Interesting Green: December 2017

Source (book): "Finding rest for the soul", Chapter Two, Question 3, Page 44.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012

PHOTO: How might a person set out on a journey to Jesus without cutting the ties to his old life?
Cling to their possessions and wealth
Many people try to bring along their entire earthly luggage when they answer Jesus' invitation. We should learn from Bartimaeus, the beggar. When Bartimaeus was told that Jesus was calling for him, he acted immediately: "Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus" (Mark 10:50).

Holding on to old sins
Many people are like that: they come to Jesus still holding on to their old sins; they wrap their favourite things and habits into a bundle, and hide them away in their hearts and minds. But we cannot come to Jesus in this manner.

Holding on to 'rubbish' (sinful world's treasure)
To come to Jesus means letting go of everything that has taken the place of God in our lives; to continue holding on to them would be simply holding on to rubbish.

Striving after illusionary and transient happiness
Modern man's fallacy is to have made the pursuit of happiness the primary aim of life. It is an attitude that many Christians have incorporated into their lives; [8] yet it will never satisfy our deepest needs.

What form would such "mooring lines" take?
Mooring lines are those things that weighs us down or tempts us to turn back from answering to Jesus' call of "Come to Me".

Sins
Sins does not only mean doing the wrong things - lying, stealing, and committing adultery - but also includes anything that is thought, said, or done without faith in God. Romans 14:23 says that "everything that does not come from faith is sin". Anything that takes the place of God - our achievements, possessions, and even our ego - is an idol, and idolatry is sin.

Illusionary and transient happiness
French philosopher Jacques Ellul once pointed out, modern man's fallacy is to have made the pursuit of happiness the primary aim of life. It is an attitude that many Christians have incorporated into their lives; [8] yet it will never satisfy our deepest needs.

"Garbage", things that take the place of God in our lives
Anything that has taken the place of God in our lives. The sinful world considers them as treasure - which we have accumulated for ourselves. Examples are inappropriate traditions, heritages, qualifications, skills, and religious zeal that has taken the place of God in our lives.

Is there such a "line" (mooring line) in your life?
Income and Work: To have more money as a security against overwhelming livelihood expenditures
Picture posted by maoyan.com - Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQF4v37hbEHaBT3ekv2nCf3DGxnpjRsqR9gPbPbV4gyVH8Xi2g0udHzZPA7ckrZfUUlLAXCJaPBs6z7F8rZnDPjis5rF2xZD_KDAWwf0yC9oL3nQvo1xiapvNd3Mc16BInZV9jFx-NeWo/s1600/eccf1862c4f30042a373a080acc18ccf9587819-1.png
https://p1.meituan.net/movie/eccf1862c4f30042a373a080acc18ccf9587819.jpeg
https://m.maoyan.com/movie/246373?_v_=yes

How might a person set out on a journey to Jesus without cutting the ties to his old life? What form would such "mooring lines" take? Is there such a "line" in your life?

How might a person set out on a journey to Jesus without cutting the ties to his old life?
Discarding Our Security Blankets and Earthly Luggage [1]
Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, lived a miserable existence in the city of Jericho. Like many physically handicapped people of his day, he was not able to find employment, and was pushed to the margins of society, where he lived without dignity and hope. Then Jesus visited Jericho on His way to Jerusalem. When Bartimaeus heard from the passing crowds that Jesus was there, he started shouting, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" (Mark 10:47). The crowd rebuked him, but Jesus stopped and told them, "Call him." When Bartimaeus was told that Jesus was calling for him, he acted immediately: "Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus" (Mark 10:50).

PHOTO: Bartimaeus, the blind beggar started shouting, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" (Mark 10:47).
Picture posted by biblesharingonline on 30 May 2013
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZaJpmvMEZ-6bnCBwt2BL6QyzSU97DFVIOX83wc0_47r4oXRZMEwjr4dL5aZeRNAixprzEpN5xiQirEbo85YL3k50rCO76_X-RaBGsjbaAvsPE5-fU7_dc7cFL_JZQJt7YkTgQ4BZcZ0/s1600/bart.jpg
https://i0.wp.com/www.sahayaselvam.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/bart.jpg
https://biblesharingonline.wordpress.com/tag/the-blind-bartimaeus/

PHOTO: When Bartimaeus was told that Jesus was calling for him, he acted immediately: "Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus" (Mark 10:50).
Picture posted by My Bible First!
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNlvA3cg2wmyz35IVUy1R7L4vBOjbJ1gEZu5TGZ8SYQ-BVzNrt5dr2bYiCoSDsydGx9wt5NNxM-p4nBc1uPJ8PKi7t8BWaBHDUL7GIiklre4GVZfr-BildHSey0I1M2niwd9ANCFzIeg4/s1600/III.1-07-02-1.png
http://igemorzsa.hu/gyerek_oldal/biblia-tanulmany/III.evfolyam/I.negyed/kepek/07/III.1-07-02.jpg
http://igemorzsa.hu/gyerek_oldal/biblia-tanulmany/III.evfolyam/I.negyed/kozep/07.html

Cling to possessions and wealth
We can learn from Bartimaeus' response. His cloak was a multi-purpose one: he probably sat on it to beg during the day, and wore it when it got cold at night. It was his "office", his blanket, and his bed. Bartimaeus' cloak was his security blanket, and he would have held on to it tightly, the way many people cling to their possessions and wealth.

