Soap - No Glory in Wealth

S: But God will redeem my soul from the power of Sheol,

For He will receive me. Selah.

Do not be afraid when a man becomes rich,

When the glory of his house is increased;

For when he dies he will carry nothing away;

His glory will not descend after him.

Psalm 49:15-17

O: This psalm in particular speaks to me somehow. The first two lines in this point me to Christ-as Sheol is another word substituted as Hades-often looked at as a place where those who have passed await judgement. It reminds me strongly of Hell, although I'm not entirely sure if it's the right translation (like Gehenna Hell) but nonetheless, it's definitely got a cross vibe to it.

While the other portion reminds me of the rich man who couldn't bring himself to sell all his possessions and follow Jesus-There may be merit and even a certain glory in holding material wealth in this world. America absolutely glorifies the idea of being rich and it distorts the gospel by driving people to spend their entire lives chasing that which is unfulfilling in money, which only leaves a bigger hole to be filled.

Rich, powerful, and glamorous people who don't use their resources for the kingdom are only stocking up on crap-All things that will fade have no value in heaven. We can trade our crap for gold, though-if used well. But hoarding riches on earth will not give me riches in heaven!

A: I want to be rich in heaven-I say this a lot, that I'm a poor guy on earth, but a rich man in heaven...But it's true! I'd rather see my money and material wealth being put to good use for God's people-it's an investment that pays off in the end...the bonafide stock market of heaven :] So, why should I yearn for guitars or a new car? I shouldn't. Should I want more students so I can have more money? It would be nice! But, whether I am rich or if I am poor; I will put it all my stuff for God's use as it already rightfully belongs to Him.

P: Dear Heavenly Father-It's been a long day already. I'm somewhat numb and lethargic today, because I'm feeling the aftereffects of my bad day from yesterday. However, I thank You for this word-not sure if it applies to me that strongly right now (other than the fact that I've really been looking at a lot of music equipment that I was thinking about getting)...but I will keep it in mind and make sure not to be frivolous in my resources spent for the kingdom. Teach me to be generous and giving, with a humble heart-as I never had much to give, I pray that I would still be willing to give it all. Please be with me as I try to approach this day diligently for You, God. In Christ, amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

Special Edition Soap: You Are Good

You are good, and Your mercies last a lifetime

You are good-always, always

Everyday, Your love is never ending

For You are good-Always.

I don't know how many people read my blog (through facebook) - and I know this will go through to my facebook so people will know that I have not been accepted to Berklee.

I received my response from admissions just a little while ago-and though I had expected this, I didn't know if my immediate response would be God-glorifying. But, Grace Song-by the many times she inspires me to live fully for the Lord, reminded me by her prayers before reading her acceptance to LA that God is always good no matter the outcome. I'll admit, I'm disappointed-but I won't waste tears on something that isn't God's plan.

How did I know I was going to be rejected? Insert mandatory humble musician statement like "Oh, I guess I wasn't good enough..." ? Heck no! I think I'm a pretty good musician but I'm going to be better and continue to improve for the sake of God's glory. I expected this ever since Lynn told me about suffering-ever since the point from when I got back, I've been getting the message that God's sovereignty reigns-and the trip to Boston taught me that above all else. Pastor Jason's last sermon topped it all off for me and brought me to a whole new expectation of what was going to happen. My dream isn't big enough-His dream is bigger and I'm just trying to catch wind of it so I can get caught up in all the madness. I want to leave a mark-one that says that I did something great for the kingdom-and I know that it doesn't have to entail my plans.

God is still good. He is always good, and I take this time to personally thank and praise God for all the blessings that He's poured out on me (whether I received them willingly or unwillingly is another story). God is good, yo!

S: ...as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing yet possessing all things.

2 Corinthians 6:10

O: Much of what's going on with my life has little to do with what Paul had to endure in his ministry while writing to the Corinthians. However, the Bible was right open after I read my admissions letter and after I immediately went to the thought that "God is good" I knew I should go back into His word. Most of my reading left me unfazed because I was still quite honestly preoccupied with being rejected-but I put on my music (still listening to it) and left Giver of Life on repeat, and the last part of this particular passage struck my heart and I could not help but to lift my praises to God!

(A): As a servant of God, I will take this troubling time head on and still rejoice in God-what more can I do? He's still good and He doesn't change at all! Praise God for that :] - And yet, I put in all that work-and I got nothing back by the world, but I surely received abundant blessing from the Lord. I can live in poverty and lose my worldly possessions and lead a life of never-ending strife and suffering, but God is good and He is sovereign. I feel like a broken record, but heck I need to carve this into the depths of my heart so that I would not get my strength from my own determination but from the inspiration that which God gives in the fact that it's all in the Father's hand and His will is straight.

What will I do from here? I don't know. I suppose I'll keep doing what I do-Pray. Read the Word. Disciple people. Practice guitar. Maybe I'm here for another year? Haha, 4 years of community college, maybe? Sorry, Silicon Valley-I'm not your typical bay area kid that graduates with a bachelors in 4 years. I'm just a little slow, you ought to ask God about that-I'm seriously majorly slow when it comes to His truths, haha. If there's any evidence of the Holy Spirit working in anyone, it's definitely in the fact that a stone-head like myself can even glean truth from the Word.

P: God You are worthy of my praise no matter the circumstance. I take this time to thank You for Your never-failing love and goodness. The situation may change from joyous to solemn, but I will never cease to praise You because the joy in You is never, ever gone-Forgive me for doubting Your plan, Lord. I can't help myself sometimes, but in times like these, help me raise my head and proclaim the truth that which will stand even when the world crumbles apart. Would you honor my plea for guidance and growth? I think I especially need it now, but I know that I am not lost-even when the future looks a little hazy, I place myself into Your hands, God-fully aware that wherever You place me, it's definitely the right place to be. Teach me to dream big-big enough dreams that give You all the glory and honor and praise. All this in Your Son's name so that You alone would be worshiped, amen.

P.S. I remember singing this song when early on when I was saved. Haha, how awesome that He brings it back to me now-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXqWUAuUtp8&feature=related

Soli Deo Gloria

Soap - Panting for Water

S: As the deer pants for the water brooks,

So my soul pants for You, O God.

Psalm 42:1

O: Water is so precious when you think about it.

The average person can survive without food for 30 to 40 days(http://www.survivaltopics.com/survival/how-long-can-you-live-without-food/). That is truly amazing to me-another victory to America and it's capitalistic fast food gluttony when I complain that a 3 day fast to me is considered torturous.

But water is a different story. The most anyone can survive in the most ideal situation without water is 10 days at best. 2 days if you're under extreme conditions. And to top it all off-the effects of dehydration and water loss in the body will cripple any person who wants to survive. The hotter it is, the more water you need to drink-the more extreme situations will require an ample amount of that which is precious to the body.

As I went through a very dry period in my spiritual life last year-Pastor Jason told me of how important it was to continually read the Word and pray as when I'm the most thirsty and under the most stress, I'll surely need more water to survive walking through my spiritual desert. As the apathy and lack of desire for kingdom things beat down on me like the sun in a dry wasteland, I needed God more than I ever did in a high point of my life or revival.

Living water...in my favorite chapter of John (4), Jesus told the woman at the well that He was the living water. Often the Word is referred to as the food for soul and His spirit like water. "but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life." (John 4:14)

Is this a reference to the Holy Spirit? As the mark of every believer is the fact that the Holy Spirit dwells in each of us, as we have received Christ as our Saviour, does this refer to the Holy Spirit or a communion with God the Father in prayer, in spirit? I believe it just might be the latter because we pray to the Father while the Spirit and Christ intercedes for us on our behalf-and that fellowship with God is the very water that quenches our soul.

