Next Generation

The Next Generation and Pro-life!

2011-08-03T08:32:00.000-07:00

I have had the great opportunity to attend rallies and events for the Pro-life movement called "Summer of Mercy 2.0" in my hometown: Germantown. It has been a great time of standing up for the lives of many young babies and to do what is right before God (see Psalm 139, John 10:10). As the next generation, these are issues like abortion, gay marriage, and so on that we are going to face a followers of Jesus Christ and we need to look to God's Word and stand for the truth that is spoken through the Gospel.

For more info about Abortion, see www.abort73.com

http://summerofmercy.com/index.html

(via www.summerofmercy.com) In response to what the Holy Spirit is doing in this hour, we are inviting Christians and people of good will from all across America to come to Germantown, Maryland and be involved in “The Summer of Mercy 2.0.”

Our desire is to see a sovereign God powerfully move, shift history, bring awakening to our nation and end abortion.

Join us July 30 though August 7, for this historic season of prayerful and prophetic witness in Maryland. We will be having; 24/7 prayer and worship, inspiring evening rallies with national political and Christian leaders and cutting edge public events.

Romans 6:15-23: Slaves to Sin or Slaves to Righteousness Part 1

2011-07-21T11:04:00.000-07:00

v. 15- What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!

v. 16- Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness.

On July 30th, I will be preaching to a youth group in North Carolina from Romans 6:15-23 which talks about us either being slaves of sin or slaves of righteousness. Please keep me in your prayers that God will use me to preach the Gospel clearly and that the Holy Spirit will do a mighty work in the recepiants.

I will post more on elaborating this great passage.

God Bless and thank you.

Soli Deo Gloria.

My Hope is Built on Nothing Less

2011-06-29T08:36:00.000-07:00

1. My hope is built on nothing less 
 than Jesus' blood and righteousness. 
 I dare not trust the sweetest frame, 
 but wholly lean on Jesus' name. 
Refrain:
 On Christ the solid rock I stand, 
 all other ground is sinking sand; 
 all other ground is sinking sand. 

2. When Darkness veils his lovely face, 
 I rest on his unchanging grace. 
 In every high and stormy gale, 
 my anchor holds within the veil. 
 (Refrain) 

3. His oath, his covenant, his blood 
 supports me in the whelming flood. 
 When all around my soul gives way, 
 he then is all my hope and stay. 
 (Refrain) 

4. When he shall come with trumpet sound, 
 O may I then in him be found! 
 Dressed in his righteousness alone, 
 faultless to stand before the throne! 
 (Refrain)

Taking a Break.

2011-04-17T15:21:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone.

This is J. Yu. It has been a long time since I have posted.

Due to the busyness of life (studies specifically), I have decided to take a break from post a lot so that I can get things done. However, here are the things that I will do. If I have any thoughts where I have prepared what to say, I will post stuff.

Thats really the vision that I have for the next couple of days and weeks.

God Bless and Galatians 2:20,

Joseph Yu

P.S. If you have any questions or suggestions, please post.

Chapters 1 & 2 of the Desiring God Read-Along from Desiring God

2011-04-02T12:58:00.000-07:00

This is the read along from desiringgod.org on the book Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist by John Piper.

Recently the 25th Edition of the book came out and I would deeply encourage you to read it. Just from reading the first couple chapters, I have learned so much.

A day of prayer

2011-03-27T16:53:00.000-07:00

"I am -- I'm told that tens of thousands of prayer meetings are being held on this day; and for that I am deeply grateful. We are a nation under God, and I believe God intended for us to be free. It would be fitting and good, I think, if on each inaugural day in future years it should be declared a day of prayer."

-Ronald Reagan (1st Inaugural Address)

What are the Current issues of Today's teen?

2011-03-18T20:09:00.000-07:00

I would like your help for this question:

What are the Current issues of Today's teen?

To clarify, What are some issues that teens face in today's culture/society (both Christians and Non-Christian)?

This is a question that I want to ask anyone, and there are some specific reasons:

By knowing what the issues teenagers are facing, I will be able to serve better through posting prepared and well thought posts rather than last minute thoughts.
This will help me be informed of what I should plan.
This will help me form a Biblical Worldview on these topic, issues, situations, etc.

Thank you and God Bless

(You may comment as anonymous for privacy)

Please Pray for Me: Fine Arts 2011 (Preaching and Music Categories)

2011-03-09T18:22:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

Sorry I haven't posted much these past weeks. I have been very busy and I will explain one of the reasons.

This Thursday and Friday, March 10th and 11th, my school will be participating in a Fine Arts Competition. Tomorrow I will be participating in Preaching and on Friday I will be doing many musical categories.

I would like to ask you all if you will pray for me that God will be glorified in all that I do.

I will preaching a message from Galatians 2:20 where Paul says:

"I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live yet not I but Christ liveth in me, and I life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." -(KJV)

The title is The Gospel-Centered Life and the Proposition is that Accepting the Gospel will transform your life. I will try to write about the message in a post soon.

I ask that God will be the one who is speaking through me, not me trying to preach. I cannot preach on my own strength. It is by God's power that I am able to proclaim His Word.

As I perform on Friday, please pray that God will be praised in the songs I sing or play. May they be a sweet sound in His ear.

Thank you so much and God Bless you.

Soli Deo Gloria

Webisode 1:All For the Glory of God

2011-02-20T12:42:00.000-08:00

Text: Colossians 3:17, 1 Corinthians 10:31

Thanks to JYuFilms for producing this. God Bless You.

Psalm 62- My Soul Waits for God Alone

2011-01-31T18:32:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine sent this to me and this has been a great encouragement.

1 For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.
2 He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.
3 How long will all of you attack a man to batter him, like a leaning wall, a tottering fence?
4 They only plan to thrust him down from his high position. They take pleasure in falsehood. They bless with their mouths, but inwardly they curse. Selah
5 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
7 On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God.
8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah
9 Those of low estate are but a breath; those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath.
10 Put no trust in extortion; set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart on them.
11 Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God,
12 and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love. For you will render to a man according to his work.

2 Corinthians 5:17- Extreme Makeover: Inside Edition

2011-01-31T18:29:00.001-08:00

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

"No Mr. President" -John Piper

2011-01-23T16:52:00.000-08:00

What is Your Life?- Luke 6:46-49; James 4:13-15

2011-01-18T12:55:00.000-08:00

13 Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit"-- 14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. 15 Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that."

-James 4:13-15

46 "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you? 47 Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: 48 he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. 49 But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great."

-Luke 6:46-49

These past days have really impacted me in a very sobering way. Two people who I know have died this week (one who is Amy Calderone). This isn't the first time I've felt this way. I knew an acquaintance two years ago who at the time I met some months ago. Later that year, news came that she and some friends of her crashed into a telephone pole. Her friends came out with major injuries. She died instantly. She was 16.

I'm now 16 and it is a very sobering thing: We don't know when our lives will end. Whether we will die 16 or 60, our life is not in our hands. And really, truth is also spoken: We can't bring our lives on the earth with us. Which brings me to this question: What are you building your life on?

In James 4:13-15, James, the half-brother of Jesus, gives us a mini scenario of a person who tells himself and others to make money at a city and live a year there in a good life. But James makes the point: "Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life?" How about you? What are you saying to yourself? You may not be doing trade in a big city and making huge amounts of money, but what are you spending your life on? James elaborates his point with an analogy of mist or a vapor.

