CJ Mahaney's Post

Unoriginal, but yet much needed reminder

of what Christmas is all about

http://www.sovereigngraceministries.org/Blog/post/Disturbing-Christmas-2009.aspx?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+sovereigngraceministries/CJMBlog+(C.J.+Mahaney's+view+from+the+cheap+seats+%26+other+stuff)&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcher

Only those who have been profoundly disturbed to the point of deep repentance are able to receive the tidings of comfort, peace, and joy that Christmas proclaims. -Smith

Winter Break Plans

Haven't touched this webpage in a long, long time.

I guess the best way to start it back is by writing about

my winter break plans.

Truthfully, I've never made any plans in the winter

break nor do I have the slightest care of making one.

The reason why is that I know that I'll somehow fail

to do the plans that I've set. All that failures in the past

have led me to being careless about planning out my

breaks.

However, not making plans over the break brings

about a horrible thing in my life. That thing is called

idleness, and it is a horrible, horrible characteristic/

attribute (whatever you may call it) to have. It will

continue to instill a subtle sin of idleness.

Therefore, the pros of making a plan greatly outweighs

the results of not making one (that is, if one keeps to the

plan). Here are my plans:

-Find a job/internship

-Finish 1st Corinthians for my discipline reading

-Finish 2 books (I believe this to be my hardest since

people know that it took me a year to finish Holiness of

God)

A small plan, but nonetheless a plan that is pretty much

doable.

Love as God Loves

I'm reading through Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper and

Rut, Rot or Revival by A.W. Tozer. Both are great books so far,

convicting me of what I am doing with my life, both physically

and spiritually.

What I ran into while reading is how I'm loving those around me.

To tell you the truth, I'm a bit mean to those who are.... creepy,

for a lack of a better word. My love for them can get (and maybe

already is) very thin and small. However, what I am showing to

people I mentioned is not love at all; in fact, it is false affections

towards them. The best example of love is what God has given us

through Christ. The great sacrifice given to us so that we might

be able to fully enjoy and love the God who saved us (paraphrasing

John Piper's book). If this is love, then I'm not reaching that love.

The sacrifice I need to make is my pride of thinking that I'm better

than how these people act. The sacrifice I need to make is to not be

impatient with the actions of these people.

I've been awakened from one state of sleep that may have been

putting me and my spiritual growth at risk. The example that Tozer

used is that when people write about missionaries who risk their

lives, he calls the writers, who are in a spiritual state of sleep. out.

He says that "they can talk endlessly about wonderful Dr. A.B.

Simpson (or other famous missionaries), but they will not go

Simpson's way." I talk and know about God's love, yet I'm not

following that same path as He has. Actions do speak louder

than words.

Don't Waste Your Life

"For me as a boy, one of the most gripping illustration my

fiery father used was the story of a man converted in old

age. The church had prayed for this man for decades. He

was hard and resistant. But this time, for some reason, he

showed up when my father was preaching. At the end of

the service, during a hymn, to everyone's amazement he

came and took my father's hand. They sat down together

on the front pew of the church as the people were dismissed.

God opened his heart to the Gospel of Christ, and he was

saved from his sins and given eternal life. But that did not

stop him from sobbing and saying, as the tears ran downs his

wrinkled face - and what an impact it made on me to hear

my father say this through his own tears -

"I've wasted it! I've wasted it!"

-John Piper

Foolishness of Man

I came across a verse that freaking owned me in the face...

1st Corinthians 1:25:

"For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness

of God is stronger than men"

See that?! Even the FOOLISHNESS of GOD is wiser than men!

That is, if ever God is foolish (which he is not).

The WEAKNESS of GOD is stronger than men... (but He's never weak!)

That was mind-blowing

Makes me wonder about my pride and how foolish it sounds

now after reading this. I await more humbling reading from Corinthians

for it does me good that my pride is broken.

Testimony that Encouraged Me

This video that you'll see is about an NBA star who earned so

many awards, and yet he is so humble and speaks boldly about

God. He is not afraid to tell people what God has done and

even hopes that people come to him.

His name is David Robinson and I hope you enjoy this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZhwRvgxzNM&feature=related

Apologetics, not apologies

Yes, that's what my title says. This is about apologetics,

not saying sorry (This is from Pastor Ben Shin during CSI,

haha).

Back to the topic, I've always been interested in apologetics.

I just want to know the answers that non-christians question

about certain things in the world. Of course, if I emphasize so

much on those things, they become idols to me, wanting more

of knowledge than acknowledging God.

There had been pretty good "refutes" against Christianity.

One difficult "refute" was (and still is) the reason for God

creating a world where evil existed. I remember trying to

evangelize to someone I met online (a bit weird, but

whatever). He brought about that question against me, and

I couldn't answer. We lost contact, and all I can hope is that

he found someone else that can answer that question for him.

(As for the answer, it is still difficult for me to put it in words).

I was talking to a friend back at home who is a Christian. He

has been one of the friends I truly fellowship with when we're

together. We got into the discussion of science and humanities

and how we try to pick at everything about the human mind.

As they try to drive deeper and deeper into the issues, they

can't find the answer. My friend, out of maybe a little

frustration and sadness, says "Why can't they see that God

has made these things and sometimes makes it a mystery so

that we can't know?" He had no bad intention because I know

he cares a lot about the people he is friendly with.

I share that same feeling with mixed feelings of care and maybe

even indifference or carelessness about the others. It's something

I'm at fault with, but that thought, without any emotions attached

to it, is still there. I just wish sometimes for God to open these

people's eyes to see the magnificent God that is the Creator of

this Earth.