A: How verily dangerous it must be, then-if the effects on our earthen vessels from a lack of water or food is drastic, it must hold true for our spirituality as well. I know that I'm probably getting spiritually chubby-taking in a lot of the Word and lots of Christian books, but I need to work out the truths and exercise them in my life with the bigger intake that I've been taking them in.

But prayer-I'm pretty dry in my prayer life, to be honest. And, I've been learning that intercession is vastly important as well as a time to just spend with the Lord-like water refilling our spirit, it keeps us level-headed and focused. I need to pray more-not just for the sake of others, but because my soul may be filled with words words words but if I don't spend time with the Author, how will I ever know His perspective on those words and to approach them? Water is important-perhaps more important than food? But I guess that comparison can't really make it to the spiritual life-both are important, and both should be the very life-source, all found in Christ-from intercession to being the very Word, I need Christ, as if my soul was deprived of Him after every hour.

P: Lord, You are life-the very One who breathes it into me and sustains me. May I recognize the thirst that my soul has for You-I repent of my time where I thought little of this thirst and shunned it as of little importance. I'm sorry for all times I ever thought that I could live with You. Teach me to find my spirit's water in Your Son and my food in Your Word (hey, the food and water come from the same place...!) and help me grow in this life that strives for You. I'm taught never to pray for self-preservation, but I know that I can't live without You, God. So nonetheless, I pray that I can live, not on trash or rotting food of this world-but clean water, living water, and good food-Your Word. May I glean from it that which will be nutritious and fruitful to my soul-only in the ends for Your glory. That I may do kingdom things in the right heart, in the right way. Glorify Your Son in me, in Christ, amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

Soap - Ambitious

S: for we walk by faith, not by sight-we are of good courage I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord. Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.

2 Corinthians 5:7-9

O: A verse that has been used a lot-it only seems cliche to others because it's been used so much with little regard to what it means. What does it even mean to walk by faith rather than by sight?

Faith - Something that is believed, especially with a strong conviction. Loyalty, trust, and belief in God. (Firm belief in something for which has no proof) Complete trust.

Blessed is the man who does not see and yet believes (John 20:29). Faith is almost impractical-illogical, even. I've never seen God with my own two eyes in the flesh (I'm sure I would have died being in the presence of the One so holy) and yet I say I believe in God. Why? Because I have undeniable proof for...myself and myself only that God has moved in my life. Only by the workings and stirrings of the Holy Spirit do I now confidently say that Jesus is Lord and firmly walk by that. The evidence of God's goodness and sovereignty is staggering in my case and it would be nothing short of blasphemy to say that my faith doesn't exist. Although, I wish I had a more sincere faith-that which, even in a small quantity would have a complete trust in Jesus.

Pastor Jason had just preached about dreams. Who's dreams am I living? Mine or God's?

A man who hates his life will lose dreams and God will give him new ones-God's dreams are visions and they ALWAYS come true. There are no regrets in living God's dreams-living out the dream for the Lord is always better and if you never have a dream you will never have a dream come true.

A: Ambition always seems to have a negative context with the Christian life-usually because it's self-centered. But I want to have a God-centered ambition: One that entails the fullness of embracing who God is and in following Him in complete surrender and trust-a life devoid of myself and a life filled with the Holy Spirit. I want to manifest God in my music, my studies, and every other possible moment of my life. I want to be ambitious for Christ-I want to know Him more and love Him more deeply. I want to excel for His kingdom's sake.

So, I'll step it up. I had a difficult time this weekend. But now I realize..."So what?" I need to get back on track if I want to keep moving forward. Who cares about what has already passed? Now is what matters and I need to press on for Christ-the race won't end for me even if I stumble and fall. I'll only end up regretting my lost and wasted time. I know that I can excel in all my disciplines as a prayer warrior, Scripture/Godly text reader, and musician all by the grace of God and I know He is pushing me from behind. What can hinder me other than myself?

P: And so I repent, Father-of myself, my inherent desire to always step back, crawl into a ball and refuse to acknowledge that I'm useless. You have long since shown Yourself to be faithful and sovereign in my life, God-please be patient with this slow and totally messed up heart and make it anew. I'm asking You to work with me, despite how great the toll may be on my so-called "life" that which I once called my own. Please dry up my excuses, my petty whimpers of insincerity, and my comfort zone in returning to sin. God, I only ask You glorify Your son in me-and for something as honestly amazing as that, I know that You have a great work to do in me, but You have started a good work in me and You promised in Your Word that You would carry it to completion until the day of Jesus Christ. Please carry it through-work through this heart God, so that You will yet again be attributed to the glory that which is due to Your name. In Christ, amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

Soap - Thorough Scrubbing

S: Today we know that the Lord is in our midst, because you have not committed this unfaithful act against the Lord; now you have delivered the sons of Israel from the hand of the Lord.

Joshua 23:31

O: The sons of Reuben, sons of Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an altar throwing the sons of Israel almost into a state of desperate panic: "When the sons of Israel heard of it, the whole congregation of the sons of Israel gathered themselves at Shiloh to up against them in war." But it turned out the offending altar wasn't quite what they thought it to be and the whole momentum died down in relief.

If anything, I admire how thoroughly the sons of Israel addressed any idea of sin or rebellion against God-meaning that they feared God and they rightfully held God in proper reverence. After all, God wants us all to be accountable for one another and as that was true then it is as true as ever, now! With a single mention of sin, whole cities went into an uproar against this supposedly offending altar, but rather than just crushing their brethren, they talked it out and found it to be a time to thank God that it was just a misunderstanding.

The seriousness of sin is deeply grave and this passage reflects that God will not stand for any sin to amongst his people-whatever it may be, it is unacceptable.

A: I will be swift about cutting sin out of my own life. When sin rears it's head, I must address it then and cut it off at the root. Just like God's people, I need to have a greater fear of Him and truly revere Him and therein, I will naturally cut sin out, knowing that my God cannot commune with a sinner.

P: Father, your word is good and true. Praise You for Your holiness and your immutable standards that which make You perfect. Forgive me, Lord for falling for temptation-inspire a greater reverence for You, oh Holy Spirit-make me into a God-fearing man, just like those whom You delivered and guided through many trials and temptations. You do the same for me, God-and I thank You for this reminder that no matter how small the sin may be, it is still sin-and that any sin in my life will be my undoing. Conquer the sin in my life God, my life is Yours to mold and I pray that it would go accordingly with Your will. In Christ, amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

Soap - A Place of Refuge

S: Then the Lord spoke to Joshua saying, "Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, 'Designate the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses, that the manslayer who kills any person unintentionally, without premeditatation, may flee there, and they shall become your refuge from the avenger of blood.

Joshua 20:1-3

O: God appointed 6 cities of refuge-originally with Moses, there were only three cities to be appointed: Bezer, Ramoth, and Golan.

However looking deeper into cross-references:

If you carefully observe all this commandment which I command you today, to love the Lord your God, and to walk in His ways always-then you shall add three more cities for yourself, besides these three. So innocent blood will not be shed in the midst of your land which the Lord your God gives you as an inheritance, and blood-guiltiness be on you.

Deuteronomy 19:9-10

And as Joshua has led the Lord's people faithfully up to now, they set apart three more cities: Kedesh , Shechem, and Kiriath-arba (in Judah, interestingly enough-the same city where Mary visited Elizabeth when they were pregnant with Jesus and John).

