Interesting Green: Reflection - Will you respond to God's call

Source (book): "God in Pursuit", Chapter 10, Question 3, Page 130.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012

PHOTO: Take time to worship God for what He has revealed about himself through your study, and search your heart to see if there is an unresolved issue, prejudice, or disobedience that you need to confess to Him.
Through our studying the book of Jonah we learn the following:

God is a missionary God who saves
God is sovereign and gracious, holy and compassionate
God is a God of miracles
Jonah's ordeal is significant to Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection
God is actively working in our world and in our hearts
God will use all necessary resources to fulfil His mission to save the world
God's rescue mission is meant for all nations
God is patient

Throughout the book of Jonah, we see God working in the prophet's heart. He went after Jonah, pursuing him relentlessly, not to destroy, but to save. It shows us that God's mission field is not only sinners, but also our own hearts. He is working in us as well as through us. We cannot ignore either. The story of Jonah tells us that God has unfinished business, both in the outside world and inside our hearts.

We search our heart to see if there is an unresolved issue, prejudice, or disobedience that we need to confess to Him. We have the following:

1. Worldly Wisdom
Not attending Church events or reading the Bible. The wisdom that comes from the world is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic (James 3:15). It’s tempting to follow the advice of worldly wisdom because many times it seems to make sense—at least from man’s point of view. Yet the world’s wisdom only leads down the road of disappointment, regret, and pain. Especially the unethical worldly pursue for more power, status, and wealth. There is always the heavy responsibility to maintain them, causing strife, conflicts, and distress. We cannot mock at the justice of God. "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows." (Galatians 6:7).

Without God's approval, using worldly wisdom to scale to the top may be unstable, and unsustainable. In contrast the wisdom of God brings us peace and direction for our lives.

2. Worldly Passions
“It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age” (Titus 2:11-12).

When we were in the world, we had difficulty telling ourselves “no”. Many of us followed after our whims without any idea of the consequences that follow. The passions of worldliness can’t be satisfied even if every desire was granted - an unresolved problem.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are strengthened and equipped to control their passions in order that they may be free.

3. Worldly Characteristics
“For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world” (1 John 2:16).

The characteristic of worldliness encompasses getting what we want, when we want it, and how we want it. The primary focus is on ourselves and not God or other people.

When we recognize the sin of selfishness in our hearts, we need to confess and repent immediately. The lure of the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is subtle enough that we may make excuses instead of confessions.

4. Worldly Love
Love the world or anything in the world, especially money. The uncontrollable excessive, obsessive compulsive disorderly love for money may cause prejudice in our decisions. A 10 million dollars 'Total draw' may attract more 'investors'. The appetite for more money cannot be satisfied. We may become disobedient to the instructions to stop gathering only for the self, but begin to think of others too. For once, let others have the opportunity to win the first Total prize.

Unfortunately "If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them” (1 John 2:15). We can’t love both God and the world. Our hearts are drawn towards what we really want in this life.

The love for the world is born out of an appetite for sinfulness and self-pleasure; whereas, a heart for the Lord is born out of the Spirit. We have been redeemed by the sacrifice of Christ to love God with all of our hearts and not the world.

5. Worldly Manners
“Or do I make my plans in a worldly manner so that in the same breath I say both ‘Yes, yes’ and ‘No, no’?” (2 Corinthians 1:17).

Worldliness thrives in the culture of lies and deception. If we are not careful, sales of certain investment products relies on half-truth and over-positive deception. The risks of investment products are always there. Anything we buy may reap good returns, but the principal may also drop to zero value. This is an unresolved issue due to our ignorant, greed, and gullibility to sales tactics with lies and deception.

The world promises to make people happy with pleasures, materialism, and instant gratification. Yet the truth is that there is enslavement to sin through addictions and failures. God’s word establishes a clear distinction between the truth and lie—we obey His word to avoid the traps of worldly manners.

6. Worldly Eyes
“Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?” (James 2:5).

In the eyes of the world—believers are foolish to follow after a God they can’t see. Their vision has been skewed by sinfulness so that they don’t see or understand their terrible end of eternal darkness. We could be prejudiced to what we can't see (or do not know), and disobedient to those whom we thought cannot see us.

