Leaderboard

I like his policies. I long for a border wall. Living in a border state, I see first hand the problems of so many illegals. Yes his past is awful, but surely my past wouldnt hold up either. I didnt vote for a pastor. I voted for a president who would guide the country to do things I want to see done. The 8 years were abominable under obama. He may not be able to make this country a Christian God fearing nation but I believe he will reduce the left God hating direction it has been going in steadily.

I also like his policies...at last a President that is really seeking to change some things and make it better for our country. I'm glad he is appointing conservative supreme court judges as the liberals have had sway for too long. I also think in the last several weeks, he is acting more Presidential. Not so many tweets, I think! I'm happy about that!

Before Trump, there were many discussions about which made a better president, an ex-governor or an ex-senator. People also discussed why attorneys made good or bad presidents. Trump has been wildly successful if you ignore his rhetoric and forcus on what he has actually accomplished. I think one reason for that is that he was not an elected official in any way before he became president. This makes him, oddly, have more in common with the country's first presidents than any president in recent memory. It may be the secret to his success. There is an old Vulcan phrase, "Only Nixon could go to china." In a similar way I'm seeing trump as the man for our time. We were in a serious mess and in the middle of a cold civil war. He's done a lot to bring this country back to the course that was originally set by our constitution. And this last supreme court choice is part of that path.

In all honesty, I took an instant dislike to the man Trump, when I first saw him on his TV show The Celebrity Apprentice. His hairdo reminded me of a used car salesman. When I voted, it was not for Trump, but against the evil ticket. But giving the man a chance, he has shown his mettle. I pray for him and his crew, and breathe much easier with his victory. I enjoy how he can so easily frustrate the liberal loonies. I believe his heart is for his country, and not influenced by any political favors/pressure owed. The wall built in eastern Germany was to keep the people from escaping an evil control. The wall Trump will build will keep/filter the evil from entering. Big difference. I seem to remember something in the bible about the watchman on the 'wall' and the 'gate' and; Matthew 7:13-14 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. There would be no gate, without a wall. "Judge a man by the reputation of his enemies." "A man with no enemies is a man with no character." "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. I cannot stomach TV news, but it gives me pleasure to see Trumps enemies, and the crybabies/whiners, pulling out their hair.

I could not vote for him,... but did. After I was called a basket of deplorables by Rodham-Clinton I decided to vote for sure. Till that moment it was going to be the first USA presidential election since 1964 that I did not vote in. Seems to me that God is using him, making a legitimate leader of President Trump of not only the USA, but around the world too. God will use the foolishness things of this world. So far I see God doing just that in His use of President Donald Trump. If good comes it will not be seen as by Trump, it will be seen either as a miracle of God or a plague from Him, by the saints in Christ and by the unsaved world. The night and early morning of the election I was at a motel in rural Georgia USA in the middle of a huge forest fire. The motel was full of firefighters, the motel parking lot filled with diesel motored fire fighting trucks idling away. The halls and the room smelled of forest fire smoke and diesel exhaust it was unpleasant but hopeful for the fight was well underway and the fire crews just kept a coming, changing shifts, and fighting the fire. Watching the little tv screen in our room and hearing the constant loud chatter coming from the lobby I was startled suddenly by a roar of approval and shouts of pure joy at around 2:00AM. Trump wins! I think it has been that way ever since. Rural America and smaller city America is in joyous celebration, while the bigger city welfare plantation masters and their slaves are reeling from the shock of it. This election has definitely helped me with lower taxes and with better medical services, already. Housing sales are booming, jobs are here again, the ability to jump ship from a bad job is here, better salary opportunity awaits anyone that will seek it out by taking a new job. Persons willing to seek out a new job on average it is reported are getting a 30% average increase in their own wage earning! It is a good time to make moves instead of hunkering down and hiding out the way it has been for the last eight years of international communism advancing into our own government under the Obama tyranny forces. Now we do face the great battle against that very communism, as our political opponents turn even harder into it, and also turn out of their own political party system of support to their less liberal old timers and seek out pure communists to run for national offices. I have never seen such overt communism being projected, nor so much violence in it's parade of "useful idiots". It is going to get more violent here, perhaps different than but violent as the 1960's ever got. God is sovereign over all matters big and small, ...His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. I am just so grateful to God that He did not make us suffer that evil woman Rodham-Clinton at this time. May it never be that we do have to suffer that evil. Praise God in His mercy and for His Grace yet to come. As to fences and particulars of national politics, I think there is a better way to stop illegal intrusion than by building a new Wall of China along our southern borders. But that is another subject. "Something there is that doesn't like a wall".... From Mending Wall, by Robert Frost. See https://www.poemhunter.com/poem/mending-wall/ May I not live to hear a famous world leader shout, "America tear down this wall!", as our own President Reagan once did at Berlin Germany, his shouting out to the evil that is world communism. Walls need gates, the ideal is a gate that never closes, and there is not dark of night from which to have to protect a great city (The great city America too). May America strive to emulate the ideal yet to come at the New Jerusalem, "and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations."

