Community!

The past and coming week was and is going to be such a busy week. It has become more and more apparent to me that I am an introvert. The reason being, if given the choice of being in a crowd or one on one, I would pick the one on one. Quality over quantity? Well that's what I did over the past week! I am so blessed to have gotten the chance to catch up with a good amount of friends. These Sisters in Christ come in all different age groups from my Sunday school teachers to friends to PK who babysat me.

Next year will be my final full year as a student and to be honest, my heart has been yearning to go overseas. Perhaps this burning passion to teach somewhere in Asia isn't within the Lord's will. But as I met up with some Sisters who are experiencing the workforce, I am ever so encouraged to see their love for the Lord lit up brighter than ever even after graduating from undergraduate schools.

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Community. What is community?

A community of believers, etch makers of Christ. Brothers and sisters in Christ. The Body of Christ. So what difference does it make if and when we do surround ourselves with those who edify, rebuke, love us? How much time should we spend with them? What if I'm in a relationship and it's hard to balance the two or even more? What if I don't have a community? What if the community doesn't seem to offer much to me?

I cannot emphasize enough on the importance of community. After spending the past two years within and without a community and evaluating my decisions in life, I now understand why valuing and creating relationships with my Brothers and Sisters is such an essential aspect.

The Aspects of Community:
I have always wondered why it is so much easier for me to form relationships and be myself at home than being away in a college environment. Being away from home places community at a different playing field. The reason why I feel more at ease when I am at home is because relationships are built off of years and years of history. However, friendships created from college are based off of experiencing new things together without a curfew to account for. Spending hours and hours studying together, doing the unthinkable, seeing and confronting the shortcomings of others, and seeing and growing through the grace of God together, worshiping and reading the Bible together late at night, and opening up your house to friends. Several of these relationships might seem to last a short while, but a few stay close by.

Ponder On:
After college, do I have a community to come back to?
Do I have accountability brothers and sisters in Christ to help me in time of struggles or just to hang out with?
Am I ready to spend majority of my time alone at work, internships, etc?
Am I serving as much as I did in college?
Is the Lord sufficient enough to sustain and sanctify me?
Am I motivated enough to read the Word or spend quiet time alone without people being there?
Have I made enough effort to preserve friendships in college?

Missionaries in America!

I was cleaning and rearranging my room and I came across an old pamphlet I had picked up from a conference years ago. American Missionary Fellowship was the name of the organization. This is such a good reminder that the United States still need to be reached. So why serve in the states?

According to pamphlet:
Do you know?
"the unreached population of the United States would rank as the 6th most population contry oin the world...

missionaries are coming to America from four continents to evangelize and disciple the unreached in United States

American Missionary Fellowship is dedicated to taking the Gospel message to people of all ages, ethnicity, and social standing in both rural and urban areas!"

Are you being called to:
"pray for our missionaries- more than 330 serving across America- in need of God's strength, is supply, and His direction

join us in the harvest as either full-time missionary or as a mission partner serving part-time in various capacities

serve in a short-term ministry as a summer missionary (from age 16 and older)"

Neat stuff!

http://amfmission.org/ <-check it out if you're interested in serving in the missions field within the U.S.! :)

GOD REALLY DOES WORK!

Commitment and consistency in reading the Lord's word has been a current struggle in my life. In particular, I never really enjoyed reading willfully such as textbooks, novel books, etc. I have yet to read an entire textbook or book in college. I am not encouraging students to not read books. So continue to read your books! It has taken me more than a year to read the book of Psalms. In fact, I am still in the process of reading Psalms. I really DO want to become a diligent and committed reader, but I have improved over the past year. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE reading the Lord's Word, but diving into the Word of God might take a lot longer than expected.

Rewinding back to a couple of days ago. The worship leader interceded for us after worship and what an amazing truth he spoke of: BE CONSISTENT. Inside and out of church.

