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  1. In the end, everything ever done , be it good or evil, Has been done for the Glorification Of God......God has allowed unspeakable evil to occur in His Universe.It is a reflection of the value He puts on Freedom.Without freedom , the World would be populated with Robots.Life would have no meaning.God is always in control and He always knows what He is doing .Desiring constant Glory sounds selfish on the surface.Unless you Deserve it.......and He does.
    4 points
  2. There are, of course, passages in the Bible that declare all three. I think that's awesome. It's indisputable proof that God is Triune and that Jesus, himself, is God. Acts 2:24 = "But God raised Him from the dead, releasing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for Him to be held in its clutches. John 10:18 = "“No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” Romans 8:11 = "The Holy Spirit raised Jesus from the dead. If the same Holy Spirit lives in you, He will give life to your bodies in the same way." God's word never contradicts itself. The Father is God. Jesus is God. The Holy Spirit is God. The Father is not the Son nor the Holy Spirit. The Son is not the Father nor the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not the Father nor the Son. But all are God. Hence the use of all three Persons responsible for the resurrection.
    3 points
  3. It was by the power of the Holy Spirit, Lee. Here's a verse for you. Romans 8:11 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. KJV
    3 points
  4. hi Repose, Thank you for your positive and encouraging reply. I'm sorry I hadn't got back to you sooner - I lost track a little with who I had replied to ! Thankfully today was better and I got some cleaning done which felt like an achievement and paperwork is in a neater pile ready to tackle. I have actually seen an online painting class with Udemy which looks really good - I notice they do sales sometimes on their courses which helps a great deal - but I will also try the class. I'm not sure where painting or art will lead but its something I look forward to trying. I probably do need to give the church part more time - and focus on being thankful for the friendships that I have at the moment. May God bless and encourage you too, Sapphire15
    2 points
  5. I appreciate you, Sapphire. What God is perhaps teaching those who are listening is what Paul was finally able to convey: "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him." The hardest part is when we are going through it---and that is why Paul ends his proclamation by saying, "through him." I am learning this personally. We want to believe what Jesus said, and we do---however, mostly intellectually. But my question to me is, "Do I believe him with my actions when the time comes"? When God permits sickness, when He takes things from me, when others hurt me...etc., can I also say to God, "Thank you for blessing me now when all I have left is my name"?
    2 points
  6. hi Coleseum, Thanks for your reply.... on reading it what also comes to mind is the importance of being thankful for all the blessings that God provides, especially where I've taken things perhaps for granted. I do have lots to be thankful for - like central heating, fresh water and sufficient clothing and food. I remember reading a verse which I think is in 2 Timothy which talks of being content with food and shelter. So much difficulty I think has been from me either looking back or jumping ahead, rather than resting in what God has provided and is doing and wants to do today. Now its remembering that for tomorrow too!!! Thanks again for posting and may God bless and encourage you, Sapphire15
    2 points
  7. There are two kinds of people. One kind tries hard to obey the Lord’s commandments. They are of the kingdom of God. The other kind are those who give minimal effort to trying to obey the Lord’s commandments. They are of the world. If you’ve read the Bible, you know what I am talking about. Those who are of the world have sophisticated excuses for not obeying the Lord’s commandments. Remember that the serpent was the most subtle of the wild creatures God created (Gen 3:1). One excuse they give is that the Bible was inaccurately translated. Don’t you think the Lord had the ability and will to have people accurately translate his words? Another excuse they have is that the Lord wasn’t speaking to the Christians in the Old Testament. I agree he was speaking to the Jews, but if he said something is an abomination, it’s an abomination no matter what religion you subscribe to, wouldn’t you say? Here is a personal observation: The world is a place of pride. That is why worldly people don’t stand by the Lord’s commandments: It is an unpopular thing to do. My advice to worldly people: Turn to God. The world hasn’t the desire, nor the ability, to make you happy. The Lord has both.
    2 points
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  9. Well said, John. The root of all our rebellion is pride. We want to do our own things and we don't want God to tell us want to do.
    2 points
  10. Hi there and welcome to you sapphire15, I'm so blessed and encouraged by the responses of my/ our brothers and sisters in Christ to you. So much love and concern to help the broken hearted, the dejected and fallen down one, to bless and encourage, to lift you up before the Throne of God, blesses me, and you, God bless each one of us in our journey to Him.
    2 points
  11. Jesus is the Pre-eminent One. He occupies the first place of beauty and honour over all creation. Should we not also give him the first place in our hearts?
