BeReconciled.com » Praise Report

Reflections Upon Taking the Virginia Bar Exam

Peter — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 22:21:36 +0000

- There are over 1,500 want-to-be lawyers in Virginia.
- There are a lot of Asians in the ‘L’ section. (We sat alphabetically.)
- The Virginia Bar Exam covers a lot of material but the two days go by really fast.
- “I am in Christ.” My identity is based on my being ‘in Christ,’ not based upon my performance. I have been saved through faith in Christ, not by my own works, so that I may not boast. If I don’t pass the Virginia bar exam, it doesn’t make me less loved by God or less significant of a person.
- My boast is in the cross and will continue to be. If I pass the Virginia Bar Exam, it is because of God’s grace. Whatever I am and whatever I have is a gift of God.
- Humility – to whom much is given, much is expected!
- It is hard to do things for the right motive. True blessing is found in seeking first the kingdom of God! (

3 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. (ESV)

', 'Phil 2:3', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Phil+2%3A3');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" href="http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Phil+2%3A3" >Phil 2:3). I need to be caught up in God’s glory. There are significant events in life, but God’s eternal plan is unstoppable. (

21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (ESV)

', 'Phil 1:21', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Phil+1%3A21');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" href="http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Phil+1%3A21" >Phil 1:21).
- Trusting in God is much better than trusting in myself. God will provide for all my needs. I am of much more worth than lilies and grass. Fear is a signal for me to check my heart. Prayer and working hard go hand in hand.
- Studying is wearisome and tires the body. Trials are opportunities to practice joy and to learn sympathy with the trials and pain of others.
- God’s law and his ordering of the universe are beautiful. God’s plan for law and government is meant for our good. Law reflects upon a God of order, mercy, and justice.

Praise the Lord!

Peter — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 13:54:31 +0000

God often reminds us of His grandeur by presenting us with pleasant surprises in life. I get hit by His provisions in life and am reminded of how much I have to praise God for. Every good and perfect gift is from above, from our heavenly Father.

Yesterday, I thought our numbers for Bible Study would be low, since a few of our regulars could not make it. God has a sense of humor. We had a van full of new comers, bringing this week’s group of Philippians studiers to 23. It was our largest group yet.

I am thankful for all of God’s provisions: for His Word to read and a Gospel to meditate on, a house to share and a place to fellowship. I am encouraged by the hunger for God’s word among the students at Liberty University.

I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith– that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. –
8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. (ESV)
', 'Philippians 3:8-11', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Philippians+3%3A8-11');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" href="http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Philippians+3%3A8-11" >Philippians 3:8-11

Please pray that I would take advantage of opportunities to serve God, that I would be led by the Spirit, and that I would treasure Christ and have opportunities to show the world where my treasure is. (I realize the latter is a dangerous request.) Also, please pray for me to have perseverance and diligence in my studies and for Christ-centeredness and wisdom in my relationships.

I Thank My God for You

Peter — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 03:49:05 +0000

In Philippians, Paul starts out by saying: “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you!” Lately, I’ve been reminded of the depth of relationships Christians can have because we are “in Christ.”

We are in Christ. With God’s love, peace, and grace, our fellowship with one another should be a great source of joy in our loves. Richness, unity, and depth in relationships is possible because Christ has given us the ministry of reconciliation.

So I will say this: I’m thankful to God for all those who care for me. These include my parents, college friends, and church buddies who care for my spiritual and physical well-being. Thank you for your prayers and concern for my life. Glory to God!

Fellowship: what a foretaste of the consummation of the joy that we will experience when Christ returns!

John Piper and David Powlison, in applying Biblical truth to their battles with cancer, write:

John Piper: You will waste your cancer if you let it drive you into solitude instead of deepen your relationships with manifest affection.

When Epaphroditus brought the gifts to Paul sent by the Philippian church he became ill and almost died. Paul tells the Philippians, âHe has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was illâ? (
26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. (ESV)
', 'Philippians 2:26-27', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Philippians+2%3A26-27');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" href="http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Philippians+2%3A26-27" >Philippians 2:26-27). What an amazing response! It does not say they were distressed that he was ill, but that he was distressed because they heard he was ill. That is the kind of heart God is aiming to create with cancer: a deeply affectionate, caring heart for people. Donât waste your cancer by retreating into yourself.

David Powlison: Our culture is terrified of facing death. It is obsessed with medicine. It idolizes youth, health and energy. It tries to hide any signs of weakness or imperfection. You will bring huge blessing to others by living openly, believingly and lovingly within your weaknesses. Paradoxically, moving out into relationships when you are hurting and weak will actually strengthen others. âOne anotheringâ is a two-way street of generous giving and grateful receiving. Your need gives others an opportunity to love. And since love is always Godâs highest purpose in you, too, you will learn his finest and most joyous lessons as you find small ways to express concern for others even when you are most weak. A great, life-threatening weakness can prove amazingly freeing. Nothing is left for you to do except to be loved by God and others, and to love God and others.