Hi....Can I ask the ones living in America your thoughts on President Trump. When I listen to him I like his policies like, lower taxes, secure borders, better trade deals for Americans, reduce red tape for business, tough on crime, often brings the Bible and God into his speeches. He often says he wants to give the people back the control of Government. Now I understand his past is not one to be admired, but what President hasn't had a chequered past. The other thing I like is the left hate him and that tells me he is doing something right. He wants to M.A.G.A, however without his Maker on his side, the chances of doing so are limited. From what I can see unless America returns to the Bible, the redefinition of marriage is overturned, husbands return to their wives and children honour their parents, little will change, except maybe business and jobs will improve. I am interested in your thoughts.

Well, ... one being God, They kinda had the inside tack on what was up. They were windward of even that creature of rebellion making that evil filled creature's sails luff. Jesus won victory over even the final enemy death. Like salvation and witnessing, it pleases God that I participate in a manner that brings Glory not to any man but to Him only. And so I do get involved with the politics that He sets before me, doing so without fear of the outcome, for whatever it is He is sovereign over it all. Praise God He is merciful.

You and I don't know what kind of "chance" people are given. Remember Jonah? God asked him to go to a VERY heathen nation and declare God's name to them and tell them to repent. Jonah refused because he didn't think those people worthy of a chance. But you know the story....they eventually got one and repented before God. God told Abraham back in Genesis 15 about his future descendants being enslaved for 400 years and then being released to the Promised Land. He told Abraham that this would be so because the sins of the Amorites wasn't full at that time. What does that mean? It means that even though those Amorites were horribly sinful [and it was bad], God gave them time - 400 years- and they could have turned away. They didn't though. And God made sure that the land "vomited them out. Rahab, the Jericho prostitute, was given an opportunity. Ruth, the Moabite woman, was too. And many more. Cain was given a chance, by God, himself, but he refused it. The rich young ruler was given a chance by Christ. He refused it. The point is. You and I don't know what others have heard - like we know what Rahab heard. Or have been instructed - like we know the instructions to Cain. "It is God's will that none should perish" - but they do. "God takes no pleasure in the destruction of the wicked" - but they are destroyed. God is not fair. If he were we would all be in hell - now. But God is merciful. Those Amorites were given ample time. Rahab was given only minutes. It appears that time is not necessarily the issue, but the heart. And the fact that right and wrong - godliness and evil - are known.

Think "Jimmy Carter".

As someone who sees people coming into ‘our’ country, fleeing the US and what Trump threatens..I must admit that the old expression..’fences good neighbors make’ is pertinent. I believe that Trump is not the same man spiritually that he was when he came to the presidency. God has placed the right people in his path to mentor and instruct. God is using him to set the stage ( in many respects) for the next phase of prophecy.... before our eyes. I wonder if this would have happened with Hillary.

My best advice to you is to read the Gospels and believe Jesus and trust in the atonement He secured for your Eternal salvation.. As for Canaan God was long suffering towards the evil that was done by the people of Canaan.. Don't you know they sacrificed babies by burning them alive to their false god molech... So God is long suffering towards sinners but He is not eternally suffering towards sinners so sooner or later His wrath justice falls upon the wicked.. The same thing happened to the Jews when the Assyrians destroyed the 10 northern tribes and took them away and then later to the People of Jerusalem when the Babylonians came and destroyed their nation and lead a remnant into captivity in Babylon for 70 years.. You should also read about the times of the return of the LORD Jesus Christ.. How the wrath of God will be poured out on this world and the people of this world who will have persecuted Christians..

