Date: Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Day 140 of 142
So....remember when I can't count? Yeah, apparently I can graduate from Wheaton College, IL, a premiere Christian liberal arts university and simple addition/counting can be too hard for me. haha. Welp, as they say, "Sucks to suck."
In all seriousness though, with two days left in my time here in Asia, what sort of take away should I draw from this experience? Perhaps a confession is needed. It's all too easy to say when I get back, "Look at me, look at all that I've done, praise me." Though, it might be better to make it sound less self-righteous; the effect is the same even if the words are softened. Many, I'll include myself in this generalization, take their experiences overseas as a point of exaltation. It's a tight rope to walk: encouraging others to take steps of faith within their God-given calling and turning it around and making our missions trips a point of praise and chest-pumping. Church, School, and Friends sometimes get it wrong. Missions is not about going places. It's not about, what "we" can do for others. It's not even about others. Consider 1 Corinthians 10:31, "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for God's glory (HCSB)." It stands to ask do we eat, drink, play, say, enjoy, hate, and love to God's glory? Do we work for His glory? Do we spread the Gospel for His glory? Do we take tests for His glory? Do we raise children for His glory? Do we go to the restroom for His glory? Do we have sex or date for God's glory? Whatever we do, whatever God has called us to, we MUST do it for His glory. There is no other reason, than this. We were created for His glory. Our purpose on Earth is to give God glory.
As a result of this perspective, perhaps I should confess a few things. I feel that many of my blog posts have painted myself as someone who has it right, and you, the audience, have it wrong. This is not always the case, and it is a motivation that is sinful and incorrect. So instead of preaching and talking, let me show you what it means to live life to God's glory.
The first person I want you to meet is Professor John Suppe. He is a geologist from Princeton University, studying plate tectonics and their effect on the social and environmental growth of Taiwan. He is the most godly and gracious person I've ever met bar-none. Despite being supported by an Ivy League institution, he prefers to walk or bike to work. He will usually wake bright and early in the morning and begin a sort of prayer walk through Taipei on his way to work. Everyday God leads him down a different path, meeting different people, all of them unique opportunities to share with them the love of God.
The second person you should get to know is Erich Schindler. He is a church-planter from Germany. Besides serving occasionally at Truth Lutheran, He is currently working on planting a radical new type of Church. A modern day interpretation of a 1st Century house church. I know, it's not new. I know that in China this type of church is foundational to the amazing growth. To him church must be more than a mere building where self-righteous people meet during various days of the week. The Church must be dynamically involved in the lives of every community member, period. The moment the Church ceases to be a community of sinners intimately in-tune with the needs of their host community, that is the moment the Church dies. There should never be a question of who, because the Church will. Who will take care of the poor, needy and hungry? The Church will. Who will care for the widow or widower? The Church will. Who look after the orphan and abandoned? The Church will. Who will show God's love to the naked and homeless? By God's grace, the Church will. Who will love and care for those terminally sick and at death's door? The Church will. Who will have the heart to look after the servant working class and those taken advantage of? With God's help, the Church will. The Church will. The Church will. Since when did the Church lose touch and become a place where self-righteous people met and complained over what they didn't have or what God didn't do or give them? Try complaining in front of the orphan who is living without a mother and father. Try complaining in front of the widow struggling to feed 3 children with 2 jobs. Try complaining to a daughter living the nightmare of having to wake up to an uncle or father who rapes and beats her. Try complaining to the boy who is suffering from the last stages of terminal Cancer with weeks to live. Try complaining to the homeless woman who has never known the joys of a warm bed and a hot meal. Try complaining when serving the LORD in context of the needy, helpless, hopeless, and godless. In this context, whatever meaningless shortcoming that we have no longer matters, in light of the hurting and needy.
The third person you need to get to know is Joseph Graham. He's a History major from Crown College. To him every life is a story. History, then, is a montage, a kaleidoscope comprising of every individual's life story building a mosaic that displays the face of God. Everyone has a story; everyone has an experience to tell. What can we learn from past experiences? What can God teach us about Himself through history? Oh the riches of the glory of God's grace displayed in wondrous miracles worked out through broken jars of clay.
These are just three people. Three testimonies. You don't have to travel far. You don't have to travel at all. The key is the motivation. Why do we do what we do? If you are a doctor, heal the sick, give life to the dying, and serve the helpless with the grace that Christ had when he healed the sick and gave new life to the dead--for God's glory. If you are a politician, serve unfortunate of the world and give them the tools and the opportunities to improve themselves--for God's glory. If you are a lawyer, protect the innocent, serve the voiceless, and fight for justice where ever it might be violated--for God's glory. And if you are a counselor or therapist, selflessly give hope to the hopeless and the despairing, those struggling to find the will to live and exist--for God's glory. We all have our callings in life, but we have a choice to make: to live for Christ or myself. Every moment a choice, every path a fork: do I give God the glory here in this situation, do I show this individual the glory of God, or do I shut him out and turn off the light? I don't know about you, but I can't help but get excited to live life, living for God's glory.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Date: Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Day 133 of 149
This week marks the end of the month of fasting that we've all been participating in at TLC. As such, I thought it would be fitting for me to share with you all some of my meditations for the blog this week. I also want to take a moment now and thank you all so much for your prayers and financial support these past few months. As my time here in Asia comes to a close, my heart overflows with thankfulness to all of you who made this experience possible.
____________________
Day 133 of 149
This week marks the end of the month of fasting that we've all been participating in at TLC. As such, I thought it would be fitting for me to share with you all some of my meditations for the blog this week. I also want to take a moment now and thank you all so much for your prayers and financial support these past few months. As my time here in Asia comes to a close, my heart overflows with thankfulness to all of you who made this experience possible.
____________________
"Future Hope in the midst of present Suffering"
Ezekiel 11:17-21
Therefore say, ‘Thus says the Lord God: I will gather you from the peoples and assemble you out of the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel. ’ 18 And when they come there, they will remove from it all its detestable things and all its abominations. 19 And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, 20 that they may walk in my statutes and keep my rules and obey them. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God. 21 But as for those whose heart goes after their detestable things and their abominations, I will bring their deeds upon their own heads, declares the Lord God.”
Just when all hope seems lost, when the LORD seems enveloped in a stream of curses and judgments which began with the nation, then moved to national leaders, and then ended with the people, the LORD takes a brief moment, just a few verses, to remind the reader and the prophet Ezekiel of HIS promises to the nation. Remember My Covenant. Remember My grace. Remember My justice. Remember My holiness. Remember this: one day, in the future, "I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, that they may walk in my statutes and keep my rules and obey them. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God." Don't forget. Remember My promise.
In times of distress and pain, it can be all too easy to forget who we are and who God is. It is too easy to forget what was promised. It is too easy to point and judge. Noise, thunder, lightning, and pain. In these conditions it can be hard to hear a voice speaking softly. When all we want to do is shout and scream, it can be hard to stay silent and listen. But here in this emotional state, silence is what we need.
It's easy to shout and judge, but much harder to remain silent and submit yourself to the LORD's timing. Don't be hasty. Just wait. How long? However long it needs to take. Thus, the question becomes, what do you do while you wait? Worship, praise, and exalt a glorious God. When you open your eyes to see specific ways in which to praise God in the midst of difficult times you unwittingly put yourself in a position to be able to hear and receive the Word of the LORD.
LORD, You are good and your Mercies endure forever. May all praise and glory be Yours now and forevermore. Nations rise and fall in a heartbeat, but Your kingdom reigns forever. Human achievements can be overshadowed, extraordinary feats can seem bland and ordinary, but You GOD are marvelous and beautiful. Nothing compares to the joy, satisfaction, and peace that are found beneath the Cross of Christ. It is there that things earthly and man-made fade into the background and true beauty and true love radiate forth and cast all fears aside.
Be near. Open my eyes to the truth that can be found in You. Open my heart to feel the pain and hurt that you have for all those that lack. I pray for the orphaned, either through war, famine, or abandonment. I pray for the widowed and the widower. I pray for these that have lost friends and family to war, famine, sin, and disease. I pray for those impacted by a fallen human nature: those suffering addictions and mental illness.
Most of all LORD, God, I pray for those who are separated from you by sin, those lost sheep. Oh, LORD, give me a heart and a passion for those people. Guide my hands and lead my feet to bring joy and peace to those previously mentioned. May this be my guide whenever I lose sight: John 10:14-16,
"14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd."
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
What's Next?
