We live every day in a spiritual war.  On one side are God, His angels, and us; on the other are Satan and his demons. Revelation 20:7-10 tells us that God will be ultimately victorious, as the devil will be thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where he will suffer forever.  Praise God for the confidence we receive from that truth.  Still, how about until that day comes?  How are we affecting the course of that war with each day that we live?

Last CG, the Professor taught us the biblical perspective on angels, and I learned so much.  As someone in the study said, we concentrate so much on demons that we forget to look for God’s angels in our lives.  They’re God’s messengers and servants who intervene for us at critical junctures, and sometimes they’re unmistakable in their glorious form, while at other times they look like ordinary human beings.  Think about the direction and power we’d receive if we only looked for God’s helpers.

This week, we’ll study the Bible on the topic of demons.  Sun Tzu said in The Art of War, “So it is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you can win a hundred battles without a single loss.  If you only know yourself, but not your opponent, you may win or may lose.  If you know neither yourself nor your enemy, you will always endanger yourself.” We’ll learn about our enemy, and Scripture will give us the means to be victorious in the name of Jesus Christ.

1) COMMUNITY GROUP: THIS FRIDAY @ 7 PM @ SANG/GRACE’S (1907 Delta Ave., Rosemead, 91770; 626-864-4904).  If you’ve never come to CG before, we start by feasting on a potluck dinner, have an in-depth Bible study, and hang out, as we eat the leftovers/dessert.  All are welcome!

2) SAM PREACHING THIS SUNDAY: The Lord will continue to speak to us on the power of Christ over the enemy, as Sam preaches on Jesus casting out demons from a man.  Two things that help a preacher’s cause: 1) Please keep him in prayer throughout the week; and 2) Come prepared with a heart of worship (EVERYTHING IN WORSHIP MATTERS TO JESUS!).  Let’s give Sam our full support as he delivers the Word of God.

3) BENJI UPDATE: Benji was discharged from the hospital and is now home.  However, he has low blood platelets and will need a transfusion.

FIRST, UCLA told me blood type doesn’t matter for platelet donations.  Also, for whole blood donations, they said Benji is Type AB, which can receive from any blood type.  According to them, anyone can donate for platelets or blood, regardless of blood type.  If you go in, please confirm this with them first on the phone (310-206-6187).

******UPDATE****** AFTER TALKING TO BENJI’S UNCLE, STEVE (PATHOLOGY DOCTOR), THEY ONLY WANT TYPE AB FOR BOTH WHOLE BLOOD AND PLATELET DONATIONS BECAUSE THERE IS A CHANCE OF A NEGATIVE REACTION.  UCLA DONATION CENTER WILL SAY THEY’LL TAKE ANY TYPE FOR BENJI, BUT THE KOHS REQUEST ONLY TYPE AB DONORS FOR BLOOD AND PLATELETS.  SORRY ABOUT THE CONFUSION!

Again, platelets help his blood clot, and once donated, they can only be stored for five days (whole blood can be stored for 42 days).  Most of you know the procedure for donating whole blood.  For platelets, they ask you a bunch of questions to make sure you’re a good candidate, determine your cell count (to know how much blood/platelets to draw without compromising your health at all), draw blood from your arm, and once a machine removes the platelets from the blood, your blood goes back in your body through the same vein.  This cycle repeats until one unit of platelets is complete.  It takes about two hours total, isn’t painful (just the one needle insert), you get to watch one of 500 movies, and you should be fully functional after it’s over.

Daniel Kim (not Union) set up a GoogleDoc for a schedule of donors of platelets/blood to prevent overlap, so MAKE SURE you email him for the schedule before you call UCLA.  His update page for Benji supplements the facebook one, and it’s at http://benjikoh.chipin.com/benji-koh

4) MORE XI: Wow, it’s already in the works!  More X was a retreat where God’s power transformed so many lives and entire churches.  Sam put up the first posts on http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=138964996760, so check it out.  It’s never too early to start praying and preparing.

5) SCRIPTURE READING/OFFERING: MICHELLE JUNG (Eunice will be a week from Sunday)

6) DEVOTIONS: Luke13-18: “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him” (Luke 15:20).

