Source (book): "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, PART I: SPIRITUAL JOURNEY, Chapter 8, "Growing Wise", Question 2, Page 51.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
PHOTO: How did Jesus define a wise man?
The Lord Jesus told a parable to show the difference between a wise man and a foolish one (Matthew 7:24-27). Jesus declared: "Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock" (Matthew 7:24). His foolish neighbour also hears the words of Jesus but does not obey Him; he is like a man who builds his house on the sand (Matthew 7:26). Both houses looked similar to the untrained eye, but their profound difference was seen when the storms and floods came. One day, the rain poured heavily on both houses, the wild winds blew ferociously on them, and the rivers swelled menacingly. The house on the sand could not withstand this assault and collapsed with a "great crash" (Matthew 7:27).
It is possible for us to start off well. Our house is built on the right foundation - strong and sturdy. But things can go wrong. A person may have started out well and sought to live faithfully as a disciple of Christ. But over time, he may lose his faith as doubt (about the truth that the house on the rock is the only safe place) creeps in, or distress and suffering suggest that it is all not worth it, or when sinful desires take over as he sees what others outside the house on the rock seem to be enjoying. All these may change his ultimate end.
One of the stories in John Duckworth's witty book Joan 'n' the Whale: And Other Stories You Never Heard in Sunday School. is "The Man Who Built His House Up on the Rock." A man built his house upon a rock and congratulated himself for being wise. He waited for the rain, knowing that his neighbour's house on the sand would collapse. He waited for the storm warnings but they never came. Puzzled, he nevertheless continued waiting for the storm. He could hardly wait to see his neighbour's house fall, and for his neighbour to come begging for shelter. With such smug thoughts, he waited for the storm. He heard sounds of yelling and pounding one day and told himself excitedly that the day had come, only to be disappointed when he looked out the window. His neighbour was upgrading; he was converting his house into a beachfront resort.
The rain did come one day, but it fell only on the house that was built on the rock! The man moaned with dismay an busied himself with patching the roof, cleaning the gutters, and bailing out the basement. This went on for quite a while. The neighbour who built his house on the sand got wealthier, more successful, and happier. But the man whose house was on the rock was kept busy coping with a record rainfall that fell only on his house!
Finally the man gave up, saying, "Any fool can see that there's not going to be any storm." He packed up his belongings, moved out of his house, and went next door to the luxury beachfront resort. He said, "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em."
That night, of course, the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon both those houses. The one that was built upon the sand fell, and great was the fall of it. The other fell not; for it was founded upon a rock. Too bad nobody was home.
Is your house built on the rock? Are you still living in that house? If so, then you are wise.
Is your house built on the rock?
I realise that wisdom comes from God and knowing Him is essential for growing in wisdom. Also we need the right humble attitude to learn from God. I do read the Bible to have godly wisdom through perspectives (e.g., believe that Jesus is the Christ, whose coming as the messiah was prophesied in the Old Testament) and precepts (e.g., Ten Commandments) for living. I too love my family and those who I am constantly in contact with. Like the elderly uncles and aunty whom we met every day during our morning walk and exercises. Loving them as we engage in conversation on anything under the sun, and loving God due to specific circumstances, especially for his protection from the lightning, storm, rainfall, and other dangers. I do read good Christian literature, both from books and the Internet, written by mature Christians. So I guess my house is built on the rock.
However, I may not be living in that house all the time. I tend to be disobedient and stray away in pursuit of worldly pleasures. Temptations and distractions target my weakness and attracted me to love other worldly things. I want to connect and focus on Christians past and present to help cultivate some of that wisdom. But the going is tough, and there are challenging circumstances. We have many exciting movies and serial dramas that is impossible to let go. The Internet too, offers many captivating news and sensuous attractions. One day when this house of pleasures, built on the sand collapsed, I would suffer tremendously. I need Spiritual help to get back to my house built on the rock, learn to live in it, and maintain it faithfully.
How then can we grow in wisdom?
How then can we grow in wisdom? We must realise that wisdom comes from God. Knowing Him is essential for growing in wisdom. Humility is the right attitude to have as we learn from God. Reading the Bible provides us with godly wisdom through perspectives and precepts for living. Obedience is central to growing in wisdom. The disobedient cannot expect to grow wise. Love is the key ingredient in wisdom. We grow wise as we learn to love God and others in ways specific to our life circumstances. Connecting with the accumulated knowledge of Christians past and present will help us imbibe (absorb) some of that wisdom. This comes through reading good Christian literature and engaging in deep spiritual conversations with mature Christians.
Picture saved by Sam Green to Faith
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ElEX8mIuDfxADeUBKNlYsZDZzR80etfrJgOVfvF7cBLkmQlm9DYjjCUCuo4Rm0CcA_UV7cNC7tozxf5PcplAHYL-Tf3up-udmzwgPcjviBnk2FxgFQXJID-9kREtHznFXEKOM2jyp0w/s1600/e540b760adb25493ecb6ee36bb8dbea1.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/e5/40/b7/e540b760adb25493ecb6ee36bb8dbea1.jpg
https://in.pinterest.com/pin/363173157455306710/
How did Jesus define a wise man? Is your house built on the rock? How then can we grow in wisdom?
How did Jesus define a wise man? [1]
The Lord Jesus told a parable to show the difference between a wise man and a foolish one (Matthew 7:24-27). Jesus declared: "Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock" (Matthew 7:24). His foolish neighbour also hears the words of Jesus but does not obey Him; he is like a man who builds his house on the sand (Matthew 7:26). Both houses looked similar to the untrained eye, but their profound difference was seen when the storms and floods came. One day, the rain poured heavily on both houses, the wild winds blew ferociously on them, and the rivers swelled menacingly. The house on the sand could not withstand this assault and collapsed with a "great crash" (Matthew 7:27).
PHOTO: How did Jesus define a wise man?
Jesus declared: "Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock" (Matthew 7:24). His foolish neighbour also hears the words of Jesus but does not obey Him; he is like a man who builds his house on the sand (Matthew 7:26). One day, the rain poured heavily on both houses, the wild winds blew ferociously on them, and the rivers swelled menacingly. The house on the sand could not withstand this assault and collapsed with a "great crash" (Matthew 7:27).
Picture posted by Goodsalt - Houses on the Rock and Sand
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DyKXj8lmDnOmBPXZ_ljPE6w6vymNAdOTLz0zNnxJRYEZVbaoBXQRrhlLlTW93aqtK-Y8bBN9iGeppg9vIjo3Bu7wC2K-0rkRkOfcwfxrAqAnZh1Qe7v4YUaGrXDT_LfYYdOjXGXVnaI/s1600/foolish-stdas0059jpg-authority-GoodSalt-stdas0059_1.png
https://www.goodsalt.com/view/foolish-stdas0059jpg-authority-GoodSalt-stdas0059.jpg
https://www.goodsalt.com/details/stdas0059.html
It is possible for us to start off well. Our house is built on the right foundation - strong and sturdy. But things can go wrong. A person may have started out well and sought to live faithfully as a disciple of Christ. But over time, he may lose his faith as doubt (about the truth that the house on the rock is the only safe place) creeps in, or distress and suffering suggest that it is all not worth it, or when sinful desires take over as he sees what others outside the house on the rock seem to be enjoying. All these may change his ultimate end.
