When it comes to one thing in my life that I have been rather consistently "good" at, it is no doubt the falling into sin area. Not that I am proud of this nor am I trying to be humble, but throughout my life, I realize there is much unrepentant sin lurking inside of me.
Reading through Genesis 3 this morning (also having class notes from Dr. Averbeck) helped me see once again how we fall into temptation.
When you read through this famous passage, you realize there is the deception, the doubt, the desire, the disobeidence/sin, the shame, the fear, and ultimately the scrambling.
The crafty serpent uses the relationship between the man and woman to deceive both of them. The question, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” fosters doubt within the mind about God's goodness and the consequences of rebelling against God. Then this doubt of God's commands makes the woman lust/desire after the tree. This leads to the sin that leads to shame which contrasts with the unashamed man and wife who are naked. Once they hear God's voice, they are afraid and try to cover up their sin...
How sad is it that mankind is found in this pattern each day, making the same mistakes and being deceived by the evil one? "Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" "오호라 나는 곤고한 사람이로다 이 사망의 몸에서 누가 나를 건져내랴. 우리 주 예수 그리스도로 말미암아 하나님께 감사하리로다" (Romans 7:24-25). Father, lead me not into temptation but deliver me from evil.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Embracing Others
Yesterday I had class with other Asian American Pastors called Developing Asian American Ministry with Dr. Peter Cha. I thoroughly enjoy the class as it is a open and safe environment to speak about the many issues we have as Asian Americans serving within generational demarcations that have historically been filled with conflict.
I remember when I first came back from Korea to America in 9th grade, I saw there was a barrier between the kids and the adults. I was in an unique situation after having lived in Seoul for six years. Although I was technically a 2nd generation kid, I understood the values and general attitude of the 1st generation parents and even shared them in some respects.
Looking back at Asian American history, I realized that God uses history and circumstances to bring about glory to Him. Just as he used my circumstances in going back and forth from America to Korea and back to America, God uses the history of my life and the history of Korean Immigrants in America, to extend His unconditional love to such unworthy people.
Recently, my prayers have continued to begin with this reflection. When I come to speak to the Almighty God who created the heavens and the earth and sent His only begotten Son for me, my response is like that of the tax collector in Luke 18, "Lord, have mercy on me, the sinner." When I first began a believer, I emphasized the nature of Christians being a new creation in Christ. They were people who were righteous and spotless because they had been freed from the bonds of sin. But reflecting on my life after being born again, I find myself just realizing more and more how utterly sinful I am inside and the depth of Jesus' sacrifice for dying for such a person as me.
Which brings me back to the lecture that spoke about the exclusion of Asian Americans by many of the white Caucasians. Asian were not allowed to own land in American until the 1950s, even though they came as early as the beginning of the 19th century. The corporate sin of excluding other peoples has not vanished in our society. Today, we attempt to exclude the Hispanic immigrants. The professor quoted Miroslav Volf on the definition of sin: "Sin is about exclusion, whether that means excluding God or others. The opposite of sin, therefore, is embracing God and others."
The example of Christ most clearly shows us what this means. Jesus truly embraces a person covered in horse mature and all sorts of infections all over the body. How He could do such a thing is why I am studying theology and ministry.
Lord, teach me to embrace people all throughout this world with the same compassion that you modeled for us. Let the mercy and grace that you have lavished on me be poured out to others through my life. When I die, I want to be remembered for having lived in the way of embrace rather than excluding.
I remember when I first came back from Korea to America in 9th grade, I saw there was a barrier between the kids and the adults. I was in an unique situation after having lived in Seoul for six years. Although I was technically a 2nd generation kid, I understood the values and general attitude of the 1st generation parents and even shared them in some respects.
Looking back at Asian American history, I realized that God uses history and circumstances to bring about glory to Him. Just as he used my circumstances in going back and forth from America to Korea and back to America, God uses the history of my life and the history of Korean Immigrants in America, to extend His unconditional love to such unworthy people.
Recently, my prayers have continued to begin with this reflection. When I come to speak to the Almighty God who created the heavens and the earth and sent His only begotten Son for me, my response is like that of the tax collector in Luke 18, "Lord, have mercy on me, the sinner." When I first began a believer, I emphasized the nature of Christians being a new creation in Christ. They were people who were righteous and spotless because they had been freed from the bonds of sin. But reflecting on my life after being born again, I find myself just realizing more and more how utterly sinful I am inside and the depth of Jesus' sacrifice for dying for such a person as me.
