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I'm someone who enjoys living simply and owning very little. Things don't impress/tempt me at all. I'm sincerely content and desire nothing materially. (I don't own a home, car, TV, radio, stereo, CDs, DVDs, video games, smart phone, toaster, microwave, or anything other than basic furniture, a few books and my iMac computer.) As a Christian for nearly 32 years, I have come to know God faithfully as my Source and my Provider. I don't stress over material things, including money. (Even during lengthy periods of unemployment, without any benefits or people to turn to for help.) I also don't have credit cards and pay cash on the barrelhead for everything I do buy. Disclaimer: These are choices I've made for myself and don't proclaim that everyone else should do this, too. With that said, tax season is quickly upon us. We'll have our W2 forms by the end of January. I always file my taxes the same day I receive them because mine are very simple, taking only ten minutes to do. I always receive a refund because I'm single, and always claim "one" on my W4 form. This year, I'm expecting enough from my tax refund to be able to buy a new computer. My current iMac is a mid-2007 model, which still works fine, but will soon be unsupported by many current softwares. Quickly, here's my personal situation: I was unemployed for eight-and-a-half months, without benefits of any kind or assistance from any person, during which, God supplied my every need without fail. (God purposed this for a reason that I may post in testimonies at some time.) On April 28th, I got a part-time job as a caretaker in my apartment complex. That takes care of my rent and, because I live in a studio, also provides me enough to pay my electric, telephone, and internet bills. I'm left with about $75 a month for food. Believe me when I say, I'm the most blessed person on this planet! My joy is complete and I lack absolutely NOTHING! A part-time job supplies my needs and blesses me with control over my own schedule and gives me unlimited time daily to spend in prayer, study and worship of Him! Here's my quandary: Do I use my tax refund to buy a new computer? Here's why I ask... My biggest desire is to glorify God with the time we have left. I want to live in the fulness of what God intended for Christians to live in. Many people would hear that as, "God wants me to be happy and prosperous." Not me. My desire is to know Him and be known by Him; to walk as Enoch walked with Him. I don't see a lot of this going on in today's version of Christianity in western churches. Please know that I'm not talking about guilt or legalism. Could I buy a new computer with my tax refund? Of course! Would it anger God? Of course not! I am in perfect liberty to do so! But, as I continue to grow in my love for HIm, I can't ignore how many people need Jesus. I can't ignore the sick and the poor around the world. How can I justify a new computer when the one I have still works, no matter how old it is? I want my stewardship to honor God and bless others. I want God's eternal rewards, not the things this world has to offer. With all of that said, I'm mostly wondering how others in the body of Christ see the matter. I'm not confused, doubtful or worrying about this in any way. I have the matter in prayer and will wait for His answer. No decisions have to be made now. Tax Day isn't here and I don't have the money in my hands. I'm remaining scriptural about not worrying about tomorrow. When the Holy Spirit prompts me in any way, I will obey it immediately in joy and complete surrender. And if I receive no prompting either way? I'll trust Him in that moment. I guess I'm really asking an old question: "How then are we to live?" When do we exercise our liberty in Christ to spend on ourselves like this instead of giving to others?

Can someone explain to me what a faction is? I know it's referenced in Galatians and I know it means a "clique" but how do you know if you are in one? I know this is a stupid question but I am feeling this want to belong to a group, a defined group where no one else but me and them are included. Is that wring? If it is what can i do to fix it?

So I was talking in the chat room about this. Is this what Christianity basically is: you do your best for Jesus and where you fall short Jesus makes up for it and in this whole process you should be growing. Right? Ok so here are some questions (if I have that right): 1) how do you know if you're growing? 2) how do you grow when your spirit is willing but your flesh is weak? 3) what do you do if you are so spiritually and mentally exhausted you feel hopeless? Bible verses, real life experience are welcome. Also I don't know if I put this in the right place so sorry if this post isn't right for this forum. :-/

Hi, I got out of a relationship recently (The guy dumped me, but I still do love him). I disobeyed God to give him what he wanted, and as expected it did not work out. I am truly, really thankful to God for this experience even though it did not work out, because I understood how liberating love can be and how happy it can make you. Usually, towards the end of the day (night), I am all praising God and find it easier to submit to his will. But in the mornings, I am like a fresh slate and I start crying my eyes out and feeling depressed again. I get okay around 10 a.m, and after that its all praising God. I do not want this, because I want to be happy about God all the time. Any advice for my situation? Thanks, GH

Are you thinking over your relationship in the morning? If so it might help to write down some uplifting things (like things you are thankful for, favorite Bible verses etc) and read them in when you get up. If not, maybe try listening to cheerful songs or going for a jog in the morning. Help this helps.

