LSF: Santa Clara

Correct that

2011-03-23T19:28:00.000-07:00

Need to go ahead and make a correction to an interpretation we had from last week.

In 1 Peter 4:6, "For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God."

we interpreted those who are dead as being spiritually dead and then made alive in the spirit through the work of the gospel. Meaning the subject of the passage were those who were persecuting Christians in verse 3-5.

Turns out, dead means physically dead and that those that are dead are Christians. The tenses give it away, as well as the context of the passage.

The gospel has still been preached for the purposes of allowing man to live in the spirit according to the will of God, but we're talking about suffering Christians, and the judgment in the flesh as men means the judgment Christians are receiving as part of verses 3-5. But that judgment doesn't matter because we have something better than that. That even if we are put to death in the flesh, we are alive in the spirit.

So, 4:6, dead means physically dead, the Christians who are physically dead. The gospel was preached to them, who are now dead.

Jeff

Sleep?

2011-03-20T11:21:00.000-07:00

I've thought sleep as a mere bodily requirement versus a pleasure. Only take as much as one requires. I stumbled on this today:

Proverbs 20:13 "do not love sleep, or you will become poor".

What great treasures of of Wisdom in the Word!!!!

Mark 13: Things to come

2011-03-11T19:14:00.000-08:00

In light of the 8.9 earthquake and tsunami which hit Japan, I am pointed back to that place "somewhere in the bible" that talks about earthquakes and the end-times.

Read carefully, our context is in light of false returns (of Jesus) and end-times. Jesus assures us this fact: These things are going to as believes, we are not to be surprise, rather, be called to action.

Jesus has something to say (it's red-letters!). I desire myself and for you to consult the scriptures (v9-10):

-We are to 'be on guard', and that these natural events will continue until the
-gospel is preached to all nations.

Check out the Word, you'll need to know it in order to respond in times as these. Join us at the emergency prayer mtg held tonight at 10pm (dialin). Visit the website for the call-in info: http://www.livingstonescc.com/ministries.html

If proclaim = to state | to announce | to praise | to glorify | to honor...

2011-03-08T10:51:00.000-08:00

then I have been doing quite a bit of proclaiming.

I proclaimed (stated) i was hungry, so we ate some food

I proclaimed (announced) a recommendation for an exit strategy to all after letting loose some gas...

I proclaimed (praised) our shiny new car, because it has 5 liters of rip-roading engine displacement

I proclaimed (glorified) my employer and boss because of the flexibility given to me

I proclaimed (honored) the passing of the late Paul Cho, Gracie's beloved gramps.

We proclaim every day! It is a part of who we are, how we communicate, an expression of what we love. It is not something which takes a special effort.

1 Pete 2: 9 reads: "...but you are
    A CHOSEN RACE
         A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD
               A HOLY NATION
                     A PEOPLE FOR GOD's OWN POSSESSION,
     so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light"

Where have I proclaimed His excellencies?
Where have I stated that he chose me, out all the people on this earth, HE CHOSE ME
Where have I announced that i am no longer in darkness, but rescued to the light?
Where have I praised that I am now a part of a family that loves, and has a rich and merciful inheritance?
When have I glorified my new race, being in the lineage of God?
Who have I honored about God's great demonstration of love for me, by sending his Son Jesus to death, so that I may live?

What about you?

Gaze...

2011-01-14T11:28:00.000-08:00

"I think he would conclude faith is the gaze of a soul upon a saving God." -AW Tozer, Ch 7 in Pursuit of God.

It dawned on me that we focused our discussion on the latter of that statement, but not the former. It dawned that it's quite true that you as an individually have not yet reached that conclusion. You may be regurgitating, you may be chanting in your minds this phrase, you may have set the audio to repeat.

But in your hearts of hearts have not yet arrived to that conclusion.....and thus, the reality of the statement cannot be grasped.

Good thing God gives freely.

Not holding back...

2011-01-03T17:57:00.000-08:00

This marks a new year, 2011. Too many days have gone by with my relationship with Jesus on the backburner. It's like going to Him as a last resort-plan when no one eles wants to hang out on a friday night. Terrible.

