Observations: in the Old Testament, God spoke through prophets and in the New Testament, God spoke through Jesus. “The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.”(verse 3) The angels will worship Jesus and “Regarding the angels, he says, “He sends his angels like the winds, his servants like flames of fire.” But to the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. You rule with a scepter of justice.”(verses 7-8) angels are only servants 

Application: So when I think of Jesus, I thought of him as a separate person but he is actually part of God. God said that he reflects the image of himself and sustains everything. And since Jesus can sustain everything, we have to depend on Him and rely on him. God never treated the angels the same as Jesus because he is so much more powerful and mighty. As we live in this world, we have to live like Jesus and honor Christ through everything we do. 

Prayer: Thank you God for what you have done for us, sending your son down to this sinful earth to die four our sins. You are so so kind and merciful, help us to live for your glory and to imitate what you do for others. You sacrificed so much when we didn’t deserve anything. Thank you for just being there for me and encouraging me every step of the way. Help us to seek you and continue to work in our hearts.

Hebrews 2

Observations: “Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.”(verse 1) We can’t escape the salvation that Jesus brought to us. “Yet for a little while you made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. You gave them authority over all things.” Now when it says “all things,” it means nothing is left out. But we have not yet seen all things put under their authority.”(verses 7-8) We don’t see all things put under him but we see Jesus who sacrificed for our sins, which got “crowned with glory and honor. Jesus came down as a man to die for us because that was the only way to destroy the power of death. Jesus went through suffering, he is able to help us when we are being tempted. 

Application: This talked about what Jesus went through as a man on this earth. Jesus went through horrible situations and also temptations that humans have as well. I think this is really taking me think about how a God could come down to this earth to be a man and sacrifice himself. If I had to go through that, I would’ve backed down from the beginning. But Jesus overcame ALL the temptations and showed to us what fulfilling God’s will is. Like I learned today, its very important to obey and do good things, but what’s more important is how I’m going to praise God in my daily life. I got the chance to speak to my friend and we got to catch up and talk about His GREATNESS. Talking about what I experienced  helped her to understand and view Christianity in a different way. God is so so Good. 

Prayer:  Thank you Lord for just giving me another day to breathe and to be healthy. You always give me so many things, and I want to continuously praise you. Help me to keep my promise I made with you and just build this relationship through you. Until the end, I want to honor your name. 

Observations: “Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God’s house.”(verses 1-2) God is the creator of everything. If we are in God’s house we can have confidence. We must not stray from God even though there will be rebellion and temptations. We also must not harden our hearts but hold strong  in God. Those who listened but still rebelled fell into the wilderness. And that happened because they didn’t fully put their trust in God. 

Application: As a Christian I think I get side tracked and miss what the purpose of living is. It is to live for God and to do what he has planned. In verse 14 it said “You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God.” I sometimes get deep into what the world has to say to me and that makes me miss out on what the Holy Spirit and Christ has to say to me. What a true Christian has to do is endure through the end even through there will be ideas, people, objects, poking through your head. I say I will do all these things for God and when it becomes the next day, I completely forget and just break the promise. And I know that’s not what God wants so, I have been praying and asking to help me to keep it with Him. And just like how faithful Moses was to God and like how Jesus was too, I have to remember what God did for us and the encouragement that he gives us. 

Prayer: thank you for another time with you. I know I get distracted a lot, please help me to hold tight into you and just help me examine myself to see you and know you. You are continuously working in us, thank you for all that you do. 

Observations: 'For only we who believe can enter his rest. As for the others, God said, “In my anger I took an oath: ‘They will never enter my place of rest,’” even though this rest has been ready since he made the world.” (Verse 3) God’s rest was already there in the beginning but the people who didn’t obey God didn’t get to enter. And when you get the chance and hear the  voice, don’t harden your hearts but follow and obey. Word of God is very powerful. 'This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. (Verse 16).

Application: In verse 1 it says that we are afraid that we might not be able to experience his rest and sometimes I feel that. I wonder if what I’m doing is right or if I’m just doing it without a purpose. And to figure that out, I think I just need to constantly hold tight and build my relationships through the doubts because God always find a way to just let me know that he is there,  guiding me with the Holy Spirit. And it says in the Bible that the word of God is alive and powerful, so I believe that studying this great tool is going to help me continue to learn and grow from that. God planned rest for us but if we disobey, we won’t be able to enter it.  This encourages me to actively prepare and just endure through obstacles that will come my way. 

Prayer: Thank you for another great day. Help me to focus on you and your powerful words, help me be active in praising you and obeying what you command. I pray for my friends who don’t know/ didn’t get to experience you. Help me to have a gentle conversation with them about you, God it is your plan. “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Help me to have a soft heart and remember what you have done and are doing for us.

Observations: Priests are people called by God and they represent the people, presenting sacrifices. Like the priests, Jesus was chosen by God to be honored. “While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God.” (Verse 7) Like how we learn through our mistakes, Jesus used his sufferings to obey and teach others. We are still very young and have much to learn and it’s going to take time to fully understand everything. 

Application: Even if Jesus has much power, he still humbled himself and went through things that humans would go through and he prayed and cried out to his father. This shows that even with all these obstacles we experience, we have to stay patience and obey God. “In this way, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest, and he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him.” (Verse 9) we will gain eternal salvation! Jesus is our only way to reconnect with God and If we don’t listen and follow through with what he says we will stay here where destruction, fighting, and war will be.  When I look back in life, I don’t think I experienced that much of a struggle (thankfully) and I’m really blessed to be born into a family that helped me grow into a person  that I am right now. I still have a lot to learn and I want to continue to better myself through Christ and also just humble myself like Jesus.

Prayer: Thank you for sending your son to this earth to die for our sins. Help me to be more like you and help me take action to show. I know the world is not really peaceful right now, so I pray that this situation will be safely taken care of, by you. Please help the people stay safe.

Observations: “This Melchizedek was king of the city of Salem and also a priest of God Most High. Abraham was blessed by him and gave back tenth of what he had. Even though Melchizedek didn’t have any parents, he resembled the Son of God. “And without question, the person who has the power to give a blessing is greater than the one who is blessed.” His priesthood is higher than Abraham and all his descendants. Jesus is from the tribe of Judah but he qualifies as the eternal high priest . “who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life.” (Verse 16) Only Jesus’ work on the cross could bring people to perfection. “For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.”(verse 28)

Application: This chapter showed again how superior Jesus is and also how Jesus is the eternal priest. Nothing lasts forever but Jesus does. 'Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.' (Verse 25) With Jesus being so different from any other priests (holy, blameless, FAR from sin, perfect), we are able to go back to God. This is why it is so important to be like Jesus not because of the power but for love, compassion, grace and mercy. Us as sinners, we are so weak and sinful but if we drive to be like Jesus, I think God will be happy. God planned his son to be sacrificed so that we could get back to Him and with this much love shown to us, we need to seriously give back. It’s never going to be enough for God and the only way is to show that we love and praise God in our actions daily. 

Prayer: Thank you God for just sending your son to this earth to die for our sins. Thank you for showing so much love for us even though we didn’t deserve it at all. Help me to be more like you and serve one another showing love, kindness and passion for Christ. I know I haven’t really been active, help me to change and seek you constantly. It is really heartbreaking to see that this society is going through this struggle and I know that you have a plan. Please help the officers, authorities, civilians take peace in their hearts and just pour out kindness. You are the ultimate promise keeper and you’ve already gave us so much, thank you.

Observations: The older way of worshiping was far more complicated than right now.   Describes the Old Testament tabernacle, furnishings, and the worship practices. Where there was a Golden alter  it was most Holy place. Priests go in, performing rituals, etc. Changes needed to happen and God created a new covenant. 'This is an illustration pointing to the present time. For the gifts and sacrifices that the priests offer are not able to cleanse the consciences of the people who bring them. With his own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever.’(verse 12) Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. ' Jesus is the mediator and without him, we wouldn’t even have had the chance of seeing eternal inheritance. Purification of the place of worship. Jesus’ sacrifice was so great because his sacrifice was enough for everybody. His sacrifice was the end of the ages. Jesus will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.

Application: I feel like if we still had the old way of worshipping God, nobody would participate or even try to worship —> too complicated. ( If we had the old way, Jesus wouldn’t have died on the cross for us= continuous sacrificing of animals and not knowing if we were completely saved. But now Jesus who is God sacrificed for us and what we have to do is truly believe and trust in Him. God made it so easy for us to get back with him. We just have to ask God for forgiveness genuinely. For me I have to focus on holding tight on God’s word and just be really attentive to my actions and also be ready whenever fro when Jesus comes back. Right now we could be occupied with all these protests and movements going on, having a strong relationship and building through this time period will really help.  Christ died for all of us, and all we can do to give back is to glorify his name. I will constantly pray for the people around me and show love through by just checking on them and also showing them what You have done for me. I want to focus on humbling myself like Jesus did and being supportive, caring, and loving to this society. 

Prayer: Thank you so much for another day where I can breathe. You have done so much for us and I want to give back. Help me to humble myself. Help me to serve you actively  and to love you. Protect those who are outside using their voices and I pray for the authorities to make right choices. There is so much going on, place peace in people’s hearts. Thank you for everything, Amen.

observations: there used to be a whole different way of worshipping God. it was much more strict, and much more harder than now. the way we praise God now is because Christ had become the High Priest. with his own blood- not the blood of goats and calves- he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever. (verse 12) Jesus entered into this holy place because he literally died for us. he died to set us free from the sins we had committed under the first covenant. because Christ died for us, we are free. 
applications: the last verse really affected me. it tells us that Christ will come again to being salvation to all those who are eagerly waiting for him. the first time Christ came, he came because of our sins, and his next time that he comes, he’s coming to bring salvation to those who are waiting and have faith in God. this made me so happy and thankful. even though we have been such sinful and horrible people, God still decided to keep his promise and send his son to die for us. not only that, but he’s going to send his son again but to bring salvation to those who were waiting for Christ to come again. the fact that God continues to give us these amazing chances in our lives is really amazing to me.
prayer: God, thank you truly. thank you for sending down your son to make us free. please help us right now. we really need you right now. give us wisdom and guidance through these hard times, and let our hearts be respectful and kind to others. let us LOVE our neighbors. Amen.

Observations: Faith is what assures us for the things that we can’t see. And with faith we know that God created everything. “And without faith, it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” (verse 6). God shows through many times in the Old Testament where faith has led the people through thick and thin. Moses thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward. It was by faith that the people defeated those who disobeyed and opposed God. By having faith the people received what God has promised them. 

Application: Faith is so important and it is what will get us through hard times. And the stronger you get I think it will really help you. Couple years ago, I really thought that I had a really strong relationship and faith with God but it turns our I was just thinking that because the people around me claimed. Right now I am still building my relationship and God really shows me through other people that he works through all the things that seem impossible. Faith is the ground of our life and our journey. It is what we need to overcome the distractions and things that try to break the relationship between God and us. 

Prayer: Thank you God for creating us and letting us know that you are here. Help us to maintain our faith in you and just grow stronger in you Lord. Help us to be uncomfortable with sin and just remember that you are here, guiding us. Help me to just focus on you Lord. 

observations: we have to let go of all the weight that’s holding us down, especially the sin that messes us up. we do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. (verse 2) Jesus went through so much just so our sins could be saved. don’t give up when God corrects us, for he’s doing it for our sake, like how a father would discipline us so we can become a better person. work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life. for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. (verse 14) we should always be careful that we aren’t refusing to listen to God when he is speaking to us. we should be thankful and please God by worshipping him with holy fear and awe. 

applications. i think the comparison between God and my father spoke to me a lot. i’ve always wondered, and had been questioning at this point, why does God choose to make some of us suffer? and after reading today’s chapter i realized that it is God disciplining us, so we can become better people. it just made me feel so much better, because for quite a while i also hated God at times, because i was confused of why he was so punishable to others, and now i can understand a bit more.
prayers: God, thank you for letting me understand you a bit more. please help us to really love each other, and to be kind like you are. let us be able to find a vaccine soon so we can gather together to worship you. Amen.

Observations: Jesus is the perfect founder of our faith. He endured the pain, suffering, and shame on the cross for us knowing that there was going to be a reward in the future. 'For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”' (Verse 6) Since we submit to our early fathers, we should submit way more to the father above who created us. Discipline from God is not enjoyable but painful. But after you experience that moment, it yields peace and fruitful righteousness. Stay on track with God! Be peaceful with your neighbors and people around you. We must not run from God but listen to him and do he things that he commands us to do. 

Application: When we are going through struggles or obstacles, God is probably using those times to build you up and make you stronger. We have to endure through the process and fix our eyes on God. I want to ask God for the encouragement  to finish this race. And since there is freedom at the end of this journey given to us by God, this encourages me very much and makes me want to try even harder. I have to remind myself that God is going to let us scramble   and learn through faith that he is disciplining us and making sure we fight through it. 

Prayer: Thank you for letting us be your children. Thank you for giving us so much love and helping us understand your intentions and what you want us to do. Help us in our daily lives to not forget what Jesus had to go through and that nothing is impossible for us as long as we put our faith you Lord. ’Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.'

Jonah’s prayer

Jonah 2:1-10

Last chapter Jonah disobeyed God and ran away far from where he wanted him to go. 

Similarities between Jonah and us: 

It was God who came to Jonah. Jonah was busy running away from Him. But as soon as he was at his low point, he started seeking him and praying. 

-God intentionally brings us down to our LOWEST so that we may seek him. 

God sends discomfort, tragedy, and hardship to restore, build our lives and bringing us closer to Him. Because nothing is better than Jesus. 

Observations: Trials from God is to strengthen our faith. We have to take ground and have confidence in Him. ' Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. ‘(Verse 12) God tests people but never tempts anyone. When people are tempted, it is because of their own desires. Be slow to anger, people of God does not produce anger. Don’t be haters, put away all the filthiness. Don’t just  say and hear, but be doers of the word. 

Application:I think through these times at home, what i think I struggle with most is to just motivate myself and stay on top of things. There isn’t that much pushing from my parents or going to school and being taught by teachers. I know it’s completely my fault for slacking off, I need to actually follow a set schedule daily. And through these times at home, I think it’s a period where we have to seek God the most and constantly study, build, and practice the word. He is waiting for us at the end of the race and all we have to do is focus on him and make him the center of everything. He is so graceful and kind.Prayer: God, thank you for another week to spend time with you. Help me to be put my words into action and pay attention to what you have commanded to us. Help me to remind myself that the trials you give me is what’s going to build me up and restore my faith just like what happened to Jonah. Protect those who are working hard outside, protesting. Help the authorities and leaders to make right decisions, to restore this broken world. You are who is in control lord, thank you for everything.

Observations: Christians shouldn’t show favoritism or judge others. “Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?”(verse 5). Showing partiality is sin and the most important rule is to truly love your neighbors. If you break any law, it means you break the whole law. If one says they have faith and doesn’t really show it in their actions, salvation might not be given. So there’s no point in saying it if you don’t have the works. 

Application: This chapter was another reminder that showing favoritism or duding others is a big sin. God specifically told all of us to love everyone and if we discriminate, God will not like that. The people in this world need to read this chapter and understand that just because you have a different shade of skin color doesn’t mean you treat them poorly. Everyone is made in God’s image and if you treat them differently, that is not doing an act that God wants. And definitely I have had favorites because of what they have or some kind of personality they bring out. I know I am supposed to not have partiality but I did. I need to ask for forgiveness and ask to love everyone equally. And when it says faith doesn’t matter if there is no works, I need to connect those two and actively serve God. 

Prayer: Thank you for a great chapter and a reminder to not show favoritism and love one another. I know the problem is not going to be fixed in an instant but I pray that discrimination and hatred will be overcome by love and I want people to know that the love came from You. Help me to put in action to show that my faith is real and also just help me be productive this week. Help me to actually apply the things that I am reading into my daily life. 

Observations: “For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.”(verse 2)  A person’s words reflect his character. It doesn’t mean man can be perfect but it is saying that humans should seek to grow in holiness. The tongue is a really small part of the body and it controls our whole body. Like how a small fire creates a forest fire, our tongues will cause trouble because we use it carelessly. Humans tame other living creatures but we can’t tame our own tongues. “With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.”(verse 9) Don’t boast and be false to truth if you have jealousy. 

Application: It is so easy for people to cuss or say things without even thinking about it. Before, I used to flinch when somebody either cussed or said something bad but now I got used to it. I shouldn’t tolerate it and just let it go but the world I am in right now is constantly saying words and phrases that God doesn’t like. Even my friends who used to not say any of those changed and started to use them in most of their sentences. I know how big of an impact a single word makes, and It sucks that I used to think cussing or speaking with a bad language was really cool. This chapter is another reminder to watch our habits and actions of our daily lives. 

Prayer: Help me to be kind to others and speak so that it may reflect who I am in you. Help me to be selfless and humble myself like how Jesus did to show the action of my faith. I know my actions are pretty different at home and outside, please help me to be nice to my family and just help them out. Also, help me and my friends, neighbors to speak with love. Thank you for being so so kind to us, amen. 