As of late, it has been easy for me to focus on the Lord in a church setting. I am soo in love with the Lord in confined places. Church, fellowship, etc. But when I look at my individual walk with God it lacked consistency. I am not advocating for us to consistently look for signs in confirmation of our sins. Rather to discern and evaluate our hearts and shortcomings and allowing our Lord Jesus to sanctify us.

Anyways, I read Psalms 40- My Help and My Deliverer
What stood out to me the most was Psalms 40:8

I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.

Our missions team will be going to Mexico to build 2-3 houses early June. When we do the Lord's will is it out of guilt, joy, ambition, or what? As of late, in preparation of my heart to become mission minded for this mission trip has been painstakingly hard. Don't mistaken me, I really DO want to go. But what are my motives? To spread the gospel through words and actions. While in this fundraiser process, perhaps I have become distracted and burdened with the costs of missions. I really do enjoy sharing with others my desire to serve in Mexico, but with doubts and worries at hand I feel quite burdened to trust in the Lord during the process. Or maybe it is too early in the game to worry.

Aside from my anxiousness, this morning I was woken up by a song that kept replaying in my head. Million pieces by Newsboys. And I can say that has definitely calmed my nerves.

Here are some verses for you guys:

Matthew 6:34 (English Standard Version)

³⁴^A)">(A) "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own

1 Peter 4:10-11 (English Standard Version)

¹⁰^A)">(A) As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another,^B)">(B) as good stewards of God’s varied grace: ¹¹whoever speaks, as one who speaks^C)">(C) oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves^D)">(D) by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything^E)">(E) God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.^F)">(F) To him belong glory and^G)">(G) dominion forever and ever. Amen.

I cannot wait to get worship started! :) So I found an instrumental version of Hosanna. It would be pretty COOL to do body worship without the words.

--
I need the Lord's strength and restoration to see the greater that He has given me at the moment. Rather than living in the past, I should learn and grow from it.

This is probably one of the most repeated verses, but here you go:

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (English Standard Version)

¹¹^A)">(A) For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare^a]">[a] and not for evil,^B)">(B) to give you a future and a hope. ¹²^C)">(C) Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. ¹³^D)">(D) You will seek me and find me, when you seek me^E)">(E) with all your heart.

How do we stop living for ourselves and start living for Christ?? Lest we take our eyes off of the cross but be reminded of the glories of Calvary!





The Wonderful Cross Lyrics
Artist(Band):Michael W. Smith

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of Glory died
My Richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride

See from His head His hands His feet
Sorrow and love flow mingled down
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet
Or thorns compose so rich a crown

Oh the wonderful cross (2x)
Bids me come and die and find
that I may truly live

Oh the wonderful cross (2x)
All who gather here by grace
draw near and bless your name

Were the whole realm of nature mine
That were an off'ring far too small
Love so amazing so divine
Demands my soul, my life, my all

Oh the wonderful cross (2x)
Bids me come and die and find
that I may truly live

Oh the wonderful cross (2x)
All who gather here by grace
draw near and bless your name

Love so amazing, so divine
Demands my soul, my life, my all

and the beauty and the shame
in the glory of His name
Oh the wonderful cross

Oh the wonderful cross (2x)
Bids me come and die and find
that I may truly live

Oh the wonderful cross (2x)
All who gather here by grace
draw near and bless your name

Hello. Goodbye.

Junior year has arrived and I have officially reached the half mark of my college career. As a senior leaving for college, goodbyes are short lived as we commute home for summer, winter, spring breaks. But moving on from college to post graduation, goodbyes are long term. It has been so difficult to say goodbye to some friends, but I cannot imagine how hard it is for the graduates. However, there's only a year left before I say goodbye for a year to a few years. If there's one thing that I have to accept is the changes in individuals. It has been truly difficult to accept these changes, but I know the one amazing truth is that the Lord never changes. In spite of having the ability to accept these changes, the Lord sustains us through the bittersweet farewells.

I need to be reminded that CHRIST is SUFFICIENT.


I thought this is pretty interesting how God can unite a couple together regardless of the distance.

One Day.