Yet, when Jesus called the beggar, he tossed his security blanket aside immediately. Why hold on to an old cloak when he could find true security in Jesus? Why waste time folding it and taking it along when Jesus was waiting? The call of Jesus preoccupied Bartimaeus so much that he threw his security blanket aside.

PHOTO: Cling to possessions and wealth
Many people cling to their possessions, wealth and relationship (the mooring line) when they answer Jesus' invitation. Why hold on to an old cloak when he could find true security in Jesus? Why waste time folding it and taking it along when Jesus was waiting?
Picture posted by 양파@ on 23 October 2016 - Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNIPoA_IfGOQ5gLEcWrt9KPhU57t4CRuysW336h4TPNjBk8aXVyJVa8ZAkvuqrWRA0GYF4ImamZ4pbNnACCcGgqTRODK8V7YMSjotQfmJcM4vtCGsDDf1pQoIeY3dCzhq-vR24JObD8Bk/s1600/35c631492bd13c61ca17f6a855923553-1.png
https://extmovie.maxmovie.com/xe/files/attach/images/135/308/102/015/35c631492bd13c61ca17f6a855923553.jpg
http://extmovie.maxmovie.com/xe/movietalk/15100294

In contrast, many people try to bring along their entire earthly luggage when they answer Jesus' invitation. There is a popular tale reminiscent of the Parable of the Wedding Feast (Matthew 22:1-14). Like the parable, it starts off with a king sending out an invitation to all the citizens in his city to attend a great feast in honour of his only son. Knowing that the poor would be reluctant to attend because they lacked suitable attire, the king took care of the problem by issuing them new clothes, just for the feast. So, on the special day, all the citizens arrived appropriately dressed, and were seated around the banquet tables. One ordinary man was even invited to sit next to the king.

PHOTO: The Parable of the Wedding Feast
A king sending out an invitation to all the citizens in his city to attend a great feast in honour of his only son. Knowing that the poor would be reluctant to attend because they lacked suitable attire, the king took care of the problem by issuing them new clothes, just for the feast. So, on the special day, all the citizens arrived appropriately dressed, and were seated around the banquet tables.
Painting by Fabio Fabbi (1861-1946)
Picture posted by Blue Veil
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJt1CfRGaKQ-o5sv0Z5DPW93fFRAPgmP5Q1o2JHgod52mVdpoZdvq1HVgOuGTIvsQKVCOvsboo4ihHVjNV083GUQkkZGX-M4C0jY1NKvNxmOKsxHMvqyElw8FQdEJKoVZ444uvraVE00/s1600/oriental-procession-2.jpg
https://orientalismblog.files.wordpress.com/2015/11/oriental-procession-2.jpg
https://orientalismblog.wordpress.com/2016/12/27/fabio-fabbi-1861-1946-part-6/

PHOTO: The Parable of the Wedding Feast
One ordinary man (Not properly dressed for the Wedding Feast) was even invited to sit next to the king.
Painting by Eugene Burnand
Picture posted by James Ross Kelly on 19 May 2014
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHE6Jn2BCHp_j3NXmUAEKTHu4ApK5_2olJp4DV5uYcF1xYMQsBG6W_adhbS0u6wvgNG2feClYO0mYVSz1Vnf9C6HmbpKWi5pR73zrjSyLo54cXEdMaWwdlJXIU-tasgosaV6gQMF5sHyg/s1600/wedding-feast7.jpg
https://jkinak04.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/wedding-feast7.jpg
https://stjohnoneone.com/2014/05/19/wedding-feast-william-barclay/

As they were enjoying the food, however, the king smelled a foul odour coming from somewhere under the table.

Investigating further, he discovered that it came from a bundle that the commoner seated next to him had bought along.

"What is it?" he asked the man.

"It's my old clothes," was the reply.

"Why," asked the perplexed ruler, "would you need your old clothes when I've given you new ones?"

"Oh," the man explained, "I kept the old clothes in case I needed them one day."

Furious, the king had the man thrown out of the banquet hall immediately.

Jesus' parable proceeds slightly differently, but it ends on a similar note. The Lord concluded, "Many are invited, but few are chosen" (Matthew 22:14).

