Source (book): "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, PART I: SPIRITUAL JOURNEY, Chapter 2, "Staying on the Way", Question 1, Page 15.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
PHOTO: Reflect on the two strategies that Satan and the sinful world use to lead Christians off course.
Satan is a master in using either seduction or threats to get people off the King's Highway to heaven. In Pilgrim's Progress, the pilgrims find themselves in a town called Vanity Fair, where all kinds of things are on sale: merchandise, pleasure, fame, amusements, and the like. The pilgrims are urged to buy what is on offer, but they decline, for which they are imprisoned, and one is even martyred. Eventually, Christian escapes the clutches of this wicked place to continue his journey.
It may be good to remember that Abraham was a tent-dweller for the rest of his life after God called him to leave his home in Ur. Even after arriving in the Promised Land, he still dwelt in his tents. As the Bible says: "By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God" (Hebrews 11:9-10). His ultimate goal was to reach God's heaven; thus although he arrived at an earthly address, he never lost sight of the fact he was in fact a foreigner and stranger on earth (Hebrews 11:13) until he reached the better country, "a heavenly one" (Hebrews 11:16).
Our permanent address is not on earth, but in heaven. We can never settle down anywhere in the world and consider it our ultimate destination. We may enjoy peace, comfort, and prosperity for a while, but these things should never lead us to ignore our real ongoing journey. We forget this at our peril. It is good to sing this song regularly: "This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through. If heaven's not my home, then Lord what will I do?"
If seduction does not work, then Satan will use threats to get us off the path that leads to true life. In Pilgrim's Progress, Apollyon (Satan) blocks the path, commanding Christian to turn back or face his fury. Christian battles with Apollyon and is helped by God's angels. For centuries, Satan has been getting Christians to abandon the way of the Lord through both deception and danger, seduction and suffering.
What is your own experience of facing these challenges and overcoming them?
My own experience is being attracted by entertainment from TV programmes. During this Covid-19 pandemic, our Telco has been very generous in providing serial dramas, movies, and entertainment shows with free channels. I became 'hooked' by some of the serial dramas, causing me to relax on my studies. I delayed my 'homework' to follow the serials because of the pleasures, excitements and its ability to provide thrilling outcomes. Subsequently I lost control of my time, and neglected many other areas of my life. Fortunately some of the serials ended and I did not actively start on new ones. But the time spent on these entertainment programmes is gone and can never be retrieved. I should have discipline myself, exercise control of my lifestyle, and not to let entertainment control me.
Before he was martyred, Paul wrote from prison about how Demas had deserted him "because he loved this world" (2 Timothy 4:10). Paul also referred to others who had deserted him (2 Timothy 1:15; 4:16) - and by inference the faith - possibly because they did not want to endanger their own lives by being associated with Paul. How easily Satan can dislodge Christians from their journey to God. He can appear as an "angel of light" to deceive (2 Corinthians 11:14) or a "roaring lion" to intimidate (1 Peter 5:8). In either case, we must take the faithful posture of "standing firm" (1 Peter 5:9; Ephesians 6:14).
We must stand firm and let nothing move us (1 Corinthians 15:58) - not the seductions of the devil and the world, nor the threats from them. Instead, we must keep to the path if we are to reach God's heaven.
Picture posted by kuschelirmel on 22 February 2009 - Eve's Temptation
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https://www.deviantart.com/kuschelirmel/art/Eve-s-Temptation-113744802
In John Bunyan's classic book Pilgrim's Progress, the protagonist (leading character), Christian, travels from the City of Destruction (representing the sinful world), to the Celestial City (heaven). [11] Along the way, he encounters various difficulties and temptations. There are times when he is tempted to leave the way he has been directed to travel, either because of difficulties and obstacles, or because alternate paths provide an easier and nicer route. Bunyan is spot-on in pointing out the reasons why Christians are tempted to leave the narrow way they have to travel. These have to do with Satan's key methods to lead Christians astray, which are mirrored in the way the world often impedes (obstructs) our journey to heaven.
