Below is a message I shared at a church in Nepal just before heading back home to the US in September.

Knowing God and Relationships

Last time I spoke a message about how “Christianity is not a religion but a relationship.” This is the second part of the message that continues to examine this phrase that Christianity is all about relationships. There are two aspects of relationships which I believe the bible places a high importance upon: our relationship with others and our relationship with God. This is in contrast to many eastern practices which are about escaping and isolating. While Jesus taught us to be engaging and relating with one another in love. For example, I know many monks who have spent extended time in isolated retreats to the mountains and caves in order to escape from this world and relationships. Jesus however spent almost all of his time ministering, engaging, and relating to people. In fact, the issue of relationship is so important that Jesus summarized all of the law and prophets to basically, “love God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as you love yourself (Matthew 22:37-40).” We can see that God is more pleased with loving and meaningful relationships than religious duties or traditions. Therefore, Christianity is not a religion but a loving relationship with God and others.

Paul was a traveling missionary who spent much of his time away from his home. I want to examine Paul's journey, and from his letters learn about what is truly valuable. First of all, Paul lived a life that put relationships first. All of the letters that we read were written to other believers. Some of them were written to people whom Paul never met, some were written to churches in certain cities, and other letters were personal letters written to individuals. Many of the letters include names of people whom Paul wanted to greet. We see from his life, his travels, and his prayers written in the letters that he valued relationships first. And in those relationship he was overflowing with love for others, weeping and crying for others, and seeking the good of others rather than his own benefit.

The greatest joy and benefit that Paul gained from his long journey was his relationships, especially his relationships with the brethren. 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20- For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy. Philippians 4:1- Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved. The brethren to Paul were not just acquaintances or casual friends but they were his 'beloved and longed-for brethren' and his 'joy and crown.' The brethren is the one thing he valued more than anything else. So valuable was the brethren that it was his 'joy and crown.' This is contrast with worldly people whose joy and crown are often found in material gain or high positions.

In addition, there is nothing he wanted to see more in relationships than godly fruit that would bear glory to God. Philippians 4:7- Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Paul did not seek his own benefit or own gain but godly fruit. Philippians 1:11- being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. According to this passage, the fruit comes by being connected to Jesus, and the ultimate aim of bearing fruit is to the praise and glory of God.

Paul's missionary journeys away from his home and country was also a type of his journey from his true heavenly home. There is no place like home, and Paul saw his whole life as a journey away from his true home. Philippians 1:21-25- For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, Paul said that in his life he was laboring for spiritual fruit (verse 22), though he really desired to be in his true home with Christ. As long as Paul was on this journey away from his home, he wanted to continue together with the brethren in 'their progress and joy of faith,' verse 25.

Secondly, I want to share about how Christianity is primarily about our relationship with our Father in Heaven. Christianity is not knowing about Him but it is knowing Him personally. Jesus made it possible for us to be restored back to a relationship with the Father where we can know him in a personal way. Knowing God is not by intellect, study, or religious practice but comes through a restoration of a relationship. Jesus did not come to change our actions to conform to religious practices but He changes our hearts. Jesus did not make bad people better but to make dead people live. God gives us a new heart and brings new life which makes it possible for us to know him. In Jeremiah 31:33-34- I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more." As a result of the change of heart, our obedience and service to God is no longer a burden or mere obedience to rules. When we come to a relationship with Him and know him then our actions are transformed in the fullness of grace, joy in pleasing God, providence of his Spirit, and love.

Paul talked about how his attempts to be righteous out of his own efforts was rubbish. Many religions are trying to do what Paul was doing, that is to gain a righteousness by obedience to laws and rules. Philippians 3:7-11- But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Paul said that his greatest gain and aim is to gain Christ, be found in Him, and know him. In Jeremiah 9:23-24- Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight," says the LORD. Most people boast in wisdom, strength, and riches but we must be different and boast that we understand and know Him. My greatest boast at the end of my life is that I know him and am found in him. It is nothing that I earned by my own effort or achievment but that which is by grace through faith. And I will continue to press on to know him as Paul says in Philippians 3:20- Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.

There are many people who leave their home to do mission work or work in a foreign country or go on a long trip. I have met many people who have spent a long time away from their hometown, and I myself have been one of those people who have spent a long time away from my home in America. People go abroad for various reasons and purposes. Many people who go away from home are expected to bring something back. Those who go abroad to work may be expected to bring back some money for the family (a very common expectation among Nepali workers). Others who go abroad for education are expected some educational achievement or degree. Some may go abroad for their own enjoyment, satisfaction, learning, new experiences, or various other reasons.

I will be returning back to the US after a very long journey away from home. I will not have physical things to bring back or an educational degree, and many people will be wondering what it is that I have gained from this long trip. The greatest gain that I have from this trip is not material possesions, knowledge, enjoyment, new experiences, or any other thing. My greatest gain is that I know Jesus in a deeper way and I cherish a closer relationship with Him. There are some people who spend their whole life to know much about philosophy, to gain knowledge, but to know him personally is transforming and meaningful. There are many people who know about Jesus but Jesus is calling us to know him in a personal way, to commune with him, and to enjoy him forever. If I would have stayed in the US then I may not have known Jesus or been as close to Jesus as I do now. Getting to knowing Jesus on this journey is a far greater treasure than anything that this world has to offer. Furthermore, my second greatest gain is the relationships that I have with the brethren around the world and in Nepal. The relationships that I have with the brethren is my 'joy and crown' as Paul said. And not only the relationship but the fruit that is bearing in you and continues to grow to the glory of God our Father. I want to continue in my pursuit of getting to know Him and to make him known wherever I am. I also pray that together we may progress and continue in this journey of faith, bearing fruit, laboring for his Kingdom, and looking forward to be re-united in our true home in heaven.

