Typical Day

Sorry everyone for not updating for a while. I was moving into the new apartment on campus and was caught up in the busyness...

Anyways, here is what I found after organizing my room.

The Weekend

I know many of you are excited for the weekend. Songs like Friday by Rebecca Black do not exist without a reason. However, for me, it is not a time for partying or relaxation; rather, it is a time to get prepared for Friday Bible Study and eventually Sunday Worship.

I'll be honest with you... When it gets to be Friday, I began to worry a lot more about ministry related things. I start worrying about church attendance, participation in church related events, and whether or not the youth group kids will respond positively to the sermon. It all comes from my personality that tries to please people (This is something I have begun to realize about my personality more and more).

Therefore, I become irritable and oftentimes difficult to be around at this time. I think all types of worries and anxieties paralyze us from doing anything. We become so fixated on the worries themselves that we cannot live the life that God has offered us.

Today I have been reading from 1 Peter 5:1-11. The command from Peter to "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." God has been teaching me to put everything at his feet and express how much I need Him to shelter me and love me. Humility has been the biggest lesson I have learned... It isn't a lesson you want to learn either. I pray that I can believe the promise that by casting my worries and cares on him, the humbling of myself under the mighty power of God will eventually lead to the grace He promises.

Rock of Ages

We all know the hymn, "Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me." One of the classic hymns that have been sung throughout centuries that have reminded us that we are so lost without Christ our Lord. I don't know about you, but as soon as I began youth ministry, I saw the head of Pride rear its ugly face in my life. It was my Ego and Pride that got in my walk with Christ.

Ministry has definitely taught me that I am nothing without my Savior who bled and died for me. All the fruit that comes from my efforts in ministry are a result of God working. I am nothing without His merciful hand touching my dead soul. I am nothing without His loving protection on my life...

To conclude, I would like to end with the third verse of this hymn:

Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to the cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Savior, or I die.

Praise be to our God, our Father, our Maker, our Shelter, our Savior. Amen.

Being A Mentor

For those of you who know me pretty well, you know that when it comes to Summer break, I have been very consistent in not making the greatest use of it in terms of productivity. This Summer has been a little different from the norm. First of all, I decided to schedule out my time and to sleep at regular hours. That first step was HUGE. Once I planned out how I was going to spend my Summer, I had to figure out how I was going to keep with that schedule. So I found another Pastor to help me. We both kept each other accountable by going to the library as soon as we woke up and had breakfast.

On Monday morning, I really did not want to wake up at 7:00am. After a long weekend at church, I felt like sleeping in. But I realized he would be waiting for me at the parking lot if I did not wake up. So I got up and dressed. The Pastor is a mentor to me. He has taught me a lot about life, God, and discipline. Being about 15 years older than me, he gives me guidance on everything.

Today I thank God for providing such a person in my life. His family is a blessing everyday for me. His friendship has taught me more than I could learn by reading books in seminary. Thank you Father for guiding me through relationships with your people. I pray Lord that you teach me how to be a giving person, especially in the way of mentoring.

I love you, O LORD, my strength

This week has been a long one with lots of ups and downs. After helping my friend out with her move, I had to also plan organize the Rummage Sale and help there. It was a packed week where I did not have a chance to have a Sabbath. Through the whole process though, I was able to come out in one-piece. Praise and glory be to God the Father who always shows his great mercy to me even when I am losing my focus!

Today I read from Psalm 18:1 that said, "I love you, O LORD, my strength" (NIV). How I forget where I should draw my strength from... Many times I do things from my strength and I am left tired and unfulfilled. I have learned this week that it is imperative we draw upon the strength God provides for us. If we try to live this life with our own planning, organization, strength, and mind, we will ultimately lose touch of why we are on this planet.

Thank you LORD because you refresh me each day and renew my strength. You give me hope to go another week, you give me joy in the midst of suffering, you give me grace that is eternal. Walk with me each day.

"Hold my hand all the way, every hour
Every day from here to the great unknown
Take my hand, let me stand
Like a king I may live in a palace"

Amen