Day 29 - Hosea 11:1-9

I love reading some of the prophetic books because they teach us so much about God and His people. Hosea describes our relationship in this passage as a Father raising a child, and it made me think of my relationship with my parents when I was growing up. I'm really thankful for my parents, and they showed a lot of love to my sister and I. As I grew up, however, I hit those difficult teenage years and suddenly I wasn't very interested in spending time with my parents or listening to what they had to say. I'm sure it was incredibly frustrating for them, but I was determined to go my own way.

It seems like this is what happened with God and His people when He says, "But the more I called Israel, the further they went from me." We can see here both God's wrath at the people who rebelled against Him, and His mercy for the children that He raised and loved so much. And it remains true of us today: people will always be fickle, hard-hearted, and rebellious. God, however, will always remain merciful when He calls for His people to return to Him.

Some of us may be going through different struggles and trials right now. I've been talking to quite a few people who are feeling physically, emotionally, or spiritually drained during this busy time. When we're feeling these things, it's easy to retreat from God and try to escape from our problems, but it's in these situations that God most wants us to turn to Him. He is the patient Father waiting for His children to return to Him so that He can renew and restore our hearts.

Day 28 - Romans 3:9-31

This weekend I went home for a funeral. I've begun to notice something about funerals. At a funeral, people come out and share about all the wonderful things people did. You begin to learn how people affected the lives of others. The little things that people do, end up really impacting people’s lives. It's sad that we don't find out about these things until our funeral, and we’re not even alive to hear them.

 

But the one thing this passage helped me realize is that no matter how many people share nice things about you, no matter how many great things you've done, or how many people you affected for Christ, we're still constrained by verse 23 which states 'all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.'

 

No matter how many nice things I've done or will do, I cannot escape the fact that I am a sinner and fall short of the glory of God. Even if 100’s of people come up at my funeral and share how nice of a guy I was, I still fall short of the glory of God.

 

But the story never ends there with God, and we can rejoice that He sent His only Son, Jesus so that we can be justified by our faith in Him, and Him alone. That instead of boasting in our good deeds that served man, we can boast in the fact that Jesus Christ saved us from our sins!

 

My hope and prayer is that whenever my life ends and I have my funeral, that people will come up and not boast in my good deeds, but in the fact that we have a Savior who rescued us from our sins and has given us eternal life in Heaven.

Day 27 – Isaiah 55

This passage of God's grace and hope was spoken to the Israelites during a destitute time in their history. It's the desert times that seem to highlight how poor and thirsty we really are. Matthew 5:3 says "blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Praise God that he shows us grace by reminding us that seeking Him can only bring the blessed life hinted at in vv. 12-13. When hard times come, I tend to try to better things by my own means instead of putting my hope in the Lord. How many times have I talked to others first for counsel, tried to manage the problem but ended up making things worse, acquired things that would merely dull the discomfort, or perpetuated mistakes by not praying or meditating upon scripture? The words are very clear that his ways and thoughts are higher than mine. Continuing in my own means would only lengthen the dissatisfaction.

Day 26 - Luke 23:26-43

On Easter Sunday, I was talking with some people and we ended up discussing some of the musicals that we had seen. It was interesting to hear where people had seen them and which ones they enjoyed the most. After that conversation, I think I'm going to try to see The Lion King and Wicked some day.

For myself, I've always been a fan of Les Miserables, which I saw for the first time in London with some friends in high school. It takes a lot to make me cry, but there's something about the story of Jean Valjean that makes it hard to keep my eyes dry. For those of you who aren't familiar with it, the story begins with Jean Valjean stealing bread for his family and then spending the next 19 years in jail. When he is released a Bishop takes him in, but then Valjean steals some silver from the bishop and runs away in the night. Valjean is caught by the police and brought to the Bishop, but instead of accusing him of the theft, the Bishop tells the police that the silver was a gift and gives Valjean two more candlesticks, as well. (There's much more to the story, but that's all I'll go into now.)

When I read today's passage about the crucifixion, this story came to mind again. One of the robbers being crucified with Jesus said, "we are punished justly ... But this man has done nothing wrong" and "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." This man, like Valjean, was guilty of a crime and deserved punishment. Although Jesus was also being punished, it was not for his own sins, but for the sins of others. He took the punishment upon himself, so that while that criminal by his side would still suffer death in this world, he would "be with [Jesus] in paradise." Instead of accusing the criminal of his wrongdoings, he offered him eternal life.

There was one more thing that the Bishop told Jean Valjean before they parted ways. He told him to become an honest man and help other people. This seems like the only proper response when a person has received grace: to give grace to others. The criminals crucified with Jesus did not have much chance to respond to the grace that Jesus offered to them, but we do. As we look upon the cross and realize that our punishment has been paid for and our sins are forgiven, how will we respond? I pray that we will be able to live out the full life that Christ came to offer us, and that we will respond to the grace we've received with grace given to others.