May the strong name of Jesus and the power of God’s angels give you daily victory over the demons we fight against…

In the Gospel of Luke, there are many instances when Jesus takes the initiative to heal someone, even without being asked.  Such is the grace of our Lord: when Jesus met a man possessed by a demon in the synagogue, he drove out the evil spirit; when He saw a widow walking in her son’s funeral procession, He stopped and encouraged her before bringing her son back to life.  He did it because He wanted to, not because of any great faith on their part.

However, Jesus also gives grace to those who do approach Him in faith: He cleansed the leper who went through the town to ask for His cleansing, He forgave and healed the paralytic who was brought down to Him through the roof to meet Jesus face-to-face.  Whether you seek forgiveness, healing, wisdom, or anything else, God gives us the ability to call on His power.  We do it with faith and through prayer…

1) PRAYER MEETING: THIS THURSDAY @ 8 PM @ E-CHAP.  Come and just vent with God, cry out on behalf of another, or receive prayer.  I encourage all of you to join us, as Sam leads our time.  Among many important requests, let’s pray for Benji (Pastor Sam Koh’s 2 year-old with leukemia).

2) UPDATE ON BENJI: From Benji’s mom, Shanie, on the “Prayer for Benji” facebook group (http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=322604617973):

benji’s been showing some effects of the steroids that are part of
his chemo. he’s having pain in his leg that’s making it hard for him
to walk.

he had a new chemo drug injected tonite. they are watching for
signs of an allergic reaction, which may show initially or may occur
after a while.

please pray that benji won’t have more allergies.

please keep benji in your prayers !

UCLA Medical Center said they have enough blood (type AB) for Benji for a few weeks.  However, he may need platelets sooner.  Platelets help clotting in blood, and they can only be stored for a few days.  They also take a couple of hours to draw from a donor, so maybe fewer people will be available.  For info on blood/platelet donations, call 310-206-6187 and make sure it’s for Benjamin Koh.

3) COORDINATORS’ MEETING: THIS SUNDAY @ 1 PM.  We’ll discuss our gameplan for Agape Home Mission, CG format, camping trip, and joint Easter worship… please come with your own agendas for your area of minstry.

4) SCRIPTURE READING/OFFERING: Michelle Jung

5) DEVOTIONS: Luke 7-12: “Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.

Let’s experience the power of prayer on Thursday…

Praise God for last week:  At Agape Home Mission, we made new friendships and were given the honor of “touching” those whom society has abandoned because of homelessness or addiction.  However, didn’t they “touch” us, as well?  As they sang hymns with voices and instruments that weren’t especially impressive, but with a passion that was unforgettable, I was convicted by the true heart of worship and reminded of what’s important and what’s not in life.  On Ash Wednesday, we began a sacred season, in which we carry our crosses on the road to Calvary and come close to our Redeemer.

This week, we switch gears and will have a weekend of fellowship…

1) CG: THIS FRIDAY @ 7 PM @ CHARLENE’S (16124 Rosecrans Ave., La Mirada, 90638).  We’ll hang out at Charlene’s new place, The Professor will lead us in a Bible study, and we’ll feast on potluck.

2) SNOWBOARDING: THIS SATURDAY @ BEAR MOUNTAIN.  MEET @ 6 AM SHARP @ CHURCH!!!  Hours are from 8-4:30, so we must maximize our time.  Cost of lift ticket is $66, rental is $30.  If we have 15 people, group rate is $56 for lift ticket.  URC will support $16 per person, so bring $50 on Saturday.

COMMITTED: Sang, James Kim, Jacob, Jessica, Eunice, Mike, Michelle Won, Jenny Chen

MAYBE: Ray, Sayaka, David, Joel, Daniel (UCLA)

CAN DRIVE: Sang, James Kim, Jacob, Mike, Joel

LET ME KNOW ASAP IF YOU’RE DEFINITELY GOING OR NOT, so we can plan on group/individual tickets.

For the first time in history, Shaun White did a Double McTwist 1260 in the Vancouver Olympics on his gold medal run.  The world is waiting to see what Eunice Choi will throw down…

3) HUALAPAI MISSION: JULY 18-21 (Sun-Wed).  It’s already time to plan for the summer, and one of the great opportunities is our short-term mission trip.  We’ll go for the third year to Peach Springs, Arizona, and build on an amazing ministry with our Hualapai brothers and sisters from the last two summers.

