Inspiration for Paths
God directs my paths Proverbs 3:6 "In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths."
INSPIRATION AT 30,00 FEET
A brief background to choosing "Paths" as a Blog title. A few years ago, when I was a music missionary in Taiwan, I took a plane to the southern part of the island. As the plane was cruising at a high altitude, I noticed that from my vantage point I could see the paths of many of the roads and highways almost from beginning to the end. Then it struck me, that is how God sees my life with all the paths that are open to me, from beginning to the end. Rather than choosing my own paths, wouldn't it be better to ask God to choose my paths for me? Knowing that choosing His way, no matter where the path may lead, I will not fail. Praying to Him and trusting Him brings peace and assurance into my life. From that realization, this poem began to form in my mind. Let me share it with you,
The Poem
PATHS
There are two paths ahead for me,
One leads to the world, one Lord to Thee
I must decide, quickly decide which path to take,
I can't delay.
I'll pray to Thee, hold to Thy hand,
Help me to see and understand,
I must decide, quickly decide
And choose your way!
Following my Lord I cannot fail,
O'er mountain steep or deepest vale,
His tender voice will lead me on
I'm not afraid, I'm not alone,
I'll pray to Thee and seek your aid,
Help me to trust, not be afraid,
I'll trust in Thee, only in Thee and
Choose your way.
(When I finished writing the poem. I was inspired to set it to music. Click below to enlarge it)
To hear me sing it click the arrow
View a Chinese Choir singing it below
The Invitation
Whether you share my faith or not, I think most of us know what it feels like to stand at a crossroads, in a relationship, a career, a season of life, and wish we could see further down the road.
This blog will explore those moments. Through poetry, reflection, and story, I hope to share some of my experiences along the paths where God has led me.
Follow Along
If this resonated with you, I'd love for you to visit from time to time. Bookmark this blog, new posts will be coming regularly, each one rooted in real moments, honest questions, and the kind of hope that holds up when life gets complicated. The journey is just beginning, and I'm glad to have you on it.
Closing Devotional Thought
All of us face choices in our lives. God sees the beginning and the end of our story, so it makes perfect sense to ask Him for direction. He knows the way. When we acknowledge Him in all our ways, the big decisions and the small ones, we're not just hoping for the best. We're trusting the One who already sees where each path leads.
This article was originally published in the Chinese Baptist WMU magazine in Taiwan.
Co-laborers with God — Dr. Milton A. Lites and Mrs. Nannette Webb Lites — Paths
When we serve God with a single heart, the guidance He gives sometimes leads us to labor side by side, and at other times to serve in different places. At the start of our journey, we do not know where the road will lead, how it will unfold, or what we will encounter along the way. Yet as long as we walk the path God has set before us, we can be sure of His blessing.
In August 1970, Dr. Milton A. Lites and his wife, Mrs. Nannette Webb Lites, came to Taiwan as music missionaries. While music was Dr. Lites’s calling and professional field, he had also received extensive training in preaching, teaching, and counseling.
During their years in Taiwan, music was undoubtedly central to their ministry. Dr. Lites founded a gospel choir called “Echo Valley.” As its conductor, he led the choir on concert tours across the island and saw many listeners moved to place their faith in Christ. The choir not only trained its members musically, but also equipped them to share the gospel, discern people’s responses, and provide follow-up after concerts. To this day, former members remain active in church ministry—some became pastors, and two even went overseas as missionaries. Many who met Dr. Lites at different stages of life later returned and, in time, chose to believe in Jesus.
In addition to composing for Reverberations, Dr. Lites conducted performances of Handel’s Messiah with the YMCA oratorio group and orchestra. He also helped promote the introduction of the new Chinese hymnal in churches throughout Taiwan. He taught music at Taiwan Baptist Theological Seminary and directed the seminary choir, rejoicing to see students and choir members serve with zeal in their churches—whether in Taiwan or abroad.
Beyond music, it was also a great blessing to serve alongside pastors and believers across Taiwan. In that setting, Dr. Lites preached the gospel and was warmly welcomed by pastors and church leaders. As they worked together to proclaim Christ to generations devoted to idols, he found deep encouragement. And whenever he saw students and choir members living out the spirit of 2 Timothy 2:2—“And the things you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also”—he was strengthened all the more.
Chinese people have long respected and praised foreigners who are willing to learn their language, culture, and traditions—and to put that learning into practice in daily life. This left a lasting impression on Dr. Lites. Adapting to an unfamiliar environment and gradually coming to know local people, history, and culture takes time, but the rewards are great. Dr. Lites found Taiwan’s culture and music exceptionally beautiful, and its history deeply fascinating.
He treasured the friendships he built with pastors and church leaders. He took part in several Protestant church-planting efforts, serving in unity with local pastors, and witnessed new congregations grow from tender shoots into thriving churches—eventually becoming members of the Baptist Convention of China (Taiwan).
When asked how to pray for Taiwan, he replied: “Across the United States, we continue to hear reports of revival in churches. With all my heart, I long to see the Holy Spirit poured out on pastors and churches throughout Taiwan. For any believer—local or foreign—to expect Chinese people to hear the gospel and immediately believe in Christ can be difficult. In many cases, Taiwanese people need to encounter the gospel more than once before coming to faith. Only the mighty work of the Holy Spirit can open their eyes and hearts to receive the gospel.” (Dr. Milton A. Lites)
He also spoke of the current situation in which many young people from Taiwan leave their hometowns for years at a time—whether to study abroad, work, or for family reasons. Let us join him in praying for this trend to be reversed, and ask the Lord to lead more believers back to Taiwan to take part in the sharing the gospel in their own land.
Paths
During his years of service in Taiwan, Dr. Lites wrote a song titled “Paths.” It is a hymn of prayer—Dr. Lites’s prayer and his choice—asking the Lord to reveal the right way.
We give thanks to the Lord for leading Dr. and Mrs. Lites to Taiwan. The song “Paths,” composed by Dr. Lites is shown below. May his resolve encourage believers in Taiwan not to shrink back in fear, but to rely on the Lord and choose the Lord’s way.
Editor’s Note: In Taiwan, many people respectfully addressed Dr. Lites as “Teacher.” The name “Teacher Lai” sounded especially warm, reflecting both affection and his ministry in Taiwan.
(We thank the Chinese Baptist Convention for providing this article and granting permission for publication.)