PASSAGE: Final Warnings, Final Greetings
MEMORY VERSE: "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which was being corrupted by its deceitful desires, to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on a new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" Ephesians 4:22-24
NOTES: (v.4) For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God's power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God's power we will live with him to serve you."
(v.5) "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you--unless, of course, you fail the test?"
(v.8) "For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth."
(v.10) "This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority--the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down."
(v.11) "Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you."
ACT OF LOVE: Today I went to a friend's house for dinner (a family friend had visited, so me and my mom went to see them), and afterwards I helped them clean up and wash the dishes!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
2 Corinthians 12, 365 DAYS OF LOVE #128: SUPPORTING FRIENDS
PASSAGE: Paul's Vision and His Thorn, Paul's Concern for the Corinthians
MEMORY VERSE: "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which was being corrupted by its deceitful desires, to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on a new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" Ephesians 4:22-24
NOTES: (v.5) "...but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses. 6Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say."
(v.9) "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." << LOVE IT
(v.21)Paul's concern fro the Corinthians: "I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin and debauchery in which they have indulged."
ACT OF LOVE: Today, I was blessed by two wonderful ladies! (and had the opportunity to bless them as well)
Wonderful Lady #1: I sat next to my friend Katherine during service. Afterwards, she suddenly asked how she could be praying for me (even though we sort of just met recently and weren't super close friends). I felt superrr encouraged by that and we had a brief time of sharing prayer requests and supporting each other in prayer!
Wonderful Lady #2: I met up with my other friend, Cynthia, for lunch to catch up. She went to Japan this summer for a missions trip, and I had supported her (a bit financially but mostly through prayer), so she wanted to tell me about it! We have a wonderful time of encouraging each other with the work that God has done and ended it with a super uplifting time of prayer :) I LOVE IT.
MEMORY VERSE: "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which was being corrupted by its deceitful desires, to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on a new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" Ephesians 4:22-24
NOTES: (v.5) "...but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses. 6Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say."
(v.9) "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." << LOVE IT
(v.21)Paul's concern fro the Corinthians: "I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin and debauchery in which they have indulged."
ACT OF LOVE: Today, I was blessed by two wonderful ladies! (and had the opportunity to bless them as well)
Wonderful Lady #1: I sat next to my friend Katherine during service. Afterwards, she suddenly asked how she could be praying for me (even though we sort of just met recently and weren't super close friends). I felt superrr encouraged by that and we had a brief time of sharing prayer requests and supporting each other in prayer!
Wonderful Lady #2: I met up with my other friend, Cynthia, for lunch to catch up. She went to Japan this summer for a missions trip, and I had supported her (a bit financially but mostly through prayer), so she wanted to tell me about it! We have a wonderful time of encouraging each other with the work that God has done and ended it with a super uplifting time of prayer :) I LOVE IT.
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| Cynthia Kono! :) |
Saturday, August 28, 2010
2 Corinthians 11, 365 DAYS OF LOVE #127: ENCOURAGEMENTS P4
PASSAGE: Paul and the False Apostles, Paul Boasts About His Sufferings
MEMORY VERSE: "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires, to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" Ephesians 4:22-24
NOTES: (v.3) "But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 4For if someone comes to you and preahces a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough."
(v.17) "In this self-confident boasting I am not talking as the Lord would, but as a fool. 18Since many are boasting in the way the world does, I too will boast."
(v.23) "Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this). I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again."
(v.30) "If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying."
ACT OF LOVE: Today, me and my two friends (Calvin and Amy) met up at the Del Amo Starbucks this morning to make encouragement notes again for people's cars. Armed with a Delux set of Pentel Markers, a Bible, neon-colored index cards and 2 pads of stickers, we made over 50 encouragement notes in about 2 hours!
MEMORY VERSE: "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires, to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" Ephesians 4:22-24
NOTES: (v.3) "But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 4For if someone comes to you and preahces a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough."
(v.17) "In this self-confident boasting I am not talking as the Lord would, but as a fool. 18Since many are boasting in the way the world does, I too will boast."
(v.23) "Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this). I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again."
(v.30) "If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying."
ACT OF LOVE: Today, me and my two friends (Calvin and Amy) met up at the Del Amo Starbucks this morning to make encouragement notes again for people's cars. Armed with a Delux set of Pentel Markers, a Bible, neon-colored index cards and 2 pads of stickers, we made over 50 encouragement notes in about 2 hours!
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| Thanks for your help! |
2 Corinthians 10, 365 DAYS OF LOVE #126: PRAY
PASSAGE: Paul's Defense of His Ministry
MEMORY VERSE: "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires, to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" Ephesians 4:22-24
NOTES: (v.3) "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds."
(v.8) "For even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than pulling you down, I will not be ashamed of it."
(v.12) "When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise."
(v.13) "We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the filed God has assigned to us, a field that reaches even to you."
(v.17) "But 'Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.' For it is not one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends."
ACT OF LOVE: I had to go to church early since my mom had something planned that night, and saw some of the YSC staff in the high school room. Turns out they were about to start a prayer meeting, and even though it was mainly for the staff, they invited me to join them and bless the church with prayer! :)
MEMORY VERSE: "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires, to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" Ephesians 4:22-24
NOTES: (v.3) "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds."
(v.8) "For even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than pulling you down, I will not be ashamed of it."
(v.12) "When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise."
(v.13) "We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the filed God has assigned to us, a field that reaches even to you."
(v.17) "But 'Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.' For it is not one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends."
ACT OF LOVE: I had to go to church early since my mom had something planned that night, and saw some of the YSC staff in the high school room. Turns out they were about to start a prayer meeting, and even though it was mainly for the staff, they invited me to join them and bless the church with prayer! :)
Thursday, August 26, 2010
2 Corinthians 9, 365 DAYS OF LOVE #124 & 125
PASSAGE: Sowing Generosity
MEMORY VERSE: "So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once did this with Christ, we do so no longer." 2 Corinthians 5:16
NOTES: (v.6) "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
(v.8) "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
(v.12) "This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everything else."
I loveee this passage. I think it gives a picture of a genuine worship to God that benefits people and glorifies His name. I love how Paul emphasizes that you should not only give what you have been convicted to do, but to also do it cheerfully, for "God loves a cheerful giver" (v.7)!
ACT OF LOVE #124: Yesterday at registration, I helped this guy find his way around West and directed him to the counseling office!
ACT OF LOVE #125: Today, I listened. Two of my friends had struggles that they were going through, so my act of love was simply listening to them and offering any encouragement/advice I could.
ALSO, I wrote a letter to one of my friends who went far away for college! I hope it brightens her day when she receives it :)
MEMORY VERSE: "So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once did this with Christ, we do so no longer." 2 Corinthians 5:16
NOTES: (v.6) "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
(v.8) "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
(v.12) "This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everything else."
