Leaderboard

My thoughts go to Christians who are former Muslims, still living in Muslim countries. We have a member in this situation....he lives in Saudi Arabia. No churches allowed, no speaking of Jesus, no fellowship. He must remain silent even to his parents of his faith in Christ. All I can think of is to pray....then if an opportunity to speak of Christ seems led of the Holy Spirit, then to do so.

Dear Sister, I read your entire post here, but thought this last portion pretty much sums it up. Indeed, allow the women at Worthy to minister to your needs at this time. And know that I'm also praying in intercession for you as well. May God bless abundantly. Shalom, David/BeauJangles

First things first dear one, ...are you born again? You might ask, "How do we know if we are born again?" Quite simple, the Word tells us how it happens: ...having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the living Word of God, and abiding forever. 1 Pet 1:23 Just like it was when your father's sperm entered into the ovum of your mother and you were conceived, so it is the same with being born again, ...notice what the verse says, born again with incorruptible (seed) and the living Word of God, the incorruptible seed is the Holy Spirit, the ovum is the living Word of God, ...what happens is the Word of God will convict us of our sin and our need of a Savior, if we respond to the Holy Spirit's conviction and confess we are a sinner in need of salvation the Holy Spirit will quicken, or make alive the the verse (ovum) He used to convict us and we are born again, ...a new creation in Christ, ...just like we know who our father and mother are and when we are born, so it is when we are born again, we know who are spiritual father is, ...the Holy Spirit, our mother, ...the verse used to convict us of our sin and the day we are born again. If we look at 1 Peter 1:24 we see what verse the Holy Spirit used to convict Peter: For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of men as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls out, Isa 40:6-8 And Luke 5:8 tells us when (what day): Simon Peter fell at the knees of Jesus, saying, Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, Lord. However Peter wasn't born again at that time because Jesus hadn't been Crucified and Resurrected yet, but it serves as an example for us living in the dispensation of Grace of how we are born again. So, with that in mind, ...do you know what verse the Holy Spirit used to convict you of your sin and in need of a Savior and if so, do you know when when it happened? If not then today is your day to be saved: For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever (that means you) believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 And, brothers, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, that Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures; 1 Cor 1 15:1, 3, 4 One more thing, ...if God was finished with you as you say, you would be given over to a reprobate mind and I can guarantee you wouldn't be here asking questions, ...you would be out in the world living as one of the world a carefree life, ...oblivious to God! Lord bless

save the towels campaign ...

I also am troubled when people think God simply spoke salvation into existence. He purchased it. For us. It cost Him. With His life. With His horrific death. I believe to the other 99.9% of us FREE thinkers, the phrase "it is a free gift of God", means it is free. IT cannot be bought! By us It cannot be earned!! By us It cannot be merited!! By us It has been paid. By HIM God did all the work!! Not us At Calvary! Jesus Christ, and Him crucified............ The most expensive GIFT, eternally. Believe.......... Ephesians 2:8-10 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."

