OIL 2009 – In Christ Alone

The annual OIL (One In Love) Conference arrives again this January. During my undergrad years, OIL was always one of the highlights during winter break. Whatever season your life is at right now, spending a few days in the Word and prayer is something we could all use more of. Each day is packed with powerful plenary sessions, worship, seminars, and small group meetings. Compared to other conferences, I’d say that OIL is rather intense, but well worth the fight to stay focused and stretch yourself.

For a taste of past OILs, here is one of the most influential/memorable messages in my life: Ajith Fernando’s Missions Challenge from OIL 2006 (right-click save target as).

If you haven’t gone before, I definitely recommend going before you graduate college. Head on over to http://winteroil.org for more info.

 

“Taste and see that the LORD is good; 

blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.”

Psalm 34:8

Am I boycotting God?

Just some thoughts:

Let’s say that your life isn’t what you expected it to be (which should be true of most/all of us). You want apples, but you get oranges. You lived and labored for apples, but still got oranges. Then you say:

God, change this in my life, then I will change my life.

What if tomorrow, God gave you that one thing that you are longing for. Would you be more faithful? Would you love God more? Or would you pretty much be the same person that you are now?

 

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

This one’s for you, Mr.Turkey

(The ultimate holiday card; made by CFC Sunday School 2nd-6th grade boys)

 

Last week, I read a nice post from my Bostonian friend about how the spirit of Christmas consumerism arrived a month early this year. And I would have to agree with him – it’s simply too early and Thanksgiving is getting the shaft. Isn’t the Christmas stuff supposed to happen the day after Thanksgiving?

Anyways. This time of year is always good for perspective. Last Sunday, the senior pastor of the Mandarin congregation gave us English speakers a message on Philippians 1:3-8 called “Three Things To Do As 2008 Ends”. And the first point was simply “Thank God more.”

He reminded us that being thankful is not about our circumstances. Paul was in prison as he was writing Philippians, and yet he had a thankful attitude. If we learn to complain, we’ll focus on what we do not have, we won’t be happy, and we’ll never grow. A thankful person is aware of the incredibleness of God’s mercy and the richness of His grace.

Life hasn’t been the easiest since I moved to Chicago. I think one reason why it has been harder than it should is because I get caught up in failures, things to do, ways to waste time, and what God hasn’t put in my life. I’ve lost perspective. Honestly, I’m thankful for every message and cheesy-Christian-radio-Thanksgiving-moment that reminds me of ALL that God has given and done in my life. It feels like my heart is coming home.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise!

Give thanks to him; bless his name!

For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever,

and his faithfulness to all generations.

Psalm 100: 4-5

Confession #2

I always leave the utensils for my roommate to wash.

Add some color to this page

Gotta start taking more pictures. Adventures in Chi-town to come!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/james-kuo/