PHOTO: The protagonist (leading character), Christian, travels from the City of Destruction (representing the sinful world), to the Celestial City (heaven). Along the way, he encounters various difficulties and temptations. There are times when he is tempted to leave the way he has been directed to travel, either because of difficulties and obstacles, or because alternate paths provide an easier and nicer route.
Picture saved by SammiKM to Witchy Things
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https://i.pinimg.com/564x/96/91/27/969127832ede56eaf1c2469d294dbd27.jpg
https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/438960294926336502/
Reflect on the two strategies that Satan and the sinful world use to lead Christians off course. What is your own experience of facing these challenges and overcoming them?
Reflect on the two strategies that Satan and the sinful world use to lead Christians off course. [1]
Satan is a master in using either seduction or threats to get people off the King's Highway to heaven. In Pilgrim's Progress, the pilgrims find themselves in a town called Vanity Fair, where all kinds of things are on sale: merchandise, pleasure, fame, amusements, and the like. The pilgrims are urged to buy what is on offer, but they decline, for which they are imprisoned, and one is even martyred. Eventually, Christian escapes the clutches of this wicked place to continue his journey.
PHOTO: Satan is a master in using either seduction or threats to get people off the King's Highway to heaven. All kinds of things are on sale: merchandise, pleasure, fame, amusements, and the like. We are to escape the clutches of this wickedness to continue our journey to heaven.
Picture saved by Grzesiek Maciąg to Photography
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3cgFVSJGSBQKeuQPYd9YktKNj4UtrZ7L76QZezNM8ep2lDdfoALEMtrcH79LkzVc9p_2fuyKTg-aHCCn9dqDtM2hjipV-ed80j4cMuZkfjXfdXNMebuv5NCg2ggGozxWvjXh5EpnSXy8/s1600/tumblr_moiyo16Zjc1rqedl8o1_500.jpg
https://66.media.tumblr.com/fa76ae4c5ec7d57caa3e627a63547138/tumblr_moiyo16Zjc1rqedl8o1_500.jpg
https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/491807221806368495/
It may be good to remember that Abraham was a tent-dweller for the rest of his life after God called him to leave his home in Ur. Even after arriving in the Promised Land, he still dwelt in his tents. As the Bible says: "By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God" (Hebrews 11:9-10). His ultimate goal was to reach God's heaven; thus although he arrived at an earthly address, he never lost sight of the fact he was in fact a foreigner and stranger on earth (Hebrews 11:13) until he reached the better country, "a heavenly one" (Hebrews 11:16).
PHOTO: Abraham's ultimate goal was to reach God's heaven; thus although he arrived at an earthly address, he never lost sight of the fact he was in fact a foreigner and stranger on earth (Hebrews 11:13) until he reached the better country, "a heavenly one" (Hebrews 11:16).
Picture posted by Lu Anne Nooe
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https://www.tes.com/lessons/JsM1AIuhbxrIdA/abraham-follows-god
Our permanent address is not on earth, but in heaven. We can never settle down anywhere in the world and consider it our ultimate destination. We may enjoy peace, comfort, and prosperity for a while, but these things should never lead us to ignore our real ongoing journey. We forget this at our peril. It is good to sing this song regularly: "This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through. If heaven's not my home, then Lord what will I do?"
PHOTO: "This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through. If heaven's not my home, then Lord what will I do?"
Our permanent address is not on earth, but in heaven. We can never settle down anywhere in the world and consider it our ultimate destination. We may enjoy peace, comfort, and prosperity for a while, but these things should never lead us to ignore our real ongoing journey. We forget this at our peril.
Picture posted by Andrea Huemmer, taken on 05 September 2009
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https://www.flickr.com/photos/andreahuemmer/3889136816
If seduction does not work, then Satan will use threats to get us off the path that leads to true life. In Pilgrim's Progress, Apollyon (Satan) blocks the path, commanding Christian to turn back or face his fury. Christian battles with Apollyon and is helped by God's angels. For centuries, Satan has been getting Christians to abandon the way of the Lord through both deception and danger, seduction and suffering.
PHOTO: If seduction does not work, then Satan will use threats to get us off the path that leads to true life. For centuries, Satan has been getting Christians to abandon the way of the Lord through both deception and danger, seduction and suffering.