Side Note:

2 books I loved when it comes to Apologetics: Mere Christianity

by C.S. Lewis and The Reason for God by Tim Keller. Both

are excellent books to find certain answers for certain questions

about God and Christianity. In fact, C.S. Lewis was athiest before

he tried to refute Christianity. However, he was unable to refute

Christianity and instead, by God's sovereignty and grace, became

Christian himself after all the proof he found.

I Have Been Changed.... For Good

Currently, I'm teaching 3 high school girls in Bible study

at my home church. One of them is my sister, the other is

one of my best friend's sister, and the other is a good friend

of both my sister and my best friend's sister.

Before talking about what my title stated, we were talking

about the Holy Spirit and how it transforms us. We then

went into the topic of the difference between conforming

and transforming. We know that conforming is following

what is "in" in the world and transforming is completely

changing to something different.

During the Bible Study, God has shown me a very good

analogy to distinguish the two. The analogy is a pretty fast,

flowing river. We know it's easier to swim with the flow of

the river, but much harder to swim against the flow. Same

thing for conformity and transforming. It is easier for us to

conform what people around us think it's right and harder to

be transformed to go against them.

Anyways, this came up because the girls were sharing that

it was difficult to go against their group of friends in high school.

That triggered a brief moment of reminiscing about my high

school. I was exactly in that same position where I cared more

about what my friends think rather than what is the truth.

It's very humbling for me to see that God has changed that

mindset now. It brought immeasurable joy towards God for

slowly changing me to be more bold, unashamed of my faith.

I pray that these girls realize that (hopefully soon but that's up

to God to bring certain situations/events to bring about that

change in them).

Glimpse of God's Beauty

I did a little post on Nature and how it reminds me of God's beauty.

Every month, I change my wallpaper to a different picture that

depicts nature in it's fullest beauty.

Just like to share some:

Holiness of God

I finally finished the book Holiness of God by R.C.

Sproul. It's been.... 6 months? since I picked up

this book with my small group and started reading

it. So long to read a pretty small book.

I loved this book. It brings about a new light of

the character of God being Holy and how every

other characteristics of God is Holy. For example,

God's Holy Justice is justified because He is God and

we are mere humans, unworthy to complain against

Him. Uzzah touching the Holy ark deserved that

death for disobeying God. Job and Jacob asked

questions that God did not answer, but instead

received rebuke. All this is justified because we

are of this sinful world, and God is a perfect being.

The last chapter of the book is called Holy Space

and Holy Time. This chapter was a great way to

end the entire book. Throughout the Bible, there

were many instances of a bridge being made from

"the merely profane to the holy, either through God's

appearance to people or through significant decisions

that set apart as holy". It is a sense of threshold from

the profane realm to the holy and pure realm through

dreams, altars, and burning bushes.

Sproul uses the example of his friend's daughter changing

from this talkative teenager to one who is in awe of the

church building she enters in. She was so in awe that she

did not even want to disturb the atmosphere of the church

with her footsteps and talking. She knew instantly when

she entered inside that she was on holy ground.

When I read that, I thought to myself, "Do I ever think that

when I step inside the church, that I am on holy ground and

an area that is so sacred that I am so careful not to be loud?"

I'm not saying that this is the only place that God will be

present, but that this is the place that every Sunday, I am

worshipping to a Holy God. Am I in such awe that it takes

much of my strength to keep me from falling on my knees of

God's presence in the church? Do I even notice the presence

of the Holy God in the church or am I too caught up in what

I have done this past week (or will do after service)?

Praise God for what He has taught me through R.C. Sproul

about His Holiness.

Thankful for:

- Mike Lee, senior guys, a place to read, water to quench my thirst, food to satisfy

my hunger

The Voice That Melts my Heart

You're probably wondering, "what the heck... is this

some sappy, hopeless, gagging romance that Justin

is going to write about?" Nope. That's not what

this post is about.

Whose voice then melts my heart? God? Yes, that is

the number one voice that pierces my heart, melts

my heart, comforts my heart, and many more actions

that is dealt to my heart.

The second? Right now, it'll have to be those who sing

and not care how they sound. Those who sing to God

with their off-pitch voices really loudly. It brings chills

down my spine when I hear these people sing MORE

than the voices that sound really, really good.

Why? Isn't it painful to hear them sing? Nope. I love

their voice. It brings my heart to humbleness that I

sometimes sing in order to impress rather than to

praise God. The fact that those people who sing aloud

because they love God, and not care about how they

sound is something I must remind myself during praise.

Bob Kauflin, in his book Worship Matters, addresses the

issue of the heart and how we are so prone to serving

ourselves and trying to get the approval of people rather

than the God we serve. In my case, I try to impress

people and receive those comments of "Good job with

praise" or "Thank you for playing and leading us into

worship". That pride needs to be destroyed constantly

and quickly.

God is not impress with voices that make you sound like

Chris Tomlin or Jadon Lavik. He loves to hear you praise

his name with all your heart, fully devoted to give God

the glory and praise He deserves.

Thankful for:

People who cannot sing, yet sing because they love God; the senior guys of

CCM and Matt Wong; Pastor Aaron and DWYS morning readings; nap times

What the World Says (Part 2)

Last post, I addressed our call to resist the ideas of

our culture and media. This call was to be separate

from the world and continue to fight against the

sins of this world and from our flesh.

The other issue I want to address is the opposite of

conforming to what the world says: The non-

conformity of things of this world. The fact that we

try to resist the fleshy desires as a sign of piety to

God. What I mean by this is that we don't watch

movies, for example, because it is unrighteous for us

to. We attribute external things as signs of our piety

rather than our inward transformation.

