Take the Next Step.

Mark 10:52

“And Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your faith has made you well.’ Immediately he regained his sight and began following Him on the road.” 

I don’t know what step you need to take next, but I do know that you need to take it. For some of you, the next step is to accept Jesus Christ into your life. For others, it may be to be baptized. Maybe you need to join a church, get into a small group, tithe, find a ministry, go on a mission trip, or invite a friend to church. I don’t know what your next step is, but I do know this: You have one. God will never be finished taking you deeper in faith. There is always a next step.

If you don’t take the next step, you’re going to get stuck in a rut — and the only difference between a grave and a rut is the length. If you don’t move forward in faith, you will die. Your heart will grow cold, and you will feel more distant from God. He isn’t going to help you with step three, four, and five until you take step one. If you’re asking God to help you with something, he’s asking you, “Why haven’t you done what I’ve already told you to do?” You may have “been aiming to” do something. Stop aiming and pull the trigger.

Before Bartimaeus met Jesus, he was sitting beside the road. After he received his sight from the Lord, he “began following Jesus on the road” (Mark 10:52b NASB). Which of those two phrases describes your life: sitting beside the road or following Jesus on the road? Which of those two lifestyles do you think is more fulfilling? Which do you think has more joy, more meaning, and more satisfaction? Which one do you want to represent your life?

There’s only one way to follow Jesus on the road: Take the next step.

Faith is more than believing. Faith is more than thinking, talking, or having convictions about Jesus. Faith is action. It is movement; it is activity. Faith is something you do. In fact, the Bible says in James 2:14, “If people say they have faith, but do nothing, their faith is worth nothing” (NCV).  

Where do you get the faith to begin a fresh start? There’s only one source: Jesus Christ.

“Everything that we have — right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start — comes from God by way of Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:30 MSG). Bartimaeus had no idea that Jesus Christ was going to pass his way that day. To him, it was just another day. But God gave him an unexpected opportunity that offered him a fresh start. God is giving you the same opportunity. Don’t blow it. Take your next step of faith before the opportunity passes you by.

Identity.

John 8:12

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’”

When Jesus said, “I am the light of the world,” he was defining himself. He was saying, “I know who I am.” More than 18 times in the Bible, Jesus says, “I am” and then gives a description. He described himself as the door, the bread of life, the way, the truth, the resurrection, and the life. Over and over, he defines himself. Jesus knew who he was and, as a result, he was not under pressure.

This is the principle of identity. As long as you are unsure of your identity, you're going to be pressured to fit into other people's molds. They will manipulate you. They will try to make you into what they think you ought to be rather than what God made you to be.

One of the major causes of stress comes from trying to be somebody that you're not. When you are fearful that someone's going to find out what you're really like, that you might not be able to keep up the façade, it causes stress.

The only way you can counterbalance outside external pressures is to have an internal sense of satisfaction about who you are and who God made you to be. You discover who you are by knowing whose you are.

The Bible says that you were created by God. You are deeply loved by him. You are accepted as you are. He has a plan for your life. Until you settle this issue of identity, you will be insecure and you will be pressured by stress. You cannot serve other people until you settle this issue.

Jesus constantly did things that surprised everybody else. He put himself below others and served them. None of the other disciples would have ever thought to wash each other’s feet in the Upper Room because of their insecurity. But Jesus always served from a position of strength. He knew who and whose he was, so it didn't matter that he lowered himself to serve them.

Service comes from self-esteem. Until you overcome your insecurity and feel good about yourself, you won't feel like helping anyone else. Be secure in who you are and whose you are so that you can effectively serve others.

Membership.

John 13:35

“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” 

The Bible says a Christian without a church home is like an organ without a body, a sheep without a flock, or a child without a family. It is an unnatural state. Ephesians 2:19 says, “You belong in God’s household with every other Christian” (LB).

Today’s culture of independent individualism has created many spiritual orphans — “bunny believers” who hop around from one church to another without any identity, accountability, or commitment. Many believe it is possible to be a “good Christian” without joining (or even attending) a local church, but God would strongly disagree.

The church is so significant that Jesus died on the cross for it: “Christ loved the church and gave his life for it” (Ephesians 5:25 GW).

Except for a few important exceptions referring to all believers throughout history, almost every time the word “church” is used in the Bible it refers to a local, visible congregation. The New Testament assumes membership in a local congregation.

A church family identifies you as a genuine believer. I can’t claim to follow Christ if I’m not committed to any specific group of disciples. Jesus said, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:35 NLT).

When we come together in love as a church family from different backgrounds, races, and social statuses, it is also a witness to the world (Galatians 3:28).

Five Choices.

2 Corinthians 5:17

“Anyone who is joined to Christ is a new being; the old is gone, the new has come.”

Your identity is based on your choices. Here are five winning choices you can make that will help determine your destiny:

1. I can choose to get healthier. Instead of bemoaning the fact that you don’t have an Olympic body, find ways to increase your energy, lower your stress, get more sleep, and have more power. Psalm 119:73 says, “You made me; you created me. Now give me the sense to follow your commands” (LB). Improving the controllable factors in your life helps you reduce the impact of the uncontrollable factors.

