ESV Bible Reading Podcasts

I made mention of a couple of podcasts in my sermon this past weekend and wanted to provide the links to those here. The first is called "ESV: Everyday in the Word" which follows the M'Cheyne Bible Reading Plan (the same as our Living Life devotional Bible reading plan). It goes through four Bible passages a day and at the end of the year, you would have read through the whole Old Testament once and the whole New Testament and book of Psalms twice.

The second podcast I mentioned is called "ESV: You've Got the Time". This divides the whole New Testament into 40 segments, with each segment approximately 30 minutes long. Through it, you can go through the whole New Testament in just 40 days! Give it a try. Both of these podcasts provide a great tool for Bible intake during devotions or daily commutes. Enjoy!

U2 3D + Podcast Updates

Podcast Updates
We finished our series on Colossians this past weekend. You can get the sermon outlines and MP3's below.

Part 5 of 6: Living a Christ-Saturated Life

• Sermon MP3 download here
• Sermon Outline download here

Part 6 of 6: Making the Most of Life

• Sermon MP3 download here
• Sermon Outline download here

Memory Verses updated here.

Currently Listening Joshua Tree (Remastered / Expanded) (Super Deluxe Edition) (2CD/DVD) By U2 Rise Up

Podcasts and Pictures Update

Podcast Updates

Colossians 1:15-23 Christ Is Supreme

Sermon MP3 (iTunes) Download
Sermon Outline Download

Colossians 1:24-2:5 Keeping Christ Supreme

Sermon MP3 (iTunes) Download
Sermon Outline Download

Colossians 2:6-23 Christ Is Enough

Sermon MP3 (iTunes) Download
Sermon Outline Download

Weekly Memory Verses Updated

Picture Updates

My Uncle and Aunt from Arizona visited recently and so I was able to start playing with my camera a bit more. You can view some pictures here. I'm glad they were able to visit before we moved.

And also, my friend, Samuel Son from New Zealand, moved to Sydney last year and just opened up a new chiropractic clinic in Burwood. I took a few pictures of the opening service here. Sam and his family has been a huge blessing to me this year with their help during our morning services at Wesley. It's been great serving together and getting to know each other more this year as well. Stop by his clinic if you need someone to look at your back. The address is 72 Burwood Road in Burwood.

Currently Listening Joshua Tree (Remastered / Expanded) (Super Deluxe Edition) (2CD/DVD) By U2 With or Without You

The Artistry of Prayer

A Beginning

We began a new series on the book of Colossians this past weekend. The first part of the seven-part series, "The Artistry of Prayer", can be downloaded below.

• Sermon MP3 (iTunes) can be downloaded here.

• Sermon Outline can be downloaded here.

An End

This series should take us through to the end of the year. I cannot believe 2007 is almost over! It went by in the blink of an eye. But I am thoroughly looking forward to 2008 - a year of new beginnings :) And the photo above isn't connected to anything ... just a random picture from the Sydney Aquarium.

Currently Watching NFL Super Bowl Collection - Dallas Cowboys By Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith

When Blurry Is Good

At Hyde Park

At Hyde Park

The huge (and almost endless) ocean views of San Diego

Hyun and I were playing with our new camera over the weekend while enjoying the great weather we've been having. I think we're going to revisit every tourist spot in Sydney after we get the hang of using a DSLR - it's amazing what a blurry background can do for a photo =) And I threw in a token photo from our trip to the US. Some day I hope to post the rest of our pictures from our trip ... keyword: some day. Anyways ...

Average Joe - Part 4 of 4

We finished our series on the book of Jonah this past Sunday. There's something very satisfying about going through (and completing) a study on a book in the Bible. I think more than a topical series, a book study feels much more rewarding to me at the moment. Lord willing, I'd love to finish every book in the Bible before heading "Home" ... Lord willing.

• Sermon MP3 (iTunes) can be downloaded here.

• Sermon Outline can be downloaded here.

The weekly memory verse podcast has also been updated.

