2 Corinthians 5:1-10

 1Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building
from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2Meanwhile
we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, 3because when we
are clothed, we will not be found naked. 4For while we are in this tent, we groan
and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with
our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5Now
it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a
deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
 6Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in
the body we are away from the Lord. 7We live by faith, not by sight. 8We are
confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the
Lord. 9So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body
or away from it. 10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ,
that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body,
whether good or bad.

MEDITATION
1. Courage to endure the radical call of the Christian claim on our lives comes
from the belief that the eventual reward will outweigh the temporary suffering
we incur by challenging the world’s values as Jesus and Paul did.  When our
valiant struggle for God’s better way goes unappreciated and misunderstood,
we have the hope of the Emmanuel God—God with us—utter delight at
being in the divine presence.  But we also have the happiness of experiencing
our own growth into the splendour of divine wisdom, so that our groaning
here for the redemption of our bodies is not without reward in its own right.
2. Which do I spend more time preparing and thinking, my earthly tent (body)
or my heavenly dwelling?  If I only spend several decades in my earthly tent,
but millions of years in heaven, which one should I devote more thoughts
and energy on?

Personal Note:
The relationship between heaven and earth is like a building and a tent.  There is a group of native up north in our province that lives in tents and without adequate supplies.  It is sad to see people living in such terrible conditions.  Everyone longed to live in a comfortable home.  It would make no sense for the native people to rejoice and spend all their time thinking about how wonderful their tents are.  They are petitioning to have housing projects so they can stay warm and be comfortable in the winter.

In the similar manner,  we do not rejoice and focus on our earth tent (body), but rather we spend more time and energy focusing in heaven.  Yes, our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, but we do not worry about it as God knows and will take care of our needs.

2 Corinthians 4:7-12

 7But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is
from God and not from us. 8We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed;
perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but
not destroyed. 10We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that
the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11For we who are alive are always
being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may be revealed in our
mortal body. 12So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.


MEDITATION
1. Paul was contrasting the weak and ordinary character of the messenger with
the overwhelming power of the message.  Paul found himself under pressure,
perplexed, persecuted, knocked to the ground.  Everything in his experience
reminded him that the dynamic power that had marked his ministry had no
source in him.  He credited Jesus, who saves all those who believe in Him, with
the fact that despite his weaknesses he had not been crushed, nor drowned in
despair, nor abandoned or destroyed.
2. Don’t let a sense of personal weakness keep you from serving God.  The fact
that we are weak is the backdrop against which the incomparable power of
God is revealed.


Personal Note:
Perplexed:  trouble with uncertainty; despair: hopelessness or lack of hope.  God's power is displayed in my weaknesses.  It is in fact God uses the weak to shame those who think they are strong apart from God.


I am the clay jar (ordinary, nothing fancy) that holds on to the treasure of Jesus Christ.  He is beautiful and glorious.  The power of God forgives all sins and bring restoration and healing to this hopeless world.

2 Corinthians 3:12-18

 12Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 13We are not like
Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it
while the radiance was fading away. 14But their minds were made dull, for to this
day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed,
because only in Christ is it taken away. 15Even to this day when Moses is read, a
veil covers their hearts. 16But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken
away. 17Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is
freedom. 18And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being
transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the
Lord, who is the Spirit.

MEDITATION
1. When we rest in the splendour of God revealed by Christ, we find ourselves
changed by it.  Gradually, by degrees, we incline toward the divine glory and
it begins to overtake us.  This is by the power of the Spirit, which prepared
us for such growth beginning at baptism.  We are being transformed into
his likeness, the way that God had intended for us to be when he created us.
2. Though there are still warts and blemishes all too visible, I am growing and
changing.  In the ever-increasing glory of the transformation taking place,
“The Christian is the person who makes it easy for others to believe in God.”
Lord, help me to reflect more of your glory and to become easier for others
to believe in you.

Personal Note:

As I reflected upon the spiritual journey, I have seen God leading me in the path of growth.  He changed me from someone whom cared only for myself to a heart who is willing to lay down my life for God's glory.  I am far from perfect as I still have doubts, insecurities, wicked, and lazy thoughts.  I have faith that when I get closer and closer to Christ through being connected with Him, I can be a blessing in witnessing to others about God.