OMG I totally understand! Like "be there for the hurting" helloooo I'm RIGHT HERE! hahaha anyway just happy to hear I'm not alone and I hope you find some comfort in knowing you're not alone in this aspect.

I understand. I have been where you are and it's awful. I have a few suggestions for you: 1) don't give up 2) go to **Link removed** 3) be kind to yourself, you are not repulsive 4) take care of yourself and maintain your mental health. I don't know what that looks like for you whether that means coloring, journaling, writing stories or poems. Make a list of what you can do to take care of you then start by doing one thing each day. If you need to do more, do more, but do a minimum of one a day.

huh? lol I'm not talking about denominations. I'm talking about cliques. Like non-religious cliques. I have been left out a lot from groups and I hate this about me but I kinda wanna be part of an exclusive group of friends and I dunno why I even feel that way. I shouldn't after what I have been through.

Blessings Jerry A very Blessed & Happy new Year to you also..................Jerry ,I believe Jesus explained it very well,very clear for us ,,,,,it is difficult for us to sometimes take in the Glory & Wonders of the Godhead Triune but our Lord said ,simply...... When we walk in Spirit & in Truth we become more sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit,Gods Voice,,,,,,,,,,,,,all through having the Heart & Mind of Christ.........we have eyes to see & ears to hear.................understanding the Mysteries of God is not so much as important as Believing & Trusting and Praying(relationship).............the only real way to gain the Wisdom & Understanding of the knowledge you seek is by revelation by the Power that works in us..........Father,Son & Holy Spirit are ONE,and we are one with Him With love-in Christ,Kwik

I am not sure I believe the moons themselves mean anything. If they did, why are they not mentioned in either old Testament or new? If they were to be an indisputable sign to us... you would think it would be mentioned. We were told there would be signs in the heavens though and if we believe that this is the end, then those are some rather big signs. The number of blood moons and eclipses over the next year is something we will not see so close together for a very long time. All the same, I am not sure I am convinced, and while some who believe in the Tetrad say I may be spiritually asleep for that, I will add that I do believe that there is a good chance of the rapture happening in our lifetimes, but the Tetrad itself would only be a sign and not tied to any particular event that happens while they are happening. If you really want to know more about the Tetrad and everything else that is being connected to them biblecodenow.com has a pretty good video explaining it all. Their theory on translating the Bible to Hebrew and lining the characters up like a long scroll, and then using it to word search years and names is actually pretty entertaining.

How can you say "the lack of chronology...?" Revelation tells us exactly when they will show up in Jerusalem: just 3 1/2 days before the exact midpoint of the week. If you notice, the man of sin shows up with his Gentile armies just before they show up. I am convinced they show up then because that is when he arrives in Jerusalem. After all, he MUST be there to walk into the temple there. I guess they will show up seconds after the man of sin arrives.

God is faithful just surrender what you feel to him

If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior and are living according to His will for your life, you already belong to a group, His church. Why would anyone want to exclude others by holding a denominational title?

Maybe talk to your doctor. Praying.

Eat healthier, which is pretty much an ongoing battle lol. This is the year I will finally get a lever harp and take lessons.

yeah. First of all RELAX! This emotional roller coaster is normal. Just because you are a Christian doesn't mean you don't have problems or you don't get sad or depressed. *Link removed**

Hi Zion, My thoughts are that - when the Body of Christ has come to maturity & is taken to its eternal setting, then comes the return of Israel to God. The 2 witnesses have the job of witnessing to Israel, of what they have seen & heard regarding Christ & the coming Davidic kingdom. It`s helpful to know God`s purposes for the 3 groups - the Body of Christ, Israel & the nations - then all the details of scripture fall into place. Marilyn.