    1 point
  12. Tuesday 10-29-19, Tishri 30, 5780 2rd. day of the weekly cycle, 37th. Fall day, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. King James Bible, This is the LORD's declaration. Isaiah 55:8 The Messiah'S Invitation ◄ Isaiah Fifty Five ► King James Bible Par ▾ Isaiah Fifty Five 1-13 Invitation to the Needy 1Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 2Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. 3Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. 4Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people. 5Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee. 6Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 12For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. 13Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off. Love always, Walter and Deborah
    1 point
  13. DAY 90 - PSALM 72 [Last Psalm of Book 2] Give the King Your Justice Of Solomon. Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the royal son! 2 May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice! 3 Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people, and the hills, in righteousness! 4 May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the children of the needy, and crush the oppressor! 5 May they fear you while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations! 6 May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth! 7 In his days may the righteous flourish, and peace abound, till the moon be no more! 8 May he have dominion from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth! 9 May desert tribes bow down before him, and his enemies lick the dust! 10 May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands render him tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts! 11 May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him! 12 For he delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper. 13 He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy. 14 From oppression and violence he redeems their life, and precious is their blood in his sight. 15 Long may he live; may gold of Sheba be given to him! May prayer be made for him continually, and blessings invoked for him all the day! 16 May there be abundance of grain in the land; on the tops of the mountains may it wave; may its fruit be like Lebanon; and may people blossom in the cities like the grass of the field! 17 May his name endure forever, his fame continue as long as the sun! May people be blessed in him, all nations call him blessed! 18 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. 19 Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and Amen! 20 The prayers of David, the son of Jesse, are ended.
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  14. I guess I was trying to figure out what needs the church is suppose to be meeting, to set the right expectations so that people are not always disappointed and losing faith in the church. Amen.
    1 point
  15. NSAB reads: "I saw one of his heads as if it had been slain, and his fatal wound was healed." This may or may not be a head wound many believe it to be, so there is room allowed as to what kind of wound it is, but since a head represents a king, and/or his kingdom, what nation was Al Baghdadi have, since it has to tie back to Daniel ? I personally do not see this person as being one who would be one of the kings or kingdoms.
    1 point
  16. To my understanding, the church is the body of Christ. As believers, we each have a part, are a part, appointed by God, to a local body. However big/small. At least, we should be. According to my understanding of scripture. I am fairly sure we are to make disciples as a body as goal. Feed the flock, preaching, teaching sharing and caring. A family, a team. Now days, people often 'feel' the church they attend is not meeting their needs. Perhaps this is true, or not. Not a good enough excuse to leave, I believe. We don't forsake our own family because we have 'normal' family problems. We try to correct them, pray about what to do, and try to improve the situation. The church body is the called body of Christ. Worth fighting for. Not abandoning at the first time our toes are stepped on. No pastor is perfect. The members should hold him in constant prayer. Lifting him up and not cutting him down for every perceived mistake. Removed and replaced if not teaching truth. This is done with real prayer and scripture, and leadership of spirit filled men willing to make a stand for the truth. Some are great counselors, some not but with those on staff. Most of my/our needs/problems were so often met by other members, friends, older seasoned believers who have been there, within our body. The ones who stayed through the tough times and not run away! As it should be. We are mission oriented. Sowing seeds, sharing the gospel, bible study. Today, feelings can get hurt easily, the enemy knows the weak ones, and strife abounds. I would venture that the vast majority of believers here at Worthy were saved in or through a bible believing church, which has been around since the first little home was used. To belittle it, to criticize it, to abandon it, and not participate in a local body if you are able to, is a statement to God of your personal judgement/responsibility of HIS body of believers. If you are lazy, and simply do not want to get up and go, endure the time and work, say so. BUT, do not group all the many God fearing bible preaching spirit led local bodies by your bad experiences. That is sin. Try to edify those who are making a stand.
    1 point
  17. “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand.” Philippians 4:6-7 Anxiety / worry are things we all experience. But they need not control our lives or our thinking. God is ever-present in us…just one prayer away at all times. Anon.
    1 point
  18. Yes as far as medical propensities is concerned however 23 and me went into more detail, plus sent additional information as it was developed, within their data base. While Heritage seems more interested in keeping me interested upon a longer term "hobby" of chasing down relatives within my family "bush". They have developed a pretty easy to use system where one can set up multiple strings of relatives and ancestries of different relatives. Plus by permission of other participants each can share information, viewing each others gathered info. Perhaps leading to corrections of a bad or faulted strings of information gathered. And often onto better detailed sharing of old newspaper clippings, Lodge records, personal pictures, old telephone books, census records, death certificates, birth certificates, marriage certificates. If it is a record of people Heritage seems to have it and have enabled individuals to share and even contact one another through their service. Though all the ancestry lineage is interesting, I don't find I have the long term interest needed to keep pursuing it. Not even as a hobby. I just can hardly keep up in learning of what I really am interested in of the reveal of Jesus, the Bible.