Only through the gift of salvation do believers see the truth of God’s great love and surrender to His will.

7. Worldly Speech
“They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them” (1 John 4:5).

The speech of the world is punctuated by doubt, fear, and unbelief—those who live in worldliness may never recognize how their words separate them from God. We may have the unresolved issue of 'hearing only what we want to hear', which may not be the truth. We are being warned of fake news that appear more reasonable, entertaining, and exciting. These 'honeys' could be poisons. God's believers need to have ears that are quick to hear and understand when worldly speech attempts to entice them.

Worldliness has a different kind of speech than of those who are called by God. Our speech is characterized by words of faith, encouragement, hope, and the truth.

8. Worldly Corruption
“Having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires” (2 Peter 1:4).

In general, corruption is a form of dishonesty or criminal activity undertaken by a person or organization entrusted with a position of authority, often to acquire illicit benefit (from Google). We are also warned that "A corrupt witness mocks at justice, and the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil." (Proverbs 19:28).

Those ensnared in worldly corruption don’t even recognize their captivity. This corruption begins in the mind leading to death. Yet every believer before Christ was enslaved in sinful thinking followed by sinful actions.

We escaped not by our own will, but rather by the grace and mercy of God.

Is He sending you on a mission?
Jesus Sends Us
Christians are sent. Jesus prays to his Father in John 17:18, “As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.” In identifying with Jesus, we are not only “not of this world,” but also sent right back into it on redemptive mission.

The classic text is Jesus’ commission at the end of John’s Gospel: “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you” (John 20:21). Those whom Jesus calls, he also sends.

We are sent as representatives of the one born in Bethlehem and crucified at Calvary. We are sent to announce with all we are — with mouth and mind and heart and hands — that the Father sent the Son.

We are sent to say and show that Jesus was sent into the world to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). What we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus and the good news about him (2 Corinthians 4:5). We are not the message, but mere messengers.

Think of your "enemies" and people you don't like, and pray for them. And if God sends you to them, go in His name.
The world, the flesh, and the devil
Believers have three main enemies to deal with - the world, the flesh, and the devil. Worldliness is one of the most dangerous enemies of a believer.

Worldliness is a tempting factor in the lives of believers who are engaged in the world. We can live in the world and not become a part of it as long as we stay connected to the Lord. Believers aren’t called to judge those in the world, but we are to love and intercede for those who are deceived.

The flesh is our old sinful nature. It is the nature we inherit at birth. The Bible says that Adam and Eve had sons and daughters in their own likeness. (Genesis 5:3-4). The likeness was in their own nature - a nature that was sinful.

The devil is a personal being who attempts to bring Christians away from Christ. He is an enemy that we all face. (1 Peter 5:8).

People we don't like
Let’s face it, we all have someone… A nasty neighbour or co-worker. A bully at school or contentious family member. Disagreements, misunderstandings and insults abound. Anger. And maybe more… maybe someone took something from us that can’t be replaced, tarnished our reputation or abused us. Maybe we struggle with forgiveness.

Leviticus 19:18 says, "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord."

And the message from Luke 6:32-35. "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked."

Because loving like that is stepping out onto a whole different plane. It’s a clearing of the heart, making a way for what’s good. And maybe that’s why Proverbs 17:22 says, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

So we are left with a stirring in our heart and a gratefulness for this question. Jesus told us to love one another. And so I take that, and I ask God to let me live it.

Don’t Conform, But Transform
Through the transforming of our minds to the Lord Jesus Christ, we can know God’s will and live a fulfilling life. (Romans 12:2).
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Take time to worship God for what He has revealed about himself through your study, and search your heart to see if there is an unresolved issue, prejudice, or disobedience that you need to confess to Him. Is He sending you on a mission? Think of your "enemies" and people you don't like, and pray for them. And if God sends you to them, go in His name.

Take time to worship God for what He has revealed about himself through your study, and search your heart to see if there is an unresolved issue, prejudice, or disobedience that you need to confess to Him.

