Jesus Christ, My Eternal Hope

JCA Fall Retreat 2009!

2009-09-23T15:58:00.001-07:00

Just a couple of sermons I took notes on, and was moved by. Enjoy =]

"Maximizing Your Freedom" -Gal 5:13, Eph 5:15, Jer 29:11

- With freedom come responsibilities, but don't abuse your freedom; don't "freedom overload" E.g. computers, Internet, dating, socializing, studying
- The unbiblical way of freedom; snares:
1) Freedom is doing what I want to do whenever I want to; experimenting
2) What I "feel" like doing; not totally bad, because you may need to experiment things in Christianity like spiritual gifts

Freedom is: 1) the ability to say "no" to less valuable things and say "yes" to more valuable things, and 2) ability to set your own boundaries in your freedoms
To maximize freedom:
1) Surrender your life to Jesus Christ, for He gives the power to gain freedom.
2) Prioritize: E.g. 1. God 2. Grades 3. Family 4. Friends 5. Dating

"Facing Storms in Christ" - Mark 4:35-41
- We are either in a storm, about to enter a storm, or just got out of a storm
- Storm: v. 35
- Disciples encountered storm in the obedience of Jesus
- If you follow Jesus faithfully, you will face difficulties and trials of many kinds; should be no surprise, for He guarantees this
- Response of disciples: "Don't you care...?"
- Exposes where our faith is, our true theology (-)
- Express their faith at where they're at, no matter where it is (+)
- Went to Jesus (+)
- Jesus was sleeping, paradoxically, because "God never sleeps", but Jesus became a man, our high priest
- Loved us, rescued us, a picture of a loving God to experience tiredness, and later, suffering, trial
- Conquered sin and death
- Is always with us in love, suffering
- God can stop the storm, if He wills
- God is greater than anything in our lives; be more afraid of God, and don't be afraid of the storm.

First Days of Oxford College!

2009-08-26T21:15:00.001-07:00

Well, I finally moved in, and became accustomed to this whole college life. I have so much to say!

So my mom, my brother, and I finally headed down to Atlanta, Georgia on August 19, 2009, with an overwhelming number of baggage. My first impression of Atlanta was bland; I thought that it was strikingly similar to New York, with its diversity and huge buildings. But I knew that Oxford College was not here in this city; in fact, it was 1 hour away from Atlanta to Oxford. We grabbed a hotel in Covington, near Oxford, to stay in for one night, since orientation started the day after. A quiet and serene place, Covington is pretty much the closest town to Oxford in which Oxford students can hang out and eat out.

That's the boring part (haha). Now, the next day, we went to orientation in a pretty ghetto yellow taxi. As we entered the campus, the first thing we encounter was a group of girls, holding up a colorful sign that read in bold letters: "WELCOME, INCOMING FRESHMEN! WHOO!", and as we entered and came into their vision, they ecstatically jumped for joy and screamed. I initially ducked my head, embarrassed. Crazy people; that was my initial impression of them. Everyone in the taxi, including the taxi driver, laughed out loud as we slowly found ourselves in a campus filled with greenery.

Despite Oxford College's small size, we got lost as to where my dorm hall (East Hall) was. We eventually found it (in like 10 minutes or so), and immediately after the taxi driver parked the car, three sophomore guys (I already forgot who they were) approached us and helped us out with our baggage, and brought it inside East Hall. I mean, at first glance, it was beautiful; the entrance led to a spacious lobby room, where people can hang out in, with tons of comfy chairs and couches placed all around, and a TV (but I found out it was broken at the moment, and it still is). However, after checking out other halls, I found out that I got the worst hall of them all. Eh. It's fine with me.

I checked in with an RA (Residential Assistance(?) gotta check up on that), who is a sophomore at campus. Her name was Ashley. Sophomores at Oxford College are practically seniors here, because they move out of Oxford into the main Emory campus at junior year. She gave me some orientation stuff, along with my mailbox keys, and most importantly, my room key. I hurried to my room, which was conveniently on the first floor, so I didn't have to struggle carrying my luggage to the second floor.
So my mom, my brother, and I started to organize my stuff in this room. Quietly, but surely.

After a couple of orientation meetings, it was time for my family to leave me behind in Oxford. We didn't cry; in fact, we laughed (sort of). It was the appropriate action for the time being, and I totally appreciated it. A quick shout-out to my mom and Eric! It was the start of my new journey, independent from family, into college.

