Today we had baptisms at church. Most of the time, we have young kids (elementary school age) and young adults. Maybe the teens are at the stage where they've already been baptized, or they are too "cool" to consider putting God at the center of their lives. This is opposite of my old church I grew up with, but that's a story for another day. Today Jack got baptized. I greet him every week, and he usually has his Bible and a big smile. He's about 60 years old and my daughter would like him as a "cute lil old man." Anyway, he got baptized and I was so happy for him. I think it's great when somebody acknowledges Jesus in their life during the later years. It's different than the "deathbed baptisms" because Jack seems really healthy and "chipper." I'm just not used to seeing folks his age get dunked (literally).
The message today before baptism centered around how believers are to be the ambassadors of Jesus. Seeing Jack get baptized also reminded me of my parents and how I don't think they are clear on their beliefs. I think they believe in a higher power, just not necessarily God/Jesus. They both were baptized in my old church a bajillion years ago, and they both led Sunday Schools and/or youth groups... but they definitely are not practicing Christians at this point. How can I be an ambassador to them without being pushy and turning them away? When my mother-in-law died, my nephew mentioned that he was happy she was baptized a week before she died... but how he was a bit ashamed that he had never tried to talk to her about it before then. I have so many family members and friends that I know I should be an ambassador to... I just need to pray for His instructions on how to do it...
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Saturday, June 4, 2011
RW From Dead End to Deliverance
What do you do while you're waiting for God's Deliverance?
1) Remember what God can do.
The situation may be out of your control, but its' not out of God's control. When you face things that are out of your control, you need more than a positive mental attitude. You need faith in God.
Too often we forget what God has already done for us, during our lifetime and with his ultimate sacrifice of Jesus.
God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son, and Abraham was prepared to do just that... but God stopped him and said He wasn't really going to let Abraham sacrifice him. He was just testing him. That story and Job's story always bugged me because it seemed "twisted" for God to mess with people just to test them. Now I remember that it is just an example of how God ended up sacrificing his own son, and this story illustrates how hard that is.
2) Rely on what God has said
How do you you know when hope is dead? You start using the word "never."
3) Face the facts with faith.
Faith is not denying reality. Faith is facing the facts without being discouraged by them.
4) Expect God to deliver me
What are you expecting God to do? God works in your life according to your expectation. The ultimate for of faith is thanking God in advance for what he is going to do.
This seems odd to me because it assumes God is going to do something for me... but I guess that's the point. God will do something for my benefit, it just may not be something I am asking for (because I sometimes ask for things that may not be good for me).
THREE KINDS OF DELIVERANCE
Circumstantial
Personal
Heaven
1) Remember what God can do.
The situation may be out of your control, but its' not out of God's control. When you face things that are out of your control, you need more than a positive mental attitude. You need faith in God.
Too often we forget what God has already done for us, during our lifetime and with his ultimate sacrifice of Jesus.
God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son, and Abraham was prepared to do just that... but God stopped him and said He wasn't really going to let Abraham sacrifice him. He was just testing him. That story and Job's story always bugged me because it seemed "twisted" for God to mess with people just to test them. Now I remember that it is just an example of how God ended up sacrificing his own son, and this story illustrates how hard that is.
2) Rely on what God has said
How do you you know when hope is dead? You start using the word "never."
3) Face the facts with faith.
Faith is not denying reality. Faith is facing the facts without being discouraged by them.
4) Expect God to deliver me
What are you expecting God to do? God works in your life according to your expectation. The ultimate for of faith is thanking God in advance for what he is going to do.
This seems odd to me because it assumes God is going to do something for me... but I guess that's the point. God will do something for my benefit, it just may not be something I am asking for (because I sometimes ask for things that may not be good for me).
THREE KINDS OF DELIVERANCE
Circumstantial
Personal
Heaven
Friday, May 27, 2011
RW How to Deal with Difficulty
Three Keys to Dealing with Difficulty
Key 1) Determine the Reason. Ask: What caused this?
Usually one of 4 reasons:
You brought it on yourself
Other people caused the problem
Satan caused it
God caused it
Three common mistakes:
We listen to bad advice
We follow the crowd
We rely on circumstances (and go with the flow)
Key 2: Determine the Result
Ask: What does God want me to learn?
No matter what, don't give up. Grow up and look up to Him.
Key 3: Determine my response.
Ask: How should I react?
What happened to you is not as important as what happens in you.
The Wrong Response to Difficulty
Don't drift - don't give up on dreams and goals.
Don't discard (values, heritage, relationships)
Don't despair
The Right Response to Difficulty
Confess my part. What are you pretending is not a problem?