    1 point
  19. When Jesus came into this world he called money/mammon unrighteous Luke 16:9-13 9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. 10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. 11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? 12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own? 13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. KJV It can be understood in an event where no food existed but one slice of bread and the owner of that slice would not exchange it for all the mammon of the world... if this is true in this instance then it is true in all instances yet due to the subtle nature of the unrighteous mammon this is not seen... Here is the attitude of The Lord toward mammon - He put the thief in charge of the purse... 1 John 2:15-17 15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. KJV I have seen many people exclaim they love The Lord yet their lives were all about money and possessions from their waking to their laying of the head to sleep...
    1 point
  20. Jesus admitted to a crowd of Jews that he was working on the Sabbath..... that according to the writings of Moses, He is not observing the Sabbath.... no work it says. Jesus said not only was he working but the Father had been working too. Yes we are to work in his steps and his steps tell us to follow the commands Jesus gave us, not the ones he gave Moses.... so, I do believe it has been rescinded…. along with the rest of them for they fall short. I would ask you to tell me which of the ten commandments did those people that Jesus singled out to go to hell. you can live your entire life not breaking any of the ten commandments and still go to hell.... I agree with you that it is our choice. If you choose your thoughts for you that's fine and I have no problem with it at all.... but I do have a problem with you telling others they should or do have to follow them.
    1 point
  21. Nobody in all of my generations I am aware of knew Jesus, nor followed any religion, except my father perhaps, on his deathbed. I decided at 18 that Atheism---a belief that even a concept of a god could not exist---was my choice of religion. I had no Jesus, no knowledge of him. On the edge of suicide, a last minute thought was to ask: "If there really is a god, you must save me in the next second, because in the one after, I will not be here." Even before those words finished coming out of my mouth, someone passed by, saw my condition, and prevented what I intended to do. I did not learn that God would honor such a mustard seed of faith until after I started being discipled. Too, there was already a Cloud of Witnesses saved before Jesus physically was born on earth. Those men and women and children were born and lived and saved without knowing the ministry of Christ. How gracious a God we serve.
    1 point
  22. Not that I agree , But J. Vernon McGee once said that the age of accountability could be as high as 30 years of age. I just thought I would throw that out there.....
    1 point
  23. You can have money but you can not love money. There is a difference. The love of money causes greed and all kinds of bad things.
    1 point
  24. I think our world view is too Radically different for us to find a middle ground with this one. Thanks for the conversation, I wish you well.
    1 point
  25. Jesus is over all creation. He will rule as king of kings. He is worshipped as lord and God.
    1 point
  26. Sign me up ! Blessings, Not me
    1 point
  27. @marvelloustime Thanks for posting this song. I'd never heard it before and love the simple, heartfelt aspect of it.
    1 point
  28. Nothing hurts more than harsh critical words from a friend or loved one. God uses these to teach us to forgive quickly and to love the person anyhow. Jesus prayed "forgive them, they know not what they do" while he was hanging on the cross. His Spirit lives in us and tells us to treat others that same way. We are to love them anyhow, because God in Christ loves and forgives them. I always think of Job whose 3 friends kept telling him that things were going from bad to worse because he had sinned. This wasn't true--God had said that Job was righteous. But worn down by his trials and deep loss, he started justifying himself saying he didn't deserve these trials instead of justifying God. In the end after Job had repented, God told Job to pray for his 3 friends. Going through these trials is very hard. I once told God that I didn't want to be on a mountain top of blessings or in the lush valley of trials and temptations. I just wanted to stay in the cleft of the Rock, close to Jesus. You see, sometimes the only time we draw near to God is when we are going through trials. Often those trials are there to keep us humble as well. I just want to stay close to God, not needing experiences and not needing trials to keep me close. 2Co 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 2Co 12:8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 2Co 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2Co 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Mat 5:10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Mat 5:11 "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Mat 5:12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
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  29. hi DustyRoad, thank you for sharing things that are helpful to meditate on. I really think that I do need to 'see' Jesus better and if anyone has any helpful thoughts on this I'd be grateful. Perhaps if I studied scripture more, and was more disciplined to apply lessons I'd progress much better - I listened to someone sharing that they had a two hour study time each day. Thanks so much for reminding me of the verse that Christ is faithful to continue that work he started. May God bless and encourage you, Sapphire15
    1 point
  30. We are all in the same boat as you, in degree---tailor made for each of us by God. Oh, how many times I have heard how we wish we could trade places; then sometimes it happens, and then we wish we never said it. God gives to each of us what He knows we can handle, if we depend upon Him. I struggle too, and letting it go is hard; but I pray and know that the more I struggle, the more I give to Him---because I can't do it. The greatest burden people have is the fear of giving up their control. But that is exactly what God desires of us---letting Him have your heart---all of it.