"For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes."

Have you ever breathed outside during wintertime and watched your breath come out like steam. That breath is there for about 3 seconds, but it disappears. That is like our lives to God. To God, who is eternal, our lives are like clouds of fog that will disappear in seconds. Therefore, James tells us to instead say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” We must realize that our lives are controlled by God, and He can let our lives be long in length of time or He can take it away right now as you’re reading this.
So, now that we have agreed that God is the one who is in control, what are you building your life on? This Sunday, I heard a message from the passage of Luke 6:46-49. We know this story. It is about the wise man who built on the rock and the fool who built his house on the sand. When we heard this story, were we ever scared? Sure, when we imagined the rain coming down and the floods coming up, but really it was just a fun story (and song). The moral of the story is this: Christians are safe and non-Christians aren’t safe. Well that is true, but Jesus is not majorly focused on non-believers. Look at v. 46.

"Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you?”

Jesus is talking to those who say they believe Him—those who call to Him “Lord, Lord!” He’s talking to people who are religious or say they are religious. But He continues and says,
“Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built.”

We could spend a lot of time on these two verses. We see that the wise man represents one who does three things:

Comes to Jesus.
Listen’s to Jesus’ Words.
Puts them to Practice.

When a person does those three things, he is built on a firm foundation that when trials, struggles, and “storms” come and hit his life, he is not shaken. Are you doing that? But continuing on, we Jesus telling us what happens to someone who does not do that.

“But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great."

Think about this. A person who doesn’t come to Jesus, hear His words, and puts them to practice is building his life on a terrible foundation. Because of this, when the storms of life come, he or she is swept away and “the ruin of that (life) was great.”

Let me ask you a question. It is the same question. What are you building your life on? We have studied briefly how our lives’ expiration date is up to God—God could take away your life at a young age or old. But the thing that is now at stake is whether or not you are building your life on the right foundation. God will take your life away, and you will either have stood the test of time by building your life on the rock of Jesus or you will have wasted your life on the things that will pass away. By the way, you can take those things that you desire with you after your dead. What are you building your life on? You can build it on many things.

• You can build it on money- How much money you have.
• You can build it on relationships- The people you love to be with. They will die too.
• You can build it on appearance- Your beauty and looks can be built on.
• You can build it on popularity- How many friends you have on Facebook.
• You can build it on video games- “When’s the next sequel to that ________ game?”
• You can build it celebrities- Yes, you can build your life on Justin Beiber.
• You can build it on your fantasies.
• Your car, cell phone, Sports, I-pod, music, sexual immorality, lust, Youtube, Facebook, girls, guys, etc.

You can build your life on anything, but when the storms of life come, when trials of pain and heartache come crashing on your life, and when life seems hopeless, will that foundation stand firm? The answer is easily this: No.
The only foundation that can stand firm can only be found in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Rock that can never be shaken. Are you built on him? Have you come to Jesus, Listened to His words which are found the Bible and put them into practice by living in light of the Gospel? Come to Jesus Christ and put your trust in Him as your Lord and Saviour. Jesus came to die on the cross and rise from the dead so that we may have eternal life, live to be with God in heaven, and not waste our lives. (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-10; Galatians 2:20)

We don’t know when God is going to take our lives. We need to live and build our lives on the one who set us free from our sins and gave us a new life. As the Next Generation, let’s build our lives on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

For the message on Luke 6:46-49, click here

For some resources, I recommend these:

Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper
Dug Down Deep by Joshua Harris

January 17, 2011-Amy Calderone has met with God.

2011-01-18T08:01:00.000-08:00

This is from the Journal of Amy's CaringBridge website: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/amycalderone/journal

"Our dear friends,

Our dear Amy is home with Jesus. At 10:59 tonight she left behind her failing earthly body and entered into the joy of her Lord.
We were very grateful to be able to say goodbye to her as a family, all together, before she passed away. We all saw her individually, and then together we gathered around her to say goodbye, to pray for her one last time, and to sing together. She was not in pain for any of her last moments on earth, and now she is in the place where pain is no more.
For us, we are deeply saddened. But for our Amy, we have great joy, knowing that she is right now beholding the face of her Savior, wearing his righteousness as a robe, and hearing "well done, good and faithful servant." What is happening in heaven at this moment is more real than what we here in the Shadowlands can know. Here we see as through a glass darkly, but she is now seeing him face to face."

The Gospel-Centered Life!

2011-01-08T06:08:00.000-08:00

Ever since Novemeber, God has impressed in me a desire to live the Gospel-Centered Life.

Well, on Justin Taylor's blog, he posted a post called "How Can You Live a Gospel-Centered Life?"

Here is the link: http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2011/01/08/how-can-you-live-a-gospel-centered-life/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+between2worlds+%28Between+Two+Worlds%29

He gives a list from Philippians about this:

Let Paul’s perspective of gospel-in-community instruct you through his letter to the Philippians:

You can partner with others in the gospel (Phil. 1:5).
You can defend the gospel (Phil. 1:7, 16).
You can confirm the gospel (Phil. 1:7).
You can help to advance the gospel (Phil. 1:12).
You can live a life worthy of the gospel (Phil. 1:27).
You can strive side by side with others for the faith of the gospel (Phil. 1:27).
You can serve with and labor side-by-side with others in the gospel (Phil. 2:21; 4:2).

I would like to do a post or series on this topic. I want to get back on the "Next Generation" theme again when Im not to busy.

New Year 2011!!! Another Year given to God!

2010-12-31T14:58:00.000-08:00

It is almost hours away till 2011 begins. 2010 has been complete. Many things have been done in 2010. So, what will 2011 be. Will you let it be another year of seeking first the kingdom of God? Will you continue to live your life for His glory and even push harder to in doing that in various ways? We can easily waste the new years that God has given us. Lets not waste this one. Lets use this year to make the Gospel the center of our lives and proclaim it to all of those around us. Lets pray for this new year that God will do a mighty work in us and other believers around the world. Lets pray that many people will be saved. Let this year even be the time you gave your life to Christ and trusted in Him as your Lord and Saviour. Lets live 2011 for God.

"1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. 2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. 3 You return man to dust and say, "Return, O children of man!" 4 For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night. 5 You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning: 6 in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers. 7 For we are brought to an end by your anger; by your wrath we are dismayed. 8 You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. 9 For all our days pass away under your wrath; we bring our years to an end like a sigh. 10 The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away. 11 Who considers the power of your anger, and your wrath according to the fear of you? 12 So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. 13 Return, O LORD! How long? Have pity on your servants! 14 Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. 15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, and for as many years as we have seen evil. 16 Let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children. 17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!"

-Psalm 90

"Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.'"

-James 4:14-15

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

-1 Corinthians 10:31

"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

-Philippians 1:20-21

"Life is wasted if we do not grasp the glory of the cross,cherish it for the treasure that it is, and cleave to it as the hightest price of every pleasure and the deepest comfort in every pain."

-John Piper, Don't Waste Your Life, pg. 40

Is it OK for Christians to enjoy art produced by unbelievers? from Desiring God

2010-12-25T18:36:00.000-08:00

I was watching this awhile ago for some counsel in watching movies (specifically).

http://desiringgod.org/resource-library/ask-pastor-john/is-it-ok-for-christians-to-enjoy-art-produced-by-unbelievers

Here is the conversation:

Is it possible to glorify God through the enjoyment of music, movies, literature, etc. produced by secular artists?