PHOTO: A person may have started out well and sought to live faithfully as a disciple of Christ. But over time, he may lose his faith as doubt (about the truth that the house on the rock is the only safe place) creeps in, or distress and suffering suggest that it is all not worth it, or when sinful desires take over as he sees what others outside the house on the rock seem to be enjoying. All these may change his ultimate end.
Picture posted by Bong Perez, fineartamerica on 24 July 2015 - The House Built on the Rock
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsy7Keicn_rGbHqblBZkoa5RNTKNhbfFdUdnDg2SV4VLd00PJK2oxJRjG-hLQYJrqfetyQzxNXi_tem1lREAOC8ZIlF7H-AY1f2B2LrW5PQL-xM_sxGsh2VC_I8Ms8DIcztknW_VHNTmk/s1600/the-house-built-on-the-rock-bong-perez.jpg
https://images.fineartamerica.com/images/artworkimages/mediumlarge/1/the-house-built-on-the-rock-bong-perez.jpg
https://fineartamerica.com/featured/the-house-built-on-the-rock-bong-perez.html
One of the stories in John Duckworth's witty book Joan 'n' the Whale: And Other Stories You Never Heard in Sunday School. is "The Man Who Built His House Up on the Rock." [32] A man built his house upon a rock and congratulated himself for being wise. He waited for the rain, knowing that his neighbour's house on the sand would collapse. He waited for the storm warnings but they never came. Puzzled, he nevertheless continued waiting for the storm. He could hardly wait to see his neighbour's house fall, and for his neighbour to come begging for shelter. With such smug thoughts, he waited for the storm. He heard sounds of yelling and pounding one day and told himself excitedly that the day had come, only to be disappointed when he looked out the window. His neighbour was upgrading; he was converting his house into a beachfront resort.
PHOTO: John Duckworth's witty book Joan 'n' the Whale: And Other Stories You Never Heard in Sunday School.
Picture posted by goodreads.com
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5M27AlyLKLoZ2ZHnTAoprU7qlIlgHfLoiFxJSaI8vV8FfmtitRUpM23MyEK-oAmcuHZ0cmP1LXFTwoqNk_B0sF3cYqfH-rtsrQ4RCzzfzXyqh1oyqR0cmpC1KJEoa43JugAyMhi6umo/s1600/21063422._UY630_SR1200%252C630_1.jpg
https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1394321089i/21063422._UY630_SR1200,630_.jpg
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21063422-joan-n-the-whale
The rain did come one day, but it fell only on the house that was built on the rock! The man moaned with dismay an busied himself with patching the roof, cleaning the gutters, and bailing out the basement. This went on for quite a while. The neighbour who built his house on the sand got wealthier, more successful, and happier. But the man whose house was on the rock was kept busy coping with a record rainfall that fell only on his house!
Finally the man gave up, saying, "Any fool can see that there's not going to be any storm." He packed up his belongings, moved out of his house, and went next door to the luxury beachfront resort. He said, "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em."
That night, of course, the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon both those houses. The one that was built upon the sand fell, and great was the fall of it. The other fell not; for it was founded upon a rock. Too bad nobody was home.
PHOTO: The rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon both those houses. The one that was built upon the sand fell, and great was the fall of it. The other fell not; for it was founded upon a rock. Too bad nobody was home.
Picture posted by John The Baptist Fine Art & Photography - The House Built on The Rock
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lKVxFzrVnlBMHBjVpTfbMG3Gw_B94jNM1-KBjgd1z4BCoTCKKWjXntHP1E7dpxHn12kEfbGBnq0TGu0_hyA7zTO9RO9eOR3uAFhP7hCRiLBAJbzxHevcV0PnPqO2fx1ii5EvB4tyHTg/s1600/Matthew-7-24-27-Luke-6-47-49.jpg
https://jtbarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/The-House-Built-on-The-Rock-The-Parable-of-The-Wise-and-Foolish-Builders-Matthew-7-24-27-Luke-6-47-49.jpg
https://jtbarts.com/gallery/the-word-of-god-series/the-house-built-on-the-rock-the-parable-of-the-wise-and-foolish-builders-matthew-7-24-25-26-27-luke-6-47-48-49/
Is your house built on the rock? Are you still living in that house? If so, then you are wise.
Is your house built on the rock?
I realise that wisdom comes from God and knowing Him is essential for growing in wisdom. Also we need the right humble attitude to learn from God. I do read the Bible to have godly wisdom through perspectives (e.g., believe that Jesus is the Christ, whose coming as the messiah was prophesied in the Old Testament) and precepts (e.g., Ten Commandments) for living. I too love my family and those who I am constantly in contact with. Like the elderly uncles and aunty whom we met every day during our morning walk and exercises. Loving them as we engage in conversation on anything under the sun, and loving God due to specific circumstances, especially for his protection from the lightning, storm, rainfall, and other dangers. I do read good Christian literature, both from books and the Internet, written by mature Christians. So I guess my house is built on the rock.
PHOTO: I realise that wisdom comes from God and knowing Him is essential for growing in wisdom. Also we need the right humble attitude to learn from God. I do read the Bible to have godly wisdom through perspectives (e.g., believe that Jesus is the Christ, whose coming as the messiah was prophesied in the Old Testament) and precepts (e.g., Ten Commandments) for living.