    1 point
  31. hi lovethelord, Thank you so much for understanding and for replying to my post. I think the art class might be on tomorrow - I'll have to check - yes, I think going to it is the right thing to do so hopefully I'll still be able to. I agree that I do need to strengthen myself in God's word. I came across some helpful online videos about studying the bible, which have encouraged me not only to aim at studying much more carefully, highlighting verses and looking into word meanings - but also to just read every day, no matter how I am feeling - because whilst I am reading I am familiarising myself with God's word better and then God willing, things can come back to my remembrance better. I realise that may seem obvious to most, but I'm typing this out to tell myself again before I go to sleep! I had got into a negative habit of just opening the bible randomly quite a lot to read, so I still have not read it all the way through. Thanks again and may the Lord bless and encourage you too, Sapphire15
    1 point
  32. Hi, Though I had no interest in the subject I had dna done by two of the chase your own ancestry companies because, I am the male survivor of an age group and the females wanted my ancestry to confirm some trait. So I did it. Then I started doing the research of my lineage and got interested for awhile. It is time consuming! By way of US census records and English records I am able to trace back to the early 1600's. Seems to be that I am English and French. And American by way of early family that made it to Nova Scotia, English Canada, and then into the USA, via the timber industry enterprise, ship building, and the shoe industry flourishing at Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. Had Canadian ancestors hire on to raid the English army posts and had seamen do battle during the American revolution. All interesting for a bit, but really became a so what issue for me. Mostly I learned many of the "secrets" of who bedded whom that should not have and what became of the relationship. We even found we had a living cousin we never knew, and two of us found out of a half brother that was not known about until last year when they met after doing ancestry research, They never knew they were related a though he was a school classmate and friend of two in the family, and they have all lived in the same town all their lives. We learned much of this while having a grand time at a reunion celebration while celebrating my mother's lifetime here on the planet. Oh, I did also learn some medical traits and propensities from the DNA, but again at age 75 it is a so what issue for me. I guess it was fun, but nothing I will continue to pay for to companies in order to continue on researching. After all I can not go backward, and I can't really know of tomorrow either. So I take today for what it presents and give thanks to God for it all. Actually as I type I realize I do have to add that it has been helpful to me in my reading of the Bible and seeing the affect of the genealogy. Perhaps I am more attuned to following and picking up on what those genealogies reveal in the Bible, now that I have done some research about myself.
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  33. To me, a minor offense would be like if a guy I know started insulting me, but then apologized and explained that he was having a rough day or what have you. Petty stuff. The situation you've presented... I have to be honest, I'd probably do the foolish thing of bucking up to him. "Aw, here's my address because your business is with me, little baby boy can't fight his own battles, aw". Not to advocate for this, mind; I'm foolish, dumb, and likely cruising for a bruising. I'd take your evidence to the police and see if charges couldn't be applied. Take along the other person who had people show up, too, both as a witness and to possibly provide for further charges. Even then, a home security system and some means of self-defense would be a good idea. Little baby boy could probably call people to the house from jail, being petty and cowardly as I assume he is. I wouldn't back down from continuing to do what got his diaper in a bundle to begin with, either; you can't be a doormat, especially with weaklings like that.
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  34. I didnt take a dna test. I would like my dad to, since there is a strong likelihood his mother/my grandmother was sephardic jewish. What I know came from family records. My norwegian roots are fresh. Ive seen the ancestral farm and met all the relatives there, the cousins aunts and uncles.
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  35. I Believe this by faith, evidence is secondary, Just like you choose to believe evolution, and evidence is secondary. If you would like I could list all the reasons why I believe the accuracy and inerrancy of the Word of God, from which my faith in YEC comes from, or I can spout off the points made by YE creationists here but that would take time, Or the evidence of a creator/designer of the intelligent design camp.... There are lists of evidences in these sources as well, but my point is a philosophical one. All of these evidences strengthen and do not weaken my belief in YEC. This could become a long drawn out discourse then that no one cares to read then though.