HOWEVER I'VE TRIED FIXING ME FOR YRS NOTHING OR NO ONE HAS EVER BEEN ABLE TO HELP ME RISE ABOVE GOING BACK TO A HORRIBLE LIFE THAT I YEARN FOR SO BAD, YET CONTINUE TO SLIP BACK IN TO SATANS SNEAR! I'M SICK OF IT. HE'S A LIAR AND HAS HURT ME TIME AND TIME AGAIN WHICH HAS LEAD TO THE MOST PRECIOUS THINGS TO ME IN THE WORLD GETTING HURT! I NOW FACE COURT THIS FRIDAY! THEY ARE WANTING TO TERMINATE MY RIGHTS. WHICH TO ME IS A VERY DISTRUCTIVE OUTCOME. I'VE GONE DOWN A WRONG PATH THEN WAS STUCK IN GUILT AFTER LETTING MY PRECIOUS DOWN, TRIED TO DO IT ALONE ,TO ALONEY SLIP DOWN AGAIN LATER.DUE TO ONLY GETTING TO SEE HIM SOMETIMES I GUESS DON'T REALLY UNDERSTAND NOW HOW IVE GOTTEN THIS FAR INTO THIS DISTRUCTIVE PATTERN. I KNOW I WAS MEANT FOR MUCH MORE. (MORE) THAN THAT I KNOW THAT (THEY) (MY PRECIOUS) DESERVE MUCH MORE. AND THEY DERSERVE IT FROM ME AND THEIR FATHERS. I'M WILLING TO DO IT AND HAVE ATTEMPPTED OR MADE ATTEMPTS TO DO. SOME HOW WHICH COMING FROM A MOTHER (IF YOU CAN CALL ME THAT) DONT KNOW HOW IT COULD HAVE EVEN BEEN A THOUGHT TO DO ANYTHING BUT BE INRICHED IN (MY PRECIOUS)'S LIFE COME TO PASS EVEN IF HE WASN'T AT A HOME WITH HIM. HOWEVER I WAS STILL AND AM STILL BROKEN. (BUT WILLING) TO DO THE ONLY RIGHT THING WHICH IS TO REACH OUT TRY TO WIPE MY SELF OFF AND PRAY I CAN BE WHAT GOD CALLED ME TO BE OFCOURSE FOR ME BUT TO (MY PRECIOUS) AND GOD! (MY LORD) OUR LORD! I NEVER WANT TO FALL SHORT ANY DAY! MY INNER MOST WANT OUTTA LIFE IS TO BE WHO IM SUPPOSED TO OR MEANT TO BE FOR THEM TO REACH FOR CHRIST. NOT ONLY REACH HIM BUT HELP OTHERS ON THEIR PATH. ITS THEIR GOD GIVEN RIGHT TO BE WITH ME AND THEIR DADS, AND YES IVE FALLEN AND SCARED TO DEATH IF IVE FALLEN SO MANY TIMES WHAT MAY BE DIFFERENT NOW. BUT I ALSO KNOW IF I CANT OR DONT GET TO BE MOMMY. I DONT KNOW IF I WILL MAKE ANOTHER DAY. THEY WILL MAKE IT IM SURE BUT ITS JUST NOT FAIR TO THEM. THEY ALREADY KNOW ME AS MOMMY AND WILL BE JUST AS BROKEN AS I. I GUESS I DON'T KNOW WHAT IM ASKING OUT OF THE SITE IN GENERAL I JUST KNOW THAT I HAVE HAD MY RELATIONSHIPS WITH CHRIST WHICH AT TIMES WAS SO ENCOMPASSING AND AND FULLFILLING THAT THERE IS SOMETHING OUT THERE BIGGER THAN US THAT HAS ALL POWER AND IS A GOD OF COMPLETION WILL FINISH WHAT HE STARTED. I JUST DONT KNOW HOW TO GET THERE AND STAY THERE SO IM ASKING FOR IDK MAYBE LADIES THAT KNOW AND SERVE THAT GOD TO PRAY MAYBE AND TEXT ME MAYBE AT A FURTHER MESSAGE THAT HAS INFO. AND GUIDE ME TO HEALING.

Hi all, Are not all gifts by definition free? The expression "it is a free gift of God", seems to me to be slightly redundant and also diminishing by the modifying of the word gift to some extent. Why add free to the awesome gift of salvation? The gift was not free of price, the price though has been paid in full so that it can be offered as a gift. It was acquired at great price to our Lord, not free at all. It is a valuable gift, more valuable than any other ever obtained to be gifted to another. To add free makes salvation seem kin to a prize a trinket of some sort as in; hey it's free, really, all you have to do is buy Cracker Jacks to get your "free" gift. Free ""gifts" are never free in this world. They aren't gifts at all! They are premiums offered in addition to something else to be bought, they are offered in addition to something as enticement to buy that something else. That is not what salvation is at all. Salvation is a gift bought at great price to God. And it is not given to just anyone for a unrelated purchase, it is not a trinket added on for buying something. It is the gift of gifts to be cherished.