Day 25 – Isaiah 61

The Gospel of Luke tells us that after Jesus was tempted in the desert for 40 days, He returned to start His ministry in Galilee. He began by teaching the people in the synagogues, and the people responded warmly to Him. He then returns to Nazareth – His home town – and enters to synagogue on the day of worship to teach the people. And when the scroll of Isaiah was handed to him, he reads Isaiah 61:1-2 and declares that what was written in Isaiah has now been fulfilled in Him – that He was the living fulfillment of God’s promise to His people. And once again, the people were amazed at what He was saying.

Even today, people are still being amazed by the words of Jesus. The words that I read in Isaiah 61 are more than just words of promise. They are promises that were fulfilled in Christ. They are more than just words of hope and grace. Rather, they are hope and grace and mercy and righteousness that became a reality through the life of Christ. That’s awesome.

As I was reflecting on these verses, I couldn't help but to think of the old hymn that talks about our hope that is built on Christ and Christ alone. It goes something like this:

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

Day 24 - Psalm 116:1-19

I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. - Psalm 116:1


That's a picture of the sister in our small group who was baptized this past Saturday. It was awesome to listen to her testimony and to meet many of the people whom God had used to plant the seeds of the gospel into her heart over the past five years.

I guess I'm still glowing from this past weekend...the conviction that the Lord has laid prominently in my heart is the amazing truth that Jesus Christ sought us out, saved us, and continues to carry us through our journeys on earth. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the power that transforms sinners into the redeemed people of God; and this reality is what ought to compel us to share it with others...and as it transforms our friends and family members and even strangers around us...and as we see Jesus' work in others, it reinforces even further the power of the gospel...and it goes on and on, fueling this passion even hotter.

This psalm is a heartfelt response to the Lord's grace and salvation in this person's life. A noticed a couple of things from this psalm. First, it's very personal. His experience before salvation is very clearly described (see v. 3) and his experience of the Lord delivering him is dramatic (see vv. 4-5). His words emote passion! Second, it is communicative. He's testifying to the saving work of the Lord in his life so that others might know too. He stands before the people to offer sacrifices of praise and vows of commitment to the Lord (see vv. 17-19).

How can I repay the LORD for all his goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD. - Psalm 116:12-13


I'll end this post with a testimony from Stephen Suryo, a brother in Christ who was a part of HMCC several years ago. He now lives in Singapore, working as an Information Technology Consultant. That's him in the picture with Jackson Ye (a current HMCC member). It's another story of God saving him and still working through him.

I was not actually aware of the Destiny Campaign till the day I received a Facebook invitation to join the “40 Days to Destiny” group (the power of Facebook! Ha!). As I was watching at the video and listening to P. Seth’s sermon, I was greatly reminded of God’s faithfulness to HMCC over the past few years and to me personally during my stay in the States. Participating in the Destiny Campaign thousands of miles away from Ann Arbor has indeed been very exciting and refreshing at the same time!

One of the most memorable locations for me was Medical Science Auditorium (we used to hold Sunday Celebration here during Spring/Summer semester). There I attended HMCC gathering for the very first time through the invitation of friends. I remember clearly I was very moved by the worship songs that I actually never heard before as well as the wonderful passion that the people had for God. I left the service knowing that I needed something big and eternal in life (Ecclesiastes 3:11). To cut a very long story short, I accepted Christ in the Fall of 1999 and got baptized the following semester. Praise God!

Being in Singapore now and having been here for almost two years have somehow allowed me to establish greater and stronger networks with other HMCC international students who are also now back in Asia. Some of us still have constant communications with each other despite the fact that we are no longer in Ann Arbor and are located in different countries in Asia. It’s been very great! We are praying for HMCC and we are looking forward to seeing God’s power manifested through this church.

And you know what? I want to see more! Let's pray that as we move forward in our church's vision, we all witness the power of the gospel more in our lives!

Day 23 - John 13:1-20

I confess, my first instinct when I read this passage was, "Oh, this is the Easter story. We just celebrated; this whole 'Last-Supper, Jesus-tells-disciples-He's-gonna-die, and-then-He-dies, and-then rises-again schpeel' ... it's old news now."

I also confess that I'm feeling the 'morning-after-Christmas-blues' or the 'morning-after-birthday-blues' - when this one day that you anticipate for so long comes and goes, and suddenly there's nothing to look forward to.

As I caught myself reacting like this to the reading today, I realized how sad it was that I was treating the truth of Jesus's immense sacrifice like a one-day high. Although we do set aside Lent, Passion Week, and Easter as a special time to focus on the cross, the reality is that I should renew my awe of Jesus and refocus on the cross every day.

