For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. Romans 6:5
paul urges believers to die to their old-selves, meaning that they would no longer be in sin, because Christ's death defeated sin and his resurrection defeats death. this is speaking directly to those who believe in a cheap grace (Romans 6:15)- if they have any idea what their sin leads to, it would only make sense to avoid it. if they were truly living in Christ, they would know the severity of their sin and repent, not only asking for forgiveness, but also turning away from their mistakes.
For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. Romans 6:14
as Christians, we have a hope that when we are perfected in Christ Jesus, all sin in ourselves will be triumphed over. and it is by the grace of God that we are saved (Ephesians 2:8-9)!
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
although we deserve death, because all have sinned, God has given His Son as a propitiation for our unrighteousness so that we may have everlasting life. i can't wait for eternity! however, in this life, i pray that God will use me to spread the gospel so that more people follow our Lord.
Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God. Romans 7:4
we were slaves of sin, serving the devil, before we were bought by the blood of the Lamb- the only worthy sacrifice able to satisfy the wrath of God. and now that we are purchased, we are slaves of righteousness under the righteous Master.
For sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. Romans 7:11-12
the law brought death and wrath to all men, because all have broken it- in fact, the written law provoked rebellion, because sin corrupts the will of humans to live and encourages that which is the only end of itself. however, this does not mean God intended evil through making the law, which is perfect and holy. instead, the law was given to men to lead them to one conclusion: only Christ could be without sin and therefore, trusting in Him as Savior is the only way. this also means that Christians must follow Jesus in example and must uphold the law (Romans 3:31).
For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. Romans 7:18
there are two views to this section in Romans 7- paul is talking of himself as a believer, in which case all Christians struggle with sin continually although they are born-again and considered to be slaves of righteousness. or paul is referring to himself before he came to know Christ, in this case, he would be speaking of the moralists who try to do what is right, but are unable to, because they serve their flesh. personally, i do not think either view contradicts the other and both are equally valid points. in both cases, paul makes it very clear that sin is the root cause of any fruitless actions or anything that bears fruit for death (Romans 7:5).
Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. Romans 7:24-25
because of these verses, i am more inclined to hold the first interpretation- that paul was speaking of believers- because i do not believe in sinless perfection at the justification stage. i believe that past, present, and future sins are no longer counted at justification, but Christians must go through sanctification, here trusting in Jesus more and more, to be made Christ-like. therefore, i pray that my Lord Jesus would send the Holy Spirit into my soul, so that we may become one. cleanse me and guide me, God.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
romans 5
More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5
i could lose my family, my dog, my friends, my house, my education, my job, my car, my clothes, all of my material possessions, and my health, but i would still say God is good! because in my suffering, God would make me stronger in that, i would trust in His grace, mercy, and love and i would understand, if only a glimpse, of what Christ has suffered for me.
For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. Romans 5:10
i've offended God, you've offended God, and the whole world has offended God. and yet, while we were ungodly, God showed His love for us on the cross (Romans 5:6). i know, whenever i look upon the cross, that i am so unworthy- and this is the reason why my soul sings for God when i worship, because His love is so deep that no matter how far down i may fall, He can reach me.
For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. Romans 5:17
because adam sinned, all who are born from him inherit spiritual death. but for those who are born again in Christ, eternal glory is their inheritance. so, just because you are born in a Christian home, it doesn't mean you are saved. and just because you do not know God's law, it does not make you exempt from death (Romans 2:12, 5:13-14). therefore, all humans are without excuse and will perish if they do not trust in the Savior, our Lord Jesus.
i could lose my family, my dog, my friends, my house, my education, my job, my car, my clothes, all of my material possessions, and my health, but i would still say God is good! because in my suffering, God would make me stronger in that, i would trust in His grace, mercy, and love and i would understand, if only a glimpse, of what Christ has suffered for me.
For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. Romans 5:10
i've offended God, you've offended God, and the whole world has offended God. and yet, while we were ungodly, God showed His love for us on the cross (Romans 5:6). i know, whenever i look upon the cross, that i am so unworthy- and this is the reason why my soul sings for God when i worship, because His love is so deep that no matter how far down i may fall, He can reach me.
For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. Romans 5:17
because adam sinned, all who are born from him inherit spiritual death. but for those who are born again in Christ, eternal glory is their inheritance. so, just because you are born in a Christian home, it doesn't mean you are saved. and just because you do not know God's law, it does not make you exempt from death (Romans 2:12, 5:13-14). therefore, all humans are without excuse and will perish if they do not trust in the Savior, our Lord Jesus.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
romans 4
For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness." Romans 4:2-3
God intended for righteousness to come to us through faith, because faith is trust and trust is the basis of a relationship with Him. if it had been through works, not only would we be able to boast, but there would also be no love for God- we would be ungrateful and trust in ourselves.
For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. Romans 4:14
again, God made it so that salvation would not come through works, but through faith- a complete and total surrender of ourselves- trusting in the Lord wholeheartedly, giving Him all of the glory! and it is the truth that we must trust in the Savior, because of our failure uphold the law (Romans 4:15).
No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. Romans 4:20-21
despite the fact that he was old and his wife was barren (Romans 4:19), abraham believed that God would make him father of many nations. he believed that God, who created the universe could bring life to that which is dead (Romans 4:17). therefore, it is no surprise that our Lord Jesus was raised from the dead for our justification (Romans 4:25)! glory be to Him forever!
God intended for righteousness to come to us through faith, because faith is trust and trust is the basis of a relationship with Him. if it had been through works, not only would we be able to boast, but there would also be no love for God- we would be ungrateful and trust in ourselves.
For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. Romans 4:14
again, God made it so that salvation would not come through works, but through faith- a complete and total surrender of ourselves- trusting in the Lord wholeheartedly, giving Him all of the glory! and it is the truth that we must trust in the Savior, because of our failure uphold the law (Romans 4:15).
No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. Romans 4:20-21
despite the fact that he was old and his wife was barren (Romans 4:19), abraham believed that God would make him father of many nations. he believed that God, who created the universe could bring life to that which is dead (Romans 4:17). therefore, it is no surprise that our Lord Jesus was raised from the dead for our justification (Romans 4:25)! glory be to Him forever!
Saturday, December 17, 2011
romans 3
But if our unrighteousness serves to show the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on us? (I speak in a human way.) Romans 3:5
both jews and gentiles are held accountable (Romans 3:19) and must be judged by God for their wrongdoings. if God was to be considered unrighteous for punishing the lost, then no evil in the world would be punished. and God in His holiness and perfection cannot accept anything impure or sinful.
For by the works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. Romans 3:20
every human being has sin and the law acts like a death note, as in it makes us aware of our sin, because every human breaks the law and is guilty. this is paul's conclusion: no one can have a right standing with God by his own works, but rather one who is justified trusts in what the Lord has done on the cross- the righteous shall live by faith (Romans 1:17; 3:25, 28).
both jews and gentiles are held accountable (Romans 3:19) and must be judged by God for their wrongdoings. if God was to be considered unrighteous for punishing the lost, then no evil in the world would be punished. and God in His holiness and perfection cannot accept anything impure or sinful.
For by the works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. Romans 3:20
every human being has sin and the law acts like a death note, as in it makes us aware of our sin, because every human breaks the law and is guilty. this is paul's conclusion: no one can have a right standing with God by his own works, but rather one who is justified trusts in what the Lord has done on the cross- the righteous shall live by faith (Romans 1:17; 3:25, 28).
Thursday, December 15, 2011
romans 1-2
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16
as Christians, we should never feel ashamed of the gospel, because it is the good news of salvation for all sinners who believe in the Savior. God gives us power to speak boldly about our faith so why should we ever be afraid? pray daily for the Holy Spirit to sanctify your heart and work in you.
