February 17, 2024

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16.

During the colder season, many of us wear beanies. I am one of them. It’s better than wearing a cap since it keeps my head warmer. One time, I came back home and took off my beanie. I threw it on the couch instead of hanging it in the closet, thinking that I will wear it again real soon. So every time I am in the living room, I notice it’s there, too lazy to put it back in place.

Next early morning, as I am getting ready to head out, I looked for my beanie and I couldn’t find it. I looked all over but I could not locate it. Actually I couldn’t find it for the next couple days. I really like this beanie. I bought this about many years ago when I went to Okinawa, Japan to go SCUBA diving. I hated to think that I lost it after all these years.

On the third day, I am lying on the floor of the living room playing with the kids and then suddenly my beanie comes into my sight! It was hidden under the couch! I mean, I looked under before but for some reason I couldn’t find it then! And for some reason, at a new angle as I was lying on the floor I was able to spot my favorite beanie. Don’t you all have a similar experience?

Reading the Bible is like that. There is always something you will blessed with when you read. You may say, it’s so boring, or it’s hard to understand. Maybe you need a different angle. The blessing is there but you simply can’t spot it from where you are. The Bible was written for us so that we can understand. Even when you read the same passage over and over again, it comes to you in a different way of blessings. So keep searching and reading. There will be joy.

#pastorsblog #waukeshachurch

February 10, 2024

“Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.” Genesis 28:12.

At the gym there is this cardio exercise equipment called Jacobs Ladder. It’s an intense workout machine and a lot harder than a treadmill (in my subjective opinion, of course). It’s basically a ladder that is tilted in 40 degrees. The workout is simple. You put a strap around your waist that is connected by a wire to the body of the machine. Then you simply just start climbing the ladder. As you start climbing the ladder will move down in place (like a treadmill).

Like I said, it’s a really simple machine and it sounds really easy, but it’s an intense workout. If you climb the machine for three minutes you will sweat like rain falling and your heart will be beating super fast. It so hard and I can’t do it for more than 10 minutes currently but I plan to improve more and more. There is really no end and destination in this workout. You just keep working and working.

That wasn’t really the case for the actual Jacob’s Ladder that we find in the book of Genesis. Jacob was running away from his brother. He was desperate and he was tired. At night he went to sleep outdoors with a stone beneath his head. Jacob had a dream, a dream where a ladder was shown. It was connected the earth to heaven and angels were marching up and down. The ladder represents Jesus. Unlike the workout machine, you are not the one working hard to climb up. Jesus comes down to us. When we are seeking help, and when we are in desperate need of our Savior, Jesus will come down to us.

#pastorsblog #waukeshachurch

February 3, 2024

“At the end of every seven years you shall grant a release of debts.” Deuteronomy 15:1.

In Deuteronomy 15, there are some facts that are surprising. The chapter first tells the people that they should grant a release of debts every seven years. Then it tells that the people should show generosity to the poor. Next, it tells that you should free your servants in the seventh year of service. Finally, it says that all the firstborn animals should be sanctified.

My first response as I read the chapter was, ‘Man, that sounds really unfair.’ ‘I would hate to be the creditor, or the master.’ As the lender I have all the right to recollect what belongs to me! And for the servant, he/she is mine! At least that’s how it would look like in human point of view.

Yet, as you read into the chapter you will start to understand what God is intending for us to learn. First, God promises us His blessings. “For the Lord your God will bless you just as He promised you.” Deuteronomy 15:6. This promise is repeated once again in verse 18. It seems like we are at a loss when we cancel the debt or release the servants, but God has His way of blessing us when we listen.

Second, these instructions show us that we are all equal under God. Whether you are the creditor or the debtor, whether you are the master or the servant, in the end we are all His children. The condition to salvation does not depend on what you have or owe, but on your faith in Jesus and that makes us all the same.

Third, this is a good illustration of our salvation. As much as it seems it’s a loss for the creditor or the master, consider the freedom the debtor and the servant has received. It wasn’t deserved, yet given. It goes the same for us as we are slaves to sin. God has paid the price for us and therefore we can be freed and saved.

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