2 Corinthians 2:5-11

 5If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all
of you, to some extent—not to put it too severely. 6The punishment inflicted on
him by the majority is sufficient for him. 7Now instead, you ought to forgive and
comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 8I urge you,
therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. 9The reason I wrote you was to see if you
would stand the test and be obedient in everything. 10If you forgive anyone, I
also forgive him. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I
have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, 11in order that Satan might not
outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

MEDITATION
1. The Corinthian church here has punished one of its members and Paul
writes to them, encouraging them to forgive and comfort him.  The point of
Paul’s writing is not to focus on the punishment, but rather to encourage the
congregation to care for the health of the whole community.  It is important
for the community to pursue forgiveness in order to prevent Satan from
accomplishing his schemes against the Church.
2. Do I know any believer that may need to re-enter the church community
right now?  If so, ask God for wisdom and love to forgive, comfort and restore
this person into God’s family.

Personal Note:
God has forgiven me of my sins and wickedness.  He allowed me to re-enter the church community by his grace and love.  As a pastor, I have made some foolish decisions (I may be doing so now and in the future) and I have received love, comfort, and forgiveness.

I believe that we are to take God's forgiveness of our sins seriously.  Without God's forgiveness, we would not have the heart to love and forgive.

2 Corinthians 1:3-11

 3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of
compassion and the God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our troubles,
so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have
received from God. 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives,
so also through Christ our comfort overflows. 6If we are distressed, it is for your
comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces
in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. 7And our hope for you
is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share
in our comfort.
 8We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered
in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to
endure, so that we despaired even of life. 9Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence
of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who
raises the dead. 10He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver
us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, 11as you help
us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor
granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

MEDITATION
1. Christians may suffer because of the faith that we have.  But when we suffer
and are persecuted because of Jesus, we can also be comforted because we
know that God is at work, seeking reconciliation between God and men and
that Christ is the one who comforts us.  When we suffer for the gospel, we are
put into a position of needing to be dependent on God.
2. When was the last time I felt like in a pressure cooker?  What happened?
3. Whom do I know that is under pressure right now?  How would Paul
encourage me to pray for him/her this week?  Spend a few minutes praying
for this person.  Give this person a call, in a few days, or write him/her an
email asking how things are and telling him/her that you are praying for him/
her.

Personal Note:
The last time I felt like in a pressure cooker was around two years ago.  I was lost in my life's direction.  I had the pressure to perform in ministry, to generate profit from my business, and trying to seek meaning in life in the midst of pressures from everywhere.  The ministry did not grow and seemed to be stagnant and my business went south, and I do not know what to do.  I do give thanks to God for that experience as He taught me that I need to depend on Him to be comforted.  I also give thanks for the comforting support from the leadership in my church and from brothers and sisters in my fellowship.

I know there are academic pressure for most of my young friends.  There are financial pressure for most of my working friends and even greater pressure for my unemployed friends.  There are parenting pressure for my friends with kids.  There are challenges and suffering for my friend who is working oversea to teach English.  Let's keep everyone in my prayer.

1 Corinthians 16:13-24

 13Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. 14Do
everything in love.
 15You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia,
and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. I urge you, brothers,
16to submit to such as these and to everyone who joins in the work, and labors at
it. 17I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they
have supplied what was lacking from you. 18For they refreshed my spirit and
yours also. Such men deserve recognition.
Final Greetings
 19The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla
greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house.
20All the brothers here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
 21I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.
 22If anyone does not love the Lord—a curse be on him. Come, O Lord!
 23The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
 24My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Meditation
1. The Corinthian Church has many problems.  Paul, with much love and
courage, pointed out principles and methods to deal with these problems and
urged them to go back to Christ.  I Corinthians taught us that Unity and
Love in church is far more important than leadership and reputation.
2. In these final instructions to the Christians at Corinth, Paul first charges
them to let all that they do “be done in love”(v14) and then to put themselves
“at the service” of such people as the household of Stephanas.
3. Loving service to the saints seems to be the norm, not the exception.  In what
ways have I “served the saints” during the past year?  In what ways can I serve
them in the future?  What could I serve in this week or this month?  Lord,
show me and I will obey.

Personal Note:
What is my motivation behind serving as a pastor?  Is it for the purpose of reputation and respect?  Is it for the purpose of making money to put food on the table?  My only valid purpose and motivation is the love of Jesus Christ.  Unity and love in the church is far more important than leadership and reputation.

