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Wasn't there one on a Mount somewhere?

I been listening to podcasts by the Orthodox Church various ones. I don’t hold to there position on Mary and icons. But I am finding a lot of there teaching is spiritual nourishment. Nothing heretical I have found. They teach repentance on a daily basis. They say if you sin get up and confess it right away. I believe that too. I rather listen to the Orthodox Church then the word of faith teachers. Like Copeland and others.

I so often find it amazing how after hearing a sermon at church, and receiving one of my devotionals in my emails, they both address the same topic I had been concerned with. Like gears from different sources that mesh together to bring about a common understanding of the word. For myself the devotionals I receive expound the word of God, Neighbor. In layman terms, like you said to 'inspire, reveal, encourage, point out something, edify etc. And to verify to me how we all experience similar ups and downs, and learn how God has provided his word to show us how we can apply his wisdom to our situation we're in. The two I receive are both from old friends I have known for years, working class guys just like us, who are led to reveal their thoughts to bless others according to God's word. Gives me new insight so often that bless me. And receiving them in the morning gives me a great start on the day ahead. "devotions as compared to God's inspired word the Bible" The devotionals I receive are the word of the bible as revealed from another brother sharing these nuggets of truth. Not compared to the word but led by the word from the word to bless others, as says the word to do. Thanks Neighbor...

I will venture there is an overlap. To continually experience Christ is to continually solve problems. I look for that in all things material and spiritual. For me it is a given that the apostles and saints are used of God to that end.

I think you're doing fine, @Thewhitedove. The lure of fleshly religion to condemn this or that is what you are to overcome, not being kind and compassionate toward your colleague. We are to love our neighbor as ourselves. Remember this: conviction is godly and a work of the Spirit, but condemnation is ungodly and a work of the flesh. The one who convicts this woman is the Lord; our place is to be gentle, meek, and patient. Our example is what speaks to others. Being pointed at, accused, and condemned is the example of defiled religion. It's powerless and hollow, lacking love.

Of course you can "honor God" - by treating her with love and acceptance, by being kind and patient with her, by being the closest thing to Jesus she will ever likely encounter besides Jesus Himself (ideally). The child is now a reality - and loved by God. There's no reason you have to stop being friendly towards her. We were all corrupted by sin - before we found His grace. This friend is no different. She, like many others, has been deceived into thinking her sexual proclivities are morally acceptable. With a baby on the way, she is about to go through some challenging times (as is true for all new parents). This is an opportunity to show Her the love of God. Pray for her, see if she has needs you can help meet, get other Christians around her if possible. Only Jesus can give her righteousness. If you show her His love, perhaps He will use you to turn her heart towards Himself in repentance. If she asks, be honest about the truth - that God loves her overwhelmingly but is very clear regarding His disapproval of homosexuality. Then the choice will be hers as to what she does with that information. But otherwise, be Jesus to her as much as you have opportunity. "Love never fails".

It seems to me that while cups are literally containers from which to consume whatever they are filled with, figuratively "cups are a statement about allotted portions given for related reasons to those specially chosen to partake of them." Psalm 16:1-11 A Michtam of David. (1) Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust. (2) O my soul, you have said to the LORD, "You are my Lord, My goodness is nothing apart from You." (3) As for the saints who are on the earth, "They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight." (4) Their sorrows shall be multiplied who hasten after another god; Their drink offerings of blood I will not offer, Nor take up their names on my lips. (5) O LORD, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot. (6) The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Yes, I have a good inheritance. (7) I will bless the LORD who has given me counsel; My heart also instructs me in the night seasons. (8) I have set the LORD always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. (9) Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope. (10) For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. (11) You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

As it looks more & more apparent that the middle-east situation is set turn into a major conflict, I've been having the realization that this is a big opportunity for the gospel among those we know! How simple is it to show people that God's main prophetic focus is all about Israel and the middle-east, and that this marks the ending of the age? Regardless what your particular theology or eschatology is, I think most would agree that the stage is being set and that this is according to what the Bible has laid out - the whole world will be drawn into conflict in this area. So I'm developing a few, simple talking points to tell others that this all is according to God's plan for the end of the age. It starts out by saying that the background of Israel becoming a nation again, after 2,000 years, is unprecedented in history. And soon, serious conflict will erupt there, of which we are already beginning to see. And then a very charismatic leader will arise to resolve the situation with a treaty, which will not last more than a few years. These events will start the countdown to the Lord returning - and now God is calling all people to repent and call on the name of the Lord Jesus to be saved! So that seems simple enough, right? And, of course, we need to be ready with a few verses/passages to back that up . . . but just keep it simple - His Spirit will do the rest!