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-Calling to a Traveler to Return- When I first met this Korean traveler, I thought he was a pleasure seeking hippie. But when we were talking he told me about how he had a special encounter with Christ while praying in Israel. His encounter changed his life as he wept over his sinfulness. Immediately after he was in constant fellowship with Jesus in prayer, the Word was illuminated, and his heart was changed to serve God. It was the happiest moment of his life but a couple years later sin entangled him and now he is living a rebellious life and living purely for himself. I believe his conversion was a true encounter but he was no longer walking in faith because a life of faith would show by love and obedience to God. Some people would ask whether or not he was ever saved. I think he was when he was walking in faith but now he has departed. I think the concept of salvation is somewhat one sided on heaven. But our salvation has to do with our salvation from our past guilt, our present ability to overcome sin, and the future heaven. When we are walking in faith then we should realize all three aspects of salvation. I told the Korean traveler that he must return back to Christ in repentance in order to experience the salvation that he once had. But he admitted that he loved pleasure, drinking, and partying too much to come back. I told him that I don’t do those things and yet live a satisfying life. He asked me what I do for fun or enjoyment. And I told him that my enjoyment comes from living in obedience to Christ. And he admitted being jealous of my life because I think he knew that all his pleasures and enjoyments are temporary and not fulfilling. Lastly, he said that he would come back to Christ later but now he enjoys his life too much. But I told him that he is believing a lie because if he is not willing to be repentant today then he will not be willing tomorrow and much less willing a year from now. The heart will only become harder and so God is calling for repentance today while there is time and while the heart is softer. God’s patient call to return may not be calling in the same way later. The deception of sin will only keep you enslaved deeper, the longer you wait. Thank God because in Christ we can have paradise in our afterlife and a meaningful, fulfilling, and joyful life now in being obedient to the King. Sometimes we think of salvation in terms of heaven and it has little connection to my life today but true salvation is real and no need to wait but is a reality each day for by God’s grace we are gaining victory over the world, the flesh, sin, and the devil. As long as we walk by faith we have security not only for our eternity in heaven but security in our present salvation over sin.

-Grace of God and the New Man- In some places Christianity has been defined by laws, rules, routines, traditions, programs, habits, legalism, and institutions. It has become more of a physical performance rather than a spiritual transformation. Christian conversion involves being born again which is impossible by keeping rules or reciting doctrine. It’s a miraculous work of God and a supernatural life walking in the Spirit. I wonder what my life would be like if I did not have Christ. I would be a victim and a slave to the flesh and sin. The mind of an unregenerate person would be on pleasing self and its desires. But the regenerate mind is focused on pleasing the Father. Also, I can’t imagine living without the grace of God. It’s the grace of God that helps me deal with many things in life. For example, there were many Tibetan refugees who were tortured and imprisoned. I can’t imagine going through all that without his grace. In addition, the grace of God changing people's hearts keeps people from living a hypocritical life. Many people complain that Christians are hypocrites. The bible doesn't teach that Christians are perfect, and the bible does not hide the faults of people. The bible presents that all Christians are weak and imperfect people with many faults who have been changed and are being changed by the grace of God. But their is a struggle with our flesh and old ways of living while we continue to be transformed into the likeness of Christ. We desire from the heart to do what is good but often fail to do so. The reason why there are so many hypocrites is because there are many people who have not been inwardly changed and taught by God’s grace, and so their lives are merely a living out of rules. Titus 2:11-12- For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age. The better man verses the new man is a good comparison of what man attempts but only what God can do. The better man may try to better himself by his own efforts and knowledge, and many religions try to do that. Some self-help programs, modern psychology, self-improvement methods are like Western forms of religion to improve your life. Some have mixed in these kinds of methods into Christianity and try to create better lives by their own methods. But the new man can be created only by God. It is his dynamic work to transform a man to a new man. The old humanity is set aside and we become a part of the new humanity in Christ. Ephesians 4:22-24 NKJV- that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. The new man was created according to God and exhibits true righteousness and holiness.

-Gospel and Warfare- We are often deceived into living in a happy dream. In this dream world, we have all the good food, comfortable home, American conveniences, good health, and fun times. However, the reality is that we are in the midst of a battleground where spiritual forces are fiercely fighting and eternal matters are at stake. We must be active and fight for the souls of the unsaved and take Kingdom territory. We can't just lazily enjoy and be preoccupied with building our American dream. A dream world will vanish in a second but we must wake up to the reality of eternity and fight the battle for His Kingdom which will endure forever. Spiritual warfare is often thought of in terms of our own struggle with the flesh, the world, and the devil. Soldiers are not expected to go to a corner and fight for himself his own personal battles. But there is a far greater warfare for which soldiers must battle in and that is the battle for the Kingdom of light. If God would just wake us up and alarm us to the ongoing battle for eternity, and not not be preoccupied with a passing dream. In war there is a sense of urgency and so there is no time to waste. In addition, as I share the gospel that it is a spiritual warfare. There is a veil over the hearts of people that keeps people from understanding the love of God. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4- But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. There is a blindness and deafness where even a clear communication of the gospel comes with a blank stare and unwilling hearts to respond. Therefore, the warfare must be won where our conversations are led by the Spirit and won by the word of God. 2 Corinthians 10:4-6- For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. When it says to take every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, the context is not about our thoughts but those who are against God. The warfare is won as others who are against God willingly surrender to the Lordship of Christ. When we talk to people we must always pray to God that God would open their eyes to see the spiritual truths because without God enlightening their eyes then our conversations are useless.

-Eyes to See- We constantly need the work of God to open our eyes because though we claim to see, we are often blind to many things God is doing and has done. We always need God to remind us, to enlighten our eyes to know the scriptures, to have a vision for hope, and to see the depth of his great love. Ephesians 1:18- the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. Faith is like our spiritual vision and through faith in his promises we can see the unseen. Lastly, the deeper you grow in knowing God the deeper your grow in love. To know God is to know how much he loves us and to be changed by his love. We should pray that God would enlighten our eyes so that we would be able to know him. There are moments we may be broken over God's love for us and we should pray for more of those moments where his Spirit would enlighten our eyes to realize the full extent of his love. Ephesians 3:18-19- may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height --- to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge. The more I know his love for me, the more I am changed to bear the fruit of the Spirit which is love and changed into the likeness of Christ.

