Reminders from Romans

I have been doing the readings but haven't made the time to think about what I am reading.

As I read the chapters this week, there were a lot of verses that were reminders of how I am now and where I would like to be...

I identify with Paul with his struggle in Romans 7:14-20...something like...I do what I don't want to do, but what I do want to do, I don't do...make sense? well, actions are directed by sinful nature or the Holy Spirit...so these verses remind us to keep it in check.

also another one is Romans 8:25.."but if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." simply said, but another reminder to be truly thankful for what we do have, which is a lot of blessings, and for things yet to come...wait on the Lord with an expectant, hopeful attitude. yes, need to memorize this one and say it to myself whenever I wonder about the future!

Joy

Acts 23-24

Throughout these two chapters, Paul testifies to the Sanhedrin ( the Jewish council/ruling body), making his case about his hope in Jesus. He is also moved around from place to place for protection from those who want to kill him and to stand trial and testify to the various governors that he did nothing wrong, just proclaiming the truth about Jesus.

I imagine Paul had to always be in the lookout, fearing for his life, tired of moving around and getting everyone upset...but in Acts 23:11, as Paul was probably alone and exhausted in his prison cell, the Lord reassured His presence and provision, reminding Paul that he was on the right track of obeying/following Him with furthering the gospel. However, there was much more to be done and it will only get tougher, so God strengthened and encouraged Paul by directly saying, "Take courage! As you have tesitfied about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome."

I am reminded about my pharmacy school days, I was about half way done with the program, but I just wanted to give up and call it quits...was physically getting sick and tired of studying non stop...but I knew God got me there in the first place so throughout it all, I prayed He would carry and strengthen me to complete the program. God was faithful! and continues to remain faithful in my life, challenging and surprising me, reminding me to be patient and trust Him more. So as God reminded Paul and also reminds us, may we take courage to press on each day to live a life that is pleasing in His sight, one of obedience and with joy to His daily call.

Joy

Acts 13-14

These 2 chapters are a fast moving account of Paul's first missionary journey. To get the big picture there are maps in my study bible, and it was cool to follow the map along with scripture.
I wonder how long the entire journy took them. I imagine the goal of the mission was to spread the gospel message to the Gentiles. Paul and Barnabas visited 7-8 different cities and each place had their unique stories and reactions to the teachings and to the them as well. Some were really receptive (Gentiles in Pisidian Antioch), while others divided (Iconium) or were quite harsh! (Lystra) It was interesting that they went back to the cities they just preached at to encourage/strengthen them to keep up their faith, instead of just heading back to Antioch where they set out from. The disicples in each city must have been so encouraged that they would take time to come back and support them further. When they finally come back to their home base in Antioch, they give a report of their completed journey of how God carried them through and used them to carry out the command in Acts 13:47, "I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth."

I think God also is speaking to us to be light in our mission field... to those around us in our every day lives (family, friends, co workers, strangers)...to share Jesus and His love in and through our actions and words. May we be reminded and encouraged to press on in living out our walk with Christ and to have that passion to be joyful and delight in Jesus.

Joy

Acts 9-10

The voice spoke to him a second time, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean."

I remember reading a collection of stories found in a book called Second Chances where there are stories after stories about how successful people who made mistakes as teenagers (with the law) are given a second chance, even repeated chances to turn their lives around. They're given room to grow up, sometimes on their own.
Some examples are Olympic Gold Medallist Bob Beamon, poet Luis Rodriquez, and Columbia University Law Review editor Lawrence Wu. They all used to be gang members who had several incidents with the law before they got on the straight and narrow. Though some of their turnarounds came as a result of self-intropsection, they were allowed numerous opportunities to fail and ultimately succeed, without permanently staining their records.

In this passage, I don't think God is merely talking about being equals within the body of Christ, with Jew and Gentile. I believe it's also a command to not judge one another or cast each other aside when one messes up or does wrong. If God has made that person clean, through His grace and mercy that forgives all sin, we too must see the person as clean. And not only to forgive but to stand together with that brother or sister and struggle alongside of them until they "succeed". Even when they still struggle with their flesh and with their strongholds, as believers we must be a people of "second chances." Because all our own stories are about being given second chances. And that's what unites us all in this body of Christ.

