During the past four days of this retreat, we have outlined the initial framework and image of the theme of this retreat, "Finding Hope in God’s Kingdom." We have examined the current state of both the world and our hearts, as well as our ultimate hope — our true destination. This has helped us establish both the starting point and the final destination of our earthly journey. Our loving God has already prepared a perfect navigation system to guide us through the various challenges we encounter in this life. This system helps us overcome obstacles and safely reach our final destination — eternal life, which is our ultimate happiness.

This navigation system God has given us is called "hope," and it is something we can fully trust. However, the devil envies us and does not want us to attain eternal life, nor does he want God to be with us forever. As a result, it seeks to attack our hope, attempting to snatch it from our hands. Its goal is to make us lose our way on this earthly journey and fall into the many traps it has set. Our worldview and mentality towards our earthly life plays a crucial role in determining whether we will easily fall into the enemy’s traps.

We then introduced the concept of our "earthly pilgrimage", as this perspective aligns more closely with how God sees our earthly lives. This understanding helps us establish a correct concept and mindset, preventing us from going astray or falling into the enemy's traps.

Thus, it is essential to understand what it truly means to be a "pilgrim". As we mentioned earlier, a pilgrim is a "temporary resident" and a "traveller." This perspective shifts our focus from temporary matters to eternal ones, reminding us to let go of attachments, so that we can journey forward with greater ease.

Most of us have experience travelling. A good journey allows travellers to enjoy the culture and scenery of different places, discover new and exciting things, meet interesting people, and enjoy the companionship of fellow travellers. All these experiences not only make the journey enjoyable and memorable but also broaden our horizons and increase our knowledge. When we are willing to step out of our comfort zones, we open ourselves to unexpected blessings. This should be the mindset we carry as we live out our "earthly pilgrimage."

Every system requires fine-tuning, and our "navigation system in life" is no exception. Gaining a clear and firm understanding of our journey’s starting point and destination — along with cultivating the right and positive mindset as "pilgrims" — is a crucial adjustment process. This, in turn, enhances the effectiveness of our God-given navigation system, making our earthly journey smoother and more fulfilling.

Reflection

In your earthly life, do you identify yourself as a "pilgrim"? Are there areas where you can learn and improve?

After today’s reflection, do you have a renewed perspective on life? Can you adopt the same excitement and curiosity that you would have when travelling to embrace this earthly pilgrimage?

Can you approach life with a more relaxed attitude and an open heart? What adjustments does your "navigation system" need?

Today's Prayer

Abba Father, thank You for giving me a new perspective today to rediscover my identity as a "pilgrim" in this world and the mentality I should have.

Please continue to enlighten me, so that I may see more clearly how my attachments and biases shape the way I approach life, and, in turn, affect my relationship with You.

Please also forgive me for not cherishing the life You have given me, and for failing to cherish You and appreciate all that You have done for me!

Please help me to embrace and enjoy life with a positive attitude, to make the most of the learning opportunities You provide through my life journey, and no longer take Your boundless grace and love for granted.

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The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: Finding Hope in God’s Kingdom” team, including FLL staff and volunteers.
Please kindly pray for them. May God protect them and sustain their physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

Writer: Paul Yeung
Project Manager: Michael Lam, Rosa Tse
Editors: Bonny Chan, Rosa Tse
English Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul Yeung
Mandarin Editor: Anthony X.
Cantonese Narrator: Margaret Woo
English Narrator: J. Johnson
Mandarin Narrator: C. Zhou
Audio Editors: Cyan Cheung, Sander Lee, Margaret Woo
YouTube Editors: Arnold Chan, Cyan Cheung, Sander Lee
Graphics: Francis Lai, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse
Website: Patricia Young, Angela Wong
Podcast: Angela Wong
Social Media: Yollie Leung, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse

Theme Music:

"3 MINUTES RELAXATION MUSIC | 4K Scenic View of Tuscany" by Introvert Pianist https://www.youtube.com/@introvertpianist

“Sea of Memory” by Aakash Gandhi https://www.youtube.com/@88keystoeuphoria