This year is different, and will be different for us all. It starts with Prayer. On Sunday, Pastor Josh preached on not holding back. Last year was timid, this year will not be. In 1 Corinthians 10 we learned all things are permissible, but not all things are profitable. This means there are many decision we make which are "eh... ok". But many of those very decision are not profitable for the Spiritual life.

My desire for myself, and my desire for this fellowship is that we hold nothing back this year. Especially our own comfort.

Vengence

2010-10-06T21:31:00.000-07:00

9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.
10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.
17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.
18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."
20 To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head."
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Heart

2010-09-30T20:29:00.001-07:00

We learned this week that we can find assurance in God's truth, even then our heart condemns us for what we do. In application, it's loving your brother or sister, even when we don't want to, for instance, when they hurt us. Our natural inclination is to strike back, to get even. God's truth for us is to love, not get even. Getting even in a worldly concept. So, even if your heart says no, knowing you are doing what is right in God's eyes will eventually provide us the assurance we are on the right path.

For those that are curious: heart

Before and after

2010-09-16T08:23:00.000-07:00

If Jesus walked out of your life right now, would the life you live be any different next week?

What are you ashamed of?

2010-09-07T13:19:00.000-07:00

There are times in our lives when we do things we're ashamed of. And it depends on the audience that witnesses or is being told of the event. For example, cheating on a test is an activity that can either be something you're proud of or ashamed of, depending on who you're talking to.

John wrote us about being ashamed before Jesus when he comes again. He's an audience I don't think we spend a lot of time or energy thinking about when we make decisions in our daily lives. John reminds us that this is something that should be central in our thinking, because the Lord can arrive at any time. And at any given time, we should endeavor to be firm in our faith that our lives are transparent; one that is lived in the light.

To that end, we all confessed something we'd be ashamed of in our lives if Jesus were to arrive today. So, if that exists, what are we going to do about it? When we get together over the next few weeks, let's try to get some growing happening in our lives.

"Follow Me"

2010-09-01T11:45:00.000-07:00

A personal look will be shared this wednesday on the LSCC Retreat 2010. 'The Art of Following' was the theme, and we received a clearer definition of what Jesus meant when he says "follow me".

To get straight to it:
   1) If you are not looking at Jesus, you are not following Him (Hebrews 12)
   2) If you are not listening to Jesus, you are not following Him (John 10)
   3) If you are not moving, you are not following Him (All over the place)

A handful of folks were faced with reality this weekend in which their 'idea' of following was exposed. Now with clarity in mind, Jesus is conversing once again to us saying "follow me".

Putting God first

2010-08-18T23:20:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

So, in case you forgot, here's next week's application:

Choose something in your life that would qualify as "loving the world" and not in the way God loves the world. Now, next week, whenever you find yourself being tempted by this, try instead to do something that changes the focus onto God, be it prayer, calling up a brother or sister, reading the Bible, singing/humming a worship song. Do it for the week and at the end, evaluate how you did and whether or not it became easier or harder for you to let this particular activity go.

Also, we have accountability partners for the week:

Jeff with Anne and Daniel.
Doc and Paul.
Jess and Gracie.
Leo and Justin.

Try to keep in constant contact throughout the week and ask how you're doing.
Also, it might be helpful to let them know what you're going to try to replace.

Enjoy this time to get closer to the Lord and know that the struggle helps you to build character and maturity. James taught us that in the last study set.

Jeff

The Journal

2010-08-01T11:44:00.000-07:00

Don't forget everyone! Tomorrow, we journal about keeping the Lord's commandments. Get a journal and a pen ready so you don't forget! Or whatever tool you're going to use to keep track. I'll be sending updates throughout the day tomorrow.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=exodus%2020&version=NASB

Rev 22:20: "I am coming soon"

2010-07-31T08:31:00.000-07:00

I personally love the promise at the end of the Book. "I am coming soon".

