Please pray about joining a team, even if you think you have nothing to offer – you will be amazed at how God will use you!  The estimated cost will be about $740 (includes everything).  Please see David if you are considering it.  And DON’T let the cost be a barrier!

If you can, please let David know by mid-April if you are even thinking / praying about going.  Pastor Miguel and his team will be meeting at that time to discuss details.  The trip dates are as follows…

Trip #1 – Mon, 15.Oct to Sat, 20.Oct
Trip #2 – Mon, 22.Oct to Sat, 27.Oct

“For You, Lord, are good and ready to forgive,
and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.”
Psalm 86:5

We have been going through a few Psalms on Tuesday nights in the women’s Bible study.  This last week we were in Psalm 86.  This Psalm is listed as a ‘Prayer of David”.  We don’t know what the circumstances were when David wrote this Psalm, but it would seem that he was in some sort of trouble.  This Psalm is David crying out to God to save him.  David seems pretty confident that God will do just that.

David says for “you are good and ready to forgive”.  David knew first-hand the goodness of God – and His ability to forgive.  That phrase “ready to forgive” makes me think of an expectant waiting.  God is just waiting for us to ask so that He can forgive us!  That is a hard thing for us, as humans, to get our head, or heart, around, because we so often aren’t “ready to forgive”.  It can sometimes take a while for our hearts to soften to be able to forgive someone, and we think it must be the same with God toward us.  I like what one commentator says, “Many wait to repent and ask forgiveness because they think that time might make God more forgiving.  That isn’t possible.  He is ready to forgive now” (D. Guzik).

God is ready to forgive, right now!  It doesn’t matter how we’ve sinned or how many times we’ve sinned, He is ready to forgive, and not only that it also says He is “abundant in mercy to all those who call upon” Him.

How about me?  Am I ready to forgive?  It isn’t always easy, and seems harder, to me at least, to forgive those closest to me.  There are times that I don’t want to let go of the hurt, I want to punish them for hurting me, by not forgiving.  But if I do that, then bitterness will take root and it will be even harder to let go and forgive.  I pray that God will not only teach me how to be ready to forgive, but also that He will remind me that He is there ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy, when I ask.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
1John 19

by Becky Pham

What is a pilgrimage? The dictionary defines it as “a journey, especially a long one, made to some sacred place as an act of religious devotion.” I know that when I think of a pilgrim I envision someone who has packed up a few precious possessions – only what they can carry – and left their native home in search of a better life somewhere else. They know there will be difficulties, but they are willing to face the challenges, looking to the end, their new home.

That is what our lives as Christians are like. When we give our heart to the Lord, He sets our sights on heaven as our new home. This world becomes our ‘native home’ and we set off on our pilgrimage to heaven. We will face many challenges along the way but, OH our new home, what a reward!

There is a danger though of being nomads instead of pilgrims. A nomad is someone who wanders somewhat aimlessly. They don’t have a permanent home and they don’t have a goal where they are going. They simply wander from place to place seeking the best they can get in each place before moving on.

We as Christians shouldn’t be nomads, we know where we are going and we can be confident that we will arrive there someday. Jesus said “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2). Not only do we have a destination, it has been prepared for us by Jesus Himself!

So let’s travel our pilgrimage with purpose, and encourage one another along the way, especially when the road is not so smooth.

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
Philippians 3:20-21

Becky Pham

I read this somewhere but can’t seem to be able to substantiate it 100%.  I have read elsewhere that one cubic mile (1.6 cubic km) of fog contains only about 2-4 liters of water!  Isn’t that amazing!  So little water can totally obscure our view of our surroundings.

I remember driving in the mountains once in fog so thick and dense that I had to slow down to about 5 kph and follow the painted center-line just to stay on the road!  And this with the mountain face on one side of the road and a drop-off of about 100 meters on the other!  I literally couldn’t seem more than a meter in front of the car

Isn’t that the same in our lives at times? Isn’t it so easy to let little things in our lives, those miniscule droplets of trials and hardships to completely cover us like a wet, depressing blanket?!  Even though it’s a small, insignificant thing, we allow it to grow into something enormous that obscures our view.  And this blanket of depression puts out the flame of faith, love, passion and service in our hearts and lives.  Amazing that such a small thing can do this!

