Perception of the Enemy

[S] Acts 24:5 --
For we have found this man a real pest and a fellow who stirs up dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.

[O] If one man can stir up the whole world, that is actually pretty powerful if you think about it.  There are a few people in the past who's shaken the world -- some good and some bad ways -- but definitely not many are in this category.  Jesus was a God and yet as a full human being He was labeled by the Jewish leaders as the one who stir the whole world.  It is actually an honor to be known as such a person by the enemy because if they feel threatened that means God is on our side.

[A] As I read this comment by the Jewish leaders, I was meditating on how my life is currently viewed by the enemy.  Will they feel threatened by my vision and passion to live for God and to carry out His plans here on earth without being distracted by all sorts of things crowding my life?  Will my family treasure Jesus at the core like a rock that will not shake us apart?  Will my church be the "hurricane" poised to sweep through the local region and further?

[P] Dear Jesus, make me, my family, and my church be known like You in this passage by our enemy.  I ask that Your Spirit seal the focus and strength to carry on Your wonderful plans here and to keep our eyes on You at all time.  In Your name.  Amen.

Voice from Banks of Ulai

[S] Daniel 8:16 --
16 And I heard the voice of a man between the banks of Ulai, and he called out and said, "Gabriel, give this man an understanding of the vision."

[O] God reveals His deeper plans to those who seek Him with all His might.  However, with that comes a price of carrying the load/burden of His ministry as well (see verse 27 -- Then I, Daniel, was exhausted and sick for days. Then I got up again and carried on the king's business; but I was astounded at the vision, and there was none to explain it.).

[A] There's so much going on in all aspects of life right now, I am very overwhelmed and in the midst of all this I desire to hear the "voice from the banks of Ulai" calling Gabriel to give Yoon an understanding His plans in light of everything that's going on so that I can have some clarity of charting my critical path.  Having said that the book of Daniel has been an inspiration for me to draw closer to Him despite the circumstance I am in.

[P] Dear Father, as Your wonderful plan for us here continue to proceed to reveal Your glory please use my meager life's contribution to expand that ministry here on earth.  Please continue to build up my family with You in the center while sending Your angels to protect each of the members.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

Joy of Parenting

[S] 3 John 1:4 --
4 I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.

[O] John writes here re: spiritual children but I cannot help but to overlay this with my own children.  I will want nothing more than for my children to be continuously walking in the truth as they grow up and into the adulthood.  They will most likely make many mistakes and some of their plans in life may not turn out as expected, but as long as they walk (not mastering) in the truth, drawing closer to Christ, my heart will have great joy as a parent.

[A] No slacking on prayer for my children's hearts to be grasped by God's leadership.

[P] Dear Father, I am so thankful for the children You put me in charge of to raise them to be walking with You at all times such that they will realize their purpose and vision here on earth -- to fulfill the mission You assigned them from the beginning.  I love them much.  Please protect their hearts by surround them with You angels.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

Tested Until God's Perfect Timing

[S] Pslam 105:19 --
19 Until the time that his word came to pass,
The word of the Lord tested him.

[O] This refers to Joseph in Egypt, how we was unfairly sold as a slave by his brothers, imprisoned by false accusations and yet God provided him the vision which he clung unto through all these testing phases.  Being ignorant of God's word/vision and going on with my life is one thing but to know His vision for my life and to go through all the circumstances far distant from the vision itself is very challenging to say the least.  This passage encourages me because God's word will come to pass every time, and until then I am being refined and equipped to handle the God-sized vision for me.

[A] I need to turn my frustration of waiting for God's vision to come alive in my life into claiming joy for His equipping me to a dream of His size.

[P] Dear Father, I praise You for taking me into Your fold and nurturing me to handle the amazing vision You will manifest in and through my life.  Please continue to refine my life and may my heart be filled with rejoicing as I wait for the moment of Your glory.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

Retirement Model from Job

[S] Job 42:12,17 --
 ¹²The LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning;
 ¹⁷And Job died, an old man and full of days.

[O] After all that Job went through, the completion of his life displayed the splendor or His beautiful and wonderful provision for His children.  It is not only because God restored the material wealth and his family, but because of the greater intensity of Job's life in the latter days than his beginning as well as how he was able to die full of days.  He maximized his life in the Lord even through the "deadly" downturn of his life.  My take away here is: I will surely go through challenges of my life no matter how closely I walk with God but that shouldn't be my excuse to not live out my life full of days, giving it all for Him.

[A] As I'm bombarded with lots of interruptions and challenges of my life stage, I need to defocus the strain coming from them and redirect my heart to focus more on the hopes and visions God intends for me to catch and to figure out a way to live the rest of my life giving it all for Him.

