The photo above is of sky lanterns in Thailand, where these beautiful lanterns envelope the sky. These lanterns are used in great celebrations of life and annual festivals.
The following scripture, (2 Corinthians 4) was a scripture that took root in my heart during my first international mission trip to Indonesia. The scripture became a prayer for the people of Indonesia and specifically Banda Aceh. Now, the scripture has come back into my focus and has been very encouraging in my decision to go on the World Race. I understand that not everyone is going to be on board with this decision and I know that I have to trust the convictions in my heart to which I am following after! The convictions in my heart are specifically to be a light in the darkness and to make know the glory and grace of God! In doing so I know I am going to come upon people (even my family) who are going to fight against this! But this ground I stand is hallowed and I am more afraid of being disobedient to my Father in heaven then to being rejected here on earth!
2 Corinthians 4
The Light of the Gospel
4 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God,[a] we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice[b] cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants[c] for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Treasure in Jars of Clay
7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So death is at work in us, but life in you.
13 Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, 14 knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. 15 For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.
Thank you Jesus for this opportunity to go into the world to make a difference with sharing the hope of your truth and showing your love! Father let my life shine your truth in the darkness of this world and bring you glory! Amen
