Bottled ※ Brain: Taken

Taken. The word could mean a lot of things, really:

“to be kidnapped” or “to be under an authority that is not your own”
“to be so enamored by the characteristics of one person.”

That’s the theme of this year’s youth retreat in Higher Rock, derived from Philippians 3: 7-9.

But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.

Here Paul tells the believers that, despite his strict adherence to the Jewish law and tradition, his impeccable background and bloodline, he finds them all rubbish—the original Greek word here meaning “dung”—compared to the surpassing knowledge of knowing Christ.

Christians have been taken by Jesus Christ. They were ransomed from eternal punishment and brought into His marvelous light. They live, not according to the flesh, but under the His rule. They are astounded, amazed, and drawn to His glory, so much so that they strive to do all to honor and praise Him.

Have you been taken?

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I had the privilege of performing in a Gospel skit, along with Koji, Joan, and Hya. My brother and Frances helped in the script, and Janna did the directing. Here are some photos during practice.

I like how the light appears in this photo.

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Jason and Koji.
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Janna, finishing her sketches of our blocking.
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Hya, digging deep into the character she'd be playing.
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There was an evangelistic concert by the newly-formed church choir that night. Entitled "He Loves Us So," this was to be their debut performance. What a blessing it has been.