I loveee this passage. I think it gives a picture of a genuine worship to God that benefits people and glorifies His name. I love how Paul emphasizes that you should not only give what you have been convicted to do, but to also do it cheerfully, for "God loves a cheerful giver" (v.7)!
ACT OF LOVE #124: Yesterday at registration, I helped this guy find his way around West and directed him to the counseling office!
ACT OF LOVE #125: Today, I listened. Two of my friends had struggles that they were going through, so my act of love was simply listening to them and offering any encouragement/advice I could.
ALSO, I wrote a letter to one of my friends who went far away for college! I hope it brightens her day when she receives it :)
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
2 Corinthians 8, 365 DAYS OF LOVE #123: WASHING DISHCLOTHS
PASSAGE: Generosity Encouraged, Titus Sent to Corinth
MEMORY VERSE: "So from now on, we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer." 2 Corinthians 5:16
NOTES: (v.2) "Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability."
(v.5) "And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will."
(v.7) "But just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us--se that you also excel in this grace of giving."
(v.9) "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich."
(v.12) "For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have."
ACT OF LOVE: We have two dishcloths that our family uses to wash the dishes, and they get dirty quite easily since they're white. Today, I lowkey washed both of our dishcloths and scrubbed the stains out so that they look brand new! I would have a picture, but I'm lazy.
MEMORY VERSE: "So from now on, we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer." 2 Corinthians 5:16
NOTES: (v.2) "Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability."
(v.5) "And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will."
(v.7) "But just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us--se that you also excel in this grace of giving."
(v.9) "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich."
(v.12) "For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have."
ACT OF LOVE: We have two dishcloths that our family uses to wash the dishes, and they get dirty quite easily since they're white. Today, I lowkey washed both of our dishcloths and scrubbed the stains out so that they look brand new! I would have a picture, but I'm lazy.
Monday, August 23, 2010
2 Corinthians 7, 365 DAYS OF LOVE #122: DISHES
PASSAGE: Paul's Joy
MEMORY VERSE: "So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer." 2 Corinthians 5:16
NOTES: (v.8) "Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it--I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while--9yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us."
(v.10) "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death."
(v.11) "See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done.At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter."
ACT OF LOVE: During dinner, I saw that there were alottttt of dishes/cleaning up to do (we used a whole bunch of pots and pans and stuff), so I offered to do tonight's cleanup instead of my mom!
MEMORY VERSE: "So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer." 2 Corinthians 5:16
NOTES: (v.8) "Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it--I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while--9yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us."
(v.10) "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death."
(v.11) "See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done.At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter."
ACT OF LOVE: During dinner, I saw that there were alottttt of dishes/cleaning up to do (we used a whole bunch of pots and pans and stuff), so I offered to do tonight's cleanup instead of my mom!
2 Corinthians 6, 365 DAYS OF LOVE #121: SERENADING STRANGERS
PASSAGE: Paul's Hardships, Do Not Be Yoked With Unbelievers
MEMORY VERSE: "So from now on, we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer." 2 Corinthians 5:16
NOTES:(v.1) "We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited."
(v.14) "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?...For we are the temple of the living God."
(v.17) "Therefore come out from them and be separate," says the lord. "Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters," says the Lord Almighty
ACT OF LOVE: Today's act of love was based off of THIS.
My friends Matt and Patricia agreed to come to the beach with me after church today to serenade random people we saw. He brought his guitar and I brought my uke, and we sang selections from David Choi/Kina Grannis, Owl City, Colby Caillat, Taylor Swift, and Bruno Mars. We basically just went up to people and asked if we could sing to them. The responses varied from someone offering us money (that we didn't take) to people completely ignoring us haha. Sadly, we received alot more rejections than we had expected, but it was well worth it! The few people who were receptive to our singing were super friendly, and we even got to strike up a few conversations with them.
My favorite one was a slightly intimidating, homeless-looking guy who was sitting against a wall. At first, I was sort of intimidated by him so I asked Matt to approach him instead (hehe). When asked if we could sing to him, he barely responded with a nod. As the song progressed, however, he seemed to lighten up a bit, and even smiled/complimented us after the song. It's cool what a simple song + a smile can do!
I think some people thought we wanted their money, and others thought we were raising funds for Haiti cause of Matt's "Reaching out to Haiti" t-shirt, so that's probably why they rejected us. Haha :( It's okay because those discouragements won't get to the CORE of who we are--FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE SONGS/DAUGHTERS OF GOD!
MEMORY VERSE: "So from now on, we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer." 2 Corinthians 5:16
NOTES:(v.1) "We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited."
(v.14) "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?...For we are the temple of the living God."
(v.17) "Therefore come out from them and be separate," says the lord. "Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters," says the Lord Almighty
ACT OF LOVE: Today's act of love was based off of THIS.
My friends Matt and Patricia agreed to come to the beach with me after church today to serenade random people we saw. He brought his guitar and I brought my uke, and we sang selections from David Choi/Kina Grannis, Owl City, Colby Caillat, Taylor Swift, and Bruno Mars. We basically just went up to people and asked if we could sing to them. The responses varied from someone offering us money (that we didn't take) to people completely ignoring us haha. Sadly, we received alot more rejections than we had expected, but it was well worth it! The few people who were receptive to our singing were super friendly, and we even got to strike up a few conversations with them.
My favorite one was a slightly intimidating, homeless-looking guy who was sitting against a wall. At first, I was sort of intimidated by him so I asked Matt to approach him instead (hehe). When asked if we could sing to him, he barely responded with a nod. As the song progressed, however, he seemed to lighten up a bit, and even smiled/complimented us after the song. It's cool what a simple song + a smile can do!
I think some people thought we wanted their money, and others thought we were raising funds for Haiti cause of Matt's "Reaching out to Haiti" t-shirt, so that's probably why they rejected us. Haha :( It's okay because those discouragements won't get to the CORE of who we are--FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE SONGS/DAUGHTERS OF GOD!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
2 Corinthians 5, 365 DAYS OF LOVE #120: MADE A FRIEND
PASSAGE: Our Heavenly Dwelling, The Ministry of Reconciliation
MEMORY VERSE: "So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer." 2 Corinthians 5:16
NOTES: (v.1) "Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands."
(v.7) "We live by faith, not by sight."
(v.10) "For we all must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad."
(v.13) "If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For Christ's love compels us, becuase we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died."
(v.16) "So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"
(v.20) "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God."
ACT OF LOVE: I made a new friend today at the church picnic! His name is something that I cannot spell or pronounce, but he goes to El Camino and immigrated to America 4 years ago.