Yes. I assume the computer you are holding there was probably not built by Christians, and I hope that you are glorifying God as you tap away at it. And of course out from there, there are a 1000 things that we use all day long, and God says, 'whatever you do, whether you eat or drink, do all to the glory of God.' And he knows that you are eating this meat that may have been sacrificed to idols, so that means it was probably butchered by an unbeliever, or handled by an unbeliever, shipped by an unbeliever, it may have been cooked by an unbelieving cook. And here you are savoring the product of all those unbelievers' work because you are in that moment giving thanks to God for it, recognizing that the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof and taking the strength and the joy that comes from it to render back to him.
Now with the arts and with media it is more morally complex than with food. But it is the same principle. The complexity of it is, in those moments what do you do with the moral elements of it that are so contrary to your faith?
I'll just point out one principle because we can talk about this forever. What concerns me is the distinction between entertainment and cultural analysis. To watch something, to study the culture, learn from the culture, be more able to interact with unbelievers for the sake of the glory of Christ is one thing. To just sit and bask in nudity, or bask in fifty f-words, or bask in a world view that is shot through with arrogance to the core, and enjoy it? Hmm. That seems to point to something going on in the heart. And frankly, I have tasted it big time. I think today we are going to have to work at not being shaped by the world because the world has made its world view so scintillatingly attractive.

Movie after movie after movie has come out and most young reformed people are, I would say, indiscriminate. "Let's go to a movie tonight." OK, and then we just choose the best. None of the movies in that theater at that night are any good, probably. But you are just going to do it, because that is what you do. You go to the movies on Friday night, or whatever. And then of course you think, we've got to Christianize this thing somehow.

I just think we need to test our hearts big time. Big time. Why are we able to enjoy hell bound, God ignoring, Christ dishonoring, false world views because we can give it a little twist at the end that it taught us this or that about the world? So, I think the main thing I'm saying there is, test your heart as to whether entertainment is defaulting to the world, or to something more wholesome. We live in an age where we tend to default to the world for entertainment.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-23T18:11:00.000-08:00

May we be reminded of why Christ came to the earth

"For God so loved the world,that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

-John 3:16

And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."

-Luke 1:30-33

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

-Romans 5:8

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

-2 Corinthians 5:21

Please Pray for Amy!!!

2010-12-17T20:14:00.000-08:00

Please pray for a friend of mine right now. Her name is Amy and she recently had an cerebral hemorrhage on Tuesday night. She is a God-Loving and compassionate servant of God. Although some of you may not know her, Please pray that God will do a miracle. Right now, many friends are praying for her, and even people from other nations. join us in praying to God to do a great miracle of healing and that He will be glorified. Pray also for her family that God may not only comfort them, but also strengthen their faith in Him and remind them of His goodness to us all.

To get more info please check the website that her family has set up:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/amycalderone

Also, on the church blog:
http://www.covlife.org/blog/prayer_for_amy_calderone

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

-Philippians 4:6

Thank you and God Bless

Got on the Frederick News Post!

2010-11-26T20:25:00.000-08:00

Hello, This is J.Yu. How are you doing?

This is sort of week old news but last Saturday on November 20, 2010, I made it on the Frederick News Post for winning a Preaching Conference down at Bob Jones University (I will post on this later). Please check it out and to God be the Glory.

Here is the link: http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/art_life/display_farmGarden.htm?StoryID=112696

May this be a testament of God's great power in using His people.

Soli Deo Gloria & Imago Dei

CHECK IT OUT!!!!

2010-11-14T12:58:00.001-08:00

Preaching on SALVATION!!

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thejoeycollinsshow/2010/11/14/grace

The Joey Collins Christian Talk Radio Show: Joseph Yu!

2010-11-13T19:12:00.000-08:00

I have been invited to speak in a Christian talk show hosted by a guy who went to the Fine Arts Competition and Preaching Conference at Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina. I will be live this Sunday at 4pm so please listen in.

Here is his url:

The Joey Collins Christian Talk Radio Show: Joseph Yu!: "This week on The Joey Collins Show.... Joey will be joined by Joseph Yu, another young Christian soul with a passion for Christ! He will be ..."

Kevin Deyoung: Leviticus and the Christian Life

2010-10-04T19:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at church, Kevin Deyoung was invited to preach to us that morning a very thoughtful message on the book of Leviticus called "Leviticus and the Christian Life". I had heard him preach before at the Next 2010 Conference in May and since then I have been hooked on to his messages on The Church, Scripture, and Just Do Something. I have read his book Just Do Something and it is such a great resource that i recommend.

When you think of the book Leviticus, You would probably stay away from it because of its almost endless passages of laws, commands, more laws, and instructions about sacrifices. However, as Kevin spoke to us, the book of Leviticus truly shows us what true worship is and how we should live the Christian life because of how great our sin is and how great a substitute Jesus is. As I heard what each offering resembled and how the priests were to do their duties and what each act resembled, my eyes (so to speak) were finally seeing what God was showing to us.

Please listen to the message and study the outline: http://www.covlife.org/resources/3735731-Leviticus_and_the_Christian_Life

I Have been Crucified with Christ-Galatians 2:20

2010-10-04T18:53:00.000-07:00

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
-Galatians 2:20

Devotion of the Week: Colossians 3:1-17 "Put on the New Self"

2010-09-06T06:59:00.000-07:00

Today I was reading Colossians 3 and Paul is telling us because we have been raised with Christ, we must now seek the things that are about Him/set our minds on Him and put away evil things. Great passage to look at and examine your life with. (This is from the ESV)

Put On the New Self

3:1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your [1] life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: [2] sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming. [3] 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self [4] with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. 11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, [5] free; but Christ is all, and in all.
12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

God BLess

Worthy10 Youth retreat

2010-08-23T15:10:00.000-07:00

I am back home from my church's youth retreat called Worthy10, and this was my first time.

If I said one thing about the retreat that was really the highlight was Ministry night. Out of games like water wars, crud wars, and rat race, activites like the giant swing (which I went on 8 times), zipline, and rock wall climbing, and eating delicious food, the thing that stuck out to me was Ministry night.

I loved all of the morning and evening sessions; I love to soak in the messages of the preachers. But at Ministry night on Sunday, that was really the pinnicle. It was a time of worship and prayer for the Holy Spirit.
I learned that prayer is so important and amazing.

If only Christians asked a different question...

2010-08-11T08:52:00.000-07:00

I was reading John Piper's book, Don't Waste your Life, and this is what really stuck out to me:

"...Or think about clothes. What a tragedy to see so many young people obsessed with what they wear and how they look. Even Christian youth seem powerless to ask greater questions than 'What's wrong with it?'"

"Like: Will these clothes help me magnify Christ? Will they point people to Him as the manifest Treasure of my life? Will they highlight my personhood, created in the image of God to serve, or will they highlight my sexuality? Or my laziness? Trust me, I'm not hung up on clothes. There are some pretty radical, Christ-exalting reasons to dress down."

"...We do not use the word Cool to describe true greatness. It is a small word. That's the point. It's cheap. And it's what millions of young people live for. Who confronts them with urgency and tears? Who pleads with them not to waste their live? Who takes them by the collar, so to speak, and loves them enough to show them a life so radical and so real and so costly and Christ-saturated that they feel the emptiness and triviality of their CD collection (or in this case, MP3 playlists) and their pointless conversations about passing celebrities? Who will waken what lies latent in their souls, untapped--a longing not to waste their lives?

