Wow. That's all that I have to say right now. Back in junior high, I bought an album called "The Rest Is History" by Jin, the first mainstream Chinese rap artist. Jin's claim to fame started out during freestyle battles in which he would go head to head rapping against other local rappers. During a 6 week "king of the hill" competition, Jin calmly flamed each and every opponent. He was the best. With a mic in his hand, he displayed the swagger of Michael Jordan. He was the best and he knew it. Jin later won the competition and signed a record deal with Ruff Ryders. Like most mainstream rappers, Jin sang about sex and drugs. He was a "complete thug" or so my dad said. If you told me that one day, I would call this man my brother in Christ, I would have told you to get the out and quit joking. Well well...The God Almighty works in mysterious and wonderful ways!
In my last blog entry, I mentioned how God transformed and used Paul. Powerful story and yet so distant at the same time. Sometimes Bible stories are a bit hard to related to because they happened so long ago. You read how Paul persecuted Christians and yet you sometimes don't get the full picture of how bad it really was. I don't want to say Jin is as bad as Paul was but clearly he was not walking with the Lord..and now He is. The old has gone and the new has come!
So then, on a more personal level, I feel that God is telling me to have hope. God turned this "thug" rap artist into a forgiven child of God. Have faith in God and his transforming power. Continually pray for those that once walked with the Lord and have ceased to do so. Have faith in God's response. It's something that I need to work on.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Transformation
Still in the first chapter of Galatians (verses 11 through 24). In these verses, Paul explains and compares his former self to his latter self. In another book, Paul claims to be the worst of sinners. While living a life in Judaism, Paul attempted to destroy the church. He constantly persecuted and killed Christians and here he is writing letters of encouragement and reproach to the churches. God used this man, of whom wanted to destroy the church, to spread the Word.
So what happened? According to Paul, God "called [him] by His grace" and "reveal[ed] His Son so that [he] might preach among the Gentiles". So God called Paul to teach and what was Paul's response? He went IMMEDIATELY. We see that Paul surrendered to God through his obedience to God's command.
This is an example of the transforming power that comes in a relationship with God. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"
So then, are we living as a new creation? Are we continually walking with Christ and being transformed? Do we see the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22) in our life?
Yesterday, I found myself struggling with this. I had change in my life and yet, it seemed like everything reversed itself last night. Same cocky self with the same self-seeking study habits. I don't doubt God's transforming power but I feel like that reversion was due to my list of priorities. It just so happens that I blew off God yesterday. Instead of lifting up prayers and praise to Him, I passed out during prayer meeting. (Even though it looks like I might have been praying since I was facedown with my arms out, let me assure you that I was fast asleep. This wasn't intentional). Instead of spending time with God, I hit the anatomy books. Instead of turning to God in praise for all the blessings He has poured out, like my ability to learn quickly, I praised myself for being so "awesome".
So yes, God can transform our lives but be wary. Don't become complacent.
Galatians 5:16 - So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
Galatians 5:25 - Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
So what happened? According to Paul, God "called [him] by His grace" and "reveal[ed] His Son so that [he] might preach among the Gentiles". So God called Paul to teach and what was Paul's response? He went IMMEDIATELY. We see that Paul surrendered to God through his obedience to God's command.
This is an example of the transforming power that comes in a relationship with God. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"
So then, are we living as a new creation? Are we continually walking with Christ and being transformed? Do we see the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22) in our life?
Yesterday, I found myself struggling with this. I had change in my life and yet, it seemed like everything reversed itself last night. Same cocky self with the same self-seeking study habits. I don't doubt God's transforming power but I feel like that reversion was due to my list of priorities. It just so happens that I blew off God yesterday. Instead of lifting up prayers and praise to Him, I passed out during prayer meeting. (Even though it looks like I might have been praying since I was facedown with my arms out, let me assure you that I was fast asleep. This wasn't intentional). Instead of spending time with God, I hit the anatomy books. Instead of turning to God in praise for all the blessings He has poured out, like my ability to learn quickly, I praised myself for being so "awesome".
So yes, God can transform our lives but be wary. Don't become complacent.
Galatians 5:16 - So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
Galatians 5:25 - Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Galatians 1:10 "Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ."