Don't be mad
If I cry
It just hurts so bad, sometimes
'Cause everyday it's sinking in
And I have to say goodbye all over again

You know I bet it feels good to have the weight of this world off your shoulders now
I'm dreaming of the day when I'm finally there with you

(Chorus)
Save a place for me
Save a place for me
I'll be there soon
I'll be there soon
Save a place for me
Save some grace for me
I'll be there soon
I'll be there soon

I have asked the questions why
But I guess the answers for another time
So instead I pray, with every tear
And be thankful for the time I had you here


I wanna live my life Just like you did
Make the most of my time
Just like you did
And I want to make my home up in the sky Just like you did
Oh, but until I get there...
Until I get there...

Phil 4:6-7

Do not be anxious in anything but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known by God. So that the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Today was such a trialing time in my shortcomings. However, I need to realize the amazing things God is doing in my life presently. Memorizing verses has really helped me during difficult times, because it is such a good way to examine our hearts and to sustain us through hardships.

Congratulations to the class of 2010 graduates!!! :)

Praise the Lord! :) School was officially over for me on Tuesday!!!!!! I am officially a JUNIOR!

Frjtz!

It has been awhile since I had last seen one of my friends! I'm extremely excited to just catch up and try out this restaurant in SF! *drool* I wish Merced had something like this, but sometimes it's better to wait and drool over the pictures :)

It's called Frjtz Fries

Here are some pictures:



WHY AM I ALLERGIC TO SHELLFISH :( I want to eat CLAMS!!! *DROOOOOL*






BACK TO STUDYING!!! I have no idea why I get distracted so easily, finals are tomorrow! YIKES! I am sooo checked out and ready for the summer to BEGIN!

SF OCEAN BEACH

Doing It Better The Second Time Around: Lesson Learned.

I have realized my selfishness over the past year. Achieving my first 4.0 ever in my life was great for a second, but then I realized the time I have wasted for my selfish gain in relationships and school, I neglected to set my eyes on the more permanent things the Lord had in stored for me. God gave me several chances to redeem myself, but I fell flat onto my face. Near the end, I had nothing left, my soul was empty, my heart was black, my salvation was nearly gone. This was all because I had placed relationships and school as my idol and God being God, removed every single one of my idols. It has been definitely been a tough year for growth, but praise the LORD for breaking into my calloused heart and cleansing me of my sin. Praise the Lord for His provision of grace! He has been so good to me.

Next school year is THE year I can start on a fresh clean slate. I have realized my inabilities and inconsistency with getting to know the freshmen girls, but I still have a year and half left to become more intentional and relational with some of them. I do hope that the Lord will give me the words to speak and the ability to love.

MORE OF CHRIST and less of me.
To make CHRIST known.

StuDYING Blog Break!

1 more final! Yay yay!

Overview:
Summer 2010:
1. Mexico Missionary (June 6-10) Pray for those we outreach to & safety! Also for the exposure of God's love and the Gospel!
2. Summer school (8 units)
3. DIVE leadership team- Help out for orientation. Pray for the incoming freshmen!
4. Hip Hop Movement- Dance again!
5. Get Me License & Car
6. Help out around church in SF, nursery
7. Spend time with family and friends & EAT TONS AND TONS OF FOOD!
8. Yosemite with SF church

Fall 2010:
1. School (18 units)
2. Intern in a 3rd Grade classroom
3. Volunteer @ Child Development Center
4. Hip Hop Movement- Dance!
5. DIVE Leadership
6. Go to weddings!

Spring 2011:
1. School (22 units)
2. Intern in high school classroom
3. Volunteer @ Child Development Center
4. Hip Hop Movement- Dance!
5. DIVE Leadership
6. Walk on commencement

Summer 2011:
1. PESI China!