Picture posted by Mario Osorio Beristain - Exorcism performed by the Diocese of Rome (Gabriele Amorth) by William Friedkin
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJMZ5HGj3UK5usLHfBMasddL3KhCHFTR28dEgTJQfaitWjzxTdsLTl8FqovrIIpaqifRMXfiuGshqnAAJkcbCxKUby-UMqvwkwieyqNKEwQgcJNhH6C-G1OgKb9QCBlWJVdIicUY_pwE/s1600/poseida-1200x666_12.png
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https://noticiasecatepec.com/faramallayentretenimiento/exorcismo-real-william-friedkin-presento-exorcismo-realizado-por-la-diocesis-de-roma/
What is your own experience of facing these challenges and overcoming them?
My own experience is being attracted by entertainment from TV programmes. During this Covid-19 pandemic, our Telco has been very generous in providing serial dramas, movies, and entertainment shows with free channels. I became 'hooked' by some of the serial dramas, causing me to relax on my studies. I delayed my 'homework' to follow the serials because of the pleasures, excitements and its ability to provide thrilling outcomes. Subsequently I lost control of my time, and neglected many other areas of my life. Fortunately some of the serials ended and I did not actively start on new ones. But the time spent on these entertainment programmes is gone and can never be retrieved. I should have discipline myself, exercise control of my lifestyle, and not to let entertainment control me.
PHOTO: During this Covid-19 pandemic, our Telco has been very generous in providing serial dramas, movies, and entertainment shows with free channels. I became 'hooked' by some of the serial dramas. The serials provide hours of pleasures, excitements and thrilling outcomes.
Picture posted by DesignbyKatt on 22 June 2011 - Nursery
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https://www.deviantart.com/designbykatt/art/Nursery-214370034
PHOTO: I lost control of my time, and neglected many other areas of my life. Fortunately some of the serials ended and I did not actively start on new ones. But the time spent on these entertainment programmes is gone and can never be retrieved. I should have discipline myself, exercise control of my lifestyle, and not to let entertainment control me.
Picture posted by FineArtAmerica.com
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Before he was martyred, Paul wrote from prison about how Demas had deserted him "because he loved this world" (2 Timothy 4:10). Paul also referred to others who had deserted him (2 Timothy 1:15; 4:16) - and by inference the faith - possibly because they did not want to endanger their own lives by being associated with Paul. How easily Satan can dislodge Christians from their journey to God. He can appear as an "angel of light" to deceive (2 Corinthians 11:14) or a "roaring lion" to intimidate (1 Peter 5:8). In either case, we must take the faithful posture of "standing firm" (1 Peter 5:9; Ephesians 6:14). [1]
PHOTO: Satan can easily dislodge Christians from their journey to God. He can appear as an "angel of light" to deceive (2 Corinthians 11:14) or a "roaring lion" to intimidate (1 Peter 5:8). In either case, we must take the faithful posture of "standing firm" (1 Peter 5:9; Ephesians 6:14).
Picture saved by Eugenia Ivanova to Beautiful art - Angel of light
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https://i.pinimg.com/originals/fc/f5/1a/fcf51a057dabe1e132efccacc7ce168d.jpg
https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/492370171737519680/
We must stand firm and let nothing move us (1 Corinthians 15:58) - not the seductions of the devil and the world, nor the threats from them. Instead, we must keep to the path if we are to reach God's heaven. [1]
PHOTO: We must stand firm and let nothing move us (1 Corinthians 15:58) - not the seductions of the devil and the world, nor the threats from them. Instead, we must keep to the path if we are to reach God's heaven.
Picture posted by MBHenriksen on 26 November 2011 - My Heart's Lament
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https://www.deviantart.com/mbhenriksen/art/My-Heart-s-Lament-270981421
PHOTO: “Dear Lord, Please help us not to leave the narrow way which we have to travel in order to reach the Celestial City (heaven). We need Your help to overcome the difficulties, and temptations to leave the way we have been directed to travel.