I see that spiritual leaders who are being blessings to the world have an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.  I can stand firm in faith and be a man of courage when I am overflowing with God's love.  I am to serve the church by being faithful to the call of developing disciples in the English ministry in PGC.

1 Corinthians 15:50-58

 50I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom
of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51Listen, I tell you a
mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52in a flash, in the
twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead
will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53For the perishable must
clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54When
the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with
immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been
swallowed up in victory.”
 55”Where, O death, is your victory?
      Where, O death, is your sting?” 56The sting of death is sin, and the power of
sin is the law. 57But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord
Jesus Christ.
 58Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give
yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the
Lord is not in vain.

Meditation
1. If someone is writing a tribute for my memorial, what would be written in it?
How would I like people to write the letter announcing my death?
2. Tell Jesus all my thoughts and emotions right now.  Stay quiet to allow the
Holy Spirit to minister to me now.

Personal Note:
I would like people to remember me as a committed follower of Jesus Christ.  I am encouraged by the last verse: Stand firm, let nothing move you, and always give fully to the work of God, because my labour in the Lord in not in vain.  As I am praying and working on how to be a faithful co-worker with God in bringing his kingdom on this earth, I realize there are attacks physically, emotionally, and spiritually from every direction. God wants my whole being and I am giving my whole self to Him.  I trust that receiving God's invitation to work with Him for His glory is the way to go.

1 Corinthians 14:6-17

 6Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to
you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of
instruction? 7Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the
flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a
distinction in the notes? 8Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who
will get ready for battle? 9So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words
with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be
speaking into the air. 10Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world,
yet none of them is without meaning. 11If then I do not grasp the meaning of
what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to
me. 12So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in
gifts that build up the church.   13For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue
should pray that he may interpret what he says. 14For if I pray in a tongue, my
spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15So what shall I do? I will pray with
my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will
also sing with my mind. 16If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one
who finds himself among those who do not understand[e] say “Amen” to your
thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? 17You may be giving
thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified.

Meditation
1. When Christians gather we minister to each other.  In prayer, praise, teaching,
and sharing, God can and does use what we say to build up His church.
Therefore, spiritual gifts are not given for the benefit of the possessor.  The
purpose of all spiritual gifts is to build up the whole Body of Christ and those
the Body serves.
2. What gifts do I have and what can I do to serve fellow-believers and help
build up the church?

Personal Note:
The purpose of the worship service is to build up the body of Christ, which is collectively every followers of Christ joining in worship together.  There are any gifts that one may have to build up one another.  Such gifts may include: administration, craftsmanship, evangelism, faith, giving, helps, hospitality, knowledge, leadership, mercy, pastoring, serving, teaching, wisdom, and worship...

Personally, I enjoy giving resources to people in need, serving one another in practical manners, and encouraging one another in following the way of Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 13:4-13

 4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record
of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always
protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
 8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there
are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9For
we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the
imperfect disappears. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a
child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind
me. 12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to
face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
 13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is
love.

Meditation
1. True spirituality has nothing to do with one’s gifts, training, or performing
skills.  The truly spiritual person is the individual whose attitude and actions
express love.
2. Copy verses 4-7 on an index card, memorize it, or bring it out to review
often.  Examine my own attitude and actions often to see if there is any love
expressed.

Personal Note:
God is love.  For God so love the world that he sent his one and only son Jesus Christ to die on the Cross.  We as follower of Jesus Christ should be identity by the way we love one another.  I cannot see how I can be a loving person apart from the love of Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:12-26

12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one
body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form
one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one
Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.
 15 Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the
body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 16 And if the ear
should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for
that reason stop being part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where
would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the
sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one
of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would
the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to
the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem
to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable
we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with
special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But
God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25
so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal
concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part
is honored, every part rejoices with it.

Meditation
1. Paul used the image of the body to explain our relation to one another.  We’re
all parts of the body of Christ.  Whoever you are or whatever your spiritual
gifts are, you are “indispensable” (v22) to the others in your church, and in
the church.
2. What is my reaction when some other Christian gets recognition and honour?
Or when someone is suffering?  Do I rejoice with those who rejoice, weep
with those who weep (Rm 12:15)? Or am I jealous of those who rejoice and
apathetic to the weeping?

Personal Note:
Everyone who has received Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and saviour is part of the body of Christ.  Each believer is gifted differently according to God's grace.  When other Christians rejoices, we rejoices with them.  When other Christians suffer, we weep and suffer with them.

