Bible Reading

Participants: Kanami, Seiyu, Hiyori, Ko, Akari

Time: 9:00 AM

We read Psalm 31.

Hiyori shared that verse 21 stood out to her the most. Like David, she wants to continue having a close relationship with God where she can talk to him at any time. Regarding her week, she shared that she’s been preparing for her upcoming finals and projects, as next week is her last week of summer school.

Akari shared that verse 5 stood out to her the most, as she realized that both Jesus and Stephen quoted this verse. She also learned that God shows mercy to those who stay true to him.

Kanami learned that David knew he needed help from God and trusted that God would deliver him.

Ko shared that from today’s chapter, he sensed David’s desperation and could relate to it, especially from when he was really sick. He shared that through his sickness, his relationship with God deepened, and he wants to always put his trust in God and make positive confessions.

I shared that it is good to be vulnerable before God and bring our weaknesses to him, as that enables him to strengthen and lift us up.

Akari prayed for the upcoming camp, that we prepare with open hearts and seek God’s guidance (Ephesians 4:3–4). We prayed in tongues afterward.

Ko prayed for the upcoming piano concert, asking for guidance and unity (Proverbs 16:3). We prayed in tongues afterward.

Starting at 9:00-9:45am, we read Psalm 28.

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

Hiyori learned that to always come to God and ask for His help. David trusted God, and he also chose to praise Him. That reminded her that when she sing praise songs, she shouldn’t just sing the words. What matters most is having a heart that truly wants to worship God. We’ve been learning that God cares more about our hearts than how well we play or sing, and want to remember that. She also learned from verse 4 that even though David asked God about people who did evil, he understood that it wasn’t his job to repay them or judge them. God is the one who judges.

Ko said verse 5 stood out to him which apply to his life of the transformation he has experienced over the past year and a half both spiritually and personally that it came from God, not from his efforts. He recognized the importance of remembering this so that he remains humble and avoids becoming prideful or looking down on others, knowing that the change in his life isa result of God’s work rather than his own.

I learned that David’s description of God as his rock and fortress stood out to me. It reminded me of the worship song Praise the Name of Jesus. Through this chapter, I was reminded that God is strong, dependable, and the one who gives us strength. I also like how David consistently praised and described God’s character, which encouraged me to reflect on who God is.

Akari learned that God is the one who leads and shepherds His people, both individually and as a group. David’s prayer reminded her that the Lord guides, cares for, and carries His people, including the church and our youth group. She also reflected that it’s important to remember that God is the true leader of His people and the one who faithfully directs them.

Seiyu didn’t have anything to share.

Lastly, we prayed about upcoming camp for the Holy Spirit to guide all who’s participating and also when leading the activities too, we stood on Hebrew 10:24-25; we also prayed about the Praise Time/Testimony Time during camp to praise God heartily and prepare our hearts, we stood 1Thessalonians 2:4 and Colossians 3:23; and last we prayed about Piano Concert of the day of where we gather and to guide us(Houshisha) when we serve others, we stood on Ephesians 4:2-3.

Participants: Kanami, Seiyu, Hiyori, Ko, Akari

Time: 9:00-9:45am

I started by prayer. Then we read Psalm Chapter 26-27.

Hiyori: From these chapters I learned how David put trust and had faith in God in his everyday. Within the problems that he face, there were many walls he needed to overcome. But he wasn’t affected by bad ways/worldly ways, but had real hope to God, so I also want to keep this mindset in me.

Akari: She shared that David treated God as someone he trusted the most, and respected him like his father. Which led him listen to God’s word/ teaching in everyday life. And David had personal relationships with God, and she shared to trust God how David trusted God is helpful in life.

Ko: He shared how David kept God as center of his life. He learned that to be careful of who he chose to hang around with. Since in the past, he was worried about how other people thought about him, and was not centering God. So he learned importance of centering God in his life more.

Kanami: From these chapter she saw that how confident David was talking, and in Psalm 26:8, it says he built the house of the lord; and he wasn’t afraid of people around him. Which showed how much love he had to God. And he doesn’t lose his connection with God. She learned how important it is to ask God, and also to express love to God like how David did.

Seiyu: He saw that David relied on God more than people around him, and that that is really important. Because God will always help you.

In the end, we prayed for coming up camp and piano concert.

Attendees: Kanami, Seiyu, Hiyori, Ko, Akari

Chapters: Psalms 23 and 24.

Ko shared that Psalm 23 became more meaningful to him today, noting that verses 4 and 5 encouraged him and gave him a foundation to trust in God.

Hiyori shared that verses 1, 2, and 3 stood out to her the most. She learned that her life belongs to God and was reminded to ask Him for help whenever she faces problems.