PHOTO: The Parable of the Wedding Feast
The commoner seated next to the king was responsible for the foul odour coming from somewhere under the table. He had kept his old clothes in case he needed them one day, without regards to the king's new ones. The man also did not have on a wedding garment. Furious, the king had the man thrown out of the banquet hall immediately.
It would seem that those who are depending on their own works, merit or something else will stand speechless before God, unable to give a valid defense for rejecting Jesus. [4]
Picture posted by Shawn Bumpers, Calvary Chapel Birmingham on 08 March 2017
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBz6DG8TJt5rmGDUU6erppXbHs3Bj8aMkXyBhcXiqLCYM5Xjq_HDJ75ApVktkQgwHTl935uPGedOffa24tKd9EJxEBcAiysoXzdNQDKyVmjy-f2JbpcwSNJKQiOfcKoKJ6ItuwtGcjcGU/s1600/40022012-BTH-Matthew-22-12-The-wedding-feast.jpg
http://www.calvarybirmingham.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/40022012-BTH-Matthew-22-12-The-wedding-feast.jpg
https://plus.google.com/+Calvarybirmingham

Holding on to old sins
Many people are like that: they come to Jesus still holding on to their old sins; they wrap their favourite things and habits into a bundle, and hide them away in their hearts and minds. But we cannot come to Jesus in this manner. In fact, we can never really come to Jesus without leaving behind our sins. Sins does not only mean doing the wrong things - lying, stealing, and committing adultery - but also includes anything that is thought, said, or done without faith in God. Romans 14:23 says that "everything that does not come from faith is sin". Anything that takes the place of God - our achievements, possessions, and even our ego - is an idol, and idolatry is sin.

PHOTO: Holding on to old sins
We cannot come to Jesus still holding on to old sins, wrap our favourite things and habits into a bundle, and hide them away in our hearts and minds. Anything that takes the place of God - our achievements, possessions, and even our ego - is an idol, and idolatry is sin. And sin leads to being ‘Tie hand and foot, and throw outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
Picture posted by Romo Aloyslus Budl Purnomo Pr on 17 August 2016
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewPDiXutOZdiWXWEREtNn844jGgezSG9YeisNNqLlZmnr9Dg650gfrnhLJAcfKp3YJVi3DQORQc-cIwFN9gNWdri2C7eOuoHQv2FmXUsmytKkcPzzdtJh5jA4_qEd2FGzj9xBn4KbLvU/s1600/Renungan-Adorasi-Harian-18-Agustus-2016-Pic-1.jpg
http://www.sesawi.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Renungan-Adorasi-Harian-18-Agustus-2016-Pic-1.jpg
http://www.sesawi.net/2016/08/17/menanggapi-undangan-nya-mengenakan-pakaian-pantas/

Holding on to 'rubbish' (sinful world's treasure)
To come to Jesus means letting go of everything that has taken the place of God in our lives; to continue holding on to them would be simply holding on to rubbish. When the apostle Paul reviewed his life, he realised that his proud Jewish heritage, his education, his training, and his religious zeal were all worthless after he came to know Christ: "But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ" (Philippians 3:7-8).

PHOTO: Holding on to 'rubbish' (sinful world's treasure)
To come to Jesus means letting go of everything that has taken the place of God in our lives; to continue holding on to them would be simply holding on to rubbish. (Philippians 3:7-8).
Picture posted by a Woman Walking With Jesus on 04 November 2016
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixN5tm01ZL-5SVdlZxvI6MgNJjr-DFUVgrva156v9vyBLdsx3SWXdtxF9zxLtFm8pDrEr6819_-79b5NfFjaIIawzGhkfo_8221cp_o3geHG2-xj133iOhJFsl2PyMH4_LsyykMiXCxH4/s1600/tumblr_og483zk4oR1tv2cueo1_1280.jpg
https://78.media.tumblr.com/4e0891732ff51c66d96ed2655d2c4719/tumblr_og483zk4oR1tv2cueo1_1280.jpg
https://dlw-walkinfaith.tumblr.com/post/152723836504/philippians-37-8-nkjv-7-but-what-things-were

When Jesus calls us to come to Him, we cannot go carrying all the garbage - which the sinful world considers as treasure - we have accumulated for ourselves. The mooring lines to the pier must be released if a boat is to sail anywhere. When Jesus calls us to come to Him, we must let go of all that weighs us down or tempts us to turn back. We must ensure that we leave our old master behind in order to arrive at the feet of the real Master of our lives.

PHOTO: When Jesus calls us to come to Him, we cannot go carrying all the garbage - which the sinful world considers as treasure - we have accumulated for ourselves.
The mooring lines must be released to let go of all that weighs us down or tempts us to turn back.
Picture posted by Victória Comune on 19 February 2016
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzoSV0ediwdZPWxA2SiCj3DdvcgkEAM_4VoW8UcTDf_4_Zi8Ihcs11j7D7mhMVAt-3DigVHip5azUd9KCaxs8RJ34agonlXrUFPy9Vv-X8UEIMEnW3vTTelzPabM20dE2yQrzQJdEbN8/s1600/header-magical-opening-sequence-for-now-you-see-me-1.png
https://victoriacomune.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/header-magical-opening-sequence-for-now-you-see-me.jpg
https://victoriacomune.wordpress.com/tag/truque-de-mestre/

The Real Journey to Jesus [2]
Imagine getting lost while hiking up a mountain and ending up stuck on a ledge. Somehow, however, you have made yourself comfortable there, along with many other fellow hikers in the same situation; there seems to be some comfort in numbers, even though all of you are stuck. Then someone turns up and warns of imminent disaster: a terrible storm is gathering and will soon hit the mountain with great ferocity. Staying on the ledge, the man warns, means certain death. He then tells all those on the ledge to follow him, because he knows a way to escape. What would you do?

