Time Spent: 10 mins
Main Idea: Peter confesses Jesus as Christ
What I learned about God: Jesus is the true Christ
Summary: This is when Jesus turns to the disciples and asks who the people say the Son of Man is. People list the prophets and John the Baptist and others but Peter exclaimed that it was Jesus. Jesus explains how this is not a fact that he learned on his own, but a fact that God the Father had given to Peter. Peter as a rock of salvation, jesus said that He would build His church upon Him and whatever we bind on earth it show be bound in Heaven and whatever we let loose on earth, we let loose in Heaven. He then told the disciples not to tell anyone of His true identity.
Application: I believe in this, Jesus is showing His true sovereignty in that He reveals Himself to His disciples, but instead of allowing everyone to know, Jesus is serving rather than to be served. He did not come to earth so that we would be able to slave over Him but on the contrary, He came to save us for the eternal slavery we would be in, due to sin. I feel this passage is here to remind me of God's true soverignty. Without His true loving sacrifice, we would not be able to bask in His love and glory that He has given to us. I will be able to no realize in life, that whatever happens, God is always going to be the one who pulls the strings in our lives. As we continue to live, we must know that every action God puts in our lives is meant to be there, whether it is to bless me. scare me, or teach me a lesson. An example of this would be me going to KCM and being involved with a small group. It was completely random for me to join a small group in the beginning of the year, even though I had not gone to the school, just being a part of that experience has helped me grow and walk in pure faith and love. The amount of accountability has truly helped me grow and continue to help me grow in all that I do. I know everything in life is planned by God so that He may use me for His glory.
Money Owed: 15 dollars
-Andrew Park
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
5/30/10: Proverbs 3:1-12
Time: 25 mins
Main Idea: Trust in the Lord with all your heart
What I learned about God: Trust in Him, He who provides
Summary: This passage in Proverbs in which it is instructing the reader to truly just never to forget this teaching. We must not let love and faithfulness ever burden us. By engraving them onto our hearts, we will always be blessed by the love and faithfulness that we receive in our own lives instead of receiving them as burdens. We must continue to trust God with everything in our lives and He shall make smooth all of our bumpy roads. We should not lead our own lives, but instead we should turn to the Lord in all that we need and He shall refresh us when we need. When we offer our finest things up to God, He will not only multiply our offerings into multiple blessings in our lives. Through the love of us, God gave us Jesus and therefore we must love Him and put everything in Him, because He gave His own blood for us.
Application: Missions training is truly getting more of a burden than a goal in my life. I continue to see the blessing of missions support into a fight for to see who gets the most amount of support the fastest. I feel that through all this weariness, I have lost sight of the true meaning of missions. I feel that through all of the pressure that is building up upon me, I need to remind myself of what missions is all about. I need to most importantly remember that it is in God that I should put all my faith and trust upon. I need to truly forget about how God is around my life, and focus upon how my life is surrounded upon God. I must put my full work upon glorifying His name. I need give God my best efforts, and in Scripture, God will give me all that I deserve. God will truly bless me when I start giving my best to Him. I am determined to do that through my missions training and school as finals approach me.
Money Owed: 15 dollars
-Andrew Park
Main Idea: Trust in the Lord with all your heart
What I learned about God: Trust in Him, He who provides
Summary: This passage in Proverbs in which it is instructing the reader to truly just never to forget this teaching. We must not let love and faithfulness ever burden us. By engraving them onto our hearts, we will always be blessed by the love and faithfulness that we receive in our own lives instead of receiving them as burdens. We must continue to trust God with everything in our lives and He shall make smooth all of our bumpy roads. We should not lead our own lives, but instead we should turn to the Lord in all that we need and He shall refresh us when we need. When we offer our finest things up to God, He will not only multiply our offerings into multiple blessings in our lives. Through the love of us, God gave us Jesus and therefore we must love Him and put everything in Him, because He gave His own blood for us.
Application: Missions training is truly getting more of a burden than a goal in my life. I continue to see the blessing of missions support into a fight for to see who gets the most amount of support the fastest. I feel that through all this weariness, I have lost sight of the true meaning of missions. I feel that through all of the pressure that is building up upon me, I need to remind myself of what missions is all about. I need to most importantly remember that it is in God that I should put all my faith and trust upon. I need to truly forget about how God is around my life, and focus upon how my life is surrounded upon God. I must put my full work upon glorifying His name. I need give God my best efforts, and in Scripture, God will give me all that I deserve. God will truly bless me when I start giving my best to Him. I am determined to do that through my missions training and school as finals approach me.
Money Owed: 15 dollars
-Andrew Park
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Ephesians 1:5 Predestined to Love
5/29/10
Time Spent: 10 min
Main Idea: God's motive of election is by His love
What I Learned about God: God is not an impersonal force, but personal in His care and compassion towards us
Summary: The greeting Paul gives to the church itself is so rich in theology. It does not just "shoot the breeze" but goes straight to the weightiness of God and His glory right form the get go. He shares with them the loaded phrase that God had predestined His believers for good works. The reason that God does this is because of His love. People get up in arms when they talk about "predestination" because they see themselves as robots in a divine play that is being manipulated by an impersonal God. People feel they have no say, rights, or determination to factor their own life. They do not want a divine ideal lording over their life. However, those people fail to realize that they do have a divine ideal ruling over them: themselves, science, history, family, etc. What they fail to see is that they're being ruled and governed by an impersonal force that forces them to achieve or die. Something is going to be ruling your life. However, if we do have a God that elects and predestines, we might fear that we're in the same category as the people listed above, who may feel they're driven by their gods. However, we know that God cares and that's why He elects us.
Application: This shows the wonderful character of God. God loves us, elects us, dies for us. These are glorious truths of a soverign, powerful, and gracious God that we have. This God is personal and Has a vested interest in our lives; not out of duty, but because of His love for us. This is the God that sets captives free, even people who feel that "God" is the one who is doing the imprisoning. Predestination could be the most liberating idea because of the freedom it brings; showing God's love for you not based upon your goodness or your life, but by His grace. This is a God that we can worship and praise.
Time Spent: 10 min
Main Idea: God's motive of election is by His love
What I Learned about God: God is not an impersonal force, but personal in His care and compassion towards us
Summary: The greeting Paul gives to the church itself is so rich in theology. It does not just "shoot the breeze" but goes straight to the weightiness of God and His glory right form the get go. He shares with them the loaded phrase that God had predestined His believers for good works. The reason that God does this is because of His love. People get up in arms when they talk about "predestination" because they see themselves as robots in a divine play that is being manipulated by an impersonal God. People feel they have no say, rights, or determination to factor their own life. They do not want a divine ideal lording over their life. However, those people fail to realize that they do have a divine ideal ruling over them: themselves, science, history, family, etc. What they fail to see is that they're being ruled and governed by an impersonal force that forces them to achieve or die. Something is going to be ruling your life. However, if we do have a God that elects and predestines, we might fear that we're in the same category as the people listed above, who may feel they're driven by their gods. However, we know that God cares and that's why He elects us.
Application: This shows the wonderful character of God. God loves us, elects us, dies for us. These are glorious truths of a soverign, powerful, and gracious God that we have. This God is personal and Has a vested interest in our lives; not out of duty, but because of His love for us. This is the God that sets captives free, even people who feel that "God" is the one who is doing the imprisoning. Predestination could be the most liberating idea because of the freedom it brings; showing God's love for you not based upon your goodness or your life, but by His grace. This is a God that we can worship and praise.
5/29/10: Psalm 1:1-6
Time Spent: 15 mins
Main Idea: The way of the righteous and the wicked
What I learned about God:God only knows the way of the righteous
Summary: This is the first chapter of Psalm and it is explaining the ways of the wicked and the ways of the righteous. It is definitely different in that it is first explained the ways of the righteous in how all there ways are so synchronized. The righteous are compared to a tree that bears its fruit when it must and it will have its leaves wither when they must. It then explains how the wicked are different in that they cannot stand the crazy amount of judgment that the Lord puts upon them. The wicked will then be judged and condemned to hell.
Application: In my life, I must remember to walk in the way of the righteous in that when God has something planned for me, I will be able to produce and when He wants me to be still, I will. Being wicked is being eternally dead and not being able to see His love and mercy for all eternity. In my life, I want to follow God's word and I want to follow His love in all that I do. In my life, I must continue to pray for what God's calling for me is, because I must devote my whole life and all of what I do in His name.
Money Owed: 15 dollars
-Andrew Park
Main Idea: The way of the righteous and the wicked
What I learned about God:God only knows the way of the righteous
Summary: This is the first chapter of Psalm and it is explaining the ways of the wicked and the ways of the righteous. It is definitely different in that it is first explained the ways of the righteous in how all there ways are so synchronized. The righteous are compared to a tree that bears its fruit when it must and it will have its leaves wither when they must. It then explains how the wicked are different in that they cannot stand the crazy amount of judgment that the Lord puts upon them. The wicked will then be judged and condemned to hell.
Application: In my life, I must remember to walk in the way of the righteous in that when God has something planned for me, I will be able to produce and when He wants me to be still, I will. Being wicked is being eternally dead and not being able to see His love and mercy for all eternity. In my life, I want to follow God's word and I want to follow His love in all that I do. In my life, I must continue to pray for what God's calling for me is, because I must devote my whole life and all of what I do in His name.
Money Owed: 15 dollars
-Andrew Park
Friday, May 28, 2010
5/28/10: 2 Timothy 4:1-8
Time Spent: 10 mins
Main Idea: Preach the Word
What I learned about God: He will reward us for our deeds
Summary: This passage is telling us of the person we must be. we must continue to preach the Word and be evangelists. Even when people will will start to believe in other religions, we must keep a pure and sober mind in that we will not turn away from Him in any place or time. We must remain loyal to the one who has saved us. Paul is explaining in the second part of the passage in that he is being used by God and he has devoted his whole life upon Him but now He is giving Paul rest in the kingdom. Paul is acknowledging that his life is almost over and how God is repaying Him for his life long commitment onto Him.
Application: In my life, I have always been so preoccupied with what I am going to do in the future, but I noticed today while speaking to a pastor of mine. Like in "The Bourne Ultimatum", as the assets within the CIA, we must be waiting for God's calling and only preoccupying us what we will give up for His kingdom. To be life Paul and the other Apostles, we must be willing to drop our lives for His name. In my life, I must find something that God will be glorified through, but when God calls I will be ready to work for Him.
Money Owed: 15 dollars
-Andrew Park
Main Idea: Preach the Word
What I learned about God: He will reward us for our deeds
Summary: This passage is telling us of the person we must be. we must continue to preach the Word and be evangelists. Even when people will will start to believe in other religions, we must keep a pure and sober mind in that we will not turn away from Him in any place or time. We must remain loyal to the one who has saved us. Paul is explaining in the second part of the passage in that he is being used by God and he has devoted his whole life upon Him but now He is giving Paul rest in the kingdom. Paul is acknowledging that his life is almost over and how God is repaying Him for his life long commitment onto Him.
Application: In my life, I have always been so preoccupied with what I am going to do in the future, but I noticed today while speaking to a pastor of mine. Like in "The Bourne Ultimatum", as the assets within the CIA, we must be waiting for God's calling and only preoccupying us what we will give up for His kingdom. To be life Paul and the other Apostles, we must be willing to drop our lives for His name. In my life, I must find something that God will be glorified through, but when God calls I will be ready to work for Him.
Money Owed: 15 dollars
-Andrew Park
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Ephesians 1:1-10 Spiritual Affluence
5/27/10
Time Spent: 15 min
Main Idea: God has made us spiritually rich through Christ
What I Learned about God: God is the one that brings us the riches in Christ
Summary: God is not seen as someone who withholds his riches, but he gives it out freely towards those that believe in Christ. Believers are not to have any thinking that they're poor whatsoever, but that they understand that Christ has given to them every spiritual blessing, not lacking in anything. This spiritual blessing then isn't in reference to spiritual gifts, but rather in terms of God's salvific work towards believers. This text is showing that it is through Christ that one becomes spiritually rich.
Application: Many times we don't feel as affluent as this verse calls us to. It states that we have every spiritual blessing under the earth, yet as people we continue to live like we don't more and more. We live like spiritual beggars, begging God for more as we always feel that we're lacking. I think this comes down to a focus on ourselves and a lessening focus about what has already been accomplished through Christ. If we focused on Christ as believers and the work that He did on the cross, then we would realize that we're spiritually rich. For me, I feel like I'm spiritually poor in respects to the way that I live. I live in constant guilt because of how I spent the day or particular sins which I had committed. Even though some of those things may not change, I need to realize that I should not focus upon those things but look towards the bigger picture of the Gospel. When I understand that I'm wonderfully accepted, God made me rich in Him, and picked me before the foundations of the world, it changes the way in which I view my life. Focusing on the Gospel is the way in which we should live our lives!
Time Spent: 15 min
Main Idea: God has made us spiritually rich through Christ
What I Learned about God: God is the one that brings us the riches in Christ
Summary: God is not seen as someone who withholds his riches, but he gives it out freely towards those that believe in Christ. Believers are not to have any thinking that they're poor whatsoever, but that they understand that Christ has given to them every spiritual blessing, not lacking in anything. This spiritual blessing then isn't in reference to spiritual gifts, but rather in terms of God's salvific work towards believers. This text is showing that it is through Christ that one becomes spiritually rich.
