Every time that I encounter Christ, I am(or should be) further transformed into His likeness. My struggle lies in always finding Christ's image. Whether I find that in prayer, worship, the beauty of truth, other people, a community, creation, an act of grace, an act of justice, an embodiment of humility, a work of healing, etc... Whenever we open our eyes to see Christ we are presented with an opportunity to be redeemed.
This reality provokes me into thousands of further thoughts. The one I want to share with you now is this:
In what way do you best see yourself? Or better yet, in what way do you best see Christ in yourself? When you look at yourself in the mirror? When you allow someone else to share their perception of who you are? Or perhaps when you close your eyes and think about your life? Which of these portrays an honest reflection? The truest image of who you are.
As I continue to seek my true reflection, I further see how far I have to go in order that I may be like Christ. I firmly believe that our purpose in life is to be transformed into His image. "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit." 2 Corinthians 3:18
May you find your reflection. And may it lead you to a clearer image of who Christ is in you.
November 27, 2008
November 22, 2008
Culture Shock, part 2
Over a month ago, I shared with you about the Culture Shock that I have experienced since living here in Kentucky. While that has not changed much, I do want to also share with you another aspect of the culture of Asbury Seminary that I have enjoyed.
While this city and most of this state is very white, I must admit that there is a very nice international population on campus. There are students here from South Korea, India, Tanzania, Kenya, Brazil, and the list goes on and on. I have found much joy in getting to know several of these students and hearing their stories. I find myself drawn to sit with them in the dining hall and just listen. There is so much for me to learn from their perspectives and experiences. Knowing their personal stories helps me to digest all the Lord is teaching me about His Kingdom.
In small ways, I believe the international travels that I have experienced helps me to respect and appreciate who they are and all they have to share. There is one student in particular from South Korea that I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know. His name, or I should say his American name, is Moses. He is so much fun to talk to and I have so much respect for him. I already have an invitation to come visit him in South Korea one day and eagerly long for the Lord to provide that opportunity for me. As we were talking about his American name and his Korean name, he decided that he would give me a Korean name as well. Because I can't type in Korean, here is a picture of what my Korean name looks like:
This is obviously a vertical image of the name, which is how he typed it out for me. You want to know the really cool part about this story? My new Korean name means exactly the same thing as my American name, and Moses did not even know what "Jeffrey" means. He said that he gave me this name, which means "peace" because he felt like it fit my personality. What a blessing! I truly believe in the power of a name. There is much power in the name of Jesus, and I believe He will bring purpose and power in our lives through our names as well. I'm trying to get Moses to teach me some Korean; however, I am hopeless at being about to make the correct sounds to pronounce the words.
Needless to say, I find much joy and blessing in the diversity of multicultural students that are on campus.(that is good since I will mostly be surrounded by only the international students over our Thanksgiving break when everyone else heads home for the week) Granted, this does not make up for the lack of national diversity that we have here. Nonetheless, it is still a great blessing that I believe is a beautiful picture of the Kingdom of God.
Again, may you find the beauty and blessing in the diversity that surrounds you and when given the opportunity to expand your experiences beyond our boarders may you have the joy, desire, and willingness to do so.
While this city and most of this state is very white, I must admit that there is a very nice international population on campus. There are students here from South Korea, India, Tanzania, Kenya, Brazil, and the list goes on and on. I have found much joy in getting to know several of these students and hearing their stories. I find myself drawn to sit with them in the dining hall and just listen. There is so much for me to learn from their perspectives and experiences. Knowing their personal stories helps me to digest all the Lord is teaching me about His Kingdom.
In small ways, I believe the international travels that I have experienced helps me to respect and appreciate who they are and all they have to share. There is one student in particular from South Korea that I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know. His name, or I should say his American name, is Moses. He is so much fun to talk to and I have so much respect for him. I already have an invitation to come visit him in South Korea one day and eagerly long for the Lord to provide that opportunity for me. As we were talking about his American name and his Korean name, he decided that he would give me a Korean name as well. Because I can't type in Korean, here is a picture of what my Korean name looks like:
This is obviously a vertical image of the name, which is how he typed it out for me. You want to know the really cool part about this story? My new Korean name means exactly the same thing as my American name, and Moses did not even know what "Jeffrey" means. He said that he gave me this name, which means "peace" because he felt like it fit my personality. What a blessing! I truly believe in the power of a name. There is much power in the name of Jesus, and I believe He will bring purpose and power in our lives through our names as well. I'm trying to get Moses to teach me some Korean; however, I am hopeless at being about to make the correct sounds to pronounce the words.
Needless to say, I find much joy and blessing in the diversity of multicultural students that are on campus.(that is good since I will mostly be surrounded by only the international students over our Thanksgiving break when everyone else heads home for the week) Granted, this does not make up for the lack of national diversity that we have here. Nonetheless, it is still a great blessing that I believe is a beautiful picture of the Kingdom of God.