Picture posted by willustration on 28 April 2013 - Crossing Lake Galilee (Jesus' walk on water, or Jesus walking on water, is one of the miracles of Jesus in the Gospels. Accounts of the miracle appear in three Gospels: Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 6:45-52 and John 6:16-21.)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9BaViI6mlk_yfduRMJW3AKgFH4_O20ByAYWnUQCElPqz1P7HwQajareZad1JWXN1tNlGGeq9-OmlmKESpRFKZ8uBmipUR5q8FgTlbcA-ORCiOvXZqOm_aMOl2F-TqDmeWAJkZ9ygySu8/s1600/crossing_lake_galilee_by_willustration_d63bpsp-fullview.jpg
https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/eed0505c-94c6-4ca3-8625-8ae94f57c414/d63bpsp-95a80c40-164b-49bd-ae03-6e1da98bce5b.jpg/v1/fill/w_1024,h_1640,q_75,strp/crossing_lake_galilee_by_willustration_d63bpsp-fullview.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOiIsImlzcyI6InVybjphcHA6Iiwib2JqIjpbW3siaGVpZ2h0IjoiPD0xNjQwIiwicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvZWVkMDUwNWMtOTRjNi00Y2EzLTg2MjUtOGFlOTRmNTdjNDE0XC9kNjNicHNwLTk1YTgwYzQwLTE2NGItNDliZC1hZTAzLTZlMWRhOThiY2U1Yi5qcGciLCJ3aWR0aCI6Ijw9MTAyNCJ9XV0sImF1ZCI6WyJ1cm46c2VydmljZTppbWFnZS5vcGVyYXRpb25zIl19.6Q_qovix01PD_sW1JNHO_VhQ2GSPPRyedVZQsNqnXWE
https://www.deviantart.com/willustration/art/Crossing-Lake-Galilee-368382553
However, I may not be living in that house all the time. I tend to be disobedient and stray away in pursuit of worldly pleasures. Temptations and distractions target my weakness and attracted me to love other worldly things. I want to connect and focus on Christians past and present to help cultivate some of that wisdom. But the going is tough, and there are challenging circumstances. We have many exciting movies and serial dramas that is impossible to let go. The Internet too, offers many captivating news and sensuous attractions. One day when this house of pleasures, built on the sand collapsed, I would suffer tremendously. I need Spiritual help to get back to my house built on the rock, learn to live in it, and maintain it faithfully.
PHOTO: However, I may not be living in that house built on the rock all the time. I tend to be disobedient and stray away in pursuit of worldly pleasures. Temptations and distractions target my weakness and attracted me to love other worldly things. The world offers many captivating news and sensuous attractions. I need Spiritual help to get back to my house built on the rock, learn to live in it, and maintain it faithfully.
Picture posted by PrisonerOnEarth, Matt Baker on 01 September 2011 - Things just got INTERESTING...
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBFf-QXvEDQHNJiiJmaXERUdmKaQfmSfg_1-_IfRW64N88stFU9qIhJFkTTpjFRFeVrrocnXTdPO6IuZ7E5EsPAIGz9yNJuW7N55i4ZZTE1TyQjGPhEdshldDLR4ptgtOkHG2GdBiu_A/s1600/d48iggw-e5270daf-ebe7-49ec-850b-92a4c8087068.jpg
https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/8d774f08-257b-4e63-bf38-8ecc6722c0ce/d48iggw-e5270daf-ebe7-49ec-850b-92a4c8087068.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOiIsImlzcyI6InVybjphcHA6Iiwib2JqIjpbW3sicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvOGQ3NzRmMDgtMjU3Yi00ZTYzLWJmMzgtOGVjYzY3MjJjMGNlXC9kNDhpZ2d3LWU1MjcwZGFmLWViZTctNDllYy04NTBiLTkyYTRjODA4NzA2OC5qcGcifV1dLCJhdWQiOlsidXJuOnNlcnZpY2U6ZmlsZS5kb3dubG9hZCJdfQ.PBvrf4LYqb9Hg7SL9AdU-r7B5woppCZwKYMvMiXi-do
https://www.deviantart.com/prisoneronearth/art/Things-just-got-INTERESTING-256162784
How then can we grow in wisdom? [1]
How then can we grow in wisdom? We must realise that wisdom comes from God. Knowing Him is essential for growing in wisdom. Humility is the right attitude to have as we learn from God. Reading the Bible provides us with godly wisdom through perspectives and precepts for living. Obedience is central to growing in wisdom. The disobedient cannot expect to grow wise. Love is the key ingredient in wisdom. We grow wise as we learn to love God and others in ways specific to our life circumstances. Connecting with the accumulated knowledge of Christians past and present will help us imbibe (absorb) some of that wisdom. This comes through reading good Christian literature and engaging in deep spiritual conversations with mature Christians.
PHOTO: How then can we grow in wisdom?
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
The Lord Jesus told a parable to show the difference between a wise man and a foolish one (Matthew 7:24-27). Jesus declared: "Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock" (Matthew 7:24). His foolish neighbour also hears the words of Jesus but does not obey Him; he is like a man who builds his house on the sand (Matthew 7:26). Both houses looked similar to the untrained eye, but their profound difference was seen when the storms and floods came. One day, the rain poured heavily on both houses, the wild winds blew ferociously on them, and the rivers swelled menacingly. The house on the sand could not withstand this assault and collapsed with a "great crash" (Matthew 7:27).
It is possible for us to start off well. Our house is built on the right foundation - strong and sturdy. But things can go wrong. A person may have started out well and sought to live faithfully as a disciple of Christ. But over time, he may lose his faith as doubt (about the truth that the house on the rock is the only safe place) creeps in, or distress and suffering suggest that it is all not worth it, or when sinful desires take over as he sees what others outside the house on the rock seem to be enjoying. All these may change his ultimate end.
One of the stories in John Duckworth's witty book Joan 'n' the Whale: And Other Stories You Never Heard in Sunday School. is "The Man Who Built His House Up on the Rock." A man built his house upon a rock and congratulated himself for being wise. He waited for the rain, knowing that his neighbour's house on the sand would collapse. He waited for the storm warnings but they never came. Puzzled, he nevertheless continued waiting for the storm. He could hardly wait to see his neighbour's house fall, and for his neighbour to come begging for shelter. With such smug thoughts, he waited for the storm. He heard sounds of yelling and pounding one day and told himself excitedly that the day had come, only to be disappointed when he looked out the window. His neighbour was upgrading; he was converting his house into a beachfront resort.
The rain did come one day, but it fell only on the house that was built on the rock! The man moaned with dismay an busied himself with patching the roof, cleaning the gutters, and bailing out the basement. This went on for quite a while. The neighbour who built his house on the sand got wealthier, more successful, and happier. But the man whose house was on the rock was kept busy coping with a record rainfall that fell only on his house!
Finally the man gave up, saying, "Any fool can see that there's not going to be any storm." He packed up his belongings, moved out of his house, and went next door to the luxury beachfront resort. He said, "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em."
That night, of course, the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon both those houses. The one that was built upon the sand fell, and great was the fall of it. The other fell not; for it was founded upon a rock. Too bad nobody was home.
Is your house built on the rock? Are you still living in that house? If so, then you are wise.
Is your house built on the rock?
I realise that wisdom comes from God and knowing Him is essential for growing in wisdom. Also we need the right humble attitude to learn from God. I do read the Bible to have godly wisdom through perspectives (e.g., believe that Jesus is the Christ, whose coming as the messiah was prophesied in the Old Testament) and precepts (e.g., Ten Commandments) for living. I too love my family and those who I am constantly in contact with. Like the elderly uncles and aunty whom we met every day during our morning walk and exercises. Loving them as we engage in conversation on anything under the sun, and loving God due to specific circumstances, especially for his protection from the lightning, storm, rainfall, and other dangers. I do read good Christian literature, both from books and the Internet, written by mature Christians. So I guess my house is built on the rock.