MEMORY VERSE: "So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer." 2 Corinthians 5:16
NOTES: (v.1) "Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands."
(v.7) "We live by faith, not by sight."
(v.10) "For we all must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad."
(v.13) "If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For Christ's love compels us, becuase we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died."
(v.16) "So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"
(v.20) "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God."
ACT OF LOVE: I made a new friend today at the church picnic! His name is something that I cannot spell or pronounce, but he goes to El Camino and immigrated to America 4 years ago.
Friday, August 20, 2010
2 Corinthians 4, 365 DAYS OF LOVE #119: PRAYER & ENCOURAGEMENTS
PASSAGE: Treasures in Jars of Clay
MEMORY VERSE: "So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer." 2 Corinthians 5:16
NOTES: (v.2) "Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God."
(v.5) "For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness" made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ."
(v.10) "We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body."
(v.16) "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day."
This verse made me smile. We live in a culture where physical beauty is often more important than inward beauty, and so people devote their time, money, and energy at trying to postpone, disguise, or even prevent the natural effects of aging. Yet, as followers of Christ we have the comfort of being renewed DAY by DAY with the blood of Christ! It's like Proverbs 31:30 "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised" haha. In fact, I just love this entire passage (and the rest of the paragraph). Whatever present sufferings we may encounter for Christ cannot compare to the "eternal glory that far outweighs them all." HALLELUJAH.
ACT OF LOVE: Today, Barnabas (me, Naomi, Jeff Wu) met up at a different time than normal: 6:30pm, before fellowship. I think throughout these past few months, God has been impressing me with the importance of prayer, especially for the church. I felt that there should be more time devoted to prayer for the fellowship, so today was our first Friday-night meeting! We spent a while supporting the church in prayer
Also, I met a new girl who had JUST moved from Hong Kong and will be attending El Camino with a host family. I introduced her to all my friends and helped her get situated within the fellowship.
ALSO also, I had the opportunity to catch up with a friend (who had left a while back for the army). It was great talking to him and seeing the work God has done in each of our lives, since our lives are so different and yet sustained by the same God. It was crazy and super encouraging at the same time to see the work God's doing on the other side of the country, within the army. We got to share prayer requests and pray for each other as well.
MEMORY VERSE: "So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer." 2 Corinthians 5:16
NOTES: (v.2) "Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God."
(v.5) "For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness" made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ."
(v.10) "We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body."
(v.16) "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day."
This verse made me smile. We live in a culture where physical beauty is often more important than inward beauty, and so people devote their time, money, and energy at trying to postpone, disguise, or even prevent the natural effects of aging. Yet, as followers of Christ we have the comfort of being renewed DAY by DAY with the blood of Christ! It's like Proverbs 31:30 "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised" haha. In fact, I just love this entire passage (and the rest of the paragraph). Whatever present sufferings we may encounter for Christ cannot compare to the "eternal glory that far outweighs them all." HALLELUJAH.
ACT OF LOVE: Today, Barnabas (me, Naomi, Jeff Wu) met up at a different time than normal: 6:30pm, before fellowship. I think throughout these past few months, God has been impressing me with the importance of prayer, especially for the church. I felt that there should be more time devoted to prayer for the fellowship, so today was our first Friday-night meeting! We spent a while supporting the church in prayer
Also, I met a new girl who had JUST moved from Hong Kong and will be attending El Camino with a host family. I introduced her to all my friends and helped her get situated within the fellowship.
ALSO also, I had the opportunity to catch up with a friend (who had left a while back for the army). It was great talking to him and seeing the work God has done in each of our lives, since our lives are so different and yet sustained by the same God. It was crazy and super encouraging at the same time to see the work God's doing on the other side of the country, within the army. We got to share prayer requests and pray for each other as well.
2 Corinthians 3, 365 DAYS OF LOVE #118
PASSAGE: The Glory of the New Covenant
MEMORY VERSE: "So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we one regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer." 2 Corinthians 2:16
NOTES: (v.4) "Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. 5Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. 6He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant--not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life."
(v.9) "If the ministry that condemns me is glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness!"
(v.15) "Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
ACT OF LOVE: Today, while doing the dishes, I did a little extra by cleaning/scrubbing the stains off the skin and counter top area as well!
MEMORY VERSE: "So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we one regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer." 2 Corinthians 2:16
NOTES: (v.4) "Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. 5Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. 6He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant--not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life."
(v.9) "If the ministry that condemns me is glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness!"
(v.15) "Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
ACT OF LOVE: Today, while doing the dishes, I did a little extra by cleaning/scrubbing the stains off the skin and counter top area as well!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
2 Corinthians 2, 365 DAYS OF LOVE #117
PASSAGE: Forgiveness for the Sinner, Ministers of the New Covenant
MEMORY VERSE: "He must become greater; I must become less" John 3:30
NOTES: (v.6-8) "The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient for him. 7Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 8I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him."
(v.15-17) "For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. 16To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? 17Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God."
ACT OF LOVE: Today, I helped my mom research a college for one of her friends who lives in China. I looked up admissions requirements, fees, majors/departments, etc.
Also, I gave her a random hug and told her that I loved her! <3
MEMORY VERSE: "He must become greater; I must become less" John 3:30
NOTES: (v.6-8) "The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient for him. 7Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 8I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him."
(v.15-17) "For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. 16To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? 17Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God."
ACT OF LOVE: Today, I helped my mom research a college for one of her friends who lives in China. I looked up admissions requirements, fees, majors/departments, etc.
Also, I gave her a random hug and told her that I loved her! <3
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
2 Corinthians 1, 365 DAYS OF LOVE #116: GOODBYE'S
PASSAGE: The God of All Comfort, Paul's Change of Plans
MEMORY VERSE: "He must become greater; I must become less" John 3:30
NOTES: (v.3-4) "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God" (just like 1 John 4:19!)
(v.7) "And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort"
(v.9) "Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead."
(v.12) "Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God's grace."
(v.20) "For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "yes" in Christ. And so through him the "amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God."
ACT OF LOVE: Today was my friend Agatha's last day in California before she left for Cornell :( I've known her ever since middle school, and she's been in my small group since Freshman year. Agatha has grown to be one of my closest friends, so she'll definitely be missed here in SoCal!
My acts of love:
-Started writing a letter to her so that she'll be able to get it once she moves in!
-Surprised her at her house with Patricia, Allen, and Theodore about half an hour before she left for the airport. We talked for a bit and shared our last goodbyes :(
ALSO, my friend texted me asking me to pray for her, and so I called her right then & there to pray for her over the phone!
MEMORY VERSE: "He must become greater; I must become less" John 3:30
NOTES: (v.3-4) "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God" (just like 1 John 4:19!)