PHOTO: Hiking up a mountain and ending up stuck on a ledge. Staying on the ledge, a man warns, means certain death. He then tells all those on the ledge to follow him, because he knows a way to escape. What would you do?
Picture posted by Raya on 04 June 2013
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdVS_9-VlEyl0FysP_rR0o02u_fPtDIS06ZdIMjZ2j9GMRgAeiw7uPqax8m-qr53yOLfZaa2OoLwoBLdSe4gpJIN-P6M891jkxJodmnwqJMT11wHe8bma9stqIEp_cI5VGSM7xcThj7E/s1600/a_mountain_climb_that_is_not_for_the_fainthearted_640_high_10.jpg
http://img.izismile.com/img/img6/20130604/640/a_mountain_climb_that_is_not_for_the_fainthearted_640_high_10.jpg
http://izismile.com/2013/06/04/a_mountain_climb_that_is_not_for_the_39_pics.html

Most people do not take this man seriously. They look at the clear skies and laugh at his prediction of a storm. How could it be possible, they ask? They feel quite safe and comfortable on this ledge, they argue. Besides, the view is spectacular! A few hikers, however, listen to the man and start following him. The man takes them to a narrow path that leads off the ledge - and over a cliff. The way looks perilous and dangerous, but the man reassures the group that they will be fine as long as they follow his instructions. Several people, however, give up and turns back. How will you react? Will you stay on the ledge? Will you try following this man, but turn back in doubt? Or will you trust him and follow him all the way?

PHOTO: The man takes them to a narrow path that leads off the ledge - and over a cliff. The way looks perilous and dangerous, but the man reassures the group that they will be fine as long as they follow his instructions. How will you react? Will you stay on the ledge? Will you try following this man, but turn back in doubt? Or will you trust him and follow him all the way?
Picture posted by Raya on 04 June 2013
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3Ju1WubyrqCcmU1JPpdxGqUEpRfhtV9RYpLep_xuPtwMScrSzv5SZZcrnOO85U16yj9TlnB4KI5bFKRTWVlNDqijqGATqkoPcjjj9-ZHIHl88awlQO-wcPJx2swwyNjaxPfSphbh_Jg/s1600/a_mountain_climb_that_is_not_for_the_fainthearted_640_32.jpg
http://img.izismile.com/img/img6/20130604/640/a_mountain_climb_that_is_not_for_the_fainthearted_640_32.jpg
http://izismile.com/2013/06/04/a_mountain_climb_that_is_not_for_the_39_pics.html

When Jesus calls, "Come to Me", it is not a call to something earthly or material. Many people wrongly believe that Jesus is calling them to receive material blessings and success, and to live free of sickness and worry. But that is not Jesus has in mind.

Striving after illusionary and transient happiness
The Son of God offers us true rest - a rest that has to do with knowing God. His invitation is a spiritual one; to know Jesus and His ways, and to begin a personal walk with Jesus that will transform all our thoughts, deeds, and relationships. If we live in His light, our lives will see a radical change as we cease striving after illusionary and transient happiness. As French philosopher Jacques Ellul once pointed out, modern man's fallacy is to have made the pursuit of happiness the primary aim of life. It is an attitude that many Christians have incorporated into their lives; [8] yet it will never satisfy our deepest needs.

PHOTO: Striving after illusionary and transient happiness
Modern man's fallacy is to have made the pursuit of happiness the primary aim of life. It is an attitude that many Christians have incorporated into their lives; yet it will never satisfy our deepest needs. If we live in His light, our lives will see a radical change as we cease striving after illusionary and transient happiness.
Picture posted by girlsfromthegreenstuff on 09 October 2017
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSUi10pb5bp_xzYYHO0g8wrrc6fDMOc_drQwkb4s1Gy-7O5DdWRpHeon3o-tFaFeMg1Qih5aF7Ww7bObN075ip49r2uDXXx9-TJFVQqDInavgfrBgpWnryT65EP59IqgJlG0UGKVtJQs/s1600/zombie-643461_960_720.jpg
https://mia5166.files.wordpress.com/2017/10/zombie-643461_960_720.jpg
https://girlsfromthegreenstuff.blog/

Instead, we must go to Jesus, because we know exactly who He is and what He offers us. It is in Jesus that we find the true foundation and meaning of life, for He said of himself: "I am the way and the truth and the life" (John 14:6). Jesus' invitation is the greatest you will ever receive. If you respond to it fully, you will receive a joy that can never be taken away from you, neither by circumstances nor people.

