Scripture:
Psalms 51: 6 & 7
Behold, you desire truth in the innermost being, And in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom. Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Observation:
King David is reaching out to God to ask for repentance of many sins. Though he was great King and was successful King with God's favor, he committed many since along he reign. King David is repenting to God to show mercy upon him to forgive his transgressions and to fight the daily sins. He knows that he is unable to fight the battle by himself, and we need our ultimate fighter and protector to help us through.
Application:
I am no different than King David, though I call myself to be Christian or label myself as Christian, I sin daily and always. Even without knowing the actions and any glimpse of thoughts it may go through my head is sinful. To be forgiven is to accept God to come into my life and stir up old baggage and pains that I have suffered. If his way of healing and providing me wisdom is by revealing the dirty truth, I need to be strong and let God fight the battles to be washed of my sins. To be purified and cleanse comes with the price, the price is not as greater than the nonfiction of our savior, he took the ultimate pain, now I need to allow God to work his grace and show in my actions rather than asking and not allowing God to enter to fix me and wash me.
Prayer:
Father God, open my heart to reveal my pains and sins. Help me be fearless to reveal my darkness and letting you to work in my innermost dark sins. I am afraid of the outcome, but Father I pray this process will be transparent to you and you will reveal you will and wisdom. I will find much peace and joy in my life. The pain of suffering will be no more. Let my artificial emotion be turn to be sincere joy. Let my heart healed and find the wisdom to be better person.
2/19/2013 - Romans 9 "Solicitude for Israel"
Scripture:
Romans 9: 25 - 26 " As He says also in Hosea, “I will call those who were not My people, ‘My people,’ And her who was not beloved, ‘beloved.’ “And it shall be that in the place where it was said to them, ‘you are not My people,’ There they shall be called sons of the living God.”
Observations/Application:
Romans 9: 25 - 26 " As He says also in Hosea, “I will call those who were not My people, ‘My people,’ And her who was not beloved, ‘beloved.’ “And it shall be that in the place where it was said to them, ‘you are not My people,’ There they shall be called sons of the living God.”
Observations/Application:
This Chapter was a difficult read, to understand the focal point of the message but also because it addressed lot of concerns and feelings I struggle daily. It is not easy to know in your head that the only way is have faith in God, relentlessly give to him and reach for him as he wait for us to patiently. Though I know this in my head it is such a struggle to perform in my heart. I struggle to lead with my heart, but I tend to lead with my head. I know it and I want to fix it but I can't seem to. Maybe that is why I struggle with guilt issue, daily I fear that I cry in my heart that I am a sinner and the guilt overwhelms my emotions. As if I don't deserve any of the grace and mercy God pours onto me. His sacrifice to save me and wash my sins, but I seem to continue on with same sins over and over. When bad things happen to me and my family, I wonder if God has reached his point with me and have given up on me? I think I have control issues, maybe I enjoy to endure of pain, but who would enjoy such? When I do go through tough times, I question the will of God? Also, I question if God does really love me regardless, love me for who I am, and has forgiven me of my sins? Am I really his daughter and princess of his Kingdom? I often struggle with that theology and application? I seem to fail all his test and obstacles he places in front of me over and over. I am a bit complacent where I am, because good things doesn't happen to often. I am not thinking properly, my perspective need to change. Instead of trying to measure the goods and everything in my life, I need to reflect to this passage which came a a great time of life, when in my head and heart I know I need to refocus and stir to God's word. When my insecurities are taken advantage by Satan and place this doubtful questions in my head this chapter in Romans was a reminder that just because I am not from Israel (physically) or Jew that doesn't mean I am not God's child. Just because I screw up doesn't mean God doesn't love me or abandon me. God is my ultimate father who knows and shields from all insecurities. God knows and understands my fears, this is reminder that whatever the insecurities I have I need to be reminded that God has specifically selected me and designed me for his purpose. And in this chapter it is reminded that God chose to call me "my people" and "beloved" though there are many criticism and doubts I may endure, he will fight the battle with Satan and call me to be his "son of the living God".
2/14/2013 - Romans 8: "Our victory in Christ"
Scripture:
Romans 8: 28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Observation / Application:
I let my flesh and sins define who I am. That limits me to do and open myself to God's work and spirit to render in me. My mental state of mind and sins I commit condemns me and defines why and how I should live forth. But as I read Romans, I realize the only way to live is through God's law. When Jesus came to this earth and nailed to the cross he took our sins with him, that we may be reborn in Spirit of God. As children of God, because we are children of God we are no longer committed to our flesh of sins that defines us.