Date: Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Day 126 of 149
2.5 weeks left. I suppose I should be more excited than I feel right now. I seems the day my parents left, the moment they shut the door, I had begun to long for this moment to come: the chance to begin looking back, instead of forward into the unknown. My how your perspective changes as you let the God of this universe have free reign on your life. I wonder if this is how Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Samuel, David, and Jesus felt after their various challenges. Emotion and tears are so different now. Previously it was sinful; now, it is worshipful. Pride versus Reverence. Ignorant stubbornness versus Faith-produced Humility.
I guess now would be a good time to address the "What next?" question. After all this--I naively put God to the test, "You want me to take life by the horns, give up friends, family, and comfort, and step out in faith? You better make this worth it." And oh did He ever--what now? I imagine every prophet, judge, king, priest, soldier, and shepherd that was ever affected by God had this on his mind as his mission came to an "end." Did Joseph's faith change when he was appointed as the second most powerful man in all the known world? How did Abraham feel when he finally arrived in "the promised land." Did Jesus do a fist pump when He arrived in Heaven after the Ascension? These are the pillars of our Faith, crowd of witnesses. What needs to change so that we don't forget the lessons we've learned all along our journey? We tend to throw phrases around not really knowing their meaning, their power. Phrases like, "live for HIS glory," "live to reflect HIS love," "as for me and my household we will serve the LORD," and "live by faith." Do really know what these mean? Do we really care if we get it right, or if we fail? What if we fail? What if these questions are accompanied by a God who appears remarkably silent and unresponsive the moments we need Him the most? What then?
It would be foolish not to direct those questions at myself. I'll begin by answering an important question that until recently has remained unknown: Why? Why, did I travel thousands of miles away to do what could have been done, closer, cheaper, and easier? To paraphrase a well known hot rodder, Randy Grubb--Life is not about destinations but journeys. Taking the backroads; not the highways. After, what some might call a colored college experience, I decided to take the plunge. Take what I thought I knew about life and run with it; see what could happen. Not sure if it was me or God that drove my decision, I guess looking back it definitely was God. This is not a tale of conversion or a prodigal returning home. But a research vessel taking the plunge into the deep unknown. I felt an inkling a tug to go. Not sure where, not sure how. I just knew after my college experience I still had some things to figure out. Asking, searching, seeking, everything seemed to turn up empty, rejected. Was I right? No, not me--God. That is the hinge, focal point, emphasis, reality, and sustenance: no, not me, GOD. When all had failed, and my world like a house of cards seemed moments from collapse: graduation day, reality. God answered with a question: Taiwan?
I imagine all those stalwarts of our faith experienced that question: The Ark?; The Promise Land?; Shechem?; Egypt?; The king's court?; and The Cross? Forget events or places, people as much as events can be tests of faith: Abel? Ruth? Delilah? Bathsheba? Judas? Peter? So we all seek to know God's will for our lives. Desire it so much sometimes we lust for it. But when it comes, if it is revealed, and we are tested, what then? Are we bold enough, strong enough to endure? Many of those mentioned in the Hall of Faith are failures, imperfect sinners. Just like you and me. So what makes them special? Why the careful inclusion and exclusion? Why are some greats left out? Job? Boaz? Esther? Hezekiah? Josiah? Marry the mother of Jesus? We don't like flawed heroes. Perhaps that's why the TV show, The Game of Thrones, is so polarizing. Heroes and Types are meant to be exceptions to the rule not follow it. But that's the point. Flawed humans, flawed heroes all serve the same purpose: emphasize the absurdity of the Salvation narrative, that a perfect God would use flawed individuals to bring about the salvation of an imperfect and sinful people.
Let's return the original question: what now? Well, literally? I guess it started a few weeks ago when I began asking God what next? You see, acts of faith don't stop after a certain point in our relationship with God; they continue. Opportunities to apply and use our learned skills will continue to be presented. And, inevitably, we will be continually reminded of our sinful nature and inability to succeed apart from Christ. The change is our attitude--trembling with excitement and anticipation--and willingness to continue asking the question--What's next?--whenever applicable. That is the difference. Patience is the difference. Question of how long or to what extent, no longer matter. Details can be left out, but it won't matter. What does is His answer. If that is the goal, the destination, what of the journey? What of Patience? It all depends upon our perception of time. If so, what clock do we use? As we mature and grow: as we slowly and terrifyingly loose our death gripe around our lives, Digital, Analog, Satellite, and Atomic watches all fade into the background and our Spiritual Clock comes to the foreground. That is the goal of each and every test: the syncing of our spiritual clocks to the Heavenly Timezone sin has endeavored to cloud over and muddle. And when this happens, look out world.
How are your clocks?
Day 126 of 149
2.5 weeks left. I suppose I should be more excited than I feel right now. I seems the day my parents left, the moment they shut the door, I had begun to long for this moment to come: the chance to begin looking back, instead of forward into the unknown. My how your perspective changes as you let the God of this universe have free reign on your life. I wonder if this is how Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Samuel, David, and Jesus felt after their various challenges. Emotion and tears are so different now. Previously it was sinful; now, it is worshipful. Pride versus Reverence. Ignorant stubbornness versus Faith-produced Humility.
I guess now would be a good time to address the "What next?" question. After all this--I naively put God to the test, "You want me to take life by the horns, give up friends, family, and comfort, and step out in faith? You better make this worth it." And oh did He ever--what now? I imagine every prophet, judge, king, priest, soldier, and shepherd that was ever affected by God had this on his mind as his mission came to an "end." Did Joseph's faith change when he was appointed as the second most powerful man in all the known world? How did Abraham feel when he finally arrived in "the promised land." Did Jesus do a fist pump when He arrived in Heaven after the Ascension? These are the pillars of our Faith, crowd of witnesses. What needs to change so that we don't forget the lessons we've learned all along our journey? We tend to throw phrases around not really knowing their meaning, their power. Phrases like, "live for HIS glory," "live to reflect HIS love," "as for me and my household we will serve the LORD," and "live by faith." Do really know what these mean? Do we really care if we get it right, or if we fail? What if we fail? What if these questions are accompanied by a God who appears remarkably silent and unresponsive the moments we need Him the most? What then?
It would be foolish not to direct those questions at myself. I'll begin by answering an important question that until recently has remained unknown: Why? Why, did I travel thousands of miles away to do what could have been done, closer, cheaper, and easier? To paraphrase a well known hot rodder, Randy Grubb--Life is not about destinations but journeys. Taking the backroads; not the highways. After, what some might call a colored college experience, I decided to take the plunge. Take what I thought I knew about life and run with it; see what could happen. Not sure if it was me or God that drove my decision, I guess looking back it definitely was God. This is not a tale of conversion or a prodigal returning home. But a research vessel taking the plunge into the deep unknown. I felt an inkling a tug to go. Not sure where, not sure how. I just knew after my college experience I still had some things to figure out. Asking, searching, seeking, everything seemed to turn up empty, rejected. Was I right? No, not me--God. That is the hinge, focal point, emphasis, reality, and sustenance: no, not me, GOD. When all had failed, and my world like a house of cards seemed moments from collapse: graduation day, reality. God answered with a question: Taiwan?
I imagine all those stalwarts of our faith experienced that question: The Ark?; The Promise Land?; Shechem?; Egypt?; The king's court?; and The Cross? Forget events or places, people as much as events can be tests of faith: Abel? Ruth? Delilah? Bathsheba? Judas? Peter? So we all seek to know God's will for our lives. Desire it so much sometimes we lust for it. But when it comes, if it is revealed, and we are tested, what then? Are we bold enough, strong enough to endure? Many of those mentioned in the Hall of Faith are failures, imperfect sinners. Just like you and me. So what makes them special? Why the careful inclusion and exclusion? Why are some greats left out? Job? Boaz? Esther? Hezekiah? Josiah? Marry the mother of Jesus? We don't like flawed heroes. Perhaps that's why the TV show, The Game of Thrones, is so polarizing. Heroes and Types are meant to be exceptions to the rule not follow it. But that's the point. Flawed humans, flawed heroes all serve the same purpose: emphasize the absurdity of the Salvation narrative, that a perfect God would use flawed individuals to bring about the salvation of an imperfect and sinful people.
Let's return the original question: what now? Well, literally? I guess it started a few weeks ago when I began asking God what next? You see, acts of faith don't stop after a certain point in our relationship with God; they continue. Opportunities to apply and use our learned skills will continue to be presented. And, inevitably, we will be continually reminded of our sinful nature and inability to succeed apart from Christ. The change is our attitude--trembling with excitement and anticipation--and willingness to continue asking the question--What's next?--whenever applicable. That is the difference. Patience is the difference. Question of how long or to what extent, no longer matter. Details can be left out, but it won't matter. What does is His answer. If that is the goal, the destination, what of the journey? What of Patience? It all depends upon our perception of time. If so, what clock do we use? As we mature and grow: as we slowly and terrifyingly loose our death gripe around our lives, Digital, Analog, Satellite, and Atomic watches all fade into the background and our Spiritual Clock comes to the foreground. That is the goal of each and every test: the syncing of our spiritual clocks to the Heavenly Timezone sin has endeavored to cloud over and muddle. And when this happens, look out world.
