NJ College Klesis Winter Challenge 2021-2022 by Xunkai Chen https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." --- Ephesians 5:15-16 en-us 2021-12-16 22:43:27 UTC 2025-11-13 04:36:48 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f4aa.png Jasper Bae https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1960377815 One New Years resolution I want to commit to is to give more of my time and my energy to God, saying “yes” to wherever, whenever, and whatever it may be. This resolution is a response to the past Christmas SWS we had about what gift do you bring to Jesus like the Little Drummer Boy?]]> 2021-12-22 12:01:55 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1960377815 Jasper Bae https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1960656377 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” - Hebrews 12:1]]> 2021-12-22 14:51:25 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1960656377 Iokkei Yim https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1960755940 John 15:5: "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." :)]]> 2021-12-22 15:46:04 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1960755940 2 Samuel 1 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1961174408 I focused mainly on David’s response to Saul’s death. Death of Saul for David means that David doesn’t have to be on the run and it frees him from most of the burdens and anxieties of trying to keep his men and their families alive. However, David laments over Saul, Jonathan, and Israel because he is so other centered. How did David become like this? It’s through all the years of trusting God and obeying His commands. David could’ve taken a shortcut by killing Saul when he had the chance but instead he took the harder route by waiting on God’s timing. This heart transformation is something that only comes through a life of obedience to the Lord so I was encouraged that as I obey God, He will also transform my heart to be like David’s. Wealth, status, competence, or respect cannot buy this heart transformation, this only happens when we obey God. Realizing this motivates me more to invest my life towards loving others instead of focusing on my career or trying to build up my image.]]> 2021-12-22 22:14:34 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1961174408 2 Samuel 1 alexanderlin2 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1961567393 I was amazed by David's response to Saul's death. David mourns over Saul's death even though King Saul has been chasing him and relentlessly trying to kill him. David calls Saul "the Lord's anointed", "the mighty", "beloved and lovely", "swifter than eagles... stronger than lions". He calls the daughters of Israel to "weep over Saul". There is no mention of Saul's paranoid, delusional, violent, and selfish ending as a king. David paints Saul in the most favorable light as possible. David does this in front of all his men as well, giving an example to his men. David really is a man after God's own heart as his response comes from the same heart of Jesus on the cross saying "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do". That's really challenging to me as I think about the way I choose to remember and respond to people that have wronged me/sinned against me or people that irk/irritate me. I'm reminded that they are God's beloved children as well and there are plenty of way to remember them in the best light.]]> 2021-12-23 04:32:04 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1961567393 2 Samuel 1 ethantslim https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1961594582 The main thing I focused on in this passage was the heart of David in response to the death of Saul. Saul has been relentlessly persecuting David for years at this point, pushing David to even live among his enemies for safety. Yet, David doesn't rejoice when he learns of Saul's death, despite Saul's previous attempts on his life. Instead, David has learned to overcome bitterness and anger and instead to love his enemies. David sets an example to his people by spending that entire day mourning for Saul, executing the man who claims to have killed Saul, and writing a lamenting piece in commemoration. He even calls Saul "beloved and lovely." David's response is a great reminder for myself on how I should respond in the face of adversity from people who may wrong me in life. David himself was not in a great place in life, facing numerous hardships while living among the Philistines. But he did not use it as an excuse to stop loving those who wronged him and having mindfulness of God's plan and heart. I was reminded in this passage that when I'm faced with similarly difficult circumstances, instead of lashing out with my own emotions I need to turn my face towards God and really ask myself what kind of response would please Him. ]]> 2021-12-23 04:59:56 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1961594582 2 Samuel 1 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1961599886 I was really struck by how David's response was different from a typical response to a fallen enemy. The Amalekite man was expecting David to rejoice at Saul's death and praise the one who had slain him. But David's response is so countercultural as he laments over Saul's death by mourning, weeping, and fasting. David had such a God-centered view of Saul and truly saw him as the Lord's anointed rather than his enemy who was trying to kill him (even though this was also true). In our world that preaches "every man for himself", it's rare to see someone respond like David when their enemies fall or we see others fail. I was challenged to see others not as the world sees them, but as God sees them. The world would tell me to leave those who hurt me or justify rejoicing over others' failures. But God sees them as beloved sons and daughters. I was reminded of how I am like Saul to Jesus in that my sins were what nailed Jesus to the cross, yet Jesus still bled and died for me because of his love for me. David's response is so Christ-like and I am challenged to start seeing others as God sees me - that even though I sin against God daily, He still sees me as his beloved child and He came down to save me.
- Megan]]> 2021-12-23 05:06:04 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1961599886 Ethan Lim ethantslim https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1961641093 John 16:33
"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."]]> 2021-12-23 05:54:55 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1961641093 2 Samuel 1 katiewong516 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1961649154 For today's DT, I focused on the significance of Saul's death, namely that he was killed by an Amalekite. At first I didn't understand the importance of this man being an Amalekite, but after reading the commentary for 2 Samuel 1, I realized that this actually goes back to Saul's failure to obey God's command to utterly destroy Amalek in 1 Samuel 15. It's really interesting to me how Saul's story seems to come full circle, but this shows how specific sins will continue to show up if they are not properly addressed. I think Amalek can represent the sins in our lives that God has prompted us to deal with and also sheds light on the consequences of us choosing not to obey. Saul was killed by this Amalekite because of his failure to deal with Amalek when commanded by God, and I think this serves as a good warning for me too. If I choose to ignore God's prompting to deal with my sin, it will continue to show up in my life and ultimately lead to my ruin. In the end, I think the course of Saul's life paints a really sad picture. In v. 9, he says that "anguish has seized [him]" and this seems to be a consistent theme for Saul, yet he never brings these struggles to God. I'm reminded that when God prompts me to deal with my sin, it's meant to bring me closer to Him in repentance, and rather than dwelling in my failures, I can run to God knowing that Jesus has covered all of my sins :)]]> 2021-12-23 06:04:56 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1961649154 Romans 12:12 katiewong516 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1962369227 "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." ]]> 2021-12-23 18:15:57 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1962369227 Hebrews 11:13-16 xunkaichen https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1962410744 "These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city."]]> 2021-12-23 19:30:44 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1962410744 2 Samuel 2 xunkaichen https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1962416361 Really struck by Joab and how he did not give in to his emotions but listened to his enemy (the person who killed his brother!)'s sensible advice! He realized that things would not go well, many people would die if he kept pursuing vengeance. I think I need to realize as well that in a relationship, I can't give in to my sense of pride and wanting to be "right" because it doesn't matter who wins, "the end will be bitter". I need to learn to listen to sound advice and feedback, doesn't matter who it came from, but to be quick to let go of my emotions and seek reconciliation. ]]> 2021-12-23 19:43:06 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1962416361 2 Samuel 2 kimmegan https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1962760457 One thing I focused on from this chapter was the theme of how pride led to unnecessary and foolish conflict. I saw this in Abner when he initiated the 12-on-12 competition, in Asahel when he stubbornly pursued Abner, and in Joab when he vengefully pursued Abner after the death of his brother. Their pride and wanting to be right resulted in a "fierce" battle between brothers with many deaths including the death of Asahel. It blinded them from seeing where the battle would lead them and who they were fighting. I found Asahel's death to be especially tragic because he wasn't able to listen to Abner's voice of reason and he didn't even die from the sharp side of Abner's spear. It was the speed and stubbornness of his pursuit that led to his own downfall. On the other hand, Abner was able to appeal to Joab by telling him that "the end will be bitter" and that they were actually in "pursuit of their brothers". Although Abner instigated the conflict, he was able to remind Joab to come to his senses and prevent further casualties. In my life, I can see how pride has led to many foolish and unnecessary relational conflicts. When in conflicts, I need to listen to Abner's voice of reason and remember who I am in conflict and where my conflicts will lead if I keep trying to assert my way or be in the right. ]]> 2021-12-24 03:46:08 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1962760457 Exodus 26 (Rey) https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1962822987 The chapter in Exodus where God gives Moses specific instructions to tell the Israelites regarding how to build the Tabernacle. This included parts like the curtain, pillars, hooks for hanging the curtains, etc.]]> 2021-12-24 05:02:18 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1962822987 Exodus 27 (Rey) https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1962824290 Chapter in Exodus where God begins to tell Moses about specific things to be built that are related to the tabernacle, including how those things are built. These include the altar, oil for the lamp, and the court.]]> 2021-12-24 05:04:26 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1962824290 10 Things This Week (Rey) https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1962837530 1. That there are people who can play ping pong.

2. That God have my brother and I the chance to help my grandma.

3. That I was able to start working out again.

4. That I got to see some of the staff before they left.

5. That God gave me the chance to fellowship with my brother.

6. That I was able to help my mom with food prep.

7. That I got to eat out at a restaurant with my friends.

8. That God kept me energized throughout the days where I had little sleep.

9. For God’s help with writing.

10. That there were some awesome insights from the different DT passages!]]> 2021-12-24 05:24:10 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1962837530 2 Samuel 2 ethantslim https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1962845527 One thing I admire about David in this passage is his continued reconnection with God and the patience he shows in trusting in God's path for him. David has known for a long time now that God has promised him the throne of Israel, and now with Saul and Jonathan dead, it would seem the logical and opportune time to take advantage of the situation. But the first thing we see David do is inquire of the Lord rather than assume the crown was his for the taking. God ends up guiding David to Judah, and he gains more experience ruling over people there, another seven and a half years, to be specific. Ish-bosheth is said to have only ruled for two years, so there was likely either a vacant throne or a power struggle when David was king of Judah, yet David doesn't try to force God's promise on himself. Verse 6 spoke to me of David's mindset during these years. He seems to finally have realized how the Lord had shown "steadfast love and faithfulness" to him. Patience in God's plans for me is definitely not an easy task for me to abide in day after day, let alone year after year, but I am reminded to be like David, to have that mindset of reflecting on all the times God has historically been faithful to me. David waited decades for God's promise to come to fruition, and that really puts into perspective how much patience I need to learn to have. I don't need to be anxious about my future nor take action into my own hands, but instead, I simply need to rest in His.]]> 2021-12-24 05:37:53 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1962845527 Ten Things I'm Grateful For This Week (Elise) https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963120553 1. My family and friends!
2. Coming back home healthy!
3. God' guidance and wisdom He provided while doing DT passages
4. My dad's health. He had a lot of back pain yesterday, but after i gave him a 20 minute massage, his back is feeling better!
5. Heat!
6. Being able to see my brother for this Christmas!
7. Jerk pork. I was worried if I was going to need to cook a lot a week prior to finals, but somehow God provided me a party size pantry of jerk pork that I ate pretty much 2 meals a day until my last day on campus (Slightly sick of jerk pork now).
8. Being able to spend time with Kim and Miriam before going back home!
9. Booster shot! I just got mine yesterday.
10. Home-cooked food for dinner yesterday.

]]> 2021-12-24 14:31:05 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963120553 Psalm 96 katiewong516 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963143683 Through today’s DT, I was really just reminded of God’s glory and how He is worthy of praise. In v. 1, it says to “sing to the LORD a new song” and in v. 2, to “tell of his salvation from day to day.” I think at times it can be really easy to fall into the habit of going through the motions, especially when things around me seem to be the same day in and day out. Yet, in those moments when I don’t feel like praising God or spending time in His Word/in prayer, I really need to reflect on who God is to regain a proper perspective and a heart of thankfulness. Today’s DT also reminded of Lamentations 3:22-23, “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” When I recognize all the ways that I continue to fall short, I’m amazed by God’s willingness to forgive. Truly, God’s mercies towards me are new everyday and that is something worthy of praise :) ]]> 2021-12-24 15:24:45 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963143683 Ten Things I'm Grateful For This Week katiewong516 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963151479 1. Finishing finals!
2. Going home for winter break :)
3. Spending quality time with my family. This is definitely something I took for granted during lock-down but I'm thankful that I get the opportunity to love and serve them this break!
4. Community! Super thankful that God has placed me within this community where I can be spurred on in my walk with God :)
5. Klesis Winter Challenge :D It's been really fun, but also very practical!
6. My Dad's first eye procedure going well. Hearing that my Dad would need eye surgery was really nerve wracking because of all the uncertainties, but really thankful that there weren't any complications! His second procedure is on the 28th, which also happens to be my brother's b-day, but any prayers would be greatly appreciated :)
7. My family's health overall. With my brother playing basketball, he has the highest risk of getting Covid while on the court, but thankfully God has kept him and the rest of my family safe.
8. Very timely DT passages. God always knows exactly what I need to hear at exactly the right moment.
9. God's faithfulness towards me this semester. Aside from academics, this semester was one that was filled with a lot of challenges. Yet, through all of this, I was able to learn what it really means to abide
10. Having a drinking water source & dishwasher inside my home. After a semester of NOT having either of these, man, it is a luxury. ]]> 2021-12-24 15:43:35 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963151479 Psalm 96 (Rey) https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963155881 For today's DT, I focused on v. 1 "Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!"

One of the questions that could be asked is "if this is a new song, what was the old song like/what were the old songs like?" Possible songs that came to mind include songs of "self" (human condition of pride), pain (human condition of suffering), hopelessness (ultimate end of man), and longing for God (innate desire of man to relate with their Creator). One commentary ("Barnes' Notes on the Bible", available through BibleHub) noted that a new song would be required when a certain event occurred that could not be properly expressed in existing psalms or hymns. So, what would that new song be, or rather, what kind of event would require a new song to be made? Clues like v.2 (salvation), v.12 (the coming of the Lord), and Mike's message on "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear", help with coming to the conclusion that this event is none other than the coming of God to be with man as one of them, that he may save them, and the new song is none other than the love song of God that was sung 2,000 years ago! It is "Immanuel" - "God With Us", the most amazing song that answers and overcomes all of the other songs that the world has been singing up until then. The question is, which song do we choose to sing on a day to day basis? If we can look to God, even when it is hard, and really see who he is, all the concerns and all the hardships of life, even if they don't disappear, will begin to become right sized as we see the message of the song that is relevant to every good and bad moment in our lives "Immanuel" & "Jesus" - That God is with us, and that God saves.

A perfect Psalm for right before Christmas!]]> 2021-12-24 15:53:55 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963155881 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 evatang72 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963184500 “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”]]> 2021-12-24 17:04:50 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963184500 Ten Things I'm Grateful For This Week ✨ evatang72 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963191880 1. Being home with my family for Winter Break and spending time together! (the pandemic and being stuck home all of last year really helped me to build closer relationships with my family)

2. Finishing finals! (it has been a rough semester being on campus for the first time ever but yay!!)

3. Both my parents passing the Citizenship interview/test :)

4. Home cooked meals!

5. Timely DT passages + DT Mondays with the Klesis Princeton Sisters!

6. My family’s health throughout this whole year!

7. Coming back home and meeting up with friends from high school and just catching up! + for my roommate in college (my high school best friend since 9th grade)

8. Got my Booster shot on Monday.

9. For the church community I have!

10. Klesis Winter Challenge for all the different categories to explore and to stay motivated and productive! ]]> 2021-12-24 17:27:48 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963191880 10 Things I'm Grateful For - Annie https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963201933 1. I'm grateful that everyone in my family is safe and healthy since we would not have been able to meet if any of us tested positive for COVID.
2. I'm grateful for all the friends I got to meet on Tuesday. It was a relationally strengthening time for me to see my peers and housemates.
3. I'm thankful for how my parents are enjoying their time with us and especially happy to see their grandparents.
4. I'm thankful for Monterey House and the chance to be here with my family. The house provides a really nice space for us to hangout.
5. I'm thankful we arrived here safely despite all the rain and traffic we went through due to many collisions on the road.
6. I'm thankful my director let me off of work really early yesterday, which gave me the chance to prepare a few items for my family.
7. I'm thankful for the beautiful view I have right now as I do DT and look out the window.
8. I'm thankful to hear how one of my friends is doing better than before.
9. I'm thankful that my mom's health got better before the family gathering since she is now able to move around better.
10. I'm thankful that being with family gives me a chance to love and serve them especially since now we all live far apart from one another.]]> 2021-12-24 17:58:53 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963201933 Psalm 96 (BKoo) https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963211436 For today’s DT, I focused on v1 and v2. Indeed I have a new song to sing. I have the greatest gift that is the salvation that saved me from sin and shame. The old song that I sang for my life is of despair, hopelessness, addictions, and boredom. My life was headed towards utter loneliness and sin but God sent his son to die on the cross so that my sin and shame is completely wiped away. Praise God!! Because of God’s salvation plan, I get to rejoice even though God will come to judge the earth and his people because I have the righteousness that comes from faith in Jesus Christ! ]]> 2021-12-24 18:32:15 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963211436 Psalm 96 - Worship in the Splendor of Holiness - Jasper B https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963221794 Link is here https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QIpF4w6eBQKrkStXWfg74GQProRx3aar/view?usp=sharing]]> 2021-12-24 19:08:57 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963221794 10 Things I'm Grateful For - Jasper B. https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963230079 1. I'm grateful that I went back home to see my family again, to see how they have been, and to be a blessing for them.
2. I'm thankful that my family has not caught COVID yet despite the Omicron surge.
3. I got to have some fellowship with old high school friends before it was too late. I'm thankful that I got to catch up with few friends who I haven't seen in more than two years!
4. I'm thankful that we have the Klesis Winter Challenge to challenge me and everyone else during the break because I can easily be lazy and distracted back at home.
5. I'm grateful that I got to celebrate my dad's 47th birthday this past Thursday and to give him a gift as a token of appreciation for being my father.
6. I'm thankful for the birth of Jesus and the significance of the birth - that God came down in time and space to be with us, Emmanuel, so that Jesus can save us all from our sins and reconcile us with God.
7. I'm grateful for Fall semester being able to meet students and to share God's heart with them.
8. I'm thankful that my job is hybrid remote with two days in-person, and I can be more flexible in the rest of the week.
9. I'm thankful for my Rutgers peers for being an encouragement and a source of strength in times of anxiousness or boredom.
10. I'm grateful that I have a Co-Commissioner, Xunkai, to co-labor with to create this whole winter challenge that is fun, exciting, and challenging.]]> 2021-12-24 19:39:08 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963230079 10 Thing I'm Grateful For ethantslim https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963245808

Spending time with the whole family back at home and having home-cooked meals with them.

Winter break to relax, re-energize for next year, and catch up on things that I didn't have time for during the school semester.

God's continued guidance of my life through DT's, fellowship, and mentorship.

Tobey Maguire

For Winter Challenge keeping me active and productive during the break.

Having the time to catch up with old high school friends and to even spend time with college friends without the stress of school studies.

Good water pressure in the shower, unlike New Brunswick.

Being able to grow in relationships with so many people this past semester.

That despite my family being in many different areas for school or work, we've all managed to stay healthy during the pandemic.

The time to read some books I never got the chance to finish during the semester

]]> 2021-12-24 20:37:34 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963245808 Why is Christianity is True? https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963260882 The apologetics I found on YouTube was by Sean McDowell and it was about how we know Christianity is true, focusing specifically on the younger generation. Often, young Christian people believe it is the truth and everything about Jesus, God, etc. is correct, but can’t articulate why, and this might lead to doubt. It really applied to me, because like many of the stories in the apologetics speech, Christianity was alway a part of my life and family growing up, it was something everybody did and everybody believed. It wasn’t until I got older, and especially because of this video, that I realized I don’t know exactly why, just that I do.

https://youtu.be/UdbKXsPzo_8]]> 2021-12-24 21:34:53 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963260882 Gratitude top 10 highlights - Jerell https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963368198 1. Thankful for everyone's prayers for Ann this past week. She had a 104 fever which was really scary. Thankfully she's negative for covid, and she's also recovering now.
2. Thankful for all the support we've been receiving from the Salladys! They've brought food, baby medicine and have been checking up on us regularly
3. Thankful for Ann's mom being here to help us through this time. She's the MVP here cooking and helping with anything we need and watching Jayden
4. I'm thankful for all the gifts we've received for Christmas from friends and family! Despite being here in NJ apart from everyone, I'm reminded of how richly God has blessed my life with so many relationships.
5. Thankful for the Yim's letting us borrow their van. After dropping their family off at the Philly airport, we had a short nice time walking around Philly
6. Jayden caught a fever, but thankful the pediatrician opened up an appointment to see him right away. Thankful also he seems to be fighting the virus he has ok and recovering.
7. I was thankful for Alex Pham helping me cook up the dinner before we watched the spiderman movie. We cooked pasta for about 25 people & it was delicious!
8. Thankful for the winter challenge and how it keeps us connected and also spiritually vigilant during the break
9. Thankful for my work generously giving me 3 weeks paternity leave so I can take these weeks off
10. I'm thankful for Jesus being our wonderful counselor - reminding me that no matter what we go through, he will walk us through it. Be it health scares from this past week, or anything we face!]]> 2021-12-25 03:47:50 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963368198 Gratitude - Ann https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963376894 1. I am thankful that I tested negative for COVID this past week and that my fever finally broke this morning and has been down since then and I seem to be recovering OK.
2. I am thankful for Matt & Simin caring for us, even while Matt isn't feeling 100% himself, and baby Mark is recovering as well through answering our questions about Jayden's health that we feel unsure about and dropping off food to us.
3. I am thankful for those who have checked up on us to ask how we have been doing/recovering.
4. I am thankful for the prayers we have been receiving to recover!
5. Thankful for this season of Christmas, as I gave birth to Jayden just under 2 months ago, and Jesus' birth resonates more personally to me and am more amazed and in awe of how Jesus came as a vulnerable babe..ultimately to die on the cross for me and mankind.
6. I am thankful that my mom is still here in New Jersey with Jerell and I - it would have been more difficult this week without her, as I got sick and Jayden got sick
7. I am thankful that my brother personally decided to stop smoking at the end of this month and lose weight so that he has a chance to get on the list for Kidney transplant (he has kidney failure)
8. I am thankful for modern medicine.
9. I am thankful for the chance to take my mom out to Philly on a short trip to see the lights out there.
10. I am thankful that Jerell's younger bro recovered OK from COVID this past week!]]> 2021-12-25 04:14:28 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963376894 Ann https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963379291 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.^{1 Corinthians 1:26-29}]]> 2021-12-25 04:19:20 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963379291 Psalm 96 kimmegan https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963391864 For today's DT, I was really intrigued by v. 11-13 when it says that there will be joy and gladness "for he comes to judge the earth". I would think that God's judgement would be something to fear and dread rather than something to rejoice over. The psalmist even says in v. 4 and 9 that God is to be feared and invites us to "tremble before him in the splendor of his holiness". But while there is fear and trembling before God's holiness, the psalmist says that there is joy and gladness because of God's righteousness and faithfulness in his judgement and because of his salvation. I was reminded of my testimony and how before God's holiness, I was and still am missing the mark in so many ways, but because of God's salvation, I can sing a new song filled with joy and gladness. Because God sent his son to pay the price for my sins, God sees me through Jesus Christ and now I can look forward to the day of God's judgement. ]]> 2021-12-25 05:08:25 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963391864 Isaiah 1-2 kimmegan https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963392244 Ch. 1: Isaiah is speaking in the voice of God about Judah's sin and how their sacrifices are empty. But God also offers redemption and promise of restoration