I disagree. I think the great crowd, too large to number, is the just raptured church. I think John is telling us that at the time of the rapture, there will be "great tribulation" on earth - just NOT the days of great tribulation Jesus spoke of that will come later, during the 70th week. Did you ever stop to wonder just HOW MANY dead in Christ there are? There has been time for close to 50 generations of believers. The first few were of course few in number, but the last few generations were very large in number. All together they are going to number in the billions. Certainly this is too large for John to count, 1, 2, 3, 4, etc: He would have had to live a LOT longer than 100 years old. The number of those saved during the 70th week is going to be a much, much smaller number. We are back to chronology: in chapter 7, John has not yet even started the 70th week, but you imagine he is seeing those saved during the week. To me this is rearranging Revelation to fit a theory. For example, it seems you are comparing this large crowd in chapter 7 with those in chapter 21. Why would you think God would show John a crowd that survived the 70th week before John has even started the week?

no we have a very close relationship and he guides me in most of my decisions. I would hope everyone has that kind of relationship.

I am sorry that you are so distressed. From your post you are in legal trouble and it looks like you will lose the custody of your child. All I can suggest is that you join a church where the members will support, encourage and discipline you. So you can show to the authorities that you are living a life where you are in full time employment, not abusing drugs etc and that you are not only a fit person to look after a child but can support a child. Please remember this is not a short term fix. This is life changing. The authorities will give you the opertunity to show that you have changed. But you have to change, enrol in the various courses, cut your friends offwho encourage drug use etc. Jesus said if your hand causes you to sin cut it off. You have to be drastic it cutting All links to your old life.

Shalom Sister, I'm saddened to hear your situation. Sending you a virtual hug. Excuse me for keep my reply brief here. It doesn't reflect my lack of feeling, but rather, why write more than I should?: Have you been baptised by the Holy Spirit? If not, seek this above all things! Seek it, search it and never stop until it happens for you. Understanding the Gospel and the Bible is good and is possible to do, in part, without the baptism of the Holy Spirit. In fact, in the book of Acts it details about great teachers and leaders of the early church who hadn't heard of the baptism of the Holy Spirit until Paul explained it to them. So maybe you are also in this place? Fighting this life on our own power and trying to obey Yahweh, without His Spirit, is a very tough task and not truly achievable. So seek it above everything else! Satan will lose his power, you will find joy, peace, wisdom and understanding for all things and in all things. Seek it above everything else! Love & Shalom

Hi Sister, Yes we have all gone astray, all to our own ways. I so feel for you, yet know, as you do that it is only the Lord who can help you. First you have to really lay everything before the Lord and give it all to Him. Don`t hold back, thinking I still want this or that. When the Lord has your whole heart then He can guide you a step at a time through the troubles. Humble yourself and learn to listen to that quiet inner voice. You will be guided and begin to, not only know what is the right thing to do, but as you ask for strength, you will be able to overcome. Praying, Marilyn.

Hi iamlamad, Interesting topic and worthwhile. Let`s look at some scriptures - `Inasmuch as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same...` (Heb. 2: 14) `...took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men...` (Phil. 2: 7) `The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore also, that holy one who is to be born will be called the Son of God.` (Luke 1: 35) I see that Jesus was manifest as a man, but did not have the bloodline of Adam. It was from that blood line that sin came down through the generations, causing sickness and disease. Thus Jesus, although had a man`s body would not have a body subject to sickness and disease. It is interesting to know that the woman`s blood does not pass into the unborn child. There is a shield protecting the womb where nutriments go through and waste goes out, but blood does not. Thus Adam`s blood line did not come nigh Jesus. As to His deity, that is His spirit nature - goodness, holiness, merciful, gracious, faithfulness, tender-kindness etc. Marilyn.

Rom 8:5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. We should focus on Jesus and all He has done for us--our riches in heaven. When we focus on our sin we are more apt to do and think the things we don't want. When we focus on Jesus we become more like Him. So spending so much time focusing on all we have done wrong doesn't help us overcome our sin and do what is good. You should confess the ones that come to mind at the end of the day, the ones that most bother you, and trust God to remove them from your life. I say you because you are overly scrupulous. I confess them when I am aware of them because they have broken my fellowship with God. However, you don't seem to be able to discern which are those the Holy Spirit is pointing to. Sometimes self or even the enemy rubs our noses in everything, and some are even planted in our minds by the enemy and are unwanted thoughts. It would be best for you to focus in Jesus and His love for others, asking Him to live and forgive through you. Reach out to others to be a blessing to them and don't focus on yourself or your sins.