1 Corinthians 11:23-30

 23For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus,
on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24and when he had given thanks, he
broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of
me.” 25In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new
covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
26For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s
death until he comes.
 27Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy
manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28A man
ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. 29For
anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and
drinks judgment on himself. 30That is why many among you are weak and sick,
and a number of you have fallen asleep. 31But if we judged ourselves, we would
not come under judgment. 32When we are judged by the Lord, we are being
disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.

Meditation
1. The communion service is a memorial.  As the Israelites ate the Passover
meal, each family relived the experience of its ancestors.  Today through the
bread and cup, we return to the foot of the cross.  So, in the communion
service, as we are united with Christ through faith, we share His death and
His resurrection.   “Do this in remembrance” invites us to experience the
awesome moment when our salvation was won.  It invites us to experience the
holy God and to offer Him our thanks, our worship, and our praise.
2. If possible, kneel down to pray.  Tell God all my gratitude and other emotions
for all that Jesus has done on the cross for me.  During next communion
service, remember to take Communion “in remembrance” of Jesus and His
Sacrificial Love.

Personal Note:
Communion is a ceremony for remembering the work that Jesus Christ did on the cross for our sins.  Churches celebrate communion periodically as believers in Christ need to be reminded on their identity in a manner that touches their other senses (not just hearing)

I long to have communion one day in the English congregation.  The attitude of communion can be celebrated in fellowship and amongst brothers and sisters keeping each other accountable before God.

1 Corinthians 10:1-13

 1For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers, that our forefathers
were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. 2They were all
baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 3They all ate the same spiritual
food 4and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock
that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. 5Nevertheless, God was not
pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered over the desert.   6Now
these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things
as they did. 7Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people
sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in pagan revelry.” 8We should
not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three
thousand of them died. 9We should not test the Lord, as some of them did—and
were killed by snakes. 10And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were
killed by the destroying angel.   11These things happened to them as examples and
were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has
come. 12So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 13No
temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he
will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,
he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Meditation
1. Temptation is the pressure to take our own way, to indulge ourselves, to
spurn God, to plunge into doubt or despair, lust or anger, to give in to our
own feelings and let them draw conclusions about our worth based on what
other people say about us or what we say about ourselves.  It’s an ever-present
pressure.  Sometimes it’s from others, and other times it’s from within.  But
Paul says not to worry for God will never let us down, never let us pushed
past our limit.  He will be there.  Always.  Not as a lecturer but as a Helper.
2. What temptations do I most consistently have to face? Does v13 encourage
or frustrate me? Why?
3. Tell it to Jesus and ask His help in acknowledge His ever-presence with me
and helping me to overcome this particular temptation.

Personal Note:
My initial understanding of temptation is very simple.  Temptation is being greedy and loves money.  Temptation is being lustful and desiring sexual things.  I thought that once I overcame the temptation of wealth and lust.  I am set to be holy for life.  With God's help, I overcame some temptations, but then I realize that the spiritual journey is a marathon.  There are tougher temptations and alternative forms of the temptation of riches and lust.

I would have to confess that I gave in to various temptations.  Currently, I am facing the temptations of doubt and despair about my identity and ministry.  The time when I fought and rely on God's strength was the time I am convinced that God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

1 Corinthians 9:23-27

23I do all this for the sake of the gospel,  that I may share in its blessings.

 24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? 

Run in such a way as to get the prize.

 25Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to 

get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

26Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man

beating the air. 27No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have

preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Meditation

1. Can I appreciate the urgency Paul shows for this race of the gospel? Right

now, am I a runner or a spectator?  Do I long for the crown (trophy) that God

is going to reward me?  

2. Talk to God about my role right now, ask Him to help me prepare for the

race.

Personal Note:

Life is short for everyone.  This race is a life long marathon.  There is an urgency in sharing the Gospel to whoever God places in our lives.  To prepare for a physical running race, I would have to practice and run.  To prepare for a spiritual running race, I would have to practice by prayer and reading God's Word and serving and blessing people when I meet them.  I do this to get reward in heaven and also for others to receive God's love and reward in heaven.

