Jinha Kim

How Great Thou Art

in Thoughts  by Jinha Kim 0 comments

pianoguysOn Saturday Sue introduced us to The Piano Guys’ mashup The Mission/How Great Thou Art featuring two of the Seven Wonders of the World: the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Brazil and the Iguana Falls in Argentina.  It’s a stunning music video not only because of the amazing videography of the 30-metre statue of Jesus overlooking a 700-meter cliff as well as the 2.7 km stretch of 275 waterfalls, but also because of the message it emotes through sound and sight.

As the harmony of the cello and piano soar through the awesome space, one cannot help but feel and think: this is worship – to lift up one’s soul to the Creator and confess, “How great thou art” – because He created such beauty in nature, and because He created us to enjoy such beauty and to respond through music and other forms of expressions that we call praise.

But true worship is inspired by more than beauty or blessings.  

Praise does not come merely from hearts full of gratitude; praise can flow from hearts full of pain and anguish.

Job was a man who lost everything in one day – all his wealth and the lives of all his children.  After hearing the terrible news, the Bible records:

“Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship  and said: ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart.  The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.’ In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing” (Job 1:20-22 NIV).

Paul and Silas were beaten and imprisoned for preaching about Jesus; but the Bible says, “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them” (Acts 16:25 ESV).

Jesus was crucified; yet He quoted Psalm 22, which starts with “My God, my God why have you forsaken me?” but ends in “It is finished” and is full of refrains like, “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you” (Psalm 22:22 ESV).

Praise can come from pain when we cling to God in our suffering and acknowledge that we don’t know the end from the beginning and that we still believe in God’s goodness and mercy, despite the feelings and circumstances before our eyes.

As I re-watched the music video of the Piano Guys performing “How Great Thou Art,” a comment caught my eye that led me to discover that the pianist’s 21-year-old daughter had tragically died in a hiking accident in 2016.  But Jon Schmidt, the pianist, continues to perform – no, praise: “I’m still grateful… we need to remember all the of the wonders, all the times that God did answer our prayers in the way we wanted to” (from “Frankly Faraci”).

It was an inspiring reminder that while we may be sick, broke, lonely, and hurt, we can still sing:

“And when I think of God, His Son not sparing, sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;

That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing He bled and died to take way my sin.

Then sings my soul, my Saviour, God, to thee – how great thou art… how great thou art

Then sings my soul, my Saviour, God, to thee – how great thou art… how great thou art!

Jesus is always the reason we can still praise – even in our pain.  For “Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

by: Jinha Kim

"But those who drink the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:14

Reliability of the Bible

in Thoughts  by Jinha Kim 0 comments

So last Saturday I presented 5 reasons for the Reliability of the Bible (you can watch it again here starting 37:40) – here are some further resources that give us reasons to believe in the reliability of the Bible:

Archeological discoveries:

Other Resources: (you need a Right Now Media account to access these videos – just email jinhakim@adventist.org if you’d like a free account!)

Chart of Ancient Writings:

Author Book Date Events Occurred Date Written Earliest Copies Time Gap # of Copies
Homer Iliad 1300-1100 BC 800 BC 400 BC 400 years

643
Herodotus History 1400-400 BC 480-425 BC AD 900 1350 years

8
Thucydides History 431-404 BC 460-400 BC AD 900 1300 years

8
Plato Dialogue 427-347 BC 427-347 BC AD 900 1300 years

7
Caesar Gallic Wars 100-44 BC 100-44 BC AD 900 1000 years

10
Livy History of Rome 800 BC – 9 BC 59 BC – AD 17 AD 4th c. (partial) AD 10th c. 400 years – 1000 years 1 partial

19 copies
Tacitus Annals AD 14 – 68 AD 100 AD 1100 1000 years

20
Pliny Secundus Natural History AD 61-113 AD 850 750 years

7
New Testament 5 BC – AD 95 AD 50-100 AD 80 (fragment)

AD 125 books

AD 325 (complete NT)

 25-50years

100 years

225 years

 24,000 mss

5366

by: Jinha Kim

"But those who drink the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:14

in Thoughts  by Jinha Kim 0 comments

We have safely arrived in the USA!  The journey wasn’t too bad (thanks to your prayers, the boys were very good during the 14.5-hr flight!) but we’re struggling with jet lag.

The first night, Micah and Joshua didn’t sleep at all and then slept during the day … the second night (tonight) Micah is sleeping pretty well but Joshua is crawling around.  Roy and I are also wide awake even though we’re pretty tired!

It’s made me think about how difficult it is to do night shifts (thank you medical professionals, security officers, construction workers, etc.) and also how hard it is for our bodies to adjust to change.