2. I can choose to deepen relationships. The fear of rejection prevents connection, and the only way to get rid of fear is to do the thing you fear the most. Learn communication skills, replace bad relationships, reach out and risk connecting with someone. “Let love be your highest goal!” (1 Corinthians 14:1 NLT)

3. I can choose to trust God no matter what happens. “I will always thank the Lord; I will never stop praising him” (Psalm 34:1 LB). When you get to the point in your life where you can say, “I praise the Lord no matter what happens,” that is a confidence that you won’t find anywhere in Hollywood, on Capitol Hill, or on Wall Street. That is a confidence built on a relationship with God!

4. I can choose what I think about. Throughout the 20^th century, scientists believed the adult brain could not be changed. When the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize winner finally proved that you can rewire your brain, science finally caught up to the Bible: “Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think” (Romans 12:2 NLT). Your self is created by your memories, and your memories are created by your mental habits. Feed your brain with truth — God’s Word.

5. I can choose Jesus as my Savior. I’m not just talking about Jesus saving you from your sins. I’m talking about letting Jesus be your savior every day. Letting Jesus save you gives you the power to follow through on the choices you make. “Anyone who is joined to Christ is a new being; the old is gone, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17 LB).

You get to choose how much God blesses your life; he is just waiting on you to use your wild card. It is never too late to change. When you make these five winning choices, God gives you a winning hand.

Flaws.

Psalm 139:14

“Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.”

When people are hurting, they need simple truth, not simplistic truth. It’s not enough to tell someone to pray, read the Bible, or go to church. You have to help them know how to make changes in their lives.

And we can’t make changes in our lives until we understand our identity. You cannot become all that God created you to be until you embrace your identity — the unmistakably unique and flawedyou that God intentionally made for a purpose.

You are wonderfully complex (Psalm 139:14). To fulfill God’s purpose for you, you have to look at every dimension of your life and understand five factors that influence your identity. Then, you have to make the most of what you’re given. We may have all been given different parents, pains, problems, and potential, but we will all be held accountable one day for what we did with those factors.

It’s like a game of five-card stud poker: You don’t get to mix your cards. You don’t get to choose your cards. You have to play the hand your dealt.

The first factor that makes you who you are is your chemistry. This is your DNA, your genes, your hormones, your chemical makeup. Some of you were born with hypersensitivity; others have an extremely high tolerance for pain. Some of you have a low energy level; others are bouncing off the walls. Some of you have backs that are prone to fail you, weak eyesight, or brittle bones. Some of you have low levels of oxytocin, a hormone that affects how we relate to other people.

No flaw is sinful or shameful — it’s the way God wired you! I bought a pair of distressed jeans once that had a tag that read: “These jeans have intentional flaws in order to make them unique.” Your “genes” are the same way: They have flaws that make you unique. Those flaws are part of your custom design, and God planned them for his purpose and glory.

You will never be able to make a change in your life or fulfill God’s purpose for your life until you understand that you are wonderfully complex and uniquely flawed for God’s glory. The question then, is this: What will you do with the hand you’re dealt?

Different Gifts.

Jeremiah 1:5

I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my spokesman to the world. 

In Jeremiah 1:5, we’re taught that God created Jeremiah to share the Creator’s message with the nations. In the same way, God created you to share yourself with those around you.

You are diminished if you hide yourself under a bushel, keeping your skills, talents, insights, joy, and pain hidden away from others. God wants you to share yourself. He created you with a uniqueness that enriches the world when you give yourself to the community around you.

Maybe you’re a great singer, or a great cook, or a great mechanic, or a great teacher. Whatever gift God has given you, he gave it to you to give away in service to him. 

God's Timetable.

John 7:8

“You go to the festival. I am not going up to this festival, because my time has not yet fully come.” 

Even in the church, we over-schedule meetings, ministry, and meals. In our efforts to become like Jesus, we’re developing a very un-Jesus-like characteristic: busyness!

You never think of Jesus as a hurried person. He never seemed stressed over getting more things done.

Can you hear the efficiency experts?

“Jesus, you’d get a lot more done if you had more assistants than just the 12.”

“You really need to attend that council meeting in Capernaum if you want to make headway with the Pharisees!”

“Why are you still here in Galilee? Your ministry would be so much bigger if you’d move to Jerusalem. Such talent going to waste!”

Jesus’ brothers said, “Leave Galilee and go to Judea . . . . No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world” (John 7:3-4 NIV).

Jesus simply told them the timing wasn’t right because he was on the father’s timetable.

Now, as it was, Jesus followed almost immediately on the heels of his brothers. But he did it low-key, because he did not want to be swept into events that might distract him from his purpose or that might push him off God’s timetable.

Time after time, as Jesus walks through the gospels, we hear him referring to the Father’s will. He knew he’d been sent by God for a purpose, and he stuck to that purpose.

What’s the best way to manage your time? Figure out who God created you to be and what he created you to do, and then resolutely set out to accomplish God’s purpose (Luke 9:51).

Babylon 2012.

This year the theme for RHCCC's summer day camp was Babylon: Daniel's Courage in Captivity.
As we prepped for camp I didn't really know my team very well. I was only close to one other person since we grew up with each other. Fear and my nerves just attacked me the night before. I wasn't sure what God had planned for me.


As the first day of camp came I kept reminding myself that it was all for God and no matter what kind of personalities were in my group, I had to deal with it. Just like all of my volunteering experiences, the first day was by far the most tiring. I wasn't used to waking up at 7:30am and getting home at 6pm. It was all so different. As the days went by I realized that the kids were getting more and more engaged in the story of Daniel. They asked questions that opened my mind and they showed me a new perspective on the story of Daniel.