1 Corinthians 8:1-13

 1Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all possess knowledge.
Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. 2The man who thinks he knows something
does not yet know as he ought to know. 3But the man who loves God is known
by God.   4So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is
nothing at all in the world and that there is no God but one. 5For even if there are
so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and
many “lords”), 6yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things
came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through
whom all things came and through whom we live.   7But not everyone knows this.
Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat such food they
think of it as having been sacrificed to an idol, and since their conscience is weak,
it is defiled. 8But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do
not eat, and no better if we do.   9Be careful, however, that the exercise of your
freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 10For if anyone with
a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge eating in an idol’s temple,
won’t he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols? 11So this weak
brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. 12When you sin
against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against
Christ. 13Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat
meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.

MEDITATION
1. Is there something in my life that when I exercise my freedom, it becomes a
stumbling block for others?  Drinking? Clothing? Music? Lifestyle? Political
viewpoints? Legalism?
2. Lord, is there someone stumbled because of my freedom?  As I pause to
listen, bring the person to mind...

Personal Note:
It seems that Christians growing up in conservative circles are the ones who claim that they are refraining from drinking, certain clothing, music, lifestyle, strong political viewpoints, legalism in order to "not" stumbling the weak.  I observe that their claims stumble more brother and sisters.

For example, a church policy may be "No dancing in the church".  Without explanation about how this rule was enforced so that brothers and sisters won't be stumbled into sexual temptation, the church may be mistaken for legalism.  We see in the Bible that David dances and God does delight in joyous dancing in praising Him.

My point is that church leaders needs to continually be in touch with the current culture to see what stumble brothers and sisters.  The measures that prevent brothers and sisters from stumbling 10 years ago may become stumbling blocks today.

1 Corinthians 7:17-24

CHAPTER 7

¹⁷Nevertheless, each one should retain the place in life that the Lord assigned to him and to which God has called him. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches. ¹⁸Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised.¹⁹Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts. ²⁰Each one should remain in the situation which he was in when God called him. ²¹Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so. ²²For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman; similarly, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave. ²³You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. ²⁴Brothers, each man, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation God called him to.

MEDITATION

1. We’d like to think that our married status, vocational status, economic status make us who we are.  These are important but not essential raw materials which God uses to shape his life in us.  So, Paul told them don’t wish to be someplace else or with someone else.  God, not your marital status or any other thing, defines your life (v17).
2. What are some of the things that I’d like to have changed in my life?  Would verses 17 & 19 provide some direction and principle?  Tell God about it and, if needed, contact your pastor for further help.

Personal Note:

This passage is taken from the context concerning married life.  For people who are getting older who wishes to get marry, remaining single can be a great challenge.  I have to confess that I wished I could get married sooner like many of my peers when I was 23-28 years old.  I wrote in my diary and pray to God for finding a girlfriend.  

Regarding the changing of status, some early church Christians believed that when God called them, they will gain a more blessed status.  In reality, many of them would go through persecution.

I am reminded that I am to live as a follower of Christ in whatever context.  This passage is not to be used as an excuse not to grow and mature.  God placed in our hearts discontent and weaknesses so that we long to depend on Him and grow.  Personally, I would like to have more passion for sharing the Good news of Christ, more compassion to care for the people who are in need, and a deeper desire to build a stronger relationship with God.  

1 Corinthians 6:9-20

9 Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God?
Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers
nor men who have sex with men 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor
slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And that is what
some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in
the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
12 “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I
have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything. 13 You
say, “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will destroy them
both.” The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and
the Lord for the body. 14 By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and
he will raise us also. 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ
himself ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute?
Never! 16 Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one
with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.” 17 But whoever
is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit.
18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the
body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. 19 Do you not know
that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have
received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore
honor God with your bodies.

MEDITATION
1. The newspaper, television and roadside billboard are all covered with sexual
images.  How do I see these things?  Nothing wrong? Uneasy but couldn’t
help it? Disgusted and turned away?
2. Silently think of my own body.  It’s for God and belongs to God and united
with God.  Listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying to me, pointing out any
unclean, unjust behaviour or thought.  Ask for forgiveness and God’s help to
“glorify God in my body”.

Personal Note:
Our body and mind is used to serve God and bless others.  If our mind is filled with lust and dirty thoughts, it cannot be used for good purposes.  We live in a age where we are used to sexual images and we find nothing is wrong.  We should be disgusted and turn away.  It is through God's power that my mind and body can be cleansed.

1 Corinthians 5:6-11

6Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast works through the
whole batch of dough? 7Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch
without yeast—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.
8Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and
wickedness, but with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth.
 9I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people—
10not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy
and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. 11But
now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself
a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard
or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.

