A Light in the Jungle

Below is a video called "A Light in the Jungle", which is about the life-changing influence that results from Bible Translation among Folopa.

http://player.vimeo.com/video/21180841?autoplay=1

The passion of the people to share God's word with others, along with their perseverance of both the translation processes and making a long hike to other villages is very encouraging.

The second video is about a teacher for missionary kids who shares her experience and how teaching fits into the big picture of Bible translations and literacy.

http://player.vimeo.com/video/32089655?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=ffffff&autoplay=1

Both of these video have been encouraging to me and inspires me.  I hope you enjoy these 2 video clips.

Psalm 119: 9-11

^"9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
By living according to your word.
¹⁰ I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
¹¹ I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you." -- Psalm 119:9-11

What are great reminder on the value of spending time in God's word and getting to know it with my heart!  I need His word to stay on the path of the Lord's way, the truth and the life.  Father, thank you for providing your word for guidance and true wisdom.  Teach me and lead me to follow your path, may your word be hidden in my hear and lead me to continuously seek you and to grow in you.

I find that this verse is also a powerful reminder of the importance of God's word in mother tongue.  May God's word touches every nation and bring people toward his kingdom.

Finding Renewal in God

During the Thanksgiving weekend, my family and I went to Algonquin Park.  I was in aweof how beautiful and majestic the nature can be.  It also gave me insight on faith lessons.

Some of the greatest insight of nature were found along Two Rivers Trail.  This trail was filled with both older and younger plan species, which showed both the old and new generation of plants.  One fact that interested me the most was that the young plant started growing as a rewult of occurences that may be seen as "destructive" in human perspective.  I was also amazed by the idea of how wildlife could benefit from changes in nature after "destrructive" events, such as fire, in which wlidlife can find food and livelihood.

Afterall, how could faith lessons come from nature?  First, the theme of renewal reminded me how God has been working in every creation and the promise of bringing his good work to completion in Ephesians 1:6.  2 Corinthians 5:17 also came to me, which stated that "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"  Another encouraging verse that came to me was 2 Corinthians 4:16, it said, "Therefore, we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day."  It further reminded me that God is continuously his creation, and leading his children closer to Him.  The theme of more good things would come after "destructive " force showed me that God is more than capable of "[working] for the good of those who love him" (Romans 8:28).

Servant in an "Upside-Down" Kingdom

 ²⁶ Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. ²⁷ But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. ²⁸ God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, ²⁹ so that no one may boast before him. ³⁰ It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. ³¹ Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord." -- 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Wow! I am in awe of how God is more than willing to invite us into servanthood!  At least for me, I am not perfect, not the most experienced teacher, yet God is leading me to this upcomming missionary journey to serve as a teacher.  I feel previleged to have encouragement from fellow missionary who has told me about their confidence in their own child's education being taken care of, because of teachers who have the heart for God, along with some new opportunity to put my training as teacher into practice at tutoring and work as program instructor in the library.

I know that I need Him to lead me in my daily walk with Him and any service that God calls me to.  I need God to lead me to seek his wisdom, righteousness and holiness, so I can follow Him, the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).  I know that I need to be a humble and teachable servant, since God is the one who is competant, and He is the one who enable and empower his servant (2 Corinthians 3:5-6).
 
On a side note, it is really interesting to see the "upside-down kingdom" of God.

Please pray that I will seek Him, look up to Him, and follow Him all the time.  Let me not boast about me, but to let God be glorified.  

More Precious than Gold, Sweeter than Honey

" ⁷ The law of the LORD is perfect,
   refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
   making wise the simple.
⁸ The precepts of the LORD are right,
   giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
   giving light to the eyes.
⁹ The fear of the LORD is pure,
   enduring forever.
The decrees of the LORD are firm,
   and all of them are righteous.
 ¹⁰ They are more precious than gold,
   than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
   than honey from the honeycomb." -Psalm 19:7-10

After reading the verse above, I am encouraged by knowing that the word of the Lord is always true and trustworthy.  Thank you Lord, for providing your word that brings refreshments to the soul, joy to the hear, and light to walk in yout path!  How great and how precious is your word, that is "more precious than gold" and "sweeter than honey from the honeycomb" (v.10).  Thank you for bringing joy, hope, wisdom, guidance, and so much more through your word that gives life.  Thank you Father, for being the one who I can put my trust and hope in, and who I can look up to. 

Father, lead me and take me to walk with you on the path of righteousness and light, "May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer" (Psalm 19:14). 

May God word become accessible for people of all nations in heart langauges, so every tribes and nations can know the goodness of the Father through life-transforming power of God's word!  

