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Marc Choi Pastor
Senior Pastor, New Jersey Onnuri Church
Director, Onnuri Church Ministries in America (OMA)
Director, Overseas Duranno Mission in America (TIMA)
In2 New York Onnuri Church Pastor (2005-2017)
Our perception of blessings often hinges on various external conditions. However, Asaph, one of the psalmists, declares, “It is a path to destruction to stray from God, while drawing near to Him is truly blessed” (Psalm 73:27-28). Proximity to God, the source of all blessings, is the key to a blessed life.
Distancing oneself from God leads to inevitable downfall. Though the wicked may seem prosperous, their end is inevitable ruin. The justice of God may seem slow, but it will ultimately prevail, judging the wicked according to their deeds.
Therefore, we need not concern ourselves with the prosperity of the wicked. Instead, like Asaph, living with God at the center and focusing on receiving His abundant blessings should be our priority.
Asaph sang, “You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory” (Psalm 73:24). By living in accordance with God’s Word, we are led to His presence and embraced by Him. There is no path to eternal life and God’s glory without obedience to His Word. The scriptures indicate, "If you carefully obey the Lord your God, He will set you high above all the nations on earth” (Deuteronomy 28:1,6,12-13).
Throughout history, countless individuals have experienced promised blessings by obeying God’s Word. This serves as a testament to the importance of striving to live by it. Living according to God’s Word requires abandoning personal stubbornness and self-interest, focusing instead on His will.
Living according to God’s Word is far from easy. The world is rife with sin, and many shun God’s teachings. We are inherently at odds with God, struggling with sin within us (Romans 7:14,18,20).
Without God’s power, obeying His Word is impossible. To draw upon God’s strength, we must earnestly engage in prayer, scripture, and worship. Neglecting prayer leaves us powerless, unable to live by His Word. Fortifying ourselves with God’s Word during prayer provides the strength to overcome sin.
Worship, which pleases God immensely, enables His grace and power to manifest in our lives. Those who diligently worship are empowered to live according to His Word.
The Westminster Shorter Catechism teaches, "Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever." Paul the Apostle urged the Corinthians, “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Living a God-centered life requires setting our sights on His glory. We must be willing to make any sacrifice for His glory and abstain from anything that veils it. It is through living a light-bearing life, serving God, and embracing suffering for Him that we glorify Him.
Despite the scarcity of people living God-centered lives today, the blessings promised by God follow those who adhere to His Word. By praying, maintaining close ties with scripture, and staying committed in worship, we can draw on God’s power and live for His glory.
May we strive to be part of the "little flock" living with God at the center, for He assures us, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32).
For more information, visit New Jersey Onnuri Church
New Jersey Onnuri Church
201-461-4010
Fort Lee Campus
1449 Anderson Ave. Fort Lee, NJ 07024
ComeUnity Campus
605 Pascack Road, Washington Township, NJ 07676