God had come with permanent solution to save us versus temporary solution. It's human nature where we fail many time in a day to lead and live the expectation of God's law, we battle the ultimate battle of trying to continue on with the effort to live up to his law. God knows that and he understand the struggle and he want us to come to him with our struggle versus trying to control the situation ourselves. When I try take control and self absorb my current conditions I seem to get overwhelmed and nothing happens to get resolve. The obstacles become bigger and out of control. Basically I start to lose sight of God and his purpose, because I get so focus on my own problems and how to resolve it. But Romans 8 clearly says that God knew what he was doing from the beginning as he planned and shaped our live the way it is. It is matter of accepting and allowing God's law and plan to follow through.
As times pass, I am exhausted from fighting and bickering, I am ready to let God lead and God's plan take in place. I share that with my parents with their struggle with her siblings and I let God take control and plan for the future of my cousin for her doings. She may not know the circumstantial pains and suffering she has brought, as she starts her family, I know God will dwell a life lesson in her. Then she will recognize her past actions. God will teach, you cannot argue that you live in God's law because you attend church weekly and pray, if my spirit is elsewhere and its the flesh walking dead to these than we are missing the whole purpose.
I need to let God's spirit absorb within me for God's Spirit has been with me all along. I need to let it sink into me, and lose the control and power of control, as the flesh takes on control, I will block the spirit to work in me. Everything and all things that happen around me and my family, it was God's plan after-all the after math might be a long journey but God is with us all along, and he will show the goods. He has planned this from beginning to teach my family and myself his purpose for us. We need to pray out to him, and prayer not from our pain and resentment, but from our heart for my personal gain but for his purpose and will to be done and shine through.
Romans 8: 28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Observation / Application:
I let my flesh and sins define who I am. That limits me to do and open myself to God's work and spirit to render in me. My mental state of mind and sins I commit condemns me and defines why and how I should live forth. But as I read Romans, I realize the only way to live is through God's law. When Jesus came to this earth and nailed to the cross he took our sins with him, that we may be reborn in Spirit of God. As children of God, because we are children of God we are no longer committed to our flesh of sins that defines us.
God had come with permanent solution to save us versus temporary solution. It's human nature where we fail many time in a day to lead and live the expectation of God's law, we battle the ultimate battle of trying to continue on with the effort to live up to his law. God knows that and he understand the struggle and he want us to come to him with our struggle versus trying to control the situation ourselves. When I try take control and self absorb my current conditions I seem to get overwhelmed and nothing happens to get resolve. The obstacles become bigger and out of control. Basically I start to lose sight of God and his purpose, because I get so focus on my own problems and how to resolve it. But Romans 8 clearly says that God knew what he was doing from the beginning as he planned and shaped our live the way it is. It is matter of accepting and allowing God's law and plan to follow through.
As times pass, I am exhausted from fighting and bickering, I am ready to let God lead and God's plan take in place. I share that with my parents with their struggle with her siblings and I let God take control and plan for the future of my cousin for her doings. She may not know the circumstantial pains and suffering she has brought, as she starts her family, I know God will dwell a life lesson in her. Then she will recognize her past actions. God will teach, you cannot argue that you live in God's law because you attend church weekly and pray, if my spirit is elsewhere and its the flesh walking dead to these than we are missing the whole purpose.
I need to let God's spirit absorb within me for God's Spirit has been with me all along. I need to let it sink into me, and lose the control and power of control, as the flesh takes on control, I will block the spirit to work in me. Everything and all things that happen around me and my family, it was God's plan after-all the after math might be a long journey but God is with us all along, and he will show the goods. He has planned this from beginning to teach my family and myself his purpose for us. We need to pray out to him, and prayer not from our pain and resentment, but from our heart for my personal gain but for his purpose and will to be done and shine through.