I praise the Lord for this poem (which came suddenly to me today, July 6th.) It was inspired when George Whitten was sharing how he'd been in the hot desert for hours without water and experienced dehydration. Then he posted a video about rivers that form in the desert after the spring rains. God placed it on my heart to compare these with the refreshing from His scriptures. Hope it blesses you. Dedicated to George... Rivers In The Desert Like rivers in the desert Are the scriptures to the soul For when we're parched and thirsty They refresh and make us whole And when we're bruised and wounded They're the balm that can console When we are weak and broken They have power to make us whole Like rivers that flow swiftly and are out of our control Is the moving of God's Spirit When our frailty takes its toll For His truth will saturate us When to seek Him is our goal

I was not saved nor had any religious affiliation back when I voted for Carter. I just listened to his very early on speeches before his party's primaries and found them to be worth considering. Gerald Ford was everyone's quiet choice for appointment as VP after the Agnew scandal and then president at Nixon's departure. I just never found that the successor to the polices of wage and price control to be appealing at all. I had been betrayed by the Nixon era Republicans and especially by Nixon with his "secret plan" for peace at Vietnam. Regardless of it all God has led me to my own salvation, the country it is still here, and God's plan for salvation is intact. How about that!

It is not that they be interchangeable anymore than a plumber and an electrician are. It is instead that they each have certain high standards that they must meet, just like licensed plumbers and electricians must. While my plumber may indeed be foreknown to God I don't know that He is appointed as are the rulers of governments under God.

When one female trump supporter was asked by NPR why she was still voting for him after the "Grab 'em by the..." remark, her response was, "I'm voting for president, not husband." I was actually amazed they let that hit the air.

Honestly, I was kind of backing Bush until the NSA issue came up. Shameful of me, I know. Trump has done a fine job, a great job as president. His character has little to do with his ability to run the office. I may not be very fond of him, but I don't take much issue with him either. It still amazes me that many people remember Obama fondly. George tried to get the economy back up by pumping money into it, which has never worked. Not to mention all the disaster and strife present during his presidency; war, hurricane, terrorism, etc... Then Obama gets in and he spends well over twice as much as Bush did and all he did was put in place policies that did nothing more than levy on the people more heavily.

Hi I appreciate the use of u as in British or Canadian English rather than American English! Yet a Neighbo-u-r by any spelling is still a source of a cup of sugar and a glass of tea. Plus an extension of home on days of rest where a cup may be kept extending the acceptable legal range of travel on the sabbath days. (A little obtuse personal humor) May many feel free to leave a cup at the sink counter that we might all exchange a word and enjoy a wider range of travel for our thoughts.

Thank you for your insightful reply Neighbour.

Joh 6:53 WEB Jesus therefore said to them, “Most certainly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you don’t have life in yourselves. Joh 6:54 He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. Joh 6:55 For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. Joh 6:56 He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood lives in me, and I in him. Joh 6:60 Therefore many of his disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying! Who can listen to it?” Joh 6:61 But Jesus knowing in himself that his disciples murmured at this, said to them, “Does this cause you to stumble? Joh 6:62 Then what if you would see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? Joh 6:63 It is the spirit who gives life. The flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and are life. Jesus is saying that God's word produces life. His flesh doesn't profit anything. The Eucharist does nothing for you apart from God's word. He dwells in the word, not in the elements. Your explanation of Hebrews is really poor exegesis. It has nothing to do with falling away from the Catholic church. It might have something to do with falling away from Christ. The Catholic church is not Christ and has in fact fallen away from the teaching of the Bible; it corrupts its meaning to justify itself.