I already knew you were attending a Baptist church and I harbor no ill will towards them. Many have been saved in those churches. Baptists are up close and personal to me since I was raiseed in a Baptist church from birth and attended one even afterwards when I left home. Yet in later years I never agreed with some of their theology. I also realize that often finding a good church can be difficult. Even the baptist moniker has been corrupted on several fronts by apostacy, which I guess means, judge no book by it's cover. One could do far worse than a good methodist, baptist or presbyterian church. I believed most of what was taught. The people in those churches are often dedicated and good servants of Christ, sometimes caught in a less than stellar theological system. No two are the same. Even churches under the same denominational umbrella. Neither am I saying my denomination is by any means perfect or has arrived, but it aligns most closely with my beliefs. I would like to think that Christians do not just look at what the church they attend teaches and believe all of it, but sadly I think this is the case many times. The pastor said it, so it must be right. The gifts are either in effect or they are not irregardless of any church. The degree to which we quench/discourage them is the degree they are usually seen. Churches that encourage the gifts will need to take a risk in allowing them, but much of this can be mitigated by checks and balances.Churches that tend to discourage the gifts because maybe they don't think they ever happen will reap what they sow. Noone who has such gifts will be likely to attend said churches, or if they do, they will not feel free in them. I have Presbyterian and Baptist friends, but I attend a Vineyard church that is part of the Vineyard denomination. -They believe in tongues, healing and prophecy as relevant today, however they don't overly emphasize them like some of the more charismatic churches sometimes seem to do. There is a way tongues are allowed and they follow that way.Same with prophecy and the others. Healing is a real thing and I know people who have absolutely been healed. Tongues are not a prerequisite to recieving the spirit. There is often some confusion about the Holy Spirit. I basically believe the same as the Baptists on the Holy Spirit. We get the Spirit when we are saved, however we can have the Spirit come over us to be used for special purposes. Some will say that's a filling of the Spirit. So far as I know Baptists completely omit prophecy. In all the years I was in those churches I never seen anything to indicate it was encouraged.

Do you realize that walking with the Lord is a life of peace and even joy throughout hard times? Sometimes we might not have overwhelming joy, but inside we still have peace. Jesus said His yoke is easy and His burden is light. You talk about striving... although we do want to live godly in Christ, to me it isn't about striving. It's about resting in Jesus and walking with Him....a life of peace. A good life, away from the troubles that sin brings.

@mel85 I agree wholeheartedly with the above. Mel, don't think so much about the evil one. Instead when something starts to assail you, remember some Scripture verses to combat the situation. Remember the sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. And take the helmet of salvation for protection of your mind. Ephesians 6 is good to dwell upon...the armor of God.

Sister, you are ever in my prayers. As you said, you are trying! Do not discount that as being a glorifying testimony to your faith in God. Even in these incredible trials, you know His will, you desire His will, you are fighting tooth and nail to stick to His will, resisting the devil telling you to give up, resisting the evil one's temptation to end your life before God is ready for it to end. You are fighting hard. You are a warrior. The devil has not defeated you. You are standing for God's truth and His will. Do not think for a minute that God is not very pleased about your show of faith in this time of great darkness in your life. God is allowing the devil to test you, and so far, you have not given in. You have not let the devil convince you to distrust God, you have not let him to convince you to orphan your precious children. You are an inspiration to me (and I imagine everyone else here). When I think of the struggles in attitude I have had at times over the past few months and days with the stress of moving, despite it being nowhere near your level of stress, I can only stand in awe of your faith. I hope one day to grow to be able to fight as hard and as successfully as you have been. Do not hold in those tears. "JESUS WEPT" (John 11:35) Did you get that? Let me say it again. "JESUS WEPT" (John 11:35) Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, very God of very God, Alpha and Omega, Beginning and End, Light of the world, Prince of peace...he wept! Your tears are not shameful. They are not weak. They are not displeasing to your loving Father in heaven. And guess what the very next verse says: "So the Jews said, 'See how he loved him!'" (John 11:36) Jesus wept openly, in front of others, in front of his disciples, in front of believers, in front of non-believers! Do not be ashamed of your tears. Do not hide them. Do not hide your pain. Do not think it makes you weak or a failure of a Christian. Do not hesitate to keep seeking help. God is not finished with you yet!