Observations: Self centered desires are what causes us to drift away from God. It is also what causes fights against each other. We should ask God for what we need instead of fighting each other to find out. If you love the world, you are hating God. “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”(verse 8) Don’t judge others. Humble yourselves. All boasting is evil and it shouldn’t be done. 

Application: In this world we are living in, we are trying so hard to look good to somebody or do things that make us happy. But instead we are supposed to do what God wants us to do. The self centered desires, like we discussed few meetings ago, is what is going to block us and is what distracts us. I think to fix this, we just have to throw away our pride and humble ourselves. I tend to worry about how others see me or how I look when I go outside and that is still sinning. It’s placing myself in the center instead of God. We are so used to the saying “believe in yourself” and if we keep following what the world tells us to believe, we are making God our enemy. It’s not going to be super easy but day by day, I’m working on humbling myself and seeking God. 

Prayer: dear God thank you for another day. Help me to place you in the center of my life and live by that. We have the whole word telling us to do this and that, but I want to live by what you want us to do. Continue to help me seek you and learn from reading your words. 

observations: do not hold wealth to the point of treachery to the heart and mind and soul. 

we should always be patient during the moments we suffer. 

application: just as it says to be patient in our sufferings, i want to remind myself during those testing times to persevere one more day, everyday, not giving up to the very end. Christ, the Judge, is coming soon, whenever, and just as we wait patiently during His coming, we (i) should wait patiently during that hard season of the year. 

prayer: “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”

James 5: 13-16

Observations: The rich feed on the materialistic things that they have and fail to realize that death is coming their way. We have to be PATIENT for the day that Jesus comes back. Ex: like how famers wait for the rain to water their precious crops. Don’t swear!  We need to pray in every moment, either sad, happy, sick, healthy, etc.  We also need to confess our sins to others and pray for each other. 

Application: We have to live with patience and personally, that is one of my weakest traits. When I set a goal or try to work on something and it takes a while or I can’t see results, I tend to give up and walk away from my track. But for this reason I can’t just do that. God really sent his precious son (who is also God) to DIE on the cross for our sins. I still can’t believe that. We deserved nothing and if God really wanted to, he could take our breaths aways right now. But he showed his love by saving us instead. His grace and mercy is why I am here right now breathing and experiencing this life. God says to share our sins and pray for each other and I’m so thankful for this amazing group that He has helped me meet. This group is so special to me because you guys are so kind and caring, and through our virtual meetings, I got to listen to other stories of how God spoke to you guys. And to be completely honest, I wanted to quit (servant team ) because I didn’t like sharing what I felt to others and showing them my weakness/ vulnerability. But each week we meet, I think God opened my eyes so that I could learn from this group and actually spend time with people of God. It really helped me to examine my heart and know (not fully) what is in there.  I want to have patience for God, praise God, and Love God. 

Prayer: Thank you for surrounding me with such loving people. I know I struggle and tend to push you away, but Lord, just hold on to me.  Help me just endure through this life so that I can  go to you. I know that spending time with you is really important and its going to help me grow as a person. Thank you for a daily reminder of how amazing you are. Continue to remind me why I am living right now and who I am living for. Thank you for so much love. 

There needs to be a reset. 

Psalm 89:14 “from God’s throne comes righteousness and justice.” We can’t choose between the two but we need both of them. Right now lives aren’t valued the same. But they have to be since we are ALL created in the image of God. We have to develop a heart that cares for everybody. We need to be part of the solution, through good works that God has called us to do. The biggest problem is the church: we didn’t fix it, but ignored and promoted the issue. We have to be people who heal and not people who tolerate this division. Prayers can’t just be like “Lord help me” but we have to repent and ask for forgiveness. His righteousness is greater than our ideas. Be part of the solution instead of complaining.

Galatians 3:28 says that we are all ONE in Christ Jesus. When we show discrimination at all we are saying that we don’t see God’s image in them. 

Solution: we are not different at all from others, love one another and show respect. Come together in unity, serving you. 

Observations: the husband is the leader in the home. we must not worry about our physical appearance but rather what’s in the inside. We need to love each other like brothers and sisters. Stay humble and don’t seek revenge on those who harm you. Instead, pay them with a blessing because God has commanded us to. God will reward us for doing what is right. We have to be ready to share our lives as a believer and who we believe in. It says Christ suffered for us so that we can safely go back to God. “Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!”(verse 17)

Application: when someone does something to me that I don’t like or it like makes me mad, I tend to think about what to say back to them and it sometimes changes how I see them. This is very judgmental of me but God said to love everybody. We shouldn’t discriminate AT ALL.  Everybody is made in the image of God - we’re not all the same but if we ask God to love them, he will help you. I think showing love to the people around me is what I have to work on right now. And like the sermon from the past Sunday, we have to be the solution. Care for people, show respect and pray for one another. And like how I care about my physical image, I believe that if I care more about the heart that God gave us, the true beauty will show. We are all so so precious to God and all he would want from us right now is to unify together to praise him. And instead of complaining everyday, I should remind myself the reason I’m alive and what I need to do to serve Christ. 

Observations: “So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin.” (Verse 1). We shouldn’t do what we desire but the thing that God wants us to do. Judgment is coming. “Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.”(verse 8). God gave us talents, we must use them to serve God and Glorify Him. The trials that we might experience might be hard but we have to be glad because “you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.” No shame being a Christian! God will never fail us if we do what is right. 

Application: Since Christ suffered for us when he is God, we should be able to suffer for God. I don’t think I have done much for Christ, and I know he has done so much for me. What I desire doesn’t matter, rather I have to continue to serve him with the life I have been given. I think 

I have already tried to run from God, even though I came to church, participated in all the events, etc. (that doesn’t matter though). God really showed me that He is the ONLY way and with ought him nothing is possible. Thinking about when Jesus comes back, I am actually scared. I don’’t know when he will come and knowing that he’s going to come unexpectedly, I need to prepare and prepare. I need to live for God and show my best for Him. I might think that I don’t have any talents but what I have, I will give thanks to God and use it to glorify God. 

Observations: Serve God not for what you get out of it but because you are eager. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Lead people by gray example. Give all your worried and cares to God because he cares about us. Be strong in your faith. “In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.” (Verse 10).

Application: I started serving youth when I joined basic crew(it was really short period of time) and winter retreat came and we had to help out. I had the wrong heart to serve, just completing tasks and not knowing why I was even helping out. And when it says to “serve god not for the gift at the end, but because you are eager” really hit my heart. After searching through my heart, I realized that I liked having that “position” which meant i was just serving myself. this chapter really exposed me like that😰 but now I know that everything is for God, I need to humble myself and continue to learn about Christ. We were made to worship and serve God so things like stepping out of your comfort zone to spread the gospel and talking to your friends about his great love is important. Christ is everlasting and he also said to give your worries to him. Nothing to worry about with God loving us. 

Observations: “By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.”(verse 3) God’s promises are what help us escaping from this corrupted world. “In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.” If lack these qualities, we are forgetting that we were cleansed by Christ.  Work hard to prove that we are the chosen ones to serve and glorify God! God’s word is not fake but all from Him. 

Application: As sinners we are FAR from perfect and all those qualities that are listed might be hard to sustain. But God gave us everything that we needed to live for him. As a Christian, we’re re going to have days we dread or times that we lose hope but all we can do is push through and work hard because Christ is waiting for us! I know I’ve slacked off and didn’t want to spend time with God or just wanted to not care, but at the end He really spoke to me through many things/ people and remind me of how special having thing relationship is. 

Prayer: thank you for letting me breathe once again. I pray that I will live according to what you have commanded us and love like you love us. Protect those who are working on the front lines and help this world to unite in you Lord.

Observations: the day of the Lord is coming back and people will turn from God and forget the promise Christ promised. God is not being slow but is waiting for us so that we can ALL repent and go to Him. Jesus will come back unexpectedly so we have to be prepared. We have to be diligent. We need to grow in grace and knowledge on Christ. 

Application: I knew that Jesus was going to come back at a time where we didn’t expect him but I didn’t know that God was waiting for us to ALL repent and go back to Him. This made me feel more encouraged to bring more people and try my best to help them repent and realize who they were missing. My mom has been telling me to go visit neighbors (while social distancing) to spread the gospel and give them masks (pastor park’s sermon) and I’ve been hesitating to go because I was too scared, and tried to make excuses. And I think God tried to help me through the push of my mom. I’m going to need confidence and courage to speak up and  tell them about our almighty God. But I know that God is right with me. My goal is to actually complete that mission by this next week! First one, kind of nervous but will be one to remember:)  “And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight.”(verse 14).

Prayer: thank you for another great chapter to learn and grow from. I am asking you to give me wisdom and courage to just go talk to one neighbor this week. I’m worried but I know that you will be with me. Help me to stay on top of things and work hard for you. 

“Jonah’s Obedience” [Jonah 3:1-5]

Jonah’s message was: “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” 

The entire town repented and believed God. It was the mercy of God who changed their hearts. 

God could’ve used any other way to speak to the people but God uses Jonah’s reluctant obedience.

God wants OUR obedience!! We don’t have to be the best speaker or an old man, but all we have to do is share. We have no excuse to run from God. We have to believe and trust that God will use us. It is our calling for us to reach to the ends of the world. 
Prayer: help me to obey and share your goodness and your love to the people around me. Let me have a heart of obedience so you can use me. 

Observations: “He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.”(verse 2) if people say they know God but turns from him, then they are not living the truth. We need to love our lives like Jesus. Love one another. Do not love the world because it only pleases humans and not God. Don’t do what people crave but do what pleases the Lord. Anyone who denies God and Jesus is an antichrist. “Since we know that Christ is righteous, we also know that all who do what is right are God’s children.”(verse 29) be faithful to our God and do what’s right!

Application: Jesus died for our sins so we could get back to God. And our job here on earth is to spread the gospel and live for God. And it’s so so easy to just get tempted to do what the world wants us to do. This revolves around idolatry- and loving something else more than God. I try to apply things from the Bible to action in my daily life and the hard part  is trying to continuously do it. For example the Bible says to obey your parents and to love one another- I complain to my parents about the smallest thing and instead of being kind to them I was sort of rude. And saying that I love people, I talk about them and I don’t think I show enough respect. these things are what I need to fix in my life. The smallest action that I take, God is watching everything. And since I know what God wants and know the truth, I need to work hard and harder to please the Lord. I don’t want to be an Antichrist, but if I keep disobeying,😳😳. I’m so glad I have people informing and an awesome pastor who is here to lead me! 

Prayer: thank you God for making it so easy to come to you, but we have temptations and obstacles that come our way, help us to overcome it with you and for you. Help me to love my peers and watch my thoughts and actions. Protect the people who are working with the virus and help those who are lost. 

Observations: “See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him.”(verse1) If people keep sinning they are going under the devils influence, but God sent his precious some to die on the cross which he destroys any works of evil. “Anyone who hates another brother or sister is really a murderer at heart. And you know that murderers don’t have eternal life within them.”(verse 15) We can’t just say we love everyone and not show it in our actions. We have to prove it. 

Application: We are called to be God’s children and those who follow the world don’t realize that they are children of God and that sucks. And it’s our jobs as Christians to help them know and experience the love that was supposed to be felt. I knew that hating someone was really bad and it’s what God doesn’t like, verse 15 showed me a different way to look at it. I knew hate was a really strong word and it shouldn’t be used on people but it seems like it’s getting normalized. And even thinking about it or having hate in your mind makes you a murderer at heart— really shows that we need to be careful and make an effort to truly truly love our brothers and sisters. Saying things are really easy but to put it in action is harder than you think. I think we can all try to change how we see people and have a good mindset from the beginning. For me, once I see something that I don’t like in a person, It stays with them for a long time and that is something I need to change first. There shouldn’t be favorites cause God made everybody equally. Loving somebody is really hard but with strength from God and somebody loving me this much from above, I think I can do anything through him!! 

Prayer

- thankful for everything that God has given me

- to show genuine love to the people around me and for this world to experience Gods love

- for those who are working with the virus to be protected

- church leaders and people who are working really hard to help us have online worship! 

Observations: we shouldn’t believe everyone that claims they speak by the spirit. We have to test them and see if they speak the truth or not. “But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.”(verse 4) Love comes from God and if we love we are a child of God! Real love is how God sent his son to die on the cross so that we will have eternal life in him. “No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.”(verse 12) “And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.”(verse 17) If we love God, we have to love others too. 

Application: Our God is so powerful, he could do whatever he wanted- and he chose to love us. Thinking about that makes me so happy. I used to just think of that as a saying “God loves me!” And actually didn’t feel anything/ forget. But now that I know and learned more about God’s love, I can see it through the way he uses people and just gives us all an opportunity to experience it ourselves. And I think love is really hard at times but with love from God, we will be able to do it with our whole hearts and minds. For me, I need to fix my “habit” of judging others when I don’t even know them and letting go of their “bad” characteristics. I say I love people but I need help truly loving them. And I want to show and prove it in my actions. Like pastor josh said, he prays for those that he dislikes and I never thought of it like that but I will do that! Since we can’t go out (normally) I want to show love in my family first. My parents and my grandparents, they worked so hard for our daily lives and provided me a good environment-> Introduced me to my savior! I just want to show kindness and respect:) this world needs love! 

Observations:“Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome.”(verse3). We can beat any fight, battle, or hardships by only being a child of God. Those who don’t believe that Jesus is God’s son is calling God a liar. “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life.”(verse12) We should pray for those who are sinning. 

Application: This chapter told me what loving God is. I used to not take anything seriously and now I realized how amazing God is to use us and to perfectly show how much he loves us. verse 18 says We know that God’s children do not make a practice of sinning, for God’s Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them.” This verse was really powerful for me. It made me think about all the times I felt like nobody was there for me even though God was with me the whole time. This powerful God was there and I was just being ignorant and blaming others. It makes me mad of how I didn’t learn more and didn’t even try to open up my heart. Now that I know, I can lean on Christ and tell him whatever that is on my mind. Keeping God’s commandment is loving him and to do that, I have to consistently want to learn and grow! 

Prayer: Thank you for showing and pouring so much love onto your children. Today was a rough day but you reminded me of how much I am loved by the creator of this universe. Please protect us and help me keep you in my attention. 

Observations: If we live in truth and love- grace, mercy, and peach will be with us which comes from God. Love has been mentioned in the whole 1 John and now- meaning that it is very very important. We have to love one another just like God has loved us. If we run away from God, we have no relationship😳 I believe that he will pull us back if we diligently seek him. “Anyone who wanders away from this teaching has no relationship with God. But anyone who remains in the teaching of Christ has a relationship with both the Father and the Son.”(verse19) we shouldn’t invite people who don’t speak the truth about Christ. And if we encourage that action, we are encouraging the devil to work in us. 

application: these chapters really emphasized loving one another and I think what that means is in whatever situation you’re in, love will be the way. We can’t really love anybody like how God did, but through our actions, even if it’s a simple, kind gesture, we share what Christ has given to us. And maintaining God’s commandment is loving others, so we have to try our very best to please God. 

Prayer: Thank you for loving us so much. Help this world to love one another and care for each other- through that, we may be able to lower the COVID cases that are happening! Please help people to remember that you have loved us and saved us from the evil, and that we must try our hardest to give back by loving you. 

observations: 

-support people who are faithful because “they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the gentiles.”

-do not imitate evil, but good because we are to have imitated Christ, not the devil

application: there’s nothing much to add to this portion but to really add up to ‘imitating Christ’s ways.’ i try to act the way Christ would have done in that situation, but sometimes it takes a lot of praying to do. and i hope during those times i won’t give up on my prayers. 

prayer:

-keep outsiders safe

-keep us motivated and encouraged to serve 

Jonahs reaction to God: He was angry because many people were saved because of God. 

Even though Jonah knew God was merciful and compassionate, he didn’t fully understand Him. We are all the same in the eyes of the Lord. We are not any better than people who are not believers. But through our faith in Jesus Christ, we are declared righteous from God. We don’t deserve favors from God because we are ALL the same. 

Final lesson for Jonah: God arranged wind, and scorching hot sun for him. And Jonah’s reaction again was that he would rather be killed. He was continuously acting like a child. 

God is great, so patient, loving , and so merciful. He is so forgiving, he is willing to accept people who even turn from Him. Through our obedience, he wants us to praise him. His love endures forever. 

Observations: John reported everything he saw of the revelation of Jesus Christ. Jesus will be coming with the clouds.  ““I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.””(verse8) John was commanded to write what he saw in the Book of the Lord and send it out to the seven churches. Jesus calls himself the son of man. Verses 12-16 described the scene of Jesus sitting on the throne and what surrounded him. (It was very very WOW) When John saw this, he fell down to the ground but Jesus comforted him. “I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.”(verse18). Commanded John to write ALL of what he saw again. 

Application: After reading this, I felt like it was talking about what was coming at the end of the time. And through Christ’s death we would be able to serve God in heaven. And I think the reason why God told John to write down everything is to show us what he actually saw in human eyes and so that we would be able to know in the Bible. Since this is the last book of the Bible, the previous 65 books were meant to help us to prepare for the time that Jesus comes with the clouds. There are many ways, but the thing that sticks out to me is loving one another because God loves us and through love, we are all here right now. And the hardships, problems, and obstacles are from God so that we can endure and learn from them. Even though we have to step outside of our comfort zone, we have to reach out to as many people as possible to also bring them to God. 

