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I'm giing to be blunt. Sitting on the fence is just fine with Satan: he owns the fence. You are either in Christ or you're not. Having said that, understand that if you are in Christ, the moment you were born again in Christ you were justified, you were adopted into the family of God, and you were and are being sanctified. Sanctification is another way of saying that you are set apart from the wotld, that God has begun a work in you, and He has promised to complete the work He began in you. Sanctification is a process, a lifelong process that begins when you first believed and were born again in Christ, and sanctification is fully realized when we are glorified with Christ. If you are in Christ, God's Sanctification of you is His plan for you; trust God's plan, because God's plan is greater than all the plans that you and all the planners in the world could ever come up with; God's plan is greater. Peace

This is always difficult to quantify with words, but it's worth trying. When we surrender to Jesus Christ this is when He dwells with us, and we dwell with Him. From the darkest of times to days of sunlight and glory, He is always with us, and we are always with Him. That is what it means to walk in the Spirit, @Figure of eighty. It is a relationship between us and the Almighty. What does this mean? I can walk anywhere on this earth... through places of desperation and unspeakable suffering where murders and kidnapping are common... and I am neither dismayed nor afraid for Christ is with me always. Don't you know that those who dwell in such places are the same whom Christ came for? He did not come for the strong or the wise, my friend. He came for the lowly and oppressed. He came for you and me. On the other side of misery and agony, you will find the lover of your soul and the Holy One who will take you in His hand. When I emptied myself out at last, the Lord filled me to overflowing, demonstrating that what I lost was nothing compared to what He had to give and will give to me. I learned to listen to His voice and ignore the frantic fears of the natural mind and this flesh. Whatever the Lord declares, it is trustworthy and true. Surrender to the Lord and you will find yourself on the other side of misery. Even though we suffer, it's only for a little while.

That’s what I got too. Thanks for your thoughts. Back to the OP. I realize I took this off the rails some. Originally I disassociated the relationship of wealth to a person’s eternal destiny, and technically it isn’t the wealth in and of itself. It seems to simply be the environment which helped to exacerbate a pre exiting problem. I imagined if Lazarus had been wealthy, if that would have changed him? And Jesus could have easily chosen wealth but decided to move around with no permanent place to lay His head as anything else would have been a detriment to His mission. Later on in that Acts setting, believers sold their belongings and shared with other believers. Nowadays we give to churches and charities mostly although lots of self sacrifice can still be found. The backdrop for that story remains. A man living in luxury who apparently never helped another man right by his gate who was so poor he was a beggar. Possibly he was unable to work due to health issues. I believe we are either given wealth or we worked to achieve it, and since everything comes from God, so does the ability to gain or inherit wealth. Christians show God’s love in various ways, and if one has extra they could be sharing I think Gid expects us to do do as we are led by the Spirit. The lost person has no such inclinations most of the time revealing what they are. Some give for visibility and trickle back benefits. The world wants us to think wealth is the pinnacle of happiness when really in many cases it only shows a bunch of empty pursuits. The rich man made a terrible trade. His life in luxury ignoring God in exchange for what eventually happens when a person ignores God.

Wow, you are right....they are both in the nest. I scrolled back and found them. I guess Gizmo figured out the way back. Amazing instincts. https://www.youtube.com/live/B4-L2nfGcuE?si=1njzyi0VbI81mnJR

That’s a powerful post—straight to the heart of the matter. I especially love the line, “Sitting on the fence is just fine with Satan: he owns the fence.” That hits hard and cuts through all the lukewarm fluff we so often hear. You're right—there’s no neutral ground in the spiritual battle. Your explanation of sanctification was spot on too. It’s both encouraging and humbling to remember that God isn’t finished with us yet. He began the work, and He will complete it—no matter how messy or slow the process may feel at times. Thank you for the boldness and clarity. Keep speaking truth.

Typical teenagers they BOTH came back for food @Debp

Isa 32:17-18 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. (18) And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places; Some Christians in the Lord's body experience seasons of solitude, especially with the passing of loved ones, but for some solitude has been a life-long, unchanging paradigm for them to come to terms with, as if it is a special gift from which ministry can proceed. 1Co 12:18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. Solitude is often paired with loneliness, but aloneness is also often held to be distinct from loneliness. I enjoy my own company, and manage quite well on my own for a few days when my dear wife is away, but I have to empathise with those who actually live alone, and don't embrace solitude as a gift.

