“When You Wish Upon a Star”
P. David Son
P. David Son
Mina asked me the other day, “Do you ever think about being single again?” And without a moment’s hesitation, I said yes. I said sometimes I think about what it would be like without kids, just you and me. Being able to sleep without the fear of a booger being wiped on my cheek. Being able to watch what I want to watch on TV instead of some dumb talking animals in submarines. Being able to go on vacation to a place that doesn’t end in “Land.” These would all be nice.
And sometimes I even think about what it would be like if we weren’t married at all and I was back in my old apartment eating Korean BBQ by myself every day until I die of clogged arteries at the ripe old age of 37. I’d definitely have a motorcycle. I’d definitely have an Xbox. I’d definitely have major health issues. And I weep with such regret and bitterness. Oh what could have been! I’m like the anti-George Bailey.
In all seriousness though, I do look back and wonder sometimes. But it’s usually just a passing thought. Not because being married and kids is all that great… I mean it is and it isn’t (if you’re married and have kids you’ll understand). But because this is the life I have. I’m grateful and blessed to call this life with Mina and the three terrorists my very own because it’s mine. Because God has given this life to me. Because God has entrusted me with this life to live it to the fullest of my God-given abilities in order to glorify Him.
There’s something in the Ten Commandments about not coveting. And when we look at the lives of others or even look back on our own lives with regret, that’s coveting. We’re saying, “I wish I had that. I wish I were that.” And when we say that, we are saying, “God, you made a mistake. You were supposed to give me something else. This can’t be right.” We are telling God that what He has given us is not enough.
But our God is not one who makes mistakes. In fact, it’s only when we stop coveting and take our eyes off of those around us that we can truly appreciate what’s right in front of us. Instead of being concerned with what the person next to you ordered, eat and enjoy the bountiful plate that God has put before you.
Now, this is not to say that we should not strive for more or try to change our lives. God gives us ambition and desires and passions too. But these are different from the coveting thoughts that begin with “I wish” and end in sinful idolatry. As Christians, we should be concerned with growing. It’s ok to desire change in your life for the betterment of the kingdom of God and His people! But don’t get caught up in the worldly game of comparison. Cain and Abel started that game and we know how that ended.
Philippians 4:11-13 says “11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Paul has demonstrated his ability to be content in whatever the circumstances because of “him who gives me strength.” God, the One who gives us our lives, is also the One who gives us this strength to be content. His gifts to us are good. Let us live with this knowledge in our hearts and glorify Him with all we have.
And sometimes I even think about what it would be like if we weren’t married at all and I was back in my old apartment eating Korean BBQ by myself every day until I die of clogged arteries at the ripe old age of 37. I’d definitely have a motorcycle. I’d definitely have an Xbox. I’d definitely have major health issues. And I weep with such regret and bitterness. Oh what could have been! I’m like the anti-George Bailey.
In all seriousness though, I do look back and wonder sometimes. But it’s usually just a passing thought. Not because being married and kids is all that great… I mean it is and it isn’t (if you’re married and have kids you’ll understand). But because this is the life I have. I’m grateful and blessed to call this life with Mina and the three terrorists my very own because it’s mine. Because God has given this life to me. Because God has entrusted me with this life to live it to the fullest of my God-given abilities in order to glorify Him.
There’s something in the Ten Commandments about not coveting. And when we look at the lives of others or even look back on our own lives with regret, that’s coveting. We’re saying, “I wish I had that. I wish I were that.” And when we say that, we are saying, “God, you made a mistake. You were supposed to give me something else. This can’t be right.” We are telling God that what He has given us is not enough.
But our God is not one who makes mistakes. In fact, it’s only when we stop coveting and take our eyes off of those around us that we can truly appreciate what’s right in front of us. Instead of being concerned with what the person next to you ordered, eat and enjoy the bountiful plate that God has put before you.
Now, this is not to say that we should not strive for more or try to change our lives. God gives us ambition and desires and passions too. But these are different from the coveting thoughts that begin with “I wish” and end in sinful idolatry. As Christians, we should be concerned with growing. It’s ok to desire change in your life for the betterment of the kingdom of God and His people! But don’t get caught up in the worldly game of comparison. Cain and Abel started that game and we know how that ended.