What about the mind?  God decried the injustice people practiced in His name:

“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,
And prudent in their own sight!” (Isaiah 5:19-21

When we finally get to know the “Light of the World” there may be a time of spiritual jet lag where we are trying to adjust to the seismic shift in worldview.  It takes time and concerted effort to try to see things the way God sees them after a lifetime of seeing things the way our own culture, upbringing, education and preferences have inclined us.

But God encourages us:

“I will bring the blind by a way they did not know;
I will lead them in paths they have not known.
I will make darkness light before them,
And crooked places straight.
These things I will do for them,
And not forsake them.” (Isaiah 42:15)

He who recovered the sight to the blind will guide us to a new dawn.  He who sleeps not will keep us company in the darkness until our eyes adjust to His glory.

by: Jinha Kim

"But those who drink the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:14

Growing Pains

in Thoughts  by Jinha Kim 0 comments

Joshua is going through a growth spurt.  That means he’s up every 2-3 hours at night to feed.  It’s exhausting but extraordinary watching him develop – yesterday, he started to wave good-bye; today, he can sit up from lying down.  He’s also almost fully crawling on his hands and knees instead of combat-crawling, and almost able to pull himself up into a standing position.  Perhaps after gnawing though a few more boxes of teething rusks, he will also grow a second tooth.

Growth takes time.  It takes practice.  It takes effort.  It takes understanding that change happens in increments and cycles and at its own pace.

When it comes to spiritual growth, character development, or relationship intimacy, we can become impatient and discouraged when change seems impossible.  But don’t give up – the growing pains will lead to a growth spurt:

Screen Shot 2017-03-29 at 9.24.30 pm“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:7-10, NIV).

Keep sowing, watering, weeding, and fertilising the heart, life, and relationships – when autumn comes, the harvest will be beautiful.

by: Jinha Kim

"But those who drink the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:14

7 Practical Tips on Perseverance

in Thoughts  by Jinha Kim 0 comments
  1. Break things up into smaller tasks/goals
    • You can’t train for a marathon in one day – so do simple day-to-day tasks to train for bigger goals (ex: read & pray for just 5 minutes a day)
  2. Have a power song ready
    • Runners hit a wall where they feel like giving up – but if you push through it with a “power song” you will get your second wind, a renewal of God’s strength to sustain you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwdCnY5lpAE
  3. Celebrate the victories, small and big
    • Every birthday is special, whether you’re turning 3 or 30 – celebrate the small accomplishments and milestones along your journey – treat yourself to a reward and know what you’re working towards so that you can remind yourself of the prize
  4. See failure as opportunity for growth
    • Failure is not failure if you can reflect on what made you stumble and learn ways to avoid repeating the mistake in the future – the key to success is to keep trying; practice makes perfect
  5. Build a community
    • Accountability is a powerful tool – surround yourself with people who are working towards similar goals and/or can support you in yours
  6. Take care of yourself
    • It’s hard to persevere when you’re tired, sick, or grumpy.  Sleep more.  Eat healthy.  Exercise.  Find hobbies that energise you.
  7. Keep your eyes on Jesus
    • Don’t compare yourself to others – just keep focused on Jesus who can empower us to do anything within His will

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:1-3

by: Jinha Kim

"But those who drink the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:14

The Faith of a Child

in Thoughts  by Jinha Kim 0 comments

UmbrellaClosedBlack3dmodel01.jpgd63121b3-70ae-4292-910e-a3960e98653bOriginalA few weeks ago, one of Micah’s friends was having an outdoor birthday party.  The forecast predicted rain for that day, which would have really put a damper on the party.  So Micah and I prayed that it would not rain so that our friends would not be stressed or sad.

As we were leaving for the party, I looked outside the window and saw dark clouds rolling in.  I grabbed an umbrella, just in case.  Micah looked at me putting the umbrella in the boot and asked, “Mommy, did we pray for no rain?”

I paused, trying to think of an answer that didn’t include a theological exposition on prayer, God’s will, or faith and works.  Finally, I just said, “Yes, we did.”  But the inquisition continued.  “Are you taking an umbrella, mommy?”

“Yes.”

“For the rain?”

“Well, just in case.”

“Just in case?”

“We prayed that it wouldn’t rain.  But God might have other plans.  So if it does rain, then we have the umbrella.  Prayer is not about getting God to do everything we want, but about us talking to God like a friend.  That means God as our friend does things for us, but sometimes we as His friends have to change what we want.   So if He needs it to rain, we have an umbrella.  But if He doesn’t need it to rain, then He will say yes to our prayer and it won’t rain.”

