Sunday, January 15, 2017

Here are the stages in the journey

Snow at the Peace Camp

Here are the stages in the journey of the Israelites when they came out of Egypt by divisions under the leadership of Moses and Aaron. At the Lord’s command Moses recorded the stages in their journey. This is their journey by stages... Numbers 33

There are forty two of them spread from the Exodus to the Entry. 

During the journey they could not go back to Egypt, nor get into the Promised Land right away. 

The areas were not exactly an oasis. Rather they went through desert lands devoid of civilizations. 

The Lord chose the stages in such a way that through the journey the Lord could reveal his glory fully, so they could live by faith in the Lord in all circumstances. Isaiah 40:5

One of the missions on the Jewish people is to make the Bible come into being, embodiment of the glory of the Lord, as Jesus said, "Salvation comes from the Jews." 

Those who lived by faith in the Lord saw the glory and well fed. Deuteronomy 29:5; Nehemiah 9:21

Those who distrusted the Lord all perished during the journey. 

Hymn 105 (Sing to the Lord) thus says, "Day by day and with each passing moment strength I find to meet my trials here."

One word: the righteous will live by his faith


Sunday, January 8, 2017

Pass Me Not O Gentle Savior

Why should our father's name disappear from his clan because he had no son? Numbers 27:6

Our life here on earth in a mortal body is like the life of the Israelite journeying to the Promised Land through the desert.

They endured the hardship with the hope of entering the Land and settle there.

So did the five daughters.

But their father died. They lost protection. Most likely none of them married. They dreamed of the day to enter the Promised Land, build their life in the land flowing with milk and honey.

Had their father left even a son, some day (or sooner than later) they could cross the Jordan River, get assigned a peace of land register the peace of land in the county recorder's office in the name of Zep (thereunder five daughters), secure a deed of title, build a house, farm, and make a living.

But since the father died in whose name should they get the title?

So they came out and pleaded with Moses who in turn made an inquiry with the Lord. The Lord said they were right. Grant their request. And they secured the promise to inherit the land in the name of Zep.

The five ladies' faith and courage inspires us the Gentiles to come to the presence of the Lord and ask for the inheritance in His Kingdom not because of our merits but because of His merit, the merit of our Lord Jesus who died for the sins of the world, and rose for the justification of all who believe in Him.

Friday, January 6, 2017

Happy New Year 2017

No misfortune is seen in Jacob no misery observed  in Israel. The Lord their God is with them. Numbers 23:21

Jesus said, "Flesh counts for nothing; Spirit gives life to men." Those who are born of the Spirit through faith in the Lord live in and with the Lord their God. They begin the New Year with the the Lord who is new and makes his creation new.

For the children of God living the New Year what Balaam said of Jacob/Israel is true of them:

- you do not consider yourself as one of the nations, for you have been called from Above
- there is no divination no sorcery against you
- you rest for you rise like lioness/lion only to devour your prey
- how beautiful are your tents, for like valleys they spread out, like gardens beside a river, like aloes planted by the Lord, like cedars beside the waters, so that waters will flow from your buckets, seed coming with abundant water
- you have knowledge from the High, see a vision from the Almighty

The Lord's blessings upon you! 

Monday, January 2, 2017

Year 2017 European Coordinator's conference (12.27-28) - by Msn. Jose Ahn

European Coordinator's conference (12.27-28) (Skopie, Macedonia) (Around 100 attendees from around 30 countries; See their profiles as attached)
The airport of Skopie reminded us of Alexander the Great, the Macedonian born. We are reminded more of God's Macedonian Calling of Paul that made Europe as a continent used by God to shine Jesus, the light for the Gentiles to all nations through Rome. Now we hear again "God's Macedonian calling, 'Come over and help us!'" We believe our UBF missionaries are today's Paul called by God to make Europe again to be the Missionary sending continent!

The highlights of the conference:
1. Informal discussion led by Caleb Lee with Dr. Abraham K Lee, Caleb Hong and Dr. Peter Chang: on the night of 26th a forum of national directors and missionaries was held. They covered various topics such as UBF ministry-challenge and prayers.
2. Introduction to Macedonia and Opening message(Deut 8 by M. Barnabas Kang of Macedonia): His message was so humorous as well as so sincere. It showed God's wilderness training in Macedonia was to let him live on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

3. 9 GBS with different languages and gender and 2nd genes and joyful fellowships and special songs and 2nd genes dancing with their own Bible study and activities.




4. 25 country mission reports were very heart touching to see God's quiet but mighty work in each country. We could see God would bless Europe again as God blessed first century Paul's Macedonian ministry with Lydia, one to one bible studies in the rent house in Rome conquered Rome and the whole Europe to reach to the ends of the earth.
There were very useful and meaningful special lectures by Dr. Henry Park (Three spiritual paradigm shifts), Walter Nett (Seek peace and prosperity of the city) (Jer 29:1-14), Pastor Abraham K. Lee (Christian understanding of Islam) and LT by Joseph Ahn
 

5. Main message by Pastor Abraham Kim (Look forward to the Day of the Lord: 2 Pet 3)


Thank you for all prayer supports. On 12/29 all members will visit campus and pray for Macedonia mission before leaving for their respected mission fields.