(v.7) "And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort"
(v.9) "Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead."
(v.12) "Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God's grace."
(v.20) "For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "yes" in Christ. And so through him the "amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God."
ACT OF LOVE: Today was my friend Agatha's last day in California before she left for Cornell :( I've known her ever since middle school, and she's been in my small group since Freshman year. Agatha has grown to be one of my closest friends, so she'll definitely be missed here in SoCal!
My acts of love:
-Started writing a letter to her so that she'll be able to get it once she moves in!
-Surprised her at her house with Patricia, Allen, and Theodore about half an hour before she left for the airport. We talked for a bit and shared our last goodbyes :(
ALSO, my friend texted me asking me to pray for her, and so I called her right then & there to pray for her over the phone!
Monday, August 16, 2010
1 Corinthians 16, 365 DAYS OF LOVE #115: HELP
PASSAGE: The Collection for God's People, Personal Requests, Final Greetings
MEMORY VERSE: "He must become greater; I must become less." John 3:30
NOTES: (v.13-14) "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. 14Do everything in love."
(v.15-16) "You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. I urge you, brothers, 16to submit to such as these and toe veryone who joins in the work, and labors at it."
(v.22-24) "If anyone does not love the Lord--a curse be on him. Come, O Lord!The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Ame."
ACT OF LOVE: Today, I was talking to someone who was struggling with some things, and I realized that alot of what I learned at YSC could be used to help her! I talked to her about a whole bunch of stuff that God has taught me (from the messages, workshops, and cabin devos), and she was super duper encouraged by it! Isn't it AWESOME how God uses things like YSC to comfort and minister to people who didn't even attend? IT MAKES ME SO EXCITED to see what more God will do with me and others to SPREAD HIS LOVE! It just goes to show that God's love and message is universal, and He wants EVERYONE to share in it! OH HAPPY DAY. :)
MEMORY VERSE: "He must become greater; I must become less." John 3:30
NOTES: (v.13-14) "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. 14Do everything in love."
(v.15-16) "You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. I urge you, brothers, 16to submit to such as these and toe veryone who joins in the work, and labors at it."
(v.22-24) "If anyone does not love the Lord--a curse be on him. Come, O Lord!The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Ame."
ACT OF LOVE: Today, I was talking to someone who was struggling with some things, and I realized that alot of what I learned at YSC could be used to help her! I talked to her about a whole bunch of stuff that God has taught me (from the messages, workshops, and cabin devos), and she was super duper encouraged by it! Isn't it AWESOME how God uses things like YSC to comfort and minister to people who didn't even attend? IT MAKES ME SO EXCITED to see what more God will do with me and others to SPREAD HIS LOVE! It just goes to show that God's love and message is universal, and He wants EVERYONE to share in it! OH HAPPY DAY. :)
Sunday, August 15, 2010
1 Corinthians 15, 365 DAYS OF LOVE #114: MET TWO EGYPTIANS
PASSAGE: The Resurrection of Christ, The Resurrection of the Dead, The Resurrection Body
MEMORY VERSE: "He must become greater; I must become less." John 3:30
NOTES: (v.1) "Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I have preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain."
(v.10) "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me."
(v.17) "...if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins...20But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep."
(v.33) "Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character'"
(v.42) "So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; 43it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; 44it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body."
(v.50) "I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable."
(v.55) "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57BUT THANKS BE TO GOD! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
(v.58) "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
ACT OF LOVE: After service today, my friend Amy noticed two people we've never seen before, so we decided to go talk to them & make them feel more welcome! It turns out that they weren't all that new--they had been coming here for about TWO YEARS! They just always went to the mandarin service (WOAH..elderly-Egyptian couple in the Mandarin service? TIGHT). It was nice getting to know them...they are a very sweet couple :)
MEMORY VERSE: "He must become greater; I must become less." John 3:30
NOTES: (v.1) "Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I have preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain."
(v.10) "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me."
(v.17) "...if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins...20But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep."
(v.33) "Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character'"
(v.42) "So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; 43it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; 44it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body."
(v.50) "I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable."
(v.55) "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57BUT THANKS BE TO GOD! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
(v.58) "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
ACT OF LOVE: After service today, my friend Amy noticed two people we've never seen before, so we decided to go talk to them & make them feel more welcome! It turns out that they weren't all that new--they had been coming here for about TWO YEARS! They just always went to the mandarin service (WOAH..elderly-Egyptian couple in the Mandarin service? TIGHT). It was nice getting to know them...they are a very sweet couple :)
Saturday, August 14, 2010
1 Corinthians 13 & 14; 365 DAYS OF LOVE #113
PASSAGE: Love, Gifts of Prophecy and Tongues, Orderly Worship
MEMORY VERSE: "He must become greater; I must become less." John 3:30
NOTES: (v.1) "If I speak in the tongue of men and angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal."
(v.11) "When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me."
(v. 13) "And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love."
1 Corinthians 14:
(v.12) "So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church."
(v.15) "So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind."
(v.20) "Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults."
(v.39) "therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way."
ACT OF LOVE: I wrote facebook encouragement notes to my small group, since I didn't have the time to write a well-thought out one during YSC. I'm super thankful for each one of these girls, and I'm excited to continue living for Christ with them!
MEMORY VERSE: "He must become greater; I must become less." John 3:30
NOTES: (v.1) "If I speak in the tongue of men and angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal."
(v.11) "When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me."
(v. 13) "And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love."
1 Corinthians 14:
(v.12) "So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church."
(v.15) "So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind."
(v.20) "Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults."
(v.39) "therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way."
ACT OF LOVE: I wrote facebook encouragement notes to my small group, since I didn't have the time to write a well-thought out one during YSC. I'm super thankful for each one of these girls, and I'm excited to continue living for Christ with them!
YSC 2010 & 365 DAYS OF LOVE #107-112
I am back from YSC! For those who don't know, I have been in San Diego at a church retreat for the past week, which is why I haven't been able to update my blog. HOWEVER, that has not stopped me from loving! I still have been keeping up with the 365 days of love, but I haven't been that great about keeping record of it. Here are just a few things that I did each day (from what I remember):
*note: these might be out of order
ACT OF LOVE #107: Upon arriving at Pine Valley, I noticed two new girls that I haven't seen before. I decided to go talk to them, and realized that one of them is visiting from China (so she has very limited English), and the other mainly speaks Chinese. I took some time to talk to these girls (and to help translate) so that they would feel more comfortable here!
#108: I gave my friend a massage during free time.
#109: For our cabin devo that night, we went outside to the front of the game room. Initially I was sitting on one of the benches, but seeing that someone else wanted to sit on the bench, I gave up my seat :)
#110: The counselors had us older girls in the cabin wash the younger girls' feet during our combined cabin devo to mirror what Jesus did for his disciples (John 13).