However, I may not be living in that house all the time. I tend to be disobedient and stray away in pursuit of worldly pleasures. Temptations and distractions target my weakness and attracted me to love other worldly things. I want to connect and focus on Christians past and present to help cultivate some of that wisdom. But the going is tough, and there are challenging circumstances. We have many exciting movies and serial dramas that is impossible to let go. The Internet too, offers many captivating news and sensuous attractions. One day when this house of pleasures, built on the sand collapsed, I would suffer tremendously. I need Spiritual help to get back to my house built on the rock, learn to live in it, and maintain it faithfully.
How then can we grow in wisdom?
How then can we grow in wisdom? We must realise that wisdom comes from God. Knowing Him is essential for growing in wisdom. Humility is the right attitude to have as we learn from God. Reading the Bible provides us with godly wisdom through perspectives and precepts for living. Obedience is central to growing in wisdom. The disobedient cannot expect to grow wise. Love is the key ingredient in wisdom. We grow wise as we learn to love God and others in ways specific to our life circumstances. Connecting with the accumulated knowledge of Christians past and present will help us imbibe (absorb) some of that wisdom. This comes through reading good Christian literature and engaging in deep spiritual conversations with mature Christians.
Picture saved by Sam Green to Faith
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ElEX8mIuDfxADeUBKNlYsZDZzR80etfrJgOVfvF7cBLkmQlm9DYjjCUCuo4Rm0CcA_UV7cNC7tozxf5PcplAHYL-Tf3up-udmzwgPcjviBnk2FxgFQXJID-9kREtHznFXEKOM2jyp0w/s1600/e540b760adb25493ecb6ee36bb8dbea1.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/e5/40/b7/e540b760adb25493ecb6ee36bb8dbea1.jpg
https://in.pinterest.com/pin/363173157455306710/
How did Jesus define a wise man? Is your house built on the rock? How then can we grow in wisdom?
How did Jesus define a wise man? [1]
The Lord Jesus told a parable to show the difference between a wise man and a foolish one (Matthew 7:24-27). Jesus declared: "Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock" (Matthew 7:24). His foolish neighbour also hears the words of Jesus but does not obey Him; he is like a man who builds his house on the sand (Matthew 7:26). Both houses looked similar to the untrained eye, but their profound difference was seen when the storms and floods came. One day, the rain poured heavily on both houses, the wild winds blew ferociously on them, and the rivers swelled menacingly. The house on the sand could not withstand this assault and collapsed with a "great crash" (Matthew 7:27).
PHOTO: How did Jesus define a wise man?
Jesus declared: "Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock" (Matthew 7:24). His foolish neighbour also hears the words of Jesus but does not obey Him; he is like a man who builds his house on the sand (Matthew 7:26). One day, the rain poured heavily on both houses, the wild winds blew ferociously on them, and the rivers swelled menacingly. The house on the sand could not withstand this assault and collapsed with a "great crash" (Matthew 7:27).
Picture posted by Goodsalt - Houses on the Rock and Sand
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DyKXj8lmDnOmBPXZ_ljPE6w6vymNAdOTLz0zNnxJRYEZVbaoBXQRrhlLlTW93aqtK-Y8bBN9iGeppg9vIjo3Bu7wC2K-0rkRkOfcwfxrAqAnZh1Qe7v4YUaGrXDT_LfYYdOjXGXVnaI/s1600/foolish-stdas0059jpg-authority-GoodSalt-stdas0059_1.png
https://www.goodsalt.com/view/foolish-stdas0059jpg-authority-GoodSalt-stdas0059.jpg
https://www.goodsalt.com/details/stdas0059.html
It is possible for us to start off well. Our house is built on the right foundation - strong and sturdy. But things can go wrong. A person may have started out well and sought to live faithfully as a disciple of Christ. But over time, he may lose his faith as doubt (about the truth that the house on the rock is the only safe place) creeps in, or distress and suffering suggest that it is all not worth it, or when sinful desires take over as he sees what others outside the house on the rock seem to be enjoying. All these may change his ultimate end.
PHOTO: A person may have started out well and sought to live faithfully as a disciple of Christ. But over time, he may lose his faith as doubt (about the truth that the house on the rock is the only safe place) creeps in, or distress and suffering suggest that it is all not worth it, or when sinful desires take over as he sees what others outside the house on the rock seem to be enjoying. All these may change his ultimate end.
Picture posted by Bong Perez, fineartamerica on 24 July 2015 - The House Built on the Rock
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsy7Keicn_rGbHqblBZkoa5RNTKNhbfFdUdnDg2SV4VLd00PJK2oxJRjG-hLQYJrqfetyQzxNXi_tem1lREAOC8ZIlF7H-AY1f2B2LrW5PQL-xM_sxGsh2VC_I8Ms8DIcztknW_VHNTmk/s1600/the-house-built-on-the-rock-bong-perez.jpg
https://images.fineartamerica.com/images/artworkimages/mediumlarge/1/the-house-built-on-the-rock-bong-perez.jpg
https://fineartamerica.com/featured/the-house-built-on-the-rock-bong-perez.html
One of the stories in John Duckworth's witty book Joan 'n' the Whale: And Other Stories You Never Heard in Sunday School. is "The Man Who Built His House Up on the Rock." [32] A man built his house upon a rock and congratulated himself for being wise. He waited for the rain, knowing that his neighbour's house on the sand would collapse. He waited for the storm warnings but they never came. Puzzled, he nevertheless continued waiting for the storm. He could hardly wait to see his neighbour's house fall, and for his neighbour to come begging for shelter. With such smug thoughts, he waited for the storm. He heard sounds of yelling and pounding one day and told himself excitedly that the day had come, only to be disappointed when he looked out the window. His neighbour was upgrading; he was converting his house into a beachfront resort.
PHOTO: John Duckworth's witty book Joan 'n' the Whale: And Other Stories You Never Heard in Sunday School.
Picture posted by goodreads.com
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5M27AlyLKLoZ2ZHnTAoprU7qlIlgHfLoiFxJSaI8vV8FfmtitRUpM23MyEK-oAmcuHZ0cmP1LXFTwoqNk_B0sF3cYqfH-rtsrQ4RCzzfzXyqh1oyqR0cmpC1KJEoa43JugAyMhi6umo/s1600/21063422._UY630_SR1200%252C630_1.jpg
https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1394321089i/21063422._UY630_SR1200,630_.jpg
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21063422-joan-n-the-whale
The rain did come one day, but it fell only on the house that was built on the rock! The man moaned with dismay an busied himself with patching the roof, cleaning the gutters, and bailing out the basement. This went on for quite a while. The neighbour who built his house on the sand got wealthier, more successful, and happier. But the man whose house was on the rock was kept busy coping with a record rainfall that fell only on his house!
Finally the man gave up, saying, "Any fool can see that there's not going to be any storm." He packed up his belongings, moved out of his house, and went next door to the luxury beachfront resort. He said, "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em."