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  36. Its knowing what's wrong and doing it over and over and over again and not caring to do what's right.
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  37. Entrophy leads to decay and not 'new things'.
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  38. Psalms 124:1-8 A Song of Ascents. Of David. If it had not been the LORD who was on our side— let Israel now say— if it had not been the LORD who was on our side when people rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us; then the flood would have swept us away, the torrent would have gone over us; then over us would have gone the raging waters. Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us as prey to their teeth! We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped! Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth. Studying some remarkable events in the history of World War 2, we find the deliverance of the allied armies at Dunkirk; a true story of Divine providence in modern history. It was on May 10, 1940, that Hitler unleashed his armies against France and Belgium. Within days, the British army found itself outmaneuvered and unprepared for the German blitzkrieg assault led by General Rommel and his 7th Panzer division. The German high command began boasting of the demise of the allied armies, particularly the 300,000 soldiers of the British army sent by then Prime Minister Winston Churchill to protect France and the low countries of Europe. As the prospect of victory waned Churchill was prepared to announce an unprecedented military defeat of a third of a million soldiers. But then a miraculous turn took place initiated by King George VI, who ordered the observance of a National Day of Prayer. The British Monarch, along with members of the cabinet, attended Westminster Abbey to pray, while millions of Britons all across the Kingdom in unprecedented unity, attended churches to join the King in prayer. Newspapers throughout the UK reported, "Nothing like it has ever happened before." Then the miracles began: First, Hitler ordered his troops to halt their advance for no apparent reason, which angered his generals and continues to baffle historians to this day. Secondly, a massive storm broke out in Flanders which grounded the German Luftwaffe squadrons, allowing the allied armies to travel to the beaches at Dunkirk unhindered by the German air force. A third miracle involving the weather was that simultaneous with the storm which grounded the Luftwaffe, the English Channel was as still as a millpond...an unprecedented calm which allowed ships of every size to evacuate over 338,000 troops including 140,000 French, Belgian, Dutch and Polish soldiers from the beaches at Dunkirk. Winston Churchill addressed the British nation and described the evacuation of Dunkirk as a “miracle of deliverance.” The following Sunday, the nation in celebration of God’s answer to prayer, sang Psalm 124 throughout churches in the United Kingdom. Be encouraged knowing that our God responds to prayer and is ready to act upon it at a moment's notice. The armies of darkness may surround us, in fact, they are sure to sooner or later; but we also know the Lord is standing ready to defend His own. "Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made Heaven and Earth" [Psalm 124:8] The post Modern day miracles still happen! appeared first on Worthy Christian Devotional - Daily Devotions. Read the entire devotional.
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  39. I don't think it really matters. Jesus said to forgive all of all sorts of offenses. He is not telling us to be a doormat. We do it standing up on the inside and speaking with the authority of the Holy Spirit. We employ the authorities when it helps, like suing for threats. So keep all communications. Mat 5:43 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' Mat 5:44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Mat 5:45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Mat 5:46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? Mat 5:47 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Mat 5:48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Col 3:12 ESV Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, Col 3:13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
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  40. Thx Renee for your comment, and your honesty. I think that what I was suggesting was that my idea and your idea of a minor offense could differ---even greatly. In my example, some might have taken a whole, other approach to how my Pastor responded. When I compare what others have done to me and what had been done to Jesus, there is really no comparison; almost everything then, for me, ought to be a "minor" offense. Jesus was offended plenty---even by Christians. More than that, God will determine justice for others---just as he did with the Senior Pastor of that church I mentioned. We are all learning; we all fall, we are flawed. But we keep looking to Jesus to help us, and we try to do what he did whenever it is possible. I am glad you have retained your faith, and I am glad to call you my sister.
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  41. My Bible (Revised Standard Version) says: Good sense makes a man slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense. Prov 19:11 I will say that if you constantly complain about minor offenses, no one will listen to you when you have something important to complain about.