Prayer: God, I learned about how Jesus is seated on high and how we need to prepare for Christ to come back. Help us all love one another and through your love, unify and make us passionate for you. Thank you for sending us your son. Thank you for giving me another day to live. 

Observations/application: message to the church in Ephesus: God knows the struggle and the pain that the church people have gone through and the hard work through endurance. But the one thing that they needed to fix was loving one another and loving God. They showed love in the beginning, but it faded away. I feel like this is what happens to us when we are on fire and we feel his strong presence. Time goes by and the fire in us kind of dies down. The winter retreats in middle school were like that. I would be so hyped to just listen to the pastors’ sermons and read the Bible every day , but as soon as spring and summer hit, I went back to my “normal” life. Not even touching the Bible once and just ignoring God. By doing daily qt and learning more  about God, this has helped me to grow and love Him. 

We have to be faithful even when the devil tries to take us far from God. We should run from sexual immorality and I think we should pray for those who’s re struggling with it. The rest of the chapter talks about how everyone obeyed and had the drive to serve God and listen to him in the beginning, —> time=  motivation faded away. To fix this, we have to continuously seek God and remind ourselves why we are here and what we are here for. 

Prayer: thank you for reminding us why we are here and what we have to do waiting for you to come. Help me to be proactive in learning your word and applying it to my daily life. Like how we all have that drive in the beginning, help us to keep pushing till we meet you.

Observation: Continuing to write to the different churches, the church of Sardis is being commanded to wake up and go back to what they have started in the beginning. And if they don’t wake up, Christ will come when they are least expecting, and miss the opportunity to go with God. I think being dead means that they are lacking the connection between God and the people. They were once well connected but they drifted off. I think towards the end of the time, many people drift off instead of holding tight until the end. Thats what we have to do, continue to endure and run to God. ' “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. ‘(Verse8). This reminded me of the Jonah series that P.Josh spoke to us about. Even though Jonah acted like a complete child, God never Let Jonah run away but gave him many chances to obey him. It is a blessing to have a WONDERFUL God who has an open gate so that we may come to him. 'Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. ‘(Verse 10) This verse is also very encouraging because if we obey and please the Lord, it says that God himself will protect us. So we better hang on tight! I think when it talks about being lukewarm, it means we are just in the middle. I think the word is telling us that we can’t say that we are christian and do somethings that God likes and be okay with doing things that he hates. We have to give it a full go. Knowing that God is there with me and will pull me closer to him, I think I sometimes tried  to leave him. And that is showing the action of a lukewarm christian. Even when I know it’s the wrong thing, I did that. But now I know, there is no way backing away from this loving, merciful God. 

Prayer: I’m really thankful for your love. Thank you for giving me so many chances to come back to you when I tried to go away. I don’t know when Jesus will come down, help me to focus on you.

Observations: John is describing what he saw in Heaven. There are jewels that represent his splendor and majesty. Surrounding God, are creatures and elders that represent the creation and human nations- they are all worshiping and honoring our only True creator, God.  They are all saying- Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”' “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”’(verse11) 

Application/prayer: Reading this chapter helped me to know again how almighty our God is!  I hope and pray by reading this book, I will be able to understand and know more about our Great God. Over these times, I have gotten more lazy and I want to be encouraged to push through until the time we meet God. 

Observations: There was a scroll in the right hand of God sealed with seven seals. Nobody could open it except for the Lamb that has been slaughtered.  That lamb is Jesus- He who died on the cross for us and for our sins, is the only worthy one who can open the seals. 'saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”(verse 12)

Application: This chapter says worthy many times and it goes towards Jesus, it emphasizes how the great sacrifice of the Son led to healing of our relationship with God. The sacrifice was not a defeat but conquering the evil. Jesus did that for us, and our everyday goal should be worshiping and giving glory to Him as we live. This chapter was another push for me to live humbly and improving myself for Christ. He did so much, and I can do is obey. 

Prayer: Thank you for another day where I can learn and reflect upon your word. Thank you for sacrificing your precious son for us. Help me to pull my heart, mind, and soul together so that I can truly worship you with every breath you have given me. Help me to run away from the evil things and thoughts. Thank you for so much love. 

observations: this chapter talks about the lion and the scroll. no one on Heaven or on Earth was able to open it except the Lion of the tribe of Judah (root of David). the four living creatures and the Lamb started signing the song “worthy is the lamb who was slain...”

application: just as these creatures in Heaven are able to praise the Lord with their genuine hearts, i too, would want to humble myself for His glory. 

prayer: humble myself, family to be well, be pro-active, outside workers to be safe and healthy, to get the need to want and seek God more nowadays. i promise to be the salt and light of the world🤍

Observations: The first four seals were war, conquest, famine, and death. The fifth seal is people crying out to God asking how long until judgement. They are told to rest. The sixth seal is the response of God- describing the great day of the Lord. “For the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to survive?””(verse 17) The seventh seal is not revealed in this chapter. 

Application: the first four seals described our curry or normal worlds and I think the seals were meant to explain what happened to us and God’s response back to that. I don’t really know how to apply this to my life but knowing that our God is almighty and powerful. By reading these chapters describing the seals and the revelation of the end of time, I want to continue to do my beat for God. 

Prayer: Thank you for another beautiful day, even though I was at home, thank you for protecting my family and friends around me. Help me to humble myself and be a constant reminder to others that you are so so Good. This world has become so corrupt, you are the one who is in control. Help us to do whatever you need ya to do, use us. Amen. 

When Jesus shares a parable we need to pay close attention because he is trying to explain and teach what we have to do through that story. 

[Luke 18:9-14]

This parable is towards people who have great confidence in their own righteousness. 

Tax collectors were despised because they are sinful and unrighteous. —comparison— Pharisee who is a religious leader and righteous. 

- the Pharisee was boasting about how good he is in his prayer. He lacked his humility and compassion for others. He only cared about his action that made him feel like he was the best worshipper instead of humbling and comparing himself to God’s righteousness. Lacked love for his neighbors. 

- the Tax collector knew his sin was heavy. He stood far from the worship place, he was very broken. His prayer was towards God, acknowledging his sin. Lowering his posture. 

“I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.””(verse 14)

**we have to check our posture and our hearts to make sure that we aren’t proud of our actions.**

- how are we viewing others) building confidence by comparing yourself to other sinners. [BAD] 

- Our job is to break through the barrier and go and share God’s love, mercy, and grace. 

1)be humble before the Lord

2)stop comparing yourself and be COMPASSIONATE and LOVING towards others!!

Prayer: humble myself and apply what I learned today. Fix my posture and attitude toward others. Actually check what’s in my heart. Stop separating and go love others!! ❤️

his story: pharisee and tax collector

parables: stories or illustrations, used to teach important lessons!

the story: there were two men that went to the temple to pray, and one was a pharisee while the other was a despised tax collector. the pharisee goes to pray, and prays how he is not like the tax collector. he prays about how much better he is than this tax collector! the tax collector just prayed, and told God to be merciful to Him, for he is a sinner. the tax collector returned home justified before God, while the pharisee did not. for those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves  will be exalted. (verse 14)

Jesus told this story to a group of people that looked down on others because they thought they were so righteous. 
God will never reject a broken spirit. (the tax collector)
a prayer with self righteousness. (the pharisee)
the tax collector knows that God is righteous that will forgive if he chooses to. he knows that he is a sinner that needs God’s mercy, so he comes in humility, in a humble posture, and shows how he is doomed without God’s mercy. 
what is the basis of your relationship with God??
it should not depend on your righteousness! it should depend on Christ and what he as done for us. 
1. be humble before God! (stop comparing yourselves to others to boost your ego!)
2. be compassionate and loving toward others!

Observations: The lamb(Jesus) broke the seventh(last) seal and there was silence. Then, there were seven angels with seven trumpets. First angel blew his trumpet and there was hail and fire, mixed with blood thrown on earth. Everything was burned up. The second angel blew his trumpet and a great mountain of fire was thrown into the sea. One-third of the water in the sea became blood,” “Then the third angel blew his trumpet, and a great star fell from the sky, burning like a torch. It fell on one-third of the rivers and on the springs of water.”“Then the fourth angel blew his trumpet, and one-third of the sun was struck, and one-third of the moon, and one-third of the stars, and they became dark. And one-third of the day was dark, and also one-third of the night.” The woes are coming. 

Application: I’m not really sure how I’m going to apply these to my daily life but In my study Bible, it says that each trumpet blown has a punishment connected to it- first trumpet: seventh plague on Egypt, etc. and the rest have them too. And I think it’s describing what fully happened on earth- like a recap? and it’s going to happen when the time comes 

Prayer: thank you for allowing me to wake up from my sleep once again. help me to humble myself and think about others as the time comes near. help this world to love one another and come together to serve you, judgement is coming and help us reach out to people. 

Observations: The fifty angel blew his trumpet Andy here fell a star from heaven to earth. And that was satan.  there were locusts that did no harm but carried demonic spirits. Satan was dropped from heaven- his main goal is to separate us and destruct our relationship with Christ. Even with all these plagues and judgement from God, people still did not repent. 

Application: human beings are so stubborn and knowing that God gives us so many chances I feel like I sometimes left and came back whenever I wanted to. I think it’s even worse when we KNOW what God wants and do the exact opposite. as I read this chapter, I wanted to remind myself daily to do more everyday to help people come back to our creator. and helping them to know who God is will help me to learn and help them to understand why we are here! 

Prayer: thank you for another great day. Help me to humble myself and to give up everything I have that is blocking my path to you. help the people who are fighting covid and also help this word to love one another.

Observations: Verses 1-3 are describing what the mighty angel from heaven looked like and what came surrounding him. The lamb has broken the seal and now the scroll is open. And compared to the scroll, the angel is so big. John is good to eat the scroll and proclaim it to the nations. 

application: this chapter emphasized that the scroll was so little compared to the angel that came down from heaven. I think the scrolls were the negative and evil things that happened on earth to the humans, and saying how great Christ is. 

Prayer: thank you for helping me spend this time with you, it was a little confusing but help me to focus harder to understand what your word is saying. help me to be humble. 

Observations: Two witnesses. John was instructed to measure the temple of God. This signifies protection from God. But he is also told to exclude the outer courts because they were going to be trampled down - could mean literal destruction or new temple=symbol of God’s people. Two olive trees and two lamp stands? my study Bible says it symbolizes “two anointed ones.” 

A beast comes and kills the two witnesses- then God brings them back alive and seeing that, many people gave glory to God. God’s mercy brings repentance. The last trumpet is blown and the nations are shaken as God’s kingdom.

Application: we have to imitate the loving sacrifice of Jesus(the lamb) and fear the Lord. 

Prayer: this chapter was confusing for me but thank you for letting me learn about how Jesus is going to come down to us and what we will be doing. Help me to be humble and to love like Jesus did. Help me to stay safe while working and not cause any trouble. 

Observations: there was a pregnant woman who was about to give birth to a baby. but then there was a dragon who was the devil ready to devour the baby. There was war in heaven between the angels and the dragon (Satan)- the dragon ofc lost and got thrown down to earth. This signifies Jesus’ triumph on the cross. When the dragon dropped down to earth, he found the woman with the child, attacked but the woman was given wings and a great eagle to lead her to the wilderness. There, she was nourished for a time, times and half a time. 

Application: this chapter told me that in any situation, we can see how powerful and almighty God is. 

Prayer: thank you for another blessed day. Help us to remember, remind, and spread your good word that you have given to us. 

Observation: the first beast (the devil?) “And the beast was allowed to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And he was given authority to rule over every tribe and people and language and nation.”(verse 7) people who worship this world will not be written in the book of life. The second beast is resembles the lamb- making fire come down from heaven. the beasts number is 666:/ bad number. 

Application: “Anyone who is destined for prison will be taken to prison. Anyone destined to die by the sword will die by the sword. This means that God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently and remain faithful.”(verse 13) Christ’s victory is secure and I know that God will reward us for suffering for him. 

Prayer: this book is getting more and more confusing but thank you for providing me this day and the breaths I took. I know this book is showing us your power and glory, thank you for all you have done for us, sinful humans. 

Jesus’s lesson: “One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.”(verse 1) 

The JUDGE didn’t fear God or care about people. He is a shameless person. Unjust and evil. 

The WIDOW- they are most vulnerable in that time period. She didn’t have anybody to look after her. She was so 억울해 and was the only way.. visiting the judge and asking for justice. 

the widows endurance and persistence changed the evil and selfish judge. 

Jesus is asking us to endure in times of hardships- continue to pray to God. consistent prayer!! Don’t give up until he answers! Dwell in God’s presence and prayer! 

1)fix our eyes on God

2)the time will reveal who you are and your motives. If our hearts are at the wrong place, God wants to change that. 

You are so so Good Lord. 

luke 18:1-8

Jesus told his disciples this parable to show that they should always pray and never give up. there was a judge in a city, and he neither feared God nor cared about people. a widow came to him saying “give me justice in this dispute with my enemy”. this widow most likely had no income or resources for anything. the judge ignored her for a while, but says he is going to see her receive justice because of her constant request. so be like the widow in this scenario. keep on praying to God, and keep on asking, and he will fulfill your request! 

1. fix our eyes on God

2. the time will reveal who you are and your motives. 

Observations: there were seven angels with seven plagues Celebrating God’s triumph. The music and the harps of God we’re being played by the redeemed people. God’s glory was so intense that no one could enter the sanctuary. No one can until the seven plagues are finished. 

Application: this chapter was really short and what I got out of it was another way of saying how powerful and almighty our God is. We have to love for his Glory. 

Prayer: today was really exhausting but thank you for helping me to spend this time with you. Help me to get rest and serve you through my days that you give me. 

Observations: A great magnitude from every nation praises God for his just judgement of the prostitute who killed the saints. Hallelujah! The elders and living creatures celebrate and praises God. Then john heard a voice that of a great multitude, many waters and mighty peaks of thunder. God is praised again! John is commanded to worship God alone. Heaven opens up and a rider on a white horse (rider=Jesus, white symbolizing victory) This climatic battle shows the power and glory that God has shown us. 

Application: from Thai chapter I have learned that people who turn away from God will receive strict judgement from God. And if I were to be in johns place, I would honestly be so scared. I think when it means the fear the Lord, it means that he is so powerful and almighty that it makes you all to your knees. reading this, showed me what’s going to happen when Jesus comes down to show judgement to all of us. 

Prayer: I am so sorry that I didn’t do my qt for the past couple of days. I knew it was wrong yet I still didn’t spend my time with you. Now I come back and ask for forgiveness. Your power and love is so strong for us, how can I just walk away from you. Thank you for helping me come back and read your word. Please protect those who are working in the front lines and give mmmm the authority wisdom so that they can do what is right. Thank you for providing me this day. 

Observations: “Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven with the key to the bottomless pit and a heavy chain in his hand.”(verse1) the dragon was thrown down to the pit where it was shut and sealed. After the devil has been released, he will be thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where people who turned from

God will be tormented and destroyed. “I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God’s throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books.” (Verse 12)  Death, the last enemy, will be destroyed when Christ returns. 

Application: When Satan tries to get to us, he’s just trying to separate us from God and he uses every little tab to do that. And I sometimes let him get to me and knowing that God is so so much more powerful than this devil gives me strength and makes me want to share this experience with other people who are also struggling. verse 12 got my attention after reading this chapter because I know this book is about the reveal of what’s going to happen when time of judgement comes and to be prepared we have to do what God commands. Like I said I wanted to share my experiences, God wants us to specifically go out and share him and his love to others. Even in the midst of chaos and confusion, cause he wants everybody to be written in the book of life and wants to make sure everybody is reached back to him. 

Prayer: thank you for this wonderful day, I pray that the application I wrote today will be my goal and my reason to live: give glory to God by sharing his love. please protect us and help remind ourselves that you are in control. 

Master: God 

The servants: Us(his people) 

1. what ever we have in this life belongs to God. Christian stewardship: what I have came from God, we are God’s. 

2. God gives different talents to different people. 

God knows what each of us is capable of and he will provide for us. 

The first servant invested and earned double his talents. 10

The second servant had 2, worked and got two more. 

The third servant who received one bag of silver dug a hole and buried the money. 

- when the master came back, he congratulated the first two servants for making more money and being responsible.

- the master got furious of the final servant because he was lazy and didn’t do anything to the money. 

God has given us talents (not all the same) as children of God. 

Q: are you using your talents for God’s kingdom? Or are you using the gift to make yourself look better/feel better? 

God can always take your talents away if you’re not responsible. But if we work hard for God’s glory, he will give us more. We have to use the gifts form God valuable. 
Stop wasting your gifts! Ask God for wisdom and to reveal your talents.

Observations: The angel showed the river of the water of life that goes through the throne of God and the Lamb. The earth was cursed because of sin but in the new creation, there will be no such thing. God’s redeemed people will be able to see his face. God will be our light and there won’t be anymore darkness. “All these words are trustworthy and true” Jesus is coming! God alone must be worshipped!! “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.””(verse 13) if anyone is spiritually thirsty, God invites us to take the water of life without price. No human can add or take away from God’s words. 