Fall 2011:
1. School (16 units)
2. Intern in third grade classroom
3. Volunteer @ Child Development Center
4. Hip Hop Movement- Dance!
5. DIVE Leadership

Spring 2012:
1. Apply for grad school
2. Apply/interview teaching overseas (1-3+years)


SUPER DUPER EXCITED for the future! There is light after the tunnel! :)
These are just thoughts on the future. Nothing is for certain. Wherever I end up, I hope and pray that it is where the Lord wants me to be.

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OH I saw this Jen's gmail Buzz. It's pretty funny

Somegirlwitha.com!!!

FOB?

http://mymomisafob.com/

http://mydadisafob.com/

Homemade Container for Strawberries

Posted on April 20, 2009 at 07:52am

Dad bought too many strawberries from Costco for Mom, so Mom insisted on giving me some. So that the strawberries would not get crushed in the 3-minute carride from their home to mine, Mom found the perfect way to transport them.

Cute!

Perseverance in Texting

Posted on February 23, 2010 at 05:23pm

My mom just learned to text the day before:
Dear d Sure i wil meet you at time 7p square soon no 7p it is a tzphgg typing earror soppps Oh i give up

Life long spelling error—at least you’re unique?

Posted on March 10, 2009 at 11:14am

“My parents’ intent was to name me Stephanie.”

-Staphanie Tung

I Need Less of Me and More of Christ.

I want to be a better listener.

Untitled

I don't really know how to title this touchy subject. Last week my parents and sister came to Merced to visit me after class. I was sooo happy to see them, even though it has been about three weeks since I had last seen them. Over dinner we roamed on topics such as my brother's acceptance to UC Davis. It was a total shocker for them when my brother SIR (Statement of Intent to Register) for Davis. My parents are a lot more Americanized that I realized in terms of schooling. Rather than telling me to be a Biology or Engineer major, they tell me to drop a class or two if it was too difficult for me. They either gave up on me in terms of education or they really trust in my discernment in terms of direction. What a better time to share with them my graduation plans for next year. They were pretty shocked to hear that I might walk next year, I didn't know how to take it. But in all honesty, it has truly been by the grace of God whereas I won't have to financially depend on them after graduation. What next? I am so unsure of what God is calling me to do. As much as it is my desire to go to UCD for graduate school, teaching English overseas seems like a more plausible answer. The more I research on different organizations overseas, the more excited I am in what the Lord has in store for me! When I was in high school, I knew someone who had grown up in the church had decided to teach in South Korea for a few years. There was this friend I had met and she is teaching in one of the main cities of China (either Shanghai or Beijing, I forgot). I heard so many good things about the program she was in! It's really such a blessing to hear little snippets of what teaching in China is like. There are so many pros and cons teaching overseas.

For me, staying in my comfort zone has always been what I preferred. Who wouldn't want to live a comfortable setting? Who wouldn't want to live in a big house beautifully decorated with each piece of furniture and lights that ornamented the house. As much as I try to imagine my life in California, it is extremely hard for me to envision my life here. My heart and desire has recently been turned 180 degrees, but is that what the Lord wants? Is that what my parents want? A con of me going is feeling homesick for the longest time, but what about my parents? I really don't want to just back my bags and say, "thanks for being there for me for 20 years of my life, now I'm going to the other side of the world to teach English." I don't want to leave this burden on my older brother and younger sister. My parents have always told me ever since I was young that I am not the type of person who would stay close by home. Perhaps they were right all along, I don't know what to do. It seems so wrong to leave my parents after graduation, but it seems so right to teach overseas. I need to prayerfully consider so many things.

Update: Talked to my mom about it after I said Happy Mother's Day. We'll see how the Lord plans it out.

http://www.teacheslkorea.com/?gclid=CObdt-T1v6ECFQz_iAod0Em2Dw
http://www.epik.go.kr/
http://www.teachaway.com/content/teaching-public-schools-hong-kong
http://www.englishfirst.com/trt/teaching-english-in-china.html