Jesus noticed this with the Pharisees as he wails on

them for their external works. He says that they

are emphasizing things like tithing rather than justice

or faithfulness. They are caught with doing what's

right rather than their hearts.

This is the opposite end of conforming to the world.

How prideful we are to think that works can save

us rather than grace. The only way to realize that

external actions do not save us is the Gospel. It

was God's love for us that saved us from an

excruciating death. It humbles us to know that we

cannot save ourselves. We can only be saved by

God. Therefore, it serves as a reminder to me

of my pride to save myself through works.

Thankful for:

R.C. Sproul, Travis You, the kids of Berean,

Kevin Yoon, Sharon Lee, Bob Kauflin, Romans

What the World Says (Part 1)

As everyone knows, two celebrities has passed away:

-Michael Jackson

-Farrah Fawcett

To be honest, I do not know of Farrah Fawcett as well as

Michael Jackson, the person that had the most influence

on the music entertainment that we see today. This is

something that will be put on history.

However, there is something that needs to be posted more

than MJ. The things that we are fed in this world through

media and culture have clouded our minds. David Choi, in

his youtube site subscription thingy, has addressed a bit

about the media in honor of MJ. This is for those who are

fighting against the conformity of this world.

God works in so many ways to show certain truths of his

Word to us. I was reading a chapter named "Be Holy for

I am Holy" in The Holiness of God by RC Sproul. We are

called saints not because we are pure, but because we are

called to be different, separate from the world. This means

we cannot be so immersed in this world while at the same

time wanting to be with God. John Piper stated (going to

butcher this) that when sin is in our heart, the Word of God

slowly leaves and vice versa. We, as Christians, need to

continually fill our hearts and mind with the Word of God

in order to fight against sin.

What the world tells us is opposite of what God has called us

to do, both being in the world. Things that are around us

have some sort of influence to our mindset. It may not be

evident externally, but it is happening. All the rap songs we

listen to about sex, drugs, money and being jerks,

advertisement of certain products through sex appeals, what

the media tells us about the physique of both male and females

are all things that are constantly around us and even made

some sort of impact into our thoughts. In the case of Michael

Jackson, the media tells us that he was a child molestor, that he

was a freak. Frankly, many people believed that he was a freak

to society. All in all, things of this world are having small factors

each day to our thoughts and actions. You may deny it, but it is

happening.

BUT, we as Christians are fighting that! We are trying to not

let this world influence our thoughts and actions. We are trying

not to conform to this world. We are becoming living sacrifices

for God, stated in Romans 12. We are trying to obey God's

command on Leviticus 11:44. We try hard to ignore the things

of this world that causes us to lust, to gossip and slander, and

to covet. Only way to succeed is through God's Word and the

power of the Holy Spirit.

People's opinions may be skewed to think in ways that seems

fitting to the person rather than facts. Even facts may be skewed

to make it look like evidence to certain issues (i.e. statistics out

in the world). Where, then, can you find truth in this world? The

Bible. Simple as that. It is God's Word and it is the truth. Let us

continue to find refuge and answers in the Word.

Last note, when we work hard to fight against sin, we are only able

to do this through Christ's death and ressurrection. Because we are

justified by faith, we are able to sanctify ourselves through the Holy

Spirit and not by our own efforts. (Sorry for this post being long)

Something in Common

There's a lot of posting about resolved sermons (which were

very good and nothing wrong with these postings at all), but

I wanted to reflect on just what I thought was a glimpse of

heaven.

Throughout the whole Resolved conference, I was in a room

filled with thousands of believers. And, one thing we all had in

common is Christ. You're probably saying, "Justin... isn't that

like the most obvious thing that you can ever think of?" Yeah,

but do you reflect it when you're with other Christian? I think

this is a big thing because despite all our differences, we all are

there to praise the one God that we believe in.

Going through Ephesians 2 with Pastor Aaron really helped me

to constantly be happy when meeting new people who are

Christians. Paul tells the church of Ephesus that through Christ's

death, we can have a relationship with Christ and men AND Jews

and Gentiles. Because of Christ death, Jews and Gentiles are related

with each other through the blood of Christ. Jews and Gentiles are

not best buddies in that time. They hated each other and didnt want

to be associated with one another. However, that wall between the

two was broken by Christ and they celebrate the one true God all

together.

That glimpse of heaven I was talking about was singing to our God all

together in one voice during the conference. I could not help but smile

at the wondrous sight of 4000 believers, praising this one God. As I

exchanged small talk with people I don't know, I was happy that we

can talk about something so common. Pastor Aaron gave me the

example of being in a foreign country. You do not know the language

nor have the ability to communicate to the natives. However, once

you find someone that can speak in English, you instantly have that

connection of being able to relate to that person.

Same thing with us and other Christians: One instant I had was when

I was visiting a friend who was watching the booth. She was telling

me that this was a freedom survey to find what people think about

freedom. It was being used as a way to evangelize to others and pray

for them. A guy who was with my friend introduced himself, and

instantly we talked about different ministries, about what we want to

do, what we were learning in different people, and I shared that I was

happy that I can talk to someone I met for the first time because of

Christ.

If I am happy now about that, then imagine the ecstasy when that Day comes.

Thankful for:

Pastor Aaron, Speakers in Resolved, Believers in Christ, the Word of God

Story in Relation to a Passage

I wrote this on a facebook note, so I'm just transferring from there to here:

One day, A man wanted a garden full of great flowers. So, he found the soil where he can start planting and create a lush garden. He started by planting the seed into the soil, and was anxious to take care of his garden. First, he started watering his plants. Then, he guarded his plants day and night, watching carefully for any signs of blooming. Once he say the blooming, he starts to protect it with fences. Then, some of the plants starts to wither, leaving with some plants. But, this didn't discourage the man and he continually put his effort to the remaining plants. Eventually, the plants start to grow and grow in due time, and the man is excited to see how beautiful it will be. Unfortunately, some are snatched up by birds and destroyed by bugs, leaving only one flower. The man, though sad, still spend all his time and effort to this one flower. Finally, the man's labor is finally brought forth a flower so beautiful, so radiant to all who see this flower.