Application: wow. Jesus is coming soon and from this chapter i got that all we need to do until Jesus comes back is to lean on God, seek him and trust the whole process and the life that he has given to us. He created this wonderful world until sin came in and cursed it, so all we can do is try our beat to give back(can’t compare to what he has done for us) and give glory to his name. With so much chaos going on right now, I get so distracted and kind of waste my time a lot, but yesterday’s sermon gave me a strong reminder that God is the one who is giving me life and time for me to honor him. 

Prayer: thank you for the time and the breaths that you have given me. I’m so sorry and pray for forgiveness of the time I have wasted to spend on other things that are not important. You are so so loving, help me to love you to the best of my ability. 

Observations: This is the genealogy of Jesus! Who is the son of David, the son of Abraham. There were 42 generations between Abraham and Jesus. “This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit.”(verse18) All this happened to fulfill what the prophets have said before in the Old Testament. ““Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”(verse 23) They called him Jesus. 

Application: I’m ready to go over how our messiah came to this world to save us. Even though I heard this story many times, it is one of the greatest that has happened to us! I’m very thankful:) 

Prayer: thank you for another day to spend with you. As the school year comes near, please help the school district, parents and teachers to make good decisions. 

observations: After Jesus’ birth, king herod heard about it and was deeply disturbed. Then, he ordered wise men to go find Jesus and bring back the information so that he could “worship” the messiah. The wise men worshiped Jesus and gave him gifts. An angel of the Lord appears in joseph’s dream and told him to flee to Egypt(mary+Jesus) - which would make them free from king herod. king herod found out that the wisemen tricked him and so he went and killed all male children. and after king herod died, an angel of the lord appeared in joseph’s dream to go to israel. he ended up going to nazareth because of some news. 

application: this chapter shows us to trust in the lord because he has everything planned out for us. from beginning to the end. every timing is right because of God. i don’t have to worry about when i do this, when i get this, but instead i just need to do what God has commanded us to do while waiting for his signs. 

prayer: thank you for another day and time to spend with you. i’m thankful for the people around me that is so supportive and people that will be there for me. thank you for providing them. help me to not worry but instead to pray and try to change my lifestyle to honor you

Observations: John the baptist stetted preaching in the wilderness of Judea. He told them to repent (the kingdom of heaven is at hand). People of Jerusalem and Judea were going to him to get baptized and to confess their sins. John saw the Pharisees and Sadduccees coming and he denouced them. He told them to  repent of their sins and turn to God. John will baptize this who are ready but those who are not, God will baptize them with the Holy Spirit and fire. Jesus traveled to get baptized by John even though Jesus is so much greater. God just said “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” Jesus got baptized by John and the heavens opened and said “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great Joy.” 

Application: After reading this chapter, it made me think about how you yourself have to repent, confess your sins, and truly give yourself to God. Being baptized doesn’t matter if you do all of that. When I got baptized in fifth grade, I don’t think I truly understood what everything was, and wasn’t fully ready-I just agreed to do it cause all my friends were. But now I know what’s way more important than getting dunked in the water. Im not perfect, but I will try my best to open up my heart and not hesitate to give to God. 

Prayer:thank you for this day and another opportunity to spend time with you. Thank you for providing such good friends, family and the people around me. I know this world is corrupted but with you, I can do anything for you. Help me to open my eyes and watch my actions as I live on. 

O: John the Baptist - who was also prophesied about his actions  - was sharing the message for people to repent and baptizing those who repented. Once he faced pharisees and sadducees whom sought for baptism but had not repented, he rebuked them to truly change instead of simply wanting to get baptized after hearing the end is near (because their confidence in being the descendants of Abraham is meaningless). Then, when Jesus came to the Jordan river, He was baptized by John and later the heaven opened (for God to say that Jesus is God's beloved son)

A: This chapter reminds me of a lot of different sermons/conversations/lessons in the past. One about repentance [of it being a complete change of a person 180 degrees and for that person to first ask for forgiveness but also actively turn back to God and live a lifestyle of a person that has repented and not going back], another about baptism [the action in itself not necessarily awarding salvation but rather it just being a public announcement and celebration], and one about Jesus' baptism [how he humbly and simply just followed Gods ways of action and how God shows His love for his son]. These all have a great application because it teaches that repentance should be genuine, from the heart and ACTIVE lifestyle. A simple action or incident of a baptism would not mean one has repented - especially in the case of the pharisees who had not changed their lifestyles. Also, it serves as a great reminder that God loves his children so much and especially that he loves his one and only son. + despite that He sent Him to save us. 

P: I pray that we can all remind ourselves of your great love God. You have sent your one and only Son to save us and allowed us to be able to earn salvation through him. Thank you. Also, let us actively repent and whenever we turn away from you, let us turn back and run to you as we remember that you are waiting with arms open wide. Also, I pray that we - as servant team members - can be like John the baptist and share the important messages of You and expand your kingdom not only with words but actions. Let us also not hesitate to tell what is right whether it sounds pleasant or not. 





(Sorry! I forgot to post mine from yesterday)

7/22/20

S: Matthew 2

O: After the birth of Jesus Christ in the previous chapter, the visit of the wise men along with the flee/return due to the king desiring to take away Jesus' life is described in this chapter. When the king (Herod) heard about Jesus and the prophecy coming to life, he desired to get rid of Jesus and ultimately remain in power without a threat. However, God protected His son and through His angel led Joseph, Mary and Jesus into a safe place and eventually to Nazareth where they would once again fulfill the prophesies. 

A: After all Herod was troubled due to his selfishness and desire for worldly fame and power. Since he knew how the powerful son of God would affect his position, he wanted to get rid of them. I hope and pray that this selfishness - or even selfish nature - would be abandoned and that I can become more selfless. Also, as the prophesies of God has came true in this chapter (and as it always does) no matter any circumstances or struggles, this encourages me to also rely on God's plans and let go of the worries and rather pray for guidance and complete obedience. 

P: I thank you, God, that you are a powerful and protective Father. I pray that each and every one of us may be able to take courage and lean on you Father when we face troubles and hardships. Let us have faith that you will guide us like you did with Joseph, and have strong faith to once again follow your guidance. If any one intends harm for us or our works for You, like Herod did with Jesus, I ask that you would protect over us so that we would be able to get your will and plan fulfilled.  

observations: Jesus was fasting forty days and forty nights. satan wanted to tempt jesus but he refused to use his power to make it easier for him. the devil offers a way to rule the world by telling him to worship him- Jesus told him to go away. Jesus began his ministry and preached to repent. Jesus saw simon(peter) and andrew- both fishermen, told them to follow him - “I will make you fishers of men” they immediately followed. first disciples!! there were crowds following jesus- cause he healed!

application/prayer: we should NOT worship anything or anyone but God. it shouldn’t be easier said than done but it kind of is. i know i shouldn’t make anything else a priority than  God but sometimes i just get off track. when i joined the weekly meeting a few months ago, i learned that yourself can be an idol and if you make yourself more important than the creator, that’s literally  walking away from God. i guess the hardest part for me is to push through and continue to place him in the center of everything. i pray that he will guide me and ofc with my efforts too- keep me running towards him. thank you for another time with you. 

O: Jesus is initially tempted by the devil in this chapter. He was tempted three times and each time he based his refusal/condemnation based on the scripture. After the third temptation, Jesus told satan to get out and he went away. Later in the chapter, Jesus goes to Galilee and begins his ministry. He preaches about the end approaching, the gospel and heals people. Also, he gathers his disciples and the disciples follow Him immediately. 

A: There are many things I want to take into practice in this chapter. The first one is the way Jesus speaks and refuses to give into the temptations of the devil. He stands firm with his faith and refuses at once with the support from the Word. I would first off need to know more of the bible and Gods commands but also would like to be bold in defending and courageous in speaking through God's words. Also, the way Jesus serves is always a constant reminder of not only His love but also to be more like Him in serving. I hope that I could even imitate a little bit of His great service in my service at church and also out of church. Finally, the way the disciples obeyed and followed immediately with Jesus' calling is always inspiring. Complete obedience without hesitation - I aspire to be like those disciples.   

P: I pray that each of us will grow in faith and help each other grow in faith to become ones like the disciples (Peter,Andrew,James and John) who can obey completely and willingly, and like Jesus who stands firm with His faith and the scripture through the temptations. 

observations: jesus started preaching on the mountain. he blessed those who are: poor in spirit, mourning, meek, hungry for righteousness, people who have a pure heart, peacemakers, persecuted for doing God’s work. our job is to be the Salt and Light of this world. christ came to this earth to fulfill the law. no ONe should murder. we shouldn’t be angry or desire to damage or destroy. we should NOt commit adultery- even looking with lustful intent is commiting it. as christians we should be honest so that our words can be believed without an oath. we have to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. 

application: from this chapter, there were many things to apply in my life right now and i’m the future but what stuck out to me was being the salt and light/ loving your enemies. these stuck out to me because i see them all the time and even though i know what they mean, i don’t think i tried enough to apply it in my life.  in my daily life i’m supposed to reflect christ through my actions to this earth so that it can be filled with his love (not through me but sharing Christ.) and i’ve been throwing all kinds of excuses NOT to do that. ive been telling myself that i’ll be bold and ask God for confidence but we kind of got stuck at home and couldn’t go to school. that’s not another excuse- i can use online platforms and communication through my phone to show it! and when God tells us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute you, i think that’s a really hard thing for me to do. even though i know i have to, i’ve creates a bad habit of just automatically judging people, not showing form of love. that’s what i have to work on. showing this world the love i have received from the lord to the rest of this world. even the people who i might not like as much! it is God’s good creation, therefore we need to show that we care and love! 

Observation: Jesus taught his disciples and the people that have gathered about the followings;

1.beatitudes ( people who are blessed - those who goes through different types of pain <hunger,persecution,poverty •••> are blessed through God and His mercy )

2.salt and light ( the people are to be like salt and light doing their job and sharing the gospel/living as a christian )

3.law ( that coming of Jesus is only to fulfill/accomplish the purpose the laws set in the past - that people are to follow them )

4.anger (that even words of anger has serious consequences , that one should reconcile quickly)

5.adultery ( like anger, even the adulterous mind is sinful and one should rather throw away their body parts than commit sin with it)

6.divorce (to be reasonable in Gods standards)

7.vows (to be careful in speaking and to not make vows in fact)

8.revenge (that it is not godly to revenge and one should rather offer more to those who ask / not resist evil person)

9.enemies ( to love them, as neighbors, and as God loves each one of His people)

A: This chapter contains many different stories and teachings bit the main idea seems to be "to be Christlike". In the teaching about beatitudes, it talks about different sufferings and that God would bless them all - its like Jesus who went through so many sufferings yet God was glorified through it and God blesses. For teaching about salt and light, the same as Jesus was the salt and light to the world. For the teaching about law, obedience, like Christ who abide in Gods plan and words. For teachings about anger, adultery, divorce, vows, revenge and enemies it all essentially deals with love which is the definition of God/Christ.

P: I pray that all of us would become more like Christ and strive to be closer to Him and resemble Him more every day. Let us love like Jesus, let us serve like Jesus, let us be a believer like Jesus. Let us live like Jesus. Also, let us remember that God loves us all the time through each moment in actively pursuing that lifestyle. 

lost sheep 🐑 

why: tax collectors, notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. while we were sinners Jesus came to us. we are redeemed back to Gods family. people complained that jesus was hanging out and eating with them. 

-the love of the Shepherd is so great, each individual is so important. God doesn’t care about what the world says about you, he still loves us so much! he sees us priceless. He has gone through so much pain and trouble so that WE may gain our lives in God. 

lost coin 💰 

what she does after she loses one coin: 

how great the lady’s determination is for that coin. 

Our God is DETERMINED to find those who are lost!! God didn’t have to come to us, but he did anyways cause he loves us. 

let his love inspire us. 

observations: we should NOT judge others- who are we to judge when we are the same people as them. God will be our final judge. “So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.”(verse 11) beware of false prophets- ex: some may look very harmless but vicious inside. build your house on a rock- i think it’s talking about our faith: to have a strong foundation. 

application: there are many things to apply to my life from this chapter. when i usually pray to God, i give thanks for the things he provided(everything) and afternoon that i go straight to things i want him to do for me. i know i shouldn’t treat God as if he is a genie but i sometimes do that. it needs to be a consistent thing for me to grow. but in this chapter, Jesus tells us to ask for what we want- and we will get it. i know not everything will be given but if it’s a part of Gods plan, it will. 

prayer: thank you for this beautiful day, thank you for letting me spend this time with you. i pray that i will humble myself like jesus and love like him too. i know sometimes i ask a lot but i know you are so good and everything is so perfect all that you do. 

O: Jesus commands that people do not judge. They are not to judge others and if they do they will be judged in the same manner. Then, Jesus tells the people to pray consistently for it to be effective and to ask God continually for God is willing to help and he loves. Jesus also emphasizes a "golden rule" where one should treat others the way they want to be treated. The gate to the kingdom of God is told to be narrow and hard to find. Jesus also teaches that fruit (actions) is what determines a person (in the analogy of a tree and fruits to compare with people and actions). Jesus defines true disciples as those who listen and do the will of God. Finally, Jesus teaches about foundation and the strongest foundation: listening to and living by the word

A: Many of these stories were used in the recent sermons and reading this reminded me of them. As always, Jesus' parables/teachings/stories have very important messages and these ones were all very powerful. For all teachings, after all, it is about obedience and keeping a strong faith through obedience. First few teachings (judging others, golden rule) it seems to come down to love and loving is one of the biggest commandments and in fact God Himself, which means that following it is obedience. Teachings about prayer, fruit(actions), discipleship and foundation also are all obedience and building up faith and living through the lifestyle of obedience. 

P: I pray that I can truly obey and live the life of obedience following these commands and valuable lessons from Jesus. I pray that I can start off well with doing qts earlier as well. 

observations: This chapter tells us many healings and miracles that Jesus has done. Jesus healed leprosy my touching the man. Jesus heals a centurion that’s claims that he was unworthy. Jesus heals many more people. Jesus emphasizes that following him is way more important than keeping any other relationships (ofc keeping relationships are important but.. having one with christ!) Jesus calms a great storm which the disciples were very scared of. And finally Jesus heals two men with demons. 

application: this chapter showed many things that Jesus has done but one thing that stuck out to me was the part when he said “follow me and leave the dead to bury their own dead” this was weird to me when i first read it because God has told us to love one another and take care of each other but here it says to leave everything and follow jesus- which is the right thing cause following jesus=learning and growing in him and from him on how to live life —> for God’s glory. 

prayer: thank you for giving me this time. i’ve been very unproductive and feeling unmotivated to do literally anything. God please just hold on to me and help me to reach back to you. i can’t do anything without you. help me to remember that.

O: Jesus saved and healed the different kinds of sick/possessed people. From leprosy, paralysis, high fever to the possessed, Jesus simply healed and saved. In all of the instances, many witnessed the action and Jesus essentially delivered great messages and prove His magnificence by these healings. He also emphasized the importance of faith and the letting go (cost) to follow him. 

A: All of these stories are definitely impressive and leaves me in awe with both the characters and Jesus' power. In particular, the story about the Roman soldier stood out to me the most. I hope to build faith that is like such soldier who believes though he cannot see. After all, all of our faith and religion is based on what we do not see and the sight is just such a small part of existence. I pray that I can build a stronger faith and firmly act upon what I believe even when I cannot see. 

P: I pray that all of us will be able to grow stronger in faith and closer to you, God. We are weak and we are so little compared to you, but let us trust in you and let us be brave in you. Let us find strength and power in your name. 

observations: Jesus saw the paralytic man and told him that his sins were forgiven- i think sin is what causes all pain in this world. the people surrounded though jesus was dishonoring God but through this Jesus showed his authority again to the earth. Jesus called matthew to join him as a disciple- people started judging for a tax collector eating with him. “For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”(verse 13.b) Jesus heals a person that was very sick for 12 years and brought a girl to life from the dead. 

application: what happened in this chapter brought the though of having a strong faith. no matter what situation you’re in, healthy, sick, poor, rich, etc- if you give your all to christ and fully trust in him, i believe that he will use you and guide you to wherever he has planned. to me that sounds almost unbelievable. but at the same time i think it’s really easy to be on “fire” with God but for me maintaining it is kind of hard. and i know that’s why spending time with God, praying and reading the bible is so important. and i also know that i’m going to have to put in effort for all that i do- nothings gonna happen if i stay still yk? 

prayer: i pray that i can maintain and grow my faith and just revive the steps that i have lost. also for my family’s health. thank you for this time:) 

O: By healing the paralyzed man, Jesus shows his power and authority. He receives praises along with God for it. After Jesus called Matthew to be a disciple, pharisees were being judgmental about matthew and Jesus' dinner with sinners. Jesus taught them that He has come for the sinners and also for those who know they are in need of help not those who think they are righteous. When disciples of John the baptist came Jesus taught them that not all the traditions/old ways are always right or appropriate : that there is a right timing for things and one is not to judge based on whether another does certain things or not. Also, He taught that new things should be preserved and acted upon with new conditions. Jesus then heals a women with a disease due to her faith, raises a dead girl to life, and open the eyes of the blind + cast out demons. At the end Jesus mentions the need for more people to be workers of God "in the field"

A: All these miracles and healing of Jesus has 'faith' in common. Of course Jesus' authority and power overrules everything, but faith is highlighted in the mentioned stories of the healing of the woman, dead girl and the blind pointing to us - the readers - that it is important. I would like to develop my faith and grow much more to be like these people. Also, along with the miracle/healings come the jealous or even ironic pharisees. As teachers, we would expect them to be the role models of following the scripture, respecting and loving others but their words and actions only seem to bring jealousy and hatred. They constantly dismiss or doubt Jesus and his actions. I hope that we would never be like these people or pharisees who think they are righteous when in fact they are only arrogant and selfish. 