-Kingdom Expansion not by Money but by Suffering- As I was visiting the large monasteries I was thinking of how some wealthy Buddhists and organizations from abroad have established these institutions to largely spread their ideas and religion. Huge amounts of donations have been received in order to build these large and elaborate monasteries. Some people think that Christianity is being spread by money, and some have accused Christians of using money to convert people. It’s not that easy since God’s kingdom is a spiritual kingdom and cannot be bought by money and no price tag can be fixed to Jesus’ blood. Therefore, the expansion of God’s kingdom is by walking in Jesus’ example and steps. Jesus would lay down heaven and be willing to suffer alongside with the poor. He joyfully looked forward to the reward of redeeming a people. I need to also lay down my own status and wealth, and suffer alongside the poor looking forward to the hope of heaven. Romans 8:18- For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. If God would enlighten my eyes to help me realize how trivial and short this life is, and it is far wiser to suffer now to gain a far greater glory in heaven. If we are to be godly then we must suffer for his sake. We always think of Jesus’ suffering on the cross as necessary for the shedding of blood for the remission of sins. But Jesus also suffered the discomforts of this life in an undeveloped third world, experienced hunger, abandonment, was beaten, and lashed. Interesting how these kinds of suffering were not necessary for the redemption of our sins but yet he suffered. Therefore, we must take up the cross daily and suffer for him for the glory that is to be revealed is far greater. Matthew 16:24-26- "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? Not only is my own soul of great value but the souls of others are also equally of great value. I should not only be willing to give up the world for my own soul but I should be willing to give up the world, possessions, and its comforts in exchange for the souls of others. For the foolish, this world is all that there is so living comfortably now and living it up in this world is everything. But the one who follows Christ should realize that a gain of the world is nothing in comparison to the value of his own soul and the souls of other.

-God's Work Through the Body- One friend was put into jail on false charges and he mentioned, “Jesus is feeling trapped in the hearts of unbelieving believers.” Because we don't believe, it is as if Jesus is restricted in jail and unable to do his work. If we would believe and trust in him then he is freed to do his work with power. John 14:12- "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. There is so much that God wants to do through His body the church. But I am afraid that division and a lack of faith restricts God from doing what he really wants to do. As the Body of Christ continues to grow in number, it will also grow in unity and maturity. Since the New Testament church, the body has continued to grow in amazing ways throughout all of history. And as the body of Christ matures in unity, then it can effectively work in the world to fulfill the Great Commission. Some people may wonder how many churches there are in Portland or in the world? Some would say that there are hundreds or thousands but according to Jesus there would only be one. For there is only one body and one head. No church in a locality is complete in itself no matter how big it is. They are intricately connected to the whole body and must work together as the head who is Jesus would direct. A mature body is a body that is fully functioning and working in unity as the head would direct. But a dysfunctional body would be out of control and unproductive because every part would be doing it's own thing. Ephesians 4:15-16- may grow up in all things into Him who is the head --- Christ --- from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. John 17:21- that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. Jesus needs the church to be his light in this dark world. Jesus is the church and we must be filled with his character and love as each part does its work.

-Parable of the Rich Man and Stewardship- In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, the rich man was told in Luke 16:25- 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. The rich man was judged for not helping the poor but using his abundance to indulge himself. At the end of my life I will be thinking over my good life. I had a good environment, brought up in the US, good education, job, experience in traveling, ate well, clothed well, with adequate finances, loving family, faithful friends, various experiences, and lived life to the fullest. But the judge will not evaluate me on how I was able to enjoy everything that God gave me but on how I used them. Those who have given much much will be required. Luke 12:48- For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more. How did I use my education, job, experiences, relationships, money, free time, and life for God. I am afraid that I have been given too much and so God would require much of me. As followers of Christ, we should never own anything. Because many people think they own, they use what they have as if there is no judgment, stewardship or responsibility. Many people use their time and money as if they are the owner and do as they please, without considering that they will later be judged for how they used it. All that we have does not belong to us but to Him. God entrusts us with what we have as a stewardship, and we will later have to give account of what we have done because everything belongs to Him. So our mindset is to remember that we own nothing but are managers of all that God gives us and we are to use everything faithfully in order to please the owner. Also, I am not ignorant of the poor throughout the world because I have traveled and seen it myself and lived with them. So I will be judged more strictly for what I know as well. I want to be able to look back on my life and not say that I had a good, comfortable, enjoyable life because then I would be no different from the rich man in this parable. But I want to be able to say that I have lived a simple and difficult life because I voluntarily took up the cross longing for something better and more lasting in heaven. Moreover, Jesus summarized that all of the laws and commands are summarized into loving God and others. Therefore, the judge will judge me on the measure of how much I was able to love. 1 John 4:17-19- Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us. Did I love God and others or did I choose to love myself. Whom I love more will show in way that I live. Every sin is essentially an act of loving self and not loving God or others. And we will be rewarded upon how much we love. 1 Corinthians 13:3- And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