Not saying that the two are mutually exclusive but a lot of the time there's a distinct choice, serve God or love this world. So often, we live based upon the opinions of others. Back in high school, I never prayed at lunch because I was scared of what others would say or think. In an attempt to avoid conflict and remain comfortable, I pushed God out. How often do we push God out to uphold an image? Is it worth it? How often do we do things or say things that we know do not please the Lord and yet we do them anyway because they make us feel good or give us face in the presence of others? Is another person's opinion or some feel good story worth more than God's opinion?
Not saying that the two are mutually exclusive but a lot of the time there's a distinct choice, serve God or love this world. So often, we live based upon the opinions of others. Back in high school, I never prayed at lunch because I was scared of what others would say or think. In an attempt to avoid conflict and remain comfortable, I pushed God out. How often do we push God out to uphold an image? Is it worth it? How often do we do things or say things that we know do not please the Lord and yet we do them anyway because they make us feel good or give us face in the presence of others? Is another person's opinion or some feel good story worth more than God's opinion?
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Recap of my day:
Woke up ridiculously exhausted. I woke up, got of bed, and wanted to collapse. I prayed to God for physical strength to make it through the day. Now its 12:41 AM and I made it through the day full of energy without taking a nap. I started to feel a bit drained around 4 pm at the library while studying organic chemistry. Without asking, Sharon made me a mocha and placed it on my desk. Talk about good timing! Praise God for the strength and energy that He gave me throughout the day!
That organic homework assignment was really frustrating. There was one problem that barely made any sense. I had the opportunity to get the answers in a way that would fly in the face of integrity but decided against it. Later in the library, I was studying with a friend. It just so happens that my friend's friend comes by and starts talking. Turns out that he's in pre-pharmacy as well. We started talking about classes and all that other fun pre-pharmacy stuff and then I asked him about the headache of a problem. He was nice enough to explain it to me even though 1) I just met him 2) I'm technically his competition for pharmacy school slots. Praise God for His provision!
Lately, my humility has ceased to be humility and turned more into a self-pity of "oh man, anatomy and organic chemistry are going to kick my butt and I'm going to fail!" With an anatomy exam coming up this Thursday, everyone is talking about how hard this exam is going to be and without really looking at it, I bought into the idea of failure. I felt defeated before even cracking the book to study. Well, today I started studying. I tried the practice test and it actually wasn't that bad. My self-pity turned into confidence, something that I needed. Praise God for building me back up! With confidence always comes a warning however. Don't be over-confident and remember that your talents are God-given.
I didn't realize a lot of these things until I a conversation that I had with a friend moments ago. Sometimes in all the noise and chaos, God is just a gentle whisper. He's there but He's so subtle that it's easy to overlook Him.
Woke up ridiculously exhausted. I woke up, got of bed, and wanted to collapse. I prayed to God for physical strength to make it through the day. Now its 12:41 AM and I made it through the day full of energy without taking a nap. I started to feel a bit drained around 4 pm at the library while studying organic chemistry. Without asking, Sharon made me a mocha and placed it on my desk. Talk about good timing! Praise God for the strength and energy that He gave me throughout the day!
That organic homework assignment was really frustrating. There was one problem that barely made any sense. I had the opportunity to get the answers in a way that would fly in the face of integrity but decided against it. Later in the library, I was studying with a friend. It just so happens that my friend's friend comes by and starts talking. Turns out that he's in pre-pharmacy as well. We started talking about classes and all that other fun pre-pharmacy stuff and then I asked him about the headache of a problem. He was nice enough to explain it to me even though 1) I just met him 2) I'm technically his competition for pharmacy school slots. Praise God for His provision!
Lately, my humility has ceased to be humility and turned more into a self-pity of "oh man, anatomy and organic chemistry are going to kick my butt and I'm going to fail!" With an anatomy exam coming up this Thursday, everyone is talking about how hard this exam is going to be and without really looking at it, I bought into the idea of failure. I felt defeated before even cracking the book to study. Well, today I started studying. I tried the practice test and it actually wasn't that bad. My self-pity turned into confidence, something that I needed. Praise God for building me back up! With confidence always comes a warning however. Don't be over-confident and remember that your talents are God-given.