Application: Many times we don't feel as affluent as this verse calls us to. It states that we have every spiritual blessing under the earth, yet as people we continue to live like we don't more and more. We live like spiritual beggars, begging God for more as we always feel that we're lacking. I think this comes down to a focus on ourselves and a lessening focus about what has already been accomplished through Christ. If we focused on Christ as believers and the work that He did on the cross, then we would realize that we're spiritually rich. For me, I feel like I'm spiritually poor in respects to the way that I live. I live in constant guilt because of how I spent the day or particular sins which I had committed. Even though some of those things may not change, I need to realize that I should not focus upon those things but look towards the bigger picture of the Gospel. When I understand that I'm wonderfully accepted, God made me rich in Him, and picked me before the foundations of the world, it changes the way in which I view my life. Focusing on the Gospel is the way in which we should live our lives!
5/27/10: John 4:23-24
Time spent: 10 mins
Main Idea: Worship Him with a pure heart
What I learned about God: God is watching for those who are worshiping Him
Summary: This is Jesus speaking to the Samaritan woman at the well. He explains to her that all God is looking for is people that are worshiping Him, and to worship Him they must do it with all their heart and in truth.
Application: In my life, I feel that lately at church, I haven't been worshiping with all my heart. I think being so distracted by the world and my daily struggles, that I forget to give God everything in my life including my worries and all my daily struggles. I need to remember if I worship the One who saved me, I should do it with all my heart. I need to put all my worries unto God and truly just worship Him for His great love and mercy so that when He sees me, He sees me truly loving Him with everything I have.
Money Owed: 15 dollars
-Andrew Park
Main Idea: Worship Him with a pure heart
What I learned about God: God is watching for those who are worshiping Him
Summary: This is Jesus speaking to the Samaritan woman at the well. He explains to her that all God is looking for is people that are worshiping Him, and to worship Him they must do it with all their heart and in truth.
Application: In my life, I feel that lately at church, I haven't been worshiping with all my heart. I think being so distracted by the world and my daily struggles, that I forget to give God everything in my life including my worries and all my daily struggles. I need to remember if I worship the One who saved me, I should do it with all my heart. I need to put all my worries unto God and truly just worship Him for His great love and mercy so that when He sees me, He sees me truly loving Him with everything I have.
Money Owed: 15 dollars
-Andrew Park
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
5/26/10: Proverbs 3:1-12
Time: 20 mins
Main Idea: Trust in the Lord with all your heart
What I learned about God: God loves and provides for us, all we need to do is believe in Him
Summary: This is in the book of Proverbs and this is just showing God's love for us. This whole passage is just describing problems in life and how when God does something, it is all out of love for us.
Application: This was definetily a turning point of my life this week when I found out that I was put on probation and potentially dropped from mission training. It opened my mind to th ethings in my life in whichh I thought that it was my fault and how if I had done something differently it would make my life easier and better. The case is that God planned all of these things to happen to me in order for me to live the life that I am now. I don't know what the future plans but waiting around and thinking of what is going to happen is not going to be any better than what I am doing now. Whatever desires I have in my heart are from God so in each and every action that I take, God is just leading me ahead. I finally figured out that my life is full of people always nagging at me and telling me what to do and I never stopped and asked myself what does God want me to do. I am at the crossroads of my life in which God will lead me and worrying will only just be an act of thinking within myself rather than trusting my life upon the Lord.
Money Owed: 15 dollars
-Andrew Park
Main Idea: Trust in the Lord with all your heart
What I learned about God: God loves and provides for us, all we need to do is believe in Him
Summary: This is in the book of Proverbs and this is just showing God's love for us. This whole passage is just describing problems in life and how when God does something, it is all out of love for us.
Application: This was definetily a turning point of my life this week when I found out that I was put on probation and potentially dropped from mission training. It opened my mind to th ethings in my life in whichh I thought that it was my fault and how if I had done something differently it would make my life easier and better. The case is that God planned all of these things to happen to me in order for me to live the life that I am now. I don't know what the future plans but waiting around and thinking of what is going to happen is not going to be any better than what I am doing now. Whatever desires I have in my heart are from God so in each and every action that I take, God is just leading me ahead. I finally figured out that my life is full of people always nagging at me and telling me what to do and I never stopped and asked myself what does God want me to do. I am at the crossroads of my life in which God will lead me and worrying will only just be an act of thinking within myself rather than trusting my life upon the Lord.
Money Owed: 15 dollars
-Andrew Park
Historical Background on the Book of Ephesians Acts 18:24-19:41
5/26/10
Time Spent: 13 min
Main Idea: the power of the Gospel has a transforming affect upon its hearers
What I Learned about God: The Gospel is the power of God for the salvation for everyone who believers.
Summary: The setting of Ephesus was in a port-city littered with supernatural magic and polygamous god-worship. It was both encompassed by Jews and Gentiles within its cities. Apollos goes in to teach the Jews that Christ was evident throughout Scripture. Paul then comes in to evangelize to both groups, either in the synagogue or in the marketplace to share about the gospel. Because of Paul's continual evangelism, it states the whole province of Asia heard the Gospel.
There was also a paradigm shift that occured within the city. People saw the supernatural healings that Paul was doing that even his hankerchief had healing powers...causing people to withdraw their magic books and practices on the basis of their newfound faith. Because of these events, the people who worshipped Artemis at her great temple in Ephesus caused a riot against Paul, citing that they have evoked people from the worship that was due their patronness goddess Artemis. Belief in Christ had caused all this because true believers had radically affected the socio-economic plight in the city.
Application: The church at Ephesus was probably less than 10% christian, yet their belief was enough to cause a severe recession towards the income of the people at the temple of Artemis. How are we doing here in the US, where over 50% of the population profess belief in Christ? There must be supernatural change that occurs within the person because of their belief in Christ. I think Francis Chan is right to note that the state of American Christianity is in trouble because they view him as a "radical" for trying to implement the Bible as literally as possible. Now, for me I think that my life has not been such "radical living" as it used to be. I would remember reading Christian books in my spare time in college in order to learn more about God. Now, since I do so much of that reading here, I have shied away and spend my leisure time doing more unproductive activities. I realize that there is nothing "counter-cultural" on the way I spend my time. After finals, I dedicate to reading 3 books before my summer session starts on June 21.
Time Spent: 13 min
Main Idea: the power of the Gospel has a transforming affect upon its hearers
What I Learned about God: The Gospel is the power of God for the salvation for everyone who believers.
Summary: The setting of Ephesus was in a port-city littered with supernatural magic and polygamous god-worship. It was both encompassed by Jews and Gentiles within its cities. Apollos goes in to teach the Jews that Christ was evident throughout Scripture. Paul then comes in to evangelize to both groups, either in the synagogue or in the marketplace to share about the gospel. Because of Paul's continual evangelism, it states the whole province of Asia heard the Gospel.
There was also a paradigm shift that occured within the city. People saw the supernatural healings that Paul was doing that even his hankerchief had healing powers...causing people to withdraw their magic books and practices on the basis of their newfound faith. Because of these events, the people who worshipped Artemis at her great temple in Ephesus caused a riot against Paul, citing that they have evoked people from the worship that was due their patronness goddess Artemis. Belief in Christ had caused all this because true believers had radically affected the socio-economic plight in the city.
Application: The church at Ephesus was probably less than 10% christian, yet their belief was enough to cause a severe recession towards the income of the people at the temple of Artemis. How are we doing here in the US, where over 50% of the population profess belief in Christ? There must be supernatural change that occurs within the person because of their belief in Christ. I think Francis Chan is right to note that the state of American Christianity is in trouble because they view him as a "radical" for trying to implement the Bible as literally as possible. Now, for me I think that my life has not been such "radical living" as it used to be. I would remember reading Christian books in my spare time in college in order to learn more about God. Now, since I do so much of that reading here, I have shied away and spend my leisure time doing more unproductive activities. I realize that there is nothing "counter-cultural" on the way I spend my time. After finals, I dedicate to reading 3 books before my summer session starts on June 21.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
The Book of Ephesians Pt. 2
5/25/10
Time Spent: 17 min
Main Idea: God's Purpose in Christ - the central theme is the divine purpose and plan of God in bringing redemption to his people and the practical outworking of that purpose in the life of the believer
Summary: The letter is said to be Paul's quintissensial letter concisely summarizing the essence of Paul's faith and theology. One of the richest sections in this letter is Paul's statement of God's sovereign choice of election and purpose in the believer's life. The letter is divided into three sections; the first three emphasizing doctrine and God's divine purpose in CHrist and believer's position in Christ while the final three chapters speak practically concerning how believers ought to live in light of their position in Christ.
Application: How do I preach on election to junior high students? Does the Bible discredit women's roles in Ephesians 5? How do I preach that? When I decided to preach on the book of Ephesians, I did it somewhat selfishly because I myself have never gone into a deep study of this book. However, I feel probed into thinking how I would share these truths with a junior high student. I need a lot of prayer and wisdom to share these somewhat complex truths in its simplist form in order for it to be effective. Not only that, I realize that I cannot do QTs from this letter if I think about what I'm going to dish out to students. I need to remember that this is QT between me and God. Today, I could not come away with anything because I was bogged down with these questions. Maybe a later study and prayer time beforehand will weigh down my nerves and allow God to communicate His truth towards me
Time Spent: 17 min
Main Idea: God's Purpose in Christ - the central theme is the divine purpose and plan of God in bringing redemption to his people and the practical outworking of that purpose in the life of the believer
Summary: The letter is said to be Paul's quintissensial letter concisely summarizing the essence of Paul's faith and theology. One of the richest sections in this letter is Paul's statement of God's sovereign choice of election and purpose in the believer's life. The letter is divided into three sections; the first three emphasizing doctrine and God's divine purpose in CHrist and believer's position in Christ while the final three chapters speak practically concerning how believers ought to live in light of their position in Christ.
Application: How do I preach on election to junior high students? Does the Bible discredit women's roles in Ephesians 5? How do I preach that? When I decided to preach on the book of Ephesians, I did it somewhat selfishly because I myself have never gone into a deep study of this book. However, I feel probed into thinking how I would share these truths with a junior high student. I need a lot of prayer and wisdom to share these somewhat complex truths in its simplist form in order for it to be effective. Not only that, I realize that I cannot do QTs from this letter if I think about what I'm going to dish out to students. I need to remember that this is QT between me and God. Today, I could not come away with anything because I was bogged down with these questions. Maybe a later study and prayer time beforehand will weigh down my nerves and allow God to communicate His truth towards me
5/25/10: 2 Timothy 3:10-17
Time Spent: 6:30
Main Idea: All Scripture is God breathed
What I learned about God: God breathes life into all of us
Summary: This is in the 3rd chapter of 2 Timothy and the passage is speaking about how we must endure through all persecution and stay in God's love and steadfastness. It truly takes a firm believer to keep on being faithful and not paying attention to those who deceive and become deceived throughout their lives. If we continue in the road of God, then we are therefore blessed with the knowledge of having God's Word which was given to us at our childhood so that we are able to teach, correct, and rebuke throughout our lives. Even though it was given to us at our childhood, God's Word is eternal and never changing and therefore is always God breathed.
Application: In my life, I try to dictate my own life by showing my actions are the ones to truly give me judgment instead of God. I therefore trick myself in thinking that God is not the one dictating my life but truly in God's Word, I am judged and rebuked each and every action that I do. In life, I need to remember that God's Word is the Word that is eternal and God breathed and therefore it should be the guideline in which I live my life. This is how I must live my life, by abiding to the Word each and everyday and remembering what God's Word is teaching me and apply it to my life. I do not create my own lines and boundaries in life, but it is all in God's eternally breathed Word.
Money Owed: 15 dollars
-Andrew Park
Main Idea: All Scripture is God breathed
What I learned about God: God breathes life into all of us
Summary: This is in the 3rd chapter of 2 Timothy and the passage is speaking about how we must endure through all persecution and stay in God's love and steadfastness. It truly takes a firm believer to keep on being faithful and not paying attention to those who deceive and become deceived throughout their lives. If we continue in the road of God, then we are therefore blessed with the knowledge of having God's Word which was given to us at our childhood so that we are able to teach, correct, and rebuke throughout our lives. Even though it was given to us at our childhood, God's Word is eternal and never changing and therefore is always God breathed.
Application: In my life, I try to dictate my own life by showing my actions are the ones to truly give me judgment instead of God. I therefore trick myself in thinking that God is not the one dictating my life but truly in God's Word, I am judged and rebuked each and every action that I do. In life, I need to remember that God's Word is the Word that is eternal and God breathed and therefore it should be the guideline in which I live my life. This is how I must live my life, by abiding to the Word each and everyday and remembering what God's Word is teaching me and apply it to my life. I do not create my own lines and boundaries in life, but it is all in God's eternally breathed Word.
Money Owed: 15 dollars
-Andrew Park
Monday, May 24, 2010
the Book of Ephesians
5/24/10
Time Spent: 20 min
Main Idea: Man is separated from God because of sin and is only reunited with God through the free gift of grace provided by Jesus Christ; leading this new relationship to be characterized by the love of God with practical implications upon the believer's present relationships.
What I Learned about God: God is the initiator and giver of this free gift.