How are your clocks?
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
The Beginning of the End
Date: Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Day 119 of 149
Well, it's now official. I am one month away from leaving Taipei, Taiwan after spending around 150 days here. Amazing. Also, consider this gift: I arrived on a fasting month and will be leaving on another fasting month. TLC has 3 months out of the year that they devote to prayer and fasting: March, July, and November. How fitting. How gracious of God. It seems as God wants me to learn the joys of a life devoted towards continual prayer and regular seasons of fasting each year. LORD continue to teach me the immense worth and eternal importance of a life spent rediscovering the joys of prayer and fasting. And as I pursue a life of prayer and fasting may You continue to reveal Your glory in ever diverse manners and mediums. Redefine Your glory to me each and every day, LORD. In Jesus' great name I pray, Amen.
Here is an excerpt from my journal on the topic of God's glory:
How do we live for God's Glory? Notice Matthew 22:37-40, "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the greatest commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself." In other words, the way we live for God's glory is to live devoted, fully sold out, for Him. Or as Pastor John Piper says, "God is most glorified in us, when we are most satisfied in Him." There is no other greater commandment than this: as God's creation we must love Him unconditionally because He loves us unconditionally. Discipleship extends naturally out of this love. As we partner with each other to spur one another towards increasing our love for God, we come closer and closer to finally fulfilling that great commandment. So how do we glorify God? Love Him and love others.
We want to live in His Glory, bask in it, bathe in it, radiate it, share it, display it, and reveal it. This is what discipleship is all about, sharing, partaking, and enjoying the Glory of God with others. We want to develop our spiritual taste buds such that we acquire the taste of God's glory. We want to become connoisseurs of God's glory--seeking out other ways to ignite our taste buds in more diverse and revelatory ways. One of my professors, Jerry Root, has the quote that I love, "All truth can be plumbed more deeply, applied more widely, and seen more clearly as it is applied to other coherent truths." If this is true, and I believe wholeheartedly that it is, then God's glory--and by extension His love--is the absolute truth that we are to search out, discover, immerse ourselves in, be put in awe by, and ground our ultimate joy and satisfaction in and through. It is not enough to just receive it and keep it for ourselves, such a wonderful beauty can never be hoarded selfishly.
I can't wait for what this life has in store! Every new day an opportunity, every second the chance to glimpse and experience God's glory in a different more amazing way. Can't wait for what God has in store for me!
Day 119 of 149
Well, it's now official. I am one month away from leaving Taipei, Taiwan after spending around 150 days here. Amazing. Also, consider this gift: I arrived on a fasting month and will be leaving on another fasting month. TLC has 3 months out of the year that they devote to prayer and fasting: March, July, and November. How fitting. How gracious of God. It seems as God wants me to learn the joys of a life devoted towards continual prayer and regular seasons of fasting each year. LORD continue to teach me the immense worth and eternal importance of a life spent rediscovering the joys of prayer and fasting. And as I pursue a life of prayer and fasting may You continue to reveal Your glory in ever diverse manners and mediums. Redefine Your glory to me each and every day, LORD. In Jesus' great name I pray, Amen.
Here is an excerpt from my journal on the topic of God's glory:
How do we live for God's Glory? Notice Matthew 22:37-40, "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the greatest commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself." In other words, the way we live for God's glory is to live devoted, fully sold out, for Him. Or as Pastor John Piper says, "God is most glorified in us, when we are most satisfied in Him." There is no other greater commandment than this: as God's creation we must love Him unconditionally because He loves us unconditionally. Discipleship extends naturally out of this love. As we partner with each other to spur one another towards increasing our love for God, we come closer and closer to finally fulfilling that great commandment. So how do we glorify God? Love Him and love others.
We want to live in His Glory, bask in it, bathe in it, radiate it, share it, display it, and reveal it. This is what discipleship is all about, sharing, partaking, and enjoying the Glory of God with others. We want to develop our spiritual taste buds such that we acquire the taste of God's glory. We want to become connoisseurs of God's glory--seeking out other ways to ignite our taste buds in more diverse and revelatory ways. One of my professors, Jerry Root, has the quote that I love, "All truth can be plumbed more deeply, applied more widely, and seen more clearly as it is applied to other coherent truths." If this is true, and I believe wholeheartedly that it is, then God's glory--and by extension His love--is the absolute truth that we are to search out, discover, immerse ourselves in, be put in awe by, and ground our ultimate joy and satisfaction in and through. It is not enough to just receive it and keep it for ourselves, such a wonderful beauty can never be hoarded selfishly.
I can't wait for what this life has in store! Every new day an opportunity, every second the chance to glimpse and experience God's glory in a different more amazing way. Can't wait for what God has in store for me!
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Date: Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Day 112 of 180.
Those of you who have been keeping tabs on this space will by now have realized my day count is WAY off. Dang it. Welp too late to change now. Though in other news, this is my last month here in Taipei! I'm not sure if I should be sad or excited. However, I have been increasingly been made more aware of just how special this place has become to me during my stay here in the city. I remember my first night: a mixture of sadness, anger, and confusion. Slowly and surely, God began the process of heating and reheating to purify my faith through this experience. The people I've met and the experiences that I've had, all served to influence and spur growth in areas and in ways I never would have imagined.
I've said this so many times, but just like during the conquest of the Promise Land in the Old Testament, God wants to reward our faith with boundless and unimaginable blessings and gifts. The only caveat is that we must take the step of faith to change what we know to be true into action. Present the Gospel to the coworker, spark a more meaningful conversation with your waiter, or introduce yourself to your next door neighbors, and who knows what will happen? Who knows how God will bless your act of faith. Stop praying for faith and waiting for God to do something on your behalf like you're entitled to anything. Grasp hold of the promises that God has for you and walk boldly into the unknown.
God says He will never leave you. Volunteer at Feed My Starving Children or any other inner city ministry and bear witness to the hand of God in action in the supposed "dangerous parts of town." God says nothing will ever separate you from His love. Spend time with orphans and the underprivileged in your city and watch as your life and the kid's lives are transformed as you display God's love to them. God promises to provide for and meet every need that you may have as you take your faith to greater heights. Give generously to your Church or favorite charity and watch as God not only multiplies and compounds your gift, 10, 20 50, or 100 fold; but also blesses your life in ways and in areas you've never imagined. God promises to answer every prayer. Take risks with your prayers: pray Kingdom relevant prayers, pray "risky" prayers, be bold as you pray. You have not because you ask not. Don't be short-sighted or foolish with your prayers, You have access to the Throne room of God, where every need or request will be met, shouldn't you pray world changing prayers?
I don't know. All I know is don't just read my blog. And don't just take my word for it. Try it. Put God to the test, put His promises to the test. Do you have the guts to do it? You might find them to be true.
Day 112 of 180.
Those of you who have been keeping tabs on this space will by now have realized my day count is WAY off. Dang it. Welp too late to change now. Though in other news, this is my last month here in Taipei! I'm not sure if I should be sad or excited. However, I have been increasingly been made more aware of just how special this place has become to me during my stay here in the city. I remember my first night: a mixture of sadness, anger, and confusion. Slowly and surely, God began the process of heating and reheating to purify my faith through this experience. The people I've met and the experiences that I've had, all served to influence and spur growth in areas and in ways I never would have imagined.
I've said this so many times, but just like during the conquest of the Promise Land in the Old Testament, God wants to reward our faith with boundless and unimaginable blessings and gifts. The only caveat is that we must take the step of faith to change what we know to be true into action. Present the Gospel to the coworker, spark a more meaningful conversation with your waiter, or introduce yourself to your next door neighbors, and who knows what will happen? Who knows how God will bless your act of faith. Stop praying for faith and waiting for God to do something on your behalf like you're entitled to anything. Grasp hold of the promises that God has for you and walk boldly into the unknown.
God says He will never leave you. Volunteer at Feed My Starving Children or any other inner city ministry and bear witness to the hand of God in action in the supposed "dangerous parts of town." God says nothing will ever separate you from His love. Spend time with orphans and the underprivileged in your city and watch as your life and the kid's lives are transformed as you display God's love to them. God promises to provide for and meet every need that you may have as you take your faith to greater heights. Give generously to your Church or favorite charity and watch as God not only multiplies and compounds your gift, 10, 20 50, or 100 fold; but also blesses your life in ways and in areas you've never imagined. God promises to answer every prayer. Take risks with your prayers: pray Kingdom relevant prayers, pray "risky" prayers, be bold as you pray. You have not because you ask not. Don't be short-sighted or foolish with your prayers, You have access to the Throne room of God, where every need or request will be met, shouldn't you pray world changing prayers?