[P] Dear Father, Job's beautiful example of living out his life for You inspires me today.  I also want to follow his footsteps of living my days full for You.  Just like how someone once mentioned that on his tombstone, he wants to put a gas gauge with the needle pointing to "E" (for empty) signifying how he's given it all he had during his life.  I want to follow that model so please continue to teach me how I may do that until You call me home.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

Keeps On Going Again and Again

[S] John 10:7-8,11 --
 ⁷Then after this He said to the disciples, "Let us go to Judea again."
 ⁸The disciples said to Him, "Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone You, and are You going there again?" 
 ¹¹This He said, and after that He said to them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I go, so that I may awaken him out of sleep." 

[O] If the disciples knew about the danger of going back to Judea, I'd think Jesus was aware of this also.  However, He decided to go there again fully knowing the risk and yet he was fully driven by His purpose mentioned in verse 11.  Of course that was the practical reason with the ultimate reason of glorifying God through that miracle.  Many times I discredit Jesus' actions like these because He was God -- much like how I'd expect the Superman to fly over a building without any problems, I expect Jesus to make this type of a decision because He knows the future and He is above the earthly circumstances.  But today, God whispered to me about how He was a full man and how He was fully bound to the earthly limitations too which means, He was fully capable of averting the risks He may be walking into.  He did have an edge being the Son of God but in the end His human side had to be led by His spiritual side.  This is one way to define ministry:  Overcoming the earthly limitations with Heavenly purposes.

[A] How many times, have I weighed the risks of venturing into the "ministry zone" and decided to stay safe within the boundaries of the "safe zone" (or perhaps the "twilight zone")?  I find myself doing this whenever I am unclear of God's purpose which increases the fear factor.  So, I must ask God to make the purpose of my ministry clear at all times such that I, too, may say, "Let us go to the 'ministry zone' again, and again."

[P] Dear God, please continue to sustain your vision and purpose of doing ministry for You.  This is more than simply participating in a ministry program but for my inner heart to be pumping His vision all the time in order to constantly pursue the avenues to reveal God's wonderful presence without caving into the fear of unknowns to leave myself in my own safety zone.  Please grant such an assurance in my life.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

People Need Vision

[S] Proverbs 29:18 --
     ¹⁸Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained,
         But happy is he who keeps the law.  (NASB)
 ¹⁸ When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild.
      But whoever obeys the law is joyful.  (NLT)

[O] The central force which unites people's hearts comes from a single vision which is caught by the people.  Without it people will run wild without any common boundaries.  So in such a state all the energy of the people are drained by trying to normalize everyone's diverse views and opinions of who is right or wrong.  Let's face it, there is no one person who is right all the time so what good is it to try and persuade and influence each other about why certain ways are better for the people?  Even if that seems right, implementation of such a way is a whole new can of worms and there most likely be a better and improved idea by another person.  So, while this is not about living a complacent life, I do believe the source of our ideas and improvements must come from God's vision.  My role should be the conduit of His vision to the people which leaves room for God to move people's hearts and unite them to exercise their energy in a single direction joyfully.

[A] Having spent last 10 months of "kick starting" a small group ministry from ground zero at my church had been a good challenge which was very much anticipated, by the way. I could write a book on different methodologies and what to do, don't do, but this verse gave me an insight to be the conduit of God's vision to the leadership group which is being formed.  More so that the how to's, let God's vision inspire them and unite to move forward.

[P] Dear God, grant me Your wisdom to understand Your vision so I may pass it on to the small group leadership group.  And I pray that You would encourage them and unite them to carry forward this ministry which You are at work.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

God-originated Charge

[S] 1 Chronicles 22:6 --  ⁶Then he called for his son Solomon, and charged him to build a house for the LORD God of Israel.

[O] King David made sure he passes on a firm foundation of preparation to Solomon who God has ordained to build His temple.  Even though David wasn't called to build the temple, he nevertheless gave up and continued to pour his efforts into the preparation.  Not only did he display the strength of a strong leader, but his wisdom of taking part in God's ministry to the best he can (even though God told him not to build the temple).  Now, my style would've been to try and pass on all the preparation to Solomon and tell him he should use all I had prepared to build up a wonderful temple for God and finish the project I've started so to speak.  David does this but foremost he charges Solomon to build a house for the LORD God of Israel.  His way of setting the correct vision for Solomon is what I need to learn here.  One of the key aspects of a leader is to convey the vision to the followers because without a vision man's efforts are bound to lose the bearing over time.  But with a clear vision from God, even if men's ways may falter, the vision will bring them back on track again.  David goes on in verse 10 to convey what God had told him: "He shall build a house for My name, and he shall be My son and I will be his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever."  This passes on a lot stronger charge to Solomon because it's not just David his father's charge but what God had ordained from the beginning.

[A] As I've been struggling with God on how to be a more effective leader for the Small Group ministry at my church, this passage taught me that as I go to the Lord for His guidance of our ministry, I must seek God-originated vision and charge for our ministry.  Structures, formats, and procedures must originate from God's heart rather than men's hearts.  I want to raise my Life Journaling sessions with God to receive such a charge directly from Him so I may pass it on to the small group leaders.