2/12/13 - Romans 7 "Believers United to Christ"
Scripture:
Romans 7:5 " Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God." (NASB)
Observation / Application:
I personally get so overwhelmed with past sins that I cannot move forward. Regardless what the degree of the sin (white lie vs. sins of actions) I cannot seem to relinquish myself to move forward. I feel like I am shackled to my guilt and that seems to drag me and sink me down. This is total advantage Saint will take on and to manipulate me into committing more sins. I am no perfect being, I been dealing with same issues for while. I have brought pain and sorrow to others. Many occasions, I admit and repent my sins of actions. Honestly, if I could just take back and turn time to redo or undo I would take that in a heart beat. Cause of this my future actions lead to more sins.. it was vicious cycle and continue to me. I have categorized some of my sins which fall under God's commandments that I have broken. I guess I know in back of my head that my sins are washed away by our Lord but its my mental mind and flesh that bound to continuous foul play. Its my mind that plays game that the sin is never to be forgiven.
As we approach season of Lent, I am reminded again that I need to allow my flesh and mind to accept the gift God given me. Ultimate forgiveness when Christ died he took the entire sin dominating way of my life down with him and left it in the tomb when he rose, leaving me free. I need to allow God to help me deal with my sins and issues. In order to be totally free, I need let God help me and take control and guide me forgive the ones that need to be forgiven. If God was able to forgive such great sins like mine, I should be able to allow myself to forgive the ones who pain my parents and hurt my parents. For it is said in Proverbs 8: 6-7 "Listen, for I will speak noble things; And the opening of my lips will reveal right things. For my mouth will utter truth; And wickedness is an abomination to my lips." God will show the truth and the light. In the meantime, I shall let God take control to dwell the pain and sins. The concept of God reliving my from all this shackles of pains is overwhelming to accept, why me? do I deserve such kindness and second chance in life when I continue to disappoint him with same sins? God feels the pain that I feel and knows me better than anyone else. God knows it all nothing can be hidden from him. He empathize and sympathize with me through my struggles. I need to acknowledge his gift and his sacrifice and celebrate it versus sinking deeper. God gave this gift so I don't feel like I am shackled and tied to my guilt. his gift was given so that I may rejoice and feel this weight off my shoulder which I been carrying daily. Through his gift, I may celebrate and live a new life.
1/31/2013 - Romans "Believers are dead to sin, alive to God"
Scripture:
Romans 6: 19 - "I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification.
Observation / Application:
I think this is good reflections of all of us, and that counts me as well. The verse is spoken in human terms, straight forward so that we can understand and see how so wrong our life is when we let our self control our own destiny. We are such a weak to temptation and we are so easy to be tempted to do what is best interest of our own self. We are just selfish individuals who is care free of others. The more we stink deeper into this temptation and life in absence of God, anything we do seems to go wrong. We wonder, and we get angry at God for not making it right? But whose fault is that to start with? Once we sink deeper metaphorically speaking our freedom is limited. We are tied down with sins and darkness that will continue to lead us into the life of sin and darkness. But need to be a slave to God, God's slave who sacrificed his Son Jesus Christ to save us and bring us to righteousness and cleanse our sins. Leading us to purity and sanctification Once we accept God and his gift of freedom, we allow our God to heal our wounds and slave us to freedom righteous. Than we will see clear of our life, and the worst can be the best, as God will work his miracle in our life. For God does not leave us and abandon us in the darkness regardless. For he has plan for everyone and every situation will lead to greater gift of life.
Romans 6: 19 - "I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification.
Observation / Application:
I think this is good reflections of all of us, and that counts me as well. The verse is spoken in human terms, straight forward so that we can understand and see how so wrong our life is when we let our self control our own destiny. We are such a weak to temptation and we are so easy to be tempted to do what is best interest of our own self. We are just selfish individuals who is care free of others. The more we stink deeper into this temptation and life in absence of God, anything we do seems to go wrong. We wonder, and we get angry at God for not making it right? But whose fault is that to start with? Once we sink deeper metaphorically speaking our freedom is limited. We are tied down with sins and darkness that will continue to lead us into the life of sin and darkness. But need to be a slave to God, God's slave who sacrificed his Son Jesus Christ to save us and bring us to righteousness and cleanse our sins. Leading us to purity and sanctification Once we accept God and his gift of freedom, we allow our God to heal our wounds and slave us to freedom righteous. Than we will see clear of our life, and the worst can be the best, as God will work his miracle in our life. For God does not leave us and abandon us in the darkness regardless. For he has plan for everyone and every situation will lead to greater gift of life.