Currently Listening The Unforgettable Fire By U2 A Sort of Homecoming

Super Bowl Preview

Average Joe - Part 3 of 4

We're almost finished with our series on the book of Jonah and I've been so blessed as I study and prepare for this series. Nothing compares to the wisdom and power that is found in the Word of God. I love seeing how deep Scripture can be ... each time I dig, there are more and more treasures to be found. And in chapter 3, I'm amazed at how widely encompassing God's mercy is for his servants and for the Ninevehs of this world. In the midst of our filth, God is still faithful. What an awesome God we serve. Here are the updates for this week:

Updates

• Sermon MP3 (iTunes) can be downloaded here.
  

• Sermon Outline can be downloaded here.

• Weekly Memory Verse can be downloaded here. [1 John 3:18]
  

The Duel in Dallas












Most are calling it a Super Bowl preview, but this weekend's battle between the New England Patriots and my Dallas Cowboys is the most anticipated match up of the year so far. Though my 'Boys are major underdogs in this game, I really think they have a shot at an upset. Just like last week's game, I think this one is going to be a major shocker to the NFL world. It's going to be a major shootout. Can't wait! =)

Currently Reading The Creative Leader: Unleashing the Power of Your Creative Potential By Ed Young

New Series: Average Joe Part 1 & 2

We're in the middle of a new 4-part series on the book of Jonah called "Average Joe". My apologies for getting to the uploads a bit slower these days. After returning from my trip to the US, it's taken some time to catch up with various things. Here are the updates.

Part 1 of 4: You Can Run But You Can't Hide

• Sermon MP3 (iTunes) can be downloaded here.

• Sermon Outline can be downloaded here.

Part 2 of 4: Returning Back to God the Right Way

• Sermon MP3 (iTunes) can be downloaded here.

• Sermon Outline can be downloaded here.

The weekly memory verse podcast has also been updated.

Currently Listening Achtung Baby By U2 Even Better Than the Real Thing

Brief Update [EDIT]

It's been a busy week so I wasn't able to post podcast updates until now. MP3 memory verses (Lamentations 3:22-23), sermons and outlines have been uploaded. You can get the sermon here and the sermon outline here. My cousin was in town from Hong Kong/Korea so it was great catching up with him. Though we were both from Chicago, we've seen each other more in other countries than we have in the US.

I also wanted to pass on some links to some great resources too:

You can go here for some free MP3 downloads by Wayne Grudem on Biblical manhood and womanhood and also a few lectures on being a Christian in the marketplace (Buying, Selling, and Profit and also one on Competition and Corporations). He's written a book on "Doing Business and Pleasing God" which I think can be helpful for those in the corporate world. Also, here's a great link on financial help for Christians who are thinking about adoption. Pass on the info to those whom you think can benefit from these resources too. Have a great weekend y'all! :)

[EDIT] Podcasts Updated

* Weekly memory verses have been updated here.
(Philippians 4:13; 4:6-7)

* This week's sermon can be downloaded through iTunes here.
(God Honoring Worship)

* The sermon outline can be downloaded here.
(2 Samuel 6:1-23)

[END EDIT]

Currently Reading The Unity of the Bible: Unfolding God's Plan for Humanity see related Daniel P. Fuller

Happy Days

Sunny Days

I thought summer was almost here until the sudden temperature change the past couple of days. But Hyun and I were able to enjoy the summer weather while it lasted over the weekend. I think these drastic changes in the weather isn't helping those who are sick. I was talking to a doctor recently and he was telling me that this was one of the worst flu seasons he had ever seen; thankfully we've been able to say healthy so far (my secret: wash your hands often, drink lots of OJ and eat lots of garlic :) I've been experimenting more in the kitchen and garlic is my go-to ingredient :) Mmmmm ....

Happy Cowboy Days

It's also an exciting time of year because the NFL pre-season has started and my Dallas Cowboys are back with a win in their first game last weekend over the Super Bowl champ Colts. I think it's a foreshadow of what is to come. PLUS Michael Irvin was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame recently too.