FOR ME THERE IS NOTHING MORE POWERFUL THAN THE CROSS.... "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18 SOMETIMES I FEEL SOMETIMES I FEEL SO VERY SMALL LIKE NO ONE KNOWS I'M HERE AT ALL I WONDER WHY I'M ON THIS EARTH AND FEEL I HAVEN'T ANY WORTH BUT THEN I THINK THIS CAN'T BE RIGHT AND I MUST WALK BY FAITH, NOT SIGHT FOR IF I TRUST WHAT SCRIPTURES SAY I KNOW IT CAN NOT BE THAT WAY THOUGH FOLKS AT TIMES MAY BE UNKIND THE SAVIOR DIED WITH ME IN MIND HE LOVED ME AND HE TOOK MY PLACE SO ALL MY SINS HE COULD ERASE THERE WILL BE TIMES I FEEL ALONE AND MY LIFE'S PURPOSE SEEMS UNKNOWN BUT SATAN CAN NOT TAKE FROM ME WHAT JESUS DID AT CALVARY! WRITTEN BY TURTLETWO ON 6-19-18 (A POEM THE LORD GAVE ME TO ENCOURAGE OTHERS)

The One true Rock is Jesus Though some may make that claim Yet it belongs to Him alone None else should wear that name The Lord is my foundation He's my fortress of power My shield and my deliverer I run to His high tower. I put my trust upon the Lord He is my strength each day Salvation comes from Him alone the Rock who is the Way "The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower." (Psa 18:2)

Romans 10:9 says, "If you declare, 'Jesus is savior,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." What this means is that as long as you recognize that Christ died for you, your salvation in heaven is assured. We as Christians should always try to live a good Christian life (do good works like charity), but the key to salvation is faith.

That was not implied, but I see it will be vain to continue. I have addressed the error I felt should not stand, that is sufficient.

Have not most people here continually said that "Holy" means separate? Then how, with that thinking, does "Be ye Holy as I am Holy" not mean to isolate yourself from others? Frankly, I think it is the opposite of God's message to tell people God desires to remain separate from us and that is how we need to think of Him.(and others He made) I am one with my Daddy, and He, with me.

Grumpy Cat was awarded $700,000 in a lawsuit earlier this year. A company paid Grumpy Cat to endorse their "Grumpuccino"....however, the company went on to use Grumpy Cat's image to sell other products. So a jury awarded Grumpy Cat the big treat...

Would love to put a photo of Grumpy Cat here but don't know how on this tablet!

Yes, I know. And I tend to believe the Bible when it says God is Love.

The criticism was not directed to an individual but to the new age and the false ridiculous teaching of the post modern churches. Some have decided that Jesus was a black man, as in Black Liberation Theology taught at Harvard and elsewhere. That was the allusion to race. We are discussion issues, not any one person here. The truth is that Jesus was the same color as middle eastern people of the Mediterranean region, not that skin color is important at all. God looks at us as saved or not saved.

PLEASE READ THIS EVEN THOUGH LONG ( INCLUDES A POEM I WROTE WITH YOU IN MIND) A POEM FOR YOU GUYS WITH A LONG BUT HEARTFELT INTRO: TONIGHT I WAS FEELING DOWN AND QUESTIONING THE MEANING OF MY LIFE. IT WAS THEN THAT GOD LED ME TO WRITE THIS POEM. I FELT LIKE I SHOULD SHARE IT WITH YOU GUYS. I KNOW THERE MUST BE OTHERS OUT THERE WHO FEEL THIS WAY, TOO. SO THIS POEM GOES OUT WITH LOVE FROM ME TO YOU. IT IS DEDICATED TO THOSE WHO STRUGGLE WITH CONFUSION, LONELINESS AND DEPRESSION. WE ALL HAVE OUR OWN STORIES AND UNIQUE REASONS. MINE HAS MUCH TO DO WITH HOW LIMITED I AM BY MY CHRONIC HEALTH ISSUES AND DISABILITIES THAT KEEP ME HOME BOUND. WHAT'S YOUR STORY? SHARE, IF YOU LIKE. I HOPE THIS CAN SPUR ON A DISCUSSION OF WAYS TO COUNTERACT SATAN'S LIES THAT TRY TO DRAG US DOWN. FOR ME THERE IS NOTHING MORE POWERFUL THAN THE CROSS. 1 Corinthians 1:18 "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." PLEASE COMMENT. I'D LOVE TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS!!!! SOMETIMES I FEEL SOMETIMES I FEEL SO VERY SMALL LIKE NO ONE KNOWS I'M HERE AT ALL I WONDER WHY I'M ON THIS EARTH AND FEEL I HAVEN'T ANY WORTH BUT THEN I THINK THIS CAN'T BE RIGHT AND I MUST WALK BY FAITH, NOT SIGHT FOR IF I TRUST WHAT SCRIPTURES SAY I KNOW IT CAN NOT BE THAT WAY THOUGH FOLKS AT TIMES MAY BE UNKIND THE SAVIOR DIED WITH ME IN MIND HE LOVED ME AND HE TOOK MY PLACE SO ALL MY SINS HE COULD ERASE THERE WILL BE TIMES I FEEL ALONE AND MY LIFE'S PURPOSE SEEMS UNKNOWN BUT SATAN CAN NOT TAKE FROM ME WHAT JESUS DID AT CALVARY! WRITTEN BY TURTLETWO ON 6-19-18 (A POEM THE LORD GAVE ME TO ENCOURAGE OTHERS)