SIGNED UP: David, Jessica, Jacob, Daniel (Dylan), Sam

MAYBE: Charlene, Ray, Sayaka, Mike, Jane, Hyonroh, James Harty, Angela, Joel

After leaving Grace with the kids for missions the last two summers, I’ll stay home this time and help her survive.  I’m excited for your testimonies that God is already writing now…

4) MEDIA MEETING: THIS SUNDAY @ 1 PM

5) PRAYER REQUESTS: As I shared on Sunday, please pray for Benji (Pastor Sam Koh’s three year-old who has leukemia).  Sam said he has an 85% chance of survival, but will have to go through a painful chemotherapy process for several months.  Pastor Sam asked for God to do a miracle, and let’s have faith that, “You are the God who performs miracles;
you display your power among the peoples” (Psalm 77:14).  Updates on “Prayer Group for Benji” facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=322604617973&ref=mf&v=info#!/group.php?v=wall&ref=mf&gid=322604617973

Please also pray for our senior pastor’s wife, Mrs. Lee, who moved to Korea yesterday in order to begin a job as an international school principal.  After decades of faithful service in building our church, let’s pray the Lord continues His work through her in this next stage.  Pray for Rev. Lee, also, who will be without her for his last months at Union before retirement.

Last but not least, pray for the Lims.  Mike and Jane feel baby Madeleine may be coming early, so let’s cover them in prayer, for God’s hand to protect mom and baby, for wisdom in dad, and a beautiful, healthy delivery.  Can’t wait for our newest URC daughter, and I know God can’t wait, either, to see His newest daughter born.

6) SCRIPTURE READING/OFFERING: Michelle Won

7) DEVOTIONS: Luke 1-6: “Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man.  ‘I am willing,’ he said.  ‘Be clean!’  And immediately the leprosy left him” (5:13).

Going for the gold medal this Saturday, look out!

Great time celebrating our awesome sisters on Saturday, though the brothers didn’t answer the wild, chanting calls to perform a song/dance (except HYONROH!!!).  Now we go into the season of Lent, the 46 days of reflection, repentance, fasting, and prayer that lead up to Easter.  It’s a time when Jesus calls us to carry our own cross and follow Him, which we can do as a church starting Tuesday…

1) AGAPE HOME MISSION: THIS TUESDAY @ 6 PM @ 2205 S. Hobart Blvd., LA, 90018.  The founding pastor (Pastor Lee)  is a former drug addict, who, with his wife, established this LA County-certified rehab center to provide services/lodging for about 50 recovering addicts.  For our first time, Pastor Lee invited us to eat dinner with the residents and lead a worship service.  This is the first of many outings to Agape, so let’s build trust with new friends there and demonstrate the love of Christ to each person.  Please keep this ministry in prayer before we go, and if you wanna carpool from my house, let me know.

2) ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE: THIS WEDNESDAY @ 7 PM @ E-CHAP.  We’ll begin Lent the right way, with worship.  Let’s come in already worshipping, and humble ourselves before the Lord.  We’ll meditate, sing, pray, and listen to God’s Word.  Please pray about fasting something beginning on Wednesday, all the way to Easter.  It can be anything that will help you to pray and identify with Jesus more.

3) BIOLA CHAPEL: THIS FRIDAY @ 9:30 AM @ CHASE GYMNASIUM (Biola Campus is @ 13800 Biola Avenue, La Mirada, 90639; Chase Gymnasium is a couple of blocks NE, on University Dr., just South of Parking Lot N; Ask Sam/Charlene where to park).  It’s the weekly chapel for Biola University, and our friend Dave Choi will be the speaker.  He is a phenomenal preacher, so come out and hear what God has to say through him.  Check out this five-minute clip of his sermon, and I guarantee laughter and spiritual impact: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MftDtV7jzI

4) BELLE OF THE BALLE: SATURDAY, 3/27.  Garnet says, “The Orangewood Children’s Foundation is putting on their “Belle of the Balle” on March 27th.  Young girls from Orange County in great need are given the opportunity to attend the special event on empowerment and are also given prom attire (formal gowns, shoes, accessories) that they otherwise would not be able to afford.  Orangewood is accepting monetary donations/sponsorships, but they are also asking for in-kind donations of formal evening gowns/jewelry/purses.