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  42. What do you consider a minor offense? I met a very loving associate pastor when I was first saved. The Lord, through him, saved eight that year. The Senior Pastor seemed to be very jealous of this and caused him to be removed from his position on trumped-up charges. We got to know each other, so he shared with me that he could go to the district and reclaim his job, but did not want to hurt the Senior Pastor. He asked me---a brand new Christian---what I thought he should do. He loved being a pastor. All I knew was to suggest, "I guess it depends upon how much faith you have." An innocent suggestion, but he accepted it. He did not find a job for three years, though he searched. I gave him all the money I saved. His wife worked as a nurse, and so sustained them. He prayed, and was still was very loving to all he had met. He was hurt. He decided to visit his old hometown in Michigan, about 1500 miles away, on a vacation he and his wife took. He arrived on a Saturday. When his friends heard of his arrival, an elder of the church he grew up with asked if he might preach that Sunday. "Why," he asked? "Well our pastor of 30 years ran off with the 18 year-old secretary." God knew his heart, and preserved him for the leadership of that church. He is still there---saved 25 people that year, and added two new buildings to the church. They love him still. He chose to overlook a "minor offense." Like Job, God gave him more than what he imagined for enduring, persisting, and by faith, accepting what the Lord had given him until the fruition of God's plan was fulfilled. btw...the church left to the Senior Pastor is now defunct.
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  43. Hillsong Says to Celebrate Halloween. Here Are Ten Godly Reasons Not To BY THEODORE ZACHARIADES · PUBLISHED OCTOBER 23, 2019 · UPDATED OCTOBER 24, 2019 In a recent message, Nathan Finochio, pastor at Hillsong “church” gave ten reasons why you should celebrate Halloween. His piece shows a deep lack of discernment. In response, one ought to note significant godly reasons for not celebrating this so-called holiday. First, let us see Finochio’s list: 1. Don’t instill fear of the world. 2. Don’t teach them that the world has more fun. 3. Don’t teach them superstition. 4. Don’t teach them isolationism. 5. Don’t teach them a lack of faith. 6. Teach them common grace – candy is from God and that to the pure all things are pure. 7. Teach them the redemptive motif – that we reinterpret culture and give it a new meaning. 8. Teach them that the demonic works by willful agreement, bot [sic] accidental consumption. 9. Teach them in but not of, not out and not of. 10. Critique loudly what you see as you walk. Make them brave and discerning, not scared and superstitious. So, here are the refutations of this so-called “Christian counsel.” First, avoiding Halloween has nothing to do with fearing the world. Rather it has everything to do with fearing the Lord. “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil . . .” and ” The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever” (Prov. 8:13; Psalm 111:10). Among God’s commands, one finds the following: When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God. For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do. Deut. 18:9-14 Furthermore, Paul spoke of darkness not mixing with light, nor Christ with Belial. See his admonition here: Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 2 Cor. 6:14-18 Second, avoiding Halloween has nothing to do with comparing the world with the “church” on a fun-meter. Many churches have their annual “Trunk and Treat” and have the children do the same as the world. Bringing this nonsense into the church and pretending that we have just as much fun as the world we are trading activities upon the wrong foundation. That is why “churches” galore have activities and programs, festivities and carnivals, to secure the attendance of families with children. One forgets that what you win these families with, is what you win them to. So, one has to outdo the world at every turn. The truth of the matter is that the “fun” of the world is short-lived and will one day be brought before the judgment-throne. Our goal is not to have as much, or more, fun than the world. But, instead, to . . . hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. Eccles. 12:13-14. Third, avoiding Halloween has nothing to do with superstition. Demons are no laughing matter. “But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.” The Apostle continues, “Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?” (2 Cor. 10:20-21). Fourth, avoiding Halloween is not about isolation but about protection. Isolation is a loaded term and connotes that we are individually an island unto ourselves. But, the Lord ordered our separation or sanctification in His Word. To be separate is about holiness. “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you” (2 Cor. 6:17). And, “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Pet. 1:15-16). And, yet again, “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Cor. 7:1). Fifth, avoiding Halloween has nothing to do with a lack of faith. It has everything to do with faith working through love. Love for God, love for our children, and love for our fellow man. Believing God for all that He reveals in His word is the foundation for all. When Peter lists the virtues of the Christian, life look at how they are built on faith: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Pet. 1:4-8 (emphasis added) It is a gift from God when we exercise faith. Paul says it clearly, “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake (Phil. 1:29). Notice that to have faith is part of what is granted to the saints, and that is attached to suffering for Christ. Our children need to learn that avoiding Halloween will bring scorn from the unbelieving world. Whoever desires to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution (see 2 Tim. 3:12) It is in faithfulness to Christ, and not to unbelief that we are committed