A Walk With God

In Hawaii i used to take a lot more walks. Things weren't as busy over there. In Cali i haven't taken many walks around my neighborhood or explored many parks. It seems every time i intentionally try to meet with God while taking a walk, he immediately shows up and begins speaking to me in a variety of ways. The tough part is just to get my shoes on, throw a jacket on and get outside.

I often find myself caught and trapped in different worlds. What i mean by that, is that we often get lost in movies, tv, video games, entertainment, dreams, ambitions, school, work, technology, internet distractions, etc. For instance, when we walk into a mall, we are entering a world and culture that tells us what to worship and value. We are bombarded with things to buy, food, clothes, and shiny things. I'm not saying malls are bad, but why do we place so much value on having and possessing stuff. Another good example is the internet. There's facebook, email, youtube, music, hulu and other medias. We can easily be consumed by entertainment. There is a place and time for these things. I know i spend way too much time being on my laptop, when there is a world of beauty out there.

Today my goal was to get lost in God and to be consumed by Him. Sometimes we can't find the right radio frequency because of other distracting noises. Taking a walk allows one to get out of the house and to tune everything else out. Taking a walk allows one to observe nature. And creation seems to shout glory to God. For instance, as i was walking i saw a bunch of maple leaves on the ground. They were shades of red, orange, yellow, brown and green. They were all vivid colors and of all sorts of shapes and sizes. So i decided to stop and draw a couple, lol. i also saw this funny little squirrel, he was a fast little buggah. Stop to admire the beauty of life and then praise the Artist.

I thought it was interesting that what God's message for me was to learn how to listen and receive from Him. He was teaching me how to slow down, stop and take time out of our busy schedules to intentionally meet and commune with Him. Every moment we are given the opportunity to interact and participate in an intimate relationship with Him. Why not seize each moment to experience God to our fullest? How often are we receptive to the illumination of His Spirit? Do we have the eyes and ears to see and hear what God has in store for us today? Do we intentionally set aside time to invest in relationships with other people? Is it a priority and desire to enjoy fellowship, edify the church body, and worship with other believers? Where has our heart been lately?

Sometimes i can easily get caught up with knowledge and academic raw theology concepts. There's a place for that, but it can be useless without practical and personal application to our lives. Sometimes we need to stop and experience God's truths in our lives. We need to try to embrace His grace and absorb His love like a huge sponge. It usually results in an attitude of thankfulness and uncontainable joy.

Anyways, as i was walking i stopped on a curb in the neighborhood. I began to notice the cool wind surround me and rushing through the green trees. I took a deep breath and felt the fullness of being in God's presence. It's so much easier to encounter God in solitude. It was refreshing to find rest and peace in Him. I always found it interesting how much Jesus emphasized community and fellowship and yet He would often retreat to solitude. We too are to escape to God as our hiding place.

Wait upon God. Be ready and available to Him. Clear out the distractions buzzing in your head and get lost in God. Surrender any idols, confess sin. Cast your burdens upon Him, find refuge in Him, and give Him your entire heart. See the world as a child, cry out to Him and receive from our Abba, Father. Trust in His faithfulness, taste His goodness. Let gratitude draw you closer to this deep well of joy. Feast on His Word. Let the richness of His perfect, infinite, unconditional and explosive love satisfy your soul. Simply receive from Him. Do you hear Him calling? Can you hear His voice whispering? What is He speaking to you? Can you feel His relentless longing for you? Delight in Him, praise Him for all that He is, glorify Him for His sovereignty, rejoice in the salvation of the cross, dance in His freedom, become consumed in awe, and abide in Him.

God's Will

For a long time i wanted something. I wanted it so bad. I thought that because i desired it so much for so long that perhaps it was God's will for me to go after it. However, sometimes God purposely removes a piece of candy away from a baby. As our Father, He knows what's best for us. He knows us better than we know ourselves. He clearly gave me a red light, but i wanted to run the light anyway. For awhile, my heart wanted to challenge God's will. God's will usually seems to be the more difficult decision, and yet it also happens to be the right decision. In faith, we must trust in His sovereignty, His love, provision and guidance; for He is always holy, righteous and faithful.

