Bible Reading

Time: 10:00-10:35am

Passage: 2 Kings 25

To me, v.27-30 stuck to me the most. I felt that Evilmerodach freeing Jehoiachin and giving him a seat above kings symbolized how Jesus graciously freed us and gave us seats next to the Father in heaven. V.29 states how Jehoiachin put off his prison garments. To me that represents how I took off my old self and put on Jesus. This reminded me of what I learned in the Cornelius meeting, a couple days before. I learned that the reason Adam did not feel naked in the Garden was because he had spiritual clothes on and he ruled as a king. However, that was taken away after he sinned, but, Jesus won it back for us. By wearing these spiritual clothes, we represent him and his spirit flows through us. And the way his spirit goes out is through our mouths. I talked about how, during the Cornelius meeting, we opened up the passage in Isaiah, where he sees the glory of God trying to go out of the temple. The temple represents our bodies and the entrance is our mouths. Therefore, by becoming aware of the power that my mouth holds, it helps me to be more careful as to what I say.

Time: 10:00am – 10:35am

*Since, the first 9 chapters are mostly genealogies, we vaguely skimmed through it and started at ch. 10.

Passage: 1 Chronicles 10 & 11

I learned about seeking guidance from God. From reading about Saul, throughout most of his life, he always took action according to his own calculations and what he thought was best for himself. For example, when Samuel was late for the offering, Saul became panicked bc his army was ready to leave him, so he just offered the sacrifice for himself, instead of trusting God. Or, when he was told by God to kill all the people, he left the best alive. From this, I can see that he did not have a good relationship with God, because if he did, he would know God and trust him to come through. However, since he did not really know God, he thought that he had to do everything himself because God could not. This is something I am currently learning to do more: to develop a relationship with him so that I can learn to trust him and seek guidance from him.

On the other hand, God was with David, as v.9 states, meaning that David always trusted God and did his will. The reason he was able to do that was because he had a relationship with God and so by always talking with him, he knew what God’s will was. Therefore, he did not have to calculate because he knew that God would provide. I also desire to do God’s will and always be with him, currently right now, God has put me in the position to be a leader in the church in multiple areas, and what he has been teaching me right now is to speak my mind more and not back down from others even if they may try to shut me down or go against what I say.

Kanami shared how she believed that there was a reason that this passage, talking about David’s mighty men, was written down in the Bible. She believes that God provided and brought these mighty men together to support David. In the same way, God brought the Davar youth together, therefore, she believes that as God’s family, we should also come together as なかま、and support each other.

*We decided to have the second Bible reading on Wednesday bc tomorrow, I will be going to an orientation for my college with my parents.

Time: 10-10:16am

Passage: 1 Chronicles 12

From this passage, I could see how much God was with David. Since David always stayed close to God, meaning he always trusted in him and did his will, God provided for everything else. This is something I want to be able to do, I want to be able to truly seek God first with no other motive other than wanting to really get to know him. Bc I have come to understand more that when you put God first, he will make everything go right. I have talked about in the past how it’s been difficult sometimes as the youth leader to bring everyone on board with things, but I have learned that instead of me trying to chase after everyone in this way, I can just focus on what God wants me to do and he will bring everyone to me. That’s what I believe was happening here in this chapter, David simply followed God and as a result, God brought all these people under him to support him.

We started at 7:30 pm, and the participants were Hiyori, Emiri, Akari, Timothy, Tomas, and Seiyu. Hiyori learned that

David didn’t prepare his people enough when bringing the ark, which led to consequences. She also shared how it is important that she prepare herself for the upcoming camp outdoor activities, as she will be leading some of them. She said she can prepare herself by praying to God about the activities.

Regarding her week, she practiced guitar today, and she also said that her summer classes will end in July. Emiri learned that Uzzah didn’t know the seriousness of bringing the ark, which was why he died. Regarding her week, she shared that in one of her summer classes, she joined an activity where they put a bunch of rubber bands on a watermelon and waited till it cracked open. She shared that this can be one of the camp pool activities.

Akari learned that Uzzah’s death was a result of the Israelites mindset. She also shared that God was trying to teach them to sanctify everything for him and that he is holy. Regarding her week, she shared that she made tanghulu today using a takoyaki pan.