Ch. 2: Isaiah describes the "latter days" when many people will worship the Lord and there will be peace and no war. He invites Judah to walk in the light of the Lord as he describes the day of judgement that will come.]]> 2021-12-25 05:10:14 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963392244 2 Cor 4-7 - Grace https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963459948 Ch. 4 Because we received this ministry by God's mercy we don't lose heart. We are jars of clay holding the treasure of the Gospel.
Ch. 5 We can look forward to heaven and thus have courage to continue in faith in this life.
Ch. 6 A. Paul's ministry and entreating the Corinthians to reconcile with God
Ch. 7 A. Paul addresses the letter he wrote to the Corinthians and the regret and joy he had in writing it in that it produced godly grief which produces repentance]]> 2021-12-25 08:54:18 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963459948 Cindy Zhao https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963642443 One New Year's resolution I have is to be more fearless in my faith and serve God and his people more willingly in capacities different from what I have done before.]]> 2021-12-25 15:24:56 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963642443 Matthew 24:45-47- Cindy Zhao https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963648727 “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods.”]]> 2021-12-25 15:36:41 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963648727 Gratitude-Cindy https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963660375 1. I was able to spend time with my family.
2. I came home safe, despite witnessing and experiencing some crazy things on the way.
3. I was able to spend quality time with my sister and bond a little more.
4. My brother stopped playing videogames, which used to affect his behavior negatively (and it is little quieter in the house).
5. My family is all healthy.
6. I have remained consistent in my prayer time.
7. I was able to catch up with an old friend at my home church.
8. Meaningful conversations and more understanding between the children and adults in my family.
9. Having hotpot for Christmas with the entire family.
10. This winter challenge to keep me spiritually and relationally strong.]]> 2021-12-25 15:56:34 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963660375 Matthew 24: Cindy https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963667322 This is about when Jesus warns his disciples that the temple and all earthly things will be destroyed, but they shall not fall from their faith because of hardship. Jesus tells them that no one knows when the world would end, but those who remain faithful to God and his teachings would be saved.]]> 2021-12-25 16:09:03 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963667322 1 Corinthians 1-4 :- Jasper B https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963684595 Chapter 1: Paul exhorts to the Corinthians who are divided by who they follow (v. 12) to be united under Christ. Apostle Paul has wisdom and power not because he is great (v.18-31) but through God. God uses people who are weak or folly in the world's eyes to shame them and to bring them into the reality of the world, sin, and the Gospel.
Chapter 2: Apostle Paul explains that he did not use any fancy language to share the Gospel to the Corinthians. He relied on the power of God's word to speak for itself. He has this spiritual wisdom through the Spirit of God, which is in us, who can discern God's word and spiritual truths.
Chapter 3: Apostle Paul tells the Corinthians that they are all one in Christ. Each one has a role in the minister of the Gospel using the plant analogy. The only one who enables the plant to grow, or a person's faith is God alone. Apostle Paul wants the Corinthians to put down their jealously and strife among each other, and see each other working on the same foundation together, which is Jesus Christ.
Chapter 4: Apostle Paul explains that he gets his judgement from God. Through this judgement, no one is different for each other (v.7) for all have sinned against God. Apostle Paul gave the Corinthians sarcasm (v. 8-13) admonishing them to give them a better picture than the picture of the world's (appreciation, wealth, wisdom, etc). ]]> 2021-12-25 16:38:47 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963684595 Gladys Aylward - Jerell https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963694849 "Oh God, here's my Bible, Here's my money. Here's me. Use me, God." - A prayer she prayed when she worked as a poor house main in order to make enough money for a one way train ticket to China. She offered the little she had, and was determined to be used by God.

Gladys Aylward, such an inspiring missionary! She was rejected by the China Inland Missions Org but still made her own way to China! She was so determined to go and knew that God wanted her there. She was a foot inspector (ridding the areas of foot the foot binding practice), prison reformer, mother of several orphans (not to mention she cared for a group of 200+ orphans at some point). All along her journey, she was a blessing to the Chinese and shared the gospel with many. Challenging and inspiring!]]> 2021-12-25 16:58:12 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963694849 Gratitude 12/19-12/25 kimmegan https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963715318

I get to spend a lot of time with my family at home.

This is my first break in 2 years that I'm not working. I'm really thankful that I have so much more time to read books, help my mom around the house, and do rides for her and my sister.

For the Winter Challenge to keep me motivated and keep me from being lazy.

That my housemates got to pray for one another before going home for winter break and through that time of sharing and prayer, we were able to get closer.

Kim for keeping us company during finals week and for coming to the mall with me to do some last minute Christmas shopping.

My mom and I went last minute Christmas shopping together and had brunch the other day. I'm really thankful for our close relationship and that we can be so open with one another.

The master bathroom lights finally got fixed so we don't have to bring a lamp into the bathroom anymore!

Screen Time

We're dog-sitting for the week so that's been fun!

Some really good friends of my parents made kimchi and gave us a huuuugggee tub of kimchi.

]]> 2021-12-25 17:34:40 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963715318 2 Corinthians 12:9 - Jerell https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963718511 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.]]> 2021-12-25 17:40:20 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963718511 10 things I Am grateful for this Week https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963764811 1- JESUS
I can’t imagine my life being the same without Him. He is the only one who gives me hope and keeps me going. What I Love about Him is His Grace and mercy that He gives, even though I don’t deserve it. He loves me Unconditionally! My life has changed Truly because of the Lord, Our savior, Jesus Christ!
2- Gracepoint
I am really grateful for the fellowship. Without everyone I don’t know where I’d be. I feel like I have a community of people who understand me, keep me motivated, and above all Love God and push me more to Love Him. That’s what I love about Y’all and am really grateful today to meet everyone and have this community.
3- DTs
DTs have literally changed my Life. The connection I feel with God has been transformed through the 15 mins I spend everyday and it’ unreal! Whenever I am low or happy or doing alright I just pick up the book and things change instantly! God listens, He truly does and DTs are an amazing way to connect with Him.
4- Worship Music
I recently discovered worship music and it keeps me going throughout the day. I feel like I have a connection with the Lord since music is such a big part of my day and having music about Him really makes the day about Him and whatever I do, be it working out or finishing some work, I keep the Lord in my Mind.
5- Friends
I love them. They always keep me going and push me to do work hard, enjoy what I am doing and above all be myself.
6- Mom and Sister
My Mom is my best friend and I tell her everything. She loves me so much more than I can imagine and she in fact helped me come to church in the first place. I was not too sure whether to come because of what she would think due to the difference in religion but she encouraged me… till this day she keeps me going and wants me to be happy regardless of what I am doing. The same is with my sister. Both of them are my family and I am really grateful for them.
6- Gym
Although I haven’t been going that regularly, the Gym is where I vent off everything and just be myself. Working out makes me feel better and helps me reflect on everything in life.
7- Exams to Go well
Even though a couple of my exams didn’t go as planned, I am still grateful as they could’ve gone much worse. This semester wasn’t what I expected, but it was better than the previous one and is still an improvement so I am grateful for everything!
8- Healthy Food
Food that is healthy is really underrated and having it has really helped me stay on track on my diet and also my mood and stability!
9- Gospel
I am grateful for the Gospel. It has given me Hope and a purpose and although I have not fully gained an understanding of it, I am on this journey and I can say for sure that I have a different view of my life than before, the biggest of which is believing in Jesus!
10- God and the Holy Spirit
God, our father is so merciful that he is always guiding me and helping me in every moment and the Holy Spirit is keeping me on the right path and giving me the opportunity to get closer and Love God more! ]]> 2021-12-25 19:04:20 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963764811 10 Things I'm Grateful for (Joanna) https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963889304 1. I'm thankful that even tho we decided not to visit grandparents this year to be covid safe, that we got to spend time with some of my closest friends (Sieun, Sunny, P.Manny, etc.) and do a day trip in SF!

2. I am so thankful for the pacific ocean, there's nothing like it!

3. That I have 100 homes because of the church fam. Right now we're staying over at Michael's peers house that's empty bc they went to visit family. They are so generously letting us use their home.

4. Thankful for our health! My kids got cold symptoms and they just tested negative. :)

5. That my dad is now a cancer survivor, and he went through chemo, and surgery and is still in high spirits because of his hope in the gospel.

6. Thankful for technology. Even though we can't physically see family this year, we still get to host a zoom gathering.

7. That God led me to salvation when I was a 20 years old! Being back in California reminds me of my spiritual roots and how it didn't have to be that I heard the gospel in college.

8. All my history with people at our church. I got to see all my old leaders, old students that I ministered to and I am reminded what a relationally rich life I have because of the gospel.

9. Good food! Got to eat the yummiest Korean food in SF yesterday (spicy kalbi jjim!!)

10. Beautiful weather yesterday. It's been raining in CA the past few days but on the day we went to SF, it was a clear day! ]]> 2021-12-25 23:33:18 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963889304 Growing in Prayer - Jerell https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963925212 Thinking about Greg Stier's challenge to prayer, care and share - I wanted to grow in prayer for my non-christian family, friends and co-workers. Going to try to start with just 5 mins a day during the break!]]> 2021-12-26 01:45:56 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963925212 Check out drcraigvideos channel on youtube! - Jerell https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963939037 Checked out the youtube channel: drcraigvideos and started watching a handful of videos on there:
Kalam Cosmological Argument Part 2: Philosophical
https://youtu.be/vybNvc6mxMo
This one is interesting in that it addresses the objection to having an eternal universe. Through some interesting examples, involving a hotel with infinite rooms - we are able to see that it's impossible to have a real physical representation of infinity. One example, if we removed all the odd hotel rooms or even if we removed 3 rooms, we'd still have infinite rooms left over - so the math is inconsistent. Also if there's an eternity of past events it would be impossible to arrive at a place called "today".

https://youtu.be/NKGnXgH_CzE

Is There Meaning to Life?

This video is a conversation between an atheist and a christian and they talk about how to be an atheist it is impossible to be happy and consistent. Because to be an atheist one must accept that there is not objective meaning, purpose or value to life. Yet with Christianity, we are able to have all 3 and live a happy and consistent life with what we believe to be true.

]]> 2021-12-26 02:30:46 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963939037 Isaiah 55 :- Jasper Bae https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963967926 God makes a case for why people should repent and turn back to Him through Isaiah. The case is that God, as he is our Creator, loves us, wants the best for us, and guides us to something better. In these verses, God shows many ways how following a life with God is better than our own ways or the ways of the wicked.

"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." (v.7)]]> 2021-12-26 03:54:38 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963967926 One Resolution (Rey) https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963979647 Work with everyone to kick the Spartan race’s 🤬]]> 2021-12-26 04:31:31 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1963979647 Physical Training joannakang https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1964533016 Joined spartan with the sisters! Will follow Sophia's training plan. :) ]]> 2021-12-26 18:35:35 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1964533016 Romans 1-2 joannakang https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1964537918 Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

I was really challenged by Apostle Paul's boldness in a time where it did bring shame to be a Christian, and not only shame but even physical danger. Even so, he was so convicted by how amazing the gospel is- that it had incredible power to save everyone!

Romans 2:4 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?

I am struck by the truth that God has been so kind and patient towards every person who is by nature rebellious against his rightful claim over our lives. His patience is not meant to be taken for granted, but is to make me humble and lead me to the cross in order to repent. PTL! ]]> 2021-12-26 18:42:35 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1964537918 10 Things - Grace https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1964629092 1. Grateful for Jesus coming to be with us in the midst of our sin and provided the way through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross
2. Grateful for the good health of our family despite COVID
3. Grateful for the booster shot that we can travel safely to see family during this time
4. Grateful for good food in Irvine (Taiwanese breakfast!!)
5. Grateful that there are many brothers and sisters serving faithfully out there in the world, like Calvin's parents giving their own science and faith talk and leading small group in their home
6. Grateful to spend time with my family
7. Grateful to get to experience God's beautiful creation through the San Diego zoo and SeaWorld
8. Grateful for the Joyland Christmas Celebration and the tireless teachers and video editors that put so much effort to make it happen
9. Grateful for Parents are Human so that I could have a good conversation with my mom and sister
10. Grateful for Vine and the other brothers and sisters in our church that colabor in this way to bring creativity when I'm not naturally creative]]> 2021-12-26 20:53:08 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1964629092 Xunkai 3 min testimony xunkaichen https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1964777268 Shared my testimony with students after IUSM Christmas dinner]]> 2021-12-27 00:55:46 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1964777268 Psalm 111 - Great are the Lord’s Works https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1964947967 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sROkVnuXZpIxo5uRpH1yJbWV-uDk2T6W/view?usp=drivesdk
-Ethan]]> 2021-12-27 03:36:13 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1964947967 New Year's Resolution evatang72 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1964948135 1. To be able to grow more in my faith and committing time to God whenever, whether it be doing DT’s more frequently or serving and helping out church.
2. To open up and have the courage to share the gospel with my close friends.]]> 2021-12-27 03:36:24 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1964948135 Isaiah 3-9 kimmegan https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1965022490 Ch. 3: Isaiah is describing God's judgement on Judah. It will be a time of oppression and chaos because they were against God both in speech and in action. Because of this, God says that He will take things away from them.

Ch. 4: The first verse continues the description of God's judgement in which there will be so few men left for women to choose as their husbands. The rest of the 5 verses describe the day that the "branch of the Lord" (the Messiah) will be glorified. Isaiah describes the branch of the Lord as holy and the one who will wash and cleanse.

Ch. 5: Isaiah uses a vineyard as an analogy for Judah: he put much care into the vineyard, but instead of grapes, it yielded wild grapes and so he broke it down and removed it. Isaiah then goes to rebuke and say "woe" to those who were not walking in the ways of the Lord and expresses the Lord's anger.

Ch. 6: Isaiah describes his vision of the Lord where his response was "woe is me" and the Lord said that his sin has been atoned for. Then the Lord sends Isaiah to preach to the people who will not hear or understand him.

Ch. 7: Ahaz is king over Judah and God sends Isaiah and his son to tell Ahaz to have faith in God during a time when Syria and Israel have allied to attack Judah. God offers Ahaz a sign and Ahaz refuses, but God gives a sign anyways that a virgin will conceive a son and his name will be Immanuel. God says that Israel and Syria will not succeed in their invasion, but Assyria will end up attacking and bring ruin.

Ch. 8: Isaiah has a son and God tells him that soon, Assyria will invade Judah. He tells the people to prepare for the invasion by fearing God and waiting for the Lord

Ch. 9: Although Judah will suffer, there is a hope through a child that will be born who will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. But Israel will experience judgement and oppression for their arrogance and pride.

I've been really blessed reading Isaiah during this Christmas season. It's amazing that all of these promises of salvation were given during a time when God's people were so far from God and even more amazing that these prophecies actually came to pass. I'm so grateful for God's faithfulness even though I was just like the Israelites and that He came to be with us and offer us salvation. ]]> 2021-12-27 05:09:10 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1965022490 2 Cor 8-13 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1965046471 2 Cor 8-9: A. Paul encourages the Corinthian church who had already said before that they would give to remember to give generously and talks about the arrangements they make to make sure that the money is delivered to the Jerusalem church.
2 Cor 10: A. Paul answers some criticisms that he has received from the Corinthian church like about how his letters are weighty and heavy but his presence is weak
2 Cor 11: The problem is that the Corinthians have been swayed by what he calls sarcastically super apostles so he boasts a bit too about his suffering
2 Cor 12: He boasts about his revelations but also talks about the thorn that he prays for God to remove but thru it experiences God telling him that His grace is sufficient for Him.
2 Cor 13: A. Paul's parting words and last warnings in his letter.]]> 2021-12-27 05:45:37 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1965046471 John 16 jasperbae1 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1965539559 In today's DT, I focused on v. 33, specifically on the phrase, "but take heart; I have overcome the world." I thought about how true that is. How did he overcome the world? He didn't conquer kingdoms, but he conquered sin and Satan. He does this through the Cross and the resurrection. He overcame the biggest obstacle, death. He gave us hope of salvation, reconciled us with God, and gave us a new identity and a renewed purpose. He turned our sorrows into joy because of the Gospel. Not only that, he sent the Holy Spirit to guide us and to glorify Him (v. 12-14) and He lives in us! Truly, it reminds me of how God is with us like Joshua, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9). Now, God is closer to us because of the birth of Christ, God in the flesh. Though the world has tribulations including my own sins that I struggle in, I want to recommit to take heart in Jesus once again, knowing my salvation and the hope and identity I have in Christ.]]> 2021-12-27 15:38:48 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1965539559 Sorry couldn't choose 1 verse kimmegan https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1965612823 Galatians 5:13 ~ For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Hebrews 4:16 ~ Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.]]> 2021-12-27 16:51:04 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1965612823 New Year's Resolutions kimmegan https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1965619532 I chose my resolutions based on the verses I want to hold onto this year:

1. That I can grow in surrender of my time, using it to love and serve others rather than for myself. Especially since this will be my first full semester not working, I want to use that time for God and others.

2. As I grow in awareness of myself and my sin, that I will readily draw near to the throne of grace and constantly re-commit to Lordship. ]]> 2021-12-27 16:59:11 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1965619532 John 16 kimmegan https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1965631550 I noticed that Jesus repeats "I have said these things to you to/that..." three times concerning the hour that is coming in which Jesus will return to the Father and the disciples will experience persecution and be scattered (v.2,32). He tells them these things to keep them from falling away, so that they would remember when the hour does come, and so that they will have peace and take heart in the midst of tribulation (v.1,4,33). Even though Jesus knows that his disciples will fall away and be scattered, He still pours out these final words to them and tries to prepare and reassure them that their sorrow will turn into joy. It's not that they will overcome these trials on their own, but that Jesus has already overcome, and through that, they can have joy and peace (v.33). In the same way, Jesus knows that I will fall into sorrow because of my sin or my trials and that I will even fall away at times. But because of Jesus, I can be reminded of the Gospel - how I was made righteous and have the Holy Spirit to guide me and convict me (v.8-10). Because of Gospel, I know that I am a sinner, but I also know that I have been given the righteousness of Jesus. Even though I can't overcome my sin or my trials on my own, I can have peace and joy because Jesus has already overcome!]]> 2021-12-27 17:14:14 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1965631550 John 16 ethantslim https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1965680432 In today's passage, I focused on v.20 and the themes of sorrow and joy. Given the circumstances at that time and what Jesus was telling them, the disciples were undoubtedly filled with confusion and despair, but I like how Jesus responds. He knew that they were feeling this way (v.22) and addressed that directly, telling them that their "sorrow will turn into joy" and their "hearts will rejoice." He also tosses in the analogy of a woman's sorrow of knowing the pain of childbirth followed by her transformation of suffering into joy. Previous chapters of John have already evidenced Jesus' compassion, and this adds more to that picture, but it also speaks to how it is "to our advantage that He goes away." We see that sorrow and tribulations are a prerequisite to His transformative power. Even just looking at the disciples' stories, I found this to be evident. Before Jesus' death, they were more literal and physical followers of Christ, watching Him preach and perform miracles. But after (and through) Jesus' death, the disciples are transformed by the Spirit. They first felt deep sorrow, likely hitting one of, if not the lowest points in their lives: their Saviour crucified, their friends scattered, and an overall rejection of them by society. Yet this is also the turning point where Jesus' worldwide ministry begins. No longer was Jesus ministering to the regions of that area as one man, but His Spirit working through all men. The disciples found the joy of taking up His cross, and they found peace in Jesus no matter what tribulations they faced. I asked myself, what am I willing to endure for Jesus' sake, or rather, what am I not willing to? I find that some paths Jesus calls me to follow, I focus too much on the hardships and emotional toil that I assume will come with it, which often leads me to say "no" subconsciously. But to me, this passage is very encouraging and is a reminder that Jesus has overcome the world and that He has been through the same (and worse) suffering that I will go through. Knowing that He not only relates to my troubles but can also help me overcome them and then bring life to others really continues to drive me to dwell in that joy and peace found only in Him.]]> 2021-12-27 18:17:13 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1965680432 John 16 (Rey Burgos) https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1965696182 For today’s DT, I focused on v. 8-10, where Jesus talks about the Helper and how he will convict the world of (Christ’s) righteousness and (Satan’s) judgement. I pondered what kind of effects such convictions will have on humankind and why these convictions are so important. One possibility is that they both convict people of their sin. Should people be convicted of Christ’s righteousness, such that they see he is the measure of perfection by which they need to measure up to in order to reach heaven by works, and see his work on the cross, which shows them just how wicked they are, to the point where the Son of God needed to suffer IMMENSELY and die just so they could be forgiven, people would naturally feel convicted of their own UNrighteousness. Should they be convicted of the judgement of the ruler of this world, by extension, they would also be convicted of the standard the ruler has placed on them while they were in the world. With that, they can see both the wickedness and the futility of the things they have worked toward when they were following the world’s standard. So, in both, man ends up convicted of his own sin. Therefore, if it is not our job to convict them of sin, what is our job? Well, it is to show them the solution! As we follow Jesus’ commissioning of us to go share the gospel, we are working to show others the solution to this human condition of sinfulness, and give them a real and substantial hope! Thank God that we don’t really need to convict people that they are sinners (though we might need to lovingly help them get out of denial that they are).]]> 2021-12-27 18:38:27 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1965696182 John 16 (Jerell) https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1965820010 v 8: "he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment"
v 12: "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth."