Confront it head on.
Claim a Promise. You may be going through a storm right now, and your ship may not make it. But YOU will make it. You may have to get to shore on a broken piece of the ship, but you're going to make it because God is with you. Don't give up.
Many times people think that becoming a Christian will make everything all better and life will be smooth. Nowhere in the Bible does God say you are guaranteed a home, job, good health, etc here on earth. The promise is after this life, and part of my problem is seeing beyond this world.
Key 1) Determine the Reason. Ask: What caused this?
Usually one of 4 reasons:
You brought it on yourself
Other people caused the problem
Satan caused it
God caused it
Three common mistakes:
We listen to bad advice
We follow the crowd
We rely on circumstances (and go with the flow)
Key 2: Determine the Result
Ask: What does God want me to learn?
No matter what, don't give up. Grow up and look up to Him.
Key 3: Determine my response.
Ask: How should I react?
What happened to you is not as important as what happens in you.
The Wrong Response to Difficulty
Don't drift - don't give up on dreams and goals.
Don't discard (values, heritage, relationships)
Don't despair
The Right Response to Difficulty
Confess my part. What are you pretending is not a problem?
Confront it head on.
Claim a Promise. You may be going through a storm right now, and your ship may not make it. But YOU will make it. You may have to get to shore on a broken piece of the ship, but you're going to make it because God is with you. Don't give up.
Many times people think that becoming a Christian will make everything all better and life will be smooth. Nowhere in the Bible does God say you are guaranteed a home, job, good health, etc here on earth. The promise is after this life, and part of my problem is seeing beyond this world.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
RW Delayed by Design
This was the small group DVD #4 for our "Everything is Possible with God" series. I am an impatient person by nature, so this was another good message for me. Main points...
God uses delays to Prepare us.
God uses delays to Test us.
When you're in delay,
Don't Fear.
Fear keeps you in the wilderness and prolongs the delay. I can see that fear paralyzes people sometimes, and that keeps them from doing what they need to.
Don't Fret.
Resting can be an act of faith. It means you're waiting on God.
My mom used to call me a Worry Wart when I was little, and I guess I still am. I have a tendency to try to figure out all the worst case scenarios and find a solution for them. I need to stop worrying, and worship and have faith in Him instead.
Don't Faint
Don't settle for less than God's best for your life. Instead of fainting, you need to be persistent and pray. I guess I have a tendency for this also. I don't always keep praying for direction, and instead just go with the flow. Maybe the flow is right, but I definitely need to pray more.
Don't Forget
People in America have short memories. We are blessed with things and we're thankful for a week, then forget about it. It's actually the same with tragedies unfortunately. We send money to people hit by earthquakes etc, but forget about it within a month or so. In this case, we need to remember the things God has blessed us with and know that He will bless us again (just maybe not for a while).
God uses delays to Prepare us.
God uses delays to Test us.
When you're in delay,
Don't Fear.
Fear keeps you in the wilderness and prolongs the delay. I can see that fear paralyzes people sometimes, and that keeps them from doing what they need to.
Don't Fret.
Resting can be an act of faith. It means you're waiting on God.
My mom used to call me a Worry Wart when I was little, and I guess I still am. I have a tendency to try to figure out all the worst case scenarios and find a solution for them. I need to stop worrying, and worship and have faith in Him instead.
Don't Faint
Don't settle for less than God's best for your life. Instead of fainting, you need to be persistent and pray. I guess I have a tendency for this also. I don't always keep praying for direction, and instead just go with the flow. Maybe the flow is right, but I definitely need to pray more.
Don't Forget
People in America have short memories. We are blessed with things and we're thankful for a week, then forget about it. It's actually the same with tragedies unfortunately. We send money to people hit by earthquakes etc, but forget about it within a month or so. In this case, we need to remember the things God has blessed us with and know that He will bless us again (just maybe not for a while).
Monday, May 16, 2011
RW When You've Come Up Empty
Yesterday's message was about "What to do in a discouraging situation." This could be job, career, relationship status, everything basically. Here are my notes and thoughts...
1) Give Jesus complete access to my life.
A lot of people (me included) like to compartmentalize life. It's okay to act one way in this area of life, but not on Sundays. I don't really do that much anymore, but I used to in my younger partying days. I do need to honor God in my job more. Rather than complain about this or that, I need to either do something constructive about it or accept it and work around it. I need to lead by example as much as possible.
2) Admit that my efforts aren't working.