#111: My friend went to breakfast without a jacket, so I lent her mine!
#112: I got to talk to the speaker and give him thank/encourage him for coming out to speak!
YSC 2010...
This past YSC was, in a nutshell, quite extraordinary. It seems like God used almost everything--the messages, the workshops, the worship, the cabin devos, the fellowship, the QTs, to teach me something new and unique. Though I may not feel the super-jittery excitement of a spiritual high that I did in middle school, God has been faithful in teaching me just as much. Since I'm too tired to write out a real reflection right now, here are a few thoughts on what I've learned:
-I should feel God deep down to my STOMACH, where my identity is rooted in CHRIST so that nothing (neither success/failures, gains/losses, praise criticism) in this life can affect the core of who I am
-"He must become greater; I must become less" John 3:30--true worship
-Information without transformation = damnation
-Not only am I His beloved, but so is everyone else. Love others as He loves me (1 John 4:19)
-Romans 3: have faith as Abraham did in Christ.
-Surrender everything to Him, every day.
*note: these might be out of order
ACT OF LOVE #107: Upon arriving at Pine Valley, I noticed two new girls that I haven't seen before. I decided to go talk to them, and realized that one of them is visiting from China (so she has very limited English), and the other mainly speaks Chinese. I took some time to talk to these girls (and to help translate) so that they would feel more comfortable here!
#108: I gave my friend a massage during free time.
#109: For our cabin devo that night, we went outside to the front of the game room. Initially I was sitting on one of the benches, but seeing that someone else wanted to sit on the bench, I gave up my seat :)
#110: The counselors had us older girls in the cabin wash the younger girls' feet during our combined cabin devo to mirror what Jesus did for his disciples (John 13).
#111: My friend went to breakfast without a jacket, so I lent her mine!
#112: I got to talk to the speaker and give him thank/encourage him for coming out to speak!
YSC 2010...
This past YSC was, in a nutshell, quite extraordinary. It seems like God used almost everything--the messages, the workshops, the worship, the cabin devos, the fellowship, the QTs, to teach me something new and unique. Though I may not feel the super-jittery excitement of a spiritual high that I did in middle school, God has been faithful in teaching me just as much. Since I'm too tired to write out a real reflection right now, here are a few thoughts on what I've learned:
-I should feel God deep down to my STOMACH, where my identity is rooted in CHRIST so that nothing (neither success/failures, gains/losses, praise criticism) in this life can affect the core of who I am
-"He must become greater; I must become less" John 3:30--true worship
-Information without transformation = damnation
-Not only am I His beloved, but so is everyone else. Love others as He loves me (1 John 4:19)
-Romans 3: have faith as Abraham did in Christ.
-Surrender everything to Him, every day.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
1 Corinthians 12, 365 DAYS OF LOVE #106: END OF VBS
PASSAGE: Spiritual Gifts,
MEMORY VERSE: "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him." Psalm 34:8
NOTES: (v.4-6) "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men."
(v.7-11) "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another...knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith...to another gifts of healing...to another miraculous powers...to another prophecy...to another distinguishing between spirits...to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues."
(v.12) "The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body."
(v.18) "But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19If they were all one part, where would the body be?"
(v.25) "...so that there should be no division in the body, but that its part should have equal concern for each other. 26If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it."
ACT OF LOVE: Today I went to the VBS Carnival to help set up/man the prize stations/clean up for the kiddies! The carnival is where the kids can redeem prizes with the "adventure patches" they earned throughout the week and perform a song with their class. It was a great end to VBS!
Also, while I was shopping at Albertsons I noticed that there was some trash/food stuff on the floor, so I cleaned it up!
MEMORY VERSE: "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him." Psalm 34:8
NOTES: (v.4-6) "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men."
(v.7-11) "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another...knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith...to another gifts of healing...to another miraculous powers...to another prophecy...to another distinguishing between spirits...to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues."
(v.12) "The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body."
(v.18) "But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19If they were all one part, where would the body be?"
(v.25) "...so that there should be no division in the body, but that its part should have equal concern for each other. 26If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it."
ACT OF LOVE: Today I went to the VBS Carnival to help set up/man the prize stations/clean up for the kiddies! The carnival is where the kids can redeem prizes with the "adventure patches" they earned throughout the week and perform a song with their class. It was a great end to VBS!
Also, while I was shopping at Albertsons I noticed that there was some trash/food stuff on the floor, so I cleaned it up!
Friday, August 6, 2010
1 Corinthians 11, 365 DAYS OF LOVE #105: BREAKFAST
PASSAGE: Propriety in Worship, The Lord's Supper
MEMORY VERSE: "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him" Psalm 34:8
NOTES: (v.3) "Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.
(v.11) "In the Lord, however, woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. 12For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God."
Here, the Bible iterates values that are drastically different from those of modern society: that women (wives) should submit to men as head, and that neither gender is independent of the other. I think it's important to realize that here, the Bible isn't implying a difference in equality; rather, it is reminding us of how the roles of a man and woman are different because they were created differently. It shows us that instead of women trying to become "equal" with men (or vice versa), we should recognize the unique nature of each gender and it's relation to God.
(v.20) "When you come together, it is not the Lord's Supper you eat, 21for as you eat, each of you goes ahead without waiting for anybody else. One remains hungry, another gets drunk...Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing?"
(v.27) "Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and the blood of the Lord. 28A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup."
(v.32) "When we are being judge by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world."
This reminds of Hebrews 12:7-8; "Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons."
ACT OF LOVE: Today, I stopped by McDonalds in the morning and bought breakfast for my skit team. They have worked hard all week by memorizing their lines and coming earlier than everyone else (at 7:45 a.m.!) just to rehearse for each day's skit, so I wanted to express my appreciation by giving them food like the good Asian I am. Granted, one of the things I bought (the sausage burrito from the Dollar Menu) was pretty horrendous and made my stomach very volatile. I had to run to the bathroom in the middle of the skit rehearsal because of the burrito I ate like 10 minutes earlier. It was like maximum strength Activia except that it doesn't make you feel good afterwards. Nonetheless, I think they enjoyed the (other) breakfasts and hopefully it gave them a burst of energy throughout the last day of VBS!
But I'm never going to McDonald's again.
Don't be deceived by false advertising! The culprit of my bathroom woes..
MEMORY VERSE: "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him" Psalm 34:8
NOTES: (v.3) "Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.
(v.11) "In the Lord, however, woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. 12For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God."