Unfailing Love

Recently, God has shown me his unfailing love through Romans 8:31-39 and Psalm 33.  He shows me that his love for us is everlasting and it never fail, for nothing can seperate his children from the love of God.  The beauty and the power of this love is that there is hope, joy, and peace from knowing that he cares for us and continuously guiding us to walk with him.  There is also victory in him, as the result of the Father has given his only Son to graciously redeem us.  I know that I can always put my trust in him and seek him, for his way is eternal and it will stand forevermore! 

Attached is a video of the song "Our God" by Chris Tomlin

"and if out God is for us, then who could ever stop us, and if our God is with us, then what could stand against"     

Look Up

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory"
- Colossians 3:1-4

I am continually learning to accept delayed and the unexpected,  which has some highs and lows.  However, Colossians 3:1-4 has been a powerful reminder of looking up to the Lord above, and of putting my hope in Him.  As a new creation in Him, my life belongs to Him, thus, my relationship with God can never be taken away, for his love is unconditional.  I am glad that I can bring my burden to him, put my hope in him, and let him take control of my life through triumphs and trials.

Please pray that I will continue to put my trust in the Lord, to find strength in him, also learn to be content with his plan.

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whther well fed or hungry, whther living in plenty or in want.  I can do all this through him who gives me strength"
- Ephesians 4: 12-13

Set the heart on things above

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set yout hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."

- Colossians 3:1-4

Dealing with delayed can be difficult and discouraging sometimes.  However, God is using this kind of situation to teach me about patience and faith, also to bring my focus back to him.

Live and move and have our being in the Lord

"From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places they should live.  God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.  For in him we live and move and have our being"-Acts 17: 26-28

Recent lessons on faith and patience are humbling and they challenge me to grow.  It is not always easy to let God take control because of human nature, but God is really the one who is in control of every aspect of life.  When my plan is not going as expected, God can certainly use this situation to draw me back to him and seek him.  I need to keep looking up to the Lord and seek to live and move and have my being in him wherever I am.
Thank you Lord that you are near, and desire a close relationship with your children!  What a wonderful reminder that God is here to have a relationship with him, to guide us and care for us!

Video: Amazing Race of Laively Adventure

God Will Make a Way

Recently, one of my friend suggests this song called "God will make a way", I find this song encouraging after listening to it.  It reminds me again to seek him and look to him as I continue on my life journey, for he is the one who knows what is ahead and is more than able to pave the way.

"Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guides me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Saviour, and my hope is in you all day long." -Psaml 25:4-5

Song: God Will Make a Way

Forgiveness and love from God

Throughout the past few week, I was struggling to fully put my trust and faith in God in the partnership development process.  I became frustrated and discouraged, and felt sad about a sense of failure.  Overall, there was a battle of despair and deception. 
After some quiet time last night, I realized that it was my pride that served as barrier to rely on God, I was trying to hard to achieve and make things happen on my own.  I needed to confess my sin and brokenness to God, and asked for forgiveness.  After bring my brokenness to God, there is forgiveness, mercy, grace and love from God.  I realized how beautiful are God's love and grace (Psalm 25: 6-7; Psalm 103). 
Thank you Lord, for your love, compassion, grace and mercy.  Continue to lead me to seek you, to look to you for grace and hope in you.  Thank you for giving your children everlasting satisfaction in you.

Psalm 25:6-7
⁶ Remember, LORD, your great mercy and love,
   for they are from of old.
⁷ Do not remember the sins of my youth
   and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
   for you, LORD, are good.

Psalm 103
¹ Praise the LORD, my soul;
   all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
² Praise the LORD, my soul,
   and forget not all his benefits—
³ who forgives all your sins
   and heals all your diseases,
⁴ who redeems your life from the pit
   and crowns you with love and compassion,
⁵ who satisfies your desires with good things
   so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
 ⁶ The LORD works righteousness
   and justice for all the oppressed.
 ⁷ He made known his ways to Moses,
   his deeds to the people of Israel:
⁸ The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
   slow to anger, abounding in love.
⁹ He will not always accuse,
   nor will he harbor his anger forever;
¹⁰ he does not treat us as our sins deserve
   or repay us according to our iniquities.
¹¹ For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
   so great is his love for those who fear him;
¹² as far as the east is from the west,
   so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
 ¹³ As a father has compassion on his children,
   so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
¹⁴ for he knows how we are formed,
   he remembers that we are dust.
¹⁵ The life of mortals is like grass,
   they flourish like a flower of the field;
¹⁶ the wind blows over it and it is gone,
   and its place remembers it no more.
¹⁷ But from everlasting to everlasting
   the LORD’s love is with those who fear him,
   and his righteousness with their children’s children—
¹⁸ with those who keep his covenant
   and remember to obey his precepts.
 ¹⁹ The LORD has established his throne in heaven,
   and his kingdom rules over all.
 ²⁰ Praise the LORD, you his angels,
   you mighty ones who do his bidding,
   who obey his word.
²¹ Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts,
   you his servants who do his will.
²² Praise the LORD, all his works
   everywhere in his dominion.
   Praise the LORD, my soul.

