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Wadaiko! Spotted while leaving Starbucks the other day…
And I just realized how apt a description of modern Japan that is. East meets west, ancient meets modern, all within a walk around the corner.
(2011/10/20)
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Rev. Ozawa & Son.
I’m having a good time in Shizuoka, working with and getting to know the Ozawa family.
(2011/10/15)
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Acoustic duo I saw at a charity cafe concert last night. Good times.
In other news, I had 8 students show up for my new English class on Tuesday, and it looks like there will be a good crowd out for tonight’s English Cafe debut. Prayers appreciated.
(posted Oct. 7 2011)
Acts 19:8-20
“A group of Jews was traveling from town to town casting out evil
spirits. They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their
incantation, saying, ‘I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul
preaches, to come out!’ Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were
doing this. But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied,
‘I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?'” (Acts 19:13-15 NLT)
outside of a relationship with Jesus. It just doesn’t work. Using
Jesus’ name is not some magical formula. God is not obligated to
answer our prayers because we say certain things in certain ways. Sometimes when we ask God for wisdom or direction for life, victory
over sin, or power for witness or ministry, we don’t receive it.
Could it be that we are seeking God’s gifts instead of seeking God
Himself? I’m sure I’ve been guilty of this. All these blessings are available for us, but they can’t be divorced
from a relationship with Him. Let’s seek the Giver, not just the
gifts.
Acts 18:1-23
主よ。私は弱いです。できないことが多いですが、神様はできます。私の強さになてください。今日、導いてください。一人ではなくて感謝しています。
“But when they opposed and insulted him, Paul shook the dust from his clothes and said, “Your blood is upon your own heads. I am innocent. From now on I will go preach to the Gentiles.” (Acts 18:6)
When Paul — or, more accurately, Paul’s message — was rejected, he simply moved on. And like Paul, we are not responsible for people’s responses. That is between them and God. We are responsible to be faithful to what God has called us to do.
“One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.” (Acts 18:10-11 NLT)
The good news is that we are not alone. We have each other. And, even more, God is with us. We don’t have to live or minister in our own strength.
Dear Lord, I am weak. Be my strength today. Help me to be faithful to do what You call me to do, and to trust You to do what no one else can. Thank You that I am not alone.
Acts 17:1-15
“And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.” (Acts 17:11 NLT)
The Bereans are commended here for being open-minded. But it’s interesting to note that they didn’t just listen and blindly believe what they were taught. They studied the Scriptures for themselves. They compared what they were being taught to the Word to see if it lined up. They thought for themselves. Being open-minded doesn’t mean blindly accepting whatever we’re taught. But it does mean we listen. Then, we search and study and pray to arrive at the truth. And true faith isn’t blind or mindless either. It includes this kind thinking and searching and asking. I think that such wrestling with big ideas and questions is part of what it means to have faith. These struggles can increase our faith. We may never know all the answers to all our questions, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t ask.