If any ladies at URC have an old prom/homecoming/high school formal dress that you would like to donate, email me at garnetkim at gmail dot com and I’ll collect yours to drop off at the foundation.  If you’d like to do it yourself, here’s a link to the forms for volunteers/donations: http://www.orangewoodfoundation.org/upl … t_1-10.pdf

Thank you!”

5) SCRIPTURE READING/OFFERING: James Kim

6) DEVOTIONS: Ecclesiastes 6-11.  “Now all has been heard, and here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (12:13).

As we have left our worship service today to go back into our weekdays, let’s continue to live in awe of Him and obey His commands, as we worship from Monday-Saturday.  Praying with you…

Saint Valentine was a priest who was martyred in Rome in AD 269.  His life and death had nothing to do with sentimental love, but everything to do with love for His God.  Then someone added the story that before he died, he miraculously healed his jailer’s daughter.  The legend grew that he befriended his jailer’s daughter, and before he was martyred, he wrote her a letter, signed, “From your Valentine.”  Another fable said that Saint Valentine performed secret marriages against Emperor Claudius II’s wishes, who wanted his soldiers to be single and unattached.  For this, he was supposedly killed.

Somehow, that brings us to our modern Valentine’s Day, when men spend an average of $156 (yikes!) and women, $85 (I’ve never had a penny spent on me, and right now, all the URC fellas are saying, “Yeah, me neither!!  Where’s my $85?  Can I just get it in cash?  Can I just spend $85 less?”).  It’s the second-largest card-sending holiday after Christmas, with cards as the top gift (62.8 percent), then candy (48.4 percent), and flowers in a close third (36.7 percent).  Hmmm, that’s in order, from cheapest to most expensive… (URC fellas: “Sang!  You exposed us!  You don’t even care just because you’re old and married!!!”).  Saint Valentine didn’t intend all this, but he did show us what selfless love looks like.  This Saturday, the fellas will follow his lead, as we show our love and appreciation for our sisters…

1) SUPERBOWL PARTY: WHO DAT?  Who dat say they gonna beat them Saints?!  We had the worst Saints fans ever (UCLA Daniel, Audrey, and Charlene), but Sam and I made up for it by yelling, “Who dat!?!?!” every nine seconds.  Thanks to the Kwons for opening up their home and providing pizza and the patented Princess Sarah Kwon Chili Cheese Dogs.

2) CG CANCELED: We will NOT meet this Friday @ Charlene’s.  Last weekend, we had activities every day from Thursday to Sunday.  This week, we have things going on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.  To give some space, we’ll cancel this week’s CG and postpone our Prayer Meeting from next Thursday to two weeks later.

2) URC VALENTINE’S : THIS SATURDAY @ JOEL’S HOUSE (11 Plaza Modena, Lake Elsinore, 92532).  Everybody, dress up a bit for the occasion (no jeans/shorts), and RSVP on the Facebook Event ASAP.  Fellas, we’ll leave @ 12:30 PM from church and get there by 2:00.  Ladies, leave @ 3:30 from church to get there by 5:00.  We’re the 15-time reigning champions for Least Romantic Group of at Least 10 Guys, but this is our year!  Childcare will be provided.

3) PRAISE TEAM BIBLE STUDY: THIS SUNDAY @ 1 PM.  Please read the final Psalm, 150, and reflect on what it means before we meet.

4) SPORTS CHALLENGE: THIS SUNDAY @ 3:30 PM @ FIRST AVE. MIDDLE SCHOOL (301 S. 1st Ave., Arcadia, 91006).  Sheepgate challenged us in basketball and football.  I’m planning to say, “Who dat?!?!” every nine seconds. Open to boys and girls, as always.

5) NEXT WEEK: AGAPE HOUSE (Tuesday @ 6 PM in LA), ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE (Wednesday @ 7 PM in E-Chap), BIOLA CHAPEL (Friday @ 9:30 AM @ Biola – Our retreat speaker three years ago, Dave Choi, will be preaching; one of the most dynamic preachers I know).