That night, of course, the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon both those houses. The one that was built upon the sand fell, and great was the fall of it. The other fell not; for it was founded upon a rock. Too bad nobody was home.
PHOTO: The rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon both those houses. The one that was built upon the sand fell, and great was the fall of it. The other fell not; for it was founded upon a rock. Too bad nobody was home.
Picture posted by John The Baptist Fine Art & Photography - The House Built on The Rock
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lKVxFzrVnlBMHBjVpTfbMG3Gw_B94jNM1-KBjgd1z4BCoTCKKWjXntHP1E7dpxHn12kEfbGBnq0TGu0_hyA7zTO9RO9eOR3uAFhP7hCRiLBAJbzxHevcV0PnPqO2fx1ii5EvB4tyHTg/s1600/Matthew-7-24-27-Luke-6-47-49.jpg
https://jtbarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/The-House-Built-on-The-Rock-The-Parable-of-The-Wise-and-Foolish-Builders-Matthew-7-24-27-Luke-6-47-49.jpg
https://jtbarts.com/gallery/the-word-of-god-series/the-house-built-on-the-rock-the-parable-of-the-wise-and-foolish-builders-matthew-7-24-25-26-27-luke-6-47-48-49/
Is your house built on the rock? Are you still living in that house? If so, then you are wise.
Is your house built on the rock?
I realise that wisdom comes from God and knowing Him is essential for growing in wisdom. Also we need the right humble attitude to learn from God. I do read the Bible to have godly wisdom through perspectives (e.g., believe that Jesus is the Christ, whose coming as the messiah was prophesied in the Old Testament) and precepts (e.g., Ten Commandments) for living. I too love my family and those who I am constantly in contact with. Like the elderly uncles and aunty whom we met every day during our morning walk and exercises. Loving them as we engage in conversation on anything under the sun, and loving God due to specific circumstances, especially for his protection from the lightning, storm, rainfall, and other dangers. I do read good Christian literature, both from books and the Internet, written by mature Christians. So I guess my house is built on the rock.
PHOTO: I realise that wisdom comes from God and knowing Him is essential for growing in wisdom. Also we need the right humble attitude to learn from God. I do read the Bible to have godly wisdom through perspectives (e.g., believe that Jesus is the Christ, whose coming as the messiah was prophesied in the Old Testament) and precepts (e.g., Ten Commandments) for living.
Picture posted by willustration on 28 April 2013 - Crossing Lake Galilee (Jesus' walk on water, or Jesus walking on water, is one of the miracles of Jesus in the Gospels. Accounts of the miracle appear in three Gospels: Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 6:45-52 and John 6:16-21.)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9BaViI6mlk_yfduRMJW3AKgFH4_O20ByAYWnUQCElPqz1P7HwQajareZad1JWXN1tNlGGeq9-OmlmKESpRFKZ8uBmipUR5q8FgTlbcA-ORCiOvXZqOm_aMOl2F-TqDmeWAJkZ9ygySu8/s1600/crossing_lake_galilee_by_willustration_d63bpsp-fullview.jpg
https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/eed0505c-94c6-4ca3-8625-8ae94f57c414/d63bpsp-95a80c40-164b-49bd-ae03-6e1da98bce5b.jpg/v1/fill/w_1024,h_1640,q_75,strp/crossing_lake_galilee_by_willustration_d63bpsp-fullview.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOiIsImlzcyI6InVybjphcHA6Iiwib2JqIjpbW3siaGVpZ2h0IjoiPD0xNjQwIiwicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvZWVkMDUwNWMtOTRjNi00Y2EzLTg2MjUtOGFlOTRmNTdjNDE0XC9kNjNicHNwLTk1YTgwYzQwLTE2NGItNDliZC1hZTAzLTZlMWRhOThiY2U1Yi5qcGciLCJ3aWR0aCI6Ijw9MTAyNCJ9XV0sImF1ZCI6WyJ1cm46c2VydmljZTppbWFnZS5vcGVyYXRpb25zIl19.6Q_qovix01PD_sW1JNHO_VhQ2GSPPRyedVZQsNqnXWE
https://www.deviantart.com/willustration/art/Crossing-Lake-Galilee-368382553
However, I may not be living in that house all the time. I tend to be disobedient and stray away in pursuit of worldly pleasures. Temptations and distractions target my weakness and attracted me to love other worldly things. I want to connect and focus on Christians past and present to help cultivate some of that wisdom. But the going is tough, and there are challenging circumstances. We have many exciting movies and serial dramas that is impossible to let go. The Internet too, offers many captivating news and sensuous attractions. One day when this house of pleasures, built on the sand collapsed, I would suffer tremendously. I need Spiritual help to get back to my house built on the rock, learn to live in it, and maintain it faithfully.
PHOTO: However, I may not be living in that house built on the rock all the time. I tend to be disobedient and stray away in pursuit of worldly pleasures. Temptations and distractions target my weakness and attracted me to love other worldly things. The world offers many captivating news and sensuous attractions. I need Spiritual help to get back to my house built on the rock, learn to live in it, and maintain it faithfully.
Picture posted by PrisonerOnEarth, Matt Baker on 01 September 2011 - Things just got INTERESTING...
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBFf-QXvEDQHNJiiJmaXERUdmKaQfmSfg_1-_IfRW64N88stFU9qIhJFkTTpjFRFeVrrocnXTdPO6IuZ7E5EsPAIGz9yNJuW7N55i4ZZTE1TyQjGPhEdshldDLR4ptgtOkHG2GdBiu_A/s1600/d48iggw-e5270daf-ebe7-49ec-850b-92a4c8087068.jpg
https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/8d774f08-257b-4e63-bf38-8ecc6722c0ce/d48iggw-e5270daf-ebe7-49ec-850b-92a4c8087068.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOiIsImlzcyI6InVybjphcHA6Iiwib2JqIjpbW3sicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvOGQ3NzRmMDgtMjU3Yi00ZTYzLWJmMzgtOGVjYzY3MjJjMGNlXC9kNDhpZ2d3LWU1MjcwZGFmLWViZTctNDllYy04NTBiLTkyYTRjODA4NzA2OC5qcGcifV1dLCJhdWQiOlsidXJuOnNlcnZpY2U6ZmlsZS5kb3dubG9hZCJdfQ.PBvrf4LYqb9Hg7SL9AdU-r7B5woppCZwKYMvMiXi-do
https://www.deviantart.com/prisoneronearth/art/Things-just-got-INTERESTING-256162784
How then can we grow in wisdom? [1]
How then can we grow in wisdom? We must realise that wisdom comes from God. Knowing Him is essential for growing in wisdom. Humility is the right attitude to have as we learn from God. Reading the Bible provides us with godly wisdom through perspectives and precepts for living. Obedience is central to growing in wisdom. The disobedient cannot expect to grow wise. Love is the key ingredient in wisdom. We grow wise as we learn to love God and others in ways specific to our life circumstances. Connecting with the accumulated knowledge of Christians past and present will help us imbibe (absorb) some of that wisdom. This comes through reading good Christian literature and engaging in deep spiritual conversations with mature Christians.
