ロサンゼルス、名古屋、福岡ジュニア聖書通読と純のコメント

Timothy
In Psalms 50, it says that God had “no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens…Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.” (v. 8, 14, 15). In other words, God does not want sacrifices as a thoughtless ritual but wants the people to give thanks and honor him. In verses 16 and 17, the psalmist writes about the hypocrisy of the wicked; “What right have you to recite my laws or take my covenant on your lips? You hate my instruction and cast my words behind you.” I learned that like the sacrifices, these Bible readings are not to be done legalistically.

Jun re: Timothy
I learned that like the sacrifices, these Bible readings are not to be done legalistically.
The author of this psalm points out that God has no need for sacrifices, since the whole earth belongs to him. This is something that seems self-evident, but something that we so easily forget. Even the monetary offerings we give, we need to remember that what we are doing is merely giving back a small percentage of what God gave us. The same can be said with Bible reading, or praying, or coming to services, or doing houshi. From God’s perspective, he doesn’t need us to do any of those things. He is God! We are the ones who need to do these things and we are the ones who benefit by doing them.

Did you think about how “burnt” offerings are differentiated from “thank” offerings in this psalm? God says he has no need for “burnt” offerings, but seeks “thank” offerings. What’s the difference? And what do you offer God as your “thank” offering?

A hint can be taken from the next psalm. David says, “my sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” This is a strange expression—isn’t something broken of less value than something whole? Isn’t it better to have (and offer) a healthy, whole spirit and heart, than a broken one? But it seems like God desires a broken one.

In a sense, those who are suffering right now have broken hearts. Those of us, on the other hand, who were “lucky” run the danger of not having broken hearts. (Think about what this means for you.) Let us strive to always offer God broken spirits.

Tomas
This week’s Bible Reading, I learned in Psalms 49 that you shouldn’t be envious when others grow rich since they are just worldly things that will not last forever. Applying this to my life, when doing something like helping or praying for someone or something, I should do it in a way that pleases God rather than just doing it do say it or to make others feel good about me since that is worldly and it won’t really help since there was no faith in God when doing that.

Jun re: Tomas
Yes, very good, Tomas! I can tell from what you wrote that you really learned this truth by reading this Psalm. Simply doing something “good” is not enough—what matters is the motivation and whether you are doing it to please God, not other people (even the people you are doing it for).

What the author of this psalm (and God) wanted to say was that in the end, all people—rich or poor, even good or bad, wise or foolish, are the same. None of us can take anything with us when we die. Coming home from Suzuki-san’s place yesterday, we drove through the neighborhoods that got the worst of the Eaton fire. People were visiting their “homes” (but really, it was not possible to tell where one home ended and the next began, because everything was reduced to ashes) and trying to salvage anything that survived. It was impossible not to feel pain for what they were going through, and to realize how fortunate we and the other church members were.

But at the same time, this Psalm reminds us that though it seems like we still have our things and homes left, all of us are the same as those who lost everything in the fire. In a sense, we should live the rest of our lives until we die, as if we have already lost everything of value—except for one thing!! The salvation that comes from Jesus’ death and resurrection. This is the only thing we can “take” with us when we die. This is the only thing of value we have on earth. We must let as many people know, for as long as we have breath. Don’t you think so?

Emiri
From this week’s bible reading I learned from Psalm 49:20 “People who have wealth but lack understanding are like the beasts that perish.” I learned that things in this world is useless if you don’t have God’s word. Applying this to my life when I think about all the time when I chasing after just good grades and things, I learned that it isn’t important as I thought through this fire. I learned that through Gods word we are given things that are really important like life. So I want to not go after things like just good grades and material things but to seek God because he’ll provide for my needs and to pass on the blessings I received to my friends and classmates.

Jun re: Emiri
Your lack of specificity in what you write makes me think that you are not writing about things you really thought yourself or understood from reading the Bible, but are trying to write things that maybe you think you should write about. There’s a big difference between the two. If you really did think these things from reading the Bible or from what you experienced in the past few weeks, be more specific and practical in what you say. Your writing should never be something chatGPT could come up with (I’m not just writing to Emiri!).

I learned that it isn’t important as I thought through this fire.
What kind of things did you learn as you “thought through this fire?”

I learned that through Gods word we are given things that are really important like life.
But God gives life to all living beings—regardless of whether they know God’s word or not. What exactly do you mean by the “life” that you receive through God’s word?

and to pass on the blessings I received to my friends and classmates.
So how are you going to do this in reality? What do you have in mind? Since you lived so close to the neighborhoods that were burned in the fire, did you contact your friends and old friends from grade or middle school who may have lost homes or may be going through a hard time because of the fire? Of course, invite them to church (because like I wrote before, what people need most, more than material things, is the hope and strength that comes from God’s word), but also, you can share what you know about all the resources available to them that you and your family are currently benefitting from, or you can even provide more direct help as well, since none of you lost anything in the fire.

Another way you could have “passed on the blessings” is by inviting Timothy and/or Tomas to your hotel in Redondo Beach, and you guys could have enjoyed the pool and the beach, or watching movies in your room since you guys were staying in a really nice hotel. (Whenever juniors/youths had breaks from school, we always tried to schedule fun things to do for you guys, right?) Or you could have invited Hanna over, since her birthday that Yuka had planned was canceled because of the fire.

(I’m not saying you should do these things now—first of all, school is resuming soon, and the time to do it has already passed. Also, doing these things are meaningful only if they come from your heart, not someone else’s heart. But sometimes, I feel I need to provide concrete examples of what I mean by saying “be more specific.” Otherwise, you guys don’t give these things a second thought.)

Emiri
In this week’s bible reading I learned from chapters 46:1-2 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. [2] Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,” and 42:5 “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” that even through trouble it is important to put my trust in God and praise him since we know that he will save us. This week with the fire there was a lot of things happening but through reading the Bible it gave me the confidence that everything was fine and God would provide for us. I learned more about putting 100% trust in God I feel like I would say I trust in God but it wasn’t doing it but this week taught me to trust in God fully and calling on him.

Jun re: Emiri
Verses like these hit different, when you are actually going through something similar or seeing others close to you suffer, don’t they? Use this as an opportunity to expand your boundaries—everyone’s boundaries in this church are so small. They include mostly only their own family members. Think about how people who don’t know God as you do must be suffering right now, losing in an instant what they worked so hard for many years to build, and not knowing what the future holds. If you go through this experience just thanking God for how fortunate you were, I don’t think God is happy.

In a sense, those of us who were spared such losses, were spared because God expects us to use our resources to help others more, because we need to learn more to give. Just as those who are taken to heaven are taken because their work on earth is done, those who are left on earth are left because we still have work to do.

Let’s think about what that work is.