For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. Romans 1:20
within every person there is a conscious and an innate wondering of the existence of God. creation is proof of the Creator. and yet, mankind has the nerve to deny and reject His glory shown throughout all the universe, because of pride and arrogance. and rejecting God will only lead to unrighteousness (Romans 1:24-32). i thank You with all of my soul that the truth of my wickedness and my own inequities has been revealed to me so that i may depend solely on Christ's sacrifice for my salvation!
But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgement will be revealed. Romans 2:5
those who think that they are right with God without trusting in the Savior are fools. moralists bent on self-centered justification believe that they are superior and therefore judge others for the same sins that they commit themselves (Romans 2:3). i need to repent for all of the judgement i have passed onto others out of my pride. Lord Jesus, You have not condemned me. and so, i must not condemn anyone, but i must abound in love for all just as You have done on the cross.
For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. Romans 2:13
we know that none are righteous before God, except through the Son. therefore, only Christ can fulfill the law perfectly. God will judge all who have the law and those without (Romans 2:15-16), because He has set a perfect standard that none of us can hold up to. and He made it this way not to condemn all mankind to eternal suffering, but to provide a Savior, Jesus! and i am overjoyed that my Lord receives all the glory and all the honor and all the praise for His wonderful and triumphant love for us!
But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God. Romans 2:29
the heart will be judged and therefore, a genuine transformation of the soul does not come from something physical, but instead from the Spirit. in the same way, we are baptized by the Spirit and the water serves as a representation. i need to get baptized soon...
as Christians, we should never feel ashamed of the gospel, because it is the good news of salvation for all sinners who believe in the Savior. God gives us power to speak boldly about our faith so why should we ever be afraid? pray daily for the Holy Spirit to sanctify your heart and work in you.
For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. Romans 1:20
within every person there is a conscious and an innate wondering of the existence of God. creation is proof of the Creator. and yet, mankind has the nerve to deny and reject His glory shown throughout all the universe, because of pride and arrogance. and rejecting God will only lead to unrighteousness (Romans 1:24-32). i thank You with all of my soul that the truth of my wickedness and my own inequities has been revealed to me so that i may depend solely on Christ's sacrifice for my salvation!
But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgement will be revealed. Romans 2:5
those who think that they are right with God without trusting in the Savior are fools. moralists bent on self-centered justification believe that they are superior and therefore judge others for the same sins that they commit themselves (Romans 2:3). i need to repent for all of the judgement i have passed onto others out of my pride. Lord Jesus, You have not condemned me. and so, i must not condemn anyone, but i must abound in love for all just as You have done on the cross.
For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. Romans 2:13
we know that none are righteous before God, except through the Son. therefore, only Christ can fulfill the law perfectly. God will judge all who have the law and those without (Romans 2:15-16), because He has set a perfect standard that none of us can hold up to. and He made it this way not to condemn all mankind to eternal suffering, but to provide a Savior, Jesus! and i am overjoyed that my Lord receives all the glory and all the honor and all the praise for His wonderful and triumphant love for us!
But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God. Romans 2:29
the heart will be judged and therefore, a genuine transformation of the soul does not come from something physical, but instead from the Spirit. in the same way, we are baptized by the Spirit and the water serves as a representation. i need to get baptized soon...
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
duh-duh-te
jamming out that first song you learn
one of many fond moments of the year
nearly doubling the size of my music
library...the only non-claustrophobic
library i have been to and enjoyed.
15-song mix cds will be made in plenty
and car rides will be filled with tunes
as this year goes on and i grow old.
one of many fond moments of the year
nearly doubling the size of my music
library...the only non-claustrophobic
library i have been to and enjoyed.
15-song mix cds will be made in plenty
and car rides will be filled with tunes
as this year goes on and i grow old.
Monday, November 28, 2011
blended chapters
list of goals for second semester:
read the entire bible
learn how to play guitar
learn how to cook
become a ninja
read the entire bible
learn how to play guitar
learn how to cook
become a ninja
Sunday, November 27, 2011
loners
i almost could cry...
mystery to be revealed
we are no longer the same
never once thought...
memories soon fade away
but i love you still, again
a silence not broken...
occasional nostalgia dies
and a distance is felt.
mystery to be revealed
we are no longer the same
never once thought...
memories soon fade away
but i love you still, again
a silence not broken...
occasional nostalgia dies
and a distance is felt.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
leisure lee
another beautiful sunny saturday morning
exercising early is worth it, because
of the serene and peaceful environment.
life is good and there is no need to rush.
i saw and heard the cutest/ saddest things
today at the park. first, there was a little
chubby boy probably around the age of ten
who was running (or maybe it could be considered
very light jogging) with his mother, who i am
assuming forced him into exercising. the sad part
was that his running form made him look like a
dying penguin with arms flailing about as if they
were limp and numb. the cute part was that after
he and his mother ran across to the other side
of the park (about maybe two-hundred feet away
from me), i could hear the kid coughing at the
top of his lungs as if he were an old man. and
his mom just wasn't buying the act at all...
exercising early is worth it, because
of the serene and peaceful environment.
life is good and there is no need to rush.
i saw and heard the cutest/ saddest things
today at the park. first, there was a little
chubby boy probably around the age of ten
who was running (or maybe it could be considered
very light jogging) with his mother, who i am
assuming forced him into exercising. the sad part
was that his running form made him look like a
dying penguin with arms flailing about as if they
were limp and numb. the cute part was that after
he and his mother ran across to the other side
of the park (about maybe two-hundred feet away
from me), i could hear the kid coughing at the
top of his lungs as if he were an old man. and
his mom just wasn't buying the act at all...
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
how come you never go there?
strange and fun fact: feist and i
share the same birthday...huh
today was filled with happiness...
a perfect score on my gov test
and a surprising score on my sat 2
going to Christian club for the first
time was quite interesting. i finally
was acknowledged by josephine wang
for existing on campus (thanks for
saying "hi" to me this time instead
of looking down at your phone!)
i never would have imagined worshiping
God with some of the people in that room
but the power of Christ unites any
who call upon His glorious name.
-----------------------------------------
reading Romans ^_^
Monday, November 21, 2011
apps-reciation
finally done with college applications
all three of them. call me ambitious.
and just at the right time, the rainy
season has begun...what a wonderful
start to my senioritis campaign.
just kidding. i tried to not do work
today and it didn't work out for me.
i no longer feel the rush of playing
video games, because it is overpowered
by the depressing fact that i am always
playing alone. shout out to wayne chen
for tweeting, "pray for john's love life."
some trolling going on? i think so.
------------------------------------------------
it has been a week since the media fast ended
and i feel as if time has gone by pretty slowly
(haha get it? because we were fasting and now
it's slow? fine, i'll admit that was lame. -_-)
but God has been so good to me this past week
-actually, when hasn't God been good to me?
i do not want to boast, but i feel...invincible
as if nothing could change the way i feel right
now and as if i could take on anything that the
world has to throw at me, because i know that
God is always with me. He is omnipresent,
omniscient, omnipotent and imminent.
all three of them. call me ambitious.
and just at the right time, the rainy
season has begun...what a wonderful
start to my senioritis campaign.
just kidding. i tried to not do work
today and it didn't work out for me.
i no longer feel the rush of playing
video games, because it is overpowered
by the depressing fact that i am always
playing alone. shout out to wayne chen
for tweeting, "pray for john's love life."
some trolling going on? i think so.