-Created with Purpose- Our lives are an investment of time and money where the return of investment is godly fruit. The bible is full of teachings about how we ought to bear fruit and be fruitful. This is a good metaphor of what God expects of us. Most people in the bible times were farmers who had to labor to bear fruit from their crops. I think God is calling all people to be productive in their lives to the bearing of fruit. He wants us to labor to bring fruit in relationships, fruitful in the family, and fruit in our own character. There is a purpose of me being here in India and I want to fulfill that purpose. I want to do that which God called me to do and be a worthy servant. I want to be an instrument for his specific and unique role, responsibility, task, and calling that he has given to me. I think about the purpose of living, and I am thankful that God would find a purpose in creating me and a purpose for keeping me here on this earth. As long as I am living today, there is a purpose and a role that God has called me to fulfill in this place and time. God can take me home at any moment but at this time he needs me to be here to fulfill the task he has given me as an active member of His body. God had created and fashioned me in a specific way, every detail of my life was created in order to serve a specific role and purpose. There is no greater joy than to be needed and used by the creator for his great purpose of making his glory known. I want to be faithful today with all that he entrusts me so that God would trust me and use me in the future. I would hate to be put aside because I was unfaithful. I would hate for God to render me unusable because of my pride or sin. To not be used by God for his glory is to lose all purpose and meaning in life. I want to be continually asking myself what the will and calling of God is for my life, and there is no other place or thing which I desire to do than to know that I am in the will of God for my life. God has given me life, money, health, and all of that is for the purpose of honoring him. We were created for God and when we worship him with our whole heart then there is joy because we are fulfilling what we were created to do. We were created for something far beyond ourselves. We were created to worship him. The unregenerate mind may find it difficult to accept that we were created for God and may find no joy in praising him. He may externally praise or obey God but it may be a burden to him because the unregenerate mind loves the blessings of God more than God himself. But there is great satisfaction in doing what we were created for and honoring Him.

-Let Nothing be Wasted- John 6:12- So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, "Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost." There were thousands of people that were fed and all the food was miraculously produced without any human labor. Why would Jesus be concerned about not wasting? I think we should learn that we ought to not waste all that God has given us. Electricity, water, food, clothing, and many consumables are wasted so much without much thought. In my time overseas, these things were so limited that every possible attempt was taken to conserve and re-use. As I have returned home, there were times when I was annoyed by the way my family can be so wasteful and waste money buying unnecessary things. Our calling is to use all that God has given to us and not waste. The biggest waste is when we use our excess and abundance for selfish reasons. And a wasted life is a selfish life. Also, sharing is a lesson that I learned from watching the poor. It seems like a country of so much abundance does not necessarily result in a country of generous or contented people. I've seen in the villages how a poor child has learned to share everything with his siblings and friends. For example, you give a child a candy and the child would know that something so special is limited, and he would give to all his siblings first and then lastly take what is leftover for himself. This is a common site for any kind of fruit, snack, or meat because these kinds of luxuries are often limited that people would always think of sharing with others first and then taking for themselves. This is in contrast to the US, where children would get something special and be quick to consume it for himself before others have a chance to get a piece. It's amazing how the poor children in the villages are able to learn at an early age the importance of sharing.

-Knowing your calling- There are many different kinds of callings that God has for His people. We live in a diverse world of various cultures and countless different kinds of needs. As a result, it is no wonder that God has a different and unique calling for each person in the Body of Christ. No calling is better than others. A missionary's calling is no better than a calling to be a common laborer. The best calling is our own unique calling that God has given. However, there are times when we want to get involved in work that is not our calling or be envious of what other people are doing. Whatever our calling we must be obedient in it and great is our reward if we are faithful to our calling. I believe our God has great delight when his children are content with walking in their calling, even if their calling is not a great and glorious call in the sight of men. For some of us our calling may be a humble job or a very difficult task or even the call to suffer. But if we can simply obey and be content with all that our loving Father gives us then our Father would take great delight in the obedience of his children. I remember when I used to give things to the children and they would always be content and happy with what I gave them even if what I gave them was nothing special. They were thankful to receive and were content with it and didn’t complain. God our Father loves those children who recognize that all things come from Him, every calling is from Him, give thanks, and are content in it. Our lives are short so we must live a focused life by having a vision and obeying the particular calling from God. With every calling comes the ability, gift, and the grace to carry out that calling. If we know our calling then we would have the ability to say no to requests that don't fit into our calling. Paul didn't preach in some lands or baptize because it was not his task or calling. A focused life knows its limits and obeys. If we know our calling then we shall be content and not be distracted by other callings, the world, and sin. Furthermore, I may have a great burden and desire to go back to India or China to reach the lost. The burden may have good intentions, and it may be a burden that God placed in my heart. But I cannot mistake a strong burden for the call of God. Good motives are not a replacement for the calling and timing of God. Though we may have strong desires for a good cause, it still must have God's calling and timing. We must wait and ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers and let the Lord decide whom to send. We should not assume and say, 'Lord here am I, there is a great need over there and a burden in my heart to go... so I'm sending me.' Also, we must complete what we start because the problem of our days is that people start and most of what they start doesn't get completed. Discipline is doing our work without losing our energy. Paul didn't lose his energy and labored in the ministry for thirty years. Paul finished strong in the Lord fulfilling his ministry to preach the gospel of grace. Acts 20:24- nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

-The Distinctiveness of Christ- Most religions that I have seen are dictated by similar principles. For example, many religions invoke fear into their followers. Many statues, idols, and images I have seen are of scary images which would motivate you to obey because you fear otherwise. Many religious systems threaten by the negative consequences of bad actions or disobedience to rituals. This is in contrast where Jesus rules by grace and love, not dominating by fear. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15- For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. We are motivated to obey God not because we fear the consequences of what God would do if we didn't but we obey because we love him as our Father. Moreover, many religions follow the general rule that you must earn or work in order to gain a better life after death. But in Christ, salvation is a gift and a finished work. Furthermore, many religions seek to appeal to people's selfish desire. Many people embrace a religion for their own benefit or because it works for them. And some gospel preaching seeks to only show the benefits without showing the cost. However, God calls us to go against our natural inclinations of selfishness and benefits to self. God calls us to die to self and live for Him. 2 Corinthians 5:15- and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. Jesus said that in order to follow him we must take up the cross. Luke 9:23-25- "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. Jesus adds that our total value system be transformed where we no longer seek to gain worldly benefits but live for him. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? God calls us to die to self and we gain a benefit far greater than what this world, the devil, or satisfaction of the flesh can offer. We simply trust in God and God will give us far greater rewards than what we can imagine, 1 Corinthians 2:9- "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him." Our motivation ought to be Christ centered and not merely for selfish gain that religion can bring. Some may wonder why anyone would be attracted to Christianity if there are no selfish reasons to come to Christ. But that is why a person needs to be enlightened to the truth, drawn by the Spirit of Christ, and changed with a new heart. In John 6:26-27 "Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him." There were many who came to Jesus for their own benefit and eventually they abandoned him. John 6:64-65- For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him. And He said, "Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father." God does the work in a person's heart of drawing them. A person who selfishly wants a free ticket to heaven eventually has to realize that salvation comes from a brokenness over sin and restoration of a loving relationship with God through Jesus. It's not about our selfish gain but realizing the truth that we are in a bad relationship with God and Jesus made a way for us to be restored. When the relationship is restored then the new born child gains the benefit of being a part of God's family for eternity. All the religions need to appeal to fear, works oriented self-effort, and selfish motives in order to keep a religion functioning. But in Christ, God gives people a new heart where love and a desire to please God becomes the greatest motivation. Our salvation is a grace not earned and a restoration of a relationship. 2 Corinthians 5:17- Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