Hey thanks for this exhortation with its insight and encouragement, Tzephanyahu. As you may be aware, the rock typifies Christ, who in fact was struck and punished , suffering on our behalf, but taking it patiently in the manner you describe. What an edifying thought! There is something about the epistle of James that is different from the others. Some say it lacks the warmth they express but it certainly stirs me to zeal. Jas 1:5-8 (5) If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him. (6) But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. (7) For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. (8) A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

Nice article, thank you for that. I have always been drawn to the cana wedding story for I feel there is a truth revealed there that is timeless in its scope, and immeasurable in its value. In John 5:2 Scripture tells us; His mother said to the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it. And if we would just do as our Beloved Savior tells us to do - Wow. Thanks RC

That is said about all scripture. The Bema Seat, or Judgment Seat of Christ is not the same as the lake of fire. Here the works is judged to see if they are worthy of reward. The lake of fire are for those who do not accept Christ. I am one who does not believe that the lake of fire gives the lost a second chance for salvation, which is a false teaching.

oooops..... red (fire) alert ! Beware the rcc teachings..... always be wary when anyone brings them !

May I ask what your opinion of the lake of fire and brimstone is to you?

I can't find anywhere that the return of Jesus is referred to in the plural. There is no mentioning of the "comings of Christ" or "returns of Jesus" mentioned in scripture, unless I missed something. 1 Corinthians 15:23 states that those who are Christ's are made immortal at His coming.

I've heard it said that just a few counties of and around Manhattan would account for the votes Hillary was ahead by. Never fact checked it but I've heard the same about Chicago and L.A. Take any one of those cities votes away and the landslide that this election was would be talked about more. I've seen the numbers some time back about the number of counties in the country and not remembering the exact total it was amazing. Trump carried over 3,000 counties while there are about 3,400 counties. Every aspect other than the popular vote was a landslide. The numbers are amazing. The electoral college did exactly what it was intended to do. The ridiculous aspect of this electoral college debate is if it were the other way around the conversation wouldn't even exist. I looked it up. 3,084 counties for Trump, 3,141 counties total.

Praise God! Thank you for all your beautiful sharing, Turtletwo. May God be praised! In Christ Jesus Chris

I'm just an earthen vessel But I carry a great treasure God's Spirit dwells within me And my purpose is His pleasure Although I often fail Him When I call upon His Name His Blood is greater than my sin And takes away my shame One day I'll live in Heaven Where He'll dry my every tear But till I reach the other side I'll love and serve Him here "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us" 2 Corinthians 4:7 "Know you not that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" 1 Corinthians 3:16 “The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:7,9 "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." Revelation 21:4 "We love him, because he first loved us." 1 John 4:19 "Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." John 14:23 "Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." Colossians 3:24

@Christine Thanks for posting these scriptures. They really strike a chord with me on a personal level. Lately, the Lord has been dealing with my heart. He has been driving those very verses you posted home to me. He has been showing me that even though I am disabled, He will use me. Even as He uses wretches saved by grace (that includes everyone... since all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.) He loves to uses those who are minimized/despised (looked down upon by society) to show it is not about the vessel but the One who shines through them. Praise God!

It's a publicity stunt. Nothing more. The world of instant communication we have today is incentive for all sorts of ways to make yourself famous. He's just found one that works for him. Sure, the world is insane, but it is insane in what it takes seriously. Nobody takes this guy's claim seriously.

you wouldn't ned to wash so often if you had better trained hats

Scrupulosity in sin can really wear a person down. For now, commit to spending some time nightly doing two things: 1) Confessing to God one or two sins of the day, like the "biggest" that day 2) Praising and thanking God for dying and rising to pay for those sins

That why I have been put in charge of such an enormous and important campaign

you are already doing that as you have nobody to dry

'For ye see your calling, brethren, .. how that not many wise men after the flesh, .... not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; .. and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; .... And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, ...... yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in His presence. .. But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, .... Who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, ...... and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, .. "He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."' (1 Corinthians 1:26-31) Praise God!