Tomas
This week’s Bible reading in Psalms 42, I learned about how even though you feel down, God is still there with you and if you put your faith in him, he will grant what you want. Applying this to my life, in my second semester of 8th grade, I currently am having to work on more assignments, tests, projects, etc… compared to last semester. So whenever I struggle with those things, I should remember that God is with me, and I am able to pray to him everyday for guidance.

Jun re: Tomas
So whenever I struggle with those things, I should remember that God is with me, and I am able to pray to him everyday for guidance.
Guidance for what exactly? Guidance so you can do well in a presentation? Get a good grade? Pass the tests? Try to go beyond that—beyond just thinking about receiving God’s blessings for yourself. Why do you study in the first place? What is your motivation for doing well in academics, or sports, or music?

If your motivation can truly be so you can become a better-equipped vessel for God, then you are Jesus’ co-worker! This doesn’t happen in a day of course (i.e. changing your motivation), but you can start by noticing the difference and wanting to change and grow into someone who wants to be of use to God and other people.

むかい
今回の聖書朗読では、詩篇44篇6,7の「私の弓に私は頼りません、私の剣も私を救いません。しかし、あなたは私たちを敵から救い、私たちを憎むものどもを辱められます。」のところからやはり自分がもっとも頼る、信じるべき存在は主ただ一人であるということを証でもあったように再び確認することができました。
学校で出された、班でアフリカ州についてまとめて、発表するというものがあったのですが、これが班でやったとしてもかなり時間のかかり、そして班の人たちがバラバラになっていて発表までの時間ではかなり危険な状況でした。その時に神様に頼ることにし、祈って、またまとめの続きをしていました。そうしたら、班の人たちがしっかり協力し合い発表までに間に合わせることができました。
このようなことから証でも書いたように、自分がまだも頼る・信じるべき方は主ただ一人であるということが再確認できました。

Jun re: むかい
神様に頼ることによって、うまく行ったなら、すぐ次の節に書いてあること、やりましたか？やってますか？「私たちはいつも神によって誇りました。また、あなたの御名をとこしえにほめたたえます。」また１節には「私たちはこの耳で、先祖たちが語ってくれたことを聞きました。あなたが昔、彼らの時代になさったみわざを。」（長年の間語った人たちがいるから、この詩篇を書いた人も起きたことを知っている。）その後、神様がしてくれたことが書いてありますね？自分たちが勝利を得たのではなく、全てが神様がなさったことだと。これを、ムカイがすることです。発表がうまく行った、、それがどうした？ムカイは昔よく、友達に神様のこと話した、とか、神様のこと知って欲しい、と口癖みたいに言ってたけど、この後、どうなった？最近全然言わないけど？

聖書読む時は、神様が僕のために何をしてくれるのかな、と探して読むのではなく、自分がなすべきことは何なのか、変えるべきところはどこか、神様は僕に何を期待しておられるのか、をもっと真剣に考えて、読むと成長します。

Timothy
In Psalms 42:1, the psalmist compares his thirst for God to a deer’s thirst for water. To the psalmist, just as water is necessary for life, God is also, expressing a deep, personal relationship with God. Psalms 43:3, 4 says “Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.” From this, I learned to seek God and his presence. If I seek him, he will guide me to him. Like the psalmist, I want to seek him constantly and to have a personal relationship with God, putting praise and prayer as a part of my life. I need to recognize that God is with me always, and is not a distant and unreachable figure.

Jun re: Timothy
In Psalms 42:1, the psalmist compares his thirst for God to a deer’s thirst for water.
Yes, this verse was especially poignant this week, seeing images of deer running away from the wildfires, and sensing myself how dry the air was before the windstorm came and during the fires as well. Lack of water is of course, one of the main causes of destructive wildfires and the inability to contain them. But as this verse implies, this is not merely a physical phenomenon. The same thing happens in your spiritual reality. When you lack living water that comes from God’s word and from worshipping him on a daily basis, your world becomes very dry spiritually. This can ignite fires that will destroy things much more important than physical homes or possessions. Keeping up with the Bible reading as you guys are doing, is one way you are making sure to water your spiritual garden everyday.💦🌱

If I seek him, he will guide me to him. Like the psalmist, I want to seek him constantly and to have a personal relationship with God, putting praise and prayer as a part of my life.
Good! The fact that you realize this and confessed it by expressing it in your email, is a big step up.🆙 Were you able to stay awake today?😊

I need to recognize that God is with me always, and is not a distant and unreachable figure.
Yes, he is not only not distant or unreachable, but the closest being to you in the whole universe. He knows things about you that even you do not know and cares about every single tear shed, or every little thing that brings your joy. Trust in him.

Tomas’s testimony:
From the 2024 Summer Camp, I learned there is no need to worry about anything as long as you are close to God. For example, over that summer, there was a storm in the Philippines that struck where my grandparents were which flooded the place where they lived. When I heard about this, I was I was really worried and concerned if they were alright. So I prayed about these things and to protect them from the storm. Luckily, they were okay and were even able to come visit us in the United States. So, even though we have our struggles, trust and stay with God and he will help you from what you are dealing with.

Jun re: Tomas
Good, Tomas. I was happy that your grandparents were able to come visit your family, too. I also hope that since you’ve experienced being really worried about them when they lost their home, you will also be able to help, encourage and care for others outside of your family with the same love you feel for your grandparents. What people need most, more than material help, is the hope and power that lives in the word of God, because this is what gives people the strength they need to overcome any trials that come their way. Tell your friends about your best friend–Jesus Christ!

Timothy’s testimony:
During this camp, I learned a lot from the service and doing the skit. We ended our skit by crying out to Jesus, which is something that I had never done before. Despite my initial reluctance, as we practiced throughout camp and heard the sermons, that hesitation quickly went away, since I knew that Jesus heard us and was with us when we called him.
Another thing that I learned was the importance of having desires and believing that God will fulfill them. Before, I would often look at the circumstances and give up on things because they seemed impossible. However, through the messages during camp, I learned that if I continue to believe, God will surely accomplish those desires despite the circumstances; so, just as we called to Jesus in the skit, I will continue to call on him, knowing that he hears me and will fulfill his promises.

Jun re: Timothy
I am (a little) surprised that you’d never called on Jesus’ name until doing it in the skit, but I’m glad that it served as an impetus for you.一回ポッキリにしないことだね！Jesus’ presence is more real than the person standing next to you. I really hope you continue overcoming your reluctance at each service and “practice” calling on Jesus’ name, confessing, shouting “hallelujah, amen, ho!” etc. from your heart when Pastor encourages you guys in the service. If you can do it in the same way you did in the skit (remember the same thing happened in the summer skit? you said you wished you could’ve shouted “Hallelujah, amen, ho!” with everyone else but you couldn’t because of how the play ended), you will grow stronger spiritually this year.