Now I want to point out the question “What’s wrong with it?” It sounds like a legitimate question. But really, it isn’t a great question because it can branch off into these kinds of questions:

“Why can’t I wear these tight jeans?”

“Why shouldn’t I listen to (Fill in the blank) music?”

“What’s wrong with me having sex?”

Or to just make it plain simple:

“Why can’t I (blah blah)?”

We can look at these questions and can tell that they are questioning “Why is this or that wrong?” But these days, many Christian teens use these kinds of questions to defend their desires, wants, and even sins. I remember at school after a speaker preached on music, and the point that he made that still sticks with me is this:

“The question is not ‘Why is this music bad’; the question is ‘Does this glorify God?”

After the message, we had a break and I ask people what they thought about the message. Some people shared their music they listened to and one person said, “I listen to __________, what’s wrong with that?” Others just said “Yeah I listen to a lot bands” and they name all of the bands they listen to. But they were not answering the right question.

Have you ever thought “How does this (whatever it may be) glorify God?” As John Piper wrote, we as Christian teens and sons and daughters of Christ need to start asking questions about whether or not this glorifies God.

I remember going to church and seeing how girls dressed during Youth group nights. Ladies, have you ever asked the question “How does this shirt, jeans (or whatever) glorify God?” Have you ever asked some of the things that were written on top? Guys too, Why do we were the tight shirt or whatever? How do the clothes we wear glorify God? Will these clothes magnify Christ or will they bring temptation and distractions to others?

The main point I want to say is this: If we start having a “How does this glorify God” view, there will be great change in the Church.

Think about it. The question “Why shouldn’t I do this?” and the many similar questions have one thing in common: They are focused on self. Why can’t I do this? Why should I? It focuses on what we want, not what God wants. But asking the question “How does this glorify God?” is focused on glorifying God and living for Him. You see, this life that we live is not about us. God uses us but life is not about us. Our purpose in life is to glorify God in all that we do (1 Corinthians 10:31). The verse says this:

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

So, all that we do, from what we wear to what we listen to and every action, thought, and speech, we do to glorify God. If every Christian teenager had that mindset and asked the question “How does this glorify God?” There will be such a difference and great change in the world because of the youth in the church that are living for Jesus Christ. So please ask yourself, “Does this glorify God?” It really is a different and stronger question. But we need to remember why we are asking this question.

Why do we desire to glorify God? Because, Jesus came and died to save us and is now alive and because He has given us new life and a Living Hope in Him, we want everyone to know what he has done and be saved. Our lives are changed by the grace of God (Ephesians 2:4-7) and we now want to glorify God instead of living in sin. Let’s ask this question so that whatever we do will point others to our Living Savior, Jesus Christ and what God's grace has done in our lives.

Soli Deo Gloria, Imago Dei

Pray, Love, and Serve by Joshua Harris (Liz Gilbert should listen)

2010-08-01T17:45:00.000-07:00

This morning, Pastor Joshua Harris, senior pastor of Covenant Life Church, preached on 1 Peter 4:7-11 and entitle it Pray, Love and Serve which really is the direct opposite of Elizabeth Gilbert's novel Eat, Pray, Love

To listen to the message click here: http://www.covlife.org/resources/3691316-Pray_Love_Serve

Humble Orthodoxy, Dug Down Deep by Joshua Harris

2010-08-01T17:33:00.000-07:00

Joshua Harris has posted a free chapter from his book Dug Down Deep called "Humble Orthodoxy"

I recommend you get this book for your daily Christian life and really see what is Humble Orthodoxy and What it means to be "Dug Down Deep".

http://www.joshharris.com/2010/07/free_chapter_from_dug_down_dee.php

http://www.scribd.com/full/35044539?access_key=key-l52u5vdjkroq280y6f6

How does a Christian resist temptation? Answered by Pastor Joshua Harris

2010-05-01T16:10:00.001-07:00

Joshua Harris takes the cake on the question that we all need. How do we as followers of Christ resist temptaion.

LOVE YOU MAN AND GOD BLESS YOU, JOSH!!!!!

http://www.christianity.com/videoanswers/11582135/#see

No Fear. But Power, Love, and Sound Mind.

2010-04-22T13:33:00.000-07:00

2 Timothy 1:7

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

- (King James Version)

When there are times when we are in trouble, stress, trials, fears, God gives us strength, courage, and hope.

Good Friday: What happened. . .

2010-04-02T15:13:00.000-07:00

Today, we celebrate Good Friday to remember that day when Jesus was crucified. Our Saviour, Jesus, dying on a cross for sins he did not commit.

I will continue to blog after the service tonight, but I pray that you all will have a great service and to be there not because of parents or your friends are going to be there, but to remember that Jesus died for our sins, sins that he never commited, because of this:

He Loves us, and has come to save us from eternal death.

God BLess and let us remember why He died.

Imago Dei

But he was pierced for our transgressions,

he was crushed for our iniquities;

the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,

and by his wounds we are healed.

-Isaiah 53:5 (New International Version)

April Fools

2010-04-01T09:35:00.000-07:00

dna uoy thguoht I saw gniog ot ekam a elohw tsop no siht "yadiloh"

Focusing on the Saviour, not our sin.

2010-04-01T09:33:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you but sometimes after whenever I ask God to forgive me of some sinful action/thought, I seem to still feel like the sinful hypocrite. You know what I mean?

You go to God and you ask "Father, please forgive me of my sins, let me come back to you, Amen" and you still feel like that sin is still there.

I was talking to my dad about it and as we conversed, he told me this (paraphrase) "What are you focusing on?" "God has already forgiven you, forget it and focus on God, not the sin that is already forgiven." (like I said, paraphrase)

The thing we need to realize is that after we confess our sins, repent, turn away from the old life, and ask God for forgiveness; We need to follow Him. You might say "I already am trying to do that, what do you mean?"

Jesus said to the adulteress after the accusers left "Go, and Sin no more." He said to her "Listen, turn away from your old ways, and follow me. Do not focus on living the same life or even think about it. Go and sin no more." Jesus always says "Come, and FOLLOW ME."
Instead of focusing on the sin, we need to see Jesus and realize that He already paid it all. There is no need to pour more blame on our selves. He took our place.

When struggles occur, we just wonder why our prayers aren't being answered. We need to ask God for forgiveness or strength through this strom and then trust in Him.

So what can you do to stay focused on Him?

Read God's Word, Pray, sing praises to Him like David did, do church activities. Anything to focus on Christ and not on past sins. God puts away our sins as far as the East is from the West.

Esther, from orphan to queen: God can use anyone

2010-03-29T08:53:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, my church was having musical productions of Esther by the Youth ministry. It was such an awesome production. With many funny songs, characters and choreography, I was very entertained. But even though every aspect was great, one aspect of the musical really shined: The message that God can use anyone

When you read the book of Esther, King Xerxes kicked out his wife Vashti and needs to find a new wife. Hadassah is a Jewish orphan girl who is raised by her fatherlike cousin, Mordicai. The Jews have been in capitivity ever since the fall of Judah, and from the Babylonians to the Persians (the history is not that important, syche). But the authroities take the young virgin girls, including Hadassah, to get them ready to be chosen by the king.