------------------------------------------------
it has been a week since the media fast ended
and i feel as if time has gone by pretty slowly
(haha get it? because we were fasting and now
it's slow? fine, i'll admit that was lame. -_-)
but God has been so good to me this past week
-actually, when hasn't God been good to me?
i do not want to boast, but i feel...invincible
as if nothing could change the way i feel right
now and as if i could take on anything that the
world has to throw at me, because i know that
God is always with me. He is omnipresent,
omniscient, omnipotent and imminent.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
discipleship: day 26-28
to my best friend,
hello. i have known you my whole life.
we have grown up together, played together,
laughed together, even bathed together when
we were babies. and now, we're both nearly
adults on our ways to college, the one time
in our lives when it will be possible not to
ever see each other again. i was born in a
Christian family and i always went to church.
you were born in an atheist home, but you were
partially raised by my mother in earlier years.
back then, all that mattered to me was the bond
that we shared and i never once thought that
our relationship would change. the naive little
boy that was myself thought to himself that life
would never change us. i might have even considered
you to be more of a brother to me than my actual
brother at one point in childhood. i would always
think of you as the first person that i would go to
if i wanted to hang out or have fun, because to me,
you were the one that could make me be so genuinely
free in my laughter the most out of all my friends.
but now, i can no longer afford to just be that guy
who you think is nice or silly or who plays call of
duty terribly but plays anyways because he doesn't
care if people think he's a noob (yeah, that's me!).
because now i know the truth and for once in my life,
i actually thought that you were going to hell...
and that terrifies me more than you could possibly
imagine, because i love you so much. and God loves
you so much. i want you to realize that fact, that truth.
every word that i have said to you this past weekend
has had the same intent to show you just how much
i love you and has been for your good. you know me-
i would never do anything intentionally to harm you
or even hurt your feelings, although it was clear to me
that you were devastated by the things i've said.
i want you to know that i have so much respect for you,
because unlike most people, you actually think about
what is important to you. you can choose to hate me,
but please, do not reject God! before you decide whether
or not Christianity is wrong, read the Bible and see
for yourself that there is an absolute truth in this
life. i will keep praying for you, that you would believe-
not because i simply want another Christian friend, but
because i want you to experience God as i have and
receive the joy and love that He has to offer.
hello. i have known you my whole life.
we have grown up together, played together,
laughed together, even bathed together when
we were babies. and now, we're both nearly
adults on our ways to college, the one time
in our lives when it will be possible not to
ever see each other again. i was born in a
Christian family and i always went to church.
you were born in an atheist home, but you were
partially raised by my mother in earlier years.
back then, all that mattered to me was the bond
that we shared and i never once thought that
our relationship would change. the naive little
boy that was myself thought to himself that life
would never change us. i might have even considered
you to be more of a brother to me than my actual
brother at one point in childhood. i would always
think of you as the first person that i would go to
if i wanted to hang out or have fun, because to me,
you were the one that could make me be so genuinely
free in my laughter the most out of all my friends.
but now, i can no longer afford to just be that guy
who you think is nice or silly or who plays call of
duty terribly but plays anyways because he doesn't
care if people think he's a noob (yeah, that's me!).
because now i know the truth and for once in my life,
i actually thought that you were going to hell...
and that terrifies me more than you could possibly
imagine, because i love you so much. and God loves
you so much. i want you to realize that fact, that truth.
every word that i have said to you this past weekend
has had the same intent to show you just how much
i love you and has been for your good. you know me-
i would never do anything intentionally to harm you
or even hurt your feelings, although it was clear to me
that you were devastated by the things i've said.
i want you to know that i have so much respect for you,
because unlike most people, you actually think about
what is important to you. you can choose to hate me,
but please, do not reject God! before you decide whether
or not Christianity is wrong, read the Bible and see
for yourself that there is an absolute truth in this
life. i will keep praying for you, that you would believe-
not because i simply want another Christian friend, but
because i want you to experience God as i have and
receive the joy and love that He has to offer.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
discipleship: day 24-25
hehe i found a troll face in my gov book!
busy weekend coming up for me
getting ahead in homework so that i can
catch up with college apps...oh, senior year
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
discipleship: day 21-23
please tell me if you have any prayer requests,
because i would love to pray for you. if you
want to pray for me, that would be lovely.
-------------------------------------------------
prayer requests:
-boldness to invite friends to church
-wisdom/ discernment in general
-compassion to see others as God sees them
-an open heart to God's word
-humility so that my knowledge wouldn't puff up
-future/ school, that i may be content in what
the Lord has planned for me
because i would love to pray for you. if you
want to pray for me, that would be lovely.
-------------------------------------------------
prayer requests:
-boldness to invite friends to church
-wisdom/ discernment in general
-compassion to see others as God sees them
-an open heart to God's word
-humility so that my knowledge wouldn't puff up
-future/ school, that i may be content in what
the Lord has planned for me
Saturday, November 5, 2011
discipleship: day 17-20
is it just me, or is today just a beautiful day?
one thing that i love about the rain the most
is the bright and sunny morning that comes after.
with partial clouds scattered across the sky and
a light cool breeze that flows throughout-
i could not ask for a better saturday. perhaps
it may be the fact that i am now officially
done with taking the sat tests that is causing
me so much relief that i could run two, no, three
miles without a care in the world.
-------------------------------------------------------
identity in Christ is essential to our walk with God.
If anyone is in Christ, he is the new creation; the
old has gone, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17
what then, does it mean to have identity in Christ?
what defines you as a person, your words and actions,
and who you are should all revolve around Christ.
take from His teachings and pray earnestly to God
that He will shape and transform you according to
His sovereign will.
-------------------------------------------------------
i will not be satisfied until my heart is completely
surrendered to You and i cherish my relationship with
You above all things. Jesus, the authority of Your
forgiveness is absolute. no one can condemn me,
because You will not condemn me. thank You.
one thing that i love about the rain the most
is the bright and sunny morning that comes after.
with partial clouds scattered across the sky and
a light cool breeze that flows throughout-
i could not ask for a better saturday. perhaps
it may be the fact that i am now officially
done with taking the sat tests that is causing
me so much relief that i could run two, no, three
miles without a care in the world.
-------------------------------------------------------
identity in Christ is essential to our walk with God.
If anyone is in Christ, he is the new creation; the
old has gone, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17
what then, does it mean to have identity in Christ?
what defines you as a person, your words and actions,
and who you are should all revolve around Christ.
take from His teachings and pray earnestly to God
that He will shape and transform you according to
His sovereign will.
-------------------------------------------------------
i will not be satisfied until my heart is completely
surrendered to You and i cherish my relationship with
You above all things. Jesus, the authority of Your
forgiveness is absolute. no one can condemn me,
because You will not condemn me. thank You.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
discipleship: day 15-16
dough boy getting poked to death
the milk was so obviously expired
but i insisted on drinking it anyway
because the expiration date was still
well in the future and because i'm
as stubborn as a sleeping bag zipper.
0>------------------------------------
God is working on my heart.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
discipleship: day 14
i've done my share of procrastinating.
it's time for a studying montage in which
it only appears that i'm working vigorously
while obtaining the absolute zero of intellect.
on a side note: water actually has a taste...
you just have to work out intensely for it.
on another side note: i told peter guei a riddle
a couple of days ago, which should be told on his
wedding day. it's a punny play on words-
what is the greatest gift you can give someone, if
you have nothing to offer and that person has no one
else to share it with? i'll let you think about that...
--------------------------------------------------------
summary of some things that i have learned so far:
-act on your faith; use the gift of faith that God
has given to you to share with others the good news.
-Jesus loves us more than we can imagine; before our
creation, He knew that He would die on the cross for us.
-suffering; it is inevitable, but should we curse God?
no, it is the opposite- we should praise God, because
in that suffering, we are being transformed and are
given a better understanding of what Christ has suffered.
-loving your neighbors is not mere acts of kindness, but
rather it is sharing Jesus with them, so that they can
also have the salvation that we have in Christ alone.
-God does not discriminate against anyone; in fact, He
calls out to even those considered to be the worst sinners.
-repentance is not simply sadness, but it is godly sorrow,
meaning that those who repent will turn away from sin.
---------------------------------------------------------
hi confidence.