* My Other Blog with Pictures: http://yushim.xanga.com/

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Here is a short message I shared at the Japanese fellowship before I left Nepal and headed off to India.

Walking- The word ‘walk’ is often used in the bible and it not only has to do with physical walking but the word walk is frequently used as a metaphor for living. But the word ‘walk’ has lost its significance in a culture where driving or riding is more common. We often forget that during the bible times, when traveling or going anywhere far the most common method of getting there was by walking. Many days must have gone by where all they did was just walk in order to get to the next town. There were no cars, trucks, buses, or railways. They had donkeys, horses, or camels but most common people probably couldn't afford to ride one, and the animals were often reserved for carrying food, water, and luggage. Not only does walking take time but it takes much strength. We may have experienced times in Nepal when we are walking in the hills of Nepal and we are so exhausted that one extra step uphill takes so much effort. Searching through the bible, the word walk is so frequently used in so many ways to describe our spiritual walk. And it is such a suitable metaphor for the way we ought to live.

-Walking needs ability- When we first become Christians we begin our spiritual walk. It's a miraculous work of God similar to a lame or paralyzed man being healed and enabled to walk. (In Matthew 9:5-6, For which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Arise and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins" --- then He said to the paralytic, "Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house." ) Forgiveness and healing is the supernatural work of God in our lives. Spiritually God heals us and gives us the ability to begin taking our first steps in the Lord. However, only having the ability to walk is not enough.

-We need to learn to walk- Just as a child slowly learns to walk we need to learn what it means to walk this spiritual life. Galatians 5:25, If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. We are to no longer walk in the flesh but learn what it means to walk in the Spirit.

-God keeps us in our walk- It is God who guides and watches over us as we walk in Him. Psalms 37:23-24- The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand.

-Walking requires strength- Isaiah 40:29-31- He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. It says that our strength comes from the Lord when we hope in the Lord. God is all powerful (v.28) and he gives strength to those who wait upon Him.

-Walking needs guidance and direction- Proverbs 3:5-6- Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. When we walk it says that the Lord guide us to walk on a straight path. A straight path is the quickest way and the easiest way to follow. God will lead us as a shepherd guides his sheep and he will lead us on the right path. All that we need to do is trust in Him with all of our hearts. Psalms 23:2-3- He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.

-Walking needs light- After living in Nepal, I'm sure we have all experienced what it's like walking in the dark after a power outage. We know that light is something that is necessary in order for us to walk. The bible teaches that we are to walk in light and not in darkness. 1 John 2:9-11- The one who says he is in the Light and yet hates his brother is in the darkness until now. The one who loves his brother abides in the Light and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But the one who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes. From this verse we see that to walk in the light is to walk in love. When you are walking in the light you are able to see your way and so you won't stumble. But when you hate your brothers then you are walking in darkness and will stumble and fall. Furthermore, in Ephesians 5 it says that to walk in the light is to walk in love and obedience. Ephesians 5:2 says to walk in love. It continues in Ephesians 5:8-9 that we are to walk in obedience which is goodness, righteousness, and truth. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth). This way of living that is pleasing to the Lord (v.10- finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.) is contrasted with darkness in verse 11- And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. A life of obedience and love is a light that exposes the darkness. Therefore, our walking in the light keeps us not only from stumbling but the light shines into darkness so that others can come out of the darkness into the light.

-Walking requires consistency- This walk is step by step, day by day, moment by moment. Just as Peter walked on water we must not doubt but continue to walk in faith.

-A walk of grace- There has been times when I would walk to a distant destination, and as I look ahead feel like the distance is too far. And after walking for some time I would look back and be surprised at how far I had come. Similarly, heaven may seem like a distant future and becoming like Christ in character seems like an unreachable goal. But as we look back we can also see how far we have come in our Christian walk. As we walk forward and look back on our walk, we should not forget that this walk is a walk of grace. We look back and the reason why we were able to come so far is because of his grace. And it is the same grace that keeps us step by step to our ultimate destination of heaven. And so we should not lose heart but keep walking in his grace through faith.

-Walking with the Lord- Sometimes living is like a blind man walking step by step into unknown territory. We are blind in that we are stepping and living into the unseen and unknown future. We need to trust in God who sees our future and take each step under his support and guidance. God knows and sees everything. Not only the future but he sees the circumstances all around us and the unseen spiritual realities. Therefore, we who are blind must live in obedience to his leading and trust in Him. We must walk and live step by step in obedience to him with a clear conscience. When I go somewhere there are times when I felt like I should do otherwise. I would try to manipulate the circumstances or try to reason my own way but I must obey God's guidance and walk in faith because he sees everything. Little steps of faith and daily obedience will definitely lead me on the right path.

-Walking together- We are not walking alone but we are walking along with other believers and are helping each other for the long journey. Even at times being carried along by other brothers or even Jesus himself.