James 1:14 (NKJV) But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ When a believer is tempted it is generally tempted with the desire towards the sin it has given way to before….. These are the strongest of temptations because the sinful flesh has chosen to lay hold of these for one reason or another in the past…. These are the sins that still dwell in one that one has to reckon themselves dead to, for these desires are real and very much still alive in one…. This is where the reckoning oneself dead to these desires comes in, for the believer has died and not the sinful desires that are still alive in one; for the believer has died when Christ died… It is believing and maintaining this faith that is the fight of faith, for as long and as painful as this fight is, if one maintains one’s faith in their death in Christ, victory is assured, and that believing one will reap the fruit of that victory which fruit is being set free from that particular desire towards that sin… For Jesus did die and took the believing one with Him to death thereby freeing that one that that one might be joined to another… It is faith that grabs onto this freedom, and the strength and the depths of one’s desire to be freed from their sin will be the measure of the freedom one experiences….. For all things have become new, blessed is the one that would have it so…. Be blessed in the freedom that being joined with Christ in His death brings to life in one….. A fellow reckoner, Not me

This is what you see if you drive around my neck of the woods.

Your sermon about sermons is coming together quite well . . .

. . . and Paul communicated things that were to be held to, and things that weren't. 2Th 2:15 KJV Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which you have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. 2Th 2:15 CEV My friends, that's why you must remain faithful and follow closely what we taught you in person and by our letters.

Everything has its place and order. To put too much emphasis on a man can go badly.

All that you mentioned are what they are. They are also jewels that inspires and refreshes like a cup of coffee on break time. Oswald Chambers quotes makes you ponder as you read them, so staying at the fountain a bit to drink of the goodness that those minds are blessed with. Some are gifted to pen those words that soothes the soul .

Highly metaphorical Also allegorical Textually historical Oddly categorical

One might consider experiencing Job's integrity by giving God thanks in all things, despite circumstance.

We know that the Lord doesn't always heal or relieve us. It's true that I have been the recipient of the Lord's power on more than one occasion, but it's important to emphasize that this was according to His purpose and will. More than one individual was affected by His work, so what He did is properly understood as the Lord choosing to display His power in me. I never asked Him to do such things. I petitioned the Lord to remove the depression I have lived with for most of my life, but that is not according to His will. What did He say? It would change who I am and who He intends for me to be on this earth, so it remains. His grace and provision are sufficient for me. His grace: the depression comes and it's my place to fixate my heart and mind upon Him; His provision: I can overcome all things in Christ. Be of good cheer for He has overcome the world! As He has overcome, so do we. Overcoming is the problem all of us face, yes? In the Son of God, that problem flees. How do I overcome depression in Christ? First, I endure. I keep pressing on regardless of how depression affects me. Secondly, I do not capitulate nor seek to isolate myself; the work which the Lord gives me is a wonderful blessing in this regard. I'm given no choice but to interact with others and while I focus upon meeting their needs, I'm not held captive by the darkness of despair.

Realistically though, problems are not solved on their own. It takes effort from both our human abilities and our spiritual journey . Does not matter if we focus on just the spiritual part of our life, the cows still have to be milked, the roof still has to be replaced and sometime, if not often ,the help of community relief those burdens. The spiritual supplication that is sent up, works in ways as each experience and accepts their answer. The main difference is that, the physical part of our life we can see before us and the spiritual is as to the testimony of the receiver. So, with his testimony, he shares of the wonder of the living God. Paul was called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of Christ. If a believer feels that conviction, then he has to emulate Paul's life, which is a task that you have to be prepared for. In our spiritual journey as a "born again" believer, we now have that built in conviction to share the gospel. Your question though, if one is not careful, can lead to neglect in family and other areas, so I think a balance has to be struck.

Psalm 26: 4-5 (ESV) I do not sit with men of falsehood, nor do I consort with hypocrites. I hate the assembly of evildoers, and I will not sit with the wicked.

