{"id":40272,"date":"2021-03-09T18:50:24","date_gmt":"2021-03-09T23:50:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lent.fll.cc\/?p=40272"},"modified":"2021-03-09T18:50:51","modified_gmt":"2021-03-09T23:50:51","slug":"our-journey-home-day19","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lent.fll.cc\/en\/our-journey-home-day19\/","title":{"rendered":"Day 19 – Hooked and Cuffed"},"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 19 – Hooked and Cuffed<\/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 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”]Even though the younger son has repented for his past sins and made up his mind to return to his father, the journey home would not be without obstacles. In fact, we should expect that it would be as difficult as the initial hurdle of facing our own transgressions and those we had hurt. Our journey home from our distant country will not be as easy as the path we used to leave home. Besides, who does not want us to go home? [\/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 admin_label=”Blockquote” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” animation_style=”fold” locked=”off”]<\/p>\n

No one is more eager than Satan to "accompany" us along the way, to discourage us, play tricks on us, and persuade us to go the Devil's way, rather than God's way.<\/p>\n

We might not be aware of it, but the hostile and desolate state of our distant country has conditioned us in ways that make it hard for us to reverse course.<\/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”]The distant country is full of illusions that please our senses and make us happy on the surface. Yet, those are the things that get us hooked without satisfying the deepest desires in our hearts. We have a name for those things. They are called "addictions". We should be familiar with some of these: endless entertainments and games, sumptuous meals, material goods, sexual desires, and going after wealth, popularity, status and power. All these things give us temporary happiness without fulfilling our deepest thirst. Therefore, we are enslaved to these addictions with deluded expectations. And these delusions fuel our addictions because what the world can offer can never fill the void within us. But Satan keeps reassuring us that this condition is fine, by saying, "You certainly will not die!" (Genesis 3:4)<\/span><\/strong>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/lent.fll.cc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/man-5954284_1920.jpg” title_text=”man-5954284_1920″ disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” animation_style=”zoom” locked=”off”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” animation_style=”fold”]On our journey home, Satan will surely speak silently to our mind, tempting us with pleasures and desires. He wants to weaken our determination to go back to the source of all goodness, where our hearts will truly be fulfilled, where our souls will find rest. [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Blockquote” _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” animation_style=”fold” locked=”off”]<\/p>\n

We are like the Gerasene demoniac in Luke 8:26-39, possessed by evil spirits through our many addictions and possessions. Unknowingly, we are also wandering in deserted places without a home, naked, and unashamed of our self-indulgent life of dissipation. Such a lifestyle is like a body without a heart, skeleton without flesh.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.8.2″ _module_preset=”default” animation_style=”fold”]This is the condition in which Satan wants us to remain, forever.[\/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”]We need to be determined enough to stay the course on our journey home. We need to turn to Jesus, asking Him to order the unclean spirits to come out of us. If a demoniac with thousands of spirits could be driven away by the name and power of Jesus, we ought to have confidence that nothing is impossible for God! With our submission to God, He will surely cure us of our sicknesses and we will be brought to the feet of Jesus. Clothed and in our right minds (Luke 8:35), we can shrug off the chains and bondages of Satan. We can once again be free as we return with confidence to our Father's House. [\/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 8:39)” 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

Just as Jesus told the possessed man, He is also telling us, "Return home and recount what God has done for you." The man went off and proclaimed throughout the whole town what Jesus had done for him.<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_testimonial][\/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” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _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”]What are the addictions in your life? Are you aware of the damages they have done to you? <\/p>\n

Are you determined to get rid of them? To whom are you turning to for help, Jesus, or yourself?<\/p>\n

What messages does the Holy Spirit want to convey to you through the story of the possessed man in the Gospel?[\/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, it has taken me by surprise that I am like the possessed man in the Gospel. My addictions and possessions have gripped and choked me. How could I have allowed these things into my life all these years? Father, I am sorry that I have let these addictions and distractions divert my attention from You. Lord, send out your command to cure me of all these illnesses and order all the unclean spirits to come out of me. Teach me Your new statutes and strengthen me to observe them diligently. Never permit me to deviate from my path returning to Your Heart!<\/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":"

Even though the younger son has repented for his past sins and made up his mind to return to his father, the journey home would not be without obstacles. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":38373,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[80],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-40272","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-foh-our-journey-home-en"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lent.fll.cc\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40272","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lent.fll.cc\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lent.fll.cc\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lent.fll.cc\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lent.fll.cc\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40272"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/lent.fll.cc\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40272\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":40340,"href":"https:\/\/lent.fll.cc\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40272\/revisions\/40340"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lent.fll.cc\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/38373"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lent.fll.cc\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40272"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lent.fll.cc\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40272"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lent.fll.cc\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40272"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}