Sounds familiar? Almost like the parable of the Sower in Matthew 13 that Jesus speaks to the large crowds. There are so many ways we can see this, but mainly, i saw it like this. We are the man and the soil is our hearts. That seed is planted in our hearts when we accepted Jesus Christ as Lord. We feel this great excitement and try to do all we can to cultivate a great relationship with the Lord. So, the way the man takes care of his plants is similar to the ways we take care of our hearts. We do this by reading the word, praying, worshipping, serving, and so many more. Yet, some of us eventually fall away, thinking it's too hard with all this work (Ephesians 2:8-10) or we get tempted and eventually, lose our faith. But, there are those who persevere and love the Lord with all their hearts and turn into a great servant. Yet, the glory of that is given to God, for it is his Word and His will that we are able to bloom.

Another way to look at this is someone who is disciplining his brother. That person is helping and being with him through his walk with God. Eventually, the person being discipled turns into a great servant of God, and that person who disciplined the servant is happy and gives glory to God. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

You may not understand this because I really am not the greatest speaker nor give the greatest encouragment giver. But, whoever reads this, I hope this encourages you because it definitely encouraged me and i constantly remind myself of this analogy. The reward in the end is great and it's all because of God and His word. We can't take the glory because the Word came from God, we pray to God knowing how much we need him, and we praise God because we are overjoyed by what he has done and taught us. God loves us so much, protecting us and being our comforter.

One last comment: I've been reading Isaiah, and I came upon this verse. Isaiah 35:3-4 "Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, 'Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance with divine retribution he will come to save you.'" Isaiah called to the reader to encourage the exhausted and feeble believers of his or her time to keep their eyes on God. God would come to take vengeance and to deliver them. I was reminded by my fellow brothers and sisters who are helping me now to continue traveling that path towards God. I encourage and pray that all of us take up each other's burden and help each to run towards God.

Eureka! Rediscover!

Another music post because I love music.

I was looking at the different folders that I used to not 

include in my playlist because I thought of them as boring.  

For example, hymns from Selah; songs from Casting Crowns; 

and other old praise songs.  I rather preferred to fill my

playlists with favorites from the radio or new, contemporary

praise songs.

Well, I ran into folder of Selah and Casting Crowns, and I

figured that I haven't listened to them in a while.  So, I put 

them in my playlist.  After listening to the lyrics of their songs,

I started to tell myself, "Wow, what was I thinking for not

putting these songs in my lists?!"

I am loving the hymns that Selah is singing and Casting Crowns

takes different stories in the Bible and make them into modern

songs, portraying those same truth in their songs.  All these are

things that help me to appreciate God's Word a lot more.

Some songs I have been loving for the past 3 days:

Prodigal - Casting Crowns

No One Like You - David Crowder Band

By and By - Selah

There is a Fountain - Selah

Your Love is Strong - Jon Foreman

Music Through Languages

I couldn't sleep, so I was searching through my folder filled

with songs and ran into this song: By and By [Selah]

Don't know what the language is, but it's great that God's

praise is being sung through different languages such as this.

A little bit about this song: It's basically talking about how

we'll understand everything that God has provided/made

for us when time passes by.

Enjoy!

Mpasi, ntantu ta kwisa
Beto bakisa yau ve
Nki nzila Yesu baka kwa zulu
Kansi Yandi twadisa
Beto ku landa Yandi
Beto bakisa yau mbote by and by

Chorus:
By and by, bu nsuka ta kwisa
Bana ya Nzambi ta kwenda na zulu
Beto yimbila kilumbu beto ndandu
Beto bakisa yau mbote by and by

(English Translation)

We are often tossed and driven

On the restless sea of time.

Somber skies and howling tempests

Oft succeed a bright sunshine.

In that land of perfect day,

When the mists have rolled away,

We will understand it better by and by.

Chorus

By and by when the morning comes.

When the saints of God are gathered home.

We'll tell the story how we've overcome,

For we'll understand it better by and by.

How Much Sweeter is the Gift of Grace

Romans 5:15-17

"But the free gift is not like the trespass.  For if many died through

one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free

gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many.

And the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin.  For

the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but

the free gift following many trespasses brought justification.  For if,

because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man,

much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the

free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ."

If one man's sin is able to bring death to many, then the death of one man,

Jesus Christ, brings life to many.  How much sweeter is the grace of God,

knowing that we died because of the inheritance of one man's sin.  This tells

us just how much joy this death of Jesus Christ should bring in us.  I love this

verse with the song Joy by Pages CXVI.

Naive view of Worship

In one of my previous post, I talked about corporate worship

and how it should be.  A gigantic choir singing to God of all his

wonderful character.  That's it; that's all the purpose of it should

be.  And rightfully so!  For he deserves all the praise and worship.

However, too often we think of worship as something that is in our

control.  Bob Kauflin addresses this issue in this manner: "Praise

is God's invitation to us ... to lift our eyes above trials ... and

weaknesses ... to see that we have a great redeemer."  Praise is

GOD'S INVITATION to us to come to him, despite all the

troubles and sufferings we had throughout our week.  It doesn't

state that praise is our invitation to worship God however we

please, but it is God's way of telling us to come to him despite

what happened.