I'm similarly fond of solitude and can quite easily spend weeks or even months without human contact. I try not to slip into that, though. I feel a similar relationship with what some would call depression. But it's often been a source for compassion and insight, and much like Paul's thorn I think it's served a purpose. I wouldn't change it.

by Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Staff (Worthy News) – A North Carolina church is rallying to protect nearly two dozen Afghan Christian refugees from deportation after the Trump administration announced the end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan, effective July 14. Julie Tisdale, a seminary student and advocate from Church of the Apostles in Raleigh, has criticized the administration’s decision, saying it endangers believers who face severe persecution — and likely death — if returned to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. “These people are not economic migrants,” Tisdale said in an interview with The Christian Post. “They’re Christians. And for that alone, they are hunted by the Taliban.” Tisdale has been lobbying members of Congress to intervene, but so far, no one in Washington has emerged as a strong advocate. “We’ve had sympathetic ears, but no champion,” she said. “These believers have already faced torture for converting. If sent back, they will not survive.” The Department of Homeland Security, under Secretary Kristi Noem, said in a May 14 statement that Afghanistan’s improving security situation no longer meets the criteria for TPS. Noem added that DHS records show some TPS recipients are under investigation for fraud or pose national security concerns. But Tisdale strongly disputes that narrative. Citing Open Doors’ World Watch List, which ranks Afghanistan as the 10th worst country for Christian persecution, she says any return would be a death sentence. “Conversion is punishable by death. These men and women have already been imprisoned and tortured. The Taliban won’t stop at deportation; they will kill them.” The affected church members are in various stages of the immigration process — some waiting on green cards, others appealing asylum denials, or applying for legal permanent residency. The church has stepped in to provide financial and logistical support, even covering legal fees and daily transportation for refugee families. Evangelist Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse, has also raised the issue with lawmakers. “I know this is being discussed at the highest levels,” he said, adding that Senator Lindsey Graham and others have communicated directly with President Trump. “I’ve been told the deadline has been extended so that cases can be reviewed. We’re hopeful.” Despite assurances, Tisdale remains concerned. “We’re doing all we can,” she said. “But time is running out — and their lives are on the line.” The post North Carolina Church Fights Deportation of Afghan Christians as DHS Ends Protection Status appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

I agree, was just talking to my husband about this. I work for a company that is using AI and I am basically training it to do my job, I'm pretty sure. I have seen how far this system has come in the span of just a few months. I believe that's the agenda for the future....AI, Neuralink, transhumanism--AI being the source of all knowledge. This would replace humans with tech in most fields, including the medical field. Our currency would switch to digital currency and be linked up on some sort app, with access from a "chip" (Neuralink?) connected to some sort of a main system. This chip would also link us with AI knowledge in an instant. Any maybe other types of information? Most likely nefarious. For those who receive the chip/implant: Would they lose the ability to think for themselves? Or to hear from the Holy Spirit? Would they even still think about God? The only way to access our money, buy or sell goods, pay bills, do banking, anything would be through this app, connected to the chip. Could regulate our travel too or decide if we can't travel. Could be like a social credit system, like China has and Elon is a fan of...Highly controlled and regulated by a global government, whoever that will be, and tracking our every move. I think it would be the mark. "you will own nothing and be happy" Anyway, don't know if this is how any of it will happen, but the tech is there. I don't trust Elon Musk, he's brilliant but almost too brilliant if that makes sense. Almost like another spiritual force is backing him up? I hope this isn't too conspiracy theory and out there. It sure seems like right out of a movie though or something. But seems like the stage is being set,,, God bless

I might add to the conversation that I don't think we should be going around looking for a fight with spirits. When they cross our path, then take both defensive stands and offensive actions to help another person who is having trouble. But going around looking for some demonic backside to kick is not a good idea.

You're welcome. Glad you have enjoyed the eagles so much. I have to give credit to our local news stations who introduced the eagle nest to me!

Howdee pal I delivered a message at church today about the different stages of faith using Peters escape from prison in Acts as a "template". I said there were 3 points: stages, decisions and perseverance. The order is not set in stone The fact that you are asking the question says to me that God has initiated a breakthrough (stages). You are wondering what to do relating to your family (decisions) and must (persevere) if you truly believe. I have lost most of my friends since I sort of give up drinking. Its hard as my family are Christians on paper but don't believe. I took ages to come to faith and yet I still f up all the time Do you pray? Or is that awkward in the environment? Despite what some would say there is no "proper" way to pray. Disjointed, broken prayer is better than none. The only thing I am fickle about is that the prayer must end "In Jesus Christs name" but other than that is all good! Within reason of course This passage may help In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us…” – Romans 8:26

