Monday, February 9, 2009
A quick update
Hi guys - thought I'd write a quick update. Our small group just started a Redeemer study on I John. We meet now 3x a month. 2nd/4th week for bible study and 3rd week for a small group prayer meeting. Hyun and Diana haven't been able to join us because of Calvin, and Stretchy is no longer in Jersey, but Jime is back. Small group has been good but please pray for me as I prepare each week. Sungho and Caroline visited last week, and I'm sure they can attest to the fact that everyone in our small group thinks really differently, which makes things challenging but also fun and interesting. Okay - gotta get off the train. Bye!~
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Comfort
I wanted to first say that I'm thankful to be a part of this group... I know that people have been and are continuing to pray for me, and that is quite encouraging the more I think about it. I've also been able to meet up with some brothers and the conversations I've had with them have impacted me in what I have to share below. Finally, I think the sermons the past month or so on the parables of Jesus have provoked a lot of reflecting lately. Here are some of my reflections:
1. His Word is true
God makes it a point to repeat some passage or verse during different times in my life and the passage above have been emphasized numerous times in an almost annoying way the past few weeks. The concept of sharing in sufferings and comfort seemed very unreal and abstract. I thought, "What the heck does that mean? What would this look like?" When I couldn't really come up with an answer, God gave me one in the form of one of my brothers. I met up him this past week and through our sharing, I explained some of the struggles I was going through and he shared even more deeply with me a brief testimony of what God's done in his life. It caught me off-guard actually. It was weird to think that sharing in sufferings with one another gives you comfort, but it does. I know misery loves company, but I knew that "sharing in sufferings" was meant to be beyond a pity-party between people. Through his sharing I was able to connect to the suffering and comfort that he had already gone through and was still going through. For me to hear and see a living example of someone who's gone through it, still standing, was so refreshing. It wasn't pleasant to know that life would only get harder, but there was also a sense of hope that he knew that gripped me. I was both skeptical and jealous that he was being fueled and empowered by hope. This I think is a part of the comfort we can find and share with one another... as we connect with God, He connects us with others to share in the hope we have in Him. Long story short, I got the message of the passage above - a glimpse maybe, but it's a start.
2. Life is about People
I'm sure this isn't anything new, but I was reminded again that this life was meant to be lived with other people. I had this great burden on me that this difficult time was a personal one that I had to deal with God solely. To some extent, it still is. But there is also a social/communal aspect that I neglected or felt uncomfortable with. I don't think I could ever fully realize the depth of my struggle without it. More importantly, hope and comfort are things that I now have a greater understanding of and appreciation for because I am beginning to share in them with others. This might not be the best example, but I'm going to use it anyways. Tiger Woods is arguably the best golfer to ever live, and it would be awesome to experience being a champion like him. But golf is an individual sport, and I think there is an extra-special feeling about winning as a part of a team. Imagine being a part of the world cup winning team-the combination of every player going through their own individual battles and collectively persevering and ultimately reaching the summit-there is a level of fullness that I think can only be achieved with others. Take eating for another example - if you recall your favorite meals of all time, I guarantee you that the best times were when you enjoyed the food with other people. Anyway, I think that you got my point.
3. The good news about Good News
I think it's an understatement to say that our church has a long way to go, but I also think it is an understatement to say that God is going to do amazing work at GNC. He just cares and loves His people too much not to exceed even our best imaginations. Little by little, every day and in every way He's going to help us become fellowship builders that build bridges to one another, our small group and church members, and to those around us. What a privilege it is to share in this with you all!
Sorry this is so long. I had a lot on my mind and heart to get out. This might not all be linear/connected, but hopefully it makes sense. I'll see you all tomorrow at church. - Mike
1. His Word is true
3(F) Blessed be the(G) God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and(H)4(I) who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5For as we share abundantly in(J) Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.[a] 6(K) If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. 7Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you(L) share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort. [2 Cor. 1:3-7]
God makes it a point to repeat some passage or verse during different times in my life and the passage above have been emphasized numerous times in an almost annoying way the past few weeks. The concept of sharing in sufferings and comfort seemed very unreal and abstract. I thought, "What the heck does that mean? What would this look like?" When I couldn't really come up with an answer, God gave me one in the form of one of my brothers. I met up him this past week and through our sharing, I explained some of the struggles I was going through and he shared even more deeply with me a brief testimony of what God's done in his life. It caught me off-guard actually. It was weird to think that sharing in sufferings with one another gives you comfort, but it does. I know misery loves company, but I knew that "sharing in sufferings" was meant to be beyond a pity-party between people. Through his sharing I was able to connect to the suffering and comfort that he had already gone through and was still going through. For me to hear and see a living example of someone who's gone through it, still standing, was so refreshing. It wasn't pleasant to know that life would only get harder, but there was also a sense of hope that he knew that gripped me. I was both skeptical and jealous that he was being fueled and empowered by hope. This I think is a part of the comfort we can find and share with one another... as we connect with God, He connects us with others to share in the hope we have in Him. Long story short, I got the message of the passage above - a glimpse maybe, but it's a start.