-Walking and gaining speed- As we walk more consistently in the Lord, walk in the light, walk in His strength and ability then we can begin to gain speed. When walking in the Lord becomes a consistent lifestyle then we are able to gain speed and run for the goal. Hebrews 12:1-2- Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

-Walking to running with joy- When we have walked and gained speed, then we are to finish the race with joy. Acts 20:24- But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

-A prayer for the walk- Lastly, the lyrics from Come Thou Fount is worth praying as we continue in this walk, “Prone to wander, Lord I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love. Here's my heart. O take and seal it; Seal it for thy courts above.”

Below are some things that I learned and thought about during my last couple months in Nepal and first months in India:

-Passing down a godly generation- It's interesting comparing the church in Darjeeling region in India with that of Nepal. In the Darjeeling area, there is the fourth generation of Christians while in Nepal they are still the first generation. The most important thing that has made it possible to pass on a godly generation is the strong ties in the family. Unfortunately, these days many families are separating, breaking apart, and living apart so the passing on of the faith to the next generation is difficult. If discipleship is to grow then it must begin in a family that is committed to Christ and love for one another. Discipleship is sometimes thought of in bible schools or missions centers but biblical discipleship ideally should take place in the family. True disciples are raised over a lifetime not trained in a short time. I've seen some trained disciples who only last for a short time but those who are raised and cultivated in a godly family endure for a lifetime. A godly family is not one that merely has long family devotionals everyday but it is one where the parents lives a life of sacrificial love and set a godly example to the next generation. Walking in love is a continual miraculous work of God in our hearts where he pours that love into our hearts where we can truly love sacrificially as He loved us. The greatest miracles is not an instant healing or raising of the dead but it is the continuous miraculous way in which God works in his children so they are able to love one another. John 13:35- By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." 1 John 4:12- No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. We need to continue to be filled with the Spirit of Christ to display such kind of love. Moreover, I have observed many ministries and talked to many Christian workers and have always been looking to see which ministries are meaningful, effective, and personally something that I would want to involve in. For a long time I felt that village or children ministry would be meaningful considering that it is a long term ministry where relationships and godly fruit can be cultivated for a long time. The conclusion is that the best ministry is the God ordained institution and ministry which God founded from the beginning which is the family. Most Christians in the world are involved in this 'ministry' of building their own family but many have forgotten the value and the potential for godly fruit that can result from a family sold out to bringing glory to God. Often Christians look outside of the family for some ministry or missions to serve while forgetting the most valuable ministry that is their own family. Maybe the greatest of all ministries is the family because in the context of a family you can raise children of true disciples, and bring glory to God by displaying the husband wife relationship as Christ's love for the church. It is in the family where we can see a picture of a parent's love for his children as a reflection of God our Father's love for his children. In a family, the children take on physical characteristics of their parents. Similarly, spiritual children should take on characteristics and display qualities of our heavenly Father. As children are commanded to obey and honor their Father, so we bring honor to our heavenly Father by obedience and transformation into his likeness.

-The Church in Nepal- The harvest in Nepal is plentiful after years of civil war, suffering, poverty, persecution, and then the fall of the Hindu Kingdom. These events have cultivated the hearts of people to reach out poor hands to joyfully receive the gift of a King. The converted Christians in Nepal today form the first generation church in Nepal, and the Nepali body of Christ has a lot of similarities to the early New Testament church. Nepal is seeing a great gathering of the harvest with many miracles and conversions but such a sudden increase of Christians poses some challenges. One challenge is that the Christians are not well taught in doctrine, truth, and study of the Word. The country's literacy rate is just over 50%. Literacy not being as good, not having the habit of reading, being uneducated, and not being very comfortable in reading makes it difficult to understand and even be motivated to read. Nepali Christians have a great strength of prayer. But it seems a bit unbalanced where they would cry out to God in prayer but be illiterate of the bible. Without a solid grasp of the bible, the Christians are unstable and could easily fall into wrong teaching or deceived into cults. In the New Testament days and much of history, most people were not literate and did not own their own copies of the bible. They had a different challenge because encouraging the Christian to read and study their bibles was not an option. Many people had to listen to teachings, be dependent on teachers, and probably had to talk about the bible to remind themselves of its teachings. Though there are bibles in the Nepali language, there is a challenge in getting believers to read and comprehend their bibles. The Nepali Christians who don't have a firm grasp of the bible truths may be easily led away by error, deception, and cults. The early church had a similar problem of being led astray by error. Paul frequently warned of legalism and false teachings that could creep up, and feared that his labor would have been in vain. But Paul also affirms that God will keep us to the end, His grace is abundant, and His Spirit guides believers on the right path. Philippians 1:6- being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; Intellect and education is not the condition of spiritual growth but a heart that cries out to God in faith. In history, many godly people including the disciples may not have been educated but they were taught by the Holy Spirit. In Nepal, literacy may not be very strong but God sees their heart and their prayers. So God draws near and opens their eyes to understand the truth. People may rely upon their own intellect, methods, and schooling, but what is more important is to depend on God to open our eyes to see and to apply spiritual truths.

-Under Grace Not Rules- Most of the Christians in Nepal were recently converted and are the first generation Christians but the passing on of the faith to the next generation is a pressing challenge. Most first generation Christians may accept certain Christian rules without questioning. For example, it is often said that Christians should not participate in Hindu festivals, cannot go to temples, cannot drink, smoke, or put on Hindu adornments, and so on. The first generation Christians all converted to Christianity from another religion, and are willing to accept external Christian rules. They don’t seem to question rules but accept it and follow them. But the second and third generation Christians will not passively accept all that is passed down and begin to object to rules unless there is a justifiable reason to obey. Just as Paul warned the Galatians of legalism and following of rules, the Christians here should watch against falling into the same mistake. The first generation Christians need to understand the importance of why we choose to follow certain rules but more importantly that we are not under law but under the rule of grace and love (The situation is similar to the book of Galatians). It's not about knowing rules but it's about knowing God. It's not serving rules but serving a Lord whom we love. The following generations need to understand that being a follower of Christ is not about following rules passed on from parents but it is to be under the fullness of God's great grace and love. In addition, if we try to follow rules then we will someday realize that it is a burden that is too difficult by our own strength. I have failed in every way and am unworthy to be called a servant of the Lord. I have nothing to show to God, no qualifications, skills, or accomplishments. My failures and selfishness abundant. If Paul struggled with the flesh and sin then how much more do I have a greater tendency to stumble. But thanks be to God who rescues me, Romans 7:24-25- O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God --- through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin. If Jesus came to teach a good moral then his law was no improvement to the other religions or the Old Testament law. Most religions teach similar moral values, such as to love one another. Jesus' teaching is different and unique because it is a message of grace grounded in truth and not mere external obedience to rules. With every commandment comes the great promise that he will be the provider and helper, if we would only trust and obey.