To Everyone:

The giant sequoia trees in Northern California are the largest trees on earth and live for 2,000 to 3,000 years. Do you know how new sequoia trees are born? Through fire. When a fire sweeps through the forest, it burns all the old leaves, needles, smaller trees and bushes near the ground. This does two things: first, it creates an opening overhead for the sunlight and rainwater to fall through, reaching the ground. Secondly, by clearing the ground, the fire allows the sequoia seeds to hit the bare mineral soil to germinate, instead of on top of the bed of dry leaves and needles that usually cover the ground. In addition, the burned debris makes the ground more fertile, providing essential minerals necessary for growth in the spring. Finally, perhaps the most important role of the fire is to heat up the cones in mature sequoia trees, which open up and release their seeds onto the ground. After the fire subsides, winter comes and bury the seeds under snow. When spring arrives, new seedlings sprout in the ideal conditions for them to grow. In years where there were no fires, there were no new sequoia trees.

Let this new year be a season of growth for you. But in order to grow, sometimes you need to pass through fire. (Did you ever think about why the Holy Spirit, whom we often portray as a gentle being, came as fire, not something more comforting?) Fire gets rid of unnecessary things that are hampering your growth. The process is often uncomfortable, sometimes painful and always requires a desire and will on your part to want to grow. It is a decision on your part, to come out of your comfort zone, to not think only about your own blessings, but the needs of others. When your life is over, which will come sooner or later, you will stand alone before God. No one will stand with you. So during this life on earth, it is foolish to let other people hamper your growth. You will have to give an accounting of how you led your life. How many people’s lives did you change for the better? How many people came to know God because of you? This is the only thing that matters.

Emiri’s Testimony:
During this camp I learned that the importance of calling on God. Throughout the camp I learned through the service more about his presence and God answering me under every circumstance. I was able to learn and experience through the skit of Cornelius we did as the juniors about the significance of calling on God.
As the finish/closing of the skit Jun-chan and Masami-sensei said we should cry out “JESUS!” as the theme of the camp was Here am I Call Me!. When we started to practice I was conscious of my surrounding and hesitant but as we practiced and through Masami-sensei and Jun-chan’s guidance, I forget my surroundings and I started to cry out louder. When we did our skit I knew I was calling on Jesus and was filled with Joy. SO I will continue to call on JESUS in every circumstance because I know he will answers me.

Jun re: Emiri
Ok, good, Emiri. You grew up through the camp and doing the skit (and cleaning Suzuki-san’s house before camp😂)! Don’t let calling on Jesus’ name be a one-and-done thing, but build upon what you learned through this experience of calling on his name by continuing to do it in your personal life. When you call on Jesus’ name in the worship service (repeating after Pastor) or doing the confessions, do it with the same heart and boldness as you did in the skit. You can do this if you become more conscious of Jesus’ presence, rather than the people around you.

むかい
夏のキャンプから今までの証

僕は「誰かに頼るのは恥」や「周りから頼らななくなる」などの周りからの評価をを気にして今まで誰かに頼らず自分でやろうとしていました。しかし、大切なことは”まず神様に頼ること”であると夏のキャンプから今までに感じることができました。
夏のキャンプから今までのなかで特に印象的だったものは、家族の過半数が体調不良でダウンしていた時に、僕は家の中の何から何までする必要があった時でした。その時の僕は、自分一人では全てを回すことができないと思っていました。しかし、やって自分だけでやるのはよくないと思い、神様に頼ることにしました。そうして祈りをした後、また仕事に取り掛かったら一人ではできなかったであろう仕事が直ぐに終わりました。このことから僕は”まず神様に頼る”ということがどれほど大切であるかを行動して実感することができました。

Jun re: むかい
前にも似たようなことをムカイは書いてたけど、神様に頼ることを学んだと言いつつ、まだ裏には、自分が人に頼らなくてもできる人間、また、自分が誰にも頼らず、ここまで成長した、という考え・自己イメージが大分残っていることが文章に出ています。まず、神様、そして次に教会（具体的にもっと言ったら、「まさみ」だよね？）がいなくて、今のムカイはいません。そこに、全然気がついてないと思います。

それとは別に、家族が病気していても、ムカイが負担に感じるほど、家事とかを頑張る必要はないですよ！なんとかなります。犬くんの世話だけは、やってあげてください😆。あとは、なんとでもなります。家の汚れを気にするより、心の汚れをもっと気にしてください。肉体的な回復より、霊的な回復の方が大事です。そのために、神様に頼る必要があります。家事をこなすためではないです。

Emiri
In this week’s bible reading I learned from Psalms 37:1 “Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong;” and 3, “Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.” The do not fret and Trust in the LORD part stood out to me since this week I had finals, especially during my Euro final I was iffy on the DBQ as it was on a broad subject that we didn’t go over very much in class, so when I got the documents I wasn’t sure where to begin. But when I started answering each part I began to remember what we learned and that led on to the next answer. I learned that it is important to not worry and trust in God and he would lead me through the problem.

Jun re: Emiri
I learned that it is important to not worry and trust in God and he would lead me through the problem.
Most of your applications are about how you were able to do your homework or pass tests by trusting God. First of all, know that the curriculum is designed for you guys to pass! Secondly, if God is such a necessary part of being able to get through your academic life, are you sharing that truth with your classmates?

Did any of these verses in chapter 40 speak to you? Verses 9-10: “I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly” (not just privately in my heart or prayers) “I do not seal my lips, Lord, as you know. I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help. I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness from the great assembly.”

If God helps you or you receive blessings, he requires that all the glory be given back to him (e.g. if classmates or teachers commend you, how do you respond? how do you act?) and that you share what you receive with those around you.

むかい
今回の聖書朗読では、詩篇37篇5節の「あなたの道を主にゆだねよ。主に信頼せよ。主が成し遂げてくだる」というところから自分を見直すことができました。それは、この生活でありました。僕が塾から帰る時に自転車と車が接触してしまいました。そのような時は交番などに行って報告する必要があるのですが、それはかなり時間が取られるものでした。なのでやらないで行ってもなんともないのですが、どうすればよいか分からず主に委ねることにしました。そうすると、交番に行った方が良いと思いました。だから、交番に行き報告しました。この時に自分が「やらないようする」という考えがよくないのではと考えれるようになりました。ですので、必ず主は成し遂げてくださるということがよくわかりました。

Jun re: むかい
言ってる意味がよくわからないけど、、別に自分が怪我したり、自転車が壊れたりしてないなら、交番に行く必要ないんじゃないの？（それとも、自転車で相手の車に傷つけたってことかな？）自分が車乗ってる側で、誰かにぶつけたなら、それは、行ったほうがいいけど。交番に行くことより、なぜ塾から帰る途中で、こんなことが起きたのか？考える方が必要だと思うけど。神様が何かムカイに語りたいことがあるんじゃないかな？

Tomas
This week’s Bible reading, I learned about how God helps us when we put our trust in him in Psalms 37. Applying this to my life, I had a lot of things due today such as my history project, science project, as well as a test for math. Before this, I prayed to God when I worked on all of these things and when working on them and studying, the work felt easier and short even though it was a lot.