Again, may you find the beauty and blessing in the diversity that surrounds you and when given the opportunity to expand your experiences beyond our boarders may you have the joy, desire, and willingness to do so.
November 18, 2008
Hurricane
This is a new favorite song that I've been listening to recently. I find a lot of truth in it, as well as a danger if it truly becomes my prayer. Enjoy!
November 17, 2008
Kingdom story
I wanted to share a story with you all that I find inspiring. It is unique and somewhat sad, but amazing at the same time. I heard this story this weekend and will relay it to you to the best of my ability.
Daniel Lim is the Executive Vice President of the Forerunner School of Ministry at the IHOP base in Kansas City. He is from Malaysia and has an extensive history which includes pioneering numerous missionary projects in Southeast Asia. Several years ago, after the Tsunami hit, Daniel's wife began fasting and praying for those devastated by the storm. She felt very strongly that the Lord wanted their family to take a team of people, along with many supplies, to the areas. After enormous provision from the Lord, with a full team, and over a million dollars, they were set to leave. Daniel and his wife have two kids and their youngest, a little girl not even 1 year old, had been ill and they had to wait for the doctor's clearance before they could leave. Finally her health improved and the team was off.
When they arrived, they met a great amount of opposition from the government. Their team would go around in T-shirt which read "We love Myanmar." Daniel finally approached the highest authority he had access to and told them to stop the resistance for they were there simply to help. Within days, their team had every resource imaginable at their disposal, including a UN helicopter. Thus, the Lord was showering His favor over them: a Christian group of people their to love on a country that is 89% Buddhists.
One week, Daniel and his wife and son left to travel north to minister in some smaller villages. While they were there, they received a phone call that their young daughter Emma, who had stayed behind with their family in the larger city, was in the hospital with pneumonia. Before they could return, their daughter had died. They buried her on a plot of land they had purchased to build an orphanage on. This had to have been very difficult for them. Some would ask how the Lord could allow such a thing to happen.
Within days, the dictator of Myanmar heard of the death of their daughter, and the sacrifice they had made in traveling with a sick child just to help their country. In an act of appreciation, he declared that a street in every village in the country be named after their daughter. Do you know what her name was, and what it meant? She went by Emma, but her name was Emmanuel (God with us).
So as they left the country, not only had they shared the love of Christ, provided so much aid, brought much relief, and had lost their daughter, but the name of Christ was left in every village in the country.
We may not always understand the Lord's ways and why things happen. However, we must remember that as subjects in His kingdom, He is in control and His kingdom is advancing in ways that we will cost us sacrifice. I know none of us would ever want to be asked of the Lord to lose our children, as Abraham was asked to do, but our Great God is establishing His kingdom on the earth and we must trust in His goodness and faithfulness.
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." ~ Romans 8:28
May we all have the strength and faith to trust in the Lord and be obedient to all that He asks of us. And may we recommit ourselves to the reality of His kingdom and not be blinded by our limited vision of Christianity.
Daniel Lim is the Executive Vice President of the Forerunner School of Ministry at the IHOP base in Kansas City. He is from Malaysia and has an extensive history which includes pioneering numerous missionary projects in Southeast Asia. Several years ago, after the Tsunami hit, Daniel's wife began fasting and praying for those devastated by the storm. She felt very strongly that the Lord wanted their family to take a team of people, along with many supplies, to the areas. After enormous provision from the Lord, with a full team, and over a million dollars, they were set to leave. Daniel and his wife have two kids and their youngest, a little girl not even 1 year old, had been ill and they had to wait for the doctor's clearance before they could leave. Finally her health improved and the team was off.
When they arrived, they met a great amount of opposition from the government. Their team would go around in T-shirt which read "We love Myanmar." Daniel finally approached the highest authority he had access to and told them to stop the resistance for they were there simply to help. Within days, their team had every resource imaginable at their disposal, including a UN helicopter. Thus, the Lord was showering His favor over them: a Christian group of people their to love on a country that is 89% Buddhists.
One week, Daniel and his wife and son left to travel north to minister in some smaller villages. While they were there, they received a phone call that their young daughter Emma, who had stayed behind with their family in the larger city, was in the hospital with pneumonia. Before they could return, their daughter had died. They buried her on a plot of land they had purchased to build an orphanage on. This had to have been very difficult for them. Some would ask how the Lord could allow such a thing to happen.
Within days, the dictator of Myanmar heard of the death of their daughter, and the sacrifice they had made in traveling with a sick child just to help their country. In an act of appreciation, he declared that a street in every village in the country be named after their daughter. Do you know what her name was, and what it meant? She went by Emma, but her name was Emmanuel (God with us).
So as they left the country, not only had they shared the love of Christ, provided so much aid, brought much relief, and had lost their daughter, but the name of Christ was left in every village in the country.