I realized that one of the kids were very happy and always energetic. She was able to come and leave with a smile on her face no matter what happen. She taught me to always be thankful for what I'm given because God made everything for a reason and we should be happy that He's still by our sides.


Another camper was diagnosed with brain cancer about 2 years ago, when he was in JK. This caused him to go through a lot of chemotherapy and treatment for a whole year. Seeing him come to camp and still be able to have a smile on his face really touched my heart. The reason for that is because despite all the pain and troubles that God had hit him with he was still able to thank God and praise Him. One of the Bible points was "When you need help, God is with you." During one of the discussions we were asked to share about one time that God has helped us when we were in need of someone. And so, he said God helped him when he was sick and in pain. It was just amazing to see this young boy still have faith in God despite all the troubles. I realized that if this camper that's 6 can do it, I can too. 


After a long 2 weeks of day camp I realized that we should always be thankful because God is with us no matter what happens. These kids showed me how to be a better leader and Christian. I couldn't have asked for a better group of kids and team. 

Blunders to Wonders

John 21:15-19
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James Hubbell, an artist, once stated, "Mistakes are gifts." When I first read that, I can honestly say I scoffed. I've made so many mistakes in the past, and I try to learn from them, but thinking them of gifts...? Erm, not really! Sometimes when we make mistakes, we feel ashamed, and try to hide them, apologize for them or correct them. We can't avoid making mistakes! 


Like sin, we can't avoid sin. But God doesn't throw us away when we sin, does he? Nope! He uses this opportunity to redeem us. For example, Peter denied Jesus three times after he was arrested, but when he was resurrected, Peter declared three times his love for the Lord. In the end, Jesus commanded him to, "Feed my sheep," and boy, did Peter did just that!


Just yesterday, I told my friend I didn't text them about my horrendous day because I knew sooner or later, they might tell me to shove off. It happened every single time with my past "friends" and I didn't want to repeat the same mistakes; have someone who I thought care about me, shove me away. But they reassured me they wouldn't and I felt at peace. God can use every situation to turn our blunders, into wonders. (:

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God can change our blunders into wonders. 

What's the Trouble?

Joshua 7:1-13
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Our congregation just finished off a series on the book of Joshua, and this was one of the stories that was told. The Lord had told the Israelites not to take anything and he will deliver the enemies into their hands. Once they arrived, they sent an army capable of taking down Ai's troops, but instead, 36 men were killed and they were chased back to where they came from. It was revealed later that Achan had taken a robe, shekels of silver and gold. Because of this, the Lord did not deliver them as he had went against his wishes.


Achan stole in secret, and when the army came back defeated, the Isaelites knew something was wrong. They just didn't know what. Sin is sometimes just like that; it comes to us secretly, and we know something is wrong, but we just can't put our finger on it. When sin becomes hidden in our lives, we must bring it to the surface. If we don't find the root of the problem, it'll continue to grow, and will grow despite cutting it down again and again, unless you remove the root that grows.

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Confession to God ensures forgiveness. 

Lessons Learned

Deuteronomy 8:1-10
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One of the things I struggle with the most is accepting that our timing, is not God's timing. To put it in perspective, God's like the giant ocean while I'm just a grain of sand. I want to be pulled into the tide, but the tide only comes ever so often. It's hard to accept sometimes that a few years wait, which is long for us, is only a blink of an eye for God. We get impatient far too easily. Sometimes, we think it's futile and we don't learn anything, but in everything there is a lesson from God.


"Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord." [Deuteronomy 8:2-3]


God shows us a lesson in everything. For many of these individuals, forty years is half of their life! They must have been complaining and losing hope every year, but God tells us it was to test where our heart is. For me, I know waiting forty years is incredibly long! And I'm not even twenty yet! And God also wants us to realize that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Yes, we may quench our physical hunger when we eat, but what about our spiritual one?


"Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you." [Deuteronomy 8:5]


Things in life may be tough, but remember that God loves us so much, he has to discipline us to. What kind of Father would he be if he did not show us right from wrong? Righteousness from unrighteousness? The only reason why we suffer through life is because he loves us, and he wants us to walk on that narrow path. It never will be easy, but it will be worth it.

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To love God is to obey God.

Ant Safari

Proverbs 6:6-11
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Over the summer, a lot of us lose track of time really easily. For me, today, I decided I needed to clean my desk. I woke up, ate breakfast, showered and waited for my hair to dry. But halfway through, I decided to take a nap. I woke up about four hours later, and well, my desk still isn't clean.


"Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores up provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest-and poverty will come to you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man."


God clearly tells us to not waste our time-to learn from the ant, who works continually without someone telling them to, to store up provisions and gathering its harvest.It needs no commander. By contrast, we are very lazy. We don't plan ahead, but we live in the moment. We don't think about how our laziness will add up, but we only look at instant satisfaction. Lets not waste time.

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In God's pattern book of nature we can trace many valuable lessons.

Unique.

Psalm 139:13-14

“You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it”.

The Bible says you were prescribed before birth. God knew what you would be like. He chose you, and he chose your characteristics. This means you are unique. There is only one you. There is nobody else who could be you. If you don't be you, who is going to be you? You are irreplaceable.