I don't know. All I know is don't just read my blog. And don't just take my word for it. Try it. Put God to the test, put His promises to the test. Do you have the guts to do it? You might find them to be true.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Date: Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Day 105 of 180
Wow, broke 100 days here in Taiwan! Big milestone! The LORD has been so faithful, so amazing, these past 4ish months. So what have I learned? How have I matured through this overseas experience? Well probably the one of the most significant lessons I've been taught during my time in Taiwan has been to be in the moment. I know it's an American Dream cliche, "live in the moment." Kind of goes with "Do what feels right" as well. But the message is significant to the Christian as well. Sometimes we get caught up in focusing on our future heavenly inheritance or past mistakes, and we miss out on the possibilities of the present. Don't live life one stepping stone at a time. Why? Well, people, experiences, and relationships aren't mere inanimate objects meant to trod over whilst proceeding to our end goal. They're precious jewels meant to be savored and enjoyed.
Some theologians describe Man's Curse as a result of The Fall as experiential learning. We gain the knowledge of right and wrong through experiences, trial and error. If this is the case, then what nugget wisdom or snippet of genius would we miss out on if we tune out our present experiences to focus on the end goal?
It is all too easy to gloss over and fly by autopilot through the motions. Just get by in order to move on to bigger and better things. So many times I've done this; finding it much easier on the mind and body to just cruise through high school and college. Thank goodness for a Father who knows better. Without Him where would I be? I probably wouldn't have met Jordan Williams a cancer survivor who taught me the value of perseverance of faith through pain and suffering. I wouldn't have met Abby Taylor whose bubbly and happy personality has taught me that life is much more joyful and satisfying if we learn to stay positive and spontaneous. I wouldn't have learned that life can be "funner" if we just take the time to enjoy it, if I hadn't met Joseph Graham and Hannah Lai. And I certainly wouldn't be the person I am today if I hadn't learned the immeasurable riches to be mined through the sharing of self through my relationship with Zachary Larson. These lessons mentioned and so many more are a product of being present. Present in happiness; present in pain. Present in blessing; present in suffering. Present in life; and present in death. Life is a present.
So what's the point? Why should you care? The human existence, I feel, can be summed by one word: Relationships. It's not about making money, gaining fame, or acquiring vast amounts of stuff. No, it's about the people you meet, and the lives you affect along the way. As Christians, it's no different; in fact it's so much more important. The Bible is clear on this subject. The goal of the Gospel is to change lives so much so that those people affected find that they can't help but exalt others into a position of experiencing the glory of God in increasingly more personal ways. That is the definition of love: pushing, pulling, lifting, and dragging our friends, our neighbors, our co-workers or our family members into situations where they experience God in increasingly more personal ways. This is why the Cross is the ultimate act of Love, because through the Cross we gain access to a place where sinners were never allowed to enter--God's throne room.
How can we live this love if we're distant or impersonal? How can the world get to know each person of the Trinity if we're indifferent? How can lives be radically changed if we don't care?
Pretty profound. Don't mean to preach at you, but I feel that Americans need some tough love. We forget that life isn't a ladder that's meant to be climbed, but a piece of art meant to be savored and enjoyed from every angle and light.
Day 105 of 180
Wow, broke 100 days here in Taiwan! Big milestone! The LORD has been so faithful, so amazing, these past 4ish months. So what have I learned? How have I matured through this overseas experience? Well probably the one of the most significant lessons I've been taught during my time in Taiwan has been to be in the moment. I know it's an American Dream cliche, "live in the moment." Kind of goes with "Do what feels right" as well. But the message is significant to the Christian as well. Sometimes we get caught up in focusing on our future heavenly inheritance or past mistakes, and we miss out on the possibilities of the present. Don't live life one stepping stone at a time. Why? Well, people, experiences, and relationships aren't mere inanimate objects meant to trod over whilst proceeding to our end goal. They're precious jewels meant to be savored and enjoyed.
Some theologians describe Man's Curse as a result of The Fall as experiential learning. We gain the knowledge of right and wrong through experiences, trial and error. If this is the case, then what nugget wisdom or snippet of genius would we miss out on if we tune out our present experiences to focus on the end goal?
It is all too easy to gloss over and fly by autopilot through the motions. Just get by in order to move on to bigger and better things. So many times I've done this; finding it much easier on the mind and body to just cruise through high school and college. Thank goodness for a Father who knows better. Without Him where would I be? I probably wouldn't have met Jordan Williams a cancer survivor who taught me the value of perseverance of faith through pain and suffering. I wouldn't have met Abby Taylor whose bubbly and happy personality has taught me that life is much more joyful and satisfying if we learn to stay positive and spontaneous. I wouldn't have learned that life can be "funner" if we just take the time to enjoy it, if I hadn't met Joseph Graham and Hannah Lai. And I certainly wouldn't be the person I am today if I hadn't learned the immeasurable riches to be mined through the sharing of self through my relationship with Zachary Larson. These lessons mentioned and so many more are a product of being present. Present in happiness; present in pain. Present in blessing; present in suffering. Present in life; and present in death. Life is a present.
So what's the point? Why should you care? The human existence, I feel, can be summed by one word: Relationships. It's not about making money, gaining fame, or acquiring vast amounts of stuff. No, it's about the people you meet, and the lives you affect along the way. As Christians, it's no different; in fact it's so much more important. The Bible is clear on this subject. The goal of the Gospel is to change lives so much so that those people affected find that they can't help but exalt others into a position of experiencing the glory of God in increasingly more personal ways. That is the definition of love: pushing, pulling, lifting, and dragging our friends, our neighbors, our co-workers or our family members into situations where they experience God in increasingly more personal ways. This is why the Cross is the ultimate act of Love, because through the Cross we gain access to a place where sinners were never allowed to enter--God's throne room.
How can we live this love if we're distant or impersonal? How can the world get to know each person of the Trinity if we're indifferent? How can lives be radically changed if we don't care?
Pretty profound. Don't mean to preach at you, but I feel that Americans need some tough love. We forget that life isn't a ladder that's meant to be climbed, but a piece of art meant to be savored and enjoyed from every angle and light.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Date: Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Day 98 of 180
Hello all! I'm back. Well I didn't necessarily go anywhere, but as a result of the Taiwanese Independence Day (a.k.a. 10/10) last week I wasn't able to get a blog post up. The Bilingual Zone Group decided to go to Dali, Taiwan. Basically, if you have the map of Taiwan up, Dali is located about two stops from Hualien. Basically it goes, Hualien, Dali, Pingxi, Wulai, Taipei. Located at Dali is a very famous hiking trail, almost 130 years old; and a very common vacation destination during 10/10. This year, however, it wasn't too bad; though because of the holiday, the train we took was packed--standing room only! Needless to say, the train ride up was the most tiring aspect of the whole trip; as we had to stand for almost 2 hours straight. Once we arrived at Dali and disembarked from the train, the plan is to hike to the summit of a mountain along the famous Dali hiking trail then meet up at the next train stop to head back. We began the hike after lunch and eventually ended that night around 6:30 pm.
After 10/10, life has been pretty normal. Well, as normal as it can get in a tropical nation in Southeast Pacific. So basically pretty fantastic. The average weather now, since it is late fall early winter, is hovering around 76 F, with most days appearing partly cloudy. I really can't complain about the weather; it really is perfect. No bugs, No humidity, Sunny, and a cool breeze; this might be the best weather to facilitate my weekly shenanigans. As have become the norm, Joe, Hannah, and I have formed a pseudo-"biker" gang. This time we've taken our mission statement to the max. Since our joining, we've made it a point to bike Taiwan-nothing, no matter how far, is restricted to a biker in Taiwan. With this in mind we decided to bike to Shifen Waterfall, in the Pingxi District of New Taipei City, Taiwan. Just to give you a perspective of the challenge that lay ahead, Wulai is about 15 KM outside Taipei. Pingxi is twice that distance and even more mountainous. Shifen our final destination? Is an additional 5 KM from Taipei, for a total of 40 KM of very mountainous roads, though because of the distance and difficulty of the trip most people don't drive out there--they take the train. The only other people willing to tackle these treacherous roads in a motor vehicle are motorcyclists and student drivers (what a set of roads to learn to drive on!).