I didn't realize a lot of these things until I a conversation that I had with a friend moments ago. Sometimes in all the noise and chaos, God is just a gentle whisper. He's there but He's so subtle that it's easy to overlook Him.
Monday, September 14, 2009
James 4:13-17
13Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." 14Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." 16As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. 17Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.
Coming into this school year, I had elaborate plans for my future. Study my butt off, get into pharmacy school, get a pharmacy job, get married, have kids, and live life happily ever after. I'm a pretty smart guy and I know it so I never saw a reason to deviate from such plans. The problem is, God wasn't included in my plan. I didn't leave room for the fact that God is the one that's in control and that He may lead down a different path than what I'm expecting.
How will I respond if God changes such plans? I faced this once before. Going into my senior year, I was almost 100% sure that I was going to the University of Michigan. Clearly, that didn't happen as I'm sitting in my dorm here at Purdue University typing this up. In that time, I actively sought God's answer and He made it clear to me. I can't really say that I've done the same when it comes to what my major should be. To this point, my plans have been self-centered rather than God centered. I have no clue what's going to happen tomorrow! I can't really rely on myself for direction. That's something that only God can give.
13Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." 14Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." 16As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. 17Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.
Coming into this school year, I had elaborate plans for my future. Study my butt off, get into pharmacy school, get a pharmacy job, get married, have kids, and live life happily ever after. I'm a pretty smart guy and I know it so I never saw a reason to deviate from such plans. The problem is, God wasn't included in my plan. I didn't leave room for the fact that God is the one that's in control and that He may lead down a different path than what I'm expecting.
How will I respond if God changes such plans? I faced this once before. Going into my senior year, I was almost 100% sure that I was going to the University of Michigan. Clearly, that didn't happen as I'm sitting in my dorm here at Purdue University typing this up. In that time, I actively sought God's answer and He made it clear to me. I can't really say that I've done the same when it comes to what my major should be. To this point, my plans have been self-centered rather than God centered. I have no clue what's going to happen tomorrow! I can't really rely on myself for direction. That's something that only God can give.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
One day when I was little, I decided to go through my mom's coin purse. Out of it, I pulled a shiny penny and a dull dime. When I asked my mom which one she would prefer, she said the dime since it's clearly worth more. I begged to differ. I wanted the penny because it looked better. I didn't care that it was worth less than the dime. Something about that shiny bronze penny beckoned me!
This is the same scenario that goes on in our hearts so many times. Here we are on Earth with the opportunity to pursue what the world says is good or enter into a relationship with our Lord and Savior, our Creator, our Messiah. God is offering us something so much greater than anything in this world could ever offer. We gives us the opportunity to enter into His kingdom as beloved sons and daughters of the King of all kings who seated upon his majestic throne. And yet, we choose that shiny penny that's worth so little. There's something about this Earth that grasps our attention and seizes our hearts. Instead of resisting and choosing something that's so much greater, we settle for less because it's superficially attractive.
There are so many things that I think I need. My credit card bill and firefox search log serve as a dynamic living testimony to this. Lately, I've spent a lot of time looking at JDM's because I think that I NEED a car to be satisfied. I tell myself that I NEED to get good grades because I NEED to get into pharmacy school since I NEED a secure job in the future. These things fade away and yet I choose them over spending time with my Lord. I've whored myself out to the things of this world. I've neglected what is eternally important and replaced it with some stupid shiny little penny.
There's a certain beauty behind it all. I'm not talking about the wrestling that goes on inside my heart. That's straight ugly. God's unchanging love is what continually humbles me. I've sold myself out, rebelled against God and his commands, and prayed for forgiveness and change just to rebel all over again. My sin and disobedience disqualify me from a deserving love and yet God still loves me whole heartedly.
Can you even begin to imagine what it was like for God to send His son to the cross and to witness Him get flogged, mocked, beaten, and murdered? I can't imagine witnessing anyone go through that let alone my very own son. All for love. All of us. All so that we could have the opportunity to one day join Him in heaven, reigning in victory over sin.
Whatever this world offers, it's not worth it. In God's eyes, status, money, and all those things that the world says is good mean absolutely nothing. In our pursuit of happiness, chasing all these grandiose things, we come up empty. Happiness apart from God doesn't last.