Through our studying the book of Jonah we learn the following: [1]

God is a missionary God who saves
God is sovereign and gracious, holy and compassionate
God is a God of miracles
Jonah's ordeal is significant to Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection
God is actively working in our world and in our hearts
God will use all necessary resources to fulfil His mission to save the world
God's rescue mission is meant for all nations
God is patient

PHOTO: Throughout the book of Jonah, we see God working in the prophet's heart. He went after Jonah, pursuing him relentlessly, not to destroy, but to save. The story of Jonah tells us that God has unfinished business, both in the outside world and inside our hearts.
Picture posted by PrisonerOnEarth, Cartoons & Comics / Traditional Media / Cartoons / Mixed Media, ©2009-2019 PrisonerOnEarth
gif file generated by Animated Images Effects Generator at http://www.webestools.com/animated-images-effect-generator-effects-gif-images-picture-blog-gif-fx-images-animated-effect.html
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https://www.deviantart.com/prisoneronearth/art/JONAH-140200883

We search our heart to see if there is an unresolved issue, prejudice, or disobedience that we need to confess to Him. We have the following: [2]

1. Worldly Wisdom
Not attending Church events or reading the Bible. The wisdom that comes from the world is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic (James 3:15). It’s tempting to follow the advice of worldly wisdom because many times it seems to make sense—at least from man’s point of view. Yet the world’s wisdom only leads down the road of disappointment, regret, and pain. Especially the unethical worldly pursue for more power, status, and wealth. There is always the heavy responsibility to maintain them, causing strife, conflicts, and distress. We cannot mock at the justice of God. "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows." (Galatians 6:7).

Without God's approval, being at the top may be unstable, and unsustainable. In contrast the wisdom of God brings us peace and direction for our lives.

PHOTO: Worldly Wisdom
The wisdom that comes from the world is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic (James 3:15). It’s tempting to follow the advice of worldly wisdom because many times it seems to make sense—at least from man’s point of view. Without God's approval, being at the top may be unstable, and unsustainable. In contrast the wisdom of God brings us peace and direction for our lives.
Picture posted by cyanthree, Digital Art / 3-Dimensional Art / Scenes / Fantasy, ©2013-2019 cyanthree - Now Thats Just Showing Off!
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2. Worldly Passions
“It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age” (Titus 2:11-12).

When we were in the world, we had difficulty telling ourselves “no”. Many of us followed after our whims without any idea of the consequences that follow. The passions of worldliness can’t be satisfied even if every desire was granted - an unresolved problem.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are strengthened and equipped to control their passions in order that they may be free.

PHOTO: Worldly Passions
Many of us followed after our whims without any idea of the consequences that follow. The passions of worldliness can’t be satisfied even if every desire was granted - an unresolved problem. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are strengthened and equipped to control their passions in order that they may be free.
Picture posted by Jessica Allain (jessicaallain), Canadian digital artist on 19 June 2014 - Anguish, blindfolded woman kneeling in forest
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3. Worldly Characteristics
“For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world” (1 John 2:16).

The characteristic of worldliness encompasses getting what we want, when we want it, and how we want it. The primary focus is on ourselves and not God or other people.

When we recognize the sin of selfishness in our hearts, we need to confess and repent immediately. The lure of the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is subtle enough that we may make excuses instead of confessions.

PHOTO: Worldly Characteristics
The characteristic of worldliness encompasses getting what we want, when we want it, and how we want it. The primary focus is on ourselves and not God or other people. We need to confess and repent immediately, the sin of selfishness in our hearts. The lure of the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is subtle enough that we may make excuses instead of confessions.
Picture posted by Avantgraphic
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4. Worldly Love
Love the world or anything in the world, especially money. The uncontrollable excessive, obsessive compulsive disorderly love for money may cause prejudice in our decisions. A 10 million dollars 'Total draw' may attract more 'investors'. The appetite for more money cannot be satisfied. We may become disobedient to the instructions to stop gathering only for the self, but begin to think of others too. For once, let others have the opportunity to win the first Total prize.

Unfortunately "If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them” (1 John 2:15). We can’t love both God and the world. Our hearts are drawn towards what we really want in this life.

The love for the world is born out of an appetite for sinfulness and self-pleasure; whereas, a heart for the Lord is born out of the Spirit. We have been redeemed by the sacrifice of Christ to love God with all of our hearts and not the world.