Tomas learned that whatever you do for God, you should do it seriously. He also shared that he got free sushi after his volunteering activity.

Timothy shared that the people did what they thought was good and that they didn’t do what God saw as God. He also mentioned that someone like David, who was close to God, had flaws and that the people treated the act of bringing the ark like a festival, which displeased God. From this, he shared that he needs to stop sleeping during the service and to have respect for God.

Regarding his week, he shared that he practiced guitar during the week and that he had cake from 85 Degrees Bakery for his birthday. He also mentioned that he finished watching Bleach. I learned that you shouldn’t do things you are not supposed to do, and Uzzah did something he wasn’t supposed to do. I also shared that the act of steadying the ark wasn’t bad, but Uzzah’s motivation was most likely bad, which led to consequences. I shared that it is important that I only do things that I am instructed to do regarding the upcoming piano concert and camp.

Today, we read 1 Chronicles 11 and 12. The participants were Akari, Hiyori, Emiri, Tomas, Timothy, and Seiyu.

Akari learned that the Israelites were very supportive of David, which was why he was successful as a king. He was also successful as he obeyed God and his commands. She shared that she is a part of God’s army, and one of her jobs is to obey commands of the leaders and to be loyal to God. This week she made a tote bag to use during the weekly flyer times.

Hiyori was reminded through today’s chapters to use her knowledge and talents solely for God. She shared that she went to CSULB to pass out flyers today with her sisters and Timothy.

Emiri learned that just as the Israelites supported David to the best of their abilities, she is to support God in the same way. She said she feels like she can support God more by inviting more of her friends to the piano concert. Regarding her week, she shared that she had fun yesterday and she enjoyed smelling different kinds of candles with Yui.

Tomas thought it was interesting how David was able to gather all of his people as God gave him authority and power to rule. He also shared that he enjoyed yesterday’s birthday activities.

Midway through the Bible reading, Timothy wasn’t answering, so we decided to continue the reading and share without him.

I learned that the Israelites had good unity with David, which was why they were successful. I shared that it is important to have unity regarding the upcoming concert and to cooperate with each other to pass out as many flyers as we can.

列王記下23章を読みました。参加者は、あかり、えみり、ティモシー、ひより、そして聖悠さんでした。あかりは今日の章が列王記上13章とどのように関連しているのか興味深いと思いました。また、人々が偶像崇拝を続けても、罪の根源は変わらないということを学びました。今週の出来事として、珠理さんが始めた新しい工作プロジェクトを始めたことを話しました。また、来週から裁縫を始める予定だと話しました。

えみりは、将来がどうなるか分からない中でも、聖書の言葉を信じ続けることの大切さを学びました。今週はカウンセリングのクラスがあり、大学について考える機会になったそうです。大学進学に不安や不安を感じていると話しました。あかりさんは、神に祈るべきだと話しました。

ティモシーは、ヨシヤ王のように神に身を捧げることの大切さを学びました。列王記下の人々が偶像崇拝に身を捧げていたこと、それは世俗的なことだったと語りました。彼は今週の出来事について、引き続き「BLEACH」というアニメを見続けていると話しました。ひよりは、26節にあるように、神の怒りには限界があり、それが裁きにつながることもあることを学びました。

彼女はまた、夏期講習があと一つあると話しました。それは演劇のクラスで、7月に終わるそうです。私はジョサイアが正しいことをすることを恐れていなかったことを学びました。これは大切な考え方だと思います。周りの人がどう思おうと、何を言おうと、正しいことをすることを恐れないことが大切だと学びました。私はウェイトリフティングで左肩を負傷したこと、そして常に正しいフォームでリフティングをすることが大切だと話しました。

We read 2 Kings 23, and the participants were Akari, Emiri, Timothy, Hiyori, and Seiyu. Akari thought that connection to 1 Kings 13 in today’s chapter was interesting. She also learned that the roots of sin didn’t change for the people as they continued worshipping idols. Regarding her week, she shared that she started a new craft project, which Juri started. She also said that she is going to start sewing next week.