Micah had stopped listening by this point and was looking at diggers on the side of the road.

But I had learned my lesson.  When we arrived at the park, I took out the pram, the nappy bag, the glider, the present, the two boys … but I left the umbrella in the boot.

Although it was overcast, there was not a single drop of rain until the party was over and we were home.

Mark 10:13-16 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”  And he took the children in his arms,placed his hands on them and blessed them.

Having the faith of a child is not about being naive or simple.  It’s about embracing the full possibility of what God promises – and experiencing the blessing of His presence.

by: Jinha Kim

"But those who drink the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:14

The Glad Game

in Thoughts  by Jinha Kim 0 comments

pollyanna“When you look for the bad in mankind expecting to find it, you surely will.”  

This is my favourite line from one of my favourite childhood movies, Pollyanna (1960).  The film is based on a book written in 1913 by Eleanor Hodgman and features a little girl named Pollyanna who chooses to look for the good in all people and all circumstances despite being orphaned, crippled, and criticised.

When she comes to live with her rigid aunt in a small town in America, she explains this “Glad Game” to others: Her parents had been impoverished missionaries in the West Indies. Pollyanna had wanted a doll so badly that her parents wrote requesting a doll for a little girl.  When the missionary barrels came, there had been a mistake and instead of a doll, there was a pair of crutches.  Pollyanna was deeply disappointed.  Her father then made up the “Glad Game,” where whenever she was upset, they would think of something to be glad about.  What was there to be glad about crutches?  Well, they could be glad that they didn’t need to use them.

Pollyanna’s “Glad Game” catches on and the town that had been fractured and full of cranky people eventually becomes a caring community who find the good in each other.

The Glad Game.  At first, it’s a very difficult game to play if you’re used to playing the Self-Pity Game or even the Blame Game.  Many of us are champions of the Whinge Game.

What if we started to play the Glad Game?  What if we looked for the good not only in difficult circumstances but also in challenging people? What differences would we see and experience?

The wise king said, “Whoever seeks good finds favour, but evil comes to one who searches for it.”  Proverbs 11:27.  Or, as one translator paraphrased, “Anyone can find the dirt in someone.  Be the one that finds the gold.”

After all, God chooses to see the good in us and believes we are worthy dying for.  Glad tidings, indeed.

by: Jinha Kim

"But those who drink the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:14

For Such a Time

in Thoughts  by Jinha Kim 0 comments

What do you do when you belong to an organisation, company, or country whose leader you don’t support or whose culture is contrary to your values and beliefs?

Do you run, quit, or protest?

Those may be valid responses.  But I’d like to present another option:

Have you ever heard of Obadiah?  I know, unusual name.

Obadiah was the chief of staff in King Ahab’s palace (~ 5th c. BC).  Ahab is infamous for being the most wicked of Israel’s kings.  As a high official, Obadiah has to carry out Ahab’s orders – but he also has the means to be faithful to his own beliefs.  When Ahab’s wife Queen Jezebel orders the prophets of the Lord to be killed, Obadiah hides a hundred prophets in two caves ad provides them bread and water until the crises abates (1 Kings 18:3-16).

A better known figure is Esther.

Esther was the Queen of Persia when Haman, the right man of King Ahasuerus, tries to annihilate all the Jews in the Empire (~5th c. B.C).  She courageously risks her life to expose Haman and to plead for her people.  The Jews still celebrate the Feast of Purim to honour the historical event (Esther 8,9).

Obadiah and Esther were at the right place at the right time to save lives and make a difference.

We may not be high officials or royalty.  But we can still exert our influence in a corrupt environment to bring about some good.  Of course, if being in that setting starts to poison us, it is time to get out.  But until then, could it be that we are where we are for a reason?

by: Jinha Kim

"But those who drink the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:14

Lest We Forget

in Thoughts  by Jinha Kim 2 comments

I’m reading a book called “Fascinating Stories of Forgotten Lives” by Charles R. Swindoll.  It’s about the people behind the scenes who make it possible for famous individuals to succeed.  For example, ever heard of Josheb-basshebeth, a Tahkemonite, Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, or Shaman son of Agee the Hararite?  I didn’t know who they were until I read the reference:

“These are the names of David’s mighty warriors: Josheb-Basshebeth, a Tahkemonite, was chief of the Three; he raised his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed in one encounter.

Next to him was Eleazar son of Dodai the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty warriors, he was with David when they taunted the Philistines gathered at Pas Dammim for battle. Then the Israelites retreated, but Eleazar stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword. The Lord brought about a great victory that day. The troops returned to Eleazar, but only to strip the dead.