[P] Dear God, please show me the depth of Your mind for our small group ministry.  I would like to pass on the vision which comes from you to the small group leaders so they may be motivated by Your Spirit to carry on this precious ministry.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

Large Fish 153

[S] John 21:6-7, 11 --

 ⁶And He said to them, "Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch." So they cast, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish.
 ⁷Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord." So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put his outer garment on (for he was stripped for work), and threw himself into the sea
 ¹¹Simon Peter went up and drew the net to land, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not torn.

[O] This is almost a continuation from yesterday's devo on Mary's response to Jesus' calling.  Jesus yells out this somewhat of a strange instruction to Peter and John when they were returning without catching any fish.  And when John observed the amazing result, he quickly recognized the voice to be from Jesus the "Lord."  For me, understanding the background of their situation puts a more personal light in this scene.  Their leader they followed for three years just got crucified by the Romans, and trying to keep themselves hidden from the Romans, they were filled with fear.  And then they slip away to their old stomping grounds (fishing) but even that didn't turn out too well all night.  At that point of low times, they probably just gave a try to this stranger's suggestion and voila, they caught more fish than they can manage.  Could this have triggered their senses because they've seen so many of these situations when they were with Jesus where impossible and hopeless situations turns more than possible with much hope than anyone could ever dream of.  So, John recognizes Jesus and Peter jumps in the water to swim ashore to meet Him.  I can sense the level of energy here especially when there was negative energy.  I get so charged up about reading because it revives in me the posture of a disciple -- no matter what goes around me keep my head up and listen/look for the marks of Jesus and run to Him.  In verse 11, these blessed me: drew the net to land; full of large fish; 153; net was not torn (although so many).  How perfect of a picture for our small group ministry.  I'm so encouraged by this passage as it is God's personal vision for our ministry.

[A] Every day, don't get too deep in the planning and implementation of the small group, but have a larger heart to hear and look for how God is working in the midst of our ministry.  Keep following what Jesus guides me to do.

[P] Dear God, could this picture of an overflowing fish a vision for our small group ministry's future?  Could it be that You will bring across so many (153) people into your Kingdom that will require us to collaborate and yet we would be able to manage it (net not torn).  Thank You for this encouragement, and may you be glorified through our ministry.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

From Word To Visions

[S] Jeremiah 1:11-12; John 10:37-38 --
¹¹The word of the LORD came to me saying, "What do you see, Jeremiah?" And I said, "I see a rod of an almond tree."

¹²Then the LORD said to me, "You have seen well, for I am watching over My word to perform it."

³⁷"If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me;

³⁸but if I do them, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me, and I in the Father."

[O] In Jeremiah 1:11-12 what caught my eyes was the fact that when the word of the Lord came, Jeremiah gained vision into what God wanted him to see. Normally word is audible and seeing is visible and they are not necessarily connected. However, God's word has the power to make me see and thus I need to keep treasuring His word in my life in order for me to see the path He leads me through. Furthermore, in John's passage Jesus claims to the Jewish leaders about validating His claim of begin the Son of God. It is simple: If His works display God's prophesied actions, then regardless of their comprehension, they should believe. From these two passages I gather that the sequence of God's working in my life to the point of my actions displaying His will is: 1) Hear God's word; 2) See His visions; 3) Do/Carry out His will; 4) Be the billboard revealing God's power. If people are aware of God's word, then they should acknowledge the source of my actions and believe that I belong to God's ministry team.

[A] Keep reading His word daily. Keep exercising seeing His visions. Continue to carry out His ministry to the fullest.

[P] Dear God, thank You for revealing and re-affiming once again that my visions originate from Your word and so I need to dig deeper into Your word daily. I am looking forward to studying the Book of John in BSF this new year and anticipate hearing what You have for me. Please shower upon my family members Your word such that they too will see Your visions. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Thirsty Ground to Springs of Water

[S] Isaiah 35:7 --

⁷The scorched land will become a pool
And the thirsty ground springs of water;
In the haunt of jackals, its resting place,
Grass becomes reeds and rushes.

[O] As I was preparing for the presentation of the small group ministry structure to invite some of the new leaders, I wanted

to share with them the idea of seeing the future of our ministry's potential so they could also be excited together. During my prayer walking to lift up this ministry to God, I noticed this empty piece of land where I'm sure some building will go up one of these days because it's just next to this beautiful convention center (can you see the water fountain in front also?) with the Hyatt Hotel in the background. As in verse 7, the scorched land will become a pool and the thirsty ground springs of water. Many times I get so stuck on the scorched land and stay in my depressed perspective when God wants me to see the potential of what He's going to do.

[A] See the vision God has for us. Pass it on to the new leaders and the rest of the congregation.

[P] Dear God, I come before You humbly bow down because You are the one who is at work and I'm merely joining where You're working. Please show Yourself in the midst of our church. Please move my heart along with the rest of the leadership we're inviting. Please bring unity in the midst of us not because they all believe and agree what they see but because they are touched by Your One Spirit to see what is unseen at the moment. In Jesus' name. Amen.