2. Life is about People
I'm sure this isn't anything new, but I was reminded again that this life was meant to be lived with other people. I had this great burden on me that this difficult time was a personal one that I had to deal with God solely. To some extent, it still is. But there is also a social/communal aspect that I neglected or felt uncomfortable with. I don't think I could ever fully realize the depth of my struggle without it. More importantly, hope and comfort are things that I now have a greater understanding of and appreciation for because I am beginning to share in them with others. This might not be the best example, but I'm going to use it anyways. Tiger Woods is arguably the best golfer to ever live, and it would be awesome to experience being a champion like him. But golf is an individual sport, and I think there is an extra-special feeling about winning as a part of a team. Imagine being a part of the world cup winning team-the combination of every player going through their own individual battles and collectively persevering and ultimately reaching the summit-there is a level of fullness that I think can only be achieved with others. Take eating for another example - if you recall your favorite meals of all time, I guarantee you that the best times were when you enjoyed the food with other people. Anyway, I think that you got my point.
3. The good news about Good News
I think it's an understatement to say that our church has a long way to go, but I also think it is an understatement to say that God is going to do amazing work at GNC. He just cares and loves His people too much not to exceed even our best imaginations. Little by little, every day and in every way He's going to help us become fellowship builders that build bridges to one another, our small group and church members, and to those around us. What a privilege it is to share in this with you all!
Sorry this is so long. I had a lot on my mind and heart to get out. This might not all be linear/connected, but hopefully it makes sense. I'll see you all tomorrow at church. - Mike
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
transforming grace
I'm pretty sure that many of you have read Transforming Grace by Jerry Bridges at some point. Last night, Tina and I decided to read it together. If you would like to read (and in some cases reread) it alongside us, let us know.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Priorities, priorities
note: Grace is in the batter's box today! Please pray for her and encourage her.
Ben - get all of work done during the week so that Sunday can be his Q-day
SY - has been keeping the Sabbath. Want to be more intentional about praying though: so twice a month will spend 1 hour praying, more specifically.
Dave Lee - wake up early for QTs.
Sungho - fasting Fridays.
Donna - As soon as get home from work - read the Bible. Before getting too tired.
Chchung - Spend more time in prayer during QTs. Wants to pray for people who aren't saved. Also more prayer for the church.
Mike - Doesn't workout consistently anymore; and this reflects spiritual discipline. So wants to lead a more disciplined life in general.
Grace Cho - Q-Day to listen to Stott's sermon. Off on Monday so will do it. Won't knit, plan, etc.
Jason Park - Wants to hear what God has to say. So will pause to listen to God. Have a listening posture.
Christina - Q nights. Instead of worrying will try to pray more.
Joe Kwalk - Wants to be consistent everyday w/ spiritual disciplines. (B/c not at GNC, feels disconnected and detached).
Dave Choi - discipline. Consistency in QT. No structure for QT.
Carms - Wake up earlier. Have some Q time 30 min before work starts in my office for prayer.
Tina - keep my QT time more structured and regular (instead of switching times / randomly opening any passage)
Ben - get all of work done during the week so that Sunday can be his Q-day
SY - has been keeping the Sabbath. Want to be more intentional about praying though: so twice a month will spend 1 hour praying, more specifically.
Dave Lee - wake up early for QTs.
Sungho - fasting Fridays.
Donna - As soon as get home from work - read the Bible. Before getting too tired.
Chchung - Spend more time in prayer during QTs. Wants to pray for people who aren't saved. Also more prayer for the church.
Mike - Doesn't workout consistently anymore; and this reflects spiritual discipline. So wants to lead a more disciplined life in general.
Grace Cho - Q-Day to listen to Stott's sermon. Off on Monday so will do it. Won't knit, plan, etc.
Jason Park - Wants to hear what God has to say. So will pause to listen to God. Have a listening posture.
Christina - Q nights. Instead of worrying will try to pray more.
Joe Kwalk - Wants to be consistent everyday w/ spiritual disciplines. (B/c not at GNC, feels disconnected and detached).
Dave Choi - discipline. Consistency in QT. No structure for QT.