Emiri learned that it is important to continue to believe in the words of the Bible despite not knowing what the future will look like. She had a counseling class this week, and it made her think about college. She said she feels intimidated/unsure about college. Akari said that she should pray to God about it.

Timothy learned that it is important to dedicate himself to God, like King Josiah did. He shared that the people in 2 Kings dedicated themselves to idols, which was worldly. Regarding his week, he shared that he is continuing to watch an anime called Bleach. Hiyori learned that God’s anger can reach a certain limit, as stated in verse 26, and that it can result in judgment.

She also shared that she has one more summer class, which is a theater class. She shared that it ends in July. I learned that Josiah wasn’t afraid to do the right things, and I think this is an important mindset. I learned that it is important to not be afraid to do the right things despite what people may think of you or say about you. I shared that I injured my left shoulder from weightlifting and that it is important to always lift with proper form.

Time: 10:00- 10:40am

From this passage, I learned about being humble. As someone who cares very much about what other people think of me, I have also tried to show off some of the things that I have. I realize now that that is because I do not understand my true image, which is in how God sees me. Nevertheless, he has been changing me day by day through Masami-san and Jun who have been helping me to understand the value that I have in Christ.

Another thing I learned was to think about others. I too have had the same selfish mentality that Hezekiah had of thinking that as long as I’m ok, nothing else matters. Even if someone else is in trouble, that is none of my business. I realize now that that is wrong, and in the same way that God cares for me and never lets me go, I should love others the same. Currently, God has been helping me to grow by giving me many opportunities to be a leader in the church, I have come to understand more about how I should think about the people that God has put under my responsibility through the guidance of Masami-san and Jun. It has allowed me to think bigger and is helping me to get rid of the mentality of only trying to see how other people can benefit myself.

Kanami shared about how she also has been learning to think about others as well. She applied this to how she felt about the praise time last Sunday. She thought it wasn’t good. She felt off and realized that she was only thinking about herself while singing. What she felt she should do next time is be a good example to the people that are watching so that they can see God through their playing.

After hearing this, I shared about how I was doing the same during the praise time. I instinctively start thinking about myself in the sense that I want to sound the best out of everyone. This results in a feeling of competition between the other players. That is not good. What I should be doing is, as Kana said, being a good example by praising God, really meaning what I say when I sing the lyrics.

From this chapter, I learned about how, as a leader, how you act determines how the people under you will act. Any person put in the position of a king carries a significant responsibility. The people that are under you may not always like you, but they do look up to you to a certain extent. This has made me realize the responsibilities I carry as a leader. As the leader, I often analyze how people are behaving and in the past, I would often allow myself to conform to those patterns. For example, if I feel that my group is not cooperative and does not really want to be there, I would also act as if I did not want to be there myself out of fear. However, If I conform along with how I think the people are acting, then I would just be allowing Satan’s to work all the more of making everything go wrong. Therefore, through these experiences, I have come to understand what it means to have the heart of a leader, once again through the help of Masami-san and Jun, and be the one to lead the group by always giving my best. That, I believe, will allow God to change the hearts of the people and bring them together.

Kana shared about how she could relate to what I was saying as she too, has had experience with being a youth leader.

Kana did not really have anything to share.

I shared about how the week before, I had mentioned that I wanted to go post posters at the Disney Hall since it was right in front of the Colburn School. However, I called them and they told me no, so that was that.

Also, I shared about the youth meeting we had about July 4th.

Time: 10:00 – 10:20am

I shared about how I learned from this story that it is important to always ask God about everything, that is something he is been teaching to me to do currently. The first thing Josiah did was asking God, instead of going to people, that is something I need to do more.

Kanami shared about how from this passage, she learned from the actions that Josiah took, how after hearing the word of the LORD, he immediately repented, asking God what it is he should do. She learned how she feels that she should do the same by having an open mind more and always be ready to accept God’s word.

Kanami shared how she was able to get the off day for July 4th.