Akari shared that today’s chapters reminded her that there are good and bad sheep according to God, and that we need to spread His word since that is why Jesus died.

Kanami shared that verse 7 reminded her that God will always guide her along the right path and protect her from Satan’s traps.

I shared that verse 4 stood out to me the most because it states that God will always comfort me during dark and tough times.
To close, Kanami prayed about the upcoming camp and the junior group, Akari prayed about Rikuto’s health, and I prayed about the piano concert. After each prayer, we all stood on scriptures and prayed in tongues for a little while.

Attendees: Kanami, Seiyu, Hiyori, Ko, Akari

Time: 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Chapters: Psalm 22

Hiyori: She learned that, as David trusted in God when he was in trouble, she should trust in God in her life too, not just in times of trouble but all the time.

Kanami: She learned that everything Jesus did for us didn’t end there, and our job is to continue it by sharing about Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Ko: He said that reading this chapter reminded him of what he learned through his experience and through Masami-san, that the hardships he went through were a shared suffering with Jesus. He said that this changed his perspective from negative thoughts about those experiences to comfort in knowing that Jesus shared in his suffering.

Seiyu: He said he was reminded of the importance of believing in God no matter the circumstances, which can be hard because you can’t see God.

Akari: I shared that I noticed connections in this chapter to what happened during Jesus’ death on the cross, and learned that not only was it a fulfillment of the word, but Jesus also quoted from those verses at that time. I learned from David saying that he will praise the Lord even in distress.

In the end, we prayed about God’s guidance for camp activities, the piano concert, and the protection and guidance for the high schoolers in the youth group. We pulled verses and prayed in tongues for each one.

Starting at 7:30-8:15pm, we read Psalm 20 & 21.

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

Akari learned that she doesn’t necessarily have doubts, but she still has hesitation, and she sees that hesitation as something brought on by Satan that she needs to overcome by fighting the fight of faith. She related to David by recognizing that, even if he was scared facing his enemies, he trusted that God was going to be the one who won the victory. She also realized that while she knows this is true in her head, she wants to believe it more deeply.

Ko learned that he needs to fight the good fight by remembering that this battle is called a good fight because we’ve already won it, because Jesus has already won the battle. He realized that Satan usually attacks people who don’t know the truth, and when he forgets that truth, he starts believing thoughts of worry and anxiety. Reading the chapter helped him realize more deeply that his victory has already been won and it’s not dependent upon him, but on Jesus. He also wanted to apply what he heard in service by confessing that the Strong One lives in him and because Jesus is strong, he is also strong, especially when he feels overwhelmed by his circumstances.

Hiyori learned from chapter 21, verse 6 that God has given her unending blessings, and that it’s important to not just know it, but truly understand it. She realized that, because she has grown up in a Christian environment, these blessings can start to feel normal but she wants to remind herself that they are not ordinary they are because God is looking over us and giving us unending blessings. She also recognized that the gifts and opportunities she has, like knowing how to play guitar and being in the guitar group, are not just coincidence, but part of God’s plan to spread His Word. Finally, she wants to live the same way at school as she does at church to be free instead of blending in so she can share God’s blessings with those around her.

Seiyu didn’t have nothing to share in these chapters.

I learned from Psalm 20 that even when people fall, we rise up and stand firm, because I have a firm foundation in Jesus. It reminded me that Jesus is in me, and that gives me strength to face spiritual battles in this world. I also realized I need to remember this in my daily life, like at work, by listening to worship songs that help me keep my faith and stay grounded in God.

Lastly, we prayed about upcoming Youth
Evangelical Meeting, we stood on Romans 15:5&6; we also prayed about more people to come to Jun-chan’s piano concert, we stood on Isaiah 60:4&5; and last we prayed about Rikuto-kun’s healing and also Hannah and Luka’s healing, we stood on Exodus 15:26 and James 5:15.

Participants: Kanami, Seiyu, Hiyori, Ko, Akari
Time: 7:30-8:05pm

I prayed in the beginning and we read Psalm 19.

Akari: From verse 7-9 she shared that she agrees with this. They talked about how it gave joy, life and refreshing to the soul. For her it’s when she goes to church and listen to service and going to Cornelius meeting, even words spoken sounds harsh, but it’s the truth.

Hiyori: Verse 12 stood out to me the most. How David mentions about forgiveness for hidden faults, is important to keep reminding myself. Sometimes you will be told you’ve done wrong, or things that you’ve done wrong in the past, to repent each time, and he will forgive you.

Kanami: How precious God word is, compares with how people who speak could lie and also be false. But form verse 10, she shared about having word of God in heart and speak about it form what she have in her heart is really important.