PHOTO: Worldly Love
Love the world or anything in the world, especially money. The uncontrollable excessive, obsessive compulsive disorderly love for money may cause prejudice in our decisions. The love for the world is born out of an appetite for sinfulness and self-pleasure; whereas, a heart for the Lord is born out of the Spirit. We have been redeemed by the sacrifice of Christ to love God with all of our hearts and not the world.
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5. Worldly Manners
“Or do I make my plans in a worldly manner so that in the same breath I say both ‘Yes, yes’ and ‘No, no’?” (2 Corinthians 1:17).

Worldliness thrives in the culture of lies and deception. If we are not careful, sales of certain investment products relies on half-truth and over-positive deception. The risks of investment products are always there. Anything we buy may reap good returns, but the principal may also drop to zero value. This is an unresolved issue due to our ignorant, greed, and gullibility to sales tactics with lies and deception.

The world promises to make people happy with pleasures, materialism, and instant gratification. Yet the truth is that there is enslavement to sin through addictions and failures. God’s word establishes a clear distinction between the truth and lie—we obey His word to avoid the traps of worldly manners.

PHOTO: Worldly Manners
Worldliness thrives in the culture of lies and deception. If we are not careful, sales of certain products relies on half-truth and over-positive deception. This is an unresolved issue due to our ignorant, greed, and gullibility to sales tactics with lies and deception. The world promises to make people happy with pleasures, materialism, and instant gratification. God’s word establishes a clear distinction between the truth and lie—we obey His word to avoid the traps of worldly manners.
Picture posted by Jessica Allain (jessicaallain), Canadian digital artist on 20 June 2014 - Celtic Dreams, beautiful red headed woman with Crystal Ball
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6. Worldly Eyes
“Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?” (James 2:5).

In the eyes of the world—believers are foolish to follow after a God they can’t see. Their vision has been skewed by sinfulness so that they don’t see or understand their terrible end of eternal darkness. We could be prejudiced to what we can't see (or do not know), and disobedient to those whom we thought cannot see us.

Only through the gift of salvation do believers see the truth of God’s great love and surrender to His will.

PHOTO: Worldly Eyes
In the eyes of the world—believers are foolish to follow after a God they can’t see. We could be prejudiced to what we can't see (or do not know), and disobedient to those whom we thought cannot see us. Only through the gift of salvation do believers see the truth of God’s great love and surrender to His will.
Picture posted by Jessica Allain (jessicaallain), Canadian digital artist on 19 June 2014 - Languish, beautiful angel holding rosary beads and crying
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https://500px.com/photo/74143805/Languish-by-Jessica-Allain?ctx_page=1&from=user&user_id=8619239
https://500px.com/jessicaallain

7. Worldly Speech
“They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them” (1 John 4:5).

The speech of the world is punctuated by doubt, fear, and unbelief—those who live in worldliness may never recognize how their words separate them from God. We may have the unresolved issue of 'hearing only what we want to hear', which may not be the truth. We are being warned of fake news that appear more reasonable, entertaining, and exciting. These 'honeys' could be poisons. God's believers need to have ears that are quick to hear and understand when worldly speech attempts to entice them.

Worldliness has a different kind of speech than of those who are called by God. Our speech is characterized by words of faith, encouragement, hope, and the truth.

PHOTO: Worldly Speech
We may have the unresolved issue of 'hearing only what we want to hear', which may not be the truth. We are being warned of fake news that appear more reasonable, entertaining, and exciting. These 'honeys' could be poisons. God's believers need to have ears that are quick to hear and understand when worldly speech attempts to entice them.
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https://www.photoserge.com/snow-white-photo-composite-sale

8. Worldly Corruption
“Having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires” (2 Peter 1:4).

In general, corruption is a form of dishonesty or criminal activity undertaken by a person or organization entrusted with a position of authority, often to acquire illicit benefit (from Google). We are also warned that "A corrupt witness mocks at justice, and the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil." (Proverbs 19:28).

Those ensnared in worldly corruption don’t even recognize their captivity. This corruption begins in the mind leading to death. Yet every believer before Christ was enslaved in sinful thinking followed by sinful actions.

We escaped not by our own will, but rather by the grace and mercy of God.

