10/19: Long time no write. It seems like ever since Tiffany and I returned from Taiwan, things have ever really fully settled down. I'll save all the details for later once things are (hopefully) a little more concrete. But for now, all I'll say is that in the near future, and probably from that point on for as long as I can imagine, life as I know it is going to be completely transformed. That's definitely a good thing, even though as with all changes in life, it's going to take a lot of getting used to. Throughout the past month or so, I've learned a lot from studying the book of Joshua at BSF that directly applies to my life now and in the future.

First, when God withholds what we think should be a blessing, we must humbly obey and remain faithful to Him. The Israelites were instructed to not take any of the devoted things from Jericho upon conquering the city, but Achan fell into temptation and disobeyed. In the end, he, his family, and others all suffered. Just as with Israel's case, it's important for us to remember that God always knows what's best. When he withholds anything from us, it's because He knows it's not what's best for us at that point in time. If we trust Him, we can find great confidence in His provision.

Second, when God pours out His blessings, we should receive them confidently and thankfully. God told the Israelites that He would deliver Jericho into their hands, so when the city's walls fell down, they faithfully stormed inside and conquered it. Later when the Israelites conquered Ai and God told them to take the plunder for themselves, they once again did so. This is not pride or self-centeredness, but obedience. God is generous and His resources are infinite, and to receive what He intends to give is an acknowledgement of His character and power. (If only Achan was willing to wait just one more battle!) This also means that our response to His blessings should be one of humility and willingness to be generous to others as God has been to us, recognizing that what we have is really not our own.

Third, in every decision and every situation, we must inquire of God. The book of Joshua is best known for the Israelites' success when they choose to obey God and failure when they choose to rebel, but it also emphasizes the importance of seeking Him for wisdom and direction and the consequences for not doing so. When the Gibeonites asked the Israelites to make a treaty with them, Joshua didn't know he was being deceived. But Israel's agreement to that treaty had consequences. The leaders' mistake wasn't wanting to help those who appeared to be in need, but rather making a decision without inquiring of the Lord. Seeking God is an attitude and lifestyle, not a medicine to be taken only when there's a problem. We can't know God more without seeking Him. And there is great assurance in knowing that our decisions and situations are in accordance with His will.

Ultimately, it's all about Him. And that's a good thing. While surrendering is hard, it's also greatly assuring, because He knows best and has the power to accomplish whatever He knows is best. As Tiffany and I go through each of the coming transitions in the near future, we pray for courage to embrace what's in store for us and wisdom to fully put our trust in God. May His great and perfect will continue to be done.

09/10: Tonight is the beginning of a new chapter in my life - my first time attending BSF's Temple City Men's Class. In past years, I had looked forward to starting each year's new study largely because I had grown accustomed to the environment and become familiar with many people. This year, it crept up on me so suddenly that I didn't even start looking up directions and preparing my note-taking materials until yesterday. That's probably because I don't really know what to expect. And to be honest, that's a good thing.

I can never forget my first night visiting BSF's San Gabriel Young Adults Class eight years ago. Looking back now, I believe the reason that year was such a life-changing experience for me wasn't that the fellowship or the leaders had any sort of special power, but rather that I had an open heart and an unbiased mind, without any ulterior motives or expectations to taint the humility that allows God to take complete control. Tonight, I am once again a clean slate. Aside from having been to the church once several years ago to promote the Young Adult Class to their children's ministry and knowing a few brothers from my church who attend the Class, I have no idea what to expect.

There's one thing I do know though - that I want to commit to a community centered around God'S Word taught and experienced through BSF's successful system. This year's topic is the first half of "People of the Promised Land", which will cover the part of the Bible that's probably least familiar to me. I pray that I will approach it with an open mind and humble heart, allowing God's Word to transform my life throughout the study.

It's very tempting for me to keep comparing my present situation with where I was eight years ago. But spending too much time doing so will not benefit me in any way. Yes, the past plays a crucial role in shaping the present and the future. But even though a new chapter of a story should remain relevant to the story as a whole, it must also help keep the story moving forward. Here and now, I'm in a new stage of life with new challenges, new priorities, and new needs. And being in a Men's Class means that the group of people I'll meet will be both more focused and more diverse. Whether it's studying God's Word or connecting with people, I have a lot to learn. And I pray that the God who is the same - past, present, and future - will lead me through this Class according to His will and His will alone.

May God guide me to recommit to studying and applying His Word, and through it discover a renewed love for Him and His people and a desire to obey wholeheartedly even at the expense of my own desires. May God lead me into relationships that help me to face challenges, make me realize my shortcomings, motivate me to grow, serve crucial roles in life decisions, take me on life-changing adventures, and inspire me to serve others by example. May His will and His will alone be done, and may He alone be glorfied.