Lord may I be a person of second chances, to always hold no wrong towards others and to also hold no wrong toward myself. Lord help me to grow in the knowledge of your mercy and grace. If anyone commits wrong to me today, may I forgive quickly and love compassionately. If I commit wrong today, may I quickly ask for forgiveness and have faith that you have made me clean.

Luke 21-22

Luke 22:39-46, focusing on verse 42:
"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."

In the beginning of that section, Jesus went to his usual place of solitude to the Mt. of Olives...the gospel of Mark says the location is the garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14:32). Reminds me of that familiar image of Jesus praying alone, looking up towards heaven. Knowing that Jesus always took time out of his busy ministry to have one on one with God challenges us to have that special time and place to be real with God and earnestly pray.

What did Jesus pray about? Jesus just had the last supper with his disciples and knew his time was coming very soon so he must have had a lot on his mind. He prayed verse 42. In other gospels, Jesus addressed God as Abba Father, which indicates a very close intimate relationship. Jesus emphasizes God's will be done...acknowledging God's purposes are higher than his and will prevail. Jesus requests probably with much emotion/sorrow that the cup of suffering he will have to endure of taking on the sins of this world/our sins be taken away from him. But Jesus ends with God's knows best and God's will be done...that whatever comes to pass would be OK with his soul. what a simple yet intense prayer.

To realize what Jesus went through right before going to the cross is eye opening...that he came to the Father in anguish and was real with God. May we come to God more often just as we are and have a one on one with God.

Joy

Luke 19-20

From time to time I question the afterlife and things like reincarnation and Luke 20: 34-38 brought back those questions. It's interesting how Jesus states that in death our souls are like the angels...immortal. We would also not claim any direct ties...family or friends but would just be.

I like how it states in 38

38 He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.

It gives such a positive light for the afterlife. Peace and love for all.

Luke 17-18

"Increase our faith!"
Isn't that what we say when we feel like there's nothing we can do and we think, "If only God, you would make it happen." But I wonder if sometimes we use that as an excuse to not do what God may already be showing us to do. We think we can't do it because in reality, it means it will be difficult for us and it might cost us something...and it might cost alot. But I think the faith God talks about here is a faith that is not just trusting God to make things happen but also acknowledging that God may want me to play a part in making those things happen. And my part may look undistinguished nor may anyone witness my part at all. It may require alot of sweat and tears...and it may require giving something I feel like I worked so hard for to something or someone that I think will be ungrateful. When we ask God to increase our faith, I think God challenges us to live out the faith that we already have.

Lord may I die more to my pride today as I do the things you are asking me to do, no matter how mundane, difficult, or humiliating.

"But Samuel replied:'Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.'"

Luke 13-14

What does this passage say about God's character?

He is holy and set apart - desires repentance from His followers. He will one day have to turn away people from His presence.
He is merciful - heals people even on the Sabbath. He values the humble and the poor.
He has high expectations - desires His followers to count the cost and hate everything else in life compared to Him.

What does this passage say about my life?

I've been thinking these past few weeks how small my life is. How most of my thoughts revolve around my life, my job, my friends, my church, my family, my future, me, me, me! I've felt like I've been missing out on what life is really about, and this passage has reminded me again, on how wonderful life can be when you live out a life consistent with God's mercy. I remember reading about a woman who had to break off her engagement, after she had set up the whole reception. She called off the wedding, but then invited all these homeless people to the reception. What a sight that must have been:)

My Commitment: either give to a food bank, or help serve food in a homeless shelter this month. Show kindness to someone who can never repay me...

Prayer:
Oh Father in Heaven,

I confess that I have not put you first above all other things. I have loved things of this world more than You, and valued these things more than the eternity You have promised me. Help me to be a woman after Your own heart, ready and willing to love those who are forgotten and ignored, ready to do things even when I'm supposed to be on "Sabbath", and having a heavenly perspective even as I take on these earthly responsibilities. Help me to remember Your holiness and Your worth. Help me and those around me to be like that mustard tree that grows and becomes a haven for those around us.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Luke 11-12

Reflected on Luke 11:33-"No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead he puts it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light."

Having trouble focusing, but here we go...

the first thing that came to mind was how important light is...what would we do without it? when I come home to my room, the first thing I do is to turn on the light to see where I am going. We need it to function most of the day!

From this passage, I am reminded that Jesus is often called the "light of the world". He lived out the gospel through teaching, preaching, and healing. He illuminated the eyes, hearts, minds of those who heard him speak the truth and continues to do so even now for us, bringing hope and healing to their and our broken lives.