Here, the Bible iterates values that are drastically different from those of modern society: that women (wives) should submit to men as head, and that neither gender is independent of the other. I think it's important to realize that here, the Bible isn't implying a difference in equality; rather, it is reminding us of how the roles of a man and woman are different because they were created differently. It shows us that instead of women trying to become "equal" with men (or vice versa), we should recognize the unique nature of each gender and it's relation to God.
(v.20) "When you come together, it is not the Lord's Supper you eat, 21for as you eat, each of you goes ahead without waiting for anybody else. One remains hungry, another gets drunk...Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing?"
(v.27) "Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and the blood of the Lord. 28A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup."
(v.32) "When we are being judge by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world."
This reminds of Hebrews 12:7-8; "Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons."
ACT OF LOVE: Today, I stopped by McDonalds in the morning and bought breakfast for my skit team. They have worked hard all week by memorizing their lines and coming earlier than everyone else (at 7:45 a.m.!) just to rehearse for each day's skit, so I wanted to express my appreciation by giving them food like the good Asian I am. Granted, one of the things I bought (the sausage burrito from the Dollar Menu) was pretty horrendous and made my stomach very volatile. I had to run to the bathroom in the middle of the skit rehearsal because of the burrito I ate like 10 minutes earlier. It was like maximum strength Activia except that it doesn't make you feel good afterwards. Nonetheless, I think they enjoyed the (other) breakfasts and hopefully it gave them a burst of energy throughout the last day of VBS!
But I'm never going to McDonald's again.
Don't be deceived by false advertising! The culprit of my bathroom woes..
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Use It or Lose It, 365 DAYS OF LOVE #104: CLEANING, CARDS, PRAYER
PASSAGE: Matthew 25:14-30
MEMORY VERSE: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." Colossians 3:23
NOTES:Matthew 25
-A man was going on a journey and gave his servants talents (each according to his own ability):
1. Man with 5 talents: earned 5 more (perhaps by buying a field and selling grain, trading, etc)
2. Man with 2 talents: earned 2 more. He could have been bitter/jealous of the man with 5 talents, but instead and he did the best he could with what he was given.
3. Man with 1 talent: hid the talent in a hole. Feared losing his talent, so he did nothing
-The master returned and saw what each of his servants had done:
1. 5 Talents: he gave 5 more "Well done, good and faithful servant!"
2. 2 Talents: he gave 2 more
3. The man with 1 talent: Uh oh. Angry, the master threw him out of the house and gave his talent to the man who had earned 10 talents.
-Here, talent means "money," but Jesus didn't just tell this story to talk about money. God wants us to use the abilities, resources, and gifts that He has given us (no matter how big/small) to help others! (ex: doing chores at home, doing hw, playing fairly, being a good sibling). That's how we show love to God and others!
-Think of a talent that you have, and ask God for help to use it in ways that please Him.
-Transition into memory verse
ACT OF LOVE: Today, the crafts center and 5th/6th grade helpers were assigned kitchen duty after lunch. I cleaned up yesterday (since I was part of the 3rd/4th grade staff), but I decided to help them today too. A lot of the craft centers people were busy preparing for the next day's craft, and most of the 5th/6th grade staff were parents who had already left. So, it was just me and maybe 2 other people in the beginning, and we cleaned off most of the tables. By the time they started doing the dishes, most of the crafts people had arrived to help. Even though it was extra work, it felt GOOD to do this. I honestly enjoyed serving my fellow staff in a small but heartfelt way, even if the chore wasn't all that fun to do.
Annnd I spent some time praying for each of my 20 children individually--prayed that the Word would be sown into good soil; that each activity would be used to draw them closer to God, and that they would develop lasting and foundational relationships with Christ (as well as any specific prayers for the individual kid).
MEMORY VERSE: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." Colossians 3:23
NOTES:Matthew 25
-A man was going on a journey and gave his servants talents (each according to his own ability):
1. Man with 5 talents: earned 5 more (perhaps by buying a field and selling grain, trading, etc)
2. Man with 2 talents: earned 2 more. He could have been bitter/jealous of the man with 5 talents, but instead and he did the best he could with what he was given.
3. Man with 1 talent: hid the talent in a hole. Feared losing his talent, so he did nothing
-The master returned and saw what each of his servants had done:
1. 5 Talents: he gave 5 more "Well done, good and faithful servant!"
2. 2 Talents: he gave 2 more
3. The man with 1 talent: Uh oh. Angry, the master threw him out of the house and gave his talent to the man who had earned 10 talents.
-Here, talent means "money," but Jesus didn't just tell this story to talk about money. God wants us to use the abilities, resources, and gifts that He has given us (no matter how big/small) to help others! (ex: doing chores at home, doing hw, playing fairly, being a good sibling). That's how we show love to God and others!
-Think of a talent that you have, and ask God for help to use it in ways that please Him.
-Transition into memory verse
ACT OF LOVE: Today, the crafts center and 5th/6th grade helpers were assigned kitchen duty after lunch. I cleaned up yesterday (since I was part of the 3rd/4th grade staff), but I decided to help them today too. A lot of the craft centers people were busy preparing for the next day's craft, and most of the 5th/6th grade staff were parents who had already left. So, it was just me and maybe 2 other people in the beginning, and we cleaned off most of the tables. By the time they started doing the dishes, most of the crafts people had arrived to help. Even though it was extra work, it felt GOOD to do this. I honestly enjoyed serving my fellow staff in a small but heartfelt way, even if the chore wasn't all that fun to do.
Annnd I spent some time praying for each of my 20 children individually--prayed that the Word would be sown into good soil; that each activity would be used to draw them closer to God, and that they would develop lasting and foundational relationships with Christ (as well as any specific prayers for the individual kid).
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
The Midnight Knocker, 365 DAYS OF LOVE #103
PASSAGE: Luke 11:1-13
MEMORY VERSE: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God...will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
NOTES: Luke 11
Jesus on prayer: "Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. 3Give us each day our daily bread. 4Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation."
-story of the midnight knocker--God is MORE willing than the grumpy neighbor who grudgingly gave his friend some bread.
(v.9) "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened for you. 10For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."
Jesus says in plain text that if you ask God in prayer, he will answer it. However, that does not mean that God is some big fairy-godmother/genie type of person; (ex. if you ask God for a lifetime supply of candy, He probably wouldn't give it to you because that's just unhealthy).
Instead, in (v.13) Jesus says "if you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" The key word here is "good gifts." What is a good gift? Sure, it may be something that you want, or something that's fun, but ultimately a good gift from God benefits you as His children and glorifies Him as your father. If you ask God for things that are in His will, "it will be given to you!"
Let's take a closer look: (v.11) "Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?" We see here more proof that God wants to work for the good of His children; those who love and obey Him. It's not only super nice and gracious of God; it's also logical! Think about your parents: whenever you're hungry or in need, would they ever give you something harmful? Of course not!