MEDITATION
1. The Word of God is relentless.  It insists that we face up to our sin.  Whether
that sin is indolence, idolatry, or immorality, we must face it squarely and deal
with it decisively.  For if that diseased part of the body is not dealt with, not
only is the individual member of the body at risk of dying, but it also puts
the entire body at risk.  Paul urged them to sever all relationships with those
sinning people.  His purpose is for the protection of the church lest they be
led into the same sinful trap.
2. When I wanted to point out inappropriate behaviours of someone in the
church or cell group, Lord God, please remind me to examine my own
behaviour and thought life first.  Then, give me a deep mourning for them
and their sins.
3. What will happen to my attitude when I mourn for them and others?  How
would this affect the prevention of sin’s “yeast effect”?

Personal Note:
If I hang out with sinful people all the time and do not engage with fellow brothers and sisters, the negative habits will likely to influence to me and to the rest of the church.  It should be noted that this passage is not an excuse for not making friends with people outside of church.  A good measure is to have 50-70% of the time within the faith community and 30-50% of the time with friends on the way to Christ.

This passage concerns more with people who claims to be believers in Christ, who still engages in sinful behaviours.  When we examine and be honest about ourselves, do we swear? Are we envious of others? Are we having lustful thoughts? Are we selfish?  We pray for forgiveness of our sins and then we look at the sins of others.

1 Corinthians 4:8-12

8Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! You have become
kings—and that without us! How I wish that you really had become kings so that
we might be kings with you! 9For it seems to me that God has put us apostles
on display at the end of the procession, like men condemned to die in the arena.
We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to men.
10We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are
strong! You are honored, we are dishonored! 11To this very hour we go hungry
and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. 12We work
hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted,
we endure it; 13when we are slandered, we answer kindly. Up to this moment we
have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world.

MEDITATION
1. Paul mocks the Corinthian Christians’ claim that they’ve achieved spiritual
perfection by contrasting their condition with his suffering for the gospel.
Spiritual pride is an indication that we are insecure or afraid of life’s
uncontrollable ambiguities.  Trust in God’s absolute reliability will aid in
times of sorrow and serves as a guide when all is well.
2. What does “trust in God’s absolute reliability” mean to me?  Have I
experienced God’s faithfulness?  What was it?  Thank God for that experience
again.  Pray for the increase of my trust in God.

Personal Note:
Do I suffer from spiritual pride?  How do I protect myself from this harm to myself and to others?  Let's spend more time in prayer and seeking God's direction.  I am to humble before God in repenting of my sins.

God is absolutely reliable in a ll circumstances.  Whether I am healthy or not, wealthy or not, popular or not, God can be totally depended upon.  God has always been faithful in His promise to me.

1 Corinthians 3:10-15

10By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and
someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds.
11For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is
Jesus Christ. 12If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly
stones, wood, hay or straw, 13his work will be shown for what it is, because the
Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the
quality of each man’s work. 14If what he has built survives, he will receive his
reward. 15If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only
as one escaping through the flames.

MEDITATION
1. The metaphor of the building indicates that, first, we’re workers with God.
And second, we’re worked upon by God.  We’re both the builders of the
church and simultaneously part of the church that is being built.  We’re
constantly in a state of both being the church and becoming the church.
When we pour our lives into the work and we become the actual materials for
the church that God is building.  Under the direction of the Master Builder,
we are being transformed.  An insignificant and even a rather ugly brick
becomes a significant part of a beautiful structure, built to the glory of God.
2. Pray -- Ask God help me to be his faithful worker in building his church,
also to cooperate with his formation work in me to become more and more
like Christ.

Notes:
The church is the body of Christ.  We are all different parts of the building and we need each part in order for the building to be completed.  In order to build a church to completion as well as maintaining the building, we need more workers who are willing to build themselves with Christ as the foundation and willing to be led by Jesus Christ.

What material am I using to build?  It is noted that even the guys who use lesser material will be saved as long as we have Christ as the foundation.  He/she will suffer losses.  I am interested in the heavenly reward for being faithful to God.

1 Corintians 2:10-16

10 these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. 13 This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. 14 The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. 15 The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments, 16 for,


“Who has known the mind of the Lord
so as to instruct him?”
But we have the mind of Christ.