PHOTO: It is in Jesus that we find the true foundation and meaning of life, for He said of himself: "I am the way and the truth and the life" (John 14:6). If we respond to it fully, we will receive a joy that can never be taken away from us, neither by circumstances nor people.
Picture posted by András Liszkai on 15 November 2014
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfdS-2TrqukHJJnixzhKGxksMbDjQ1WgCZOjemuBFghhZzMyO-0pbx4g8-CrHiyTt1VzLoemP58UzeDzdg9LOFV-7pP8I1EQ5u3XLAQx1G_agamOv92EFcYaFu2wAWeqkbqtV7i3oBR8/s1600/John+14.6.gif
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Io8fdk6Wsik/VGcDuwO2kAI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/5JgqBMzu8pE/w530-h505-n/John%2B14.6.gif
https://plus.google.com/103776924545434884394/posts/MVfiChczdnh

What form would such "mooring lines" take?
Mooring lines are those things that weighs us down or tempts us to turn back from answering to Jesus' call of "Come to Me".

Sins
Sins does not only mean doing the wrong things - lying, stealing, and committing adultery - but also includes anything that is thought, said, or done without faith in God. Romans 14:23 says that "everything that does not come from faith is sin". Anything that takes the place of God - our achievements, possessions, and even our ego - is an idol, and idolatry is sin.

PHOTO: Sins
Anything that takes the place of God - our achievements, possessions, and even our ego - is an idol, and idolatry is sin.
Picture posted on pinterest - Jesus Christ Has Paid The Price For Our Sins
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP80TDYDllg8Y7RC2wp1I9m71R15TVNaZNkFgh7BFvPlauk8ixaJ26AIwZ6fbYqNFFarh4X1Vs8-zmCpy9WenzkscI5gdtTh1SUfu3Lmw7hAcn8y8fO0u049Lf0Klgosh0zqMlU8COR4M/s1600/5b5abd61e8263d34cb6d9073e1926c93.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/736x/5b/5a/bd/5b5abd61e8263d34cb6d9073e1926c93.jpg
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/lulusparkles199/jesus/

Illusionary and transient happiness
French philosopher Jacques Ellul once pointed out, modern man's fallacy is to have made the pursuit of happiness the primary aim of life. It is an attitude that many Christians have incorporated into their lives; [8] yet it will never satisfy our deepest needs.

PHOTO: Illusionary and transient happiness
French philosopher Jacques Ellul once pointed out, modern man's fallacy is to have made the pursuit of happiness the primary aim of life. It is an attitude that many Christians have incorporated into their lives; [8] yet it will never satisfy our deepest needs.
Picture posted by RealStew Hungary on 16 November 2015
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQG0wZhjyEiJEpGClv_dpHSQfmaTN3Um8eP4obKPXVAhHEuMjLxODOlj_tliAOMUh7nP1GVY1xm_IcZSrh_dBBa1R9CCc1KnyvPQnUGJX6hE9p0xJhsL_EZfHf22Cwzc_cm_gEUA21uo/s1600/317261_2222349043142_1380181432_32314358_1395457522_n.jpg
http://realstew-hungary.hu/wp-content/uploads/317261_2222349043142_1380181432_32314358_1395457522_n.jpg
http://realstew-hungary.hu/page/2/

"Garbage", things that take the place of God in our lives.
Anything that has taken the place of God in our lives is not for our salvation. The sinful world considers them as treasure - which we have accumulated for ourselves. Examples are inappropriate traditions, heritages, qualifications, skills, and religious zeal that has taken the place of God in our lives.

PHOTO: "Garbage", things that take the place of God in our lives.
Anything that has taken the place of God in our lives is not for our salvation. The sinful world considers them as treasure - which we have accumulated for ourselves. Examples are inappropriate traditions, heritages, qualifications, skills, and religious zeal that has taken the place of God in our lives.
Picture posted by goodsalt.com
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMFCFihtymWj1ddUtF0BirO9tnTNXZjyxsyh9wLQi4prkk7Epld0wHkJ9Z8D4RgSgpKato3ValqMdmsIRx0rUTedM7MwwCEvmuV-C42gPXhU5NKlUeukNzOctuRzlqgNuYnoQA3HeJkc/s1600/the-sin-of-achan-GoodSalt-epcas0604.jpg
https://1920332912.rsc.cdn77.org/view/the-sin-of-achan-GoodSalt-epcas0604.jpg
https://www.goodsalt.com/details/epcas0604.html

Is there such a "line" (mooring line) in your life?
Income and Work: To have more money as a security against overwhelming livelihood expenditures.

Why the need to have or earn more money?
To save for "raining days", for example when we are being retrenched and no longer able to find an alternative employment because of old age and lack of relevant skills. It is in accordance to the traditional saying, "Make hay while the sun shines". So when the sun is shinning, it is hay first, God second?