Carms - Wake up earlier. Have some Q time 30 min before work starts in my office for prayer.
Tina - keep my QT time more structured and regular (instead of switching times / randomly opening any passage)
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Thanks guys
Hi everyone,
I had the fear of Sungho maybe asking how I'm doing in front of everyone and he did. Oh well. hahaha. But I didn't really get to thank those who's been praying for me, and those who listened as I shared. So I just wanted to say thank you...
Please don't think I'm depressed all the time, because things are really good a lot of the times. hahaha. I just really tend to go up and down, from extreme to extreme... and it can even happen in one day. When things are going down the hill, I tend to get really disappointed at myself. Even when things are good, I get disappointed at myself for not being better. I keep repeating to myself that I'm not good enough - not a good enough friend, not being able to put my heart into things enough, wasting enough time... The thing is, I know that even though I excelled just ever so slightly or significantly in those areas, I would still feel like I'm not good enough. A lot of the lies that I've been dwelling on - I know they're not true. God tells me so, and His grace speaks out for me. It doesn't matter what I do and how well I think I do it. It shouldn't matter what other people think. But I keep on going back to that place over and over again, and I'm sick and tired of finding myself at that place... A friend told me to just cross that line of lies and never step back to it, just a couple days ago. And there, I found myself again, the very morning of yesterday...
But at yesterday's meeting, I was really reminded that there are people who are striving to reach for the same place - where Jesus calls us to come and find peace in Him. And I thank God for allowing me to come to that place from time to time even in the midst of struggles. Even though I feel like giving up, not do anything and just wait for God's timing, I was reminded that He is the King I'm living for, and there are steps that I can take to strive for a relationship with the one and only, "best" God in the world. So again, I thank everyone..and I thank you, Jesus.
This is a verse I've been repeating to myself since a few days ago, from Isaiah 55:8-9:
8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,"
declares the LORD.
I had the fear of Sungho maybe asking how I'm doing in front of everyone and he did. Oh well. hahaha. But I didn't really get to thank those who's been praying for me, and those who listened as I shared. So I just wanted to say thank you...
Please don't think I'm depressed all the time, because things are really good a lot of the times. hahaha. I just really tend to go up and down, from extreme to extreme... and it can even happen in one day. When things are going down the hill, I tend to get really disappointed at myself. Even when things are good, I get disappointed at myself for not being better. I keep repeating to myself that I'm not good enough - not a good enough friend, not being able to put my heart into things enough, wasting enough time... The thing is, I know that even though I excelled just ever so slightly or significantly in those areas, I would still feel like I'm not good enough. A lot of the lies that I've been dwelling on - I know they're not true. God tells me so, and His grace speaks out for me. It doesn't matter what I do and how well I think I do it. It shouldn't matter what other people think. But I keep on going back to that place over and over again, and I'm sick and tired of finding myself at that place... A friend told me to just cross that line of lies and never step back to it, just a couple days ago. And there, I found myself again, the very morning of yesterday...
But at yesterday's meeting, I was really reminded that there are people who are striving to reach for the same place - where Jesus calls us to come and find peace in Him. And I thank God for allowing me to come to that place from time to time even in the midst of struggles. Even though I feel like giving up, not do anything and just wait for God's timing, I was reminded that He is the King I'm living for, and there are steps that I can take to strive for a relationship with the one and only, "best" God in the world. So again, I thank everyone..and I thank you, Jesus.
This is a verse I've been repeating to myself since a few days ago, from Isaiah 55:8-9:
8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,"
declares the LORD.
9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
...To keep eyes off of myself and know to dwell on His very Word, power and strength, that is sure and true :]
Thursday, November 20, 2008
seeking respite
over the past 6 months, i had become complacent in my spiritual walk and it became evident in my lifestyle. after a rough day of working and interacting with people, i either sought the comfort of donna at the time, or friends that i could confide in, or open a bottle of wine and sift through the shows playing on tv. i was seeking rest in the wrong areas/places and as a result, my spirit became weak. i was no longer walking in Christ, and left myself exposed to the sins of this world. one day i realized, my life was no different than those of non-christians.
that was my life until i heard the john stott seminar. he spoke of his monthly routine to dedicate a day to soley spend time with God. he would spend his time soaking in nature, reflecting on His creation, reading the Word, and praying. as it is stated in Matthew 11:25, he put into practice laying his burdens on Christs' yoke. he then challenged us to do the same.
on the heels of listening to the john stott's seminar, donna and i actually took a day off to spend some quiet time with God. not surprisingly, my spirit felt stronger and i felt good to be a christian once again. no longer did i feel the burden of having to work the next day, or be afraid of rubbing shoulders with people who do not share in the same beliefs as christians. instead, i was looking forward to the next day. now, i know it may only be a matter of time before my spiritual high goes away, which is why i think it is important to repeat this practice.