---------------------------------------------------------
answer to the riddle: your presence.
it's time for a studying montage in which
it only appears that i'm working vigorously
while obtaining the absolute zero of intellect.
on a side note: water actually has a taste...
you just have to work out intensely for it.
on another side note: i told peter guei a riddle
a couple of days ago, which should be told on his
wedding day. it's a punny play on words-
what is the greatest gift you can give someone, if
you have nothing to offer and that person has no one
else to share it with? i'll let you think about that...
--------------------------------------------------------
summary of some things that i have learned so far:
-act on your faith; use the gift of faith that God
has given to you to share with others the good news.
-Jesus loves us more than we can imagine; before our
creation, He knew that He would die on the cross for us.
-suffering; it is inevitable, but should we curse God?
no, it is the opposite- we should praise God, because
in that suffering, we are being transformed and are
given a better understanding of what Christ has suffered.
-loving your neighbors is not mere acts of kindness, but
rather it is sharing Jesus with them, so that they can
also have the salvation that we have in Christ alone.
-God does not discriminate against anyone; in fact, He
calls out to even those considered to be the worst sinners.
-repentance is not simply sadness, but it is godly sorrow,
meaning that those who repent will turn away from sin.
---------------------------------------------------------
hi confidence.
---------------------------------------------------------
answer to the riddle: your presence.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
discipleship: day 13
a day of work today was.
wake up, eat breakfast, start homework,
run a mile, take a shower, eat lunch,
continue homework, play with dog, eat dinner,
continue homework, eat ice cream, finish
homework, check email, plank on bed,
start blog post,
-God, i pray that You just be with me right now,
and that You would reveal Your truth to me as this
day comes to an end. continue to sanctify me so
that i may walk in Your truth and not be conformed
to this world. continue to give me strength so that
i may be able to go out and share my faith with others
as You have called me to do. Lord, i pray that You
would guard my heart from all evil things and that
Your word and Your promises always triumph any
doubt i may have. God, i pray that my thoughts may
only be of You and that with each second that passes,
i would be able to see more and more of Your glory.
Jesus, i trust in You. i have hope in You. amen-
finish blog post...
--------------------------------------------------
Bible time! ^_^
wake up, eat breakfast, start homework,
run a mile, take a shower, eat lunch,
continue homework, play with dog, eat dinner,
continue homework, eat ice cream, finish
homework, check email, plank on bed,
start blog post,
-God, i pray that You just be with me right now,
and that You would reveal Your truth to me as this
day comes to an end. continue to sanctify me so
that i may walk in Your truth and not be conformed
to this world. continue to give me strength so that
i may be able to go out and share my faith with others
as You have called me to do. Lord, i pray that You
would guard my heart from all evil things and that
Your word and Your promises always triumph any
doubt i may have. God, i pray that my thoughts may
only be of You and that with each second that passes,
i would be able to see more and more of Your glory.
Jesus, i trust in You. i have hope in You. amen-
finish blog post...
--------------------------------------------------
Bible time! ^_^
Friday, October 28, 2011
discipleship: day 7-12
in my time of weakness, i got sick
so much has happened in the past few days
and yet it seems like nothing happened...
a possible reason could be that i have been
hermitized (lvl. 70 rogue- ms reference).
not to the point of not talking with anyone
but to point where i have not been openly
reaching out to others in faith nor have
i opened myself up to anyone in general.
it seems that the more God is calling out
to me clearly through the Bible to take and
seize every opportunity i am given to
evangelize to others, the more i struggle
with myself internally about what to do
in response. i find myself asking the question,
"how can someone who clearly hates
Christianity be brought to know and love Jesus?"
-but how can that be my excuse when i was
once like my non-Christian friends and did
not care much about Jesus? invalid excuse.
in fact, there is absolutely no excuse for
not sharing about Jesus, because God commands
His followers to love everyone and 1 John 3:11-24
says that if anyone hates a brother or sister,
then he is a murderer.
--------------------------------------------------
if one loves another, then surely he would tell
the latter that there is life only in Jesus.
so much has happened in the past few days
and yet it seems like nothing happened...
a possible reason could be that i have been
hermitized (lvl. 70 rogue- ms reference).
not to the point of not talking with anyone
but to point where i have not been openly
reaching out to others in faith nor have
i opened myself up to anyone in general.
it seems that the more God is calling out
to me clearly through the Bible to take and
seize every opportunity i am given to
evangelize to others, the more i struggle
with myself internally about what to do
in response. i find myself asking the question,
"how can someone who clearly hates
Christianity be brought to know and love Jesus?"
-but how can that be my excuse when i was
once like my non-Christian friends and did
not care much about Jesus? invalid excuse.
in fact, there is absolutely no excuse for
not sharing about Jesus, because God commands
His followers to love everyone and 1 John 3:11-24
says that if anyone hates a brother or sister,
then he is a murderer.
--------------------------------------------------
if one loves another, then surely he would tell
the latter that there is life only in Jesus.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
discipleship: day 6
my soul sings how i love You.
for You took delight in the sons of man
and You died on the cross to save us.
Creator of everything, You gave up
Your perfect life in exchange for ours.
from the beginning, You knew we would
sin and yet, You still made us.
God's Wisdom, that is Jesus, knew prior
to our creation that He would die for us.
for You took delight in the sons of man
and You died on the cross to save us.
Creator of everything, You gave up
Your perfect life in exchange for ours.
from the beginning, You knew we would
sin and yet, You still made us.
God's Wisdom, that is Jesus, knew prior
to our creation that He would die for us.
Friday, October 21, 2011
discipleship: day 4-5
one word to research: "protoevangelium"
"I will put enmity between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and her offspring;
he shall bruise your head,
and you shall bruise his heel."-genesis 3:15
"I will put enmity between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and her offspring;
he shall bruise your head,
and you shall bruise his heel."-genesis 3:15
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
discipleship: day 2-3
it's ironic how right after we talk about the media fast,
i open up my government book and the first few words
that i read are, "media is everywhere."
wayne chen- the only person i know
who would call me straight after
dinner to ask if i had any
prayer requests.
-----------------------------------------------------------
i need prayer for courage, especially right now.
seeing how this is my last year in high school,
nothing should be holding me back from asking
my friends at school to come to church. but,
there is always something holding me back-
i fear man more than i should...sharks.
God, help me become a better disciple.
help me walk in Your truth and Spirit.
help me share Your Word,
not out of obligation,
but out of love.
amen.
i open up my government book and the first few words
that i read are, "media is everywhere."
wayne chen- the only person i know
who would call me straight after
dinner to ask if i had any
prayer requests.
-----------------------------------------------------------
i need prayer for courage, especially right now.
seeing how this is my last year in high school,
nothing should be holding me back from asking
my friends at school to come to church. but,
there is always something holding me back-
i fear man more than i should...sharks.
God, help me become a better disciple.
help me walk in Your truth and Spirit.
help me share Your Word,
not out of obligation,
but out of love.
amen.
Monday, October 17, 2011
discipleship: day 1
prayer for discipline, for obedience, for courage, for boldness, for steadfastness, for humility, for peace, for joy, for discernment, for hope, for passion, for strength, for power, and for love.
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."-James 1:22 "For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified."-Romans 2:13
God, i pray that i may take your Word and practice it.
"show me Your heart, show me Your way, show me Your glory"-fire fall down
God, i pray that these are the words that i sing throughout my days.
i pray that you make me dead to my old self
and ALIVE IN CHRIST!
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."-James 1:22 "For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified."-Romans 2:13
God, i pray that i may take your Word and practice it.