I read recently that there are 25,000 varieties of orchids in the world. If I had been God, I would have made a yellow orchid, a blue orchid, and a red orchid. Not God. The creator loves variety — 25,000 different varieties of orchids.

What's even more amazing is there are 4 billion varieties of people. And God made them all. You're unique. Nobody can be you. David says be grateful: “Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it” (Psalm 139:14 NLT).

Be glad you're you. God didn’t make you by accident. Can you imagine an artist whose paintings all look the same? How about a guy who paints 12 pictures and puts them up in his living room, then the pictures come to life and vote to all become like one. The artist would be disappointed. God doesn't want you to be like anybody else. He wants you to be you.

When you understand this, you will be less likely to fear rejection.

Rejection and Love.

Psalm 27:1

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; I will fear no one. The Lord protects me from all danger; I will never be afraid.”

The fear of rejection is based on two things. First, we all need to be loved — that's a fact. We all desperately need massive doses of love in our life to be healthy individuals. God says, "I want to love you." God is love, and he knows you need to be loved.

But, second, we develop the false idea that our need to be loved is solely dependent upon one person or a group of people. When you expect someone else to meet 100 percent of your need for love, you're asking for trouble. You're setting yourself up for hurt and opening the door for the fear of rejection. When you look to any other person besides God to meet all your love needs, he or she can't. There is no human being alive that can love you as completely and as fully as you need to be loved, and there never will be. Only God can do that.

So the first step in overcoming the fear of rejection is to put God in first place because he's the only one who can ultimately meet all your needs. 

Does God ever love us through other people? Of course. Does God want us to love others? Yes. Does he want to use us as channels of love? Absolutely. 

But, you will never have all your needs met by any person or group of people. God never meant it to be that way. They just don't have enough love. Human love is limited; God's love is unlimited and unconditional. No matter how deep your need is, he can fill it.

Worrying.

Proverbs 29:25a

“It is dangerous to be concerned with what others think of you.”

If you constantly worry about what other people think, then you’re caught in an emotional trap. You don't have to please everybody any more than you can please everybody. It's a myth to think that in order to be happy, you must be liked and approved of by everyone you meet. It's just not true.

Even God can't please everybody, and only a fool would try to do what even God can't do. Jesus said he only focused on pleasing God (John 8:29).

So how do you handle hard-to-please people? One thing you don't do is cave in. Just because you're a Christian doesn't mean you're supposed to submit and let others manipulate you. Romans 12:2 says, "Don't let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold" (Phillips).

The truth is, no one can pressure you without your permission. If you feel pressured by someone, you're allowing yourself to feel pressured by that person. If you feel controlled or manipulated, you're allowing yourself to be controlled or manipulated.

You don't have to do that! It's OK to stand up for what's right. It's OK to be assertive. Many Christians are afraid to speak up. Many think it's more spiritual to just be quiet and put up with it all. But God doesn't expect you to be a doormat — and he didn't make you to be a wimp.

It's Okay to Ask

Luke 7:18-28
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Yesterday, I had a BBQ with a few friends, and the girls ended up having some 'girl time' to talk. My friend had an issue where she really needed some prayer and guidance. The just of it is, everyone is against what she is doing, but she is unsure if her actions are reflection of God's plan for her. There was a lot of doubt, and I told her that if you walk down that path, and it is in God's plan, he'll close the doors unnecessary to his plans. 


"...he sent them to the Lord to ask, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?"" [John 7:18]


Even John the Baptist was doubtful of many things. He sent his men to ask Jesus if he was the Messiah, to ensure that his ministry was valid. Instead of accusing him of mistrust, Jesus stated the miracles he was doing, with witnesses, used things from the Old Testament John would understand, and even praised him. We question and we doubt because it's our human nature to. If we are shaken by uncertainty, God is the one that can assure us of certainty.

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Reassurance comes as we doubt our doubts and believe our beliefs.

Truth.

John 16:13

"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come."

In faith, I know this to be true:

The Spirit of truth works within me, and he guides me deeper in God’s truth. The Spirit of truth guides me to find truth wherever it can be found, because all truth is God’s truth (John 16:13).

The Spirit of truth has no agenda except to speak the truth, and he guides me into what is yet to come (John 16:13).

The Spirit of truth encourages me to take each step of faith. I know this to be true and will live accordingly. I believe, Lord; help my unbelief. The Spirit of truth guides me to the places where I will face my fears, and, as I face them in God’s strength, they wither away like vines overwhelmed by the brightness of the sun.

The Spirit of truth will lead me through a wilderness meant “to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant” within my life (Jeremiah 1:10 NIV).

And I will fear man no more, because I trust the Lord will keep me safe and keep me true to the truth (Proverbs 29:25).

Who's Behind It?

1 Chronicles 17:16-24
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Have you ever experienced something so good, you feel proud? Like a perfect mark on test or exam, or even your parents telling you how proud they are of you? How about the moment you win an award or receive a scholarship? Sometimes, it's so easy to feel proud of ourselves when good things happen to us. 


"Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?" [1 Chronicles 17:16b]


When King David realized his overflowing of blessings, he did not swell up in pride, but he thanked the Lord as all good things comes from the Lord. We're tempted everyday to believe it's our own abilities, our own work and our own effort that allowed us to achieve this. When we are blessed, let us remember that God is the only one who brings blessings, not ourselves.