P: I pray that we can work as a group of brothers and sisters in Christ to help each other grow stronger faith and help each other maintain the stronger faith. Let us also encourage one another as well as remind each other of great power and love of Christ when we need it. I also pray that we would be selfless and God-centered (like those who were healed) instead of arrogant and self-centered (like the pharisees). 

O: Jesus gave his disciples the ability to heal and cure people. They were given the ability to bless those who are hospitable and good and curse those who refuse them. They will be tested and treated badly but they should still be faithful, and spread the word to everyone. They will be flogged and captured because of their faith but they will be spiritually fine. They should be scared of anyone but God.

A: The verse that stood out to me was verse 28. It says, “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” I am always scared about worldly things and things that aren’t real. God is always there and he cares and watches for us. We shouldn’t be scared because God will protect us and keep us safe and even if something hurts us physically, it can’t hurt our soul. This world is dangerous so we should be aware but we should be afraid.

P: I pray that I won’t be scared and that I will always put my faith and trust in God.

observations: jesus called his twelve disciples and gave them authority to cast out bad spirits and to heal people. and when he sent them to make disciples, he specifically told them to go where the lost sheep were(the people who doesnt know/believe) even though there will be lots of situations of persecution, be confident and not anxious cause the spirit is speaking through you!! -one who endures will be saved. have no fear of the dark, people who kill bodies, rather the one who can kill both soul and body in hell. we should love God more than anything/one else.

application/prayer: as a christian, our job is to go to the ends of the world to spread the good news and God’s love. and i know in this chapter jesus talked about reaching out to the “lost sheep” rather than the locals. but since we can’t really have physical interaction, i think finding a creative way to teach and tell them about bout father is really important. i know God gave me and everyone else a talent, but i’m still in the process of figuring it out. my prayer is to find that and use it to glorify his name. i’m very thankful for many opportunities for me to experience you and also for God providing me with a wonderful community of people who know how to work their way out despite the chaos.

observations: jesus went to preach in the cities. he is receiving messages from john the baptist in jail. people think johns actions and appearances are somewhat demonic/ accused to be but though his actions and things he did for Jesus, God’s wisdom would be justified. the end of the chapter talks about how all things have been handed over by God to Jesus. this shows the understanding of who he is. and only God understands him. 

application: this chapter showed God’s wisdom and the authority that jesus has. as said in this chapter, we will never be able to understand who Jesus is except for God but we may be able to imitate him (ofc not completely but to the best of our abilities) that’s our job to be the salt and light so that we can help show this world how great and loving and caring and powerful our God is. 

prayer: i give thanks to God who has given me this time. i pray that i won’t lose motivation and the drive to do the things i need and also to just do and imitate christ. 

S: Matthew 11

O: Jesus speaks of John the Baptist very highly and compliments his actions and service/ministry. Then, he compares/critiques those of "this"/current generation. He rebukes them because they do not listen or believe (frankly anything that one says or does : whether in one way or another people take it to the extreme and do not believe the genuine heart.) He assures that those who did not believe even after witnessing the miracles and works of Jesus will be judged and condemned.  He finishes off with a thanksgiving prayer for all the things God is doing and specifically the way he is doing it and comforts those of the believers and encourage them to come and rest. 

A: Of course, becoming like John the Baptist whom by Jesus Himself is approved as one of the best man is more than challenging. However, I hope that we can strive to be like him. Let us work our lives for Jesus Christ and become like john who fulfills the prophesies and shares the gospel. I pray that we could also have firm and strong faith in which would give us clear eyes and clear mind so that we may not be blind spiritually like those who did not believe after witnessing Jesus himself. Let us be well-aware and sensitive to our faith and conditions. 

P: I pray that we could strive everyday to become more christ-like. Let us at least try to be like John the Baptist and serve life for Jesus and the gospel. In whatever we do, whatever we pursue, let God be the center. Also, I pray that we will be always leaning to God and seeking Jesus. Whether we are in need of help or have too much burdens or having a great time, (whatever the circumstances) let us go to God. 

7/30

S: Matthew 10

O: Jesus called his twelve apostles and gave them power to heal and to cast out demons so that the disciples can go out and share the gospel. He talks to them and teaches/advises on what to do and what not to do. Among many, Jesus emphasizes that they are to use their powers given by Him to save and to share but that they should also share to the right type of people who will listen. Also, he emphasizes that it will not be easy as He mentions that He Himself was persecuted and called names, and that his followers should and would only follow such trails. However, by mentioning how powerful God is and the fact that He is the father and is to love, save and destroy righteously, it gives assurance and hope for the people. 

A: Among many, the verses about the persecution and specifically v22 stood out. ( “And all nations will hate you because you are my followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved.”) I hope that I could really develop the faith and a strong foundation of my faith and life in Jesus that I maybe able to truly live through the persecutions and trials as a christ follower and eventually be those who are saved. Also, I pray that I can lean on Him -my God the Father- in all times especially when "all nations" hate me. 

P: I pray that we will all be salt and light in this world and with each of our individual talents that God has given (like the power to disciples) we will be able to share You and glorify You. I also pray that we can develop our faith and grow in you so that when we face trials we will not stray away from you but rather get closer and share you. 

observations: The first paragraph talks about how Christ is the Lord of Sabbath. Jesus points out that the sabbath law doesn’t matter but the actual intention of it: to bring rest and well-being. The people had many rules that weren’t planned by God. Ex: they said that healing people is considered work. After, the pharisees met up to plan to kill Jesus. There was a demon possessed man that Jesus healed. The pharisees heard this and claimed that Jesus gets power from Satan. Jesus replies back to the false sentences. “Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven, either in this world or in the world to come.” (verse 32)  A good person with a good heart will produce good things but a person with an evil heart will produce bad things. 

Verse 40 is foreshadowing Death and the resurrection of Jesus  that is coming soon. Dirty spirits go to places without the blessing of God. 

Application: this chapter had many different sections and the part that stuck out to me was where it says if you have a good heart, you will produce good things, vice versa. This made me think about the things I have thought and the actions created by them. Today was not the best day for me and with the bad thoughts, it kind of made me act differently. I would be really sensitive and also just not very nice. Looking back at the hours of just disliking myself and saying bad things, I realize again by reading the Bible- Jesus loves us so much and that walking away creates the negativity.

Prayer: thank you for this time with you. I pray for the upcoming events I have. Im really not excited but God just give me a hand. Help me to be confident in you.

O: Jesus and his disciples were walking through a field of grain and were eating some of it. The priests opposed and he told them about David and the law of Moses. He told them to not condemn his disciples. Jesus has power over everything and he knows best. Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath and told the priests who disagreed, healing is ok on the sabbath because the law allows people to help others on the sabbath. Jesus heals someone who is possessed by a demon. The Pharisees once again doubt him and call him the prince of demons. Jesus tells them that if he was one he wouldn’t split and be divided fighting himself. It wouldn’t just condemn him but others also. He says that everyone is his family.
A: Jesus talks about a lot of things in this chapter. He repeatedly told the Pharisees why what he was doing was right. What I got out of this chapter was that for our faith, we should do what is right and we shouldn’t be limited by the law if what we are doing is right in God’s eyes. For example, in the Bible many times the disciples preached the word and were many times flogged and punished for what was right. David and his three friends also went through hardship doing what was right and refusing the wrongful law. They refused to worship the idol and didn't eat what was wrong. We should do what is right all the time and we shouldn’t be afraid because God is with us. We shouldn’t do what other people do if it is wrong. We should always do what is right, and always look to the Bible for guidance. 
P: I pray that we will always do what is right and we will always seek God and his word for guidance in our faith and our everyday lives.

“kingdom parables”— are there to reveal the secrets of God’s kingdom. 

when the man found the treasure, he didn’t just leave to go back to his normal life. he was really excited so he hid the treasure again.- he goes back to his house to sell EVERYTHING he owned. he buys the whole field afterwards. 

a merchant find a pearl and like the man above, he sells everything to keep the pearl. 

jesus is teaching people how valuable and important the kingdom of heaven is like.- so precious that u go all in for it. his kingdom is priceless 

you can’t compare anything to God. ONLY God is eternal. nothing else can make us truly happy. we need to choose God over the earthly things that make us happy. 

S: Matthew 12

O: Jesus works on Sabbath (for the disciples and for the one who had a deformed hand) and teaches the pharisees a lesson that people and love and himself is more important than the old law about sabbath. Then once again, when the pharisees thought that Jesus gets his power from the satan. Hearing this, he replied with a lesson that; 1) God is stronger than demons and God is the one who allows the casting out 2) Blasphemy against the Holy spirit will never be forgiven 3) One should have good roots/tree to produce good fruit 4) every idle word will be judged. On another occasion the pharisees came and asked for a proof of authority from Jesus. Upon hearing this, Jesus gave them a lesson about how he will give signs of Jonah, (cruxifixction/resurrection), and the world would be blind to see and follow to the truth. At the end of the chapter, Jesus teaches the people that anyone who works for God/Heaven is His family. 

A: Each specific messages and the details of the messages has its merits and valuable lessons, but rather than the details, what caught my eye is the repetitive actions and doubts of the pharisees. The pharisees are ironically too blind to see Jesus as the Son of God, too arrogant to believe that He has the authority, and too selfish to serve him or follow him. They most likely are too caught up in themselves and their work, thinking that they are "good enough" and that they "know better" than to follow or respect Jesus - in which is completely wrong. I hope that I am not and will not become like these people, thinking that they are better and they are doing things for good or that they are smart/out-smarting the other when in fact all they are doing is making a fool of themselves and actually condemning themselves into eternal sin (blasphemous to Holy spirit). In whatever I do, I pray that I can be cautious and eye-opened spiritually so that I may be aware of what I am doing. Also, let us all be wise and rely on God so that we do not commit such selfish arrogant and careless sins. 

P: I pray that each of us can be selfless and God-centered. Let us pray for wisdom and Gods guidance, as well as rely on His wisdom and guidance, so that we do not get blind or stay blind spiritually.  Let us be awake and let us serve God in what we do and do it with the right heart. 

Observations: Herod thought that Jesus was John the baptist who came back alive. Herod’s daughter performed a dance at his birthday celebration which he very much enjoyed- in return he vowed to get her whatever she wanted. Her mom telling her that she wanted John’s head, Herod’s daughter requested that. In prison, John experienced death. When Jesus heard this, he wanted to be isolated and alone. I think that he was very sad. The time was getting late and people started following Jesus- with five loaves of bread and two fish, he was able to distribute food to 5000 people! The disciples spotted Jesus walking on water and was scared. Peter asked if it was really him and if it was, then asked for Him to walk on water. After experiencing the strong wind and waves, Peter got afraid and started to sink. Jesus reached and grabbed him and asked  “why do you have such little faith?”

Application: this chapter talked about faith and like what happened to Peter, we would all be sinking if we didn’t give our all to Jesus. For the past chapters, Ive been saying that we have to give our all to God and since it’s my application, I need to constantly remind myself to do so. Everyday seems the same and it feels like im going in a never ending loop. But within these times, Its an opportunity to improve myself (with a little bit of time left before school) and to be proactive. 

S: Matthew 14

O: This chapter includes the three famous stories about Jesus/His disciples/John the Baptist. John the baptist was killed because of the vow that the king made for a girl who danced for him. Jesus fed the 5000 men and fellow women and children with five loaves and two fish. Then, when Jesus walks on water, disciples were troubled and scared and Jesus scolded them for having little faith. 

A: All of these stories are well known stories relating to Jesus and faith. Of the three, while each has its valuable lessons, I think the third (with Jesus walking on water) is the most relatable to me now. In this situation of quarantine and covid pandemic, it does get scary and it does make me pretty pessimistic about the future. I hope I can stray away from this and truly base my actions and words on faith. This chapter is once again a reminder that Jesus is stronger and God is stronger I just have to believe and keep faith. 

P: I pray that we can all be wise and faithful as servants of God. Despite the fear and whatever else (emotions, pandemic, actions •••) let us trust God and act firmly based on our trust and faith in God. 

observations: jesus asked the pharisees and scribes why they break God’s command for their traditions. people can say that they honor God with their mouths but their hearts were far from him. “But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you.”(verse 18) and all your actions come from your heart. Jesus healed a woman’s daughter who was possessed. the woman was a gentile but had great faith in Christ.

application: When God looks at us, it doesn’t matter what we did in the past or our actions but he looks at our hearts. in the bible, it says that our hearts are the place where everything is produced. we need to protect our hearts, listen to good things, watch good things, and make sure our actions match what we say. like how the beginning of the chapter started, there is no difference in our time and their time. all the “standards” and “rules” that this world created has us kind of distracted. for me, it got better but i used to care so much more about how others saw me or how i would try to follow the “trends”. now i know that those don’t matter at all- all we need to do is make christ our role model and our example on how to live our lives that God has given to us. 

O: When the pharisees questioned the actions of Jesus/disciples not following tradition, Jesus teaches them a lesson that it is not the following of tradition that matters but rather the condition of the heart. What defiles a person is the words that they say which comes from the heart, not the traditions or the food they eat without following the tradition. Jesus then goes and heals a daughter of a woman who had great faith and persistence in asking Jesus for the healing. Jesus continues to go around and heal different kinds of sick. In the end of the chapter, Jesus once again feeds thousands with a small amount of food. 

A: Traditions are surely important, but it is definitely something that isnt always right or necessary. As Jesus says about the food and the method in which his disciples ate/ not necessarily following the tradition, it truly isnt the tradition that matters but the condition of the heart and ones attitude. I pray and hope that we can be bold to abandon traditions or unnecessary things of the society if it isnt beneficial or helpful for the faith. Let us not be hindered by some unnecessary tradition but focus on the condition of the heart and focus on serving. 

P: I pray that we can grow together in this society helping each other with maturing and cleansing the heart. Instead of being caught up in the societal rules or traditions, let us rely on Gods standards and rules and focus on what is important such as faith. I pray that we can also be persistent in faith along with keeping the heart pure and clean. 

O: The Pharisees came and asked Jesus to show them a miracle to prove himself. He explained the weather signs in the sky and scolded them for asking him to do so without even knowing the signs. Jesus warned them of the Pharisees deceptive teaching and the misleading. Jesus asked the disciples who the son of man was, and they said different answers. he asked another question and peter answered correctly and Jesus blessed him. He told the disciples to not tell anyone. Jesus then predicted his death to the disciples. Peter didn't believe him but Jesus said the truth. He told them that they must follow God faithfully and not be held back by the humanly things. Their physical lives matter less than their spiritual lives. 
A: The part that stood out to me was verses 26 and 27. They stood out to me because they talked about how we should use our lives for God and talked about our spiritual life. I should try to use my life for God and for his purpose. We should not be afraid because God is always watching us and is there for us. When we live we should try to do our best and spread the word to others. I think for me with quarantine, we have a lot of screen time and because of that I have kind of wasted time and not been really productive. I should try to use the time well and work hard.

P: I pray that I will be able to use my time well and that I will be able to live honoring God.

application: the last part of this chapter stuck out to me today. as i begin to prepare and think about my future and what’s gonna happen, i totally don’t know. But the one who knows everything is God. He created us and made a plan for EVERYTHING. he even sent his son to die for us. when i kind of drift off and close my bible, i think about this question “why did God even save me? and if i walk away right now, what gonna happen?” when i do drift away, i can actually feel that something is missing. so much of this world is telling you to love yourself and follow your heart, but what we truly need is to drop ourselves and follow Christ. 

prayer: i pray that i will focus on God and humble myself. it might seem like it’s not a big deal for others, but speaking in front of people makes me really anxious and the upcoming qt project was a concern for me but with Gods help, i pray that i will challenge myself and others who will be watching. 

O: The leaders of religious law came up to Jesus and demanded a sign/proof of authority.   Jesus scolded their behaviors for it being evil. With this Jesus brought up an analogy about yeast to his disciples and taught the disciples that they should beware of pharisees and their  deceptiveness. Later, Jesus names Peter (Simon) and blesses him after Peter proclaims that Jesus is the son of God. Then, Jesus predicts about his death and resurrection. This  prediction came along with a teaching that each disciple should carry their own cross, leave behind their life and follow Christ. 