He was drafted in 1988 and after Aikman got drafted in 1989, I knew the Aikman to Irvin combo was going to be a special one. He was a bit cocky during his playing days, thus earning the nickname "The Playmaker", but later on he grew up quite a bit just in time for his kids. Here are some highlights from his induction speech:

A Changed Man

"The threshing floor is where you take your greatest fear and you pray for help from your great God. I want to share something with you today. I have two sons. Michael, he's 10, and Elijah, he's 8. Michael and Elijah, could you guys stand up for me. (They did.) That's my heart right there. That's my heart. When I am on that threshing floor, I pray. I say, 'God, I have my struggles and I made some bad decisions, but whatever you do, whatever you do, don't let me mess this up.'

"I say, 'Please, help me raise them for some young lady so that they can be a better husband than I. Help me raise them for their kids so that they could be a better father than I. And I tell you guys to always do the right thing so you can be a better role model than dad."

"Why must I go through so much?

"At that moment a voice came over me and said, 'Look up, get up, and don't ever give up. You tell everyone or anyone that has ever doubted, thought they did not measure up or wanted to quit, you tell them to look up, get up and don't ever give up.'"

Podcast Updated

And the sermon and memory verse podcasts have been updated. You can find the links on the right and you can download the sermon outline here. I had to preach for the 10:30am, 3:00pm and the 6:00pm services on Sunday so I was a bit more tired this past Monday, thus the late post for today. Well, have a great week and may you delight living each moment ... in His presence.

Currently Listening Songs About Jane By Maroon 5 She Will Be Loved

Healing and Hope

Healing

Siew (Sue) is a congregation member of Wesley Church whom we've been praying for, for the past several weeks concerning her cancer. Last Sunday we just found out that God had completely taken all traces of cancer out of her body! Praise God for His healing hand and His answer to our prayers! Our 3:00pm service has a time set apart for healing prayer after each service and it's been amazing to see how God has been answering so many prayers in the past few months. Many have been healed, there are testimonies of divine protection in times of danger and hearts that have been recommitted to Christ after years of apathy towards Him. Just wanted to honor God through this short testimony about His faithfulness and power =)

Door of Hope

And I also wanted to promote a special ministry here at Wesley. The women's ministry of Wesley Mission has a special program called "The Door of Hope", which is a recovery ministry for women who have been sexually abused. It's a 10-week course seeking to help bring restoration, strength and hope in a safe environment. For those who would like a presentation done about this ministry in your church, or if you know of someone who could benefit from this program, please let me know and I'll be happy to connect you.

Podcast Updated

Last Sunday's sermon is also uploaded. You can listen to it in the podcast player on the right or download it through iTunes here. And the sermon outline can be downloaded here. I'm taking them through the purposes of a church and hopefully it'll help them establish a good foundation for the years to come :) Please continue to pray for me and for my time at Wesley, that though it's a temporary position for me, that it might be a fruitful one. Thanks.

Currently Listening Much By Ten Shekel Shirt Healer

Humble Eyes

Podcast Updated

Just uploaded this week's sermon on humility, entitled "Humble Eyes". You can listen to it through the podcast player on the right or download it through iTunes here, and you can get the sermon outline here. We'll finally be getting to our church series next week and begin developing Wesley's structure to be a bit more efficient and effective for growth and ministry. God always seems to be bringing a new group of old friends to each service, which I count as a gift from above. So thanks for those who make the time to come out. I count each of you as a gift.

A Song Behind the Sermon

This topic of having "humble eyes" is something God was teaching me throughout my college years. It was one of the biggest lessons of my life during those years, tearing away my desire to live for people and instead, to live for the Audience of One. It also led to me to write one of my first songs, with the same title. You can hear a sample here. Here are the lyrics:

Humble Eyes

A humble heart and humble eyes
To see myself as common in my eyes to see You
Ears to hear You, a heart that loves You
More than my own life I give You, Lord I need You
More and more I need You, more and more I need ...

