February 9, 2009

DAY 23

Scripture: Micah 6:6-8

A Prayer of Response

Lord, you want me to “act justly and to love mercy.” You want me to consider others no matter who they are or what they do. You want me to pursue justice and mercy wherever you put me.
Yet, there is no way that I can do this all the time on my own strength! That’s the whole point, isn’t it? Not on my own strength, but to draw from Your Justice, Love, and Power, and get that habit going.
To walk humbly with your God – that’s the key, oh Lord. Without walking humbly there is no way of being in your presence.
How many times have you said that you hate a proud heart? I see that a proud heart can’t possibly acknowledge you or accept you as God of my life. A proud heart can’t allow me to release control of my self-centeredness. Only by giving you authority while I’m in the posture of humility can that happen!
Thank you, Lord, for these lessons.
Thank you for the repetitive reminders in Scripture that allow us to come to grips with each truth.

PRAYER FOCUS: Uzbekistan

Although the fall of the Soviet Union has meant an independent Uzbekistan in Central Asia, independence has not brought freedom for Uzbekistan. People are disillusioned while the government is resistant to change and reform. Furthermore, different ideologies (radical Islamism, occultism, and sects) are seeking to enslave the Uzbeks. Pray that this nation might find freedom in serving the true Lord, their Creator. Pray also for the Uzbek Christian leaders, after the majority of foreign Christian workers were expelled from the country in the last few years, that they will be able to lead the church in God-honoring ways, and find a method of equipping and training the Uzbeks.

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February 8, 2009

DAY 22

Scripture: Acts 12:1-17

A Praying Community that Includes You

“The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” (James 5:16b)

Often I wonder if my prayer is working, if it has power to change, and whether God will answer my prayer or not. Although I know the truth is that God answers our prayers, I often feel – in fact, I am deceived – that God only answers the prayer of the righteous and holy but not mine, a prayer of an ordinary person.
The story in the above passage reveals a great truth about prayer: “So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for Him.” (v. 5) As the community of faith – the church – gathers together and prays, God answers. Prayer is effective. Consider Peter’s experience in prison: Double chains, soldiers, iron gates – all gave way to the power of prayer. The power of the Roman Empire was nothing compared to the community in prayer.
And in this community of prayer, we find Rhoda, a little servant girl. While being perhaps the least among all gathered, Rhoda delightfully became the first one to welcome the answer to their prayer.
The truth is that Rhoda, a little servant girl, was a righteous one. And her righteousness came through the blood of Jesus. She was made righteous not according to her merits and deeds, but according to what Jesus has done, and her faith in Him. And her prayers had great power and effectiveness because of Jesus.
Have you ever felt like I have – little and small and not sure of the power of your prayer? Know that you are righteous, your prayers have great power, and you’re part of the praying community of YNCC. Aren’t you?

PRAYER FOCUS: AIDS

AIDS has killed more than 25 million people since 1981. In 2005, 10 people were newly infected with HIV worldwide every minute. There are 40.3 million living with HIV/AIDS worldwide, one-third of which are between the ages of 15-24; 43% of those infected with HIV are women; Africa has 12 million AIDS orphans. Pray that God will intervene against this epidemic. Pray that God will inspire new teachers of the Bible to confront the causes of AIDS to bring about personal and social transformation. Also, pray that churches will send out laborers of compassion and love to AIDS orphans and children infected with HIV.

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February 7, 2009

DAY 21

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-13

The Struggle Unveiled

I forget sometimes that it is not people who oppose the work of God, although it always looks that way. It can often feel like people are the problem, and though we people are problematic, according to St. Paul, our battle is not against flesh and blood. The problem is not people. As we go out, as we serve, as we love – all for Jesus – we will face opposition. Ultimately, that opposition is spiritual – though it finds its expression in people. And if we experience this opposition in the faces of people, or organizations, don’t be deceived: Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of this dark world and spiritual forces of evil. We should remember that, at some point in our lives, we have also been in submission to these principalities and forces of evil.
We were once controlled by the forces of evil. And yet God is in the business of freeing people and apart from Him we are hopeless. The proper response is, of course, relentless prayer and faith in the One who has all authority. And when it is all over we may look back and say, along with Jesus, “I saw Satan fall like lightning.”

PRAYER FOCUS: College Students on Campuses in Los Angeles

College students face enormous pressures, and following Jesus while attending College is seen by many as a radical move. The temptation to worship money or career is high for college Christians. Pray that students will seek first the Kingdom and not practice idolatry by pursuing after money and status.