A: Each time pharisees come up to Jesus in these chapters, they remind me once again of how dangerous and foolish it is to be caught up in oneself and be arrogant in thinking that oneself is right. I hope that I can be more humble and respectful. In whatever circumstances, let me not be blinded by arrogance of self-indulgence but let me see through Gods standards and wisdom. Also, I hope that I can carry my own cross through serving in the ways I can and let go of my plans or my will in my life but carry Gods will and Gods plans. 

P: I pray that You, God, will show me your plans and wills in my life so I can properly carry and go on with my own cross in this journey of life. Let me always be aware of my self, let me stay humble and self-less, and God-centered. I thank you so much for Your Son Jesus whom you sent for us with all of these great lessons and most of all way to salvation.  

observations: “As they went back down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”” (verse 9) Jesus heals a boy with a demon- the disciples couldn’t heal him because of the little faith they had. Jesus foretells his death and his resurrection. 

application: from this chapter, i’ve learned that even with the skills/talents given to you, if you use it for the wrong intentions or not for God, it will not turn out right. i believe that God gave each and everyone of us talents so that we could glorify his name and only his name. that’s our job. 

prayer: i pray that i can find my talent given to me from God and to use that for his Glory. help me to focus on the word and humble myself. 

O: Peter, James and John witnessed the transfiguration. In this they were terrified / struck by the glory and heard God say that Jesus is His beloved son. Later, a man came up to Jesus for a favor. He asked Jesus to heal his son, a demon-possessed boy, who was not healed after the disciples tried to cast them off. Upon hearing this, Jesus scolded them for not believing / truly believing and told them that they could do anything if they had even such a small faith as the size of a mustard seed. Jesus once again predicts his death and at the end of the chapter tells His disciple to go and pay the tax for the two. (following the rules so that he doesnt offend others)

A: The story about faith and the mustard seed stood out the most to me. I remember hearing a sermon about this and getting to physically see how small a mustard seed is. I remember thinking to myself, "this is really tiny".  Now reading this once again I am wondering if even the disciples of Jesus were scolded by their faith, can I be sure that I have that much of a faith even as much as a mustard seed? I would like to check and be humble. I want to truly have the faith that truly believes he can move a mountain in a blink and let anything happen if it is his will. I want to develop my faith more. 

P: I pray that as a daughter of Christ I will be able to truly believe and have faith in him. A faith that is strong and consistent. Even if it is small in size, even if its like a mustard seed size, let it be firm and implanted in me. Let me, with such faith, trust and rely completely on You God and also help others and grow together with my brothers and sisters in christ. 

observations: “whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus is telling us to remove sin from our lives(which we can’t) to the best of our abilities. jesus will never ever abandon us, not even one. he will be so so happy to find every sheep that was lost. we have to help others know and find what the right thing is. if they don’t, gather more people to help as well. Jesus said to forgive and forgive. 

application: these past weeks have been very slow and also very fast for me and i always tell myself to be productive and focused on what i have been given-but i end up getting really distracted and don’t really get to be productive. even doing qt, i sometimes get distracted and leave my bible to get something, or just start to doodle. these temptations and little distractions get you nowhere! we have to work on enduring till the end and holding tight onto God. junior year is coming and i’m really not ready for this year to start. and i know i have to 정신차려 and be super proactive, not only at school but the time i spend with God. 

O: When asked, Jesus states that the best / greatest in the Kingdom are childrens. He emphasizes that people should be humble like the young children and also love/respect them. Jesus shares many parables in this chapter. One about the lost sheep and how the shepherd cares for each and every sheep, another about steps to correcting a fellow believer and how Jesus is with/listening to those believers who gather together in His name, and finally the third one about the unforgiving debtor who was punished for their selfish / unwilling heart. 

A: The story about the unforgiving debtor truly stood out the most to me. It made me wonder and reflect on myself and my heart: whether I am committing such hypocritical and selfish sins unintentionally in my life. After all, for whatever wrong someone caused me, I should not hate them or be like the unforgiving debtor who forgets about their own mistakes and fortunes yet expects the best out of another. I hope that I could be a loving and more caring person who is more understanding. Also, let me not forget about the tremendous love and grace I have received from God. My best type of love will not even reach His worst. 

P: I pray that we may be humbled today after reading and reflecting on these messages. Let us be like those children Jesus taught as the greatest in the Kingdom. Let us also remember that each and every "other" person is also such a precious and loved person / creation by God and let us remember Gods love and be patient with them, be loving, and treat eachother with more love. 

observations: man and woman becomes one flesh and should not separate because God has put them together. the disciples tried to turn the little kids from coming to jesus but he told them for all the children to come to him and to the kingdom of heaven. a guy asked jesus how to have eternal life and God said give everything away and obey the commandments. and when the rich man heard that he had to give everything away, he walked away disappointed. disciples asked jesus how they could have eternal life- if you’re with God, all things are possible. 

application: a big chunk of this chapter’s main take away is to leave EVERYTHING and hold tight onto God. i know that’s always super easy to say but to show the actions in our daily lives is not that easy. but that’s our mission in this life God has given us- to ensue through all the temptations, distractions, and hardships for God’s Glory. there are many flaws i own but with God in my life, i can do anything for him. 

prayer: i pray that i will place God in the center of my heart and in the center of my life. 

O: Jesus speaks of marriage and divorce. The discussion goes on and Jesus makes just and clear statements regarding the righteous types of / reasons behind the non-marriage, marriage and divorce. Jesus then blesses the children. He emphasized that - once again - the kingdom is for those like children. Jesus then talks to the rich man and teaches him a lesson that the rich/selfish/arrogant will be very hard for them to enter the kingdom. He emphasizes that those who follow him (like the disciples) will be blessed/ have their position in the Kingdom

A: The recurring pattern of Jesus encountering a selfish/clueless/arrogant people and teaching them a lesson shows throughout this book of Matthew. In this chapter specifically, the rich man is one of the very selfish characters. I hope and learn from him to not be so blinded or selfish in thinking that I am "doing well" or following all rules: Let me be more humble. Also, let me prioritize God above all and leave everything else but follow him as the disciples did in my life. The money could surely make life convenient but it is not worth the loss of eternal life, its not worth anything after all. Let me be able to let go and let God. 

P: I pray that I would not be so loving of the things of the world whether that is grades or money or anything else that I deem important. Let me be humbled and more God centered as I try everyday to be a better disciple of Jesus. 

- God chose us to be saved. and by his grace, when we believed we were saved. 

- the faith we have is God’s grace. if we have received salvation, it’s not because we did something but it is a gift from God.

- our purpose of God choosing us is so that we can be holy and without fault. therefore we can’t live however we want. 

    - the purpose and price is paid so that we can be holy people of God and how Jesus died for us. 

- when we reject the gift, then the bible says it’s our doing of rejecting-> not God abandoning us or leaving. 

- we can’t save ourselves but we can reject the grace of God-> our free will. so we can’t blame God for not saving people. he really really wants everyone to come back to him. he loved and loves us so much. 

- it’s about God being so merciful and graceful. 

observations: jesus told his disciples to bring a donkey and tell the people of jerusalem that the king is coming.  when Jesus passed by them, they shouted “hosanna to the son of david!” “He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!””(verse 13) Jesus cleared the temple.  Jesus cursed a fig tree and when the disciples saw that, they asked how they could do it his answer: have faith and don’t doubt. pray for everything and we will receive it IF we have faith. 

application: i think having doubts through your journey with God happens to many people. of course i can’t say i haven’t had any but i feel like through those doubts, i have learned and built the relationship with Christ. i remember pastor josh saying in one of his sermons: “God breaks you to bring you back to him stronger.” i had to let that sink in. he is our creator, our loving God that we cannot see but with faith that HE provides, we can do anything in him. 

O: This chapter describes the process in which Jesus enters Jerusalem. Then, Jesus teaches various lessons about faith, about obeying, repenting/salvation and the future judgement thats is to come through preaches and parables. 

A: Of all the teachings, the one about fig tree / faith stood out the most to me. Relating to the one about mustard seed and how such small faith can do great things in the name of Jesus, I desire to grow in faith and have a stronger, better, steadier faith that is like the one described in the chapter. (v21-22). Truly, God is all powerful and anything is possible through Him. Let me truly believe that and let my faith/prayer show such belief. 

P: I pray that my faith, along with my brother and sisters faith, will grow and multiply. Let our faith be strong and let it grow and let each of us help one another to grow and become better. 

observations: Jesus told us a parable and he said that the kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a feast but no one came. when nobody showed up, the king went and invited everybody else. “for many were called but few are chosen” the most important commandments are love the Lord your God with everything and to love your neighbors.

application: with the two commandments in the back of my head, i sometimes forget about it and let my other self take over. for example, when i get into an argument with friends or family, i let my emotions cover me instead of holding it in and loving. but with these commandments in my heart, i can love more and prove that in my actions i take. the parable in the beginning and pastor josh’s sermon really told me that it’s not God’s fault for people not believing but it is our choice to decline that gift we revived from God. and with love and kindness, it’s our job to make sure that everybody knows his mercy and grace for us. with this quarantine getting longer than expected, i have also experienced the distance between myself and God but through his grace i think i can hold on and build back up. 

S: Matthew 22

O: Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven using a parable (how many are called but few are chosen). Then, when pharisees come to tempt and trick Him about taxes, he wisely says that one should give caesar what belongs to him and God what belongs to God. Then he also taught about the resurrection and the most important commandment: loving the neighbors as they love God with everything they have. Then, Jesus is constantly challenged by pharisees and He wisely answers him that no one dared to ask him again. 

A:This is a recurring observation in the book of Matthew, but the pharisees are very selfish and arrogant in thinking that they know so much and that they could trick the Son of God. I hope that I may not be arrogant in myself or trust that I can or am something that I am not. Let me not test Jesus but rely on him and depend on him. 

P: I pray that we can be wise like Jesus whenever tempted tricked or challenged by someone and let us rely on God and depend on Him to speak through us and provide us that wisdom

8/12

S: Matthew 23

O: Jesus criticizes the religious leaders for not following what they say. He criticizes that they are hypocrites and that they are not to be followed as they do not follow the laws they preach about. He criticizes every action of the teachers/pharisees and says that the sorrows awaits them.  Then, Jesus grieves over Jerusalem for their persecution of Gods messengers. 

A: I pray that I would not be like the hypocrites : pharisees. Let me apply whatever I say or share in my life and let the actions speak from me louder than my words. I want to check myself before suggesting something of anyone else and double check myself and my conditions before any one else. I pray that I can live out the messages, prayer requests or the favor I ask or do before I ask, tell or do. 

P: I pray that we can all be transparent and clean from inside out and let us not be like those hypocrites who claim one and does not follow through with their actions. Let us be like Jesus, serving by example and life. 

S: Matthew 24

O: Jesus speaks about the future. He talks about how the kingdoms will fall and many persecutions will come from the world, deceive, and sin will rampant everywhere when the end will come. Jesus also warns about the false prophets and messiahs that will try to deceive. Then he also clarifies and tells of how He will actually come back. Though, he does not tell of the time and states that only God the father knows. Jesus also warns that one should be ready all the time and be faithful/responsible servant. 

A: It is so true that the future is uncertain and the time in which He will comeback is unknown. Yet, as Jesus told in his parable with the servant and the master who left the servant in charge, one servant should /will only be rewarded when they are responsible and should do their job faithfully regardless of the time the master comes back. This serves as a reminder for me that I shouldnt be so stressed about timing but just do diligent work and be faithful in every step of the way. 

P: I pray that we will be responsible servants of God whom does their given work faithfully. Let us not slack off but truly do all in the best of our ability for Gods glory. Tomorrow, the next hour, or even the second is not guaranteed: let us be thankful for each moment given and put it to the best use. 

Observations: There are 10 bridesmaids and 5 of them have oil for lamps and other 5 didn't. The 5 that did have them were able to enter the marriage feast with their grooms and those who were not missed their chance to get inside. There were three servants and a master. The master gave each of them amounts of talents for them to take care of. The first servant had 5 talents and made 5 more. The second had two and made two more. But the third servant who had one ug up a hole in the ground and hid it in the ground. The master was really proud and complimented the first two servants for using and making more but for the servant that didnt do anything he called him lazy and wicked. The final judgement is when Jesus will come down and separate those who have done for God and those who hasn't.. 

Applications: We really don’t know when Jesus will come back and he is telling us to be prepared in every moment. The first parable tells us that if we don’t continue to endure and prepare, then its going to be too late to enter the kingdom of God. The second one is to use our talents to honor God and Glorify his name. This chapter tells me that I cant just be sitting here doing nothing but to get up and use the talents that he gifted me to spread the word and also prepare myself. 

Prayer: I’m still figuring out what talent God has given me but with that, I will promise to give all. I thank you for letting me wake up and spend my morning with you. Thank you for giving me wonderful opportunities to know you and experience your love. 

S: Matthew 25

O: Jesus tells of a parable about ten bridesmaids, and another about three servants. The bridesmaids who were wise has prepared well and they were able to go on with their plans. The servants who were wise and responsible have been awarded with more for being faithful. Those who were not prepared and those who did not work hard were ignored or rebuked. Jesus teaches a lesson that one should be well prepared - for the time of the end is unknown - and that one should therefore work hard and do the best for what they have in each second given. He then talks about the judgements and the final days. He also speaks that those who have fed the poor and children were feeding Jesus/ the least of the brothers and sisters (all) should be treated like Jesus. 

A: As the parable about the three servants were told in the sermon a few weeks ago, it reminds me of the sermon and PJs message to be wise in spending whatever time or gifts that has been provided by God. That sermon and reading this passage again with the parables about the ten bridesmaids and the final judgements let me look back into this summer break - especially as I start school this coming monday. I would like to think that I was able to spend the summer in a decently diligent way considering all the chaos. But, I hope that for this upcoming school year - and for life now on - that I could be more diligent, hard working, and efficient in spending the time that God has provided me with. Also, for all gifts he has let me have, let me be able to use it and share it to further glorify him. 

P: I pray that we may all be wise like those bridesmaids who were well prepared for the marriage feast. Let us always do the best and fulfill to the best of our abilities, for we do not know when the end will arrive. Also, let us always do our best, as God sees them the most responsible or faithful for utilizing what was given to the farthest extent. 

Observations: The chief priests and the elders of the people gathered and plotted to kill Jesus. Judas (one of the disciples) went to the chief priest to ask what he will get if he turns Jesus in and he betrayed Jesus for 30 silver coins. At the passover meal with the disciples, Jesus told them that one will betray him. Jesus predicts peters denial  but he insists that he won’t. Jesus takes James and John to gethsemane and tells them to watch him but they both say they couldn't. Judas came with the men who were going to take Jesus, they arrested him. One man with Jesus pulled out a sword and cut the soldiers ear off but Jesus told him to put it away. Three people said to peter that he was with Jesus and Peter denied all three times that he didn;t know who Jesus was. 

Application: If i was Jesus and knew that I was going to go through all the pain and death, I would've just asked God to save me. I think knowing what is going to happen to you is worse than experiencing it right there. But Jesus had to do it, it was God’s plan for him to go through the whole process. I can’t imagine how hard he felt. For me, I know the story of Jesus dying on the cross but some days I don’t really think about the harsh things he had to go through BECAUSE of our sins. I pray that through the days we are living, I know how serious and how important to us this is. I will try harder and my best to live for Christ. Thank you for letting me start the day with you and thank you for reminding me the process of Jesus’ death and soon the resurrection. 

what is justification? 

no one is righteous, not even one. we are all sinners therefore, unrighteous. the biggest crime we have committed was turning from God and walking away. God made us right through Jesus—> we are freed from the penalty. we can’t tell God we are being treated unfair—> cause we are the one unfair to him. With God’s mercy and grace Jesus exchanged his life with our dirty, unrighteous self. it was love of God for us so that we don’t have to shed our blood. 

through this justification from Christ, we are seen righteous. 

S: Matthew 26

O: The elders and some of priests were plotting to kill Jesus. Judah has joined these people and decided to sell Jesus over for just thirty silvers. While this was going on, Jesus tells the disciples that the woman who poured perfume on Jesus was not wasting this but actually doing good. Then, Jesus and the disciples had the last supper, in which he told that he would be betrayed by Jesus and shared his blood and body. As Jesus gets ready for the cruxifixction, he predicts that Peter will deny him, prays in Gethsemane to God. Jesus is then betrayed and arrested. He is trialed, and as such is going on, Peter denies Jesus three times and the prediction comes true. 

A: This chapter contains the famous stories about the betrayal, last supper and the denial of peter. All of them has very important lessons and reminders but today the specific part where Jesus spoke before getting arressted really stood out to me. He tells his disciples that they should not use swords and that he could call on God for help but he willingly is not doing it so that he could fulfill his mission and fulfill the prophecy. Despite knowing the pain and the sufferings he will go through, he chooses to follow God and obey His command and follow through with his plans. (He also prays before, continually). I hope that I could be like Jesus who - though persecuted, though knowledgeable about the pain -willingly follow Gods plans and peacefully obey knowing that it is God who watches over. 