to avoiding the wickedness of the world. Indeed, our faith will have ramifications. Paul plainly states: But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Tim. 3:10-17 Sixth, avoiding Halloween has nothing to do with whether candy comes from God or not. By Finochio’s reasoning, “candy is from God and that to the pure all things are pure” would lead, no doubt, to where he would not wish to follow. Because one can claim to be “pure” and imbibe in and relate to many things that the Lord would look upon with disdain. Saying that candy is of ‘common grace’ [however interpreted] and that we can partake, is to miss the point. We do not avoid Halloween because candy is bad (though dentists may have something to say about that), but because the whole endeavor is ungodly, characterized by wickedness in costumes, and in some cases behavior. A tribute to demons does not sit well with our Christian profession that Christ has overcome the wicked powers. When we imitate the world we start towards a path that denies in practice what we claim to believe. Today, Halloween; tomorrow, Wiccan festivals! Seventh, avoiding Halloween has nothing to do with denying Christ’s redemption. Finochio says, we ought to teach our children the “redemptive motif – that we reinterpret culture and give it a new meaning (emphasis added).” This is a sleight of hand trick applied to theological discourse. Notice the two different words that are italicized: “redemptive” and “reinterpret.” In this assertion, Finochio would have us believe that the second is an exposition or an outworking of the first. That is, that redemption (the motif) is effectuated by our reinterpretation of culture. This is nonsense, pure and simple. First, Christ’s redemption of the Cosmos will occur when a New Heaven and New Earth appears. In robbing redemption of its actual meaning, and foisting a foreign notion onto the word, one is urged to do what has been long done by professing Christians in their accommodation and compromise with the world. When Pope Gregory ordered St. Augustine to evangelize the Angles in Kent in the 6ixth century, he told him to smash the idols but to retai the shrines and call them now by “Christian” saint names. And so, Christianization was merely the switching of monikers rather than the switching allegiance from idols to the living God. This “reinterpretation of culture” is much what has been witnessed many times over. It is an attempt to trick the world into becoming “Christian,” but in reality, it is more like the Ark letting in the water. Eventually, it is the culture that will dominate and the Church will find that Christianity itself has been redefined and, moreover, left behind. Eighth, avoiding Halloween has nothing to do with thinking that the demonic works by magic [excuse the pun] but by willing adherents. This should jump out and land on the ironic papers. Is this not what Finochio is doing is to get parents to willingly participate in the Halloween activities? Of course, it is. If anything, he is soliciting parents to change their minds about Halloween and to go full-fledged in a willing faith to celebrate with the lost masses. By taking your children to these satanic festivities, no matter where they are housed or sponsored is to toy with giving them up to Moloch. Heed the warnings of Scripture. Speaking of Manasseh, we read: . . . But did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, like unto the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel. For he built again the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down, and he reared up altars for Baalim, and made groves, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them. Also he built altars in the house of the LORD, whereof the LORD had said, In Jerusalem shall my name be for ever. And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD. And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger. 2 Chron. 33:2-6 Also, Moses warned God’s people: And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Again, thou shalt say to the children of Israel, Whosoever he be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn in Israel, that giveth any of his seed unto Molech; he shall surely be put to death: the people of the land shall stone him with stones. And I will set my face against that man, and will cut him off from among his people; because he hath given of his seed unto Molech, to defile my sanctuary, and to profane my holy name. And if the people of the land do any ways hide their eyes from the man, when he giveth of his seed unto Molech, and kill him not: Then I will set my face against that man, and against his family, and will cut him off, and all that go a whoring after him, to commit whoredom with Molech, from among their people. And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people. Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God. And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the LORD which sanctify you. Lev. 20:1-8 Ninth, avoiding Halloween has nothing to do with blurring the lines between in the world but not of it. In his poorly worded ninth principle, Finochio says, “Teach them in but not of, not out and not of.” Assuming I have understood him correctly, this again is a red herring. Not only does his statement confuse the issue, but it is also unhelpful for any positive action. Does he really imply that teaching our children that we are in the world but not of it, is to be done by taking them to activities in which those of the world relish and participate without blushing? I can understand the principle, that originated with Jesus, if we apply it to supermarket shopping or dry cleaning, but in celebration of the clearly demonic we will do great harm to our children in suggesting that we participate but it will not harm us, because unlike the others, we are not “of” the world. Remember what Haggai said: In the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Ask now the priests concerning the law, saying, If one bear holy flesh in the skirt of his garment, and with his skirt do touch bread, or pottage, or wine, or