Ahh... too much to say. Hopefully pictures will do =]

2009-06-29T23:24:00.000-07:00

World, stop crashing around me;
Life, stop crushing me;

Temptation, stop seducing me;
Conscience, stop eating at me;

Parents, stop lecturing me;
Friends, stop disappointing me;

Pride, stop making a fool of me;
Prejudice, stop hindering me;

Hunger, stop torturing me;
Satisfaction, stop leaving me;

Hate, stop finding me;
Love, stop losing me;

Me, stop destroying me;
God, save me.

-written by Sang-a Bae : http://prosiac.blogspot.com/2008/12/selfish-words.html

I am blogging at the moment, at 2:27 AM in the morning, because of the clamor within my mind. Everything that's going on in my life--the approaching college life, future, past, present--is increasingly filling up my thoughts. I can't sleep. Words are truly powerful, but not enough to save myself. I practically scream the above, yet even more confusion arises. I cry out for help, for strength, for fixture, yet nothing happens. I wait for the true deliverance, in my futile human's resistance, yet my defense easily crumbles to the ground, and once again, I find myself initially vulnerable and helpless, then indifferent. Having pleaded far enough, I find my soul has fainted, grown weary. And it keeps getting weaker and weaker, as every second flies by.
Despite of all of this, I see a glimmer of hope within my heart. I understand the sovereignty of God, but at the same time, unable to understand it within my own life. I understand His timing, but don't understand His timing in my life. In a sense, my patience is diminishing day by day.
When, God; when?

A Short Life, Eh?

2009-05-29T15:18:00.001-07:00

Check out the link I posted.

Well, after reading this, I just had to say wow. Wow. She was living the dream, and then, because of a climbing accident, all of it vanished. It just showed me how life REALLY is short. No one knows when his/her time will come. No one. Neither do I. I won't waste this short life I received. No way.

Should I or should I not?

2009-04-13T22:41:00.000-07:00

Well, it's 1:41 in the morning right now as I write this...
My brother is still up, and Justin came over... lol

I need some guidance on whether I should go to missions this summer or not. As of now, I've been reluctant to go, even unwilling. I just felt that I wasn't ready for something crazy. But strangely, when the deadline for the initial deposit came (about 2 weeks ago), the deadline was extended. So that just gave me time to think about this.

I think I should've asked earlier, but the past is past; I'm doing it right now. Should I or should I not? There are 4 places to which I can choose from: Costa Rica, Tanzania, Seattle, and Japan. Or, I can choose none. Reply with your own opinion of this! Thanks guys. =]

The Kingdom of Heaven

2009-03-29T17:36:00.000-07:00

Hey! It's been a really long time (well it seems to me) since I've posted before...

So I'll start off by answering the generic question people always tend to ask each other: How's life?
Life's good. Real good. haha
Coffee + House is coming up at Stuyvesant High School!!! (We invite you to come!)
Really little stress because I have a really small amount of homework to do.
Getting into all of my colleges (and I mean, ALL), but that's only so far...
Church is just a blessing every week (although I'm there for like just the service =/)
I guess the only problem I'm really facing is financial aid; I'm not getting any information on how much money I will get...
Otherwise, I'm really pumped up for Coffee + House!~

I wanted to share with you guys something I got out of today at church. The sermon came from Matthew 13:44-46 :

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it."

These verses really struck me today. I recall that prior to finding Christ, I wasn't exactly seeking truth and meaning in my life, but instead, stumbled upon Christ, just like the first man in these verses. I wonder if in either case, whether it be the man who simply stumbled upon it or the merchant who was seeking for it, people would find the treasure (Jesus Christ) in Coffee + House, Christians and non-Christians alike. I pray that we would see Jesus Christ as the ultimate treasure in our lives. Because in the end, He's all that matters.

Future

2009-03-02T11:22:00.001-08:00

Prayer requests:
1) My brother and Paul Seok to be able to be passionate for Jesus Christ.
2) I don't know what college to go to, and I need financial aid.

Ecclesia!

