Change of Attitude

¹⁰ the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: ¹¹ “You are worthy, our Lord and God,
    to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
    and by your will they were created
    and have their being.”

Revelation 4:10-11

When we are finally raptured and go to heaven, our sole purpose for existence is to worship God for eternity. The crowns we acquired from the works we accomplished will be returned back to God as an offering. God does not need our worship to be sustained, nor is he lonely. He is God and we are nothing in his presence. 

As I think about what we will be doing for eternity, the first thing that comes into mind is... Singing or worshiping God for eternity seems tiring. I'm sure our physical limitations will no longer be applicable in our new heavenly bodies, but my attitude towards worshiping God seems mundane. I'm ashamed of not having the joy I should be having for worshiping God. Man I am a 썩을놈... I have to reflect on the cross and what Christ has done for me in my wickedness. Without complain or thinking of my limitations I need to worship God will all my strength, heart, and soul. 

Jesus forgive me for being selfish and unworthy of your gospel. I just find myself so repulsive to think that I don't want to worship you day and night. You deserve all my worship and the crowns that i receive on this earth. Everything I do should be out of the love for you. Help me Holy Spirit to love you more.

In Jesus Name
Amen.

Lukewarmness

¹⁶ So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. ¹⁷ You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. ¹⁸ I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

Revelations 3:16-18 

Of all the churches that Jesus addresses, I feel like the church in Laodicea reflects my life most accurately. Jesus points out that lukewarmness is someone who is comfortable with their life. The people described in Laodicea are blessed with riches as city was the hub of commerce at the time. The church was too comfortable and did not do anything with their blessings or even attempt to live their lives sold out for God.

I examine my life and realize I'm so blessed to be living in this country with a stable job. I definitely do take Gods blessing for granted, as I could be doing so much more with the wealth he has given me. Not only that, but I don't put myself out there for the Holy Spirit to move. I don't take these chances because I don't want to offend or oppose other people thoughts. San Jose is much like Laodicea and with this abundance I became impudent to living a soldout life for Christ. I need to press forward and make that effort to grow. This spiritual race does not stop until I am dead.

Jesus help me to live more radically for you. Let me not fall into the lifestyle of being comfortable and not growing spiritual, as you have said that when we do these things you will spit us out. If I am not growing in faith, I am falling away from you. I pray Jesus that you would allow me to love you all the more, and use these blessings to further your kingdom.

In Jesus Name
Amen.

Called to be a Watchmen

¹⁷ “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. ¹⁸ When I say to a wicked person, ‘You will surely die, ’ and you do not warn them or speak out to dissuade them from their evil ways in order to save their life, that wicked person will die for^[b] their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood.

Ezekiel 3:17-18

God calls all of us to become "watchmen". In the old testament, watchmen would stand on high ground observing the land for any trouble. Whether it be thieves or an enemy army, the watchmen were the first to spot and signify to the townsfolk the trouble that is ahead or is currently happening. They have foresight to know the dangers. Likewise as watchmen, we must stand firm and become the preservers of light. Jesus tells us that we are to make disciples of all nations, yet if we fail to do so, their blood is on our hands. Though we serve with the love for Christ in mind, we also must not forget and take lightly of what Jesus commands us to do.

Praise God that I read this message early in the day as I had a chance to share about Jesus this afternoon with a seeker. While sharing, it just reminded me of how gracious Christ is in how we are freed from the bondage of the law. No longer do we need to perform based on becoming righteous, but we're freed and do it accordance to the overflow of love for Christ. No matter what state I am, I feel like sharing the Gospel is something that I find try joy in. Knowing that seekers are being pointed in the right direction, God gives this sense of peace in my life that allows me to be more encouraged. Likewise I need not to forget about the consequences of not following what God impressed upon us, in the account of Ezekiel. I need to be sensitive and direct in every opportune moment to share Christ. 

Jesus thank you for allowing me to experience this verse directly in my life today. I forgive me for being lazy and not taking every opportunity to declare you as Lord and Savior to the people in my life. Spirit, remind me and allow me to be sensitive to what you have to say. To take every moment and opportunity to further build your Kingdom.

In Jesus Name
Amen
 

Be Ready

3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.

Revelation 1:3

John forewarns us that the time is near when Christ will return. All throughout the Bible there have been prophecies pointing to the Messiah, none of which directly applied to the modern day church. It is only in Revelations that these prophecies apply to us. Jesus is warning today's church to wake up and shape up from our spiritual slumbers.