But why did God set apart (sanctify) these 6 cities? 'So innocent blood will not be shed in the midst of your land which the Lord your God gives you as an inheritance, and blood-guiltiness be on you.' God treated His people as a whole-responsible for one another and the sins of a man rests on the whole people of Israel. For this act of manslaughter is not so much the shedding of innocent blood, but rather the one who avenges his friend in anger is shedding innocent blood-God wanting His people to take sin not only seriously, placed cities of refuge (quite strategically) amongst them to abate any innocent blood being shed.

I don't know why I thought of those but this passage reminds me of internal church conflicts and politics. I've heard of church's splitting over petty matters like when they would have Korean school to serious matters like a pastor who had to leave ministry because of adultery and I think of how if Christ was the refuge, none of it would have meant anything in the light of Christ. God appointed Christ to be the refuge of His people-When I do wrong, even when I never meant to hurt anyone, I know that I can come to Him with my bloodstained hands and He will look at me tenderly and wash me clean by His blood. But most of the time my hands are stained with blood that is not innocent at all.

Refuge - A shelter from danger or hardship; A safe place.

A: Run to Christ as my refuge. He is where I can find a haven-peace in the fact that despite my transgressions against God and men, if I come to Him with a humble heart and turn from my ways, He holds me accountable to no such transgressions. There are times when I am so overcome by the world and I'm gasping for air and yet I continue to suffocate under the pressure because I refuse to find rest in Him. I will run to Christ as my refuge.

P: God Your love is deep and wide, great and high-It's all I ever need. I took that from a praise song I regularly listen to-but I always find that it really strikes a chord in my soul whenever I hear those words. Your love is truly deeper, wider, greater and higher than anyone can fathom. How wonderful Your love is! Today, I really got caught up in so much stuff I had to do-I didn't have much time in the morning and this small portion of time I have left at night is all I had to really spend time with You, Lord. I'm sorry that I couldn't be more diligent today-but I know that You love me no matter what, whether I spend no time in Your Word or if I were to have somehow exposit on the entire Bible...Thank You for that love that runs so deeply for undeserving people such as myself. I pray I would take refuge in that which is unwavering-fully and forever at the highest authority, who is Christ. I pray that in being my shelter, that He would be glorified-that I take no refuge in anyone or anything else, forbid it, Lord. Thank You yet again for Your love that You extend so freely and graciously. In Christ, amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

Soap - Light

S: For God, who said, "Light shall shine out of darkness," is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;

2 Corinthians 4:6-7

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put under a basket, but on the lamp-stand, and gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 5:13-16

O: God declared that His light would shine out of the darkness. Imagining nothing but pitch black, a sudden light coming out of the darkness would be seen by all and it would illuminate that darkness. God is the One who has placed a light in our hearts-a shining light that which represents the 'glory of God in the face of Christ.' Shone is the past tense of shine-God alone is the one who shines in our hearts.

God has shone in us to illuminate the glory that which is in Christ. God's grace, Christ's love manifests within us because His grace and love are transforming things. Evidence of these things is the very light that which God gives His chosen!

However, this perfect love and brilliant glory of Christ is housed in 'earthen vessels' so that we will not only testify to the 'surpassing greatness of the power' that which exists in us, but also testify to the fact that it is fully from God and that none of it is from ourselves. This is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit in our lives, testifying to exactly that-Christ, glorified in us and He alone receives the glory!

A: I am never to hinder the light that which exists in me. God has transformed this dead soul into one that is living and I live to testify of the glory of God. I am never to believe that any of this manifests from my own self, but rather give praise and ascribe glory to the One who truly shines in me-He is what makes me adequate and gives me worth.

P: Lord, You have been faithful and Your Holy Spirit testifies to Your glory. Who can compare to the sheer brilliance that You emit? You shine purely, brightly and eternally. I praise You for Your perfection and I only wish to ascribe to You the glory due to Your name. I ask that You forgive me for my slow heart-my frustrations and lack of understanding and lack of reverence. Please bring me to a greater understanding of the Scriptures, Holy Spirit, that I may seek a greater truth and knowledge of God to apply to my life.

"There must be knowledge of God before there can be love to God"

-Charles Spurgeon, How to Read the Bible

In Christ, amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

Soap - His Promises are Kept

S: Joshua spoke to the house of Joseph, to Ephraim and Manasseh, saying, "You are a numerous people and have great power; you shall not have one lot only, but the hill country shall be yours. For though it is a forest, you shall clear it, and to its farthest borders it shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, even though they have chariots of iron and though they are strong."

Joshua 18:17-18

(Supporting Scripture)

...cross this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel. Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you, just as I spoke to Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon, even as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and as far as the Great Sea toward the setting of the sun will be your territory. No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life.

Joshua 1:2-5

O: God is exact about His promises and Joshua was well aware of this. From crossing the Jordan river to conquering Jericho, I imagine that Joshua has a very well placed faith in the Lord-Knowing that he was never the one who did all of those great things, Joshua places his full confidence in God and the very promises he makes.

So when the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh came to Joshua to complain about their inheritance and lack of space, he responded by telling them to work and clear apart the forest in the land of the Perizzites and Rephaim. They responded by saying their hill country of Ephraim was too narrow and brought out their concern that the Canaanites who lived in the valley land had 'chariots of iron,' basically saying that the Canaanites couldn't be conquered.

But Joshua, once again placing his faith in God, told them promptly of the above Scripture. He is so confident in God and his promises that he literally DECLARES that the two tribes are indeed a numerous and great people-telling them that they will not only have the cleared land ("Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you, just as I spoke to Moses.") of the forest and beyond("From the wilderness..."), but that they would conquer the Canaanites despite their obvious strength. "No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life."

God does not stand half-faced before His promises. He makes them, keeps them, and anyone who decidedly places their faith in them will be abundantly blessed-Because if there's anything this passage tells me, it's that one characteristic of God is His unchanging, unswaying ways. His yes is indeed a yes and His no is a no. How much more will He be faithful in accordance to HIS WORD?! I mean, it's His very words and promises-if he wasn't a holy perfect God, I would have some doubts-but because He is holy, because He is just, because He is faithful-He will never go back on His word.

And here stands a leader, (Joshua) who places his entire faith in God. A totally appropriate and God-glorifying response came from him when he did not ask the tribe to go out, clear some space and own up some other tribes, but rather declared they would...because that answer was in accordance with God's promises. Joshua remembered God's promise, believed in it, and held onto it.

A: How can I learn of God's promises? Through His Word. Once I find the promises of God-hold on to them as if they were the very life-source they fuels me today. Because when an unfailing God makes a promise, He keeps them. Know that He does, and respond accordingly (like Joshua!).

P: God You are faithful. And the glory that You hold is not given to You in any form-It is just that You are glorious and whenever I sing praises to You, I am only ascribing the glory that which is due to Christ. Lord, forgive me for my laziness. I know that I can be more diligent in this time spent-I repent of this and would You be my strength? I know I have only been lazy because my own strength can only carry me so far. You have taught me that You are continually faithful and Your Word holds the promises that I can anchor myself upon and never let go. Teach me to remember Your promises and cling to them. In Christ, amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

Soap - Made Adequate

S: Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

2 Corinthians 3:5-6

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:18

O: Paul is speaking of a new covenant that which pertains to all peoples, now-He makes a comparison to the old covenant that which was "...of the letter," referring to Moses and the Law. The old covenant was referred to as the "ministry of death" (2Cor. 3:7) and most rightly so because I remember when I learned that the Law ultimately condemned those who tried to abide in it, perfectly. This particular problem screams at me the problem of those who refuse to see or cannot see the ever abounding love of Christ that which satisfies the retribution that a perfectly holy God demands from an ever-present depraved generation.