1/29/13 - Study of Romans "Results of Justification"
Scripture:
Romans 5: 8 "But God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ dies for us."
Observation / Application:
We take notice of the noble men and women who fight for the freedom. We recognized them with honorable medals and rewards. Those men and women chose to serve the country and fight for the freedom of the country. Only selective people have that mind of serving and sacrificing their life on the line for others, people they don't even have connection or know in this world. As the citizens of this country we can only be grateful towards them for their services. It is selfless act of parents to sacrifice their children and selfless individual to fight for the rights of the country. But God had given the ultimate gift his Son as a sacrifice for save all of the us, the sinners which we are no use to him. For this solider who fought in Iraq and etc, get recognize and rewarded and there are so many veteran benefits for themselves and their generation. Prior to enlisting into service, they weigh out all the pros and cons, as their life is depended on it. But for God, he didn't hesitated or weigh the pros and cons prior to giving his Son as a sacrifice.
It is so hard to have the heart to share love like Jesus did. The act of kindness and love regardless of the person, who is difficult and easy to get along. My emotions get ahead of me, I tend to open up to people who are easy to get along, and less difficult with me. I should say who give less stress in my life. But as God save sinner like me who have no use, I should have little of flexibility to share love upon the ones who are difficult as well. Let God's grace pour out and the holy spirit work within me to share. Than maybe my heart and mind will form different opinions about the circumstance that may come across when dealing with such. I been fortunate enough to be dealing with great people in my past professional life, however, my recent move has come to brick wall, where I cannot get passed and share love with others. As I read this passage, I wonder is it my emotions and opinions of certain circumstance that I am allowing my judgement to over come. Letting this judgement affect my heart in how I see things? Probably so! Romans 5 is about God's grace overcoming sins and God's love onto all (sinners and goods). Maybe it is time to let my emotions position my heart, but rather, learn to pour out unconditional love upon these people and see where that leads me.
I am chosen for a reason and I have a purpose to fulfill, if the start is to open my heart and forgive myself to start with, than God help me to forgive myself and learn to show mercy on myself. So that I may do the same to others. Let's make better choices with the gift of life God gave us by presenting his ultimate sacrifice to save someone like me.
Romans 5: 8 "But God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ dies for us."
Observation / Application:
We take notice of the noble men and women who fight for the freedom. We recognized them with honorable medals and rewards. Those men and women chose to serve the country and fight for the freedom of the country. Only selective people have that mind of serving and sacrificing their life on the line for others, people they don't even have connection or know in this world. As the citizens of this country we can only be grateful towards them for their services. It is selfless act of parents to sacrifice their children and selfless individual to fight for the rights of the country. But God had given the ultimate gift his Son as a sacrifice for save all of the us, the sinners which we are no use to him. For this solider who fought in Iraq and etc, get recognize and rewarded and there are so many veteran benefits for themselves and their generation. Prior to enlisting into service, they weigh out all the pros and cons, as their life is depended on it. But for God, he didn't hesitated or weigh the pros and cons prior to giving his Son as a sacrifice.
It is so hard to have the heart to share love like Jesus did. The act of kindness and love regardless of the person, who is difficult and easy to get along. My emotions get ahead of me, I tend to open up to people who are easy to get along, and less difficult with me. I should say who give less stress in my life. But as God save sinner like me who have no use, I should have little of flexibility to share love upon the ones who are difficult as well. Let God's grace pour out and the holy spirit work within me to share. Than maybe my heart and mind will form different opinions about the circumstance that may come across when dealing with such. I been fortunate enough to be dealing with great people in my past professional life, however, my recent move has come to brick wall, where I cannot get passed and share love with others. As I read this passage, I wonder is it my emotions and opinions of certain circumstance that I am allowing my judgement to over come. Letting this judgement affect my heart in how I see things? Probably so! Romans 5 is about God's grace overcoming sins and God's love onto all (sinners and goods). Maybe it is time to let my emotions position my heart, but rather, learn to pour out unconditional love upon these people and see where that leads me.
I am chosen for a reason and I have a purpose to fulfill, if the start is to open my heart and forgive myself to start with, than God help me to forgive myself and learn to show mercy on myself. So that I may do the same to others. Let's make better choices with the gift of life God gave us by presenting his ultimate sacrifice to save someone like me.