The biggest problem for me is that I forget that our lives on this earth are temporary. Jesus forewarns us that he will be coming like a thief in the night, yet I'm too busy with getting to the top or making my temporary home comfortable. All of this, what I build on this earth will be taken away. This verse reminds me of the end-time brimstone and fire preachers standing on their soapbox. And in that moment of thought, I think of how ridiculous they may sound talking about how Jesus is coming back and the end is imminent. But it says here in the Bible, that those preachers are to be blessed, and those who hear the prophecies and take it into heart will also receive blessings. Comes to show how unfaithful I have been to keeping the prophecies into heart. It could be any moment when the trumpets are sounded and we are raptured into heaven. Will I be ready then?

I need to remind myself that this world is temporary. I need to live my life as it is my last, and keep the prophecies in my heart.

Jesus forgives me for being a lazy servant out to get my own rewards on this earth. Spirit; remind me that every day is precious and that I wouldn't waste it away without doing your will. Help me to think more eternally. Thank you for your gospel.

In Jesus name
Amen

Not Be Burdensome

In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,

1 John 5:3

John states that loving God is to obey his commands. He also states that keeping his commands is not burdensome. Where am I on this? Why do I feel like obedience is difficult and arduous? Reading the word is reluctantly done only to fulfill the requirement training myself to do life journals. Why do I not do it out of love for Christ?

I feel like its blatant that the Holy Spirit isn't in me. The things I do for Jesus doesn't come as an overflow for my love for Him. I only do these things out of obligation. When I am deep within my sin, my flesh screams out in disobedience at every conscious effort I take to do something to please God. I need the Holy Spirit to fill me and allow me to change my perspective of service. One of that that does it out of obligation to one of that that does it out of the love for Christ. 

Jesus, forgive me for not loving you genuinely. I want to love you, but I feel like there some sort of hindrance thats keeping me from loving you. I pray Jesus that my love for you would be genuine. That I would boast in what you have done in my life. Help me Holy Spirit to honor God through my actions. Not of one of obligations and burden, but of willingness and love.

In Jesus Name
Amen. 

18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

1 John 4:18

When I first read this, I thought that love conquers fear, which is true, but there is a greater message to this. First of all we are called to fear God. Fear of God only comes when we're being disobedient. As it says in John 14:21 and 1 John 5:3a; if we love God we will obey his commands as a display for our love for him. It is true that we are made perfect through the gospel, but that also does not give us a freebie to do whatever we'd like. When our love is perfect then we will obey God completely. That obedience will cause us not to fear God when judgement comes, but to be secure in him. 

I don't know how this really applies to me since I don't even fear God. This passage just reminds me that we are no longer bound to the law, but freed in Christ. I feel gratitude that Christ accepts us as sinners and no matter the cause we will always be secured and saved through him. He is our justification when we cannot be sanctified. The spirit is telling me that I need to develop a perfect love, so that I won't have any fear of failure whatsoever. 

Jesus, thank you for driving out the fear and showing us perfect love. Help me Holy Spirit to develop this Christ like love that has no fear of failure, but freedom to serve without repercussions. I know I will fail in the future, but you Christ sanctify me. Thank you for your grace

In Jesus Name Amen.

Obey

3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God[a] is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

1 John 2:3-6

Truth is Jesus Christ. If we know Jesus, we know to follow his commands as it is said in John 14:21. - "Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”

I know what the right thing to do is. It is to obey Christ commands. I do claim to love Christ, but I don't always listen to his command. Its really a challenge for me to keep up with even doing life journals. This is not out obligation, but through obedience and love I have for Christ. I if truly love someone, I would do all that I can to please them. Why am I not doing everything I can to please God through obedience?

Jesus forgive me for the lack of discipline I portray. I always fail you in leaving you wholehearted through my lack of obedience. I pray Jesus that you would help me to overcome my fleshly desires of disobedience and nail that on the cross, so that I would be free from these sinful desires. I ask that you would help me be more aware and sensitive to the Spirits' calling, so that I would be able to determine right from wrong.

Thank you for your forgiveness and grace.

In Jesus Name
Amen

Rituals

28 Then the Jewish leaders took Jesus from Caiaphas to the palace of the Roman governor. By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness they did not enter the palace, because they wanted to be able to eat the Passover.

John 18:28

Jewish leaders did not enter into the palace for it was deemed uncleaned. What I find ironic is that the Jewish leaders were persecuting the Jesus and all the while observing the laws of Moses. Like white washed tombstones, they dressed themselves to be presented Holy in front of men, but to focus on themselves to miss God completely. 