P: I pray that we could be more dependent on God. Also, like Jesus who prayed and obeyed, let us pray to you and seek help and obey your commandments. (Especially as the new school year starts )

Observations: Mary and Mary went to visit the tomb and there was a great earthquake. An angel of the Lord came down to tell them that Jesus was risen! The women were very happy and went to tell the disciples the angels message. On the way, they met Jesus and he told them to not be afraid!. When the guards heard about this, they talked to the elders and the leaders and they were told to tell people that the disciples stole the body. 'Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, Or all peoples. baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”'(verses 18-20)

Application: If I was able to be there where mary was, I would literally fall down to my knees and start crying out of joy and because I would be really surprised. I can’t imagine how they felt like to see Jesus dying on the cross in front of their eyes and also see him walk up to them alive. The day is going to come for us to see him! We don’t know when- all we can do to is to endure through all the distractions that satan throws at us and prepare every moment. Its really easy to say but I hope I can through my life. 

Prayer: Thank you for the great start of the school year. I know its really weird right now but help me through this time at home. Protect those who are working on the front lines and also our church. 

Observations: John the baptist announces to the people that “Someone great is coming soon! So much greater than any human being.” Jesus Got baptized by John and the heavens opened. Simon and andrew were Jesus’ first disciples Jesus casts out an evil spirit from a man who was asking God why he was interfering with the people. Jesus healed many people who were sick and with diseases. He also healed a man with leprosy. 

Applications And prayer: Just like how Jesus healed so many people, I believe that he will heal our hearts and souls. Just by the touch of his shirt, the people were healed. This shows me again his authority and his power. I hope and pray that though this book, I will learn to apply these powerful messages to my life and also to humble myself like Jesus. 

S: Matt 28

O: The resurrection is described in this chapter. Mary and the women meets the angel and hears that Jesus has resurrected. The women and the disciples met Jesus and He told them to share the gospel (great commission)

A: As I have begun my new and final school year in high school today, this resurrection chapter and the idea of new era seems to be fitting. As Jesus has told his disciples to go make more disciples to the ends of the world (great commission) I hope I can find ways to share the gospel even through these online schooling. 

P: Thank you God for sending down Jesus, and especially for his resurrection in which he defeated the death and therefore allowed us to have a way to eternal life.  I pray that we may all be able to fulfill and life out the great commission given to us as well as personal ones. 

8/18

S: Mark 1

O: John the baptist preached that Jesus the messiah is coming. He baptized people and shared the message. Jesus was baptized by  John the Baptist then tempted for forty days. Then, Jesus gathered first disciples. With them, Jesus went through different villages casting out demons, healing people, and preaching. 

A: As the new chapter of the gospel starts, it is interesting to see how the different authors have recorded differently, putting focus in different occurrences and for different amount of period (length of text) will be interesting. In this chapter specifically, faith is really brought out a lot. I want to be someone who can show their faith and truly have faith that can do great things through God

P: I pray that I will be able to keep up with posting QT even with the senior year and also through online school, able to show my faith and not lose the identity as a daughter of christ. 

Observations: The people of the city thought that Jesus Healing people on Sundays were breaking the law. Then Jesus healed the man with a deformed hand and the pharisees went to discuss how to kill Him. Jesus went out to the beach with his disciples so that people wouldn't crowd over him. He healed so many people. Jesus appointed 12 disciples. The people passing by said to Jesus that he was possessed by demons. '“I tell you the truth, all sin and blasphemy can be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven. This is a sin with eternal consequences.” '(verses 28-29)  Jesus said anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister. 

Applications: The last part of this chapter stuck out to me. When people asked Jesus who His mother or brother was- he answered and I didn’t expect that. I don’t think I thought about that question before. Since the school started at home I kind of feel less motivated to ANYTHING. But Jesus said we are his brothers and sisters if we do God’s will. That motivated me to be proactive and on my feet. Nobody is watching me at home so I could do whatever but I always have to remember that God is watching us from heaven. 

Prayer: thank you for helping me spend this time with you, I feel very not motivated but please help me to stand up and run to you. 

S: Mark 2

O: Jesus heals the paralyzed (who was brought down through the roof) man, teaching the leaders that He is THE SON of God. Then, when he ate with sinners/tax collectors Jesus teaches those who think are righteous that he has come to help the need. Jesus teaches another lessons to the Johns disciples and pharisees that a new law should be followed in new circumstances. He emphasizes that He is above the tradition and laws. 

A: Reading the same stories (from the book of Matthew) allows me to reflect on the past qt and remind myself of my reflections/devotionals/thoughts. Once again, I am reminded and want to keep remembering that I should not be obtained by social standards or traditions/ expectations for self or from other people but solely focus on God and His standards. 

P: I pray that we may all be firm in looking at and moving towards you, Father. Let us not be hindered or hesitant in following you. Let us not doubt you. 

8/20

S: Mark 3

O: Jesus continues to go around and heal/share the gospel. Then, he also chose the 12 apostles (disciples). Then Jesus talks about the evil spirit/ how Jesus is possessed and he teaches them a lesson that such is impossible and would not make sense because it is Jesus who casts out and rebukes / against satan. Jesus also teaches that all of those who work for him/around him/for his name are brother/sister/family. 

A: Jesus defines his family (sister brother mother) as anyone doing Gods work. I hope that we could be such. Also, as Jesus uses wise words to rebuke and teach those who are against him, I desire to know more of the gospel and also be able to use Gods wisdom to wisely explain. 

P: I pray that we can be those brothers/sisters of christ, a family and a disciple of christ in this world. Let us grow with and among each other, as we also get closer to God

S: Mark 4

O: Jesus tells a parable about the different lands which seeds are scattered to. This represents the different people who gets to listen to Gods word and each land quality represents different action or reaction done by the people. Then Jesus teaches diff lessons with a parable about lamp, growing seed, and mustard seed to talk about faith and kingdom. Jesus then calms the storm with his words. 

A: This chapter allowed me to think about the discussion in bible study i previously had about the parable using the different soil/land and scattering of the seeds. After all, God provides equal chances (seeds) to different people. He gives them a chance. However, it is the people who decide whether or not to take it and whether or not to continue and live upon it. (the quality of the land is the people and their characteristics/choices) I hope that I can be the good soil, and that I can be used by God to influence people to become like good soil. 

P: I pray that we could build our faith to be stronger and that we can grow with each other in this group. Let us have faith - unlike the didciples when facing the storm - and be still like the lyrics ("When the oceans rise and thunders roar I will soar with you above the storm Father you are king over the flood I will be still and know you are God") 

8/22

S: mark 5

O: Jesus heals a demon possessed man ( even the demon/evil spirit knows how great He is + went into the pigs ONLY after the permission of Jesus ). Then, after hearing the story, people were scared and asked him to leave. Then Jesus healed the daughter of a man (who were thought to be dead but Jesus let her live) , and a woman with the faith who were suffering with a disease. 

A: Jesus casts out demons:He is powerful. Jesus heals the ones acting with / who have faith: He is not only powerful but loving and caring. I not only hope to grow my faith more like the woman on the street who touched the clothes of Jesus but also hope to be more like Jesus who does many great things in the name of the Father and also is loving and caring for the people around him. 

P: I pray that the faith that I have can grow more like the woman who believed touching a part of Jesus' clothing would heal her. Let us all believe like that and truly trust in the POWER of Jesus and in the power of God. 

sanctification: a process by which you become set-apart or separated. to be sanctified=to be holy

-we have to be holy because God is holy. 

justification: an event when a believer is “declared righteous” in God’s sight

sanctification: the process of becoming righteous. more like Christ!! 

God declares righteousness but also is in the process of making us righteous.

when the beggar becomes the prince, he must grow and learn how to be like one.

-sanctification is not just your actions or doing good deeds it is the doing of God to us!! it is not a way to secure salvation. it is the evidence of it. s

colossians 2:6-7 if we grow in him, we will be thankful. 

we will be filled with thankfulness 

asking God to continue to mold me!! 

put off old self but put on new self! 

examine myself continuously. 

don’t go back to our old self, keep chasing God. 

S: Mark 7

O: Some people complain that the disciples do not follow the Jewish traditions/rituals to wash their hands. Then, Jesus criticizes the people for being selfish and hypocritical. He then teaches them that what is important is the mindset/attitude of the inner self and not following the tradition/laws. Then, Jesus saves/heals the daughter of a woman with faith, and the man who was deaf. 

A: Being a hypocrite could be very easy. In fact, if one focus on others and not reflect on self, they could easy point out the flaws of others and be blind towards their own resulting in hypocritical self. I pray that I can be reflective of myself and that I would always think once more before pointing out something and that in case of pointing something out it would be for the others benefit, not out of hatred or feeling superiority because after all that is so hypocritical because no person is better than another. we are all just sinners. 

P: I pray that we can all have self-less hearts that is reflective of ourselves and mind/heart. Let us build each other up and not tear down or be hypocrites and hate on others flaws. Let us also build each other up with faith and grow together. 

8/25

S: Mark 8

O: Jesus feeds the four thousand people, with 7 loafs of bread and some fish. Then, pharisees tested him and asked to give signs/proof of authority. (Jesus said that he wouldn't show any signs). Jesus talks about the "yeast" of the pharisees and through the story teaches that He is Jesus Christ the son of God who had made the impossible possible and is warning about the pharisees not the yeast. Then, Jesus opens the eyes of a blind man. Peter declares Jesus as the messiah. (Jesus told them not to tell) Then, he talked about the future. He predicts the death, and tells people that they should carry their own cross to be his children. 

A: Once again, the pharisees are being hypocrites and doubting Jesus as they are demanding proof. Their behavior reflects they think that they are superior or in the position to ask for something so that they can approve. This is so hypocritical as they are expected to know about religion and God but they are not trusting in Him and they think that they are better than Him. I pray that we can all be different and set apart from this type of group. Let us be prayerful to know what Jesus is willing and read to know God betterr, and reflect so that we can see ourselves as well. 

P: I pray that we can have a faith to live a life carrying our own cross. The way will not be easy but let us depend on you and rely on you. Let us realize that we desperately need you and not be hypocrites thinking we can live without you. 

Observations: Jesus fed 4000 people who followed him on his journey with only 7 loaves of bread. When the pharisees heard that Jesus came, they demanded Jesus to perform a miracle and Jesus’ response was no. Jesus healed a blind man on his way to a different town. Jesus asked people around them if they knew who he was and they had many answers. When Jesus asked Peter and he replied, Jesus warned them not to tell anyone. Jesus predicts his death- him having to suffer through so many terrible events. Jesus then said “ If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross and follow me. If you try to hang up on your own life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good news, you will save it. 

Application: The last part of this chapter is what I need to apply right onto my life. I have to throw away my pride and my owns ways in order to follow Jesus. This reminded me of Pastor Josh's Sermon on being a soldier/ marathon runner of God. In order to be successful, we have to throw away all the unnecessary things that we have. A big thing I have to do to take up the cross is to humble myself and face nothing but Christ. 

Prayer: I thank God for giving me this time to meditate on the word and this day. I pray that I can prioritize prioritizing Christ in my life and to get rid of the unnecessary baggage. You are so so Good, thank you for all the opportunities. 

Observations:Jesus took a few of his disciples up a mountain and he was transfigured. Moses and Elijah appeared and talked to jesus. Then they disappeared - Jesus is far more greater than anybody else. There was news that Jesus was coming to the town and so a man came up to Jesus to ask if he could heal his possessed son. The disciples couldn't heal him and the man also sort of doubted him in one part. Jesus told them to have faith and if you have faith then anything can happen in the Lord. So he healed the little boy. Jesus predicts his death. You will be rewarded if you do anything for Christ. If you cause anyone to sin or get tempted, you’re going to get punished. 

Applications: The man with the son kind of made me think about how I sometimes treat God like hes going to get me whatever I want- basically a genie. Nowadays, after I finish my school work I tend to just sleep or go on my phone until I do homework. I feel really bad about not giving my full attention to God and just slacking off. God wants 200% of me but I only give him like 70. My goal and prayer is for me to drop everything and just to focus on the Word when I spend time with God. I’m very thankful each day to be able to work at home and to study and spend time with God. 

S: Mark 9

O: The transfiguration is described where Jesus was declared to be God's beloved son. Jesus heals a demon possessed man - Jesus told / scold the disciples and the father's disbelief and teaches them that anything can happen when they truly believe. Also he emphasizes that prayer is so important(some things are only solved by prayer). Jesus once again predicts his death. Then, Jesus teaches everyone that to be the "first" one should be last, and they should serve and love the little ones. Jesus also teaches that whatever causes sin should be cut out / gone even if it maybe inconvenient. 

A: I really liked the last part where Jesus teaches people that it is better to cut off a part of a body than to continue sinning with it. I think that this not only pertain to physical body, but to mindset and relationships with others. Rather than trying to live with the current situation or circumstances just because it is convenient or just too much work to get rid of, I hope that I can say or act definitively and cut off things that may be harmful in my life or my relationship with God. 

P: I pray that we can all take care of our faith and be responsible for each of our actions. Let us pray and rely on you Jesus and let your will be done through us. 

8/27

S: Mark 10

O: Jesus talks about divorce (when pharisees asked only to test him) and adultery. He also once again talks about children and how people should be like the children (pure and rely/genuinely love and accept). When a rich man came around and asked Jesus about how to get into the Kingdom of God and he should let go of all things (upon hearing this the rich man went away): Jesus tells that the itd be hard for the rich to get into the kingdom-in fact itd be hard for everyone its only possible through Jesus. Jesus predicts his death again, and teaches about serving. : That one should serve and even the son of man came to serve. Jesus then heals a blind man who cried out for help. 

A:The way that Jesus started off with the conversation with the rich man, taught him that he should let go of his greed/possessions to follow the laws well/follow and be like Jesus,  and tied it in to teach about who will enter the kingdom of heaven and HOW it is possible is very insightful. It catches points that one may be thinking "i am okay/better than that". Especially as he emphasized that practically for everyone and anyone itd be impossible to enter the kingdom of God if it wasnt Jesus/Gods work of sending Jesus really makes it clear that we have nothing to do with it. It encourages me to thank God more and have a thankful heart but also share this so that others may also be saved and blessed by His grace and mercy. 

P: I pray that we can all truly be more thankful and grateful for each day we get to live out and for the precious life(both ours and Jesus' - his sacrifice) and time that has been given. I pray that we may not be arrogant or believe in self but that we will let go and let God; that we will rely on Him and Him alone. 

Observations: Jesus told his disciples to bring a donkey to him. HE entered the city and people were shouting and praising him. Jesus Cursed the fig tree. Jesus entered a temple and saw that people were making it a market place so he knocked down tables of money and told them what holy place its supposed to be. The priests and leaders saw that and were planning to kill him. Jesus tells us to have faith in God, pray for everything- forgive anyone who you have a grudge with so that God can forgive you. As Jesus was entering Jerusalem, teachers and religious leaders challenged Jesus’ authority.

Application: Today’s scripture had many priests and teachers questioning jesus’ authority and I feel like if I didn’t know who Jesus was I might’ve thought about that too. But thankfully I was born in a believing household and I know how gracious and almighty he is. Also this chapter talked about being forgiving to others and to not have any grudges. Sure, forgiving might be easy but forgetting it is definitely something I have to work on. It’s kind of like a stain on a shirt that you kind of have to learn to let go and FULLY forgive- Just like how God forgave us. 

Prayer:Thank you God for letting me have this time with you. Today was really stressful but thank you for helping me get through this day you have given me. As I prepare for the devotional video, help me to have the right attitude and the heart. 

Observations: Jesus tells us about a parable about the evil farmer. The owner started a vineyard and left the farm to a farmer and moved away. When he sent servants to collect the goods, the farmer killed them. And when he finally sent his son to collect grapes, the farmer also killed him, even though the owner thought that he would respect him. The vineyard owner will come and kill the farmer and pick new ones. The farmer=religious leaders, Owner=God? The most important commandment is to Love the LOrd with ALL your heart and ALL your soul and ALL your mind and with ALL your strength- second is equally as important: to LOve your neighbors. 

Applications: Jesus tells us that the most important thing we have to put at the top of our lives is to give EVERYTHING you have to love the Lord and to love your neighbors. And of course saying those things can be really easy but showing it in your actions are kinda hard. For me, I think I have to focus on putting Christ as my priority- and if I do that I know that the love I have comes from Him. This quarantine kind of changed me I guess from being really energetic to being kind of more independent? I'm not really sure but I think through this time at home, I have learned things about myself that I didn’t know about and I reflected more. 

Prayer: Thank you God for the constant reminder that you are there and that you love us so much. I’m so sorry that I didn’t prioritize you at times but I’m trying my best to do so. Lord, give me motivation to try my very best and also to just be humble and dilligent. Thank you for this day and I pray my day is filled with you. 

P: I pray that I will not be influenced by what is bad and will follow God.

