WhatsApp Image 2023-09-05 at 07.06.25

사진: 임목사님께서 마마스배리에서 섬기시는 부쿠가정 멤버들과 함께 아우팅을 하셨습니다. 2011년부터 알고 지낸 분들이라며 자랑스러워하십니다.

What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.
1 Corinthians 14:26 NIV +

Written by Jung

I remember vividly when I used to deliver messages to validate my position in the church. I started leading a missions department when I was a young Christian, so I was known to be unaware of many details of the Bible and the inner workings of the church.

As I matured, I began to understand the meaning of what Paul was saying here. My purpose had to be to edify the church, particularly in the Vuku language (though not exclusively), by bringing them closer to Jesus.

This realization came with the understanding that it couldn’t be achieved solely through my desire to do so. I had to comprehend not only their background but also their spiritual lives in order to effectively communicate. Simply sharing my knowledge could provide a valuable lesson, but it couldn’t replace genuine worship.

It was never about me; it was always about Jesus and His heart towards His people. When I grasped that, I truly understood the preciousness of His people.

Remember, you are precious to Jesus.

WhatsApp Image 2023-09-04 at 08.43.48

사진: 예수님은 소망이시고 저희들을 통해 나누어지십니다.

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.”
Hebrews 12:28‭-‬29 NIV +

Written by Jung

There are a couple of ways for a nation or a kingdom to stand strong. One way would be to have a strong defense system, which would protect it against potential conquerors.

Another approach could be described as ‘Offense is the best defense.’ This strategy involves continuous expansion and growth.

In the case of God and His kingdom, self-preservation is not its purpose, and it is entirely unnecessary. Here, God is depicted as a consuming fire and a jealous God, as described in Deuteronomy. He consumes and destroys what is unholy while safeguarding that which is holy in His sight.

The same principle applies to us. What He has built within us is holy and meant to endure for eternity in His presence. That’s why you are a part of His kingdom, which will stand eternally without being shaken.

Allow Him to consume that which is not holy and continue to refine us.

WhatsApp Image 2023-08-31 at 07.09.58

사진: 도로시의 아들 폴입니다. 주님께서 부쿠를 통해 이들의 관계를 새로히 해가심을 봅니다.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:29‭-‬31 NIV +

Written by Jung

This is what God does when He is there for you. He gives strength to the weary and increases power to those who have fallen. He renews strength so you can soar like eagles. He will keep you from becoming weary and fainting.

As Christ ambassadors, this is what we are called to do for those who have hope in the Lord.

We become strength to each other and increase power to those who have fallen. We renew each other’s strength so we can soar like eagles together. We keep each other from becoming weary and fainting.

And His heart will be revealed to you.

WhatsApp Image 2023-08-29 at 09.08.20

사진: 하우스어브 프로스퍼 교회를 지키는 커플입니다. 많은 이야기를 나누고 서로를 알아갑니다.

Now if a boy can be circumcised on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses may not be broken, why are you angry with me for healing a man’s whole body on the Sabbath? Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.”
John 7:23‭-‬24 NIV +

Written by Jung

There was a significant contradiction. While the Istalites were performing circumcision on the Sabbath according to the Law of Moses, they were upset by Jesus healing a man.

This contradiction arose due to differing objectives between them and Jesus.

Jesus aimed to reconcile people with God, whereas people were preoccupied with adhering to the law. However, the law was given to them to enable them to be right with God.

Rather than seeking God, they had, in a way, idolized the act of law-keeping.

This scenario is similar to being a student but failing to learn anything. The purpose of attending school is to learn, so if no learning takes place, the effort becomes futile. Still, there can be an idolization of becoming a student such as going to school and wearing a school uniform which leads to the failure of many students.

Similarly, we must be cautious not to idolize our traditions and activities as Christians. Our primary objective should be to bring each other closer to Jesus. Engaging in all the practices of Christianity but losing sight of Him would create our own contradiction.

Prioritize the search for Him each day, and engage in any actions that aid you in finding Him.

WhatsApp Image 2023-08-28 at 07.13.54

사진: 사이트 C 그린빌리지 교회의 떠오르는 스타들입니다. 부쿠 장학으로 돕기 시작했습니다.

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV +

Written by Jung

Talking about trading places, I believe that’s representative of our relationship with Jesus. He took on our sins, and in turn, we gained and became his righteousness.

So, what does it mean for us to embody his righteousness?

Firstly, just as Jesus had a choice, so do we. We must aspire to embrace his righteousness.

Secondly, we are not the fruit of our own work, but of Jesus’. This entails following his guidance rather than our own.

Thirdly, and in my view, most crucially, we shouldn’t confine ourselves with thoughts like ‘It’s impossible,’ ‘I lack the ability,’ or ‘I’m unworthy.’

When we genuinely surrender and learn to follow our Good Shepherd, we’ll grasp the immense power of Jesus, our capabilities in him, and how precious we are in Christ.

WhatsApp Image 2023-08-24 at 07.53.53

사진: 시얌탄다 친구의 집을 방문했습니다.

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
John 6:35 NIV +

Written by Jung

Israelites needed manna and water that God provided to survive the 40 years of their journey in the desert. It was God’s provision that allowed them to endure the journey.