-Last Day- If this was our last day alive then this world would be in total chaos with many different reactions. Many would be fearful and would do everything possible to satisfy their lusts. Others may repent, realize what is truly important, and live for the truth. If nothing reminds us of our mortality then our own personal pleasure and enjoyment would be the chief aim in life but the reality is that we are going to have to face death and the judgment. People are living in denial and don't want to think of their own mortality but that is not based upon truth. By the grace of God he planned it so that when people get older they become weaker, and it is a humbling reminder that our last day is coming and we must repent and turn to God. I must take each day at a time and be faithful today and not worry about tomorrow. I also want to live today as if this was my last day alive. I want to live this month as if it was my very last month. If you knew that this was your last month or week living then what would you do? I think this is a good question to frequently ask myself to check my priorities. The fact that I would not do many things differently would mean that this is a good indication that I am doing what I am supposed to be doing. I think about the life of Jesus and Paul who made the most of their short lives and could look back in their life and say it was finished with joy and no regrets. It would be wise to live each day as if it was our last. If God is so gracious that he happens to give me just one more day then every morning I should wake up with thanksgiving for his grace for that one extra day. And so in health and sickness, if God extends one more day then I ought to be thankful and use it faithfully for Him as if it were my last. A Christian with a war time, pilgrim, soldier mentality would live as if this was the last day with no time to waste. (Even the richest or the most powerful person in the world is subject to the same limitation of 24 hours in a day. God may give some people more or less money to steward. But God has given all people the same stewardship of 24 hours in a day. Those people who have more leisure and less time obligations have a greater responsibility to use that extra time for meaningful purposes.) Moreover, at the end of each day I should be joyful knowing and feeling God's pleasure because I was able to use this day in the way that He would have me to use it. Eric Liddell the Olympic runner said, “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure.”

-Pleasing the Judge- Most people's chief aim is to please themselves but a regenerate heart is changed by God and is focused on seeking to please God. I saw on the news how people engage in drugs, drinking, food, and fleshly desires whose sole aim is to please self and their desires, not caring about others. Romans 8:8-9 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. When God gives people a new heart, the heart is changed to desire and seek to please Him. And when the Spirit dwells in you then you are enabled to live in a way that is pleasing to Him. I want to be able to look back on my day and my life with joy knowing that I was able use this short and little life in a way that was pleasing to Him. Looking back on my stay in this orphan home, it’s been a total of one year of living with the family at the orphanage. I have invested a lot of time and financial support in being here. I wondered if it was at all wasted. Of course there were some things I regret, I wish I had spent more time with the children, or felt like I spent too much time writing. But all in all I can look back and be satisfied. A life invested for eternity, a life of obedience, a life that seeks to glorify God will leave no regrets in the end no matter what disappointments you have to face in life. I want to do everything possible to invest in eternity, and no matter what happens, if everything is stored in eternity then I will have no regrets but only the joy of going to meet the judge and Lord. The joy of meeting the judge? Most people will dread meeting the judge. But I want to be joyful because of my righteousness in Christ, joy of finishing in faith, and persevering to the end. Most of all my I can rejoice because of my love for the judge who is also my Father.

-Drawing Near to God- It's not a matter of how long you have been a Christian that will dictate your growth and closeness to the Lord. It's a matter of how much you cry out to God. There is a promise in scripture if you are desperate, cry, and search for God with all your heart then God will draw near. But most people search for God in vain because they only seek him with part of their hearts. People hypocritically say that they want more of God but in reality they want something else at the same time. On the other hand, God has been always drawing near to us, he has always been there to deliver and help us. God sent deliverers, prophets, leaders, and Jesus in order to draw people to Himself. God always blesses us with life and countless good things to draw people to His love. Though God has always been calling and drawing people to himself, people have always rejected God's presence, helper, and deliverer. God is always there to respond and draw near if we would only call upon Him with a pure heart. Psalm 107:6,9- Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, And He delivered them out of their distresses. For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness. I want to renew my commitment to cry unto the Lord day and night because lately my desire has weakened. Psalms 55:17- Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, And He shall hear my voice.

-Supernatural Life- "If the Christian faith is truly supernatural, why is it not more evident in the lives of so many Christians I know?" We must be equipped to simultaneously defend the faith and be transformed by it into people of compassion. If we have a conversion that is so miraculous then we must be people that exhibit that conversion or else our testimony would not be valid. So why is it that the evidence of this supernatural transformation is lacking? I think many have had a true conversion but quickly revert back into a life dictated by the flesh. Not only is our conversion supernatural but we continue to tap into this supernatural life by living in the Spirit. As we walk step by step in faith then our steps of faith would be displayed in actions of love. To walk in the Spirit is to walk in love for the fruit of the Spirit is love. Ephesians 3:16- that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, In Colossians 1:11- strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power. Paul prays for the believers to be strengthened by God with all might. God has great power to give to his people. The Christian life is all about realizing that we have nothing to offer to God. God has to work in our lives his great power for us to do anything of lasting value. When we first become born again we realize that our righteousness is nothing and that we have nothing to offer to God. We reach out in faith to receive the gift of a king. As we grow in Him, we still have nothing to offer to God. We must simply receive his grace and power as we simply surrender to God to be used to accomplish his purpose.