Next to him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. When the Philistines banded together at a place where there was a field full of lentils, Israel’s troops fled from them. But Shammah took his stand in the middle of the field. He defended it and struck the Philistines down, and the Lord brought about a great victory.” 2 Samuel 23:8-12

Thanks to these men, David was able to survive the years of persecution and exile while King Saul was alive.  Because of their dedication and sacrifice, David became the King of Israel.  Yet we don’t often hear about them nor the many others whose incredible stories of loyalty and devotion would merit individual biographies if there were enough information about them.

It is a timely reminder to treasure each person around us who make different things possible – the postman who delivers our Christmas presents and cards, the train conductors who keep us safe on the tracks, the nurse who attends to our needs at the hospital, the janitor who keeps our workplace clean.

Every one has a story that if we listened, would be a fascinating, even heartbreaking story of redemption, loss, and hope.  Every one fills a place that may be unnoticed by the majority but nurtured carefully by the Creator who designed each person with unique personality, skills, interests, and opportunities.

You may feel invisible and insignificant in the drama of culture, politics, and competition that flash in blinding colours and burn in the spotlight – but in God’s eyes, you shine like a star (c.f. Daniel 12:3; 2 Corinthians 4:5-7; Philippians 2:14-16).

So let’s remember the unsung heroes this Christmas season.  Let’s appreciate each other as we celebrate the birth of a baby born in a manger to poor parents.  After all, the world has never applauded the meek and humble – but the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.

by: Jinha Kim

"But those who drink the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:14

As Water to the Thirsty

in Thoughts  by Jinha Kim 3 comments

I broke out in shingles the day Donald Trump won the U.S. Presidential Election.  As I stared at my computer in disbelief, I felt the rash burning on my back and belly, which had been aching for several days (I had ignored the pain thinking it was just a strain from carrying the boys).

The GP confirmed that I had shingles and told me to “rest.”  As if that were possible with a 3.5-year-old and a 6-month-old!  For the next several days, I struggled to “stay positive” as Joshua refused to take the bottle and I questioned whether taking the anti-viral medication was the best thing to do.  I still had to pump and discard every 3 hours, which meant that the elusive “rest” was even harder to get despite Roy and my friends’ generous help and support.  Even when I could lie down, sleep would not come and the pain and discomfort haunted my dreams.

Reading about shingles on Google only increased my fears and anxiety – what if I developed post-herpetic neuralgia, a complication of shingles that results in chronic pain so bad that some people commit suicide? What if Joshua got chickenpox? What if the rashes spread?

On Monday, I hit a breaking point.  I was too overwhelmed and exhausted. I curled up into a ball (on the side that was rash-free) and cried.

I thought about Job and how my troubles were so light compared to his.  I had friends going through far worse.  I knew that I had so much to be grateful for, and yet – the tears kept flowing.

I prayed and tried to find comfort in the Psalms, a collection of poems that express the gamut of human emotions.

“As the deer pants for streams of water,

So my soul pants for you, my God.

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.

When can I go and meet with God?

My tears have been my food day and night,

While people say to me all day long,

“Where is your God?” Psalm 42:1-3

But the words blurred in my mind as I tried to blink away the fears that filled my heart.

My soul thirsted for peace and comfort.  I wanted God to come and hold me.

You know what?  He didn’t come.

But caring friends delivered delicious food.  Prayers were said on my behalf.  Roy took care of the children and cleaned the kitchen while I took one of the best naps I have had in a long time.

I woke up feeling not only physically improved but emotionally rested and spiritually refreshed.

The rest of Psalm 42 came to my lips as a song:

“Why, my soul, are you downcast?

Why so disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God,

for I will yet praise him,

my Savior and my God…

By day the Lord directs his love,

at night his song is with me—

a prayer to the God of my life.” Psalm 42:5,8

He had come after all – not like a mighty wind blowing away the tears, nor like a fire burning down the fears, but like a constant friend, a loving partner, and the sweet, healing slumber of a weary soul.

As water to the thirsty,

as beauty to the eyes,

as strength that follows weakness,

as truth instead of lies,

as songtime and springtime

and summertime to be,

so is my Lord,

my living Lord,

so is my Lord to me.

Like calm in place of clamor,

like peace that follows pain,

like meeting after parting,

like sunshine after rain,

like moonlight and starlight

and sunlight on the sea,

so is my Lord,

my living Lord,

so is my Lord to me.

As sleep that follows fever,

as gold instead of grey,

as freedom after bondage,

as sunrise to the day,

as home to the traveler

and all we long to see,

so is my Lord,

my living Lord,

so is my Lord to me.

Words: Timothy Dudley-Smith

 

by: Jinha Kim

"But those who drink the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:14