Childlike Faith

And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.^”-Matthew 18:3

There is something unique about children and their heart.  What is so special about the heart of children?  I think God has revealed the idea of childlike faith to me through the kindergarten class.

As I think about the event of a girl giving me a rock from the playground, it gives me the insight about the eager heart of children to enter and please others.  The eagerness to please is shown all the more when she said,” I looked around and picked the best one for you.”  This occasion challenges me to enter the kingdom of God with childlike faith that is eager to please the Father, and give my all to Him as a child who trusts and relies on the Father for provision in love.

Lord, thank you for teaching me about faith through children.  Thank you for the blessings that you share through the children.

Trust and Devotion

"Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.  Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be.  My Father will honor the one who serves me." -John 12:24-26

"If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"-Matthew 7:1

"Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him..."-Psalm 37:4-5

Recently, the Lord continuously speaks to me about wholly trusting and devoting to Him through multiple Bible verses.  These verses remind me of the sufficiency in the Lord, they also challenge me to die to self and to invite Him to direct every part of my life. 

Thank you, Lord, for being the one who loves, who provides, and who is more than sufficient (Matthew 7:11)!  Thank you for loving your children and we can trust that you work for the good and according to your purpose (Romans 8:28)!  Thank you for inviting us to come to you and welcoming us into your presence! 

Father, help me to remember that you are behind all the great and small details at all time.  Let my confidence be in you, for you have all things in control, and your grace is more than sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9).  Therefore, lead me to come and take delight in your presence, to draw close to you and know you deeper (Psalm 37:4).  Grant me the faith and courage to commit my life to you, to let you direct my life, and to be a faithful servant at the place you want me (Psalm 37:5). 

Come and fill me with your presence, fill my heart and my mind with your thoughts.  Thank you for being the one who I can look up to at all time!

Finding life through the cross

“For if we have been united together in the likeness of this death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin...Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more.  Death no longer has dominion over Him.  For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all but the life that He lives, He lives to God.  Likewise, you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”-Romans 6:5-6, 8-11

 

What a wonderful cross!  Jesus, thank you for the crucifixion and resurrection on the cross that lead to victory!  Thank you Lord, for death has lost its sting, and for the eternal life in you!

Thank you Jesus, for the crucifixion on the cross, and nailing my sins there, so I can be freed from being slaves to sins!  Lord, show me anything in my life that I need to bring to you to be nailed on the cross, and grant me the faith as I am continuously learning to surrender to your way throughout the life journey.  Jesus, guide me to live in freedom from sin, as one who is “crucified with [you]; it is no longer I who live, but [you] live in me.” (Galatians 2:20).

Thank you Lord for uniting me with you not only in death, but also in the resurrected life in you (Romans 6:5)!  Thank you for the hope of salvation that is offered to mankind.  Therefore, lead me to live this new life in you with the counsel of the Holy Spirit.  Lord, may your presence replace those aspects of life that I need to let go of, and draw me closer to you.

Lord, teach me to walk in your way continuously, as one who is alive in you.  Thank you for the gift of eternal life!  Help me to make room in life, so I can ‘be filled with all of [you fully]’ (Ephesians 3:19).  Lord, lead me to live with you and let the power of the Holy Spirit fills my life.

Jesus, thank you for the power of the cross! Let you be the centre and the source of my life.  Give me the courage to let go of parts of me that do not align with your way, and to allow you to direct me to follow your path.

 

A Goal that Lasts

"So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it" -2 Corinthians 5:9

Jesus, thank you for preparing a place of heavenly dwelling for us, where we can be with you for eternity.  Thank you for the hope that comes with the promise of being with you forever.  Thank you also for giving us the Holy Spirit as our Wonderful Counsellor to be with us.

Therefore, let the primary goal of my life be seeking you and looking up to you alone.  "let [my] eyes be fixed on you (Jesus), the author and perfector of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2).  Let my life be an offering of "worhip in Spirit and in truth" (John 4:24).  Let you be the centre of my life and the source of motivation to serve you and live for you.  Help me not to become preoccupied with works that I do, but to live a life that is "hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3).

Lord, lead me to "run with perseverance the race marked out for [me]" (Hebrews 12:1).  Let your desires be the desires of my heart (Psalm 37:4).  Guide me to "seek first [your] kingdom and [your] righteousness" (Matthew 6:33).