PHOTO: How then can we grow in wisdom?
- We must realise that wisdom comes from God. Knowing Him is essential for growing in wisdom.
- Humility is the right attitude to have as we learn from God.
- Obedience is central to growing in wisdom.
- Love is the key ingredient in wisdom.
- Connecting with the accumulated knowledge of Christians past and present.
- Reading the Bible and good Christian literature.
- Engaging in deep spiritual conversations with mature Christians
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_2S4asxIST2EWK4fOS7eonGx8HIXgrKpJ-TuUHbjAoJcSdRZYOr3OiGJugt5Y3URvu5XzSKvGmn7XFBYLUWdxDe2Nr-B6RUGzZDWYqTXS6zqJWfyUYiK4M5uOCFrVaZ_0ozLm83cy8o/s1600/beloved_son_by_marcusthomas_d5gzmij-fullview.jpghttps://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/84c3baf2-2c1d-42c5-877c-06308e4f89fc/d5gzmij-08dae809-e366-4e2a-b4ab-fc27d1fdad39.jpg/v1/fill/w_900,h_720,q_75,strp/beloved_son_by_marcusthomas_d5gzmij-fullview.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOiIsImlzcyI6InVybjphcHA6Iiwib2JqIjpbW3siaGVpZ2h0IjoiPD03MjAiLCJwYXRoIjoiXC9mXC84NGMzYmFmMi0yYzFkLTQyYzUtODc3Yy0wNjMwOGU0Zjg5ZmNcL2Q1Z3ptaWotMDhkYWU4MDktZTM2Ni00ZTJhLWI0YWItZmMyN2QxZmRhZDM5LmpwZyIsIndpZHRoIjoiPD05MDAifV1dLCJhdWQiOlsidXJuOnNlcnZpY2U6aW1hZ2Uub3BlcmF0aW9ucyJdfQ.Exe01p1wSrZ0EKgTbl72ZCj9p8johqpjp9C9PX-7860
https://www.deviantart.com/marcusthomas/art/Beloved-Son-330866875
PHOTO: "Dear Lord, please help us to hear the words of Jesus and puts them into practice so that we can be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. We don’t want to be like the foolish neighbour who also hears the words of Jesus but does not obey Him; and is like a man who builds his house on the sand. Both houses looked similar to the untrained eye, but their profound difference was seen when the storms and floods came. When one day, the rain poured heavily on both houses, the wild winds blew ferociously on them, and the rivers swelled menacingly, the house on the sand could not withstand this assault and collapsed with a ‘great crash’.
We need help not to lose our faith as doubt (about the truth that the house on the rock is the only safe place) creeps in, or distress and suffering suggest that it is all not worth it, or when sinful desires take over as we see what others outside the house on the rock seem to be enjoying. We don’t want to be caught not living in our house built on the rock, but crash with the house built upon the sand which fell when the rain descended, the floods came and the winds blew and beats upon both houses.
We realise that wisdom comes from God and knowing Him is essential for growing in wisdom. Also we need the right humble attitude to learn from God. Help us to read the Bible to have godly wisdom through perspectives and precepts for living.
Help us to overcome our disobedience by not straying away in pursuit of worldly pleasures. Help us not to let worldly temptations and distractions to target our weakness, and attract us to love other worldly things. We want to connect and focus on Christians past and present to help cultivate some of that wisdom. Amidst the worldly captivating news and sensuous attractions, help us to get back to our house built on the rock, learn to live in it, and maintain it faithfully.
Please help us to learn to love God and others in ways specific to our life circumstances, as love is the key ingredient in wisdom.
Help us to successfully connect with the accumulated knowledge of Christians past and present to help us imbibe some of that wisdom. We need guidance to read good Christian literatures and engage in deep spiritual conversations with mature Christians, to become a wiser person.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!"
Picture posted by Douglas Ramsey on 08 April 2014 - Pilgrim's Progress: Unburdened
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
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmDof7kC0ew-DRU61-MjxIR7zyYw_1DJW3btskB7uJniNcfsx1UAAeS91O-4ce52qO9_lLSvyYR6Fi0Wn2uB67-W4X43jbZaL75fJK0ZYGRJqCnydlfs4fTxZyE1EEqkA0yRvUzglrTs/s1600/pilgrim_s_progress__unburdened_by_douglasramsey_d7dm2ix-fullview.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijROrKyNhwExikSrgRmWM_GvJQSGX8McoBnzZ471eJdX6-J9A8M6eFuefMT5DYDcLKBEa06LY56mw0SvxZluLiiPTHctm2HV4-yCMLgmfp9_61SvukWWWbKXrYmizHfBD5EwY1_f_v3wY/s1600/pilgrim_s_progress__unburdened_by_douglasramsey_d7dm2ix-fullview.gif
https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/c7db8053-3836-48fc-9e0e-1b2d621bfe42/d7dm2ix-e6601f77-d346-454d-ac4f-9d4d87b051aa.jpg/v1/fill/w_800,h_952,q_75,strp/pilgrim_s_progress__unburdened_by_douglasramsey_d7dm2ix-fullview.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOiIsImlzcyI6InVybjphcHA6Iiwib2JqIjpbW3siaGVpZ2h0IjoiPD05NTIiLCJwYXRoIjoiXC9mXC9jN2RiODA1My0zODM2LTQ4ZmMtOWUwZS0xYjJkNjIxYmZlNDJcL2Q3ZG0yaXgtZTY2MDFmNzctZDM0Ni00NTRkLWFjNGYtOWQ0ZDg3YjA1MWFhLmpwZyIsIndpZHRoIjoiPD04MDAifV1dLCJhdWQiOlsidXJuOnNlcnZpY2U6aW1hZ2Uub3BlcmF0aW9ucyJdfQ.O5maBKOQ1-zElsLCR3dWMFpzOvQx044sLPiYMn8q1m8
https://www.deviantart.com/douglasramsey/art/Pilgrim-s-Progress-Unburdened-446127945
[32] John Duckworth, Joan n the Whale: And Other Stories You Never Heard in Sunday School (Eastbourne, England: Monarch, 1987), 100-103.
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.
https://www.deviantart.com/marcusthomas/art/Beloved-Son-330866875
We need help not to lose our faith as doubt (about the truth that the house on the rock is the only safe place) creeps in, or distress and suffering suggest that it is all not worth it, or when sinful desires take over as we see what others outside the house on the rock seem to be enjoying. We don’t want to be caught not living in our house built on the rock, but crash with the house built upon the sand which fell when the rain descended, the floods came and the winds blew and beats upon both houses.