Your humble heart, Your humble eyes
That saw Yourself as common in Your eyes that saw me
Your ears that heard me, Your heart that loved me
More than Your own life You gave me, Lord you saved me
More and more I need You, more and more I need ... You

ANZ

Kiwi Buddies

The picture above is the group of friends from New Zealand who visited last week. It was a blast hanging out with them again in the city. It's been over 2 years since I last saw them at a retreat in Auckland. A lot of NZ reminded me of Vancouver for its natural beauty and its combination of mountains and the ocean. For those who plan on visiting Sydney, make sure you also set aside a few days to explore New Zealand as well ... if you're going to come ALL the way over here, you might as well hit that country too =)

And thanks for those who prayed for my niece Jaelyn, she and my sister are well and finally went home a couple of days ago. Can't wait to hold her =) Have a great week ... in His presence.

Currently Listening U218 Singles By U2 Original of the Species

My Beautiful Niece is Born

Meet Jaelyn Chung

My sister just gave birth to her first child, a beautiful and very cute daughter named Jaelyn. I'm pretty sure I'm not being biased by saying that my niece is very very good looking =) She's still in the hospital right now due to a slight infection so please pray for her quick recovery so she can go home to Mom and Dad soon.

I love this picture (below) of her peeking through one eye to see who's watching her. I'm sure my dad will be going photo crazy so it's just a matter of time before I'll have plenty of pictures to show off. Hopefully I'll be in the US soon to visit my new niece =) Can't wait!

Regular Update

And for my regular podcast updates, last Sunday's sermon outline and MP3 can be downloaded here, part 2 of our "Growing Firm Foundations" series ... a look at digging deeper into God's Word.

Kiwi Blessings

An extra blessing for this weekend was seeing a lot of friends from New Zealand who flew over for the Hillsong Conference which was held last week. I haven't seen most of them in over 2 years. It's very cool how God's been enabling me to reconnect with a lot of old friends these days both physically and through the net (well, mainly Facebook!).

Currently Listening X&Y By Coldplay Talk

Reflections on Blessings Past, Present and Future

Matt, Paul and Me

Happy USA and Canada Day

First off, Happy 4th of July to my American buddies. Some of the Korean-Americans in Sydney had a nice BBQ dinner last night to celebrate the birthday of the good 'ol US of A. And also Happy Canada Day to my Canadian buddies. I think it was last week (?) :P Oh Canada.

Ministry Food

Matt, Paul and I (pictured above) had a nice lunch last week to catch up on things and to talk ministry. They both started seminary and I've been enjoying the new questions they have now that they're starting to get their feet wet a bit more in ministry. I'm very hopeful for the future of the Australian church with a whole new generation of ministers being raised up in this country. May their passion be pure and may Christ be their everything.

Podcast Updated

The latest sermon has been uploaded to my podcast and you can download the sermon outline here. I'm also in the middle of trying to organize the past sermons a bit better - by text and hopefully by topic in the near future. It's located in a new link I made called sermon archives. I only have the Ruth series and some of the 1 Timothy there right now, but my goal is to get everything there eventually (MP3 and outlines).

I don't know why I'm like this, but I always want to keep organizing things more and end up spending so much time trying to think of more efficient and effective ways to access information. Anyone else like this? I'd love to talk through organizational systems with someone ... anyone? :P Anyways ...

Heart Transition

With the possibility of moving back to America becoming more of a reality (after leaving the US over 12 years ago!), each day is filled with so many mixed emotions. I get excited at the thought of living closer to friends and family members that I haven't seen in years (and in some cases decades!), celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas again ... and a new vision of seeing the Kingdom of God grow in a new city. But also, it makes me appreciate every friendship and partnership that God has blessed me with here in Australia over the past 6 years. So much has happened ... and so much is yet to come.

Past Goodness

But ultimately, with faith, I'm always excited about the next adventure God has in store for me. Throughout my life, whenever God led me to a new country ... though I was nervous at first, God blessed me in ways I could have never imagined.

USA. God raised me, saved me and called me into ministry in this country. I'm thankful God brought our family here on July 4, 1976 (USA's 200th birthday!). It freaks me out to think about how different my life and faith would have been if it wasn't on this path of grace God led me on in the city of Chicago (baby!). It was through my youth group days that I tasted the joy of salvation and first got my itch for ministry. This is where it all began.