-In the same way, Jesus calls us to keep on praying; to keep on "knocking" because He WANTS to help us children! That means, whenever we feel sad, angry, or scared, the best thing to do is talk to God.
-One of the best things we can pray for is to be come a member of God's family
-end in closing prayer, transition into verse
ACT OF LOVE: Today, I came to church at around 7:30am-ish and spent some time helping my assistant prepare for the day's activity before/during the skit rehearsals!
MEMORY VERSE: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God...will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
NOTES: Luke 11
Jesus on prayer: "Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. 3Give us each day our daily bread. 4Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation."
-story of the midnight knocker--God is MORE willing than the grumpy neighbor who grudgingly gave his friend some bread.
(v.9) "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened for you. 10For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."
Jesus says in plain text that if you ask God in prayer, he will answer it. However, that does not mean that God is some big fairy-godmother/genie type of person; (ex. if you ask God for a lifetime supply of candy, He probably wouldn't give it to you because that's just unhealthy).
Instead, in (v.13) Jesus says "if you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" The key word here is "good gifts." What is a good gift? Sure, it may be something that you want, or something that's fun, but ultimately a good gift from God benefits you as His children and glorifies Him as your father. If you ask God for things that are in His will, "it will be given to you!"
Let's take a closer look: (v.11) "Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?" We see here more proof that God wants to work for the good of His children; those who love and obey Him. It's not only super nice and gracious of God; it's also logical! Think about your parents: whenever you're hungry or in need, would they ever give you something harmful? Of course not!
-In the same way, Jesus calls us to keep on praying; to keep on "knocking" because He WANTS to help us children! That means, whenever we feel sad, angry, or scared, the best thing to do is talk to God.
-One of the best things we can pray for is to be come a member of God's family
-end in closing prayer, transition into verse
ACT OF LOVE: Today, I came to church at around 7:30am-ish and spent some time helping my assistant prepare for the day's activity before/during the skit rehearsals!
An Unlikely Neighbor, 365 DAYS OF LOVE #102
PASSAGE: Luke 10:25-37 (The Parable of the Good Samaritan)
MEMORY VERSE: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind...Love your neighbor as yourself" Matthew 22:37-39
NOTES: Luke 10
-One day, a man asked Jesus, "teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
Jesus replied by telling him to recite what was written in the law: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself'"
-The parable: a man was going from Jerusalem to Jericho (17 miles), when a group of robbers came and took his clothes, beat him, and left him on the road to die. 3 people passed his way:
1. THE PRIEST: (Probably on his way to the Temple) He saw him, and went to the other side. Probably feared for the robbers
2. A LEVITE: Passed to the other side
3. A SAMARITAN: took pity on the man--bandaged his wounds, put him on his donkey, and took him to an inn. He paid for all his expenses and told the innkeeper to look after him. The thing is, Samaritans and Jews did NOT like each other. He seemed the least likely to help a Jewish man!
The priest and the levite were not criminals or super selfish people. They were probably just scared that they would be robbed too! It seems like a reasonable thought, right? But what does Jesus say? Let’s take a look:
-Which of these was a neighbor to the man who fell? The man replied, "the one who had mercy on him."
Jesus says: "Go and do likewise."
This parable shows us how we can truly LIVE out what God tells us to do. Sometimes it's easy helping people--especially people you like. But Jesus wants us to love EVERYONE "as ourselves"--we can do that when we first love God with all our heart! When we open our hearts to love God, he gives us more room to love others. This is how we show that we are God's children, and that we are FOUND.
-We can also learn to love by imitating examples of parents, teachers, or friends who are very loving. What are some ways that people have shown love to you?
-Examples of ways to show love?
It may not always be easy, but God will always help us if we ask Him in prayer.
ACT OF LOVE: When VBS ended today, two of my kids were still at church after the rest of my class had left because their mom was late. I stayed with them for around 15-20 minutes until their ride came even though one of my helpers offered to do it. I used those few minutes to get to know them personally, since I can't always talk to every single kid individually. Also, I wrote an encouragement note to one of my helpers, Kevin, as a token of my appreciation for his work!
MEMORY VERSE: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind...Love your neighbor as yourself" Matthew 22:37-39
NOTES: Luke 10
-One day, a man asked Jesus, "teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
Jesus replied by telling him to recite what was written in the law: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself'"
-The parable: a man was going from Jerusalem to Jericho (17 miles), when a group of robbers came and took his clothes, beat him, and left him on the road to die. 3 people passed his way:
1. THE PRIEST: (Probably on his way to the Temple) He saw him, and went to the other side. Probably feared for the robbers
2. A LEVITE: Passed to the other side
3. A SAMARITAN: took pity on the man--bandaged his wounds, put him on his donkey, and took him to an inn. He paid for all his expenses and told the innkeeper to look after him. The thing is, Samaritans and Jews did NOT like each other. He seemed the least likely to help a Jewish man!
The priest and the levite were not criminals or super selfish people. They were probably just scared that they would be robbed too! It seems like a reasonable thought, right? But what does Jesus say? Let’s take a look:
-Which of these was a neighbor to the man who fell? The man replied, "the one who had mercy on him."
Jesus says: "Go and do likewise."
This parable shows us how we can truly LIVE out what God tells us to do. Sometimes it's easy helping people--especially people you like. But Jesus wants us to love EVERYONE "as ourselves"--we can do that when we first love God with all our heart! When we open our hearts to love God, he gives us more room to love others. This is how we show that we are God's children, and that we are FOUND.
-We can also learn to love by imitating examples of parents, teachers, or friends who are very loving. What are some ways that people have shown love to you?
-Examples of ways to show love?
It may not always be easy, but God will always help us if we ask Him in prayer.
ACT OF LOVE: When VBS ended today, two of my kids were still at church after the rest of my class had left because their mom was late. I stayed with them for around 15-20 minutes until their ride came even though one of my helpers offered to do it. I used those few minutes to get to know them personally, since I can't always talk to every single kid individually. Also, I wrote an encouragement note to one of my helpers, Kevin, as a token of my appreciation for his work!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Baa, Baa, Lost Sheep, 365 DAYS OF LOVE #101
PASSAGE: Matthew 18:12-14, Luke 15:3-7, Luke 23
MEMORY VERSE: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" John 3:16
NOTES: Matthew 18:12-14: "What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? 13And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. 14In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost."
Luke 15:6-7: "Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' 7I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."
What does it mean to be found?