This is correct... This will happen on the Day of the LORD.. The return of the LORD Jesus Christ... Pre-tribulation rapture is simply wrong.. But it is an enticing escapist doctrine that a lot of people Want to believe is true because people naturally do not want to face persecution.. But millions of Christians have faced persecution down through the centuries and you can be assured the anti-christ and his followers on earth will persecute followers of Jesus during the end times..

Yes. Proverbs 18:24 teaches, “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, / but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."

It appears Jesus doesn't come back with any saints. He returns with a vast army of angels as the dead in Christ have just been raised and those who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord have just been removed from the earth. 1 Thess 4, " 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord..." says Paul. These who are alive and remain to the Lord's coming are raised after the dead in Christ to meet the Lord in the clouds in the air, where Jesus is already present, with His armies.

I am also interested in the answer to this question....I also asked about this. If we claim to follow the Lord, that means all of His teachings, even about marriage. We can't pick and choose just certain things that Jesus taught. I am sorry you had bad experiences with your church but please don't let that turn you away from believing in all of God's inspired holy Word.

It is righteousness that is hated, by those that love unrighteousness, so it shall be mocked. Two groups with apposing desires. In Ecclesiastes it divides into two groups, the right and the left, the wise and the fool. Ecclesiastes 10:2 (CSB) “A wise person's heart goes to the right, but a fool's heart to the left.” It seems so prophetic. much love in Christ, Not me

As a courtesy the link would save time. Easy enough to copy and paste from the site you were reading... Why Hollywood Hates Christianity It's not just Hollywood but secular entertainment productions in general mocking all that is holy to God and His people. There is a sense in which it is, or will be a judgment upon the world because when the fruits of such ungodly labours manifest the result is an ugly mess for the culprits to suffer.

Interesting testimony, Neighbor. It was quite short compared to some posts. ? We see from this Scripture that we are to be patient to all people. I have found this necessary with those that are unruly, or feebleminded, or weak...there but for the grace of God go I. 1Th 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See here we are shown there is a point where association with those who are ill-disciplined needs to cease in order to shame them: 2Th 3:14-15 (14) And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. (15) Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. And see here how we are to avoid divisive people and anyone who contradicts the sound doctrine of Scriptures, and to be harmless where evil would otherwise take place, it being wise to obey Christ in doing good. Rom 16:17-19 (17) Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which you have learned; and avoid them. (18) For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. (19) For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. There are some more Scriptures that describe people we are to withdraw from, perhaps they will also come to light in this thread.