So, what does the “bread and water of life” symbolize? It’s more than just sustaining the body; it represents what we require for true living. What is essential for a fulfilling life? What needs to be provided for us to endure life?

We must grasp the significance of our existence—why we are here and where our path leads.

We must recognize our own identity and purpose, understanding who we are.

We must confront the question of what occurs after death: does the soul endure eternally or perish with the body?

If Jesus is indeed the “bread and water of life,” it means that the answers to these questions lie within Him.

Are you prepared to seek the truth?

WhatsApp Image 2023-08-22 at 09.43.09

사진: 월요일 저녘 부쿠 미팅입니다. 새로운 멤버 막달린과 CMC교회 부쿠리더들이 미팅을 합니다.

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:38‭-‬42 NIV +

Written by Jung

This passage is often compared to our desires to excel on the logistical or practical side of the ministry for the Lord. When we get distracted by the physical aspects of the ministry, we might miss out on the spiritual side.

On the other hand, we could see the rebellious aspect of Mary’s actions against the norms of the day and the expectations of women’s roles. Her actions were probably frowned upon not only by Martha, who ended up doing all the work, but also by others who didn’t get mentioned. As Jesus said, Martha was upset about many things.

What they had prepared for that day is not remembered, but we all possess what Mary received that day, as Jesus said it would not be taken away from her. She made a conscious choice to go against who she was for who she wanted to be in Christ.

We have choices every day, perhaps every hour. We all think we are expected to and must do certain things, whether as a friend, son, daughter, or even as a boss. But before anything else that you are, your identity as a disciple of Jesus Christ has to be the foundation of everything you are.

I pray that you find and come to cherish who you are in Christ.

WhatsApp Image 2023-08-21 at 10.15.34

사진: Site C의 Green Village 교회에 부쿠 리더들입니다. 자신들의 구룹에서 일하시고 계시는 예수님의 모습을 간증해주시는 시간이였습니다.

“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Matthew 6:5‭-‬6 NIV +

Written by Jung

What are the rewards of prayer?

I prefer prayers that benefit me. I don’t mean praying for my needs, but prayers that nurture my heart.

At times, I want to pray so that others can see what’s in my heart. Other times, I want to pray so I can highlight things that are incorrect around us.

However, when I am alone, there’s no audience but me and God. That’s when prayers shine and become beneficial to my soul.

I have the opportunity to examine what’s in my heart and my motivations. I can go easier on my shortcomings and surrender them to God, who has already addressed my failures through Jesus.

Realigning my heart and rediscovering gratitude in any circumstance is a true reward through prayer. Prayer brings joy.

You are truly good to me, my Lord.

WhatsApp Image 2023-08-18 at 10.02.57

사진: 안녕하세요 마마스배리 부쿠. 임목사님께서 진행하시는 마마스배리 그룹을 방문하고 ‘미팅 9 – 내사랑과 예수님의 사랑’을 나누었습니다.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story— those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south.
Psalms 107:1‭-‬3 NIV +

Written by Jung Lee

I was in Malmesbury last night, visiting a Vuku Family meeting run by Pastor Lim from Paarl.

There was a lady named Linda. She works in and around a very wealthy neighborhood. One day, a lady in the neighborhood invited three ladies, including Lisa, and treated them with drinks, which had never happened to any other workers. She felt that it was Jesus showing His love to her.

I asked her what made her feel that it was Jesus instead of the wealthy lady. Without hesitation, Linda said, “It wasn’t just what she gave us and allowed us to do, but the subtle difference in how she treated us.”

Often, we believe that something big or miraculous is needed to show Jesus’ love. The truth is that it’s not what we do for one another, but rather how we do it. When it is done with Jesus’ love, they will not see just a cup of water being offered, but Jesus in you.

Let others find Jesus in you.

You are precious to Jesus.

WhatsApp Image 2023-08-17 at 14.44.23

사진: 메넨버그 미팅을 마마 도로시 집으로 옮겨 식사를 함께하며 미팅을 했습니다. 주제는 하나님 나라와 천국이였습니다.

I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.
Psalms 7:17 NIV +

Written by Jung

I was engaged in a conversation where we discussed how joyful it is to share the true goodness of Jesus with others. Sharing the truth and the love of Christ so that others can witness it brings its own abundant rewards. I could catch a glimpse of heaven in their eyes.

Later, I realized the incredible love that resides within those who discover the joy of spreading His love to others.

Before Jesus, giving thanks and praise to God were somewhat self-centered actions, as they were intended solely for Israel. This could be compared to boasting about the beauty of my house or the size of my family’s trust account. Ultimately, it was meant for others to admire and respect.

However, Jesus has transformed all of that. The house we used to boast about is no longer exclusively for my family, and our family trust account is not just meant for me and my children. It has become accessible to everyone, and anyone can take part in its ownership. Moreover, they can find delight in it for eternity even more than I ever could.

Taking this into account, sharing the truth and the love of Christ with the intention of letting others see it must be a selfless deed. Once this is understood and put into practice properly, we can grasp a genuine sense of joy and fulfillment in the kingdom of heaven.

I’ve seen this in the Vuku Family. Bless you, my family, and thank you.