2009-02-18T20:24:00.000-08:00

I just came back from Ecclesia, and all that I can say is that... God is just AMAZING, WONDERFUL, SUPERNATURAL, OMNIPRESENT, ALL-SATISFYING, ALL-POWERFUL, GLORIOUS, GRACIOUS, LOVING, FATHERLY, and the list goes on and on and on, but words will never be able to fully describe God. He's just indescribable!!! No matter how many times I disobey God and sin against Him, He's always there for me. And I am truly thankful for His abundant love and grace!

The thing is, I would share of my experience at Ecclesia, but I will not for two reasons: 1) We made a promise that we won't. 2) If I did tell you of my experience, it'll ruin it for you guys who goes (I STRONGLY ENCOURAGE YOU GUYS TO GO; IT'LL BE JUST BREATHTAKING. The next one is in August).

I was that ignorant brat who constantly asked people what I should expect, and I constantly kept asking questions. I felt the need to know before I go. But all I can say is this: Go in with full faith, that God has everything in control, and that He will reign in Ecclesia!

If anything, I'll tell you one thing that I got out of this:
Pray with earnest and genuine faith, and you will see miracles and supernatural wonders of the Holy Spirit. And I tell you; the power of the Holy Spirit is just tremendously real! This is what I got out of Ecclesia V!

Weird!!!!

2009-01-20T18:21:00.000-08:00

Ok. So a strange thing happened during the weekend, and I don't know how to explain it. But I'll just tell you guys what happened. =D

Ok. So I was watching the Australian Open (tennis) on Sunday, but the announcers were just chatting like mad and weren't showing me the matches. I got a bit annoyed, so I decided to surf through some channels, and came across the movie "A Cinderella Story" (my mom watched it with me too lol). But I started from the middle of the movie, so when I finished seeing the movie, I watched the rerun right after it all over again just to understand the story. Right after I finished, I thought to myself, "Oh wow. Selena Gomez is pretty". T_T

After coming across this sudden emotion, I decided to research stuff about her. I found out certain things such as her birthday, job, and whatever. But the most interesting thing to me was the fact that she was a Christian, and to live it out, she proves it by wearing a purity ring that would represent her willingness to abstain from sex until marriage. I was like that's pretty cool.

And then suddenly, I remembered a story in the Bible, where Jesus Christ was being followed by a huge crowd which wanted to make Him king. But instead of going with the crowd and taking all the glory and praise from men, He humbled himself, and withdrew himself from the crowd. So I asked myself, "How do 'Christian' celebrities really live their life for Christ, if we as Christians are to imitate Him? Just showing committment to purity really isn't enough for Christ... right? How do they do this: (Matthew 28:19-20)" I was unable to answer the question. Maybe you guys can?

But anyways, my curiosity took over, and I decided that I should talk to her myself, and even be an encouraging brother to her (lol). I laugh because this sounds ridiculous from an objective point of view. She actually gave away her number to her fans (I think it's like a phone specifically for fans or something; I don't see why she would give away her number). But anyways, I left her a message. I think that's the best I can do.

I honestly feel stupid, yet willing to do this. For some reason, I just want to talk to her ONCE. lol. This is sounding really stupid to me as I am writing this blog. The thing is, there's like a one out of a billion chance she would ever bother to respond to my messages, so I know it's really not worth it. But then again I look at that possibility, if given the chance. I think it'll be amazing just to see a Christian celebrity's point of view on life, particularly his or hers. Maybe I can just be a brother in Christ for her. Man I don't know. I just felt like ranting.

Anyways, I know this is like a celebrity craze phase that people always have about a particular celebrity. But at the same time, I have a purpose. Maybe I should think more like this for everyone else in the world. Yea. That's a good idea.

*Edit*
Ok. I came to my senses. This is insanely stupid, and seems impossible and without purpose. I'm in my world; she's in hers. And that's as simple as it gets. But still that question looms over me, and I wonder if I'll ever find a definitive testimony of a Christian celebrity living out his or her life for Christ, even if it's not from Selena Gomez lol. Shouldn't we pray for our brothers and sisters in the Hollywood business? Hm. I think that's the best thing we can do. And I'll just leave it at that.

P.S: How long does it take for a celebrity craze to completely vanish, and is there a useful strategy? lol. I heard many different answers, so I guess it varies?

1/24/09
Oh my gosh. I thought I got a message from Selena Gomez, but it wasn't. T_T So much for that. False opportunity. =[

Accountability

2009-01-12T19:34:00.000-08:00

Today was a blessing (although I was way beyond sick; I thought I was going to die lol.. just kidding =]).