Inside Out

The existence of the Christian bubble may be faulty. Rewinding back to my freshmen year, I was definitely surrounded by Christians 24/7. In all honesty, I took every opportunity possible to be surrounded by a multitude of Christians. Perhaps it was the spur of the moment, because I only had about one Christian friend in my high school. I felt so loved being in the environment of loving Christians, because I knew that the presence of the Lord was there. However, my desires of only wanting to spend time with Christians showed my lack of love and commitment towards others who were not Christians. To reiterate what I am trying to say, I did not have a heart for those who were not part of God's family. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed spending time with my Hip Hop Movement and friends who are non Christians. From time to time, I would compromise my faith to be more like them. Similar to worship, I have been placed on the extreme spectrum: conservative and liberal. I don't want to label types of worship, but I can't think of another way to distinguish the two. In some way, I have to admit that it is extremely difficult to alter my worship style in order to fit the setting of worship. In a conservative setting, putting our hands up is considered awkward, but the lyrics of the worship songs have so much depth. Although it may be difficult to understand the first time, the more I understand the lyrics, the more I am in awe and moved. Same goes for the liberal side to worship. Is it considered enough to stand and praise the Lord without jumping up and down to worship the Lord? Am I being judged on both extreme ends of the spectrum? Compromise?

If the Lord is truly calling me to be a missionary, where is my heart for people both Christians and Non Christians? If I were to be overseas, would I compromise my faith? If someone threatened my life if I was a Christian, would I boldly proclaim and acknowledge the Lord's existence or would I deny Christ? Am I fully equipped?

All in all, I LOVE spending time with people, but because of my sinful nature, I struggle in this aspect. But praise the Lord for His love, mercy, and grace.

Ephesians 6:13-20 (English Standard Version)

¹³Therefore^A)">(A) take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in^B)">(B) the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. ¹⁴Stand therefore,^C)">(C) having fastened on the belt of truth, and^D)">(D) having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵and,^E)">(E) as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. ¹⁶In all circumstances take up^F)">(F) the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all^G)">(G) the flaming darts of^H)">(H) the evil one; ¹⁷and take^I)">(I) the helmet of salvation, and^J)">(J) the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, ¹⁸praying^K)">(K) at all times^L)">(L) in the Spirit,^M)">(M) with all prayer and supplication. To that end^N)">(N) keep alert with all perseverance, making^O)">(O) supplication for all the saints, ¹⁹and^P)">(P) also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth^Q)">(Q) boldly to proclaim^R)">(R) the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰for which I^S)">(S) am an ambassador^T)">(T) in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

One More Thing.

Last Sunday was my second time going to leadership meeting. By the grace of God, I am soooo thankful that I received my role back as a leader for DIVE after withdrawing last semester. During the meeting, I listed my 5 strengths from the Strengths Finder book- Tom Rath: Restorative, Discipline, Strategic, Belief, and Developer. I cannot express my joy in serving simply by writing in this blog. It has just been such a long time since I have wholeheartedly served the Lord. Thus far, I get to plug the incoming freshmen girls in during the orientation days and on a daily basis. God is still sooo WOW to me.

SUPER DUPER EXCITED! I'm so excited... I just want to jump for joy! Really! ;)

Who?

God has certainly humbled me in so many ways over the past and current week. Torn was I in the face of the crowd. Condemned was my heart. Unworthy am I of standing in the presence of the Lord. I am reminded of my sinful flesh and the selfish desires of my human heart.

But SANCTIFIED we are by the blood of Christ!!! What a GLORIOUS SIGHT!

WHAT CAN WASH AWAY OUR SINS? NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD OF JESUS!
WHO CAN MAKE ME WHOLE AGAIN? NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD OF JESUS!

GIVE US CLEAN HANDS, GIVE US PURE HEARTS!
LET US NOT LIFT OUR SOULS TO ANOTHER.

Below is my missionary letter to YOU! :) Please pray for us! Shei Shei Ni! Thank you so much!