PHOTO: Make hay while the sun shines, io have more money as a security against overwhelming livelihood expenditures.
Picture posted by duncan on 06 March 2014 - Romania hay making
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTztCtZ561kBANLgsATKBDuAAVnIfRps-9srlj7dgTseJTyPjcRcsK0VhKMjRUAw3pniICl6RtUfg9wqevqDOxmm46So4ZJGdNjyJfzV26rKvXdZjfZcAk46iJEJ4JR7eX7tJB3ATSs0/s1600/09july-romania-hay-making-breb.jpg
http://www.villagehotelmaramures.com/wp-content/uploads/09july-romania-hay-making-breb.jpg
http://www.villagehotelmaramures.com/09july-romania-hay-making-breb/

Payment for increasing usage of healthcare services. Life journey often ends up with deteriorating health which requires large amount of healthcare services. Medical Specialist, Doctors, Nurses, and other Healthcare Personnel are getting more and more expensive. Medications are better but more costly too. Expensive surgery is the last resort but mostly necessary and unavoidable despite the physical pains and risks. That means increasing amount of money is required for even the basic maintenance of our failing health.

PHOTO: Payment for increasing usage of healthcare services. Medications are better but more costly too. That means increasing amount of money is required for even the basic maintenance of our failing health.
Picture posted by Lacey Buquet on 09 December 2016

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXsKpV73W3cSvrbyhCTsmb0qDJbnfphm7l9j665COjLuCAOGeellhWreOD2wbBeHw0DzUuy9cqTHJbP0gWcZ_7wljZxHKuTjMEybvQXKQ0BcXo2hoc9yv-HaPAMuvwExguu9C38nLdFxs/s1600/12.9.16.jpg
http://www.chmbinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/12.9.16.jpg
http://www.chmbinc.com/cms-says-healthcare-spending-growing-faster-economic-growth/

Many taxes have to be paid. We have housing (property) tax, GST (Goods and Services Tax) and Income tax. Unable to comply to the payment means certain laws are broken. Christians also have tithe which is God's tax and is required of men by God as their landlord, because, as the Bible repeatedly declares, "The earth is the Lord's" (Psalms 24:1-5). Some of us most probably sin due to not "paying to God the things that are God's". (Matthew 22:21). Unfortunately when we are in pain and hunger, is it government first, God second? Because by God's grace and mercy, He will forgive us and forget.

PHOTO: Payment of taxes
Christians also have tithe which is God's tax and is required of men by God as their landlord, because, as the Bible repeatedly declares, "The earth is the Lord's" (Psalms 24:1-5). Some of us most probably sin due to not "paying to God the things that are God's". (Matthew 22:21).
Picture posted by Financial Wizards on 12 August 2015
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw5or1ya-UtrMm5nHcawEmquHb7b58PGC50PvRs01VLHU6_xcXdeD3J4qBTfAAkNIETp9nD9djeTlpONTlqTKnxBMrZ_TQLit61yybM6BpxuLD5o9fYOYl5jjVIvxRuOXTM9q0BrP-bwU/s1600/pay-income-tax-online-02.jpg
http://www.indiangaap.in/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/pay-income-tax-online-02.jpg
http://www.indiangaap.in/notice-itd-avoid/

COE (Certificate of Entitlement) and ERP (Electronic Road Pricing) for vehicles. These are measures to control the rising car population in our congested little island. This problem led to another problem which will affect everyone of us. Transportation cost will increase although there are Grab and Uber taxis. So unless we use the bicycle and cycle to our destination we will incur higher cost. Public transports like the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit), LRT (Light Rail Transit) and public buses cannot sustain the same level of services without increasing their fares. We and many others cling to these form of transportation as owning a car is too costly.

PHOTO: Public transportation cost cannot sustain the same level of services without increasing their fares. We and many others cling to these form of transportation as owning a car is too costly. A costly mooring line so long as the earth rotates and the environment is still habitable. Living in the moon or other planets is not yet an option. Everything is against our better judgement. We rant, jump and scream but fall squating back to where we are before.
Picture posted by hachi-hachi, Chia sẻ blog on 11 Feburary 2015 at 10:45
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIN99wlnSF63eVQ1RwunD2BRuN_4tBEY_e3IPpj3YZbulI2GCjZ-d4UUMxyJDxoPh5qRqIK9-DfF3nwo9ANPGGwLpXlptLvQU8LLTl33lNYc66Bu7WOJFJIf2lB5EAHG_EQZMOj95qKM/s1600/bus-mrt-taxi-Singapore-Public-Transport-nhasing.jpg
https://media.foody.vn/images/bus-mrt-taxi-Singapore-Public-Transport-nhasing.jpg
https://www.foody.vn/bai-viet/du-lich-di-tau-dien-ngam-mrt-nhu-the-nao-khi-den-singapore-1403

Prices of food, water, electricity, clothing and household necessities are increasing. This are unavoidable because of scarcity of resources, higher rental, inflation or the increasing GST. Disciplinary action is imposed on over usage of water because of its limited availability. That means increase in expenditure for our basic and decent livestyle. Despite the increasing cost, we will continue to hold tightly to this mode of survival so long as we are in this world.