As a result, the trip really wasn't that dangerous as we first thought it was going to be due to the fact that for the majority of the trip we were the only ones on the roads. Furthermore, the roads we not as steep as we had first planned on it being. However, the lack of noticeable grades added to the burden of biking to our destination. From the time we left Xindian, Taipei (southern Taipei), to the moment arrived at Shifen, We were traveling steadily upwards. Even the seemingly flat areas of road had a slight grade to it, but because it was so small we ended taking fewer rest stops than when we were traveling to Wulai, which was much steeper in comparison. The distance, almost 40 KM, coupled with the constant upward climb served to tire us all out, much more than we expected. Thope that motivated our physical exertion, swimming at Shifen Falls; this, however, would turn out a disappointment.
Having biked 40 KM in the hope of swimming and enjoying the famous Shifen Falls, the thought never crossed our minds that it might be closed to swimming. This turned out to be heartbreaking. The setting was perfect, we were hot and sweaty, the weather was warm, and the sun shining, the only thing missing was the feeling of a cold, refreshing dip in a waterfall after a hard day's work. But we managed to enjoy ourselves nevertheless, visiting Shifen and Jinglong night markets before heading back to an amazing curry dinner. To be honest, the trip there was much more enjoyable than the destination; though it would have been nice to swim in the river. Though I understand the merits of driving or using another form of motorized travel and some may even say I obsess over the joy of driving, the intimacy and feel of exhilaration that you gain through tackling a particularly difficult road on a bicycle is one that is not easily matched. Slow down, take your time, and enjoy people, scenery, smells, and experience the world. View the countryside as a resource to be cherished not an obstacle to be conquered. Don't you want to experience the world for yourself, instead of reading and watching about it? Would life be more exciting if we all spent more time out in nature, hiking, biking, and swimming? Don't be content with watching reality T.V. shows about having experiences that you, yourself, could be having if you weren't so lazy and noncommittal. Stop complaining and do something about it and exercise your right to have free fun.
Day 98 of 180
Hello all! I'm back. Well I didn't necessarily go anywhere, but as a result of the Taiwanese Independence Day (a.k.a. 10/10) last week I wasn't able to get a blog post up. The Bilingual Zone Group decided to go to Dali, Taiwan. Basically, if you have the map of Taiwan up, Dali is located about two stops from Hualien. Basically it goes, Hualien, Dali, Pingxi, Wulai, Taipei. Located at Dali is a very famous hiking trail, almost 130 years old; and a very common vacation destination during 10/10. This year, however, it wasn't too bad; though because of the holiday, the train we took was packed--standing room only! Needless to say, the train ride up was the most tiring aspect of the whole trip; as we had to stand for almost 2 hours straight. Once we arrived at Dali and disembarked from the train, the plan is to hike to the summit of a mountain along the famous Dali hiking trail then meet up at the next train stop to head back. We began the hike after lunch and eventually ended that night around 6:30 pm.
After 10/10, life has been pretty normal. Well, as normal as it can get in a tropical nation in Southeast Pacific. So basically pretty fantastic. The average weather now, since it is late fall early winter, is hovering around 76 F, with most days appearing partly cloudy. I really can't complain about the weather; it really is perfect. No bugs, No humidity, Sunny, and a cool breeze; this might be the best weather to facilitate my weekly shenanigans. As have become the norm, Joe, Hannah, and I have formed a pseudo-"biker" gang. This time we've taken our mission statement to the max. Since our joining, we've made it a point to bike Taiwan-nothing, no matter how far, is restricted to a biker in Taiwan. With this in mind we decided to bike to Shifen Waterfall, in the Pingxi District of New Taipei City, Taiwan. Just to give you a perspective of the challenge that lay ahead, Wulai is about 15 KM outside Taipei. Pingxi is twice that distance and even more mountainous. Shifen our final destination? Is an additional 5 KM from Taipei, for a total of 40 KM of very mountainous roads, though because of the distance and difficulty of the trip most people don't drive out there--they take the train. The only other people willing to tackle these treacherous roads in a motor vehicle are motorcyclists and student drivers (what a set of roads to learn to drive on!).
As a result, the trip really wasn't that dangerous as we first thought it was going to be due to the fact that for the majority of the trip we were the only ones on the roads. Furthermore, the roads we not as steep as we had first planned on it being. However, the lack of noticeable grades added to the burden of biking to our destination. From the time we left Xindian, Taipei (southern Taipei), to the moment arrived at Shifen, We were traveling steadily upwards. Even the seemingly flat areas of road had a slight grade to it, but because it was so small we ended taking fewer rest stops than when we were traveling to Wulai, which was much steeper in comparison. The distance, almost 40 KM, coupled with the constant upward climb served to tire us all out, much more than we expected. Thope that motivated our physical exertion, swimming at Shifen Falls; this, however, would turn out a disappointment.
Having biked 40 KM in the hope of swimming and enjoying the famous Shifen Falls, the thought never crossed our minds that it might be closed to swimming. This turned out to be heartbreaking. The setting was perfect, we were hot and sweaty, the weather was warm, and the sun shining, the only thing missing was the feeling of a cold, refreshing dip in a waterfall after a hard day's work. But we managed to enjoy ourselves nevertheless, visiting Shifen and Jinglong night markets before heading back to an amazing curry dinner. To be honest, the trip there was much more enjoyable than the destination; though it would have been nice to swim in the river. Though I understand the merits of driving or using another form of motorized travel and some may even say I obsess over the joy of driving, the intimacy and feel of exhilaration that you gain through tackling a particularly difficult road on a bicycle is one that is not easily matched. Slow down, take your time, and enjoy people, scenery, smells, and experience the world. View the countryside as a resource to be cherished not an obstacle to be conquered. Don't you want to experience the world for yourself, instead of reading and watching about it? Would life be more exciting if we all spent more time out in nature, hiking, biking, and swimming? Don't be content with watching reality T.V. shows about having experiences that you, yourself, could be having if you weren't so lazy and noncommittal. Stop complaining and do something about it and exercise your right to have free fun.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Date: Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Day 84 of 180
Hello again, it's Wednesday! And for the most part life is good. The Fall season has officially arrived, and the weather is absolutely amazing now, not that it's ever been particularly poor. Temperature usually hovers around the mid to high 70s in the afternoons and evenings and gets up to the low to mid 80s around noon. Technically, it is still typhoon season; as such, we were bracing for a particularly large typhoon last week. However, at just the last moment is swung north avoiding Taiwan completely, praise God!
As you may have heard from my post last week, adventurous outings each Monday have become the norm each week, and this week was no exception. This time though we decided to travel less far and go to a local mountain to drink in its famous view of Taipei's skyline: Yangmingshan's famous Zhongshan Bei Lu overlook. The vista afforded to us by the trail was absolutely stunning, though getting to them required the hiker negotiate an impressing stairway complex that rivals the Great Wall in its difficulty, and its ability to wind the most fit of hikers. But such challenging resistance made the reward that much sweeter, quite the anecdote on the Christian life.
Now I think I should update you all on what has all been happening here, aside from my weekly excursions. Some of you may remember that I have been waiting to here back from a high school I hope to volunteering at; well, I received word, and I will be starting tomorrow, Thursday, October 4. It's been a long time coming, but I will finally get the opportunity to turn my theoretical knowledge into practical experience. This comes as an answer to prayer that as begun ever since arrived to Taiwan. God is faith to answer prayers in His timing. It was no mistake that I was accepted now and not any earlier.
In that note, it has been amazing watching my faith in God mature and increase during my time here in Taiwan. Learning to trust in the LORD and wait for His timing is a lesson we all need to learn. The advantage of an experience such as mine-spending an extended amount of time outside your comfort zone-is that you learn quickly that you cannot operate on your own. You cannot survive on your own, and you learn quickly that in order get through the next day, week, month, etc, you must rely on God. This is why I have been so adamant that everyone should go through similar experience. You learn so much about yourself and about God. Your faith quickly becomes a reality not something that you speak of having occasionally to other Christians on Sundays. Faith becomes the lifeline upon which your very existence depends. God is no longer distant and impersonal, but becomes your best friend, He becomes the hope to which you live for and if necessary die for.
It is all too easy to lose sight of the promises of God if you are constantly being cuddled and cushioned. But step outside your comfort zone, take a step of faith, and suddenly the promises become real. Passages that once seemed so odd and confusing now appear as gold. Once a commodity is now a precious possession. The Bible is no longer a mere book, but a living and breathing entity capable of providing all manner of peace, hope, and comfort. Prayer is no longer a chore, but the very medium through which you converse with the God of the universe, your friend and companion. Well I think I'll step down from my soapbox. Please let me know what you think about my opinion.