We learned that Satan is a master in using either seduction or threats to get people off the King's Highway to heaven. Please help us to escape the clutches of this wickedness while we continue our journey seeking and worshiping You.
We need Your help to remain faithful and make our home just like Abraham did, like a stranger in a foreign country. We should be looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. We should remember that our ultimate goal is to reach God's heaven. Even though we arrived at an earthly address, we should never lost sight of the fact we are in fact a foreigner and stranger on earth. Our final destination is the better country, a heavenly one. We may enjoy peace, comfort, and prosperity for a while, but these things should never lead us to ignore our real ongoing journey.
We learned also that if seduction does not work, then Satan will use threats to get us off the path that leads to true life. Please help us in our battle with Satan who has been getting us to abandon the way of the Lord through both deception and danger, seduction and suffering.
Please help us to stand firm and let nothing move us either by the seductions of the devil and the world, nor the threats from them. We wanted to keep the path that will reach God’s heaven surely and successfully.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!”
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/05/doxxed-ceo-wrongly-identified-as.html
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
"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html
"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html
"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html
"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
Satan is a master in using either seduction or threats to get people off the King's Highway to heaven. In Pilgrim's Progress, the pilgrims find themselves in a town called Vanity Fair, where all kinds of things are on sale: merchandise, pleasure, fame, amusements, and the like. The pilgrims are urged to buy what is on offer, but they decline, for which they are imprisoned, and one is even martyred. Eventually, Christian escapes the clutches of this wicked place to continue his journey.
It may be good to remember that Abraham was a tent-dweller for the rest of his life after God called him to leave his home in Ur. Even after arriving in the Promised Land, he still dwelt in his tents. As the Bible says: "By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God" (Hebrews 11:9-10). His ultimate goal was to reach God's heaven; thus although he arrived at an earthly address, he never lost sight of the fact he was in fact a foreigner and stranger on earth (Hebrews 11:13) until he reached the better country, "a heavenly one" (Hebrews 11:16).
Our permanent address is not on earth, but in heaven. We can never settle down anywhere in the world and consider it our ultimate destination. We may enjoy peace, comfort, and prosperity for a while, but these things should never lead us to ignore our real ongoing journey. We forget this at our peril. It is good to sing this song regularly: "This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through. If heaven's not my home, then Lord what will I do?"
If seduction does not work, then Satan will use threats to get us off the path that leads to true life. In Pilgrim's Progress, Apollyon (Satan) blocks the path, commanding Christian to turn back or face his fury. Christian battles with Apollyon and is helped by God's angels. For centuries, Satan has been getting Christians to abandon the way of the Lord through both deception and danger, seduction and suffering.
What is your own experience of facing these challenges and overcoming them?
My own experience is being attracted by entertainment from TV programmes. During this Covid-19 pandemic, our Telco has been very generous in providing serial dramas, movies, and entertainment shows with free channels. I became 'hooked' by some of the serial dramas, causing me to relax on my studies. I delayed my 'homework' to follow the serials because of the pleasures, excitements and its ability to provide thrilling outcomes. Subsequently I lost control of my time, and neglected many other areas of my life. Fortunately some of the serials ended and I did not actively start on new ones. But the time spent on these entertainment programmes is gone and can never be retrieved. I should have discipline myself, exercise control of my lifestyle, and not to let entertainment control me.
Before he was martyred, Paul wrote from prison about how Demas had deserted him "because he loved this world" (2 Timothy 4:10). Paul also referred to others who had deserted him (2 Timothy 1:15; 4:16) - and by inference the faith - possibly because they did not want to endanger their own lives by being associated with Paul. How easily Satan can dislodge Christians from their journey to God. He can appear as an "angel of light" to deceive (2 Corinthians 11:14) or a "roaring lion" to intimidate (1 Peter 5:8). In either case, we must take the faithful posture of "standing firm" (1 Peter 5:9; Ephesians 6:14).
We must stand firm and let nothing move us (1 Corinthians 15:58) - not the seductions of the devil and the world, nor the threats from them. Instead, we must keep to the path if we are to reach God's heaven.