Shalom Nigh, Confession of sins is good, change from sinful practices is better. My friend, don't burden yourself so much with tasks you cannot reasonably accomplish. But rejoice, as it seems like you are in training with the Holy Spirit, who convicts of our sins. Please consider the below story to explain the matter... Imagine you own a company. You have an employee who often makes mistakes. So, you sit a trainer with the employee to train them in the right way of doing things. The trainer flags up every issue that the employee makes so that they can deal with the issue or understand the error to stop repeating it. The employee sends you emails every time the trainer highlights a mistake, to apologise to you. At other times, they list every mistake in a long email at the end of each day. As the boss of the company, do you want a constant flood of emails from that employee saying that they recognise each mistake? Or would you rather they improve themselves and email gratitude for the correction you have supplied through the trainer? Therefore, confession is good but change is better. If you notice your faults and flaws - praise Yahweh that he has given the Spirit to navigate you correctly. And then, make the change, today. If you think you are forgetting a sin to repent of, ask the the Father to bring it to your mind. If he doesn't, move on, improve and refine your walk. Be encouraged my friend! Again, it sounds like you are in a training which is an incredible blessing. Love & Shalom

Shalom brother, Patience is a sign of faith. If we panic about times and situations, it is implying that the Father has limited resources left to work with and might lose His chance. Of course, consciously we know this is nonsense, but subconsciously the flesh is eager to strike before the perfect time. It reminds me of Moses striking the rock to provide water for the Israelites. It doesn't say that Moses was impatient, but he was becoming impatient with Israel and, as a result, became angry with them. This seemingly harmless act was highly significant to Yahweh as there was a prophetic analogy he was trying to make. How dangerous our own impatient actions can be! Your post cannot be underestimated in importance because of this matter. Patience is a virtue that shows faith, self-control, peace and contentment. If we remain faithful to Him, our time for service will come. It is good to pray that we recognise such windows of opportunity when they arise and that we have strength and courage to see them through. Love & Shalom

Shalom Gary, May Yahweh give your strength and courage at this time. My brother, I feel bad for you in this situation - it's far from ideal. I can't really offer great advice as I do not know of the intricacies of the situation and characters. But, from what you have shared, that I will offer advice on in the hope it gives you peace and some form of resolution. Firstly, it's great your son is working now. That's crucial he continues to do so, to supply for his family and contribute to your expenses. However, it might be a good idea (if you haven't already) to take him out for a drink, and JUST him. It would be good to have a talk with him, not only as a father but as a peer - to understand his plans, his goals, his thoughts, his heart and his worries. Again, this needs to be away from the home and his wife in order for it to be truly effective. Secondly, this is also a chance to learn from our Father. Consider the situation as if you were the Father and your son was a younger you. Have there been times when you have taken Him for granted? Have you assumed His mercy and grace were always available for you whilst you weren't respecting Him as you should? If you have been guilty of such things in the past, let this current situation refine your sonship towards Yahweh and rejoice at his tenderness and love for you. But suppose you are not guilty of such things - let this current situation be a chance for you to demonstrate the Father's love through you. So, don't bombard your daughter-in-law with worship music, don't witness to her if she has mocked. Don't even pressure her to come to church again. Rather, let your love, forgiveness and gentleness shine forth in a way that will shock her. In a way that makes her think "what makes him so happy and calm? I want what he has. Maybe there is something behind all this God stuff". Let the Messiah's ways and love be shown through you - but don't try to "pull" her along, if that makes sense. Thirdly, continue to pray about the situation. Pray for wisdom to handle the situation and pray your son finds the path back to discipleship. With these two foundations in place, there is much hope for his wife. Finally, please forgive me brother if I have spoken out of place or am advising you of things you have tried many times before. Love & Shalom

Yes, it is a hope the pretrib rapture is the truth. I can't seem to find it in scripture.

