May 2026

7:30-8:20pm

Passage: Psalms 4-5

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Hiyori learned from ch.4:8 and 5:12 about how God will surely provide and take care of us. She’s been learning in the sermons how much God loves her and she wants to be able to continue to live with this faith.

Akari learned about the importance of respecting/fearing God and serving him (Hoshi). She could see how much David did so in his life. Through her own service within the church, she’s come to understand the value of these actions.

I learned about completely putting my trust in God. I’ve realized how much practice this actually takes. Because the physical reality feels so real, it is tempting to give in to my emotions and allow myself to be controlled by circumstances. However, I am learning, with the help of God, to fight through this and trust in what the Bible says.

The perspective change in David’s writing in the beginning of verse 5 left an impression on Kana. He begins by writing about how those who sin will be judged by God, but then he writes that those who come close to God, God will accept.

She connected this to what she learned during today’s youth meeting discussion with Masami-san:we all sin, but we that’s why we have Jesus. Drawing also from what she learned in the sermon as well: Jesus was the one who took on all of our sins. Thus, we should not think about ourselves, but pray for others.

Seiyu learned that God likes it when you rely on him. He rejoices, but you also feel happy. That’s something he needs to do more in his life. Sometimes, Seiyu has questions about weightlifting, because he doesn’t have a mentor and teacher, thus requiring him to figure out things for himself. So, he thinks it’s good to ask him from time to time. Although God may not reveal everything quickly, at the right time, he will teach Seiyu.

Prayer:

I prayed that we can be good examples of God, reflecting his love, towards Rikuto’s sister when she joins our Bible reading so that she will feel welcomed and encouraged. We prayed in tongues after.

Scripture: Romans 15:7

Starting from 7:30 pm, we read Psalms 2 and 3.

Participants were Kana, Hiyori, Ko, Akari, Yukino and Seiyu.

Hiyori shared that from Chapter 3, verses 5 and 8 stood out to her the most. These verses reminded her that she is not alone and that God is always with her.

Ko shared that we should always trust that God can deliver us. He is currently struggling with school, but realizes it is time to put his trust in God.

Akari shared that the end of Chapter 3 relates to the song, My Help Comes from the Lord. She learned that going to church serves as an encouragement from God while living in this chaotic world. She shared that God is always with her and that she has personally experienced it.

Kana shared that the people who rebelled against the kings in the Old Testament did not respect or appreciate God, and their values were wrong.

I didn’t share anything from today’s chapters.

Yukino-san had questions about Psalms Chapter 1. Akari answered her questions, and Yukino-san mentioned that she enjoyed Griffith Park.

Hiyori prayed that tomorrow’s activities would go well and stood on Psalms 133.

Starting at 7:30-8:20pm, we read Job chapter 41 & 42.

Participants were Seiyu, Hiyori, Ko, Akari & Kanami.

Ko shared how Job 42:5 stood out to him. He learned that, like Job, suffering can make someone truly seek God because, when things are out of your control, you realize there’s nothing else you can do. Looking back at his sickness last year, he says he’s thankful God used that experience to better and transform him. Even though he wouldn’t want to go through it again, and doesn’t believe God caused it, he feels it helped him know God on a more personal level, see how good He is, and grow a stronger desire in his heart to seek Him more.

Hiyori learned that in Job 42:7, God was angry with Job’s friends because they sounded wise but did not speak truthfully about Him like Job did. Even through suffering and confusion, Job stayed faithful and honest with God. She also learned that people may sound right, but it’s important to know the real truth about God and keep faith during hard times.

Seiyu learned that Job prayed for his friends and forgave them, even though they probably had sour feelings between them. From this, he learned that people should forgive others and not hold onto bad feelings.

Akari sees in this chapter how God is in control and realize in her life time when there were Eaton fire. It was surprising for her that her home area were safe and see how God works in times like this.

I see in chapter 42, when you overcame with any suffering, God will surely help and give more good things than what you expect. I also see this in my lifetime, when I had downfall, but I overcome it and God guided me and provide me with more like when I got my job which was unexpected.