Jun re:  Tomas
Ok, good Tomas. Please read my reply to Emiri (although if you can, read my other replies as well—they will help you grow into a strong adult Christian). She wrote a similar thing to you from Psalm 37.

Also, keep in mind that the “trust in the Lord” in Psalm 37 is specifically talking about continuing to do good (even to those who don’t deserve it or act badly towards you, etc.) and to stay righteous despite all the wicked people in this world who succeed and flourish. It is not just a generic “trust in God” when you need his help, and he will help you. Do you see the difference?

I’m not saying your or Emiri’s application is wrong, just that it’s on a very different level. This is also a good example of how one simple truth has many, many layers (the truth here being what “trust in God” means) and I want you guys to be able to dig deeper. The deeper you are able to dig, the more stable your faith will be even when troubles come.

よしや
詩編‬ ‭41‬:‭2‬〜4‬の弱いものへの思いやりがあることを言った箇所が最近のメッセージの内容に合っていて面白かった。災が降りかかった時に、神様はそのような人を助けてくれる。自分のクラスだけのことを考えずに、他のクラスのことも考えて、昔同じクラスだった人のことも気にかけえ

Jun re: よしや
詩編‬ ‭41‬:‭2‬〜4‬の弱いものへの思いやりがあることを言った箇所が最近のメッセージの内容に合っていて面白かった。
Yes, good! 私も同じ節に目が止まりました。災いが降りかかった時（これも大事な真理です：正しいクリスチャンにも、災いは来ます。理由はサタンがまだ世の中を支配してるからです。災いがきた時、どのように乗り越えるかが、神の栄光を表します。良い戦いをするための、今こうして、聖書通読やったりして訓練してます。）災いが降りかかった時、神様が絶対に助けてくれると信じる信仰が持てる秘訣は、強く長く祈ることや、断食することとかよりも、それまで、弱いものへの思いやりを持って生きてきたかどうか、ということです。（また、そういう生き方をしてきた人は、たくさん人のために祈ってきた人ですけどね！😆災いがきた途端に祈ろうとしても、できないですし、効果少ないです。）

自分のクラスだけのことを考えずに、他のクラスのことも考えて、昔同じクラスだった人のことも気にかけえ
適用を書いてるね。👍適用を書くこと（もちろん、書いたことを実行すること）を意識的に練習するとヨシヤが持ってるいいところが生かされます。泳ぐことを物理的に説明するのではなく、実際に水の中に飛び込んで泳ぎ始める時に、世界が開かれます。その時初めて、「泳ぐ」とはどういうことなのか、目ん玉まで濡れる感覚、魚や亀が泳いでるのを上から見るのではなく、一緒に同じ目線で泳ぐ、息が苦しくなる気持ち、体が浮くとはどういう気持ちなのか、、初めて知ります。また、溺れそうな人も助けることができます。ヨシヤの周りには「弱いもの」がたくさんいます。クラスだけではなく、教会にもいるよ！そういう人に対して、思いやりを持つとは、どういう言葉をかけることか、どういう行動をとることなのか？考えて、実行することが適用です。

Timothy
In Psalms 37:25-26 (“I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be a blessing.”) I learned that I need to give more and not be stingy. I need to care for the people around me, and although there is not much for me to give, I can do small things like, in school, taking time to help a friend with an assignment or something. And even if I feel that I can be spending the time doing something else, like studying for a test, I will be fine because God is with me. I also thought that I need to focus more during the service to learn more about God and love.

Jun re: Timothy
Good application, Timothy. It’s good you didn’t just write that you learned to “trust in the Lord” from Psalm 37. Giving generously and not being stingy is a practical application of what it means to trust in the Lord. It is when you start taking these actions (however small they may be), that you can start to have faith that God will actually do the things you ask for when you need his help or you have some kind of desire.

And even if I feel that I can be spending the time doing something else, like studying for a test, I will be fine because God is with me.
Yes👍.

I also thought that I need to focus more during the service to learn more about God and love.
Yes, and don’t think that the worship service is only about studying God’s word more. In fact, the most important thing is to actually “worship” him. This comes before studying. Worship means giving thanks, giving honor, giving praise to God. So we need to start with putting 100% of our hearts into praising God through song, through confessions, through praying. Without doing these things, God’s word cannot enter our hearts, because it is not like academic study, where you can just use your brains to understand the material and pass the class.

Emiri
In this week’s Bible reading I learned from the Psalms 32:3,5 “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. [5] Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.”
32:11 “Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!”
30:8-9 “To you, LORD, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy: [9] What is gained if I am silenced,”
that saying something is really important whether it’s confessing your sins or praising God or calling for help/mercy. I learned that it is important to say the words. Like God did to create this world. (Psalm 33:9 For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.)
Applying this today in my sustainable Agriculture class my teacher put me in charge of making the ground flat for a stand-in garden we are building as a class. Since the teacher told me what we needed to do, I needed to explain it to everyone, but several people ignored me and just watched us do work. After a bit they started to mock me but this one boy who had started working from the start told me that I needed to speak up more and so I went up to them and clearly told them what was needed to be done and they started to cooperate as well. Through this I learned that in everything it is important to clearly say things.

Jun re: Emiri
So you had a good learning experience. It’s something we’ve talked about many times during youth sharing—the importance of expressing yourself and speaking up, but the only way to really learn is through experience. The boy did a good job in telling you that you need to speak up.

むかい
今回の聖書朗読では、詩篇31篇23節「主を愛せよ。すべて主にある敬虔な者たち。主は誠実な者を保たれるが、高ぶる者には　厳しく報いをされる」32篇10節「悪しき者は心の痛みが多い。しかし、主に信頼する者は、恵みがその人を囲んでいる。」というところから2つ学びました。
一つ目は、最近の生活で塾のテストの結果が返ってきて、その時の結果がよく自分がやったかのように自慢をしてしまいました。しかし、そのあと自分がこのように自慢してしまい、周りの人たちが嫌がっていたように思たのでものすごく心に痛みがありました。
二つ目は、僕が学校にいる時に自分が学校で配布されているパソコンで間違った使い方をしてしまいました。そのことは先生方に言わなければ、何もなかったのですが、主はそのように隠すことを嫌うと思い、自分から行くことを決心しました。勿論先生方には怒られたのですが、心にモヤモヤが残らずとても清々しい気持ちとなったので、主にあって誠実で良かったと心から思いました。
このようなことから、23節と10節がよく心に沁み、これからも、主にあって誠実でいきたいと思いました。