Summary: The Book of Ephesians written by Paul denotes the idea listed in the main idea; that it's about man's separation from God because of sin and his subsequent relationship with God if He receives God's free gift of salvation. Theologically, this is a very rich letter with some of the most compelling arguments for predestination, atonement, grace, etc. God is lifted up (as He should be) and this letter is characterized by His power, grace, and mercy. The latter half of the letter shares that now that we are one in God through Christ, we should be one with one another. During this time, Jews and Gentiles were far off from one another and Paul is exhorting them to find their unity to one another. Also, he expands that this new relationship with God has practical implications to relationships between man and woman, child and parents, slaves and masters and also how they live their life under God's rule with the armor of God.
Application: After giving it a brief read through I realize the magnitude of this letter is so weighty. The deep doctrines of God are hard to ponder and think about, but I am hoping and praying that these would become a reality to me. If I understand that grace was given to me, I would not think I am better than anyone else just because I'm a pastor. If I understood that I was elected even before I was formed, then I would not be someone who thinks that I earned my salvation because of my own goodness. I am praying that these truths are exemplified by the life that I live and seen.
Amount Owed: $13!!! WHAT THE HECK!
Time Spent: 20 min
Main Idea: Man is separated from God because of sin and is only reunited with God through the free gift of grace provided by Jesus Christ; leading this new relationship to be characterized by the love of God with practical implications upon the believer's present relationships.
What I Learned about God: God is the initiator and giver of this free gift.
Summary: The Book of Ephesians written by Paul denotes the idea listed in the main idea; that it's about man's separation from God because of sin and his subsequent relationship with God if He receives God's free gift of salvation. Theologically, this is a very rich letter with some of the most compelling arguments for predestination, atonement, grace, etc. God is lifted up (as He should be) and this letter is characterized by His power, grace, and mercy. The latter half of the letter shares that now that we are one in God through Christ, we should be one with one another. During this time, Jews and Gentiles were far off from one another and Paul is exhorting them to find their unity to one another. Also, he expands that this new relationship with God has practical implications to relationships between man and woman, child and parents, slaves and masters and also how they live their life under God's rule with the armor of God.
Application: After giving it a brief read through I realize the magnitude of this letter is so weighty. The deep doctrines of God are hard to ponder and think about, but I am hoping and praying that these would become a reality to me. If I understand that grace was given to me, I would not think I am better than anyone else just because I'm a pastor. If I understood that I was elected even before I was formed, then I would not be someone who thinks that I earned my salvation because of my own goodness. I am praying that these truths are exemplified by the life that I live and seen.
Amount Owed: $13!!! WHAT THE HECK!
Friday, May 21, 2010
5/21/10: Romans 8:18-28
Time Spent: 11:40
Main Idea: Future Glory
What I learned about God: God is there helping us always
Summary: This is in the book of Romans as Peter is writing of the future glory. He goes on to explain how right now, it is unthinkable for us to even compare our current sufferings to the glory of God. We have been suffering throughout our lives waiting for Jesus to come and redeem us of our eternal life through His sacrifice. Even though we are waiting, we cannot grow weary in waiting for His return. We must wait and pray and even if we don't know what to pray for or cannot make up our minds, the Spirit truly helps you in all that you do. He basically finishes our sentences for us.
Application: In my life, I am an impatient man that gets irritated in all that happens around me. It kills me to see a person who cannot understand a simple fact of life or how to do the simplest task. Waiting on someone is truly the worst because then I start questioning my own motives and become frustrated in all that I do. In waiting for Jesus, I can't help but anticipate it. Through His great love and sacrifice, I feel He deserves for me to wait for Him and no one else. It kills me though when I am unable to do that for my own family members and friends. In the same way at the end of the passage, the Spirit will intercede according to the will of God, it will truly help me in all my struggles. In my daily Christian walk, I must restore myself in the Spirit in that I daily grow stronger in Him.
Money Owed: 12 dollars
-Andrew Park
Main Idea: Future Glory
What I learned about God: God is there helping us always
Summary: This is in the book of Romans as Peter is writing of the future glory. He goes on to explain how right now, it is unthinkable for us to even compare our current sufferings to the glory of God. We have been suffering throughout our lives waiting for Jesus to come and redeem us of our eternal life through His sacrifice. Even though we are waiting, we cannot grow weary in waiting for His return. We must wait and pray and even if we don't know what to pray for or cannot make up our minds, the Spirit truly helps you in all that you do. He basically finishes our sentences for us.
Application: In my life, I am an impatient man that gets irritated in all that happens around me. It kills me to see a person who cannot understand a simple fact of life or how to do the simplest task. Waiting on someone is truly the worst because then I start questioning my own motives and become frustrated in all that I do. In waiting for Jesus, I can't help but anticipate it. Through His great love and sacrifice, I feel He deserves for me to wait for Him and no one else. It kills me though when I am unable to do that for my own family members and friends. In the same way at the end of the passage, the Spirit will intercede according to the will of God, it will truly help me in all my struggles. In my daily Christian walk, I must restore myself in the Spirit in that I daily grow stronger in Him.
Money Owed: 12 dollars
-Andrew Park
Thursday, May 20, 2010
5/20/10: 1 Peter 2:21-25
Time Spent: 15 mins
Main Idea: Submit to Authority
What I learned about God: He Shepherds the lost
Summary: This is Peter's first letter to the churches and he speaks about submission to God's authority. Jesus, calls us because we were t he witnesses to His love, in that we know our savior was found innocent but still was given the death penalty on the cross. Even though He was never found lying nor guilty, He faced the price that we had to pay. He never spoke badly to the people torturing Him in that He was obedient to the Father's will even to the point of death on the cross. It then explains how we are the roaming sheep and He is the one that rounds us up and shepherds us. We must not be the ones to judge, we are the ones who must be submissive to the one that judges.
Application: In missions training, they had this sermon in which we had to listen too. This sermon by Bob Sjogren started off with the definition of idolatry. Was Jesus idolizing His love for us over the Father's commands. This is completely wrong in that through the Father's commands, Jesus loved us. He did not follow His love for us to the cross, but rather the Father's command to the point of death. In my life, having heard that I feel that I should listen to every pastor and teacher that I know. Sometimes I know what to do, and yet I don't do it because of my human nature of wanting to sin. It destroys my life in which I know the Father's great sacrifice for me and yet I still act as if it never happened. In school, I am so lazy to the point in which I don't do easy work because I feel it is unnecessary. I need to follow the advice of what my family, friends, and mentor's give me. Most importantly, I must follow the Father's command in order to live in righteousness through His sacrifice in Jesus.
Money Owed: 12 dollars
-Andrew Park
Main Idea: Submit to Authority
What I learned about God: He Shepherds the lost
Summary: This is Peter's first letter to the churches and he speaks about submission to God's authority. Jesus, calls us because we were t he witnesses to His love, in that we know our savior was found innocent but still was given the death penalty on the cross. Even though He was never found lying nor guilty, He faced the price that we had to pay. He never spoke badly to the people torturing Him in that He was obedient to the Father's will even to the point of death on the cross. It then explains how we are the roaming sheep and He is the one that rounds us up and shepherds us. We must not be the ones to judge, we are the ones who must be submissive to the one that judges.
Application: In missions training, they had this sermon in which we had to listen too. This sermon by Bob Sjogren started off with the definition of idolatry. Was Jesus idolizing His love for us over the Father's commands. This is completely wrong in that through the Father's commands, Jesus loved us. He did not follow His love for us to the cross, but rather the Father's command to the point of death. In my life, having heard that I feel that I should listen to every pastor and teacher that I know. Sometimes I know what to do, and yet I don't do it because of my human nature of wanting to sin. It destroys my life in which I know the Father's great sacrifice for me and yet I still act as if it never happened. In school, I am so lazy to the point in which I don't do easy work because I feel it is unnecessary. I need to follow the advice of what my family, friends, and mentor's give me. Most importantly, I must follow the Father's command in order to live in righteousness through His sacrifice in Jesus.
Money Owed: 12 dollars
-Andrew Park
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
5/19/10: Matthew 24:4-14
Time Spent: 15 mins
Main Idea: The End Times
What I learned about God: We will suffer for His name
Summary: This is Jesus talking about the end times. He explains how we must remain faithful in His Word and how there will be false prophets who will lead people astray. We will go through rumors of wars and just wars in general but then Jesus explains how that must be endured as the beginning of the birthing pains. I believe the birthing pains just resemble the on going pains we will suffer to see His Glory. We will then be put on judgment and how we will suffer for God's name. The world will be in complete anarchy and people will start to forsake Jesus' name but the ones who will endure will go into the kingdom.
Application: In my life, I suffer so much from the fact that I am very lazy and I have no motivation. Just thinking about the end times truly scares me in that I don't know if I can endure through the it. I think of how in my own life, I don't endure through my own homework or studies and how I just put church and KCM activities ahead of my own schoolwork. I guess prioritizing is a big factor in that but God will just give me strength. I noticed on the days in which I complete my devotions in the morning, I have a fairly pleasant day in which I see God's glory throughout my day. Through my devotionals, I shall continue to pursue God and know that in my daily time with Him, He will give me strength to go out through the day.
Money Owed: 12 dollars
-Andrew Park
Main Idea: The End Times
What I learned about God: We will suffer for His name
Summary: This is Jesus talking about the end times. He explains how we must remain faithful in His Word and how there will be false prophets who will lead people astray. We will go through rumors of wars and just wars in general but then Jesus explains how that must be endured as the beginning of the birthing pains. I believe the birthing pains just resemble the on going pains we will suffer to see His Glory. We will then be put on judgment and how we will suffer for God's name. The world will be in complete anarchy and people will start to forsake Jesus' name but the ones who will endure will go into the kingdom.
Application: In my life, I suffer so much from the fact that I am very lazy and I have no motivation. Just thinking about the end times truly scares me in that I don't know if I can endure through the it. I think of how in my own life, I don't endure through my own homework or studies and how I just put church and KCM activities ahead of my own schoolwork. I guess prioritizing is a big factor in that but God will just give me strength. I noticed on the days in which I complete my devotions in the morning, I have a fairly pleasant day in which I see God's glory throughout my day. Through my devotionals, I shall continue to pursue God and know that in my daily time with Him, He will give me strength to go out through the day.
Money Owed: 12 dollars
-Andrew Park
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
1 Pet 5:6-7 Humility in Being Care-free
5/18/10
Time Spent: 5 min
Main Idea: One is humble in the midst of suffering when he is carefree
What I Learned about God: God's mighty hand delivers us from both present and future trials.
Summary: Peter writes to the church the importance of humility in the midst of suffering. Now "humility" does not seem like a common cure for those that are suffering, but those that put their hope on God and His deliverance are genuinely humble people. They acknowledge that they are powerless and God is powerful and mighty to save. Furthermore, the truly "humble" people in this passage are carefree! They cast all their anxieties upon God, leading them not to worry but to live a truly humble life. This is perplexing to know because this is an aspect of humility that many of us do not talk about.
Application: This freaking sermon took me way too long to do and to memorize. I am so tired and drained from trying to memorize this sermon for my class that I'm about to give up hope : (. However, I know that it's during these times God wants to cast my cares upon Him because He cares for me. I need to recognize my need for God by doing just that. This sermon is stressing me out something fierce, so I need to make sure I go and pray before I sleep to really apply this verse in my soul before I go out and preach this sermon. I want to be a pastor that lives out the sermons that he preaches. I know that I'm not perfect and have my limitations, but I really want to do it from this one. God, help me to know the humility of being carefree for tmrw!
Time Spent: 5 min
Main Idea: One is humble in the midst of suffering when he is carefree
What I Learned about God: God's mighty hand delivers us from both present and future trials.
Summary: Peter writes to the church the importance of humility in the midst of suffering. Now "humility" does not seem like a common cure for those that are suffering, but those that put their hope on God and His deliverance are genuinely humble people. They acknowledge that they are powerless and God is powerful and mighty to save. Furthermore, the truly "humble" people in this passage are carefree! They cast all their anxieties upon God, leading them not to worry but to live a truly humble life. This is perplexing to know because this is an aspect of humility that many of us do not talk about.
Application: This freaking sermon took me way too long to do and to memorize. I am so tired and drained from trying to memorize this sermon for my class that I'm about to give up hope : (. However, I know that it's during these times God wants to cast my cares upon Him because He cares for me. I need to recognize my need for God by doing just that. This sermon is stressing me out something fierce, so I need to make sure I go and pray before I sleep to really apply this verse in my soul before I go out and preach this sermon. I want to be a pastor that lives out the sermons that he preaches. I know that I'm not perfect and have my limitations, but I really want to do it from this one. God, help me to know the humility of being carefree for tmrw!
5/18/10: John 15:18-27
Time: 20 mins
Main Idea: Hatred of the World
What I learned about God: God took us like Him and made us not of this world
Summary: This is Jesus speaking in the Gospel of John and He s speaking how we are to be hated in this world because we are like Him. Being like Jesus makes us not a part of this world and therefore it makes us different. The passage then goes onto speak about how when we are representing our God, when we are hated, He is hated through us and therefore the Father is hated through Him. Then Jesus explains how we are hated because of Him with no reason. It truly kills God in that they only hate Him for acting out of love for them. In doing something to make them not a part of the world, they hate Him.