When i read this and parsed in my mind, i realized that I don't really believe Jesus' words. I don't believe his promise. I do not trust his word as much as I thought. Because althought I know he is coming, I've do not believe he is coming SOON. And this qualifier changes everything. It ought change everything. I know whether I believe this promise by each morning, afternoon, and evening. Soon means right around the corner, and there is no time to waste. Soon means this weekend trip is no longer a vacation and a time to hang-out and play. Soon means saturday 7/31 is a time to know Jesus and make Him known. And we do this by the Gospel, knowing what it is, and believing, and owning, and then sharing out of overflow.

1 Year ago, 1 year from now

2010-07-26T13:48:00.000-07:00

At a certain frequency in time I must ask myself to evaluate the changes which has occurred

who I was 1 year ago compared to who I am now
who I am now compared to who i ought to be in 1 year.

The results surprise me. In some areas, God has surely taken hold and I have let go for him to transform, out with old-self, and in with the new. And in many other areas, they are as wretch as the first day, if not worse.

Heads up: We will all be challenged within this next month to dwell on this and engage in that conversation with Jesus.

Gnostics

2010-07-19T11:01:00.000-07:00

The term Gnosticism is derived from the Greek word for knowledge "Gnosis", in that the believers thought that you needed special knowledge to achieve salvation.

Gnostics in that time believed that God was separate from the earth, since the spirit is good and matter is evil. This separation of matter and spirit is at the heart of the heresy. For God's New Covenant to apply, Jesus needed to be both wholly man and wholly God. For Gnostics, Jesus could not since God would not defile Himself to become flesh. The explanation is the Christ joined with the man, Jesus at his baptism by John the Baptist and left him prior to his crucifixion. The leading authority of this theory at the time was Cerinthus.

Given this separation of flesh and spirit, followers of the Gnostic faith would abuse their bodies, either through embracing an ascetic lifestyle, highlighted by punishing the flesh to purify the spirit, or wholly embracing hedonism as the body is evil and its actions cannot corrupt the spirit.

This teaching is completely counter to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Salvation is open to all.
Jesus was made flesh to die in our place.
He was risen from the dead so that we may have the promise of eternal life.

Remember, Jesus became flesh. He loved as we love. He laughed as we laughed. He suffered as we suffer. We can take anything to him and he'll understand. He's been through it. And on that day when he returns, we'll be remade with him and forever be part of his kingdom.

For more info, you can take a look at this link.
http://www.carm.org/gnosticism

Food for the spirit and for your stomach!

2010-07-13T14:32:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone, we're in for a real treat tomorrow night. We've got a great night of fellowship and study in the works and to compliment that, Doc's got us some fantastic Mediterranean style food to satisfy our physical hunger. Then, John's going to satisfy that spiritual hunger with some fellowship with our almighty Father!

Come early, come on time, come late, but come hungry!

Big thanks to Doc for preparing this week.

Also, remember, Happy Birfday to Leo (last week) and Happy Birfday to David (tomorrow). Hit him up on facebook, email or give him a ring!

Jeff

1 John 1:5-2:2 Sneak Peek

2010-07-11T21:13:00.000-07:00

Sneak Peak at this week's study. How do we have fellowship with God? John answers this question while at the same time countering the arguments of the Gnostic teachers.

1 John 1 (New American Standard Bible)

5 This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.
6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth;
7 but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
8 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.

1 John 2

1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous;
2 and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.

1 John 1:4: Joy

2010-07-07T23:03:00.000-07:00

"1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life-
2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us-
3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.
4 And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete."

Fact: Our joy is made complete when we share the gospel and our fellowship with the Jesus and God, who were there in the beginning and have demonstrated eternal life. Jesus was there in the beginning and will be there in the end and into eternity. Will you be with Him?

We were challenged to consider our personal fellowships with Jesus and with God. what does your relationship look like? Is it valued? Does that relationship genuinely make an impact on your life and your decisions, and how you act, behave, speak, decide? Could a lawyer prove without a shadow of doubt that your relationship is legit and existent and healthy and growing? Jesus desires not to improve your life, but to transform your life (a new creation).