"Solitude, often misunderstood as simply being alone, is a state of being alone without loneliness or isolation. It's a positive and desirable experience that allows for introspection, creativity, and personal growth. Being alone is not necessarily synonymous with loneliness, which is a sense of isolation even when surrounded by others." Being an old fart, I enjoy time alone. The outside world has become too noisy for me, too crowded to feel at peace. I do enjoy our meeting together with our church body, families and old friends as we just returned home from. Every day I often end up in my shop eventually by myself. Quiet with special easy listening instrumentals playing. A favorite may come on and trigger memories. Good stuff most often. This causes a great thankfulness, gratitude and eventually giving praise to God. God is with me and ain't going to leave. I talk, he listens, and with the word hid within, me replies. I know I am blessed beyond measure and try to get that emotion understood by our 'Father.' Why does He give me so much favor, a sinner like me? God is merciful. God is good, and so be it. Thanks Michael

I join you in that. As for myself, the Lord is with me always so I'm never alone. It isn't a burden by any means. He has given me a memorial so that I can remember how He came to me when all hope was lost, and I wrongly believed that He despised me having been silent for so many years. I think of that day and I tremble at the memory of how close I came to the end of this flesh; not the prospect of the end of flesh and blood but rather, the end of my time on earth without the Lord. He came to me and lifted me up, healing body and mind and restoring me. What is the memorial of that day? My right hand. It was broken when I fell and so one of the knuckles on that hand is absent. This is so I can remember and say, "The Lord delivered me with a mighty hand, for my own was broken!" I could say that I lost everything except for the life in this body that is perishing, and it would be true only in this sense: I have no family (they rejected me). I have no wife and no children. I lost all of my possessions many times over, I lost whatever money I had, and I had no place to rest my head. I don't own any property... But the Lord has given me everything. He has given me Himself and the promise that when He gathers me to Himself, I will never depart. I will dwell in His presence forever. Truly, my joy knows no bounds!

I have known some brothers and sisters in the Lord who have lost spouses to death or divorce. Its tough for them. Regarding solitude, I think its beneficial when its time alone with God. Special times of fellowship. But If its just me . . . then I never can get away from me . . . I tell the same old stale jokes that are really not funny . . . have the same old complaints, and really don't like me to the point that I would choose myself as a friend. Just saying . . . .

Our mayor of Los Angeles doesn't allow the police or sheriffs to do anything to help with immigration enforcement. However our head Sheriff says they will help with maintaining safety. Since mayor Bass won't work with immigration enforcement, I think that's why ICE and other Federal agents arrived unannounced.

Their is a reason people we don't see things going our way ? Their is a reason is that we don't see Trump fixing our promblem becuase he can't do it all ? it's that God wants you to change and have a true conversion of faith in your life. that you have the personal realtionship he wants and put things in his hands. God wants you to trust him and love thy neighbor. He wants you to believe and do his will. If you think you can go ahead in life and their is no consequence of anything you do. Your mistaking. You see people buying the store and they buy their ice cream and treats and after everything you passed thru go judge others, bring fasle testimony on another christian, and spy on people God is not gonna let you reach that relationship until you change ! Change, change, change ! The world is wrong but your not part of the world, your part of Jesus Christ ! The world can lie to God and it won't last and if you get saved hold on to everything on that salvation. Becuase God is gonna test ya and you have to get back up. If you see why god is holding on the world and doesn't let China, Russia and USA end this world it's because he still has a plan people. And he doesn't give the rewards and I assure when donald Trump jr. Comes in office the economy will come up is that he is testing you. People ( and also christians ) stop going back to your old habits, stop stealing, stop spying, stop false testimony on thy neighbor, crhsitians I see a lot of you have been saved and instead you back to judge others and tell he doesn't do what I want, he doesn't be like I want 100%, and I don't know him but he doesn't obey then he must be against God. USA stop killing african americans, stop throwing people in the streets they need help -_-, and give food and jobs to those people they need it. China stop oppressing your people let them know the gospel, stop starting war in Taiwan, and stop trying to flip the dollar from the world currency. Russia stop attacking yoru own state becuase ukraine is still russia, stop splitting the european union, and stop Russians God does not agree and he won't agree ! God is not fooled, get baptized and hold unto your bibles, remember God has a promise and he will complete becuase he does not fail. And we humans fail but God has mercy on us and forgives us of our nature. The world will end and be on God's side. just remember it ain't over, it's not over. God has mercy and he forgives because he is not like us. perhaps you will be confused of the last part. But you don't fool God you read this you know exactly what your doing wrong and you can still fix it. i pray for you to fix your promblem. I pray for you to go save your family and do things for your friends. I pray you do things with God and helps you find that asnwer. God bless.