Leadership meeting was great. We first spent some time talking about our feelings of Ava's recent death from meningitis. A lot of us stirred with passion to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ after this, I noticed. But I can't help but wonder where she went. I never knew her, so I know it's up to God, who will rightfully judge and punish if necessary. I liked Mee Young's comment on how fragile life is, and I couldn't possibly disagree with her. It's just so true; tomorrow is not guaranteed for anyone. This frailty of life stirred me even more passion in me to proclaim the good news. I pray Jesus Day will be a great opportunity to do so.

Some of us left early, narrowing down the size of the group to only four people. We decided to share our troubles and just pray for each other. That was truly a blessing to me. Being accountable for each other was something we always said we would do, but never really initiated. But for the first time, I felt that we leaders (at least) finally opened up to each other, and so we were able to pray for each other. I hope we can do this more often! =]

So for now, I need to sleep. I'm just so sick that I can't do any work. I ask that you guys pray that I would feel better. =]

Revelations Revealed

2008-12-29T21:46:00.000-08:00

So the new year 2009 is coming up. I took Pastor Stephen's advice on contemplating on year 2008. Very surprisingly, I found revelations that I never imagined before, and because of them, things are starting to make sense, but at the same time, new questions are popping up.

In general, year 2008 stunk. I even went deeper into 2007 (because I haven't thought about that year deeply enough) and had to say that that year stunk too. There were obviously good and exciting times (college acceptance, retreats, etc), but overall, it really did stink. I mean, I knew that at moments in those years, things were going bad. But little did I realize that it was going bad MOST of the times.

I realized that I didn't really give God credit to anything-- good times or bad. I didn't notice that God was in control in every aspect of my life. So instead, I took my own initiatives. I made my own decisions. Because of them, I think I hurt myself in the process. I lost myself in the world, and in most of the times, I forgot God. I forgot that He was still there with me. I gave Him the kick every time He tried to enter my life; most of the times, I rejected Him.

To be specific, I'll give examples:
1) To be honest, I didn't pray much at all about my college choices. I might've been accepted into Oxford College, but at the moment, I have no idea if Oxford College is where God wants me to go. I don't even know if finance is the major God wants me to pursue in.
2) I actually wanted to go to Oxford College because I wanted a new beginning, away from NYC. Georgia was far away enough from NYC, where I've been living my whole entire life. I've been hurt and suffered enough (in my opinion), so I wanted to move away, from my troubles. I'll visit during vacations, so technically I won't be completely reclusive from home.
3) Another reason why I wanted to go away was because I noticed that I didn't fit in with anyone. I mean, I do have certain friends in school and church and all, but to be honest, sometimes I feel awkward. In church, everyone's younger or older than me. In school, the relationships I have with other believers is at most respectable. I have non-believing friends too, but there's a gap between us, mostly because I'm known as the "religious dude" or whatever. So I thought by starting a new beginning, things might change for me.
4) I didn't pray much for my family, whose been through so much these past two years. Maybe that's why my family is struggling mightily with God. I don't know.
5) I might've experienced true freedom if it wasn't for my struggling walk with God. I'm wrestling with lust, STILL. I hate it, yet my flesh loves it. I don't understand, sometimes.

I'm glad that I went to Discipleship 2, since I really did retreat from my life for a short period of time and got the chance to reflect, contemplate, and get things straight. Now new questions arise. What's God's plan for me? Is Oxford really the college God wants me to attend? Can I be used by God? Man. Things opened up to me, and I'm ready to fix them. Not by myself this time, but with the mighty hand of God.

YESSSSS

2008-12-12T15:10:00.001-08:00

YESSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Words can't explain how happy I feel right now! Thank You, God!
I just got accepted into Oxford College, one of the two colleges one can go to in Emory University. I'm SET!

COLLEGE

2008-12-10T18:41:00.001-08:00

Oh wow.

My friends who applied to Dartmouth, Cornell, and Columbia got their results. Some got in; others didn't. Those who got in cried with joy; those who didn't cried with grief. Man. So many seniors in my school have their lives ingrained in college applications right now.

I'm feeling the pressure. O_O

I can only say, "God, do Your will." I don't care where I go to, honestly. As long as it's in God's path.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T08:33:00.000-08:00

Ok ok... YAY IT'S THANKSGIVING!

