Timothy and Epaphroditus

21 For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 28 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 

Our world that we live in is selfish in nature. People are always looking out for themselves and are willing to go to great lengths, even murder, to get what they want. But, there are also people like Timothy who live for the Lord, and I think that brings optimism and hope into our lives. 

But this part of the passage speaks to me the most because I have been realizing more and more everyday the selfish life I live. I always put myself before others, especially God, and it is a slow and difficult process that I am learning through right now.

27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 

And even though we may not see miracles, such as healing, in our everyday lives, I think God has many small miracles he gives us everyday.  My miracle today was God bringing my dad home safe from Brazil.

Hope everyone has an awesome weekend!!

Lights in the World

"...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." (12-13)

"14. Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life...18. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me."

I went to a revival this past Sunday and the speaker was saying that, as Christians, we died to ourselves and that God is the one living in us. We have to do this EVERYDAY. We live in a generation filled with sin and a lot of us have become used to it. Also, since it is our human nature to sin, we must repent everyday and let God work and live in us.

From the revival and this past Sunday, God spoke to me saying that my priorities weren't straight. So I repented and listened to what God wanted to tell me. It was Pslam 1.3 "...but his delight is in the law of the lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. he is like a tree planted by the streams of water...whatever he does prospers."

It says the same here, that we must hold fast onto the Word...that's the only way we have wisdom, discernment, and become lights in the world.

Philippians 2:1-11

1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only t your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ in Lord, to the glory of God the Father.



About the second part, I see exactly how much we can be blessed by the same attitude as Christ Jesus. He was so humble to be like a human and obedient to death. Born in a barn, and died on a cross.

We can never be like Jesus who is perfect, but at least we can try to follow his attitude before God. We can't be in the highest place or get our names above every name for that, but at least God will know how much we deserve.

The truth is the more we humble, the more we get exalted by God.

Our Lives Speak Louder than Words

²⁷Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel ²⁸without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. ²⁹For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, ³⁰since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

After reading today's passage, the first thought that came to my mind was that our actions speak louder than our words. I feel like Paul is telling us that our faith is shown through our actions. That is if we truly live for Christ, then our lives should show it. It's like he's telling us that our lives must show that we aren't ashamed of the gospel, and we should live by it. I feel like he's also warning them or advising them that there will be suffering and struggles that come with living the Christian life. But I don't think that he's trying to discourage them by asking them to look at his life, but he wants them to see him as an example that even through Paul has struggled and had his fair share of hardship, he's still living strong for Christ and has not falter from his calling.
I feel like Paul is actually encouraging us to live righteously so that our lives reflect that of Christ. In which, when the world sees us, they cannot find fault or ridicule that would stumble themselves and others with the wrong idea. And even in our sufferings, which he guaranteed that we will have, he encourages us to not falter and go back to the way we were before we met Christ, wallowing in our sinful nature, but to stay strong and push through it because he went through the same ordeal and was still going through them when he wrote this letter.

Philippians 1:18b-26

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.[d] 20I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.

How can a person in chains speak so much about joy? I think it's because Paul has the "big-picture" and is able to "filter his circumstances through God instead of filtering God through his circumstances."

No matter where you are this day, I hope you can find your joy... which is our strength!

Philipians 1:12-18

12Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.

This is where we see the light at the end of the tunnel! Though he is still in prison, Paul rejoices in the fact that him being there serves the purpose of advancing the gospel- his life's passion. Furthermore, he's glad that the gospel is being preached though it may be done with the intention of harming Paul (v17-18).

How wonderful it must be to know that the blood and tears you shed were not shed in vain. What greater satisfaction than to know that the treacherous journey you took was not just an random, inconvenient detour in your life but a necessary step to fulfill your life's calling.

This passage made me take another look at hardships and struggles in life in light of my ultimate goal in life. First of all, what is my ultimate goal/calling in Life? Is it from God or is it my own ambition? Am I willing to give everything I have for its fulfillment? And, are my struggles ever invested towards its fulfillment or is it more as a result of failing to stick to the ultimate plan God has for me? Paul was called to preach the Gospel, am I called to do the same and am I willing to shed blood and tears for it?