oil, or any meat, shall it be holy? And the priests answered and said, No. Then said Haggai, If one that is unclean by a dead body touch any of these, shall it be unclean? And the priests answered and said, It shall be unclean. Then answered Haggai, and said, So is this people, and so is this nation before me, saith the LORD; and so is every work of their hands; and that which they offer there is unclean. Haggai 2:10-14 And, tenth, avoiding Halloween has nothing to do with making children scared or superstitious. Finochio says, “Critique loudly what you see as you walk. Make them brave and discerning, not scared and superstitious.” So, ignoring the obvious and intended allusions to the demonic in Halloween, how is it that we as parents will actually register our critique if we take our children to it? Again, this seems so ironic as the principle is not upheld by the entire program set forth by the Hillsong pastor. He wants us to participate in Halloween, but at the same time critique what we see. How will our children be discerning if we play both sides by critiquing and participating in the said celebration? Probably, and, one may guess here, Halloween is to be indulged, but other [questionable practices] are to be disdained and forsaken. But will this not make our children afraid of the other thing, whatever it is? This alleged tenth commandment from Finochio is certain to be violated, upon clear dereliction of duty, as parents keep their children from the wiles of the devil. Maybe the problem is in the advice! ://pulpitandpen.org/2019/10/23/hillsong-says-to-celebrate-halloween-here-are-ten-godly-reasons-not-to/
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  44. Prove the bolded part. I showed an article in which a human resource person said even if a man is innocent its better to fire them than have to deal with the legal aspects of the accusation, that is better to fire an innocent man than have to go through legal hoops of investigation of the claim and then the lawsuit that follows. Looking a kavaugh alone, the accusations caused harm to his family, innocent women in his family. False claims, and there are some, too many, hurt people and should not be acceptable. There was a politician who once said all child molesters should immediately be put to death upon accusation, even if innocent men are killed you can get all of the guilty ones. Thats what this sounds like.
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  45. Shalom @Melinda12 The only incident I know of where a ghost appears in the Bible (in the traditional definition) is the incident with the witch at Endor. King Saul speaks to a medium who actually raises the prophet Samuel through some dark arts. However, it seemed the witch had to be present and that the moment was fleeting. Of all the reported incidents of ghosts across the world, probably only 10% are true, which would be demonic activity. The remaining 90% is probably a mix of misunderstandings, psychological phenomena and hoaxes. But with regards to your friend's son, if there is an evil presence in his room, prayer can help but it may not be enough. There may be a demonic platform or authority for the demon to take authority on. This can be in the form of a statue, an image, a badge, item of passed on jewellery etc. Deut 7:26. Is he into any strange practices or habits? If he is into rock and metal, SOME bands use the evil symbol of the goatgod (whose name I won't mention) and the inverted pentagram in their logos and art. Such symbols and images are really bad news anf have their history go back to Ba'al. But if you are unsure, perhaps ask your friend to pray for spiritual discernment into identifying the stronghold object/image. If nothing can be found or discerned, continue in prayer for the son and ask that whatever the cause is for his issue is brought to the surface in a way that will be clearly identified by you or the mother. May Yahweh fill you with wisdom and boldness on this matter for the sake of this poor boy. Love & Shalom
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  46. The honest answer is, we do not know. We have to trust that the God of Justice, Mercy and Grace will act justly.
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  47. @turtletwo Great poem and good reminder to us all about 31st October. Ever since a kid I’ve hated halloween. It’s horrible. When I was growing up, our church used to have a “light party” to be the opposite that was going on in the world that night. It was always a thing that I hoped would disappear from the calendar. So ai stand in prayer against this thing, and may the glory of Jesus shine even brighter on the 31st October. Thanks for sharing your poem. God bless, Becky.
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  48. In the ancient world, they didn't have today's technology. DNA evidence, fingerprints, forensics, video surveillance, wire tapping, and a host of scientific advances such as handwriting analysis, etc., are employed as witnesses for or against someone. The more evidence, the better. When it comes to he said/she said crimes, a lawyer almost doesn't have a case without some form of eyewitness testimony or other evidence to back something up. In our modern world, we can see how the Law of Moses has inspired due process. With eyewitness testimony being the least reliable, "or three" witnesses are wise. Lawyers feel the same way today in most western courts. Scientists testify on behalf of the evidence. The evidence can be witness to a crime.
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  49. Well, we can only hope and pray that somewhere, somehow your uncle heard the message of salvation through Christ. We never know what work God is doing in someone's heart, to draw them to Himself. People can even be saved in their final minute of life. People can also be saved in miraculous ways with only hearing just brief things. I heard Spurgeon, the famous preacher, was saved by hearing just a substitute layman say over and over "look to Jesus and be saved."
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