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February 6, 2009

DAY 20

Scripture: Romans 15:14-24

How Do You Hear God?

Jesus makes it clear that we are to make disciples of all nations. This is known as the Great Commission, where we are admonished to go out and transform lives of all the families of the earth. We argue against the Great Commission by saying, “How can we go out to the ends of the earth when there is such a great need here?” Paul sheds light on this matter. He points out that he strives to bring the “ministry of the Gospel…not where Christ has already been named…” but to “those who have never been told of him.” The case for worldwide missions is undeniable. We are to make disciples of all families of the earth by going to places where people live without access to the Gospel. And though we should always care for the poor and neglected here, we know there are people around the world who live without knowledge or access to the Good News of His Kingdom.
Maybe the real reason for not going abroad is something else. What has held you back from taking a step of faith? So many of us are waiting for a sign from God to send us abroad for a short-term trip or get involved in an outreach ministry. The Bible is so clear that we are all supposed to take part in this; the sign has been given already. When we are in the Scripture, we realize that God is speaking to us very clearly. Maybe it’s time to go back to His Word, and live accordingly.

PRAYER FOCUS: Indonesia

Although Indonesia is the largest populated Muslim nation in the world (over 200 millions), there has been thrilling growth of the church over the past 40 years—from 1.3 million to 11.5 million (5.4% of population). Pray that this might continue. Especially pray for 300 people groups who remain to be reached with the Gospel. Pray also three Young Nak families who are training and equipping Indonesian church planters among the unreached.

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February 5, 2009

DAY 19

Scripture: Hebrews 11

Moving by Faith

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (v. 1)

A young lady recently shared with me that she felt convicted to a long-term ministry. She just finished her graduate degree and was waiting for God to give her a clear direction. She felt she was ready to make a move but she just wished God would tell her where and when exactly.
Have you been in these shoes before or are you in these shoes now? Does God tell us our next step exactly like a GPS system, or is it merely our own desire to know exactly so we can feel like we are in control? If God has given us hope (conviction/desire), could we not take a step forward trusting Him that He will use this step to lead us closer to His purpose? We may not see how each step is connected but couldn’t we have faith in our Big God that as we sincerely move toward Him that He will indeed accomplish what He has begun in us? Or are we going to just wait in a passive mode and miss out on the opportunity for God to weave our experiences for His glory?

PRAYER FOCUS: Turkey

Turkey remains the largest unreached nation in the world. Few of the 73 million Muslims living in Turkey have ever heard the Gospel. Praise God that, despite this, a small but significant Turkish Evangelical Church has emerged, growing from 10 believers in 1960 to 2,000 by 2000. Pray that the hearts of the Turks might be softened and that they would be given the opportunity to hear and respond to the saving news of Jesus.

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February 4, 2009

DAY 18

Scripture: Psalm 18

Fearless

Being led by God…easier said than done. Sometimes this can be such an abstract thing to comprehend. Doubt and fear prevent us from making the initial steps in faith, but we’re reminded in this Psalm that He’s with us even when things seem chaotic and dismal. Here, David gives God authority by addressing Him as my God. He knew that, in himself, he couldn’t do anything. David had to tap into something much more than himself.
When we recognize who God is, we become fearless: We do things that may seem foolish and ridiculous to others. David recognized God as his source.
Do we dare to become fearless in seeking to go beyond the walls of the church, to go beyond our comfort zone, and even beyond this so-called mundane Christian life…to advance, to scale for His Kingdom? This isn’t an easy feat and doing it on your own will only leave you burnt out. “For it is you who light my lamp; the LORD my God lightens my darkness. For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall.” (vs. 28-29)
If we understand who God is and follow Him – then get ready to be blown away and to see God do something that is extraordinary. Scripture tells us that “perfect love casts out fear”…so when we experience God’s love in our lives…then there’s nothing to fear. He’s got your back. Live for Him fearlessly…do the outrageous for His Kingdom and see what happens. Just take a few steps and see what God does.

PRAYER FOCUS: Gangs in Los Angeles

In Los Angeles County, law enforcement officials are aware of more than 1,300 street gangs with over 150,000 members. In the City of Los Angeles alone, there are approximately 407 gangs and over 56,000 members. That’s the entire seating capacity of Dodgers Stadium! Pray that God will satisfy their deep desires for significance and belonging; for God to break spiritual and social powers holding them; for caring believers to embrace them with the authentic love of God’s family.

