{"id":40107,"date":"2021-03-05T16:58:21","date_gmt":"2021-03-05T21:58:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lent.fll.cc\/?p=40107"},"modified":"2021-03-05T16:58:25","modified_gmt":"2021-03-05T21:58:25","slug":"our-journey-home-day16","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lent.fll.cc\/en\/our-journey-home-day16\/","title":{"rendered":"Day 16 – The Awakening"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”4px||0px|||” locked=”off”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” max_width=”100%” custom_margin=”-9px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”3px||1px|||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/lent.fll.cc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Lent2021_BannerStage_3.jpg” title_text=”Homecoming \u6b78\u5bb6” align=”center” admin_label=”Banner-image” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_post_nav in_same_term=”on” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_post_nav][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”24px||17px|||”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_text_align=”center” header_2_text_color=”#ab3b07″ custom_margin=”||38px|||”]<\/p>\n

Day 16 – The Awakening<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”\u5ee3\u6771\u8a71” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center”]<\/p>\n

Cantonese<\/strong>

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”\u666e\u901a\u8a71\/\u570b\u8a9e” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center”]<\/p>\n

Mandarin<\/strong>

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”English” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center”]<\/p>\n

English<\/strong>

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#ab3b07″ width=”100%” max_width=”100%” locked=”off”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_testimonial author=”(Luke 15:17)” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”42px” admin_label=”QUOTE -testimonial module” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” body_text_color=”#FFFFFF” author_text_align=”center” author_text_color=”#FFFFFF” background_color=”#ab3b07″ width=”100%” max_width=”100%”]<\/p>\n

Coming to his senses he thought, "How many of my father's hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger."<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_testimonial][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” animation_style=”fold”]Yesterday, we talked about the magic moment of our awakening. That is the aha moment that awakens our senses to know how restless and helpless we are in our distant country. And we begin to realize that our Heavenly Father that we took for granted is the best. We recall the time when we were dependent on Him and He provided for our every need. How foolish were we to wander away from this loving Father.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/lent.fll.cc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/jesus-steps-s.jpg” title_text=”Back view cropped picture of multiethnic group” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” animation_style=”zoom” locked=”off”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” animation_style=”fold”]The process of setting off to our distant country and then returning to the Father's House is not as dramatic as it seems to be. In fact, we are constantly wandering between the two places. The drifting away, the awareness, and the homecoming are part of our faith journey. It is a growing up process that no one can escape. However, not everyone is "lucky" enough to make their journey home. You may ask, "How then, can I make sure that I can return home?" Maybe a better question is, "how can I make sure that I stay awake?" Let us turn to Jesus for the answer. [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Blockquote” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” animation_style=”fold” locked=”off”]<\/p>\n

As the Son of God, Jesus often withdrew from His public activities as well as the people He ministered to, in order to be alone with His Father. Spending time with His Father was never a secondary priority to Jesus.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” animation_style=”fold”]By retreating to a quiet place, sometimes a mountain or by the lake, Jesus rested in His Father's embrace and listened to His voice in order to do the Father's will with renewed focus. This is exactly the model that we should follow. In our hurried life, our body, mind, and spirit are all crumbled. We need to rest and "reset" ourselves in God.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Blockquote” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” animation_style=”fold”]<\/p>\n

In silence and solitude, not only can we examine and rediscover ourselves, but we can also know God better which helps us better listen to the Father\u2019s voice. <\/p><\/blockquote>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” animation_style=”fold”]That is when we know how to respond to Him and to every situation presented to us in life. This habit is not just an option for us Christians. It is a must that we practice returning to the Father, and to enjoy an intimate relationship with Him.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Blockquote” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” animation_style=”fold”]<\/p>\n

Jesus drew strength and courage from His Father. Through this direct connection with His Father, He made the right choices in life which allowed Him to be laser sharp in His mission.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” animation_style=”fold”]This explains why Jesus could accomplish all that His Father had entrusted Him to do during the three short years of His public ministry. Life is demanding and we are often caught off guard having to respond to different situations or even crises. As the Son of God, Jesus stayed awake by staying close to His Father. If Jesus needs His Father, so much more do we need Him!<\/p>\n

During this Lent, let us cultivate a prayer life that is life-giving. Enter into our own heart daily to meet Abba Father in solitude. Jesus reminded the people in His time to stop turning His Father's house into a marketplace (John 2:13-25). In the same way, Jesus also reminds us, being temples of the Holy Spirit, we should discipline ourselves in order to cleanse our own temples. Through Jesus' resurrection, we are to become a new temple through which God appears and His glory shines. <\/strong>Would you also keep the temple of your body in order and clean to create a dwelling place for Abba Father in your heart?[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” max_width=”100%”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title: \u53cd\u601d” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_text_align=”center” header_2_text_color=”#FFFFFF” background_color=”#ab3b07″ custom_padding=”20px||20px||false|false” animation_style=”slide”]<\/p>\n

REFLECTION<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/lent.fll.cc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/soil.png” title_text=”\u7530” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” animation_style=”zoom”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” animation_style=”fold”]Are you bombarded by noises and distractions of all kinds as if you are in a marketplace?<\/p>\n

Do you desire to encounter God in silence, to pray to Him and to draw strength from Him?<\/p>\n

Would you rather wander aimlessly in life, or to find peace and strength in God through which you will become who you are meant to be?[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” max_width=”100%”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title: \u4eca\u65e5\u79b1\u544a” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_text_align=”center” header_2_text_color=”#FFFFFF” background_color=”#ab3b07″ custom_padding=”20px||20px||false|false” animation_style=”slide”]<\/p>\n

TODAY'S PRAYER<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/lent.fll.cc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/prodigal-son-rembrandt.jpg” title_text=”prodigal-son-rembrandt” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” animation_style=”zoom” locked=”off”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” animation_style=”fold”]Dear Abba Father, my life is so filled with distractions and surrounded by noises which clouded my mind and kept me away from You. My busyness also prevents me from listening to Your voice. Father, I want instead to be close to You, to rest in You and draw strength from You. I know You love me, Lord, and so, please also discipline me. I desire to encounter You daily, in silence and solitude, to feel Your holy presence in me. <\/p>\n

I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen!<\/p>\n

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”\u5206\u4eab” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” locked=”off”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”If you find this reflection helpful and have not registered ” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” animation_style=”fold” locked=”off”]<\/p>\n

If you find this reflection helpful and have not registered to receive our daily email, we invite you to sign up here<\/a>. If you have a Facebook account and would like to share your thoughts there, we invite you to join this <\/i> Facebook group <\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Sincerely invite you to share” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#ab3b07″]<\/p>\n

Sincerely invite you to share the reflections that inspires you by this day's retreat. <\/h1>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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