When God writes your love story

Hi everyone, my name is Joey and I am a prayer manager at the prayer center. I will love to share my love story to you all today :)

Last Wednesday, the last day of 3 years together with my boyfriend, Alvin, he got down on one knee, under the Brooklyn Bridge, overlook the beautiful sunset of NYC, and he asked me the most beautiful question of all time, "Will you marry me?"

I was in tears, couldn't even say a word, just nodding my head, lol! There were so many things running through my head at that time, all I can think of is, Jesus, You are good, all the time.

To be frank, I went through a lot of broken hearts before I met Alvin. I would spent time feeling sad about my loneliness, cried myself to sleep over boys who do not love me back. Sometime I feel like he was the right person but it was just at the wrong time. I did not understand why God will allow me to be so lonely and broken, yet He promised that He has the best plan for me. However, I did not know that all the while, Jesus wanted me to know that right thing in the wrong time is still a wrong thing.

There's one night when I was crying and praying in the balcony of my dorm in the heart of the city of Malaysia, God gave me a peace to trust in Him. I committed myself to Him, let go completely the pen of my love story to allow Jesus to write one for me. I still remember doubting Him that He will take away my feelings toward a particular someone at that time completely but I promised to keep on trusting.

I committed myself in doing morning devotion early in the morning at the balcony, praying while the sun was rising. I volunteered to help out a missionary from the states who were serving in Malaysia at that time. My heart was occupied by Jesus every day. I was very busy but I was full of joy. I found love and joy that I will never find in an earthly relationship. Little did I realized, I had completely let go of thinking about boy friends or liking someone who will not like me back.

I heard of people saying, "when you stop thinking about dating, that guy will appear". I guess, love is waiting till you are ready, till is right. And I met Alvin. I did not have any feelings towards him at first, we were just friends. I love being with him. He never lead me on emotionally, instead he protected me like how a brother of Christ should protect their sisters in Christ. We are both crazy about Jesus and as times passed by, I started to have strong feeling towards him.

However, the feelings I have is different. There is no scary moment or sadness, it was just pure joy and peace. Even though we knew at that time that we like each other, we decided to wait and pray since he would be going to school in New York while I was in Virginia. Jesus makes things beautiful in its time. This is true! Despite of long distance, my feelings towards Alvin grow stronger each day and finally he asked me to be his girl friend after talking to my parents. As an engineer who loves logic, Alvin is not boring at all. He is so romantic and he makes me fall in love more and more each day. Most importantly, with his leadership in the relationship, we fall in love more and more to our first love, Jesus Christ.

I am thankful for all the blessings from my beloved families and friends. And I am amazed and beyond grateful to my sweet Jesus.

I love this quote from Brooke Fraser, my favorite singer:

I could write a million songs about the way you say my name
I could live a lifetime with you and then do it all again
and like I can't force the sun to rise or hasten summer's start,
neither should I rush my way into your heart

I am glad that I waited for the Lord, and when God writes your love story, He will blow your mind away ;)

Love,

Joey

"Choosing Friends"

How much thought have you given to choosing friends? Should we be concerned about those we spend great amounts of time with?

• "Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence." (George Washington) 
• "When you choose your friends, don't be short-changed by choosing personality over character." (W. Somerset Maugham) 
• “A good friend will always stab you in the front.” (Oscar Wilde) 
• "Don’t make friends who are comfortable to be with. Make friends who will force you to lever yourself up." (Thomas J. Watson)

Is it true that friends can help make you into more than you are but that they can also break you and prevent you from becoming what you could be? This appears to be a valid consideration for all of us to process.

Is it really possible that the choice of friends made by Amnon, king David's son, is what led to his murder? In 2 Samuel 13 we find the story that our Convocation speaker, Pastor Jentezen Franklin, used to sharpen us with on Wednesday. He has challenged us to reflect on the importance of surrounding ourselves with the right kind of people. Young ladies were challenged to protect themselves from young men who do not have God's ways in mind, and likewise for young men regarding young ladies. How many of us really believe this subject is that critical today? We often do not see ourselves choosing friends that could ever be like Jonadab ("a very shrewd man"). Do we really believe that a choice of friends could lead to our murder (that's pretty drastic isn't it?). Isn't it possible that we could change that person who may be a little rough around the edges, after all we always have fun times when they are around! "I don't think I need to stay away from them, it's not like I will become like them." Aren't we entitled to unbridled fun during this time in life? We can always get serious later, right? Is it realistic for us to to say to someone "I like you, but I love Jesus!", and then put some distance between us and them? Is it OK to be alone for a season...aren't we missing out?

We were reminded by Pastor Franklin, that the enemy always wins the battle when we get on his turf...in the darkness of sin. "Sin is not your friend, but it will disguise itself as such." The problem is that we often do not realize when we are in his house! The solution is to have friends that will warn us! Will you honestly consider the dangers of having the wrong friends? Consider your behavior, have your friends changed you over the last 6 months? Your call.