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The hand of the Father is behind all good things.

Freedom.

John 8:36

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

The world defines freedom as a life without any restraint: "I can do anything I want to do and say anything I want to say without anybody telling me what to do." Everybody else may get burned by you, but you get to do it your own way. The world says you can have your freedom, but only by being totally selfish.

Yet, the Bible says the only way to true freedom is through Jesus: “If the Son sets you free, then you will be really free” (John 8:36 TEV).

Real freedom is freedom from fear, where you’re truly free from guilt, worry, bitterness, and death. You’re free to quit pretending because you’re free to be yourself.

How do you get rid of those kinds of fears? By letting God love you! The apostle John teaches that, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear ...” (1 John 4:18a NIV).

When you realize how much God loves you, you’ll begin to live in true freedom. In fact, you worship God when you recognize that “God is love.” It is an act of worship to agree that he is a loving, caring, generous God and that we can “rely on the love God has for us” (1 John 4:16a NIV). 

The Viral Gospel

Acts 7:59-8:8
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Over the lifetime of the internet, there are many videos that have gone viral. These videos just spread like a wildfire, seen by many, but it's something that many people cannot control. Many advertisers would love to have control over such impacting advertising technique.


"But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison. Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went." [Acts 8:3-4]


In the same way, after Stephen's death, instead of hiding and hoping not to be persecuted, the church scattered and preached the gospel; "viral" in a way. The gospel is something we can't keep to ourselves. We must share it and ensure that everyone hears of the amazing news of eternal life. Even in the most difficult situations, we must keep on sharing the good news.

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Spread the gospel; it's contagious! 

Looking Back

Genesis 48:8-16
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Waking up this morning, I looked at my phone and the texts I sent last night. Most of you has experienced it, but at night, you get really emotional; you over think and things don't really tend to go your way. The texts I sent were really, really unnecessary and I instantly regretted it, wishing I could take it all back.


But looking back on the journey I have taken with God, there should be no regrets. We make life decisions everyday. Some may be small and might not do much, but some will be large and alter our relationship greatly. And I think this is one of those big things. Although I want to regret it, everything happens for a reason, and it's all a learning experience.


As we look back on our walk with God, let us realize that our Shepherd guides us in the path of righteousness, no matter how confused or upset we may be.

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We can trust our all-knowing God for the unknown future.

Thoughts.

Proverbs 4:23

“Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.”

Long before psychology came around, God said your thoughts determine your feelings and your feelings determine your actions.

Our minds are really an amazing creation. It would take a computer the size of the Pentagon just to carry out the basic functions of your brain. Your brain contains over 100 billion nerve cells. Each individual cell is connected with 10 thousand other neurons.

You are constantly talking to yourself — all the time. You’re talking to yourself right now! Research indicates that most people speak at a rate of 150 to 200 words per minute, but the internal dialogue that you carry on with yourself (self-talk) you do at a rate of 1300 words per minute.

The problem is, in all that self-talk, a lot of people are like Job. In Job 9:20, he says, “Everything I say seems to condemn me” (TEV). If you're typical, you are your own worst critic. Right? You're always putting yourself down. You could walk into a room smiling, but inside you're saying, “I’m fat. I’m dumb. I’m ugly. And I’m always late.” Most of it is unconscious.

God wants you to stop putting yourself down. When you put yourself down, who are you really putting down? You’re really pointing to the Creator who made you. When you say, “God, I’m worthless. I’m no good. I can’t do anything,” you’re saying, “God, you blew it with me.” That’s why God says it’s wrong to put yourself down.

How do you eliminate negative self-talk so you can become a more confident person? It’s the principle of replacement: “Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about all you can thank God for and be glad about it” (Philippians 4:8 TLB).

Focus on what you want to be, on what God wants to do in your life. I don’t know any better antidote to low self-esteem than to read God’s Word every day. Study it, memorize it, meditate on it, and learn it in your life. I can’t tell you a better thing to help you raise your confidence level than to get in the Bible and start believing what God says about you.

One Body

1 Corinthians 12:18-27
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The Bible states very clearly we're all a part of God's family. We all have a role, and a position within the body to make up the body of Christ. Not everyone is a hand, not everyone is a foot, not everyone is an eye, but we each are different parts that work together to make up the body of Christ. 


"...its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it." [1 Corinthians 12:25-26]


I think one of the saddest things for me to learn these past few months, is that the body is scaring away the rest of the parts. The body is the church, and the church is not a building. I've had friends being driven away from church in order for "things to be made right" and friends that tell me they don't feel safe at church; they feel insecure, judged and ultimately, they don't feel loved. How is that a family? How is that a church? 


The sad truth is, despite the fact people read this passage, understand it and tell others about it, they don't live it out. I am only one person, and I can only do so much to show them love, something they have not received at their church. My prayer is that this vision of a body that cries for each other, rejoices with each other and cares for each other deeply will be truth. There will be a day where my family isn't driven away by each other, or where they can go to church, not scared of the people within this physical building. We are all one body, so why are we driving away essential parts of it?

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We need one another in order to be who God wants us to be.