Good Gifts from Above

Peter — Mon, 19 Jun 2006 20:10:14 +0000

Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. –
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. (ESV)
', 'James 1:16-17', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=James+1%3A16-17');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" href="http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=James+1%3A16-17" >James 1:16-17

We may not realize it, but we are extremely blessed. Here is an abreviated list of the things I thank God for:
1. Adoption into God’s family and living water.
2. My parents and extended family.
3. Bringing me through my first year of law school. I passed all my classes!
4. The opportunity to intern with Peacemaker ministries. I would like to thank those who have supported me with prayer and donations. What a blessing!
5. And last but not least, fruits. These include but are not limited to: mangoes, papayas, watermelon, honeydew, cantelope, oranges, and apples.

From Canada to Virginia

Peter — Sun, 21 Aug 2005 18:56:58 +0000

It is August 21st already!

Just to recap, I was in Canada from the 7th to the 13th on a boat trip. The trip was alot of fun. It was a great time of swimming, playing games, and talking with friends and family from church. (I wish I could have done more of the latter. It seemed like we were too busy having fun to sit around and just socialize and fellowship. I could probably have done a better job initiating conversations.)

On the 15th, my parents drove me down to Virginia. I completed the first week of Law school orientation. Time really flies by quickly! I’ve been making alot of new friends and getting into the routine of things.

Please pray that:
- I would be humble and rely on God. His grace will be sufficient for me as he molds me!
- In the mist of my tedious studies, I will have time to meet with God and keep him as my cornerstone. (In other words, that I would cast off worldliness and idolatry — that money and grades would mean less and integrity and godliness more.)
- Other things: time management, cooking, exercise, emotional stability: fight off loneliness, that I would have time to pray for my friends and the burdens God has laid on my heart

Caring People

Peter — Sat, 06 Aug 2005 16:22:12 +0000

I’ve determined that many of my friends are loving and caring. They pray for me and write to me. I’ll say it again; I’ll miss you all.

I’ll be away from my computer in the next week. Talk to you for now.

Reformation Trip

Peter — Wed, 01 Jun 2005 15:41:36 +0000

I’m back! Europe was wonderful. I am grateful to God for the chance to go. The Swiss Alps declare the glory of God. What is man that he is mindful of us? Nothing in all creation can separate us from his love.

We have so much to praise God for. He has been faithful to his church over the years. Consider Cranmer who was martyred for the faith. Will we stand up for truth?

I am filled with gratitude for God’s blessings. We have his word! We should cherish it with all we have. Consider Luther, who translated the New Testament into German for his countrymen. God’s word is precious. How high and how wide is the love of Jesus Christ.

After seeing the castles, I understand the hymn, A Mighty Fortress.

Finals Over, Not because of Luck

Peter — Thu, 12 May 2005 04:01:46 +0000

“Good luck” says a friend as a depart to my final. “Good luck” says another a few moments later. And another…and another. By now, I should be full of good luck.

No. It is not luck that got me through my finals. It is my sovereign God.

How we speak shows what we believe in and who we are. Should Christians really be wishing luck on others as if a strange cosmic force is the agent that bestows its chance blessings?

“I hope you do well!” or even the imperative “Do well!” is much more encouraging. Are there any other substitute phrases you guys can think of?

Being Asian Has its Benefits

Peter — Wed, 13 Apr 2005 00:33:26 +0000

Is this a good reason for Asian pride?

“Dear Cecil:
A good friend of mine, a Chinese born in Nanking, China, told me that many Chinese (including himself) do not need to use deodorant. “We don’t have sweat glands under our arms,” he said, “We don’t need to use deodorant.” I’d always thought that all humans were endowed with similar glands and organs. We all have lungs, livers, hearts, lymph glands, etc. Is Mr. Fu wrong? He’s rarely wrong about anything, honest.
–Marshall

Cecil replies:
Mr. Fu exaggerates, but he’s not completely wrong. It’s not that Asians don’t have sweat glands under their arms; the difference is that they have markedly fewer apocrine glands than black or white people. That doesn’t mean they sweat less–eccrine glands, the other main type of sweat gland, are a thousand times more numerous on most bodies, and Asians have plenty of them. But apocrine glands are the kind that make you stink.” –

http://www.straightdope.com/columns/021004.html

Hello World

Peter — Mon, 07 Mar 2005 04:10:31 +0000

I can’t believe its March already.

Today was another anticipated day of rest. I’m glad God helped me through the last week. I must proclaim that the Lord is good. For Sunday school, Mr. Beatty taught on being salt and light to the world. Pastor Dodds preached on

3:1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”

22 After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and was baptizing. 23 John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized 24 (for John had not yet been put in prison).

25 Now a discussion arose between some of John’s disciples and a Jew over purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.” 27 John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ 29 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.”

31 He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony. 33 Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true. 34 For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. 35 The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. (ESV)

', 'John 3', 'http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=John+3');" onmouseout="domTip_clearTip('false')" href="http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=John+3" >John 3; the need to be born again. For lunch, I went to Dr. Jenkins. Evening worship was from 2 John; about God’s commandments as a tool to keep us in the truth. College fellowship was splendid. I was reminded that I need to be thankful in all things. I’m thankful for so many opportunities to learn about God and the opportunity to be a good steward of truth.

I need to be discplined and pray more so that my joy can be complete.