I did not vote for a preacher (remember Jimmy Carter) I voted against "her"... Why did so many people vote for him? It's their own business. I do not need to argue on this forum with those who put "their need" to make some statement of their more "Godly" stance for a President that meets their ideal. I cast an INFORMED vote to block a vile and evil party, with their candidate I believe, that would have destroyed our God given country. I will not try to explain this to those focus only on Trump's failings. I focus on "He may not be Christian, or Christlike" I focused on, what could have been, had she been elected. And shudder. And thank God. For His mercy...... Give it a rest. Join the team we have NOW Pray for president Trump Pray for our country Everybody, Christians that is, should always be praying for our President. Whoever who he/she is........... Somebody could start a new thread Give a "Short prayer for our President" Quit nit picking the dude to death Bathe him in prayer Breaking news "Worthy forum asking for prayer for Trump" Prayers for our country Lift up..edify Or slip in one more President bashing thread on "our" Christian forum...

I feel like you're doing a good thing and in a way you're even blessed. All too common family members will take advantage of each other. It sounds like you've reached out to them and it's not a situation where you're being grossly taken advantage of. With your son saying he doesn't know if he believes anymore it sounds like he's in need of some renewal himself. Maybe you should share your own experience of spiritual drought with him if you haven't already? And maybe have a heart to heart talk about why his girlfriend feels a need to be so mocking?

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”(John 6:33)

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful." (Colossians 3:15)

'By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.' (Hebrews 11:4) Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God, so Abel along with Cain his brother would have both heard God's words regarding the means of approach to Him. Abel is included among those in Hebrews 11, who have acted in obedience to God's known will, and thereby have an abiding testimony, testified of God, and recorded in His Word, for those, like ourselves to read about and learn from. Cain, though having heard, like Abel, chose to come his own way, and not God's way. For without the shedding of blood there could be no remission of sins. In Christ Jesus Chris

I think waiting is a discipline all who desire to know His voice and be led by Him will learn. It's one thing to hear Him and be trained to instant obedience, but the other side of that coin is learning to sit and be still with Him when He isn't giving us something specific to do. In some ways, seeking Him in stillness is harder than obeying His revealed will.

Love the topic, Annette! Very practical. It is one we can all relate to. At times it feels as if God just doesn't answer us as quickly as we'd like. A big help to me is to meditate on scriptures regarding waiting on the Lord. I can draw hope and strength from them. When we feel like we are just spinning our wheels in this life we can find encouragement in verses such as "Let us not become weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (GALATIANS 6:9) Sometimes our faith wavers. But waiting on the Lord and faith go hand in hand. Heb 11:6 says "But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." This verse conveys that coming to Him and yielding/surrendering to His will is important. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." (PROVERBS 3:5-6) We can remind ourselves that our eternal God is fully timeless. He is the only One who had no beginning. He alone knows the future. This makes him unique. He is therefore worthy of our trust. When things don't make sense to us is the time to remember that "HE is God and WE are not." "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:9) So He can be trusted! Because He is perfect... and perfectly loving. "The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord." (Lamentations 3:26)

Shalom Annette, Great subject. Waiting in the Bible fascinates me. When you read short verses about someone's life, we can sometimes assume that everything happen in a short period of time, which is silly really. A good commentary helps fill in the blanks and history. I recommend Chuck Missler for a deep dive into each book. The life I often refer to when speaking about waiting is Abraham and Moses. Moses lived 40 years in Egypt before leaving for the wilderness in which he spent another 40 years! Amazing. Half a life living as royalty and the other half living as a shepherd in a tent. What an amazing training session! 80 years of preparation for a great work of leading Israel. Still, at the age of 76 he surely must have thought he would be living out his days in the wilderness with his wife in peace. He never knew that wonder day he would find the burning bush. Some of us here might reach that same kind of age when Yahweh commissions us for a mission. That's so cool. Love & Shalom

Yes @Debp, I have been to churches that have fixed amount as offering. It can be more ,not less. They pastors threaten the Christian that if theyou bring less, God wrath will fall on them. The poor christian in order to escape the wrath of God will go as far as selling their properties to bring to the church as what we call seed of faith. They pastor will promise the miracle jobs, miracle money, miracle cars and house etc. My question is " from whose account is this money to be withdraw and deposit it your account?" I believe some of those pastors have extra power and obviously from the underworld. Joblessness have made many African becomes commercial pastors, fakes miracles and testimonies to attract people to their churches to give them offering. I can say this without any doubt that 90% of African Christians have been brainwashed by these commercial men of God. If the Lord doesn't come soon, the world will be in disarray.