-Crying out to Abba- Romans 8:15- For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." Faith is simply like a child crying out to his papa. The word Abba is a warm and affectionate call to dad. It is only by God's Spirit can we truly cry out to God as our personal and loving dad. And faith will always look to his dad. Faith says God will provide in the future but sin says I will provide. Whether it be food, health, job, finance, or any other need of life, faith simply looks to God and trusts in Abba that he is able and will provide. Faith says God has provided in the past but sin says I have provided for myself. Faith says God is providing in the present but sin says I am providing. Therefore, a life of faith is a simple life of childlike trust in Abba that he has provided, he is providing, and he will continue to provide all things necessary for life and godliness. All his promises are sure and faithful and we are never let down by Abba. 2 Peter 1:3-4- as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 1 Timothy 6:17-18- Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share.

-Taking Pictures- As I look through the thousands of pictures I have taken, the best pictures are the pictures I have of people. Poor people and village people who don't own cameras only have a handful of pictures that they treasure. Among the few pictures that they own, they only have pictures of family and friends. If Jesus was traveling and taking pictures he would probably only take pictures of people and those areas that have some specific prayer points. Pictures of landscape, historical places, architecture, and various things people take pictures of while traveling may be nice but nothing can compare to the beauty of people. God sees great value and beauty in his special creation. When we have pictures of people there is more emotion, prayer ideas, and memories. Pictures of people are good reminders of people God places in our lives and can be reminders of God's goodness and prayers for those people. That is why most of my recent pictures taken were of people. People whom I've met, had meaningful conversations with, and those who I were able to get to know.

-Living for Truth- Being an obedient Christian is often equated with living for the truth. All people who are living in sin are living for a lie and the devil is the father of lies. There are many who would compromise and live for a happy, convenient, or comfortable lie rather than live for the truth. It's much easier to enjoy for yourself now than to admit the truth that there is a future judgment and accounting for our lives. Those who live for Christ are rooted in truth and live for the God of truth. The bible places a high emphasis on truth and Jesus often emphasized his words by saying, 'I tell you the truth,' and Jesus was the truth. In 2 Thessalonians 2:11-13- and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, We must do everything possible to love and believe the truth in such a way that our actions will be in accord with the truth. But sadly, many people suppress the truth by denying it, not searching for it, not living for the truth, and hypocritically living. Romans 1:18- For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness. God's wrath is hanging over most people because they are not seeking the truth and instead suppress it and live for their selfish lusts and unrighteousness. Those people who genuinely seek the truth will not find wrath but mercy. Also, Christians who keep secret sins are drained of their energy. Pretending to be good and being godly in the sight of others is easy. But if God were to show my life and every thought on a screen for others to see then would I be ashamed? I must be truthful to myself and truthful before others where I would not be ashamed of the truth. Paul lived in truth so that he can tell others to think only what is right and imitate his life. Philippians 4:8-9- Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy --- meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

-Receiving the Gospel- Sometimes I find myself debating with people who are not all that eager for the truth, and I may have good answers but their hearts are unwilling to accept. When God is truly leading someone to himself then a very simple and basic presentation of the truths of the gospel will do. It's easy to share about Christ to those whose hearts have been so prepared by God because all that God had to do is use someone to deliver the message. In Acts 10 there is the story of an angel appearing to Cornelius and he was told to send for Peter to deliver the message. Cornelius was ready to receive the gospel, and the angel was already there so why didn't the angel just tell him the gospel? Instead God had Cornelius send for Peter so that Peter would deliver the message and be saved. God can use many ways to bring the gospel but he has chosen to use members of his Body as his messengers.

-Great Value of Life in Jesus- Jesus gives meaning to every area of our life. I like an equation that I heard defined as following: We often aim for a good family, friends, job, health, leisure, and education. Without Christ each of these things which we desire are like zeros in an equation that adds up to nothing, 0+0+0+0+0+0=0. But when Christ becomes first in your life then all these things that we aim for become significant, meaningful, and valuable. Christ who is the first in priority and of great value would be the 1. The equation would add up to be 1+0+0+0+0+0+0=1,000,000. Therefore, we may not change so much in what we are called to do but when Christ comes in, everything that we do becomes full of meaning and purpose. When all that we do is done for Christ and his glory then life is full of great value. Putting Christ first and then all of our relationships, jobs, pursuits, leisure, and other things that we do in this life become meaningful because they are done in Him.

-Knowing God- The word 'know' is a very important word in the bible and has different level of meanings. We can know about someone but not really know them as a person. People may know about God but not really know him personally. The bible uses the word know for a husband knowing his wife. The word know can have different depths. God knows all things and knows all people but he doesn't know all people to the same extent. Matthew 7:22-23- Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!' Knowing God is so important that our eternal destiny may depend on it. A person who truly knows God will show by the life that he lives. It is a great privilege to be known by God and to know him. 1 Corinthians 8:3 But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him. Galatians 4:9 But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage? 1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. Our life will be judged by whether we know him or not. The deeper we know him, the greater we understand the fullness of his love and are changed by his love.

-Faithfulness of God- People complimented Hudson Taylor that he was a man of great faith but he responded, “no my God is a God of great faithfulness.” “There is a living God, He has spoken in the bible. He means what he says and will do all he has promised.” When Paul was facing the storm and all others had lost hope of being saved, he trusted in what God had said that they would be saved. Acts 27:25- Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me. God is the keeper and sustainer of the universe but our little faith often forgets that in our personal storms of life God is still keeping everything. Instead of worrying we just need to trust in God and believe that God will do what he has said. Jesus rebuked the disciples in the midst of the storm in Mark 4:40- "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?" If I was in a similar storm where my life was in danger then I think it would be natural to worry. But Jesus said that we must not fear but trust in God. In Hebrews 11:11, it says that faith considers God faithful to do all that he promised. There are many promises of God which we must meditate upon. And we need to live in trust and assurance knowing that God is faithful to his promises.

* My Other Blog with Pictures: http://yushim.xanga.com/

** Photo Album: http://picasaweb.google.com/yushim

*** Map of Travel Route: http://www.travelpod.com/members/yushim