And you know the story how she gets chosen and changes her name to Esther, Mordicai saves the king by warning Esther. But the main crisis point is when Esther learns about Haman's plot to kill all of the Jews in the Empire. Esther told Xerxes and Haman was executed. Mordicai was raised up to 2nd in command and the Israelites were preserved.

God used an orphan girl to become a queen to save her people. If He can do that for Esther, He so can do it anyone.

You may say "But, God can't use me I'm _________ or I did ________." God can use Anyone, whether or not you think your not the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree. Philippians 4:13 says that we can do "ALL THINGS" not by our own strength but "Through Christ who strengthens me".

So, ask God to use you in anyway. God knows that plans for your life as Jer. 29:11 says.

Imago Dei

The Elijah moment: Just deep down moment

2010-03-28T18:12:00.000-07:00

Click here for the Elijah passage and Asaph Passage: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings%2019&version=KJV

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2077&version=KJV

Have you ever had an Elijah moment? . . . You may be thinking at first "Ok. . . What are you saying dude???" Well, the kind of moment where you before were doing pretty good but then you just felt so deep in distress. For example, a few weeks ago I had been doing ok with my walk with God. However, the next day some bad thing happens to me and my life just fell down into a pit of discouragement, confusion, and a little "distant" from God.

Ironically, I was doing a research paper on "Christian Treatments for Depression" and I had been learning from many authors and pastors about "depression" and how to treat it. And one of the passages that many pastors and psychologists use is the story of Elijah.

If you have read the passage, you see how Jezebel, after God had done so many miraculous deeds through ELijah, yells death threats to Elijah and Elijah runs away. When he finally stops, he cries out to God "God, PLease Just Kill ME!!!" Now wait a second, if you look in the previous chapter, He just had witnessed the first biggest awesome explosion ever known to man (2nd to "let there be light") and had just Powned the prophets of Baal and Ashteroth. Why is he so afraid??? He then starts talking about how his is worse than his ancestors, how he couldn't get the people to believe, and how he was the only righteous man left on the face of the earth.

We would call Elijah "depressed", but there is another person who is in the same boat.

In Psalm 77, Asaph the psalmist is writing about his "depressed" state. In verses 7-9 he proclaims

"Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more?"

"Is his mercy clean gone for ever? doth his promise fail for evermore?"

"Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies?"

In an interview with Pastor Ben Wikner, one of the pastors of Covenant Life Church, said that we would classify Asaph in modern words as "depressed". But we can see that both Elijah and Asaph have one thing in common: They are away from God.

Elijah just had the best day of his life: he beated the prophets of Baal in a showdown of whose god is real and God just gave him a heavenly fireball to light up the alter. Yet Elijah has forgotton God when being threatened by the baddest girl in nation. However, God is much mightier than Jezebel. He forgets what God has done for him and instead as Pastor Rick Warren puts it in his book God's Answers to Life's Difficult Questions

Focuses on his feelings
Exxagerates the negative
Takes false blame
Compares himself with others

Asaph has forgotten who God is. He says "Why is GOd so far away?" and "Has He forgotten me and his compassion?"

Don't you ever feel like that sometimes?

So, How do you get out of this mess? Its so simple that you may think I'm crazy.

Remembering what God has done.

I remember thinking "Wait, Thats IT?" "I don't understand, I did so many things wrong and I feel like I am the one who is to blame?" "I feel so far from God!"

In Psalm 77:11-12 Asaph realizes "I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings." Pastor Wikner replies "Its going back to the Gospel, what has God done for you, who are you in Christ, what does it mean to be a son [or daughter] of God." We need remember that God is the one who burned up the alter that day and the one who sent his son Jesus to save us from a life of death.

As 1 Peter 5:7 says "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." We need to give our frustrations and cares and stresses to him or even ask for forgiveness of any wrongdoing. We give everything to Him and instead of trusting in ourselves, we need to rely on God and what Jesus has done for us.

Let God be in control and look to Him for rescue. Remember that His grace is more than enough. We all will have our Elijah moments. Some big, some small. But we always need to come back to the cross.

God Bless you and Keep you
Imago Dei

We will become what we Love.

2010-03-19T19:43:00.000-07:00

We are all in process of becoming.

We have already moved from what we were to what we are, and we are now moving toward what we shall be.

The perturbing though is not that we are becoming, but WHAT we are becoming; not that we are moving, but TOWARD WHAT we are moving.

Not only are we all in process of becoming; WE ARE BECOMING WHAT WE LOVE.

We are to a large degree the sum of our loves and we will of moral necessity grow into the image of what we love most. Our loves changes, molds and transforms us.

- A.W. Tozer

NEW BOOK OUT: START HERE

2010-03-16T14:08:00.000-07:00

Today, Alex and Brett Harris have released their now book and this is what its about.

START HERE: Doing Hard Things Right Where You Are

You want to do hard things.

But you don't know where to start.

You are changing the world around you.

But you are tired and burned out.

You feel called to do the extraordinary for God.

But you feel stuck in the ordinary.

Do Hard Things inspired thousands of young people to make the most of the teen years. Now Alex and Brett Harris are back and ready to tackle the questions that Do Hard Things inspired: How do I get started? What do I do when I get discouraged? What's the best way to inspire others?

Filled with stories and insights from Alex, Brett, and other real-life rebelutionaries, Start Here is a powerful and practical guide to doing hard things, right where you are.

Are you ready to take the next step and blast past mediocrity for the glory of God?

Start here. (From http://www.therebelution.com/books/starthere/overview.htm )

I've already ordered this book on amazon. Please get this valuable resource and also check out their other book: DO HARD THINGS

To see my thoughts on Do Hard Things click here:
http://next--generation.blogspot.com/2009/11/whatcha-reading-do-hard-things-by-alex.html

The Next Generation Series: A Series on the Kinds of Generations we can be!

2010-03-12T20:56:00.000-08:00

I had been thinking about doing a series of Blog post based on what kind of generation of teens we could be and SHOULD Be. God has been tugging on my heart about whether to talk about the sinfulness of our culture and the lackness of the necessities that we need to be the Next Generation of Jesus Christ. Yes salvation is for the sinful and for the ones in need, but God then tells us to follow Him with our lives and I believe He wants us to warn us about the kinds of generations we could be and the counsequences of some of them.

Please pray that God will speak to me during this series and that I will not be biased.

GOd Bless and thank you.

Imago Dei.

PLease Pray For Me: Preaching for Fine Arts Competition!!!

2010-03-10T17:42:00.000-08:00

For the past two to three months, I have been studying James 2:14-26, writing and stressing about the outline, and have been ranting in 15 minute practices.

Tomorrow . . . Its the BIG DEAL!!!

Tomorrow at 10:10 Am Eastern time, I will be preaching against four other Billy Graham wanna-be's in a preaching showdown in the MACS (Maryland Association of Christian Schools) Fine Arts Competition. Although I will also be reciting the speech "More than a Guest" by Robert Boyd Mungor, This Fine Arts Preaching is what I am looking forward to.

The rules: 10 to 15 minute sermon. Types of preaching: Expository, Topical, Evangelical.

But the thing is this. This year, All of the catagories are now combined into one catagory, making things harder because of the different styles of messages.

I will be preaching from James 2:14-26 "Faith without Deeds is Dead". Please pray for me that, not only to get the blue ribbon, God will speak through me and as a result bring many people, especially teenagers, to Him. This passage blows my mind everytime I read it and I wish I could tell all Believers and non-believers about this.