There are times when I try to force things to go my way, but it isn't working. I'd like to know what God wants me to do with my life, so I try to figure it out on my own. Pastor Jon mentioned that sometimes God speaks through other people, and Pastor Jerry said he wanted to sitd own with me and go over my Class 301 Gifts materials. For some reason, I've been dodging him, but that would probably help if I sat down with somebody who has conducted many of these sessions to help people find their strengths. Seems like a no-brainer which indicates I have no brain or a hard head since I've been dodging him.
3) Obey whatever Jesus tells me to do.
No questions asked, just do it. I'd like to think I'd do it, but I am so stubborn that I can't even hear what He's telling me to do.
4) Expect Jesus to turn things around.
Okay, gotta start reading the Case for Faith book again...
The message centered around the story where the disciples were fishing for 10 hours and caught nothing... but when Jesus gave them instructions, they caught a tonload in 10 minutes. Bottom line: They caught more in 10 minutes with Jesus than they did for 10 hours without.
"According to your faith, it will be done for you."
I need to save time and lean on Him.
1) Give Jesus complete access to my life.
A lot of people (me included) like to compartmentalize life. It's okay to act one way in this area of life, but not on Sundays. I don't really do that much anymore, but I used to in my younger partying days. I do need to honor God in my job more. Rather than complain about this or that, I need to either do something constructive about it or accept it and work around it. I need to lead by example as much as possible.
2) Admit that my efforts aren't working.
There are times when I try to force things to go my way, but it isn't working. I'd like to know what God wants me to do with my life, so I try to figure it out on my own. Pastor Jon mentioned that sometimes God speaks through other people, and Pastor Jerry said he wanted to sitd own with me and go over my Class 301 Gifts materials. For some reason, I've been dodging him, but that would probably help if I sat down with somebody who has conducted many of these sessions to help people find their strengths. Seems like a no-brainer which indicates I have no brain or a hard head since I've been dodging him.
3) Obey whatever Jesus tells me to do.
No questions asked, just do it. I'd like to think I'd do it, but I am so stubborn that I can't even hear what He's telling me to do.
4) Expect Jesus to turn things around.
Okay, gotta start reading the Case for Faith book again...
The message centered around the story where the disciples were fishing for 10 hours and caught nothing... but when Jesus gave them instructions, they caught a tonload in 10 minutes. Bottom line: They caught more in 10 minutes with Jesus than they did for 10 hours without.
"According to your faith, it will be done for you."
I need to save time and lean on Him.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
RW Making Wise Decisions
Okay, so the daily RW thing wasn't going well since some days seem like repeats in a lotta ways. However, Wednesdays' small group DVD thing on "How to Make Wise Decisions" is excellent. I will probably ask to borrow the DVD from my host after the series is over so that my kids can watch it. Rather than "spoil" the whole thing here, I will write down the notes that sprang out at me.
Obviously we need to pray for guidance... and one of the things we should ask ourselves is, "What does God want?" This is a very difficult thing for me because I sometimes try to justify what I want with what God wants... For instance, God wants me to help take care of my parents and keep my marriage happy, so we should probably get a new reliable car rather than put a dent in the CC debt . The debt will be there for a while and we don't get many cash gifts like this class action lawsuit... and it's to help drive my parents around. Hah! Sounds weak now that I write it out, but that's what we did... Kinda late to ask what God wants now.
Another big point: We can 1) learn the hard way from experience and 2) learn more easily through other people's experiences. It's good to get advice from people who have already done what you want to do or are thinking of doing. Sometimes I just don't like asking for advice cuz I feel like I should know or nobody knows me like me... And as Rick Warren said, we'd rather appear wise than be wise. But really, that's just ego talking. I need to start asking for advice more. Even at work, I need to delegate more.
Next... Prepare for problems, but don't try to solve them all ahead of time. Know that there will be problems. Ecclesiastes 11:4 says, "If you wait for perfect conditions, you'll never get anything done." This is so true, although I tend to be somewhat impulsive and wing the problems as they come.
Next... Face your fears. We make excuses when we're afraid and fear paralyzes us into doing nothing. Not making a decision is making a decision.. The antidote to fear is faith... and when you are lacking faith, do it anyway. These are just some of the notes that sprang forward to me.
Now I need to figure out what I am afraid of. I think God wants me to somehow work with youth. I worked with them some when I was at CBC, but it's been a while. I get some exposure through Tae Kwon Do, and I do enjoy being around kids... maybe it's cuz mine are all growed up :( But I haven't committed to doing anything with the youth... so why is that? I've thought about helping to drive kids to the Wednesday teen nights at New Life, but that's usually my Small Group Night... and now I'm thinking about how it would be cool to have an inter-church sports league in the Fairfield-Suisun area... where kids could invite their friends to play on the church team... kinda like how Chinese Christian Union has a basketball league during the summer for all the Chinese churches in SF. So let's see where this kind of idea goes...
