2023.07 Monthly Update (Eng.)

It has been over two months since I returned to Taiwan, and at the end of July, I had my artificial blood vessel removed because I no longer needed it! Praise the Lord! This month has been filled with many joyful events. I had the opportunity to get to the mountains above 3000 meters, meet up with friends, and make new connections with wonderful people. I am also blessed to be involved in missionary work here in Taiwan. Additionally, I have already bought my plane ticket to the United States and will be returning on August 30th!

In this blog post, you'll find🦖🦖🦖

1. Recent Learnings, Revelations, and Insights
2. Things I Like (Recent Discoveries, Fun, and Interesting Things)
3. Prayer Requests
4. Fundraising Status for BSSM Second Year

1.Recent Learnings:

/ Make Your Spiritual Warfare Meaningful /

This phrase came to me during a conversation with a friend, and after saying it, I felt an "Amen!" It's all thanks to the Holy Spirit for giving me the wisdom. Looking back at my less mature days, I used to be unaware of being in spiritual warfare until I had been oppressed for a long time. Even after realizing it, I didn't know how to win the battle. It felt like I just stumbled through that season without any breakthrough, as if I was constantly being beaten by the enemy for free LOL.

This month, I noticed that I am in a spiritual battle, and I thank God I am now recognizing it faster than before. I also appreciate having some friends who can help me discern the season (having spiritual buddy is essential!). Since we know the devil is attacking us, we can't just stay down and take the hits! So, when we realize we are in a battle, how can we respond actively instead of merely reacting?

1. Aligning with God's Truth:
   I know that in Christ, I have already been resurrected and seated in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). I am a conqueror, sharing in the victory with Jesus. So, I can confidently declare, "Devil, you've already lost, hitting me is like seeking death. You cannot determine my life or my joy. I am victorious, and I have joy, hope, peace, and all spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3) at all times."
   
   For me, declaring the truth helps me hit the brakes in the spiritual battle, not rushing into the enemy's traps, but redirecting my heart to Jesus' truth (2 Corinthians 10:5). Pastor Steve Backlund says, "Any belief that makes you feel hopeless is a lie," and declaring the truth restores our hope. You can collect truths while reading the Bible and turn them into declarations, creating a spiritual first aid kit full of powerful remedies.
   
2. Aligning with God's Will:
   In spiritual warfare, Satan doesn't want God's will to be released in our lives and environments. The devil's work is simple: to steal, kill, and destroy. At such times, it is crucial to be aware of God's will because we might be doing something the Lord desires (something the devil fears), or simply because we are beloved children of God (which is the most significant aspect, and the devil dislikes seeing you receiving the love it doesn't have).
   
   Below, I provide some examples of questions I often use, which can help us align with God's will. Whether you are in a battle or not, you can ask these questions and inquire of the Holy Spirit:
   
   – "Holy Spirit, what do You desire to accomplish in this season (in my life, in my environment)?"
   – "Holy Spirit, what is the enemy trying to steal from my life?"
   – "Holy Spirit, in this situation, what kind of person are You calling me to be?"
   
   I believe the Holy Spirit is willing to answer you and can communicate with you in a way you can understand and receive!
   
   

Lastly, a step to make spiritual warfare meaningful is to do a check-out for yourself. You can take some time to reflect on what you have learned from this battle. What truths have you discovered about yourself or about God? How can you apply these insights in similar situations in the future?

For example, in my recent experience of warfare, the enemy tried to steal my joy and make me believe that "my joy is determined by how others treat me." But that's not the truth at all. So, I immediately declared, "I have joy, I always have joy in Christ, my joy is not determined by others, joy is my choice!" I know that the Holy Spirit is leading me to live a life of joy in this season. Through this battle, my joy has become stronger! I have gained more confidence in my spiritual authority! I love the phrase the Holy Spirit inspired me to say: "I have a lot of joy because I choose to have a lot."

2. Things I like

📚 Book Recommendation: "Sitting At The Feet of Rabbi Jesus"

This book, written by Ann Spangler and Lois Tverberg, primarily explores Jesus from a Jewish perspective. The authors aim to help us see and hear the greatness of Rabbi Jesus, through the eyes and ears of the Jewish people. Sometimes, when we read the Bible, certain passages may seem strange to us. This sense of strangeness might be due to us interpreting the context from our own cultural lens. However, if we adopt the Jewish viewpoint, those peculiar passages may no longer be perplexing, and we can gain a deeper understanding of the text.

For instance, during Jesus' baptism, God said, "You are my Son, whom I love; with you, I am well pleased." This sentence can be broken down into three parts (clearly seen in the original text), and each part refers back to the Hebrew Old Testament (Psalm 2:7, Genesis 22:2, Isaiah 42:1). These three references symbolize Jesus as the King of kings, the Servant, and the sacrificial beloved Son. Familiar with the Old Testament, Jewish people of that time would understand that this was not just an ordinary declaration but a proclamation of significant events to come! This book has opened up a fresh perspective on reading the Bible and a greater sensitivity towards Jewish culture for me! It has been an enjoyable and enlightening reading experience. Highly recommended!

🍿Movie Recommendation: "Won't You Be My Neighbor"

This is a documentary about Fred Rogers, who was a Presbyterian minister dedicated to creating children's television programs to help kids build healthy self-worth and develop emotionally in various situations. Both on and off the show, he exemplified the principle of loving his neighbor as himself, demonstrating genuine care and love for every soul he encountered. He was truly a remarkable shepherd and television evangelist. Trust me, after watching this documentary, you will feel that Mr. Rogers loved you on the other side of the screen just like our heavenly Father. It's truly inspiring!

3. Prayer Requests:

• Restoration and breakthrough in family relationships. We believe God has enough grace for our family and that each member will experience divine encounters.
• Smooth preparation for the upcoming overseas trip at the end of August. Pray for opportunities to bless and serve the people in Taiwan according to God's will.
• Successful search for accommodation for the second year at BSSM (recently had an interview with potential new landlords), and timely provision of tuition fees before the deadline (8/27). As an international student, I need to clear the fees by this date to complete the registration.

4. BSSM Second Year Fundraising:

Thank God for His timely provision this month, enabling me to cover the expenses for my flight ticket. Before summer break, I prayed and felt that God wanted me to "not work, not rush into serving, but to connect with the body of Christ." I followed that leading and visited around ten different churches after returning to Taiwan, connecting with various parts of the body, witnessing the different expressions of God's kingdom and the movement of the Holy Spirit throughout Taiwan. This journey has been eye-opening, and I am filled with hope for the next season as I trust that God will supply and fulfill His leading in my life.

If you are interested in becoming part of my prayer team or a regular financial support team through monthly contributions, please connect with me. I would be more than happy to share the vision God has placed in my life and look forward to being a blessing to you as well!

Thank you, Father, and everyone for your generosity, allowing me to walk deeper into my calling!

Give to my tuition: https://my.bssm.net/donations/tuition_transactions/new?finance_target_id=542010&finance_target_type=StudentBinder&fbclid=IwAR1kuiayPbhtJvMgw1YB0i6e3iZxHtLFC7-k2JG-wM6I48rFeE4oAJJRs70

Thank you for reading! Have a blessed day!✌