In the same way, with the 40 Days to Destiny, I hope that I won't wake up on the 41st day thinking, "The 40 Days are over. Now what?" As we've been hearing in our various gatherings, this 40 days is a time for our church to be strengthened and to grow spiritually. The whole Destiny Campaign which will launch on April 13th needs to be grounded on, and driven by, our spiritual growth. I'm praying for myself and our church that there will be no such thing as 'the-morning-after-Destiny-blues.'

Day 22 - 1 Timothy 1:12-17

What a great Easter weekend we had in our church! Slowly, the testimonies are coming out about how people responded to God’s message of His transformative power. For this, we give God all the glory.

It is hard to believe that we are a little past the half way point for this 40-Days to Destiny Campaign. The first week we focused on God’s glory. In the second week, we reflected on God’s faithfulness. Then, this past week we examined God’s purposes. This week we are going to give attention to God’s grace.

This passage in 1 Timothy is one of my favorites. I don’t know about you, but I love stories. It helps me to connect with people, and it even helps me to see how God has been working in people’s lives.

In every story there is a past, present and a future. In some ways, our Christian journey can be broken up into these three sections. This is what the Apostle Paul lays it out for us.

Paul describes his life before committing to Christ. But in spite of his past lifestyle God has pour out HHHhHvgdis grace in abundance. The word, “abundance” is a powerful word. In the Greek it means “increase.” God’s grace is increasing in our lives. This is why he stated to the people of Rome, “But where sin increased, grace increased all the more” (Ro 5:20). God’s grace will never run out! God will give us all the grace we need to love Him and to obey Him. Paul reminds the people of Corinth of this fact as he states, “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Co 9:8).

Now, Paul is even looking into the future where he will be a testimony of God’s “unlimited patience” for those people who will believe in the future. This is why he ends with a doxology in verse 17. One day when we are gathered around the throne of God, we will sin no more. Our praises and worship to God will be a testimony of His grace throughout our lifetime here on earth.

Let’s pray for more of His grace, as we go through the last 20 days of this journey.

Day 21- Revelations 7:9-17

Wow! What an amazing picture. I cannot even begin to fathom what this must look like with my very own eyes. But the Word of God is true, and this is the hope that we have. In vs. 9 it says,

"After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands."

When I read this, I felt like, "Well then, we better get moving! There's still much work to be done!" Reading this only stirred my heart more--to see the Church rise and keep preaching the gospel until we have fulfillled the will of the Lord.

But then I find myself in busy weeks such as these, and see my heart grow old and slow down in its zeal. There are more projects to deal with at work, multiple meetings to attend to throughout the week, presentations to get ready for, etc. I know what needs to get done, but instead of being full of joy and being wholly available for whatever the Lord asks of me, I more often find myself feeling tired, frustrated, and a bit "dizzy" from all the running around in trying to keep up with things.

However when I read vs. 14-17, I am fully humbled. For those who have gone through suffering, pain, hardships, and persevered through for the sake of the gospel, they will ultimately receive their rest from the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes! I realize I have nothing to complain about. What can compare to the suffering Christ had gone through for us? And He did so because He loved us. He loved us first!

As Easter has arrived today, may we reflect and give thanks to our God who loved us and gave His life for us! As it says in Hebrews 12:1-2:

"Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Day 20 - John 20-1-23

As I first read through the passage, there was one thing that stood out to me It was contained in verses 18-19:

“Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: "I have seen the Lord!" And she told them that he had said these things to her. On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!”

Now I might be wrong, but if Mary came and told the disciples that she has seen the Lord, shouldn’t the disciples be more excited and not in fear in their homes. It wasn’t until Jesus came to them, and met them did the disciples change their attitude.

I noticed the same thing in John 1 when Andrew, Simon, Philip and Nathanael were told about Jesus for the first time, they didn’t respond or believe until they encountered Jesus in a personal way. That was when their lives were transformed.

Now I am sure we’re reading this thinking, and praying for our friends and family to encounter Jesus in a personal way, especially people we’re inviting out this Sunday.  This is important and I can’t wait to hear how God moves this weekend!

But I was convicted that I need to take a step back and encounter Jesus in a personal way again. Somewhere along the way, it’s easy to get focused on other people so much, that we fail to remember that we need to encounter and reencounter Jesus personally every day.

My prayer, first for myself, and then for each of us is that we will take the time this Passion weekend, and even every day afterwards to encounter the Risen Christ again personally. Let Him touch our lives again and again so that we can be like Mary and run around sharing that ‘He is Risen!’ I pray you all have a great Easter and can’t wait to hear testimonies of what Jesus has done and continues to do in the lives of people!