Perhaps this speaks to you – have you let something small grow out of proportion?  Maybe it’s something someone said or didn’t say?  Or a co-worker who did something that offended you?  Or worry, anxiety, fear.  Or maybe it’s shame and humiliation over something small?  Or maybe it’s a little seed of doubt, bitterness, unforgiveness, unrepentance that grow into huge vines that choke out joyful life.  Maybe it started out as molehills, but now are mountains.  Don’t let those little things turn into mountains – take heart…

Philippians 4:6-7
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:
A time to be born, And a time to die;
A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted;
A time to kill, And a time to heal;
A time to break down, And a time to build up;
A time to weep, And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, And a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to gain, And a time to lose;
A time to keep, And a time to throw away;
A time to tear, And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, And a time to speak;
A time to love, And a time to hate;
A time of war, And a time of peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

As we have been studying through the book of Ecclesiastes, we have now come to this passage – probably the best known Bible passage in the world!  Well, I don’t know about that exactly, but it sure seems like it.  It was made famous by the Byrds’ version of  this song, titled Turn, Turn Turn (I think – any of you hippies out there know?).

In any case, here are some truths that we can pull out of this passage and apply to our lives today.  Look at the 2 words used – ‘season’ and ‘time’.   Now, there are 2 aspects of time.  There is a singular point in time, an event.  And then there is also a period of time, a season.  For example, Dec 25th, Christmas Day is a point in time, a singular event.  And then there is the Christmas season – a period of time that starts somewhere around Thanksgiving (although this season seems to start earlier and earlier each year!).  So what is the significance?

1. God has appointed times or events in our lives.  That is what it seems Solomon is referring to here.  God has appointed a specific time for everything.  There is no coincidence or chance with God – He is sovereign.  He appoints the good as well as ‘bad’ events.  Or at least ‘bad’ from our perspective.

These verses describe the totality of life in poetical form – from birth to death, and everything in between!  Solomon is saying there is an appointed time for everything in life.  It’s not just bad luck or random chance, but it is God’s providence.

There is great comfort here – since God has appointed these times in our lives, He knows we are ready for them.  He believes we can handle them.  In fact, He gives us the strength, endurance and patience to go through these times – good and bad.

2. God has also appointed the seasons of our lives.  God has appointed a length of time, a season for everything in our lives.  Seasons are not forever.  The seasons of the year change – it is not forever winter.  This implies that there is a beginning and an end.  It is a definite length of time.  So in our times of hardship and difficulties, we can know it’s not forever but only for a season.  Only for a length of time that God has ordained.  It is not too long, nor too short – but perfect for us.

So again, take comfort – God has a time and season for everything.  There will come a time when winter turns to spring, when the deadness and barrenness fades away and life blooms once again.

3. Not only does God appoint these times and seasons, but He makes them beautiful. A few verses after the passage above, Solomon writes – ‘He [God] has made everything beautiful in its time’ (Ecc 3.11).  Notice 2 things here…

First, ‘He has made everything’ – beginnings, ends.  Births and deaths.  Joys and sorrows.  Laughter and tears.  Peace and war.  Things that seem positive, but also things that seem negative.  God has ordained and appointed everything.  The situations we find ourselves in are not just a random string of events.  They are not out of control nor meaningless.  Not just chance or bad luck.  There is meaning to everything in life because God is working out His purpose.

Even those dead winter times are from God and will be used by Him for our good and His glory. Those times when we bear no fruit and it seems like we’re dead – or in situations that cause emotional and spiritual death.  Take fruit trees for instance, they don’t bear fruit all year long.  There’s a season when they need to be pruned and cut back.  And it seems drastic at times – often it has been cut back so much that there is only a stump left!  Yet, what is the purpose and goal?  That when harvest time comes around next season, they bear more and better fruit!  Isn’t that what Jesus said in John 15.2b – ‘every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit’?  So we can be sure that EVERYTHING is in the hands of God.  He is in control, even when it seems our world is out of control.

Secondly, everything is ‘beautiful in its time’.  But you might ask – how can death be beautiful?  Or suffering?  Or loss, tears, pain?  The hard times and suffering might not be beautiful now, but in their God-appointed time, they will be beautiful.  Take for example the crucifixion of Jesus – His disciples didn’t think it was beautiful when it happened.  But when Jesus was resurrected and appeared to them, when they saw Him in the midst of their sorrow – they rejoiced!  They could see the beauty of the Cross (for the most part)!

And that is the key – when we see Jesus in the midst of our sorrow or pain, it becomes beautiful. Perhaps not while we’re deep in the midst of sorrow, but in its time.  When that season is over and another starts.  And when we can recognize and accept that God was using the pain and sorrow to accomplish His plan and purpose in our lives.

So take heart – God has appointed times and seasons in our lives.  Good and bad ones.  Joyful and sorrowful ones.  But God also makes them beautiful in their appointed time.  Rest in that.