I thought of these verses in two ways, one was for myself - what he will guide me into truth and convict me of my sins. As I get older, I only see my sinfulness more clearly - my pride, my idolatry of approval and career, lust, etc, and the list goes on and on. Yet, I am thankful that the Spirit of truth also guides me to the truth of the gospel which I need to keep meditating on, which is the fact that Jesus has died for all of my sins and he calls me forgiven, beloved and righteous. I also considered how this applies to the non-Christian family and friends that I have and how the Spirit too will lead them to these truths and that it is not solely my who will lead my family to receive the gospel but Jesus working in them as well. This is a comfort and strength as I think about my family during this break and how I wish for them to receive the gospel, the greatest truth anyone could know.]]> 2021-12-27 21:35:11 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1965820010 John 16 katiewong516 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1965832247 I was really amazed by Jesus’s heart towards the disciples. This text took place moments before Jesus’s arrest, and yet, here Jesus was comforting the disciples. He was fully aware of how the disciples were feeling and knew what they were thinking before they even brought it to him (v. 19-22). He wasn’t distant or cold towards the disciples, but was empathetic and gave them encouragement when they needed it most. As I reflected over this text, I was really just reminded of how Jesus is near to us in our pain and suffering. V. 33 “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Through this verse I’m reminded that in these moments, we can still experience peace in the midst of struggle because Jesus is in control and has already won the ultimate victory at the cross.]]> 2021-12-27 21:55:38 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1965832247 Living Sacrifice - Dr. Helen Roseveare jasperbae1 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1965847088 Living Sacrifice is a book about Dr. Roseveare's journey with God to be "willing to be whittled as an arrow." She outlines the book based on Mark 12:29-31, "Hear, O Israel! The Lord your God is one Lord. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength." In each chapter, she describes how she experienced each section of the passage.

Few notable passages/phrases/insights were:

In the Congo rebellion, a boy named Paul who was caught by rebels protected his village's hiding by pretending to be deaf-mute, repeating the deaf-and-dumb signal "P-M:P-M" to the rebels reminding himself that "Jesus loved him so much taht He died for him, and so He could go through anything the rebels did to him, for His sake", suffered physical afflictions, and remained alive. Can I pay a similar cost to following Christ and to express to Him my love?
"If I would learn to love God with all my soul, I would have to learn to give Him my will... I had to learn that I have no rights. All rights are His... Not My will, but Yours be done (Luke 22:42)"
I know the Deuteronomy passage that Jesus describes. Yet, how vastly rich those words are when examined in Dr. Roseveare's life to really be with God and to really love God with all her heart, all her soul, all her mind, and all her strength! It really challenges me to be more of a servant for God as I approach into 2022 by giving up everything that I have to God, seeing the position I am in as a privilege, and responding to God's guidance in full trust and assurance.

I would recommend any Christian who wants to grow in understanding how to be close to God. She uses an imagery of making an arrow from a beautiful tree branch. The branch has all these leaves, small branches, thorns, and bark, so that the plant can live. Yet, when making an arrow, all these will get in the way from making it effective. We are the branch. God wants to use us like an arrow, effective against the darkness. He wants to whittle us and to sharpen us, and He wants us to "lay aside every weight, and sin (leaves, branches, barks, and thorns) which clings so closely" (Hebrews 12:1). Dr. Roseveare gets into detail what those weights and sins that we carry are by examining her life. If you've read any of her books, this one will convict you, will rekindle your passion for God, and will change how your relationship with God has been.

]]> 2021-12-27 22:21:20 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1965847088 Psalm 138 xunkaichen https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1965885624 Give thanks to the Lord, Psalm of David:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/12h7ADpHGVE0Hm_Lk2mur-9tnmwRs98u5/view?usp=sharing ]]> 2021-12-27 23:41:22 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1965885624 Acts 20-23 gracecheng https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1965903986 This is the beginning of A. Paul's last journey towards Jerusalem. Just like Jesus resolutely set his face toward Jerusalem, A. Paul despite the tearful farewells with the Ephesian church and all the warnings he receives about the suffering and imprisonment he's about to face by the Holy Spirit, he resolutely sets his face toward Jerusalem. He reports the work of God to the Jerusalem church and goes to the temple to try to fulfill his duties, but is captured there and then rescued from people who have vowed to kill him and sent away in the middle of the night.]]> 2021-12-28 00:11:58 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1965903986 John 16 gracecheng https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1965965252 This was Jesus' farewell address and he said in today's text that he's giving this address to the disciples and therefore to us, to keep us from falling away and that in Him we may find peace. He says this in the context of suffering and the trials that is to be expected for a Christian. Our expectation for Christian life should not be of comfort, that if God is for me, then he would make my life better. Rather, Jesus has us expect that in this world we will have tribulation, but to take heart in Him, find peace in Him, because He has overcome the world. In the midst of tribulation and difficulty, I'm to find peace and strength to not fall away by His Word and through His overcoming, i.e. the cross. Oftentimes, these aren't the things I turn to, but it's the whole reason why He gives me His Word, to keep me from falling away and He encourages me to claim His overcoming as a source of peace for myself, so that in the midst of hardship, I have a peace that this world cannot know.]]> 2021-12-28 01:12:00 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1965965252 Deuteronomy 31:6 (Rey) https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1966176348 “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭31:6‬ ]]> 2021-12-28 04:31:26 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1966176348 John 16 briankoo https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1966250402 I focused on John 16:22 "So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you." I thought at first of the joy that can be taken away. The joy of going to your favorite all you can eat sushi can be gone by over eating one more plate of sushi, the joy of having a good relationship can be gone quickly by a few wrong words slipping out of your mouth, a joy that comes from being praised by others for the hard work in your career can be undone by one mistake. I see how the joy from the world can be so fickle. However, here, the joy that the disciples experience is the joy that comes from the gospel. The fact that even though they deserted their Lord Jesus Christ, after the resurrection, he forgives them, and entrusts them with this exciting work of the gospel. This joy is what fueled them to face persecutions and even be martyred for the sake of the gospel. I am motivated to continue to ask God in Jesus' name so that my joy may be full, that I can continue to experience my prayers being answered and to share in my heart with my creator.]]> 2021-12-28 06:18:28 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1966250402 Acts 24-27 gracecheng https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1966704185 During A. Paul's imprisonment in Caesarea, he defends himself against Jewish councils and those who want to put him to death, he preaches his testimony and the Gospel boldly to Felix, to Festus, to King Agrippa and his wife. King Agrippa responds with are you trying to make me a Christian in this short time? A. Paul responds with whether short or long, he would wish all believed and were in his position except for the chains. He makes his appeal to Caesar and is sent on a ship to Rome. A. Paul foresees the failure of the trip and advises against setting sail, but they ignore him and set sail. A. Paul though a prisoner then becomes a blessing and a leader on the ship as the ship is storm-tossed and everyone is despairing. They finally find land and the ship is wrecked.]]> 2021-12-28 15:20:28 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1966704185 John 17 xunkaichen https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1966818506 In verses 3-5, Jesus really saw God's glory at stake. It is so clear to him what his life was supposed to be about --- "this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, ..., I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do..." Jesus knew that true glory does not come from this world but comes from the Father, and he is willing to dedicate everything to glorifying God's name and His work. I would like to commit myself to God's glory instead of my own glory and make the mission of spreading the gospel the foundation of my life!]]> 2021-12-28 17:20:22 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1966818506 John 17 kimmegan https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1966964803 I was really amazed at how centered Jesus's prayer was on glorifying the Father even though he knew what suffering he was about to endure. Throughout his prayer, I noticed that he constantly referenced that everything he had was from God - his disciples, his word, his work/calling, etc. and that his ultimate prayer was for the world to believe that he was sent from God and be one in relationship with the Father. I especially liked the last verse of his prayer where Jesus commits to continue making God's name known so that God's love would be in them. I pray that my heart would be centered on God's glory and not my own and that I would be wholly committed like Jesus to make God's name known and lead others into a right relationship with the Father!]]> 2021-12-28 20:49:25 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1966964803 John 17 ethantslim https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1966988243 This heartfelt prayer by Jesus shows his heart for us and His relationship to the Father. I focused on how Jesus mentions a few different things that God has given Him, such as authority over all flesh, His work on earth, words for us to hear, His name, glory, and love. Jesus also specifies they are from God (v.7). Following many of these statements, Jesus prays about giving us a variety of different things, yet none of it was necessary for Him to provide. This goes back to showing Jesus’ heart of true, deep love for us. He received from the Father so that He could give to us, and we must realize and receive that love to be a blessing to others. Just as God lovingly sent Jesus into this world, He sends us out with the same heart (v.18). That selfless love that Jesus showed for all the people of that time and all people to come (v.20) shows how far-reaching His love for us is and how far my love for all people should go. I reflected on what kind of heart I need to be sent by Jesus, and I looked at how Jesus prioritized glorifying God. Being caught up in selfish love and doing things for the sake of personal glory is still easy for me to fall into at times, but this passage reminded me to continuously look to Jesus as an example of how I should be leading my life. Jesus came as a humble servant, and to follow Him, I need to humble my heart daily. Jesus’ prayer reminds me that all that I have (from talents to relationships) is God-given and not from any solo effort on my part. God gave Jesus a mission on this earth, and now Jesus gave me a mission to bring glory to His name, not my own.]]> 2021-12-28 21:28:19 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1966988243 Psalm 8 - How Majestic is Your Name kimmegan https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1967012151 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vfonDnyUKM_zRz20WJ75St-I0WJlU3PJ/view?usp=sharing ]]> 2021-12-28 22:11:47 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1967012151 Exodus 28 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1967112506 This chapter focuses on God’s regulations for the presently garments. If you look closely (i.e., v.30) we can see how this would parallel Jesus being our high priest (I hope I’m not saying something that’s not true)!]]> 2021-12-29 00:52:40 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1967112506 John 17 DT - Ann https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1967137716 John 17:3 stuck out to me in today's Devotional text. It reads "And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent."
In light of Christmas/ Jesus' birth, verse 3 really brings home the purpose and mission of Jesus. Jesus came so that we might have eternal life (John 3:16)
And eternal life (according to this text) is "to know God... to know Jesus". This again shows the heart of God who desires and seeks a personal relationship with every person. This desire, and ultimately his love for each of us led him to the cross... to this very "hour". I am struck once again by God's love for me. Jesus' mission gives me clarity of the work that still needs to be done as well (John 10:16 "I have other sheep that are not of this fold...") especially as I think about the people who do not know Jesus personally in my life...]]> 2021-12-29 01:16:59 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1967137716 New Year Resolution briankoo https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1967177978 I am going try to get a more challenging job.]]> 2021-12-29 01:51:26 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1967177978 Ephesians 5:15-16 briankoo https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1967178919 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil]]> 2021-12-29 01:52:13 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1967178919 Isaiah 10-14 kimmegan https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1967211556 Ch. 10: Isaiah says woe to Assyria whom God will use to execute his judgement on Judah and says that Assyria will receive judgement from God for their arrogance. But God will preserve a remnant of Israel who will return and tells his people to not be afraid of the Assyrian attack.

Ch. 11: Isaiah describes a branch that will come up from the stump of Jesse (Jesus!) in whom the Spirit of the Lord will rest. In that day, God will gather the remnant of Israel who is scattered and destroy those who oppressed Israel

Ch. 12: In the day that the Lord restores the remnant of Israel, his people will sing a song of praise. In this song, they will sing of God's salvation and give thanks to Him.

Ch. 13: A prophecy of Isaiah concerning the judgement of the Lord on Babylon. God will destroy Babylon because of his anger against their evil and pride.

Ch. 14: God will restore Israel and in that day, Israel will be able to tell the King of Babylon of how he thought he could ascend above God and now he will end up in hell. Isaiah also gives a prophecy of Assyria and Philistia and how they will be punished as well.]]> 2021-12-29 02:23:09 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1967211556 John 17 katiewong516 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1967250795 One thing that I noticed in today’s DT was the consistent theme of glorifying God, as this was the basis for Jesus’s entire life. In v.4, Jesus says “I glorified you on the earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.” This really made me think about whether I could say the same for myself and made me question whether I am working towards God’s glory or my own. When I try to seek my own glory, whether it be through academic success or gaining the praise of others, I am acting as if my life is my own. In v. 9-10, Jesus says “I am praying for them … for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them.” I’m reminded that my life has been bought by Christ and because of that, all of my time, my effort, and my entire being belong to him. This is a really important reminder for me as I get closer to finishing undergrad, as many people in my life have been telling me that I need to zone in on my career (landing an internship, etc). I’m reminded that it is OK if my priorities don’t align with their advice because my main goal should not be gaining their approval, but aiming to glorify God instead. ]]> 2021-12-29 02:57:01 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1967250795 John 17-Cindy https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1967342787 This chapter really reminded me of Jesus' heart for us and God. He is concerned with glorifying God at all times, even though he knows he is about to endure great suffering. He is also praying for us to know God and believe that he was sent for that very reason. I am challenged to resemble Jesus' heart posture and attitude in this moment- to be fully committed to sharing who God is and bringing others to have a glorifying relationship with him.]]> 2021-12-29 04:45:59 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1967342787 John 17 - Jerell https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1967349990 For today's DT, the first few verses stuck out to me on Jesus asking for Father God to glorify him so that he may glorify God (tongue twister right?). I thought about how Jesus knew where his glory ought to come from - not from his own achievements, not from his own power, not even from other people, yet he sought it from God. And he also knew who he ought to give glory to with his life, it wasn't giving glory to himself but to God. This made me think about where I try to seek glory for myself and to what I give glory to. Often I think it's in my competence and abilities that I try to find glory and in the end am trying to glorify myself. I feel challenged to receive and give glory to God - practically, to ask God today to fill my sense of worth and identity as his beloved rather than in my own abilities.]]> 2021-12-29 04:56:33 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1967349990 Shared my testimony briankoo https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1967454956 I told a guy named Kush who sat next to me about the winter challenge and he was down to give me points :) I shared my testimony with him]]> 2021-12-29 07:38:40 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1967454956 2 Samuel 3 kimmegan https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1968041501 For today's DT, I compared David's response vs. Joab's response to Abner's support of David. David made a feast for Abner and sent him away in peace, and when Abner died, he even mourned over his death. It's really admirable that David honored Abner in this way even though Abner had created a mess in the previous chapter and had supported Ish-bosheth for his own gain. David didn't count these things against him and readily offered forgiveness and a fresh start. On the other hand, Joab continued to mistrust Abner's intentions and got revenge for his brother's death by killing Abner. Although Joab was probably justified in not trusting Abner (given his track record with Ish-bosheth), he didn't give Abner a chance and his desire for vengeance ended up blinding him from seeing how Abner had changed or any opportunity for reconciliation. I find myself to have a similar attitude as Joab toward those who have hurt me, and my bitterness often blinds me from seeing the steps that people are taking to reconcile with me. But I can pray to have a heart like David who didn't count Abner's wrong against him and instead welcomed and honored him. I can also be reminded of how Jesus didn't count my sin against me, saying "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" and how because of the cross, God welcomes me back with open arms. ]]> 2021-12-29 19:51:18 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1968041501 2 Samuel 3 gracecheng https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1968159575 Ish-bosheth accuses Abner of sleeping with Saul's concubine, a move that would be typical to someone wanting to gain control and legitimize power in the kingdom. It seems that from that, he's not actually concerned with the concubine, but more concerned about whether Abner wants to take the kingdom from Ish-bosheth. This would be despite all the other evidence contrary to the fact, such as Abner really had the power, but he made Ish-bosheth the king and though Ish-bosheth was waining in power and David was growing stronger and all of Israel and Benjamin seemed to be totally fine with David as king, Abner remained loyal to Saul's line. Ish-bosheth perhaps in his effort to maintain power, in his insecurity as a legitimate king, says this thing to Abner, and essentially cutting the limb he was sitting on. This is the typical result of insecurity, my own insecurity. I grasp at ways to feel more secure, more powerful, but it ends up actually accusing and doubting those who had supported me and loved me all along. I doubt whether they really love me or are there for my good, when there is not much evidence to the contrary. It's a warning for me to not give into my insecurity and push people away, as well as find security in something more solid, unlike a shaky grasp as king. My true and solid identity as child of God, ambassador of the Gospel, things that have been already set in stone in the cross, set for me over 2000 years ago.]]> 2021-12-29 23:03:21 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1968159575 2 Samuel 3 (Rey Burgos) https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1968373071 In today’s DT, we see a grim picture of the negative effects of resentment. Despite Joab showing himself to be reasonable before, during the battle at Gibeon (when he retreated after Abner convinced him not to go forward with attacking him), he seemed to harbor resentment toward Abner for killing Asahel, his brother. As a result of this unresolved hatred and bitterness, Joab's view of Abner became skewed, to the point where he believes that Abner met with David under “peaceful” terms just to spy on him. In the end, Joab’s resentment ends up exploding and he kills Abner in cold blood. This is in direct contrast with David, who had every reason to resent Saul—with Saul hunting David down for a major portion of his life, killing anyone who was suspected of helping David, and giving David’s rightful wife away to some other person—never harming him and even mourning for and praising him when he dies. What explains this discrepancy? One likely possibility is the difference in focus. More than focusing on Saul’s wrongs, David constantly kept God’s heart on his mind. As a result, he saw Saul less as his persecutor and more as God’s anointed one, which allowed him to see the best in someone who made themself out to be David’s enemy. Joab, however, could not get his mind off of the murder of his brother (which is somewhat reasonable, even though Asahel brought it upon himself by continuing to chase Abner, despite several warnings to stop pursuing him, forcing Abner to act in self-defense). This focus results in Joab’s downfall, as he ends up killing Abner and subsequently gets a curse invoked on him AND HIS BROTHER by David. Resentment not only harmed him, but also harmed those around him. In avenging his brother, Joab brings a curse on the only brother he has left. So, how can we not end up like Joab and avoid succumbing to resentment? It seems that we need to focus not on the person that we resent, but on God. In focusing on God and on his heart, we can begin to see that person more and more like how he sees them (there are multiple ways in which we can see them in a more God-centered light; e.g. maybe they have been a blessing to us in some way). Furthermore, if we focus on the person of Jesus, we will also see his grace toward our OWN offenses against him, and his love for the other person whom we resent. Of course, however, if we begin to look at that person and their offenses over and over again, we will return to our defaults and harbor resentment toward them. Therefore, recognising when we are harboring resentment and then turning to God is something we (of course, with God’s help) can and MUST do constantly and consciously!]]> 2021-12-30 02:49:03 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1968373071 10 Things (Rey) https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1968393473

God helping me keep my new sleeping nonnegotiable (I gotta learn to sleep earlier!)

My brother helping me work out with him

God helping me find some important stuff I have been looking for

Being able to have fun with my friends on Sunday

Getting to know my friends on a deeper level than before

God providing me with an awesome gift to give during the White Elephant on Sunday

Getting an awesome gift from the White Elephant on Sunday

Getting to eat at a restaurant with my cousin

God keeping my Dad safe from COVID (you know, nurses and all that bizz)

My brother liking an apologetics podcast (“I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist” with Dr. Frank Turek)