I'm thankful...
1) That I'm living, alive and well.
2) For my family.
3) For my friends.
4) For God's forgiveness, grace, and mercy, which are everlasting!
5) For His word.
6) For education.
7) For college opportunities.
8) For shelter.
9) For my gifts from above.
10) For Jesus Christ!!

Yay =]
What are you thankful for?

2008-10-30T21:20:00.000-07:00

Doing college apps up late
Had a great Seekers meeting
Feeling like a hypocrite
Confused
Wondering about the future
Looking at my messy desk
Hoping to sleep soon
Praying for a miracle

Surrender

2008-10-19T18:43:00.000-07:00

Listening to:
Surrender by Planetshakers

All that I am is Yours
All that I have is Yours
I give You my heart and soul
Lord, I'm Yours.

Lord, every day is Yours
Lord, every breath is Yours
Giving my life to You
Lord, I'm Yours.

You alone are worthy of all praise
You alone are worthy of all praise

I surrender all to You
I surrender all to You
I am nothing without You
Jesus Christ, take my life
It's all for You!

You're worthy of all praise
You're worthy of all praise

THIS is my prayer.
Jesus, take my life; it's all for You!

His Return

2008-10-08T21:47:00.000-07:00

I was reading the Bible for QT today when I came across these verses:

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless, we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
-2 Peter 3:10-13

What a reminder for me. Christ can come anytime soon, and if I'm not living for God in holiness, who knows what can happen. I need to look ahead, and really act in accordance to God's will.

God, motivate me.

Death

2008-09-30T21:21:00.000-07:00

My relatives came by last Sunday, which was the day when I wasn't able to go to church. We ate, had fun, and overall hung out. Then they left.

The next day, I heard that my grandma (well, she's my mom's cousin's mother) passed away. I didn't even know her much at all. I remember my last visit to a hospital care center in which she resided, and for all that I know, she didn't even recognize me. Her poor and incapacitated memory must have been the cause of that. My mom tried to explain who I was; my grandma understood, but I knew that I was not familiar to her. So although I didn't know her well, since I was part of the family tree, I went to her funeral, which occurred today.

Wearing everything black, I attended the funeral in a remorse yet indifferent manner. The first thing I noticed when I entered the funeral was that the coffin was opened, so I actually saw my grandma. I was utterly shocked, not expecting to see a dead body before my eyes. I asked my brother if that was normal, and he simply said, "I don't know", but I saw that he had the same reaction as I did.

It was a Catholic funeral. Everyone who attended the funeral received a book. I first thought it was a song book, but it was actually a prayer book, filled with prayers that were sung. The Catholic pastor (priest?) came up, and we started to recite and actually chant EVERYTHING in that book. And that book was about 70 pages. My brother and I kept trying to predict at what page would the recitation stop; we should have guessed the end. As this was going on, I noticed how ritualistic all of this was. They were chanting prayers in a monotonous way, which just revealed to me how none of these prayers were coming from the heart. Also, they were praising all of the saints that they could possibly think of, ranging from Mary to Mother Teresa. Inside, I shook my head and simply moved on.

After this, the "priest" spoke a short sermon on God's love. Continuing on with his monotonous voice, he droned on, talking about how my grandma was a good person and how we all should live this life in a simple, and ordinary way, which is to love God. (Sarcastically) Wow; what a sermon. He was convinced that my grandma went to heaven, but I really don't know. She was a Catholic, and I wasn't sure whether she was actually in heaven or not.

At the end of the funeral, we all had to come up and just give our respects to her. People went up to the coffin, prayed short prayers, and patted her. I didn't want to do that; I was still confused about what previously happened in the funeral. As the line grew shorter and my turn came faster, God gave me a vague revelation. Life is short. Although my grandma may have lived 94 years, eternity is way longer. So as I was still confused of whether she went to heaven or not, my family went up, and gave our respects. I looked at the body that was right before me, and shuddered. The way my grandma passed away was peaceful, but death itself is certainly not. I simply prayed, "Let Your will be done", and gave hugs and shook hands with my uncle, aunt, and my cousins.

This was my first funeral. I can see that God is trying to implant eternity in my heart.

Interesting

2008-09-26T21:54:00.001-07:00

Oh man.
Lots of things happened this week that I just want to write about.