Please read the passage and you will be amazed and you will see why God has made me so excited.

God Bless you and thank you.

Fight the Good Fight, Finish the Course, Keep the Faith: II Timothy 4:7

2010-02-11T19:53:00.000-08:00

2 Timothy 4:7-8 (King James Version)

⁷I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
⁸Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Today I rode with my dad and brother to the gym today. The plan for my brother and I was to work on the legs, which is a very hard place to workout the muscles. It was a tough process (especially for me being the feeble one in the hierarchy): Squats-2 sets, 15 reps; Leg extensions-8? sets, 15 reps; Calf raises-4? sets, 15 reps; and Finally, my favorite, Leg lunges-5 reps.

On the last exercise, the leg lunges, my brother (name remains classified) and I were struggling to finish. While I was using 12 lbs, he was using 45 lbs. But as we finished our reps, we kept encouraging each other to finish strong. On my last rep, I was getting closer to finish when I was starting to really feel the burn. But he kept on telling me "Finish strong, make this one count." And I did finish strong.

While we were putting away the weights, (classified) told me that you always have to finish strong at the end no matter what because the muscles will than stay strong and will continue to build up.

Its the Same thing with Living our Life for Christ

Paul is saying "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith"
And because I have given everything to God, because I've put 200% in my life for Him, because of the Result of what GOD HAS DONE IN ME there is "laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."

When we are living for Christ Jesus everyday, dwelling in God's word, praying and having a relationship with Him, and living out the faith, We are like working out in a gym. We are working out our life in Christ and Finishing the fight. We are Fighting the Good Fight, Finishing the Course, and Keeping the Faith. We are fighting against Satan's wrath, temptations and sins. We are still striving to let God be the center of our life. We are still pressing on towards the prize "which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."

So, as you are living your life, You are working out. Are you Fighting the Good Fight? Are you Finishing the Race? And, Do you have the living faith that only God can give?

Verse of the Week: Forgiven and Cleansed

2010-02-08T09:21:00.000-08:00

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

만일 우리가 우리 죄를 자백하면 저는 미쁘시고 의로우사 우리 죄를 사하시며 모든 불의에서 우리를 깨끗케 하실 것이요

Si confesamos nuestros pecados, Dios, que es fiel y justo, nos los perdonará y nos limpiará de toda maldad.

Si nous reconnaissons nos péchés, il est fidèle et juste et, par conséquent, il nous pardonnera nos péchés et nous purifiera de tout le mal que nous avons commis.

Se confessiamo i nostri peccati, egli è fedele e giusto, da perdonarci i peccati e purificarci da ogni iniquità.

وَلكِنْ، إِنِ اعْتَرَفْنَا لِلهِ بِخَطَايَانَا، فَهُوَ جَدِيرٌ بِالثِّقَةِ وَعَادِلٌ، يَغْفِرُ لَنَا خَطَايَانَا وَيُطَهِّرُنَا مِنْ كُلِّ إِثْمٍ.

Если исповедуем грехи наши, то Он, будучи верен и праведен, простит нам грехи наши и очистит нас от всякой неправды.

The Room by Joshua Harris

2010-02-07T17:41:00.000-08:00

To go to the page: http://www.joshharris.com/the_room_my_dream.php

In his book, Dug Down Deep, Joshua Harris talks in page. 104 about an dream he had that convicted him for many sins, but he experienced the unconditional love of Christ:

In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features save for the one wall covered with small index-card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endlessly in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I Have Liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one.

And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match.

A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I Have Betrayed."

The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I Have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed At." Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've Yelled at My Brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger," "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped.

I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my 20 years to write each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.

When I pulled out the file marked "Songs I Have Listened To," I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of music, but more by the vast amount of time I knew that file represented.

When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded.

An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: "No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In an insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it

Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.

And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key.

But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him. No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus.

I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one?

Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.

Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card.

"No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood.

He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished."

I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.

By Joshua Harris. Orginally published in New Attitude Magazine. Copyright New Attitude, 1995. You have permission to reprint this in any form. We only ask that you include the appropriate copyright byline and do not alter the content.

White as Snow

2010-02-06T10:40:00.000-08:00

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;

Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

-Psalm 51:7

Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean;

Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes.
Cease to do evil,
17 Learn to do good;
Seek justice,
Rebuke the oppressor;[a]
Defend the fatherless,
Plead for the widow.

18 “ Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the LORD,
“ Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.

-Isaiah 1:16-18

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said,
“Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

-John 1:29

Why the sad face: Depression (Comments only)

2010-02-05T11:29:00.000-08:00

For the past month, I have been working on a research paper on Depression (very depressing, aye). And as I have been reading books and articles on the epidemic like Blame it on the Brain by Edward T. Welch, the causes and effects of depression were getting much clearer and that we are missing the answer to the problem.

But, before I rant on depression, risks of anti-depressants and etc. Let me ask you

Why do you think there is depression in many teens (and even adults)?

Do YOU think there is a Biblical answer to this problem?

Is is a Big Problem in 2010?

Please comment.

God BLess

Your Love Never Fails

2010-02-04T04:09:00.000-08:00

Nothing can separate

Even if I ran away

Your love never fails

I know I still make mistakes

But You have new mercies for me everyday

Your love never fails

You stay the same through the ages

Your love never changes

There maybe pain in the night but joy comes in the morning

And when the oceans rage

I don't have to be afraid

Because I know that You love me

Your love never fails

The wind is strong and the water's deep
But I'm not alone in these open seas
Cause Your love never fails

The chasm is far too wide
I never thought I'd reach the other side
But Your love never fails

You make all things work together for my good

Am I rooted in Christ?

2010-02-01T03:48:00.000-08:00

Ask yourself and inspect your life. Am I rooted in Christ?

Matthew 13:1-23

1That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9He who has ears, let him hear."

10The disciples came to him and asked, "Why do you speak to the people in parables?"

11He replied, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. 12Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. 13This is why I speak to them in parables:

"Though seeing, they do not see;

though hearing, they do not hear or understand. 14In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:

" 'You will be ever hearing but never understanding;

you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.

15For this people's heart has become calloused;
they hardly hear with their ears,
and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
hear with their ears,
understand with their hearts

and turn, and I would heal them.'[a] 16But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. 17For I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.

18"Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. 22The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. 23But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."

God Bless you

Study to Show Thyself...

2010-01-16T14:57:00.000-08:00

...A workman that needeth not to be ashamed, right dividing the word of truth.

-2 Timothy 2:15

I just got back from a Bible quizzing tornament in Virginia which was pretty intense. My School and I were up against 4 different schools in Virgina. But after all our hard work and labor, we brought home something, but this is how it all led up to this event.

So early in the Beginning of October, my History teacher and a fellow student (my bud), on one morning, annouced that there will be a new Bible quizzing team. My team joined and we started from almost 20 students to 12 (5 junior high and 7 senior high). We all were required to study 1 Tim. 1, but as time progressed we were then given our individual chapters. It was a tough start to get used to something I had never done, but as time passed and hard work paid, we got better and stronger.

3 months have passed and today was our first challenge against other Christian school quiz teams. Our first match we got middle (the places are high, middle, and loss; High and middle help you get to the Championship), but on the 2nd and 4th games, we got losses. Three of the teams that were there were very experienced and had previously won many competitions. On the 3rd game, we won after having a long boring moments of unanswered questions. We got one more Middle on our fifth game and we were included in the championship rounds.