Hi Plavius, let me tell you a different story. A church is so important to socialize with other Christians. Look, I have money problems in a sense that I, thanks to God, have enough to cover basic needs... but I can't afford anything beyond that. But a church is a perfect place to meet friends without having to pay anything. At least here in Germany. They sometimes go eat out somewhere or take money for church dinner, this is what I can't afford. But most of it is for free and I praise God that I have enough fellow Christians to meet. I have plenty of opportunities to collaborate there, too. Where in the world could you go meet people and not pay anything? The Bible is clear: the first church was strong and they had a strong sense of community (Acts 2:42). The Bible is also very clear that you even can get ill, if you don't realize what the great gift of fellowshipping with others is like. This is at least my interpretation of 1 Cor 11:29 and 30. [...] not discerning the Lord's body. 30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. (The Lord's body is a figure of speech meaning the entirety of Christians, as explained in Colossians 1:24, as you may know.) Another example: Some Christians, including myself, have the "Christmas Problem": due to the fact that they don't have any contact with their (biological) family members, they don't know where to go on Christmas. But in church, there are always some people having the same problem. You meet with them and and praise the Lord. But I'm with you when you tell that selling prophecies is wrong: Amen Cat, very good point. But I'm sure you mean Acts 8:13-24. Regards, Thomas

Yes. It is GOOD (and BEST) when the LIGHT (JESUS) comes, to admit (confess) and change (repent) their doctrine (and other stuff), no matter how rare it is to do so. It is required. Remember the Reformation ? Restored salvation by faith in Jesus to the people who had been in darkness for around 1200 years, imprisoned by false teachers, false doctrines, false practices, and a false Jesus and a false gospel. (the worldly church, the counterfeit)

Greetings Brother Plavious, Couldn't resist the salutation (sounds very Biblical with your name!) Anyway, One look at Biblical accounts of prophets "judging" the church leaders by telling them they are not obeying God properly tells me that church leaders have ALWAYS turned away from God and done things for themselves instead of God. It is just in our nature. Once someone (or group of people) is given power/authority over a group of people (no matter how small), that power engulfs them. Do you ever see a church admit to and change their doctrine? It is very rare, and when it is done, it is NOT done for the better. They would lose a lot of patrons and their money. They would lose the respect of the patrons - if an error is admitted, then what else is not true? They are stuck and almost forced to stay on the track that got them there. Likewise, it is a miracle when someone leaves a different religion or denomination for the true gospel of faith and obedience to Jesus. Something that generally only happens after intense and deliberate study of the Bible. That said, an old fashioned Bible church is quite hard to find in most cities. I live in an area with 100's of churches within 50 miles of me but cannot find one that is not inundated with at least one or two false doctrines. I have to settle for the best I can find and realize that they will NOT change or correct an error that has already been accepted. We are each responsible for our own salvation. The sluggard will rely on the church to save them.

Thanks Neighbor, Had a real good chuckle there. Marilyn.

I agree with most of what you say but the quoted part above is going a bit too far. Calling someone ignorant of deceived because you disagree with them (even if you are right) is not on. Defend your points without making statements about the person you are talking to.

someone just told me that weeds and goats cant be save, only the wheat and the lost sheep. if a person deliberately does wat is evil and does not submit to Gods rule nor] does he except the grace so freely given, what hope does he have, but remember grace is not for the worthy or else it wouldn't be grace, we have all sinned but as a christian we except Gods forgiveness and his power to transform us into the likeness of his son.