Not only is it an invitation from God, but it is a way for us to

enable the Word of God to dwell in us.  Sometimes, we sing

songs of praise nonchalantly without thinking about the message

trying to be portrayed to us.  We sing because we have to sing and

is part of the routine of being a Christian.  I think everyone of us

should understand what we are singing for 1) it challenges us to

see if the songs we sing are biblically sound, 2) it helps us to

appreciate and love God deeply, and 3) it helps us to keep God's

Word in our hearts even when we praise.

Worship leaders aren't exempt from this just because they are leading

worship.  We as leaders should also question what we're singing to see

the truth.  We as leaders should help the congregation to understand

the songs we sing.  We should not assume that the congregation will

know what the songs are saying.  We should help the congregation in

whatever way we can to encourage a greater appreciation of God.

Such a naive view I had of worship before I ran into the postings 

of Bob Kauflin.  Praise God that everytime I think I'm ready to lead 

worship, He comes by, slaps me in the back of the head, and points 

at things that humbles me, putting me back in a heart of prayer to 

God to strengthen me with his power and knowledge for I can't do 

it by myself.  Praise God, for He is good all the time.

I love it when...

• Brothers and sisters in Christ remind me constantly of what 
  Scripture says and encourages me.
• Brothers and sisters in Christ teach me something new when
  talking about the Scripture
• I praise out loud without a care of who is listening
• I praise and I hear someone else praising with me, whether
  they are there or not.
• I sit back and listen to brothers and sisters sing their hearts
  out to our Father in Heaven, like one big gigantic choir
• I don't question God's mysterious being, but just accepts it
• I am humbled by a brother or sister despite the initial feelings
  that happen
• I am humbled by God because it's just one way of God to slap
  me in the back of my head and lead me to the right direction
• I imagine nature as only a glimpse of God's beauty
• I look at a candid picture, and see all the wonderful faces of
  brothers and sisters
• I look at a candid picture, and see all the joy expressed on
  the faces of brothers and sisters
• I jam with people because it's another way to bond
• Brothers give me encouragements despite your mistakes
  during a sports game
• God taught me something crazy when I read the Bible
• I am able to relate to people despite their differences
• Brothers and Sisters act crazy and silly, bringing joy into
  people's lives
• I'm constantly reminded by what Christ has done when
  I fall.
• my family are enjoying each other's company, laughing at
  the jokes made at each other.
• God answers prayers

There's a lot of things I'm grateful for.  I'm glad that I took a step

back and see what God has blessed me with.  I'm glad that I'm

able to say thanks to God for the blessings.  I hope I continue to

have a thankful and grateful heart towards God.

Another Music Post

So Long Self [MercyMe]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpyKXcMYMS8

Here's another music post that I really liked after

listening to it for like a long time.

You know how there are people who love poetry or

books because of the message in there or the inspiration

that the author received to write.  I feel just like that

with music, trying to find out what the artists are

saying to their audience.

For the link above, it's a fun little song that makes me

smile despite the seriousness of it.  We were once

sinful people, loving sin and dwelling in it.  However,

what this song is telling us that once we found Christ,

we throw away our sinful self and embrace our joyful,

freed self.

So long self, it's been fun but I found something bigger

than the universe itself.  It's much better than

anything in this world!

Posting alot in April

This month is probably the most posts I have had.

Crazy!

This is a kind of useless post.  Before, it has been

stuff I've been learning or thinking about or listening.

Now, it's just an information about the real life world,

specifically my life.

I started my research for graduate schools that have

M.A. and Ph.D for clinical psychology.  I realized there

isn't many here in Socal...  but a lot in other areas.  While

I'm kind of excited to travel to a different area other

than California, I don't want to leave California.  The

fact that I'm more comfortable here, that Berean is

here, and that my family is here as well, it's hard for 

me to pretty much tell myself now that I may spend 

4 years or so in school somewhere else.

I know I don't have to worry too much about it until 2

years later, but I want to prepare myself for what I

am getting myself into as well as my school work right

now.  Probably people will say "well Justin, if that's your

only option, then you'll have to take it" or "God will lead

you the right way."  Yeah, He will and I hope I'll be able

to respond in humble way.

As of the first response, yeah... I guess I have too...

The Concept of Faith and Works

This is a tough idea to take in (least for me) for not only today,

but also with yesterday's devotionals.  I'll try my best to

portray my thoughts in a clear and hopefully right way in terms

of what is said in Scripture.

Expositing the text James 2, I realized this is an enriching

chapter that really hurts my head, trying to find what it is

trying to say.  I feel that the concept isn't hard, but the

application is.  What James 2 states that salvation from grace

by faith leads to the necessary result of works.  I believe that

that is true, but a question instantly pops up about legalism.

As being incompetent about the knowledge of legalism, what I

think of legalism is doing a spiritual act with the knowledge that

that will save the person committing the action.  We definitely

would not want to fall into that, but it's been an issue in my mind.

I believe and understand that we are not exempt from being an

instrument to God's sovereign plan.  In fact, I feel it's ridiculous

for us to pray to God to save someone we know, but not to take

actions about our prayer.  One might ask: "Don't you have faith in

what God can do?"  That is not the issue that needs to be address,

for I do have faith that God has the power to do anything.  The fact

is that faith in what God can do will lead us to take action.  While we

pray for the unsaved, we have to go to and seize the opportunities

given by God to share our faith.  The Gospel has the saving powers,

and we are instruments of God's plan.

This makes total sense, but I feel it is a bit difficult to apply.  Maybe

because we are comfortable of believing that God will do all the work

(that sounds more like idleness to me).  Whatever the reason, I know

I struggle to apply this in my life.  It's difficult and it hurts my head

thinking about this rather simple truth.