今日は列王記下21章と22章を読みました。7時半から読み始めました。全員が参加し、えみりはヨシヤ王が律法の書を見つけた時、すぐに悔い改めたことを学びました。これは良いことだったのです。

えみりはまた、クリスチャンとして悔い改めが大切であること、そして日々、神のためにどのように生きているかを振り返ることも大切であることを学びました。今週の出来事として、えみりは水曜日にコルネリオ会の集会に参加し、11歳の子どもたちと散歩をしたことを話しました。11歳の子どもたちとの散歩を通して、友達やクラスメートがヤコブとエステルの家庭教師をしていることを知りました。

ひよりは、旧約聖書には様々な王がいて、忠実で神の戒めに従った人もいれば、不従順で偶像崇拝を選んだ人もいたことが興味深いと思いました。今週の出来事として、えみりは演劇の授業がほぼ終わり、最近授業で日本の古い戯曲を分析したことを知りました。

あかりさんは、夏休み中なのでチラシを配るのに良い時期だと話してくれました。また、これは神様の計画の一部でもあると話してくれました。今週の出来事としては、ハシエンダハイツ／エルモンテに行って、ピアノコンサートのポスターを色々なお店に貼ったこと、来週は家族とロングビーチに行ってポスターを貼る予定だということを伝えてくれました。

トーマスさんは特に何も話しませんでした。ティモシーさんは、旧約聖書の様々な王の治世中に、偶像崇拝のために神が怒っていたことを学びました。このことから、自分が楽しんでいても神が嫌うものを捨てることの大切さを学びました。私は、聖書には隠された力があり、ヨシヤ王に神に悔い改めを促した力があったことを学びました。毎週集まってオンラインで聖書を読むのは良いことであり、毎週数章読むことで、目に見えない、あるいは気づかない方法で私たちに益をもたらすことを伝えました。私の今週の出来事としては、呪術廻戦シーズン2を再び見始めたことを話しました。

Today we read 2 Kings 21 and 22, and we started at 7:30. Everyone participated today, and Emiri learned that when King Josiah found the book of the law, he repented right away, which was a good thing.

She also learned that repentance is important as a Christian, and it is also important to reflect on how you live your life every day for God. Regarding her week, she shared that she joined the Cornelius meeting on Wednesday and she took a walk with the 11-year-olds. From her walk with the 11-year-olds, she learned that her friends/classmates are James and Esther’s tutors.

Hiyori thought it was interesting how there were varying kings in the Old Testament, as some were faithful and followed God’s commands, but some were disobedient and chose to worship idols. Regarding her week, she learned that her theater arts class is almost done and that she recently analyzed an old Japanese play in her class.

Akari shared that it is a good time now to pass out flyers, especially since all of us are on summer break, and she also shared that it is part of God’s plan. Regarding her week, she shared that she went to Hacienda Heights/El Monte to post the piano concert posters at various stores. She plans on going to Long Beach with her family next week to post the posters.

Tomas didn’t have anything to share. Timothy learned that God was angry during the reign of various kings in the Old Testament because of idol worship. This taught him the importance of getting rid of things that you enjoy but that God dislikes. I learned that the Bible has hidden powers, and it had the power to make King Josiah want to repent to God. I shared that it’s good that we come together every week to read the Bible online and that reading several chapters every week benefits us in ways we don’t see and/or realize. Regarding my week, I shared that I started re-watching Jujutsu Kaisen season 2.

今日は列王記下20章を読みました。参加者は、トーマス、ひより、えみり、あかり、ティモシー、そして誠優でした。午後7時33分に始まり、ティモシーは途中で参加しました。

ひよりは、神様にお使いいただくためには強い願いを持つことが重要だと学びました。強い願いを持つことが最初のステップであり、チラシ配布などに応用できると彼女は言いました。また、金曜日に行われた前回のサマースクールについても話してくれました。

えみりは、ヒゼキヤが統治の間、神様に忠実であったにもかかわらず、自分のことばかり考えていて民のことなど考えていなかったことを学びました。えみりは、周りの人々のことをもっと考え、自分の行動がどのように他の人々の役に立つのかを考えたいと話しました。

今週の出来事について、彼女はオクシデンタル大学とカリフォルニア州立大学ロサンゼルス校の学校見学に行ったことを話し、オクシデンタル大学のプールが一番印象に残ったと話しました。あかりは、神様が私たち個人だけでなく、私たちの教会のような集団も見守り、導いてくださることを学びました。