But being in Taipei has definitely opened my eyes just how closed minded the Western world view can be. And as a result I would love to travel to other countries and experience God in new ways. Next on my list might have to be South America, maybe Brazil or Argentina. I think Roman Catholics get a bad rap here in Protestantism So many of us don't fully understand the differences between the two perspectives and just to unfair conclusions. We go far as to categorize Roman Catholics as in same camp as other world religions forgetting that they are redeemed believers as well. Sinners saved by grace just as we are. It would be amazing to spend time in a monastery or remote chapel somewhere in South America. But that's for another time.
Living for the taste of Grace expressed differently Culture to Culture,
David Leong
Day 84 of 180
Hello again, it's Wednesday! And for the most part life is good. The Fall season has officially arrived, and the weather is absolutely amazing now, not that it's ever been particularly poor. Temperature usually hovers around the mid to high 70s in the afternoons and evenings and gets up to the low to mid 80s around noon. Technically, it is still typhoon season; as such, we were bracing for a particularly large typhoon last week. However, at just the last moment is swung north avoiding Taiwan completely, praise God!
As you may have heard from my post last week, adventurous outings each Monday have become the norm each week, and this week was no exception. This time though we decided to travel less far and go to a local mountain to drink in its famous view of Taipei's skyline: Yangmingshan's famous Zhongshan Bei Lu overlook. The vista afforded to us by the trail was absolutely stunning, though getting to them required the hiker negotiate an impressing stairway complex that rivals the Great Wall in its difficulty, and its ability to wind the most fit of hikers. But such challenging resistance made the reward that much sweeter, quite the anecdote on the Christian life.
Now I think I should update you all on what has all been happening here, aside from my weekly excursions. Some of you may remember that I have been waiting to here back from a high school I hope to volunteering at; well, I received word, and I will be starting tomorrow, Thursday, October 4. It's been a long time coming, but I will finally get the opportunity to turn my theoretical knowledge into practical experience. This comes as an answer to prayer that as begun ever since arrived to Taiwan. God is faith to answer prayers in His timing. It was no mistake that I was accepted now and not any earlier.
In that note, it has been amazing watching my faith in God mature and increase during my time here in Taiwan. Learning to trust in the LORD and wait for His timing is a lesson we all need to learn. The advantage of an experience such as mine-spending an extended amount of time outside your comfort zone-is that you learn quickly that you cannot operate on your own. You cannot survive on your own, and you learn quickly that in order get through the next day, week, month, etc, you must rely on God. This is why I have been so adamant that everyone should go through similar experience. You learn so much about yourself and about God. Your faith quickly becomes a reality not something that you speak of having occasionally to other Christians on Sundays. Faith becomes the lifeline upon which your very existence depends. God is no longer distant and impersonal, but becomes your best friend, He becomes the hope to which you live for and if necessary die for.
It is all too easy to lose sight of the promises of God if you are constantly being cuddled and cushioned. But step outside your comfort zone, take a step of faith, and suddenly the promises become real. Passages that once seemed so odd and confusing now appear as gold. Once a commodity is now a precious possession. The Bible is no longer a mere book, but a living and breathing entity capable of providing all manner of peace, hope, and comfort. Prayer is no longer a chore, but the very medium through which you converse with the God of the universe, your friend and companion. Well I think I'll step down from my soapbox. Please let me know what you think about my opinion.
But being in Taipei has definitely opened my eyes just how closed minded the Western world view can be. And as a result I would love to travel to other countries and experience God in new ways. Next on my list might have to be South America, maybe Brazil or Argentina. I think Roman Catholics get a bad rap here in Protestantism So many of us don't fully understand the differences between the two perspectives and just to unfair conclusions. We go far as to categorize Roman Catholics as in same camp as other world religions forgetting that they are redeemed believers as well. Sinners saved by grace just as we are. It would be amazing to spend time in a monastery or remote chapel somewhere in South America. But that's for another time.
Living for the taste of Grace expressed differently Culture to Culture,
David Leong
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2012
Day 77 of 180
Sorry for missing the last post date. Lets see, what's new? Joseph, Hannah, and I have made it a tradition to do something exciting on our Mondays off. Two weeks ago we biked the length of the riverside trail. Last weeks ago we went hill climbing around the mountains at Taipei Zoo. This week we took two other friends of Hannah's with us as we biked to a waterfall in Wulai. That was quite exciting. Well truthfully we've all enjoyed the things we do on Adventure Mondays. Here are some stories.
Before I begin I think you all should know that the area around Wulai is one if the most mountainous. It is a dangerous trek to make in a car let alone in fixed gear bikes. Now that you know... We were coming down a particularly steep section and when we realized that there was an odd sound coming from my front tire. It sounded like an air compressor: puncture. We all then started to brainstorm possible solutions. We also waved down a passing mopest (people who ride mopeds, we all hate them), and I asked him where the nearest bike shop was. Surprisingly he replied in perfect English, shocker. During this time, I noticed that there was a stray dog hanging out with us. As it would turn out this dog would follow us to the waterfall; we thought about adopting it.
Anyways, we spent the next hour or so asking a local if she knew of a repair shop or if not then did she have anything that we could use to temporarily patch it ourselves. Turns out her neighbor does. Another 30 minutes finds my bike, Lucy, "patched" with a sketchy looking hasty homemade Bandaid, which would only serve to make it so we couldn't hear the leak not actually fix it, in fact during the next hour the front tire would go completely flat. During that time we found the waterfall and began swimming in it. It was great. The water was so nice.
When we decided to head back, WOAH flat tire. Now primary agenda is finding a tire repair shop. Everyone we asked directed us towards Wulai, great I'll have to risk mountain roads to get this tire fixed...definitely not ideal. Well, we got to Wulai in pretty good time, and the repair shop was pretty easy to find. 100NT later and with a tire fixed, we were able start looking for the next mist important objective on our list: food. Turns out there's a night market in Wulai, who knew? Anyway found some good food, but by the time we set out for home it was already starting to get dark-and not all of us have lights. Having made sure that Hannah brought up the rear because she has a rear light and Joe lead because he has a head light, we started off making pretty good time until we hit the hills.... Lets just say making cars, trucks, semis, and buses drive around you during the most inopportune times, like at a downhill blind corner, is very sobering. At one point, a pair of road warriors (a couple guys on road bikes) caught up to us. And when one of them was passing me I'm pretty sure that he looked at me, shook his head, downshifted twice, and just monstered the hill which we were struggling to conquer in our steel framed, fixed gear, city bikes.
Long story short, we made it back safe and sound, though whether or not the two new recruits return next week remains to be seen. I think we may have scared them off. We're too hardcore. When we connected up with the riverside trail, the three of us found ourself sans new guys. We soon realized that if we wanted the to return next week we better slow up our pace.
Let me conclude that owning a bike in Taipei, though dangerous, might be the single best way to see the city. The intimacy you gain through feeling every bump and smooth section, enjoying the occasional downhill or flat section, aims to draw you closer and closer to the city. We're so isolated from the environment today. Insulation, AC, and soft suspension buffer and cuddle you. But ride a bike or motorbike, and your open to nature's sensual onslaught. You hear, smell, and feel every little bump, every minute odor, and every wisp of temp change when a bus is breathing down your back, you come to know a different Taipei, a more alive more physical Taipei, for better or worse.
Looking forward to the next adventure,
David Leong
P.S. we made it safely home.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Date: Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Day 63 of 180
Thank you so much for your prayers as it seems that we have come to an agreed upon approach to what my role might be in the church, namely as an assistant to the youth ministries at TLC. Because of my obvious language difficulties it became clear that a normal intern position at TLC would force me into an awkward situation where I would be unable to carry out certain capacities required of my intern role. Therefore, my role has thus been modified into a form of volunteer position where I would be allowed to participate in as much or as little based on my personal preference. In addition, I would continue to receive support from TLC to cover for the shortage in the financial support I received while still in the States. Furthermore, the welcomed my desire to find counseling experience outside TLC. As a result, my week would look like this. On Tuesday and Wednesday, I would be allowed to work at the counseling clinic that I found. Then from Thursday to Sunday, I would work at TLC helping out in a combination of Youth Ministry and Foreigner Zone activities, with Monday remaining my day off.