Corporate Worship

It's something I've been thinking about for the past

few days.  What I'm about to say may be a bit

prestigious for me to say, but it's what I come to realize as

corporate worship is and I'm sorry if there is something

wrong with what I say.

As a side note, this is about the praise aspect of worship.

I know worship is not only limited to praise but also to

everything we do.  For this blog posting, it's about the

praise aspect of worship.

Worship is praising God and glorifying him in whatever

we do.  In the case of praise, we sing out in whatever

way to our God the Father with a humble heart.

The issue sometimes come to corporate worship and

how to go about it and the song chosen for worship.

In terms of the song chosen, there has been arguments

about what should be played in terms of the message

given.  One adamant side prefers the songs to be more

Christ-oriented and less "I/me/myself" songs.  It's all

good and well, but sometimes people who argue this tends

to not take as much importance to the "I/me/myself" songs.

Those songs, I feel, are responses about our hearts or

the message we have heard.  For example, taking the

song "Lord I offer my life".  What a great song! What a

song to proclaim that God is the Almighty in our lives

and that we, as humble slaves to righteousness, hand it

to God as living sacrifices.  Songs like this are great ways

to respond back to God.  David in Psalms praised God for 

not only who he is but also what he can do as a servant of 

God.  He lifts up everything he has to God who is the Almighty 

and sovereign.

In terms of corporate worship, I've wondered if it was okay

for the praise leader, being compelled and broken by the

message of the songs, to get on knees and praise God.

Initially, if the leader's heart was in the right place and was

doing it out of genuinely love for him, then it would be

alright.  Though I think it's all right, I'll have to look at it

in a corporate worship.  If everyone were to praise God

by how the Spirit compells them to, it would bring utter chaos

during worship.

The imagery of a corporate worship, for me, is something like

this: a huge body of believers in God, praising in one voice and

in one unison to the Lord God Almighty.  The band and music

becomes irrelevant in this worship but the people in the band joins

the body and praise God.  ALL eyes and voices are on God where

it should be.  That is the corporate worship of the body of believers.

MercyMe New? Song

Not sure if it is a new song that I heard from them,

but they never fail to make some very good songs

filled with imagery from the lyrics.  Here it is!

Finally Home - MercyMe

I'm gonna wrap my arms around my daddy's neck 

and tell him that I've missed him 

and tell himall about the man that i became 

and hope that it pleased him 

there's so much i want to say
there's so much i want you to know.

[chorus]
When i finally make it home

when i finally make it home.

Then I'll gaze upon the throne of the King 

frozen in my steps 

and all the questions that i swore 

i would ask words just won't come yet 

so amazed at what I've seen 

so much more than this old mind can hold.

And the sweetest sound my ears have yet to hear voices on angels.

Enjoy!  One of their other songs is I Can Only Imagine.

Good Friday

The day where Christ died on the cross to save us from

our sins.  The day he was betrayed by one of his own

disciples.  The day he was mocked and beaten by the

soldiers, chief high priests, and robbers.  The day that

God left His son to die on the cross.  The day the curtains

of the temple were torn.

Today, April 10, was the day that we were saved for our

Sin.  It's a very emotional and sobering moment to mediate

upon what Christ has done.  The message that should never,

ever be hardened in our hearts.  The message that gives us

joy and love toward our God, the Father.  The message of

the Gospel.

We put Christ on the cross.  We were the crowds who wanted

to crucify him.  We were the crowds who wanted the criminal

Barabbas to be freed instead of Jesus.  We were the ones who

mocked him and send him to the Cross.  Ultimately, it was

God who put his son on the cross.  We were there to fulfill the

prophecy and to do what God has planned.

How great is our God to save us from our sins.  How painful it

was for the Father to see His only Son dying on the cross.  How

humbling it is for Christ to bear the mockery and to die for us

sinners when he was perfect.  How great is our God, the Father.

What Annoys Me the Most

This is a little rant, but it's something that has been really

bothering me lately.  Recently, on the news, I watched a

lady ranting about the fact that she's happy about 9/11

and the death of the soldiers who died in Iraq.  To top all

of that, she tries to back it up with religion.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XkgOdb8tdA&feature=related

On UCI Campus, the similar situation is presented with

people and their signs saying "If you don't believe in

God, you'll go to hell."

So, what's wrong with this? Aren't they speaking the truth?

Yes, God is a wrathful God, but that's not the only

characteristic that describes who He is.  He is love and mercy.

It just bothers me that people try to bring others who aren't

saved by scaring them.  If the emphasis is all about not

going to hell, then what Christ has done on the cross isn't

the important message.

Don't get me wrong; we are saved from the death that we

received, but we also received a new life, a life that can only

be given by God's mercy and grace on us.

However, the other extreme needs to be addressed too.  We

can't only emphasize the fact that God is love and mercy and

that he will forgive you.  God will discipline you like a Father

disciplines his child, but it is out of love.

Beauty of the Lord

Thanks to Eddie for reminding me of this.

When I walk around the park in UCI, I also stare off into trees

and bask in the beauty of it.  Whenever I see pictures of

beautiful scenery, I just stare at it for a little longer.  When I see

these things, I stop and stare at it.  I think to myself, "This is

what God created."

God created this tree to bloom such beautiful leaves.  God created

the scenery in awestruck ways.  I wonder if that's what Adam and

Eve thought in the Garden of Eden.  What God has created

is what I can see of God's beauty.  It's not his full beauty, but a 

glimpse of something even greater.

What an amazing scene of God's beauty.  I smile and walk away,

continuing to think about His beauty.