"show me Your heart, show me Your way, show me Your glory"-fire fall down
God, i pray that these are the words that i sing throughout my days.
i pray that you make me dead to my old self
and ALIVE IN CHRIST!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
plastic wrap
esther: DUDE
i'm being sarcastic
are you not catching it lol
me: HAHA i think you're the one
not catching me being sarcastic
about not knowing who is being
sarcastic given the sarcastic atmosphere
SARCEPTION
i'm being sarcastic
are you not catching it lol
me: HAHA i think you're the one
not catching me being sarcastic
about not knowing who is being
sarcastic given the sarcastic atmosphere
SARCEPTION
Saturday, October 15, 2011
never ends
sometimes i fantasize about being
the hero- the one who shows up just
at the right moment, who changes
the atmosphere with mere steps and
a fierce look in his eyes, with
wind blowing the dust away and an
epic background soundtrack that brings
fear into the hearts of his enemies
and a resounding peace in the hearts
of those that he has come to save.
but that stuff is for anime...
the hero- the one who shows up just
at the right moment, who changes
the atmosphere with mere steps and
a fierce look in his eyes, with
wind blowing the dust away and an
epic background soundtrack that brings
fear into the hearts of his enemies
and a resounding peace in the hearts
of those that he has come to save.
but that stuff is for anime...
Thursday, October 13, 2011
window sill
i believe there is a spider
living in my window sill...
but i am reluctant to kill it,
because i want to see the web
that it spins grow larger.
hopefully, it doesn't make a nest.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
bipolar weather
it would be so hot right now
if you were not this cool...
try to be cooler, so i can
like you more. in fact, be as
cold as ice, numbing feeling.
winter, please don't let me wait.
come with a storm and with a
breeze that smells of the mountains.
i miss you, so please come back soon.
Monday, October 10, 2011
glitches
i need a reboot...
been getting lazy and using poor excuses...
sustaining a 4.5 seems almost impossible.
sleepy by 11- seniors can't be so weak.
what they call one chapter is what i call an era.
i've been eating like a pig and working out like a slug.
i'm retaining less and less from the Bible-
but at least i'm retaining something.
memorizing verses was easy...two weeks ago.
being a small group leader of guys a year younger than me
is odd to me still...we'll see how it goes.
a couple more months. please last the night.
"hang in there," they say, "hang in there," i say.
i love my dog. God, i love You.
been getting lazy and using poor excuses...
sustaining a 4.5 seems almost impossible.
sleepy by 11- seniors can't be so weak.
what they call one chapter is what i call an era.
i've been eating like a pig and working out like a slug.
i'm retaining less and less from the Bible-
but at least i'm retaining something.
memorizing verses was easy...two weeks ago.
being a small group leader of guys a year younger than me
is odd to me still...we'll see how it goes.
a couple more months. please last the night.
"hang in there," they say, "hang in there," i say.
i love my dog. God, i love You.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
whaddup freshness?
after 4 months...i finally got a haircut.
and honestly, i can rock my lifesaver hoodie
with either hairstyle.
ignore me being conceited to the bone.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Sunday, October 2, 2011
sharksburg
i am swimming, but not in the river
instead, i find myself immersed in
dangerous waters, so deep that not even
light could reach the bottom.
i am not okay. i am not okay. i am not okay.
i am praying to God, who i know is
so infinitely more significant than my sin-
but to be fed to the sharks
would not be unjust- i deserve no mercy.
i am not okay. i am not okay. Holy Spirit, sanctify me.
acknowledging my sin had become routine.
breaking down and crying every day is
new to me, this feeling of weakness.
do you still love me?
i am not okay. Jesus, save me. Holy Spirit, counsel me.
guilt is a useless feeling and
regret is a waste of time.
honestly, i will be fine, because of
the confidence that i have in You.
Father, You love me. Jesus, You rescue me. Holy Spirit, You empower me.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
"For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen" -Romans 11:36
instead, i find myself immersed in
dangerous waters, so deep that not even
light could reach the bottom.
i am not okay. i am not okay. i am not okay.
i am praying to God, who i know is
so infinitely more significant than my sin-
but to be fed to the sharks
would not be unjust- i deserve no mercy.
i am not okay. i am not okay. Holy Spirit, sanctify me.
acknowledging my sin had become routine.
breaking down and crying every day is
new to me, this feeling of weakness.
do you still love me?
i am not okay. Jesus, save me. Holy Spirit, counsel me.
guilt is a useless feeling and
regret is a waste of time.
honestly, i will be fine, because of
the confidence that i have in You.
Father, You love me. Jesus, You rescue me. Holy Spirit, You empower me.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
"For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen" -Romans 11:36
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
busy dying
i know we're supposed to submit and respect
those put in authority in our lives by God...
but come on, mrs. crowley -_-
telling me to write an autobiographical essay
only to tell me after i write a first draft
that i can't use the word "i" in the paper
is like telling people that have run marathons
that they're fat. trollolololololololol.
those put in authority in our lives by God...
but come on, mrs. crowley -_-
telling me to write an autobiographical essay
only to tell me after i write a first draft
that i can't use the word "i" in the paper
is like telling people that have run marathons
that they're fat. trollolololololololol.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
off the top of my head
from the bottom of my heart
"he is no fool who gives what he cannot keep
to gain that which he cannot lose."
-jim elliot
"For the wages of sin are death but the
free gift of God is eternal life in Christ
Jesus our Lord." -Romans 6:23
years ago, when i watched "end of the spear,"
i did not take into consideration the sacrifice
made by missionaries- that they lost their lives
for the sake of their faith- to gain life.
although in most cases, losing one's life
in a literal sense is not what one wants-
one should desire and long for Christ
and be willing to give up his or her life
to Christ. by which means, one will,
in exchange, spend an eternity with Him.
"he is no fool who gives what he cannot keep
to gain that which he cannot lose."
-jim elliot
"For the wages of sin are death but the
free gift of God is eternal life in Christ
Jesus our Lord." -Romans 6:23
years ago, when i watched "end of the spear,"
i did not take into consideration the sacrifice
made by missionaries- that they lost their lives
for the sake of their faith- to gain life.
although in most cases, losing one's life
in a literal sense is not what one wants-
one should desire and long for Christ
and be willing to give up his or her life
to Christ. by which means, one will,
in exchange, spend an eternity with Him.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
pajamas
i don't think i can last the night...
a ton of sharing tonight about missions
charlene, isabella, edith, and emmanuel
humbled and blessed, their testimonies
a ton of sharing tonight about missions
charlene, isabella, edith, and emmanuel
humbled and blessed, their testimonies
Thursday, September 22, 2011
sadness
the old house is so empty now...
remember when it was filled?
that was all in the past
i am moving on to better things...
remember when we lacked direction?
those happy times in the past
a poor nostalgist ponders memories...
do you think of me still?
think about our past
you must be doing well...
did we not promise that we would?
sharing the stories of our past
out in this lonely place again...
is there a way back?
to that sad and lonely past
remember when it was filled?
that was all in the past
i am moving on to better things...
remember when we lacked direction?
those happy times in the past
a poor nostalgist ponders memories...
do you think of me still?
think about our past
you must be doing well...
did we not promise that we would?
sharing the stories of our past
out in this lonely place again...
is there a way back?
to that sad and lonely past
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
medley
i told you to be patient...
i told you to be well...
that secret that you know...
that you don't know how to tell...
Saturday, September 17, 2011
those days
jet-lagged without a jet
happy birthday chris ho.
i can't believe i slept an entire afternoon
even more so, i can't believe i slept through church.
although i could ask what our interactive
bible study was about or be told about moments
shared last night at fellowship, i could never
have that friday back...
now my weekend feels glum
i'm just always so used to it starting off
seeing the people that i love all around me
but tonight, i woke up in the dark
immediately thinking, "i'm going to be late for church!"
only to find out seconds later that
it was already passed midnight.
however, missing out on one night of church
can't get in the way of my relationship with God.
if i were to be missing my bibles, it would be different.
but even in that situation, i would still have prayer.