1/24/13 - Study of Roman "Justification by Faith Evidenced in Old Testament"
Scripture:
Roman 4: 4-5 "Now to the one who works,his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. But to the one who does not work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness" (NASB)
Observation / Application
The turning point for our Father Abraham is that He trusted God to set him right instead of trying to be right on his own. It is excepting what God is doing in our life and trusting in him. Of course, our day to day routine (having job security, roof over our head and etc) can be taken that it is due to all our individual effort. Honestly, the primary source for us to have this opportunity and source of income to provide roof over our head is from God. It's God's gift that we analyze and try to point the success onto us. We want to pat our self rather than accepting as God's gift.
Obviously, when things don't go as planned or in our favor, we question and doubt, and possibly blame God. Trust me, I been there and done that. That was how I drifted from God and his words. I didn't want to hear it, and when I did try to go back, I was only hearing what I wanted to hear. Regardless how much I tried to let Holy spirit speak to me, I still had the barrier to filter what I wanted to accept.
As much as we try to filter God, he puts extra effort to reach out to us. God is hurt by out lost and pain, he can related and he can heal. We are so often connected to humans and the current environment we forget that God is there to heal us, listen to us, and help us through the rough and tough. When life seems too much for me, it is said in this versus, that we need to trust in God, he will complete the job in the direction he best see fit for us. We want to take control of our own destiny, but if you let God take control and trust in him to reveal his plans than we will be rewarded with greatest gift of all. Let God take the burden from me, and allow him to do the hard work. That is the gift, we need to realized and accept, that God is always available and willing, we just have to let him and trust in him.
Just like once upon a time, when I found out I was diagnosed with cancer, epilepsy I couldn't believe or didn't know how I can trust in God who gave me all this. The effect on my family and myself, but I came out of it, and if I didn't allow God to lead, I am pretty sure I will be still suck with grudge, anger and allow myself to be pitiful But I chose and with the help of family, church, and friends, I learned to allow my heart to listen and allow God to take control. Hence, I believe today I am healthy, and able to talk comfortable about my illness and remission. Through small experience which seems overwhelming at time, I can say God know! He is the one and only who can fix and provide the outcome that we so seek at the deepest time of our life.
Roman 4: 4-5 "Now to the one who works,his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. But to the one who does not work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness" (NASB)
Observation / Application
The turning point for our Father Abraham is that He trusted God to set him right instead of trying to be right on his own. It is excepting what God is doing in our life and trusting in him. Of course, our day to day routine (having job security, roof over our head and etc) can be taken that it is due to all our individual effort. Honestly, the primary source for us to have this opportunity and source of income to provide roof over our head is from God. It's God's gift that we analyze and try to point the success onto us. We want to pat our self rather than accepting as God's gift.
Obviously, when things don't go as planned or in our favor, we question and doubt, and possibly blame God. Trust me, I been there and done that. That was how I drifted from God and his words. I didn't want to hear it, and when I did try to go back, I was only hearing what I wanted to hear. Regardless how much I tried to let Holy spirit speak to me, I still had the barrier to filter what I wanted to accept.
As much as we try to filter God, he puts extra effort to reach out to us. God is hurt by out lost and pain, he can related and he can heal. We are so often connected to humans and the current environment we forget that God is there to heal us, listen to us, and help us through the rough and tough. When life seems too much for me, it is said in this versus, that we need to trust in God, he will complete the job in the direction he best see fit for us. We want to take control of our own destiny, but if you let God take control and trust in him to reveal his plans than we will be rewarded with greatest gift of all. Let God take the burden from me, and allow him to do the hard work. That is the gift, we need to realized and accept, that God is always available and willing, we just have to let him and trust in him.
Just like once upon a time, when I found out I was diagnosed with cancer, epilepsy I couldn't believe or didn't know how I can trust in God who gave me all this. The effect on my family and myself, but I came out of it, and if I didn't allow God to lead, I am pretty sure I will be still suck with grudge, anger and allow myself to be pitiful But I chose and with the help of family, church, and friends, I learned to allow my heart to listen and allow God to take control. Hence, I believe today I am healthy, and able to talk comfortable about my illness and remission. Through small experience which seems overwhelming at time, I can say God know! He is the one and only who can fix and provide the outcome that we so seek at the deepest time of our life.
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