Firework and Freedom

Galatians 5:1-14
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Canada Day was a few days ago, and many of my friends went to set fireworks. I stayed home and watched Suits! But, through the windows, I heard the sound of fireworks popping, and I remember when I did go watch fireworks, they were beautiful. Yet, these fireworks are made from the same ingredients as a bomb. A bomb causes destruction, ruining lives and tearing apart family. How can something so beautiful, can also be so deadly?


"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." [Galatians 5:13]


God gives us freedom, free will, and doesn't force us to become robots. Yet, when we take freedom, and turn it into sinful nature, it will destroy us. Freedom used for God is a beautiful thing. Not everyone will have the same freedom we do, but everyone has spiritual freedom. Let's give the glory to God today.

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Freedom doesn't give us the right to do what we please, but to do what pleases God.  

Truth.

John 8:32

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Read this as a prayer today:

Jesus, you are the Truth, and the Truth sets me free. You are the Truth, and your Truth lives in me.

I clothe myself in your Truth, Jesus, putting on the coat of a new self, “created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24 NIV). You are “the way and the truth and the life,” and I am connected to God through you and you alone (John 14:6 NIV). Because of you, I know the Truth about who I am and I know that your life is working in me (Galatians 2:20).

Truth enables me to discern and reject the lies of the enemy. Your Truth demolishes arguments and pretensions that are at war with the knowledge of God. In your Truth, I will “take captive every thought” and make it obedient to you (2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV). With your Truth, I will teach these thoughts to obey you, King Jesus (suggested by 2 Corinthians 10:5 MSG).

Your Truth says I’m forgiven, I’m loved by my Creator, and I’m God’s child, beloved and empowered by the Spirit of Truth.

The Truth enables me to respond to your direction. I can trust your leadership, I can trust your commands, and I can trust your plans because you are the Truth.

I will leave it up to you to interpret the facts and determine the truth of any situation. I will let your Truth make the decisions, and then I will obey and leave the consequences in your loving, truth-filled hands.

All the decisions are yours to make. Because you are Truth, I can respond in the Truth in all situations; I am no longer a slave to my emotions.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

Ephesians 1:15-23
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I think that sometimes, we forget how beautiful prayer can be. At one point of our Christian walk, we probably dreaded prayer. We probably hated praying, and would say a quick few words so that we don't feel guilty about not praying. But prayer is a way to communicate with God, our almighty Saviour; it is not a right, but a privilege. There are obviously different ways you can pray; there is no mention in the bible your hands must be clasped and your eyes must be closed. 


During Teen's Conference 2011 when I was a captain, the captains made a huge Skype conversation and invited us all in. Imagine 90 people within a group! At one point, they wanted to pray for each other. So they typed out their prayer and sent it into the chat. As it went on, my stomach felt bad. I realized that it felt like they were trying to out pray each other, to have the most extravagant and wordy prayer. Sound familiar? I brought it to the attention to my fellow captain and we both left, unable to convince them otherwise and to pray by ourselves. Yes, prayer is a wonderful thing, but when we try to use it to show how great we are as opposed to how great God is, there is a problem there. 


"For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers." [Ephesians 1:15-16]


I recently realized God took out the closest friend I ever had in my life, to replace it with two Christians that will definitely grow with me in Christ. Although I was hurt, I cried, and I was upset beyond repair, God really showed me he will give something better. This verse reminded me of the faith of these two individuals who accepted me without words and showed me unconditional love. I thank them everyday in my prayers, as their faith and their love for God is so evident, that I was actually surprised. But God does everything for a reason, and whether you're praying out loud, praying through e-mails or just talking to God on the bus, remember that all the glory belongs to him.

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Praying for others is a privilege - and a responsibility. 

Birthdays.

17 years of life has passed by like a blink of an eye. 
So 17 years ago, I was born TODAY. 


I can't even believe it myself. I had nothing planned for today. No one was home to celebrate with me, except my little brother. To be honest I thought that it was going to be the worst birthday date ever. I wasted half my day by sleeping in and after that I went outside to tan and play ball.
As time passed by, I just sat at home doing nothing and all of a sudden the doorbell rang I already knew that one of best friends were going to come and visit me but she told me to grab my shoes and come outside. So i do what she says and all of a sudden 4 of my friends walk onto my driveway holding a cake. I was very surprised and how well they pulled it off because I never suspected a thing. As we were eating cake I realized how blessed I was with these 5 friends. God has put them in my life for a reason. They baked this cake all day and mission-ed all the way to my house just to celebrate my special day. 


I realized that I should always be thankful for my friends, family, peers, etc. because God has placed each and every one of them in your life for a reason. He created a purpose, good or bad, for them to help and encourage us to become stronger Christians. 


Philippians 1:3
"I thank my God every time I remember you."

A New Day

Psalm 118:19-29

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My Teen's Conference captain two years ago told me something he does everyday. In the morning, before he does anything, he will pray to God; he starts the day off with God. At night, before he sleeps, he prays to God; he ends the day off with God. I think that's a very smart practice to have, to ensure ourselves that we realize that each new day is God's gift to us. I try to keep that practice as well, starting and ending the day off with God.

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." [Psalm 118:24]

Each new day is a day where God has given us a clean slate, a new opportunity to show God's gift of life through us. We cannot anticipate how the day will go, or even prepare for it. You may think, "I'm just going to school today, then coming home to do homework, use the computer and sleep," but no! God made this day, and just because you "plan" these activities doesn't mean it'll always work out that way. We must fully rely on God to bring us through the day and rely on him and his grace, not our own! Let us remember that each day, each breath is a gift from God.