Ko: When something that is Gods creation reflects the purpose of what it is created for, such as nature. Looking at natures and animals, they live as how they are created. From verse 3, he learned to not act on how others sees him, but instead be himself of how God made him is best.

Seiyu: Verse 7 stood out from this chapter. The first part of that verse reminded him of God’s kingdom and who God is. He shared that he can learn many things from these verses.

In the end, we prayed about Piano Concert, Camp and upcoming July 4th.

Time: 7:30ｐｍ – 8:10 ｐｍ

Bible chapter: Psalms 16

Akari shared about verse 5 from chapter 16 and how deeply David loved God.
Hiyori learned about David’s great faith and how he trusted he would never be shaken with God by his side. Because of this, she expressed a desire to remain unshakable just like him.

Kana shared that Psalm 16 reminded her of yesterday’s meeting with the Pastor after the English service, particularly how David was God’s chosen one.

Ko shared that he really liked the latter half of the chapter and found it very encouraging. He spoke about how David always tried to do God’s will, noting that he wants to learn to genuinely do God’s will himself.

I didn’t have any specific reflections to share from today’s chapter.

Ko prayed for guidance regarding the piano concert postings and flyer distribution times, standing on the Psalm 90:17. Afterward, we prayed in tongues for a little.

Attendees: Kanami, Seiyu, Hiyori, Ko, Akari

Time: 7:30pm – 8:30pm

Chapters: Psalm 14-15

Hiyori said that she was reminded that we were forgiven to forgive even the little things. She also shared that this chapter reminded her of Noah, and how he stayed on God’s way when no one else did.

Ko shared that he realized how much he needs God and the Holy Spirit’s power to live his life the way God wants him to. Without God, Ko said that he ends up doing things for his benefit.

Kana shared that Psalm 14:6 stood out to her because she remembered that even if you can’t see, God is always there. And she said that, just like she also learned in the recent services, she accepts spiritual reality more.

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

I shared that verse 15:4 stood out to me the most because I realized that is something I lack. After reading this, I will make more effort to stay true to my word.

In the end, we prayed about the upcoming youth evangelical meeting, the piano concert, James and Esther’s spiritual protection during their trip, and Rikuto’s healing. We pulled verses and prayed in tongues for each one.

Starting at 7:30-8:10 pm, we read Psalm 13.

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

Akari shared how verse 5 & 6 stood out to her, especially, “I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.” This connects to the idea of “rejoice in the Lord always.” We can learn from David where he is still rejoicing and being thankful to God no matter what is happening to him. It also reminded of the movie David connecting to the part when he was escaping from Saul, but he still trusts in God.

Hiyori learned that David had really strong trust in God. She think that trust was key to how he decided what to do when he faced problems. David faced very big problems, from running away from Saul to leading a kingdom as king. Her problems may not be as big as David’s, but she still has important decisions to make, like thinking about her next steps after college and getting a job. She wants to learn from David and have a strong trust in God no matter where she is in her life.

Ko learned from this chapter is that he relate a lot to David, especially when he says, “How long must I wrestle with my thoughts?” He tend to overthink, and sometimes find himself questioning God and wanting answers right away. It can be difficult to fully trust Him when he does not understand what He is doing. What stood out to him was that even though David was struggling and asking God why, he was still able to rejoice in God and trust Him. He realized that he needed to learn from David and continue trusting God, even when he didn’t have all the answers.

What I learned from this chapter is how strong David’s faith was in God. It stood out to me when he said that he trusted in God’s unfailing love. David focused on God’s love and what God had done for him, which is why he was able to have true joy. David could see God’s work in his life through the Holy Spirit, and I learned that it is important to rely on the Holy Spirit so we can recognize God’s work and experience true joy. I also noticed that David ended by praising and thanking God, which showed his trust and gratitude even during difficult times.

Seiyu didn’t have nothing to share in this chapter.

Lastly, we prayed 3 things, 1) I prayed about the piano concert where we ask for guidance when we pass out the flyers and people who accepts or see the flyers to come. We stood on Philippians 2:13. 2) Akari prayed about Rikuto-kun’s healing and also his sister Rena-chan to strengthen her faith. We stood on 1 Peter 2:24. 3) Ko prayed about James and Esther’s spiritual protection. We stood on Psalm 121:5&7-8.

Participants: Seiyu, Kanami, Hiyori, Ko, Akari

Time: 7:30-8pm

I started with prayer. And we read Psalm chapter 11-12.

Akari: She shared about making the words she speak sharp not flattering words. Personally she says that she doesn’t use flattering words herself, but knowing that God doesn’t like that kind of surface level word is important. So being able to discern that flattering words; such as at her work place.