Application: In a message from the UCLA KCM Pastor Woogie, he explained how when something foreign enters the body, we cannot cope with it and we can't figure out how to deal with it. In my life, as a new creation of God, I am not part of the world and therefore I don't need to have the same morals or same views in which the world has but instead I must follow God's example for He is the one that took me from the world and therefore I should follow Him. Taking myself out of this world is impossible without Jesus, therefore I need to follow His example and follow His footsteps in life. To take away the sins of the world for us, the only thing left in life is pure love of God. No matter what the world throws at me, God's love is always there to catch me and is able to help me endure these obstacles in life. As I continue to live not of the world, I must continue to live in God's light.
Money Owed: 12 dollars
-Andrew Park
Main Idea: Hatred of the World
What I learned about God: God took us like Him and made us not of this world
Summary: This is Jesus speaking in the Gospel of John and He s speaking how we are to be hated in this world because we are like Him. Being like Jesus makes us not a part of this world and therefore it makes us different. The passage then goes onto speak about how when we are representing our God, when we are hated, He is hated through us and therefore the Father is hated through Him. Then Jesus explains how we are hated because of Him with no reason. It truly kills God in that they only hate Him for acting out of love for them. In doing something to make them not a part of the world, they hate Him.
Application: In a message from the UCLA KCM Pastor Woogie, he explained how when something foreign enters the body, we cannot cope with it and we can't figure out how to deal with it. In my life, as a new creation of God, I am not part of the world and therefore I don't need to have the same morals or same views in which the world has but instead I must follow God's example for He is the one that took me from the world and therefore I should follow Him. Taking myself out of this world is impossible without Jesus, therefore I need to follow His example and follow His footsteps in life. To take away the sins of the world for us, the only thing left in life is pure love of God. No matter what the world throws at me, God's love is always there to catch me and is able to help me endure these obstacles in life. As I continue to live not of the world, I must continue to live in God's light.
Money Owed: 12 dollars
-Andrew Park
Monday, May 17, 2010
5/17/10: Acts 9:1-19
Time Spent: 15 mins
Main Idea: Saul's Conversion
What I learned about God: God only sees the good in people
Summary: This is the story of Saul on the way to Damascus in order to persecute Christians. He was then struck by a beam of light as Jesus came to Him and blinded Saul. Saul is then blinded for 3 days as Ananias is sent to him on the 3rd day. Saul then became filled with the Holy Spirit and became an advocate for Christ.
Application: In my life, I have done so much wrong to not be deserving of God's love. God loved us all that He truly only sees the good in people and therefore He can't see the evil that we have done against Him. Even Saul, a man who persecuted and killed Christians, was saved through God and became one of the most well known apostles of Christ. In my life, I must not remember on what I have done to not deserve God's grace, but on how I should be thanking Him and working for Him because of His eternal love for us. My life has always been revolved around me but instead, I should make it my duty to work for His name in all that I do. In my life, the purpose to getting that A, or going to numerous outreaches a week is not trying to look cool or impress someone, but instead it is able to symbolize a thankful heart for God's sacrifice on the cross through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Money Owed: 12 dollars
-Andrew Park
Main Idea: Saul's Conversion
What I learned about God: God only sees the good in people
Summary: This is the story of Saul on the way to Damascus in order to persecute Christians. He was then struck by a beam of light as Jesus came to Him and blinded Saul. Saul is then blinded for 3 days as Ananias is sent to him on the 3rd day. Saul then became filled with the Holy Spirit and became an advocate for Christ.
Application: In my life, I have done so much wrong to not be deserving of God's love. God loved us all that He truly only sees the good in people and therefore He can't see the evil that we have done against Him. Even Saul, a man who persecuted and killed Christians, was saved through God and became one of the most well known apostles of Christ. In my life, I must not remember on what I have done to not deserve God's grace, but on how I should be thanking Him and working for Him because of His eternal love for us. My life has always been revolved around me but instead, I should make it my duty to work for His name in all that I do. In my life, the purpose to getting that A, or going to numerous outreaches a week is not trying to look cool or impress someone, but instead it is able to symbolize a thankful heart for God's sacrifice on the cross through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Money Owed: 12 dollars
-Andrew Park
Proverbs 31:10-31 A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised
5/17/10
Time Spent 15 min
Main Idea: The characteristics of a godly woman is described
What I Learned about God: This model of a woman personifies that there is no perfect woman, but points towards Christ as the ultimate type.
Summary: In this acrostic poem, the godly woman is described in these verses. The woman is praised for her industry, the way she takes care of her home, and keeps her home. This not supposed to be characteristic of any woman out there, this is the ultimate woman. This is the prima-woman that one could "set his/her watch to". It's funny to note on the side that the book of Ruth followed right after Proverbs in the Hebrew bible. Now, this woman is not only supposed to be an application for girls, but this woman embodies all the ideas that were talked about in Proverbs 1-30 beforehand. This woman is wisdom personified and displayed in her household.
Application: What would wisdom look like for a pastor? Well, for one thing it would be a man that prayed. I have not been praying as much as I want to in my life. My prayer life would not be seen as one of bountiful joy but of self-discipline and begrudging. I want to change that, but I know the legalistic answer to just grit my teeth and pray more is not the answer. Talking to my mentor today I realized that I have not been living out the implications of the Gospels in my life. Sure, I can preach a fine gospel to others, but that becomes meaningless when I cannot display the realities of grace and truth in my own life. I know that when I live outside the boundaries of the Gospel because my prayers become so self-seeking. Lord give me this for this and this for that and it may seem like holy supplication, but on the inside it is just using prayer as a means for getting what I really want. What I really want needs to be Christ. What I want must be a relationship with Him.
Time Spent 15 min
Main Idea: The characteristics of a godly woman is described
What I Learned about God: This model of a woman personifies that there is no perfect woman, but points towards Christ as the ultimate type.
Summary: In this acrostic poem, the godly woman is described in these verses. The woman is praised for her industry, the way she takes care of her home, and keeps her home. This not supposed to be characteristic of any woman out there, this is the ultimate woman. This is the prima-woman that one could "set his/her watch to". It's funny to note on the side that the book of Ruth followed right after Proverbs in the Hebrew bible. Now, this woman is not only supposed to be an application for girls, but this woman embodies all the ideas that were talked about in Proverbs 1-30 beforehand. This woman is wisdom personified and displayed in her household.
Application: What would wisdom look like for a pastor? Well, for one thing it would be a man that prayed. I have not been praying as much as I want to in my life. My prayer life would not be seen as one of bountiful joy but of self-discipline and begrudging. I want to change that, but I know the legalistic answer to just grit my teeth and pray more is not the answer. Talking to my mentor today I realized that I have not been living out the implications of the Gospels in my life. Sure, I can preach a fine gospel to others, but that becomes meaningless when I cannot display the realities of grace and truth in my own life. I know that when I live outside the boundaries of the Gospel because my prayers become so self-seeking. Lord give me this for this and this for that and it may seem like holy supplication, but on the inside it is just using prayer as a means for getting what I really want. What I really want needs to be Christ. What I want must be a relationship with Him.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Proverbs 26:1-12 I Pity the Foo
5/16/10
Time Spent: 10 min
Main Idea: There is more hope for a fool than the man who thinks he is wise in his own eyes
What I Learned about God: Foolishness to God is pride because He is the exact opposite of it
Summary: Just like a the picture that Salvador Dali drew where up close the picture looks like a woman playing a chord then looking farther back makes the appearance of a sailboat is what this Proverb is an example of. One might begin to say that this Proverb is about the fool. It gives multiple descriptions about the fool and the warnings to other people in their dealings with him. He is a plague worth no honor as the Bible paints a ghastly picture of the fool. However, the narration takes a huge pivot when they realize that this Proverb is not about the "fool"....it is about the person who thinks they are wise in their own eyes. There is more hope for the fool than for him. This shows the stinging nature of pride. Pride blinds a person to oversee his shortcomings and doubts and even with all the self-destructive characteristics of the fool, there is more hope for the fool than for this man.
Application: This goes all to well to me presently. When I heard people speak, I somehow think that I'm in preaching class and I start critiquing them based upon the Talbot methodology of preaching. I note every stress, every subject change, non-applicable applications, etc. It didn't occur to me that while I was doing that today I had saw myself "wise in my own eyes". That in my own eyes, I was the one who was wise. How foolish this was for me to place myself on this podium, a desire I prayed earnestly against when I entered seminary. I need to remember the cross and God's Word towards me because I am realizing more and more that I need to move away from the paradigm of thinking of myself wise and looking towards the humility of Christ, who emptied Himself for sinners like me.
Time Spent: 10 min
Main Idea: There is more hope for a fool than the man who thinks he is wise in his own eyes
What I Learned about God: Foolishness to God is pride because He is the exact opposite of it
Summary: Just like a the picture that Salvador Dali drew where up close the picture looks like a woman playing a chord then looking farther back makes the appearance of a sailboat is what this Proverb is an example of. One might begin to say that this Proverb is about the fool. It gives multiple descriptions about the fool and the warnings to other people in their dealings with him. He is a plague worth no honor as the Bible paints a ghastly picture of the fool. However, the narration takes a huge pivot when they realize that this Proverb is not about the "fool"....it is about the person who thinks they are wise in their own eyes. There is more hope for the fool than for him. This shows the stinging nature of pride. Pride blinds a person to oversee his shortcomings and doubts and even with all the self-destructive characteristics of the fool, there is more hope for the fool than for this man.
Application: This goes all to well to me presently. When I heard people speak, I somehow think that I'm in preaching class and I start critiquing them based upon the Talbot methodology of preaching. I note every stress, every subject change, non-applicable applications, etc. It didn't occur to me that while I was doing that today I had saw myself "wise in my own eyes". That in my own eyes, I was the one who was wise. How foolish this was for me to place myself on this podium, a desire I prayed earnestly against when I entered seminary. I need to remember the cross and God's Word towards me because I am realizing more and more that I need to move away from the paradigm of thinking of myself wise and looking towards the humility of Christ, who emptied Himself for sinners like me.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Proverbs 25:18 The Stability in Self-Control
5/15/10
Time Spent: 10 min
Main Idea: Self-control is an important aspect of defense against temptations.
What I Learned about God: God is most glorified when I am most satisfied in Him.
28 A man s without self-control
is like t a city broken into and left without walls.
Summary: In the wise words of Hezekiah, a man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls. I guess in our modern translations it would read a gated-community sans the gate. It was implausible that a city would not have some sort of defense or guards in order to protect its cities from marauders or other nations. However, this is the case of the man without self-control. The man is utterly defensless to attacks due to his negligence and fleeting passions. He is always going to and fro from attacks. The reminder of temptation is that God will never tempt a person beyond what he or she could bear, thus it is not implausible that one can overcome the temptation through the victory in Christ. However, one requires a deep desire for God and also a discipline in saying no to things that come by.
Application: I realized this past week I was REALLY bad at doing my QT! This stems from none other than a lack of self-control. I realize that I had spent a lot of time on school, video games, FACEBOOK AND YOUTUBE, and other things that I had distracted myself from studying God's Word and meeting with Him. This verse comes as a timely reminder that I need to practice self-control. Not only is it one of the fruits of the Spirit, but it also is a way in which I can fight temptation. In my personal spiritual life, I had notice I have digressed in some of the sins which I had hope I had killed off these past couple of weeks and I attribute that to spending less time thinking and meditating on God, and more time meditating on myself or my school work. Thus, I want to dedicate this next week, even if it's projects week, to doing my QT everyday!
Amount Owed: $8
Time Spent: 10 min
Main Idea: Self-control is an important aspect of defense against temptations.
What I Learned about God: God is most glorified when I am most satisfied in Him.
28 A man s without self-control
is like t a city broken into and left without walls.
Summary: In the wise words of Hezekiah, a man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls. I guess in our modern translations it would read a gated-community sans the gate. It was implausible that a city would not have some sort of defense or guards in order to protect its cities from marauders or other nations. However, this is the case of the man without self-control. The man is utterly defensless to attacks due to his negligence and fleeting passions. He is always going to and fro from attacks. The reminder of temptation is that God will never tempt a person beyond what he or she could bear, thus it is not implausible that one can overcome the temptation through the victory in Christ. However, one requires a deep desire for God and also a discipline in saying no to things that come by.
Application: I realized this past week I was REALLY bad at doing my QT! This stems from none other than a lack of self-control. I realize that I had spent a lot of time on school, video games, FACEBOOK AND YOUTUBE, and other things that I had distracted myself from studying God's Word and meeting with Him. This verse comes as a timely reminder that I need to practice self-control. Not only is it one of the fruits of the Spirit, but it also is a way in which I can fight temptation. In my personal spiritual life, I had notice I have digressed in some of the sins which I had hope I had killed off these past couple of weeks and I attribute that to spending less time thinking and meditating on God, and more time meditating on myself or my school work. Thus, I want to dedicate this next week, even if it's projects week, to doing my QT everyday!
Amount Owed: $8
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Proverbs 24:10 The Character Revealing Truth of Adversity
5/13/10
Time Spent: 15
Main Idea: Adversity reveals character
What I Learned about God: God desires holistic transformation, not just when times are good.
Summary:
10 If you i faint in the day of adversity,
your strength is small.