Lastly, we prayed about the Memorial Day, so that it goes well and for safety. Also, thanking God for guidance and organizing for this event. We stood on Psalm 133:1.

Participants: Kanami, Seiyu, Hiyori, Ko, Akari

I started with prayer and we read from Job 40.

Ko: He shared that verse 12 stood out to him, where God is talking to Job, whether you can maintain the world such as knowing what is good or wicked. This made him realize how wise God is. As human, he sometimes tend to think the way he can understand about God. But God has always plan for his life.

Hiyori: I shared that from looking at how Job repented, he realized what was wrong on his side. And also that he repented from his heart, so form this I also need to do the same, not just realizing what was wrong, but really repenting and know that God forgives us.

Akari: She didn’t have anything to share.

Kanami: She shared that she went to pass out church and house church flyer at park in Arcadia, during the house church time.

Seiyu: verse 1 stood out to him. Sometimes he says harsh things to his mom. So from these things, he shared it’s important to control your emotions right way.

In the end, Kana prayed about how passing out the flyers goes well and that each one of will be used for God’s word to spread. We stood on Isaiah 54:2, and 55:11.

We started at 7:30 pm and read Job 38 and 39.

Hiyori learned that God reminded Job that he is in charge of the universe and that our problems are small compared to what he can do.

Akari learned that God is in control of everything and that instead of trying to figure things out on her own, she should ask him for guidance.

Ko learned that God is bigger than our problems. He shared that problems sometimes overwhelm him, but he learned that God is the one in control of our situations.

Kana learned the importance of trusting God, sharing that when we focus on our problems, we can’t focus on him. She was reminded of who God is and how powerful He is.

I shared the importance of trusting in God no matter the circumstances. I shared how it is painful to hear and see my dad say mean things to my mom sometimes, which makes me want to move out. But, I shared that it is important to trust in God’s timing and stay patient.

Hiyori prayed for the youth Memorial Day activities, asking that everything goes according to plan.

Job 37

Hiyori stated that from v.13-14, she learned that God has a plan/purpose for everything.

I shared how Elihu and Job’s friends are always talking about how vast God is, which is true, but I believe it’s also important to remember that I can now come directly before God because of what Jesus did for me. This helps me to be more personal with him.

Kana: At this point, she feels that it is meaningless for Job to listen to his friends or Elihu. She learned from this chapter that it is important to not let anything get in between your relationship with God. Therefore, when it comes to these types of situations, it is important to ask/talk to God directly.

Akari did not have anything to share from the passage.

Seiyu: God made nature and so it’s important to do what you can to preserve the earth; that’s one way to express your love for God.

Prayer:

Akari suggested a prayer for God guidance for everyone (in the Bible reading group). I asked in what sense, but she stated that she had not thought that far yet. We were looking for a Bible verse for her prayer and I suggested Matthew 6:33. However, she stated that that was not what she had in mind when she brought up the prayer. It seemed like she got lost in her thoughts and in the end, she decided to cancel the prayer. I still thought it was a good prayer so I took it up in the way that I thought the prayer was about which was for God to continue guiding us within our lives so that we may continue to draw closer towards his purpose for us. I stood on Matthew 6:33.

Attendees: Kanami, Seiyu, Hiyori, Ko, Akari

Time: 7:30pm – 8:15pm

Job 35-36

Ko shared that he thought Jobs’ friends aren’t really helping him but are just accusing him. From that, he said that when he’s leading or encouraging someone, he needs to level with them, understand their situation, and speak to them at the same level, rather than trying to impose his own thoughts. K
Hiyori shared that if you have problems and worries it may seem like God is not looking and taking care of you, but in reality, God has bigger plans that we don’t know about. She shared about writing a literature review for her class on communication with children.

Kana shared about how she didn’t like how Elihu referred to himself as one with “perfect knowledge” and talked down on Job rather than encouraging him.

Seiyu didn’t have anything to share from the chapters.

I shared that I was reminded that it is so important to acknowledge and respect God in your heart. I also saw that it was necessary to reflect on my values and ideas.

In the end we prayed for unity and guidance since we started new houshi (church schhol, audio, web).