But Paul also speaks of how this new covenant in Christ, that which has overtaken the old in glory-joyfully expressing the confidence in the Holy Spirit, "...how will the ministry of the Spirit fail to be even more with glory?" (2 Cor. 3:8) Without a doubt, the law condemns, but Christ redeems-and Christ sent the Spirit to further aid us in preaching the Gospel.

And in Christ and in the Spirit, we find ourselves made adequate because of God...adequacy means barely sufficient and barely meeting the requirements. It is so beautiful because if I can quote a brother (David Kim) on adequacy, he once told me that we will "...crawl through the gates, barely making it through, never by our own works but by the grace of God that which is sufficient for us." Unlike Christ, we won't have a glorious reign going through those gates, but nonetheless-it is beyond words of praise and worship for God that we are even redeemed. If anything, I'm reminded of yet again how utterly hopeless we were-that we were not partially righteous that we might have had Christ have us pass with flying colors with His help, but we alone were at His mercy and judgement and He alone had the power to rectify the wrongs committed against Him. How truly gracious He is!

So, with this life, made adequate-the veil has been lifted and we are to be like mirrors, reflecting the very glory of God conformed to a greater and greater Christlikeness. Glory to glory. This reminds me of that very special verse that which the Holy Spirit revealed a deeper meaning (http://c3diministry.blogspot.com/2010/02/soap-faith-to-faith.html)...For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "But the righteous man shall live by faith." (Romans 1:17) Glory to glory...It makes me think of Christ-He was perfectly glorious from the beginning and He finished in glory. Is not glory God's alone?

A: Christ sufficiently fulfilled the requirements of the Law, that which condemned me. I will never consider my adequacy to ever be from my own hands or my own doing. Could I ever think that I live by the new covenant now, even by a little of my own? Never. But, as I am a face with it's veil lifted by Christ-I must strive to be conformed to Christ's image more and more, to reflect God's glory. Only by the Holy Spirit, I am continually being changed.

P: Father, praise and worship isn't enough for someone like You. Over and over again You remind me that Your Gospel is no mere thing-That Your Son is the only one who can (and who did) lift the veil from my face. Would you forgive me for my moment lapses of thought and distraction, today. I tried my best, but I know that it is not with my willing or strength that such things will be overcome-but by Your grace and Your grace alone. Thank You for Your Son, yet again-and I could say this for all time and it would never be enough. By Your Scripture, I pray that I would be more like Him, by the Spirit's prodding-so that I reflect the glory of the Lord. In Christ, amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

Soap - He Searches My Heart

Whew, it's been a lot of work and I'm late for my daytime Lifejournal! But it's a God-glorifying and focused day so far and I pray it'll be more so as the day progresses. I've tried to fill the entire day with nothing but good habits that require a lot of discipline :]

S: "As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever. Consider now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be courageous and act."

1 Chronicles 29:9-10

(Supporting Scripture)

"Be strong and courageous, and act; do not fear nor be dismayed for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished..."

1 Chronicles 29:20

Sounds like an echo from Moses' Last Counsel to the Israelites: "Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsakes you."

Deuteronomy 31:6

O: Wise advice from a father to a son. King David was giving his son, Solomon, the instructions for building God's temple-where the ark of the covenant would be placed. Aside from being advice, it was also a warning:

"...for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts."-Clearly this passage reveals that God knows the hearts of men and that their sincerity and motives are being put to the test. You can put a happy face and happy words all over a bitter heart and ulterior motives anytime you want-but as God already knows the heart of one who serves Him, we must strive to "..serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind..." A clean heart and a motive to know God is necessary to serve God!

After all-those who go about searching for about five minutes probably won't find the Lord. Where is the desire and true sincerity in searching and serving the Lord? I know that I fall into a serious guilt about this. I often question why God doesn't seem to move more in my life while I have so little invested Him. This verse really speaks to me about how if I expect something from God I need to put out my entirety in meeting Him along the way. "If you seek Him, He will let you find Him..."

What does 'seek' mean? Seek:

Try to get to or reach

Search for

Go towards

To strive after

To seek God means to actually try. I know and God certainly knows whenever I try to know more about Him in His Word-or when I'm (or when I'm not) really living for His glory. This means that I spend more than the 5 or 10 minutes of mandatory prayers at meals-more than the mandatory one Lifejournal a day! Not that quantity matters-but there is such a thing as inadequate amounts of prayer and time spent in the Word. I know that a real effort for God means that I'm constantly trying to up the standard-not so I can have more prayer time or bible time to brag about (as if that's anything to brag about to anyone other than...other dorky Christians) but because ultimately I'm looking to know God more and more each day. There is joy in coming face to face with the living God and if I'm not pressing towards it (and continue to choose living in a dry stupor), I am forsaking Him and "...if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever." Now taking this context, I know that forsake is not the same as one who turns from God and comes back in repentance-but forsake means to turn away from completely and renounce entirely.

If I take the time to think about it-a weak, partial investment in prayer and reading the Word with a heart that hasn't been brought before the Lord for consecration is not prayer and not a real reading of God's Word. His throne must be approached with reverence and nothing less.

A: Today, a new regime for the Lord has started in my life-He told me specifically, "...be courageous and act." Even if I were to spent my entire day praying and reading the Word, he also reminds me that the right heart is where it starts. A heart thirsting to know the living God, actions that reflect that heart, and a life that holds that heart each and every single day will bring about a fruitful time in this life that which is now. I want that heart and to back it up with my life.

P: Father, today has been great and I know You have made it so. You are enthroned over this wretched soul and You have saved it by Your mercy and unmerited favor. You alone hold salvation and I praise You so deeply for being the gracious God You are. I have no other lover than You. Forgive me for I have repented of my lifestyle that did put this life You have given me to good use. Thank You for this passage that reminds me that even though I have a check-list of wonderful things I want to do for You, that the state of my heart (a heart that serves You must seek, love, and worship You) must be in check first. I will never forsake You because I know that You will never forsake me. Search my heart O' Lord and make it Yours. Claim all my motives and desires and place them in line with Your will, alone, so that You may be glorified in all that I do. In Christ, amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

Soap - Conqueror of Death

S: ...then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be abolished is death.

But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, "Death is swallowed up in victory, O death, where is your sting?" The sting of death is sin and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:25-26, 54-58

He will swallow up death for all time,

And the Lord God will wipe tears away from all faces,

And He will remove the reproach of His people from all the earth;

For the Lord has spoken.

Isaiah 25:8

...Shall I redeem them from death?

O Death, where are your thorns?

O Sheol, where is your sting?

Hosea 13:14

O: I don't understand the context of who "...He must reign" refers to (obviously God, but not sure of the person in the Trinity). By order of elimination, it can't be the Holy Spirit because He's not mentioned in this particular passage...Christ is referred to as He who hands the kingdom to God the Father so I'm pinpointing it to Christ being the one who abolishes all rule and all authority and power. Abolishment is synonymous to destruction of. Christ will destroy all rule and all authority and power on Earth-Or has He already? The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.

