Psalm 85:1–13, July 1, 2025 (Tuesday)

VBS Preparation

10 Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other.11 Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky.12 The Lord will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase.13 Righteousness will go before him and will make a path for his steps. (Psalm 85:10–13)

Reflection on the 177th California-Nevada Annual Conference

I have just returned from the 177th session of the California-Nevada Annual Conference. Usually, Annual Conference begins on a Friday and ends on a Monday, so most pastors head home before Sunday. Korean pastors especially tend to follow that pattern. I too used to do that, but over the past few years, I’ve made the effort to stay until the very end. Some might think there’s not much left to do in those final hours, but I’ve come to believe that simply being present holds its own meaning.

This year’s conference included a significant vote regarding the regionalization legislation passed at the recent General Conference. As the UMC expands across Europe, the Philippines, and Africa, the call is to allow each region to govern in ways appropriate to their own contexts and missional realities, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all rule. This represents something important: an acknowledgment of our differences and a commitment to unity through mutual respect. It could also mean that Korean churches in the U.S. may one day be granted more contextual autonomy for ministry.

In addition to this vote, we celebrated the ordination and transfer of several Korean pastors, including those coming from other conferences and denominations. Our lay delegate, Mrs. Yeonok Park, also courageously raised awareness about the need for interpretation services during the Annual Conference. While most conferences provide language services, ours has never done so—a fact that surprised many.

We also celebrated our own Pastor Heewon Jin, who received a scholarship funded by retired clergy. Her name was called out on the last day, along with her place of ministry and ordination status, and she was honored in a special scholarship ceremony.

This is just a brief update, and I will share more about other important decisions soon.

Devotional Reflection

We live in a world where love and truth often seem to clash. Truth can feel cold and harsh, while love without boundaries can feel compromising. But the psalmist tells us that in God, they are not in conflict. They meet. They embrace.

When God's salvation comes, steadfast love and faithfulness walk together, and righteousness and peace kiss. This verse paints a vision of God's kingdom where justice and mercy, standards and grace, order and restoration exist not in tension but in harmony.

This vision is fulfilled most powerfully in Jesus Christ. On the cross, the righteousness and love of God meet. Through Him, we are both called to stand firmly in truth and to embrace others with grace.

If there are relationships in your life today in need of healing—or if you're struggling to balance truth and love within yourself—remember this promise: In God, both are possible. You can stand in truth and still embrace in love.

Meditation

“Righteousness will go before him and will make a path for his steps.” (Psalm 85:13)

Intercessory Prayers

• Please pray for the successful and faithful sale of the Oakland church building.

• Pray for our upcoming Vacation Bible School (VBS)—for joy, energy, and deep encounters with God.

• Lift up Mrs. Jeongja Park, that she may experience full healing and recovery.