Which brings me back to the lecture that spoke about the exclusion of Asian Americans by many of the white Caucasians. Asian were not allowed to own land in American until the 1950s, even though they came as early as the beginning of the 19th century. The corporate sin of excluding other peoples has not vanished in our society. Today, we attempt to exclude the Hispanic immigrants. The professor quoted Miroslav Volf on the definition of sin: "Sin is about exclusion, whether that means excluding God or others. The opposite of sin, therefore, is embracing God and others."
The example of Christ most clearly shows us what this means. Jesus truly embraces a person covered in horse mature and all sorts of infections all over the body. How He could do such a thing is why I am studying theology and ministry.
Lord, teach me to embrace people all throughout this world with the same compassion that you modeled for us. Let the mercy and grace that you have lavished on me be poured out to others through my life. When I die, I want to be remembered for having lived in the way of embrace rather than excluding.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Don't Worry, Be Happy
When I began ministry, I got one of those small spiral books that stand by itself. They contained over a hundred different encouraging words when it comes to teaching. One of the encouraging notes said, "By learning you will teach... By teaching you will learn!"
That is so true when it comes to teaching and ministering God's Word. When there are issues that people come to me about that they are sincerely having trouble in their lives or some issue that needs to resolved through Biblical wisdom, it becomes an opportunity for me to learn once again with the person with the concern.
Late yesterday night, I saw a Facebook status from one of my youth group members that expressed a sense of worry and anxiety. This person was even getting stressed from the small things of life, which is normally what happens when we worry. So being the Youth Pastor, I shared the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:25-34. Everybody knows to turn to that passage when you are worried. Interestingly though, the professor began speaking about the passage in Matthew 11:28-30, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and burden is light."
Then I understood that many times the source of our anxiety and worrying stem from a person who tries to bear their own burdens or their own problems. But, when we take the light yoke of Jesus, the gentle and humble master, we have true rest within our souls. Once again, I have learned by teaching. I pray that the rest that Jesus promises finds your soul today a midst all the troubles and stresses of life.
That is so true when it comes to teaching and ministering God's Word. When there are issues that people come to me about that they are sincerely having trouble in their lives or some issue that needs to resolved through Biblical wisdom, it becomes an opportunity for me to learn once again with the person with the concern.
Late yesterday night, I saw a Facebook status from one of my youth group members that expressed a sense of worry and anxiety. This person was even getting stressed from the small things of life, which is normally what happens when we worry. So being the Youth Pastor, I shared the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:25-34. Everybody knows to turn to that passage when you are worried. Interestingly though, the professor began speaking about the passage in Matthew 11:28-30, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and burden is light."
Then I understood that many times the source of our anxiety and worrying stem from a person who tries to bear their own burdens or their own problems. But, when we take the light yoke of Jesus, the gentle and humble master, we have true rest within our souls. Once again, I have learned by teaching. I pray that the rest that Jesus promises finds your soul today a midst all the troubles and stresses of life.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
School is in Session
It's always nice to get back into the flow of things. School started last Wednesday and now I'm getting into the rhythm of school once again. Going to classes, sipping on coffee, studying in the library, and the other activities that accompany school seem like new things that I haven't done in a while. This semester is not as heavy as I had in my previous semesters, but there is a constant sense within me that pulls me from being motivated. This lack of motivation has been my biggest concern and a constant part of my prayer recently. I want everything that I learn here at Trinity to be used for His glory and ultimately so that I will be prepared to minister to the people God has charged me with. Like most mornings when I read the Psalms, today I also recognize once again that He is present within my studies just as he has been doing throughout all my life.
"Remember your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old." Psalm 25:6
The two qualities from God that have been all too apparent in my life, His mercy and steadfast love. In those qualities will I rest.
"Remember your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old." Psalm 25:6
The two qualities from God that have been all too apparent in my life, His mercy and steadfast love. In those qualities will I rest.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Christmas Sermon
2 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV) "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich'
I’m sure many of you are familiar with Charles Dicken’s classic 1843 novel, A Christmas Carol, that speaks about Ebenezer Scrooge, the cold-hearted, tight-fisted and greedy man, who hates Christmas and all the things that give happiness to it. Now I saw the film and not the book. Who reads the book when there is a movie?
The first time I saw Ebenezer Scrooge saying, “Bah, humbug!” I tried to identify all the stingy and cheap people in my life. I immediately thought of some of my aunts and uncles who only have me 5,000 won instead of the expected 10,000 won during Lunar New Year. Also I began to think about the lady at church who only gave me one spoonful of rice when I obviously could eat four or five. And of course, I instantly remembered a scene of my mom paying the cashier at Target in pennies and nickels.
Of course, all these people were not cheapskates or money-hoarders, but as I began to look at this Christmas and this passage, I couldn’t help but notice that the same spirit of Ebenezer Scrooge, the cold-hearted, tight-fisted and greedy man, could come in our lives if we aren’t careful and vigilant. There is a natural inclination within all of us, young and old, children and retirees, to be generous in giving our love to others.