We realise that wisdom comes from God and knowing Him is essential for growing in wisdom. Also we need the right humble attitude to learn from God. Help us to read the Bible to have godly wisdom through perspectives and precepts for living.
Help us to overcome our disobedience by not straying away in pursuit of worldly pleasures. Help us not to let worldly temptations and distractions to target our weakness, and attract us to love other worldly things. We want to connect and focus on Christians past and present to help cultivate some of that wisdom. Amidst the worldly captivating news and sensuous attractions, help us to get back to our house built on the rock, learn to live in it, and maintain it faithfully.
Please help us to learn to love God and others in ways specific to our life circumstances, as love is the key ingredient in wisdom.
Help us to successfully connect with the accumulated knowledge of Christians past and present to help us imbibe some of that wisdom. We need guidance to read good Christian literatures and engage in deep spiritual conversations with mature Christians, to become a wiser person.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!"
Picture posted by Douglas Ramsey on 08 April 2014 - Pilgrim's Progress: Unburdened
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
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmDof7kC0ew-DRU61-MjxIR7zyYw_1DJW3btskB7uJniNcfsx1UAAeS91O-4ce52qO9_lLSvyYR6Fi0Wn2uB67-W4X43jbZaL75fJK0ZYGRJqCnydlfs4fTxZyE1EEqkA0yRvUzglrTs/s1600/pilgrim_s_progress__unburdened_by_douglasramsey_d7dm2ix-fullview.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijROrKyNhwExikSrgRmWM_GvJQSGX8McoBnzZ471eJdX6-J9A8M6eFuefMT5DYDcLKBEa06LY56mw0SvxZluLiiPTHctm2HV4-yCMLgmfp9_61SvukWWWbKXrYmizHfBD5EwY1_f_v3wY/s1600/pilgrim_s_progress__unburdened_by_douglasramsey_d7dm2ix-fullview.gif
https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/c7db8053-3836-48fc-9e0e-1b2d621bfe42/d7dm2ix-e6601f77-d346-454d-ac4f-9d4d87b051aa.jpg/v1/fill/w_800,h_952,q_75,strp/pilgrim_s_progress__unburdened_by_douglasramsey_d7dm2ix-fullview.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOiIsImlzcyI6InVybjphcHA6Iiwib2JqIjpbW3siaGVpZ2h0IjoiPD05NTIiLCJwYXRoIjoiXC9mXC9jN2RiODA1My0zODM2LTQ4ZmMtOWUwZS0xYjJkNjIxYmZlNDJcL2Q3ZG0yaXgtZTY2MDFmNzctZDM0Ni00NTRkLWFjNGYtOWQ0ZDg3YjA1MWFhLmpwZyIsIndpZHRoIjoiPD04MDAifV1dLCJhdWQiOlsidXJuOnNlcnZpY2U6aW1hZ2Uub3BlcmF0aW9ucyJdfQ.O5maBKOQ1-zElsLCR3dWMFpzOvQx044sLPiYMn8q1m8
https://www.deviantart.com/douglasramsey/art/Pilgrim-s-Progress-Unburdened-446127945
Reflection - Spiritual Journey - Jesus definition of a Wise Man
Source (book): "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, PART I: SPIRITUAL JOURNEY, Chapter 8, "Growing Wise", Question 2, Page 51.
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 8, "Growing Wise", Question 2, Page 51.
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
"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 8, "Growing Wise", Page 48-51.[32] John Duckworth, Joan n the Whale: And Other Stories You Never Heard in Sunday School (Eastbourne, England: Monarch, 1987), 100-103.
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.
John 6:16-21 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+6%3A16-21&version=NIV
Mark 6:45-52 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+6%3A45-52&version=NIV
Matthew 7:24 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A24&version=NIV
Matthew 7:24-27 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A24-27&version=NIV
Matthew 7:26 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A26&version=NIV
Matthew 7:27 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A27&version=NIV
Matthew 11:28-29 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A28-29&version=NIV
Mark 6:45-52 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+6%3A45-52&version=NIV
Matthew 7:24 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A24&version=NIV
Matthew 7:24-27 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A24-27&version=NIV
Matthew 7:26 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A26&version=NIV
Matthew 7:27 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A27&version=NIV
Matthew 11:28-29 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A28-29&version=NIV
- https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ElEX8mIuDfxADeUBKNlYsZDZzR80etfrJgOVfvF7cBLkmQlm9DYjjCUCuo4Rm0CcA_UV7cNC7tozxf5PcplAHYL-Tf3up-udmzwgPcjviBnk2FxgFQXJID-9kREtHznFXEKOM2jyp0w/s1600/e540b760adb25493ecb6ee36bb8dbea1.jpg
- https://i.pinimg.com/originals/e5/40/b7/e540b760adb25493ecb6ee36bb8dbea1.jpg
- https://in.pinterest.com/pin/363173157455306710/
- https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DyKXj8lmDnOmBPXZ_ljPE6w6vymNAdOTLz0zNnxJRYEZVbaoBXQRrhlLlTW93aqtK-Y8bBN9iGeppg9vIjo3Bu7wC2K-0rkRkOfcwfxrAqAnZh1Qe7v4YUaGrXDT_LfYYdOjXGXVnaI/s1600/foolish-stdas0059jpg-authority-GoodSalt-stdas0059_1.png
- https://www.goodsalt.com/view/foolish-stdas0059jpg-authority-GoodSalt-stdas0059.jpg
- https://www.goodsalt.com/details/stdas0059.html
- https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsy7Keicn_rGbHqblBZkoa5RNTKNhbfFdUdnDg2SV4VLd00PJK2oxJRjG-hLQYJrqfetyQzxNXi_tem1lREAOC8ZIlF7H-AY1f2B2LrW5PQL-xM_sxGsh2VC_I8Ms8DIcztknW_VHNTmk/s1600/the-house-built-on-the-rock-bong-perez.jpg
- https://images.fineartamerica.com/images/artworkimages/mediumlarge/1/the-house-built-on-the-rock-bong-perez.jpg
- https://fineartamerica.com/featured/the-house-built-on-the-rock-bong-perez.html
- https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5M27AlyLKLoZ2ZHnTAoprU7qlIlgHfLoiFxJSaI8vV8FfmtitRUpM23MyEK-oAmcuHZ0cmP1LXFTwoqNk_B0sF3cYqfH-rtsrQ4RCzzfzXyqh1oyqR0cmpC1KJEoa43JugAyMhi6umo/s1600/21063422._UY630_SR1200%252C630_1.jpg
- https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1394321089i/21063422._UY630_SR1200,630_.jpg
- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21063422-joan-n-the-whale
- https://jtbarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/The-House-Built-on-The-Rock-The-Parable-of-The-Wise-and-Foolish-Builders-Matthew-7-24-27-Luke-6-47-49.jpg
- https://jtbarts.com/gallery/the-word-of-god-series/the-house-built-on-the-rock-the-parable-of-the-wise-and-foolish-builders-matthew-7-24-25-26-27-luke-6-47-48-49/
- https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9BaViI6mlk_yfduRMJW3AKgFH4_O20ByAYWnUQCElPqz1P7HwQajareZad1JWXN1tNlGGeq9-OmlmKESpRFKZ8uBmipUR5q8FgTlbcA-ORCiOvXZqOm_aMOl2F-TqDmeWAJkZ9ygySu8/s1600/crossing_lake_galilee_by_willustration_d63bpsp-fullview.jpg
- https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/eed0505c-94c6-4ca3-8625-8ae94f57c414/d63bpsp-95a80c40-164b-49bd-ae03-6e1da98bce5b.jpg/v1/fill/w_1024,h_1640,q_75,strp/crossing_lake_galilee_by_willustration_d63bpsp-fullview.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOiIsImlzcyI6InVybjphcHA6Iiwib2JqIjpbW3siaGVpZ2h0IjoiPD0xNjQwIiwicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvZWVkMDUwNWMtOTRjNi00Y2EzLTg2MjUtOGFlOTRmNTdjNDE0XC9kNjNicHNwLTk1YTgwYzQwLTE2NGItNDliZC1hZTAzLTZlMWRhOThiY2U1Yi5qcGciLCJ3aWR0aCI6Ijw9MTAyNCJ9XV0sImF1ZCI6WyJ1cm46c2VydmljZTppbWFnZS5vcGVyYXRpb25zIl19.6Q_qovix01PD_sW1JNHO_VhQ2GSPPRyedVZQsNqnXWE
- https://www.deviantart.com/willustration/art/Crossing-Lake-Galilee-368382553
- https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBFf-QXvEDQHNJiiJmaXERUdmKaQfmSfg_1-_IfRW64N88stFU9qIhJFkTTpjFRFeVrrocnXTdPO6IuZ7E5EsPAIGz9yNJuW7N55i4ZZTE1TyQjGPhEdshldDLR4ptgtOkHG2GdBiu_A/s1600/d48iggw-e5270daf-ebe7-49ec-850b-92a4c8087068.jpg
- https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/8d774f08-257b-4e63-bf38-8ecc6722c0ce/d48iggw-e5270daf-ebe7-49ec-850b-92a4c8087068.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOiIsImlzcyI6InVybjphcHA6Iiwib2JqIjpbW3sicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvOGQ3NzRmMDgtMjU3Yi00ZTYzLWJmMzgtOGVjYzY3MjJjMGNlXC9kNDhpZ2d3LWU1MjcwZGFmLWViZTctNDllYy04NTBiLTkyYTRjODA4NzA2OC5qcGcifV1dLCJhdWQiOlsidXJuOnNlcnZpY2U6ZmlsZS5kb3dubG9hZCJdfQ.PBvrf4LYqb9Hg7SL9AdU-r7B5woppCZwKYMvMiXi-do
- https://www.deviantart.com/prisoneronearth/art/Things-just-got-INTERESTING-256162784
- https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_2S4asxIST2EWK4fOS7eonGx8HIXgrKpJ-TuUHbjAoJcSdRZYOr3OiGJugt5Y3URvu5XzSKvGmn7XFBYLUWdxDe2Nr-B6RUGzZDWYqTXS6zqJWfyUYiK4M5uOCFrVaZ_0ozLm83cy8o/s1600/beloved_son_by_marcusthomas_d5gzmij-fullview.jpg
- https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/84c3baf2-2c1d-42c5-877c-06308e4f89fc/d5gzmij-08dae809-e366-4e2a-b4ab-fc27d1fdad39.jpg/v1/fill/w_900,h_720,q_75,strp/beloved_son_by_marcusthomas_d5gzmij-fullview.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOiIsImlzcyI6InVybjphcHA6Iiwib2JqIjpbW3siaGVpZ2h0IjoiPD03MjAiLCJwYXRoIjoiXC9mXC84NGMzYmFmMi0yYzFkLTQyYzUtODc3Yy0wNjMwOGU0Zjg5ZmNcL2Q1Z3ptaWotMDhkYWU4MDktZTM2Ni00ZTJhLWI0YWItZmMyN2QxZmRhZDM5LmpwZyIsIndpZHRoIjoiPD05MDAifV1dLCJhdWQiOlsidXJuOnNlcnZpY2U6aW1hZ2Uub3BlcmF0aW9ucyJdfQ.Exe01p1wSrZ0EKgTbl72ZCj9p8johqpjp9C9PX-7860
- https://www.deviantart.com/marcusthomas/art/Beloved-Son-330866875
- http://www.webestools.com/animated-images-effect-generator-effects-gif-images-picture-blog-gif-fx-images-animated-effect.html
- https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmDof7kC0ew-DRU61-MjxIR7zyYw_1DJW3btskB7uJniNcfsx1UAAeS91O-4ce52qO9_lLSvyYR6Fi0Wn2uB67-W4X43jbZaL75fJK0ZYGRJqCnydlfs4fTxZyE1EEqkA0yRvUzglrTs/s1600/pilgrim_s_progress__unburdened_by_douglasramsey_d7dm2ix-fullview.jpg
- https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijROrKyNhwExikSrgRmWM_GvJQSGX8McoBnzZ471eJdX6-J9A8M6eFuefMT5DYDcLKBEa06LY56mw0SvxZluLiiPTHctm2HV4-yCMLgmfp9_61SvukWWWbKXrYmizHfBD5EwY1_f_v3wY/s1600/pilgrim_s_progress__unburdened_by_douglasramsey_d7dm2ix-fullview.gif
- https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/c7db8053-3836-48fc-9e0e-1b2d621bfe42/d7dm2ix-e6601f77-d346-454d-ac4f-9d4d87b051aa.jpg/v1/fill/w_800,h_952,q_75,strp/pilgrim_s_progress__unburdened_by_douglasramsey_d7dm2ix-fullview.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOiIsImlzcyI6InVybjphcHA6Iiwib2JqIjpbW3siaGVpZ2h0IjoiPD05NTIiLCJwYXRoIjoiXC9mXC9jN2RiODA1My0zODM2LTQ4ZmMtOWUwZS0xYjJkNjIxYmZlNDJcL2Q3ZG0yaXgtZTY2MDFmNzctZDM0Ni00NTRkLWFjNGYtOWQ0ZDg3YjA1MWFhLmpwZyIsIndpZHRoIjoiPD04MDAifV1dLCJhdWQiOlsidXJuOnNlcnZpY2U6aW1hZ2Uub3BlcmF0aW9ucyJdfQ.O5maBKOQ1-zElsLCR3dWMFpzOvQx044sLPiYMn8q1m8
- https://www.deviantart.com/douglasramsey/art/Pilgrim-s-Progress-Unburdened-446127945