6) SCRIPTURE READING/OFFERING: Andy Yi

7) DEVOTIONS: Provebs 31-Ecclesiastes 5.  Didn’t plan this, but it’s no coincidence our devotions and sermons coincide.  Let’s learn the Word in our homes, as well as in worship.  “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised” (Proverbs 31:30).

Have a great week, and RSVP on our Valentine’s Facebook event!

OK, it’s the title Paul often calls the believers of the first church, but it’s also the team that’s gonna win the Superbowl, BABY!!!!!!!!!!  What’s a better than Saints (=the church) being redeemed (Superbowl victory after devastation of Katrina) in a challenge they have no hope against (Colts)?  Am I alone on this one?!  Who’s with me?!?!  LET’S GO SAINTS!!!!!!!!  Sorry, must calm down and not make bad theological analogies.  It’s gonna be a great Superbowl, but we also have a truly Super weekend ahead for our church:

1) SPORTS SUNDAY RECAP

BASKETBALL: In Game 1, Sam Roberson-Yi kicked things off with a long-range bomb in the first shot taken, but the lone WNBA member Hyunjoo Yi swung things the other way with 4 points and an assist, resulting in a victory.  Daniel Kim, Dylan’s uncle, would’ve made his nephew proud with an all-around game that nobody knew about.  In Game 2, Won Lee helped his team build a big lead with 100% shooting from anywhere on the court, but 3-pointers by Jacob Kang and Joel Kim, along with tenacious defense by James Kim, led to a late surge and the win.

FOOTBALL: In Union Bowl I, Team Yellow (Colts) dropped 5 perfect passes from Won Lee and Chris Kang in the end zone to result in zero points for the day.  The Colts’ highlights were David Kwon’s thunderous rush up the middle for  8 yards, and Hyunjoo Yi’s two catches: one where she caught the ball, didn’t run forward at all, and started laughing; and another, where she caught the ball, didn’t run forward at all, suddenly threw it to the ground, and started laughing.  Team Blue (Saints) scored once in a way I can’t remember, and then another time, when Daniel Kim threw the ball to Sang Lee, as he used his 3-foot height advantage and 4-foot arm length advantage over Hyunjoo Yi to get the touchdown.  Then the Saints’ Steel Curtain goal-line defense took over, helped by the 5 Colts guys who dropped perfect passes in the end zone.

H-O-R-S-E: Jacob Kang challenged a 34-year old man to P-I-G and lost, resulting in the punishment of running a lap around the 1/4-mile track.  In a rematch, the same exact thing happened.  In another rematch, the same thing happened again, except it was H-O-R-S-E and a couple more guys lost with Kang and ran.  In a final rematch, other guys joined, and… you got it, the same exact thing happened for the fourth time.  Jacob Kang was the only man to lose every time, totaling one full mile of punishment running.

Those are your highlights for Sports Sunday, hope y’all have a good one… (cue SportsCenter music, “dah nah nah, dah nah nah”)

2) BLOCK PRAYER RECAP: Our entire church gathered with a handful of local residents to pray for our community.  We adopted the heart of Nehemiah, who wanted to rebuild Jerusalem through prayer and action, and we prayed for safety @ our intersection, healing for our neighborhood, vision in the churches and city leaders, and the Gospel to spread from our four corners.  May these prayers continue from God’s saints, and may this be the beginning of a great movement in West Covina.  (Awesome pics by Jessica in our “PHOTOS” section)

3) TNF: THIS THURSDAY @ 7 PM @ GONDOLA PIZZA (15840 East Imperial Highway, La Mirada, 90638).  DK stopped his movie reviews, but he gave his first restaurant recommendation: “Cheap and good.”  What more can you ask for in pizza and pasta?

4) LOCK-IN: THIS FRIDAY @ 8 PM @ ULC VISION CENTER (the house SE of the large sanctuary).  Fun ‘n games ‘n morning worship the next day…

5) AM WORSHIP: THIS SATURDAY @ 6:30 AM @ LARGE SANCTUARY.  URC leads this one, with our Praise Team, and my preaching in English (translation by Hyonroh).  We’ll have time of prayer devoted to URC, as we dedicate ourselves to the Lord.  Represent!  We’ll go for breakfast afterwards.

