Children obey your parents...

I overheard my daughter coughing, such a cute little sound.  Earlier I spoke to my wife regarding Ephesians 6:1, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right" (ESV).  And this is a great verse for the church.  Esp. an Asian church...the whole honor, duty, obey culture...

But I wonder-what does the word child mean?  When does one stop being a child?  Mark 10:7 and Genesis 2:23-24 say that a man will leave his parents when he takes a wife.  He becomes independant, and on his own.  Sure he is still someone's son, but it would seem he starts his own family and raises a new set of kids...which I would think makes him not a child.

So how to practice this verse?  I guess I would hope that the parents of grown children would understand and not use Eph 6:1 over their children.*  And at the same time for those who are still children to not use this info as a licence to run amok!  Yet Eph. 5:21 tells us to submit to one another.

Interestingly I heard some new grandparents had shared about their experience at the hospital's grandparents baby class-the teacher emphasized, "its time to let go."  And this new grandparent repeated that, "its time to let go".

*The Bible does speak to not exasperate your children. Col 3:21.

Win a Free Bible...

I thought I would try to win this free bible from this site: http://www.djchuang.com/2009/win-a-free-copy-of-the-poverty-and-justice-bible/

The Poverty and Justice Bible highlights all the verses dealing with social justice!  Its in the CEV, a translation I don't have...and one that I am a little curious about as I like to use the ESV, and church is an NIV church.  Well let's see how it goes...perhaps this is too late.

edit:
I think there is one other blog entered, but this person has written more about this bible...his post is here: http://www.freechurchradical.net/2009/12/poverty-and-justice-bible.html

Why Twitter?

I signed up for a twitter account.  I was inspired by my friend Phil K. whose Facebook Status updates are Christ centered...like 24/7.  With Colossians 3:17 as the standard, I will twitter!

And  whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,  giving thanks to God the Father through him.  -Col. 3.17

You can follow me at:  http://twitter.com/fcyouthnews

I also had a complete stranger follow me on twitter, and I retweeted Pastor John Piper's tweet, and this person dropped me.  Hmmm or was it something I tweeted?  Nevermind, I'm learning to be bold in my witness!

Youth News and MORE!

Exciting news.  Last Friday, one of the youths accepted Christ.  What a truly wonderful experience.  Reminds me of Luke 15 (NIV by way of Biblegateway.com):

7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who  repents than over ninety-nine  righteous persons who need no repentance.

10 Just so, I tell you, there is joy before  the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

In Sunday school we discussed how can we not be conformed to this world (Rom. 12:1-2) For we should not  be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Some good verses to help in this are Ps. 119: 11 and Phil 4:8 (ESV online):

11  I have  stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

8  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Fun Night, Fall Fest, and Devotional #2 in John

Last Friday's Fun night was wonderful. I was encouraged. Thanks to all who brought food, for some reason we had left over cantelope (go figure). Thanks to JTo, Johnny, and Eric for answering questions in our "Lion's Den". I believe they came out unscathed. Thanks to Kathryn for the door prizes. The praise band, thanks, Ian, Felicia, Kathryn, and JTo. Tim played special music, and Nick on Base for that one, J To on drums. And thnks to Charlotte for playing the Power Point, I mean running it and organizing.

(We shot some nice pics. I will post them at another place, more info forth coming.)

This October 31 is our Fall Fest - a ministry to our children. We have an opportunity to do more than one booth, I will send out an email to all you youth.

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Devotional

ESV Online Study Bible
Crossway: " In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were
made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In
him was life, [1] and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in
the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

They teach us that a passage has one meaning but many many applications. As I mentioned previously, I am studying the Bible with 3 others and we have been camping out in the book of John, and have studied chapter 1 for the last three months. Last time I wrote some questions, but today I was thinking how God's word feeds us.

The weather in Dallas is glum- pretty rainy. No sun for a few days now. That kind of weather is a downer at times. Its depression weather. I always remember that one of the most depressed cities in America is Seattle (due to constant rain). There is something about sun shine that we need. In the same way, we need SON shine, y'know what I mean?

I battle depression off and on, and for the first time in my life, I can say that God is talking to me through this battle. Verse 5 speaks to us about how the darkness has not overcome the light! One of my youths pointed out, that darkness is the absence of light. Amen, we need that light.

Its probably cliche to say read your bibles and pray, but truly nothing like the power of prayer. I recently choked on a piece of steak, I whispered out "heimlich, heimlich" and my friend proceeded to adminsiter the maneuver, the steak flew out! It was disgusting, and saliva everywhere. But those precious gasps of breath. Wow, those breaths felt like gold, like I had never breathed before. It was like the coldest glass of water after mowing the lawn in 100 degree sun. So refreshing! Such it is with Jesus as our friend, savior, redeemer, and King.