Obviously we need to pray for guidance... and one of the things we should ask ourselves is, "What does God want?" This is a very difficult thing for me because I sometimes try to justify what I want with what God wants... For instance, God wants me to help take care of my parents and keep my marriage happy, so we should probably get a new reliable car rather than put a dent in the CC debt . The debt will be there for a while and we don't get many cash gifts like this class action lawsuit... and it's to help drive my parents around. Hah! Sounds weak now that I write it out, but that's what we did... Kinda late to ask what God wants now.
Another big point: We can 1) learn the hard way from experience and 2) learn more easily through other people's experiences. It's good to get advice from people who have already done what you want to do or are thinking of doing. Sometimes I just don't like asking for advice cuz I feel like I should know or nobody knows me like me... And as Rick Warren said, we'd rather appear wise than be wise. But really, that's just ego talking. I need to start asking for advice more. Even at work, I need to delegate more.
Next... Prepare for problems, but don't try to solve them all ahead of time. Know that there will be problems. Ecclesiastes 11:4 says, "If you wait for perfect conditions, you'll never get anything done." This is so true, although I tend to be somewhat impulsive and wing the problems as they come.
Next... Face your fears. We make excuses when we're afraid and fear paralyzes us into doing nothing. Not making a decision is making a decision.. The antidote to fear is faith... and when you are lacking faith, do it anyway. These are just some of the notes that sprang forward to me.
Now I need to figure out what I am afraid of. I think God wants me to somehow work with youth. I worked with them some when I was at CBC, but it's been a while. I get some exposure through Tae Kwon Do, and I do enjoy being around kids... maybe it's cuz mine are all growed up :( But I haven't committed to doing anything with the youth... so why is that? I've thought about helping to drive kids to the Wednesday teen nights at New Life, but that's usually my Small Group Night... and now I'm thinking about how it would be cool to have an inter-church sports league in the Fairfield-Suisun area... where kids could invite their friends to play on the church team... kinda like how Chinese Christian Union has a basketball league during the summer for all the Chinese churches in SF. So let's see where this kind of idea goes...
Saturday, May 7, 2011
RW Day 10
The heart of worship is surrender. It's hard to think of surrendering because it sounds so much like giving up or quitting. But that can be a good thing... Like an alcoholic giving up booze. I'd like to say I could surrender to God, but honestly, I don't think I could've sacrificed a child the way Abraham was ready to sacrifice Isaac. Hopefully I'll never know. In the meantime, I'll focus on surrendering my personal desires for His, and to seek His direction in all I do.
Friday, May 6, 2011
RW Day 9
And Happy 80th Birthday, Willie Mays!
Today's chapter was about how God can be pleased with usin all details of our lives... Not just when we're doing Bible study or other "holy" things like that. It's sort of how we are pleased when we see our kids succeed in their endeavors. So we should worship God by worshippingimin all we do, including our jobs. If we hate our jobs, He'sprobably not gaining any pleasure from our misery... So I guess I need an attitude adjustment sometimes. Of course my ob gets tedious and people annoy me... But I need to remember He is always with me and watching how I treat His other children.
A guy like Willie Mays is amazing and an inspiration to many people... Not just at how great a player he was... But because of the joy he showed when he played... And still shows when he mentors the younger playera now. I've no doubt God is pleased with Willie Mays. I may not be a superstar, but I can try to be a positive influence in the people in my life atwork and at home.
Today's chapter was about how God can be pleased with usin all details of our lives... Not just when we're doing Bible study or other "holy" things like that. It's sort of how we are pleased when we see our kids succeed in their endeavors. So we should worship God by worshippingimin all we do, including our jobs. If we hate our jobs, He'sprobably not gaining any pleasure from our misery... So I guess I need an attitude adjustment sometimes. Of course my ob gets tedious and people annoy me... But I need to remember He is always with me and watching how I treat His other children.
A guy like Willie Mays is amazing and an inspiration to many people... Not just at how great a player he was... But because of the joy he showed when he played... And still shows when he mentors the younger playera now. I've no doubt God is pleased with Willie Mays. I may not be a superstar, but I can try to be a positive influence in the people in my life atwork and at home.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
RW Day 8
Today is about how worship is for God's pleasure, not ours. We are supposed to bring Him pleasure. I thinknHe's fine if we enjoy it too as long as or focus is on Him. I admit that I prefer certain types of music over others and that helps determine which service I go to. Is that bad? Even if it helps me worship more? Now I need to also incorporate worship in my daily activities... Do everything with Him in mind and take joy in all He's blessed me with.