Well first off, Seekers had "See You at the Pole" last Wednesday. I was hardly ready for it; I simply knew that it was coming, and I didn't really prepare for it. However, on the day before this event, Will (President #1 of Seekers)told me that I was going to lead a sector of prayer, which was suffering. Interestingly, I read 1 Peter 1 as my daily devotion, which was all about dealing with suffering in our lives (this chapter was used in our latest retreat, remember?). So I was pumped for the upcoming day.
"See You at the Pole" came. And it went. I didn't even have much time to do my part of the prayer; I was pretty much rushed. And overall, prayer was taken lightly by everyone who came. There weren't even many people there. I prayed that God would move in our hearts to pray as His people, but even I was not able to, mainly because I was extremely tired. I was disappointed at the outcome of the event, and even myself. Something held me back to pray.

Sigh.

College stuff.
SATs.
W/e. I can't take these things too seriously, because I know eternity waits. I pray that eternity would weigh a heavier burden than all of these things in the world.

See You at the Pole!

2008-09-23T18:38:00.001-07:00

It's tomorrow!
Gather up, Christians, for we believe in the power of prayer amen?
Let's just lift everything and anything we can to God, most importantly God Himself!

War

2008-09-04T18:42:00.001-07:00

I am currently losing a war against Satan. I just noticed that I was at war with Satan the whole time...
Must stand... fight... win...
To do so, I got to stay focused on Jesus Christ. I think I might have forgotten the greatness and holiness of Him, and His sacrifice for me.
Must come to the cross... humbly and with a heart that has repented...
How to overcome the flesh? Just how? It's hard.. really hard..
It's not like God is going to deliver me in a flash; I got to put some effort, a real, vehement effort.
I can do this.

A Surprise

2008-08-24T21:32:00.000-07:00

Hey; it's been a while since I posted something... a lot has been happening, I guess..
School is about to start, and I am certainly not ready to begin another school year. College, especially, is stressing me out... Oh what to do...

Anyways, I needed help in other things in my life, and needed some answers and advice. I vaguely insinuated this in AIM, hoping for someone to help me out, and who comes to my rescue?! My friend, who currently lives in New Jersey and has been my friend since junior high school (I think). I haven't talked to him in a while, yet he responded. He asked me what was wrong, and I was a bit surprised, but glad that he actually bothered to ask me. So I told him what was up, and he gave me advice here and there that really did help me out. I thank him for actually caring. Really. Even old-time friends help each other out in the long run. Thank you. And thank you, God, for even introducing me to him long time ago.

At the end of the conversation, I asked him to pray for me, and he gladly said he would. Then, in turn, I asked if he needed some sort of prayer himself, and he said he did. He told me his request, and I gladly told him that I would pray for him. This, in turn, helped me to remember a command that God gave to us: to carry each others' burdens. And that's what we're exactly doing. I'm just loving how God answers in the bleakest times,when I can't seem to focus on Him, and how He is guiding me and reminding me of certain things that I should follow in my life, especially the cross of Christ. Praise God!

Ripe Opportunities

2008-08-03T21:12:00.001-07:00

Today's (Sunday's) sermon was, in fact, a very important message that I needed to hear again. I guess I have forgotten what my purpose in life was, and the message reminded me of that purpose: to do the will of God, which is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. After hearing this message, I wondered if I would be able to seize opportunities to evangelize today (for everyday is filled with opportunities), and went back home.

When I went home, it struck me that my relatives were going to go back to Korea. They stayed for a month, and that went by pretty quickly, so I was taken aback by how fast time flew. My family and my relatives ate dinner for the last time, and my relatives packed up their stuff and were ready to go. When we arrived at the airport, we did the usual: checking in, dropping baggage. We had a good amount of time to spare, so we decided to chill at the food court.

So at one point, I had to use the bathroom. I went in one, but a man was cleaning it, so I had to find another one. Suddenly, I see another person around my age looking for a bathroom as well. We looked at each other, and we laughed and shrugged. I asked him, "So... where's the other bathroom?" He responded, "Oh, I see one down there." (The food court was at the top floor).

We started the conversation by asking each other what we were doing in the airport. He told me that he missed a flight to Germany, where he lives, so he had to wait for the next flight, which was at 1:00 AM (At this time, it was only about 11). I told him that I lived in the United States, and I was just here to bring my relatives back home to Korea.