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February 3, 2009

DAY 17

Scripture: Luke 21:1-4

A Widow Who Gave All to Jesus

Giving to God, whether it is money or service, should come from the overflowing of God’s Spirit in our lives. The widow gave all she had without fanfare. Here is a person with no source of income who is on the fringe of society, gaining high praise from the Son of God.
God isn’t focused on what we give but the love and brokenness of heart when we give. Have you been too calculating about what you give? Do you first think about your lifestyle and your material wish list before you give to the Lord? We are called to give our first fruits. Doing so is a way to celebrate God’s control over our lives. And giving is the antidote to materialism. When we give cheerfully and yet sacrificially, there is less of a foothold for greed. Imagine if you were the next person after the widow to put in your offering. What would Jesus say about you?
Consider the things you are withholding from God: your freedom, lifestyle, control, security, time, and energy. Can you give like the widow? Remember, she has no income. She is basically giving and trusting that God will take care of her. What a radical concept: Giving to the point where we have to trust God to take care of us! Follow His ways. Learn the joy of sacrifice. Know that blessings we never dreamed of are awaiting us. Learn to trust God first, knowing He means to bless us even more than we want to be blessed!

PRAYER FOCUS: Afghanistan

Afghanistan is one of the least reached countries of the world with a population of 23 million that is estimated to double by 2025. Without freedom of religion, there are 70 unreached people groups with no known fellowship of believers or a single church building in the country. Pray that people will be reached, and that once reached they will be protected from persecution by the ‘religious police.’ Pray, especially, for women who have suffered greatly under the Taliban regime, resulting in high rates of suicide, depression, and destitution.

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February 2, 2009

DAY 16

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Zacchaeus, Repentant Sinner Who Took Reconciliation Seriously

Zacchaeus was a tax collector, a corrupt profession during the Roman times. He bullied and extorted his way into wealth. When Jesus singles him out and asks to stay with him, Zacchaeus is overwhelmed by the loving attention shown to him.
So, how does Zacchaeus respond? Does he try to build a temple with his riches? Does he try to donate money to Christ so that he is in favor with the Lord? No. Zacchaeus knows he must love others as Christ loves him. Thus, Zacchaeus reconciles with the people he wronged. He doesn’t try to work in the synagogue or do anything else. He understood the grace given to him and was inspired to reconcile with his victims and give generously to the poor. His inspiration came not from guilt or an unbalanced void, but rather from the grace bestowed on him from his Savior.
As God’s people, we are called to be agents of reconciling. That means we need to be reconciled and help others reconcile. We need to let God heal us from past hurts by reconciling with the people we have wronged or with those who have been wronged by us. Note that Zacchaeus reconciled with people on his own. He could have ordered a servant to pay back the money he stole but he publicly announces his mistake. By doing so, he is not only giving the money back, he is interacting with the people who were wronged by him. If there are people you wronged, reconcile with them personally, and if there are people who hurt you, don’t forgive them solely in your heart. Go up to them and forgive them.
We live in a city that still harbors a lot of pain, distrust and resentment. We live in a country that is not trusted by much of the world. As His workmanship, we need to bring healing to the city and beyond. We need to be peacemakers and outward expressions of God’s reconciling grace and salvation. Will you?

PRAYER FOCUS: Ethnic Communities in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is home to over 120 different ethnic groups – many of them represent nations where the Gospel is not readily preached. Pray for strategic church planting efforts among them. Also pray that God will bring racial harmony; that longstanding offenses may be healed by the forgiveness, which begins in Jesus; that Christians show honor and act in Christ’s reconciling power.

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February 1, 2009

Fulfilling God’s Dream for his church

Fulfilling God’s Dream for his church

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

The passage quoted above is found in Acts 2:42-47.  It paints an amazing picture of what an ancient church looked like.  Can you imagine for a moment what it must have been for someone to be a part of such vibrant community of believers?  But wait!  God did not put that picture in the Scripture for us to simply marvel at the beauty of the distant past. Rather, that picture is there to remind us of what kind of church God wants us to experience in the present as well as in the future.  Thus, the picture of the wonderful church found in Acts 2 can best be described as that of Ancient-Future church. And as a servant leader of small groups at YNCC, fulfilling God’s dream of Ancient-Future church is my passion and awesome burden I shoulder everyday.  May the Lord continue to gift people in our community with an unquenchable thirst and craving for the Ancient-Future church…

Joyfully and humbly partnering with LifeGroup Ministry Team,

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