Hi, I suspect that won't ever happen*, for the reason that the individual will friend hate Jesus so much that they will part from His bond-servant. It will become do I remain their friend even though they will have nothing to do with me. And the answer for me is found in two sets of guidance, one for the brother and sisters, the brethren found at Matthew eighteen; and the other a series of examples on warnings not to participate in what evil doers games are, but to pray for them in intercessory prayer to God the Father through Jesus without limit. So what will I do? If physically possible I will share directly with my friend that now is distant, that I will continue in prayer for them in the name of my Lord Jesus, will always try to remain their friend, and that should they too hear the call to their repentance I will be there in encouragement for them. In life that has happened; but in life too not everyone turns about either. It is painful to the heart to know and experience. I can look at the long term experience in woe or in joy, for all deserve only separation from God and to pay the price of sin against Him which is death, eternal death, however one sees that Biblically in their own mindset. Fortunately God has shown mercy. He alone has reconciled that which is not reconcilable,sin and perfection, and I personally have been so fortunate as to despite my own half a lifetime refusal, been turned about to my own repentence. Oddly most of my deep friends and associates died long ago, some very close few at their age 47. That was an age I had always thought when I was a much younger person that I was "destined" to die. One close friend that didn't, suffered greatly under an explosion, then had a stroke at that age, was severely paralyzed and died in recent past. So my buddies they are very few, and they are the great hardworking servants tending physical assets of a local body of Christ Jesus. Plus at a different level, they are another group too, and are for the most part much much younger adults that have become newly born again, or have grown up at the church run school where I did work keeping the facilities in operation there. Friends acquired late in life are a very different breed from friends of youth and younger adult times, as each carry very separate history's rather than experiencing them together as joint folly and sometimes sin in life. Their histories become the history of being born again, and of the so wondrous stories shared at water baptisms, the testimony of individual saints. So I think from the vantage of one just "forced" into work retirement or to now recover yet again, and to seek out a new career at age 74, that it may be and likely is a very different challenge today for individuals so much younger. Yet, truth is I see many of the young turn into amazingly strong saints in Christ, become fine family men and women, deacons deaconesses, and elders, teachers even pastors and of course those with the gift of helps, my own gift of service these past 30 plus years. I am encouraged not discouraged. I am still very young in the Lord, much to learn still, and hopefully with some rich experience happy or sad, yet to come, to continue to show me the awesome power that is God. Praise God the Holy Spirit for revealing Jesus who is God the Son to me a sinner that denied God the Father God altogether until turned about to Him. * I state it won't be likely , but it could I suppose. But my errant friend will find it so very uncomfortable around saints in Christ Jesus that I don't see it being a prolonged situation. I continued to be a friend to one, but he never turned about to my knowledge. I learned from my uncle to be a friend to an enemy. As I was warning him about a businessman's evil deceptions, and to be very guarded in association with the man, that we were in a battle of business survival and this man was threatening our business; He acknowledged me and said; "I may not be his friend, but he is mine." My uncle continued in that testimony for his lifetime and still does today. He never turned about the man, but he sure influenced and aided my own turning about. ----- Now I realize that is more than asked. It is a bit lengthy for this format on a general message board. I perhaps should shorten it, but am led to leave it stand as is. May God continue to bless each as they too make the decisions of life and companions within it.

A soldier stands their post until assigned a new post to stand. Know that the unsaved world hates God and his servants. Endure and persevere. All of 2 Timothy 2 with additional emphasis on verses 3 and 4 "Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will."

The wind beat and the rain poured But yet the broken Vase remained restored Once broken, battered and bruise From ruff housing, mistreatment and abuse The Vase glowed and shined brand new The devil laughed I have you in my grasp But GOD said I hear by loose, It is you I redeem As the vase is a vessel and the vessel is me I am saved, delivered and joyfully set free.

He's in the mighty roaring of the billows on the seas He's in the gentle breezes as they whistle through the trees He's in the sweetest bird refrains that greet me everyday He's in the happy voices of the little ones at play He's in the awful thunder as it sounds for all to hear He's in a heart that's breaking and the silence of a tear To those who don't believe in Him and say one can not know I shake my head in wonder for God's everywhere I go

I was inspired this morning to write this after reading Yowm's latest poem. It caused me to think about all Jesus did and about the miracle of the new birth. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17 Then another scripture came to mind: "That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness" Ephesians 4:22-24 Salvation, new creation, meditation Out with the old man and in with new This is the work only Jesus can do Once we're converted soon we will find We must be daily renewing our mind Spiritually born through His wonderous grace is followed by fervently seeking His face Reading His Word and obeying His will Walking by faith despite doubts that we feel Loving Him more as each day passes by Pleasing His heart till the day that we die

Hi again jello5, I think my `picture` needs a bit more explanation. So.... if your girlfriend tries to relate to a picture of you she can never get to know you. You have to reveal yourself to her, a bit at a time. It is a two way relationship over time. Thus with us knowing God. Religion can tell us all about God, like a picture, BUT God has to reveal Himself to us for us to get to know Him, a bit at a time. We need to be patient and humble enough to let God reveal Himself to us as He wants to. He knows your heart and your mind, and how you think so just go about your life, but with an inner ear ready for a `highlight` of something that is personal to you. Maybe you will see God`s handiwork in a new light, maybe see other people afresh, maybe see your own heart in a new way......only God knows how to reveal Himself to each of us. Relating to God and for the sovereign ruler of the universe to relate to us/me/you personally, is incredible. The greatest adventure, not only of this lifetime, but on into eternity. regards, Marilyn.