6) LIMS’ MOVING DAY: THIS SATURDAY.  They’re only moving three houses down, so if a bunch of us show, we can get it done quick.  If we don’t show, an 8-month pregnant mom who’s sick will have to lift furniture…

7) SUPERBOWL PARTY: THIS SUNDAY AFTERNOON @ THE KWONS (1439 Caspian Ct., Walnut, 91789; Won’t show up on online maps: From Amar, go N on Lemon, then up the hill and left on Caspian).  Bring $5 for pizza/drinks, and celebrate the Saints’ 31-27 victory.

8 ) SAVE THE DATES: Valentine’s for Sisters (Sat., 2/13 @ 3 PM @ Joel’s); Ministry @ Agape House Drug Rehab Center (Tue., 2/16 @ 6 PM in LA); Snowboarding (Sat., 2/27 @ 8 AM @ Bear Mountain).

9) SCRIPTURE READING/OFFERING: Mike Lim

10) DEVOTIONS: Proverbs 25-30.  “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” (27:6)  “Two things I ask of you, O LORD; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.  Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’  Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.” (30:7-9)

Saints, let’s go marchin’ into this week…

There’s much more to an intersection than just managing people and cars going to the other side.  It’s a place where lives cross one another, for better or worse, sometimes in a tragic accident, sometimes in a conversation that leads to a new friendship.  This week, we’ll gather @ our own Lark Ellen and Puente to pray for our intersection and all the lives affected by it.  We went door to door to invite neighbors on Sunday, and after meeting 20 people, I had this strong feeling that we were connected as a community, pulling for one another, and shared common concerns for the safety and well-being of our neighborhood.  We’ll begin this week with a block prayer, and maybe in the future we can host a block party in celebration of the Lord’s answered prayers…

1) COMMUNITY GROUP: THIS FRIDAY @ 7 PM @ MIKE/JANE’S (1700 Via Miranda, Apt. D, Fullerton, 92833). It’s the week before Mike and Jane move, and we’ll gather for their last hurrah.  Bible study on spiritual gifts, potluck dinner, and maybe help pack some boxes.  BTW, the Lims move on Saturday, 2/6.  Let’s come out and help them transport their stuff, so a 7-month pregnant mom doesn’t have to (you’re now a victim of the patented Asian guilt manuever).

2) BLOCK PRAYER: THIS SUNDAY @ 12 PM @ LARK ELLEN AND PUENTE.  We’ll pray beforehand in the Living Room @ 11:45 AM, then go out and pray for the healing, safety, and growth of our community under the sovereignty of God.

3) WOMEN’S SMALL GROUPS: We’ve been discussing the idea of extending discipleship for the women, where the ladies can gather in smaller groups outside of church for teaching specific to women, as well as fellowship and accountability.  Please pray about this, and y’all will game plan on Sunday.

4) AGAPE HOUSE: Hyonroh visited a drug rehab home that hosts 50 recovering residents, and we’ve been invited to participate in their ministry.  We’ll discuss a date on Sunday when we can share a meal and lead a worship service @ the Agape House.

5) SPORTS SUNDAY: THIS SUNDAY @ 2 PM @ SOUTH HILLS HIGH SCHOOL (645 S. Barranca Ave., West Covina, 91791).  Block Prayer invitations and NFL conference championships postponed us a week, but we WILL play this Sunday, after Block Prayer!!!  In the spirit of the Superbowl, we’ll play football, among other sports.

6) SUPERBOWL PARTY: A WEEK FROM SUNDAY @ THE KWONS’.  We’ll watch the Saints upset the Colts and bring glory/respite to New Awlins.  31-27 will be the score.  Be there.

7) SCRIPTURE READING/OFFERING: Angela Won-Harty

8 ) DEVOTIONS: Proverbs 19-24 – “He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.” – Proverbs 19:17

Twice a year, we celebrate the new members of The Family, and it’s always an amazing testimony of how God calls us from different walks of life: Daniel and Jessica were part of our Youth Group many years ago and have returned as 20-somethings (yes!); Charlene was at another church for a decade before joining us (yes!); Donnay was searching for a church where he could connect within a community (yes!).  Once we met them with the cliche, “Hello, my name is…” and now we’re brothers and sisters in the URC.  Praise to the Head of The Family!!!