"A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray." Prov. 12:26

People-Oriented Christianity

As a type-A personality with a slight case of OCD, my need for organization and to-do lists sometimes hinders my spiritual walk. Thus, when God called me to step out of my comfort zone and travel to a foreign country for an internship, I experienced a lot of stretching. Through living in a people-oriented culture, God opened my eyes to how callous I had become.

American culture is pretty cold. We like our personal space, and we don’t want other people sucking valuable time slots from our already busy schedule. We smile and nod and say, “Oh yes, we’ll have to get together sometime,” but we don’t prioritize relationships enough to follow through. Time is money, after all.

At church we check our watches as our stomachs rumble and we wonder how much longer the pastor is going to keep us. We wipe noses and change diapers and wonder when in the world those parents are going to pick their kids up. We avoid the “talkers,” like the plague and when they do catch us, we smile and nod as we back toward the door with an apologetic, “Well, I’ve got to go now…”

In this world of electronic distractions and technological multi-tasking we are caught up in the busyness of life. We have forgotten how to truly listen, focusing 100% of our attention on one person, looking them in the eye, and really hearing what they are saying. We have forgotten that people are more important than to-do lists, and relationships are more imperative than appointments.

Christ was never too busy for people. Although he sometimes withdrew to rest and recharge, He always charged back into the fray. For three consecutive years, Christ was surrounded by people pushing and pulling, demanding His attention and His talents. How tired He must have been! Yet He knew what was truly important: people. Let us follow Christ’s example and love as He loved. 

--C. Wilson

Knowing God vs. Seeing God

We live in a day when electronic communications rule. We have the ability to email, text, tweet, Facebook, blog, Skype, etc. (does anyone know what a pager is?). I did not get text capability until about two years ago, thinking I wouldn't like it...now I don't know how I got by without it! I thought it would damage my ability to know how to have meaningful conversations on the phone, let alone have quality face to face conversations. But I have since discovered that texting can enhance our communication options. (I still believe time spent together is priority and that we should practice quality phone skills!)

Working in the Prayer Center, I am able to communicate with many people using digital tools. It truly helps as I try to encourage as many people as possible in a meaningful way. At the same time I also realize that it can appear somewhat impersonal to have prayer with/for someone through e-mail or text. I would much rather sit with the person, look at their face, experience their emotions, and allow them to receive a touch of God's love through my being with them personally. 

We would all agree that a relationship has a better chance of developing into one of quality as people have more time spent with each other. Chances are you know the people sitting next to you in class better than the average student who sits across the room. Clearly there will be levels of friendship within any group of people simply because we cannot spend the same amount of time with everyone. How well do we really know people? Do we simply know something about most of our friends?

Louie Giglio shared with us today that there is a difference between information and revelation, that knowing about someone or something is not the same as knowing them intimately and personally. Many of us know a great amount of information about God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We have experienced a few really cool spiritual moments. We know about Sanctification, Justification, Redemption, Atonement, Glorification, all of the Omni's, Heaven, Hell, Rapture, Millennium...you get the point! The question on the table is: Has God revealed Himself to you personally? Did you find yourself without words to speak when you realized you were in the Creator's presence? Have you experienced what it is to worship such a holy, awesome God? For the men out there - have you ever been overcome with tears that you couldn't explain? Ladies, have you experienced His arms wrapping around you and the security of being in His grasp? When you walk into His throne-room, is it familiar territory? 

God wants to reveal Himself to us, but He will not do so if He knows we are not longing for Him to do so! Will you allow God to "ruin" you as in Isaiah 6:5  “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.”  Let's not limit our relationship with this great God to "digital communication." Let us seek an audience with Him and allow Him to invade our space in all of His Glory...we will never be the same again!

Unleashing Your Inner Revolutionary

What picture do you immediately conjure up in your mind when you hear the term "revolutionary"? Some may think of a radical group which is attempting to overthrow the current government of some small foreign country. Others may think back to some of their classmates from high school who always collided with the school administration over policies and dress codes. What about a small child who simply smiles and laughs with a grumpy old man in order to cheer him up? You may picture a quiet group of young adults who faithfully share a dream of working to change the lives of a group of inner city children through education. Then there is always the picture of the soldiers from The Revolutionary War fought here in America.

Have you ever thought of Jesus as a revolutionary? Does He call us to be revolutionaries? Our message in Convocation today challenged us to consider what needs to be changed in the present system we may be part of, and then act to bring about change. Human hearts need to change! The Good Samaritan initiated change through his loving actions toward the most unlikely person, one who despised him as inferior. True revolutionaries remember their pain before Jesus found them and changed their life. They never forget that caring for the hearts of others is the business they should be focused on (how many times do we walk right past a person in need, hoping someone else will help them?) They will risk their own reputation and resources in order to help those who need the love of Jesus Christ.

Is there someone you need to get right with in a revolutionary kind of way? The Lord will help us humbly approach them as we work for reconciliation. True leaders understand the pain of others, and the need for action in order to meet those who hurt, right where they are, with the hope we have in Jesus. Safe living is not what God wants from us. Smile at people and say hello. Engage someone you have never met before in a conversation. Buy someone a soda or a cup of coffee and wish them a great day. Talk to someone on the bus - make them wonder who you are and what you are up to!