A Reminder to be Thankful

Recently, I was struggling a little bit with unthankfulness as a felt slightly homesick and missed the presence of Chinese culture that I would get back home.  I found myself doubting about the purpose to serving here in school.  I asked the Lord to change my attitude, and he showed me the reason of teaching through children singing a song that I taught in music class during recess, which brought a smile to my face.  Another event that God used to teach me about thankful and gratitude was a play called Our Town, which was put on by some of the high school students in the Ukarumpa community.  It was about the daily life of a small town called Glover's Corner.  See http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/americancollection/ourtown/synopsis.html for synopsis.  It challenges me to take delight in big and small moments in life and to treasure it. 

Here is a couple of quote from the play Our Town:
Emily Webb (at the grave):"It goes so fast. We don't have time to look at one another....Oh, earth, you're too wonderful for anybody to realize you. Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it? -- every, every minute."
Stage Manager: "No. The saints and poets, maybe – they do some."

The play reminded me of this Bible verse:
"Rejoice always,  pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Tok Pisin Holide Baibel Skul (Tok Pisin VBS)

In early January, I had an opportunity to share songs and Bible stories through puppetry at Tok Pisin VBS.  I had a fun time with other members of the puppet ministry team, and it was a joy to hear laughter from about 500 children who attended.
The theme for this VBS was the armor of God, and it was a great reminder to put on this armor daily in order to stay strong in the Lord.

See these links for more about this VBS: http://issuu.com/thepngexperience/docs/13_01_17_fun_with_a_purpose
www.youtube.com/thepngexperience

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people." Ephesians 6:10-18

Dwelling

"Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell int he house of the Lord forever." -Psalm 23:6

"One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to goze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.  For int he day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock"-Psalm 27:4-5

"How priceless is your unfailing love!  Both high and low among men find fefuge in the shadow of your wings.  The feast on the abundance of your house; you gave them drink from your river of delights"-Psaml 36:7-8

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty."-Psalm 91:1


When I think about dwelling, peace, safety, shelter, and rest come to my thought.  A home can be a physical dwelling place that serves as a shelter from hostile weather.  A dwelling in the Father's house provides not only for physical needs, it is also an everlasting dwelling that can meet our emotional and spiritual needs.

Thank you Father for the unfailing love, your goodness, and unending peace that can be found in your house.  Thank you for giving us these wonderful promises.  Thank you for this everlasting refuge in you that is safe and peaceful.  Thank you for "your river of delights" where we can find hope, joy and peace (Psalm 36:8).

Father, lead me to seek you and follow you.  Thank you for being the only source of everlasting hope, joy, peace, and love.  Thank you for the citizenship in heaven, where we can look forward to be with you with hopeful anticipation (Ephesians 3:20).

Puppet team at a local church conference

There were over 1000 people attended this conference.  I am thankful for this opportunity for the puppet team to share songs and Bible stories with children and adults who were in attendance.
The next time the puppet team will be sharing at VBS for children from the villages surrounding Ukarumpa.  Please pray that we focus on the Lord,and it will draw children close to the Lord.

The Vine and the Branches

“I am the true vine” -John 15:1a”

One of the stress avoidance factors of vine is its ability to absorb water by making the roots grow deeper, toward the groundwater when the weather is hot and dry.  The roots can also store moisture during wet season.  If we are the branches, we can trust in Jesus to quench our thirst, especially in time of trials.  The Lord is the only one who can ultimately satisfy our thirst.

“I am the vine; you are the branches.  If a man remains in me and I in Him, he will bear much fruit...”-John 15:5

The branches, leaves, and fruits depend on the vine for water and nutrients, which reminds me of the importance of abiding in the Lord, and trust Him for the provision for our daily life and the spiritual journey.  Furthermore, the roots of the vine are able to care and provide for all the branches, leaves and fruits, regardless if the branches are closed to the stem, or the higher order axis that are smaller and farther away from the stem.  The Lord uses the vine and the branches to show how much he cares for us and desires to be with us.  He is the one who is in control, and able to guide us always.