PHOTO: Worldly Corruption
In general, corruption is a form of dishonesty or criminal activity undertaken by a person or organization entrusted with a position of authority, often to acquire illicit benefit. This corruption begins in the mind leading to death. Yet every believer before Christ was enslaved in sinful thinking followed by sinful actions. We escaped not by our own will, but rather by the grace and mercy of God.
Picture posted by Jessica Allain (jessicaallain), Canadian digital artist on 20 June 2014 - Celtic Burial Site, beautiful Celtic woman in dress holding skull
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Is He sending you on a mission?
Jesus Sends Us [5]
Christians are sent. Jesus prays to his Father in John 17:18, “As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.” In identifying with Jesus, we are not only “not of this world,” but also sent right back into it on redemptive mission.

The classic text is Jesus’ commission at the end of John’s Gospel: “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you” (John 20:21). Those whom Jesus calls, he also sends.

PHOTO: Jesus’ commission at the end of John’s Gospel: “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you” (John 20:21). Those whom Jesus calls, he also sends.
Picture posted by 1stdibs.com - The Journey to...
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We are sent as representatives of the one born in Bethlehem and crucified at Calvary. We are sent to announce with all we are — with mouth and mind and heart and hands — that the Father sent the Son.

We are sent to say and show that Jesus was sent into the world to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). What we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus and the good news about him (2 Corinthians 4:5). We are not the message, but mere messengers.

Think of your "enemies" and people you don't like, and pray for them. And if God sends you to them, go in His name.
The world, the flesh, and the devil
Believers have three main enemies to deal with - the world, the flesh, and the devil. [3] Worldliness is one of the most dangerous enemies of a believer. [2]

PHOTO: "Enemies": The world, the flesh, and the devil
Believers have three main enemies to deal with - the world, the flesh, and the devil. Worldliness is one of the most dangerous enemies of a believer.
Artwork by Jessica Allain, Canadian digital artist - Fantasy woman in mirror art print by Enchanted Whispers
Picture posted by EnchantedWhispersArt, Digital Art / Photomanipulation / Dark, ©2016-2019 EnchantedWhispersArt - Dark-Reflections
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Worldliness is a tempting factor in the lives of believers who are engaged in the world. We can live in the world and not become a part of it as long as we stay connected to the Lord. Believers aren’t called to judge those in the world, but we are to love and intercede for those who are deceived.

The flesh is our old sinful nature. It is the nature we inherit at birth. The Bible says that Adam and Eve had sons and daughters in their own likeness. (Genesis 5:3-4). The likeness was in their own nature - a nature that was sinful.

The devil is a personal being who attempts to bring Christians away from Christ. He is an enemy that we all face. (1 Peter 5:8).

PHOTO: Worldliness is a tempting factor in the lives of believers who are engaged in the world. The flesh is our old sinful nature. It is the nature we inherit at birth. The Bible says that Adam and Eve had sons and daughters in their own likeness. (Genesis 5:3-4). The likeness was in their own nature - a nature that was sinful.
Picture posted by Jessica Allain (jessicaallain), Canadian digital artist on 19 June 2014 - When Angels Cry, beautiful sad angel with red rose
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People we don't like [4]
Let’s face it, we all have someone… A nasty neighbour or co-worker. A bully at school or contentious family member. Disagreements, misunderstandings and insults abound. Anger. And maybe more… maybe someone took something from us that can’t be replaced, tarnished our reputation or abused us. Maybe we struggle with forgiveness.

PHOTO: People we don't like
We all have someone… A nasty neighbour or co-worker. A bully at school or contentious family member causing us to struggle with forgiveness.
Picture posted by Jenn Johns on 29 June 2017
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Did Jesus disliked anyone? Thinking how his own people requested his crucifixion; how Roman soldiers whipped and mocked him, crowned him with thorns and nailed him to a cross to die. How His response to all of this was, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:35).

But He called the Pharisees “hypocrites” and “snakes” in Matthew 23, and I wondered how that translated in his heart. He hated legalism and rebuked them openly for practicing it (and harming others with it), clearly. But did he dislike them?

He died to save them. And us.