Picture posted by kuschelirmel on 22 February 2009 - Eve's Temptation
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https://www.deviantart.com/kuschelirmel/art/Eve-s-Temptation-113744802
In John Bunyan's classic book Pilgrim's Progress, the protagonist (leading character), Christian, travels from the City of Destruction (representing the sinful world), to the Celestial City (heaven). [11] Along the way, he encounters various difficulties and temptations. There are times when he is tempted to leave the way he has been directed to travel, either because of difficulties and obstacles, or because alternate paths provide an easier and nicer route. Bunyan is spot-on in pointing out the reasons why Christians are tempted to leave the narrow way they have to travel. These have to do with Satan's key methods to lead Christians astray, which are mirrored in the way the world often impedes (obstructs) our journey to heaven.
PHOTO: The protagonist (leading character), Christian, travels from the City of Destruction (representing the sinful world), to the Celestial City (heaven). Along the way, he encounters various difficulties and temptations. There are times when he is tempted to leave the way he has been directed to travel, either because of difficulties and obstacles, or because alternate paths provide an easier and nicer route.
Picture saved by SammiKM to Witchy Things
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https://i.pinimg.com/564x/96/91/27/969127832ede56eaf1c2469d294dbd27.jpg
https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/438960294926336502/
Reflect on the two strategies that Satan and the sinful world use to lead Christians off course. What is your own experience of facing these challenges and overcoming them?
Reflect on the two strategies that Satan and the sinful world use to lead Christians off course. [1]
Satan is a master in using either seduction or threats to get people off the King's Highway to heaven. In Pilgrim's Progress, the pilgrims find themselves in a town called Vanity Fair, where all kinds of things are on sale: merchandise, pleasure, fame, amusements, and the like. The pilgrims are urged to buy what is on offer, but they decline, for which they are imprisoned, and one is even martyred. Eventually, Christian escapes the clutches of this wicked place to continue his journey.
PHOTO: Satan is a master in using either seduction or threats to get people off the King's Highway to heaven. All kinds of things are on sale: merchandise, pleasure, fame, amusements, and the like. We are to escape the clutches of this wickedness to continue our journey to heaven.
Picture saved by Grzesiek Maciąg to Photography
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https://66.media.tumblr.com/fa76ae4c5ec7d57caa3e627a63547138/tumblr_moiyo16Zjc1rqedl8o1_500.jpg
https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/491807221806368495/
It may be good to remember that Abraham was a tent-dweller for the rest of his life after God called him to leave his home in Ur. Even after arriving in the Promised Land, he still dwelt in his tents. As the Bible says: "By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God" (Hebrews 11:9-10). His ultimate goal was to reach God's heaven; thus although he arrived at an earthly address, he never lost sight of the fact he was in fact a foreigner and stranger on earth (Hebrews 11:13) until he reached the better country, "a heavenly one" (Hebrews 11:16).
PHOTO: Abraham's ultimate goal was to reach God's heaven; thus although he arrived at an earthly address, he never lost sight of the fact he was in fact a foreigner and stranger on earth (Hebrews 11:13) until he reached the better country, "a heavenly one" (Hebrews 11:16).
Picture posted by Lu Anne Nooe
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https://www.tes.com/lessons/JsM1AIuhbxrIdA/abraham-follows-god
Our permanent address is not on earth, but in heaven. We can never settle down anywhere in the world and consider it our ultimate destination. We may enjoy peace, comfort, and prosperity for a while, but these things should never lead us to ignore our real ongoing journey. We forget this at our peril. It is good to sing this song regularly: "This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through. If heaven's not my home, then Lord what will I do?"
PHOTO: "This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through. If heaven's not my home, then Lord what will I do?"
Our permanent address is not on earth, but in heaven. We can never settle down anywhere in the world and consider it our ultimate destination. We may enjoy peace, comfort, and prosperity for a while, but these things should never lead us to ignore our real ongoing journey. We forget this at our peril.