So Jesus challenges us to be the light that illuminates the gospel/truth to those around us in our everyday lives. I often end up hiding or forgeting about what I just read that morning after having quiet time...it is tough to really give thought on how to put Christ's love into action and live out the gospel as Jesus amazingly did. Of course, we can't do this on our own strength so may be continue to ask God to enable or show us how to be living examples of Christ's light as we are guided by Scripture.

Luke 7-8

He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace."

Just as Jesus is finished teaching in the previous chapters about having love for our enemies and about not judging others, he shows us what that looks like in these following chapters. The centurion, a member of the Roman military, a widow, a woman whose sins are known publicly, the man with a legion of demons, a woman whose physical condition had made her an outcast for years, and a little girl...was it a mere coincidence that these stories were highlighted amongst the hundreds and hundreds of other miracles and healings that Jesus performed?
Jesus, the master Teacher, was continuing his lesson about unconditional love and grace that is lived out. "This is what it looks like to love your enemies, to not judge each other.." Jesus came to break the barriers, the lines we as humans like to draw amongst ourselves, placing each other in ranks and status. But all those that were mentioned in these healig miracles knew their place before Jesus....they knew they were not worthy of Him nor His healings, but they had faith in His power and grace to forgive and heal them. They HEARD Jesus' words and knew the message was for them.. Jesus for them was not only someone who could heal them physically but also someone who could reinstate their place in society as well as in the spiritual kingdom of God....Jesus calling the bleeding woman, who was a social outcast, an intimate title as "daughter", had huge significance. Before God's presence, we are all the widow, the man with many demons, the social outcast....and because of Jesus we are now called sons and daughters.

Now Lord teach me to "go in peace" with the knowledge of your grace upon my life and may I extend love and grace especially those who are considered "unloveable" as you have loved to me. As I look upon another human being's face, may I see them as your daughter and your son.

Luke 5-6

5Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets."
6When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.
8When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!"
Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." 11So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

How can I begin to count the number of times I possess the same mentality as Simon Peter shows in this passage? Often, I'm just too tired, too expectant, too unable to take that leap of faith that Jesus assures me in scripture. In my prayers, it translates to, "God, I've just prayed about x thing for so long, I really don't think you can do anything about it, I don't know why you're not doing anything about it...etc." But how many times does God come out of the blue, it seems, and wows me and my peanut-sized brain by His faithfulness and love? Countlessly!

The notion of faith that translates into a human-contained realm (Simon Peter) and the approach of faith that translates into the divine realm (Jesus/God) are concepts that consistently amaze me. What I can consider miraculous, what I expect to be miraculous, is so infinitely insignificant to God's promise and walk of faith with me. And it's at those moments that I turn to God and say "go away from me, I've doubted yet again, sinned yet again, taken the easy/cheap way out, Lord, and it's embarrassing!"

I was surprised by Jesus' response here. "Don't be afraid", he says. Fear! That little word will always keep me from completely diving into a complete trust in the Lord. Why is it so hard to have faith, why is it so easy to have fear when the God we have is basically...the most powerful, all-knowing, all-moving entity in our universe and beyond? The weakness of the human mind and spirit will never cease to surprise me and frustrate me, as I wallow in my own fear and sinfulness.

What else can I say, but trust in the Lord always, and our lives will be good in Him.

LUKE 3-4

John's command to the crowd was to "Produce fruit in keeping with repentance." (vs 8). And that stuck out for me because there's not just God's action of sanctifying us continually, but there's our part where we actively try to produce that fruit. It's a dual action. And it's cool how John points out to the people who bank on "Oh, well I'm Abe's decendant so I'm all good" mentality and he rebukes them by saying that God can raise up children from these stones. So powerful! This shows that human lineage is nothing, and that these people were so narrowminded in just thinking that they were okay.

So two points that helps keep me in check: 1) produce fruit and just don't bank on God's sanctification in me; I must actively do something (e.g. share with those who have none (vs. 11)). 2) Know that I am chosen by His grace, and that the lineage is nothing. That it's by His grace that I'm saved, and not by means of being Abe's decendant.

Luke 1-2

I will focus on the intro: Luke 1:1-4.

1:1 Since many have undertaken to set down an orderly account of the events that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were handed on to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, 3 I too decided, after investigating everything carefully from the very first, F1 to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the truth concerning the things about which you have been instructed.