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Each new day gives us a reason to praise the Lord.

The Offering Plate

2 Corinthians 8:1-15
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This devotion spoke of a pastor who disliked talking about giving to the church, since his previous employment included fundraiser. I think the perception of giving is really warped, even in today's day and age. In today's passage, this was the verse that hit me the most:


"Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own." [2 Corinthians 8:2-3]


He states that even in the most severe trials, they had overflowing joy and they gave as much as they could, entirely on their own. Pastor Francis Chan was not kidding when he said the rich are at a disadvantage. Pastor Ho-Ming talked about how people are living for trees. Money,degrees, and stuff that don't matter are from trees! Yet the rich live for these things. How disadvantaged are we?! 


This passage tells us a lot about giving:
- Give yourself first to the Lord (8:5)
- Give, remembering the example of Lord Jesus (8:9)
- Give according to your means (8:11-12)
- Give enthusiastically because of God's love (9:2)
- Give generously, not grudgingly or because of outside pressure (9:5-7)  


"...they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will...just as you excel in everything-in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us-see that you also excel in this grace of giving." [2 Corinthians 8:5b, 7]


The people at the Macedonian churches gave themselves first to the Lord, then the rest to God's will. Not only do we need to excel in faith, speech, love, but also giving! Now back to the Pastor. He ended up teaching this passage, and well, he obviously had to talk about giving! When he did, he took an offering plate, and stepped on it. Why?


We need to give our entire lives to God, not just our wallets. That means time. God's time is not our time. If there's a sister or brother in need, who are we to say, "I don't have time for you?" Who are we to turn away single mothers and homeless individuals? We all sin, and I have ignored these people, but let the Holy Spirit pour out of you and excel in love and giving. We must give our lives, not just our wallets.

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When we give ourselves completely to the Lord, all lesser giving becomes easier. 

Wired Together.

Acts 2: 46-47a

“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts … praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.”

God blesses churches that worship him joyfully. Truth is, God loves a good celebration. He blesses people who celebrate him! The early Church is a great example of that.

The Bible says of the early Church: “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts … praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people” (Acts 2:46-47a NIV).

There’s enough bad news in the world. The last thing you should do is come to church to hear more bad news. The church is the place for the Good News — the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

The Bible says, “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord’” (Psalm 122:1 NASB). God’s church should be a place of joy!

You and I were wired to enjoy God. We were wired to express emotion. If we can’t do that in church, then we’ll do it at rock concerts or sports stadiums. The church should be a place where we can express emotion toward God. Church should be a fun place where we can worship.

Where do we find that kind of joy? In Acts 2, Peter quotes David saying: “I see that the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and my tongue shouts his praises! My body rests in hope” (Acts 2:25-26 NLT).

God wants us to live — and worship — in gladness, joyfulness, and hope!

Ignorance and Innocence

Romans 5:12-21
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Have you ever met someone who avoided going to the doctor because they believed there was nothing wrong with them, or they didn't want to know anything was wrong with them? Just because you don't go to the doctor, doesn't mean you're not sick! Sometimes, us Christians, run away in the same way. We believe there is nothing wrong with us, and by avoiding that "measure," we hope that we never hear the news that there is something wrong with us! Ignorance of our sickness does not make us healthy, and in the same way, ignorance of our sin does not make us innocent!


"For if, by the trespass of one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ." [Romans 5:17]


Man to God, is like a speck of sand, while God is like the ocean (technically bigger, but y'know, for the analogy sake!). If you think about it, through that one speck of sand, death came into our world, but through God, we receive grace. If you think about it, God is really big, and how much more is that grace worth?! It's so hard to explain, but so easy to imagine. I was sitting here feeling giggly about the verse. God is so gracious to us!


When people refuse to live by the righteousness of God, they lived by their own standards of right and wrong. That kind of thinking will make you sin! Like ignorance, you may feel that you like a pleasant life, but that does not make you spiritually healthy. Yes, we may be never able to achieve Jesus' righteousness, but we have an ever abundant fountain of grace that pours from our Lord. Let's not be ignorant, because that does not make us innocent! 

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God is the Measurer and Healer of our spiritual health.

Love.

Acts 2:44-45

“And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person's need was met.”

It is the too-little told secret of church growth. Loving churches grow. Cold churches don’t.

That’s the story of the early church, too. They loved each other deeply. Acts 2:44-45 says, “And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person's need was met.” (MSG)

That’s radical love. The Roman government hated Christians. It was illegal to be a Christian. The Romans often tried to kill believers. But even the Romans would say that Christians really loved each other. You know it must be true if the enemies of the Church would say that! But the early Church was known for exactly that kind of love. It is the same kind of love that drew people to Jesus. The Bible said the early Church grew on a daily basis.

We all want that kind of growth in our churches. The way to achieve that is to love like the early Church. We call that fellowship—or being as committed to our fellow believers as we are to Jesus.

There are two reasons people haven’t come to Christ. They don’t know any Christians–or they do! People want to be around those who love them. When a church genuinely loves others, you will have to lock the doors to keep people out.