Jun re:むかい
しかし、そのあと自分がこのように自慢してしまい、周りの人たちが嫌がっていたように思たのでものすごく心に痛みがありました。
人が嫌がったから心が痛むのではなく、神様が嫌うことをしてしまったことに、心が痛むようになると、そういうところ（自分で悪いと思うところ）が変わってきます。人の態度や言う言葉で、自分を変えてるうちは、内心何も変わっていません。自慢するような行動をとらなくても、心の中では自慢したい気持ちでいっぱいだから、神様から見たら、一緒です。神様に喜ばれる自分になりたく無いですか？自慢してる人間は、正直安っぽく無いですか？もっと高価な人間になりましょう！

ムカイが持ってるものは、全て神様からきてます。健康、頭の良さ、教育、お金、支えてくれる家族、日本人であること、クリスチャンであること、だヴァールという教会（真理を教えてくれる教会）、、何を自慢することできますか？与えられたものを使って、神様と人の役に立てるように、成長するという、答え以外ないんじゃないの？😇

具体的に毎週書くようになったね！👍

Timothy
In Psalms 33 verses 1-3, it says “Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.” It says that to “play skillfully” is important but also to “shout for joy.” I learned that I should continue to play and practice guitar not just for my own fun and enjoyment, but to praise and thank God for all the things he has done for me.

Jun re: Timothy
It says that to “play skillfully” is important but also to “shout for joy.” I learned that I should continue to play and practice guitar not just for my own fun and enjoyment, but to praise and thank God for all the things he has done for me.
Yes! So don’t just practice or play the guitar, but practice singing with your voice when you play. Some of you guys tend to hide behind playing the guitar, and you are not really singing, or praising God through the music. When you use your voice, you have to say the words, which becomes a confession of your faith. This opens the door for God to bless you, for his light to enter, and to give you the power you seek. Open the door to your heart wide open when you pick up your guitar and you might be surprised by how it sets you free.

Next time, like if you guys do a song at camp for example, I suggest memorizing the words and chords (so stick to an easy song if it feels difficult) and singing without a music stand in front of you. Don’t let the stand become a crutch.

Tomas
This week’s Bible reading, I learned about how God forgives those who admit and confess their sin to him in Psalm 32. Applying this to my life, when I do something I think is wrong, for example, not getting mad at small things like how on Thursday how my science project partner didn’t work that much, I should pray to God for me to teach him and show my partner what to do and give him a task rather than getting frustrated at him.

Jun re: Tomas
Not forgetting how much patience and love God has shown you to make you into who you are now, will make being patient to your partner seem like such a little thing in comparison. Anger (or irritation) comes from pride, which in turn, comes when we forget to be grateful.

Timothy
Psalms 23 talks about the blessing one receives if they “dwell in the house of the Lord” (v.6). God will “refresh my soul” (v.3) and “guide me along the right paths” (v.3), and even as I experience difficult times (“the darkest valley” v.4), he is with me and will comfort me (v.4). I learned that I must trust in God and live in him always as he was caring for me since birth, as David writes in 23:9 and 10 (“Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast. From birth I was cast on you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God.”). Applying this to my life, I should trust God and read the Bible and learn from it.

Jun re: Timothy
Psalms 23 talks about the blessing one receives if they “dwell in the house of the Lord”
Yes, but more importantly, can you see that there is no greater blessing than having the right to dwell in the house of the Lord? The way you put it, it carries the nuance that dwelling in the house of the Lord is the requirement one must keep, in order to receive the blessings one really desires. But in reality, the other blessings that people normally seek, are おまけ（freebies—not the real prize, but just cheap stuff given away, like the toy that comes with the kids’ meal at McDonald’s😆).

I must trust in God and live in him always as he was caring for me since birth,
Yes, but even from before birth! Don’t think you exist because your parents decided to have a kid. God had a plan before you were even conceived, and then created you. The way you lead your life will change drastically depending on whether you truly believe this or not.

よしや
地とそこに満ちるもの 世界とそこに住むものは、主のもの。 主は、大海の上に地の基を置き 潮の流れの上に世界を築かれた。っていうのがかっこいい。やっぱりこの世界の色々なものは、神様に溢れているんだなって思った。神様は絶対的な存在であって、それがすごく誇らしい。

Jun re: よしや
ヨシヤが注目するところは、いつも興味深いね。☺️

でも、先週も書いたように、適用まで、ちゃんと書くこと。そういう、かっこいい神様に対して、ヨシヤは何がやれる？人生通して、何がりたい？そして、次の節に書いてある「誰が、主の山に登りえようか、誰がその聖なるところに立ちえようか。」から、毎週神様の臨在に出ていって、礼拝できることが、どれほど凄い特権かわかる？エミリへのメールにもさっき、書いたけど、ダビデが、何よりも望んだことが、２７：４に書いてあります。もう一回読んでみてください。ヨシヤも同じ願い強く持ってますか？😇

Tomas
This week in Psalm, I learned about how God always hears our prayers and cries for help in Psalm 28. Applying this to my life, I currently have a science project that requires building a roller coaster out of paper. Currently, me and my group are working on the designs, but one of our partners won’t be here next week. So, I must pray to God for the guidance and strength I need to continue on this project as well as the leadership in it.

Jun re: Tomas
From Psalm 28, the words that stuck out to me were verses 3 (“…those who do evil, who speak cordially with their neighbors but harbor malice in their hearts”) and verse 5 (“Because they have no regard for the deeds of the Lord and what his hands have done”), because they have somewhat unusual definitions of evil people. Usually we think of evil people as those who hurt others or do plainly wicked things. But these verses talk more about what is unseen—what is in the heart. Especially verse 5 can only be understood by those who believe in God—God regards those who do not give glory (or credit) back to God as evil.

So when you pray to God for help and receive it, always remember to give glory back to God (not just in your heart or private prayers, but in your words and actions with other people as well).

むかい
今回の聖書朗読では、詩篇23篇の4節で「たとえ　死の陰の谷を歩むとしても、私はわざわいを恐れません。あなたがともにおられますから。あなたのむちとあなたの杖、それが私の慰めです。」というところをよく見ました。
私の生活を見てみると、何か自分に不都合があった時に、それに怖気付いてそれから逃げようとしていました。しかし、このみことばにあるように、どんな道であろうとも神様が私と共におられるため、怖気付かずに突き進んでいきたいと思いました。

Jun re: むかい
私の生活を見てみると、何か自分に不都合があった時に、それに怖気付いてそれから逃げようとしていました。しかし、このみことばにあるように、どんな道であろうとも神様が私と共におられるため、怖気付かずに突き進んでいきたいと思いました。
こういうのも、できたら、もう少しはっきり書ける？不都合なことって、例えば何？普通、不都合なことがあると、グータラでやらない、、とかになると思うけど、なんで怖気付くの？もちろん、書きたくない事は書かなくていいよ！でも、書いても構わない事なら、書いたほうが私も、もっとムカイのヘルプになれるよ。

Emiri
In this week’s bible reading Psalms 27:1 “The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” I was reminded that since God is always with me I shouldn’t be afraid.
This week we had the presentation for art about a global issue, our group did homelessness, before I went out I prayed. I was a bit nervous at first but afterwards I was able to speak more clearly and present. Today when they released the score our group had the highest score. I learned from this that it is important to trust in God all the time.