Wow, this is the last of the gospels that we will be studying. So the storytelling is pretty similar among the gospels with different variations/amount of detail...each have their own flavor. But Luke is an interesting author...seems pretty straightforward, organized, and detail oriented. The main thing I knew about Luke before I started reading was that he was a physician. But what is Luke's background and what compelled him to write another account of Jesus? And who is the recipient Theophilus?

Background on Luke:
from the intro before the readings (NIV study bible), I gathered that Luke is
-most likely a Gentile
-well versed in Greek culture
-loyal friend to Paul
-of course bright cause he became a physician

To try to break it down by verse:
verse 1: Luke humbly acknowledges the other authors of the gospels

verse 2: the research to write these accounts were "handed down" by tradition of retelling the stories from first hand eyewitnesses who were actually there in Jesus' time.

verse 3: so Luke felt led to do likewise in providing written account after he had done extensive research and double checking all his sources...his storytelling seems quite thorough!

Luke uses the term "most excellent" to describe Theophilus.
Who is Theophilus?
-His name literally means "one who loves God"
-the term "most excellent" suggests of high status/ranking
-so must be a very important person!

verse 4: so what compelled Luke?
my bible says..."so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught"...obviously of the truth/Jesus

so with Luke's account, although it may have similarities with the other gospels, it further re enforces or gives credibility to the life and ministry of Jesus. It helps us appreciate Luke's style or way of describing events which may differ amongst the gospels. It reminds us to not forget our foundation...that as with Theophilus, Luke is speaking to us as well that we may be certain/sure of what we have been taught, thus strengthening and confirming our faith in Christ once again as we go through this gospel.

Joy

John 20-21
24 Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, [3] was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe."

Many times in my life I've felt like Thomas...doubting Thomas. I've questioned my faith and challenged God when bad things happened. Like Thomas I demanded that I be shown prove that the future will not be so gloomy or hold such uncertainty. Then I would feel small and guilty because we are taught this is not the way to communicate with God. I would wish that I return to childhood belief, the true and innocent trust and belief given to God.

29 Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

This verse seems to affirm that I should believe as a child might. Jesus to me seems to rebuke Thomas for believing because he has been shown proof. Yet, I also feel that to question is to grow. To understand the why is better for my faith and understanding of God than blind obedience. I hope and pray that I can successfully combine these two things and keep at it.

John 18-19

"If you are looking for me, then let these men go."

"Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?"

"If I said something wrong," Jesus replied, "testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?"

"Is that your own idea," Jesus asked, "or did others talk to you about me?"

"Dear woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother."

Jesus was always concerned for others. Till the moment he uttered the words, "it is finished," he was constantly speaking truth to all men, wanting to free them from their lies, thinking of the safety and comfort of others, in the midst of his most crucial time of pain...a pain thankfully, we will never experience or feel ourselves. Jesus' heart was so focused on the heart of the Father and on the Father's heart for his people, that his own pain was not of utmost importance. Jesus knew who he was and knew the will of the Father that the present moment was all a part of what was "good."
In my life, there are times I wonder if the pain I go through is "good." It's a tough theological question especially when we ask, "why does God allow suffering?" When Jesus willingingly accepts his place of humility and suffering, it makes me hesitate to give a resounding NO! to the question. Maybe this is a conclusion that one must reach for one's own life....for I don't think anyone can say for sure that God causes the suffering of the marginalized of our world like those suffering from AIDS in Africa or those who suffer from mental diseases...But what if MY humble and suffering state offers comfort to others? Jesus, when he bore the sins of all humanity on that cross, at that very moment, He was separated from the Father...the ultimate suffering of any being. And yet, it was for us. I'm not exactly sure how to answer this question about suffering...but I know my understanding of suffering and God's will is shortsighted and I need to approach these matters in humility and in grace.

Lord, may I continue to embrace your will completely into my life to completely trust you in the midst of my pain and struggles. Your ways and thoughts are higher than mine. As I continue to trust you with my own pain, may I serve and embrace others in their pain.

John 16-17

John 16: 7: "But I tell you the truth: it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you."

