Rest in the Bible

Luke Chapter 4, which describes how Jesus—being full of the Holy Spirit—was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil, connects deeply with the story of Job. Just as Job was tested by the devil under God’s sovereignty while remaining blameless and upright, our Lord also faced the tempter. The devil constantly challenged Jesus’ identity, saying, “If you are the Son of God…” He demanded that Jesus "prove Himself" by turning stones into bread, worshiping Satan for worldly power, or throwing Himself down from the highest point. In those moments, Jesus did not focus on Himself or His own defense. Instead, He declared only the written Word of God: “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’”    “Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.”   “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”   Only then, after finishing every temptation, did the devil depart from Him until an opportune time. Lord, I confess that the only thing I can do is stay ...

   "For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I urge you, then, be imitators of me. That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church." (1 Corinthians 4:15-17) In these verses, we see three distinct roles: the Guides (co-workers like Apollos and Cephas), the Father (Paul), and the Child/Imitator (Timothy). Paul points out a profound truth: there are many teachers and helpers in the world, but it is rare to find a father. There is a vast difference between a teacher and a parent. A teacher shares information, but a parent shepherds with unconditional love. A spiritual father or mother loves their people "anyway"—they accept them anyway, they stay with them anyway, and they care for them anyway. Timothy became a "reminder" of Paul’s life because he was an im...

FAST from self-concern and FEAST on compassion for others. FAST from discouragement and FEAST on hope. FAST from suspicion and FEAST on truth. FAST from thoughts that weaken and FEAST on promises that inspire. FAST from gossip and FEAST on purposeful silence. FAST from problems that overwhelm you and FEAST on prayer that sustains. FAST from criticism and FEAST on praise. FAST from self-pity and FEAST on joy. FAST from fear and FEAST on peace. FAST from resentment and FEAST on contentment. FAST from jealousy and FEAST on love. FAST from pride and FEAST on humility. FAST from selfishness and FEAST on service.

  Paul, that amazing spiritual leader, struggled between two different worlds. In his mind, he deeply wanted to serve the Lord, but his body could not keep up with his spirit. He failed, and he fell. He felt he couldn't reach his goal of becoming like Jesus. Jesus saw this same struggle in his disciples. They wanted to pray with Him, but their bodies were exhausted, and they fell asleep. He said, 'The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.' Every morning, I meditate and pray. I especially pray for my character, for patience, and for a peaceful, relaxed heart. However, every night when I write in my journal, I find myself repenting for my weaknesses. I see where I hurt others or caused them to feel dismayed. Lord, I cry out like Paul: 'Oh, what a wretched woman I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!' So then, in my mind, I serve the law of God, but in my flesh, I struggle with the law of sin. Only throu...

  Last Tuesday, I led a combined women's Bible study at the Houlton church. After lunch, I held a cooking class for the children in the afternoon school program. We made Korean Potato Pancakes, which are one of my children’s favorite foods.  Right after the class, I visited Linda Meraya, who has been very ill. My heart ached to see her suffering so much. After one more visitation, I finally had dinner with my family. By then, I was already exhausted. However, I still needed to lead a prayer meeting with my colleagues for my M.Div studies. When we gathered online and began 'Tongsung Kido' (praying aloud together, spontaneously interceding for one another), we prayed for the world, for missionaries, for both Korea and the USA, for our school, and for each other. After the meeting, my soul was restored, and my heart was filled with joy. I even found the strength to FaceTime with my older children afterward. I can truly feel the power of prayer, the power of spiritual fellowsh...

  I love you from the top of your head to the tips of your toes. I love you to the moon and back. I will love you forever, unchangingly. I will love you until my very last breath. These are the words I whisper to my children— While pushing them on the swings, While reading books together, And while singing lullabies before they fall asleep. Sometimes, I get frustrated.  Sometimes, I feel disappointed; Sometimes, I fall into despair over my own weaknesses. Yet, these are the words that always bring me back to being a mother. Today, the Lord speaks those same words to me 'Though people change and circumstances shift, I will be with you always, even to the very end of the age.' (Matthew 28:20) Lord, I will love You until the end. Lord, I will love Your people until the very end."