LSCC Retreat 2010: Aug 27-29

2010-07-06T12:02:00.000-07:00

Retreat
"withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat"
"a place of privacy; a place affording peace and quiet"
"a signal to begin a withdrawal from a dangerous position"

As I read these definitions I could not discount any as an acceptable description for this Aug 27-29 weekend.
A feeling lurks that our individual spiritual healths are ill. Too many sinful defeats have left us in a numb state. For some, we are going to a place for peace and privacy, for most others, its to withdrawal from a dangerous position in life. Being caught up in money, success, power, entertainment, etc is an extremely 'dangerous position' to say the least.

Living Stones Christian Church and LSF Santa Clara petition you to come away AUG 27-29 for a weekend to be with Jesus and the flock here at LSCC. Ask more on what you can expect!

Westminster Woods
6510 Bohemian Hwy.
Occidental, CA 95465

Registration: click here

Costs: $175, but register early: $115 (now til 7/18), and $140 (7/18 - 8/1)*
*Must pay to complete registration

Quitters

2010-05-03T23:25:00.000-07:00

Among them is our brother Leo. On the 3rd day of the 5th month of the year of our Lord 2010 marks a very special day in the life of this man. The last puff of smoke. Period.

Please report any questionable aromas to 901-4MMM-HMM and ask for Justin. Cheers! Nothing is impossible through the Lord

Good Friday Observed

2010-04-03T10:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, members of LSCC and HOC6 worshiped before our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus and observance of his sacrifice for all the world to be forgiven for our disobedience to our Father God. This wasn't compulsory, but was done willingly and according to God's plan for the world's salvation.

Do you recognize you need to be saved? What are you being saved from? I mean seriously, think about what things in your life are you doing right now, today, what you need Jesus' sacrifice to make things right with you and God. I chase riches and career over growing God's kingdom. I think I'm getting better, but then again, I look upon Jesus' life and how he *dedicated his life* to God's ministry and realize how short I fall to his example. Heck, even full time pastors fall short of his example.

But I am not discouraged. In fact, I am encouraged. Jesus sacrificed himself for a people that "do not know what they doing" (Luke 23:34). So we strive for his model, but know that our striving is not what qualifies us to receive his blessing and his love. It's what we do in response to his actions.

Jesus died on a cross so that your disobedience *is* forgiven. What have you done for Jesus today?

April fools of Samson...

2010-04-01T17:23:00.000-07:00

Read Judges 16. A portrait of a fool indeed. The folly lays in placing someone else above the Promise of God. The foolish acts were continuing day after day to be placed in the same situation without change.

Husbands, be warned, wives be warned, singles be warned... is your relationship with Jesus the #1? If not, do not be surprised if the Lord's hand of blessing departes from you.

-Justin

Volunteer Santa Clara!

2010-03-25T23:04:00.001-07:00

I found this volunteer webpage on the Santa Clara City Website:

http://santaclaraca.gov/index.aspx?page=533

Thank you for your interest in becoming a City of Santa Clara volunteer. Volunteering for the City is one of the best examples of government and people working together for the good of the community. It will give you an insider's look at how local government works, and an opportunity to share your talents, skills, and feedback on how to better serve our customers. We consider our volunteers one of the most diverse and rich resources in our community, and we're happy to have you join us.

The mission of the volunteer services program is to enhance city programs and services by matching the varied talents of concerned individuals and groups of all ages, interests, and skills with a wide variety of interesting and challenging municipal projects. Santa Clara volunteers are placed according to their interests and skills, as well as the needs of the City. Volunteer Services seeks to find the right opportunity for every volunteer-to assure a rewarding experience that enhances City services. The links below provide information about opportunities now available:

Commissioners
Citizens Police Academy
Fire Reserves
HEAT
Leadership Santa Clara
Library
P.A.L. Volunteers
Santa Clara ARES/RACES
Santa Clara Arts & Historical Consortium
Senior Center Volunteers Needed
Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority (SVACA)
Therapeutic Recreation Services
Ulistac Natural Area

If you're interested in serving the community, let me know at fellowship group or Sunday service or just post a comment. I'll be doing something on this list and it would be great to be able to serve with other brothers and sisters.