This is 25 out of the 30 wise sayings listed in the past two chapters of Proverbs. It is in reference towards having days of trials and hardship. The ones who are not able to come out the other end has small strength. It does not matter what that person has done in life or how confident and strong he may appear to be, the great leveler of adversity will reveal the innermost of the person, whether for good or for bad. One must remember that the way they handle hard times is the way in which his character lines up.
Application: I am going through a rough patch where I am sick and got a ton of hw to do. I wish I could just fly away from these troubles and wonders why I had to get sick on this week : (. However, I must remember that even throughout this time, I need to stay faithful to God and to the work that I have to do. I cannot shrink from my responsibilities as a student and a pastor on the account of my sickness. I need strength from on high and when I am weak, just like it says in the Bible, I should be the strongest.
Amount Owed: $7
Time Spent: 15
Main Idea: Adversity reveals character
What I Learned about God: God desires holistic transformation, not just when times are good.
Summary:
10 If you i faint in the day of adversity,
your strength is small.
This is 25 out of the 30 wise sayings listed in the past two chapters of Proverbs. It is in reference towards having days of trials and hardship. The ones who are not able to come out the other end has small strength. It does not matter what that person has done in life or how confident and strong he may appear to be, the great leveler of adversity will reveal the innermost of the person, whether for good or for bad. One must remember that the way they handle hard times is the way in which his character lines up.
Application: I am going through a rough patch where I am sick and got a ton of hw to do. I wish I could just fly away from these troubles and wonders why I had to get sick on this week : (. However, I must remember that even throughout this time, I need to stay faithful to God and to the work that I have to do. I cannot shrink from my responsibilities as a student and a pastor on the account of my sickness. I need strength from on high and when I am weak, just like it says in the Bible, I should be the strongest.
Amount Owed: $7
5/13/10: Galations 6:1-10
Time: 15 mins
Main Idea: Bearing another man's burden
What I learned about God: If we sow in the Spirit, we reap eternal life
Summary: This is in the book of Galatians and this passage is about how we must take up another man's burdens. This shows the love of God through our actions. We as people who are taught the Word must go onto others and teach them of what we learned. Unless we do that, people will continue to sow in the flesh and reap corruption but we must show them how to sow in the Spirit so that they may reap eternal life. We can't grow weary of doing this because it is our duty to help our body of Christ.
Application: When reading this passage, I was truly led onto thinking things of my own life. How when I am an Awana leader and a power jumpers leader, I get so weary of doing all these things, but to see this new perspective of how we have to be the ones to continue teaching because in the end we are truly just helping each other. This reminded me of a passage by Paul where it roughly says how if we don't take the chance in helping someone know Jesus and they die a non-Christian, then their blood is upon our hands. In my life, I must take every opportunity that comes my way in order for me to truly just be who God made me to be. I must be the hand of God that is reached out to those in the shadow so that I may show them the Light of Jesus.
Money Owed: 9 dollars
-Andrew Park
Main Idea: Bearing another man's burden
What I learned about God: If we sow in the Spirit, we reap eternal life
Summary: This is in the book of Galatians and this passage is about how we must take up another man's burdens. This shows the love of God through our actions. We as people who are taught the Word must go onto others and teach them of what we learned. Unless we do that, people will continue to sow in the flesh and reap corruption but we must show them how to sow in the Spirit so that they may reap eternal life. We can't grow weary of doing this because it is our duty to help our body of Christ.
Application: When reading this passage, I was truly led onto thinking things of my own life. How when I am an Awana leader and a power jumpers leader, I get so weary of doing all these things, but to see this new perspective of how we have to be the ones to continue teaching because in the end we are truly just helping each other. This reminded me of a passage by Paul where it roughly says how if we don't take the chance in helping someone know Jesus and they die a non-Christian, then their blood is upon our hands. In my life, I must take every opportunity that comes my way in order for me to truly just be who God made me to be. I must be the hand of God that is reached out to those in the shadow so that I may show them the Light of Jesus.
Money Owed: 9 dollars
-Andrew Park
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
5/12/10: 2 Peter 2:13-20
Time Spent: 11:40
Main Idea:Christ's Glory and the Prophetic Word
What I learned about God: There is no coincidence, only God
Summary: This is in Peter's 2nd letter to the churches and in this part of the passage, Peter is explaining how this faith is not a story, it is not a myth it is their real life that he himself had experienced and came to know. Peter is explaining how none of this is a myth in that it is just based fiction but instead it is based upon real life in that Jesus was there, He was the Son of God, and He was the one who died for us. Peter than explains all this because in this time, Peter is imminetily awaiting his execution in Rome and he needs to reassure everyone of this fact that Jesus is King and that fact must live on through the ages even after his own death. Peter then ends this with how we must be the ones holding the candle in the dark place and how God truly plans everything down the the smallest details.
Application: This is showing me in my life that God is living in every step that I take because He is the one that is planning each moment that I breathe. In my life, whenever I feel that my life is going the wrong way, I must remind myself that God is the one that is truly planning everything in my life. I just need to remember how each and every moment that I feel might be good or bad for my life, God has already planned it out for me. I need to have faith that everything is part of His plan and I need to just trust in Him whole-heartily and just to know that God is planning everything for me.
Money Owed: 9 dollars
-Andrew Park
Main Idea:Christ's Glory and the Prophetic Word
What I learned about God: There is no coincidence, only God
Summary: This is in Peter's 2nd letter to the churches and in this part of the passage, Peter is explaining how this faith is not a story, it is not a myth it is their real life that he himself had experienced and came to know. Peter is explaining how none of this is a myth in that it is just based fiction but instead it is based upon real life in that Jesus was there, He was the Son of God, and He was the one who died for us. Peter than explains all this because in this time, Peter is imminetily awaiting his execution in Rome and he needs to reassure everyone of this fact that Jesus is King and that fact must live on through the ages even after his own death. Peter then ends this with how we must be the ones holding the candle in the dark place and how God truly plans everything down the the smallest details.
Application: This is showing me in my life that God is living in every step that I take because He is the one that is planning each moment that I breathe. In my life, whenever I feel that my life is going the wrong way, I must remind myself that God is the one that is truly planning everything in my life. I just need to remember how each and every moment that I feel might be good or bad for my life, God has already planned it out for me. I need to have faith that everything is part of His plan and I need to just trust in Him whole-heartily and just to know that God is planning everything for me.
Money Owed: 9 dollars
-Andrew Park
Proverbs 23:12-16 Wisdom Built Up
5/12/10
Time Spent: 15 min
Main Idea: Wisdom needs to be strived for with discipline and training.
What I Learned about God: Godly wisdom takes effort
Summary: The school of wisdom is not one that comes easy. The word for wisdom imparted is "musar", which means discipline and training. Discipline and wisdom does not come easy. It seems as though the parents are very firm and straightforward with the child in order to impart wisdom. This is seen through the use of discipline and "rod". Wisdom is not just gained through osmosis or through abstract, it is gained through discipline and through trials. This is the only way in which we can be imparted wisdom by God. In Hebrews, God states that He "disciplines the ones He loves". This further supports this verse because bad things still happen to CHristian and that's God's love for them. That God wants to refine them and make them greater in wisdom to God.
Application: Serving @ OMC has not been easy. I feel sometimes way too stretched along with the school work that I'm doing. However, I remember that God is stretching me not for punishment but because of His great love for me. Therefore, I need to remind myself in hard trials not to look towards the struggles, but rather to the work that is being done through the Holy Spirit by the trial. I used to recognize this when I journaled, which I have failed at doing. Tomorrow, I think I will journal and figure some stuff that's going on in my soul because of these trials.
Time Spent: 15 min
Main Idea: Wisdom needs to be strived for with discipline and training.
What I Learned about God: Godly wisdom takes effort
Summary: The school of wisdom is not one that comes easy. The word for wisdom imparted is "musar", which means discipline and training. Discipline and wisdom does not come easy. It seems as though the parents are very firm and straightforward with the child in order to impart wisdom. This is seen through the use of discipline and "rod". Wisdom is not just gained through osmosis or through abstract, it is gained through discipline and through trials. This is the only way in which we can be imparted wisdom by God. In Hebrews, God states that He "disciplines the ones He loves". This further supports this verse because bad things still happen to CHristian and that's God's love for them. That God wants to refine them and make them greater in wisdom to God.
Application: Serving @ OMC has not been easy. I feel sometimes way too stretched along with the school work that I'm doing. However, I remember that God is stretching me not for punishment but because of His great love for me. Therefore, I need to remind myself in hard trials not to look towards the struggles, but rather to the work that is being done through the Holy Spirit by the trial. I used to recognize this when I journaled, which I have failed at doing. Tomorrow, I think I will journal and figure some stuff that's going on in my soul because of these trials.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
5/11/10: Hebrews 13:16-18
Time: 15 mins
Main Idea: Sacrifices that are pleasing to God
What I learned about God: God is pleased with our sacrifices
Summary: In this passage, it is saying that in our own good will, we should do good and share what we have. We must be obedient to our leaders so that they will give an account of themselves to Him. We must do all things and commit to our leaders with a full heart in order for us to act honorably in God's eyes.
Application: Going on missions this summer, I have been paired up with great leaders and an amazing team to go to India with. I, as an outspoken guy, must learn to submit myself to my leaders and friends in order for us to work well. I must only input what is in my own repertoire in order for this team to truly worship God through our actions. We must all do it with a pure and giving heart in order for us to truly praise God through our actions.
Money Owed: 9 dollars
-Andrew Park
Main Idea: Sacrifices that are pleasing to God
What I learned about God: God is pleased with our sacrifices
Summary: In this passage, it is saying that in our own good will, we should do good and share what we have. We must be obedient to our leaders so that they will give an account of themselves to Him. We must do all things and commit to our leaders with a full heart in order for us to act honorably in God's eyes.
Application: Going on missions this summer, I have been paired up with great leaders and an amazing team to go to India with. I, as an outspoken guy, must learn to submit myself to my leaders and friends in order for us to work well. I must only input what is in my own repertoire in order for this team to truly worship God through our actions. We must all do it with a pure and giving heart in order for us to truly praise God through our actions.
Money Owed: 9 dollars
-Andrew Park
Monday, May 10, 2010
Proverbs 22:29 To Stand Before Kings
5/10/10
Time Spent: 10 min
Main Idea: Use talents in a God-glorifying way
What I Learned about God: God is pleased with those who glorify Him.
Summary: In this short verse, it states that those who exercise their talents have the opportunity to do it towards kings. Understanding that the use of one's talents for good can lead to fame. This is to stress the quality one must put into his/her own work. God had never stated to do your work with idle hands, but rather exhorts the opposite in both the OT and the NT. God wants His children to be adept at the work that they do with their hands.
Application: Christian music, art, and literature may never be "up to snuff" to what's out there outside. That is pretty sad. One of my friend's church emphasizes "excellence in everything", which relates to their praise, worship service, etc. Sometimes we can get by making mistakes because as Christians we are to exercise "grace". However, I wonder at some points when God would rather us strive for the excellence that is seen in this world. I know for a fact that I am not putting my best foot forward. I wish I had time to memorize my sermons so I could do them without the notes, but I fail to spend enough time on them. I look at actors and musicians and everything is so free and flowing without their scripts. I've learned in my pastoral preaching class that that's the freedom in which I should strive for. When school ends, I would love to excel in preaching so that in that way I would be able to glorify God, the true king
Amount Owed: $6 -_-
Time Spent: 10 min
Main Idea: Use talents in a God-glorifying way
What I Learned about God: God is pleased with those who glorify Him.
Summary: In this short verse, it states that those who exercise their talents have the opportunity to do it towards kings. Understanding that the use of one's talents for good can lead to fame. This is to stress the quality one must put into his/her own work. God had never stated to do your work with idle hands, but rather exhorts the opposite in both the OT and the NT. God wants His children to be adept at the work that they do with their hands.
Application: Christian music, art, and literature may never be "up to snuff" to what's out there outside. That is pretty sad. One of my friend's church emphasizes "excellence in everything", which relates to their praise, worship service, etc. Sometimes we can get by making mistakes because as Christians we are to exercise "grace". However, I wonder at some points when God would rather us strive for the excellence that is seen in this world. I know for a fact that I am not putting my best foot forward. I wish I had time to memorize my sermons so I could do them without the notes, but I fail to spend enough time on them. I look at actors and musicians and everything is so free and flowing without their scripts. I've learned in my pastoral preaching class that that's the freedom in which I should strive for. When school ends, I would love to excel in preaching so that in that way I would be able to glorify God, the true king
Amount Owed: $6 -_-
5/10/10: Phillipians 2:1-11
Time Spent: 3:00
Main Idea: Christ's example of Humility
What I learned about God: Jesus came to serve, not to be served
Summary: This is Paul's letter to the church of Philippi and it is titled Christ's example of humility. The passage goes from how we must not be selfish and thinking of ourselves but we should be the one to think of others before ourselves. Paul gives the example of Jesus dying on the cross for us and how He was obedient to the Father all the way until death. He reflects that even in His own majesty, Jesus denied Himself the sovereignty that He had because He needed to sacrifice Himself for the sake of us.