I wonder if any of you have asked the same questions but I realized that loving the Lord our God and having the willingness to lay down our lives for Him is our ultimate calling in life- no matter what we're called to 'do' for Him. Furthermore, if I have the heart to love God with all my heart, mind and strength, I would be willing and able to do whatever He calls me to do at whatever the cost.
Paul's life is an example of a man who fulfilled his calling from God because he loved the Lord with all his heart. The passion of Christ became his own and he rejoices in what the Lord rejoices in though the journey was indeed treacherous for Paul.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

V9-10: "And this s my prayer: that you are love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and and blameless until the day of Christ."

As we read and meditate upon the Word of God and we gain more knowledge of knowing who God is, it will cause us to love Him more. Real love is not a feeling that comes and goes, it requires growth and maturation. The only way to so that is that our love for God has to be rooted in knowledge and understanding.
As we begin our reading the book of Philippians, I pray that God will enrich us with the wisdom and knowledge of His word so that through His Word, we will grow and mature as Christians. Our faith will be strengthen and our knowledge of Him will be deepened. We will pursue to become what God desire us to be. There will be no greater joy of knowing our God and doing His Will until He calls us home.

Acts 28:17-31

Paul Preaches at Rome Under Guard [Acts 28:17-31]

What a powerful ending to this book!  Paul remained obedient to God, and God delivered in everything He had promised.  We really see how amazing our God is by the way he worked in Paul's life.  Paul never lost hope despite all the hardships he was put through, and what struck me the most about this passage were verses 26 & 27 when Paul made his final statement to the Jews:

26" 'Go to this people and say, 
   "You will be ever hearing but never understanding; 
      you will be ever seeing but never perceiving." 
 27For this people's heart has become calloused; 
      they hardly hear with their ears, 
      and they have closed their eyes. 
   Otherwise they might see with their eyes, 
      hear with their ears, 
      understand with their hearts 
   and turn, and I would heal them.' "

I'm sure we know people that are similar to those that opposed what Paul had preached.  What are we to do when we've tried everything but they still deny God?  Should we just move on, or keep trying to reach out to them?  These 

verses reminded me to continue to pray for those in our lives that do not know God or have a personal relationship with Him.  May we not lose hope but put our faith and hope in God that all things are possible through Him and Him 

alone.  

Arrival at Rome (Acts 28: 11-16)

The importance of the much needed support Paul received from his fellow Christian brothers and sisters as he was entering Rome is really highlighted in this passage. Entering a new place as a prisoner must have brought about anxiety and stress. Being met by fellow Christians and receiving such kindness and hospitality and welcome was exactly the support he needed. Paul found strength and encouragement through them and was ultimately able to thank God for this and keep moving forward.

I see this passage as a message to us to be on the lookout for those that need to be encouraged in their journey and to support them and provide that encouragement to keep them moving forward. I hope we are able to encourage one another in our walk and be a church that is welcoming to those that are sent our way as well. Have a BLESSED week ladies!

ashore on malta

"paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects" (acts 28:5)

the arrival of paul on malta had two effects on the people. in the first instance, a poisonous snake attached itself to paul's hand, whereby the people of the island concluded that paul was a murderer. when paul shook off the snake with no ill effect, the people then concluded that paul was a god. paul's appearance exposed the worldview of the island inhabitants--a worldview steeped in superstition and fatalism. simply put, the islanders believed that bad things happen to bad people and that good things happen to good people.

this worldview might seem primitive but is actually very modern. it is the worldview of fallen humanity from the beginning of time up until now. without the revelation of the existence of a God who is in control of all things, we too would feel ourselves to be at the mercy of inexplicable forces of nature or circumstance. to "earn" a good life we would do good works, and we would likewise expect punishment if we hadn't lived well.  stripped to its essentials, this worldview is a salvation by works. it was the worldview of the islanders; it was the worldview of the pharisees in Jesus's day; it is the worldview of hindus, muslims, and jews today; and it is most certainly yet erroneously the worldview of many christians who profess to believe in God's sovereignty but live in accordance to the above mindset. do we recognize this line of reasoning in our own lives?

what does the life of a person who believes and trusts in God's goodness and power look like practically? "paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects" (verse 5). when confronted by a potential threat or danger, paul "shook it off".  this event which caused the islanders to conclude almost in the same breath that paul was both a murderer and a god did not shake paul's faith in the least. this is not to say that christians are immune from tragic circumstances or the ravages of disease, but paul remained steadfast even when his life was threatened. 

we could learn a lot from paul--"staying the course", believing, trusting even when things go wrong. if we follow his example, our faith will suffer "no ill effects". unlike the islanders, we would not have our center of gravity shaken and swing wildly between two opposite conclusions trying to understand and make sense of our circumstances. may God help us to be so rooted and established in the faith that in the moment of trial and testing that our faith too would "suffer no ill effects".