1) NEWCOMERS’ DINNER: THIS TUESDAY @ 7 PM @ ENGLISH CHAPEL.  We celebrate God’s call of our new members with a Word, testimonies, and a feast.  So far, I have our four newcomers and six other URC members coming out.  If you’d like to join, but haven’t told me yet, let me know.

2) PRAYER MEETING: THIS THURSDAY @ 8 PM @ E-CHAP.  Our second monthly prayer meeting.  We’ll sing, pray, share, pray… you get the picture.  Open invitation to gather for an honest conversation with the Lord.

3) SPORTS SUNDAY: THIS SUNDAY @ 2 PM @ SOUTH HILLS HIGH SCHOOL (645 S. Barranca Ave., West Covina, 91791).  Something has derailed our plans for Sports Sunday for like six consecutive months.  The forecast for Sunday is mostly sunny, high of 67, and 10% chance of rain.  We’ll play tennis, basketball, and maybe a track competition, but watching the NFL playoffs, I wanna play football.  Bring your gear, and bring your game.

4) WEBSITE RESOURCES: I added a “Resources” tab on the top of our website, which now has the link to “Bible Study Methods.”  In the future, we’ll add those types of guides/links in that section for reference.

5) FELLAS’ DEVOTIONS LEADER: Daniel Kim (UCLA).  I’ll lead discipleship, but Daniel will kick us off with sharing on Proverbs 13-18.  The rest of the guys, come with a proverb that’s true to your life.  If you can memorize and recite the verse on Sunday, all the better.

6) SCRIPTURE READING/OFFERING: Daniel Kim (Dylan’s uncle)

7) DEVOTIONS: Proverbs 13-18: “He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.” – Proverbs 13:20.  Remember what 30 dedicated minutes/day can do…

Have a great week!

Great time studying the Word last night, and some deep, amazing insights that y’all taught (after that half-hour of study!).  Imagine the possibilities if you spent 30 dedicated minutes a day for even a month: how much of the Bible you’d know, how much truth you’d learn, how much change in your life, and how much closer you’d be to God.  Whether you study our daily devotions or other passages, individually or with friends, let’s become a people of the Holy Word:

“so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” – Isaiah 55:11

As promised, here are resources and outlines for the three methods we learned (sorry about formatting):

TOOLS: Bible dictionary (look up background info), Strong’s Concordance (find Bible references for words/topics)

RESOURCES

1. 1. Look up verse/words
      1. biblica.com/niv: NIV version online
      2. biblegateway.com: Topical index, Bible versions
   2. In-depth Bible study
      1. blueletterbible.com: Meanings of words in original language, commentaries, Bible dictionary, concordance, Bible versions, etc.

1. GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR ALL METHODS

a. Set aside time

b. Be still, focus, clear distractions

c. Pray, invite Holy Spirit before reading, and pray in response after reading

d. Remember the context of God’s love letter to us in revealing Jesus

1. INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY

a. Ajith Fernando

i. “Sitting with an attitude of a child”: Learn what God wrote to me to help me grow stronger

ii. “Skill of a detective”: Find evidence, meaning, and application

b. Preparation

i. Read passage 3 times

1. Read for overview

2. Read for details

3. Read for overview to place details in context

ii. Imagine being there

iii. Place it in context of the book/entire Bible

1. What type of book is it (Law, letter, poem, Gospel, historical, etc.)?

c. Observation: What does it say?

i. When and where?

ii. Who’s involved?

iii. What’s happening?

iv. Write down important names, actions, phrases that stand out

d. Interpretation: What does it mean?

i. What’s the theme/core issue?

ii. What does it mean/What is it telling us? Why is this important?

iii. What does it teach me about God?

1. Give the passage a title

e. Application: What does it mean for our lives?

i. How does this apply to our present situation?

ii. What is it calling us to do?