]]> 2021-12-30 03:07:36 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1968393473 2 Samuel 3 ethantslim https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1968485546 During my first read-through of the passage, David's lamentation stuck out to me. In verses 33-34, David says, "Should Abner die as a fool dies?...as one falls before the wicked, you have fallen." I asked myself why David called Abner a fool in death, and how did that relate to how one falls before the wicked? I found that the city of Hebron was a city of refuge in those days and that it would have been illegal to kill Abner within the gates, which Joab knew, hence why he led Abner just outside the gates (v.27). Joab had deceived Abner, and I imagined the scene to play out analogous to those movie scenes where the audience and sometimes even the character know they are walking into a trap, but they go anyways. Similarly, I think that is how many "fall before the wicked": under the pretense of safety (Abner likely thought given his conversation with David, everything was ok) and alone ("Abner took him aside...to speak to him privately"). We know from 2 Samuel 2:22 that Abner knew Joab and his close relationship with his brother Asahel, whom Abner killed. And we also know that Abner was a reasonably intelligent individual, even having the self-awareness to turn from defying God's plan. In hindsight of my life, it's easy to see all the times people led me astray because I didn't have my eyes on the city of refuge (Jesus), trusted in lies despite the red flags, and did it alone. I realize I need to learn to see the path I am on better prospectively by constantly using Jesus as my city of refuge and the "gates" as the boundaries in my life. ]]> 2021-12-30 05:06:04 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1968485546 Shared my testimony! gracecheng https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1968579212 Had the chance to share my testimony when we met up with Jasper's old friend and his wife]]> 2021-12-30 07:23:10 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1968579212 John 15:5 (Whitney) https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969007915 I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.]]> 2021-12-30 16:44:51 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969007915 2 Samuel 3 (Rey Burgos) https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969031064 In today's DT, we see the second attempt by someone to curry favor with the king by killing those whom they would think he would naturally, even rightfully be enemies with. And, of course, this attempt ends the same way the first did, with that party being killed by the king. It seems that there was this consensus that David should get revenge on Saul in some fashion. Why? Because it's justice (eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth)! However, David does not seem to agree with this view. Rather, the new king continues to show Saul and his family grace. This may stem from David's view of who God is. In v. 9, he calls God the one "who has redeemed my life out of every adversity". This proclaiming God as Lord over his own salvation may call back to the time when he almost killed Nabal out of vengeance, but relented when Abigail reminded him to not take his salvation (justice) into his own hands, but to let God work out his salvation. Because he remembered God acting justly and always working out his salvation, no matter the circumstance, David was able to let go of his own desire and perceived right to work out his own salvation with Saul. By letting go of his "right" for vengeance and giving it to God, he was able to focus on everything else that was left: gratitude, praise, mercy, love, and faithfulness to God. By letting go of his own side, he was able to focus on being on God's side. We can do the same! In humbling ourselves and trusting in God to work out salvation and justice for us, we can let go of our own desire to seize justice for ourselves and we can focus on the things left that God has given us to work in: Gratitude, praise, mercy, obedience, love and the spreading of the gospel (yes, all of these things, even toward our own enemies). But, of course, this all depends on our view of God and if we can trust him enough to let him work out salvation for us.]]> 2021-12-30 17:26:03 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969031064 2 Samuel 4 xunkaichen https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969033191 I was really struck by David's sense of honor. He pledged to Saul to protect his descendants and David intended to keep that promise to Saul no matter what. In the same way, I should really value my commitment to God and let it not be just nice words but concrete actions that I would intend to carry out in my life.
Rechab and Baanah's action also serves as a warning for me. They probably knew enough of David's response to Saul's death, Abner's death, and how he dealt with the person that claimed to have killed Saul. Yet they disregarded the truth and really stuck with their own train of thought and did what would benefit them and had no personal conviction regarding the truth. I should take this to heart and have a rational and personal response to the truth that God is trying to speak to me instead of being blinded by my presumptions of how God is going to work or what would benefit me at the moment.]]> 2021-12-30 17:30:22 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969033191 2 Samuel 4 katiewong516 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969065974 In today’s DT, I mainly focused on the actions of Rechab + Baanah versus those of David. After Abner’s death, Ish-bosheth is weakened and to Rechab and Baanah, it seems like an opportunity has presented itself. The two assumed that it would be pleasing to David (and to God; v.8) to bring vengeance on the house of Saul. In their eyes, it seemed like the perfect opportunity and they took hold of it, without going to God first. On the other hand, we see that David does the exact opposite. David had the most to gain out of Ish-bosheth’s passing, but he responded in a way that was not self-seeking. I’m really just amazed by David’s loyalty, both to God and to Saul, because he could have used this to secure the throne for himself and yet, he didn’t. David was only able to act this way because he knew what God had promised him and he fully trusted in God’s faithfulness. Seeing this contrast and the fate of Rechab and Baanah just shows how foolish it is for me to act based on my own understanding, especially without going to God first. I’m reminded that even when opportunities present themselves and I feel like I’m doing the right thing, it’s never a good idea to act without proper discernment from God. Being patient is not easy but I’m challenged to be more like David, wholly surrendered to God and His timing :)]]> 2021-12-30 18:37:10 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969065974 Psalm 103 - Jerell https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969085159 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hvxekGSG4okY1iJqgqWbN7l8VzgwH9T4/view?usp=drivesdk]]> 2021-12-30 19:20:31 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969085159 Shared testimony aurorasun https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969174952 Shared my testimony with Andy's mom while we went on a walk together! ]]> 2021-12-30 23:13:23 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969174952 2022 Resolutions aurorasun https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969177600 1. Keep a gratitude journal
2. Keep a prayer journal
3. Exercise 3x/week
4. Read 5 new books this year (that aren't related to school, preferably Christian)
5. Memorize Philippians]]> 2021-12-30 23:22:15 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969177600 Philippians 1:6 aurorasun https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969179206 "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."]]> 2021-12-30 23:28:04 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969179206 2 Sam 4 gracecheng https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969267321 I thought about how important it is that we have an accurate understanding of who God is. Both the captains and David cite their views on reality based on something about God. The captains said that their killing of Ish-bosheth was God's avenging of David. David had a very different perspective. If we don't have an accurate understanding, then we can say things like what the captains say, justifying something we did that wasn't right, as something that God would've wanted in the end anyway or we may believe things like this said to us. I think the key perspective is that God is holy. God is for us and God makes promises like He did to David, but above all God is holy. He is not our personal genie so that if something good happens for us, then He's happy. He is God and I am to serve and submit to Him and His will and authority. God never needs us to cut corners or say small white lies or grasp things for ourselves in order to fulfill His promises to us. My role is surrender. God is God and He is holy. ]]> 2021-12-31 01:24:02 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969267321 Exodus 29 (Rey Burgos) https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969309219 Exodus 29 revolves around the consecration of the priests. It’s here where we get to see some of the daily food offerings (thankfully, Jesus makes up for all of those, so we don’t have to make all of those sacrifices!)]]> 2021-12-31 02:03:06 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969309219 2 Samuel 4 ethantslim https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969387434 In today's passage, I saw some parallels with the previous two chapters of 2 Samuel, specifically that this is the third chapter in a row where someone is stabbed in the stomach. I focused on each victim and what brought about their demise because I thought there was a bit of a trend: a lack of vision of God. Asahel, in chapter 2, was blinded by his emotions, searching for that kill for glory and vengeance. Abner, in chapter 3, while he was aware of the Lord's promise for David, seemed to be still motivated by self-gain, given that he wanted that covenant with David, which may have blinded him to the trick of luring him beyond the walls of the city of refuge. We are told in v.1 that Ish-bosheth lost courage when he heard of Abner's death, indicating he had put his confidence in Abner and not God. The people of Israel also seem to have known that their leader was not capable without Abner, given that it was only at this time that his captains turned on him. The trend of blindness to straying from God led all three men to their demise. At the same time, while what all three men's killers did was not right, they also believed they were justified in their methods. In v.8, the two captains believe God has avenged David through their killing. I think the overarching lesson I saw here is a reminder for myself to stop, realize when I have drifted from God's path, and turn my eyes back to the Lord. A variety of factors blinded people on both sides of the killings, but all had lost sight of where God would have pointed them. Without God's vision for my life, the only thing that remains is wickedness within myself and from the influence of others, which touches back on David's lamentation over Abner's death (2 Sam 3:33-34). I need to continually pray for God to open my eyes when I make decisions in life, especially in times when my emotions and personal desires may cloud my judgment of what is right.]]> 2021-12-31 03:19:10 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969387434 2 Samuel 4 kimmegan https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969446359 Today, I focused on Ish-bosheth. I thought it was interesting that he lost courage (v. 1) when he heard about Abner's death, but he doesn't seem to do anything about it. Maybe he was so used to relying on Abner for strength that he doesn't know what to do or how to support himself now that he's gone. In v. 5, it says that he was taking a noonday rest about the heat of the day. The fact that he's taking a nap in the heat of the day reveals that he's the type of person to give up when things get hard. He's not only weak in a physical sense, but also in terms of grit, and this ultimately leads to his downfall. I was thinking about how I can be like Ish-bosheth in his quickness to give up upon discouragement. Whether it's in relationships or in my battle against my sin or in outreach, there are thoughts of wanting to give up when I face discouraging situations. But when I look at how Ish-bosheth ended up, I can take his life as a warning to keep persevering in my spiritual battles and draw near to God for strength rather than giving up. ]]> 2021-12-31 04:53:17 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969446359 Acts 28, Eph 1-3 gracecheng https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969496112 Acts 28: The end of the book of Acts finds Paul stranded on Malta with the ship but becomes a blessing to this island. They get to Rome and he despite being in chains is able to preach to all the Jews and to so many in Rome without hindrance.
Eph 1-3: A letter that Paul writes from his imprisonment in Rome, expresses A. Paul's wonder and amazement at the crazy, mind-blowing qualities of the Gospel. He uses words like riches of his grace, lavished upon us, fullness of time. He prays for the Ephesians that they would have the eyes of their hearts enlightened to be able to appreciate the riches of his glorious inheritance, the immeasurable greatness of his power. Though we were dead, God in his great mercy and love made us alive and gave us good works. He marvels that he of all people, the least of all the saints, could be given the grace to be made a minister of the Gospel. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.]]> 2021-12-31 06:47:21 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969496112 10 Things gracecheng https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969499814 1. Thankful for the chance to see my peers in Irvine and spend some time with them and catch up on how they're doing.
2. Thankful for the chance to take a step of faith in following Jesus in summing up the courage to ask my mom if she wanted to watch a TV series about Jesus instead of Korean dramas to which she said no.
3. Thankful for the full time leads and people throughout our church spending time to revamp C201 and C301
4. Thankful for the dinner with Jasper's friend and finding that I'm distantly related to her and also being able to talk about how to develop church culture
5. Thankful that the kids are healthy again after being sick this past week
6. Thankful that after getting our flight cancelled, we were able to get another flight
7. Thankful for my peers being so thoughtful and giving the kids something to do on the airplane
8. Thankful for all the resources our church has that I can draw from to create a special talk
9. Thankful for P. Ed and Kelly and the deacons who had to battle and sacrifice and often end up feeling so lonely to create the culture that I enjoy today.
10. Thankful for health for family and friends despite Omicron so far.]]> 2021-12-31 06:55:19 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969499814 Psalm 103 jasperbae1 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969718095 I looked at v. 3 - 4 specifically on "forgives all your iniquity" and "redeems your life from the pit". I thought how true this statement is in light of Jesus Christ and the Cross. God is so gracious and merciful to us that He had a redemption plan to reconcile us with our sins through the blood of Jesus Christ. This blood of Christ has covered all my sins, from east to west, in full! It proves that God wants to have a loving, personal relationship with me not to strike me down for my transgressions like so many misconceptions of God. He also gave me a new identity, a community, and a source of love that can never be taken away from me. Apostle Paul says, "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39) What a great gift that God has given to sinners like me!

Like many others in this world, I lived a life that was living in the finitude not considering God and the eternal. In that life, I felt lost and dug into the pit of destruction because of my own sins, insecurities, and the knowledge of death. That all changed when I met Jesus and I realized that there is eternity. In the Cross, Jesus "crowned me with steadfast love and mercy" (v. 4) and he "satisfied me with good" (v. 5).

I want to recommit to remember all of God's goodness for this past year into the next year, 2022. As I follow Jesus, love God and people, and do the good work of God, I want to be like David who shouts in this Psalm, "Bless the Lord!" because my soul is renewed like the eagle's and my life has turned into a life of blessing. I pray that as a church we can say "Bless the Lord!" heading into 2022 and show people who God and Jesus really are.]]> 2021-12-31 15:26:31 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969718095 More videos from Dr. Craig ethantslim https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969800510 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBmAKCvWl74&ab_channel=drcraigvideos
This video was interesting as I had not heard of this argument before. The claim is that if it's possible for God to exist, then He must exist. The definition of God (a maximally great being) is an all-powerful, all-knowing, morally perfect being present in every possible world. So right off the bat, if it is possible that God exists in some world, then he must in all. To argue against this position would require one to say it is impossible for God to exist. The video explains that things like a married bachelor or a square circle are impossible because the terms are counter-intuitive. On the other hand, the idea of a God is intuitively coherent, and therefore it is a possibility.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k64YJYBUFLM&ab_channel=drcraigvideos
The second video I watched was a reinforcement video for me on the coexistence of God and suffering/evil. The video establishes first that many argue if an all-powerful and all-loving God exists, then why would there be evil and suffering? The logic with that argument follows that if God is all-powerful and all-loving then he could create any world He wanted and He would want a world without suffering. Each part of that argument can be broken down and it essentially goes back to the problem of free will. If God wanted to create a world of people with free will, then He would not be able to force people to do the right thing. That limitation means He cannot create any world but has guidelines. In regards to not wanting us to suffer, the video talks about how parents often have to discipline kids and put them through some sort of suffering for the greater good. Therefore, we cannot assume that God would want there to be no suffering.]]> 2021-12-31 19:40:57 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969800510 New Year's Resolutions ethantslim https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969805008 Knowing that my college years, and therefore some opportunities, are starting to come to a close, I want to continue putting aside time to connect with God, learning when He is pointing me in a direction, and having greater resolve and courage to just "go." ]]> 2021-12-31 19:56:47 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969805008 Psalm 103 katiewong516 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969820193 In today's DT, I noticed that "those who fear him" was repeated multiple times (v. 11, 13, 17). I was reminded of how important it is to have a healthy fear of the Lord, namely having a proper perspective of who God is and of our standing, as sinners, before a Holy God. When we recognize all that God has done, especially in light of who He is, our hearts should be filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude that leads us to bless the Lord. When we are ungrateful, I think it often springs out a hardened heart that's failed to recognize just how much mercy and grace we have been shown. After reflecting on this passage, I’m so thankful that God “does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities” (v. 10), but instead, lavishes us with His steadfast love and kindness. As I am reminded of how undeserving I am, I’m all the more amazed by how good God has been to me :)]]> 2021-12-31 20:58:39 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969820193 New Year's Resolutions katiewong516 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969822863 1. Learning to surrender my free time (love + serve others, help with AYM/ministry)

2. Going out of my comfort zone to start spiritual conversations and share the gospel — this is one area that has always been a struggle, as it's much easier for me to cling onto comfort, but salvation is so much more important.

Will definitely need to take steps of faith, but excited to see what God is going to do in 2022 :)]]> 2021-12-31 21:09:23 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969822863 10 Thanks ethantslim https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969825826

Thankful for being able to meet up with an old high school friend and catch up with them.

Thankful for the family time I've been able to have this break for dinners, games, etc.

Thankful for the time to bond with my sisters more closely this break and spend more time with them.

Thankful that my family has been safe despite a lot of cases of covid in the area.

Thankful for the time to read multiple books I've been meaning to read.

Thankful for this weekend to reflect on this past year and prep for a new 2022!

Thankful to be able to practice some piano after years of not touching it.

Thankful that even though I got sick, I've been mostly asymptomatic.

Thankful for my parents' overall dedication to helping me and my sisters with anything

Thankful for DTs and readings for helping me to continue growing in faith this break.

]]> 2021-12-31 21:22:20 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969825826 10 Things katiewong516 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969837533 1. Thankful for the time spent with family :)

2. Thankful that I was able to celebrate my brother's birthday this past week!

3. Thankful that my dad's second eye procedure (which he got on Nate's b-day) was successful!

3. Thankful that my mom and I are feeling better after getting the booster shot because the day after was really bad.

4. Thankful for good food! Really missed my mom's cooking.

5. Thankful for my family's health, despite a huge Covid outbreak on Nate's basketball team.

6. Thankful for all of the relationships that God has blessed me with this year :)

7. Thankful for the ability to catch up with old friends that I haven't seen in a while.

8. Thankful for FaceTime! Without tech I'm not sure how I'd be keeping in touch with everyone right now.

9. Thankful for my aunt helping me in the internship search process (+ the process of getting my portfolio together).

10. Thankful for God's faithfulness and timely provision in my life :)]]> 2021-12-31 22:11:46 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969837533 Ten Things I'm Grateful For - Elise https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969855455 1. I'm thankful for my family as we have been getting along well and supporting each other each day with words of encouragement.
2. I'm thankful that I can drive. I've been driving a lot lately to run errands and driving my brother to the hospital on multiple occasions when my dad wasn't in his best condition.
3. I'm thankful that I don't feel as much pain on my leg from the bite when sleeping or taking a shower.
4. I'm thankful that God continues to provide my family food in the fridge instead of having us going out to eat frequently as we normally do.
5. I'm thankful that my grandma is healthy and taking precautions of the Omicron outbreak. Despite being at her home most of her time, she is not feeling down but still high in spirit!
6. I'm thankful for my time. I've been mostly cleaning the house or out driving my family members. It's a good time to keep my mind off school temporarily.
7. I'm thankful to see that my brother is getting better each day.
8. I'm thankful that my ankles aren't bothering me as much at night. My parents were thinking of sending me to a foot doctor, but because I haven't been working out to the extreme this week, my ankles have been hurting less.
9. I'm thankful for wifi and technology. I've been searching for a job as well as summer internships.
10. I'm thankful for professional sports. Watching football and basketball has been one of the many ways our family bonds now!]]> 2021-12-31 23:39:37 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969855455 2022 New Year's Resolution - Elise https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969857100 Although this was also my 2021 New Year's Resolutions, I am going to try making this a lifelong goal. I want to read the Bible frequently but more so making this practice into my everyday routine no matter how busy and tired I am. In addition, I plan to try mediating on God's words whether it be a single verse or a chapter instead of reading the Bible like a chore. ]]> 2021-12-31 23:47:34 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969857100 Psalm 103 (Rey Burgos) https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969887618 Today’s DT is a wonderful reminder for us when it seems like nothing is going right. In the psalm, David quite literally TELLS his soul to praise God (“bless the Lord”) and begins to name the reasons why it is appropriate. The fact that he even needed to tell his soul in the first place indicates that his soul either simply wasn’t praising God, or honestly didn’t want to. There could have been a multitude of reasons as to why David was feeling this. However, he didn’t think this excused him from worshipping God. So he hones in on reasons to praise God, and he does so by looking at God’s benefits. Specifically, he focuses on God’s goodness, mercy, love and sovereignty. Now, how does this apply to our own situations? Well, in our day, we are bombarded with reasons not to praise God. We have regrets of the past, problems of the present, and worries for the future, not to mention the other problems that we may have. BUT, when we praise God, all of these begin to get right sized. Truly we can see that our bad days are limited compared to God’s goodness, our regrets are smaller than God’s mercy, our worries (and our own selves) are smaller than God’s sovereignty, and all of these are smaller than God’s steadfast love. This is definitely something we can praise God for—that no matter what is going on, no matter the things we have done or who we even are, he is still God, and he is still (and always will be) good! So let’s commit to focusing on God this upcoming year!

(also, if you are still reading this, I highly recommend listening to “Reason to Praise” by Bethel Worship! It is a fantastically fitting song and a good reminder that, no matter what, because of who God is, we still have a reason to praise!)

]]> 2022-01-01 02:26:39 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969887618 Psalm 103 ethantslim https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969905570 I focused on the verses talking about man flourishing in life like a flower of the field, and when the wind passes over us, we are gone and the place knows us no more. I like how David contrasts this to the everlasting, steadfast love of God, which is also mentioned numerous other times in this passage. This section is a good reminder that it's easy to be caught up in life to pursue any number of things that may make us look better, just as a flower wants to look attractive during its lifespan. Yet that wind comes for all of us, and in time as generations come and go, this world won't remember us. All the time I would spend dedicating life to studies or to sports or to pleasures, it will all just return to dust. But God remembers eternally. His love for us is eternal, and when we dedicate our lives to growing in relationship with Him, we work towards "petals" that don't fade or get blown away in the wind. This Psalm is great as a reminder for me to always refocus and recenter my life on God. It's easy in life to be caught up comparing myself to other flowers in the field and prioritizing that, when I really should be looking beyond and prioritizing God, who commands the wind.]]> 2022-01-01 04:00:58 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969905570 Gratitude - Ann https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969921152 1. I am thankful Jerell recovered this past week.
2. I am thankful my mom recovered quickly also this past week.
3. I am thankful for the New Year's Eve Service, I feel inspired by "the great cloud of witnesses" in the bible and in my life of the older ones who have lived such lives of faithfulness...
4. I am thankful for the chance to host the New Year's Eve service and that some students from Penn got to join us!
5. I am thankful for the food my family received this past week because my family wasn't feeling well!
6. Thankful for the chance to take my mom out to see the Winter Wonderland lights.
7. Thankful to receive the ticket to go see the Winter Wonderland from the Koos.
8. Thankful to see so many people active this winter break through the Klesis Winter Challenge!
9. Thankful to see Jerell's older sister soon and they will get to meet Jayden for the first time!
10. Thankful for my mom's cooking. She's been cooking a lot of food that I have missed eating!]]> 2022-01-01 05:11:46 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969921152 Marisa’s New Year’s Resolution https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969929845 My overall resolution(s) center around being healthier. The main things being to exercise at least 3 times a week, limit sugary drinks and food, balance out my meals better, and build some muscle. I want to continue the things I’ve already done towards this goal, but kick it up a notch this year. ]]> 2022-01-01 05:52:27 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1969929845 Gratitude-Cindy https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1970159717 1. Turning 21!

2. God's love, grace, and mercy that have brought me this far in life.

3. Getting my booster shot (even though I waited in line outside for 7 1/2 HOURS) and not having any side effects.

4. Having access to sermons online and being challenged in different ways.

5. Having fun bonding time with my siblings and cousins.

6. Eating good food with my family.

7. That business at the restaurant has been okay.

8. DT because I can receive a little more of God's word every day.

9. Sisters in Christ that make the effort to stay connected even when we are far apart.

10. This padlet and seeing the other posts are inspiring and keep me motivated to stay spiritually fit.

]]> 2022-01-01 16:45:24 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1970159717 10 Things Yongshan https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1970261368 1. Dad paid my tuition for the new term
2. The grades of this semester are better than expected
3. Jerell and Ann drove me to the last Sunday service
4. The landlord of the short-term rental is very hospitable
5. Friends from CN welcomed me and we have had a busy but happy time
6. My best friend who studied in Japan was admitted for university
7. I moved into a house rented by my Chinese classmates
8. I bought dumplings I hadn't eaten in a long time in a Chinese supermarket
9. The weather has remained warm recently
10. Klesis's friends ordered dessert for me when I was spending Christmas alone]]> 2022-01-01 19:44:29 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1970261368 Gratitude! kimmegan https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1970325959 1. For all of the health prayers during this week as my family was recovering from covid.

2. The timing of getting covid. I'm really thankful that it wasn't during the semester or during my time with the other 206 girls and that the spread to our church community was prevented. It was also a blessing in disguise that my family made Christmas plans on Sunday the 26th because even though I couldn't go to the SWS watch party at Orris 2, I avoided coming in close contact with others.

3. The Yims who doordashed us NYE dinner while we had covid.

4. I'm super super thankful for my health - it is definitely not something that I should take for granted. I'm thankful that God has given me an able body to carry out his good work and that my body is recovering.

5. For the humbling lessons I learned about myself and God while sick with covid, including that I am helplessly dependent on God and that God's grace is sufficient.

6. That my sister is fully recovered from covid and that my dad hasn't gotten any symptoms (yet... hopefully he won't develop any at all).

7. I'm thankful for the mindset of reflection and remembrance that usually comes around New Year's Eve. When I look back at this year, God has been so good and faithful and has enriched my life in ways that I couldn't have ever imagined for myself.

8. That while I was sick this week, I was at least able to do DT each day and I was able to make the most of the Monday and Tuesday before the bad symptoms really hit.

9. For my teammates on Fearless Cap for carrying the team this week while I was out sick!

10. That service is available online for me to watch!]]> 2022-01-01 21:50:30 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1970325959 Thankful! xunkaichen https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1970441279 1. For my Berkeley old housemates taking me in and accommodating me very well!

2. For the time this past week that I got to spend with my old leaders like Shufei & Karen, Tony & Michelle just catching up on ministry and life and knowing the burdens that each other is carrying

3. For spending time with some peers this past week that I learned about some of their struggles more and knew how to pray for them better

4. For the dinner with IUSM students that I got to know them and even shared my testimony with some of them

5. For JCC! It was such a good skit and I was really blessed by that time! (Especially seeing a lot of familiar faces haha)

6. For staying safe so far... There have been many cases in Berkeley and I'm so thankful that I am safe so far

7. For a lot of fun hangouts with IUSM staff and housemates recently! Had some really nice bonding time and the reunion felt nice

8. For NYE service. I was very encouraged seeing the older ones in our church still endure through everything trying to live out the Acts2 church

9. For my housemates' safety after we got a flat tire on NYE on our way back to HB... It was a whirlwind but glad we had each other to count on and go through life's unexpected situations together :)

10. For these two weeks just taking some time off and slowing down the pace of life and focusing on some relational bonding and soul caring ]]> 2022-01-02 04:01:14 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1970441279 Exodus 30-32 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1970448429 Exodus 30 focuses on God giving commands to Moses regarding holy things (i.e., anointing oil & incense), money for making atonement, and feet washing regulations for the priests (since they will be on holy ground).

Exodus 31 talks about the craftsman God had gifted talents so that they could work the jobs he has commanded (just as we are gifted for that which he has called us to!) and how the Israelites were to follow the Sabbath.