Jeff

Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed

2010-03-11T12:04:00.000-08:00

Title is from Provers 15:22.

God's guidance is more like the marriage guidance, child guidance, or career guidance that is received from counselors than it is like being talked down by the airport controller as one flies blind through the clouds. Seeking God's guidance is not like practicing divination or consulting oracles, astrologers, and clairvoyants for information about the future, but rather is comparable with our everyday thinking-through of alternative options in given situations to determine the best course open to us. The inward experience of being divinely guided is not ordinarily one of seeing signs or hearing voices, but rather one of being able to word out the best thing to do.

"Path of Righteousness," 34

God will help me make sound decisions.

Aligned values

2010-03-06T20:57:00.001-08:00

Great study last week everyone! We missed Jess and we hope she had a safe and fun trip. In James 2:1-13, James is telling us not to pick favorites in our lives and to love everyone equally. Whether or not we favor one person or another in our behavior tells us something about where our values are aligned. He uses the rich man and the poor man to make his argument and we automatically think money. But as we discussed before, rich and poor can mean anything: fame, power, money, looks, knowledge, spirit and possessions. God levels the playing field and takes all of us to him, achievements and flaws together and gives his grace equally to his children. Shouldn't we follow His example? Shouldn't our values be aligned with His?

We had a couple of reflection questions and some homework. The activity was to think about a area of your life where it is easy to your values to be aligned with God's values, where you interact with everyone without favoritism. Now think about why it's easy for you to do that in that particular situation and try to replicate that in other parts of your life. The goal is to be aligned with the Lord in all aspects of life, so that our instinctive actions are what he would find pleasing.

James 1:12-18 Reflections

2010-02-04T13:27:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone,

Fantastic study last night. Good food, good fellowship and good participation snacks, courtesy of Jess! It's always a good reminder to stay true to faith and not to be deluded and deceived by the temptations of this world: glory or riches or power or, for Leo, women. Don't trade in that crown that is the promise of our Lord.

As further reflection, think about when you might blame God for placing trials in your life and how you react to it and how your relationship with God changes when you go through it. How is different from a lamentation, or is it any different? Lots of Psalms have descriptions of what a lamentation looks like.

Let me know if you have any questions!

James 1:1-11 Reflections

2010-01-27T16:41:00.001-08:00

Hey everyone. Here are the reflection questions from the study last week. Take some time, read them and think on them. If you feel like it, comment to this post about the answer of one of the questions. It's often we don't know we're being tested unless we pay attention and look out for it. And remember, we need one another to help us to persevere through it. Have patience and seek wisdom in your thoughts and actions.

Reflection Questions
1) How is your faith tested today? Does it produce an endurance that allows you to focus on God through it?
2) Name two things you trust in other than God in your life when you are being tested. What would it look like to trust God in those situations?
3) Describe how you are rich and what it would be like to be humbled in those areas. Are you prepared for that eventuality?

Bible Study #1: James Lue

2010-01-19T22:31:00.000-08:00

Just kidding, we're studying James, the brother of Jesus, a pillar in the church, and a guy who ain't afraid to lay it out straight. As we dig deeper these next months we want to make sure you are engaged. Read the book in it's entirety for breadth. Soak up the context. Lets begin... (see you tomorrow Wed 1/20 @ 7:30pm SHARP!)

When the Book of James is mentinoed, what verse pops up in your mind?

Feeling sick?

2010-01-11T17:44:00.001-08:00

In efforts to learn how to pray.. i stumbled on this in my journey and HAD to share:

Our spirits, like our bodies, have requirements for health and growth. Some people don't want to pay the price of developing good spiritual habits. Sadlly, they end up paying the much higher price of spiritual disease and even death. Last year a man came to me in dispair. "I lost my job," he told me. "ive spent months looking for another position, to no avail." And unemployment was not his worst problem. He went on: "I feel so along in this. Nobody in the church cares. Sometimes I think God doesn't care. I feel totally hopeless and helpless."