Greetings,
My name is Tiffany Tam and I am currently attending the University of California, Merced. Summer of 2010 will be my second time serving on missions with Central Presbyterian Church (CPC) in Merced. Last year we went to Lake Charles, New Orleans to restore two houses that were damaged by Hurricane Katrina. However, this year CPC will be serving at a different location, Mexico. We will be building 2-3 12X24 foot homes for homeless families located a few miles outside the heart of Tijuana from June 6-10, 2010. And approximately 20 UC and junior college students have decided to commit five days to serve the Lord in Mexico!
I believe that as a Christian, Christ calls us to serve others. In 1 Peter 4:10-11, “10(A) As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another,(B) as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11whoever speaks, as one who speaks(C) oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves(D) by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything(E) God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.(F) To him belong glory and(G) dominion forever and ever. Amen.” I firmly believe that this missionary trip will not only be beneficial for those whom I am serving, but it will also help me grow spiritually and to be more like Christ. Going on this missionary trip, I know that God will reveal himself in unexpected ways. It will also be a good reminder that the Lord works in mysterious ways.
The cost of this trip is $500 and it will cover transportation, food, and the construction materials. Tijuana, Mexico is known for its violence and recently, Tijuana was hit by a tremendous earthquake with a magnitude of 4.5. Please pray for us as we serve the Lord in an area that requires a great amount of trust in the Lord. If you feel moved to support me financially, that would be great!
I just want to apologize to those who did not receive my updated letters last year. This year, I promise to keep you informed and updated when we return to California. If you would like to receive email updates, please email me to inform me that you would like to receive electronic emails by emailing me: lovefaithhpe90@gmail.com I will also print and hand out hardcopies of any updates along with a follow up & pictures! :] Thank you so much for your prayerful consideration!!!
All Glory to God,
Tiffany Tam
Cut on the dotted line below and mail the slip of paper below along with a check to CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1920 Canal Street. Merced, CA 95340 ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
(Please check one or more of the following)
O We/I will gladly support you by writing a check with $__________.
Make check payable to: Central Presbyterian Church with a notation for Tiffany Tam, Mexico 2010.
O We/I will be praying for those who are going on the missionary trip to Mexico.
O Notes for Tiffany Tam:
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Random Stuff

I guess I am a pretty serious blogger.

From childhood to now, I have always been such a big fan Disney movies, characters, and themed parks. Watching old Disney movies, sorta reminds me of what it's like to be a kid. Anyhoos, if I got to pick a place to go, it would be Disneyworld! The last time I was there, I believe I was 2 or 3. I can't imagine a more magical place than Disneyworld. Well, I can, but still!!! One of these days! :) To prove that Disneyland/world is magical, one of my former fellowship teachers or my aunt's brother proposed to his girlfriend. It was nearby Sleeping Beauty's beautifully illuminated castle in Disneyland during the fireworks ceremony. And because Disneyland is such a magical place to propose, her answer was YES! :) It's so exciting to see God's plans unfold before a couple's eyes. Congratulations!!!

UPDATE: Turns out the wedding will be held at a hotel near Disneyland on November!!! I'm really excited!

Switching gears, I've been pretty flip floppy about going to Mexico missionary trip. God has absolutely humbled me in numerous ways. Yesterday was leadership meeting for DIVE and while we were waiting to meet up with our college pastor. I was pretty closed minded on serving on missionary that is not as relational as the missionary trip for PESI next summer. But wow, God has really changed my perspective in a matter of a few days. After just chatting casually with a few of the leaders, God really used them to humble me. After much thought into it, surprisingly, I was really excited about going on missions. However, it comes down to the parentals, there were some doubts about me going on missions to Mexico due to violence there. They expressed how China is much safer than Mexico and listed tons of reasons why I shouldn't go. I was really upset because I really wanted to go even though it took me awhile. But half an hour later, my parents called me back and said it was okay for me to go. I think God can be humorous sometimes. So, the fund-raising begins now!!! God is so good and He has a good sense of humor! Hehe.