So we went there and we're doing our business when suddenly I remembered the message. Here, I noticed that this was THE opportunity, and I had to seize it while it lasts. No regrets. So I went for it. I told him, "Hey, this might be a pretty random question, but I like to ask this to other people." He said, "Uh alright." Then I asked him, "If you were to die today, where do you think you'll go?"

Bam.

A conversation emerged, even though we were complete strangers. He said, "I have never thought about this before, man." From hereon, I told him the gospel. He seemed quite interested, but he had to go with his family later, who was about to leave the food court. This was the first time that he has ever heard the gospel before. Funnily enough, I found out his name at the end of the conversation. His name is Conner. I pray that he would accept Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.

On a side note... I'm going to miss my relatives. =/

Worshipping God No Matter What..

2008-07-31T21:16:00.000-07:00

An interesting thing just happened right now. I was playing my guitar and singing praises to God when all of a sudden, my brother told me to shut up. He said that I was singing too loud, which I probably was. Still, I want to sing and just worship Him, in the quiet of my room. Ironically, I sense that my brother is somewhat even a hindrance to me. It saddens me that the joy of the Lord is not present in my household. Still, I will praise God because of all of the things He had done for me, and I pray that the joy of the Lord would be evident in this household. I have found the light of Christ, and I can't be any gladder than this! =]

Marvelous Light
Charlie Hall

Verse 1:
I once was fatherless, a stranger with no hope
Your kindness wakened me, wakened me from my sleep
Your love it beckons deeply, a call to come and die
By grace now I will come and take this life, take Your life

PreChorus:
Sin has lost it's power, death has losts its sting
From the grave You've risen victoriously

Chorus:
Into marvelous light I'm running
Out of darkness, out of shame, by the cross
You are the truth, You are the life, You are the way

Verse 2:
My dead heart is now beating, my deepest stains now clean
Your breath fills up my lungs, now I'm free, now I'm free

Tag:
Lift my hands and spin around, see the light that I have found
O the marvelous light, marvelous light!

Crucified With Christ

2008-07-30T21:23:00.000-07:00

Well my QT today (Wednesday) simply blessed me. I read Galatians 2-3, and came across this verse:

"I have been crucified with Christ;
it is no longer I who live,
but Christ lives in me;
and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God,
who loved me and gave Himself for me."

Galatians 2:20

A relatively famous verse, it helped me to realize once again that my life is not even mine; it's Christ's. Christ lives in me; I've given the seat of the throne of my heart to the Lord. By being crucified with Christ, I am now a new creation in Christ. Now I must live by faith, and faith alone.

Honestly, it's strange being back here in reality after being at a retreat. However, I know that I must stand fast in the Lord as I live in this world, shine the light of Christ, and live for God. And constantly I am reminded to look to the cross of Jesus Christ, and so I will. Always.

Pretty tired; I'm off to sleep now. One more day of prep left for this week! I can't wait until Sunday... =]

Flee From Sexual Sin

2008-07-27T20:43:00.000-07:00

First blog in this website.

I just have to say that I loved today's sermon. Pastor Stephen based today's sermon on 1 Kings 11: 1-3, which was primarily about Solomon's downfall in his life, mainly because of a sin that grasps and chokes the culprit: lust. Personally, I went through this myself, in an extreme way, so I was definitely able to relate this to myself. I notice that what I haven't done for the past couple of years of my life is to flee from this, and that was exactly what Pastor Stephen said to do. I wish that I've known this earlier, but now I know that my struggles in life eventually are for the glory of God, and now I'm on the verge of breaking free for the first time. I said this a lot throughout the past years, but this time I'm very sure of myself that through the grace of God, I will prevail and I will obtain freedom for the first time because of this verse:

Behold, I stand at the door and knock.
If anyone hears my voice and opens the door,
I will come in to him and dine with him,
And he with Me.
To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne,
As I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

-Revelation 3:20-21 (NKJV)

I will overcome.

I also liked how Pastor Stephen preached on the assurance of the "one" God will provide for us in our lives. I guess sometimes I forget and doubt this promise.

Most importantly, this sermon was so fitting because most of DEM came back from the retreat. I'm sick of spiritual highs and lows; I need my faith to be constant. So in order to do this, Pastor Stephen said to make a commitment to the Lord (generally) and most importantly, look to the cross. And so I will. Passionately.