I
have been spending time with God, praying and journaling to Him. Some things came to my mind about the discussion at a Small Group Leader Meeting, and I feel convicted to share them with you.

Cam Trough

I started using the English version of Living Life devotional when Pastor Tim introduced it to us three years ago. For the first two years, I read it whenever I feel like it. As a Christian, I knew I was supposed to read the Bible on a daily basis. So, I tried reading the Bible every day. I even put it on my to-do list. But like other items on my to-do list, I often don’t get to them that day. Sometimes to-do items get pushed down for days or even dropped of the list. Bible reading was like that for me. I put up a good front. I read the Bible for fellowship Bible studies. I even led Bible studies. I wasn’t happy with my Bible reading and devotional life, but I thought that’s the best I could do.

In February 2013, I started going to the Wednesday morning QT group. I started reading the scriptures in Living Life more consistently. I liked the QT group and made myself get up on Wednesday mornings to go. I was depressed then, so it was hard for me to get up in the morning. I like the intimacy of the English QT group; therefore, I made an extra effort to get up and go. I managed for the most part, but not always. Things started improving in my life. Miraculously, God gave me a house. With 30 people already on the waitlist, God made it possible for me to buy one of five lots released in a new development. I signed the purchase agreement in March 2013 and moved into my new house in August 2013. The amazing thing is that I was not even working at the time. I only had my disability benefits and yet I was able to qualify for a home loan. Since then, many amazing things have happened.

God gave me a house

Linda c mo passed away in December 2013. I was shocked. Since we were in the same QT group on Wednesday, we had grown closer. I didn’t know what to do or what to think. I didn’t understand how it could be that God took such a young, good sister away. God comforted me. To my surprise, I remained fairly calmed with support from my therapist.

Linda c mo and Pastor Tim used to go praying at the Korean church at 5:00AM in the morning. I wondered what it is like to pray in the morning. Being depressed, getting up in the morning was hard. Amazingly, I awoke at 6:00AM on December 18, and I started reading the scripture in Living Life. I began to journal and spend time with God. I enjoy it. Things started getting better and my desire to spend time with God increased. Since that morning, I have been able to get up at a reasonable time in the morning and spend time with God first thing in the morning. In addition to reading and meditating on scripture, I started to journal and document the time I spent with God in my Living Life devotional. I even have full conversations with God. As I often run out of space in the book, I started writing on plain paper and inserted the pages into the book. Sometimes, I have so much to share with God that I filled multiple pages. Besides laying all my thoughts openly before God, I also sing to Him in most morning. Now, nine months have passed and I am still spending time with God first thing in the morning. This is totally beyond my wildest dream. I now feel closer and more intimate with God, my Father in Heaven. Now, I also know it is possible to find God when I seek Him wholeheartedly.

From being depressed and suicidal to being hopeful, I have been positively changed by God in at least these 10 areas since I started doing QT and spending time with God first thing in the morning nine months ago:

1. I no longer resent my life. I embrace it believing God will make it beautiful in His time.
2. I no longer fear God’s punishment for things I did in the past.
3. I now have a sincere desire to spend time with God.
4. I am totally over my past relationships. This is a huge one for me. I had struggled to let go for many years.
5. I am more able to handle conflicts without stressing out.
6. I know God will always provide for me in extraordinary ways, so I need not worry about tomorrow.
7. I can sing a bit better.
8. I recognize more Chinese characters.
9. I have true inner peace under the Holy Spirit’s guidance and protection.
10. 10. I am joyful.

God has healed my brokenness. Now the joy on my face reflects the joy in my heart. I no longer have to fake smiles. This is liberating. Now that you have read this far, I hope you are inspired by my testimony. If you don’t already spend time with God in the morning, I really encourage you to try it out. Since most of you work, it’s hard to make time in the morning. However, the little time you sacrifice in the morning to seek Him will be rewarded in many ways. The Living Life devotional works great for me, but for some of you, you could use a different tool for devotion. The important thing is that you are seeking Him consistently in the morning so that He can bless the rest of your day.

With all this being said, I have to acknowledge that I am still a sinner. There are things I still struggle with and fall short of His glory, but I believe God is changing me and making me more like Christ as I seek Him out.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; He who seeks finds; and to Him who knocks, the door will be opened.”
— Mathew 7:7-8

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
— John 10:10

Please share you spiritual journey so that I too, can be inspired and encouraged. This is fellowship. May God reward you with His presence as you seek Him.