Philippians 4:11-13 says “11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Paul has demonstrated his ability to be content in whatever the circumstances because of “him who gives me strength.” God, the One who gives us our lives, is also the One who gives us this strength to be content. His gifts to us are good. Let us live with this knowledge in our hearts and glorify Him with all we have.
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“Happy New Year”
Rev. Jason Kim
“And so I solemnly urge you before God and before Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be persistent, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to right teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever they want to hear. They will reject the truth and
follow strange myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the lord. Work at bringing others to Christ.
Complete the ministry God has given you.” 2 Timothy 4:1-5, NLT
Dear NCFC family, Happy New Year! As we begin a brand New Year, I’m praying that you are excited for His awesome experiences and adventures. May the Spirit of living God empower and lead you every step into the fullness of life.
As your pastor, I am excited for His revealed Word for us to focus on 2017. In the scripture above, you will find the final words from Paul to his younger brother in faith and apprentice named Timothy. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Paul realized that Satan would relentlessly attack the Word of God. And as Paul charged Timothy to be faithful in preaching the Word, I’m deeply convicted that God is charging all of us to do the same in the upcoming new year. As you can see, there’s absolutely no doubt about Paul’s passion and trust in the power of God’s Word. Especially in view of the coming of His judgment and kingdom, we all should sense the urgency to preach/teach/share God’s Word. Think about it, if the entire universe was spoken into existence by God, then how hard would it be for God to change our/people’s lives via His Word? I take great confidence and comfort in trusting the following, “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) God has entrusted His Word to His people to share with others because it alone can save and transform lives. Paul added, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:14-15) Also John wrote, “the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32b)
We are living in the times where people are more interested in the latest fads while turning away from the Word of God. In such time as this, I want to echo Paul’s charge to Timothy to NCFC, “Complete your ministry!” Know and understand what is the definition of ministry - ministry is helping people to move from where they are to where God wants them to be. We are His representatives/agents in helping people move from life of uselessness to usefulness…purposeless to purposeful…hopeless to hopeful. There’s impending return of Jesus and more so than ever, we must press on, endure, persevere, to complete ministry no matter what the cost may be.
Brothers and sisters, I urge you to prayerfully and faithfully join with others in completing the ministry God has given you. May people come to know and trust Jesus as their personal Savior and the Lord. May you experience an abundance of life which He came for. To God be the glory. Sola de Gloria, Jason Kim
As your pastor, I am excited for His revealed Word for us to focus on 2017. In the scripture above, you will find the final words from Paul to his younger brother in faith and apprentice named Timothy. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Paul realized that Satan would relentlessly attack the Word of God. And as Paul charged Timothy to be faithful in preaching the Word, I’m deeply convicted that God is charging all of us to do the same in the upcoming new year. As you can see, there’s absolutely no doubt about Paul’s passion and trust in the power of God’s Word. Especially in view of the coming of His judgment and kingdom, we all should sense the urgency to preach/teach/share God’s Word. Think about it, if the entire universe was spoken into existence by God, then how hard would it be for God to change our/people’s lives via His Word? I take great confidence and comfort in trusting the following, “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) God has entrusted His Word to His people to share with others because it alone can save and transform lives. Paul added, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:14-15) Also John wrote, “the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32b)
We are living in the times where people are more interested in the latest fads while turning away from the Word of God. In such time as this, I want to echo Paul’s charge to Timothy to NCFC, “Complete your ministry!” Know and understand what is the definition of ministry - ministry is helping people to move from where they are to where God wants them to be. We are His representatives/agents in helping people move from life of uselessness to usefulness…purposeless to purposeful…hopeless to hopeful. There’s impending return of Jesus and more so than ever, we must press on, endure, persevere, to complete ministry no matter what the cost may be.
Brothers and sisters, I urge you to prayerfully and faithfully join with others in completing the ministry God has given you. May people come to know and trust Jesus as their personal Savior and the Lord. May you experience an abundance of life which He came for. To God be the glory. Sola de Gloria, Jason Kim
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