PHOTO: Prices of food, water, electricity, clothing and household necessities are increasing. Despite the increasing cost, we will continue to hold tightly to this mode of survival so long as we are in this world. Inflation and whatever.
Picture posted by Jeff Desjardins, Visual Capitalist on 28 October 2016 at 12:02 pm - Prices Are Skyrocketing, But Only For Things You Actually Need
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvkT92AzAu_rui5kjQoZ3TdTc0jNf6qv-RMyqZ6QTAqYKZTiePLOwzX1G64wBQffIHQahtU1Nzzh1U7AGeM3F-de7PP2mNngyhXbPzHybm8KlV7OIqWEurrZu94gQB-eLAXoLoehMGlk/s1600/chart-prices-inflation.jpg
http://2oqz471sa19h3vbwa53m33yj.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/chart-prices-inflation.jpg
http://www.visualcapitalist.com/prices-are-skyrocketing-but-only-for-things-you-actually-need/

With all the rising prices, costs, fares and taxes we cling on to our "mooring lines" to stay alive on this world. Ultimately we still need Income. And to have sufficient income we may have to work for it. Or else our livelihood expenditures might be in trouble. How we may work for income determines where we place God in our heart. A Biblical balance is the legitimate way, to heaven and to meet the current survival on earth. The Biblical balance according to Saint Paul (2 Timothy 2:19);
"The Lord knows those who are his" and "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness" (v.19; cf. Numbers 16:5; Job 36:10). The first statement speaks of our security in Christ; the other speaks about our response and responsibility. [3]

PHOTO: Paul provided a positive example of a good workman who is useful to the Lord (2 Timothy 2:19).
"The Lord knows those who are his" and "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness" (v.199; cf. Numbers 16:5; Job 36:10). The first statement speaks of our security in Christ; the other speaks about our response and responsibility.
Posted by hdimagelib.com Inc., the apostle paul clipart
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwWXj4EpHEd0pqLvm0B6bDTweAdT82trsOj4spDYLNg4llsU9jfNK9m3Du7xHrBsMbY1EH2-Cpr5NZ2FobsdX2pybRwWTjsPBdkkt-x9zi5kc_0ht2EsDIOHsMgDk7k9GTebRSn0wAoU/s1600/long1_500x648.jpg
http://www.episcopalcafe.com/art/long1_500x648.jpg
http://hdimagelib.com/the+apostle+paul+clipart
http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/search?q=Biblical+balance

Paul held a biblical balance and poise that emphasises both the sovereignty of God's gracious choice of those who are saved as well as the need for believers to respond to that grace and to act responsibly. God is at work in us to enable us to choose and act, but at the same time he urged his readers to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling." [3]

PHOTO: Paul held a biblical balance and poise that emphasises both the sovereignty of God's gracious choice of those who are saved as well as the need for believers to respond to that grace and to act responsibly. God is at work in us to enable us to choose and act, but at the same time he urged his readers to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling."
Painting by Jerry Gadamus, Angel of Peace
Posted by WildlifePrints.com
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY1ZKNnEX2lFnY_gpcBnh5fAW4Ie2lNAs1Z1lKlbqLOeuBMuDPSjJgsxyMzICALCV__Ucn8_wVwi5OM0WPAAW1RnZdV3ufONlDQx8sQszJgLWvRwwprTM3x7smQkrMqd0RIDDnRT1DrWA/s1600/Angel_Of_Peace.JPG
http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0279/6573/products/Angel_Of_Peace.JPG?v=1399650494
http://www.wildlifeprints.com/collections/gadamus/products/jerry-gadamus-1?utm_campaign=Pinterest%20Buy%20Button&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Pinterest&utm_content=pinterest-buy-button-0b7230d14-6355-4a0b-8020-07007247ec1e
http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2017/06/reflection-key-lessons-learned-from-2.html
http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2017/06/reflection-decisions-make-following.html
http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/search?q=Biblical+balance

However let us take heart and not forget the Seal of the Living God (the promised Holy Spirit), a down payment for the resurrection in the future (Ephesians 1:13-14);
"And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession - to the praise of his glory."

PHOTO: The Seal of the Living God (the promised Holy Spirit), a down payment for the resurrection in the future (Ephesians 1:13-14)
"And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession - to the praise of his glory."
Picture posted by The WILD VOICE on June 2015
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqb7jRSJ7Qy1Ao-zFB9N3CqT5Iq_qOLsmwEr3qQVCvHqWbzJhSQxODJ0xOSkOyab0nIgP4M8LR1giQEYqJlsGFEQG1cXDRmQtYrKfCMZdbQ7kOC1dbcwi1i0raParIcEC4q5G2YifI1g/s1600/521098885_1280x720.jpg
https://i.vimeocdn.com/video/521098885_1280x720.jpg
https://vimeo.com/129548025
http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/search?q=Biblical+balance

We should not forget and ignore God's grace. He knew all our predicaments and the dead of Jesus Christ on the cross was planned to cover our sins and provision of our salvation. We have to accept His offer to redeem us. On accepting His offer we need to have faith in Him that He will do it. His promises never fail, and also because of His love for us as His sons with inheritance.