Application: In this way, in my life I need to learn not to be selfish in my own life. As the only son in 2 generations, I have always been pampered and never taught to care about others. In my recent years, I have seen the outcome of that type of breeding that my parents had given me and seen that I have become a selfish person in that when I help someone, I feel it is their need to give me back a service or whatever the prize. In my life, I must purge myself of what I have learned from my family and mankind and just focus upon what God has taught me through His Word. I need to be able to deny myself and just make myself the one to submit to myself and others so that others may gain through me. This is how I must act in order to be more Christ-like throughout my life.
Money Owed:9 dollars
-Andrew Park
Main Idea: Christ's example of Humility
What I learned about God: Jesus came to serve, not to be served
Summary: This is Paul's letter to the church of Philippi and it is titled Christ's example of humility. The passage goes from how we must not be selfish and thinking of ourselves but we should be the one to think of others before ourselves. Paul gives the example of Jesus dying on the cross for us and how He was obedient to the Father all the way until death. He reflects that even in His own majesty, Jesus denied Himself the sovereignty that He had because He needed to sacrifice Himself for the sake of us.
Application: In this way, in my life I need to learn not to be selfish in my own life. As the only son in 2 generations, I have always been pampered and never taught to care about others. In my recent years, I have seen the outcome of that type of breeding that my parents had given me and seen that I have become a selfish person in that when I help someone, I feel it is their need to give me back a service or whatever the prize. In my life, I must purge myself of what I have learned from my family and mankind and just focus upon what God has taught me through His Word. I need to be able to deny myself and just make myself the one to submit to myself and others so that others may gain through me. This is how I must act in order to be more Christ-like throughout my life.
Money Owed:9 dollars
-Andrew Park
Sunday, May 9, 2010
5/9/10: Matthew 5:21-26
Time Spent: 15 mins
Main Idea: Anger
What I learned about God: God only receives the pure heart's offering
Summary: This is Jesus' sermon on the mount and how He is speaking of the topic of anger. He is explaining the current law against murder, but He then explains in ways to the law that if you are angry at someone, you are murdering them. If you are insulting your brother, you must go to counsel and if you are cursing your brother, you are condemned to eternal death in hell's fires. Jesus then explains in the way that is most applicable to the Jews of the time in which if they are offering up to God an offering while mad at someone, they must go and reconcile before they offer up their offerings to God. God only deserves a pure heart in which there can be no sin in it.
Application: This passage spoke to me because this very morning I got into a heated argument and before I showered and got ready for church, I knew that I couldn't go to church with this hatred in my heard because then Satan will just manifest more out of that small seed of hatred within my own heart. I must go to church only offering God my full and honest praise in which there is no hatred within my heart. As I made up with my parents on MOTHERS DAY!, I finally got ready to go to church but God wouldn't allow me to without doing my daily QT and the passage that I looked up truly spoke to me. I feel God has morals for us in which we learn each and every day but since we forget these morals, we must keep on going back to the Word for daily reminder of how to be more God-like. In my life, I must be more patient and always to settle feuds within my own circumstances in which when I go to God, I must not go to Him with anything less than a pure heart devoted in serving Him.
Money Owed: 9 dollars
-Andrew Park
Main Idea: Anger
What I learned about God: God only receives the pure heart's offering
Summary: This is Jesus' sermon on the mount and how He is speaking of the topic of anger. He is explaining the current law against murder, but He then explains in ways to the law that if you are angry at someone, you are murdering them. If you are insulting your brother, you must go to counsel and if you are cursing your brother, you are condemned to eternal death in hell's fires. Jesus then explains in the way that is most applicable to the Jews of the time in which if they are offering up to God an offering while mad at someone, they must go and reconcile before they offer up their offerings to God. God only deserves a pure heart in which there can be no sin in it.
Application: This passage spoke to me because this very morning I got into a heated argument and before I showered and got ready for church, I knew that I couldn't go to church with this hatred in my heard because then Satan will just manifest more out of that small seed of hatred within my own heart. I must go to church only offering God my full and honest praise in which there is no hatred within my heart. As I made up with my parents on MOTHERS DAY!, I finally got ready to go to church but God wouldn't allow me to without doing my daily QT and the passage that I looked up truly spoke to me. I feel God has morals for us in which we learn each and every day but since we forget these morals, we must keep on going back to the Word for daily reminder of how to be more God-like. In my life, I must be more patient and always to settle feuds within my own circumstances in which when I go to God, I must not go to Him with anything less than a pure heart devoted in serving Him.
Money Owed: 9 dollars
-Andrew Park
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Proverbs 21:25-26 The Self-Centerdness of the Sluggard
5/8/10
Time Spent: 15 min
Main Idea: The sluggard is lazy which leads to being self-centered.
What I Learned about God: God favors the righteous who are generous
Summary: The characteristic of a sluggard has been for his slack hands and his refusal to work. This verse tells us something new about the sluggard: he's selfish. One would naturally associate a lazy person with being selfish. The verse goes on to elaborate the hedonistic tendencies of the sluggard. Although he may be lacking in zeal, when he does work, it is for selfish gain. The way of the righteous is put against this picture of the sluggard and shows that he is righteous and does not hold back his gifts. Righteousness is usually associated with upright living, but he is associated with being generous and giving.
Application: The Bible seems to give a holistic summary of the sluggard. I need to make sure that I am keeping myself away from his tendencies, which includes more than laziness. In order to do that, I must look at the picture and grace of Jesus Christ. His days were filled with ministry and expectations which He did not retreat away from. He met those head-on through prayer and power. I hope to accomplish ministry in the way that Jesus did. Defined not by having slack hands, but rather one in which can be characterized by prayer and power. I will pray tonight for my ministries to apply this QT
Amount Owed: $6
Time Spent: 15 min
Main Idea: The sluggard is lazy which leads to being self-centered.
What I Learned about God: God favors the righteous who are generous
Summary: The characteristic of a sluggard has been for his slack hands and his refusal to work. This verse tells us something new about the sluggard: he's selfish. One would naturally associate a lazy person with being selfish. The verse goes on to elaborate the hedonistic tendencies of the sluggard. Although he may be lacking in zeal, when he does work, it is for selfish gain. The way of the righteous is put against this picture of the sluggard and shows that he is righteous and does not hold back his gifts. Righteousness is usually associated with upright living, but he is associated with being generous and giving.
Application: The Bible seems to give a holistic summary of the sluggard. I need to make sure that I am keeping myself away from his tendencies, which includes more than laziness. In order to do that, I must look at the picture and grace of Jesus Christ. His days were filled with ministry and expectations which He did not retreat away from. He met those head-on through prayer and power. I hope to accomplish ministry in the way that Jesus did. Defined not by having slack hands, but rather one in which can be characterized by prayer and power. I will pray tonight for my ministries to apply this QT
Amount Owed: $6
5/8/10: Matthew 3:1-12
Time Spent: 15 mins
Main Idea: John the Baptist Prepares the way
What I learned about God: God has planned it all from before we were born
Summary: John the Baptist is introduced in the first Gospel written by Matthew. This shows John the Baptist and the conviction he had received from Scripture and God to prepare the way for Jesus. He then baptized them in the Jordan River and then he then exclaims of Jesus' great power and presence in that he can only baptize with water, but Jesus will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. John then attacks the Pharisees and Sadducees for being a brood of vipers in which they have lived a live as they stray away from God and the Word. He replies in that they must return back to the true meaning of God and live by His Word.
Application: John the Baptist is such a baller! its so ridiculous how amazing he is. John the Baptist lived on what God provided for Him and he was not greedy nor selfish but instead he was obedient and loving. He can be seen as a pioneer of evangelism in that he baptized people as the
people confessed their own sins. In my life, I don't need to follow a certain conduct of life in which ever tells me to but instead I must follow God's word because if I stray away from the Word, I will become proud and arrogant like the Pharisees and Sadducees in which I will become a viper. In my life, I must be able to go through all the distractions of life in order to accomplish whatever it is that I need to. Like this instant, I was tempted into going to watch Ironman 2 instead of finishing my missions homework and preparing for my day but instead I must stay on top of my priorities, and I must be doing the job in which God is preparing me to be anything in which He needs me to fulfill my duties for His kingdom.
Money Owed: 9 dollars
-Andrew Park
Main Idea: John the Baptist Prepares the way
What I learned about God: God has planned it all from before we were born
Summary: John the Baptist is introduced in the first Gospel written by Matthew. This shows John the Baptist and the conviction he had received from Scripture and God to prepare the way for Jesus. He then baptized them in the Jordan River and then he then exclaims of Jesus' great power and presence in that he can only baptize with water, but Jesus will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. John then attacks the Pharisees and Sadducees for being a brood of vipers in which they have lived a live as they stray away from God and the Word. He replies in that they must return back to the true meaning of God and live by His Word.
Application: John the Baptist is such a baller! its so ridiculous how amazing he is. John the Baptist lived on what God provided for Him and he was not greedy nor selfish but instead he was obedient and loving. He can be seen as a pioneer of evangelism in that he baptized people as the
people confessed their own sins. In my life, I don't need to follow a certain conduct of life in which ever tells me to but instead I must follow God's word because if I stray away from the Word, I will become proud and arrogant like the Pharisees and Sadducees in which I will become a viper. In my life, I must be able to go through all the distractions of life in order to accomplish whatever it is that I need to. Like this instant, I was tempted into going to watch Ironman 2 instead of finishing my missions homework and preparing for my day but instead I must stay on top of my priorities, and I must be doing the job in which God is preparing me to be anything in which He needs me to fulfill my duties for His kingdom.
Money Owed: 9 dollars
-Andrew Park
Friday, May 7, 2010
5/7/10: 1 Corinthians 9:15-27
Time: 15 mins
Main Idea: It is not our present
What I learned about God: God's eternal love for us is truly shown through His great sacrifice
Summary: This is part of Paul's 1st letter to the church in Corinth. Paul first explains how he would rather die than not being able to spread the love of Jesus that he received. He feels it is his duty to share the love that he received from Jesus. He then presents that even though he is free from sin, he puts himself as a servant to God so that he will be able to spread the news of Jesus. He then inputs that if you want to appeal to a certain crowd, you must become like them whether it is becoming poor or becoming outside the law to reach those people in need. Paul then says how we must practice the act of self-control so that we may be training for the moments in which Jesus will give us an opportunity of sharing the good news.
Application: Well this is the 2nd time I've read this verse through KCM. I think just having this insight must be very important for missions. I finally see the true meaning of Paul's words in that it isn't our present to give. It is only our job to spread the good news of Jesus with people that don't know His love. We must be willing to sacrifice ourselves in order to join the people in which we don't anything about. We don't have missionaries bring over people of India or Uganda or Japan to learn the Gospel in America as if we we're some school. We ourselves must go into their land, become like them, so that we can symbolize God coming into a foreign environment and show them God's love as He did for us. He came into a dark world in order to share of His love and share His kingdom to those who love. In my life, I must not be the whining shekki that I have been most of my own life, but instead I must give my life unto God and just know that I am doing all this because while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Therefore I must sacrifice my own life in service to Him.
Money Owed: 9 dollars
-Andrew Park
Main Idea: It is not our present
What I learned about God: God's eternal love for us is truly shown through His great sacrifice
Summary: This is part of Paul's 1st letter to the church in Corinth. Paul first explains how he would rather die than not being able to spread the love of Jesus that he received. He feels it is his duty to share the love that he received from Jesus. He then presents that even though he is free from sin, he puts himself as a servant to God so that he will be able to spread the news of Jesus. He then inputs that if you want to appeal to a certain crowd, you must become like them whether it is becoming poor or becoming outside the law to reach those people in need. Paul then says how we must practice the act of self-control so that we may be training for the moments in which Jesus will give us an opportunity of sharing the good news.
Application: Well this is the 2nd time I've read this verse through KCM. I think just having this insight must be very important for missions. I finally see the true meaning of Paul's words in that it isn't our present to give. It is only our job to spread the good news of Jesus with people that don't know His love. We must be willing to sacrifice ourselves in order to join the people in which we don't anything about. We don't have missionaries bring over people of India or Uganda or Japan to learn the Gospel in America as if we we're some school. We ourselves must go into their land, become like them, so that we can symbolize God coming into a foreign environment and show them God's love as He did for us. He came into a dark world in order to share of His love and share His kingdom to those who love. In my life, I must not be the whining shekki that I have been most of my own life, but instead I must give my life unto God and just know that I am doing all this because while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Therefore I must sacrifice my own life in service to Him.
Money Owed: 9 dollars
-Andrew Park
Thursday, May 6, 2010
5/6/10: John 8:1-11
Time Spent: 15 mins
Main Idea: We are sinless
What I learned about God: God forgives us all of our sins
Summary: This is when the woman who committed adultery is thrown in front of Jesus by the scribes and the Sanhedrin. They try to challenge Jesus with the Law of Moses against His divine right. Jesus then starts writing on the ground and instead of denying the Law of Moses, He corrects the meaning in that the person with no sin should cast the first stone. As everyone starts walking away, Jesus picks up the woman and tells her to go away from her sinful life and to go on living without sin.
Application: This kind of reminds me of how Jesus forgives us of our sins how we are now sinless through His death. In the same way, people in my life have always sinned against me and given me the reason to curse them but instead I should remember that they are sinless in that I must be the one to forgive and love them just as Jesus did. This is how I must live my life in that I must love the ones that curse me and the ones that hurt me for even they are ones who are blessed by God to Heaven through His atoning sacrifice.