It's evident that victory is already here for the believer. Death is a result from sin (For the wages of sin is death Rom 6:23) and sin was revealed to be what it is...a heinous offense against the perfect, holy, loving God (http://c3diministry.blogspot.com/2010/02/soap-sin-revealed-as-sin.html), by the Law.

But Christ has already come out on top, victorious over sin, conquering the last enemy by His loving sacrifice upon the cross. We were once perishable, which means we decay-we're easily corrupted and death was a sure thing...representing an inevitable truth that we could never change, no matter how much we tried to fight it. But in believing in Christ, we put on that which is imperishable-incorruptible and eternal!

Death was always a scary thing for me when I was young. As a child, I had a vivid imagination and an extreme fear of death. I remember my idea of death was eternal darkness, no breathing, no seeing, nothing. Absolute emptiness and I saw it as an endless abyss of hopelessness and despair-I wasn't actually too off in terms of Hell. Death for the unsaved is indeed an endless time of despair, seeing that an offense against the Holy One is irrevocable and due for an eternity of punishment and torment. I would cry for hours on end about how I didn't want to die and face that eternity. If anything, I was blessed enough to have the slightest inkling that if I were to die, I was not going anywhere I wanted to be.

But how thankful should I be? Victory in Christ is something I can't even begin to express in words of how I should fall on my knees and worship God in the fullness of His goodness every second of my life. Yet again, the Gospel shows me the infinite worth of my Saviour and how all-satisfying He is. How can I not place my hope and trust in the One who gained victory over that which plagued us for so long? If anything, the idea that someone who conquered DEATH itself can only point to the evidence that Christ is truly God. Why was death conquered? For His glory and His glory alone. In Christ, I have found life and my fears are truly relived in the fact that He abolished death, itself.

A: What should I do? This passage served as yet another great reminder of the enormity behind the sacrifice of Christ. It was not some petty, cheaply planned out scheme that God had at hand just to save a few measly people-it was for the ultimate and greatest glory that could possibly be given to the King of kings-We were saved for His glory...He is exalted to the highest place because of all that He did. And I can only stand by and praise and worship Him with every possible bit of my being (http://c3diministry.blogspot.com/2010/02/soap-greatest-commandment.html). Love, for Saviour of my soul-He took down DEATH FOR ME! He is amazing. I stand here wearing that which is imperishable and I will praise Him for it.

P: God, You are who You are. You alone conquered death, to exalt Your Son. And in glorifying Your Son, Your mercy and grace shines radiantly in the lives of those who see that You are truly the conqueror of death. All bondage, all inevitability of a life headed for destruction, and all your enemies were put under Your feet. How glorious and how marvelous You are! Father, please forgive me for ever taking Your Word lightly. Forgive me for my ever-present taste for lust. Forgive me for all of these things-I have repented of it and I only want to be reminded of the all-satisfying worth of Christ each and every single day of my life, for it leads me to repentance and it leads me to worship and it leads me to living my life only for You. Thank You so much for who You are-because you brought redemption for so many undeserving people...and I only wish to know how undeserving I am so that I may always press to live just for Your glory. Break me and reveal to me how worthless this world is and how all worth rests upon You-so that I may walk more deeply rooted in faith in Christ, obedience to You, and at the direction of the Holy Spirit. In Christ, amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

Soap - Like a Child, but Not

S: Brethren, do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature.

1 Corinthians 14:20

O: I remember when I was a child-physically and mentally. I remember how prone I was to accidents and it was mostly due to my lack of thinking. My mom would always yell at me and call me a "dull stone head" in Korean, which of course never led to a good self-image. But, it was true-I was quite dim-witted and I would always rush into whatever was fun and exciting without thinking the consequences through. I was immature in my thoughts and it cost me dearly in the tab of many bruises, scrapes, and even broken bones! If I hadn't grown up a bit, I'm sure it would have been the death of me. Childish thinking...

Then there was the innocence of childhood. I knew not the greed deep-seated in money, the obsession of worldly things, the lusts of the flesh, and the darkness of sin. Probably the worst thing I ever did when I was little was steal a miniature canister of play-doh from the local toy store; and even then, I felt so guilty that I threw it away in shame of my crime. Sin is sin, but as a child-I knew what was wrong instinctively and that it was best to stay away from it.

But now, I have a taste for sin and as much as one promises to never taste that which is forbidden, one always seem to forget the bitter aftertaste of sin-leading to ill-suited recollections of how 'sweet' sin is and the tempter pushes us to delve into the darkness, yet again. Infants in evil never had a taste for it-and simply know not to taste it. It's like Adam and Eve, given all the fruits and animals in the garden of Eden except for the fruit from the knowledge of good and evil. They lost their chance the moment they disobeyed-and for us, we are given so many chances by grace, and yet we fall over and over. To be an infant in evil would be never tasting and always remembering the command.

Our thinking, when it reverts back to being like a child-it doesn't register how destructive sin is in our lives-so we must cling to a child-like innocence in evil, but a mature thinking that which always subverts the enemy's attacks.

A: Cling to God, like a child-for I am helpless and without clinging to Him, I will surely fall away. Mature in thought, unlike a child-for God calls me to love Him with all my mind, to arm myself with His Word and to guard my mind with it. A well-trained head filled with the Truth can never make room for any deceit or childish thinking. The Word will mature my mind, spiritually.

P: Father, great are Your words and promises. Thank You for Your abounding love and forgiveness. Your patience with me is unbelievable-and thank You for giving me the strength to push on with my reading and my LJ when I really, really didn't feel like it. But it's wonderful to let it all out, when I know I ultimately must cling to You and Your Word if I want to live. Teach me and pour into my heart, soul, and mind that which is Your truth so that I can depend on You all the more while training myself to live by that very truth. Holy Spirit, work in me to cast away all childish thoughts and behaviour (other than a child-like faith and innocence in the face of evil). In Christ, amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

Soap - Love Series Pt. III

S: Love never fails

1 Corinthians 13:8

O: Love

So far I've learned that love...God's perfect agape love is patient (bears with all things), love is kind (compassionate and tender-hearted upon all), and it is humble, not easily provoked, and always forgiving. (Keeping in mind that 'love' is referred to the perfect love, Agape, Christ demonstrated)

Never

not ever; at no time
not at all; absolutely not
to no extent or degree

Never is a strong description-but it means under no circumstance will whatever is being described, ever occur. Never! Love holds a commanding position that it never...

Fails

to fall short of success or achievement in something expected, attempted, desired, or approved

to be or become deficient or lacking; be insufficient or absent; fall short

to dwindle, pass, or die away

to lose strength or vigor; become weak

to become unable to meet or pay debts or business obligations; become insolvent or bankrupt

Failing is a terrible thing. But as I read this definitions-it only describes all of us as the condemned people we once were...We all fall short of saving ourselves, and it is God's love alone that never fails.

God's perfect love, that which is patient, kind, humble, forgiving will under no circumstances ever fall short of success, lack, die, lose, or decay. In the same way, if we, as God's people are to demonstrate His perfect love (now that we know what it is) well, it can never fail to do what it was meant to do. Love, that which transforms the hearts of the lost, building up the kingdom of God, and spearheading the way for God's glory.

A: I will understand that God's love never has nor will it ever fail. If I am to piece together all of those things and I can really have an unconditional love for others-it will bring about exactly what I must have in all situations, in ministry and with family and friends-Christ likeness is my goal and His love is never failing. I must love like Him.

