April 20, 2024

I finished my laps and jumped out of the pool. Immediately, I sat down and looked at my phone to check my swim data. Suddenly an elderly man approached me and said to me in a heavy European accent, “Can you check the Champions League (European futbol tournament) score for me?” “What team do you want me to look up?” “Benfica.” I looked it up for him on my phone (and realized it was not Champions League but Europa League, but that won’t matter to the readers.) At 81 minutes, Benfica was tied at 0:0 against Marseille. He looked anxious and I encourage the elderly man that there was still time for his team to score and advance to the next round. The man left but he couldn’t wait and returned to me about 4 minutes later. In those minutes, Marseille scored a goal and his team was losing. He wasn’t too happy. He said he will stay with me until the game ended (we weren’t even watching the actual game, just the game timeline on Google). I told him that I needed to go now and take a shower. He understood and left.

Once the shower was done, I was getting changed in the locker room and I could hear this elderly man asking around “Do you have your phone with you?” No one had their phones on them and since I knew this man’s intentions, I went up to him to show the score. Benfica didn’t score up until now and it was apparent that his team was going to lose as the game went into injury time. Without saying another word, he turned around and left angry.

I didn’t mind his attitude. I was amazed at the amount of passion he had for his favorite team. After all, Europeans are known for their love of the game of futbol. Instantly I started thinking about my passion for Jesus and ministry. For Paul said in Romans 12:11, “not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” He also said to the elders in Ephesus, “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24. May we all have the same passion and love for Jesus and ministry.

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April 13, 2024

On Monday afternoon, Hyemi and I brought our camping chairs out to the driveway and put on our eclipse sunglasses to enjoy the celestial show. Our heads were lifted up the whole time to observe the unique moment for a few minutes. Millions of other people traveled to the path of totality to experience the wonderful phenomena, a rare sight we will not be able to see for another 20 years on US soil. People anticipated, waited, and looked up. 

The Millerites did the same thing on October 22, 1844. After a careful study of the scriptures, they were certain that Jesus would return that day. All day long, they anticipated, waited, and looked up (I don’t think they had their eclipse sunglasses on though) waiting for Jesus. He didn’t come that day. There was a Great Disappointment. I think it was a blessing in disguise in two ways. First, the experience made the pioneers dig deeper into the Word of God, and eventually understood the scriptures. Second, we will get to experience the second coming of Jesus.

When Jesus returns, we will experience something much greater. Solar eclipse will be nothing compared to His second coming. “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God.And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17. The signs are clear. He is coming soon. “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” Luke 21:28.

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April 6, 2024

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

At the time of writing, my left cheek is swollen. I got three of my wisdom teeth removed on Wednesday. Wisdom teeth extraction is a common procedure many people receive these days but I was nervous. The thought of forcing three of my teeth out didn’t sit well with me. I have received surgeries (like my clavicle surgery last year!) and other procedures on my body in the past, but I don’t think I was ever this nervous. In fact, because I didn’t want to do this so much that I actually postponed this procedure once. Time passed by and at last I found myself lying in the oral surgeon’s room. I was anxious.

Immediately, the friendly assistant kindly explained to me what was going to take place, and that everything should be fine. I don’t think it helped. Within a couple of minutes the oral surgeon came in, and the procedure started. I clinched my fists, both the oral surgeon and the assistant assured me, “You are going to be fine, I will take good care of you.” They were right. Once the local anesthesia kicked in, my mouth didn’t feel much. The oral surgeon did his magical hand moves in my mouth and in a few moments the assistant said, “Your teeth are out.” Really? I didn’t even feel them come out! The team knew exactly what they were doing and had complete control over everything. It was all done.

We have our Master Surgeon, Jesus. He is able to do take care of our problems in life. We are not just talking about our physical issues, but spiritual matters as well. His promises never fail us and will guide us to the truth that only He can provide. We just need to let Him do it, and trust Him.

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