Hi jello5, Sounds like an appropriate name for your situation at the moment. You have been quite open, honest and frank about it. As you have led a `moral` life it seems it is not the heavy burden of `known` sins to bring you to God. However......the `love factor` has reared its head. Mmmm & `try to fake it` for a while. I did have a chuckle. But seriously God has you cornered. You are having to tick off a lot of false stuff - who had the best argument, religious stuff, moral credit, etc And now you want to `know` God to be able to have the relationship with the one you love. Here`s a thought - would you like your girl who is a friend, (whom you love) to look at your picture and try to relate to it, or would you want to have her relate to you, in person. Silly question but actually that is what you seem to be doing in your relationship with God. So my suggestion is - - admit you are needing help, (to God) - ask for cleansing, by Jesus` sacrifice, - ask for His spirit to make your spirit alive to Him, - thank Him and go about your life expecting Him to reveal Himself to you in only ways that you would understand. (Be patient for when God highlights something you will be surprised and delighted.) regards, Marilyn.

This is a poem I wrote just today, 6-29-18 It was inspired by the pretty summer surroundings and especially the sounds that were so serene. God's Orchestra There is music in creation that no band could ever play The chorus of the robin song, The trees that gently sway from breezes rustling through their leaves, The babbling of the brook; God's orchestra is playing and it's everywhere I look.

Pray one of those God, if there is a God, prayers. God, if there is a God, my life is a miserable mess. I want to believe but have no faith. Please give me faith. I can't work it up to believe. I need Your help. Please forgive me for turning away from you. Please forgive my unbelief. Please take away my hardened heart. I need Jesus Christ in my life to be forgiven, to be able to love as You do, and to make my life worth living. Amen.

Well shoot, that sounds nice but isn't believing God even exists a good starting point? And why won't God give me the ears to hear him? I seriously want to. I've read the bible a decent amount, even after losing faith. I will read the books you told me about, though. But I have a lot of friends, and just about all of them are Christians except for like 3 and one of those threes views don't even really align with me.

Yes, you really need to make some Christian friends who are serious about their walk with Jesus. If your church doesn't have many young people, perhaps you can search for a nice youth group or Bible Study at another church. Give yourself some joy and fun by having friends with the same morals and values as yourself.

I totally agree with you angels4U I believe this verse was given to the church of Philadelphia in the first century.. So indeed Jesus kept them from the hour of testing.. Also it is not clear what the hour of testing signifies.. I agree with this verse Angels4U.. God will keep all of us from suffering any of His wrath .. But we are called upon to endure tribulation which comes from satan and his servants on earth as Jesus told us.. John 16: KJV 33 "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." God is well able to protect His people when He carries out His wrath upon the servants of satan:: Psalms 91: KJV 7 "A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. {8} Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. {9} Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; {10} There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. {11} For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. {12} They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone." Yes indeed, and I believe He shall be Revealed on the Day of His second coming.. On that day Christians who are alive and remain will be caught up into the clouds to meet him in the air and they shall be transformed in a twinkling of an eye into our glorious eternal form nd we shall be coming right back down to earth to rule the nations of the earth with Jesus for 1000 years.. 1 Corinthians 15: KJV {52} In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed

Yes these verses support a rapture... But they do not give any timing.. And they do not say it will be pre-trib.. The only timing given in the Bible about the rapture is that it will happen at the last trump.. 1 Corinthians 15: KJV 50 "Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. {51} Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, {52} In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." The book of Revelations reveal that there will be 7 trumpets and the last one is below.. Revelation 10: 7 "But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets."

Yep and there isn't one word in that verse that says anything about a pre-trib rapture. In fact if you want to read more about that verse read Rev 20. It will plainly show you when this happens. At the second coming