Kana: From Psalm 11, she liked how David says to don’t runaway from reality or take the easy way. David knew that God will help each one of us. Many people may say/choose easy way around, but by choosing harsh way, you would get training form that.

Ko: He learned from this is that saying lurk warm words and having one foot in good and other on bad side isn’t right. Because this is having two sides to yourself, so it’s necessary to be careful of what you say. And he says that he personally tend to say thing that he doesn’t think, so that makes mouth unclean. Not be sway by the world and not trying to fit in with the world.

Hiyori: From Chapter 11:7, it reminded me to be Pure, especially in confession. Pure wasn’t just not to lie, but to say and do what is right in God’s eye. For me, not just keep thinking/knowing what’s right but say and not hold back.

Seiyu: He shared that Chapter 11:5 caught his attention since here, it said clearly about what God hates with passion.

At the end, I prayed to ask guidance for place to post Piano concert poster and especially where to pass out the flyers, so that right people will be led. We stood on Philippians 2:13.

Attendees: Seiyu, Kana
**Hiyori and Akari could not join

Passage: Psalms 10

What We Learned:
Ko
I learned how I should not think that the verses on the “wicked” do not apply to me. Anyone is susceptible. God has been teaching me recently through Masami-san how I should always ask him whenever making a decision. This will help me to always seek his will instead of trying to do things according to my own fleshly calculations.

Kana:

She realized that David wrote this passage to caution us that we can become blind sometimes. At the same time, he also wants us to know that when we do become blind, God is still there. She’s learned that when we are blind, we end up trying to do things on our own which tends to make our situation worse. Nevertheless, God is always there, so that we can come back to him.

Seiyu:

He learned that even when it may seem as though God has abandoned him, he is there. Nevertheless, he is silent sometimes because he wants to teach Seiyu something or make him stronger.

Prayer:

Kana suggested that we pray for God’s protection of the entire youth (‘youth’ includes the juniors and little children as well) this summer (this is based on what Masami-san has said about how summer is a time where children [young and old] become especially vulnerable to spiritual drift) so that we do not fall into Satan’s temptations.

Scripture: Matthew 6:13, Psalm 91

Starting at 7:30-8:05pm, we read Psalm 8 & 9.

Participants were Seiyu, Ko, & Kanami. (Hiyori and Akari were on a trip).

Ko learned the importance of not only remembering what God has done in his life, but confessing His goodness. He believe that positive confession is especially important during difficult times when it feels like all hope is lost. Remembering what God has done helps him stay focused on His faithfulness. He also connected to what he learned today’s service how he’s learning to see true self image in how God sees him and how valuable he is to God.

Seiyu didn’t have nothing to share in this chapter.

I shared how Psalm 8 reminded of me of the worship song Majestic. From the Psalm 9:13-14, when David asks God for mercy and to lift him up from the gates of death, I could see how he trusted God and already knew that by trusting Him, he will experience deep joy. I also connected to today’s service when I learned the difference of real joy and temporary joy. Temporary joy comes from feelings/circumstances, but real joy comes from seeing God’s work in our lives. I could relate to this through my path of becoming a chef. Seeing how God guided and prepared for me gave me a deeper joy from looking into His guidance and faithfulness.

Lastly, we prayed for to guide us when preparing for the next Evangelical Meeting and we stood on Colossians 3:16-17.

Participants: Kanami, Seiyu, Hiyori, Ko, Akari
7:30-8pm
I started with prayer and we read Psalm chapters 6 and 7.

Hiyori: I shared that David had strong trust and faith in God that he would be watching over him to take care of him in difficult times whether that’s from enemies or about himself. David also kept that strong trust and asked God, which led him to the right way. So this is what I need to do more of, and not give up easily.

Kanami: From Psalm Chapter 6, she saw the difference between Job and David. In David he has been confessing his faith, and that he had confidence in God that he would help him. It also connects in the service of confession time, to confess with faith, and not to forget to thank God.

Akari: David was always with God, and what she learned from this chapter was that he was thanking God all the time. Which is why God liked David and helped him.

Seiyu: He didn’t have anything to share from this reading, but he shared about his week.

Ko: He learned that by reading psalm, he saw how much confidence that David had and was a lot more sure of what would happen than Job. Since he had strong relationships with God, and we can see that at the end of the chapter it is written that David always thanks God. Sometimes some worries are overwhelming, but if I confess knowing there’s power in what I say.

At the end, Ko prayed about when we do a praise song, for us to have the right heart with unity. We stood on the scripture Psalm 100.

7:30-8:20pm

Passage: Psalms 4-5

Share:
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