Hi Zion, my first friend on this site. Always a special place in my heart for you for that kindness. I interpret Rev as being chronological in nature. The two witnesses come onto the scene in chapter 11 I believe. The rapture occurs in chapter 7. There ya go! Oh, in case you were wondering, this is NOT ON you tube. Do you think it should be? (Big grin) Love ya sis, Spock out

two years ago I resolved to loose a lot of weight, and I did loose nearly 70#. Last year I resolved not to gain it back.... I did gain some but only about 20#. This year I'm doing another 60# starting Monday morning. "Target 200" is this resolution.

The myth that Christ gathers His elect and then He and they reign up in the clouds over the nations left on earth is a creation by those like John Nelson Darby who began to preach a Pre-tribulational secret rapture in 1830's Great Britian. Their myth that God's coming destruction of this present world age by His consuming fire meaning a total, complete destruction of this earth instead of just its surface like God did with the flood, is also their creation in order to drum up support for their pre-trib rapture theory. That goes along with their myth that God's Israel is always to be kept separate from Christ's Church when God never taught that in the Old Testament prophets, nor in the New Testament. And yet another myth they have that is not written is being raptured out prior to the tribulation with their idea of "tribulation saints" of left-behind Israel on earth that go through the tribulation. Pre-trib Myths: 1. myth - Christ and His elect reign off the earth up in the clouds 2. myth - God's Israel is left behind on earth when Jesus raptures His Church prior to the tribulation 3. myth - Jesus comes from Heaven half-way, raptures His Church to Him, and goes back into Heaven with them off the earth. 4. myth - "tribulation saints" meaning those of Israel that convert to Christ 'during' the tribulation. 5. myth - the holy city still in Heaven, and not on earth for Christ's Millennial reign 6. myth - God's consuming fire at Christ's second coming completely destroys the earth, turning it into an asteroid belt. What's funny, is how one will often notice those on Pre-trib talking about their being in Heaven with Jesus to reign over the nations on earth for His "thousand years" of Rev.20, when they claim Israel and the nations are left-behind on earth, yet per their view the earth is completely and totally destroyed at Christ's second coming!!! Man, what a confused mess that doctrine of men is.

Blessings Golden Eagle Happy New Year Brother,great post I would like to focus a little on the "physical state" & how much that can influence our"emotional state"....Personally ,I just went through a little "burnout" myself................It can be quite difficult to walk in Spirit when the flesh is crying out,hurting,full of pain etc,,,, Gods Word clearly tells us that the flesh & the spirit are constantly at war anyway,& boy oh boy when the spirit of pain or affliction keeps reminding you that you are made of flesh & bone is the time to really give it all over to the Lord,to dive into the Word ,to pray without ceasing & draw ever so close to our Father.............the flesh can be a great distraction and can easily lead to "burnout " For myself,when I am distracted by my body is when I can get very "drained" emotionally & spiritually.................& of course,if not filled with the Holy Spirit ,then what good could I be to anyone else & this leads to burnout (It's the focus on "self" ,I really believe) Oh,just thinking out loud I suppose but I thought I would share that................. Praise Jesus!!!!! Much Love,Kwik Yes indeed,rest was in order & spending time alone with God

No way.I will let God decide my path this year.

Ok lets go look at an example tigs. The truth is that there is a God. The world is starting to believer that there is no God. So the truth is becoming a lie in the eyes of man while what is a lie in the eyes of God becomes a truth in the eyes of man.

I don't think I understand this assertion. How is science 'dead'? And I am not sure how it matters if God is *explicitly* 'in it' or not. It works pretty well at what it is meant to do- understand the workings of the physical universe. If one doesn't believe that God created and sustains His creation, one can't have a right understanding of science. For example: If you remove God from creation, you must explain how it (the universe/life) created itself in violation of scientific laws. By attempting to do so, scientific understanding gets convoluted. It's "dead" science.