May the Lord bless you and those around you as you seek to live the life of a revolutionary :)

Luke 10: 25-37

Love Others

I am interested to know if anyone else questions whether "American Cheese" should be called cheese! My children know that I call it "fake cheese!" In my opinion cheese ought to have some substance and real flavor to it like Cheddar or Colby Jack (add your own favorite here). When you bite into a sandwich piled high with your favorite deli meat, wrapped in your favorite bread, don't you desire to have a slab of cheese in the mix that stands out and can be noticed? Are you with me on this? For me, fake cheese doesn't qualify! One definition of imitation I found is: "a thing intended to simulate or copy something else: an imitation diamond."

Today we were all challenged by Pastor Jonathon Falwell to consider how well we as Christians are loving other Christ-followers. We are the leaders of today and we have been called by our gracious Lord to humbly think of others first. Romans 12:9 teaches us that our love must be sincere, as opposed to imitation love. Does that imply that we may demonstrate love that is fake at times? We all wrestle with self-centered tendencies and must be vigilant about checking our pride as we reach out and practice serving others. I realize that it is not easy to love each of the Christians we know, or to be patient with fellow believers as they try us in so many ways, or allow others to take the credit, or give to others freely, or share in their joys and sorrows, or live in harmony, above criticism and at peace with brothers and sisters...(you get the idea). There is no doubt that this will take intentional effort. But I am convinced that none of us want to be seen as fake followers of Jesus! It is lunch time and I am hungry...I sure hope my sandwich has some real cheese on it today :)

p.s. Take note of verse 12 below. We should "steadfastly maintain the habit of prayer" 
It just so happens that we have an excellent place for you to come and develop or maintain your habit of prayer! Dorm 13 lower level "Prayer Center"

Romans 12: 9-21 (PHILLIPS translation) 
9 Let us have no imitation Christian love. Let us have a genuine break with evil and a real devotion to good.
10 Let us have real warm affection for one another as between brothers, and a willingness to let the other man have the credit.
11 Let us not allow slackness to spoil our work and let us keep the fires of the spirit burning, as we do our work for God.
12 Base your happiness on your hope in Christ. When trials come endure them patiently, steadfastly maintain the habit of prayer.
13 Give freely to fellow-Christians in want, never grudging a meal or a bed to those who need them.
14 And as for those who try to make your life a misery, bless them. Don’t curse, bless.
15 Share the happiness of those who are happy, the sorrow of those who are sad.
16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t become snobbish but take a real interest in ordinary people. Don’t become set in your own opinions.
17 Don’t pay back a bad turn by a bad turn, to anyone. Don’t say “it doesn’t matter what people think”, but see that your public behavior is above criticism.
18 As far as your responsibility goes, live at peace with everyone.
19 Never take vengeance into your own hands, my dear friends: stand back and let God punish if he will. For it is written: ‘Vengeance is mine. I will repay’.
20-21 ... these are God’s words: ‘Therefore if your enemy hungers, feed him; if he thirsts, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head’. Don’t allow yourself to be overpowered with evil. Take the offensive—overpower evil by good!

Spiritual Intimacy with God

What does it truly mean to have an intimate relationship with King of Kings? Well, the whole Bible can explain that. But the definition of intimacy is to have a  close, familiar, and affectionate or loving personal relationship with another person or group,  having a close association with or detailed knowledge or deep understanding of a place, subject,  or period of history. When I think of having an intimate relationship with Christ, the verse from Philippians comes to mind.

"For my determined purpose is that I many know Him. That I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His person more strongly and clearly, and that I many in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed in spirit into His likeness, even to His death." Philippians 3:10

 I read this verse over again and I could hear the Lord whisper this in my years. "Be acquainted with Me and know My ways. Know what is expected of you. I created you, so I know how you are and what you can adapt to. You were created to adapt to me, to be apart of me as I am apart of you. Know what you're truly seeking, and let it be Me alone.

I challenge you to get more acquainted with Christ, more open with Him, understanding who He is, growing in the knowledge and the wisdom He has for you. Just know that each day counts as a new refreshing chance to give Him all you got. I pray that this encouraged you. 

--Camille Chuks

Seeking God

I would like to share with you a couple of verses;

"Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always."
--Psalm 105:4

"But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul."
--Deuteronomy 4:29

How amazing is it that our Father wants us to seek him.  It is so incredible that He desires a relationship with us.  He tells us to look to Him for strength, for times when we are weak.  He promises he will give us the strength.  He also tells us to seek his face and to seek him.  He promises that if we seek him with all of our heart and all of our soul, that we will find Him. That is a promise.  And imagine, when we do find Him, how great will that be?

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to pray for you, it is such a privilege for me to have the opportunity to do so.  If you have anything that you would like me to pray for, do not hesitate to email me back.

If you are looking for a quiet place to just get away and have a one on one time with God, the Prayer Center is the perfect place to do just that.  Located on Dorm 13 on the other side of the laundry room.


In Christ,

Cody Petersen