I think I should try some of that procrastination stuff . . . but . . . maybe tomorrow or next week . . .

Praying for your healing and recovery. Regarding selling your stuff . . . take some time to recover, and then make your decision regarding those things. I have made many a bad decision in the 'moment' of circumstances, and regretted those decisions later . . . Ray . . .

Oh, you sound like you are in so much pain. I just want to hug you. Go back to the doctor and tell them what your worst fears are. Let them see how serious this is. Antidepressants are very useful to give you some breathing space so you can sort out other aspects of your life. Once your mood is stabilising a bit, you can take a fresh look at your relationship with God, sort out your commitments to your family and studies etc and regulate your sleep patterns and diet. Sometimes we expect God to step in when He has already provided a solution. Go and chase up the doctor as a matter of urgency and go from there. There's nothing wrong with taking medication, if you need it. I took anti depressants some years ago and they were a bridge that helped me to get out of bed in the morning. I came off them once I sorted myself out. Antidepressants aren't addictive and can be life saving. God isnt distant, although it feels like it sometimes. He isnt though. It will all male sense when you look back. I'll be praying for you.

Read this today and I'm considering it's validity. Is it true that Paul, and others, were really focused on other's knowing and experiencing Christ in their daily lives, instead of trying to solve their problems? And the author equates the knowing of Christ as "thinking the one thing" as mentioned in Philippians 2:2. So should we be all caught-up in trying to solve ours and other people's problems, or should our main focus be to facilitate "take problem to Jesus"? Solving Problems or Experiencing Christ? "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21 To understand the spiritual nature of the New Testament, we need to ask a question: Did Paul solve problems or did he lead people into experiencing Christ? Where in the New Testament letters did Paul solve problems? What problem did he solve as an end in itself? What issue did Paul get involved in to solve? Have you ever considered this question? We all should go back to reread the New Testament and ask, What problems did Peter, John, Paul, and the other apostles solve? Did they solve people's problems or lead people to experience Christ? Of course, we know there were many problems among the Corinthians, but when we investigate how Paul solved the problems, we discover that he did one thing--he led them to experience Christ. In our natural life we are prone to solve problems. We are looking for answers. We are seeking solutions. We want things to be cleared up and go away. We want to "right" what is "wrong." We are hoping for our environments to change for the better. We live in our imagined expectations. We want situations to be such that our soul would be at ease and find relief. Our souls are enmeshed in solving problems in many things in our daily life. In our natural life we are in the realm of solving problems. But with the supply of the Spirit in our spirit, we are in the realm of thinking the one thing--to experience Christ. Paul's burden with the Philippians was not merely to solve their problem of disharmony, but to lead them to be supplied to think the one thing, Christ. To think the one thing is our greatest need. The way we can tell we are a supplied person is that we relate to matters and environments not by merely solving problems, but by experiencing a deeper, richer Christ. From The Supplied Life by B. Freeman

Agreed that there does need to be a balance in things, as extremes aren't usually effective . . . Yet, what this (the OP) is actually talking about is our source --> We can solve problems and do things for others all day long, yet if the source of our life is not in Christ and we are not going to Him for direction in the various matters, what does it profit?

Well, all Christians still have the flesh, and the flesh would rather do ANYTHING than listen and obey and align with the Anointing . . . it can even be things that outwardly appear to be very Christ-centric, yet the heart and reality is actually far off. Yes, any of us can be deceived by this "having the form, but denying the power thereof." Again, self will do ANYTHING to plot its own course . . .

The most important thing is to realize the Lord loves you and is with you throughout everything in life. He loves you even when you fail. Remember to take a day at a time with the Lord's help. That's how we all get through hard times. Another thing is we must be wise in how we treat our bodies. I remember you saying that you are sleep deprived. That will mess up your brain. Before a doctor puts you on any brain altering drug, he should know you are sleep deprived.

2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV) [5] Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Go into a quiet place by yourself. Sit there until you begin to cry. And don’t stop crying and don’t try to stop crying… You will come to an end and then simply look up and thank God for everything He has given you. Tell Him you need Him and to never leave you. Don’t you know that He wanted to give you life? Ask Him why He chose to give you life—- what was / is so special to Him that He had to create you? He is always with you. God bless.

I hope you can find a church where they can help you and pray for you. Maybe watch a video on youtube called Jesus is always with you. Can't link it here.