Humbling Truth

For a past few weeks, I've been feeling pretty mellow, 

distraugh as if I had a lot of things in my mind.  I have 

had a thought in my mind, and it's very... how should

I describe it... sobering? Humbling definitely, ecstatic

like I've just received the best thing ever that does not

have an expiration date, that will never spoil, that will

never feel old (hopefully).

The Gospel has been the reason why I feel mellow and

distraught.  I can't help but to feel all torn up, with tears

of immeasurable joy falling on my face, every time I sing

or hear the message of the Gospel.  The message of truth 

that tells us what we were before and what we are now 

(Ephesians 2:1-7).  It makes me want to scream for joy, to

dance like no one danced before, to bow down before the

almighty God singing "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God

Almighty."

I imagine an scene of a helpless baby, in need of care 

and comfort, food and shelter, love and grace.  All of this 

was given when the Father picks up the baby in his

arms, protecting the baby and providing for it.  Knowing

full well what troubles this baby will bring, the Father will

still keep it, love it, and embrace it as his own child.

What is the ultimate form of humility?  The fact that God

brought his own Son on this world.  God, in fact, didn't

need to be on this Earth because He is God, the Almighty.

Yet, He did it because He had a purpose and He was humble

as well.  He put himself with us who are sinners and Him who

is worthy of all praise and despises sin in this world.  We are

that sin in this world, but we are finally free from that.

Because of the Gospel, because of Jesus Christ dying on the

cross, because of his ressurection, we... are... free... from...

sin... We are free.. Thanks to God our Father

Imagination, yet not enough

This post is devoted to the imagery and meaning of two songs that

I've come across this past week.  When I start to describe these

imagery, I've realized that it cannot fully describe the event that

has happened: Christ's death and resurrection.

First Song: The Wonderful Cross by Chris Tomlin

Verse 2:

See from his head, his hands, his feet

Sorrow and Love flow mingled down

Did e'er such love and sorrow meet

or thorns compose so rich a crown

The imagery of this song is so amazing.  When I thought of Christ's 

crucifixion, yes, I imagine a lot of blood.  But, this song took that 

imagery and changed it to more than that: love and sorrow flowing 

out of body.  Christ having to go through all that pain and bloodshed 

would bring about sorrow from God the Father.  To see the Son going 

through all this just for us, miniscule entities compared to God.  But, 

for His Son to go through all this, we, as miniscule entities, is being 

shown mercy and love by God the Almighty.  I can't remember any 

instances where I felt sorrowful but love at the same time except for 

the story of Christ.  Instantly, I was humbled and broken that God 

took us and provided us security and joy when we were naked and 

shameful like a helpless babe.  This is the God we humbly serve and 

love with all our hearts.

Second Song: Joy by Pages CXVI

We know the song "I've got the joy down in my heart" song.  We 

know it's the happy song that we always sang when we were little.  

We do have joy in hearts by what God has done for us through 

Christ.  However, this is the ironic part of the song by Pages CXVI: 

the melody is very depressing, sad.  How does that work? Here 

you have lyrics of a joyous, happy song put together with a 

depressing melody?

Here is the lyrics that may somehow clear that confusing: "I can't 

understand, and I can't pretend that this will be alright in the end.  

So, I'll try my best and lift up my chest to sing about this joy."  

Even then, it's hard to describe this song.  Yet, it makes sense that 

we are joyful of what Christ has done, but at the same time, the 

depressing melody is there to express maybe what God was going 

through when Christ was being crucified.  This song may not do

justice to the Passion of Christ movie.  The movie may not do justice 

to the actual event described in the bible (or even the event itself).

We should be happy about what Christ has done on the cross, yet 

at the same time, it's very sorrowful (which doesn't even adequately

describe the deed done)of what Christ had to go through to finish 

the promise that God has promised for us.  The song "Joy" ends with 

the song "It is well with my soul."  Definitely, it is well with our souls 

of the deed done.

Happy Panda Day

Happy Panda Day 2/25/09

Thanks for the shirt! =]  I'm sorry if it felt like I wasn't happy.

I really was; and it would have shown if I hadn't been sick.

But yeah, that really made my day =]

Dedicated to Chuck Chun and Chris Theo and names listed below:

Esther Lee

Sharon Lee

Rachel Tsao

Jason Kim

Garnet

Mike S

Sabrina

Susan

Denise

Kristin

Grace Leong

Samantha K

Melissa Mark

Jen Chung

Praise Lam

Candance

CK

Jacob

Skye

Yash

April

Creation of the World

I just started my study of Genesis.  I just got through the 

creation of the world.  I've realized just how sovereign God 

is even in the creation of the world.  Every part of the creation 

is needed to make a world we live in.  For example, the creation

of light is required to create plants, animals, day, and night.  

The creation of plants and animals cannot exist without the 

creation of land, water, and sky.

It's mind-blowing.  God has a plan.  This is a reminder to me of God 

having a plan for me too.

The Gospel

My previous post has been about sin and how it leads to consequences.  Well, this one's about the Gospel.

During my devotions in Acts, I was reading chapter 16 when I noticed that Paul was trying to make sure that the Gospel has not been tainted to a different path.  What do I mean by this? One example is the incident of the slave girl telling people that Paul and Silas are servants of God who are telling people the way of salvation.  Paul, after hearing her say that phrase over and over again, drove out the Spirit that was telling her these things.  Paul may have done this to not have the demon Spirit of Divination as a partner of the Gospel (least that's one speculation of that passage). Another example is when Paul told the magistrates that they were to come out and release Paul and Silas directly.  This was because of Paul's concern for the Gospel and how it would affect the spread of the Gospel if people were to see Paul as a troublemaker and lawbreaker and associate it with the church as well.