I asked the man about his spiritual habits. Was he taking responsibility for feeding his faith? How often did he pray ~ commune with God and listen for his prompting? Did he regularly attend church services? Was he maintaining friendships with any spiritually minded people? Was he reaching out to help meet others' needs?

No, the man said, he was doing non of these things. "i just can't find the time," he explained... [...]

... That man wanted someone to wave a magic want and offer him courage. He said he wanted God's presence in his life, but he did not want to form any habits that would increase his spiritual health.

From Too Busy NOT to pray by Bill Hybels. Pg 42-43

Are you spiritually diseased? On the road to spiritual death? Lets take a step together please.

Philemon and GramCracker building

2009-12-16T13:54:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago we talked about 'forgiveness', and what that is to look like. To jog your memory, here's a recap from Leo: "Paul is asking one of his homies to forgive this dude...".

Application1: How do you manifest love for your bro's and sis's in your everyday life?
Application2: How do you forgive a brother or sister who has wronged you? Are you merciful?
Application3: How do you think managers and sub-ordinates should interact if both are Christians?

As you ponder, respond in the comments now! And enjoy pix from last time:

LSF Santa Jose Group Picture

David, Yukari, and Tam with CSI

Ansel, Anne, and Ben with Porta Potty Murder death kill?

Leo, Jeff, and James with Mario Kart

Gracie, Bonnie, Vincent, and Jess with Dubai

Justin, Paul, and Marina with Eye of Sauron

The pile of gingerbread peoples...

Crash site on the track

THE EYE

Pimpin car parked at Dubai

The crime scene and get-away

MIA

2009-12-07T13:18:00.000-08:00

M = MISSING
I = IN
A = ACTION

.... where is everyone?

Best bring your best this wednesday for the Ginger bread making contest. It's a build-off. We have huddles at 7:30, contact your quarter-back for dinner and plans. Else default to Panda express at lawrence/stevens creek. Then be at Jeff's at 9pm. See ya!

Harvest of Hope...

2009-12-06T19:43:00.000-08:00

LSF Santa Clara wants to give. Partnering with Harvest of Hope will turn the 'want' into a reality! Although our role in this part is by prayer and money, it will still make an impact. God has a good memory so all giving, big and small, counts.

Next Wednesday (09-Dec) consider how much you want to contribute. It is not about the amount, it is about the heart. We will purchase together as a fellowship group and thus, our moneys will be pooled together and we will decide what to purchase on wednesday.

Menu:
Sewing Machine (sustainable : $250
Motorbike (for a church-planter): $1400
Cow for family: $400
Goat for poor family: $55
Pig for family: $45
Sheep for poor family: $80
One of each animal: $580
Seeds for Farmers in Africa: $30
Relief Assistance for Refugee Family in Sudan: $70
....

$50 may be the next toy for us, but it's equivalent to years of wages for these families.

Here's the link for more information: http://www.harvestofhope.org/

Fillet mon

2009-12-04T12:54:00.000-08:00

Listen... forgiveness is going to be a part of your life. In fact, thats the primary vehicle to Jesus' business: Reconcilation. In sin, the slave (Onesimus), ran away from his master (Philemon), met man who already met Jesus (Paul), was introduced to the man who could forgive his sins (Jesus), and probably thought 'life is good'. But walking in a right relationship with God is more than warm fuzzys or smiley days, it's about reconciliation. Jesus reconciles our relationship to God, and thus, we must ask for forgiveness from those we wronged and reconcile our relationships here on earth.

Have you had a reconciliation experience which you can share?

Prayer time from last meet

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T15:43:00.000-08:00

Dear all, what else but a reminder from the divingly inspired Word of God: "(20)For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. (21) For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened." -Romans 1:20-21

This is one of the first things that come to mind when I think of giving 'thanks'. When we continue with life living a life which is not clearly, visibally, coherantly, physically, audibally thankful to God... a flag must be raised and a change must occur, lest your heart become foolish and darkened.