Exodus 32 tells the story of when the Israelites doubted Moses (since they haven’t seen him in a while) and ended up making a golden calf to worship. It also tells of the consequences of these actions.]]> 2022-01-02 04:17:53 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1970448429 Eph 4-6, Col 1-4 gracecheng https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1970456359 Eph 4-6 talks about the therefore from Eph 1-3 describing the amazing news of the Gospel. It's the therefore how should we live our lives. Some of which includes, being one body, having different roles in the body to build up the body of Christ in unity, not getting tossed by different doctrines, imitating God, walk in love, take no part in unfruitful works of darkness but instead expose them, look carefully how we live our lives, advise for various relationships, and finally to put on the whole armor of God that we may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

Col 1-4 The book of Colossians talks about Jesus as the pre-eminence, the firstborn of all creation, for whom all things were created and by whom all things were created. And this is the reason why A. Paul toils to proclaim Christ, though not with A. Paul's energy but with His energy. He talks about his struggle in Laodicea and also warns them that no one takes them captive by philosophy and empty deceit vs according to Christ. Also to not let anyone disqualify them in accordance to certain regulations that are set up or insisting on things like asceticism or worship of angels. These are regulations that have the appearance of wisdom but are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh. Instead, we are to set our minds on above and put to death the earthly, put off our old self and put on our new self, which in renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Above all put on love. Here's also are some rules for Christian households, instructions, and greetings.]]> 2022-01-02 04:43:43 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1970456359 New Year Resolution - Resurrender xunkaichen https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1970526333 Just as mentioned in the NYE service, I would like to run the race of my Christian life with endurance by surrendering all the weights and expectations I am carrying regarding life and research or even the results of ministry, and just staying faithful toward God and His promise, looking up to the spiritual forefathers as examples to follow so that His good news might be proclaimed to the Princeton campus]]> 2022-01-02 08:12:46 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1970526333 Resolution https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1971426408 This year I want to prune myself and get closer to Christ. Follow His word, Abide in Him, and Love Him more. For this I want to pray and Read everyday including the DTs! ]]> 2022-01-03 02:29:28 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1971426408 Religious Pluralism gracecheng https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1971526259 This may be in the wrong category but I finished a talk on religious pluralism, based on P. Daniel's talk he gave a few years back in Berkeley.]]> 2022-01-03 03:49:49 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1971526259 "What are you going to do with your life?" --- J.D. Greear xunkaichen https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1971654704 “What are you going to do with your life?” uses very straightforward and direct language to challenge the readers to think about this most fundamental question of our life.

J.D. Greear started by addressing the transience of life and the importance of living for something that is truly meaningful — eternity. In eternity we can still experience a lot of things except telling people about Jesus. He evoked the urgency of salvation and then clarified that everyone who puts their faith in Christ is “called” to make disciples — to love others no matter what. But how God is going to accomplish His work in us is through the spirit and our obedience. We reap what we sow, so how much we are willing to surrender and offer to God will directly influence our harvest in eternity. And fear not! The task is challenging but God is with us and He gave himself up for us, so we need to gaze our eyes on what He can do. Finally, J.D. ended the book by stating that people need to hear, we must go, and life pouring out for Jesus is worth it.

Some of my favorite quotes from the book:

Only an awareness of the imminence of eternity, Paul explains, can enable you to escape the seduction of materialism, creature comforts, bucket lists, and seashells. The nearness of eternity makes us realize that only two things really matter in life: the glory of God and the souls of people.
What makes you capable of extraordinary things is not extraordinary gifts, but an extraordinary willingness to be used by God.
Salvation is not a reward for rightly responding to God. It’s an act of grace that God bestows on people who acknowledge they don’t deserve it.
But in order for there to be life in the world, there has to be death in you. In order for the seed of the gospel to multiply in the world, it has to be sown.
What is not fair, however, is that those of us who know the grace of God do nothing to get to those who don’t. It’s not fair for those of us who have heard so much to do so little to get the message about a God who has done everything to those who have heard nothing at all.
“Apart from faith in Christ, there is no explanation for such a life.”

“What are you going to do with your life?” is a book that makes you feel challenged and unsettled after you read it. Besides the simple yet compelling statements, J.D. used numerous examples of heroes of faith to motivate us to live out Christian life to its full extent. The book itself is a very easy read but thought-provoking at the same time to have us ponder and reflect on the ways that we are living and how we could dedicate our lives more to Christ in light of the urgency for the gospel! Hope that you can take some time to read this short book as well and hope that you can be convinced of your identity as the minister of the gospel and only a life living for Christ is truly worth it 💪

]]> 2022-01-03 06:13:56 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1971654704 Philemon, Philippians, James, 1 Tim 1-4 gracecheng https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1973227277 Philemon: A letter from A. Paul to Philemon who was at the church of Colossae. His runaway slave was Onesimus who had come to A. Paul and become Christian. A. Paul sends him back and encourages Philemon to now welcome him back as a newfound brother.

Philippians 1-4: This letter to the Philippians is really inspiring as we get to see how A. Paul views his imprisonment in Rome and how he is so full of joy and so Gospel-centric. To live is Christ and to die is gain. Only that the Gospel is preached! And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your heart. Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. And of course the poem of Jesus' great descent and humility. It's really challenging and calibrating for me.

James 1-5: A letter from James giving a lot of various advice to the church going through various tribulations and sources of division. Count it all joy my brothers when you meet trials of various kinds. Not judging each other, particularly based on the lines of rich and poor. We must not just be hearers of the Word, but we must be doers as well because faith saves through works. He also warns about the tongue and friendship with the world i.e. worldliness because being a friend of the world makes someone an enemy of God. And praying for one another, supporting one another through suffering.

1 Tim 1-4: A letter from A. Paul to Timothy who is a young leader of the church in Ephesus. He gives him advice on how to lead the church, regarding how to deal with false teachers. Christ came to save sinners. That's the Gospel that we must cherish. He gives advice about prayer, about women in the church, about the qualifications for overseers, and personal advice.]]> 2022-01-04 01:15:55 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1973227277 "Unlikely Fighter" - Jerell https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1973339289 This book goes pretty in depth with Greg Stier's familiar stories that he's preached and it's really amazing to see how God has redeemed his entire family and transformed them through the power of the gospel. Each of his rough and tough family members were transformed into gospel warriors, full of zeal and passion to save lost souls. It's reminded me of the power of the simple gospel and how it really is the power to save and change lives. If God is able to do such works in Greg's family, it gives me hope for how God can one day save and change my family as well. Highly recommend reading this book, it's hard to stop reading once you start :D!]]> 2022-01-04 02:34:18 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1973339289 Attitude of Gratitude - Jerell https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1973355160 1.      Finally getting over feeling sick, my fever has gone and all the other symptoms and I feel pretty good today!
2.      Jayden, Ann and Grandma are all recovered from being as well!
3.      Thankful that the Sallady’s have been here to continue to support us through this time. They visited and dropped off many snacks and food to help us to get through this time
4.      Thankful that Koos & the Kangs also sent us food during this time when we were sick
5.      Thankful that we got to gather together with some people from Philly, Hoboken and my peer in Charlottesville to celebrate the New Year together
6.      Thankful for the new year message to be a person of endurance, and I’m thankful to see in the video many of the older ones who I personally know and seeing them faithfully following Jesus after so many years. It really encouraged me to keep persevering.
7.      Thankful for how God has “redeemed my life from the pit” and how in addition to my salvation, He’s given me such a rich life with purpose, mission and tons of relationships
8.      Thankful that Alex Miller & Steve came to visit us and say hi to Jayden – was nice to have company over!
9.      Thankful for the Sallady’s hosting us for dinner! yummy food
10.    Thankful I got to catch up with Arnold, my high school friend and hear about where he’s at in his faith. Felt burdened to help him through his different hurdles, but was really thankful at how open he was with me.
11.    Throwing in one more here – thankful for the winter challenge! Feeling spurred on to memorize the bible and read more books and have found that I really enjoy all that I’ve been reading! (I usually really don’t like to read).]]> 2022-01-04 02:46:18 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1973355160 Resolution gracecheng https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1973479942 I'd like to grow in thanksgiving and prayer this year.]]> 2022-01-04 04:25:34 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1973479942 John 18 katiewong516 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1973483706 In today’s passage, I mostly focused on Simon Peter and his denial of Jesus. In a previous chapter (John 13:37), Peter said that he would be willing to follow Jesus no matter the cost, even if it meant losing his own life. Yet, when Peter’s faith is put to the test, he fails miserably, just as Jesus said he would. At this point, I think Peter is an example of what it looks like to be a person that is driven by emotions. In this text, it is evident that Peter is driven by his fears and denies Jesus to protect himself. By associating with Jesus, Peter would have had to risk his reputation, comfort, and safety, which he was unwilling to do. I thought it was really interesting how the phrase “standing and warming himself” was repeated twice (v. 18, 25), but it just emphasizes how Peter was very comfortable blending in and being accepted by the crowd, even if it meant denying Jesus. I think Peter is really relatable because I still find myself driven by my fear of rejection, and as a result of this, I place a high emphasis on the opinions of others. Though, I am reminded that I don't need to be afraid because my identity and worth are not dependent on what others think of me. They can think that I’m crazy or foolish for being a Christ follower, but because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, my identity as a child of God is fully secure and nothing could ever change that.]]> 2022-01-04 04:28:50 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1973483706 John 18 kimmegan https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1973495653 In today's DT, I noticed a parallel between the chief priests and Pilate. One similar point that I focused on was that they both take cop outs so that they don't have to take direct responsibility for Jesus's death. The chief priests hand Jesus over to Pilate so that they can eat the Passover and obey their religious law. On the other hand, Pilate makes the people choose to release a prisoner so that the doesn't have to make a decision about the truth that Jesus talks about or choose between the truth of Jesus's innocence and the pressure of the crowd. But in the end, they both played a part and are responsible for Jesus's death. As for myself, my sins are also responsible for Jesus's death. But whether it's to protect my image like the chief priests or to hold onto both Jesus and the world like Pilate, I try to brush off my sin and feel numb to it to avoid feeling guilty. But at the end of the day, I am guilty for Jesus's death because of my sins and I need to own up to my sins and take responsibility for them. I really like that quote that says "before we can see the cross as done FOR us, we need to see it as done BY us" and I think it really captures the application from these characters.]]> 2022-01-04 04:38:49 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1973495653 John 18 ethantslim https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1973554546 When I read through this passage, I focused a lot on Peter's response to social pressure and how relatable it is to this day. John includes in this passage that Peter followed Jesus "and so did another disciple." That disciple has connections in the temple and manages to get Peter into the temple as well. The servant girl he talks to must know that this other disciple is a disciple of Jesus and she question Peter with, "You also are not one of this man's disciples, are you?" I noticed that in both this question and the second time Peter denies Jesus, both people include "also" which implies they knew the other disciple was a follower of Jesus. Yet, despite having his fellow disciple there with him, Peter still denied Jesus. I find this interesting, especially compared to the boldness Peter had in attacking the high priest's servant in that garden. Textually in between Peter's denial, Jesus is confronted by the high priest "about his disciples and his teachings," and I liked how Jesus responds with, "Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said." No doubt Peter knew all of Jesus' teachings, yet when confronted about it, Peter folded and his courage and faith failed him. At the same time, Peter is in a very relatable position. I have found myself in similar shoes many a time, and it can be just as difficult to admit to believing in Jesus due to social pressures. Peter failed to admit to even knowing Christ to strangers in a courtyard, and I asked myself what if the high priests had taken Jesus' advice and "asked those who have heard Him?" Would Peter have denied Jesus to his face? I'm reminded in this passage to continually go back to God and find that courage to stand up for Him, especially starting with those I am with right near me (both in proximity and relationally), just as Peter was near to those by the fire. Because if social pressure stops me from admitting to being a disciple of Jesus in "small talk," how can I respond when Jesus calls me to be His witness in even more consequential settings. It will often be a struggle, but if I am to bear witness to the truth as Jesus did, I am again reminded to ask God for the boldness to speak when I am confronted.]]> 2022-01-04 05:34:51 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1973554546 John 19 ethantslim https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1974588387 When I went through today's DT, I focused on the interaction between Jesus and Pilate in verses 7-11. I found it interesting that Pilate's first response to hearing Jesus called himself the Son of God was fear, not disbelief or laughter. To me, his fear exposes that he had some realization, some grasp of what was at play. Pilate had asked Jesus what the truth is (John 18:38), yet we get the sense that Pilate knows some of the truth. Then, Pilate tries to compensate for his fear and his shock at Jesus' silence by asserting he has authority over Jesus. But Jesus retorts Pilate, telling him he "would have no authority over [Him] at all unless it had been given [him] from above." We also know that Jesus had already directly told Pilate that His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). Pilate also knew that Jesus was innocent, having found Jesus entirely guiltless on multiple occasions. Even though Pilate claimed he had the authority to release Jesus and had every reason to, he couldn't overcome what he was truly a slave to: how other's viewed him. The crowds take advantage of Pilate's weakness (v.12) by bringing Caesar into the picture. Between Caesar and the masses, Pilate was fearful of how others would view him if he stood up for Jesus. Despite his position of power, we find him in a similar situation to Peter from the chapter before. Both knew the evidence for the truth of Jesus, but their fear of people was greater than their fear of God. This is still so true today. There have been those times I have willingly ignored/denied Jesus because I was afraid of how my friends would view me. But, I am reminded of Hebrews 12:1-3. A life led by Jesus is a life of enduring the race set before me, including overcoming the hurdles of social pressure. I can look to Jesus' final words on the cross as inspiration: "It is finished." Jesus had finished the race set before Him, and like any racer crossing the finish line, He had that joy and satisfaction of knowing His work was good and complete. In the same way, I need to run with my eyes set on Jesus, especially when the hurdles in life seem too daunting to overcome. Jesus endured mockery and rejection from Romans, Jews, and even his disciples, all for God's will. I can be confident that with my eyes on Jesus, He will help me confront and conquer my fears of social pressure.]]> 2022-01-04 16:24:10 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1974588387 John 19 katiewong516 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1975243250 In today’s DT, I focused on the religious leaders’ rejection of Jesus and the idea of kingship. I thought it was really interesting in v. 15 when the chief priests stated that they had “no king but Caesar." Outwardly, Caesar was more impressive than Jesus, with regard to material wealth and human power. I think Caesar represents the popular notion that it is good (and acceptable) to be king over your own life, exercising your own will in the pursuit of status and satisfaction. To the religious leaders, following Jesus looked like renouncing this popular notion for something lesser. I think at the root of their rejection was their desire to be lord over their own lives, unwilling to let go of the power and authority that they had accumulated for themselves. This is sin at its core: dethroning God and setting up our own “kings” that seem to benefit us in our selfish pursuits. I’m just reminded of my own testimony and the ways that I’ve acted like the religious leaders, rejecting Jesus and trying to be lord over my own life. The world would tell me that this is a good thing, but I am reminded that my sin is what put Jesus on the cross. The more I reflect on my shortcomings, the more amazed I am by the true King who laid down his life so that I could enter into it. ]]> 2022-01-04 22:35:49 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1975243250 Shared testimony kevinyim1 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1975272086 Shared testimony with some old high school friends I was able to meet up with]]> 2022-01-04 23:11:12 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1975272086 John 1:12 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1975545685 But as many recieved him, to them he gave power to become Sons of God, even to them that believe on his name]]> 2022-01-05 02:53:32 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1975545685 2022 Resolutions https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1975549284 1. Learn a new language
2. Explore the country
3. Exercise to get into better shape
4. Read more books
5. Get a job]]> 2022-01-05 02:56:30 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1975549284 John 19 gracecheng https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1975688946 I was struck with the repeated phrase, "that the Scripture might be fulfilled." This phrase was even describing what the soldiers, what the Pharisees, all the characters in the Passion account did was playing right into God's sovereign plan. In this darkest of moments, when the most innocent man in all the world was getting beaten, flogged, mocked, and crucified, God is in control. Even in the posture of Jesus through the whole thing. He is so calm and so confident in God's authority. He tells Pilate he has no authority except given from above. Versus Pilate who feels like he's in a position of authority, yet is so subject to his fears and desires. I think when we give into our desire for control, we only become more and more fearful and anxious, because in the end it's all an illusion, and we'll just be grasping at straws. But when we are aligned with reality, surrendered to God, then we can finally be free of fear, even if that means going to the cross.]]> 2022-01-05 04:58:10 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1975688946 John 19 kimmegan https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1975690891 I focused on the theme of authority and how Pilate and the chief priests are claiming to have authority over Jesus. Pilate says in v. 10 that he has authority to release or crucify Jesus and the chief priests are claiming authority as they reject Jesus and their king and have him crucified. I was thinking about how this is the sinner's condition: rejecting Jesus as king and claiming authority over him. But this claim of authority doesn't actually align with reality for 2 reasons. (1) We want to be in control and in power, but we were not meant to be the authority in our lives - it's not how we were created. The fact that we were created shows that there is a creator who has rightful authority over us. (2) Even when we try to seize authority, we never truly end up having it. We see this in Pilate who ends up giving into the crowd and the chief priests who are so focused on making sure Jesus is NOT their king that they end up calling Caesar their king even though they don't even like Caesar. And I find that this is true in my life too: when I try to seize control and authority in my life and decide what's good and evil for myself/do what I want to do, I am rejecting Jesus as my rightful authority over my life. Furthermore, I might claim to be my own authority, but the reality is that I'm a slave to the world's values and to my flesh. But when I see Jesus, the one who actually had authority in this whole situation, I notice how instead of proving his rightful authority, he actually surrendered it. He willingly took on the flogging, the mockery, and the cross, and he remained silent in v. 9 rather than defending his innocence. He did it because he loved us, for the joy that was set before him (Hebrews 12:2). Jesus didn't have to prove his authority because he knew that he had it from God. Instead, he used his authority to surrender it so that I could be saved from my sins and reconciled back to the Father. In response, I can recommit to giving Jesus lordship and surrender my (nonexistent) authority and serve him. Praise the Lord that I have Jesus as the perfect example of humility to look toward and that he saved me from my sins even though I keep trying to claim authority over my life. ]]> 2022-01-05 04:59:58 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1975690891 2 Samuel 5 katiewong516 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1977058521 I thought it was really notable that David was crowned king at the age of 30, and I think it sheds light on the importance of waiting periods in our lives. David was anointed by Samuel at the age of 15 and God used the next 15 years of his life to prepare him for the 40 years that he would reign as king. It was through these years of preparation that taught David what it looked like to be fully dependent on God. I think we really see this in today’s text, as David’s first instinct was to inquire of the Lord when faced with the Philistines (v. 19). God gave them into David’s hand and I think this is why it’s so significant that David inquired of the Lord a second time. The situation in v. 22-23 looked the exact same as before and I think it could have been easy for David to expect the same victory if he used the same tactics. Yet, David chooses to go to God first which shows how he fully relied on God’s guidance before anything else. David’s success can be attributed to this and I think there is a clear lesson here for me. Without the 15 years that God used to shape David, I’m not sure if he would have had this same kind of trust towards God. It was because of the struggles that he faced that he was able to confidently say that “The LORD has broken through my enemies before me like a breaking flood” (v. 20). In my life, I can learn to really value the “waiting periods” knowing that God is carefully using this time to prepare me like He did with David. Truly, there is nothing better for me than to fully trust and submit to God’s guidance in every area of my life :) ]]> 2022-01-05 18:07:28 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1977058521 2 Samuel 5 kimmegan https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1977522931 As I was reading the second half of the text, I noticed that in v. 21 and 25, David successfully obeyed in the 2 areas that Saul failed to obey that ultimately got him rejected from the throne: (1) in v. 21, David and his men carried the foreign idols away out of obedience to God whereas in 1 Samuel 15, Saul failed to devote his enemy's possessions to destruction and kept them in his land (2) in v. 25, David obeyed God's command to wait for the sign that the Lord went before him in battle. David was able to wait for the Lord in battle whereas in 1 Samuel 13, Saul failed to wait for the Lord by failing to wait for Samuel to make the burnt offering before battle. When presented with these situations, Saul took matters into his own hands and sought control, but David trusted & obeyed God and yielded everything to God. While Saul was autonomous, David was surrendered. I was reflecting about these qualities in the area of career where I can fall into worry and anxiety about building my resume or having job security once I graduate. It's tempting to be like Saul and take matters into my own hands, getting as many internship experiences and joining as many pharmacy clubs as possible. But while these aren't necessarily bad things, I need to be more like David who was so surrendered to God and was able to wait for Him in obedience. I can trust and obey God!]]> 2022-01-05 22:52:09 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1977522931 Gladys Aylward: The Little Woman aurorasun https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1977677730 This book describes the life and ministry of Gladys Aylward, a missionary to China. It talks about her background: how she came from a family that was not wealthy, how she was rejected as a missionary to China because of her lack of education (Chinese was deemed too difficult to learn for her), and how she was determined to save up to go to China herself.
It's hard to choose highlights because it was all so inspiring and good. Three highlights here:
1. When Gladys decided to go to China, she could only afford taking the train to Russia, which would eventually bring her to China. But war was still happening with the Japanese, and the Communists just took over Russia. So the train ended up stopping, and she had to trek through the snow, only to face the threat of getting stuck there by people who wanted to use her as a machinist in Russia. They took her passport and didn't let her leave. One memorable moment was when the person who had her passport went to her door at night, holding her passport in hand and refusing to give it to her. She quickly grabbed the passport and told him, "You have no power here. Between you and me is my God. I dare you to try and touch me." It worked — he ran off, and she ran away with some help to a boat with a Japanese captain on the way to China.
2. One time in China, when a rebel group took over the area, the general bullied Gladys because she had called him a sinner. He held her hostage at home demanding to know how she knew about his personal life. One night he stormed into her home on the first floor and demanded that she come down to him. But Gladys simply said, "No, I'm a free citizen of China. You come up here." That was so bold. He ended up going up to her and she preached the gospel to him. His life changed — but his soldiers were unhappy with his refusal to be a bandit, and they kidnapped and tortured him for many months or years to try to break him. Finally he escaped and came back a broken man, hardly recognizable — but one thing he kept repeating: "I belong to Jesus."
3. Gladys and a guide were trying to scope out a land in China that Christians hadn't gone to before. On the journey, Gladys and her guide discovered that there seemed to be nothing there — no civilization, no food, no nothing. So in some anxiety, they knelt, prayed, and sang. Her guide jumped up and said he saw a man, so he went to go get him. It turned out to be a lama. And it moreover turned out that the lamas had been waiting a long time for a Christian to come. They asked them, "tell us about the God who loves." Some lamas had come across John 3:16 in a marketplace eight years prior, where someone was handing out a "flyer"/pamphlet offering free salvation from God, who loved the world and sent his only son. They marveled at this. They knew that, because God loved the world, he would surely send people to reach them and tell them about this news, too. So they waited. Gladys and her companion, just before this in the depth of cynicism and doubt, ended up ministering to about 500 lamas who had waited for a Christian to come and tell them about "the God who loves." These lamas had held onto the scrap of paper that had John 3:16, passing it around from lama to lama and pinning to the wall for years. They knew Gladys and her guide were Christian when they heard them singing, because only followers of the God who loves would sing.