Canada was one of the happiest times of my life ... and it was a place of healing for me, a place of falling in love with learning (and books!) and a place where the community gave me a taste of heaven - it was amazing. And by far, the most beautiful place to be and enjoy God's creation (as long as it's not raining!)

Korea expanded my vision for His Kingdom, challenged me in ministry like never before, and pushed me to grow in every area of my life, while gaining a heart for the nations by meeting wonderful people from all over the world.

Australia expanded the capacity of my heart to embrace people for life and be willing to lay down my life for the flock that was entrusted under my care. I was ready and more than willing to lay down my life for my family at New Life. I love them so deeply. And I could never trade the joy of seeing so many lives change ... to see lives fall in love with our Savior and have Christ be their everything.

Future Grace

So though I didn't know those things would happen before I went to each place, I'm glad that they did. And in light of God's goodness in my past, I'm can look to the future with equal expectation and excitement, knowing that He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it until the day of Christ. And for this moment now, to be thankful, content and happy to be in His presence. Peace.

Currently Listening The World As Best As I Remember It, Volume 1 By Rich Mullins Step By Step (O God You Are My God)

Hello Goodbye

Sonia, Hermann, Daniel, Me (photo by Sung Ho Lee)

Hello

Thanks for everyone's prayers concerning this past Sunday's Gospel presentation. Several people in both the morning and afternoon congregations surrendered their lives to Christ for the first time and others made re-commitments. Praise God for His grace that saves and the party He throws in heaven when people turn to Him. And I also know that the prayers that were lifted up for that day will also be honored by God in eternity, so again thanks so much for them.

Goodbye

One sad part was it was Daniel's last day serving as the piano/organist of Wesley Church. He's been there for several years and the congregation is going to miss him big time. He has an anointing in his music ministry that set my heart to worship each time he touched the piano. But Lord willing our paths will cross again in the future and we'll be able to partner together to build His Kingdom. It was a joy to be able to pray for him corporately as a final gift for the blessing he's been to us.

Podcasts Updated

As always, you can listen to the message in the podcast player on the right or download it through iTunes here. And you can download the sermon outline here. Daniel and I recorded a bunch of new memory verses for the podcast, but I just discovered that the mic on the piano wasn't working! That stinks. Do we'll have to wait till the next time he visits Sydney to do some more recordings. Sorry about that! :P

Currently Listening Adios: Greatest Hits By Audio Adrenaline Goodbye

Hearing, Seeing, Touching

Sermon Update

I just uploaded yesterday's sermon "The Delights of Money" on my podcast. We concluded our 2 part series on money and I've been enjoying the feedback from both congregations about this series. I think for some it's been awhile since they heard preaching on money, since it can be a sensitive topic for some. As always, you can listen to the message in the podcast player on the right or download it through iTunes here. And you can download the sermon outline here.

Touching Videos

Hyun got me into Britain's Got Talent recently through YouTube and we were really touched by a couple of the contestants on the show. If you haven't seen it, check out this video of a 6-year old named Connie who is just precious to listen to. And the other person who was a surprise in many ways, but worth the watch was Paul Potts. Check out his first video here and his second one here. I was never into opera, but I definitely don't mind listening to him.

Honoring Ruth Graham

And finally, I'll have to mention a simple tribute honoring the late Ruth Graham who was an inspiration to my life, and who was the great woman behind the great man of Billy Graham. The picture of someone entering heaven and receiving a warm reception by our Savior and the saints was never easier to imagine. My prayers go out to Billy Graham and his family, but you know that with her departure, Billy's longing for his homecoming is only stronger. Thank God for the life and ministry of Ruth Graham.

Currently Listening Rattle and Hum By U2 All I Want is You

A Day of Podcasts

Regular Update

Today was a day of catching up on a couple of podcasts that I kind of neglected for awhile. Well first off, we started a new series today entitled "The Power of Money", looking at the dangers of loving money. All of Wesley Mission is beginning a month of financial stewardship so we were asked to keep to this theme in our Sunday messages. You can listen to the message in the podcast player on the right or download it through iTunes here.

Also, for those who would like to download the sermon outline for this message, you can download the outline here.