If you haven't emailed me

YOU can still BRING food! Thanks. I will order some pizzas. May need some more drinks?...

Fun Night Food Responsibilities

Middle school girls: Fruits to share ( cut and ready to be served)
Hannah will bring either grapes or diced peach.
Melody ---grapes,
Ruth cantaloupe.

Middle school boys: Bag of chips to share
Ethan will be bringing a bag of chips.

High school girls: Bottle of soda, tea, or juice.
Kathryn-diet Dr. Pepper!
Christina: sprite and some iced tea
Felicia:2 liters, of Coke.

High school boys: Sweet treats to share.
Ian -cookies,
See-Bok will bring yummy cream puff.
Johnny Hua, Eric-sweet stuff

New Beginnings

We started a new season, a new school year. In Sunday School a challenge to do 21 days in the book of John. Read a chapter a day. And there is a devotional that follows John, which can be found here.

Actually I (& some folks at church) have been going through John a paragraph at a time. I am struck as we go a paragraph at a time how deep the Word of God is. Ch 1.1-1.5 talks about the "Word". Is this the scriptures? Or is this a person? Verse 1 tells us this "Word" was with God and was God! Verse 2 says he was with God in the beginning. Verse 3 says that all things were made through him. Huh!?! and Verse 4 tells us that "in him was life." Who is God to you?

Finding F.A.I.T.H.

It has been awhile. Some thoughts I found on what is F.A.I.T.H.:

F is for FORGIVENESS
We cannot have eternal life and heaven without God's forgiveness.— In Him [meaning Jesus] we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins - Ephesians 1:7a, NKJV.

A is for AVAILABLE
Forgiveness is available.
It is —Available for All .
— For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life - John 3:16, NKJV.
• But Not Automatic —Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord," shall enter the kingdom of heaven— Matthew 7:21a, NKJV.

I is for IMPOSSIBLE
It is impossible for God to allow sin into heaven.
• Because of who He is: God is loving and just. His judgement is against sin.
—For judgement is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy - James 2:13a, NKJV.
• Because of who we are: Every person is a sinner. —For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. - Romans 3:23, NKJV.But how can a sinful person enter heaven, when God allows no sin?

T is for TURN
Turn means repent.
• Turn from something-sin and self. —But unless you repent you will all likewise perish - Luke 13:3b, NKJV.
• Turn to Someone: trust Christ only. —If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved - Romans 10:9, NKJV.

H is for HEAVEN
Heaven is eternal life.
• Here —I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly - John 10:10b, NKJV.
• Hereafter —And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also - John 14:3, NKJV.
• How? How can a person have God's forgiveness, heaven and eternal life, and Jesus as personal Savior and Lord?
By trusting in Christ and asking Him for forgiveness.

Take the step of faith described by another meaning of FAITH:Forsaking All I Trust Him.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and have displeased You in many ways. I believe You died for my sin and only through faith in Your death and resurrection can I be forgiven. I want to turn from my sin and ask You to come into my life as my Savior and Lord. From this day on, I will follow You by living a life that pleases You. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for saving me. Amen.

The above was found at this site: http://www.webberchurch.org/faith.html

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (Eph. 1:3)

In studying I came across Ephesians 1. In Christ we are not just blessed, but chosen, predestined, adopted, accepted, redeemed, forgiven, enlightened, given an inheritance, sealed, and assured (verses 3-14)*. I am thinking that this would be worth going over more deeply in my quiet times, and Ephesians is fast becoming the book for me lately. And to never forget what Christ did, is doing, and will do in our lives.

Wow, since the last posting. My wife and I moved to Dallas, gave birth, and are finishing up a semester. Wow. (Thanks for reading).

Having a baby really is a blessing. She had some problems at first, perhaps due to coming early...but through this experience, we are learning to pray and rely on the Lord.




*Courtesy of my Baptist Study Bible p. 1676.

Praises, and some thoughts

25 z Knowing their thoughts, a he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. Matthew 12:25; ESV

This past week, my wife and I have been attempting to move into an apartment in Dallas. We were blessed to "run" into this apt. which had some move in specials, that were great, but left us with a month still due in Fort Worth. Living in two houses has made me think of the verse above. Definitely, I could not get online as much because when we were in Dallas (there was no internet) and so I felt that part of our life was still in Fort Worth. God does not want us to be divided in our love and loyalty (allegiance) to him. And practically, any team divided will find it difficult to win. (I remember the Bulls, post MJ. The coach wanted to use the star as a decoy...but he got mad and made a scene because he wanted the ball in the end.) That team was divided. We can't be divided in our personal walk with God, with our families, and our church family.

I have to share this. I was so stressed. I had scheduled our power to be out in Fort Worth for this past Friday. I called to get an extension, and found out that it was posted as April 20...what a breather, now there was no pressure to get packed, and moved out. This "extension" also allowed me to focus on what I was to teach to the youth. Praise God!