One day, that shiny penny faded and became dull and rusty and lost it's appeal. Suddenly, taking that penny didn't seem like such a good decision. It was completely worthless! It not only looked worse than the dime but it was worth less. From the start, that dime was always worth more. When presented with this in real life, what am I going to choose, Jesus or the world?
The prayer of my heart going into exam week is that I choose Jesus. No matter how hard or how stressful things become, I don't need to go all out studying to get an A. I don't need the A. That's just what my heart wants, which isn't necessarily a bad thing but that's a different issue. What I need is to spend time with my Savior and to meet with Him that I may continue to worship Him with my lifestyle.
Hillsong - All for Love
All for love a Father gave
For only love could make a way
All for love the heavens cried
For love was crucified
Oh how many times have I broken Your heart
But still You forgive
If only I ask
And how many times have You heard me pray
Draw near to me
Everything I need is You
My beginning, my forever
Everything I need is You
Let me sing all for love
I will join the angel song
Ever holy is the Lord
King of Glory
King of all
Oh how many times have I broken Your heart
But still You forgive
If only I ask
And how many times have You heard me pray
Draw near to me
Everything I need is You
My beginning, my forever
Everything I need is You (x2)
All for a love a Saviour prayed
Abba Father have Your way
Though they know not what they do
Let the Cross draw man to You
Everything I need is You
My beginning, my forever
Everything I need is You
This is the same scenario that goes on in our hearts so many times. Here we are on Earth with the opportunity to pursue what the world says is good or enter into a relationship with our Lord and Savior, our Creator, our Messiah. God is offering us something so much greater than anything in this world could ever offer. We gives us the opportunity to enter into His kingdom as beloved sons and daughters of the King of all kings who seated upon his majestic throne. And yet, we choose that shiny penny that's worth so little. There's something about this Earth that grasps our attention and seizes our hearts. Instead of resisting and choosing something that's so much greater, we settle for less because it's superficially attractive.
There are so many things that I think I need. My credit card bill and firefox search log serve as a dynamic living testimony to this. Lately, I've spent a lot of time looking at JDM's because I think that I NEED a car to be satisfied. I tell myself that I NEED to get good grades because I NEED to get into pharmacy school since I NEED a secure job in the future. These things fade away and yet I choose them over spending time with my Lord. I've whored myself out to the things of this world. I've neglected what is eternally important and replaced it with some stupid shiny little penny.
There's a certain beauty behind it all. I'm not talking about the wrestling that goes on inside my heart. That's straight ugly. God's unchanging love is what continually humbles me. I've sold myself out, rebelled against God and his commands, and prayed for forgiveness and change just to rebel all over again. My sin and disobedience disqualify me from a deserving love and yet God still loves me whole heartedly.
Can you even begin to imagine what it was like for God to send His son to the cross and to witness Him get flogged, mocked, beaten, and murdered? I can't imagine witnessing anyone go through that let alone my very own son. All for love. All of us. All so that we could have the opportunity to one day join Him in heaven, reigning in victory over sin.
Whatever this world offers, it's not worth it. In God's eyes, status, money, and all those things that the world says is good mean absolutely nothing. In our pursuit of happiness, chasing all these grandiose things, we come up empty. Happiness apart from God doesn't last.
One day, that shiny penny faded and became dull and rusty and lost it's appeal. Suddenly, taking that penny didn't seem like such a good decision. It was completely worthless! It not only looked worse than the dime but it was worth less. From the start, that dime was always worth more. When presented with this in real life, what am I going to choose, Jesus or the world?
The prayer of my heart going into exam week is that I choose Jesus. No matter how hard or how stressful things become, I don't need to go all out studying to get an A. I don't need the A. That's just what my heart wants, which isn't necessarily a bad thing but that's a different issue. What I need is to spend time with my Savior and to meet with Him that I may continue to worship Him with my lifestyle.