The Shipwreck

In the passage before todays Paul declared confidently about the vision he was shown from the angel to the men. "Not one of you will be lost" he said. There were 276 men aboard. Even without the factor of the ship being nearly destroyed there were many other things that could have caused one of these men harm in the last fourteen days of the journey. However Paul stuck to his promise that not one of these 276 men will lose a single hair from his head. In fact they all ate and was able to be so full that they threw the rest of the grain overboard to lighten the ship.

One part that particularly stood out for me was how the centurion wanted to spare Paul's life and let the other prisoners swim over to the land. If any of the prisoners escaped it would be on his head and no one would blame him if he killed all the prisoners onboard, however this proves how when the Lord promises something, it will happen.

There were so many things that could have gone wrong in this passage. However God had a protective hand over all of it so His will could be done. Many times we feel our entire lives are on a boat such as this. We are not given a precise time or location when we will be be safety back in God's arms or when the dangers we face will be conquered. We can only go on the promises that God has given to us. Just as Paul blindly believed only because he was told, I want to live my life with the assurance that God's will will be done. One of the promises that I will cling to is that nothing, absolutely nothing will separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39. For God is perfect, He is faithful and just as He delivered Paul He will deliver us.

I love this scene in Paul's journey. The people did everything to save themselves from the raging storm, eventually throwing everything overboard that could aid in their survival. "On the third day, they threw the ship's tackle overboard with their own hands. When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved." The people were in a grave situation, but our loving God in this case saved them, even when their stubbornness caused them not to listen to Paul's earlier advice.

This scene once again emphasizes our need to stand firm and to keep up our courage when situations in our lives are going astray. Often times it may be a result of sin or our stubbornness to really hear or be moved by God's leading. I know that personally, I often wondered why things were so difficult for me here on this paradise island. While I lived in a place that people call paradise, my heart was always in the desert. I knew it was sin, I knew it was my pride. God had a great sense of humor as He left me "shipwrecked" in a beautiful place, entirely alone, no where to run, cornered, desperate, hung out to dry - only then, I could turn my heart back to the Father. Here in my desert, I really believed with all the strength that I could muster, that God was scouring my heart, and that he would eventually lead me back to fit myself into His plans and purposes. "Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island." Isn't that the truth? - whatever our "island" might be that we are stranded on, we need to be patient, keep faith, keep courage, keep praying.

These passages are so clear that it is really God's Grace that saves us and that we should not be afraid. God said to Paul "... and God has graciouly given you the lives of all who sail with you." These passages are also very revealing in that God's purpose never gets thwarted although we may wander far from Him. Eventually He will get His way. Thank God for that. Thank God that Paul says "So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me."

Ok. Keep going! Have a great week.

Paul Sails for Rome

Paul's journey to Rome has become long, arduous and is now lost. I see myself lost in this journey just like Paul's ship. I know my destination. However, facing the problems/struggles that arise during the journey has made me lose track, and its been keeping me from serving and living wholeheartedly for Him.

Something I wanted to share yesterday..one thing I can't let go is my attitude of independence. Ever since I was young, I had to be the older one. Emotionally I couldn't really rely on anyone. So I held a lot of things in and tried to deal with it myself because I knew there wasn't anyone who could help. Something God has been teaching me throughout the years is that "You're not alone." When I get into the "independent" mode, I get more lost. Haha.

But it's amazing how God, even after ALL this time, speaks to me and wants me to come back EVERY TIME! This weekend has made me realize a lot of things...it's a work in progress :)

Have a blessing week ladies!!