Luke 23 highlights:
-Before Jesus was crucified, he was taken to trial before an official named Pilate. In v.13, the Bible says that Pilate could find NOTHING wrong that Jesus did--but the people still wanted him to be crucified! Wanting to please the people but knowing the Jesus was innocent, Pilate offered them to choose between Jesus or Barabbas, a MURDERER, to set free. Immediately the crowd shouted for Jesus to be crucified!
-Pilate had no choice but to send Jesus off to be crucified, but even as Jesus was about to be killed on the cross, he asked God to forgive the very people who wanted to kill him! (v.34 "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
-The people continued to mock and insult him on the cross. Jesus gave his last breath when he surrendered his spirit to God (v.46) . He was buried by a man named Joseph who prepared a tomb for him.
Jesus understood that his own murderers were lost without the love of God, which is why he died on the cross for them, and for us. To be found means believing and putting your faith in Jesus' story, and obeying what God calls us to do through the Bible. Every time one of you are found, ALL of heaven rejoices with a giant party celebration! Because of Jesus, we have the opportunity to gain eternal life with Him (transition into memory verse).
ACT OF LOVE: Today was Day 1 of Vacation Bible School! It was a great (and hectic) day of music, Bible stories, skits, crafts, recreation, and learning! My acts of love:
-giving my friend my drink that had more soda in it because they ran out of soda and he only had a tiny bit in his cup
-helping my mom change the smoke alarm
MEMORY VERSE: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" John 3:16
NOTES: Matthew 18:12-14: "What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? 13And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. 14In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost."
Luke 15:6-7: "Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' 7I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."
What does it mean to be found?
Luke 23 highlights:
-Before Jesus was crucified, he was taken to trial before an official named Pilate. In v.13, the Bible says that Pilate could find NOTHING wrong that Jesus did--but the people still wanted him to be crucified! Wanting to please the people but knowing the Jesus was innocent, Pilate offered them to choose between Jesus or Barabbas, a MURDERER, to set free. Immediately the crowd shouted for Jesus to be crucified!
-Pilate had no choice but to send Jesus off to be crucified, but even as Jesus was about to be killed on the cross, he asked God to forgive the very people who wanted to kill him! (v.34 "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
-The people continued to mock and insult him on the cross. Jesus gave his last breath when he surrendered his spirit to God (v.46) . He was buried by a man named Joseph who prepared a tomb for him.
Jesus understood that his own murderers were lost without the love of God, which is why he died on the cross for them, and for us. To be found means believing and putting your faith in Jesus' story, and obeying what God calls us to do through the Bible. Every time one of you are found, ALL of heaven rejoices with a giant party celebration! Because of Jesus, we have the opportunity to gain eternal life with Him (transition into memory verse).
ACT OF LOVE: Today was Day 1 of Vacation Bible School! It was a great (and hectic) day of music, Bible stories, skits, crafts, recreation, and learning! My acts of love:
-giving my friend my drink that had more soda in it because they ran out of soda and he only had a tiny bit in his cup
-helping my mom change the smoke alarm
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Which Soil Are You?, 365 DAYS OF LOVE #100: LiNK
*VBS is coming up TOMORROW and it is my first year being a teacher! So, I will be taking a break from 1 Corinthians for the next two weeks. This week, I'll be studying the next day's lesson and Bible verse for VBS to further prepare myself to teach (and posting parts of my lesson plan for the kids here). Will resume to 1 Corinthians in two weeks!
PASSAGE: Matthew 13:1-23, Mark 4:1-20, Luke 8:4-15
MEMORY VERSE: "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you" Psalm 119:11
NOTES: Matthew 13 , Mark 4 , Luke 8
SEED #1: fell along the path, eaten by birds (Matt 13:4)
These people hear the gospel but never believe it, so the birds (Satan) eat what was sown
SEED #2: fell on shallow soil, but was scorched by the sun when plants came up (Matt 13:5-6)
These people hear the gospel, believe in it, but their faith withers without any deep roots. In trials and hard times, they are burned by this world and fall away from God (Mark 4:17)
SEED #3: fell among thorns that choked the plants (Matt. 13:7)
These people receive the word, but is choked by worries of this life so that he is unfruitful (Mark 4:18)
SEED #4: fell on good soil, where it produced a 100x, 60x, or 30x what was sown
These are people who hear the word, obey it, and live it out every day.
How do we become the good soil? Today's verse comes from Psalm 119: 11 "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." Jesus calls us to believe God's word, AND to obey it every single day. That's how we can become good members of God's family, and good soil.
What are some ways that you can practice being a good soil?
(memorize Bible verses, read the Bible, be nice to others, etc)
What happens when we obey what the Bible calls us to do?
(we produce "good crop," we help spread God's love, etc)
RECAP-the 4 soils, daily Bible verse
ACT OF LOVE: Today, there was a LiNK (Liberty in North Korea) screening at our church, and we even had a North Korean defector come and visit and share his testimony! Afterwards, I bought two shirts to support them and got a chance to talk to Joseph (the NK defector). It was super cool talking to him, and I still can't imagine living the life that he had. I'm uber glad that I made a new friend and had the opportunity to support/see the organization! Go check it out!
PASSAGE: Matthew 13:1-23, Mark 4:1-20, Luke 8:4-15
MEMORY VERSE: "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you" Psalm 119:11
NOTES: Matthew 13 , Mark 4 , Luke 8
SEED #1: fell along the path, eaten by birds (Matt 13:4)
These people hear the gospel but never believe it, so the birds (Satan) eat what was sown
SEED #2: fell on shallow soil, but was scorched by the sun when plants came up (Matt 13:5-6)
These people hear the gospel, believe in it, but their faith withers without any deep roots. In trials and hard times, they are burned by this world and fall away from God (Mark 4:17)
SEED #3: fell among thorns that choked the plants (Matt. 13:7)
These people receive the word, but is choked by worries of this life so that he is unfruitful (Mark 4:18)
SEED #4: fell on good soil, where it produced a 100x, 60x, or 30x what was sown
These are people who hear the word, obey it, and live it out every day.
How do we become the good soil? Today's verse comes from Psalm 119: 11 "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." Jesus calls us to believe God's word, AND to obey it every single day. That's how we can become good members of God's family, and good soil.
What are some ways that you can practice being a good soil?
(memorize Bible verses, read the Bible, be nice to others, etc)
What happens when we obey what the Bible calls us to do?
(we produce "good crop," we help spread God's love, etc)
RECAP-the 4 soils, daily Bible verse
ACT OF LOVE: Today, there was a LiNK (Liberty in North Korea) screening at our church, and we even had a North Korean defector come and visit and share his testimony! Afterwards, I bought two shirts to support them and got a chance to talk to Joseph (the NK defector). It was super cool talking to him, and I still can't imagine living the life that he had. I'm uber glad that I made a new friend and had the opportunity to support/see the organization! Go check it out!
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