Paul knew the importance of the Gospel and how it should stay the way it is.  There needs no sugar-coating or improvement of it.  Gospel tells us that we are all sinners, damned to death. There's nothing that can save us from it.  However, God, who is merciful and kind and loving and gracious, gave his Son to us to die for our sins.  Christ rose from the grave as well and through this death and ressurection, we are righteous through the blood of Christ.

We all need to be reminded of God's mercy and grace.  Mercy is when you withdraw the punishment that you are bound to receive.  Grace is not only withdrawing punishment, but also giving something that the recipient does not deserve.  This is what describes our God.  We are made alive in Christ.  We're not dead anymore for we know that through our faith in the Christ, we are saved and alive.  

However, a question came about after knowing this: What makes the Gospel such a threat to some who hear?

Sin Creates Consequences in Our Lives

A while back, during winter break, a friend and I were talking to one of the high schoolers about college and spiritual struggles.  We ran into the topic of sin, and the young one asked us about sin and how bad it is.  I remember the topic of spiritual purity in CCM retreat and told him about keeping away from.  To never come back to sin for that temptation can bite you.

But, a friend says a very insightful thing to the young one.  He says, "Though your sins are forgiven, you still have the consequences from the sin that you've fallen into."

That hit me so hard that I felt like a truck just hit me.  Though I sin and ask for forgivenness, I'm just that much more susceptible to fall into it.  Not only are you susceptible, but you just can't clear away as quickly (or even forever) the sin that you have committed.  Now, I'm not saying your sins aren't forgiven; far from it.  Rather, though my sins are forgotten, you know that what you have committed you will never get back.

An example is a man who falls into sexual temptation.  Though he is forgiven of that sin, he won't have that purity anymore.  His sights and his mind has been soiled, corrupted and he'll never forget what he has seen (least not until a long period of time passed).

I've never thought of it that way.  Yet, this just reminds me that I need to rely more on the power of the Spirit to help me through the temptation and continue to pursue righteousness.  In Berean, Pastor Peter has been going through Galatians.  He just recently went through the section about living in the Spirit.  We forget that we're not alone in this battle, that the Holy Spirit is in us to help us fight as well.  This is the power of God in us, and we neglect it continually.  We're not perfect; we will never be until the Day comes.  And on that Day, we will be up in heaven, worshipping and praising God for who He is.

"The Thief"

I guess it's safe to say you're never coming back
And I understand why you wouldn't want to
I guess it's up to me to find a way to get to you

And I can't see you
Getting used to
Living in the midst of your perfection
And I'm so lost
How can you trust
Somewhere the sun is always shining

And there's just one last thing that I have to say
As we reflect on the mess of all this that I've made
It was cowardice that made me push you away
I was so afraid cause you were so much better than me

The Thief [Relient K]

This song seems to match so well to what I said.  Besides the fact that Jesus is coming back, this song is basically about how perfect Jesus is that we just push Him away, or just don't want to accept that.  It was our fear and pride to push Him away.  But, it is up to us to continue to pursue Him.

Hope for Every Fallen Man by Relient K

Just a little music post of a song I love for its message (only consists of chorus and bridge):

But don't give up, it's not the end.
There's hope for every fallen man,
To pick themselves up when they think they can,
Because with every passing second comes a second chance

Don't give up, it's not the end.
You'll get back on your feet again.
Forgivness can be given when you think it can,
Because with every passing second comes a second chance

'Cause with every passing second comes a second chance,
Take a good look at yourself and know,
You've got yourself a ways to go.
But difficult is not impossible,
You can take back all the lost control.
Take a good look at yourself and see,
You'll emerge eventually.
As long as your heart's not too far gone,
From the only thing that can save you from yourself...

Forgivness can be given when you think it can,
'cause with every passing second comes a second chance.

-Hope for Every Fallen Man [Relient K]

It's basically a bit of the Gospel in here.

Happy Starting of 2009 Day!

It is the start of the new year, 2009!  It is the time where people start to

make new year resolution and all.  I've never wanted to make a resolution

simply because I feel that I'm going to fail it anyways.  But then, it constantly

keeps you reminded of what you plan to do or not do for the whole year.

As a reflection to 2008, I found that a lot has happened (whether it be bad or

good).  Yet, I'm very thankful for all that has happened.  I'm thankful for Berean and how much this church has helped me to grow spiritually and for the people that contributed to that.  I'm thankful for the friends I have

now for being with me and keeping me accountable.  I'm thankful for my

family and my home, knowing that I have family who care and worry about me

as well as a home to come back to.  I'm thankful for God's creation, seeing beautiful

sceneries around the world.  Thankful for my struggle that I may realize

what I have done in the past and let it not bog me down, but use it as an

experience for a new year.

Reading John Edward's resolutions for the new year, it really puts me in...

not really an awestruck state but amazed by what he has written.  It is

an amazing list of things that seems so difficult... yet, possible with the Holy

Spirit.  If I may be correct, I think he kept all of them as well throughout

his life.  Therefore, I think I as well may write my resolution, in hope that

I may keep them as well as having people who read this keep me accountable

with it:

-To do my disciplines constantly and happily.  It may not become a burden

to me, but I may enjoy it for God our Father.

-To hate sin and despise it to the fullest.  To be angry at sin and what it has done

and will do me if it gets into my heart.  But, let this anger be because of wanting to

be holy as God has commanded me to be.

-To be intentional with how I use my time.  Putting what's important as my priority

and what's not to be put to the side.  This would especially be for school, God, and

events.

Hopefully, I may be resolved like John Edwards to keep these resolutions.