I do these works at church, but I need to refocus myself on the Gospel. I do it out of love for Jesus not to act holy in front of men. I do not want to be like the religious leaders, but seek out that life to have that deep connection with Christ so that my actions would be a reflection of God's love. 

Jesus... I feel tired and it was difficult for me to read the Word. I ask Jesus that you would re-excite me to have that passion and conviction to read your word daily. Forgive me for the lack of obedience and discipline. I want to do kingdom work as a result of my love for you. Not out of obligations or recognition from God. Jesus sustain me.. Calm my soul and nerves, so that nothing else matters except you.

In Jesus name

Amen. 

Remaining in Christ

7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

John 15:7

Jesus was speaking in the context of obedience in his teachings. If we obey, then we are not only friends of Jesus, but will be blessed to bear more fruit.

Today I felt overwhelmed. I felt like I was struggling to find peace within my heart. I'm not sure where this feeling came from, but it feels like I'm alone as ever. I didn't really feel like talk during cg leaders meeting, but quickly left right away after it was over. I had a desire to read God's word and to be fulfilled in Him. Thought this verse has the context of obedience, I think the Holy Spirit is speaking to me to let go of this feeling of loneliness and allow God to fulfill my needs. I don't acknowledge it at all, but today is one of those days where I felt like when is it my time that God will provide me a spouse. So I ask Him this in faith. Help me to be fulfilled by You and have faith that you'll take care of the rest.

Jesus, thank you for being the vine and allow me to bare fruit. Thank you for the gospel and I pray that you continually remind me to live out that gospel centered life. I pray Jesus that you would sustain me and fill my loneliness and negative thoughts with joy and hope. Take care of me in the aspect of you providing a suitable wife. I also pray that you would continually mold me into the man you envisioned me to be.

Thank you for your constant reminder that you are not just our master.

In Jesus name

Amen. 

Turning Back to God

24 Furthermore, Josiah got rid of the mediums and spiritists, the household gods, the idols and all the other detestablethings seen in Judah and Jerusalem. This he did to fulfill the requirements of the law written in the book that Hilkiah the priest had discovered in the temple of the Lord. 25 Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the Lord as he did—with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses.


2 Kings 23:24-25


King Josiah turned back to God getting rid of all the things that are detestable in the eyes of the Lord. To save his kingdom from falling on God's wraith he did it with all his heart, soul and strength based on the Laws of Moses. He is noted in the bible to be the only person to have turn to the Lord with such passion - none before him or after him is zealous for God.


With the strong convictions I've had in my heart since the mission trip, I need to focus on turning back to God as Josiah did. He rid of all the harmful things that would lead astray the Israelites from God and also changed his behavior to live according to the Law of Moses. This was not enough to quell God's wraith against Judah because of the former king Manasseh. Likewise God is telling me I need to rid of all the things in my life that keeps me away from communing with Jesus and truly pray for Pathway. The HS is convicting me to live a life pleasing to Him. I am bound to fail, so then I ask the holy spirit to help me live a life separate from the world.


Thank you Jesus for the Gospel message of grace and mercy. You have clothe me with your righteous so that we are no longer bound by sin, but free to serve you with all my heart. I pray Jesus to help me overcome the difficulties of temptation. Help me to have the same passion like Josiah and to love the people so much that I would rid idols even if it meant that i would be dispised by the people i'm in contact with. Help me to please you rather than them.


Thank you

In Jesus Name

Amen.

The Harvest

35 Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 36 Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. 37 Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. 38 I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.”

~John 4:35-38

Jesus again is making best use of the situation to make a lesson to the disciples. Jesus is speaking about a partnership for a sower and a reaper. Both the sower and a reaper should reap the benefits. One is not greater than the other.

Though I don't have a problem with what happened during missions, this verse is still a great reminder that there is so much work to be done in Indonesia. Our team has definitely planted the seeds, but it will be up to the holy spirit to move and allow growth in the hearts of those who are coming to know God. Likewise at Pathway there is a bountiful harvest waiting to be reaped. From the beginning of the year, there has been so much growth within singles ministry. How many of those seekers don't know God? They show up at our front steps waiting to hear the words of Christ's love for us.

Jesus, help me to have boldness to share with those who come to Pathway. Help me to have discernment in which individuals are seeking. I pray that you would be with each of the workers at Pathway, help them to be filled with the spirit and allow your words, actions and love overflow within them.

Jesus name Amen