Instead of just listening to our heart, we must stop, discern and listen to God's will. Our heart can often mislead and deceive us. In discerning God's will, I learned to seek wise counsel of others, patiently offer my request to God in prayer, and to listen to both God's written and spoken word. What is on your heart? Does it distract your attention and affection away from God or draw you closer to Him? May the God of comfort and peace whisper to your heart.

Psalm 77:11-15

 ¹¹ I shall remember the deeds of the LORD;
Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.
¹² I will meditate on all Your work
And muse on Your deeds.
¹³ Your way, O God, is holy;
What god is great like our God?
¹⁴ You are the God who works wonders;
You have made known Your strength among the peoples.
¹⁵ You have by Your power redeemed Your people,

Getting Into the Stride of God

"The test of a man's religious life and character is not what he does in the exceptional moments of life, but what he does in the ordinary times, when there is nothing tremendous or exciting on. The worth of a man is revealed in his attitude to ordinary things when he is not before the footlights. It is a painful business to get through into the stride of God, it means getting your second wind spiritually. In learning to walk with God there is always the difficulty of getting into His stride; but when we have got into it, the only characteristic that manifests itself is the life of God. The individual man is lost sight of in his personal union with God, and the stride and the power of God alone are manifested." -Oswald Chambers

Forgiveness

"In spiritual relationship we do not grow step by step; we are either there or we are not. God does not cleanse us more and more from sin, but when we are in the light, walking in the light, we are cleansed from all sin." -Oswald Chambers

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." -1 John 1:9

Today one of our cats, snowball ran away. i was super bummed. But then while i was walkin to the kitchen, i saw his little funny face and sad blue eyes looking in through the screen door. He confessed his disobedience and for runnin away from home, and we accepted our prodigal cat back with love, joy n' grace.  

"American Beauty"

I just finished watching a movie called "American Beauty." It demonstrated that life can be empty without loving each other. It was a good negative example of how families don't know how to treat each other. It threw in a lot of dynamics about how people see the world and those around them. It displayed some of the difficulties in life and how different people handle social pressures. It threw in a mixture of personalities and perspectives. It threw in the dynamics of marriage, parenting, narcissism, low self-esteem, materialism, self-dependency, apathy, indifference, abuse, purpose, family, love, anger, fantasy, drugs, homosexuality, appearances, meeting people's expectations, pain, communication, conflict, and beauty. The thing that they all had in common was that they all needed to be loved. And because they couldn't receive love from others, they turned to other outlets of escape. They were all looking for their identity and something out of life. They all knew there was something more to live for, but they couldn't quite put their finger on it. Some characters would capture a glimpse of beauty and would just wonder what is the whole meaning to this thing we call life.

What was truly missing was a Christian perspective. They needed the love of God to show that there is more to life than chasing the American dream. The fruits of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control can only come from the God. Romans 1 explains that God's creation testifies about Him, and that people can notice that there is something behind all this beauty in life. That there is a Divine Creator to this life we experience. That there is a God who compassionately cares for each one of us; That there is an abundant and full life through Christ and the fellowship of believers. That there is a love that goes beyond any of our descriptions. Are we living robotic, ordinary, boring, and routine lives? Or is there purpose in our life. Who or what do we serve and worship?

Have you ever taken a walk and seen the intense beauty of the sun, sky, wind and trees? God's creation is mind blowing, uncontainable, and can leave you breathless. After absorbing all of that, stop to ponder the unlimited, all powerful, relentless love of God. God uses natural revelation to draw us to special revelation, so that we can know that there is a God who loves us enough to die for us. To claim us, to be His, to save us from sin and death, and give us an eternal life with Him. It is impossible to encounter the full beauty and love of God and not be grateful, joyful, and to be full of awe. If you truly receive and trust Him as Lord over your life, you will be changed, you will love others, you will find your identity, purpose and meaning in life.