We consider devotions to be a gift from the Lord, encouragement in Christ to keep our eyes and hearts focused upon Him. It sounds simple, yes? And yet, being snared by the cares of this world is perhaps the greatest peril we face, so grabbing hold of our Lord ought to be our focus. A devotional gift doesn't draw our gaze to the one who writes or speaks. It's all about God who is the giver of every good gift.

"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over" Psalm 23:5

None of us are going to agree with you, so I would suggest you just let it go.

I think Mr. M has the same rights to his thoughts as you do yours. I don't agree with either of you, but I'm not going to make an issue of it.

That's probably a good idea Mr. M. He is convinced that Jerusalem is Babylon so he's going to read those scriptures as talking about Jerusalem.

Thanks, and many blessings,,, that we all might become mature sons and daughters before our God….. Unto Him be our all, Not me

Good post Heb 10 32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; 1 Pet 5 10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. John 1 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

It's true that sick were healed, etc. by the apostles. However, we know healing is not the final answer to the problems of life - Jesus is. I think what the author (quoted in the OP) is conveying is that Paul/apostles main purpose was always bringing people to Christ and showing them that the ongoing experience of Christ in their lives was what was needed . . . the "what" was actually a "Who." The miracles and other manifestations were a means to that end, that is, showing that Christ Himself is always the answer.

Seems the depised Kings men tax collectors are still around today; and in the USA ever more so by going after the lower level earners of income! Why? Do the lower level earners have to pay any taxes at all? Seems according to the Wall Street Journal report the 87,000 ruler's tax collectors of the IRS, some complete with guns, are out to get those earning under $200,000 a year for they do not tend to have the resources to fight off the increase assessment of taxes an IRS auditor might demand is due to the US Treasury. While I feel it right for everyone to have to pay a share of taxes, without exception, I do find it interesting that the push to gain additional staff for IRS is not resulting in audit of major earners as was billed to be the purpose, but instead is resulting in more lower hanging fruit being squashed. One might look up the Wall Street Journal Article on "The $200,000 man" for details. Just as the poor will always be with us, I guess so will the king's tax collectors of rather despicable reputations. Sure makes a flat tax or a consumption only tax instead of income tax seem appealing. None the less pay to Caesar what is due Caesar, and to God give deep thanks for what is of God.

Right! But if we focus on problems, we get maybe some solved problems . . . along with anxiety, and in the end little eternal profit. But a focus on knowing Christ and experiencing Him in the midst of our problems ("take problem to Jesus") results in eternal profit!

Amen brother! He solved many of my issues!

Experiencing Christ can solve a great many problems.

Could I say "rough neck " . Yes, the will to get things done and not minding the little afflictions that come with the bravery, is part of a true tradesman or craftsman. I think it is still in your blood, even at your age. There is a time though as you said, to bite the butllet and live with the memories or all those glorious projects and adventures that you were blessed with. I myself love construction and have worked on a few huge project sites, one being an oil refinery. It is indeed a danger oriented field, but the thrill of working with numerous people, tools, equipment and others to bring a plant to production is pure energy for me. Since moving to Canada, I have had to find work in another field ,as the brutal winter here is not for the faint hearted. I could have still managed, but I also loved electronics, which I did a one year course that set me on that journey now for the past 25yrs, and I like it just as much. Oh well, you still have fields that you can branch on to, and be less physical challenging. It will never replace your love for your hobbies, but it will keep you moving about with less of pitfalls that the more youthful can tolerate. Be, bless Neighbour and I, we, like your companay here at worthy and your sharing.

https://samesexattractions.wordpress.com/2013/02/17/interview-chad-thompson-author-of-loving-homosexuals-as-jesus-would/ https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/love-homosexuals-as-jesus-would-ex-gays-urge-at-conference/ He is spot on. The one who loves wins. They got so much hate and judgement in the church. One guy said: I got more love on the streets than in church. When I backslid same thing. Nobody wanted to help, judgemental christians in church and the atheist drugaddicts at least were kind to you.

Her lifestyle is not yours to judge and any child is a gift from God so congratulate her and keep praying that she hears Gods voice

I was a carpenter for over a half century. I used/applied the Pythagorean theorem often. I wonder if Jesus did.............. (I hurled a few imprecations myself if ever I hit my thumb with my hammer)