Money Owed: 9 dollars
-Andrew Park
Proverbs 20:5-7
5/6/10
Time Spent: 10:05
Main Idea: The Lord's favor to conscientious people who walk in an upright way
What I Learned about God: God is a just judge
Summary: This Proverbs was used to describe and compare the fool to the wise. These verses are to share about the "man of understanding". People should not identify a faithful man by the words that he uses, but rather through the lifestyle in which he or she lives. One of the most powerful examples that one can give towards a secular audience is a life lived out fully for God. There are several blessings attached to this exhortation; that God is merciful and just to those and this man of blessing will be able to bless others and his children (v. 5, 7). This is a great reminder in which we not only are accountable to ourselves, but also to the sphere of influence in our lives which God has called us to.
Application: I tend to think just like the regular American; I am not responsible for you but for myself. I realized how far-fetched this is in reality. I know that I am responsible for leaders, students, and parents all around the church. It is shrinking the calling which God has placed in my life to isolate just "myself" into this scenario. Now, showing that I am righteous is not just a matter of "talking myself up" or proving to people that I can do it, but rather is
Time Spent: 10:05
Main Idea: The Lord's favor to conscientious people who walk in an upright way
What I Learned about God: God is a just judge
Summary: This Proverbs was used to describe and compare the fool to the wise. These verses are to share about the "man of understanding". People should not identify a faithful man by the words that he uses, but rather through the lifestyle in which he or she lives. One of the most powerful examples that one can give towards a secular audience is a life lived out fully for God. There are several blessings attached to this exhortation; that God is merciful and just to those and this man of blessing will be able to bless others and his children (v. 5, 7). This is a great reminder in which we not only are accountable to ourselves, but also to the sphere of influence in our lives which God has called us to.
Application: I tend to think just like the regular American; I am not responsible for you but for myself. I realized how far-fetched this is in reality. I know that I am responsible for leaders, students, and parents all around the church. It is shrinking the calling which God has placed in my life to isolate just "myself" into this scenario. Now, showing that I am righteous is not just a matter of "talking myself up" or proving to people that I can do it, but rather is
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Proverbs 19:16-23 The Good Life
5/5/10
Time Spent: 22 min
Main Idea: The "good life" is a life spent in fearing the Lord
What I Learned about God: The greater view of God one has leads to a greater life that one can live.
Summary: The "good life" is introduced in v.16 as one who follows commandments. From this general statement, it then goes on to list what this good life entails; be kind to the poor (17), be involved in your children's lives and discipline them (18) avoid friendships with those who lack self-control (19), acknowledge the rule of God (21), understand that love and integrity are what bring real happiness (22), and fear the Lord (23). All of these fall under the umbrella concept of fearing the Lord. The Proverb then is seemingly not listing what it takes to live a "good life", but rather that the fearing of the Lord will lead to the other things above. Thus a healthy relationship with God will bring the good life to a person.
Application: The good life for me consists of plenty of rest and reading. It is hard to imagine that a "good life" involves so much action and outside fruit. This goes to show that a life lived under God will be readily discernable to the world because of the fruit in his or her life. One of the areas where my life does not match this (besides the children one) is in the understanding that love and integrity bring happiness. I had always considered them Christian things to do and passed them off as mere duties. However, the verse is stating that these are the things which can bring true happiness. When I think about love, especially for the people in my life that are difficult to love, I must remember that it is not out of begrudging self-discipline that I endure them, but rather because it is the way towards the good life.
Time Spent: 22 min
Main Idea: The "good life" is a life spent in fearing the Lord
What I Learned about God: The greater view of God one has leads to a greater life that one can live.
Summary: The "good life" is introduced in v.16 as one who follows commandments. From this general statement, it then goes on to list what this good life entails; be kind to the poor (17), be involved in your children's lives and discipline them (18) avoid friendships with those who lack self-control (19), acknowledge the rule of God (21), understand that love and integrity are what bring real happiness (22), and fear the Lord (23). All of these fall under the umbrella concept of fearing the Lord. The Proverb then is seemingly not listing what it takes to live a "good life", but rather that the fearing of the Lord will lead to the other things above. Thus a healthy relationship with God will bring the good life to a person.
Application: The good life for me consists of plenty of rest and reading. It is hard to imagine that a "good life" involves so much action and outside fruit. This goes to show that a life lived under God will be readily discernable to the world because of the fruit in his or her life. One of the areas where my life does not match this (besides the children one) is in the understanding that love and integrity bring happiness. I had always considered them Christian things to do and passed them off as mere duties. However, the verse is stating that these are the things which can bring true happiness. When I think about love, especially for the people in my life that are difficult to love, I must remember that it is not out of begrudging self-discipline that I endure them, but rather because it is the way towards the good life.
5/5/10: Luke 10:30-37
Time Spent: 20 mins
Main Idea: The Good Samaritan
What I learned about God: God is so merciful
Summary: This is in the Gospel of Luke and it is when Jesus is telling the story of the good Samaritan. The story is about a man who is lain half dead in the middle of a road is not helped by a priest or a Levite, but instead a Samaritan who is looked down upon by Jews helped the half-dead man. The Samaritan poured wine and oil upon his wounds, put him onto his own animal and paid in full and beyond for his room and care for him. This showed the Samaritan's compassion and love for a man that he didn't even know. This ends with Jesus showing the one of the most important commandments, love your neighbor as yourself.
Application: God shows through this story in that love is just how you can represent yourself. God's love is represented when we show love to others. This goes on to show that in our lives, we must show love unto everyone we see because if Jesus were a picky guy when He chose people to go to Heaven with Him, I don't know if He would have picked anyone of us because we are too sinful. Knowing God's love is the ultimant reward and in which we mustdo the same and just show our love unto everyone we meet and see.
Money Owed: 9 dollars
-Andrew Park
Main Idea: The Good Samaritan
What I learned about God: God is so merciful
Summary: This is in the Gospel of Luke and it is when Jesus is telling the story of the good Samaritan. The story is about a man who is lain half dead in the middle of a road is not helped by a priest or a Levite, but instead a Samaritan who is looked down upon by Jews helped the half-dead man. The Samaritan poured wine and oil upon his wounds, put him onto his own animal and paid in full and beyond for his room and care for him. This showed the Samaritan's compassion and love for a man that he didn't even know. This ends with Jesus showing the one of the most important commandments, love your neighbor as yourself.
Application: God shows through this story in that love is just how you can represent yourself. God's love is represented when we show love to others. This goes on to show that in our lives, we must show love unto everyone we see because if Jesus were a picky guy when He chose people to go to Heaven with Him, I don't know if He would have picked anyone of us because we are too sinful. Knowing God's love is the ultimant reward and in which we mustdo the same and just show our love unto everyone we meet and see.
Money Owed: 9 dollars
-Andrew Park
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Proverbs 18:21 Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will hurt forever
5/4/10
Time Spent: 15 min
Main Idea: The power of words is great
What I Learned about God: God's Words are to be valued because that is the antidote for our strife with words.
Summary: The old adage, "the pen is mightier than the sword" may reign true, but more on the personable level one might say that the "tongue is mightier than the sword". In this verse, it shares that death and life are in the power of the tongue. The recurring theme of "words" found in Proverbs are used to share the grave seriousness of using speech in a God-glorifying wise way. The tongue's power comes from two qualities;
1. Penetration - What is done to you is of little account beside what is done in you. Proverbs 12:18 shares that words have the power to pierce like a sword, causing a wounded spirit. Other ideas such as one's attitude, self-esteem, beliefs, and convictions are all formed and exercised through the sharing of words.
2. Spread - Words implant ideas in other minds, whether for good or for bad. It states that a perverse man spreads strife with his words (16:27), showing the spreading power of words.
In these two forms, one can see that there's no one immune to the use of words. Words are what forms the person and in them control death and life.
Application: I can relate to the power of words today. Discussing the chapel with a classmate, I flippantly just said when a classmate asked who spoke as it was, "some korean dude". One of my classmates found offense to it and admonished me somewhat harshly, saying his name was "Billy Kim and not some 'korean dude'". I was shocked at the response he said to me but I can understand where he was coming from. Words will always carry some weight around them, whether spoken or not. Understanding the weight of these words it was not him overreacting, but rather a bad choice of diction on my part. It is true what the Proverbs say, that many words are for the fool; but it is the righteous who limits his or her words. Dude, I need to be careful with my words!
Time Spent: 15 min
Main Idea: The power of words is great
What I Learned about God: God's Words are to be valued because that is the antidote for our strife with words.
Summary: The old adage, "the pen is mightier than the sword" may reign true, but more on the personable level one might say that the "tongue is mightier than the sword". In this verse, it shares that death and life are in the power of the tongue. The recurring theme of "words" found in Proverbs are used to share the grave seriousness of using speech in a God-glorifying wise way. The tongue's power comes from two qualities;
1. Penetration - What is done to you is of little account beside what is done in you. Proverbs 12:18 shares that words have the power to pierce like a sword, causing a wounded spirit. Other ideas such as one's attitude, self-esteem, beliefs, and convictions are all formed and exercised through the sharing of words.
2. Spread - Words implant ideas in other minds, whether for good or for bad. It states that a perverse man spreads strife with his words (16:27), showing the spreading power of words.
In these two forms, one can see that there's no one immune to the use of words. Words are what forms the person and in them control death and life.
Application: I can relate to the power of words today. Discussing the chapel with a classmate, I flippantly just said when a classmate asked who spoke as it was, "some korean dude". One of my classmates found offense to it and admonished me somewhat harshly, saying his name was "Billy Kim and not some 'korean dude'". I was shocked at the response he said to me but I can understand where he was coming from. Words will always carry some weight around them, whether spoken or not. Understanding the weight of these words it was not him overreacting, but rather a bad choice of diction on my part. It is true what the Proverbs say, that many words are for the fool; but it is the righteous who limits his or her words. Dude, I need to be careful with my words!
5/4/10: Matthew 10:1-13
Time Spent: 15 mins
Main Idea: True ministry requires God and only God
What I learned about God: We must trust in Him always
Summary: Jesus shows His 12 disciples in which He then tells them how to do their ministry. He goes into it by stating that they should only go to the Israelites in which are lost before they can go after the Gentiles and the Samaritans. He then goes onto saying how we must not receive anything in payment and how we shouldn't take anything either along in our ministry and how everything will be provided for us. How we should be thankful to the household that cares for us in our ministry.
Application:Reading the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus shows me in each of His disciples. He names them all and then goes on to say some of their professions. The tax collectors were the scums of the earth and yet Jesus still chose them to serve in His ministry. He then goes to exclaim how we must go to the lost sheep of Israel in which I felt that God was saying that in not only preparing for missions, but that my own home is a mission field in which I must pursue the lost sheep here. Then Jesus also says that we shouldn't take anything and how we should be the ones to accept the help of others and bless them in the name of the Jesus for helping us with our ministry. We should be the ones doing God's work in our lives in which I believe I can do more in my own life to go after those friends of mine that will be able to hear the gospel and then go after the ones that haven't heard the Gospel. I need to seek moe people in my own life before I can attest to people in which I have no personal relationship with overseas.
Money Owed: 9 dollars
-Andrew Park
Main Idea: True ministry requires God and only God
What I learned about God: We must trust in Him always
Summary: Jesus shows His 12 disciples in which He then tells them how to do their ministry. He goes into it by stating that they should only go to the Israelites in which are lost before they can go after the Gentiles and the Samaritans. He then goes onto saying how we must not receive anything in payment and how we shouldn't take anything either along in our ministry and how everything will be provided for us. How we should be thankful to the household that cares for us in our ministry.
Application:Reading the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus shows me in each of His disciples. He names them all and then goes on to say some of their professions. The tax collectors were the scums of the earth and yet Jesus still chose them to serve in His ministry. He then goes to exclaim how we must go to the lost sheep of Israel in which I felt that God was saying that in not only preparing for missions, but that my own home is a mission field in which I must pursue the lost sheep here. Then Jesus also says that we shouldn't take anything and how we should be the ones to accept the help of others and bless them in the name of the Jesus for helping us with our ministry. We should be the ones doing God's work in our lives in which I believe I can do more in my own life to go after those friends of mine that will be able to hear the gospel and then go after the ones that haven't heard the Gospel. I need to seek moe people in my own life before I can attest to people in which I have no personal relationship with overseas.
Money Owed: 9 dollars
-Andrew Park
Monday, May 3, 2010
5/3/10: John 1:1-5
Time Spent: 15 mins
Main Idea: The Word is flesh
What I learned about God: God became flesh for the sake of us
Summary: This is the beginning of the Gospel of John. John explains how God is the word and how the word was with God in the beginning. This shows that God was the only Creator and He was never created. It then explains how the life of God is the light of men and how the light of men will never be extinguished or overcome by the darkness.
Application: When I read this passage, it just gave me a visual image of how the darkness in verse 5 must the sin of the world and how Jesus' life would never be overcome by it. This just truly gives me the faith to just push on because through Jesus, we will never be overcome by the darkness. We will never be overcome for when we have Jesus in our lives we should fear no one but God. In my life, when I struggle with temptation and I fall, I feel so ashamed of myself but this verse just reminds me to keep my head up because in all of the sin that we commit in a day, at the end of that day, God still reigns supreme in all of us.