S: Mark 11

O: Jesus enters the Jerusalem triumphantly : as prepared. He has fulfilled the prophecy. Then, when Jesus went to the temple he became angry with the people because they were using the temple and its "attraction of people" as a method to sell and not using the temple in the holy ways it was designed to be. The fig tree that was cursed by Jesus was rotted the next day, and when Peter noticed this, Jesus taught Peter that they can do anything with faith (complete faith without doubt). The people then came up and challenged Jesus' authority, but He wisely spoke against them and did not tell (there was no need for him to)

A: The event with fig tree and Jesus' lesson really stood out to me. Though it was also mentioned in the other book (Matthew) reading it once again gave me a chance to reflect and revisit. Jesus teaches that with faith such (+more greater) event can happen. However he emphasizes the need for one to completely believe without a doubt. Also, Jesus tells the people to forgive and that if they do so God will also forgive them. This makes me wonder if I have people to forgive/that I unintentionally or subconsciously is holding a grudge against someone. If I find out, I want to forgive the person. 

P: I pray that we can let go of the grudges or desires of the self and rely on God and let God take care of the things. Let us believe and trust in Him so that he may work wonders through us and in us. 

8/29

S: Mark 12

O: Jesus mainly interacts and teaches a lesson about/to the pharisees and religious leaders in this chapter. Through the parable about evil farmers, question about taxes to Caesar, discussion about the resurrection, most important commandment and who the messiah is, Jesus teaches that people should beware of pharisee and that the pharisees are  to be punished for being hypocrites. Jesus also compliments the widow for offering all that she had. 

A: There is a repetitive pattern of pharisees/people wanting to get proof of authority of Jesus or wanting to disregard him or degrade him. However, what follows that repetitive pattern or attempts is also Jesus' constant wise lectures or teachings. I want to focus and learn more about each of Jesus stories and encounter with these people. I desire to be wise like Jesus and rely on His wisdom. 

P: I ask and pray that I will not be selfish and blinded like the pharisees thinking im doing the right thing but in reality not doing so. Let me read the bible and truly understand and know his words. I also pray that I could be like the widow who gave all they have had to Jesus. 

[1 Timothy 2:5] “For, there is one God and one mediator who can reconcile God and humanity— the man Christ Jesus.” 

Mediator: one who mediates between two parties to remove a disagreement or reach a common goal.

Two parties: 

1. God

2. Humans

the disagreement is our sins- Jesus’ job as our mediator is to remove our sins. after removal, there comes reconciliation and restoration. the death of the Son gives us the restoration. 

common goal: bring the maximum glory and worship to God. we have to be free of sin in order to worship God.

Jesus alone can be the sufficient mediator. 

my goal: to become more and more like Christ. 

Intercession- the afternoon of intervening, act of praying to Hod on behalf of another person. Jesus intercedes one our behalf

we should follow after Jesus by praying for others! we have to be little mediators of this world so that we can pray for each other and so that they can meet Christ. 

intercession prayer: God’s will for all christians.

help me to pray for others!!

Observation: The teachers and leading priests took Jesus to Pilate(roman governor)- they accused him of crimes. They usually have one prisoner released every year so Pilate asked Jesus if he wanted to be released but the leaders and teachers stirred up the crowd so that they may release a murderer instead of Jesus who is absolutely free of ANY sin. They all shouted to crucify Jesus. The soldiers mocked Jesus by making him go through harsh beating and taunting. Jesus then was crucified- even when he was crucified BECAUSE of us, the people passing by still mocked him and abused him.

Application: Reading this chapter made my heart feel really heavy. Imagining Jesus going through all that pain and suffering, is terrifying and so sad. I feel so in debt to Christ cause Jesus being God and man had to go through constant mockery and abuse from dirty humans and all he did was Obey God and follow through. We are so evil thinking about it. This is another reminder why we have to live for God and for his glory. 

Prayer:Thank you for sending your son to die on the cross for us. You did not have to do anything but you showed us so much love and mercy and grace. Thank you so much for loving us and caring for us. Help me to get through this week and protect my heart. 

Observation: John’s birth was foretold and jesus’ was foretold too. Virgin Mary was conceived with a baby!  Mary is praising God for his mercy and love and his mightiness. Just like how God planned, John the baptist was born. 

Application: This chapter shows that God has a plan for EVERYTHING and that it happens exactly the way he planned. This encouraged me very much because God’s plan is so much bigger than any of my problems, thoughts, or actions. All I need is to build my relationship and maintain the bond with the Almighty. 

Prayer: Thank you God for this day, and today I had two big exams, but thank you for helping me get through them. Keep pushing me till my end and protect my heart from unnecessary things. Thank you for your creation and all the people and plans you made for us. 

O: John the Baptist went around before Jesus came spreading the word and baptizing people. He gave warnings and preached to people and because of what he said(which was correct) about the king he was in prison. John the Baptist also baptized Jesus. Jesus was 30 when he started his journey. 
A: John spread the words to other people preparing them for when Jesus comes. We should also spread the word and be faithful. We never know when Judgement day is coming and we should always be on the watch and prepare for Jesus’ coming. We should spread the word to people who don’t know. Even if it is hard and may be scary or difficult we should still try to do it. 
P: I pray that we will be able to spread the word and always be prepared for Judgement Day.

Application: We have to be genuine and be honest in what we say and do. We can’t just say that we will do and not show in our actions. 

Prayer: God, thank you for this day, I pray that I may be more sincere and diligent in everything I do. Help me to show you that I am running for you. I give thanks to you for protecting my family and protecting my heart. 

“God’s Plans #5: The church & The Great Commission”

[Matthew 28: 18-30]

The great commission: the great commandments that Jesus gave to us. 

disciple: someone who accepts and spreads the gospel. — make disciples of ALL nations, not just the people around us. 

baptism is showing publicly that you have started a new life, accepting Jesus as our ONLY savior. new life!! and a celebration!! 

teach others so that they can live a life of obedience/ according to God’s commandments. 

application: how can we obey this great commission? 

pray for them!! pray that God will give you the courage to tell them yourself!! 

S: Luke 5

O: Jesus calls the first disciples. Jesus helped the fishermen catch fish only through Jesus and His power - The now-disciples bowed down and immediately followed Jesus when Jesus told them to come and fish for people. Jesus then went around and healed the sick and damaged. Levi(Matthew) a tax collector was also called by Jesus and he followed immediately. People that questioned Jesus were silenced by Jesus' wise lessons. (In the accusal of being blasphemous, in the accuse of hanging around tax collectors ("sinners") with the lesson that he came for the ones who know they are sinners - like doctors who came for the sick, and with the discussion about fasting as well )

A: The way the first disciples immediately - without a single second of excuse or hesitating - followed Jesus upon His calling really stood out. I hope that I could, first off find and hear such calling - my personal calling in life - but also have an obedient heart to follow His callings. Let fulfilling His calling for me and bringing Him glory be my true priority and true goal in life. Also, the verses about Jesus coming for the sick and those who need help - those who know that they are sinners - are one of my favorite verses and these always remind me of how thankful I am that My God is a God who loves and is compassionate for all -  and I who is nothing can be His child. 

P: I pray that we can all keep up with the QTs everyday despite the school and work that we have. Let us be able to seek for and answer gladly to your callings and love like you. 

Observations: Jesus was preaching and found Simon peter and told him to go fishing (even though there weren't any fishes for a long time)  and when simon peter could get a lot of them, he decided to follow Jesus. First disciple! Jesus met a man with leprosy and healed him. Also when he was teaching, some men came, carrying a aparalyzed man- he healed him by forgiving his sins. Jesus calls Matthew and ate with him. Matthew was a tax collector and the leaders and teachers all complained (tax collectors were known to be greedy and selfish back then) but Jesus replied back to them by saying that he is there for people to repent and know what their sins are. 

Applications: Jesus came and healed many people physically but for them to know who the real messiah is. This chapter explained how the first disciples came along- Matthew's story stuck out to me. He was a tax collector and even with being known to be greedy and selfish, Jesus wrapped his arm around him and let people know the real reason he was there. Jesus doesn’t pick out people who are going to follow and leave the rest behind. He wants everybody to be a follower of him- this shows that it is us, humans not following and not Jesus’ fault. We blame God for “not saving” people- even when we made that choice of not receiving God’s gift that HE payed for.

Prayer: Thank you god for letting me have this restful day, thank you for helping me remember that we shouldn’t blame you for the things that are happening in our decisions. You have great plans for us and we should stand up straight and follow you. Please protect us and protect our hearts. 

S: Luke 6

O: Jesus teaches the people a wise lesson that people should do good over following the traditions (about Sabbath). Jesus called his disciples. Jesus teaches the beatitudes, then He also teaches a valuable lesson mostly relating to relationships and treating others with love, obey God and do not judge others

A: The part where Jesus teaches about loving the enemies and not expecting repay but sharing love and compassion stood out the most to me. It is very true that even those who do not know God loves those who love them. Human often stick to the mindset of "eye for eye and tooth for tooth". However, in this passage Jesus clearly states that should not be. As someone who follows Jesus, we should love like him and be more like him hence love our enemies too (love everyone). It is sometimes hard to do something without expecting anything in return. But I want to humble myself and empty myself of any subconscious greed(?) or need or desire for anything in return and just share love and genuinely love. 

P: I pray that I will be better in keeping up with posting QTs and doing them on time. I pray that like Jesus taught in todays passage, I will be able to love and be more like Him to be a better disciple that represents God in this world. 

Observations: A slave of a roman officer was really sick. So they went to look for Jesus.The roman officer’s faith was really strong- even Jesus was amazed. Then Jesus healed the slave. A widow’s son died and the lady was crying, Jesus told her not to cry, then he went over to her son- and he was raised back to life. Jesus was explaining how none is greater than John. Jesus went to eat dinner with a pharisee and there was a woman who offered valuable perfume for Him. Then the pharisee claimed that she was a sinner- Jesus wasn’t happy and told people that she should be forgiven and with peace, because of her faith in the Lord and serving Him with her whole heart.

Application: Jesus wants everybody to join him into the kingdom of heaven. This chapter taught us that we shouldn't discriminate whatsoever. There are so many cases in this world where things aren’t fair or just at all, but as a chriatian we it’s our job to love and care for EVERYBODY that is living on this earth. And yes, it’s really easy to judge people, but with a humble and loving heart, we can welcome so many people to experience God’s love for us. 

S: Luke 7

O: Jesus publicly applaud the roman soldier who had great faith in Him. Then, Jesus healed the servant of those soldiers without physically being there. Then, Jesus raised the dead boy alive, leaving people in awe. Jesus preaches about how the Son of man is the Messiah and the great one, along with how people constantly fail and be hypocritical (after meeting the disciples of john). Jesus teaches another lesson using the analogy of canceling debts. Jesus says that no matter the amount of sin, they can be forgiven and the amount of forgiveness corresponds to the peoples love. 

A: The analogy or parable about forgiveness and the canceling of debt was very interesting. I, initially when I read it, expected Jesus to say that despite the numerical amount of the debt that was cancelled, the owner loves both because he cancelled them in its entirety. But I definitely see the point Jesus is making. This was so fit not only about forgiveness that God grants us but also amongst ourselves / human judgements. In a way, Simon acts as us when we are being hypocritical or selfish even, thinking that we are better than certain people. I hope that we can gain a more humble heart and also be able to love more and forgive more and ask for forgiveness and be forgiven. 

P: I pray that we can have the great faith like the one of the soldier. Let us use that faith to live and also live with love - love like Jesus. Let us love like him, forgive and teach/share like him. Let us also rely on Him and ask him for forgiveness in our lives. 

A: This stood out to me because it reminds me of the power Jesus holds. I think I often take him for granted. He is fully God and man, and instead of heaven he chose to come down to earth and spread the word and help people. He chose to die on the cross for our sins because he loves us. He can bring dead people alive and so we shouldn’t ever doubt him and what he can do. He understands us better then we do because he created us. I should always remind myself to be grateful and always respect and never doubt him.
P: I pray that we will be able to have faith in God, and to always be thankful.

S: Luke 8

O: Jesus teaches the lesson about faith and how people accept/grow with Gods word through the parable of the seed and different grounds. He also teaches about listening to him and honesty using the parable of the lamp. Jesus also taught the people that all who follow and listen to Gods words are the family of Christ. Jesus calms the storm, and heals the man who was possessed by the devil (the demon that was possessing the man recognized Jesus and he also were able to go into the pigs under Jesus' permission. Woman touched the Jesus' clothing and because of her faith she was healed. The daughter of a man with faith who came was also raised to life and she lived. 

A: The parable about the lamp seems to have a lot of ways in which it can be interpreted. But  specifically using v18 about more understanding being given if you listen and things being taken away if you do not listen, I want to apply this more into listening not only to God and his words but also to others around me. By first listening more to God and learning his words more, and then also listening to those around me, I hope to be a positive influence showing Gods love. 

P: I pray that each of us can grow in faith and have a strong foundation of faith. Let us also help each other in building and growing with the faith. Let us be "all ears" for God and His words and be obedient child of God. 

Scripture: Luke 9

Observation:v.1-6) Jesus gave the apostles to go out and preach for the kingdom of God after providing them with power to heal and cast out demons. He emphasizes that they should not bring anything with them and stay in the peoples’ homes. (Assures that they are not doing the work, but God is and that He will provide/prepare even when the apostles are not taking anything) v.10-17) Jesus fed 5000 thousand men with five loaves and two fish. (There were many left overs after everyone was full. V.18-22 ) Jesus asks the disciples about what others (and the disciples themselves) say he is. Then, he predicts the upcoming events and sufferings he has to go through as a messiah. v.23-26) whoever wants to be a disciple of Jesus must take up their cross and follow him daily. Jesus emphasizes self-lessness and focus on the need for people to look to God and follow him. v.28-36) The transfiguration v37-43) Jesus heals the boy who was possessed by the spirit v46-48) Jesus teaches the disciples, who were arguing about who is the greatest among themselves, that whoever welcomes the little child welcomes him and who sent him (God). He continues and says that the least among all is the greatest. 49-50) continuing on from the previous two verses, these two verses seem to show the disciples’ greed or selfishness wanting to keep the “clique” or the powers within themselves but Jesus teaching them to love and to embrace others as well. 51-55) Samaritans did not welcome Jesus but rather mocked him. Jesus and the disciples left such a town after rebuking them. 57-62) The cost of following Jesus. 

Application: Other than the last portion and my application (presented through the video) - Verse 48 was one of my favorite verses in this chapter. This is one of the ways in which Jesus lived- While he was the King of Kings and a Son of God, he still came down to earth in a human flesh and served. He, who is the greatest, became the least and lived to help and serve the people. Also, with this, Jesus is teaching a lesson to be self-less and loving for those around - regardless of their status or age or whatever else that may hinder one from approaching them. 

Prayer: Let is prioritize you, God. Let us be diligent in following you and serving you in our daily lives. Let us serve like you, Jesus and follow your footsteps.  Lord help us and guide us. You are our God who is the Lords of all and the King of Kings. Let us never forget that. 

9/12/20

S: Luke 10

O: Jesus sends out more disciples and gives instructions of what to do and how to serve and share the message of the kingdom of God. Jesus prayed a prayer of thanksgiving after hearing of the great news regarding people who believed the disciples words. Jesus talks wisely to the person who wanted to test Jesus. Jesus then taught him that the most important commandment is to follow God and love the neighbors - especially the neighbors party with the parable of the good samaritan. Jesus then goes to two ladies' house teaches Martha that what matters the most is Jesus- not the food or the details or anything else. 

A: Jesus' lesson taught to Martha really stood out to me today. Along with yesterday's passage and especially the portion in which i focused on in the video, it really drill downs the idea of prioritizing God; about keeping God as the most important being in our lives. I hope to be able to be like Mary and not get fooled like Martha that the details are more important. 

P: I pray that you guide us, Lord to be wise in spending our time and life. Especially with putting you first in our lives let us spend quality time with you on a daily basis. 

Observations: Jesus calls for Pilates to repent. Repent and to turn to God. Jesus tells us a parable about a Fig tree where a man plants a fig tree and waits for three years. He couldn’t wait anymore so he told his gardener to chop it down, but the gardener asked for one more year so it can grow. When somebody asked Jesus about how many will be saved and he replied by saying “Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s kingdom, for many will try to enter but many will fail. When the master has locked the door, it will be too late.” And he won’t open it back up. 

Application: In today's chapter, it talked about how if you miss the opportunity to be let into God’s kingdom, then it’s too late. We have to constantly have that urgency to serve God and work for him. 

Prayer: God, I thank you for helping me to get back to start reading your word. I know that I have been slacking off, but help me reset my priorities and so that I wouldn’t push the time I get to spend with you away. Thank you fro providing me another day to live, help me live another one for you. 

Observations: Jesus teaches us about forgiving one another. He tells us that even though people argue and say that you are wrong, you have to forgive them - I think it’s because God forgave us even if we still sinned. Jesus healed ten men in Galilee and they all came back to Jesus to praise him and worship him. The kingdom of God is coming and nobody will ever know until it happens. It’s going to happen when everybody is busy with their own lives and minding their own businesses. That is why we need to be prepared and not hold on to our lives- instead hold on to Christ. 

Application: Like the meeting we had yesterday, this chapter gave us the push of urgency- because we never will know when Jesus will come back and if he does, our time is up. This is why living for GOd everyday is important. I know I have slacked off a lot and tried to get away with not doing qt or just praying but this is something that is very serious. I want to pray about my priorities and the ways I can help others experience our Great God.