New Updates

But my "song" podcast and the weekly memory verse podcasts were a bit lonely throughout my sabbatical so I finally wanted to update those today. Between the morning and afternoon services, I partnered with my beloved new piano player Daniel Athysayaraj (who sadly will be moving to Canberra next month) and we tried out some of my old songs I wrote back in my university days. My deepest apologies for my voice; it's been over a year since I tried singing properly.

Back to the Verses

But more than that podcast, I'd like you to listen to my weekly memory verse podcast, this time with Daniel's anointed piano playing as the background music (instead of my basic guitar plucking!). His music has really ministered to my heart in the weeks we've been together. I'm sad to see him go, but I know God will provide for all of our needs in His time.



I included the direct player for each podcast above, but if you'd like to download them through iTunes, here are the links:

The Podcast with Songs, click here.

The Weekly Memory Verse Podcast, click here.

Thanks for all your prayers and encouraging messages, emails and visits. They've been a source of strength and joy throughout my new journey in the city. Enjoy the new podcasts and I "hope" to be able to have more of these "offerings to God" on a regular basis in the coming months. God bless and have a great week!

Currently Reading The Book of Proverbs: Chapters 15-31 (New International Commentary on the Old Testament) By Bruce K. Waltke see related

A Legacy for Eternity

Podcast Update

We finished up our 4-part series on Ruth this past Sunday, looking at the impact that a life of "hesed" has, even beyond our lifetimes. I was blessed by God over and over again during the preparation and study of these passages. The sermon has been uploaded on my podcast, and you can listen to it through the player on the right or download it through iTunes here.

Slowly Adjusting

It's been 4 weeks so far at Wesley (where I'm currently the interim pastor until the end of the year), and I'm slowing getting a better "feel" of the congregation and my role within it. It's been a cool experience meeting people from so many different backgrounds within our congregation. We have people from Fiji, China, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, India, Solomon Islands, various parts of Europe, people who have been in Australia for several generations, people who come literally straight off the street and of course Korea. There's also a praise leader who looks like he's from Vietnam ... but claims to be Korean ;P I don't know about that one ...

Seeking Prayer

If you could please pray for wisdom as one of the biggest tasks for me is to help organize their ministries and bring clarity in their structure, their mission and their ministries. Though I enjoy organizing things, there's A LOT to sift through and develop along the way. And most importantly, please pray for a greater anointing of God in my life that I might honor Him and help others treasure Him ... and that His presence might rest heavily upon me, especially as I preach His Word. Thanks for your prayers! As always ... your prayer support is my life support.

Currently Listening The Joshua Tree By U2 Where the Streets Have No Name

Sweet and Sour

Podcast Updated

I just uploaded part 3 in my Ruth series entitled "A Match Made in Heaven". You can listen to it in the podcast player on the right side of the blog or download it in the iTunes link here. I've been thoroughly enjoying the preparation of this series and I've definitely fallen back in love with sermon prep.

A New Ministry ... A New Lesson

Things in the new ministry has been interesting to say the least. It's by far the most unique ministry situation I've been in. One lesson God has been teaching me is that as we grow older in this journey called life, we either become sweet or sour. And I think that depends on how we learn to embrace all that God sends our way. If we learn to give thanks for all things and trust Him in faith during seasons of suffering, our hearts will grow tender and softer as we age, but if we think our rights were violated and complain that life stinks because nothing goes our way, I think that's how people grow sour and bitter. So I pray I will grow sweeter as the years go by :) BTW, there are some amazingly sweet people in Wesley! Radiant with warmth and love. And by God's grace, I hope I can grow old gracefully as they have :)

Wrong Question

To help me with this goal, instead of asking "why?" to God when difficulties come my way, I have now learned to ask God "what?" ... "What do you want me to learn through this difficult situation, God?" "What is it that you are trying to teach me?" "What do you want to develop in me through this?" This line of questioning has greatly changed my perspective on life, difficulties and other people that come my way. And this change in approach effects my faith and heart ... and determines if, with each passing day, I am becoming sweet ... or sour.

Anyways, I pray that all who read this will be growing sweeter in faith until we reach our final banquet table with our Savior and Friend, who has been and always will be working out ALL THINGS for His good purposes ... and for His glory.