Paul's defense before Agrippa

Sorry for missing my turn yesterday, I hope it's fine to do this today.


Yesterday's and today's passage is about Paul's defensing himself finally before Agrippa. The result was Agrippa's saying "This man is not doing anything that deserves death or improsonment."

He told them everything he's been through from persecuting people of God, meeting Jesus on the way to Damascus, and preaching to repent.

He's showing how he's become who he is. I think that's how we should convince people that we are not "insane" but just reasonable. Telling the full story of how we got here, being christian, might be little awkward to non-christian friends but I think they might want to know and be curious about it. That could be a good way to guide them to Jesus. Two days ago I met a friend who's having a hard time and trying to live her life better. She was very curious about being a christian and how that's possible. I told her several things about what we do or what we believe but I didn't tell her my story. I should've shown her my own story, which could be more convincing.

Paul Before Agrippa

In today's passage, Festus is at his wit's end over what to do with Paul. On one hand, Festus states that "the whole Jewish community has petitioned me about him in Jerusalem and here in Caesarea, shouting that he ought not to live any longer." However, on the other hand, Fetus "found he had done nothing deserving of death, but because he made his appeal to the Emperor I decided to send him to Rome."

Festus is lost and has no idea what move to make next, so he pleads with Agrippa to help him out. I think from yesterday's passage, King Agrippa was curious to meet Paul and was a little intrigued by this sticky predicament Paul had presented. Can you condemn an innocent man because one community hated and wanted to kill him over his beliefs. It's very eerie to how close this is like to Jesus's trial before Pilate. And Festus is doing something very similar as Pilate did. I feel like he trying to push off this decision what to do with Paul because he didn't want the blood of an innocent man on his hands. So he's pushing it off to Agrippa in way by "asking" what he should do, just so he can have someone to point a finger to if this later blew up in his face. But in a sad way, if I was Festus's shoes, I think I may do the same thing. I mean it's obvious that Paul was innocent, and the right thing is to let him out, but then you'd have an angry mob of people out their against you. As a person of power, that is not a good thing to have.

There are three choices here: the righteous thing to do, the safe thing to, and the cop-out way to go. Choice One, the righteous thing to do, is let the innocent man go because it's the right thing to do. Choice Two, the safe choice, is to do nothing and hope that the problem will solve itself or the anger of the Jews will soon dissipate, so you don't have to do anything. Choice Three, the cop-out way, is to cave into the people's demand by sacrificing the life of an one man to appease an angry mob. Not the best of choices, but you save face. Plus you won't have lots of angry people demanding for your head instead. Festus probably knows that he should follow with Choice One, but he doesn't want that burden of guilt on his head. Choice Three doesn't seem right either, so he's left with Choice Two, but he running out of time.

When I think about us and try to apply this to our lives in today's world, it's sort of like when we have to juggle with all the peer pressure in dealing with the people that we meet daily in our lives. Non-Christians, whether they're friends or foes, who don't understand a Christian's life or when we come across a temptation or even when we have to deal with our sins. What do we do? Choice One, do the righteous thing according the Gospel, which is to pray, repent, and to look to Christ; Choice Two would be to avoid/run away from dealing with our sins or turning an apathetic eye to it instead. Finally, Choice Three would be to cave into whatever is tempting you or causing you to sin.

I had a hard time at first in what today's passage was saying to me, but the more I thought about it, this was what I came up with. Out of the three choices, I'd tend to do Choice Two. I know we all want to do Choice One and reject Choice Three because it's the worst out of all three. But truthfully, Choice Two is just as bad or maybe worse because we as Christian know better than to turn the other way.

Festus Consults King Agrippa -- Acts 25:13-22

these passages are building up to the crowning moments of Pauls misson to Rome

consulting the commentaries on these verses, this is what they say about Paul:
1) that he is a prisoner yet innocent
2) he had opposition/enemies who wanted him harm and yet being in prison, he was protected
3) Paul was tried, but no punishable charges resulted (similar to Pontius Pilate)
4) he was offered a change of venue...