P: Father how great is Your love. That Your love goes so far as to the cross-I pray that You would teach me to love exactly as You have loved us. This reminds a great deal of the Love like Jesus retreat we had awhile back, but it's wonderful to experience that theme in Your very Word. Your love is never failing-I want to love others to the point where I know it will change and influence them! Please give me a genuine heart of love, that others may come to know and love You, as well. In Christ, amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

Soap - Love Series Pt. II

S: Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not take into account a wrong suffered...

1 Corinthians 13: 4-5

O: Love is patient

Patient - bearing provocation, annoyance, misfortune, delay, hardship, pain, etc., with fortitude and calm and without complaint, anger, or the like...

Christ, being the greatest example of love...was infinitely patient. He endured a great deal of hardship, lived a lifestyle that was not at all luxurious, and not to mention bearing the sins of all mankind. I imagine His heart ached after the Pharisees who constantly focused on splitting hairs as well as insignificant traditions rather than the actual Law. Or how he dealt with so many crowds who wanted nothing more than miracles and signs while He was there to demonstrate the love of a servant-they must have badgered Him to the point of extreme frustration, and yet he dealt kindly and graciously with those who asked much of Him.

(A:) Just the first characteristic of love, I know I fall short. How many times have flared up in anger to rush to my weapons when someone provoked or annoyed me? Or look at all the times I've failed to endure misfortune, hardship or pain-I often crumble after only a little bit of hardship in my life. Rather than turning to God in prayer or being patient OR even asking for patience with my current situation, I often selfishly mourn my own situation. I need to be more patient, just like Christ-as love is infinitely patient.

love is kind and not jealous

Kind - of a good or benevolent nature or disposition, as a person (antonym - cruel)

Jealous - characterized by or proceeding from suspicious fears or envious resentment

(Bible. intolerant of unfaithfulness or rivalry: The Lord is a jealous God.) - I just wanted to put in the example of Godly jealously...awesome stuff.

Love is kind. Kindness runs much deeper than just the nature or disposition of a person. I've known incredibly kind people over the years-people who you know look to reflect God's own kindness because their hearts are inclined towards Christ. Just to name a few people: Yunho So, Grace Song, and...uh...yep. Just kidding, I think many people are kind but those two stick out in my mind. Kindness is being forgiving (Ephesians 4:32), being almost opposite to being callous, as the church is called to be a loving people-not a people who puts the cold shoulder on one another and the world. Every time I hear the word 'kind' I think immediately upon love because I know that true kindness can only edify and that is most definitely love. People who have been kind to me have done a greater good than anyone who has bought me gifts, food (although those are a great kindness, sometimes!) or have done something for me (whether it be work or a favor).

However, once again, no one can trump the all-time champion of love, Jesus Christ, in showing an example of kindness. God's love is not merely to show mercy. Nor is it to show just His graciousness. Nor is it to show only His kindness or patience or truth...It is to show all of those things-as His unconditional love (agape) encompasses all of those characteristics. Christ dying upon that cross, taking the Father's wrath upon Himself was the ultimate act of kindness that Jesus could portray to the rest of the world. To take a hit for someone is an act of kindness-love most likely expressed through Philos. To die for someone is the point of Godly kindness which stretches to love-expressed through Agape.

(A:) I want to love others unconditionally-and to do so, words and acts of kindness should be the first thing on my heart and lips when approaching others. I know I can make a greater effort at kindness and love through the way I treat others...I can always be looking to encourage and before my rebukes and MY opinions, I can listen and speak with the intent to always build up. But not only kindness through my words, but acts that which would be tantamount to always forgiving and always sacrificing for others, considering them to be better than myself.

love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not take into account a wrong suffered

I like the definition of what love is NOT. Love doesn't take credit. I mean that's what unconditional love is not...Agape love never has an ulterior motive of wanting glory or achievements. Agape often leads to a whole lot of suffering on the behalf of the one who sincerely seeks to express it and often is taken for granted or gone unnoticed (except by the Lord!). Love NEVER has any bitterness or hold grudges-Once again, forgiveness is another emphasis of what characterizes love!

(A:) If my mind is on how I profit from "loving" someone, then it is not at all Agape love. I must always forgive and always humbly understand that whatever I do-it is not for my own to show the world as my deeds. It should always come from my heart and whether I am received well or received badly for loving others, I will continue to love by the love that Christ so perfectly demonstrated.

P: God, You are so good. You are patient and You are kind and you are never jealous (in the bad way). You never brag and nor are you ever arrogant (even though you have a right to rub in the fact that You alone are glorious!). You never acted wrongly and you never had an ulterior motive for loving us. You don't keep a record of our wrongs. Thank You so much for Your love. Without Your love, there would have never been a Saviour or life in these dead bones. Thank You for teaching me what love is, so far...I pray that Your Holy Spirit would continue to push my heart towards the true unconditional love, that which is You. In Christ, amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

Soap - Love Series Pt. 1

I've decided to park at chapter 13 of 1 Corinthians and take it piece by piece.

S: If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.

1 Corinthians 13:1-3

O: Paul makes a very strong point of saying all things are pointless without love. Even if he had wonderful spiritual gifts, a faith so great as to move mountains (Matthew 17:20) or a whole list of great deeds to his name for Christ, it all means nothing without love.

But love for what? Or who? Love for God? God's people? Love must be the driven focus of the Christian when doing anything. Why would we strive for gifts, faith, or works? Because we love Christ and His people. Without love, the motive to serve Christ and His people aren't truly there. Once again I'm reminded of how God looks at the heart of a person rather than the outside.

A: I need to love God and God's people before I serve. I think it's been awhile since I've stepped back from ministry and really took a deep breath and really try to see if my heart is in the right place. Ministry has always been so natural and yet I feel sometimes I serve without the right heart-because this passage really speaks to me about how their should be a genuine motive behind every action, big or small, great or insignificant. I need to love God and His people, more! How can I love Him more? Plenty of commands to follow and plenty of sin to cut out in my life-more diligence and more discipline in focusing myself upon the cross. As for His people, I know I can love them in greater ways-whether it be through discipleship or prayer, I need to be proactive in serving them because I love them.

P: Father, it's been a long day and a longer week. You are still good and sovereign over my life-despite the few struggles that have cropped up recently. You hold all things in Your hand and I acknowledge that You have a plan. Thank You for this Word. I really do want to love You more as well as Your people. But I feel like my heart has really grown cold over the past few months. Love doesn't seem to stir me anymore and I know I need a reminder of love-which is Your Son. But would I not just repeat the Gospel to myself in thinking I would understand how You love me-but I want to feel Your love and be overcome by it each and every single time I come before You in prayer, praise, whatever-Remind me in my heart and my soul of the greatest example of love as I remind my head. Would you teach me what love is? So that I may fall more deeply in love with You-for Your glory. In Christ, amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

Soap - One Body

S: But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. If they were all one member, where would the body be? But now there are many members, but one body.

1 Corinthians 12:18-20

O: The church is the body of Christ-the people who gather in the name of Jesus Christ. Speaking about spiritual gifts and placement of the individual in the body of Christ, Paul explains that each and every single person has their purpose. If everyone was a preacher, where would the students be? Just as such, every single person in the body has their role and gifts given them accordingly to their purpose.

I remember a while back when I first accepted Christ as my saviour, I went immediately on board with praise team as a singer-Music was my passion and to this very day I find that my given role in the body of Christ is as a worship and praise leader. By the Spirit, I gravitated towards what God called me to do and I do so in the expression of praise that best suits how God has made me.