1. MANUSCRIPT METHOD

a. Preparation

i. Read passage 3 times

1. Read for overview

2. Read for details

3. Read for overview to place details in context

ii. Imagine being there

iii. Place it in context of the book/entire Bible

1. What type of book is it (Law, letter, poem, historical, etc.)?

b. Observation: What does it say?

i. Highlight, underline, arrows, brackets

1. Repeated words and ideas (Assign different colors, symbols)

2. Repeated themes (’Son of God’ etc)

3. Contrasts

4. Metaphors

5. Key words such as ‘therefore’, ‘but’, ‘then’, ‘because’ etc.

6. Setting of writing or event

7. Time of day, month or year

8. Characters

9. Cause and effect

c. Interpretation: What does it mean?

i. Make connections

ii. Draw lines, arrows between different words

iii. What’s the theme/core issue?

iv. What does it mean/What is it telling us? Why is this important?

v. What does it teach me about God?

1. Give the passage a title

d. Application: What does it mean for our lives?

i. How does this apply to our present situation?

ii. What is it calling us to do?

1. LECTIO DIVINA

a. “Divine reading”: Promotes communion with God and spiritual insights

b. Preparation

i. Time: Every day for a block of time

1. Take your time and move slowly through the passage

ii. Place: Free from distraction

iii. Preparation: Quiet, prayer

c. Method: The Four Moments

i. Lectio Divina has been likened to “Feasting on the Word.” The four parts are first taking a bite (Lectio), then chewing on it (Meditatio). Next is the opportunity to savor the essence of it (Oratio). Finally, the Word is digested and made a part of the body (Contemplatio).

d. Lectio

i. Read passage 3 times slowly

ii. Savor each portion of the reading, constantly listening for God to reveal a word or phrase that somehow speaks

iii. Write down words/phrases that stick out

e. Meditatio

i. Reflect on the passage and outstanding words, and what it means to you personally

ii. Invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you, and let Him bring messages/images to mind

f. Oratio

i. Pray in conversation with God, responding to the Word and dedicating yourself to Him

g. Contemplatio

i. Listen to God, focus only on Him, and have a joyful rest in His presence

h. Application

i. Share our experience with each other (Operatio – Action; works)

ii. Expectation: Deeper knowledge of Scripture, oneself, others, and God

It feels so long ago since we last met for Community Group.  The Christmas/New Year’s events, retreat, etc. has made it a full six weeks since we’ve gathered, and I’ve really missed that time.  Maybe because it’s a glimpse of the greatest fellowship ever, described in Acts 2:42 of the first church: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching  (Bible study) and to the fellowship (sharing in God), to the breaking of bread (potluck) and to prayer.”  And we’ll one-up the first church with Pool Tournament #832…

1) CG: THIS FRIDAY @ 7 PM @ TAE/SARA’S: Back @ Union Central.  We learned on Sunday about the culture of holiness, where we make worship a priority.  Great opportunity to start that this Friday and Sunday.

2) PRAYER FOR MISSIONARIES: We heard Timothy/Mina’s parents share about their return to Korea this week, move to India in March, and their prayer requests: Protection from a heavy, spiritually-oppressive environment, where there is worship of thousands of gods; health/safety; discernment of God’s will for their next steps; entrance into missionary kids’ school for Timothy and Mina.  Let’s be their prayer support, as we also remember Rev. Kwak’s family in Cameroon and Steve Hwang in China.

3) COORDINATORS’ MEETING: THIS SUNDAY @ 1 PM.  Use the Bible studies we covered last week to guide your vision and plans for the year, and be prepared to share those, including dates for events, budget requests, and any other needs.

4) NEWCOMERS’ DINNER: NEXT TUESDAY @ 7 PM @ ENGLISH SANCTUARY.  Last year, we had a Hawaiian-themed feast, welcoming new KM members, as well as our very own James/Angela, Mike/Jane, James Kim, and others.  This year, it’ll be a Western theme, still amazing food, and we’ll welcome Charlene and Daniel (Dylan’s uncle) into the Family.  They actually said it’d be better to have more people, so all of URC is invited.  I remember sushi as part of the dinner…

5) SCRIPTURE READING/OFFERING: David Kwon

6) DEVOTIONS: Proverbs 7-12: “The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.  A fools shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.” – Proverbs 12:15-16

Praying for holiness in your lives this week.