PHOTO: Did Jesus disliked anyone? His own people requested his crucifixion, but He called the Pharisees “hypocrites” and “snakes”. However, He died to save them. And us.
Picture posted by Jessica Allain (jessicaallain), Canadian digital artist on 19 June 2014 - Comforting Angels, woman touching angel statue with butterflies sinn-stock
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A desire for a pure heart that pleases God and wants to love like He loves. A desire to ask Him for help over time and repeatedly; to pursue a love that is bigger than ourselves and can only come from Him. A love that leads us to repentance when we find dark spots in our hearts that we can’t cure on our own.

Leviticus 19:18 says, "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord."

PHOTO: A desire for a pure heart that pleases God and wants to love like He loves. A desire to ask Him for help over time and repeatedly; to pursue a love that is bigger than ourselves and can only come from Him. A love that leads us to repentance when we find dark spots in our hearts that we can’t cure on our own.
Picture posted by Jessica Allain (jessicaallain), Canadian digital artist on 19 June 2014 - Heaven's Harp, beautiful golden harp in the clouds
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And the message from Luke 6:32-35. "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked."

Because loving like that is stepping out onto a whole different plane. It’s a clearing of the heart, making a way for what’s good. And maybe that’s why Proverbs 17:22 says, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

PHOTO: "Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back." Because loving like that is stepping out onto a whole different plane. It’s a clearing of the heart, making a way for what’s good. And maybe that’s why Proverbs 17:22 says, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
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So we are left with a stirring in our heart and a gratefulness for this question. Jesus told us to love one another. And so I take that, and I ask God to let me live it.

"Jesus never said that we had to like everyone, but he did command that we LOVE everyone. Not loving people, though, is a sin. I work with a lot of different women, all with different personalities. There are definitely some that I do not like for many different reasons. But I do love them and wish the best for them. The feelings are different. It can be a challenge at times to separate the two and I think Jesus knew this. This is a wonderful teaching tool for others to see in our lives. You may not like those in power, family members, etc., but you should still pray for them and show them the love that Jesus would show." - Laurie T Bauer, 29 June 2017 at 12:01 pm.

Don’t Conform, But Transform
Through the transforming of our minds to the Lord Jesus Christ, we can know God’s will and live a fulfilling life. (Romans 12:2).

PHOTO: Don’t Conform, But Transform
Through the transforming of our minds to the Lord Jesus Christ, we can know God’s will and live a fulfilling life. (Romans 12:2).
So we are left with a stirring in our heart and a gratefulness for this question. Jesus told us to love one another. And so I take that, and I ask God to let me live it.
Picture posted by Jessica Allain (jessicaallain), Canadian digital artist on 20 June 2014 - Fairy Catching, beautiful girl in dress holding jar, tryng to catch little fairies
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PHOTO: “Dear Lord, from our study, we search our heart for unresolved issue, prejudice, or disobedience, and we need to confess the following.

Not attending Church events or reading the Bible, but rely on Worldly Wisdom which is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. Without your approval, using worldly wisdom in our daily life may be unstable, and unsustainable. In contrast the wisdom of God brings us peace and direction for our lives.

We have unresolved problem of our Worldly Passions. Many of us followed after our whims without any idea of the consequences that follow. The passions of worldliness can’t be satisfied even if every desire was granted. We need the power of the Holy Spirit to strengthen and equip us with the means, so that we can be free from our uncontrollable passions.

The Worldly Characteristics primary focus is on ourselves and not God or other people. We concentrate on getting what we want, when we want it, and how we want it. We confess the sin of selfishness in our hearts, and need your help to repent immediately, especially the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Please provide us with the courage and humanity to confess our sins, and not to make excuses. We need your help not to indulge in pleasures unless it is approved by you.

We have problem with Worldly Love, especially the uncontrollable excessive, obsessive, compulsive disorderly love for money which cause prejudice in our decisions. We learn that the love for the world is born out of an appetite for sinfulness and self-pleasure. We need your help to have a heart for the Lord which is born out of the Spirit. We have been redeemed by the sacrifice of Christ to love God with all of our hearts and not the world.

The world promises to make people happy with pleasures, materialism, and instant gratification. The Worldly Manners utilised tactics with lies and deception to benefits from our ignorance, greed, and gullibility. Your word establishes a clear distinction between the truth and lie. Please help us to obey your word to avoid the traps of worldly manners.