"...in his defense, Paul began with the objective historical fact of the resurrection, and so must we. It is the essential foundation for any supernatural working whereby we come to our meeting with our risen Savior and entering into a personal relationship with him."

and coming to hearing Paul speak are Agrippa (Herod), Bernice, . . . high ranking officers, leading men of the city... unbelievers who will hear the truth of the Son of God who died and lives again and who will set them free

Acts 25:1-12 The Trial Before Festus

So far, we've seen Paul face violent opposition, false accusations, unjust imprisonments, and now trials before authorities that have no interest in seeking justice for Paul. We see nothing but hardships and seemingly hopeless situations for Paul. Yet, these were the very opportunities God had set aside for Paul. Each time Paul was put on trial or was facing large crowds that have gathered against him, he had the opportunity to proclaim the Gospel. The loud and hysterically violent protesters were there to destroy Paul but I'm sure they also drew countless number of observers that had the chance to hear God whispering the Truth in their hearts. And soon, Paul will have the chance to go to Rome to face the highest authorities there where he will once again boldly proclaim God's message of salvation. I can't imagine how many lives were saved as people gathered to gawk at this fanatic wherever he went.

I truly admire Paul's determination and perseverance. One obstacle after another, as long as he had breath within him, Paul kept on preaching the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Not only that, his steadfast focus is quite remarkable. He moved like a missal that has only one target. No matter who or what stood in the way, he kept on towards only where God had aimed.

Something else that's remarkable is what moved the courts and the high authorities. Festus heard Paul's case and realized that Paul could be set free but he was more moved by the chance to win the favor of the Jews. This is no doubt a seed of political corruption. And the Jews themselves having heard the Truth of God, I wonder what was moving them so sharply against Paul. It brings to mind what Paul wrote in Eph 6:12 "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." I realized that if we are not moved by the Spirit of God, there are forces of evil that can move us from within with greed, pride, envy,to name just a few. It should not surprise anyone that this world is so broken though there are many "great" men and women leading this and other nations.

Well...Paul was arrested in Jerusalem because of the testimony of very angry Jews who objected to Paul's ministry to the Jews and Gentiles (see notes on Acts 21). He had an opportunity to present his case before the Sanhedrin, but he failed to win any support there. As a matter of fact, they tried to have him assassinated before he could be transported by the Romans out of Jerusalem, but their plot failed (Acts 23, see notes). At this point in Acts 24, he has been transported away from Jerusalem by the Roman officials. In Caesarea, Felix has sent for Paul's accusers. Upon their arrival, Paul appears before him for a hearing. The high priest (Ananias) brings a mouthpiece, Tertullus the attorney, to represent their cause. He basically presents the case that Paul is one to stir up insurrection among the Jews wherever he goes. It is with a precise choice of words that Tertullus refers to Paul's doctrine as that of the "sect of the Nazarenes. Literally, Tertullus is accusing Paul of bringing another religion into the Jewish temple and synagogues and causing disunity among the people.
Paul gets his opportunity to reply to the accusations beginning in verse 11. He points out that when he was arrested, he was strictly observing the religion, Judaism, which he had embraced for his whole life. He was not doing any of those things for which he is being accused. As a matter of fact, Paul was serving as the sponsor for some Jewish men who were offering the required sacrifices for the Nazarite vow when he was arrested. How much more Jewish can you act? While Tertullus referred to Christianity as the "sect of the Nazarenes," Paul refers to Christianity in verse 14 as "the Way." Paul is attempting to show that "the Way" is the natural extension of Judaism. He does not deny any of the Law or the Prophets, but rather embraces them.
Paul is kept in prison for two years through the end of the term of Felix, the Judean governor. Felix was hoping for a bribe from Paul, and he summoned him from time to time to talk religion...and to probably see how the bribe money was coming. Paul, he just kept on witnessing, writing and preaching to whomever would listen. Felix kept him in prison to keep the Jews happy, but gave Paul a good bit of freedom. It was like a minimum-security prison arrangement with a Roman centurion as a bodyguard. What an opportunity for Paul to share the Word with influential people while under the protection of the Roman government. It turns out that Paul's greater opportunity was realized from prison. Can't you imagine that there were countless Believers praying for Paul's release from prison, not realizing that unique opportunities for service were available to Paul because he was imprisoned. That's why praying for wisdom is so important for Believers. It very well may be that our way is not God's way. We should pray to know God's way.