Hillsong - All for Love
All for love a Father gave
For only love could make a way
All for love the heavens cried
For love was crucified
Oh how many times have I broken Your heart
But still You forgive
If only I ask
And how many times have You heard me pray
Draw near to me
Everything I need is You
My beginning, my forever
Everything I need is You
Let me sing all for love
I will join the angel song
Ever holy is the Lord
King of Glory
King of all
Oh how many times have I broken Your heart
But still You forgive
If only I ask
And how many times have You heard me pray
Draw near to me
Everything I need is You
My beginning, my forever
Everything I need is You (x2)
All for a love a Saviour prayed
Abba Father have Your way
Though they know not what they do
Let the Cross draw man to You
Everything I need is You
My beginning, my forever
Everything I need is You
Thursday, September 10, 2009
The Future's Not So Scary Afterall...
The stark reality of it all is that nothing that I'm doing now is going to matter in the context of eternity. One day, the things of this world are going to seem like pure foolishness. It won't matter what kind of car that I drove or how big my house was. My career choice and salary will be distant memories. Even the friendships that I've made will pale in comparison for what's to come.
One day, I will be in heaven before the throne of our very Creator in awe of His beauty and His majesty. The suffering and the persecution, the hardships and pains of this world...none of it will matter anymore because I'll be in God's presence. My mind is having a hard time grasping the context of eternity but let me tell you, it's a beautiful picture. All believers past, present, and future will be praising our God! Sin will cease to exist and it'll be God and us, just like the original intent.
I don't want to say that I'm apathetic to what's going on but things that once felt so important suddenly don't matter as much as they used to. For once, I feel that my heart is truly at peace and in full acknowledgment that God is in control and that His will will be done. I used to be so anxious about what was to come. Sometimes I would think to God "Man, can't you just tell me what's going to happen? I really want to know and I want to know now!". We know God to be faithful and God's promise is crystal clear to believers. Whoever believes in Him will have eternal life. What a joy it is to be able to say that in confidence, not in my flesh but in God's character.
Hillsong - Soon
Soon and very soon
My King is coming
Robed in righteousness
And crowned with love
When I see Him, I shall be made like Him
Soon and very soon
Soon and very soon
I'll be going to the place He has prepared for me
Then my sin erased, my shame forgotten
Soon and very soon
I will be with the One I love
With unveiled face I'll see Him
There my soul with be satisfied
Soon and very soon
Soon and very soon
See the procession
The angels and the elders round the thrown
At His feet I lay
My cries, my worship
Soon and very soon
I will be with the One I love
With unveiled face I'll see Him
There my soul with be satisfied
Soon and very soon
Though I have not seen Him
My heart knows Him well
Jesus Christ the Lamb, the Lord of heaven
I will be with the One I love
With unveiled face I'll see Him
There my soul with be satisfied
Soon and very soon
Soon and very soon
Soon and very soon
One day, I will be in heaven before the throne of our very Creator in awe of His beauty and His majesty. The suffering and the persecution, the hardships and pains of this world...none of it will matter anymore because I'll be in God's presence. My mind is having a hard time grasping the context of eternity but let me tell you, it's a beautiful picture. All believers past, present, and future will be praising our God! Sin will cease to exist and it'll be God and us, just like the original intent.
I don't want to say that I'm apathetic to what's going on but things that once felt so important suddenly don't matter as much as they used to. For once, I feel that my heart is truly at peace and in full acknowledgment that God is in control and that His will will be done. I used to be so anxious about what was to come. Sometimes I would think to God "Man, can't you just tell me what's going to happen? I really want to know and I want to know now!". We know God to be faithful and God's promise is crystal clear to believers. Whoever believes in Him will have eternal life. What a joy it is to be able to say that in confidence, not in my flesh but in God's character.
Hillsong - Soon
Soon and very soon
My King is coming
Robed in righteousness
And crowned with love
When I see Him, I shall be made like Him
Soon and very soon
Soon and very soon
I'll be going to the place He has prepared for me
Then my sin erased, my shame forgotten
Soon and very soon
I will be with the One I love
With unveiled face I'll see Him
There my soul with be satisfied
Soon and very soon
Soon and very soon
See the procession
The angels and the elders round the thrown
At His feet I lay
My cries, my worship
Soon and very soon
I will be with the One I love
With unveiled face I'll see Him
There my soul with be satisfied
Soon and very soon
Though I have not seen Him
My heart knows Him well
Jesus Christ the Lamb, the Lord of heaven
I will be with the One I love
With unveiled face I'll see Him
There my soul with be satisfied
Soon and very soon
Soon and very soon
Soon and very soon
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