---------------------------------------------------------------
i am so blessed to have God in my life- in every aspect.
thank you, Jesus! for without You, i would be lost in sin.
for without You, i would be too ashamed to come before God.
for without You, my soul would have no peace.
for without You, i would be alive in flesh, but dead in spirit.
without You, i would not know love.
happy birthday chris ho.
i can't believe i slept an entire afternoon
even more so, i can't believe i slept through church.
although i could ask what our interactive
bible study was about or be told about moments
shared last night at fellowship, i could never
have that friday back...
now my weekend feels glum
i'm just always so used to it starting off
seeing the people that i love all around me
but tonight, i woke up in the dark
immediately thinking, "i'm going to be late for church!"
only to find out seconds later that
it was already passed midnight.
however, missing out on one night of church
can't get in the way of my relationship with God.
if i were to be missing my bibles, it would be different.
but even in that situation, i would still have prayer.
---------------------------------------------------------------
i am so blessed to have God in my life- in every aspect.
thank you, Jesus! for without You, i would be lost in sin.
for without You, i would be too ashamed to come before God.
for without You, my soul would have no peace.
for without You, i would be alive in flesh, but dead in spirit.
without You, i would not know love.
Friday, September 16, 2011
crush
before i knew it, my world was in ruins.
everything that i had worked for, all
for naught. the day that i realized...
that my most trustworthy calculator
was the very reason i had made a mistake.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
planks & hatchets
ratchets and clanks...
the rattling in my head has begun to unfold
the early year cramming has already become old
my head is full of numbers, i'm counting the sheep
please tell me why again, why i do not sleep.
my brain is spinning and it is starting to hurt.
i want to play kaleidochompirachu-scoobert.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
feist-y
goal for this year:
read the Bible at least once every day
without compromise. no matter how tired
or how stressed or how busy i am,
i will pick up the Word and read it!
this means that if i stay up to do work
in which i see no end, i will at least
reserve the time between 11:30-12:00
to simply spend time with God.
of course, i am not saying that i
will put Him off for the rest of the day.
in fact, i don't think i even could
if i wanted to- and that's a good thing.
after all, building a relationship
with God is what i live for!
read the Bible at least once every day
without compromise. no matter how tired
or how stressed or how busy i am,
i will pick up the Word and read it!
this means that if i stay up to do work
in which i see no end, i will at least
reserve the time between 11:30-12:00
to simply spend time with God.
of course, i am not saying that i
will put Him off for the rest of the day.
in fact, i don't think i even could
if i wanted to- and that's a good thing.
after all, building a relationship
with God is what i live for!
Saturday, September 10, 2011
spin
yes, i like songs that build up.
i also like stories that build up.
stories, to me, include dramas.
punch lines can be the result of a build up,
but sometimes, jokes should be shorter.
i guess, for me, i like to experience
the entirety of a song to the most minute emotion.
whether the song starts off slow,
then speeds up and forms an upbeat mood;
or starts off soft, then rises in volume
to draw my attention to every note,
i like to simply soak it all in.
from start to finish, i want it all
(that is why i hardly ever skip a song).
perhaps it is my unnecessary courtesy
for the artist or director or playwright
that keeps me watching and listening
...waiting patiently for communication.
i also like stories that build up.
stories, to me, include dramas.
punch lines can be the result of a build up,
but sometimes, jokes should be shorter.
i guess, for me, i like to experience
the entirety of a song to the most minute emotion.
whether the song starts off slow,
then speeds up and forms an upbeat mood;
or starts off soft, then rises in volume
to draw my attention to every note,
i like to simply soak it all in.
from start to finish, i want it all
(that is why i hardly ever skip a song).
perhaps it is my unnecessary courtesy
for the artist or director or playwright
that keeps me watching and listening
...waiting patiently for communication.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
putt...hot....
next time, we're going bowling
...or at least somewhere with ac.
although we may have our differences,
i feel blessed to have school friends.
finally, we have classes together...
in senior year.
...or at least somewhere with ac.
although we may have our differences,
i feel blessed to have school friends.
finally, we have classes together...
in senior year.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
david may cry
i cried.
it was quite possibly the most bizarre experience i've ever had. not that i cried- because i cry all the time- but rather that i was completely happy and content when i did. my mind and my heart both knew what was going on and yet my body acted on its own, bursting into tears. i could not comprehend how such an involuntary flow of tears without any motive or incentive was possible so i naturally laughed...while i was weeping like a poor defenseless child. i am glad now that it brought smiles to the faces of my brother and mother as they watched me rolling on the floor during my crying-laughing breakdown. God, you are funny and i love you.
it was quite possibly the most bizarre experience i've ever had. not that i cried- because i cry all the time- but rather that i was completely happy and content when i did. my mind and my heart both knew what was going on and yet my body acted on its own, bursting into tears. i could not comprehend how such an involuntary flow of tears without any motive or incentive was possible so i naturally laughed...while i was weeping like a poor defenseless child. i am glad now that it brought smiles to the faces of my brother and mother as they watched me rolling on the floor during my crying-laughing breakdown. God, you are funny and i love you.
Friday, September 2, 2011
my folder
"john moments"- frisbee moment, breadstick moment, ninja-gated-community moment, roleplaying moment
"john quotes"- rain can't stop love; oh, i have the esv version so that's different from the niv...duh; you're special too...except when you clap your hands like a seal...you're not special, you're just weird; your mind goes in circles- well, i don't know what shape your mind goes in...; hi uh...don't say 'uh' fine! hi CONFIDENCE!!!
i suppose i've acted quite silly my entire life.
"john quotes"- rain can't stop love; oh, i have the esv version so that's different from the niv...duh; you're special too...except when you clap your hands like a seal...you're not special, you're just weird; your mind goes in circles- well, i don't know what shape your mind goes in...; hi uh...don't say 'uh' fine! hi CONFIDENCE!!!
i suppose i've acted quite silly my entire life.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
focus
physics 101 "when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object"
"when an on-task worker meets an inevitable distraction"
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
when i say mali
ap stats with ally wu for a year...i'm thankful for at least one friend in one of my classes- regardless of who that friend may be.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
carlos
today i met an hispanic man named carlos in santa ana.
at first, i didn't notice him- while i was talking
to someone named xavier (cool name) about reading the Bible.
i suppose it was him who initiated the conversation
when he translated in spanish the words,
"do you read the Bible often?" to xavier.
i noticed, as i went on talking to the homeless
that what wayne said was right- most of them were Christian,
but hardly do they share, in depth, about their faith.
however, carlos was different from the very start...
he shared his testimony without me asking
and by that testimony i have been blessed and encouraged.
being fired from his job, not because of incompetence,
but because of injuries which led to accidents,
being attacked by others simply because he was alone
and had a bike with him, being chased down and shot
by people who claimed that he owed them money,
while he did not have even enough to feed himself,
being told by a doctor that there was no hope for him
to ever walk again because the bullet hit a spinal nerve-
after all of this, he still believed that God had a plan.
"i lost everything, but i did not lose my faith-
and that is enough." words that i think are beautiful.
when carlos was hospitalized, his doctor told him
that there was absolutely no chance for him to heal.
and yet, carlos took the words of God over the words of man.
little by little, he tried to walk and although he fell,
he got up as many times as he could.
little by little, God's grace and power was shown to him
as he took, literally, steps of faith.
now, he walks as if he had never been paralyzed.
praise God!
at first, i didn't notice him- while i was talking
to someone named xavier (cool name) about reading the Bible.
i suppose it was him who initiated the conversation
when he translated in spanish the words,
"do you read the Bible often?" to xavier.
i noticed, as i went on talking to the homeless
that what wayne said was right- most of them were Christian,
but hardly do they share, in depth, about their faith.
however, carlos was different from the very start...
he shared his testimony without me asking
and by that testimony i have been blessed and encouraged.
being fired from his job, not because of incompetence,
but because of injuries which led to accidents,
being attacked by others simply because he was alone
and had a bike with him, being chased down and shot
by people who claimed that he owed them money,
while he did not have even enough to feed himself,
being told by a doctor that there was no hope for him
to ever walk again because the bullet hit a spinal nerve-
after all of this, he still believed that God had a plan.