Today’s passage speaks about such generosity and grace. One English versions reads, “For you know the generosity of our Lord Jesus Christ who—for your sakes and though he was wealthy—became poor, so that you by that poverty might become wealthy.” More specifically, it is speaking about the love that Christ showed when he choose to become a man. Now my meditation today is rather simple: Christ chose to become poor, so that we may become rich.
If we truly understand who Christ is, that through him all things were made. There is not a galaxy in the universe that has come into existence without him. Also Jesus has absolute power and infinite knowledge. The scriptures say that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in Him.
If anyone of us is humble, (we aren’t very humble, if you think you are humble, then you probably not there yet.) but if any of us has made any progress in humility at all, it is because we are finite, fallible, and sinful. Jesus Christ had none yet he walked in humility. The biggest difference we see with Christ in the coming as a baby is that he chose to humble himself for our sake. His humility was chosen. He chose to be lowly, he chose to be servant, and he chose to be obedient unto death.
This Christmas, it is my sincere hope that Christ’s example of humility and love becomes apart of who we are. Let us like Christ choose the road of humility and generosity even though it requires sacrifice and suffering. Let us like Christ embrace love over the self-seeking spirit of Ebenezer Scrooge. This Christmas, let us truly bring the true meaning of Christmas, the generosity of Christ, home into our hearts. May we truly experience Christmas the way it was meant to be. Have a blessed Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Studying for Gods glory
Thank you God that you have given me the opportunity to study your word and to glorify you in my papers and my exams. I pray you give me a thankful heart as I go into finals week. Help me not to worry about the exams but in everything give you praise. I love you because you first loved me.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Wonderful Counselor
Today, I felt the need to continue on Professor Horner's bible-reading system. I had started this before coming to seminary and stopped when things got busy here. I trust God will use all ten chapters of today to shape me and mold me into a better servant of his glory. Here are some prayers in respect to each chapter...
Mark 16
Lord, help me to have faith in you. When times look dim and the situations look bleak, Father, help me to look to your power and glory. Help me to preach the Gospel with boldness and passion, knowing that you are the worker behind salvation.
Genesis 8
Heavenly Father, let the patience and persistence of Noah to learn your will be given to me. Help me to know the way to best serve you and your glory. Enable me to trust that you are guiding me every step of the way.
Heavenly Father, let the patience and persistence of Noah to learn your will be given to me. Help me to know the way to best serve you and your glory. Enable me to trust that you are guiding me every step of the way.
Romans 8
Christ you have risen and you are alive. Allow me to focus on that truth and that power and that love which entails we will also share in your glory. No matter what type of hardships come my way, let me bear that with the hope that frees me to serve you without fail.
2 Thessalonians 3
2 Thessalonians 3
I also pray with Paul that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored at Midwest Youth Group. Deliver us from evil and wicked people. Strengthen and protect us from the evil one. Direct our hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance.
Job 8(욥기 8)
Job 8(욥기 8)
하나님 아버지, 네 입에 웃음으로 채워주세요. 힘들지만 항상 예수그리스도를 바라 보는 사람을 만들어 주세요.
Psalms 8(시편 8)
주께서 저를 생각하셔서 감사합니다. 저는늘 하나님의 뜻데로 못살고, 제 맘데로 사라가는데, 하나님의 은헤가늘 제 인생에 넘침니다.
Proverbs (잠언 8)
날마다 지혜의 문을 기다리면서, 생명과 여호와께 은총을 얻을 수있도록 인도해주세오.
Joshua 16 (여호수아 16)
아버지, 역사를 움지기는 하나님... 저에 작은 믿음을 백 배가 되께해주세요. Let the glory of your riches provide comfort in my wilderness...
Isaiah 9(이사야 9)
예수님을 보네줘서 감사합니다. 주의 이름은 기묘자, 모사, 전능하신 하나님, 영존하시는
아버지, 평강의 왕은 겄을 항상 기역할수 있도록 해주세요.
Acts 9
Father lead me like Philip to my Ethiopian eunuchs. Help me preach the Gospel always. Let the good news be apparent in my words as well as my actions.
Lord, you have led me today to reflect on your glory. The risen Savior, Jesus Christ, is who I am to look at. He is the goal of my life and my direction. Father, I pray you fix my eyes on the wonderful counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace. I trust my life and my burdens and my worries all in your hands like a child who is powerless to protect himself, weak in strength, but knowing that my Father in Heaven wields authority like none other. Remind me that you will always remember me. Remind me that you will work things for my good. Remind me that you will protect me from all the arrows of the evil one. In Christ's name, Amen.
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