Dear Family and Friends,

One question I am frequently asked is, ‘how does God speak to us?’ My usual response is He does so in many different ways. That with God all things are possible.

The inspiration for this week’s message proves that point – all things are indeed possible with our God!

Many of you know Aileen and I enjoy Korean dramas. One of our favorites is a Netflix series centered on a platonic agape-love relationship between a middle-aged, middle management structural engineer and a young temporary office worker.

As they left work after a long day, they had the following exchange:

“Engineer: I’m a structural engineer, not an architect.

Temp: Aren’t they similar?

Engineer: An architect designs buildings. A structural engineer is a person who calculates how to construct a building with what materials so it comes out safe according to the design.

Every building is a battle between external and internal forces. Wind, load, vibration. We calculate all the possible external forces, then design the internal forces stronger than that. An apartment is designed to withstand 300 kg per pyeong. Schools and auditoriums where many people gather are designed to bear a much heavier load.

The internal forces must always be stronger than the external forces.

Life is, in a way, a battle between external and internal forces. No matter what happens, if you have internal forces, you’ll last.

Temp: What are the internal forces of life?

Engineer: [Long pause] I don’t know.”

As this scene ended God said to me, ‘You know the answer, right?’

That said, what are the internal forces of life that enable us to withstand the external forces that life throws at us?

As we begin a month of celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, let me remind us that the coming of Jesus was so much more than what is found in John 3:16. Our salvation was just one of many reasons why Jesus came.

The Gospel of John is where we find Jesus’ final teachings to His eleven disciples. The Last Supper was done, as Jesus began to share another reason why He came.

“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” John 14:15-17 NIV

The answer to our K-drama question is: the Spirit of truth, otherwise called the Holy Spirit. He is our internal force of life that enables us to overcome the external forces of life, however sinister the forces may be.

The Holy Spirit is the One we can trust to be our comforter, counselor, advocate, guide, intercessor, and teacher, according to our needs.

The Holy Spirit is the One who enables us to live a life of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. (The fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23)

This leads us to a question to ponder this week –  are you trying to live your life on your own internal force or strength? Or are you truly living by and walking by the Spirit?

Let’s take some time to reflect on the fruit of the Spirit above. Let’s ask ourselves, ‘In times of stress or duress, when the external forces of life get overwhelming:

  • Am I able to love others selflessly and unconditionally?
  • Are my circumstances stealing my joy and peace?
  • Do I patiently wait on God and His perfect timing or do I race ahead on my own?
  • Am I kind to all, even those who are challenging?
  • Do I choose to always do what is morally right, being good, in spite of the ways of the world?
  • Do I trust and follow the ways of our Lord even when God’s way is not always clear?
  • Would I consider myself to be a gentle spirit?
  • Am I able to submit my will to that of the Lord’s?

Has this time of self-reflection told you anything? Can you perhaps use an increase to the internal force in your life?

I suspect we all came to the same resolve.

Then let’s be like the apostles who once said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” Luke 17:5 NIV

The following are a few first steps to start the journey.

We can start by being intentional about our relationship with God. Take the first step towards making God a priority in your life and watch what He does in response. James 4:8 NIV says, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.”

The next but related step is to be humble. “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 4:10 NIV

If we want to be filled with the Holy Spirit, we need to empty ourselves and make some room.

Some say in order to be humble, think less of oneself. I don’t know about you but the more I think less of myself, the more I think about myself. My suggestion is to instead fill your thoughts and your time by talking with God and marveling at His creation.

The last step is to study our Bibles, listening to and understanding what it says. In John 14:26 NIV, Jesus says, “the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

But allow me to add these words of wisdom, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22 NIV

As we start this journey to increase our faith, please don’t forget that life with Jesus is about the journey, not the destination.

Enjoy the relationship as it blossoms. Cherish the boundless benefits we are graced with; benefits like the gift of the Holy Spirit.

May Jesus bless your week, and may the Holy Spirit be with us throughout.

And if you must know, the name of the series is My Mister.

In love always,