Money Owed: 9 dollars
-Andrew Park
Main Idea: The Word is flesh
What I learned about God: God became flesh for the sake of us
Summary: This is the beginning of the Gospel of John. John explains how God is the word and how the word was with God in the beginning. This shows that God was the only Creator and He was never created. It then explains how the life of God is the light of men and how the light of men will never be extinguished or overcome by the darkness.
Application: When I read this passage, it just gave me a visual image of how the darkness in verse 5 must the sin of the world and how Jesus' life would never be overcome by it. This just truly gives me the faith to just push on because through Jesus, we will never be overcome by the darkness. We will never be overcome for when we have Jesus in our lives we should fear no one but God. In my life, when I struggle with temptation and I fall, I feel so ashamed of myself but this verse just reminds me to keep my head up because in all of the sin that we commit in a day, at the end of that day, God still reigns supreme in all of us.
Money Owed: 9 dollars
-Andrew Park
Proverbs 17:27 Tongue Tied for Righteousness Sake
5/3/10
Time Spent 26 min
Main Idea: The righteous man is defined as one who restrains words and is a man of understanding.
What I Learned about God: God's not so much impressed by the doing as He is of your being. Many words do not impress the Lord.
Summary: This phrase comes up twice in Proverbs, once here and another time in 18:2. In this usage, it shows that a fool would do well so he would keep his mouth shut and 18:2 stating that he cannot. Implied by contrast in this verse is that a fool is a man of many words, one that speaks irrationally, unintelligibly, and the classic "doesn't think before you speak" person. The wise person instead is one who has real weight in his words.
Application: The weight of words has always been something I thought about as a student, but even more so as a pastor. I realize that I should not speak in such ways to students that I'm losing patience with or towards staff that come late on a regular basis. I am a classic patronizer. One who feels superior towards others and mock them for their inability to do so. I do it with a smile on my face and sometime in jest, but I think that's not the way to do it. To apply this QT, I will not meet adverse situations with an attitude, but will address them directly in regards to ministry.
Time Spent 26 min
Main Idea: The righteous man is defined as one who restrains words and is a man of understanding.
What I Learned about God: God's not so much impressed by the doing as He is of your being. Many words do not impress the Lord.
Summary: This phrase comes up twice in Proverbs, once here and another time in 18:2. In this usage, it shows that a fool would do well so he would keep his mouth shut and 18:2 stating that he cannot. Implied by contrast in this verse is that a fool is a man of many words, one that speaks irrationally, unintelligibly, and the classic "doesn't think before you speak" person. The wise person instead is one who has real weight in his words.
Application: The weight of words has always been something I thought about as a student, but even more so as a pastor. I realize that I should not speak in such ways to students that I'm losing patience with or towards staff that come late on a regular basis. I am a classic patronizer. One who feels superior towards others and mock them for their inability to do so. I do it with a smile on my face and sometime in jest, but I think that's not the way to do it. To apply this QT, I will not meet adverse situations with an attitude, but will address them directly in regards to ministry.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Proverbs 16:9 A Man Plans but the Lord Guides
5/2/10
Time Spent: 11 min
Main Idea: The man plans, but the Lord guides
What I Learned about God: God is in control of everything
Summary: The omniscient and omnipotent God is the director and guider of all of our steps. This proverbs is approaching life in two different spheres, man and God. Man may view "planning" as to set one's future course, but ultimately it is God who will let it be or not so in the other sphere. God is the one that will act and move according to his good pleasure. Thus, planning may be fruitful and wise, but the great understanding is to know that God is the one that will be directing his steps.
Application: This is a theme verse which I love to apply towards ministry. That we cannot partition a time when students will meet God; but they will understand God in a variety of unscheduled, unprogrammed ways. It could be through praise, sermon (hopefully!), small group or could be even littler things we may take for granite; interactions amongst peers, watching people serve, an encouraging word, etc. God is the one in charge of planning the ministry and leading it to the way in which it will glorify Him the most. Thus, I should stop worrying so much about ministry and the tough decisions that I have to make on Sundays. Instead, knowing this verse gives me great power to know that faithfulness to the Lord doesn't always mean flashy programs and activities, but will lead towards a pursuit of God. We cannot plan for God to work or for revival to fall upon us, so we as a ministry must stay rooted in prayer. Tonight I will pray for the two ministries and that God would bless the course of them.
Time Spent: 11 min
Main Idea: The man plans, but the Lord guides
What I Learned about God: God is in control of everything
Summary: The omniscient and omnipotent God is the director and guider of all of our steps. This proverbs is approaching life in two different spheres, man and God. Man may view "planning" as to set one's future course, but ultimately it is God who will let it be or not so in the other sphere. God is the one that will act and move according to his good pleasure. Thus, planning may be fruitful and wise, but the great understanding is to know that God is the one that will be directing his steps.
Application: This is a theme verse which I love to apply towards ministry. That we cannot partition a time when students will meet God; but they will understand God in a variety of unscheduled, unprogrammed ways. It could be through praise, sermon (hopefully!), small group or could be even littler things we may take for granite; interactions amongst peers, watching people serve, an encouraging word, etc. God is the one in charge of planning the ministry and leading it to the way in which it will glorify Him the most. Thus, I should stop worrying so much about ministry and the tough decisions that I have to make on Sundays. Instead, knowing this verse gives me great power to know that faithfulness to the Lord doesn't always mean flashy programs and activities, but will lead towards a pursuit of God. We cannot plan for God to work or for revival to fall upon us, so we as a ministry must stay rooted in prayer. Tonight I will pray for the two ministries and that God would bless the course of them.
5/2/10: Matthew 28:16-20
Time Spent: 10:45
Main Idea: Great Commission
What I learned about God: God wants all His children to be with Him
Summary: This is in the Gospel of Matthew and it is when Jesus is giving the Great Commission to His disciples before He ascends into Heaven.
Application: The most promising verse that always sticks out to me when I read this is verse 20 when Jesus says, I am always with you to the end of the age. This truly shows me that Jesus is always behind us. Even when we are far from home, we are in a different country or continent, Jesus is omnipresent and He will always be there behind us no matter what. It takes so much to leave your life behind in order to follow Jesus' commands but knowing that He is right there behind us just give me comfort to the point in which I know Jesus is preparing each and every step and each and every person that I meet. I need to just trust in Him because even though I might know one of two steps ahead of my life, Jesus has the rest of my life planned out for me and in which He has given me a plan to spread His word among the nations of the earth. As I go on missions this summer, I know that even if I go to a spiritually dead place, Jesus is always there helping us with our fulfillment of Jesus' Great Commission.
Money Owed: 9 dollars
-Andrew Park
Main Idea: Great Commission
What I learned about God: God wants all His children to be with Him
Summary: This is in the Gospel of Matthew and it is when Jesus is giving the Great Commission to His disciples before He ascends into Heaven.
Application: The most promising verse that always sticks out to me when I read this is verse 20 when Jesus says, I am always with you to the end of the age. This truly shows me that Jesus is always behind us. Even when we are far from home, we are in a different country or continent, Jesus is omnipresent and He will always be there behind us no matter what. It takes so much to leave your life behind in order to follow Jesus' commands but knowing that He is right there behind us just give me comfort to the point in which I know Jesus is preparing each and every step and each and every person that I meet. I need to just trust in Him because even though I might know one of two steps ahead of my life, Jesus has the rest of my life planned out for me and in which He has given me a plan to spread His word among the nations of the earth. As I go on missions this summer, I know that even if I go to a spiritually dead place, Jesus is always there helping us with our fulfillment of Jesus' Great Commission.
Money Owed: 9 dollars
-Andrew Park
Saturday, May 1, 2010
5/1/10: 1 Corinthians 9:15-27
Time Spent: 15 mins
Main Idea: Do what is necessary
What I learned about God: Jesus conforms into being a man because in doing so, we will be saved
Summary: This is part of Paul's 1st letter to the church in Corinth. Paul first explains how he would rather die than not being able to spread the love of Jesus that he received. He feels it is his duty to share the love that he received from Jesus. He then presents that even though he is free from sin, he puts himself as a servant to God so that he will be able to spread the news of Jesus. He then inputs that if you want to appeal to a certain crowd, you must become like them whether it is becoming poor or becoming outside the law to reach those people in need. Paul then says how we must practice the act of self-control so that we may be training for the moments in which Jesus will give us an opportunity of sharing the good news.
Application: In my life, I see the as I go through mission training, this passage truly put what we did today into perspective. In eating disgusting foods that we as Americans are not used to, we put ourselves into the position that we may use that opportunity to break the ethnic boundary in which we may be able to reach them with the gospel message. Seeing something foreign is much worse than seeing something relative in which they can relate to. We must just break those boundaries in order to praise His name, because without His great love and without his sacrifice, we wouldn't be here with this amazing message of perfect love, sacrifice, and resurrection.
Money Owed: 9 dollars
-Andrew Park
Main Idea: Do what is necessary
What I learned about God: Jesus conforms into being a man because in doing so, we will be saved
Summary: This is part of Paul's 1st letter to the church in Corinth. Paul first explains how he would rather die than not being able to spread the love of Jesus that he received. He feels it is his duty to share the love that he received from Jesus. He then presents that even though he is free from sin, he puts himself as a servant to God so that he will be able to spread the news of Jesus. He then inputs that if you want to appeal to a certain crowd, you must become like them whether it is becoming poor or becoming outside the law to reach those people in need. Paul then says how we must practice the act of self-control so that we may be training for the moments in which Jesus will give us an opportunity of sharing the good news.
Application: In my life, I see the as I go through mission training, this passage truly put what we did today into perspective. In eating disgusting foods that we as Americans are not used to, we put ourselves into the position that we may use that opportunity to break the ethnic boundary in which we may be able to reach them with the gospel message. Seeing something foreign is much worse than seeing something relative in which they can relate to. We must just break those boundaries in order to praise His name, because without His great love and without his sacrifice, we wouldn't be here with this amazing message of perfect love, sacrifice, and resurrection.
Money Owed: 9 dollars
-Andrew Park
Proverbs 15:19 There is more work for a sluggard than the diligent
5/1/10
Time Spent: 17 min
Main Idea: The path of the sluggard is contrasted with the way of the upright
What I Learned about God: A lifelong journey with God throughout one's life is done with much diligence.
Summary: There are two paths to traverse; the sluggard's way is like hedge of thorns while the upright is a level highway. The sluggard's disobedience and laziness causes roots, bad habits, and duties to be left unattended, leading towards a road filled with thorns and hedges. It is interesting to note that the "sluggard" is not compared with the "diligent", but rather the upright. It goes to show that being lazy in respect to living wisely is synonymous for unrighteous living in life. The way of the upright however, is a level highway. He or she is diligent in tending to it, cleaning it, and even filling up the potholes in the road. In the end, laziness will only bring more work for the sluggard to attend to while the righteous may joyfully walk on the easy road leading towards wisdom in God.
Application: After pulling up weeds for an hour at church, I understand what happens when things go unattended. These weeds had some sort of natural defense with spikes on the plants which made them even harder to pluck out. That clean-up and my QT today are a good reminder to what God has spoken to me: be diligent or stuff is going to grow. I could already see some spiritual weeds needing to be plucked out of my life. One of them is my "self-sufficiency" complex demonstrated by my lack of prayer times during the day. Also, the tendency to view Mondays as freedom from God days, where QT and prayer will happen begrudgingly has also caused a state of alarm for my soul. Identifying is one thing, pulling out is another. To apply this QT, I will resolve to pray 15 minutes for ministry and preparation and also I will spend my time on Monday first thing that I do before I go on the internet or check my email is to do QT and prayer with the Lord.
Amount owed: $5 : (
Time Spent: 17 min
Main Idea: The path of the sluggard is contrasted with the way of the upright
What I Learned about God: A lifelong journey with God throughout one's life is done with much diligence.
Summary: There are two paths to traverse; the sluggard's way is like hedge of thorns while the upright is a level highway. The sluggard's disobedience and laziness causes roots, bad habits, and duties to be left unattended, leading towards a road filled with thorns and hedges. It is interesting to note that the "sluggard" is not compared with the "diligent", but rather the upright. It goes to show that being lazy in respect to living wisely is synonymous for unrighteous living in life. The way of the upright however, is a level highway. He or she is diligent in tending to it, cleaning it, and even filling up the potholes in the road. In the end, laziness will only bring more work for the sluggard to attend to while the righteous may joyfully walk on the easy road leading towards wisdom in God.
Application: After pulling up weeds for an hour at church, I understand what happens when things go unattended. These weeds had some sort of natural defense with spikes on the plants which made them even harder to pluck out. That clean-up and my QT today are a good reminder to what God has spoken to me: be diligent or stuff is going to grow. I could already see some spiritual weeds needing to be plucked out of my life. One of them is my "self-sufficiency" complex demonstrated by my lack of prayer times during the day. Also, the tendency to view Mondays as freedom from God days, where QT and prayer will happen begrudgingly has also caused a state of alarm for my soul. Identifying is one thing, pulling out is another. To apply this QT, I will resolve to pray 15 minutes for ministry and preparation and also I will spend my time on Monday first thing that I do before I go on the internet or check my email is to do QT and prayer with the Lord.
Amount owed: $5 : (
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