MEDITATION

1. Are there some non-Christians around me who don’t know God and refuse God’s message?  No matter how smart they are, it’s difficult for them to understand the meaning of Christ’s salvation.  They may often think my decision to follow Christ is foolish.
2. How do I face these people, especially my family and relatives?

Personal Note:
The message of Christ is foolishness to the world.  Think about it, you give up your precious Friday nights for fellowship, precious Sunday morning for worship, give money to the church.  It is through the Spirit that our eyes will be opened to the truth that leads us to life.  Worldly wisdom tells us to work hard, study hard, and party hard.  We were taught to make as much as we can, and get the fanciest stuff we can get.

When I am challenged by this world's view, I ask God for wisdom in standing firm.  I recall how meaningless my life was when all think about was making money, being popular, and just caring for own personal pleasure.  I am being joyful and contend at where God place me now.

Devo 1 Cor 1

 20Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of
this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21For since in the
wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased
through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22Jews
demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23but we preach Christ
crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24but to those
whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the
wisdom of God. 25For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the
weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.
 26Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were
wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble
birth. 27But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God
chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28He chose the lowly
things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to
nullify the things that are, 29so that no one may boast before him. 30It is because
of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—
that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31Therefore, as it is written:
“Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”

MEDITATION
1. What pictures come to mind when thinking about powerful, successful
people?  How do these ideas sometimes conflict with following Christ?  How
have I confused the world’s wisdom with God’s wisdom?
2. Have I witnessed a situation where God used the weak, lowly, and despised
to fulfil his plan of salvation?

Personal Note:
I think of people who are like executives with lots of wealth and people under his influence.  There is nothing wrong with being successful.  However, when one depends on his/her success rather than depending on God, this person becomes a fool.  Worldly wisdom never produces blessings, while God's wisdom brings love and blessings to the world.

I recalled Nick, the guy who grew up without arms and legs.  He was powerfully used by God to share the message of love.  I have seen poor pastors in Africa who was willing to suffer with the people in building up schools and orphanages.

I am thankful that God turned me from the proud and arrogant person into who I am.  I am willing to surrender myself for his glory.

Devo Luke 24

Chapter 24
 13Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about
seven miles from Jerusalem. 14They were talking with each other about everything
that had happened. 15As they talked and discussed these things with each other,
Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16but they were kept from
recognizing him.  17He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk
along?”  They stood still, their faces downcast. 18One of them, named Cleopas,
asked him, “Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that
have happened there in these days?”  19”What things?” he asked.  “About Jesus
of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before
God and all the people. 20The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be
sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21but we had hoped that he was the
one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since
all this took place. 22In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to
the tomb early this morning 23but didn’t find his body. They came and told us
that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24Then some of our
companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him
they did not see.”  25He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow of heart
to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26Did not the Christ have to suffer
these things and then enter his glory?” 27And beginning with Moses and all the
Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning
himself.  28As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted
as if he were going farther. 29But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is
nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.  30When
he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to
give it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and
he disappeared from their sight. 32They asked each other, “Were not our hearts
burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures
to us?”

 Meditation:
1. How many times have we lurched with broken spirits because the unexpected
seized the place of the expected and that with a wrenching disappointment?
In such moods even if what was expected comes to us, we cannot see it.  It
is unrecognizable to our pain and our splintered hopes and wishes.  The two
disciples saw it when Jesus broke the bread and blessed it.  Their hearts began
to burn.
2. So we too can be surprised and blessed by the God who is expected, but
rarely appears where and when and how we imagine.  It is God’s way to come
cloaked.  It is his way to come when the storm is peaking or fear deepest or
when hope is almost gone or, if we are honest, utterly gone.  It has always
been his way.  No resurrection without Golgotha.  No freedom without
Gethsemane.  What is the struggle that seemed impossible for you?  Are you
willing to surrender this to Jesus Christ?

Personal Note:
Christ brought hope from my desperation and misery in the area of seeking for a life partner.  When I recalled my past journals a few years back.  I felt that I am going to be lonely for the rest of my life.  I am grateful for God's Words and His reassurances along with the support of fellow believers during the rough times of my life.

Currently, I am in the midst of planning and praying for the direction of PGC English for 2012.  At this rate, it seems pretty impossible for a deep spiritual growth in leaders and more people coming in.  I have observed the work that God is doing in Crossroad.  I am willing to surrender all fears and worries at the foot of Christ.