(Man, all this sweet and sour talk makes me want to eat "tang-su-yuk"!) Maybe Sunday :)

Currently Listening Jars of Clay By Jars of Clay He

Seeing the Face of God

Update

I guess just to get the logistics out of the way before I share from my heart, I just uploaded today's sermon onto my podcast. I added a new feature (on the right ... look for the thing called "My Offering to God") so you can just click the media player to hear the latest sermon, but for those who use iTunes and still want to download the MP3, you can visit my iTunes podcast link here (it might take a day or two to show up on iTunes though). And now to what I really wanted to share ...

Surprise Gifts

God really ministered to me today even though I was the one called upon to minister. I was SOOOOO happy to see so many old friends come and visit during the morning and afternoon services. Some of them I haven't seen for months but seeing them today made me realize how much I missed them ... their fellowship, their friendship and simply their presence in my life. Worshiping God together again was sweet ... and spending time in fellowship afterwards confirmed that they still hold a very special place in my heart.

Seeing the Face of God

I've missed being in a close-knit community for so long (almost a year and a half) that having so many loved ones around me was almost an emotional overload (in a good way) =) I understood in a new way what Jacob felt when he was reunited with his brother and declared, "to see your face is like seeing the face of God." [Genesis 33:10] The love, care and support symbolized by their simple presence was a manifestation of the kindness of God through them ... to me. The message of kindness I was preaching about today, was the same message God was speaking to me. It was a reminder that "the LORD has not stopped showing kindness" to His people ... to His children ... and even to me. [Ruth 2:20]

Hesed

He has showered over me with His "radical kindness" [hesed] ... and for that I am led to run to God again ... to find my rest and shelter under His mighty wings. And with my heart at peace, I can say with confidence that "surely mercy and goodness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." [Psalm 23:6] So thank you to everyone who came to visit. You were the "hesed" of God to me today.

Currently Listening Window in the Skies, Pt. 1 By U2 Can't You See What Love Has Done

Our Blessed Famine [EDIT]

I'm finally preaching again! Wow, have I missed it. For those who don't know, I'm currently the interim pastor for Wesley Church in the city. It's one of the first churches in Australia and they're celebrating their 195th anniversary next week (wow!). I preach at the 10:30am and 3:00pm services. There are some great people in those congregations and I was thankful to see some familiar faces as well on Sunday. Because there might be some big changes for me next year, I decided against church planting (for now) and took this interim position instead.

Since it was Mother's Day, I preached from Ruth and decided to do a series on the book that will take us through the next few weeks. Though I did a study through Ruth before, I wanted to start from scratch again and see what God had in store. My love for sermon prep came back as I was preparing for this series during the past few weeks. I was literally blow away at the depth and power of God's Word while studying these chapters. With every word from God to me, I felt like I was on top of the world ... and then it led me into worship as I lavished in His presence.

Thank you to each person who has been praying for me. And now I ask for your prayers in this new season of ministry. I'm looking forward to growing and learning together with these new congregations. Here's a link to the sermon from Sunday's morning service (and if you don't have iTunes, click here for the direct link ... please excuse the huge photo). It's entitled "Our Blessed Famine" from Ruth 1:1-22. Hopefully my podcasts will be updated more regularly again. Have a great week and thanks always for your partnership through prayer.

EDIT: And for people who have been asking about parking for Wesley, you can park at the Piccadilly Car Park on Castlereigh St., get your ticket validated at the Wesley Mission reception desk and then parking is $5.00 ALL DAY SUNDAY! Yea! :) Pretty good for city parking!

EDIT 2: Just wanted to share a recent graduation message from John Piper called "Four Mistakes I Hope You Don't Make". His outline of mistakes we make are: #1: thinking big is better than small, #2: thinking new is better than old, #3: thinking having is better than being, #4: thinking visible is better than invisible. Some solid wisdom for living no matter what season of live you're in. Enjoy.

Currently Listening Blessed Be Your Name the Songs of Matt Redman, Vol. 1 By Matt Redman Blessed Be Your Name