Everyone should read this book! I was feeling pretty burdened for my family while over break and felt pretty weak, but reading this book during my last week at home was strengthening as I thought about all the people who have gone before me and stayed faithful. Gladys endured war, hardship, near-starvation, dangerous and horrible journeys through the mountains, bombings, etc. Through it all, there was one thing in her mind: to tell people of God's salvation and love for everyone. She adopted hundreds of orphaned children and changed the hearts of many of my kinsmen. I'm so grateful for her work in China. Her endurance and perseverance challenges me. She is one of the many who are in that crowd in Heaven, cheering us on. It was a real blessing to read this book.]]> 2022-01-06 01:22:19 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1977677730 Colossians 3:15 - Elise https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1977701233 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

]]> 2022-01-06 01:40:03 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1977701233 Psalm 16 (Ann) https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1977889237 https://drive.google.com/file/u/1/d/1Kb32kvuulYy9qr0JuCUkjwcADbsJl6FG/view?usp=drivesdk]]> 2022-01-06 04:11:32 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1977889237 Mission Possible by Marilyn Laszlo iokkeilo https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1979009958 "O God, she prayed silently, fill my heart with love. I'll fail if I try to do your work here on my own."
"The Holy Spirit had shown her that God's laws were indeed written on the hearts of the Sepik Iwam people. Each person was created the freedom of choice, with the capacity to believe or disbelieve. Marilyn was not introducing something totally foreign. It had been there; they just had not known the True Source."]]> 2022-01-06 16:07:08 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1979009958 Mission Possible - Marilyn Laszlo iokkeilo https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1979037587 Marilyn Laszlo spent 25 years of her life, loving, serving, and living among the Sepik Iwam poeple in Papua New Guinea. Though she had no ties with the people there nor did she even knew how to communicate in the people's languages before, she obeyed God's calling for her, moved across the continents, and was able to put the Sepik Iwam people's language into written form for the first time and translated the entire Bible into their language. She poured herself into loving these people, sharing Jesus' love with them, raising up spiritual leaders, building churches and leaving behind the Gospel with the people. I was very challenged by her obedience toward God and love for the people. I was also challenged by how honest she was with her feelings when she was faced with many discouragements and setbacks and she would always confess honestly her feelings to God and pray to God for guidance, strength and wisdom. She didn't hide anything from God and would always turn to God first in prayers. This is a must read book for all and I want to highly encourage you to read it. It is very hard to put down once you start reading this book!]]> 2022-01-06 16:19:37 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1979037587 Psalm 1 iokkeilo https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1979152901 https://drive.google.com/file/d/11b4h9J3QhR_XGBa_d0M5i5IOFaRS_is4/view?usp=sharing]]> 2022-01-06 17:13:15 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1979152901 Philippians 4:6 gracecheng https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1979191030 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.]]> 2022-01-06 17:33:47 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1979191030 2 Samuel 6 ethantslim https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1979214322 I found the development of David in this passage to be revealing about the continued relational growth between him and God. At first, after God strikes down Uzzah, David has a genuinely fearful reaction, realizing God's power and holiness. He tries to distance himself from the Ark, questioning how someone like him could bring God into his city, and in a way, into his life. However, in doing so, David leaves the Ark with the house of Obed-edom, who were Levite descendants and the rightful carriers of the Ark of God. God worked through the Levites and blessed them, showing first Israel and then David (v.12, "it was told King David") that obedience in God cultivates blessings, not fear. When David realizes this, his change in attitude towards God completely transforms. Not only does David sacrifice an ox, a fattened animal, burnt offerings, and peace offerings (v.13 and 17), but he also "danced before the Lord with all his might," wearing linen clothing. I could almost feel his joy and celebration through the words, and then David goes on to become a blessing by blessing Israel (v.18) and his household (v.20). In contrast with Michal's attitude, David stopped caring about how people viewed him but only how he acted in God's presence. He humbled himself, putting linen cloths on rather than royal robes befitting of his title, and he worshipped with all his might. Through David, I got to see how someone on fire for God genuinely acts from their heart. I can still waver between David and Michal regarding where they stood with God in my own life. Despite his status as king, David was in the midst of the parade and celebration. On the other hand, Michal was "looking out of the window," watching and judging how David celebrated, concerned with how his actions would affect people's view of him and, ultimately, her. David's heart reminds me to reflect on times I hold myself back from giving my all to God because I overthink how I appear to people, forgetting that God's view of me is what truly matters. Instead, I can't be afraid to fully embrace God in my life and let that joy overflow, as God calls for my all and will use my all as part of His plans.]]> 2022-01-06 17:46:26 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1979214322 2 Samuel 6 kimmegan https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1979287117 The theme of God's holiness in today's DT reminded me of ch. 1 of c201 about how God is love and mercy, but without understanding his holiness, we can't fully understand and appreciate his love and mercy. I was thinking about how the ark displays this same principle: it brings blessings to the household it resides in, but they cannot be fully celebrated without understanding God's holiness. I saw this in David's response when he initially was not willing to bring the ark into the city of David out of fear of God's holiness and then his fear turned into dancing and worship when he heard about its blessings. David had a "woe is me" moment, but it turned into rejoicing when he understood that God wanted to pour out his blessings on his people despite him being unworthy before God's holiness. And we see this new understanding as he lays aside his royal garments to simply worship God and risks losing his dignity and shaming himself before others. It reminds me of Psalm 30:11-12! In order to appreciate God's blessings and my salvation, I first need to see myself in the light of God's holiness. David's response along with warnings from Uzzah's and Michal's response reminded me of the importance of taking God's holiness seriously and seeing myself against the backdrop of God's holiness so that I can have a heart of worship like David. ]]> 2022-01-06 18:24:21 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1979287117 2022 New Years Resolutions marykimhoang https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1979307663 1. Grow in the attitude of gratitude 🙏🏼
2. I'd like to read more Christian books this year 📘]]> 2022-01-06 18:34:35 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1979307663 Luke 10:27 marykimhoang https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1979313524 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself."]]> 2022-01-06 18:37:49 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1979313524 2 Samuel 6 katiewong516 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1979595212 There are a lot of things that happened in today’s text, but I mostly focused on the theme of God’s holiness. Returning the ark of the covenant was a good thing, but the way they went about doing this blatantly ignored God’s commands. In Numbers 4:15, God specifically tells Moses and Aaron that the ark is only to be carried by the priests (Levites) but in 2 Samuel 6, we see the ark being placed on a cart. I thought that it was really interesting that there was an emphasis on the “newness” of this cart and made me wonder why that was an important point to highlight. I think they could have thought that God would be pleased with this new cart, as it was probably more advanced and looked impressive, but God was not pleased by their disobedience. We also see Uzzah directly violating God’s command when he tries to keep the ark from falling off the cart. At first glance, I think God’s response to Uzzah could be seen as harsh but I think there is a clear warning here for those who have become too comfortable with the idea of God’s holiness. The ark remained at Abinadab’s house for a really long time and I think in some ways, Uzzah and Ahio could have become too accustomed and forgotten what the ark represented: the immediate presence and glory of God. When we become to comfortable, it could be easy to take something that should glorify God and turn it into something else. The procession itself must have appeared really extravagant with this new cart carrying the ark and all of the celebration surrounding it, but God wasn’t pleased because they completely disregarded His Word and went about it their own way. I’m reminded that God doesn’t care so much about grand gestures, but He cares about our heart posture towards Him. This serves as a good reminder for me because when serving, I think it can be easy to get caught up in the looks of things, but what matters most is whether my serving is truly out of reverence for God. ]]> 2022-01-06 21:49:18 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1979595212 Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus – Nabeel Qureshi ethantslim https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1979687736 This book was written from Nabeel's perspective, a devout Muslim from birth who was challenged in his faith and came to find Christ as his personal Savior. Nabeel was raised by devout Ahmadi Muslim parents and he extensively expands on the Islamic traditions, Quranic knowledge, and pro-Islam apologetics that he prided himself in for a majority of his life. All that changed when he was challenged by a Christian who would become his best friend in college: David Wood. That very relationship saw David's relentless passion for Jesus plant the seeds in Nabeel that would forever change both of their lives. The rest of the book details the immense relational, mental, and spiritual barriers Nabeel had to overcome to finally overturn his entire life and give it over to Christ. I picked some highlights based on some of my favorite quotes in the book:

"Only the exceptional blend of love, humility, hospitality, and persistence can overcome these barriers, and not enough people make the effort." This quote was in reference to a section of the book that was addressing the challenges of outreach to Muslims in the Western world. As an immigrant himself, Nabeel recognized numerous cultural barriers that isolated Eastern immigrant families from America and Christianity. For example, families often associate the more promiscuous Western/American culture equivalent to Christian values, therefore, being Americanized means to become Christian. Their substitution of cultural norms for religious beliefs sets a precedent in the mind that automatically biases many Muslims against an "ungodly" and "immoral" Christian message. The last part of the quote is key though, as Nabeel reflects that many Christians don't live any differently from the world around them, which just confirms the bias in their mind.
"There were [no Christians] I knew who cared about me unconditionally....Since no Christians cared about me, I did not care about their message." Here, Nabeel talks about why the Christian message often came in one ear and out the other for him. He had met many Christians over the years in the various states he lived in, but often, they shared the message for the sake of getting the message out and not truly befriending him and helping him on that journey. They looked for conditional friendship, wanting to grow in relationship only if he was a Christian as well. Fortunately, Nabeel met David who did grow to be his friend, and could see the steps that he took, both forwards and back. It took Nabeel nearly all of his undergraduate and graduate years to finally accept the gospel, and David was with him every step of the journey.
"I subconsciously found ways and means to go on rejecting the gospel so I would not be faced with what I would have to pay.” At this point, Nabeel has overcome numerous barriers already and is teetering on the edge of belief in Jesus. Nabeel struggled for months with what the truth was—Allah or Jesus—and persistently asked for signs from God to show him the way. When he asked, he received: messages in the forms of Christian friends, Bible verses, and even dreams. But despite the overwhelming evidence he had for Christianity, he price of following Christ held a strong grip on him from truly changing his heart, particularly the severing or betrayal of familial and community relationships that would ensue after a conversion. Ultimately, the truth was too evident and the message too clear. Nabeel gave up everything in his life to follow Christ: his family cut communication for several years after his conversion; after completing medical school, he gave up his dreams of becoming a doctor and instead went into ministry; and David eventually moved to NYC to complete his education, and Nabeel was left to grow on his own for a while. This wouldn't be the end of his troubles either, but in the end, it was worth it for Christ.

Overall, my biggest takeaway/lesson is from looking at David's relationship with Nabeel throughout Nabeel's journey. David started off as a passionate Christian who didn't know much about Islam, but was willing to challenge Nabeel in his faith anyways. As Nabeel writes, what a Christian needs to befriend a Muslim "is not advanced knowledge of Islam but a willingness to discover what is important to their Muslim friends and the desire to invest the time to learn and discuss those matters as the relationship progresses." I'm inspired to more openly and comfortably approach those of other faiths, not only to have those crucial conversations, but to build rapport with them and to show them the love of Jesus even if they challenge me on my faith.
I would definitely recommend this book, especially for anyone who wants to learn more about Islam and Nabeel's methodical elimination of his different pillars of belief in Islam. Nabeel also includes numerous Urdu/Islamic terms and defines them in the margins, which I found to be very useful not only for understanding the story but for future reference in discussions I may have with Muslims. I also appreciated that he included his Islamic apologetic arguments and how David or himself broke down each argument into invalidity.

]]> 2022-01-07 00:00:46 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1979687736 Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus – Nabeel Qureshi ethantslim https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1979691670

"It is only after we are unfettered by fear that we can live boldly, as true Christians."

"Anguish and suffering are not just risks of following Jesus, they are means of following Jesus."

"Now I knew what i meant to follow God. I meant walking boldly by His Spirit of grace and love, in the firm confidence of everlasting life given through the Son, with the eternal purpose of proclaiming and glorifying the Father."

]]> 2022-01-07 00:06:14 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1979691670 2022 Resolutions https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1979742685 1. Learn Japanese for 15 mins everyday.
2. Spend more time with families and friends.
3. Be happy
4. Run 12k every weekend.]]> 2022-01-07 00:54:46 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1979742685 Psalm 139 katiewong516 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1981064292 Psalm 139 has always been one of my favorite psalms. David talks about being intimately known by God and says in v.6 that “such knowledge is too wonderful for [him].” But for someone who doesn’t know God or His character, I think this could be intimidating. The mere thought of someone seeing your every move and knowing your every thought is scary, especially if this Someone happens to be God Almighty. There is no running away or hiding because God already knows. Yet, for someone who recognizes their sin and need for forgiveness, I think this is very comforting. When I fall into sin, I don’t need to hide because God already knows and isn’t surprised by my failures (v.16). When I reflect on who God is, His holiness, and how I am eternally separated from God in my sin, I am even more amazed. This year, I definitely want to challenge myself to invite God to “search me” and “know my heart” in even deeper ways, knowing that I am safe within the arms of my Heavenly Father :)]]> 2022-01-07 19:14:45 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1981064292 10 Things I'm Thankful For marykimhoang https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1981157288 1. I'm thankful that our family was able to travel and see our loved ones over the holidays and arrive back safely.
2. I'm thankful for all the staff at the airport who worked on the holidays, so that others could fly.
3. I'm thankful to be able to spend time in Big Bear during the peak of the snow. It was beautiful to be amidst God's creation - plus I miss all the mountains in CA!
4. I'm thankful that I got to see old high school and college friends, that we're still able to keep in touch after all these years.
5. I'm thankful that I was able to take Theo to the zoo with his cousins, as this was the first time they had extended time together.
6. I'm thankful for all the leads who worked hard over the break to finalize plans for the upcoming year.
7. I'm thankful for good food, esp since we got to eat most of my favorite things - sushi, street tacos, in and out, GOOD vietnamese food, la michoacana haha and more!
8. I'm thankful for the time I got to spend with my siblings, as I haven't seen my oldest brother in a very long time. It was sweet watching him bond with Theo for the first time!
9. I'm thankful for God's word that speaks truth into my life and helps direct me path.
10. I'm thankful for how God's redeemed my life and this is especially true whenever I get glimpses of what my life would have been like without Christ. Thank God for his mercy!]]> 2022-01-07 20:29:58 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1981157288 10 Things I'm Grateful For - Elise https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1981347675 1. I'm thankful that it didn't snow a lot this week as expected.
2. I'm thankful I was able to help out a grandpa shovel some snow that piled up on his car.
3. I'm thankful that my family's health has been good this week. I'm very thankful that my brother's test came out negative.
4. I'm thankful that there is always enough food on the table every day.
5. I'm thankful that I've been able to keep in touch with some of my closet high school friends. We did plan on meeting this week, but we pushed it off due to conflicting schedules and since cases are on the rise.
6. I'm thankful that YouTube exists for me to learn how to play the guitar!
7. I'm thankful that my parents aren't agitated (yet) by my presence. For the most part, they always want to talk and spend family time with me.
8. I'm thankful that this Klesis challenge is keeping me motivated each day to be active instead of being a couch potato. It really is motivating especially to see others serve in many ways.
9. I'm thankful that my brother is talking more (at least to me)!
10. I'm thankful for God's words of wisdom. The gospel has been graciously rendering me peace at mind.]]> 2022-01-08 01:54:23 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1981347675 2022 New Year Resolution kevinyim1 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1981431423 Read a book for 15 min a day]]> 2022-01-08 04:35:33 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1981431423 Romans 12:2 kevinyim1 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1981431849 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect]]> 2022-01-08 04:36:26 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1981431849 Psalm 139 kimmegan https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1981436167 I was really struck by v. 3, which says "You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways." God is acquainted with all my ways, including the ways that are shameful and falling short of God's glory. Yet it's amazing that God still leads me & holds me and searches out my path when I go astray. This is why David can invite God to search and know his heart in v. 23-24. Even though it might feel threatening or shameful to know that God sees everything you do, say, and think, it's also comforting because God still takes me as I am. Having this same heart as David means recognizing that I fall short and that there is no running away or hiding from God. It also means being confident that God still embraces me and will lead me in his everlasting way. I pray that I would grow in this heart and attitude towards God, my maker and heavenly father who fully knows, yet fully loves me! ]]> 2022-01-08 04:47:09 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1981436167 Shared Testimony https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1981459313 I shared my testimony with my oldest cousin, who is a believer, but felt a little distant from God recently.]]> 2022-01-08 05:53:54 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1981459313 Gratitude-Cindy https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1981468220 1. For being able to pay my tuition.

2. For all my family members and myself being able to quickly get over being sick for the past week.

3. For being able to help my parents at the restaurant while they were sick and lost their voice for a few days.

4. After my brother and cousin tested positive for covid at school, everyone else is still currently negative.

5. My youngest sister tested negative for covid, after getting a false positive at school.

6. It did not snow a lot (so I didn't have to shovel for a long time :))

7. For my grandma cooking yummy food everyday.

8. For being able to tutor again after taking a break due to finals and the holidays.

9. For seeing familiar customers and seeing their positivity (definitely outweighs

the crazy encounters with some customers).

10. For music to end my days after working 10+ hours everyday.

]]> 2022-01-08 06:19:49 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1981468220 Grateful! kimmegan https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1982039458 1. I found my old DT books from freshman year and read through some of my old journals and prayers as I scanned them into my iPad. I'm so thankful for how God has led me and grown me these past 3.5 years and for the many answers to prayer!
2. On Thursday, I drove my mom to Bridgewater mall, Menlo Park mall, and Costco to do a bunch of Christmas gift returns. Glad we had that time to talk and that I got to do her a small favor by driving her places.
3. Come What May by Cory Asbury - a good song to hold onto as I begin 2022
4. I finished reading Shadow of the Almighty and I was really inspired by Jim Elliot's zeal and surrenderedness.
5. The timely DTs - got to do it with Miriam on Monday and Esther on Wednesday and I'm thankful for our catch up time and sharings.
6. I got to FaceTime Destiny and catch up with her!
7. My whole family is officially recovered from covid!
8. My dad came back from his business trip in Las Vegas safely.
9. My grandma was able to recover well from covid and I got to visit her today!
10. There is less light pollution in my hometown than in Piscataway - I enjoyed looking at the stars this week!]]> 2022-01-09 03:56:34 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1982039458 Isaiah 15-19 kimmegan https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1982043691 Ch. 15: Isaiah gives a prophecy about Moab, which will be destroyed. The people cry out and tremble and try to flee.

Ch. 16: Judah is to provide shelter and refuge for the Moabites. God will judge Moab in 3 years.

Ch. 17: Isaiah gives a prophecy about Damascus, which will fall into ruins. Israel's glory will be brought low because they have forgotten God. Many nations will rush in, but God will rebuke them.

Ch. 18: The people beyond Cush (I believe Isaiah is referring to Ethiopia) will ask Judah to form an alliance against Assyria, but God tells them they don't need to. God says that He will prune Assyria himself and that the Ethiopians will come to Mount Zion to worship Him.

Ch. 19: Isaiah gives a prophecy about Egypt and how the Egyptians will be stirred up against each other and that God will give them into the hand of a fierce king who will rule over them. One day, Judah will become a terror to the Egyptians, but God will send a savior to deliver them. And they will worship the Lord along with Assyria and Israel.

]]> 2022-01-09 04:07:30 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1982043691 10 Things ethantslim https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1983098955

The pharmacy I worked for has been inundated with the rise in covid, so I'm thankful to be able to help over break with shots and tests.

Nabeel Qureshi's story was really inspiring and informative, and I'm glad I was able to discuss that with my mom as she works with Afghan refugees who are often Muslim.

Very thankful that my family all tested negative to covid and that I've recovered.

Thankful for the winter challenge for keeping motivated this break to stay productive and helping me with spiritual growth.

I've been able to do a lot of walks and bike rides in my free time.

Quarantine gave me a lot of time alone to be able to really dive into my books and into His Word.

Was able to go shopping at the mall with my mom this past week and help get stuff for my sister as well.

Was able to grab meals with some some of the bros!

Thankful for being able to catch up on sleep before school starts again.

Thankful for quarantine to be over and being able to see gp people again for bible study!

]]> 2022-01-10 05:18:17 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1983098955 Matthew 1:1 jasperbae1 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1983966489 Matthew explains the genealogy of Jesus affirming that He is the Son of David, the Messiah. Joseph, Mary's husband, had a dream of an angel explaining the situation of Mary's virgin pregnancy that she will give birth to the Messiah, Immanuel. ]]> 2022-01-10 14:42:03 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1983966489 John 20 kimmegan https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1984055157 I focused on the first words Jesus says as he approaches Mary vs. the disciples. While Jesus calls Mary by name, he tells the disciples, "peace be with you". I found it really fitting that Jesus chose these to be the first words he says to these people after he rose from the dead. He addresses Mary's despair and weeping in v. 11 by comforting her as he says her name and he addresses the disciples' fear in v. 19 by giving them peace. Jesus is personal and meets us where we're at with what we need. I was reminded of my own testimony of how I was searching for love and disregarding God to pursue my own way of living, but God showed that He loved me and offered me forgiveness through verses like Romans 5:8 and John 4. He saw my condition and He approached me personally with open arms. Because of this encounter with Jesus, I can go out just like Mary and the disciples and proclaim that Jesus is risen and offers life in his name!]]> 2022-01-10 15:17:45 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1984055157 John 20 katiewong516 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1985099145 One thing that really stuck out to me from today’s text was the gentleness in Jesus’ response to Mary and Thomas. He responded to their lack of faith in different ways but he approached both of them personally. In v. 16, Jesus comforts Mary in her sadness and calls her by name. And later in v. 27, Jesus gives Thomas the evidence that he demanded. Through both instances, I’m reminded that Jesus is not blind to our struggles and knows the areas that we are lacking in faith. Yet, he chooses to address us personally and with gentleness. As I was reflecting, 2 Timothy 2:13 came to mind, “If we are faithless, he remains faithful — for he cannot deny himself.” God is the ultimate standard of faithfulness and there is no better example of this than the cross. I’m really encouraged knowing that even when I am struggling in my faith, Jesus remains faithful and does not give up on me.]]> 2022-01-11 02:24:46 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1985099145 John 20 ethantslim https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1985267047 As I was reading today's passage, I focused on the disciples' posture of fear. John mentions that it was the "evening of that day, the first day of the week," meaning it was the same day that Peter and John (and likely more) saw that Jesus was gone from His tomb. It was also the same day Mary saw Jesus come to her in His resurrected body, and (assuming she went to the disciples before the evening) the disciples would have heard about her experience as well. John also writes about himself, saying, "he saw and believed" after seeing Jesus' empty tomb. Yet despite this amazing news that should have expelled any doubt of Jesus' identity, the disciples still locked themselves inside out of fear of the people. I love that Jesus chose this exact time, several hours after he revealed Himself to Mary, to come to "his brothers." He knew their fear at this moment, and he addressed that immediately, but not by telling them to have courage—which might be the instinctive juxtaposition of fear—but rather to have peace. And after twice telling them to have peace, He sends them as the Father sent Him. Similarly, in my life, I have had those times where fear has mentally locked me away from serving Him. But, I am reminded in this passage that when I hit those lows in life, it is then that Jesus comes to meet me in my needs. He will first offer me that peace, and by finding that peace in Him, I can maximally serve Him. The fact that the disciples were locked away inside again eight days later also reminds me that finding peace in Jesus is a daily wrestle, and if I am not mindful, I will quickly end up back in the same cycle as before.]]> 2022-01-11 04:38:23 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1985267047 Psalm 25:4-5 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1985329958 Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I will wait all the day long.]]> 2022-01-11 05:38:05 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1985329958 John 21 kimmegan https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1986366744 One theme that I got from this passage was being resolved to follow Jesus, which I observed in 2 ways:

1) I thought it was interesting that even after seeing the risen Jesus, Peter went back to his former occupation (fishing). This may have been out of self-preservation to go back to something comfortable or secure during an uncertain time, but what he soon realized is that it failed until Jesus came into the picture. I was thinking about uncertainties in my life whether it's the pandemic, career, where God is leading me in the church, etc. and how I am tempted to turn back to former ways and habits to try to preserve myself or be in control of my future. But these things will ultimately be fruitless apart from Jesus and I need to be resolved to follow Jesus no matter how uncertain the circumstance is.