Jun re: Emiri
This applies to everyone, but are you guys trying to always look for something new you don’t know yet, or are you just looking for “reminders” of what you already know? (Because it should always be the former😆.)

I always try to be super lenient with you guys, but if you find yourself writing about the same sort of things every week, it means you’re not really learning anything or listening to God’s voice when reading the Bible. There is always, always something new to discover–a facet you didn’t notice before, or a deeper layer you were unaware of. Look for these things.

For example, since Emiri is looking at Psalm 27 here, what do you think about verse 4: “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple?” It really reveals David’s heart, don’t you think? What he wanted above all else was the privilege of staying in God’s house. How many people can say that and really mean it?

Reading each other’s emails (everyone’s), do you see how different David was from you? On the whole, most of the time, you are seeking your own benefit (doing well at school, sports, etc.), and don’t realize the greatest blessing you can seek is the privilege of worshipping God in his presence.

Or…what about 27:10? Wasn’t that interesting?🧐😂

Happy 16th birthday, Emiri!!!🥳 Did you finish the gingerbread house? Last year, you said you didn’t get anything for your birthday😭, but I hope you got two years’ worth of presents this year.

Emiri
In this week’s Bible reading chapter 18 it “You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way.” I was reminded that God is there to guide you through hardship. Applying this to my life even when I have something hard at school like next week I have a presentation for art. It’s a group project but most of our team wasn’t there last week and we didn’t know the details until a couple days before break, so we haded to do the project in short amount of time. While doing the project bit by bit we as a group started collaborating more and sharing more ideas so we were able to get the framework finished last week. I learned that even though this project was confusing and complicated God guided me through it and we were able get the important things finished.

Jun re: Emiri
In this week’s Bible reading chapter 18 it “You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way.”
Always write chapter and verse when you quote!

I was reminded that God is there to guide you through hardship. Applying this to my life even when I have something hard at school like next week I have a presentation for art.
Ok, but keep in mind that David’s hardship was a very different kind of hardship. Your studying is for your own benefit, and honestly, I would not count studying (schoolwork) as any kind of hardship. It is a privilege to be able to study.

David on the other hand, was already chosen and anointed by God and Samuel for the kingship. Yet, he did not force his way onto the throne but humbled himself not just under God, but under an insane king (Saul). He suffered unjustly and was persecuted for many years, by a king whom he had faithfully served. Reading David’s psalms with this in mind, knowing the kind of life he lived, lends a much deeper meaning to the words with which he praised God.

むかい
今回の聖書朗読では、詩篇第17篇の3節「あなたは私の心の中を調べ、夜私を問いただされました。私を炉で試されましたが、何も見つかりません。私は、口の過ちを犯さないように心がけました。」というもので、この最後の部分にある「口の過ち」について考えました。口の過ちとはそのままの通り口で告白することで、自分にも罪がそして、それを聞いた相手にも罪が入ってしまうというとこだと思います。これらのことを生活で考えると、最近、受けた試験に合格したのですが、それでみんなに自慢していました。そして、それを聞いていた人たちもそのようなことがあった時に様々な人に自慢していたため、それが広がってしまいました。今となってそれが傲慢であったと気づいたので、これからはそのような行動を謹み、口の告白を大切にしていきたいと思いました。

Jun re: むかい
最近、受けた試験に合格したのですが、それでみんなに自慢していました。そして、それを聞いていた人たちもそのようなことがあった時に様々な人に自慢していたため、それが広がってしまいました。
ムカイの言葉がそんなに周りの人に影響するの？😆まー自慢は世の中では普通にあることだね。ムカイも同じようにしてたら、クリスチャンとしての証が全然できてない、という事だね。御言葉が頭の勉強だけで終わってると、そうなります。心の中に御言葉が入っていたら、自然に行動・性格そのものが変わってくるはずです。

具体的に適用を書くようになったね！👍はじめの一歩です！

Tomas
This week’s bible reading I learned about how if we have faith in God, he will, “grant all your requests.” Applying this to my life, when I want something, like a grade I want, a good mile time, or help on assignments and projects I have, I should pray to God for guidance and as well do the things in order to complete the things J want to get done.

Jun re: Tomas
This week’s bible reading I learned about how if we have faith in God, he will, “grant all your requests.”
Don’t just quote, make sure you always write which chapter and verse you are quoting from.

Applying this to my life, when I want something, like a grade I want, a good mile time, or help on assignments and projects I have, I should pray to God for guidance
Ok, but what is your motivation? And for what purpose? This is what God wants to know. If it is just for your own satisfaction, God can only bless you to a certain degree. Look at the great people in the Bible—David, Abraham, Moses, and of course, Jesus himself. Did they pursue success and blessings just for their own benefit? If not, then for what purpose? Think about this.

Timothy
This week’s Bible reading reminded me of the importance of thanking God. Most Psalms praise God in some way; specifically, Psalms 18 is when David was delivered “from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.” After defeating his enemies and being “made the head of nations” (v. 43), David does not grow prideful but gives thanks to God, saying that God was the one who trained him (v. 34) and gave him the strength to “humble [his] adversaries” (v. 39). Applying this to my life, I should always be thankful whenever something good happens, since even if it feels like I did it, God was the one who trained me and gave me the strength to do so. In verses 20 and 24, he also says that God has rewarded him according to his righteousness and cleanness, so (again), I have also been reminded of the importance of continuing reading to understand more about God.

Jun re: Timothy
Good, Timothy. You are in a good spiritual condition this week, so your Bible reading report is also good, can you see or sense that yourself? The Bible reading should have felt easier this week (like the words are easier to understand). Now the goal is to keep this spiritual condition even when you go back to school or get busy with stagecraft, etc. (This applies to everyone of course, not just Timothy.)

Applying this to my life, I should always be thankful whenever something good happens, since even if it feels like I did it, God was the one who trained me and gave me the strength to do so.
Yes, David always lived with God—whether he was in trouble or things were going well. He didn’t go to God only when he needed help. When he met with great success in battle or acquired great wealth, he always gave credit publicly to God. This was one of David’s best traits—more so than his courage or skill in battle. And this is why God loved him and blessed him so much.