彼女はまた、人それぞれ性格が違うことを伝え、自分の性格に合った活動や趣味を見つけたいとも話しました。トマスは、ヒゼキヤが地上の財産を見せたことは、彼が神に背を向けたことを象徴していると学びました。

トマスはまた、地上のものは一時的なものであり、この世のものよりも神の計画に焦点を当てることが大切だとも話しました。ティモシーは、今日の章でヒゼキヤが激しく泣いたという箇所から、悔い改めの過程の一つは神に正直になることだと学んだと語りました。

また、ヒゼキヤは利己的で、周りの人から認められたいと思っていたことも学びました。また、今週、夏期講習を終え、部屋を掃除したことも話しました。私は、ヒゼキヤが自分の富を誇りにしていたこと、そしてそれが破滅につながったことを学びました。そして、あなたの賜物や才能は神から来ており、神のために使われるために神によって与えられたものであることを学びました。

2 Kings 17 & 18

From this passage, I learned about idols, not putting God first. In my life, I do have idols that I put above God, such as human words. To me, human words hold more value than God’s words. I go on emotional rollercoasters over what I feel people think of me or what they say about me. Nevertheless, with the help of the Holy Spirit, through Masami-san and Jun, I have been able fix this problem more and more by learning to speak my mind more.

Kanami shared about how the reason that the people kept turning to these idols was because they did not have God’s word in their heart, which was something she had learned about in the previous Sunday service.

Hearing Kanami share this, I also realized that the reason I’m so moved by human words is because God’s words aren’t in my heart, and therefore human words hold more value to me.

From this passage, I learned how important it is to have the wisdom of God to be able to discern between human words and God’s words. Satan is very deceptive and without the help of the Holy Spirit, I know that as a human, I stand no chance against him. I have experienced this many times and have fallen for some because I did not have my guard up. Therefore, I want God’s words to enter my heart more so that I will be able to see through Satan’s deception and not fall for it.

For Kat’s birthday, Kanami and her whole family, with Ulan, went to a restaurant to eat. They had a very good time.

I shared about how I was planning to go to the Disney Hall to post the piano posters, since it’s right in front of the Colburn School. I had tried to go previously on a Saturday after the flyer time at Little Tokyo, but it was closed.

I also shared how I planned to go see “28 Years Later”.

6/26

2 Kings 19

Currently, my goal is to heal my body completely before the piano concert and camp. Throughout this journey, there have been times where I have made mistakes which have ended up setting my body back a little bit to its former unhealthy state. Considering the fact that I spent 5 years breaking my body down, I sometimes end up looking at the circumstances of the time I have left until the concert/camp and it scares/overwhelms me. However, I know and have experienced that God is always on time, he is never too late or too early. Therefore, I trust in his time and continue to believe with faith that he will heal me before the piano concert and camp because I know that he is a good God and it is his will for me to be healed. He is bigger than my troubles and he will never fail.

Kanami shared about how sometimes at work, she gets overwhelmed since it is a high-level, private restaurant and the atmosphere is very intense. But, the story of King Hezekiah reminded her that God’s power is greater than earthly things, so it’s important for her to always trust him and act according to his will.

Last week, I was surprised to see Kana at the Cornelius Meeting, so she shared how she was off that day. The reason for that was because her boss received a star, a huge honor. Apparently, this is where a someone comes to the restaurant to review, appearing as an ordinary customer, and if the restaurant is doing good, they get a star. Moreover, it seems that her boss is one of the first female chefs to receive this honor. This also happened on the same day as Kat’s birthday, so it was a very memorable and happy experience for her.

I shared about how I went to see “28 Years Later”, with my parents. I was first planning on going by myself, but Masami-san told my parents to go see it with me so that they would come to know what type of movies I like to watch currently. So they went. While watching the movie, I was more worried about whether my parents were doing ok, especially my mom.

As expected, they both did not like it, but I found the movie quite interesting. Apparently, the film was filmed with iPhones, so the cinematography/ camera angles were very up close and kind of chaotic for the purpose of making the audience feel as though you were there with the characters. There were certain scenes were full of tension and anxiousness making you grip the edge of your seat while there were other scenes that were full of emotion (I shed a tear).