Picture posted by Andrea Huemmer, taken on 05 September 2009
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https://live.staticflickr.com/2548/3889136816_e35f8e55ad_k.jpg
https://www.flickr.com/photos/andreahuemmer/3889136816
If seduction does not work, then Satan will use threats to get us off the path that leads to true life. In Pilgrim's Progress, Apollyon (Satan) blocks the path, commanding Christian to turn back or face his fury. Christian battles with Apollyon and is helped by God's angels. For centuries, Satan has been getting Christians to abandon the way of the Lord through both deception and danger, seduction and suffering.
PHOTO: If seduction does not work, then Satan will use threats to get us off the path that leads to true life. For centuries, Satan has been getting Christians to abandon the way of the Lord through both deception and danger, seduction and suffering.
Picture posted by Mario Osorio Beristain - Exorcism performed by the Diocese of Rome (Gabriele Amorth) by William Friedkin
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJMZ5HGj3UK5usLHfBMasddL3KhCHFTR28dEgTJQfaitWjzxTdsLTl8FqovrIIpaqifRMXfiuGshqnAAJkcbCxKUby-UMqvwkwieyqNKEwQgcJNhH6C-G1OgKb9QCBlWJVdIicUY_pwE/s1600/poseida-1200x666_12.png
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https://noticiasecatepec.com/faramallayentretenimiento/exorcismo-real-william-friedkin-presento-exorcismo-realizado-por-la-diocesis-de-roma/
What is your own experience of facing these challenges and overcoming them?
My own experience is being attracted by entertainment from TV programmes. During this Covid-19 pandemic, our Telco has been very generous in providing serial dramas, movies, and entertainment shows with free channels. I became 'hooked' by some of the serial dramas, causing me to relax on my studies. I delayed my 'homework' to follow the serials because of the pleasures, excitements and its ability to provide thrilling outcomes. Subsequently I lost control of my time, and neglected many other areas of my life. Fortunately some of the serials ended and I did not actively start on new ones. But the time spent on these entertainment programmes is gone and can never be retrieved. I should have discipline myself, exercise control of my lifestyle, and not to let entertainment control me.
PHOTO: During this Covid-19 pandemic, our Telco has been very generous in providing serial dramas, movies, and entertainment shows with free channels. I became 'hooked' by some of the serial dramas. The serials provide hours of pleasures, excitements and thrilling outcomes.
Picture posted by DesignbyKatt on 22 June 2011 - Nursery
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https://www.deviantart.com/designbykatt/art/Nursery-214370034
PHOTO: I lost control of my time, and neglected many other areas of my life. Fortunately some of the serials ended and I did not actively start on new ones. But the time spent on these entertainment programmes is gone and can never be retrieved. I should have discipline myself, exercise control of my lifestyle, and not to let entertainment control me.
Picture posted by FineArtAmerica.com
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Before he was martyred, Paul wrote from prison about how Demas had deserted him "because he loved this world" (2 Timothy 4:10). Paul also referred to others who had deserted him (2 Timothy 1:15; 4:16) - and by inference the faith - possibly because they did not want to endanger their own lives by being associated with Paul. How easily Satan can dislodge Christians from their journey to God. He can appear as an "angel of light" to deceive (2 Corinthians 11:14) or a "roaring lion" to intimidate (1 Peter 5:8). In either case, we must take the faithful posture of "standing firm" (1 Peter 5:9; Ephesians 6:14). [1]
PHOTO: Satan can easily dislodge Christians from their journey to God. He can appear as an "angel of light" to deceive (2 Corinthians 11:14) or a "roaring lion" to intimidate (1 Peter 5:8). In either case, we must take the faithful posture of "standing firm" (1 Peter 5:9; Ephesians 6:14).
Picture saved by Eugenia Ivanova to Beautiful art - Angel of light
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https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/492370171737519680/
We must stand firm and let nothing move us (1 Corinthians 15:58) - not the seductions of the devil and the world, nor the threats from them. Instead, we must keep to the path if we are to reach God's heaven. [1]
Picture posted by MBHenriksen on 26 November 2011 - My Heart's Lament
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https://www.deviantart.com/mbhenriksen/art/My-Heart-s-Lament-270981421
PHOTO: “Dear Lord, Please help us not to leave the narrow way which we have to travel in order to reach the Celestial City (heaven). We need Your help to overcome the difficulties, and temptations to leave the way we have been directed to travel.We learned that Satan is a master in using either seduction or threats to get people off the King's Highway to heaven. Please help us to escape the clutches of this wickedness while we continue our journey seeking and worshiping You.
