Lifejournal: In the Likeness of Your Teacher

S: A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.

Luke 6:40

O: Clearly discipleship is a must in the kingdom of God. This was in the middle of the parable told by Jesus about the blind leading the blind and not being hypocritical about addressing minute things in others, while having our own issues that are far more alarming.

A disciple should be teachable-respect for our teachers is necessary to learn. Where would we be if we thought we knew everything before we turned to the Word or to our mentors? Humility goes hand in hand with receiving instruction from God or those who are further along in their walk with God.

The last portion of this verse is particularly important and very clear. A disciple of a false teacher will clearly result in the outcome of a disciple that will carry false teachings and disciplines (or lack thereof). However, a faithful teacher who constantly prays and reads the Word will result in disciples that follow suit in the likeness of that particular faithful follower. For teachers, it is especially important to be what we want our students to be.

A: I want my students to be faithful to God. I want them to be centered on Jesus all throughout their lives-I want them to be faithful in prayer...through personal prayer, intercessory prayer, and corporate prayer. I want them to love Scripture as spiritual food to a deeper extent than real food. So, I will be faithful to God. I will be centered on Jesus throughout my life. I must be faithful to pray for myself, others, and with others. I must love Scripture for what is truly is-life sustaining/giving AWESOMENESS. Yay Jesus :]

Lifejournal: Jesus Prayed

S: But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.

Luke 5:16

O: Jesus himself would take time to pray-Did he pray by himself? I'm willing to bet he did-despite the overwhelming call of his ministry to preach and heal, he did seem to overrun himself over the "trellis" aspect of his ministry.

Even though there many things that had to be done, even Christ himself found himself with the constant need to be in God(the Father?)'s presence-perhaps to renew himself? To effectuate the change in people's hearts when he went out to work?

For certain, Jesus Christ is the Son of God-God in the flesh. He could have easily done dazzling miracles, one after another to convince even the hardest of hearts of who he really was. He could have done so much more, yet instead-he prayed.

You know, ministry could be going great. There could be so many things to plan, details to take care of, etc etc etc. There could even be lots of visible fruit-maybe there are people coming to a saving knowledge of Christ, people are praying fervently for revival, or some other wonderful thing that we may seek to see in our ministry. Jesus's ministry was exploding-it was on fire; "...great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities." and yet, this man-the MAN above all men, came into the Lord's presence. For what purpose?

I dunno. Perhaps the human aspect of Christ needed to be refreshed by the Spirit. Maybe in demonstration of the perfect fellowship of the Trinity is present in Jesus praying. If anything, I can only reiterate that despite his awesome ministry going on, Jesus prayed! Big deal in prayer, yo.

A: I will do as Jesus. I will pray-I could not be any more arrogant to think that I can do without more time spent with the Lord in prayer. I must pray, as it is a necessity to meet with the One who gives me life-the very person who sustains me.

Lifejournal: Cross-clinging Fight

S: And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.

Luke 4:13

O: The devil is relentless. He has no mercy-his audacity has no end. He took it upon himself to disobey and rebel against God, attempt to lure Christ into sin and false worship, and he daily drags people closer and closer to the flames of Hell with candy coated poisons.

Scripture was used on every account of temptation-and though it may have been successful in repelling Satan for that moment, this portion of Scripture clearly describes the persistence of sin and temptation in the life of all people. Satan does not lay down, permanently defeated-as long as we are in the flesh, sin can always quite possibly gain a foothold in our lives and that is the "opportune" time for the devil to strike.

I am reminded of "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8

If we are not constantly placing our faith in Christ-remembering the work of the cross, our shield is lowered.

"I am poor and weak. Satan is too subtle, too cunning, too powerful; he watches constantly for advantages over my soul. The world presses in upon me with all sorts of pressures, pleas, and pretences. My own corruption is violent, tumultuous, enticing, and entangling. As it conceives sin, it wars within me and against me. Occasions and opportunities for temptation are innumerable. No wonder I do not know how deeply involved I have been with sin. Therefore, on God alone will I rely for my keeping. I will continually look to Him.”

-John Owen

I believe John Owen put it best when he says that Satan is much too powerful for us-When our flesh cries out for gratification, there is no way we can face the world alone and expect to come out unscathed.

A: I must be as vigilant as my enemy-both Satan and my flesh constantly wage war against my soul. There is only one person who is stronger-and should I look to him daily, constantly, meditatively...there can be no defeat. I will place my faith in his defense for my soul-the cross cannot be knocked down or tilted. Should I cling to the cross, the very wrath of God is averted from me. Should I cling to the cross, none of the temptations or attacks of the world can stain my soul. Should I cling to the cross, I would see more clearly the loveliness of my Saviour and the wonderful work he did on my behalf! I will cling to the cross.