For I know that my Redeemer lives,
and He shall stand at last on the earth.
Job 19.25

As we study through the book of Job, we see that he lost all his children, his wealth and livelihood and even his health – all in a very short time period.  And as Job and his friends debate, we see Job often sinking into depression and despair – not because he lost everything.  But because he doesn’t sense the presence of God anymore.

But amazingly, we also see Job rising up to some mountaintops of faith.  In Job 1.21, after he learns of his losses, he proclaims – ‘…the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord’.  Amazing faith!

And here in today’s verse, after Job has hit bottom, he suddenly shoots up to the mountaintop of faith and proclaims – ‘For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth!’  Stop to think about what Job is saying – it truly is amazing faith!

First, notice that he says he KNOWS – he is certain of it.  He is not just hoping or wishing for it, but knows it!

Secondly, he knows and is certain that his Redeemer LIVES!
Job is not putting his faith in a dead Redeemer, but a living One!

Next he says it is MY Redeemer.  Did you catch that?  Job makes it personal – not just any Redeemer, but MINE!

Lastly, Job knows for sure that his Redeemer is coming back to earth; that his Redeemer will one day stand on the earth!  Job has faith that his Redeemer will COME BACK for him!

What amazing faith from a man who is suffering immense trials and tribulations.  And remember, Job lived literally centuries before Jesus!  In fact, he likely lived before Moses and the Law!  That makes his faith even more amazing!

But let’s ask ourselves – how is our faith?  In trials, can we also like Job proclaim – I know my Redeemer lives?  Or the Lord gave and the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord?  How is our faith in light of knowing Jesus and having God’s Word?  Do we know our Redeemer lives?  And that He is returning for us?

David Pham

Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and
tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”
Matthew 28:10

Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father;
but go to My brethren and say to them,
‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’ ”
John 20:17

A couple weeks ago, we saw that Jesus calls us “servants” and “friends” and what special relationships these are.  As I was reading in my devotions this week, I came across these passages where Jesus calls us His brothers!  It really spoke to me – this is an even more intimate and special relationship. Why or how?

Because it is a BLOOD relationship!  Brothers are related by blood.  It is the blood that makes this a unique relationship.  Sure, brothers can be friends and they can even be servants to one another.  But friends and servants cannot be brothers in the true sense of the word, unless there is a blood relationship.

So consider what it means when Jesus calls us “My brethren” – what is the blood relationship that we have with Him?  Ahh, we have a glorious relationship with Jesus based on blood that was shed at the Cross!  We are Jesus’ brethren based on His blood, which was poured out for our salvation!  In fact, not only do we have this blood relationship with Jesus, but with all believers of all countries and all ages!

The apostles Paul and Peter and John are my brethren.  Martin Luther, John Calvin, Jonathan Edwards, the Wesleys, George Mueller, Spurgeon, C.S. Lewis and Billy Graham are my brethren.  Believers throughout the world are my brethren.  You are my brethren.  All because of this unique blood relationship we have with Jesus!  So consider what the author of Hebrews wrote…

For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one,
for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying:
“I will declare Your name to My brethren;
in the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.”
Hebrews 2.11-12

David Pham

Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job,
that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man,
one who fears God and shuns evil?”
Job 1.8

This past Wed night, we started going through the book of Job.  And in Job 1.8, we saw that God called Job ‘My servant’.  Now, that might not seem so significant to us, but did you know that God called only 11 people or groups ‘My servant’?  Here they are…

Abraham (Gen 26.24)
Moses (Num 12.7-8)
Caleb (Num 14.24)
David (2Sam 3.18)
Isaiah (Isa 20.3)
Eliakim (Isa 22.20)
Israel the nation (Isa 41.8)
Nebuchadnezzar (Jer 25.9)
Zerubbabel (Hag 2.23)
Jesus the Branch (Zech 3.8)

And here in v8, we see Job being called ‘My servant’.  Amazing, isn’t it – out of the hundreds of people in the Bible, only 11 are called ‘My servant’.  And each time this phrase is used, it refers to a relationship that person (or group) has with the Living God.  A relationship that is deep, intimate and full of faith.

But do you know what is also amazing?  Jesus calls us His servants too!  He told the parable of the servants who were given 5, 2 and 1 talents in Matt 25.14-30.  And what did the master say to the first two servants?  ‘Well done, good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of your lord’ (v21,23).  One day, we will also stand before Jesus our Master and hear these words – ‘Well done, good and faithful servant’.  Glorious!

And what is even more amazing – Jesus says in John 15.15 that He no longer calls us servants but friends!  Awesome – we are not only servants, but also the friends of Jesus Christ!

David Pham