In Praise of Sovereignty

Psalm 103:15-22
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One of the worse feelings for me is feeling betrayed or upset. My stomach will drop, my heart feels like it stops beating, time seems to stand still for me, and the cold hard truth begins to seep into my brain slowly. Sometimes I feel like I can't breath. Other times, I feel as if the breath's been knocked out of me. When it's really serious, I feel as if someone rammed a knife into my heart time and time again. This was how I felt when I learned I had scoliosis or when I found out my best friend said I was only being tolerated for the duration of our friendship. Neither times did I turn to God and praise him. I cried, blamed myself and didn't allow God to work in me.


"The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all." [Psalm 103:19]


King David of Israel probably felt the same way as I did many times. He stood before Goliath, chased by a murderous King Saul and watched Israel rally under his rule, yet despite all this, he praised God. No matter what happened, he took the time to write psalms, praising and worshiping God in all circumstances, thanking God for his care and control.


I look back on my life and wonder if I do the same. Nope, not at all. The first thing I would do in a terrible situation is not praise God, but put the blame on someone. But no, we must be like King David, and give thanks in all circumstances. 

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Praise the Lord! Praise Him according to His excellent greatness! [Psalm 150:1-2]

Languages.

Acts 2:4

All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

God performed a great miracle in the early church. The Bible says of the apostles on the Day of Pentecost that, “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” (Acts 2:4, NIV) God empowered the apostles to speak other languages in order to advance the gospel.

This isn’t a miracle we need in today’s world. The Church speaks every language in the world. We speak more languages than the United Nations. But there is a deeper truth from this passage.

From the very beginning of the Church, God expected us to share the gospel in many languages and through many channels. You probably don’t realize it but you know many different languages. Even if you don’t have different dictionaries or grammars for them, you still speak these languages on a regular basis. For instance, if you are a mom of a preschooler, you can talk with other moms of preschoolers like no one else can. If you’re a baseball fan, you can talk to other baseball fans in ways other people can’t. If you’re an engineer, you understand other engineers.

The gospel is for everyone. We need to use every communication channel at our disposal to share it with those who need to hear it. The languages you speak aren’t just the ones codified in dictionaries. Every interest you have can be a vehicle for the gospel. Every commonality you share with a friend can be an opportunity for you to tell them about Jesus.

You have interests and experiences that you’ve probably never considered using for sharing the gospel. On the day of Pentecost, God distributed the gospel among every language in attendance. He wants to use every language the Church has at its disposal today too.

What languages do you speak that God could use to share the gospel? 

A Commitment to Care

Galatians 6:1-2
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A few months ago, when I was an emotional wreck in dealing with a lost friendship with someone who meant a lot to me, I had a few friends who were by my side a lot. Of course, they know who they are, and even though they're a year younger than me, the love the exhibited showed me what Christlike love is all about. Despite the fact I was an emotional wreck, and not being the "Witty" they knew, they loved me, cared for me and were with me every step of the way. As I look back now, I realize that I was a pain to deal with, and at times, I wonder if they ever thought, "How am I going to deal with this girl?"


"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." [Galatians 6:2]


They realized I wouldn't be able to go through this alone, and they were with me every step of the way, carrying my burdens, even though they were so extremely heavy. They loved me when none of my own age group friends did, and when they realized I wouldn't take the first step, they took it for me. What I finally see is that they took my burden, without complaining, and ran with it, soared with it, and they never, ever took the time to complain. They talked to me, stayed with me, prayed with me, and showed me so much love. So much love, and I am so grateful. 


Now, months later, I finally realize the extent of care they had for me, and I have no words to express the gratitude I owe to them. At the same time, I am so eternally thankful for God blessing these individuals into my life. They were, literally, the light shining in the dark room, for me. Much love. <3

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Compassion is the capacity to put Christlike love into action.

Patience.

Being patient is a key ingredient that we all need. 


Today, I went out with my friends to watch a movie and we decided to go for Menchie's afterwards. At this time it was already around 10pm and after we went for some Menchie's we decided to walk back to a bus stop. As we walked and walked we saw no bus stop so we ended up walking back to First Markham Place. We already missed several buses that passed by and this made us wait even longer. As I called my dad to tell him that I am coming home, he said that he would come pick me up instead because he wants me to be safe, rather than taking public transit. So I had to wait for my mother to come back from a meeting in order for my dad to come pick me up. During this time we had to have a lot of patience as we waited outside. Some of us were frustrated and were complaining about how cold we were. 


This reminded me of how much time God has given us to wait for us to stop being stubborn and listen to Him. He guides us through so many things and is always there for us. His works are so wonderful and amazing that in the end, it's all worth the wait. 

Believe God is working in your life even when you don’t feel it. Spiritual growth is sometimes tedious work, one small step at a time. Expect gradual improvement.

There are seasons in your spiritual life, too. Sometimes you will have a short, intense burst of growth (springtime) followed by a period of stabilizing and testing (fall and winter).

Keep a notebook or journal of lessons learned. This is not a diary of events, but a record of what you are learning. Write down the insights and lessons God teaches you about him, about your life, and everything else.

The reason we must relearn lessons is that we forget them. Reviewing your spiritual journal regularly can spare you a lot of unnecessary pain and heartache.

We are often in a hurry when God isn’t. You may feel frustrated with the seemingly slow progress you’re making in life. Remember that God is never in a hurry, but he is always on time. He will use your entire lifetime to prepare you for your role in eternity.