1 Corinthians 10:13

1 Corinthians 10:13 (English Standard Version)

13No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.(A) God is faithful, and(B) he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Verses

Galatians 6:14 (English Standard Version)

¹⁴But far be it from me to boast^A)">(A) except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which^a]">[a] the world^B)">(B) has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

1 Corinthians 1:30-31 (English Standard Version)

³⁰And because of him^a]">[a] you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us^A)">(A) wisdom from God,^B)">(B) righteousness and^C)">(C) sanctification and^D)">(D) redemption, ³¹so that, as it is written,^E)">(E) "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."

What?

A little bit about what I've been doing lately:

Why?

The entries that I write on this blog are not to undermine the reader's relationship with the Lord. Rather, it is a plethora of what God is teaching me daily. I am probably the last person that deserves grace because of my sins nor do I know everything about the Bible. Daily I commit acts of unrighteousness before a holy God: legalism, condemnation, subjectivism, materialism, pridefulness, judgement, and more. This blog is NOT for me to paint a perfect picture of myself, but rather of how amazingly perfect God is. I too struggle and sin to capacity. I just want to apologize if I offended or hurt anyone.

What Draws Us Away?

We face temptations daily that can lead us astray from the gospel. There are three man tendencies that draw us away:

C.J. Mahaney writes in Living The Cross Centered Life the three temptations in particular that leads us astray.

1. Subjectivism- basing our views of God on our changing feelings and emotions
2. Legalism- basing our relationship with God on our own performance. Legalism is seeking to achieve forgiveness from God and justification before God through obedience to God. If people are justified through their obedience to the law, then they merit praise, honor, and glory. Legalism basically shifts glory from God to ourselves. We shift our concentration away from the gospel, and it represents the depth of arrogance in light of God's holiness and my sinfulness. More or less, legalism is self-glorification.
3. Condemnation- being more focused on our sin than on God's grace.
(Mahaney111-113)

If I were to choose out of the three which I struggled the most, it would be condemnation.- Being more focused on my sin than on God's grace. But praise be to God, I am reminded by His Word that I have received His love, mercy, and grace.

Questions to ponder on:
1. Are we rooted in self-worship and self-glorification? Why? What can we do to give ALL glory to God?
2. Are committing acts of subjectivism, legalism, and condemnation taken too seriously?
3. When we say All for the Glory of GOD, is it really all for the glory of God?

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3 more chapters to go on Living the Cross Centered Life! :) I cannot wait to start on Right Thinking In A World Gone Wrong by John MacArthur! And for the book of Psalms only 100 more chapters to go!!! I cannot wait to read the book of Romans!

Turning to the Gospel of Matthew chapter 27:32-44, we find the chapter on Christ's crucifixion. It has been awhile since I have read the gospel. In realization to how amazing grace is, I am overwhelmed and my heart breaks for those who do not know of how GREAT this amazing grace is. The extent of God's love is so sweet like honey. My heart really goes out to those who have not yet heard of the Gospel. But how can I, a small, tiny, insignificant person who struggles with subjectivsm, legalism, and condemnation majority of the time serve such a holy God?

Ephesians 2:8-9 (English Standard Version)

⁸For^A)">(A) by grace you have been saved^B)">(B) through faith. And this is^C)">(C) not your own doing;^D)">(D) it is the gift of God, ⁹^E)">(E) not a result of works,^F)">(F) so that no one may boast.

Amen.

Awakening- Chris Tomlin

Verse 1:
In our hearts Lord, in this nation awakening,
Holy Spirit we desire awakening,

Chorus:
For You & You alone, awake my soul, awake my soul & sing,
For the world You love, Your will be done, let Your will be done in me,

Verse 2:
In Your presence, in Your power, awakening,
For this moment, for this hour, awakening,

Bridge:
Like the rising sun that… shines, from the darkness comes a light,
I hear Your voice & this is my awakening

Bridge 2:
Like the rising sun that shines, awake my soul, awake my soul & sing,
From the darkness comes a light, awake my soul, awake my soul & sing,
Like the rising sun that shines, awake my soul, awake my soul & sing,
Only You can raise a life, awake my soul, awake my soul & sing