We may not always understand the Lord's ways and why things happen. However, we must remember that as subjects in His kingdom, He is in control and His kingdom is advancing in ways that we will cost us sacrifice. I know none of us would ever want to be asked of the Lord to lose our children, as Abraham was asked to do, but our Great God is establishing His kingdom on the earth and we must trust in His goodness and faithfulness.
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." ~ Romans 8:28
May we all have the strength and faith to trust in the Lord and be obedient to all that He asks of us. And may we recommit ourselves to the reality of His kingdom and not be blinded by our limited vision of Christianity.
November 16, 2008
suffering
As I'm sure most of you are aware, I've had a very interesting first semester of seminary. I am learning a lot, although most of that is happening in the prayer room, doctor's office, or while I walk around at work for 3 hours a day, and not in the classroom.
There is so much that is on my mind. I literally have a list of things that I want to sit down, focus on, and really process. I am only waiting for the time to do that.
However, through the struggles of this semester, in this very new place, I've often found myself wanting comfort. I've found so much goodness in the Lord, but it hasn't always been comfortable (not that I was promised eternal comfort anyway). I've found myself wanting a nice, assuring hug from a close friend, or the company of someone who knows me and will just sit with me. Why? Again, mostly for the comfort that it would provide. The chance that it would give me to talk about how difficult things have been. Yet, I've realized how selfish that is. The Lord provides opportunities for me to share with people daily. It may not always be in the "comfortable" form I would desire; however, it is still there.
In conversation with a new friend recently, I heard this: "In the midst of our suffering, we need to be willing to listen. Hurt people always want to talk-to have attention drawn to them. But the real goal is to be a listener. Because God is speaking in your suffering. So I’m choosing to listen."
And oh how He is speaking. I'm just adding to my list of things to process. The joy in hearing all that He is speaking is comforting, not because of the content, but because of His voice. Perhaps I'll get around to sharing some of these things with you soon. For now, I'm just finding myself listening, with no agenda, and watching His faithfulness played out before me.
May you hear all that He has to share with you and listen to His words of comfort.
There is so much that is on my mind. I literally have a list of things that I want to sit down, focus on, and really process. I am only waiting for the time to do that.
However, through the struggles of this semester, in this very new place, I've often found myself wanting comfort. I've found so much goodness in the Lord, but it hasn't always been comfortable (not that I was promised eternal comfort anyway). I've found myself wanting a nice, assuring hug from a close friend, or the company of someone who knows me and will just sit with me. Why? Again, mostly for the comfort that it would provide. The chance that it would give me to talk about how difficult things have been. Yet, I've realized how selfish that is. The Lord provides opportunities for me to share with people daily. It may not always be in the "comfortable" form I would desire; however, it is still there.
In conversation with a new friend recently, I heard this: "In the midst of our suffering, we need to be willing to listen. Hurt people always want to talk-to have attention drawn to them. But the real goal is to be a listener. Because God is speaking in your suffering. So I’m choosing to listen."
And oh how He is speaking. I'm just adding to my list of things to process. The joy in hearing all that He is speaking is comforting, not because of the content, but because of His voice. Perhaps I'll get around to sharing some of these things with you soon. For now, I'm just finding myself listening, with no agenda, and watching His faithfulness played out before me.
May you hear all that He has to share with you and listen to His words of comfort.
November 4, 2008
tough day
So today is a really tough day. And no, I'm not talking about the elections. (I do have some thoughts on that and will post something about it soon)
Today marks four years since one of my best friends in the world died. John was killed in a car accident in Athens. I can recount for you every moment of that day. And today is the first time that I have gone through the emotions of this day by myself.
Instead of sharing stories with you about John, I'll leave you with this. It is a poem he and I discussed several times. It was found both in his wallet and in his Bible when he died, and I read it at his memorial service.
The best way to live
is to appreciate each minute
as an unrepeatable miracle.
Work at your work and
play at your play.
Shed your tears.
Enjoy your laughter.
Don't try to borrow from the future.
Accept the fact that now
is the best time of your life.
Even before I ask,
God has His answer ready for me.
His generous blessings never fail.
Tough words to live out today, but I do my best as I remember him today.
May you find comfort and meaning in all your relationships.
Today marks four years since one of my best friends in the world died. John was killed in a car accident in Athens. I can recount for you every moment of that day. And today is the first time that I have gone through the emotions of this day by myself.
Instead of sharing stories with you about John, I'll leave you with this. It is a poem he and I discussed several times. It was found both in his wallet and in his Bible when he died, and I read it at his memorial service.
The best way to live
is to appreciate each minute
as an unrepeatable miracle.
Work at your work and
play at your play.
Shed your tears.
Enjoy your laughter.
Don't try to borrow from the future.
Accept the fact that now
is the best time of your life.
Even before I ask,
God has His answer ready for me.
His generous blessings never fail.
Tough words to live out today, but I do my best as I remember him today.
May you find comfort and meaning in all your relationships.
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