2) Another way that I saw this theme was in v. 22 when Jesus says "what is that to you? You follow me!" (I can imagine the emphasis on the YOU follow me!) In the end, whether other people follow Jesus doesn't matter because it's a personal decision that involves yourself. I can see myself being like Peter because it's definitely easier to follow Jesus when others are doing it with me. But I thought about what would happen if I didn't have peers or friends to do it with me - would I still follow Jesus? I was challenged to reaffirm my personal love and commitment to Jesus and resolve to follow him no matter who is beside me. ]]> 2022-01-11 15:55:05 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1986366744 Angela- what I am grateful for https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1986630118 1. I am grateful most of my family were able to get their booster shot
2. I was able to stay in touch with friends and hang out virtually
3. That I have such a wonderful group of friends that I don’t feel lonely even when I’m far away
4. There is no shortages of essentials like water and tp like before
5. That classes will be virtual until February
6. That the apartments are still open and I can return to campus
7. That I can spend time with my family and catch up on recent events
8. I am grateful that we got additional heaters because our heating system doesn’t really work properly
9. That our WiFi is semi working compared to before when it was really bad
10. That I’ll be able to go back to campus soon and looking forward to the retreat
]]> 2022-01-11 17:50:47 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1986630118 Matthew 6:33 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1986636353 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you ]]> 2022-01-11 17:53:30 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1986636353 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1986640808 Call family and relatives more often and check up on them more. Another goal is to learn more time management skills]]> 2022-01-11 17:55:36 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1986640808 John 21 katiewong516 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1986807155 In today’s DT, I mostly focused on Jesus’ interaction with Peter. Jesus asks Peter whether he loves him and after asking this question three times, Jesus says to take care of his sheep. This is how Peter would show his love for Jesus, but in doing so, Peter would lose his life. In v. 18, Jesus tells Peter that he would eventually be crucified and he challenges Peter to follow him. I thought Peter’s response in v. 20-21 was really interesting because he doesn’t directly respond to Jesus’ invitation but rather shifts the focus onto John. This was Peter’s way of avoiding Jesus’ difficult call to follow him, especially because he knew that following Jesus meant certain death. In the same way for us, following Jesus means rejection from the world (social “death”), persecution, and possibly losing our own lives. I think Peter’s response is really relatable because answering this kind of call to a life spent and ultimately sacrificed for God is not easy. But I liked Jesus’ response in v.22 when he tells Peter, “You follow me!” I’m reminded that all of us are personally given this call and we need to decide for ourselves whether or not we are going to follow Jesus. For me, I think the idea of social rejection and persecution is still something that is really scary because it jeopardizes my desire to be liked by others. But when I realize how much more I have gained through Jesus’ death and resurrection, living boldly as a follower of Christ and sharing in his suffering becomes more of an honor than anything else.]]> 2022-01-11 19:13:58 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1986807155 Miriam https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1986891441 Spiritual new year resolution: I want to start a prayer and gratitude journal this year
Physical new year resolution: I want to try weightlifting this year and make a workout schedule that will keep me in shape :)]]> 2022-01-11 19:57:27 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1986891441 Olakunle-Things I'm grateful for https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1987112679 1. I became more active in one of the clubs I've joined and I met some amazing people.
2. Finally moved back to my other sister's new place.
3. I read more novels and was able to study more
4. My dad announced that he's coming over next week
5. I was able to spend less time on my phone and other devices
6. I got along better with my other sisters
7. I talked more with my older brother
8. I had a major pain on my body that healed almost overnight
9. My step mum got to America safely
10. I read my Bible more]]> 2022-01-11 22:56:53 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1987112679 2 Samuel 7 kimmegan https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1988562189 I was really amazed by David's heart in response to God telling him, "I will build YOU a house" when he says, "Who am I that you have brought me thus far?... What more can David say to you?" David was just left in awe and wonder because he knew that he didn't do anything to earn God's blessing and that there was nothing he could do for God in return. The reality is that there was nothing that David could do for God that would adequately describe his awe and gratitude - he couldn't even build a house for God because God didn't need one. All David can do is praise God (v. 22) and commit his kingdom to being established before Him (v. 26, 29). When I look back at all the ways God has brought me thus far, my salvation, and God's future promises, it really right-sizes all the things that I try to offer up to God. The reality is that God doesn't need me, my time, my money, or my acts of service, but pride leads me to think that I have something to offer God. All I can do is humbly praise God and commit to a life that establishes God's glory though I actually have little to offer. I pray that I could have a humble heart like David and that I would cling onto the awe and wonder of God's goodness. ]]> 2022-01-12 16:04:06 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1988562189 2022 Resolutions https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1988800678 1. Exercise at least 15 minutes a day
2. Journal in different languages every day
3. Cap time spent messaging on devices at two hours a day
4. Actually execute these resolutions!]]> 2022-01-12 17:52:18 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1988800678 Kisara — Things I’m grateful for https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1988826907 1. My mom is lending me her car indefinitely so I basically get to have my own car for the first time ever.
2. Quality father-daughter time with my dad, especially our daily walks where we can get fresh air and chat freely.
3. Watching films every night with my boyfriend—my favorite way to unwind.
4. Cooking dinner with my boyfriend every night and having the freedom to make whatever food we want.
5. Some of my best friends from high school moved back home to Texas after college and I’m so excited to be able to see them more often.
6. Getting to spend my birthday (the 15th) with my dad, my boyfriend, and some of my close friends.
7. My cat is always in high spirits and brightens my mood whenever I see her.
8. I love staying in regular contact with my friends from the East and West Coast, and outside the US.
9. I surprised myself in making two new, close friends during my final year of college.
10. Receiving unconditional support from close friends and family for my career aspirations in film and content creation. ]]> 2022-01-12 18:05:53 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1988826907 The Hiding Place - Corrie Ten Boom kevinyim1 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1990805339 A Dutch woman and her family take on the task of caring for and hiding Jews in their own house despite the risk of getting caught and being sent to prison themselves, as well as just sacrificing their own personal comfort. Eventually they are caught and sent to prison/concentration camp, barely provided the most basic necessities for life, all the while holding onto God and sharing their faith with others.
What I was most challenged by was the way in which God's Word had transformed the mind of Corrie's sister Betsie. She seemed to really see others and the world from the eyes and heart of God wherein, despite living in such horrid circumstances and being abused by the prison guards, she viewed every situation as another opportunity to share the gospel and the prison guards as broken people who needed the gospel and whom she genuinely loved and cared for.
I would recommend everyone to read this book because not only does it depict the life of this amazing family who risked their lives for the sake of Jews who could offer them nothing and all the drama that unfolded afterwards, but to a Christian, it cannot but challenge one's worldview, while to someone who may not share the Christian worldview, it gives them a very vivid picture of it.]]> 2022-01-13 16:57:58 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1990805339 The Hiding Place - Corrie Ten Boom kevinyim1 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1990823840 "How ridiculous, such thoughts! If I had it to do again, would I really put these little personal comforts ahead of human lives? Of course not."

"The blacker the night around us grew, the brighter and truer and more beautiful burned the word of God."]]> 2022-01-13 17:07:10 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1990823840 Boundaries - Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend jasperbae1 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1991297275 Boundaries is a book about how to set limits on others and yourself in a biblical way - through knowing when to say yes and how to say no, you can take control of your life how God intended us to be, not to be controlled by our hurt or insecurities. The book breaks into what boundaries are, what they look like, and how to apply them in different contexts such as family, friends, marriage, kids, work, digital life, yourself, and God!

I am challenged by the book to identify my own boundary conflicts that hinder me from witnessing the freedom to do the good work God has set for me instead of being enslaved by my fears of rejection, insecurities, or love. Throughout the book, I began relating with the provided examples and I explored more about my own character. The book placed heavy emphasis on the important of having a strong foundation of being loved by God and support groups like small groups, peers, or actual support groups so that we don't crumble when we say no if we cannot do something. I realized the importance of relationships and the body of Christ through this book, too.

I recommend this book to anyone at any age as many of the understandings and applications can help anyone navigate through life and relationships. For me, I can want to reread this book again and again. I want to apply what I read into my life so that I can love God and love others instead of doing things out of compliance or compulsion.]]> 2022-01-13 22:00:46 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1991297275 2 Samuel 8 kimmegan https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1991616825 I focused on v. 6 and 14, which repeat "and the Lord gave victory to David wherever he went". These verses show that these victories were not because of David's abilities, but because of God's faithfulness to do as He promised David in the previous chapter to make a great name for him and give him rest from all his enemies. I was struck by how this chapter is not a story of David, but a story of God fulfilling his promises and working through David. As I reflected on my own spiritual battles, I saw that I am still fighting through the same battles and struggle with the same things over and over again. But because of the cross and the victory that Jesus has won, I can see my battles as already won. Even though I stumble and fall short in this life, God promises to sanctify me and complete me and He has already won the ultimate victory. Because of this, I can be confident and rejoice that God is on my side and giving me victory everywhere I go even though I am frail and weak in the moment. Praise God for giving us victory in our battles and that I can have the same heart as Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:57, "Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ"!]]> 2022-01-14 03:41:25 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1991616825 Matthew 6:30-31 estherpark0405 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1991707011 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'

]]> 2022-01-14 05:10:38 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1991707011 Psalm 147 kimmegan https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1992527442 I really liked v. 1, which says "Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting". It is fitting and appropriate to praise God because of who He is - He is worthy of it and deserves it. It also tells us that it is good and pleasant to give thanks and praise God. I thought about reasons or times that I don't really feel like praising God or giving thanks to God such as the busyness of day-to-day life, the struggles of current circumstances, or simply forgetting who God is or what He has done in my life. These things show that when I do not praise or give thanks to God, I become someone who is narrow-minded, self-centered, pessimistic, ungrateful, and entitled. It ultimately leads me down a negative spiral to forgetting the God who is for me and believing Satan's lie that I live on my own. But praising and giving thanks to God reverses this state. By obeying this psalmist's command to praise the Lord, I can zoom out and see the bigger picture of who God is, what He has done in my life, and what He promises to do. Within the same physical circumstance, I can direct my mind to what is worthy of praise like how Paul says in Philippians 4:8 and God will turn my mourning or apathy into rejoicing.]]> 2022-01-14 15:32:03 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1992527442 Pray for UIUC! kimmegan https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1992530087 One of my childhood friends from Chicago goes to UIUC and I wanted to pray for her and her campus! ]]> 2022-01-14 15:33:30 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1992530087 Gratitude! kimmegan https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1992553258

I'm thankful to be back at 206. It's been really nice as we've been encouraging and pushing one another to look for internships/jobs and work hard for the winter challenge, especially with Esther!

Since coming back to 206, I've been doing a lot of cooking! I'm really thankful for the free time that I have to love and serve my housemates in this way before the busyness of school picks up.

Yesterday, I took Miriam, Kim and Che to Plato's closet and the mall. Even though I don't really like shopping, it was fun to spend time with them and catch up with Che.

We got to have Che over for dinner last night and it was really fun catching up with her it felt like old times when she used to live with us.

Earlier this week, we had leftovers from dinner and Kimisha got back from work late and didn't have dinner. She got to come over and we got to share our leftovers with her. I'm thankful that we got to see her after a long 3 weeks away from campus and catch up with her.

I've been really blessed by reading How People Grow by Henry Cloud and John Townsend. There has been a lot of insight that I want to apply to my own spiritual growth as well as in helping my sister grow spiritually (more to come in the Book Worm post!)

Kim got to stay with us this past week while her classes were online. I'm thankful for the joy and laughter she always brings to 206!

My sister got to come to SWS last Sunday and she said in application to Pastor Manny's message that she wants to lean on the Philly staff more and open up to them more this coming quarter.

I'm thankful for the church community and that we still get to have social-distanced fellowship, service, and prayer meeting.

For the Kangs for getting us Portuguese egg tarts for our Joyland meeting on Tuesday! It was really yummy :)

]]> 2022-01-14 15:46:00 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1992553258 Shadow of the Almighty: The Life and Testament of Jim Elliot by Elisabeth Elliot kimmegan https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1992564496 There were so many to choose from, it was hard to choose! But these are 3 of my favorites :)

"Oh what a privilege to be made a minister of the things of the 'happy God.' I only hope that He will let me preach to those who have never heard that name Jesus. What else is worth while in this life? I have heard of nothing better. 'Lord, send me!'" - Jim Elliot at age 20

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose" - Jim Elliot at age 22

"Father take my life, yea, my blood if Thou wilt, and consume it with Thine enveloping fire. I would not save it for it is not mine to save. Have it Lord, have it all. Pour out my life as an obligation for the world. Blood is only of value as it flows before Thine altar" - Jim Elliot at age 26]]> 2022-01-14 15:52:21 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1992564496 2022 New Year Resolutions! estherpark0405 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1992574085 1. Read at least 10 books this year!
2. Keep a gratitude journal and list at least 2 "positive" things that I'm thankful for and 2 "negative" things that I'm grateful for (want to practice being grateful for everything, not just the good)
3. Pray for 20 minutes every Saturday before going to bed]]> 2022-01-14 15:57:43 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1992574085 The Hiding Place - Corrie ten Boom estherpark0405 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1992628154 "We didn't know of course, the political views of all these people. But - and here I felt a strange leaping of my heart - God did! My job was simply to follow His leading one step at a time, holding every decision up to Him in prayer." (p. 99)

"Didn't he and I stand together before an all-seeing God convicted of the same sin of murder? For I had murdered him with my heart and with my tongue." (p. 192)

"'Give thanks in all circumstances,'" she quoted. "It doesn't say, 'in pleasant circumstances.' Fleas are part of this place where God has put us." (p. 210)]]> 2022-01-14 16:26:04 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1992628154 George Mueller joannakang https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1992657833 I just finished a biography on George Mueller who is known for taking care of 10,000 orphans in England during the industrial revolutions. I'm so inspired by his reliance on God's word, prayer, and love for the children. He took care of the orphans into his late 80s...so inspiring! One amazing thing is that he never asked anyone for money for the orphanage but relied on prayer and moment by moment God provided. There's this crazy story where one morning there was no breakfast for the orphans and George Mueller prayed for the meal, "Thank you Lord for the breakfast you will provide." They all opened their eyes to empty plates but moments later a baker came and said he had an urge to bake bread for 300 orphans at 2am and delivered them. Then a milk man knocked on the door saying he broke his axel and needed to unload 10 large canisters of milk in order to fix it and he'd donate it to the orphanage for free! So all 300 orphans ate a good breakfast that morning. So awesome! ]]> 2022-01-14 16:42:51 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1992657833 Ten Things I'm Grateful For - Elise https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1992872908 1. My time. I've been making more effort to spend time with my family.
2. I'm thankful that my family has been healthy and taking proper precautions when they go outside.
3. I finished watching Squid Game with my mom while eating Pork Jerky (I recently bought from Costco & so addicting!).
4. My aunt wasn't feeling too well and at to go to the hospital due to her vertigo, but thankfully, she's been doing much better!
5. Salt! I was trying to eat bland food for a few days, and it was really difficult haha.
6. I haven't had the chance to sit down and read a lot. However, I've been reading the book of Luke and Psalm at time to time, which definitely have been good reminders of the goodness of God's words.
7. The weather. I'm really thankful that the temperature isn't too low for a winter season as well as not much snow came.
8. This week I cleaned and reorganized my old room, which took a lot off my mind.
9. I got to catch up with some of my friends!
10. I usually listen to music while rating breakfast. I decided to switch things up for this week and listen to podcasts. I'm thankful there are so many insights I can get out of from diverse podcasts. ]]> 2022-01-14 18:51:22 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1992872908 Hebrews 12:1-3 michael_kang https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1992894626 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.]]> 2022-01-14 19:05:19 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1992894626 2 Samuel 8 joannakang https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1992937895 v. 6 And the LORD gave victory to David wherever he went.
This phrase got repeated twice and it was a reminder for me that this is the source of a Christian's strength. The list David's victories is quite impressive and I'm tempted to attribute to David's awesomeness as a person. While there is such a thing as "my betters" this is not the end goal of a Christian. Competence alone is not enough to please God, and this is something I need to keep reminding myself because this world extols "super" men and women and rewards them with money, accolades, and recognition. However, a follower of God knows that even man's at his strength is in the end frail and flawed, esp as we're reminded of David's deep flaws in the next couple chapters. In the end what pleases God is someone who relies on God and fears him. ]]> 2022-01-14 19:36:07 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1992937895 10 Things - Joanna joannakang https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1992951763 1. Thankful everyone is healthy, even though some got covid the symptoms are mild (PTL for vaccines and boosters)
2. My dad fully recovered from his surgery and chemo and is eating normal again, and very joyful!
3. Got to see my nephew Emmet for the first time since he was a covid baby and got to bond with him.
4. Got my non-xian brother a book that is for seekers "When breath becomes air." Thankful for the author who was an atheist turned Christian/spiritual when his life was turned upsidedown with brain cancer. He writes very well and chronicles his spiritual journey. He was also a doctor, so it resonated with my bro who is an ER doctor. My brother liked it and started reading it when I was home.
5. Thankful for my time in CA bc I got to catch up with a lot of people I'm close to - all my old leaders, peers, older/younger ones. Thankful for my life that's filled with relationships.
6. Thankful for zoom school for my kids bc we get to spend more time together at home during the day.
7. Thankful for Brian who helped us shovel snow when the snow first hit.
8. Thankful to watch Jayden when Ann and Jerell are gone on a retreat bc I get to bond with him. Such a cutie!
9. Thankful that as a church we take care of each others kids like family.
10. Thankful for all the parents of young kids who still serve so faithfully even when they almost never get a full nights sleep! ]]> 2022-01-14 19:46:33 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1992951763 Psalm 147 katiewong516 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1992975300 For today’s DT, I mainly focused on v. 10-11. From these verses, it is evident that God is not pleased based on what we can do for Him, and this is because God doesn’t want workers, He wants genuine relationship. I think this is really notable because most gods are only interested in what you can offer them, but this is not the case with our God. When you realize that you have nothing to offer except from your broken and sinful self, v.11 gives you all the more reason to rejoice. I’m so thankful that God does expect me to be perfect, but that He “takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.” Although I don’t have much to offer, what I can do is wholeheartedly rely on God and find comfort knowing that this is pleasing to Him. My heart is filled with so much joy in knowing this and truly it is good to sing praises to God because He has been so good to me :)]]> 2022-01-14 20:05:50 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1992975300 1 Tim 5-6, 2 Tim 1-4, Titus 1-3, Heb 1-12 gracecheng https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993268241 1 Tim 5-6 the final instructions for the church and for Timothy.
2 Tim A. Paul's last letter talks about his suffering and how A. Paul views it and commissions Timothy to share in the suffering as a good soldier, to do his best to present himself to God as one approved, to flee youthful passions, even though in the last days it'll be hard. We must be different and must continue in what we've learned and to hold onto the Scriptures and be faithful in preaching the Word.
Titus A. Paul's second to last letter to Titus who is in Crete. He gives him instructions on how to designate elders in the church and establish the church there.
Heb The author expounds on how Jesus is above the angels and how He fulfills the Old Testament and is our great high priest. He talks about the idea of rest and how we must seek to enter God's rest. He points us to the Heroes of faith and how they died never receiving what was promised but they were looking towards heaven. And how we are to follow in their example.]]> 2022-01-15 04:09:22 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993268241 Gratitude-Cindy https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993289605 1. Winter break is almost over!

2. My sister got back to campus safely (even though she caught a ride to her apartment with a man she met on the bus at 2am!)

3. Everyone in my family is no longer sick (woohoo!)

4. There were some "warmer" days this week.

5. Had some good laughs with my parents when reminiscing about the past.

6. My mom was fine after her booster shot.

7. I could take my mother's place at the restaurant so she could spend time with her mother in person after not being able to for over 2 years.

8. A member of my home church reunited with our Father this past week after a long battle of health issues.

9. Having spent a lot of time with my family this break.

10. I am going back to campus!

]]> 2022-01-15 04:54:52 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993289605 10 Things I'm Grateful for estherpark0405 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993579945 1. thankful for Kim who helped me a lot with building my resume and editing my LinkedIn profile
2. thankful that I was able to do somewhat of internship searching with Megan throughout this week
3. even though my work schedule sometimes doesn't align well with others, I'm thankful that I still have my part-time jobs during this pandemic, and thankfully am able to pay for my expenses every month
4. thankful that we got to have prayer meetings in person this Wednesday
5. thankful that my brother has been coming to bible studies and Sunday service
6. thankful for Gift who wanted to go with me when I went to get my booster shot. Afterwards we got lunch at IHOP and got to catch up with one another!
7. thankful that me and my family are all boosted now
8. thankful for the arts and crafts night we did at 206! we were able to just chat with one another and also learned what each of us were like in high school!
9. even though we wanted to meet in person, because of the rise of cases, I tried to teach Eva crocheting tips over FaceTime. So thankful that we have the technology to do so!
10. thankful for time! i actually had a lot of time to just read and i'm thankful that i got to finish a book before the break ends!]]> 2022-01-15 14:57:33 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993579945 Cliffe Knechtle https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993664865 Some of you guys may not know who Cliffe Knechtle is, but he is a pastor from Connecticut who goes around to different colleges in the US holding apologetic forums with college students. He actually came to our church one year when I was an undergrad, and thought I wasn’t a Christian at the time, I thought his arguments for Christianity were insightful! I highly recommend watching his debate videos as a lot of his videos have questions that college students bring up.