I guess this was a good reminder of something that I take for granted DAILY. I talk to God, without any hesitation, no worry about coming before a HOLY God in my unclean state. But before Jesus' death, no one dared to come before the presence of God before they atoned for their sins! The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, that we access daily when we want to pray for big things (jobs/relationships/parents/family) and little things (tests/money/etc) is ONLY available because Jesus died! I know it's the crux of the gospel, but I wonder how often I forget that fact; DAILY! Let's be reminded today of what Jesus has done. Unless he went away, the Holy Spirit couldn't have come to us to live in us. Can you imagine your life without the Holy Spirit? What would that look like? Would we be able to connect with fellow brothers and sisters in the same way that we can now? Would our times of praise be filled with emotions and love as they are now? I think it's something we all need daily reminders of.

John 17:15-17"My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth."

ah... the age-old saying... to be "in and not of the world". What does that mean to us exactly?
does it mean that we do all the things that the world does, but come home and repent and say that we are above those people who sin? or does it mean that we refrain from all things of this world and remain in our 'salt shaker'? to be honest, i don't know where I am... if I am in the salt shaker or if i am out of it, 'seasoning' the world. i think you need a healthy balance between the two. b/c we are fallen and weak, without the encouragement of fellow brothers/sisters, we can fall into the world and become "OF" the world. so I think it's important to spend some time IN the salt shaker... fellowshipping, but we need to get out to the world and 'season' it. we need to go into work and our classrooms and remember to be salt and light. if everyone else is doing something, and if you go against it or you refrain from it, would they frown upon you? would it require you to reveal your identity as a Christian? at those challenging times, are you like Peter and deny Him 3 times? well, the good thing is... even if you do, God forgave Peter and took him back and used him mightily! our God is such a forgiving God! =) Let's remember to be IN the world and not OF it in everything that we do daily. =)

take care gals~! =)

Eunice

John 14-15

You know, one of the things I thought of when Greg Jao asked us to think of a nonbelieving person God would have a message for, I now realize I was thinking of John 14:2:

In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.

It's such a wonderful thought to me, to think of this house with many rooms, and how all the company of heaven would fill these rooms with the reflected glory of God. I think I sometimes forget about the limitlessness of God's love and resources, and how this world is but a shadow compared to the world to come. And how my job is simply to invite people to get to know God, and to see His glory.

My application would be to pray more for this friend, and ask God for opportunities to speak to her with His message.

The other verse that struck me was John 15:9:

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.

In the beginning of my Christian walk, I used to think that falling in love with God was a "honeymoon" stage kind of thing. That as I grew in faith, I would somehow become more independent of needing God's love. Somehow, I'd become like Mother Teresa, tirelessly ministering to others, or Martin Luther King Jr, standing up for justice in an unjust world.

However, as I look back on the past few years, I can honestly say that it is when I knew that God really loved me, and those around me, that I was really alive. I don't think it is better to be independent of God's love, and that maybe the power behind the ministry of people like Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King Jr, is the discipline of remaining in His love, the kind of love that bridges all kinds of boundaries, walls, and disputes, and the kind of love that gives life, and builds people up. Though falling in love with God has been one of the most inefficient things I have ever done in life, I cannot regret it, for it is only in experiencing His love, that I can accept myself, and show any kindness to the random people He brings into my life all the time.

As George Mueller, one of the greatest men of prayer I know of said:

I saw more clearly than ever, that the first great and primary business to which I ought to attend every day was, to have my soul happy in the Lord. The first thing to be concerned about was not, how much I might serve the Lord, how I might glorify the Lord; but how I might get my soul into a happy state, and how my inner man might be nourished.

this is a day late, but I wrote it last night... here are my reflections from thursday's readings (John 12-13)...

I focused on Jesus washing the disciples feet (John 13: 1-17)

I reflected on Jesus' humility and how he took the lowly position to serve his disciples although he was their teacher. How would I react to such an action? I think I would feel a bit uncomfortable at first but be amazed at His example of humbly serving others. Peter's reaction was funny...that he wanted Jesus to go the extra mile and wash more than his feet...but Jesus made it clear that he would stick to the feet, the most neglected and most used part of the body.

so how can I "wash the feet" of others these days?
well, at home, since I still live with my folks...to carry out chores better, be more responsible! Practical things I can be more mindful of are washing dishes, cleaning around the house, preparing dinner once in a while, and spending quality time with my parents

at work...I seem to see my coworkers more than my family cause it's 40 hours a week, but I don't know much about them...so to open up our lives to each other...maybe have moments to share the gospel, God willing. To be interested in their lives and listen/care for them rather than just focusing on my work of checking boxes and boxes of medication.

Joy