Lifejournal: The Sadness of the Lord

S: The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart.

Genesis 6:5-6

O: Men are continually evil. The characteristics of people are also unchanging as well as inevitable (without God's intervention!) - People are evil-no questions asked. There is no good in people...rather they are consumed with themselves, their sins, and how to indulge themselves upon it.

Did God have regret? I don't know-but I do see that God was deeply pained. Sin is not just unsightly before God-it is horrifying, worthy of a supernatural flood eradicating every evidence of it. Here, we see God's character-an absolute abhorrence for sin and favor for righteousness (Noah walked with God...Genesis 6:9). In fact, I'm almost certain every person wiped out in the flood went to Hell-it is terrifying to see the Lord's power...but it is immensely more terrifying to know that the same wickedness that caused that very flood resides dormant in my flesh.

It grieved Him. Not that I see God whimpering in pain or in weakness-but the Father's heart would break at the sight of seeing his children grow in complete opposition to his perfection and holiness. It is not something merely to consider-but rather to meditate on. The Lord grieves when we are in sin-it strikes his heart because he only desires that which is good for us (like the GOOD LORD he is, praise him).

A: I will remind myself that I am but a wretch in the sight of the Lord. Only by relying on the precious blood of Jesus may I be clothed in righteousness! Daily, I succumb to sinfulness-but daily I will turn to abundance of the Lord's grace. However, I will fight my flesh-by abiding in his Word, I know the Spirit will be faithful in mortifying my sinful desire-the Sword will cut at the root of my sin. I will meditate on how it grieves my Lord when I fall to my flesh-when I stop to think of how my life may pain his heart, I hope to turn to him in obedience, instead.

P:

Lifejournal: The Coming of The Messiah

I think to give God the better parts of my day, I need to start waking up earlier. I slept for about 16 hours after coming home from retreat. In most cases, I'm pretty sure it would be an unreasonable amount of sleep due to slothfulness-but, I think I was just extremely tired.

Anyhow, 9 hours into the new year...I would like to do this year, better. If anything, I used to think I was saved when I first came to Hayward Korean Baptist. Then I thought it was when I met Lynn and started actually reading the Word. Now, it's just...work out my own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12) -

If anything, I can attribute a great thanks to God for bringing Lynn and Aaron into my life. Lynn came along one retreat (exactly a year before this one) and turned my entire world upside down by teaching me that I should read the Word-a certain way, in a certain manner, with a certain understanding. To merely do a grain reading-but to take it in deeply as spiritual food for the soul.

This last year can easily be said to be the most discouraging and difficult year of my life-but, wouldn't one think that by being given such a treasure of a discipline, my life would improve significantly? I believe it did-sins that ran amok and extreme character issues came to surface. When I would read, I would learn what was wrong, but I did not deal with anything I was told of. I could go so far as to say God ordained terrible circumstance and situations to tear me from these sins. The result is a once self-assured (never a good thing to be self-assured...rather Scripture and fruit-assured) "Christian" that never took the Bible or prayer seriously to a skeptical-of-his-weak-faith person who tries to read the Bible and pray.

Anyhow, it's time to look forward. I may have really screwed up last year-but I'm comforted to know I will only do the same year after year. Perhaps, it will be as such so I may come to greater realizations of my wretchedness and imperative need for a Lord and Saviour.

S: "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;

for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,

to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins,

because of the tender mercy of our God,

whereby the sunrise shall visit us from high

to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,

to guide our feet into the way of peace."

Luke 1:77-79

O: A portion of the prophecy about John, the baptist. Why do the people need to be prepared before Jesus is to appear before them? Even in this day and age-in a so-called Christian nation, people need to have a foreknowledge of their sins and the Gospel before even believing and receiving Christ as Lord and Saviour. Anyhow, if anything-it was necessary that people needed to be prepared. Perhaps it would be that the people would be too hardened to Christ if they were not told of his coming.

John was given a specific role to "give knowledge of salvation to his (the Lord) people in the forgiveness of their sins." He was to point towards Christ. That was his job-a big job without a doubt...but he was not the first person to be appointed with the task. Anyhow, all of this roots in the fact that God is MERCIFUL! He sought the lost and sought to save them! He was sending a messenger-rolling out the red carpet and signals.

If I remember correctly-it has been a few hundred years of silence since the prophets were spoken through. I can only imagine that it truly is a time of darkness and sin-(after all, Herod was a cowardly and evil king) amongst this are the few who have remained righteous, such as Elizabeth, our dear mother of John. I wonder if this says anything about whom God chooses to work through-if there was a mother to be proud of her son, it would surely have to be Elizabeth: After all, he was "in the spirit and power of Elijah." Good stuff, yo.