Family Worship

11 And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. (Matthew 2:11a; ESV)

For the past year, I have been trying to sitdown with my wife and pray together. And at least once a week have a family worship. It is actually not very elaborate. We pray, sometimes sing, and read the Bible. We are going through Matthew. And you can tell we have only just started(in that we are still in the beginning of Matthew.)

One thing for my non-married friends is that you start with personal devotions. And influence your parents to have a time of worship-together as a family. One resource out there can be found at Heart Connex. They have sheets for parents and students to use for family devotions. But you can simply go through the Bible together and pray together.

-edit-
One of my professors at SWBTS, writes on the recent church shooting. He has some insight in that his church was the sight of a shooting almost 10 years ago. He wrote a book on that incident.

30 Hour Famine

When I weep and fast, I must endure scorn; Psalms 69:10

So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer. Ezra 8: 23.

Recently about 1/2 of the Youths from church attended a local 30 Hour Famine observance. The time has made me want to reflect on why are we doing this? A professor at school lectured on fasting, and I dug up those notes. He mentioned that a fast is not starving. We fast for several reasons, and taking two, for us to reflect on. 1. A fast is done for personal sanctity. (Psalms 69:10). (thats all I wrote) but as I reread the verse I think, "When God works in us regarding our sin, we weep." And when we seek to be holy-people will ridicule (scorn) you. 2. We fast to be heard on high. Which raises up an issue? What happens when the answer is one that we don't like?

Speaking of dislikes. Recently listening to some testimonies, some "red flags" came up...and in this sharing there were some ideas that would be contrary to Christian beliefs. A youth minister asked me, and I downplayed it at the time, but "my spidey senses were tingling". The issue in regard concerned ecumenism. There are times that we need to stand our ground*. If a known predator was in our midst, we would be on guard...churches need to love the world, but God also gave us a mind to reason. And he gave us instructions concerning his church. (Titus 1:9, esp. the latter part of the verse). I think this person wasn't intending to do harm but their sharing raised some issues.

*I am thinking about how we express love. There are times when hugs, and a soft-voice is not appropriate. I remember a friend's child almost ran into the street, and was caught at the last minute (he was a cute 3 year old; now he is in college). I winced when I heard him get scolded, but I knew that his mother loved him.

Please email me or contact me if you have any questions.

What is Love?

Recently, our Children's Minister Reiko, gave a devotional on 1 Corinthians 13, a passage that speaks on love. She commented how many children hear this passage at weddings...she pointed out the context of these verses. So as I revisit it, I note that there are divisions over corporate worship, lawsuits, more divisions, and sexual immorality in the church. Perhaps God is telling us that in the church we really need to be patient, kind...(see v. 4-7). I was reminded how I need to keep no records of wrong, etc. (Not ignoring church discipline issues, a discussion for another day) but it reminded me of how important it is to love, esp. our family, and our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Eph. 3:10 speaks of how God has chosen the church as his connection to the world, to spread his message, and to model love. I pray that we don't give up on the church.

Depression

This weeks devotional: Have you ever felt like this?

1 Kings 19: 4 But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. and he asked that he might DIE, saying, "It is enough, now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers." (emphasis mine)

I had a week like that recently. Off and on I get really depressed. Sometimes depression can hit after a spiritual high. If you look back at 1 Kings 18, Elijah had a big spiritual victory, and not so soon after he is running for his life.

We went over this passage in Nepal, right before our return home...and so often after spiritual highs we hit lows...but God doesn't want us to fall into despair. Later in Chapter 19, an angel comes to feed him. Defn. something about being fed...spiritually. Jesus said that we don't live on bread alone, but every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Matt 4:4).

I pray that you are eating God's word, and spiritually nourished.

Thanks for reading, and I plan to be back next week with a short written message. Take care and God Bless You.

-William

No Free Days

In the back of my mind, I thought that I would have a one month break...but it was not very restful. It has been hard to get "back in the saddle" as they say. But I think that God has been talking to me and working in my life. He is telling me that in spite of ice storms, there are no free days. I've been thinking about the Lord's Prayer, how he teaches us to ask for our daily bread. In the same way I've learned we daily come to God to ask us to "lead us not into temptation"...Each day, "forgive us of our sins." I guess the key is daily. And I can testify, that we can't take a day off. So pray, and read the word. "Man does not live on bread alone."

I must say I've been in a spiritual freeze...this morning I was blessed by a sermon at school. The President of the Southern Baptist Convention preached, his message was timely in my life. If you have wondered about the difficulties of life, I wonder if this message can be for you too. It takes about 40 minutes and is found here. (You will be encouraged if you are discouraged). In that message we are reminded about our need for God.