...the results...

We WON... SECOND!!!

It was a tough battle against 3 teams and 3 rounds, but it was worth winning.

Now why did I tell you all of this.

God Tells us to Study to Show Thyself Aproved unto God. A Workman that needeth not to be Ashamed. Right Dividing the Word of Truth.

As we dwell in God's word, we are to show ourselves to God a young man or woman who is able to be used by God that he and she will not be ashamed of living for Him. That they know well and live by the Word of Truth.

When we study the Bible, winning a competition, getting an A+ on a memery quiz, or meeting a requirement at church is not the goal. Our goal is to use this scripture for our daily lives. To use these to walk rightly with God and to use these verses for "doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in Righteousness." As you study the Bible, realize that you are reading the WORD OF GOD! This book and the verses are "sharper than a two-edged sword" and they will guide you through life.

God Bless you and have a great weekend.

Worldview and MTD(Moralistic Therapeutic Deism)

2010-01-10T18:36:00.000-08:00

Hello People.

I pray that you all had a blessed time of worship at your local church and have applied that message God has spoken through your pastors.

Today at my church, we had a new class studya on Having a Christian World view. I began to learn about how we should have our own worldview, A Christian Worldview to be exact. It was a very interesting class learning about what a worldview is and why we need a Christian worldview. A world view is basically: A set of basic beliefs and presuppositions that gide and shape our thoughts, judgments, and actions. However, a Christian worldview is: Seeing the world with the mind of Christ. It is important for us to have a Christian worldview so that we may discern what is true and Biblical and so that we can defend and explain our faith to others (Romans 12:2). Without a Christ-centered worldview, it will be hard to see what is true and what is really a sugercoated suicide pill (so to speak).

At the end of the class, all of us recieved two articles about the topic of Moral Therapeutic Deism or MTD (an article by Albert Mohler-President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and an interview with Christian Smith-A researcher on this topic)
To see Mohler's article: http://www.albertmohler.com/?cat=Commentary&cdate=2005-04-11
To see the interview: http://blog.beliefnet.com/crunchycon/2009/10/moralistic-therapeutic-deism-t.html

Both articles talk about how teenagers are now buying a faith about "...feeling good, happy, secure, at peace..." and about not having a relationship with God. This "religion" is about God being a "...combination Divine Butler and Cosmic Therapist: he is always on call, takes care of any problems that arise, professionally helps his people to feel better about themselves, and does not become too personally involved in thh process." (From Mohler article).

This is not right.

As the next generation of Christ, We need to realize that God does not sit in the sidelines. God wants to have a relationship with us and he LOVES us SO MUCH that He gave His only Son Jesus, to Die on the cross and rise from the dead so that we may be saved. IT IS NOT BY OUR GOOD WORKS THAT WE GAIN SALAVATION AND EVERLASTING JOY BECAUSE ALL OF OUR GOOD WORKS ARE LIKE FILTHY RAGS. (Isaiah 64:6) Because of the mercy and grace He shows us, we teenagers have a hope for the future, that we can be saved. But Also, Because of how God has Changed our lives, We desire to live for Him in anyway we can. We love Him because He first Loved us.

I pray that this week, you will ask yourself these questions:

What is my worldview (Christian Worldview)?
Am I working in my own strength to gain salvation or am I trusting God?
Is Jesus my hope and salvation?

These questions are not to be accusing but encouraging. I pray that God will continue to teach you and give you wisdom. Slways remember that Jesus Christ came "that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10)

Have a great week, and God Bless You and keep you

Two Awesome Things: Dad's Birthday & Friend's Blog

2010-01-09T17:42:00.000-08:00

Hey Guys

Two things just Happened Today!!:

1) TODAY'S MY DAD'S BIRTHDAY!!!!! WOOHOO!!!!!! Its so awesome to see my good ol mentor age in wisdom. He is a Godly man who encourages me every single day. Passionate and God-fear, That is a great combination. Had a great dinner and a fun time eating sushi and awesome new appitizers.

2) I just found out that a friend of mine has made her own blog. †Cori† just made is today and She is very passionate for God. I encourage you to follow her posts. Check her sit out: http://www.worthdyingfor77.blogspot.com/

God Bless you and have a great rest of the weekend and have a great time worshipping God at your local church.

Verse of the Week: New Creation

2010-01-08T15:15:00.000-08:00

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

Spanish:

Por lo tanto, si alguno está en Cristo, es una nueva creación. ¡Lo viejo ha pasado, ha llegado ya lo nuevo!

French:
Ainsi, celui qui est uni au Christ est une nouvelle créature[a]: ce qui est ancien a disparu, voici: ce qui est nouveau est déjà là.

Korean:
그런즉 누구든지 그리스도 안에 있으면 새로운 피조물이라 이전 것은 지나갔으니 보라 새것이 되었도다

Arabic:
فَإِنَّهُ إِذَا كَانَ أَحَدٌ فِي الْمَسِيحِ، فَهُوَ خَلِيقَةٌ جَدِيدَةٌ: إِنَّ الأَشْيَاءَ الْقَدِيمَةَ قَدْ زَالَتْ، وَهَا كُلُّ شَيْءٍ قَدْ صَارَ جَدِيداً.

Italian:
Se dunque uno è in Cristo, egli è una nuova creatura; le cose vecchie sono passate; ecco, tutte le cose sono diventate nuove.

The First week of school of Winter 2010.

2010-01-08T14:48:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone.

I Hope you had a great week of school. This week was really tough but i pulled through.

I just want to ask a few questions

1. What are your goals this year?
2. Are your goal Christ-centered?
3. What do you want this year to be in your life?

Continue to walk with God and Always be strong and of good courage.
Share the good news of how God changed your life.

God Bless you

WINTER RETREAT 2009!!!!!

2010-01-02T19:53:00.000-08:00

So from December 27th- 30th, 2009, I was at a winter retreat at a church where I didn't know anyone. The church was New Covenant Fellowship Church (NCFC) and the location of the retreat would be at the Skycroft Retreat center. Usually I would go on a Youth Retreat with my friends or my old church (Global Mission Church). But this was different. Like I said, I didn't know ANYONE from NCFC.

However, God changed all of that. I began to meet so many godly people and some awesome new buddies. From on the bus too having small group, It was so amazing how God show me so many people that I can make new friendships with.

But not only was there new friendships but also a great message from a great God through a great Speaker. The Retreat Speaker was Carlos Reyes, one of the pastors at Hope Christian Church, and he spoke on "Hearing God's Voice". It was so amazing how he talked about "Talking Back at the Devil" and on the topic of Christian Manhood. I will try to post some summeries about his messages if I can.

Overall, I was so blessed by this retreat. I hope that you all had your own retreats. Share your own experiences about your retreats.

God Bless you and Happy New Year.

New YEAR IS HERE!!!

2010-01-01T16:11:00.000-08:00

NEW YEAR IS HERE!!!!

I hope everyone is having a blast with all their friends and relatives. Eating food and sharing the joy with one another. However, it is also the time when many will make "New Year's Resolutions". I pray that all of you will continue to walk in the counsel of God and follow Him wherever He takes you.