"i lost everything, but i did not lose my faith-
and that is enough." words that i think are beautiful.
when carlos was hospitalized, his doctor told him
that there was absolutely no chance for him to heal.
and yet, carlos took the words of God over the words of man.
little by little, he tried to walk and although he fell,
he got up as many times as he could.
little by little, God's grace and power was shown to him
as he took, literally, steps of faith.
now, he walks as if he had never been paralyzed.
praise God!
Friday, August 26, 2011
danielle
there is still
much to be learned
from you...
i'm tired of
the topic of
predestination
i don't think paul intended for us to debate when he wrote of such a thing, but rather
for us to see His glory in all of it. i still have much to learn and i hope that you will still be there to teach me more about the Bible. trust that God has already made a path for you.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
salary
every hour...
i get paid 10 dollars
and 10 spider webs
"younger siblings are cuter, but they always lose"
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
luminous lemon lake
studying romans, ephesians, and revelation
so crazy how different these books are
and yet, there are connections if you look
like for example, in romans, paul talks about
how God gave people over to their sin as
a result for not repenting and worshiping Him.
meanwhile in revelation, Jesus warns the seven
churches that if they do not turn from their sin,
He will remove their lampstands, meaning they will
no longer be acknowledged as churches or as His.
also, paul speaks of predestination in ephesians
and he clearly supports what he says in romans,
that human beings are completely helpless and
that only through the divine grace of God may
they be saved from their sin.
sadly, in revelation, the church of ephesus
is told to have forsaken their first love.
contrary to how the church in ephesians is so praised
by paul for remaining strong in Christ, it is again
referred to in revelation as a church that has
forgotten the value of love in their relationship
with God.
i pray that our church will not forget the reason why we serve.
i pray that we may improve on our spiritual richness and
that we may see His glory shown on earth.
i pray that we continue to seek after God.
so crazy how different these books are
and yet, there are connections if you look
like for example, in romans, paul talks about
how God gave people over to their sin as
a result for not repenting and worshiping Him.
meanwhile in revelation, Jesus warns the seven
churches that if they do not turn from their sin,
He will remove their lampstands, meaning they will
no longer be acknowledged as churches or as His.
also, paul speaks of predestination in ephesians
and he clearly supports what he says in romans,
that human beings are completely helpless and
that only through the divine grace of God may
they be saved from their sin.
sadly, in revelation, the church of ephesus
is told to have forsaken their first love.
contrary to how the church in ephesians is so praised
by paul for remaining strong in Christ, it is again
referred to in revelation as a church that has
forgotten the value of love in their relationship
with God.
i pray that our church will not forget the reason why we serve.
i pray that we may improve on our spiritual richness and
that we may see His glory shown on earth.
i pray that we continue to seek after God.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
amazed
as i stroll around passing fliers, i see all the things that God has created and simply find joy in even the smallest things. peaceful and free.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
human
calvinists and armenians
although i believe both sides to be valid
because they are supported by verses,
i am leaning more towards the calvinist view
that we, as humans, are completely helpless
and that we may only receive salvation
by His grace- meaning we are chosen.
however, this does not mean we are special
this does not mean that God loves us more.
as to why i or any other Christian has been
elected, i still do not have an answer.
but i do know now that even though it is
a harsh truth, (it is still the truth)
every human being deserves hell
and God would be justified in sending us there.
but how glorious and powerful is He
who transcends human understanding and
reaches out His hand in love to
save a wretch like me!
"For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus..." Romans 3:22-24
although i believe both sides to be valid
because they are supported by verses,
i am leaning more towards the calvinist view
that we, as humans, are completely helpless
and that we may only receive salvation
by His grace- meaning we are chosen.
however, this does not mean we are special
this does not mean that God loves us more.
as to why i or any other Christian has been
elected, i still do not have an answer.
but i do know now that even though it is
a harsh truth, (it is still the truth)
every human being deserves hell
and God would be justified in sending us there.
but how glorious and powerful is He
who transcends human understanding and
reaches out His hand in love to
save a wretch like me!
"For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus..." Romans 3:22-24
Friday, August 19, 2011
ipod tracks
working has been fun.
i found out yesterday
that my boss is Christian
-a pastor's wife actually.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
animals and fruit
how did we forget armadillo?
lately, i've been thinking quite a lot
about the topic of predestination
calvinists vs. armenians
God is sovereign and controls everything.
we say it, but do we truly understand it?
if we consider salvation through grace,
does it mean that our faith in Christ
is not ours to begin with, but His?
there are contradictions between the two.
however, there are no contradictions in the Bible!
if we, as Christians, are chosen to be in heaven,
does that mean that others are chosen for hell?
not necessarily. i would believe it out of character.
God wants all to be in heaven with him-
just as he has intended from the beginning.
as i have been studying romans, i've realized
that although God offers his grace in full,
so that we may be righteously justified before Him,
people give it up for things of the earth.
therefore, He gave them over to their sin.
now, was it the people's choice to turn away from God,
or ultimately God's decision that condemned them to death?
from my standpoint, i believe it was their choice and
that God loved them still, but could not be in the presence
of their sin- lost His children, broke His heart.
now what do we make of this? that God can't save everyone?
no! Christ died on the cross for all.
salvation is already prepared for everyone, because
the price of all sin has been paid. so,
God has made a place for all in heaven- it is His plan.
foolish as we are though, not all want to be saved.
perhaps it is out of guilt and shame that
the wicked do not dare face God and repent.
or maybe it is a self-righteous pride that makes
the human heart so hostile towards forgiveness.
and this is where the calvinist belief plays a role:
God must be the one to choose us, because the evil
in our hearts can not be overcome by free will, but only
by his grace and love may we be able to repent and believe.
however, i believe the armenian belief to be equally valid:
God has done everything for us, however there are
responsibilities that we are given- one of which,
being the most important, is to choose to have faith
in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
i believe both reveal the truth, being salvation requires faith.
but the deliverance of salvation differs.
i want to believe in the armenian belief, because
it suggests that humans still have good in them;
believe me, it is not out of pride, but out of hope
that i wish things to be this way. i hope that mankind
has not fallen so far that we are no longer considered
to be made in the image of God.
---------------------------------------------------
in conclusion, which belief you hold is up to you
...or is it? ^_^
i think the reason why i have not chosen a definite side
is because my knowledge of both views is still inadequate
but at least i know there are a few concepts that derive
from both that only create conflict and fool people.
false: calvinists believe that they are an elitist group
chosen by God and that everyone else is doomed.
true: calvinists know that God's love and grace is universal
and that no one is chosen for hell.
false: armenians believe that it is their choice that saves them.
true: armenians know that Christ has already saved everyone and
that it is by the grace of God that we are given free will.
---------------------------------------------------
reflection: which of the two views would bring
more glory to God?
lately, i've been thinking quite a lot
about the topic of predestination
calvinists vs. armenians
God is sovereign and controls everything.
we say it, but do we truly understand it?
if we consider salvation through grace,
does it mean that our faith in Christ
is not ours to begin with, but His?
there are contradictions between the two.
however, there are no contradictions in the Bible!
if we, as Christians, are chosen to be in heaven,
does that mean that others are chosen for hell?
not necessarily. i would believe it out of character.