To our Worldly Eyes, it is foolish to follow after a God we can’t see. Our vision is being skewed by sinfulness so that we don’t see or understand the terrible end of eternal darkness. We become prejudiced to what we can't see (or do not know), and disobedient to those whom we thought cannot see us. Please help us to accept your gift of Salvation, experience your great love and surrender to your will.

Our Worldly Speech is different from those who are called by God. The speech of the world, especially fake news are punctuated by untruths, doubt, fear, and unbelief. Those words prevent us from knowing the truth, and to understand God. We need your help to have ears that are quick to hear and understand when worldly speech attempts to entice us. Only then can our speech be characterized by words of faith, encouragement, hope, and the truth.

Worldly corruption in general, is a form of dishonesty or criminal activity undertaken by a person or organization entrusted with a position of authority, often to acquire illicit benefit. All of us before Christ were enslaved in sinful thinking followed by sinful actions. We need your grace and mercy because by our own will we are unable to escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

Please forgive our wilful sins and hidden faults. Grant us wisdom, understanding, and the fear of the Lord because they are the fountain of live. (Proverbs 13:14, Proverbs 16:22, Proverbs 14:27 (GNT)).

We pray, also for our “enemies” (the world, the flesh, and the devil), and people we don’t like, to transform our minds to the Lord Jesus Christ, so that we can know God’s will and live a fulfilling life.

Clear our hearts to make a way for what’s good, because a joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Help us to do what Jesus told us – to love God, and one another.

We pray through Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!”
Picture posted by Jessica Allain (jessicaallain), Canadian digital artist on 20 June 2014 - Kindness, beautiul woman in long white dress in forest with deer
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Reflection - Will you respond to God's call - God's revelation
Question from source (book): "God in Pursuit", Chapter 10, Question 3, Page 130.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012

Also from the same author, Robert M. Solomon

"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html

Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html

Reference

[1] From "God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, Copyright © 2017 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-1-62707-801-6, Part IV: Jonah 4:1-11, Chapter 10 "Will you respond to God's call?", Page 127-129.

[2] Crystal McDowell, 8 Important Bible Verses About Worldliness, https://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/8-important-bible-verses-about-worldliness/

[3] Don Stewart, Who Are the Believer's Enemies?, https://www.blueletterbible.org/faq/don_stewart/don_stewart_577.cfm

[4] Jenn Johns, If I Don’t Like Someone, Is that a Sin?, posted on 29 June 2017, http://goingbyfaith.com/if-i-dont-like-someone-is-that-a-sin/

[5] David Mathis, Executive Editor, desiringGod.org, Sent into the World: Jesus’ Mission and Ours, https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/sent-into-the-world-jesus-mission-and-ours

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.

1 John 2:15 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+2%3A15&version=NIV

1 John 2:16 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+2%3A16&version=NIV

1 John 4:5 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A5&version=NIV

1 Peter 5:8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+5%3A8&version=NIV

1 Timothy 1:15 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+1%3A15&version=NIV

2 Corinthians 1:17 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+1%3A17&version=NIV

2 Corinthians 4:5 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+4%3A5&version=NIV

2 Peter 1:4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Peter+1%3A4&version=NIV

Galatians 6:7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+6%3A7&version=NIV

Genesis 5:3-4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+5%3A3-4&version=NIV

James 2:5 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+2%3A5&version=NIV

James 3:15 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+3%3A15&version=NIV

John 17:18 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+17%3A18&version=NIV

John 20:21 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+20%3A21&version=NIV

Jonah 4:1-11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jonah+4%3A1-11&version=NIV

Leviticus 19:18 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus+19%3A18&version=NIV

Luke 6:32-35 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+6%3A32-35&version=NIV

Luke 23:35 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+23%3A35&version=NIV

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

Matthew 23 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+23&version=NIV

Proverbs 13:14, Proverbs 16:22, Proverbs 14:27 (GNT) - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+13%3A14%2C+Proverbs+16%3A22%2C+Proverbs+14%3A27&version=GNT

Proverbs 17:22 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+17%3A22&version=NIV

Proverbs 19:28 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+19%3A28&version=NIV

Romans 12:2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A2&version=NIV

Titus 2:11-12 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Titus+2%3A11-12&version=NIV

https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html

https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html

Friday, August 9, 2019

Reflection - Will you respond to God's call - God's revelation