よしや
神様は救ってくださる方で、唯一なる方。神様が嫌がるものは避けたい。

Jun re: よしや
神様は救ってくださる方で、唯一なる方。神様が嫌がるものは避けたい。
どこの箇所から、こう思ったの？避けたいことは（神様が嫌がることは）具体的に何？ここを書かないと聖書通読やってる意味が半分以下です。

聖書通読始めた時に書いた「I 入る very much Thank you」のヨシヤの心を忘れないように！神様はヨシヤの頭の良さじゃなく、いつもヨシヤの心を関心もって見てます。

むかい
今回の聖書朗読はサタンはまっすぐで清い人を狙って攻撃をする。
これを生活で考えると、僕が生活していると隠さないといけないものができそうになる時にそれを告白して正直に話すかそれともそれを心にしまい嘘をつき続けるかこのような選択をできる時が何度もありました。サタンはこれに対して嘘のつく選択を勧めます。しかし、それを選択することができるのは自分であり、いつも信仰の戦いであるということを考える必要があるということがわかりました。

Jun re: むかい
これを生活で考えると、僕が生活していると隠さないといけないものができそうになる時にそれを告白して正直に話すかそれともそれを心にしまい嘘をつき続けるか
最初にサタンはまっすぐで清い人を狙うと書いてあるけど、嘘をつくか迷うような人は、まっすぐで清い人と言えますかね？😆

あと、前にも書いたし、トマスにも書いたけど、どこから学んだのかということをはっきり分かるように、ちゃんと毎回箇所（何章、何節）を書いて、引用するようにしてください。むかい自身もその方が、はっきり何を学んだのか、理解できるはずです。なんとなく、全体から、こんなようなことを学んだ、、では成長が悪いです。

信仰の戦いであるということを考える必要があるということがわかりました。
このような事は、信仰の戦いではありません。罪を犯すか、犯さないかのレベルです。

Emiri
In this week’s Bible reading, I learned that it is important to keep your mouth clean by not saying things negatively or saying things you don’t mean. Applying this to my life, this week when I read this passage I was more conscious of what I said and I stopped myself from saying negative things. Like when we started a new unit in math this week and it was confusing, normally I would say it was hard and I don’t get it, but I stopped myself from saying it and I think it helped me understand the math more clearly. So I learned that it is important to not say things negatively.

Jun re: Emiri
In this week’s Bible reading, I learned that it is important to keep your mouth clean by not saying things negatively or saying things you don’t mean.
Again, please make sure to write which exact chapter and verse you’re talking about it, and quote it. I reread all 5 chapters to see what you mean, but as far as I read, none of the passages are really talking about saying negative things. Rather, it talks about flattery, deception, boasting, slandering other people, not keeping promises, and refusing to admit the existence of God. All of these things are different from negative confessions.

Like I wrote to Tomas, don’t ignore the details!

Like when we started a new unit in math this week and it was confusing, normally I would say it was hard and I don’t get it, but I stopped myself from saying it

If something is really confusing or difficult to understand, it’s important to be honest and ask the teacher. This is not negative confession. However, if you’re just saying it’s hard although you really don’t think it’s hard (for example, because you want to “get along” with your friends who are also saying it’s hard), then this is something more (worse) than negative confession, right?

Timothy
I learned that it is important to be consistent with the Bible reading and to keep God in my life. In chapter 15, it says “who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind;… will never be shaken.” Furthermore, I need to know what the Bible says and live my life according to it, so that I would not become one of the “wicked” people in chapter 12, “who freely strut about when what is vile is honored by the human race.”

Jun re: Timothy
Good, Timothy. Even though you’re writing about basically the same thing as last week, I can tell you learned something new from reading this week’s passage. The key is to follow through with what you learned and decided to do.

“who freely strut about when what is vile is honored by the human race.”
This verse stuck out to me as well. Knowing that what the world honors and regards highly is vile in God’s sight is an invaluable pearl of wisdom that will help protect you (if you don’t forget this as you grow into an adult). There is very little worth in people’s judgment. Only pursue and value God’s approval.

Also, just to make sure, I hope you know doing the Bible reading is not an oath that “hurts.”😆 “Taste and see that the Lord is good!” (Psalm 34:8) Ezekiel ate God’s words and it tasted like honey in his mouth. God’s word nourishes you and gives you peace and joy that no one can take away.

Tomas
In Psalms 11-15, I learned about how God is always with us and watches over us. Applying this to my life, I should pray to God if I have struggles. For example, i had a lot of assignments and projects due near their due date and I should ask God for guidance to help me with them.

Jun re: Tomas
In Psalms 11-15, I learned about how God is always with us and watches over us.
Please always write which chapter and verse you’re talking about, and quote it so we can understand what you’re writing about. It will also help you be more specific with your applications. Like I wrote before to Timothy, don’t read the Bible only in broad strokes—by now, you know already that God is always with you. What new thing did you learn about that? What kind of people does God watch over? For what purpose? Is there anything we need to do on our part to stay within God’s protection? In what kind of situations does it become hard to rely on God? Etc.

There are so many layers to one simple truth. If you only look at the topmost layer all the time, you are not growing spiritually.

Emiri
In this week’s bible reading I was reminded that God is with you whenever and wherever you are and will guide and help you. Applying this to my life this week I had a pretty big project for my history class and my was a bit worried about it since I couldn’t find the answers to the questions I had for my research, I was finished with the other requirements but it took a long time looking for the information. I was rushing as I needed to finish it by the next day but after a little break I was able to continue my research and I started to find answers to my research more in depth then before and I was able to finish the project from there in no time. Afterwards when I read the Bible I realized that God led me to the answer and I just needed to rely on God not myself.

Jun re: Emiri
Ok. Like I wrote to Tomas last week, don’t forget that as someone who knows God is with you and will help you, you have a responsibility to share this good news with the people around you. If we spend our whole lives just using those privileges for our own needs and desires, Jesus will be very sad.

If you guys want to grow up spiritually, don’t read the Bible just thinking about “what does the Bible say God will do for me?” but think more about “what does the Bible say I can (or should) do for God and others?” For example, in Psalm 9, sure, it says “the Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” But it also says, “I will tell of all your wonderful deeds…proclaim among the nations what he has done…have mercy and lift me up from the gates of death, that I may declare your praises.” In a sense, it is implying that if we do not declare God’s praises (to the people around us), if we are silent about the help and blessings we’ve received, God cannot continue to rescue us when we call for him. We were rescued first (before the non-Christians around us), so that we can let God’s praises be known to them, right?