Like the sun rising up on the horizon of a cold and dark land-John was to deliver the very message of the coming Christ to those lost in darkness and sin! This is the time before the coming Messiah-JESUS IS COMING!!!! There is a momentum-a few hundred years of silence and then the prophet who is to bring the message of salvation...without a doubt anyone with an ounce of logic would be able to determine that the Christ could not be far after that. The king of kings-"of his kingdom there will be no end."

A: Of course, we have seen the risen Son by faith-however, I see it necessary to look upon the role that John was given before birth. I believe that a similar calling it given to every person in the faith. We are called to be a light to the world-a person who points to the already risen Christ. I mean, it's not as if we were supposed to stop pointing to him once his work upon the cross was accomplished.

Just as John was a messenger to those who were blind and lost in sin-preparing them to come before Christ, to receive him; We ought to be messengers to those who are still blind and lost in sin-preparing them to come before Christ, to receive him and Lord and Saviour!! How will I prepare anyone? Well, it says right there to "give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins." John was the O.G. evangelist-the veteran preacher of the Gospel. We can learn from all aspects of how he sought to tell others to repent of their sin and to look to Christ as the only means of salvation.

I can only prepare those who are lost by telling/preaching/screaming the Gospel at them until they understand it and pray that it bears fruit. And by all means, I will do just that-it's quite simple to understand our role as evangelists.

P: However, Father-it is no easy task, with that being said. I am too weak in courage and in affection to speak as boldly as John did. However, despite that, I ask that you fill me with your spirit just as you filled John-stir my affection for Jesus and bring my boldness to a flame. I have the tools and situation to preach to young ones-however, I acknowledge that salvation or even a desire for salvation comes by your hand alone. I do pray for that-press me to be faithful in sharing the Gospel and to be faithful in prayer. I cannot always do it in an impassioned speech or with eloquent words-however, I understand that it must be done with the fullness of my heart and that it is a duty never to be forsaken until I have died. May it be so-may I always point to Jesus with my heart consumed with the Father's glory. May I do all these things for Christ and his Kingdom! I ask this in weakness-because I cannot even summon the heart, perform the action or even bring it to fruition. You must awaken my heart to the beauty of your Gospel, give me courage to preach with power (and fill me with the Holy Spirit) and yet again I acknowledge that salvation belongs to you alone. Work in me even more this year-growing me in grace and in my faith! All this I pray in Christ, amen.

Lifejournal: It Sucks for Apostates (12/17/10)

S: "For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them."

2 Peter 2:20-21

O: A word for apostates. It speaks strongly of how when one is confronted with the righteousness of Christ and how someone may turn from their sin because of it. However, when someone turns their back on Jesus, giving up on pursuing a life of godliness, glorifying God-they have dug themselves into a state that is stated to be worse.

If someone is to live a life of falsehood and one day is confronted and proven to be false, they would naturally (or supernaturally in the case of sinners) turn to the truth and live by the truth (faith in Christ!). But, should someone yet turn from the truth, knowing it to be true-and turns back to their life of lies, it would be an incredible offense to what is good and true...

A: Perseverance is the word-I need to persevere. I know the truth and I can't go any other way. Try as I might to lapse into sinfulness-I know that God will reprimand me to stand up and continue walking in the path of righteousness. So, I will not apostatize-well, God willing may I never walk away from the truth that which is the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.

P:

Lifejournal: Be humble, be dependent, and be watchful (12/16/10)

S: "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober minded, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

1 Peter 5:6-8

O: Who can do anything but to prostrate themselves before God and ask for help? Only the prideful will pause and say "I am not in need of deliverance from my struggle/burden/circumstance/etc." Daily, we must bring ourselves before the throne of God, recognizing that we do not have the power nor strength to carry what we have been given in this life. Here is the promise/application"

A: 1. I must humble myself. Gotta fall flat at the throne and give myself up in surrender-praying, and laying upon God my own anxiety.
2. At the "proper time" he will exalt me-however, the emphasis must be that it is upon God's timing-it is when he sees it is fit to answer prayer.
3. He will not make his children wait long-he loves us and cares for us. We may not always necessarily know what to pray for, but the Spirit intercedes on our behalf. The fact stands, God loves us-as the wonderful Father he is, he truly cares for us like no one else on this earth ever could! I love that small portion of Scripture. God, the maker of the heavens and the earth-creator of the universe, living God...cares for a meager, empty soul such as me!

(O:) However, along with the urge to humble ourselves before God-Scripture warns us that we have a devious, powerful enemy at hand. We must always be mindful or what we think, do, say-sin is waiting at our doorstep, ready to pounce on us the moment we are unguarded.

(A:) How will I fight back? How can I be watchful? It's simple-gotta daily be in the word. Gotta daily find myself in prayer-prayer without ceasing! Mind on Christ and kingdom things. If my heart is filled with the things of eternity, then there is no room for things of the world.

P: