Monday, March 12, 2018

Reflection - The Solution to Worn-Out Lives - Doubts about God

Source (book): "Finding rest for the soul", Chapter Four, Question 2, Page 75.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012


Coping with Doubt

PHOTO: Coping with Doubt
John the Baptist was a fiery, courageous prophet who was also absolutely confident about who Jesus was. He said, "After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit" (Mark 1:7-8).

However, at the beginning of Matthew 11, we get a rather surprising view of the fiery prophet. Uncharacteristically, this once-bold man of God now has some doubts. Languishing in prison after telling Herod off, he faced the likelihood of execution. Knowing that his public ministry had ended, he wanted to confirm whether Jesus was really the Messiah. He sent some men to ask Jesus, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?" (Matthew 11:3).

Jesus' response to John showed His kindness, understanding, and sympathy. He told John's disciples to bring back this message: "The blind receive sights, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor" (Matthew 11:5). In referring to what the Old Testament had said the Messiah would do when He came (Isaiah 61:1-2), Jesus was showing John that He was doing exactly as prophesied. This would have been proof enough of His identity, and a comforting assurance to a doubtful John.

Jesus knows how doubt can eat into our confidence and faith. He knows how we can lose hope and question our "success" in life, wondering whether our work was all for nothing. He can empathise with us. That is why He tells us to "Come to me", for in Him we will find assurance, just as John the Baptist did.

Am I prepared to stand before God? Or have I lived my life in vain?

Jesus Christ has already paid for eternal life. We need only to receive it as a gift by putting our faith in Him. The Bible says in Romans 6:23, the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. God cannot lie, and He has promised to give us eternal life. The Bible says in Titus 1:2, In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.

I am 'lukewarm' so were my efforts of use to God?
Lukewarm is what you get when you mix hot and cold. To be lukewarm is to mix that which shouldn't be mixed.
The disease of lukewarmness results from the following unhealthy activities:

Mixing the new covenant of grace with the old covenant of works
Mixing the new law written on our hearts with the old law written on tablets
Mixing the rest of the new with the ceaseless demands of the old
Mixing the unbreakable promises of God with the brittle promises of man
Mixing the bondage of Sinai with the liberty of Zion (Galatians 4:31)
Mixing the ministry that condemns (2 Corinthians 3:9) with the ministry of no condemnation (Romans 8:1)


Stop mixing grace with law. Stop living in the netherworld between two covenants. Stop running back to your old husband Mr. Law. Stop doubting the promises of God. Stop sleeping with the maid of self-effort. Stop striving for balance. Stop trying to replicate what Christ has done.

In short, repent and believe the good news that Jesus Christ has done it all!

I retired from work too early. Have I used my life well? I have not successfully converted anybody to become a Christian. Have I achieved anything of note?
The true answer to all the above questions is a frustrating "no" with many failures.

All failure teaches us the important truth of just how desperately we need God, His mercy, and grace in our lives. Regardless, God has made more than adequate provision for us in Christ. Jesus' finished work on the cross is the sole basis of our relationship and forgiveness with God. This is our only means of a meaningful and productive life with Him.
Picture posted by Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
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https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/m/1102014641/univ/art/1102014641_univ_sqr_xl.jpg
https://www.jw.org/tl/publikasyon/aklat/jesus/ministeryo-sa-galilea/nagtanong-juan-bautista-tungkol-jesus/



Make a list of doubts that you have about God and your journey with Him. Tell Jesus about them.
Coping with Doubt [1]
John the Baptist was a fiery, courageous prophet who was known for not mincing his words when preaching his message of repentance. He called the crowds a "brood of vipers" (Luke 3:7), warned tax collectors not to abuse their position, told soldiers not to be corrupt, and even rebuked the local ruler Herod for having an adulterous relationship with his brother's wife (Luke 3:19).



John the Baptist was a fiery, courageous prophet who was known for not mincing his words when preaching his message of repentance.

PHOTO: John the Baptist was a fiery, courageous prophet who was known for not mincing his words when preaching his message of repentance.
Picture posted by  Pastor Melodee Carstens on Sunday, 12 December 2010
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5lObrnNgucAK-CMpnP53C0WGSnQZTzETo-gm-4WTc1OCsRPSrHkhP3LS1-D1UksRL87Bk4PHkCKaC9Ri5q5xXaOA2vImEWubbt6gWbwq7G7fPwDF-Tsc0ZOzCroj6TR7IsMYLtG3reUs/s1600/John_Baptist.JPG
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Tr9mBI2zrjQ/TP7ScOxm2BI/AAAAAAAAGNg/NmW6gD9iRO4/s1600/John_Baptist.JPG
http://abcparish.blogspot.sg/2010/12/our-week-december-12th-to-december-18.html



John was also absolutely confident about who Jesus was. He said, "After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit" (
Mark 1:7-8). John also said of Jesus, "Look, the lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). And when reports came that Jesus' ministry was flourishing, John was most willing to retreat into the background, knowing he had accomplished his assigned work of being the prophetic forerunner of the Lord. "He must become greater," he said, "I must become less" (John 3:30).


John was also absolutely confident about who Jesus was.

PHOTO: John was also absolutely confident about who Jesus was. When reports came that Jesus' ministry was flourishing, John was most willing to retreat into the background, knowing he had accomplished his assigned work of being the prophetic forerunner of the Lord.
Picture posted by Keith Lannon
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKHLT23aNtwDyI5-aM2nI8eepHqulDaHdd6hQqmm2G58K4HG9iJ5o29HNyNf_kp6WeF45Jmu6MHdISq8igg2MgDzAnWFX4J5q-t6MBILJc4OPDIZMik8w9rmnw_0KXRqbIhFPCpXENL8/s1600/00004.jpg
https://thelonghaulwithisaiah.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/00004.jpg
https://thelonghaulwithisaiah.wordpress.com/2014/03/14/78-messiahs-secret-unseen-resource-isaiah-112a/



At the beginning of
Matthew 11, however, we get a rather surprising view of the fiery prophet. Uncharacteristically, this once-bold man of God now has some doubts. Languishing in prison after telling Herod off, he faced the likelihood of execution. Knowing that his public ministry had ended, he wanted to confirm whether Jesus was really the Messiah. He sent some men to ask Jesus, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?" (Matthew 11:3).


Uncharacteristically, this once-bold man of God now has some doubts.

PHOTO: Uncharacteristically, this once-bold man of God now has some doubts. Languishing in prison after telling Herod off, he faced the likelihood of execution. Knowing that his public ministry had ended, he wanted to confirm whether Jesus was really the Messiah.
Picture posted by Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZy8GzMubqsS7EMMhI8DNz45ltjD9gHqaR0lWYtGeRtN8dtWZfdUFv8TMnstUiVdRN4_v1C2f08Botynr9oopBVKK2ZfwSUtYI3wcel_McAix3kM41Ef5jxsdqTyuoFLzRxDrnk1JpjYs/s1600/1102014641_univ_lsr_xl.jpg
https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/m/1102014641/univ/art/1102014641_univ_lsr_xl.jpg
https://www.jw.org/en/publications/books/jesus/ministry-in-galilee/john-the-baptist-asks-about-jesus/


What happened to the man who had so confidently announced to the world who Jesus was? Was he depressed because of his circumstances, or was it a case of last-minute jitters that had him wondering whether he had backed the right man?

Our possible doubts
We may face the same situation that John the Baptist did, but we can be equally plagued by doubt. We may wonder if we are doing the right thing in our work, in our ministry, and in our lives. We may ask ourselves questions like: Were my efforts of use to God? Have I used my life well? Have I achieved anything of note? Am I prepared to stand before God? Or have I lived my life in vain?



Our possible doubts

PHOTO: Our possible doubts
Am I prepared to stand before God? Or have I lived my life in vain?
I am 'lukewarm' so were my efforts of use to God?
I retired from work too early. Have I used my life well?
Have not successfully convert any to Christian. Have I achieved anything of note?
Picture saved by Gary Herrera  to Jehovahs Witnesses from jw.org
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8zz9LhIWwwdKCLyCldxU4eN_03f751NN_rmDZ2QmtM3iUdCi9HLOe9MxnksortmJC3QQQvCZmIFaJwHbv_72jQVF6HSBh0fpXpC2C-GgoCRSmbeqTs4482f8PN-m0LM8qY1vPwqpnQ8/s1600/598e45e943c3b725cc446ef14b7591be.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/59/8e/45/598e45e943c3b725cc446ef14b7591be.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/258605203581865702/



Jesus' response to John shows His kindness, understanding, and sympathy. He told John's disciples to bring back this message: "The blind receive sights, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor" (
Matthew 11:5). In referring to what the Old Testament had said the Messiah would do when He came (Isaiah 61:1-2), Jesus was showing John that He was doing exactly as prophesied. This would have been proof enough of His identity, and a comforting assurance to a doubtful John.


Jesus' response to John shows His kindness, understanding, and sympathy.

PHOTO: Jesus' response to John shows His kindness, understanding, and sympathy. He told John's disciples to bring back this message: "The blind receive sights, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor" (Matthew 11:5).
Picture posted by Digging Deep into Life
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYAjG8uH2uRLEiSCO_o79H6lQIKclmbOo8V96eCropnZor8vTK2u7TdB6E8ur0ifkZfF4OXe6cj3ZRzk49_EAyXXTjmjYe8HGnGVnJwn0ORzmC5ctMGBwUy-9cWLomHxV-K1N5wRGPsw/s1600/nyorker-peer-reviewed-1.png
https://jsingh2008.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/nyorker-peer-reviewed.png
https://jsingh2008.wordpress.com/2015/05/11/in-the-beginning/



Not only that, Jesus took pains to speak glowing of the prophet's faithfulness and courage (Matthew 11:7-15). These affirming words would have come as balm to John's soul as he lay in prison. He would have drawn assurance from the knowledge that all was not lost, even if he died.

Jesus knows how doubt can eat into our confidence and faith. He knows how we can lose hope and question our "success" in life, wondering whether our work was all for nothing. He can empathise with us. That is why He tells us to "Come to me", for in Him we will find assurance, just as John the Baptist did.



Jesus took pains to speak glowing of the prophet's faithfulness and courage (Matthew 11:7-15).

PHOTO: Jesus took pains to speak glowing of the prophet's faithfulness and courage (Matthew 11:7-15). These affirming words would have come as balm to John's soul as he lay in prison. He would have drawn assurance from the knowledge that all was not lost, even if he died. Jesus knows how doubt can eat into our confidence and faith. That is why He tells us to "Come to me", for in Him we will find assurance, just as John the Baptist did.
Engraving and stipple engraving by Giulio Campagnola, from National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., - Saint John the Baptist (ca. 1505),
Picture posted by Artsy

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8hngvxs7_DXytmmW8LmkIlX1qQGpJFzSCtHNTIa_TfJ98QSBP3BzphujSDEO-r3oqCd5b5d0fSjjRfwsmwqG9wsxWmnvqY_s_dbfWj5HX-2l8vZQEckXs9oBzAv73oL7n5cwnzwEO6A/s1600/giulio-campagnola-saint-john-the-baptist-ca-1505.jpg
https://www.artsy.net/artwork/giulio-campagnola-saint-john-the-baptist/download/giulio-campagnola-saint-john-the-baptist-ca-1505.jpg
https://www.artsy.net/artwork/giulio-campagnola-saint-john-the-baptist



Make a list of doubts that you have about God and your journey with Him.
List of doubts about God and my journey with Him
Am I prepared to stand before God? Or have I lived my life in vain?
I am 'lukewarm' so were my efforts of use to God?
I retired from work too early. Have I used my life well?
Have not successfully convert any to Christian. Have I achieved anything of note?



Is doubting God a sin?

PHOTO: Is doubting God a sin?
It is important to note that Jesus didn't equate doubt with sin. And we don't have to have all of our doubts eliminated before God can use us. He gives the disciples permission to take their doubts with them as they go for the Great Commission. (Matthew 28:16-19)
It is important for us to be able to discern the difference between God's voice and Satan's voice. God will always speak to us in an effort to draw us to Him and help us to understand His true character. Satan's voice will always cause us to doubt God and pull away from Him. Pray as we are reading Scripture and ask God to open our eyes to learn more of Him. He loves us, and longs to show Himself to us.
The words of Romans 8:1 are a comfort to us: "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." - Lorree @ Revive Our Hearts
Posted by Erin Davis

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2N0MBs2vXvOag8wvr_0ACRwRMuG-VYfrlyZkDCkrs28igu3-LA6tk9VeEOHCM6dHCZmJmJ0gLh-RptYVPyxS_4vX9G0ZKdZYU02GH4QUjvJ37y9STyV0aPU5ruc7qwm81kfit2LdIBWE/s1600/young-woman.jpg
http://www.liesyoungwomenbelieve.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/young-woman.jpg
http://www.liesyoungwomenbelieve.com/is-doubting-god-a-sin/?doing_wp_cron=1520574759.9195959568023681640625



Tell Jesus about them (doubts about God).
Am I prepared to stand before God? Or have I lived my life in vain? [2]
Jesus Christ has already paid for eternal life. We need only to receive it as a gift by putting our faith in Him. The Bible says in Romans 6:23, the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. God cannot lie, and He has promised to give us eternal life. The Bible says in Titus 1:2, In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.



Am I prepared to stand before God? Or have I lived my life in vain?

PHOTO: Am I prepared to stand before God? Or have I lived my life in vain?
The Bible says in
Romans 6:23, the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. God cannot lie, and He has promised to give us eternal life. The Bible says in
Titus 1:2, In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.
Picture posted by Titlovi.com - God's Not Dead 2
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https://static.titlovi.com/img/0209/209483-tt4824308.jpg
https://ba.titlovi.com/filmovi/gods-not-dead-2-2988871/



If we will call on Jesus Christ and put all our faith in Him, He will save us right now. Romans 10:13 says, For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.



If we will call on Jesus Christ and put all our faith in Him, He will save us right now.

PHOTO: If we will call on Jesus Christ and put all our faith in Him, He will save us right now. Romans 10:13 says, For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Picture posted by Nikita Gill on 22 May 2017
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2MLfWGNubjuYaxbDIjaSjMXRB_SUs66BqOu5lq5D8VSLtym2rRwU7N7h6-fy9EM5OeFp3cQzLbeSgxKjBCHCEJcCT5A48m68c5JuDq-Am9Ys1daAQRfgOffmJxqC8X6Ule-R-HmN8Bs/s1600/25127032310_ff5c58e059_k.jpg
https://thoughtcatalog.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/25127032310_ff5c58e059_k.jpg
https://thoughtcatalog.com/nikita-gill/2017/05/on-the-days-you-feel-misunderstood-i-hope-you-remember-this/



I am 'lukewarm' so were my efforts of use to God? [3]
Revelation 3:15-16 New International Version (NIV)
"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth."

Lukewarm is what you get when you mix hot and cold. To be lukewarm is to mix that which shouldn't be mixed. For instance, mix the white-hot love of God with the stone-cold demands of the law and you'll fall from grace (see Galatians). Mix up your husbands by running back to the law and you're cheating on Jesus (see Romans 7).



I am 'lukewarm' so were my efforts of use to God?

PHOTO: I am 'lukewarm' so were my efforts of use to God?
To be lukewarm is to mix that which shouldn't be mixed. For instance, mix the white-hot love of God with the stone-cold demands of the law and you'll fall from grace (see
Galatians).
Picture from Jesus Without Religion, published on 16 November 2017
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9VnuqBLeXy_xkuEnpmIBc2jMBbebZMaicdDfxfXDZ6yv-CVaYMYGeIo_7qDhCVOpw_IFud4xEp31CSSL5v5tKK6nybf_Qqx6Qc37x5-ZK1jo7ad-bx4HJEoGpBxfMgKjUWyfbVy6uXv4/s1600/hqdefault-1.jpg
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/7MFyIMruCVM/hqdefault.jpg
https://www.savetubevideo.com/?v=7MFyIMruCVM



Ironically, the mixture of unmixable things is a leading cause of complacency in the church. If Christians are lukewarm in the modern sense, it's because they are lukewarm in the Biblical sense. They've been paralyzed and neutered by the irreconcilable demands of crippling mixture. The disease of lukewarmness results from the following unhealthy activities:

Mixing the new covenant of grace with the old covenant of works
Mixing the new law written on our hearts with the old law written on tablets
Mixing the rest of the new with the ceaseless demands of the old
Mixing the unbreakable promises of God with the brittle promises of man
Mixing the bondage of Sinai with the liberty of Zion (Galatians 4:31)
Mixing the ministry that condemns (2 Corinthians 3:9) with the ministry of no condemnation (Romans 8:1)



If Christians are lukewarm in the modern sense, it's because they are lukewarm in the Biblical sense.

PHOTO: If Christians are lukewarm in the modern sense, it's because they are lukewarm in the Biblical sense. They've been paralyzed and neutered by the irreconcilable demands of crippling mixture.
Picture posted by Sija Mafu on 17 May 2017
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS568bphsrhLruNAL5ZN81KMfxM2msDzdQkduotyG8nrgE2RKA_wtlW1KOLJz1pyWiE0IF_ssiDffJh2BOnshPPvwGCrnrR8om-ukPnPTpjQuJt2C450SXuCru6TPxsQRwrUtmK5TpVfo/s1600/double-minded-person-300x169%25402x.jpg
http://motivated2inspire.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/double-minded-person-300x169@2x.jpg
http://motivated2inspire.com/why-being-a-lukewarm-christian-is-not-at-all-desirable/



In the pursuit of balance, mixed-up preachers give mixed-up messages that lead to mixed-up believers. Its like getting poison from the doctor.

Stop mixing grace with law. Stop living in the netherworld between two covenants. Stop running back to your old husband Mr. Law. Stop doubting the promises of God. Stop sleeping with the maid of self-effort. Stop striving for balance. Stop trying to replicate what Christ has done.

In short, repent and believe the good news that Jesus Christ has done it all!



Stop mixing grace with law.

PHOTO: Stop mixing grace with law. Stop living in the netherworld between two covenants. Stop running back to your old husband Mr. Law. Stop doubting the promises of God. Stop sleeping with the maid of self-effort. Stop striving for balance. Stop trying to replicate what Christ has done.
Repent and believe the good news that Jesus Christ has done it all!
Picture posted by Jen Knoedl

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbZqE2ZCfDEoSGqiHhF1YGs6U9n_VYGaOjStWD2yyH3T9ZPbPls34qI86qXHyOSbWlR-VX2c4h_yOnemX4tUYqYFAR0T5-PPXEwQQLqwqai5m4haVn9F2tACNU8hsUhaUp6suxX6DM1Q/s1600/Rom-10-9.png
http://jenknoedl.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Rom-10-9.png
http://jenknoedl.com/know-jesus/



"My pastor is actually preaching on this very passage at the moment and in his study, he found some really interesting connections. Laodicea was below the towns of Colossae and Hierapolis, areas which Paul had previously written to. Hierapolis had hot springs to which people would come from all over to relieve pain. Colossae had cold springs of fresh water that were very refreshing. Laodicea had no real water source that was good or consistent, so the piped in water from both of these cities. By the time it got to Laodicea, it would be lukewarm and bitter so that if you weren't from there, it would make you sick and you would vomit the water out of your mouth". - (a great possibility posted by jooch1986 on 24 July 2015 at 5:45 am)



Hierapolis had hot springs to which people would come from all over to relieve pain.

PHOTO: Hierapolis had hot springs to which people would come from all over to relieve pain. Colossae had cold springs of fresh water that were very refreshing. Laodicea had no real water source that was good or consistent, so the piped in water from both of these cities. By the time it got to Laodicea, it would be lukewarm and bitter.
Picture posted by Heather Parks on 30 May 2009

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5GodVSTFllWyuagikIVLHoi7P7SVFe1MOUnEl09GH4JHGJOp9gJemGHpdIOke1U5lTGgwmoe0jzAdoKsRQyeFGoertLYUxWNfnavcNsITPQhe4p6LH7O2ov_pWfniuoaqjYj6DscXO0/s1600/Asia+Minor.jpg
https://i1.wp.com/lavistachurchofchrist.org/images/Asia%20Minor.jpg
https://heatherparks.wordpress.com/2009/05/30/why-you-need-to-know-what-laodicean-means/



I retired from work too early. Have I used my life well? I have not successfully converted anybody to become a Christian. Have I achieved anything of note?
The true answer to all the above questions is a frustrating "no".

While my country continues to build the nest eggs for the next generations, I am unable to be in this glorious category to contribute. While others have successfully formed families with grandchildren, I am still shamefully single. I have heard of many have upgraded to live in condominium with the full range of facilities and amenities, but I am still staying in a government Housing Development Board's flat. Many at my age are in top management positions with influential power and status while I am already out of the manpower ministry.



I retired from work too early. Have I used my life well?

PHOTO: I retired from work too early. Have I used my life well?
While my country continues to build the nest eggs for the next generations, I am unable to be in this glorious category to contribute. Most of the uncles I meet along the Park Connector Network (PCN) every morning are very busy. After their regular morning exercises and walk, they have to bring their grandchildren to school, whereas I am still shamefully single. I have heard of many have upgraded to live in condominium with the full range of facilities and amenities, but I am still staying in a government Housing Development Board's flat. Many at my age are in top management positions with influential power and status while I am already out of the manpower ministry. Neither have I successfully converted anybody to Christian. I am concern about both my live and others during eternity, but my appearance is enough to scare people away. It will be better if I post my message in the internet without anybody scrutinising me physically. I hope my heartfelt message about the good news of Jesus can reach out to as many as possible. We need to accept the free offer of salvation and go to Him to have true rest for our soul.
Picture posted by Hobgoblin
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv2c4BFJgnYKgKyDUVoAbkQ-fS7ec2WlgN9vA11QLlqKJe3Vk4YZi68r3WMXp7DQf0_RjhgpXdQk8-_Tk0hKmZn6EZyRwUOQeEK9OcvMkQnU61lXUWcWz1gnj6R0wMFjwFGdlcDrtpAp8/s1600/old1.png
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x5TFxPmHz58/T_Jj51A25OI/AAAAAAAAAH8/UteoTuV9jSo/s640/old1.png
http://forthisonly3.blogspot.sg/2012/07/



There are many who can exercise and run regularly while I can only walk slowly. People talk about owing a hybrid car while I am still at the mercy of the public transport. While the costs of private transport are very high and out of reach to many, public transport costs are also increasing and becoming less affordable. For every dollar spent on transport, we have one dollar less for other necessities. Without God's help we are going to face trouble sustaining ourselves. Despite all these, others have glowing health and success while I have poor deteriorating body with bleak future.



For morning exercise during my retirement I am unable to jog or run, so I walk instead.

PHOTO: For morning exercise during my retirement I am unable to jog or run, so I walk instead. However when there is the need to go for appointment far away I have to rely on the public transport. In general during off-peak hours travelling by buses and MRT are smooth and comfortable. During peak hours it is very difficult for the old and unhealthy to go for their appointments. Especially when there is a MRT breakdown many people will be caught in the crowd. It is advisable to plan any travelling in the non-peak hours unless we are physically fit and robust in struggling with others.
A smart world class system can also become a very sad situation for everybody. As the breakdowns get more often, the government decide to do a major overhaul but it will come with high cost. To maintain the same efficiency, public transport costs will increase and become less affordable for some of us. I am unable to own my private transport. Like many others, I am at the mercy of the public transport. With my poor deteriorating body, I am resign to a bleak future.
Although it is already too late that physically I am down and out, I pray for success in my spiritual development. It is my wish that everybody attains a strong relationship with our creator and receives His promises as plan since the beginning.
Picture posted by PTS News Network on 14 September 2012
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https://pnn.pts.org.tw/main/2012/09/14/%E3%80%90%E6%96%B0%E5%8A%A0%E5%9D%A1%E3%80%91%E5%82%B7%E5%BF%83%E5%9C%B0%E9%90%B5-s-mrt/



Whether caused by sin or by the many things that can happen beyond our control, all failure teaches us the important truth of just how desperately we need God and His mercy, and grace in our lives. Regardless, God has made more than adequate provision for us in Christ. Jesus' finished work on the cross is the sole basis of our relationship and forgiveness with God. It is our only means of a meaningful and productive life with Him. [4]

Pray the following simple prayer:
"Heavenly Father, I realize that I am a sinner and that I have done some bad things in my life. For Jesus Christ sake, please forgive me of my sins. I now believe with all of my heart that Jesus Christ died for me, was buried, and rose again. Lord Jesus, please come into my heart. Save my soul and change my life today. Amen."



Whether caused by sin or by the many things that can happen beyond our control, all failure teaches us the important truth of just how desperately we need God and His mercy and grace in our lives.

PHOTO: Whether caused by sin or by the many things that can happen beyond our control, all failure teaches us the important truth of just how desperately we need God and His mercy and grace in our lives.
Pray the following simple prayer:
"Heavenly Father, I realize that I am a sinner and that I have done some bad things in my life. For Jesus Christ sake, please forgive me of my sins. I now believe with all of my heart that Jesus Christ died for me, was buried, and rose again. Lord Jesus, please come into my heart. Save my soul and change my life today. Amen."
Picture posted by Vitamin D: health comes from the sun in 2016
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http://www.vita-e.it/vitamina-d-salute-dal-sole/



Dear Lord, You know how doubt can eat into our confidence and faith. You know how we can lose hope and question our 'success' in life, wondering whether our work was all for nothing. We know you can empathise with us when you invite us to 'Come to me', for in you we will find assurance, just as John the Baptist did. We still have our doubts about our salvation after accepting your offer of redemption from the result of our sins. We desperately need you, your mercy and grace in our lives. We need your forgiveness and your relationship with us in order to have a meaningful and productive life.<br>We accept your invitation to 'Come to me', and come to you now. Please save us and release us of all our doubts. We want to go to heaven, receive the promises, and have true rest for our souls which you have plan for us since the beginning. Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!

PHOTO: "Dear Lord, You know how doubt can eat into our confidence and faith. You know how we can lose hope and question our "success" in life, wondering whether our work was all for nothing. We know you can empathise with us when you invite us to "Come to me", for in you we will find assurance, just as John the Baptist did. We still have our doubts about our salvation after accepting your offer of redemption from the result of our sins. We desperately need you, your mercy and grace in our lives. We need your forgiveness and your relationship with us in order to have a meaningful and productive life.
We accept your invitation to "Come to me", and come to you now. Please save us and release us of all our doubts. We want to go to heaven, receive the promises, and have true rest for our souls which you have plan for us since the beginning. Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!
"
Painting by Lovis Corinth - Salome, St John the Baptist
Picture posted by Jennifer Tucker

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQBMiZ8TLmbTSoXSA9b3V6_5PHBBm_dpiwkpNyytv5XiRpA9lnzQ8f-1rcJgn9knLi2beI_73oCLmGm-OyiMUvkCpnrhzaaTfuRKxU-iVuMPDRBR-fkWiLzWERsmkNg87w_fLEwORqKHA/s1600/1000198.jpg
https://www.sartle.com/sites/default/files/images/artwork/1000198.jpg
https://www.sartle.com/artwork/salome-lovis-corinth


Reflection - The Solution to Worn-Out Lives - Doubts about God
From Source (book): "Finding rest for the soul", Chapter Four.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012


Reference
[1] From "Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, Copyright  2016 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-1-62707-709-5, Part II: Take My Yoke, Chapter Four "Christ's Yoke: The Solution to Worn-Out Lives", Page 69-71.

[2] gospellightsociety.com, Are You Ready to Stand Before God?, http://gospellightsociety.com/glmx/are-you-ready-to-stand-before-god/

[3] Paul Ellis, Are You Lukewarm?  Escape to Reality, posted on 24 July 2015, https://escapetoreality.org/2015/07/24/are-you-lukewarm/

[4] Bible.org, Mark #17: The Wisdom to Deal With Failure, https://bible.org/seriespage/mark-17-wisdom-deal-failure

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