God wants all to be in heaven with him-
just as he has intended from the beginning.
as i have been studying romans, i've realized
that although God offers his grace in full,
so that we may be righteously justified before Him,
people give it up for things of the earth.
therefore, He gave them over to their sin.
now, was it the people's choice to turn away from God,
or ultimately God's decision that condemned them to death?
from my standpoint, i believe it was their choice and
that God loved them still, but could not be in the presence
of their sin- lost His children, broke His heart.
now what do we make of this? that God can't save everyone?
no! Christ died on the cross for all.
salvation is already prepared for everyone, because
the price of all sin has been paid. so,
God has made a place for all in heaven- it is His plan.
foolish as we are though, not all want to be saved.
perhaps it is out of guilt and shame that
the wicked do not dare face God and repent.
or maybe it is a self-righteous pride that makes
the human heart so hostile towards forgiveness.
and this is where the calvinist belief plays a role:
God must be the one to choose us, because the evil
in our hearts can not be overcome by free will, but only
by his grace and love may we be able to repent and believe.
however, i believe the armenian belief to be equally valid:
God has done everything for us, however there are
responsibilities that we are given- one of which,
being the most important, is to choose to have faith
in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
i believe both reveal the truth, being salvation requires faith.
but the deliverance of salvation differs.
i want to believe in the armenian belief, because
it suggests that humans still have good in them;
believe me, it is not out of pride, but out of hope
that i wish things to be this way. i hope that mankind
has not fallen so far that we are no longer considered
to be made in the image of God.
---------------------------------------------------
in conclusion, which belief you hold is up to you
...or is it? ^_^
i think the reason why i have not chosen a definite side
is because my knowledge of both views is still inadequate
but at least i know there are a few concepts that derive
from both that only create conflict and fool people.
false: calvinists believe that they are an elitist group
chosen by God and that everyone else is doomed.
true: calvinists know that God's love and grace is universal
and that no one is chosen for hell.
false: armenians believe that it is their choice that saves them.
true: armenians know that Christ has already saved everyone and
that it is by the grace of God that we are given free will.
---------------------------------------------------
reflection: which of the two views would bring
more glory to God?
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
u got it bad
today marks the first day, that i will be working for a paycheck.
i guess everybody needs to have one of these days.
growing up doesn't exactly equate to maturity though.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
with everything
it feels great to return home with no one there.
i screamed out praises to God and lost half of my voice
in the process.
although my life, as i assume, will be incredibly busy
(due to ap homework, sat tests, and college aps),
i have peace.
"how do you love God with everything?"
for now, i do not have all the answers,
so whether you choose to trust my words or not
is entirely your choice.
however, there is one thing i know for sure.
trust in the Word of God
-all of life's answers should be found.
i remember at one point, my brother asked me,
"what do you want to be when you grow up?"
i said, "maybe...a psychiatrist?"
-"why?"
-"because i want to help people with their problems."
then he said to me with a confident smile,
"you shouldn't be a psychiatrist, you should be a pastor.
you want to solve people's problems? give them the Bible
it is as simple as that."
i screamed out praises to God and lost half of my voice
in the process.
although my life, as i assume, will be incredibly busy
(due to ap homework, sat tests, and college aps),
i have peace.
"how do you love God with everything?"
for now, i do not have all the answers,
so whether you choose to trust my words or not
is entirely your choice.
however, there is one thing i know for sure.
trust in the Word of God
-all of life's answers should be found.
i remember at one point, my brother asked me,
"what do you want to be when you grow up?"
i said, "maybe...a psychiatrist?"
-"why?"
-"because i want to help people with their problems."
then he said to me with a confident smile,
"you shouldn't be a psychiatrist, you should be a pastor.
you want to solve people's problems? give them the Bible
it is as simple as that."
Thursday, August 11, 2011
but i'm not a rapper
don't lead out of obligation
unless you want a proclamation
that you only know God enough
to do good works and church stuff
but not out of love
you're supposed to be a dove
you're supposed to be free
anyone who would say otherwise is an enemy
serve with a happy heart
your life- a work of art
unless you want a proclamation
that you only know God enough
to do good works and church stuff
but not out of love
you're supposed to be a dove
you're supposed to be free
anyone who would say otherwise is an enemy
serve with a happy heart
your life- a work of art
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Sunday, August 7, 2011
nostalgia
every single friend i have cherished
will someday mean less and less
that is why i hate nostalgia...
memories always playback in my mind
of the laughter that we have shared
and i realize i am alone again...
will someday mean less and less
that is why i hate nostalgia...
memories always playback in my mind
of the laughter that we have shared
and i realize i am alone again...
Friday, August 5, 2011
captain's blog
starburst and jolly rancher.
yo we're the snakes
we ain't no fakes
we always set the pace
whenever there's a race.
name, family, home, church, and servant
cute counts for absolutely nothing.
yo we're the snakes
we ain't no fakes
we always set the pace
whenever there's a race.
name, family, home, church, and servant
cute counts for absolutely nothing.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
volunteer work
as much as i love animals, this is goodbye
i will hold onto my dog instead now
she is the coolest (coldest) thing on four legs.
and i wouldn't have her be any other way <3
Saturday, July 30, 2011
overture
trials. originally, i thought, as a kid, "trials will be over when i'm an adult."
then, i realized that my life, and everyone's lives, is a trial on its own.
i was a fool to argue with God. i wondered why we were made to suffer in life.
i questioned His boundless love for me.
however, now i feel blessed by even the trials He has stored for me. i believe now
that we were not made to suffer but to take part in a great spiritual war for Him.
i think now, "let this trial test your love and devotion for God. i won't fail."
i tell that devil, "bring it on! God is with me always!" smirk*
God, never leave my side. i will most definitely never leave Yours.
then, i realized that my life, and everyone's lives, is a trial on its own.
i was a fool to argue with God. i wondered why we were made to suffer in life.
i questioned His boundless love for me.
however, now i feel blessed by even the trials He has stored for me. i believe now
that we were not made to suffer but to take part in a great spiritual war for Him.
i think now, "let this trial test your love and devotion for God. i won't fail."
i tell that devil, "bring it on! God is with me always!" smirk*
God, never leave my side. i will most definitely never leave Yours.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
call upon Him
God give me strength
God give me courage
God give me boldness
God give me peace
God give me joy
God give me life
God, your grace and love
eternal- You are my rock
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
popular days
so caught up in hanging out...
license = savings account demolition
there's not much time left
license = savings account demolition
there's not much time left
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
what happened?
of all the things you drag me into...
this by far must be the worst
not only do i find out that you're struggling,
but i also have no clue as to what you're doing.
other than that, my energy is almost gone entirely.
and the only thing keeping me going is the fact
that God is with me always! and what can fatigue
possibly do to me then? nothing.
this by far must be the worst
not only do i find out that you're struggling,
but i also have no clue as to what you're doing.
other than that, my energy is almost gone entirely.
and the only thing keeping me going is the fact
that God is with me always! and what can fatigue
possibly do to me then? nothing.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
the african diet: day 4
so i know it is way passed thanksgiving, but i'd like to take this time while i'm fasting to make a list of the things that i'm grateful for...
God- sending His only Son to die on the cross and to be risen from the dead for all of the sins of the earth as a great exchange of our suffering with His boundless love, grace, and mercy
mom- who has always cared for me, even when i defied her to the point of pure malice
dad- who has encouraged me to follow my dreams, whatever they may be
brother- who has inspired me to become more than just a churchgoer, a man of Christ
friends- although not all believe in God, i do not know one among them who would abandon me in a time of struggle
school- it drives me insane to think of school as something even close to a blessing, but i know, somehow, that God would not make me suffer without a reason =P
food- compared to $1.00 a day for food, the meals i usually eat seem to me now a luxury that i take for granted most of the time...and even so, $1.00 a day can support a child in Uganda
God- sending His only Son to die on the cross and to be risen from the dead for all of the sins of the earth as a great exchange of our suffering with His boundless love, grace, and mercy
mom- who has always cared for me, even when i defied her to the point of pure malice
dad- who has encouraged me to follow my dreams, whatever they may be
brother- who has inspired me to become more than just a churchgoer, a man of Christ
friends- although not all believe in God, i do not know one among them who would abandon me in a time of struggle
school- it drives me insane to think of school as something even close to a blessing, but i know, somehow, that God would not make me suffer without a reason =P
food- compared to $1.00 a day for food, the meals i usually eat seem to me now a luxury that i take for granted most of the time...and even so, $1.00 a day can support a child in Uganda
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