i've been sharing this with sung ho in the last couple of weeks and he asked to me to post this on our blog. in addition to briefly sharing my struggles, i also thought it would be a great idea for the small group leaders to spend one saturday together as a group for a quiet time. what do you guys think?
that was my life until i heard the john stott seminar. he spoke of his monthly routine to dedicate a day to soley spend time with God. he would spend his time soaking in nature, reflecting on His creation, reading the Word, and praying. as it is stated in Matthew 11:25, he put into practice laying his burdens on Christs' yoke. he then challenged us to do the same.
on the heels of listening to the john stott's seminar, donna and i actually took a day off to spend some quiet time with God. not surprisingly, my spirit felt stronger and i felt good to be a christian once again. no longer did i feel the burden of having to work the next day, or be afraid of rubbing shoulders with people who do not share in the same beliefs as christians. instead, i was looking forward to the next day. now, i know it may only be a matter of time before my spiritual high goes away, which is why i think it is important to repeat this practice.
i've been sharing this with sung ho in the last couple of weeks and he asked to me to post this on our blog. in addition to briefly sharing my struggles, i also thought it would be a great idea for the small group leaders to spend one saturday together as a group for a quiet time. what do you guys think?
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Prayer Meeting for N Jersey
We had our first small group prayer meeting this past Friday. We have prayer time during small groups from time to time, but we devoted the entire time to prayer. It was a small group of 6 of us. I had everyone write down 1-2 prayer requests for themselves, for SG/church, and for the world. Diana brought Hyun's guitar and John played it. John, Mike, Stretch and I usually come directly from work and take the train to Glen Rock together. We ate, sang a couple of songs, shared and prayed.
I felt like our prayer time was genuine to where we are right now. For a lot of us, it had been a long time since we had engaged in more than 1-2 hours in corporate prayer. It was a tad bit awkward but in a cute "getting to know you" kind of way. We struggled with the words of a song John picked because some of us didn't know the words... we didn't exactly know how we wanted to structure the time. And we didn't even get to the third topic because it took us nearly 2 hours to cover the first two. We chuckled a little bit at funny remarks and added commentary and asked questions when we wanted to probe a little bit. I really appreciated people's honesty and their desire for this time of prayer to become a truly blessing time.
It's funny how as we started praying, I thought of a million other things we could pray for, and it was great to be praying side by side with brothers and sisters... and to be prayed for. I loved it ;)
We have small group tomorrow, and I want to suggest that we meet 1x a month since small group meets for bible study 2x a month. The limiting factor is me - I travel about 50% (and I host), but I hope it works out. Please pray for us as we conclude the praying book. Because I'll be in California, Toronto, then home for a day before flying to Korea on a 2 week vacation, we'll have a 3 week break. I just hope we don't lose momentum....
(What did we eat?: Chicken Teriyaki from the Japanese place at Garden State Plaza)
I want to share some pictures of our small group too! This is the latest picture we took at Sang's birthday dinner. Taken after we sang an embarrassingly out of tune "Happy Birthday" song to Sang.
I felt like our prayer time was genuine to where we are right now. For a lot of us, it had been a long time since we had engaged in more than 1-2 hours in corporate prayer. It was a tad bit awkward but in a cute "getting to know you" kind of way. We struggled with the words of a song John picked because some of us didn't know the words... we didn't exactly know how we wanted to structure the time. And we didn't even get to the third topic because it took us nearly 2 hours to cover the first two. We chuckled a little bit at funny remarks and added commentary and asked questions when we wanted to probe a little bit. I really appreciated people's honesty and their desire for this time of prayer to become a truly blessing time.
It's funny how as we started praying, I thought of a million other things we could pray for, and it was great to be praying side by side with brothers and sisters... and to be prayed for. I loved it ;)
We have small group tomorrow, and I want to suggest that we meet 1x a month since small group meets for bible study 2x a month. The limiting factor is me - I travel about 50% (and I host), but I hope it works out. Please pray for us as we conclude the praying book. Because I'll be in California, Toronto, then home for a day before flying to Korea on a 2 week vacation, we'll have a 3 week break. I just hope we don't lose momentum....
(What did we eat?: Chicken Teriyaki from the Japanese place at Garden State Plaza)
I want to share some pictures of our small group too! This is the latest picture we took at Sang's birthday dinner. Taken after we sang an embarrassingly out of tune "Happy Birthday" song to Sang.
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