With the many members and one body, we can never feel that anyone is better or more important-The imagery evoked by the "body of Christ" brings to mind a whole set of different organs functioning together in tandem, working to live and move forward. The people amongst the body needs to understand where God has called them specifically and work together to really be the unified church that God intends to build through His faithful.

A: I will be fully satisfied with my role in His kingdom. All of those who belong to Christ must diligently pray for His name to be glorified by any means possible and also immerse themselves in His Word-however, in the ways that God has blessed me and given me passion, I will also commit myself, fully. I will also understand that God has sufficiently equipped me by His Spirit-not ever being jealous of others who are talented in different ways. Rather, I would praise God for the gifts and talents He bestows upon my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ!

P: Heavenly Father, You have so good to me and gracious in giving rest to my mind, body and soul. However, I pray that you would forgive me of my laziness and lack of motivation to follow up on that which is good-In being diligent about reading Your Word more consistently as well as applying it. I pray that You would push me on, that You Spirit would work in my heart-to bring about an unease whenever I am too deeply comfortable with being content. For Your name's sake, I pray that You would bring about a yearning to know You more as well as living for the sake of building up your body and kingdom by the gifts You have given me. Shatter my lethargy and poke at me until I move my legs-I'm definitely in need of Your admonishing. Thank You for Your goodness-You are always good! In Christ, amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

Soap - Christ is the Head

S: But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man...

1 Corinthians 11:3

O: When you are the head of something you are:

A person who leads, rules, or is in charge; a leader, chief, or director
The foremost or leading position

The person commanding most authority within a group

Every man, meaning there is no exception amongst us.

The commanding tone, Christ IS the head of every man resounds with the fact that He truly is the one who is in charge. Christ holds the most authority over men and this should not be questioned. But, sadly-not every man lives in such a fashion. But, despite that-every knee shall bow, one day.

A: I'm not in charge-not even over the petty little things like what to eat or how to dress. Christ literally dictates everything in my life-not to be confused with the responsibility given to me and the mission of furthering His kingdom (as those are obvious things that Christ has dictated in my life), but whether it be how I spend my money or when I sleep, I ought to do all things for the glory of God.

P: Christ is the King. God, You reign over every man living and dead. Spirit, You do a great works amongst us. I thank You for Your mercy and grace today-and I thank You for this Word. That those who are foolish and weak (such as ourselves) are not actually the ones pushing this life onward. It is only by Your sovereignty and by Your rule that we live-I pray that with that being said, I would submit myself to that authority and live by this Scripture-Christ is the head of me. Teach me to live as such, for Your glory. In Christ, amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

Soap - No Temptation Too Great

S: No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:13

O: First off, God is faithful - He will not fail nor will He ever turn back on His Word. In this particular part of the passage, Paul speaks of God's sovereignty over how far our temptations can bring us-that we can be brought to the edge, but never to the point where sin will inevitably overtake us. I know so many Christians (including myself at many times) that give up the battle with sin because they think they're going to fail "sooner or later." This mentality shows a lack of faith in the blood of Christ-not truly submitting to the idea that the blood of Christ has broken the shackles that sin once had in our lives. Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:11).

Another observation I make is that God controls the temptation, but does not actually tempt-How can God tempt? He is without sin, and sin does not come from Him.

...beyond what you are able - Does this mean beyond my own strength? Or my own turning to God in my moment of weakness? For, with all my sins on the line, I sure don't feel like I can endure sin on my own-but I'm sure Paul writes, in fact to those who have been saved and are never alone-with the Holy Spirit alongside us, we never fight a battle against sin that is impossible to come out victorious-In other words, all present sins and temptation in our lives can be conquered! There is hope even for the most depraved of us!

...with the temptation will provide the way of escape also - In the context of how this passage is written, I can see how it says, "God will not allow..." and it also says "God will provide the way of escape also." In these times where fighting for holiness seems almost futile, it's important to understand that the means of escape and guidance to do so is found in the Word. Christ alone has broken the chains of sin with the cross and the keep ourselves from "relapsing," for lack of a better word, we need to understand what the Bible says on our shortcomings-Flee from sexual immorality, flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, and make every thought captive to Christ!

Temptations are attacks. The Word is where we find the armor of God and the Word IS the weapon of choice-interesting how that works out. To endure attacks, we must...well, equip ourselves with the Word, lol. Endurance isn't all about how well we ourselves endure sin, but how we have prepared ourselves in truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and our salvation. We find all of these things in the Word, and it all comes together to be our weapon against the tempter.

A: I will not submit to defeat-I understand that the Word is where I will find myself ready for attacks, but if I have thrown up the white flag before anything else, I water down the power of Christ's blood and I disgrace the name of my Saviour. Victory is ensured when we cling to Christ-for the great victory over death was won long before I was even on this earth.

P: How glorious You are! Your sovereignty reigns over this entire universe, working itself in incomprehensible ways, far beyond any of us. Your Word never fails, God, and I thank You for this passage-strengthening my resolve in this fight against my flesh and temptation. Forgive me for my transgressions as I am always a weaker man yesterday. But, teach me to look straight-towards that great prize of being wholly sanctified, in fellowship with You. I pray that I would remember that You are victorious and You shall never let sin overtake me beyond a point where my flesh will completely take over-You are always with me, and I pray that the Spirit would do an inward work against the sins in my life to work towards a holiness that is Your will. In Christ, amen!

Soli Deo Gloria

Sleep, shall read.

Soap - For the Sake of the Gospel

S: I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.

1 Corinthians 23

O: I do all things for the sake of the gospel. Life is centered around Christ and what He did on that cross. Everything exists for His glory. All things, for the sake of the gospel:

All things - Meaning...everything. From playing music to going to school to eating food. All things pretty much means what it says-Everything that encompasses some kind of activity in our lives sum up all things.

For the sake of - Because of, or out the concern or interest for.

the Gospel - Man sinned against God-Broke the once perfect fellowship with Him while also condemning themselves to Hell. God redeems the sins of men through His Son, Jesus Christ by crucifying Him upon a cross and raising Him from the grave, 3 days later. Anyone who believes this and comes to repentance for their sins and professing Christ is Lord shall be saved.

I do everything I do in life because of what Christ did...

so that I may become a fellow partaker of it...

Partaker - One who takes or is given a portion.

I do everything I do in life because of what Christ did so that I may be given a portion or blessing in it.

Paul dedicates his life to that which is eternal because it reaps eternal rewards-He understands that his entire investment (all things, basically his life) is worth putting all into something such as the Gospel.

A: I will invest my entirety in Christ-my reward will be in heaven and I want to be a partaker in the blessings of the Gospel-To be blessing to others, sharing the Gospel with friends and family is the be blessed, yourself. To squander anything God has given is to devalue it and the Gospel is no exception-it was meant to be shared amongst all peoples, so that He would receive all the glory and worship that is due to Him. The Gospel gives life, and that life should be used to further spread more life.

P: Lord, how great You are. Your sovereignty reigns so deeply in my life and I pray I would not soon forget how mightily You have moved during this trip. All praises and glory to You, God-for You are always faithful and always good! God, would forgive me for rationalizing between little sins and "little distractions" - Crush even the smallest inkling of desire to cut corners-I wish to be holy, for Your name's sake. Would You continually reaffirm the importance of placing my entire life into Your hands? I know that I do not doubt You in the slightest, now-but when the suffering and trials come, I pray that You would swiftly bring back the reminder that You have ordained every step-that all things work together for good...Teach me to grow in faithfulness-I only want more of You. In Christ, amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

Soap - I Shouldn't Grieve

S: My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done.