The Bereans heard Paul's message and they said let's see what the scriptures say because Paul was reasoning with them from scripture. In this example bellow from Hebrews 1:2 we have statements in verse one. But the specifics are not given. BWhen Hebrews said something about the last days, he was referring to those days that had already pass. During the times Jesus sojourned in Israel. He said: God has spoken to us through his Son. Referring to something that has happened. We do not know if the specifics the Hebrews had considered were from Genesis or from other sources as rabbinical teachings. The discussion should be centered around the specifics and establish that they are found in reference to Genesis. But we are not given the specifics. Study the Berean way it cannot be done without the specifics and to establish that they are from scripture in Genesis or they are outsource and identified their origin. Like when Philip and the Enuch discussed Esaiah 53 they had the specific words in Esaiah 53. In verse two he is speaking to believers in Jesus Christ and yet without s scripture reference. For the study of the scripture itself. With Paul it was a very different situation. As he spoke to unbelieving Jews and reason with them the specific scriptures for days. We don't have the specific scripture references but we have the information that he did that with them. Later he said quite a few things to consider and made more statements but did he give the specific scripture reference for the Berean study? Did he give specific references of scripture to support his conclusions? Reading scripture can we say "here is the scripture that Justify what he said". In our days many speak giving scripture reference but they do not let us know of the study of the scripture it self. They claim it supports their statements but they do not show the specifics of their study to prove it. And very often the study of the specific scripture it says something else. Speaks of something else. The Bereans were testing but they were testing Paul's sayings. But did they allowed them selves to be tested in the same way? Today they say "the Bible says" but they did not got to know the specific context and test the context. They make statements about the context. And they do not test their statements in reference to the context. It's about the context of the statements Jesus made that "the moon will turn into blood and the stars will stop giving their light and fall to the earth ". Mathew 24:29 29 “Immediately after the distress of those days “‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’[a] Acts 2:20 The sun will be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and glorious day of the Lord coming. It's about the Glorious Day, the Magnificent Day of Jesus Christ. We need to ask our selves: Did Jesus had his Glorious and Magnificent day? And when was that? Hebrews 1:1-2 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.

True that, I think we are looking in the direction of consummation right? At least I am. I realize that by human time we think 2000 years is a long time, and yet by all indications it looks like we are in the jowels of the winding down. Looking back is a long time. Looking forward looks to me like the beginning of the home stretch. Some may take that to mean next week, some may think it means in a few years. By 'it' I mean when we get into the heat of the progression of things. When there is no doubt which chess piece was moved. Sometimes anticipation adds psychologically to our concepts of time, as when we want anything to happen ASAP. And it WILL happen, but maybe not as fast as a caffinated amped up impatient person wants it to:) I keep going back to the ten virgins with those who were unprepared. What does that mean in our current ways of thinking? Sort of like the fire department, always ready to put out a fire so that when it happens they are ready, not like California who turned off the water. There are many ways to be ready. A checklist.One main way to be ready is to have the right spirit about all of it, following Christ no matter what, seeking the Lord every day. In close contact. Nothing wrong with looking back to when it all began, but we are in a moving time that has changed and is changing rapidly. And it's easy to try and strategize too far out thinking we have more than we do, but at the same time when God gives us something we know and it generally isn't mystical knowledge, it's studied knowledge, meaning that pretty much anyone can know, so it isn't as if I'm talking about deep things we can't all know. It's more like the admission that some christians don't study and expect others to figure it all out, and I get that people often want to help, so knowing doesn't come from an elitist atitude. New believers won't be there and might need and want help. So what am I saying? Really that I myself try and tread lightly around all of it. Not bashful or backward, but more a decision of who or how to relate these things to different people. I was in a medical office today and there was talk among us waiting that AI is taking over and I made the comment that pretty soon they will have robots drawing our blood. It was agreed the trades are the future so far as job stability. Sign of the times we are in. Remember when plumbers where looked down on? So I think the average person out there sees something changing that's beginning to affect them or family members in bigs ways, Even unbelievers, and hopefully this will be a draw to cause many of them to look a little deeper and hopefully talk to others who haven't gone off the deep end on prophecy and are willing to take the time to explain it. We can't deny whats happening, we can only disagree on why or the prophetic implications.

I don't believe Elon musk is a gift from God. There is a plan for a one world government that is slowly implemented from slowly implemented from 2021 till 2050 and Elon is part of that plan. Nueralink can be used for good purposes however technology is a tool that can be used for good and evil. Part of this agenda is the transhumanism agenda which big tech is largely involved in. First it's computers then smart phones then smart tech then smart implants and at some point we sill become something no longer fully human. I think that God can make the best of any situation and use anyone for good purposes however if I had to guess I would say Elon serves the devil not the lord.

Hi irish, God has given man the ability to make these things, however how they are used is the point. And as man has continually sort power and control over others we can see where it will lead. God`s judgment is righteous.