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters." -1 John 3:16-17

For The Joy of Our Lord is Our Strength

"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him." -Psalm 28:7

The Likeness of Jesus

My TheologyI class assigned a prayer project to pray about our vocation and Phil 3:17. He asked, "What have you learned from observing those who embody the likeness of Jesus?"

     Praying about my vocation always seems to reinforce what I believe God has called me to. Becoming a pastor as a job in ministry is not the call. God has called me to preach and proclaim the Gospel, disciple His people in His Word, love Him with all that I am, and share His love with others. Now it’s a matter of being faithful to His call, and being, conscious of His daily will for me.
      I reflected on people who embodied the likeness of Jesus and observed those that follow Christ. Their life is explosive in love. I sense an overwhelming joy in their life, and it is absolutely contagious. They can’t help but smile and laugh all the time. They are extremely encouraging, especially when I’m discouraged. They do not hesitate to pray, they go directly to our Abba, Father. These people can have their down times, but are usually very solid. They inspire me to grow closer into the likeness of Christ, and to be in tune with the Holy Spirit. They take convictions seriously and are always willing to share what they have learned from God. These people encounter God, nay have fellowship with God everyday and what seems like every hour. These people don’t just worship God, they fall flat on their faces in submission. You can easily tell who reigns as their King. You can see how thankful they are for life and how much they cherish each moment of every blessing. These people see what most of us miss. They know how to stop and receive from God. I also observe that the people who imitate Christ have a huge heart for the lost and will put whatever they are doing aside to serve others.
      From observing these passionate followers of Jesus, I too inspire to live a fruitful life. I learned to glorify and magnify Him even in the smallest of things. I learned how important it is to receive His love and grace. I see that they are satisfied in God and hunger Him more than anything. I learned to be desperate for Him, to long and desire His Spirit. I learned to take delight in fellowship with Him and others. I learned to rejoice and praise God in all circumstances. I learned how crucial purity is, and how important it is to follow God’s will. I learned that every moment we have the opportunity to experience the intimate love of the Father. I learned to wait on God and be attentive to the many forms of His Word. I learned to apply the truth of scripture and to write it on my heart. These people have the fragrance and aroma of Christ. Their lives are their testimony. I pray that my life would also reflect the likeness of Christ.

 “Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.” –Phil. 3:17

 ¹⁴ But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. ¹⁵ For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. ¹⁶ To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? ¹⁷ Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.  ¹ Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? ² You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. ³ You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” 2 Cor 2:14-3:3

"¹Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, ² make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. ³ Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; ⁴ do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. ⁵ Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus" -Phil 2:1-5

Extra Notes
God's Word =
1) Creation (God's word enacted)
2) Voice (God's word spoken)
3) Jesus (God's word embodied)
4) Scripture (God's word written)

"Sin only looks appetizing to the the starving soul." -Dallas Willard 
If we have a feast for the main course that is full and satisfying, you won't crave desert.
Being satisfied in Christ protects our heart against sinful idols, and directs us to worship

Revelation

I believe that everyday we are in dire need of a fresh newness of God's love. A revelation, that God's love caused Him to die for us. A love so deep and rich, that he would sacrifice Himself on the cross. So that the lost might be redeemed. Sinners made righteous. Orphans adopted as His own children. A King laying down his life for you. His love will not only change your life, but save your life.

We have become numb, ignorant. We miss the out pouring of His love. We forget, we become distracted. We lose sight of His mind, His will, and His heart. Yet His grace is endless. We've all rejected God, and yet His holiness overcomes all our sins. He freely accepts unconditionally, calling us to trust Him and live out our faith. What have i been worshiping lately? God? or myself and idols? How have i used my time, resources and life? Where has my heart been? What have been my desires and motives?

I had dinner with some college church folks. It was refreshing to have fellowship and the chance to get to know people better. 1 John 4:7-21 talks about God's love for us, and how we are to love others. God reminded me that the 1st and 2nd greatest commandments, are really one. Christ responds by giving 2 because they can't really be separated. To love God, one must love thy neighbor. To truly love thy neighbor, one must really love God.