We need Your help to remain faithful and make our home just like Abraham did, like a stranger in a foreign country. We should be looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. We should remember that our ultimate goal is to reach God's heaven. Even though we arrived at an earthly address, we should never lost sight of the fact we are in fact a foreigner and stranger on earth. Our final destination is the better country, a heavenly one. We may enjoy peace, comfort, and prosperity for a while, but these things should never lead us to ignore our real ongoing journey.
We learned also that if seduction does not work, then Satan will use threats to get us off the path that leads to true life. Please help us in our battle with Satan who has been getting us to abandon the way of the Lord through both deception and danger, seduction and suffering.
Please help us to stand firm and let nothing move us either by the seductions of the devil and the world, nor the threats from them. We wanted to keep the path that will reach God’s heaven surely and successfully.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!”
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/05/doxxed-ceo-wrongly-identified-as.html
Reflection - Spiritual Journey - Methods of Satan and the Sinful World
Source (book): "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, PART I: SPIRITUAL JOURNEY, Chapter 2, "Staying on the Way", Question 1, Page 15.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
Source (book): "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, PART I: SPIRITUAL JOURNEY, Chapter 2, "Staying on the Way", Question 1, Page 15.
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
"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html
"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html
"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html
"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
Reference
[1] From "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, Copyright © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-981-14-1836-5, PART I: SPIRITUAL JOURNEY, Chapter 2, "Staying on the Way", Page 9-15.[11] There are many modern language editions of The Pligrim's Progress, which was first published by John Bunyan in 1678. See John Bunyan, Pilgrim's Progress (Abbotsford, WI: Life Sentence, 2014).
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 Corinthians 15:58 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+15%3A58&version=NIV
1 Peter 5:8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+5%3A8&version=NIV
1 Peter 5:9; Ephesians 6:14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+5%3A9%3B+Ephesians+6%3A14&version=NIV
2 Corinthians 11:14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+11%3A14&version=NIV
2 Timothy 1:15; 4:16 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+1%3A15%3B+4%3A16&version=NIV
2 Timothy 4:10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+4%3A10&version=NIV
Hebrews 11:9-10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11%3A9-10&version=NIV
Hebrews 11:13 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11%3A13&version=NIV
Hebrews 11:16 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11%3A16&version=NIV
Matthew 11:28-29 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A28-29&version=NIV
1 Peter 5:8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+5%3A8&version=NIV
1 Peter 5:9; Ephesians 6:14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+5%3A9%3B+Ephesians+6%3A14&version=NIV
2 Corinthians 11:14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+11%3A14&version=NIV
2 Timothy 1:15; 4:16 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+1%3A15%3B+4%3A16&version=NIV
2 Timothy 4:10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+4%3A10&version=NIV
Hebrews 11:9-10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11%3A9-10&version=NIV
Hebrews 11:13 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11%3A13&version=NIV
Hebrews 11:16 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11%3A16&version=NIV
Matthew 11:28-29 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A28-29&version=NIV
- 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.tes.com/lessons/JsM1AIuhbxrIdA/abraham-follows-god
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- https://live.staticflickr.com/2548/3889136816_e35f8e55ad_k.jpg
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- https://noticiasecatepec.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/poseida-1200x666.jpg
- https://noticiasecatepec.com/faramallayentretenimiento/exorcismo-real-william-friedkin-presento-exorcismo-realizado-por-la-diocesis-de-roma/
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- https://www.deviantart.com/designbykatt/art/Nursery-214370034
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- https://images.fineartamerica.com/images/artworkimages/mediumlarge/1/xxuniverse-angel-g-berry.jpg
- https://fineartamerica.com/featured/universe-angel-g-berry.html
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- https://www.deviantart.com/mbhenriksen/art/My-Heart-s-Lament-270981421
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