RW Day 7
Day 7 is the reason for everything. Everything is from Him and for Him. Point to ponder: Where in my daily routine can I become more aware of God's glory?
Yesterday's small group focused on finding our God-given purpose/dream, and my weak spot is still dedicating my all to God. It's nice to say I have, but in reality I spend most of my life pursuing worldly tasks and distractions. I rarely spend alone time with God.
So to fuse the two above lessons, I will try to spend some quiet time outdoors where I usually feel His presence more... Just because, to me, His handiwork is in the trees, sky, wind, etc. I can see why Jesus spent time in the wilderness. I will try to dedicate some prayer time in my walks and bike rides in addition to reflecting in this blog.
Yesterday's small group focused on finding our God-given purpose/dream, and my weak spot is still dedicating my all to God. It's nice to say I have, but in reality I spend most of my life pursuing worldly tasks and distractions. I rarely spend alone time with God.
So to fuse the two above lessons, I will try to spend some quiet time outdoors where I usually feel His presence more... Just because, to me, His handiwork is in the trees, sky, wind, etc. I can see why Jesus spent time in the wilderness. I will try to dedicate some prayer time in my walks and bike rides in addition to reflecting in this blog.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
RW Day 6
Today's theme is "This world is not my home" and "Life on earth is temporary."
While reading this chapter, I was reminded that I get swept up in the things of this world... like nice cars, bicycles, Giants games, TV shows, etc. We are not put on earth to pursue personal success and happiness... We are supposed to pursue God's dreams for us. I will admit that I probably spend too much time pursuing personal happiness and distractions... and I need to pursue my relationship and knowledge of God in my life. Everything else will fall in place.
While reading this chapter, I was reminded that I get swept up in the things of this world... like nice cars, bicycles, Giants games, TV shows, etc. We are not put on earth to pursue personal success and happiness... We are supposed to pursue God's dreams for us. I will admit that I probably spend too much time pursuing personal happiness and distractions... and I need to pursue my relationship and knowledge of God in my life. Everything else will fall in place.
RW Days 5
I read the material for Day 5 yesterday, but didn't write about it. Day 5's theme was "Life is a test and a trust."
I don't think God has really tested me very harshly. I have friends/family who have lost parents and spouses, and so far I've been pretty lucky in that regard. I hope I am ready when He does test me, and the Bible says He will not test me past my capabilities. That doesn't mean I will pass though :(
I'm also to think about what He has trusted me with... and the greatest gifts are, of course, my kids. They are grown now and are probably further along the "faith trail" than I am. After all, I'm just now really starting on it whereas the kids (and many of my friends) have been raised with a faith... I think I've done pretty well with the kids, but probably not as well with my parents, friends and even hubby. Again, most folks in my life are fairly comfortable with faith without action. Or in some cases, they believe there is a non-religious God and they try to live good lives. What is my role with these people? Does He have a purpose for me?
I don't think God has really tested me very harshly. I have friends/family who have lost parents and spouses, and so far I've been pretty lucky in that regard. I hope I am ready when He does test me, and the Bible says He will not test me past my capabilities. That doesn't mean I will pass though :(
I'm also to think about what He has trusted me with... and the greatest gifts are, of course, my kids. They are grown now and are probably further along the "faith trail" than I am. After all, I'm just now really starting on it whereas the kids (and many of my friends) have been raised with a faith... I think I've done pretty well with the kids, but probably not as well with my parents, friends and even hubby. Again, most folks in my life are fairly comfortable with faith without action. Or in some cases, they believe there is a non-religious God and they try to live good lives. What is my role with these people? Does He have a purpose for me?
Sunday, May 1, 2011
RW Day 4, Bin Laden Killed
RW Day 4 is about how life on earth is temporary and how it is short in comparison to Eternity.
Today, it's in all the news how Bin Laden has been brought to justice. There are celebrations on the news, yet I don't feel happy or satisfied. Maybe it's because I saw him more as a symbol of evil, and we are a long way off from eradicating evil. Only God can do that. There will be other nutjobs to take Bin Laden's place... And they will all likely serve an eternity in hell also. Is God happy or pleased? He created them also.
Today, it's in all the news how Bin Laden has been brought to justice. There are celebrations on the news, yet I don't feel happy or satisfied. Maybe it's because I saw him more as a symbol of evil, and we are a long way off from eradicating evil. Only God can do that. There will be other nutjobs to take Bin Laden's place... And they will all likely serve an eternity in hell also. Is God happy or pleased? He created them also.
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