After dinner, my roommate and I were bored, so we went to the gym. Playin ball and lifting weights was also refreshing, because i'm so outta shape. I was super pooped after 3v3 and didnt wanna workout after, but after we were done it felt great to get something accomplished. Sometimes it's rejuvenating to push yourself in a good discipline... Now if i could only stop eating so much fast food! mmm french fries, oreo cookie shakes, bacon.. mm!

Anyways after the gym, came home showered, then ran off to dennys at midnight cuz we were super hungry. And my roommate brought some things up that i completely forgot about. Crazy extreme things we need to do before work or family stuff gets in the way. Life not lived to the fullest is meaningless. We wanted to take advantage of some opportunities. So we began throwing out ideas and created a to-do list. Yes it would take time to plan all of this out, but talkin this over allowed me to rekindle the adventure in life.

1)  3weeks -month retreat of solitude somewhere peaceful 

2)  Bike around America  (i was never sold on this one, lol)

3)  Bible Lands (Our school offers a trip to Turkey, Greece, Rome Israel)

4)  Become homeless for at least a month (i've been sold on this for a long time, but jus never found the right time or someone to be committed to it) We take so much for granted. Food, water, shelter, entertainment, technology, clothes, a blanket, shoes, air conditioner, cars, phones, etc. If you were homeless a quarter becomes valuable. We'd be able to direct our attention to God, because we would really have nothing else to rely on. We would become extremely thankful for what God has provided us with. I'm sure i would learn so much from being in extreme poverty. I jus hope i'd be able to survive. 

5)  Mission trip to  Guatemala, or somewhere else

6)  I go to Arizona to visit, he comes to Hawaii

7)  Snowboarding!

Expository Preaching

Some notes from my expository preaching class

-EP is an attitude or philosophy that is brought to preaching, not a methodology

-Do you subject the scriptures to your thought? or do you subject your thought to the Scriptures?

-Expository, is exposing what the original author intended to the original audience

-We are to preach the text and not our theology

-A text cannot mean what it never meant

-The job of the interpreter is to determine the single meaning intended by the author

-Preach the main point, meaning and purpose of the text, not secondary applications

-The points of your sermon must come directly from the text

- The purpose of an expository sermon must be the same as the biblical text

- A good communicator matches the right genre with the right meaning

-Adapt your communication style and mood with the genre of the text

- Balance the emphasis of the text, keep the tensions of the bible

- You are not the message, but the messenger

- Have confidence that you have the authority of Scripture and the power of the Holy Spirit

Conviction Leading to Repentance

Just a blog about how I haven't been doing well spiritually this summer. But even through a dry season, God has been teaching me a lot about how I approach spiritual disciplines.

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EDIT  AUGUST 29, 2011

I often struggle with meeting my own expectations and trying to do everything right. It's like there's a bar, a high bar for what a Good Christian should be like. If i'm doing bad spiritually, then i often just isolate myself, pretend i'm doing well and withdraw from running to God. It really isn't that hard front and pretend your doing good. I often just hide in the shame and guilt of my sin. But because we have been forgiven and declared righteous in Christ, we shouldn't toil in our unhealthy shame and guilt. As children who've committed a wrong, we should confess, repent and know that there is forgiveness from our heavenly Father. But sometimes Christianity just seems like it's only about the Do's and Don'ts. If Christianity were just that, it'd just be another religion based on performance, works, and not sinning too much. And religion based on ....

Worlds Apart - Mostar Diving Club

Some day you will find me
I haven't gone too far
I miss the way we were back then
How we laughed
I can feel you in my heart

There's a world in your eyes
I can see it getting brighter
All the hours that we turned into days
We were young seemed like life would go on last forever
All I had was you by my side

Some day you will answer
Remember how we were
When all our hopes and dreams
Floated in the air I feel it in my heart

I can feel you in my heart
That's the way that it was in the past you remember
When we ran through the wind and the rain
We were young seemed like life would go on last forever
Now everything has changed