There's plenty to be thankful for... and it's not just 'thankful', but it's thanking God. Remember, actions validate the thanksgiving... so, LSF Santa Clara, whats your action?

---------------------------Pix from Gombei Bento!---------------------------

Quick bite Tuesday 11/24 (6pm)

2009-11-24T00:16:00.000-08:00

Gombei Bento: 6pm, Tuesday night (11/24)
Be there.... we all hate eating alone...

Map to Gombei Bento

Festivities for WED 11/18: Don't go to Jeff & Anne's, rather.....

2009-11-17T16:06:00.000-08:00

This week (Wed 11/18) is Joint Huddles! You can anticipate a good time of eats, sharing, praying, and most importantly, learning from each other about God in our lives. This moves beyond the bible studies, beyond the chit-chat, and moves into a good time of sincere conversation. It's like those nights where you leave refreshed...

MEN:

meet at Justin's place @ Chesapeake Manor (34756 Chesapeake Court, Union City, CA)
start time 7:30pm
there will be dinner (pizza and soda provided), reviewing survey results, and having some teaching/sharing from "Being A Godly Man"
you are welcome to bring "manly" snacks, beverages, or desserts to share with everyone
questions? email Sam (samuel.kao@lmco.com)

WOMEN:

meet at Niki's place @ Stone Manor (1097 Stone Street, Union City, CA)
start time 7:00pm
there will be dinner (hawaiian) and a good time of sharing and prayer
RSVP to Yukari (yukarimuchida81@gmail.com)

Tips:

CARPOOL!!!! Call your fellow fellowship friends.. carpool, have a conversation, don't be shy!

Needy, Poor, orphans, widows, homeless, and you.

2009-11-16T09:25:00.000-08:00

Gracie and I debriefed and discussed the lesson of Sunday's message. Here were our own conclusions and take-aways:

We need to change. Something has to change. In light of the truths regarding the poor, the windows, the orphans, the outcasts, life cannot be the same tomorrow as it was today

It feels as though Gracie and I can't make any impact, so it is hard to find a starting point. This is but merely an excuse, we can make an impact to 1 person, in 1 place, 1 at a time.. But we wrestled with the concept of making an 'impact'. Would giving food or money really make an impact? Would the money given be misused? How does giving 1 day make an 'impact'? Should we invite them into our home to stay in the extra rooms? Should stop, give, and get to know?

Faith is grown step-by-step. Sheppard David fought many battles and grew his faith in trusting in God's protection. When it came time to fight Goliath, it was just the next step in his faith, climbing to from floor#45 to floor 46. It was not ground-floor to the roof in 1 hop. Our 2nd floor in faith at this time is not yet to invite the homeless into my home, or not yet to go out and build relationship, but it's to provide money. Yes Money. (aka chien)

Why am I born in the family i was born, why do I have the education i have, why do I have the job that have? I've made some good decision, in line with His will, i've made some alright decisions that didn't make or break, but I have also made some piss-poor decision in disobedience and plain stupidity and selfishness. Ultimately, God gave grace to allow me to be where i currently am in life. Bottom line, God has given regardless of circumstance.

1) This means, I too can give irrespective to circumstance, and especially to those in a needy circumstance. To give and to not expect.

But it did not end there, We were forced to look at our own relationships with God. This was tricky, and eye-opening. Yesterday finally addressed the thoughts of "should i give money? But what if they misuse it to go buy booz or smokes? what if they're pretending?" My defenses were thwarted of giving food only... You see, God has given me money, and i have squandered and misued much. But regardless of my misuse, he has continued to give, offering me a 2nd chance to use wisely. And perhaps I use 10% wisely, and squander the 90%. Then God, in his faithfulness and love, gives again, offering me a 3rd chance to use wisely. And then a 4th chance, and then a 5th, and a 6th. I have misused my money equivalently to booz and smokes. I too am guilty of pretending to be something I am not. What then would it look if God stopped giving because I was squandering or because I was fake? He has not stopped. His faithfulness continues to give me another chance. It was clear to me, it was clear to us

2) to give money can mean giving another opportunity for that individual to make a decision, a 'right' decision, a decision towards obediences, a decision toward God.

