His Bride

So i jus finished my intensive Greek 1 and 2 at Talbot. I passed both by decimal points! Praise God i dont hafta take it again! lol.. So happy!

Ive been back home in Hawai'i nei for 3 days now! Ill be here till Aug 21st. It feels so good to see friends and family. I really missed a lot of them. I still have to see a bunch of church friends. Some Jehovah Witnesses came by Saturday, so we're planning on meeting again to discuss the person/deity of Jesus, so that'll be fun. It's great kicking back and jus playing a bunch of video games and eating local food. I also missed the weather (even nice rain) and i forgot how good hawaii's tap water is. Although i also forgot how expensive everything is ova here.

My first semester and summer at Talbot was surprising more difficult than i expected. I am glad that I have learned a lot of theology and practical ministry, but at the same time i feel that it can also become an idol for me. I really need to focus on my quiet devotional time. I'm also growing in faith by preaching the gospel to myself daily and jus resting in God's grace. It really feels great to have an advocate in our defense that draws us into intimate fellowship with God. I do feel a little more stable in my walk with God. I am still battling temptations of pride, lust, and laziness, but I do feel that God is pruning, sharping, refining me and preparing me for his work.

I am lately very astonished by the body and bride of Christ, His church. We are a new creation, adopted sons and daughters, and holy saints. I am jus amazed at the unity and great worship that i have witnesses in the church. A korean pastor once said, "The church is not a hall of fame or museum for saints, but rather a hospital for sinners." And i would agree that the church really does offer healing and restoration. I am learning to trust in the power of prayer for others, and not jus by words but in actions. Faith without works is dead, and whoever does not love his fellow brother does not know God. God's love and spirit of truth is becoming more and more manifested in the church. I am so overwhelmed and thankful for such a loving community. I now understand the great joy Paul felt when he spoke of seeing and worshiping with the body.

I really do see God's spirit at work and drawing his people to Him. I have been experiencing the bond between brothers and sisters, and great discipleship that is taking place. I noticed that the closer we draw to Christ, the more God uses us through His spirit, and the easier it becomes to love on others. I believe the key to healthy spiritual growth is really just abiding in Him and remaining steadfast in His almighty and sovereign grace. Friends, i pray that we would continue to press forward, confessing our sins to another, and being the church that God wills. Let the light of Christ shine in our lives, do not cover under a bushel, for love conquers over a multitude of sins. Pray for each other, offer our lives as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to Him. For we are created to grow in His likeness. Find rest, peace, and joy in His glorious Name, and praise Him who is mighty to save.

Father, i pray that we would die to ourselves, and that you would increase in our lives. We surrender our pride, we cry out for Spirit. I pray for consistency and immediate obedience. I pray that his church would be the salt and the light of this world, and that people of all nations and races would come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior. Father we thank you for your amazing love and grace, help us to trust and desire you when we dont. Heal our scars, forgive our sinful thoughts and actions. Change our hearts, conform us to your Son, and glorify your Church. Thank you for never letting go of us, You are so good! We praise you in Jesus Name! Amen!