He has done, we cannot help but offer praise and thanks, which in turn fills us with joy.   Similarly, when we are feeling down, we we start singing praises or giving thanks, it will lift our spirits

Avoid the things that can rob us of JOY and focus on the areas that can help us to live more Joyfully.  And remember that since Joy is related to the presence of God in our lives, that is why we as Christians are able to have JOY no matter what our circumstances because God IS always present.   We truly can "rejoice in the LORD always" no matter what.

19-Jan:  1 John 1 talks about making our JOY complete through fellowship with the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ; which is another example of JOY being related to the presence of God in our lives.

John 4:46-5:15

This passage depicts Jesus as the HEALER.  He performs His second sign in Galilee by healing a nobleman's son.   And, then at the Pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem, He heals the lame man.   In both of these situations, Jesus demonstrated the power of His WORD in healing, by just speaking or commanding it.  For the nobleman, he showed faith in Jesus's ability to heal by not rushing home from Cana to Capernaum right away.  And then his whole household believed, which showed that they were "ripe for harvest".  For the lame man, Jesus asks the key question "Do you want to get well?"   That is the question we all must answer, more so spiritually.   Jesus chose to heal this man, who neither asked Him for healing nor even knew Who He was initially.  Yet, Jesus showed compassion, and even found him afterwards to ensure that he was healed not only physically but also spiritually.  We once again encounter the legalistic Jewish leaders who miss the miracle of the healing by focusing on the breaking of their traditions and burdens on the Sabbath.   They missed out on the Joy of being in the presence of God Himself by being blinded by their legalistic adherence to their religion.

12-Jan:  "Do you want to get well?"  is a question that we must all answer at some point in our lives.  We were all inflicted with the fatal disease of sin, and Jesus is the only one Who can heal.
This passage also showed the sovereignty of God - Jesus chose the man to be healed; but, also our response, the man had to want to be healed and to respond in obedience by taking up his pallet and walking.
Legalism focuses on works and the Law which does not save, in contrast to the finished work of salvation by Grace of Christ on the cross.

Movies This Year

I've already watched a few movies this year, having started with my traditional "Facing the Giants".

• Storm Rider was actually a really nice surprise.   I like horses, but, I wasn't sure what I would think of this movie; and I ended up really liking it a lot.   Jacob Buster who played Jordan in the movie was really adorable; and it was not hard to see the big caring heart that uncle Sam had.  It was cute to see how at the end, it looked like Sam, Jody, Dani, and Jordan would become a family; and how everything worked out

• Fallen Angel was a touching story with a nice reunion ending.  The little girl in the movie was so loveable.   There were still some sad parts; but, it was a nice movie overall.

• November Christmas - Wow, what a tear-jerker of a movie.  It brings tears to see the strength of the little girl fighting cancer, the strain on the parents, but also the way it brought those around her together.  It was kind of nice that the start of the movie allows us to know that the little girl was able to win her battle against cancer as she told her story of "magic".  The most touching was when the girl came home from the hospital and the whole town had decorated for Christmas even though it was November; and they were all gathered at her house to welcome her home.  How special.
• Coffee Shop - This really was "UPlifting enterainment".  It had a nice story line, with a good outcome, and a good-looking cast.  I also liked how they were able to weave in references to helping support needs in Africa, quoting Scripture, etc.
• A Mile in His Shoes - I watched this movie again and was once more impressed with the Christian themes and the example of Mickey, who despite his autism is able to be an example of character and wisdom to all those around him.   It was neat to see the healing and growth the characters in the movie experienced.  This is definitely a movie worth watching with like a small group from church
• The Climb - This was actually a really good movie with a clear gospel message.   One of the main characters went from angry and arrogant to humble and recognizing his need, giving his life to Christ at the end and taking up the responsibility to be a father to his baby and husband to his girlfriend.  And the Christian main character exemplified Christ by being and example, standing up for what was right, and ultimately giving his life for his friend.
• The Valley of Light - This was a movie with sad overtones, but had examples kindness and love in it.  One quote in the movie stood out - the one in which Eleanor said "Maybe you'll find a valley where no one has suffered a broken heart, but I would wager to say that was a loveless place."  That's a loaded statement, but essentially says that when we love, we do risk vulnerability; and if you try to protect yourself from heartbreak, then you miss out on experiencing love.  It was nice that the main character stopped moving from place to place trying to "stay one step ahead of the pain and grief" and found peace and love in the Valley of Light.   It really was so sad that they lost the loveable little boy Matthew; but, it seemed to be a turning point for Noah.
• The Miracle Worker - Reviews say that this remake is not as emotionally gripping as the original; but, since it is still based on the real-life amazing story of Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan, it is still a motivational movie.  
• Rose Hill - This was a movie that demonstrated true love of family.   It was so neat to see the pack of orphaned thieving boys turn into really loving protective brothers who were able to succeed in the wild west.  
• Cupid & Cate - I'm not sure whether or not I liked the movie.  I would agree with a comment that was made about not really "warming up" to the female lead character, because she wasn't very likeable.  In contrast, Harry's character, the one she married, was very likeable.  And, the family relationships seemed to be realistic, with all the good and the bad.  It was especially nice to see that the sisters despite differences in personality and normal sibling conflicts did demonstrate that they truly cared about one another and were there for each other through difficult times.  
• Bridal Wave - This seemed to fit in more with the typical Hallmark movie.  The lead female character realizes that she was engaged to a person she didn't love and marries the person she meets and does fall in love with.  It's one of those movies that make me wonder if I could ever meet someone that way, when I least expect it.  Jaclyn Smith definitely looked like she had work done, and she played the snobbish future mother-in-law quite well.
• A Novel Romance - There were some things in this movie that didn't totally make sense and weren't that believable.   But, overall, it had me rooting for the male lead character the whole time; and it was nice to see the great support from and relationship with his publicist.  What I really liked was how the main characters met and how the male lead pursued and was so clear about how he felt.  And, we are glad that at the end, he finds who he is and writes a book he is proud of.

Knowing God

As I browsed through my bookshelves for a book to read to start off the New Year and to live out Phil 4:8, I decided to re-read J.I. Packer's "Knowing God".   I had read this back in college, so it's been awhile; but, I thought it would be good since it fit in with my class Bible study series.

Some of the statements and points from the author that stand out are:

• Going through life without knowing God is like being blind-folded and having no sense of direction.   That's a really good word-picture and reminder of why it is knowing God is such an important pursuit
• We shouldn't seek to know God merely for the knowledge about God, but, more so for knowing God Himself that we may grow in relationship to Him