Casting Crown-Who Am I

Learning to live by faith, not by sight

This week has been a week of spiritual battles against a sense of uncertainty and discouragement.  I find myself wondering where every needs would come from.  However, these time of trials is an opportunity to learn how to "live by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7).  Not that I have master this already, but it is only a part of a lifetime of the faith journey.  I know that the Lord promises that he "works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose", and "the Lord your God...led you all the way in the desert...to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart" (Romans 8:28; Deuteronomy 8:2).  Hence, he uses these time of challenges to equip his servant , to draw his people closer to him.

There are lessons of faith throughout, as the Lord reminds me of what is faith, and what it takes to live by faith.  I am once again reminded of "faith is sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1).  God also lead me to look to him and put my hope in him with 2 Cortithians 4:16-18, it said, " therefore we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseed is eternal."

Desert Song by Hillsong, this song is a powerful reminder that God can use trials to refine us, and he is God of all season

Sharing

I am thankful and feel honoured to be able to share God's work in Papua New Guinea through Wycliffe Bible Translators with others, and the invitation from the Lord for me to teach missionary kids.  Please pray for my upcomming sharing opportunities, that it gives God glory, and "may the word of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be pleaseing in [God's] sight" as written on Psalm 19:14.  Also, pray that God will use these sharing opportunities for His purpose.

Proverbs 3:5-6

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths."- Proverbs 3:5-6

Recently I found Proverbs 3:5-6 as a devotional verse from my planner.  This verse has been one that I have known and memorized.  However, I have not think about it too deeply in the past.  Now I use this as a reminder to trust God to pave the way toward this journey to Papua New Guinea (PNG) as a teacher for missionary kids with Wycliffe Bible Translators.  As I am in the season of anticipating going to PNG and in the process of partnership development, I need to completely put my trust in the Lord and not try to make it works with my own strength. 

Thank you Lord, that I can depend on you, and let you pave the way and direct my path.  Lead me to keep seeking you as I journey with you.    

Trust and allow him to pave the way

After going through some spiritual and emotional highs and lows, I believe God is using these time to prepare me for the adventure ahead.  For "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).
I was also encouraged by the message at church from the past Sunday from Genesis 12:1-4, which showed how Abraham followed God's calling for him with faith, even though there are uncertainties.  It also reminded me to trust and obey the Lord, and let my life be a worship to him by faithfully following him.

"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.  As the rain and the snow coem down from heaven, and do not rreturn to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will now return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."- Isaiah 55: 9-11

Now I need to continue to put my confidence in the Lord and let him pave the way.

Running the Race

The Father really knows how to give good gifts to His children, and "every good and perfect gift is from above, comming down from the Father of heavenly light, who does not change like shifting shadow" (James 1:17)!  God has been giving me words of encouragement to persevere and run the race with him as I prepare for the journey to Papua New Guinea.  He shows me that in him we can overcome and be victorious through Hebrew 12:1-3, which stated, "let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of faith.  For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition form sinners, so that you wil not grow weary and lose heart."  Galatians 6:9 reminds me that there is the eternal reward in Him, so "let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
God uses 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 to tell me to "rejoice alsways, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  He also reminds me of his faithfulness with 1 Thessalonians 5:24, "the one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it."  Please pray that I keep trusting in him, allow his will to be done, and find joy in knowing the Father who is faithful, along with prayer requests from previous posts.

A Great Place to Teach - Part 1 of 2!

Abiding, Trusting, Resting in Him

Recently, I am having moments of hopefulness, and moments of sensing doubt creeping into my mind as I prepare and anticipate this journey toward Papua New Guinea.  However, God is good and he is giving me encouragement through verses in the Bible and quote from reading Hudson Taylor's Spritual Secret. 

The Lord is showing me that "the Lord Jesus received is holiness begun; the Lord Jesus cherished is holiness advancing; the Lord Jesus counted upon as never absent would be holiness complete."  Another quote shows me that it is about "abiding, not striving nor struggling; looking oft unto Him; trusting Him for present power;...resting in the love of an almighty Saviour, in the joy of a complete salvation 'from all sin'."  The Lord has used these quote to show me that it is about His grace, and what I can do is to look up to Him, to trust Him and to rest in His love.

Afterall, Philippians 4:13 dosen't say I can do everything through me, but "I can do everything through him who gives me strength."  This verse is the devotional verse of the day from my planner, and the side notes states, "you have dreams. God has dreams for you. be a risk-taker for God's kingdom".  I am especially moved by the part that says "God has dream for you".  I am thankful that I can take risk with God and don't have to go through the preparation, the ups and downs on my own, knowing that I can look to the Lord, to abide, to trust and to rest in Him.