A little thank-you note from the Grade 6 class of the last school year :)

What if there is not Scripture in your mother tongue?http://blog.theseedcompany.org/bible-translation-2/francis-chan-gods-word-2/

Omnipresent God

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged”- Deuteronomy 31:8

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name, you are mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, the flames will not set you ablaze.”- Isaiah 42:1b-2

Father, thank you for reminding me of your presence, guidance and care that you show all the time.  Thank you for being the one who I can always rely on, the one who is the same anytime and anywhere. Thank you for walking alongside with me through trials and triumphs.

This is particularly encouraging to know when settling to a new place and adjusting to new community can get a little overwhelming.  I am glad to know that I can find stability in the Lord who is always available and His faithfulness is unchanging.  I am also grateful for knowing that God is journeying with me through the highs and lows, and in Him I can overcome with the victory that can be found in Him.

“Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today...The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still”- Exodus 14:13-14

Seder Dinner

This is the first time I had Seder dinner.  I was invited to join in with a family for it to begin the Easter weekend.  Passover is traditionally a Jewish holiday, but some Gentiles are discovering the significance of this and tying it to Easter.In the Passover Seder meal, one plate has 7 specific items...bitter herbs, an egg, kharoset (an apple/nut mixture), parsley springs, bowl of salt water, a lamb bone, and onion or horseradish root. And, at each place setting, a glass of wine (grape koolaid) helps in the ceremony, too. 
Meanings of the 7 specific items that all tasted: When in Egypt around 1500 B.C., the Jews were suffering slaves (bitter herbs and onion/horseradish root) that had to make bricks with mortar (kharoset). This time in Jewish history was hard and full of tears (parsley sprigs dipped in salt water).  The lamb bone signifies that blood from a lamb was put on the doorposts.
This blood told the angel of death to "Passover" that household. Only those that believed (by marking the doorposts) were saved. Then, the Jews were let go by the Egyptians to start a new life (egg).
Of course, the blood of the Lamb saved the Jews then.  Jesus, the Lamb of
God, saves those today that believe He is God and that he died to save us.
His death paid for our sins.  Alleluia, He is risen indeed!

First day of teaching

I completed the first day of teaching 2 days ago, I enter the school with a mix of excitement and a sense of uncertainty.  It was exciting to begin since I had waited for this for a while, but feeling slightly uncertain as I wonder how the class would work out. Before going to the class, I asked the Lord to guide me, let the class be pleasing to Him.  The Lord led me to the verse from 2 Corinthians 12:9, which said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”  I was also reminded of Psalm 27 that was read during staff meeting the day before, it spoke to me about trusting in the Lord and find confident in Him.  Overall, I definitely experience God’s grace and guidance throughout this process, it was a blessing when God put a special moment through a kid who said, “thank you for teaching me” after the first time teaching that class.

Perfect Timing

I was invited to have lunch with Tammi, one for the teacher from the primary campus last Wednesday.  This meal with delicious Chinese food was made from scratch (even the spring roll skin).  It came at the perfect timing as I was having some craving for some Asian taste.  It reminds me of God’s perfect gift and perfect timing, just like James 1:17 said, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

A picture of beautiful sunrise
It leads me to think about Psalm 136:4-8
⁴ to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
⁵ who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.
⁶ who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.
⁷ who made the great lights—
His love endures forever.
⁸ the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.

God's faithful promise

Throughout this time of change and transition, the Scripture is encouraging and provide peace of God's faithful promise.  Isaiah 55:9-12 speaks to me and lift me up through time of challenges, such as adjusting to the drastically different environment. It is rainy season in PNG and the nature reminds me of this verse that shows me the faithfulness of God.
⁹ “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
¹⁰ As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return 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,
¹¹ so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
¹² You will go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
will clap their hands.

Holy Spirit the Counselor

As a have begun travelling toward Papua New Guinea and moving toward this new chapter of life that God has instored for me, there is a sense of excitement, also a sense of uncertainty that makes me feel a little anxious.  I have times of missing the familiarity of Canada as I am so far away from home.  However, the promise of Holy Spirit as counselor and God's presence is comforting and encouraging.  I have been dwelling on God's word to find peace at this time of transition, especially from John 14:16-18 and Psalm 139:7-10. 

"¹⁶ And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— ¹⁷ the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be^[a] in you. ¹⁸ I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." -John 14:16-18

^"7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
⁸ If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
⁹ If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
¹⁰ even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast."
-Psalm 139: 7-10

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.