PHOTO: God's grace and mercy is greater than our sins
The dead of Jesus Christ on the cross was planned to cover our sins and provision of our salvation. We have to accept His offer to redeem us. On accepting His offer we need to have faith in Him that He will do it. His promises never fail, and also because of His love for us as His sons with inheritance.
Picture posted by Revive Our Hearts, an outreach of Life Action Ministries.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaU1ajmHmZPi6xrVKCzmoCFz8LPbe5l-wd_ZCIHVKq_b_ANk4_1sDh54vAI6-16GlwtnU2436uayXhvn7xwhiRLHyx6ZTrbJysgcWYuC8DDs9DCM1HSygXo5nLK46B0bxg_LIrHUtEwRY/s1600/greatergrace-iPhone4_640x960.jpg
https://www.reviveourhearts.com/media/wallpapers/greatergrace-iPhone4_640x960.jpg
https://www.reviveourhearts.com/wallpapers/gods-grace/

PHOTO: To free from any burderns preventing us from going to Jesus we need to remove that 'mooring line' that weigh us down. Holding on to our old things is an obstacle to security in Jesus. It is in Jesus that we find the true foundation and meaning of life.
Picture created by Chatelier, Artisan Crafts / Costumery / Costumes / Cosplay & Role-Playing, ©2016-2017 Chatelier - Emma Bloom, Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaIpqbKd8JvvqOarqw3Z_k9zpWeRWyQGTT8q3YtBMGQVPoA_Noz7HwT4696PpZCcWs6D36QEjM0SrK6vCBrzhlwpYCxMJln23Or0I8zgSNG0zGuZHLttKK64VD0TIb_uBFL0INPmGtuJQ/s1600/emma_bloom_by_chatelier-daopgdt-1.png
https://img00.deviantart.net/0d71/i/2016/321/e/a/emma_bloom_by_chatelier-daopgdt.jpg
https://chatelier.deviantart.com/art/Emma-Bloom-646160177

PHOTO: "Dear Lord, We pray that when Jesus calls us to come to Him, we release our 'mooring lines' that weighs us down or tempts us to turn back. Please help us to ensure that we leave our old master behind in order to arrive at the feet of the real Master of our lives. Remove anything that has taken the place of God in our lives so that we can have our salvation. Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!"
Picture posted by 양파@ on 23 October 2016 - Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQxrOt3m17bn3yim_oA9ufzBVDRAKy30NoTCVqDIEF_8C8M3zboL8_3tRFw1YI2speCmLOmLm5eS6H8dLNIFnhOb2hTY-yqVrepA4K-1HQbiPt4Rh6L6tGIIX-Zo6fJIc32AsNoDVn4pA/s1600/b6305591a560085a6f32d5654a792257-1.png
https://extmovie.maxmovie.com/xe/files/attach/images/135/308/102/015/b6305591a560085a6f32d5654a792257.jpg
http://extmovie.maxmovie.com/xe/movietalk/15100294

Reflection - Going to Jesus - Mooring lines
From the book "Finding rest for the soul" by Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012

Reference

[1] From "Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, Copyright © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-1-62707-709-5, Part I: Come to Me, Chapter Two "Going to Jesus: Perils and Possibilities", Page 39-42.

[2] From "Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, Copyright © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-1-62707-709-5, Part I: Come to Me, Chapter Two "Going to Jesus: Perils and Possibilities", Page 42-44.

[3] From "Faithful to the end" A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, Copyright © 2014 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-1-62707-241-0, PART TWO: USEFUL TO CHRIST, Chapter 6 "Meditation and Application of Scripture" (2 Timothy 2:14-19), Page 87-92.
Reflection - Biblical balance, posted on Tuesday, 24 November 2015, http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/search?q=Biblical+balance

[4] Shawn Bumpers, Calvary Chapel Birmingham, "Now Life", posted on 08 March 2017, http://www.calvarybirmingham.com/now-life/?platform=hootsuite

[8] Jacques Ellul, The Presence of the Kingdom, 2nd ed. (Colorado Springs, CO: Helmers & Howard Publishing, 1989), 31.

New International Version (NIV), Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

2 Timothy 2:14-19 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+2%3A14-19&version=NIV

2 Timothy 2:19 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+2%3A19&version=NIV

Ephesians 1:13-14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+1%3A13-14&version=NIV

Job 36:10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+36%3A10&version=NIV

John 14:6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A6&version=NIV

Mark 10:47 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+10%3A47&version=NIV

Mark 10:50 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+10%3A50&version=NIV

Matthew 11:28-29 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A28-29&version=NIV

Matthew 22:1-14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+22%3A1-14&version=NIV

Matthew 22:14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+22%3A14&version=NIV

Matthew 22:21 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+22%3A21&version=NIV

Numbers 16:5 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers+16%3A5&version=NIV

Philippians 3:7-8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+3%3A7-8&version=NIV

Psalms 24:1-5 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms+24%3A1-5&version=NIV

Romans 14:23 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+14%3A23&version=NIV

Sunday, December 31, 2017

Reflection - Going to Jesus - Mooring lines