In this video, he covers the reliability of the Bible, free will, morality and the concept of faith. One point that stood out to me was how he covered the reliability of the New Testament manuscripts. He not only explains how the short time gap and thousands of copies of the Greek manuscripts make the NT reliable, but also how these books of the Bible were rigorously tested to make sure they were accurate accounts of Jesus. The Church at the time checked these books to make sure they were (1) written by an Apostle/disciple of Jesus (2) not contradictory to the OT and (3) used by the churches in the Mediterranean from Rome to Alexandria. Less credible books were dismissed because they failed to meet the criteria. I thought his arguments were helpful because I have definitely encountered these questions before and it’s helpful to hear how clear and insightful his answers are! - Ben]]> 2022-01-15 17:11:09 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993664865 2022 Resolutions https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993672942 1. Read the NT after DT for 10 min. a day
2. Find a new job

Ben]]> 2022-01-15 17:24:43 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993672942 Romans 10:14-15 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993675136 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!]]> 2022-01-15 17:28:51 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993675136 Sorry I accidentally deleted my original one by dragging it out :( aurorasun https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993735035 Here they are again:
1. Keep a gratitude journal
2. Keep a prayer journal
3. Exercise 3x/week
4. Memorize Philippians]]> 2022-01-15 19:16:56 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993735035 Gladys Aylward: The Little Woman aurorasun https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993737088

"To realize that millions of Chinese had never heard of Jesus Christ was to me a staggering thought, and I felt that sorely we ought to do something about it."

"As if someone was in the room, a voice said clearly, 'Gladys Aylward, is Nehemiah's God your God?'
'Yes, of course!' I replied.
'Then do what Nehemiah did, and go.'
'But I am not Nehemiah.'
'No, but assuredly, I am his God.'
That settled everything..."

"Tell us about the God who loves."

]]> 2022-01-15 19:20:47 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993737088 10 Things I'm Thankful For evatang72 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993765544 1. I am thankful that my family is safe and that I got to spend a lot of time with my family this break.
2. Thankful that all my friends who caught covid were able to recover
3. Thankful for DT
4. Thankful for my dad's church friend to take time out of his day to help me out with my future plans and tips
5. Thankful I got to visit one high school best friend's this week for an early birthday visit!
6. Thankful for technology and zoom!
I was able to help my mom's friend out by zooming with them and hanging out with them despite online school.
7. Thankful for the facetime call me and Esther had the other day and for giving me tips on crocheting! As well as the time to chat and catch up!
8. Thankful that my dog is healthy! He had his vet checkup this week.
9. Thankful that my back is almost fully healed after slipping down the stairs about a week ago.
10. And lastly thankful for this Winter Challenge and the time I got to spend with some of my team members this week on Zoom!]]> 2022-01-15 20:20:21 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993765544 Art of Convo: Managing Conflict aurorasun https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993798042 Did this for Princeton's Wintersession]]> 2022-01-15 21:38:07 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993798042 Ben’s Thankful Things https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993801405 1) Thankful that Lancaster hosted James, Ethan and Rey over dinner on Sunday and that we could play THE MIND afterwards.
2) Thankful that I could bond with JB and David over Harry Potter game.
3) Thankful to read Henri Nouwen’s The Wounded Healer (one of my favorite books) this past week.
4) Thankful to have prayer meeting this past Wednesday
5) Thankful to see my NYC peers on Thursday!
6) Thankful that my interviews have been going well this past week.
7) Thankful that we got to clean the house this week.
8) Thankful for last night’s Bible Study and the fast food fellowship/King Kong shower time.
9) Thankful to get lunch with Bernice yesterday.
10) Thankful to get lunch with the Youth team today.]]> 2022-01-15 21:46:52 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993801405 Romans 1-10 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993815398 Ch. 1 - Just as Paul feels obligated to share the Gospel, I too do not need to be ashamed to share the Gospel.
Ch. 2 - God’s kindness and patience towards us and our sins are meant to lead us to repentance.
Ch. 3 - All of us have sinned, but are justified by God’s grace.
Ch. 4 - Abraham believed and it was counted to him as righteousness. Likewise, if we believe in Jesus, we receive his righteousness by faith alone.
Ch. 5 - The amazing truth that though we were once God’s enemies, Christ died for us.
Ch. 6 - We’re no longer slaves to sin but now slaves to His righteousness.
Ch. 7 - We do not do the good that we want to do but the evil that we hate. But Jesus has saved us from this predicament!
Ch. 8 - We have been adopted as sons and heirs through the Gospel, and therefore God is now our Father.
Ch. 9 - Has the potter have no right over the clay? God has every right to our lives as our Creator.
Ch. 10 - People cannot believe in the Gospel unless we are out there preaching the Gospel!]]> 2022-01-15 22:23:19 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993815398 10 Things katiewong516 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993871085 1) Thankful for the ways that I've been able to spend time + serve my family during break.
2) Thankful that my family tested negative for Covid!
3) Thankful that I've been able to learn Figma during my free time.
4) Thankful for rest - finally getting more than 4-6 hours of sleep!
5) Thankful for community and all the ways that I've been able to stay in touch with people over break.
6) Thankful that I got the chance to work on my portfolio.
7) Thankful that despite major changes with my Dad's job, we're still financially stable (trusting in God's provisions!)
8) Thankful that I get to help with Area Youth Ministry planning!
9) Thankful for timely DT passages and books like Living Faith.
10) Thankful for good food while I'm still home :)

]]> 2022-01-16 01:22:47 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993871085 Living Faith - Dr. Helen Roseveare katiewong516 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993875196 “Faith is not dependent on God’s visible acts, but on the disputable fact of His relationship to us” (p. 85)

“If I will allow God all rights to my life, to stir me until He sees I am ready to be applied, I can trust God then, in His perfect timing, to know where He wants to apply me” (p. 90)

]]> 2022-01-16 01:34:14 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993875196 Living Faith - Dr. Helen Roseveare katiewong516 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993875398 I just finished reading Living Faith by Dr. Helen Roseveare, who was a Christian missionary and doctor who served in the Congo for over 20 years. In this book, Dr. Roseveare recounts the many instances in her life when she experienced God stirring her faith, especially during her time in the Congo. She frames her story based on a hymn that repeats the phrase “Stir me, oh! stir me Lord…” and she focuses on being stirred to give, stirred to go, and stirred to pray.

I was really challenged by Dr. Helen Roseveare’s willingness to give her all to God, even if it meant leaving a comfortable life in England and moving to the middle of the jungle with minimal access to medical supplies, let alone daily necessities. In the beginning of chapter two, she provides a parable about how God guides us and afterwards writes that “All He demands is step-by-step obedience to the next stage as He shows it, without waiting to see a long way ahead” (p. 88). Throughout this book, I was really struck by her unwavering faith and full submission to God’s guidance, even if she didn’t have everything clearly planned out for her. Often times, her team did not have enough supplies in store and had to fully trust that God would sustain them day-by-day. For myself, I like to be fully prepared and have a clear path before starting anything, but this comes from a place of pride and me wanting to be in control of my situation. Through Dr. Helen Roseveare’s story, I’m definitely challenged to ask God to stir me and to give me the courage to say “yes” to Him, even when I don’t have the full picture.

I really enjoyed this read, so I would recommend this book to anyone looking to be stirred by God. Dr. Helen Roseveare is a true story teller and it’s amazing to see how God really provided for her in each and every situation. Super encouraged after reading this book :)

]]> 2022-01-16 01:34:55 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993875398 Testimonial Bible Study xunkaichen https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993882954 Created a testimonial bible study! (sorry might have access issue cuz I created this using my gpmail)]]> 2022-01-16 01:57:36 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993882954 Psalm 121 - My Help Comes from the Lord katiewong516 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993884817 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1URJXs26-Rd7sY71_E0NtuSATXoltDk0t/view?usp=sharing]]> 2022-01-16 02:03:22 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993884817 The Wounded Healer - Henri Nouwen https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993904961 Henri Nouwen is one of my favorite authors of all time, and in this book, he provides his insight on contemporary society and how we Christian ministers should respond to our current generation. This book came out in the late 70s, but Henri Nouwen's description of contemporary society is incredibly spot on to this generation! He describes our society as a suffering generation - dislocated from a sense of history, hopeless about tomorrow, living without a personal connection to others. He calls Christians to see our generation as a suffering generation and to be a compassionate guide that helps people navigate to Jesus. Just as Jesus was wounded by the people he loved and was our wounded healer, so we too are called to heal this world knowing we have been healed from our wounds.
This book corrects my framework on how to approach ministry - we can get so focused on doing the work that we forget how desperately the world needs the Gospel. There were definitely a lot of parts in the book that I resonated with, especially with the way he described our contemporary society, and how important it is to reach out to the people we meet with compassion and hope found in the Gospel!

10/10 stars. Go get a copy!
-Ben]]> 2022-01-16 02:56:52 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993904961 Shadow of the Almighty: The Life and Testament of Jim Elliot by Elisabeth Elliot kimmegan https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993927460 Shadow of the Almighty is a biography of Jim Elliot written by his wife, Elisabeth Elliot. It contains many excerpts from his journals to get a sense of Jim's heart throughout his spiritual journey. I was really amazed by Jim Elliot for the following reasons:

He had a passionate desire to serve God on the mission field starting at such a young age (in college!), even preparing physically to one day to mission work. His heart was always set on reaching the unreached and always had a heart for international ministry.
Even though he seemed to already be walking righteously with God, he still had a humble heart that was receptive to feedback when he was directly addressed by scripture.
His patient waiting for God's sign for the direction of his calling and even marriage.
In everything, he turned to God's word and prayer, trusting God's will more than man. In this way, he really reminds me of David.
Even during the waiting period of his life before he entered international mission work and when he felt far from God as he preached in the US, God used him to bear fruit and answered prayers in unexpected ways. Even though he didn't get to see these fruits in his lifetime, he trusted that his labor was not in vain.
His unmovable focus on God's will and willingness to die to himself to do it. And this mentality was one he carried all the way up to his death.
His reliance on God for everything, trusting God in his weakness.

I definitely recommend this book because Jim's life is so inspiring and challenging. Being a college student right now, I felt really challenged that college was where Jim's heart for mission work, especially in South America, developed and grew. Throughout his life, he trusted in God's leading and didn't let anyone else - not even his family or the prospect of marriage - get in the way of him being able to pursue God's will for his life. And in the end, he died at the hands of the people for whom he had been praying for 6 years. He was wholly surrendered to God all the way up to his death and I was really challenged by that.

]]> 2022-01-16 03:55:11 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993927460 New Year Resolution! https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993931012 Finish a book in Arabic, start speaking it. Work out 4-5 times a week (weight lifting). Volunteer

-Joshua G]]> 2022-01-16 04:05:03 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993931012 Psalm 1-41 joannakang https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993934006 1. To be blessed has a lot to do with what I "do not do" than what I do.
2. v. 12 is the verse that nicodemus used with Jesus in Chosen!
3. David wrote this when he was on the run from his own son, amazing how he's able to connect with God even in the most difficult of times.
4. "Be angry, and do not sin" - the Bible is so real. God knows we will get angry but we need to control the way we respond.
5. David cried out to God even when "groaning" and longed to hear from God.
6. I think David was depressed in this period of his life "every night flooding his bed with tears" but was hopeful for a day when all would be well.
8. Famous psalm about looking at the heavens and seeing God's work.
16. Love this psalm about praising God for the boundary lines, iow the place God put you and being content.
19. The law of the Lord is perfect. The psalmist praises God for his word in memorable ways, "sweeter also than honey."
22. Psalm that Jesus quoted on the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me."
23. Beloved hymn of God as our shepherd.
27. The epitome of worship, "One thing have i asked of the Lord...that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life."
30. "Weeping may tarry for the night but joy comes in the morning." There's always hope for the morning with God!
32. Famous psalm about the importance of confession.
37. This psalm repeats the exhortation to "fret not" multiple times. God knows we are fretful and anxious creatures, but urges us to trust him.
40. Amazing description of salvation "He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock...He put a new song in my mouth." ]]> 2022-01-16 04:12:32 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993934006 1 Peter 1-5 joannakang https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993934808 1. Amazing description of what we received in the gospel "an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading."
2. I like the description of our new identity as a people of God, "chosen race, and royal priesthood, a holy nation."
3. Reminder that beauty must be internal.
4. Call to suffer
5. I love this passage of Jesus as my Chief Shepherd, and that I get to follow him as an "under" shepherd. ]]> 2022-01-16 04:15:00 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993934808 1 John 1-5 joannakang https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993936167 1. Great summary of salvation, "if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
2. Reminder that as a Christian I cannot love the world.
3. This is spiritual physics - if we don't love we choose death.
4. v. 4"...for he who is in your is greater than he who is in the world." What an amazing and comforting promise!
5. v. 3 The way we love God is through keeping his commandments. ]]> 2022-01-16 04:18:14 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993936167 10 Things joannakang https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993940325 1. I'm thankful to be back in NJ and everyone is relatively healthy!
2. Thankful that I went with the older sisters on a prayer retreat and read a lot of bible and prayed!
3. Thankful that one of my friend's non-xian dad recently became Christian through my friends' persistence in sharing the gospel and showing care and love.
4. That I got to go to my peer Katilyn's farewell. She recently moved to Purdue with her family to serve the church there. God has been so faithful to her.
5. That I got to see my nephew for the 1st time bc he was a covid baby. So cute, he's 2 already!
6. That my brother liked the book I got him "When breathe becomes air." It's a really good book to give to non-xians bc it's about a doctor who got brain cancer who went on a spiritual quest and found God.
7. That my kids are in zoom school because we get to spend more time together in the day time.
8. Thankful for this challenge as so many people were productive over the break. PTL!
9. Thankful for heaters and my home...it's so cold outside!
10. Thankful for all the staff who went on a retreat this weekend and get to reconnect with others in the EC and hear God's word. ]]> 2022-01-16 04:28:57 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993940325 John 15:5 joannakang https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993940954 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.]]> 2022-01-16 04:30:51 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993940954 10 Things - Gift https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993943353 1. I’m grateful for my parents. They poured out themselves for God and our family. So thankful to have their examples of love.

2. I’m grateful for life!

3. I’m grateful for great health.

4. I’m grateful for my peers. They celebrate the big and little things in my life. I’m grateful for our friendship that goes beyond just being friends but sisters in Christ.

5. I’m grateful for the church community. I’m in awe of God’s faithfulness and love I have experienced through my leaders and the church.

6. I’m grateful for the my relationships, this week I am reminded that they’re so precious.

7. I am grateful for the winter challenge. It helped me to keep both spiritually and physically fit.

8. I’m grateful for my tile (used to track lost items). This week I often misplaced/lost my belongings.

9. I’m grateful for warm clothes and the extra blankets we have at 206. Tried washing my comforter but the dryer broke, ahh thank God for warm blankets.

10. I’m grateful for Kim. She made me some nice over night oats!

]]> 2022-01-16 04:37:34 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993943353 Solitude Goals michael_kang https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993944859 30 min morning prayer, 9-9:30am on weekdays

Sleeping by 11:30pm to be fresh for DT

Limit reading news to 5 min/day --> replace with reading Bible/books]]> 2022-01-16 04:41:42 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993944859 2022 New Years Resolution- Gift https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993945160 1. Spend more time reading God’s word. (1 chapter a day)
2. Can’t eat past 11pm.]]> 2022-01-16 04:42:37 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993945160 The Hiding Place - Corrie ten Boom estherpark0405 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993947713 This autobiography begins with the childhood of Corrie ten Boom and her life with her large family at their home called the Beje in early 20th century Holland. Growing up, Bible readings and prayer times were essential in her and her family's day-to-day life. The family was very warm and loving to their community, and their love evolved into turning their home into a temporary place of refuge for Jewish people who were in danger of being taken away when Germany began to advance and occupy its neighboring countries. Corrie and her family made many sacrifices as they took in and cared for many. Eventually they were arrested and taken to concentration camps. For the rest of the book, Corrie describes her times at various ones in the country and in Germany and her stories of being faithful to God and grateful in her circumstances are inspiring and amazing. As you read through the book you will definitely witness how God was using her and providing for her even when things seemed so bleak.
It was also amazing to read about how her sister Betsie reacted to her situation. She remained so faithful to Jesus and saw every opportunity, even in her cell, even in a flea-infested, diseased bunk at the concentration camps, as opportunities to share about the gospel. She was also very grateful for everything and was able to see things differently even when the situation was clearly unpleasant. Betsie's character really struck me and made me realize how I only feel grateful when things are going the right way for me and when circumstances are beneficial for me. Corrie's heart also struck me because she was able to see how she and her enemy (a Nazi soldier who was involved in her and her family's arrest) were the same sinners. She asked God to give her the strength to forgive him, which for me would be so hard to do. Another thing that struck me was how Corrie lifted everything up to God in prayer. Whether she was happy or in distress or feeling weak, Corrie lifted up a prayer to God and this is a pattern I noticed throughout the book. It inspired me to develop a similar habit and to really connect with God through prayer.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone, Christian or not. It was definitely a book that I couldn't put down because I really wanted to know what would happen next. I personally don't like reading biographies but this made me want to read more. I hope everyone can read this book!

]]> 2022-01-16 04:49:56 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993947713 Gratitude michael_kang https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993947786 1. Our church being able to gather together again w/ testing, incl. eating together.

2. Almost everyone is now recovered from COVID!

3. Time spent with P. Manny & Sunny in meetings and hanging out together this past week when they visited. Thankful for spiritual mentors who help us in ministry and in our personal/spiritual lives.

4. A warm place to live 🏡 during a cold winter 🥶

5. Access to free COVID testing.

6. Lunch with the bros on Saturday. We got to enjoy some burgers & fries and hang out!

7. Wisdom from God's Word 📖, leading me through each day and multiplied when I get to hear sharing from others.

8. Sunny mornings + coffee + DT w/ the bros

9. COVID cases falling... Omicron peak over?

10. Telecommuting @ Orris & opportunities to hang out together throughout the day.

11. Thankful for everyone participating in this winter ❄️ challenge! 🙌]]> 2022-01-16 04:50:07 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993947786 Miriam https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993949526 1. Today's my mom's bday and I reflected on the ways my mom has helped shape my character and values so very thankful for her!
2. I'm thankful that Megan was willing to drive me to my mom in bergen county
3. I'm thankful for the alarm clock Megan gave me for Christmas, it wakes me up :)
4. Thankful for being able to come back to 206 and spend each day with someone :)
5. Thankful that I did not test positive for COVID last week and this week
6. Thankful for the family we were able to have at 206 - doing arts and crafts
7. I got my booster!
8. Good food! Learned how to make seaweed soup from my mom
9. Thankful for technology - was able to facetime others during the break
10. Thankful that our dryer was able to be fixed today! Thank you repair man!]]> 2022-01-16 04:54:44 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993949526 Miriam https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993950407 My Testimony!
Ever since I can remember, I went to church every Sunday, so I’ve always believed that God was real. I made the personal decision to follow Jesus and became a Christian around middle school, but saw God as someone distant- someone I could just give my attention to on Sundays and retreats. Because of this, I focused most of my time on other things like friends, family, sports, and my social life. I thought pursuing those things would make me happy, but it just led me to be emotionally exhausted, disappointed, and really lonely.

During the 2019 Winter Retreat, we learned about the Samaritan woman. She filled her life with superficial things just like how I did. But she learned that God can provide true living water that will fill her lonely and broken life. It says in John 4:13-14: Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” This really spoke to me, even though I’ve heard about this passage many times before. The sermon concluded that Jesus indeed delivers from false worship. And I acknowledged that God is the only one who could fulfill my needs. And during that retreat, I learned that I had to be honest about my sins and I repented of the ways that I ignored God and decided to recommit my life to Him and whole-heartedly try to give up these things that were controlling my life.

So after the retreat, I took Course 101, and my understanding of letting God control my life deepened. I saw that a lot of the times I want to do things my way and not let anyone control me, but the Bible doesn’t give the option of receiving Jesus as savior only and not Lord. I learned that it only makes sense that I obey Jesus as my Lord too in every part of my life - not when it’s just convenient or when I need something. If I declare that Jesus has saved me - then I can no longer live for myself anymore. After all, God is my creator, and therefore, my life belongs to Him. And to make Him lord means that every part of my life is surrendered. When I learned this, I became convicted and made God my lord.

I also learned that God was not someone who was distant but longed to have a personal relationship with me. And then I learned what sin really is and means. It is a rejection of God. I learned how heavily my sins are weighed and how God is affected by it. Even though God forgives my sins, that doesn’t mean they don’t affect Him in any way. Sin is primarily against God and is the rejection of Him. To forgive those sins is like trying to swallow poison and the act of genuine forgiveness is costly. It painfully hurts Him and I can’t even make up for it. And if the consequence of sin is eternal death and the only way to forgive my sins is through the exchange of Jesus’ life for mine, then my sins must be serious. The cross represents the weight of our sins but also how willing God was to forgive them. I was shocked to see the extent to how I could hurt God and other people around me. And then I was even more shocked by the depth of God’s love, that even though it’s so painful to bear my sins and I keep rejecting Him - He still went so far and is willing to forgive me and lay down his life for mine. To me, the cross represents that I am known and beloved in this eternal relationship and that I am no longer bound by my sins, but now saved.

I am so grateful that God has led my life to this point, even when I ignored Him.

As I get to know more about God and his heart for me, my convictions continue to grow. Even though I am broken, I am fully known and loved by God and I have trust in Him that he considers me as his precious daughter. I am forgiven and saved from eternal death and I no longer strive to live for myself only.

]]> 2022-01-16 04:57:18 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993950407 Pslam 121 https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993950906 https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-AlFQ6V61yPfB1lVJ8pNvCzOTVhoqsSy]]> 2022-01-16 04:58:50 UTC https://padlet.com/xunkaichen/njklesiswc/wish/1993950906