The area of concern from the start was whether or not TLC would allow me to continue to receive monetary support from them because of my reduced capacity to serve them. However, because they had previously promised that I would receive support and this promise affected how I conducted my fund raising activities back in the States prior to coming to Taiwan, they concluded that it would be unfair to me if they broke their promise and retracted their financial support. Thank God for this unbelievable accommodation. Continually, God has been merciful in revealing His presence and steadfast faithfulness towards me every step in my Taiwan adventure. This time in Taiwan continues to be a testimony of God’s perfect plan and perfect timing in providing for every one of my needs. Just when I think that I’ve come to the end of my ropes in terms of ability and grace, God extends and provides even more grace and ability. Though life has been hectic but exciting, the amazing constant amidst the chaos is my God. I look forward for more opportunities to see my God act. And this is why life is so exciting: you never know how God will meet your need, you only know with absolute certainty that you will be amazed and astounded when He shows up.
Anxiously awaiting the blessings of my LORD,
David Leong
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Date: Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Day 56 of 180
Things have been slowing down lately, since school has started. So I now have a lot of free time to travel around and see what Taipei is all about. The best way that I can describe Taipei is that it's a marriage between western courtesy, Chinese chaotic traffic network, and Japanese neatness. So it's quite an offspring, then. That's not to say that living in Taipei is bad, far from it; however, I would venture to say that life here is interesting, in the best sense of the phrase.
In addition to this, one of the most reoccurring themes that I have been noticing during my time in Taiwan is the way in which western and eastern cultural traditions collide here with astonishing implications. For example, last night I had an interesting conversation with a good friend of mine from my dorm. He is studying to become a nutritionist and has an internship at a hospital in downtown Taipei. One of the issues he has been dealing with is how do you distinguish between imbalances of the human body that cause mental disorders and the reality of spiritual warfare, with respect to the topic of the cause of hallucinations. Namely, hallucinations can have any number of natural and hereditary causes; however, as Christians how do we incorporate our knowledge of the spiritual world, i.e. demon possession can also explain why such a person may be hallucinating.
The main problem with modern psychology is that it is too scientific. Yes, there are aspects of the human mind that can be analyzed using the scientific method, but at the same time there are so many more aspects of the human mind that cannot be experimented on and reproduced in a test tube, dreams for example. Despite all the advances in the ways in which we can map brain activity during sleep, we still don't know how and why we dream with any certainty. That is not to say that there aren't theories available but none are conclusive nor are any of the reliable. Furthermore, the areas of the brain and their respective jobs are also an area of question. Why do we have so many lobes? What are their jobs? Why are they located where they are in the brain? Many if these questions can be very basically answered by recent experiments that have mapped brain activity with bodily actions, but mysteries still exist. And we are far from being competent I understanding the inner workings of the human mind. Issues such as spatial recognition, involuntary actions (reflexes, breathing, etc.), and information processing are actions of the brain that still remain a mystery.
This said popular science quickly rejects the existence of a spiritual influence simply for the reason that such talk is too childish. God, angels, and demons are not subjects that should concern modern science nor the western intellect, we are more evolved. Or something like that. But if we remember modern science as we know it found its origins in the Christian Church. Founding father such as, Galileo, Ptolemy, Copernicus, Newton,da Vinci, and Einstein all came from a Christian background. In fact the great scientific minds of the 18th to 20th century all find their motivation for scientific advance from their faith, only within the last 2 decades has science been dominated by a strictly atheistic perspective. I don't want to get into too much detail but perhaps science, and psychology in particular, has suffered from such a limited perspective. Many could argue that scientific tradition finds its origins in social/cultural tradition. What does this say about western sculpture in general? Could our willingness to discard any discussion of spirituality as matters of immaturity and not respectable topics of discussion for adults a sign of cultural decline?
As Christians we must come to terms with this issue: integration. I know this a well worn Wheaton theme, but how well a Christian answers the "so what" questions of life determines how real his faith is. If we are unwilling to struggle through and answer the tough questions of life, how, then, are we different? As, Christians, we have a social and eternal responsibility to answer the "so what" questions of life with respect to other chosen professions. Israel failed to do this and that's what led to their exile. The warning is clear. Where do you stand? Is integration of faith and profession important to you? Or is discussing matters of spirituality too awkward for you so you avoid it? Interesting questions to consider.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Date: Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Day 49 of 180
Day 50. Wow, almost two months. Learning to live out my faith in such an utterly dependent way has been most beneficial to my maturity as a Christian. More than this, I have found that your loving support both financially and prayerfully have been most helpful. I could not have survived this long without your prayers and your financial support. Surprisingly I find very little in the way of updates. Though a question has been raised about my current ministerial role, which has led a number of pastors and me to begin a season of prayer to seek out what is really the best fit for me here in TLC. The question involves my language capabilities or lack of them. It has been no secret to the staff that I have been quite frustrated and a little discouraged by my lack of ability when it comes to trying to communicate in Mandarin certain points of view of faith in Mandarin. This profound difficulty has led them to believe that perhaps my placement in the Youth Zone at TLC may not be a good permanent fit for me, and that maybe I might be better suited to a placement at the Foreigner Zone. There are advantages to both but none seem to be the clear choice. Please join me and the staff at TLC as we prayerfully consider, again, what God’s plans are for my time here.
Here are some texts to guide your prayers:
1.) Psalm 16:7-11, “7 I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. 8 I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, 10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful[a] one see decay. 11 You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
2.) Psalm 17:6-7, “6I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words. 7Wondrously show you steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at you right hand.”
3.) Romans 8:28, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
4.) 1 Peter 1:6-7, “6In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7So that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Thank you again for your prayers, couldn’t do this without you all.
Much Love,
David
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Date: Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Day 42 of 180
How fitting that the sermon series during my stay in Taiwan would be on the Israelites conquest of Canaan. What does this have anything to do with my time here in a foreign nation? Well, imagine if you would that my years in high school and college up to and including my months in Taipei as my wilderness. What is significant about this analogy is that like Israel, I’m being prepared and purified for the work that God has for me. “Count it all joy, brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing,” James 1:2-4 (ESV).
For Israel the wilderness wasn’t just a time of punishment and pain, but it was a time where God could 1.) Raise up a generation fit and ready to inherit the land which He promised them; and 2.) Teach them skills and lessons that would be vital during their conquest: steadfast faith and a worshipful attitude in the midst of pain and discomfort. It was a time of testing and purification before He found that fit and ready to inherit the blessing He had prepared for them. Now more than ever, I feel like I’m in the wilderness. Add up the time in college and high school, and it feels like God has been preparing me for something glorious. It all seems to be culminating now, but I’m not out yet. God still has so much more to teach me now and through the next few years. I know that after this time of preparation that my promise land will be more than I could even imagine or ask for.
Here are 5 key points that I gathered from Joshua 3-5:
1.) It took 40 years of “wandering” in order to get them ready for this moment. Sometimes God takes us through the wilderness of life—job insecurity, health complications, etc., yet all is for a purpose. God is preparing us for an inheritance greater than all that we could ask or imagine. We’re not on our own. God is with us, molding us, shaping us, and preparing us for that moment of blessing. We just need to learn a few lessons before we’re ready to receive it. So trust and hope in the God who will give good gifts to His children because of the great love with which He has for us.
Step 1: Bask in the love that God has for you.
Step 1: Bask in the love that God has for you.
2.) Notice God’s intimate involvement in Israel’s preparation. It is God who told them how and where to cross the Jordan, God told them how to setup the altar, God told them how to circumcise, etc. Throughout the entire narrative account God is personally involved in the preparation process. He is not distant. He is not apathetic. He lovingly cares for them. He is careful to make sure they’re doing it right. Only when they are really ready does He finally command them to enter. But all along the way He is helping them get ready.
Step 2: Marvel at God’s steadfast love and faithfulness.
Step 2: Marvel at God’s steadfast love and faithfulness.
3.) Preparation is not limited to just physical, mental, spiritual, or social aspects of the individual but involves a change of disposition affecting every part of the self. The amazing thing is that we are not left to accomplish this change on our own. God is responsible for the change. God is with us, overseeing and guiding, as we change.
Step 3: Watch in amazement as God is the one acting to prepare us for our inheritance He has prepared for us.
Step 3: Watch in amazement as God is the one acting to prepare us for our inheritance He has prepared for us.
4.) The importance of circumcision. In the Biblical narrative circumcision has been used as an act of devotion of oneself to God in a Covenantal consecration. It shows our devotion to faith, obedience, and reverence to God. While today the meaning can be lost, by the obvious physical connotations, circumcision is still utterly important today: a separation of oneself from fleshly desires and devotion to all that is beautiful and good with respect to the Cross of Christ. Note that this heart-centered circumcision is not an act that we can do ourselves, but one that only Christ can do on the Cross.