Matthew 26:42

O: I had trouble focusing on the Word because I felt so distressed. But I was reminded of how distressed Christ was, right before being crucified-He was so deeply grieved that he felt as if He was going to die. I mean, what a way to put me in perspective-I'm not going out to die for the sins of man. I'm going out to audition for music school! Why should I be grieved? But my burden is here and I feel as though God is trying to say something else. I think maybe because I haven't prepared myself fully in prayer-It's just like every praise team that has the same problem-too much technical stuff floating around while praying "enough" to get by when leading worship. I have devoted a great chunk of my time in playing my audition piece and practicing guitar for a long, long time. But I know God is calling me to pray more and now.

A: I am to pray in accordance with His will. I am here to live in accordance with His will. I need to trust that I have nothing to offer while God will is still as straight as it ever is. Moreover, God will go where He goes. Why should I worry at all, when I know that God is sovereign? God is sovereign! Every moment and every second does not go by Him, unnoticed. He is over all of it and over even these words. I must know God is sovereign. He is sovereign.

Wow. Here I was so caught up in Por Christo Et Regno Ejus (for Christ and His Kingdom) and Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God alone) but I forgot that God is sovereign. He reigns over everything. He doesn't need a pass into music school or a loan. I am His child and if it is His will for me to go, then nothing will stop Him from getting me there, be it money or admission. He is sovereign, praise God! And if music school is not His will, He is still good!

P: ...this I will do without writing it out.

Soli Deo Gloria

Conversation that Ensued

"Do you rely on yourself when you are leading worship?"

"No, I rely on You."

"Then why should this be any different?"

"..."

Soap on the Side - Days are Evil

S: Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.

Ephesians 5:15-16

O: A warning on using our time well. How easily would I get sucked into facebook and anime and whittle away the hours of the day without accomplishing anything? I can tell that my fast is working by the fact that I feel terrible right now. I practiced for at least 6 or 7 hours today and I did indeed wake up to pray-but I didn't get enough done because I got sucked into a webcomic and wasted maybe about 2 or 3 hours of my time just reading comics -___-

The days are evil? I would go so far as to say my day is evil because the end of the day always catches up to me and reminds me of how much more I could have done to make it more productive.

I had read this verse earlier and God was warning me to use every minute of my time wisely and I failed to heed His warning. I mean, not all was lost-but I know that tomorrow needs to be even better. I tried really hard to shape my piece for what it is now-it's not anywhere near what I want it to be, but I know God can use me in any state as long as my heart is in it.

This Scripture clearly states that we need to watch everything we're doing throughout the day. Take a moment to see if Christ is the backdrop for every situation...Wise men make the most of their time while those who are foolish sit idly by, waiting for the next thing that perks their interest (which, never really comes because they continue in going about their business, idly...).

A: Total dedication - I've got one more day to really push for excellence. None of these days were all that terrible other than Tuesday but it has been very grueling with nothing but a whole lot of practice and a fight against sleepiness and idleness. I will be wise with my time and use each day to it's fullest extent. I have no time to waste-I cannot afford to sit by idly and may I cursed if I am found to be idle when the Lord comes for me.

P: God, You are above everything-my anxiety is severely misplaced as each day has it's own worries. Remind me of how great You are through this personal time. I am sorry for not being fully diligent today-would you forgive me? I resolve to make sure every minute of tomorrow is used specifically for Your glory alone. Teach me to rely upon you and not even my practice or my other preparation-just give me a heart for reliance upon You, that's all I can ask. In Christ, amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

Soap - A Little Leaven is Too Much

Practice is tough-and it's been a long time since I've felt this way, but remembering one of the biggest challenges to becoming half-decent at guitar was battling with my insecurities. One day would be filled with fresh determination to learn new songs and the next would be covered in hopeless dismay over feeling like a sub-par player. This week is definitely bringing back feelings of the latter-I'm being attacked a lot and it is no fun. I don't like to be the one hoping to only get by-I really do want to be better than that, but I honestly cannot help it at this point. My audition piece could really spell either a great success or a great failure. But, I remember looking back at how incompetent I was at guitar (terrible at strumming and terrible at switching chords) and the struggles were well worth it-there was and is a great comfort in being able to play music, which led to a greater passion for it. It eventually blossomed into something even more wonderful, that I can use it as a tool to lead worship and connect with others-and I've got to remember, that it's all ultimately for the Kingdom. Use my gifts accordingly...

Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly...

Romans 12:6

I was convicted of a very serious sin today. I realize that I try to be justified through my own effort of repentance. But God has clearly laid out that I am only justified by faith in Christ. I am sorry to ever think that I ever had the power to walk in holiness without clinging to God. I will only have faith in Christ.

S: Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough? Clean out the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened.

1 Corinthians 5:6-7

O: What is leaven and what does it represents?

1 : a substance (as yeast) used to produce fermentation in dough or a liquid
2 : something that modifies or lightens

Yeast, and it represents sin. The dough represents us.

But I think leaven can mean more than sin-it can be depression or discouragement, in my case. Sin being a relevant case as well, such as sexual temptation-a little bit of leaven permeates through the entire dough and every bit of sin in my life will get to me no matter how negligible the sin seems at first. Cutting corners is a perfect example of a little leaven in one's life. From little lies to getting soda in a water cup, a little bit of sin will become a whole lot of sin. To attain a life of holiness, sin must be conquered in one's life, completely-sanctification is no one day deal...Christ did not die so we could be forgiven once.

When faith is in Christ and justification comes about, we are made anew-a new lump of dough, so to speak, unleavened. But when sin strikes even once and we fall to it, it spreads rapidly like a virus and we are once again in need of His grace. Sanctification is a long process but to fight sin means to understand that conquering sin means to chop it off at the root-before it even takes root.

Even as I write, I know that lust is like a lot of leaven for men trying to fight sin. But if we're openly giving outlets to Satan to attack us, it's no wonder why we fall. I'm also letting myself be attacked mentally with thoughts that are self-deprecating and very discouraging when I'm trying to practice guitar. A single outlet is all Satan needs to crush me from the inside out.

A: Am I not a soldier? I need to close all available routes to my heart and attack back. Like a poison-tipped arrow in my side, if my armor had been on securely from the start, I never would have fallen from something that is so small. The attacks are relentless and I need to be sharp-my clumsiness can cost me very dearly in this time. I will not break my resolve in fighting sin-I may be discouraged and I may be tired, but God is far greater than anything in my life-if I cling to Him, His strength will guarantee that I will come out, alive and well-I need to draw back to a full reliance of His Word and His promises...(I'm also going to read Ephesians over again).

P: God, You are infinite. More powerful than my imagination and You alone speak through the Word that which conquers the cunning and shrewdness of how Satan employs sin to draw my focus and heart away from you. God, I am sorry for my pride in thinking that my feeble attempts at repentance could justify me. Would you also forgive me for the lust in my heart that spirals out of control, like leaven? I also ask, in the name of Christ, to reject all thoughts of dejection and uselessness-strengthen me, God, and place my conviction in doing all that I do now for Your glory. Lord, teach me to reject the shallow promises of happiness in sin. A little sin draws me into more than I could ever fight down with my own strength so I am asking you to pour down Your insight through Your Word-would Your Holy Spirit teach me how to wield that which is heavy and difficult to handle? Thank You for revealing to me that which is like leaven in my life-would you stir up a heart that is alert and cautious...always testing everything by Scripture-I do not want to be snared. Sanctify me, for the sake of Your name. In Christ, amen.

Soli Deo Gloria