For many, The New Year is a new start. Make this start with God and Let him guide your Path. As you go back to school, college, work, or wherever, Follow God.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways. Acknowledge Him. He will Direct Your Path."

- Proverbs 3:5-6

God Bless You

-Jo

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!! Jesus is the reason of the season

2009-12-25T07:29:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

Jesus' Birthday is here and this is the best occasion of the season.

I pray that you all will have a Merry, MERRY Christmas and remember that Jesus Came to the world to save every single one of us.

He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God

-John 1:10-12

Promo Video HERE!!! CHECK IT OUT!!!

2009-12-19T18:18:00.000-08:00

Hey guys

Check out the new video we made called Praise God
Here's the link
http://www.vimeo.com/8284903

God Bless

Studying so Hard, Pray for others and me

2009-12-16T19:56:00.000-08:00

Hello, J. Yu here

It has been very busy this whole week. Studying for tests, exams, and quizzes, preparing for the school winter concert, and trying to at least read the Bible and write in the journal at 12:00 in the morning are just a FEW of the things that have to be done. Please pray for not only me, but for other friends as well to study VERY Hard and to be diligent with the Work at hand.

Later I will talk about this, but Paul told Timothy in II Timothy 2:15 to "Study to show thyself approved unto GOd, A Workman that needeth not to be ashamed". This week (and the next for some of you), Study hard, not to get over with school and rush to break, to glorify God in all your subjects. God wil use you as a workman for any use he needs. I pray that you will have a good week and continue to Glorify God.

Message of the Week: The Power of the Holy Spirit -Joshua Harris

2009-12-09T14:34:00.000-08:00

This Sunday. Pastor Joshua Harris preached on the Power of the Holy Spirit in the verse II Timothy 1:7.
He talks about how the Holy Spirit gives you all you need from the MOMENT you believe.
The verse says: For God hath not given you a Spirit of fear, but a Spirit of 1. Power, of 2. Love, and of 3. Self-control

Power
Love
Self Control

The Holy Spirit Changes us and Points us to Christ. He does not say, "Look at me!!!" He says

LOOK AT CHRIST

To listen to the message, click this link:'http://www.covlife.org/modules/listen-online/3523733'

Isaiah 40:28-31: Renewed By Trusting in God

2009-12-03T17:38:00.000-08:00

²⁸ Do you not know?

Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God,

the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary,

and his understanding no one can fathom.

²⁹ He gives strength to the weary

and increases the power of the weak.

³⁰ Even youths grow tired and weary,

and young men stumble and fall;

³¹ but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.

I remember I was going through a phase of depression. Although Idon't remeber what it wasd about, I do remember I was worried and depressed. I can remember many times feeling tired and weary about different situations like facing a hard task or trying to continue to stay strong in my walk with God. But as I look back there was always this passage in the Bible about how God gives strength to the weary and to those who feel defeated.

We see in Isaiah 40:28-31 God speaking to us through The prophet about this same thing.
In verse 28 Isaiah writes "Do younot know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends ofthe earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.

Before v.28 we see Israel saying "My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God" Isaiah is telling us "Don't you know, have you not remembered? God Is EVERLASTING, He will not be tired or be weary.Why He is the Creator of the Universe!" He also says in v.29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak" He's telling them "God gives us strength when we are weary and gives power to those who are powerless. YOU CAN DEPEND ON HIM!!

When you look at the Last two verses, Its the thesis statement of his speech."Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall." I remember the first basketball game this year in this season. I got in the game to switch with one of my buds. When I saw him pass me by to give him a high five, his face was tired. He was sweating like a spounge underneath a waterfall. He was tired and weary. But when he got his water bottle, he was refreshed and hydrated and was waking up.

Thats what God does.

When we are tired whether physically or spiritually, God Gives Us Strength. You say "How do you get this". You get it by trusting in Him. You see in verse 27, Israel is not trusting the Lord, in fact they are blaiming Him for their problems. In the Message version, v.27 "God has lost track of me. He doesn't care what happens to me." But Isaiah is telling them, including us, to trust in the Lord. "but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength." He tells us that when we trust in God, He will renew us that we will mount up with wings as eagles, run and not be weary, and walk and not faint.

SO, What does that mean for us???

We need to not forget who God is- God is the one who made not only us but the whole universe. The stars, galaxies, moons, planets. Not only that, He sent His own son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins and to give us new life.
We need to Trust in Him- We need to not only know what he has done but also trust in Him. We can know all about Him but not trust in him as our Lord and Saviour and renewer. Once we Trust in Him in any circumstance, God will give us the strength to make it through

Whatever situation you are going through, whether serious or not so serious, Really Hard to just plain irritating, Trust in God Through ALL YOUR LIFE and he will give you the strength not grow tired or weary. I pray that God will continue to bless you and to challenge you through your situations to trust in Him so that you will grow in your Walk with Christ.

Proverbs 3:5-6:Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

God Bless you

J. Yu

Whatcha Reading: Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris

2009-11-27T19:49:00.000-08:00

So I have been reading a lot of books. From Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper to Bible Panorama. However, one book that has really affected the way I life is Alex and Brett Harris' book called "Do Hard Things" -A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations.

"Do Hard Things" is a book focused on teens to empower teens to live for Christ and to basically "Do Hard Things". The saying, however may seem cleache. But Doing Hard Things is more than just making conferences, making a band, making high charity funds, or any other monolith task. Doing hard things is changing the way you spend the teen years (and really all your lifetime) and how you can truly tell the world about the love of Christ. With testimonials from real-"living" teens and many useful Scripture verses, friends...this is a must read.

As I began to read this book, I was so amazed at how God can use ordinary teens like you and I to change the world and affect the lives of others. But of course there are more than the "Hard things". Some of the hard things can be the "Small hard things" like cleaning your room, doing the chores, helping around with your parents, studying for SATs, etc. However even the smallest things will "equip you for big things in the future."-pg. 137 There are also the Hard things where you need the "The Power of Collaboration" where you and other teens, friends, and even family members work "along side those who share our resolve to do hard things for the glory of God." And there are also the hard things where you must "Take a Stand", where you will be tested and "...make decisions to obey God-even when it costs us somethings-and to live out our faith in our day-to-day life..." pg. 153

To conclude, Alex and Brett Harris have made a book that we all need to read. This is a message to all of us that we need to take the teen years seriously that we MUST do the hard things. I pray that you all will buy this book and that you will grow in Christ with a passion to "do hard things". God bless you and continue to walk with God.

-J.Yu

For reviews on "Do Hard Things" check out these sites:

-http://www.challies.com/archives/book-reviews/book-review-do-hard-things.php

-http://oursovereignjoy.blogspot.com/2009/01/book-review-do-hard-things.html

-http://christianscribbler.wordpress.com/2008/08/01/book-review-do-hard-things/

-http://www.revelife.com/715106052/book-review---do-hard-things-a-teenage-rebellion-against-low-expectations/

For Alex and Brett's blog go to http://www.therebelution.com/

Next Generation BEGINS!!!

2009-11-27T07:41:00.000-08:00

Hello.

I am J.Yu
Creator of The Next Generation Blog

This blog is about equiping teens like me to become the people of God and to be passionate for Christ.

I pray and hope that my posts will help others grow in the their walk with Christ and the for those who don't know Jesus as their saviour I pray that these posts will help you understand about the Gospel and that you will get to know Him as your Saviour

We are the next generation for Jesus

God Bless you

J.Yu