むかい
今回の聖書朗読では、神様が私たちの心の中の考えや行動を知っているよう、神様はいつでもどこでも私の隅々まで見ているということがわかりました。これを生活で考えてみると、「誰もみてないからいいや」などの誰にも見せられないようなことをしているということがありました。しかし、今回の朗読から神様が見ているということに気がついたためこのような考え、行動は慎むべきであると行くことも気付きました。

Jun re: むかい
オッケー、ベターだね！この調子で、毎週書いてください（具体的に、格好つけずに）。😇👍成長しますよ！

よしや
「あなたの天を、あなたの指の業を わたしは仰ぎます。 月も、星も、あなたが配置なさったもの。 そのあなたが御心に留めてくださるとは 人間は何ものなのでしょう。 人の子は何ものなのでしょう あなたが顧みてくださるとは。」と言う言葉が印象的だった。この世界は神様によって造られ、人は神様の姿に似せられて造られた。その世界の中で、神様が人間に目を留めてくださるということは、とてもすごいことだと思った。神様が造られた自然はとてもよく出来ている。生物で人間の体の仕組みについてやった。まるで精密機械のように働いていることがわかり、特に肝臓が印象的だった。何千億もの細胞がひしめき合ってるのにも関わらず、機能しているのはまさに神様のわざだと思った。神様は人間にひとり子をおくられた。神様の愛を受け入れることが最も大事だと思う。

Jun re: よしや
学校の勉強を通しても、神様のことをもっと深く知るようになってることは、素晴らしいです。霊の声を、ちゃんと聞き取れてることを、感謝して、その声にどんな時にでも（邪魔してくる思いや感情が湧いてくる時にでも）聞き従うようにすると、尊い器になれます。

肝臓はイエス様みたいですね。血の汚れ、悪いもの、バクテリアなどを綺麗に除く働きをしてくれてるんだよね？その神様の愛をヨシヤが受け入れるだけじゃなく、他の人に分け与えれるヨシヤに成長することを目指してください。肝臓が壊れてしまったり、うまく働かなくなって苦しんでる人たくさんいます。そういう人たちに、イエス様から新しい肝臓と綺麗な血を貰う方法を教えてあげてください。

Timothy
This week’s Bible reading focused heavily on God’s righteousness; he will help the needy and judge the wicked. 10:4, says “In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.” This verse highlights how the wicked ignores God and that “there is no room” for him. Applying this to my life, I need to start reading the Bible everyday so that I keep God in my everyday life (I read it all on Friday).

Jun re: Timothy
Bonus points for honesty!😂

But I hope you will actually look forward to reading the Bible everyday, instead of it being a chore. Personally, I recommend doing it first thing in the morning, before you do anything else.

Jun
Bible passage this week? Did you guys discuss on Saturday?

無関心は兄弟を憎むのと同じと今学んでる事だし、、このメールに入ってる誰でもリマインドしたりしても良いんですよ😆。親は子供と一緒に同じ箇所を毎日読むのがベストですが、最低家で通読のこと話したり、子供や私が毎週書いてるメール読んでますか？だとしたら、普通に今週はまだ箇所が送られてないね？と話題に出そうだけど。。

子供達は、適用が80%ぐらい？！聖書をちゃんと読むことや神様を第一にする事学んだと書いてるけど、本気でやるつもりない事は書かない方がいいです(嘘になるから)。むしろ、やれそうな事を書くようにしてください。

Emiri
In this week’s bible reading I was reminded that it is important to keep God’s word close to you every day and to trust in God. Applying this to my life I feel like I’ve been slacking off on my Bible reading lately and I’ve been putting more priority to my schoolwork, so when reading on how David trusted in God through the Psalms he wrote, I was reminded to put God before school.

Jun re: Emiri
Instead of thinking God first, school second, think of putting God in the center of whatever you do. All the things you do in life, you should give 100% because that means being a good witness for Jesus Christ.

よしや
神に従うことが重要なことであることが分かった。「主の教えを愛し その教えを昼も夜も口ずさむ人。」
は、「その人は流れのほとりに植えられた木。 ときが巡り来れば実を結び 葉もしおれることがない。 その人のすることはすべて、繁栄をもたらす。」と言うことが、やはり印象深かった。何かに直面した時に、聖書の言葉が自然と口から出てくる事が大事だと思った。そのような強さを身につけていきたい。「主の慈しみに生きる人を主は見分けて 呼び求める声を聞いてくださると知れ。」神様の愛の中にしっかりと生きていれば、神様は困った時にいつでも助けてくれる。

Jun re: よしや
何かに直面した時に、聖書の言葉が自然と口から出てくる事が大事だと思った。そのような強さを身につけていきたい。
いい願いです。聖書の言葉が細胞の一部になることです。劇の練習（夏のキャンプで）やってた時、最初はセリフが（いくらヨシヤ自信が書いたものであっても）自分の一部になってないから、あれ、次どうだったっけ？とか、考えながら、話したり、演技しなきゃ行けなかったけど、練習積み重ねていくうちに、アドリブまでホイホイ出てきたでしょ？多分ずっと１週間の間、頭のどこかで、劇のセリフを口ずさんでたはずです。同じことを御言葉でやると、スーパーマンになれます。

反対に、不信仰の言葉や、世の言葉（どうしても学校とかネットを通して入ってくる）を自分の一部にしないように、また口に出さないように、気をつける必要があります。特に、もう子供じゃないから、ヨシヤが話す言葉は周りの人に大きい影響を及びます（いい意味でもです！）。

むかい
今回の聖書朗読では、神様を父として敬い求めることの大切さを学びました。神様が私を産んでくださり、父と子の関係になりました。神様は父と子のように求めよと言っています。それに聞き従い私は神様に私の願うものを求め、神様の望んでいる子が父を敬いそして父がその子を愛すような当たり前のことをより良くしていきます。

Jun re: むかい
具体的に自分で書いてるつもりですか？

神様の望んでいる子が父を敬いそして父がその子を愛すような当たり前のことをより良くしていきます。
？？たとえばどんな当たり前のことをやるんですか？（「愛すること」とかではなく、今週、僕のクラスメートの〇〇くんに、、とかって書くのが適用です。ここの部分はみんな足りないです、むかいだけではなく。）

毎週ちゃんと読んでるところは素晴らしいです！でも、やってる割に、成長が今ひとつないのは、いまだに具体的に考えてないからです。聖書は哲学の勉強ではありません。

Tomas
This week’s Bible reading, I learned about how God will always protect us and guide us through struggle even though others have doubts about this. Applying this to my life, I had my final cross country race on Wednesday and prayed before the race. When I was near the finish line, I sprinted the fastest I could and when I finished I got a placement I was proud of. So from this experience, I learned that I shouldn’t doubt or let others put me down because I know that God is with me

Jun re: Tomas
I sprinted the fastest I could and when I finished I got a placement I was proud of. So from this experience, I learned that I shouldn’t doubt or let others put me down because I know that God is with me
Yes. If you can go one step further, think about how you can pave the way for your teammates to come to know God, too. You are so lucky because you know God is with you and you can ask him for help! But those who have this privilege also have a responsibility to let others know they can have the same rights through accepting Jesus. Assuming they already know you are a Christian (this is of course the very first step), always check yourself to see if you are acting as Jesus would if here were a student at your school (he was also 14 once!) and on the track team.