We all make that decision daily. From the starbucks for $3.57, or from the $0.37 in spare change, we all make a decision. Perhaps we are the ones squandering in comparison? Ultimately, we plan to stay aligned to be faithful to our decision of this 1-step, and leave the 'impact' to God.
Our change in the form of an action? Well, that's a personal conversation so if you're interested, ask me next time!

-Just

Santa Clara Launch!

2009-11-12T08:05:00.001-08:00

Doh! We didn't take any picture, but we'll get some at the second meeting. Huge thank you to everyone who is supporting this effort through prayer, through hard work, through attendance and through encouragement. Any other kinds of support get a big, not huge, thank you. Just kidding.

It was very encouraging to see how engaged we all were when talking about sharing the Gospel message and sharing from our lives about our struggles and our praises. My prayer for our fellowship will be to keep this excitement and have it grow through our community. God is with us, so let's offer him praise and prayers of thanksgiving and ask Him to grow us individually as His people and through the community.

Thanks again to everyone who attended or tried to attend but couldn't. Next week is joint huddles, so look for an email communication from Justin. Week after will be catered again. Opening up the floor for suggestions for our next fellowship meal.

We worship an awesome God.

Circumstance. How is your job? or job search?

2009-11-06T09:40:00.000-08:00

Paul and Silas were arrested and beaten while under the false assumption they were Jews. Cast into prison they held back and bit their tongue only to wait for justice above the circumstance and instead be faithful with where they are. By focusing on being faithful to their calling for the immediate people around them (...guards) and NOTcry 'injustice' at the people, nor at God. They waiting for God to deliver them from their circumstance while they chose to share about Jesus to the guards.
focusing on circumstance, people came to repentance and believed. Remember, Paul and Silas were ARRESTED as 'foreigners' in the boundaries of Rome. But Paul was a Roman Citizen... and that was a 'no-no'. They didn't

Work life isn't fair? Do you feel those around you aren't playing 'fair'? Are you focusing only on circumstance? Don't. Be encouraged and empowered; focus on being faithful where you are at in sharing about Jesus, let God change the circumstance.... and He will in his time.

(story found in Act 16, the second half)

2009-11-05T11:29:00.000-08:00

What are your thoughts on the flim? Initially exciting because the group orchestrated a live-cast-launch into the film release. Then i thought the film ended 7 times... ;)

Lets not let this go to 'waste', what was your take-away?

Good Food, Good Friends, Good Film

Wow.... Tam has bigger eyes than me!

Edible Unibrow

Ladies!

David tried to take a bite out of baby Karter. Hi Jeff & James!

Alan, eating as fast as he can with Supervisor David

Jerm sneaking away to Bathroom

Escalator 1, up to AMC 16!

Escalator 2, up to AMC 16!

EThen the Nigt-cap at BJ's Brewery

LSF Santa Clara <3 Revolution: This Wednesday 11/4

2009-11-01T15:05:00.000-08:00

What can one do in the face of a global slavery?
At least come to learn more this wednesday, and this wednesday only.

Hillsong Presents a compilation of their 3 year-journey and experiences in the face of trafficking. The theiheartrevolution.com is in movie theaters this wednesday evening. (We're likely hitting AMC Cupertino)

Come meet the other faces of LSF Santa Clara, we're all new, some come. Call me (Justin): 901-4-MMMHMM!

Coming Soon

2009-10-23T16:00:00.001-07:00

November 4th. Mark your calendars. Santa Clara officially meets for the first time. Be there!

Pray Pray Pray!

2009-10-21T15:59:00.000-07:00

The Good Lord has place it upon the hearts of LSCC to expand the horizon into a new Fellowship group. Enter, LSF Santa Clara. Is this for certain? Are we committed?

Answer: Pray.

We desire this to be all God or nothing at all. Pray his Spirit leads this time of planning and decision making and will bring those whom he will bring.