Step 4: Devote yourselves to faith and obedience to God’s Word, separating yourself from the world
Step 4: Devote yourselves to faith and obedience to God’s Word, separating yourself from the world
5.) Now for the most amazing part. After all that has been done for us there is one more thing left to do before we can enjoy the inheritance: earn it. We still have a battle to win, a life to conquer. But before you object, wait; even know God is watching over us. We have a warrior sent to fight for us, bringing with Him the legions of Heaven—our Savior, Jesus Christ. In the end, before we are about to set out to accept our inheritance, the Devil has one more objection: humanity’s sinful reality. It’s at this most desperate moment, when we have nothing to say for ourselves that Christ steps in and claims us as His own. “That sinful, dirty, and smelly child is MINE. I claimed and bought him when I went to the Cross. The sin and guilt are MINE to bear, MINE to own. He is sinless, guiltless.” Clothed in righteousness and in his blood, we are finally allowed to enjoy the inheritance which God has prepared for us.
Step 5: Worship the Holy Warrior, your Savior, who fought, who died, and who lives so that you might enjoy the riches of His glorious grace.
Step 5: Worship the Holy Warrior, your Savior, who fought, who died, and who lives so that you might enjoy the riches of His glorious grace.
As you can imagine, this message was amazing. It was one of those, “are you speaking directly to me,” moments when you think the pastor is directing his sermon to you alone. Thank you God for the many blessings you have given me during my time here in Taipei. Please keep me forever mindful of all that You have done, are doing, and will do. You are amazing, help me never forget you love, you steadfast faithfulness, and grace which you continually pour out on me. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Living towards a glorious and joyful inheritance,
David Leong
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Date: Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Day: 35 of 180
So one of the themes of the morning prayer meetings that I attend almost every morning is God's love for us. How should His love affect us? How should we live in light of it? What happens when we forget? What happens when we fail? Well here's a journal entry that I wrote that has really been on my mind lately. I hope it blesses you too as it did me when I wrote it.
Day: 35 of 180
So one of the themes of the morning prayer meetings that I attend almost every morning is God's love for us. How should His love affect us? How should we live in light of it? What happens when we forget? What happens when we fail? Well here's a journal entry that I wrote that has really been on my mind lately. I hope it blesses you too as it did me when I wrote it.
Reference text: Genesis 5:1b ESV
Just
Even as it seems that an heir that might fulfill the redemptive prophecy may not be found, God does the unimaginable: he redeems Cain's heritage by giving him a remarkable son to continue his family's name. Just when all hope seems lost, don't count God out. Odds are He has a plan, one great and more glorious than what we could ever ask or imagine.
This theme of judgment marked by unbelievable mercy is a character of God that echoes throughout the Biblical narrative. It happens to the nation of Israel during the reigns of the kings, through to the Exile. From the time of the early church to the writing of the book of Revelation, and even today.
Though war, disease, famine, moral decadence, and human injustice exist all over the world, God's mercy and grace is never far away. Sometimes it can be found in the most unlikely of places. God's love is present and still alive and well; though many times we are not privy to it. Here is the key: though pain and suffering may come your way, though sorrow may momentarily plague your life, and death may greet you, rejoice and give thanks for it is through momentary afflictions that your faith is proven and purified. Wait on the LORD. Cling to the Cross. Hold fast to the arms of your Savior. Wait, Hope, and Trust. God is at work.
end
The most amazing constant is God's willingness to pursue us no matter the cost. There is such hope and confidence knowing that no matter where life will find us, no matter how dirty we've become, God still loves us, still wants us, and still died for us. This is the source, the foundation: the Cross. It is the Cross that should motivate our very existence-life, work, friendships, hobbies, and passions. It should give us the confidence to take risks for the cause of Christ. The steps of faith that we take should get increasingly bigger and bolder as we find the surpassing worth every act. Whoever said bring a Christian was boring clearly didn't have this Cross-Centered life in perspective. I pray everyday that God would give me the boldness to act on what I know is true. I know it's hard, but oh the joys and satisfaction available to him who perseveres to the end.
God sustain us as we pursue this type of Cross-Centered living that You have called us too. Uphold us and when all hope seems lost when we fail, meet us in our sorrow and weakness. Astound us by Your grace. Motivate us through Your love. And shock us by the revealing of Yourself. LORD I pray all these things in the powerful and majestic name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord. Amen
God sustain us as we pursue this type of Cross-Centered living that You have called us too. Uphold us and when all hope seems lost when we fail, meet us in our sorrow and weakness. Astound us by Your grace. Motivate us through Your love. And shock us by the revealing of Yourself. LORD I pray all these things in the powerful and majestic name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord. Amen
Friday, August 10, 2012
Date: Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Day 28 of 180
Today in the Chinese calendar is a very special day. It is 8/8 or ba ba, which coincidentally corresponds to the sound that the word for “Father,” in Mandarin makes in the Chinese language. As a result, it is Father’s Day here in Taiwan. As a challenge, Pastor Yang at TLC invited us to celebrate our fathers this week by writing a blessing to them. So, having been moved by the testimonies of the other members of TLC during last Sunday’s service, here is my tribute to the greatest father in my life, Lawrence Y. Leong.
Dad, I don’t know how to begin except my thanking you for all that you do for me. Thank you for your loving support in all that I do. Thank you for your interest in my life. Thank you for holding me to a higher standard and, therefore, motivating me to strive to live life to the best of my ability. Thank you, Dad, for providing me with an exceptional education at Wheaton College. Thank you for always providing me with the means to succeed. Thank you for blessing me with a home, a family, a bed, and an environment that allows my relationship with God to grow. Dad, I thank you for your love for Mom. In a world where divorce and broken homes are the norm, I thank you for no giving up and giving in. I thank you, Dad, for your example of uncompromising faith, unquenchable grace, and steadfast love. Furthermore, your perseverance in prayer and faith is outstanding. And I thank you for setting the standard so high; I pray that God would work in my heart to make me half the man you are.
Thank you, Dad, for being an example of who a true man of God might look like and how he should act. Thank you for modeling for me how one should behave and respond to Christ’s death on the Cross for us. Thank you for being an earthly image of God in my life. Thank you for being my father. Thank you for all the memories: I miss the times when we used to wrestle in the living room. You used to trap me underneath you, and then you would tickle me until it hurt. The one overarching memory I have from my childhood is laughter. Thank you for your sense of humor. Thank you for your ability to be carefree. I remember practicing Tai Chi. I remember playing catch in the backyard. I remember all the times spent playing board games. I remember all this and so, so much more. If I were to share all of them, the memories could fill thousands of books. I know sometimes I act complacent and do not actively show you how thankful I am that you are my father—but I am. You are the greatest man in my life. I love you, with all my heart.
Happy Father’s Day from you son,
梁德謹
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Date: Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Day 21 of 180
Another day, another milestone. I’ve now been in Taipei for almost a full month. And to be honest, I love it here. Everything is just so easy here. Getting places is easy because of the amazing public transportation system. Eating good is easy because of the variety of food available in Taipei. Life is just great, between great tropical weather, amazing people, and good food life couldn’t get any better. Not only that but because of the transportation system you’re no more than a train ride from either the mountains in central Taiwan or the beaches in northern Taiwan. Like I said, life is good.
Since we’ve last talked, I been given a more specified role. Days I’ll work with Love Network, which is an after school program for at risk teens. Nights I’ll be working with the bilingual ministry and ALPHA group ministry at TLC. And during the weekends, I’ll working primarily with both Love Net and with the bilingual ministry. So I suppose this is when my 6 months actually begins. Though I suppose it’s actually 5 months now.
As far as how I am adapting, I would say that I’m getting there. Still getting used to using my Mandarin so often, but I’m finding it becoming increasingly easier, which is nice. And to the issue of culture shock, well I don’t really feel it. I’ve been to Taiwan before, though the difference now is that I’m here all by myself. I don’t seem too anxious or nervous. I just don’t see the point in being worried about something that is outside of my control. Relationships will come when they come. I believe that God will place in my life those people who I need the most at this point in my walk with Him. I just need to have the faith to trust that He will provide for every need I have whether social, emotional, or physical. It is to this end that I have found myself being increasingly less anxious.
It is just so much easier when you give up control. When you choose to go outside your comfort zone and live in real faith, you will not be disappointed. When you live everyday dependent on God to provide every need, you find God’s ability to meet every need. Some say it’s hard to live outside your comfort zone, I say it’s the only way to live. Because it’s when you’re at your limit that God becomes so much more real. Your Faith become so much more than just an abstract ideal, but it becomes the very blood and marrow that make life possible. When God takes you to your wits end when life seems all the more unlivable, this is when god becomes GOD.
I dare you all to dream big and live dangerously for the Kingdom of God, because it here, at your limits, that you find limitless Grace, Mercy, and Peace in the arms of God.
Living for HIS Glory,
David
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