Willa

A proud person wants to become like God, honored by men, powerful, wealthy, as did satan. He is self reliant, vain, independant and ambitious. He resents being told what to do and is rebellious when told not do things. He wants to do it "my way". A humble person wants to become as a little child. He is totally dependant on God for everything; he becomes simple, trusting, and little things (like a butterfly) please him. Feeling loved and secure, he wants nothing more than to hold God's hand and walk with Him. He is eager to help when Daddy God shows him how and what to do. Whosoever shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matt. 18:4. NKJV

The part I thought was scary was when you rationalized that God wouldn't care if you sinned, He would forgive you. His Word says that His Spirit won't always strive with man. I also believe that you are being disciplined. God chastens those He loves. It is for yielding the peaceable fruit of righteousness. But our all knowing God created the universe. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. You have had no fear of God's discipline. And learning this fear has kept me from sinning a few times. I am not talking about hell fire. I am talking about trials and being rejected by friends, and feeling like God has abandoned me as well. Remember when Jesus hung on the cross and said, My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?. That was how I felt. I went through my own crucifixion of the flesh. Now I simply don't want to lose the fellowship with Him that is such a comfort and blessing. "I have been crucified with Christ; it no longer I who live, but Christ Who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20 NKJV But be warned. God won't allow you to try to manipulate Him or play games with Him. He knows you better than you know yourself. There was a guy named Jacob who was a manipulator and deceiver. So God allowed him to be deceived and manipulated by his father in law for 14 years. Finally Jacob met an angel of the Lord and wrestled with him, saying he would not quit till God blessed him. Jacob was wounded in the process but God blessed him. I believe the wound in his theigh forced him to lean on and depend on God. But God renamed him Israel and the nation was named after him. His sons were given the land. So all is not lost. But God will discipline you if your truly are his son. Hebrews 12:5-11 And you won't be likely to forget it. He wants you to learn to rely on and lean on Him to live the Christian life.

What do you all think about: Rand Paul Marco Rubio Mike Huckabee ?????????

Yeah, but I get anxious just going to the dentist.... This is my problem area as well. I have peace about the economy, even knowing what I do about it being a house of cards. But going to the dentist is nothing but mistakes and bad dental work, pain and problems. Repeating verses helpes, thanking Him helped, but my terror only subsided a little. My blood pressure was pretty high. So when you find the answer, let me know.

WA. State was one of the first to allow gay marriage in spite of the fact that it was voted down twice. But pastors here are not required to perform them according to the law. Before our pastor performs a marriage he must be convinced that both are saved and will be equally yoked. Then they most complete several months of pre marital counseling.

The unjust steward was commended for cheating his master. He knew his master was firing him because his accounts would show his wastefulness. So he shorted his master what was due him and let the people who owed the money pocket the difference. So the people who had owed his master would then feel indebted to him or be grateful to him and give him a place to live after he is fired. His master commended him for being shrewd. The worldly people who are heading for hell are shrewd in handling money and preparing for their future on earth. The people who are going to heaven do not adequitly prepare for their future. They do not invest in spiritual riches as they should, using their money to help the poor, poor churches, those suffering and/or giving to Gods' work and missions at home and abroad. Nor do they hide God's Word in their hearts, share the Gospel, or concern themselves with the things of God. They fail to make their faimilies their mission field and train their children to apply God's word to their lives. They fail to set an example of making the things of God a priority in their lives. The faithful servent is alert and prepared when his master returns. He has food prepared and opens the door immediately, no matter how late he arrives. This is how we should be when Jesus returns. We should be prepared and watching for Him. We should have a good relationship with both the Lord and with people, with no unfinished business--no unforgiveness or bitterness in our hearts. We should have no habitual sin or anything weighing us down. We should have our hearts free from the world and be ready to serve our God with singleness of purpose. We should know how to wait on God.

Word faith means belief, firm persuasion or conviction and implys an active relationship. In the same way the word to believe means to rely upon, to commit to and surrender to. The noun pistis is closely related to the verb pisteuo, and the both hinge on the character and nature of God. (Vine.) So in a sense the noun is active. It is not mere intellectual assent, it is instead a full dependance on God. The hymn expresses it well: I know Whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able, to keep that which I have committed unto Him---. The verbs are a natural progression of an active faith. I agree that faith produces fruit and walking in the works that were prepared for us. But the point I am trying to make is that true faith actively depends on God in small things and large. In fact, it is the little prayers--Lord, where did I put the car keys-- the daily frustrations and problems, that build our faith and help to strengthen our faith to weather the calamities that life inevitably brings. We need to depend on Him moment by moment to build the relationship of active faith.

We worship one God in 3 persons, Father Son and Holy Spirit. They are One God. While we are adopte as children of God when we are born again, we are not and never will be God Himself. We are in Christ and Christ is in us. We have this treasure in earthen vessels. We did not create the universe, and we cannot speak anything into existance. As said, it is satan that tempts people to want to be as God. It is pride and is sin. It is sin to confess we are healed when at the time we are very sick. It is lying. God told me that we can only testafy to that we have seen or experienced in fact, like when we are in a court of law. How are we to pray for each other if people only confess nothing is wrong? Positive confession is evil if it is not a fact in our time. People who do these things are deceived. We can only pray that God open their eyes. He is faithful to correct His own and reveal the errors of these teachings.

Years ago one of my patients came on to me. Said he would take me to paradice. I told him that Jesus bought me a free ticket to paradice and paid for it with His blood on the cross. Told him that Jesus died for him, too. He had nothing to say after that.

amen! Thank you for this reminder.

Love the quotation "testosterone and snake venom don't mix real well" commenting on the fact that 70% of the snake bite victims are men. I still remember my husband trying to feed a baby rattlesnake into a bottle! It backed out faster than he could put it in. He wasn't bit but only by God's grace! Not only do some people have no common sense, but they don't listen to their wives who do.

Ok, I think you are saying that all doctrine is already revealed in Scripture. But we might receive personal direction or encouragement from the Holy Spirit at times. With this I fully agree. The Word of Faith has departed from the truth with "revelations" and teachings that are total error, that are treated as additions to Scripture. The Mormons have done the same things, surplanting the Bible with other revelations and writings. The Bible is the complete revelation of truth and no teaching or revelation can be added to it.

When Jesus had been harried by the crowds pressing upon Him, He came apart from everyone to pray. That is what Dr. Stanley tells us to do as well. We sometimes need a quiet setting to keep from being constantly distracted by the demands of life. "Mom, he hit me!" "I'm hungry" "There's someone on the phone!" type of stuff. So having a quiet time can be hard at times. When I focus on God, I usually focus on His attiributes and all He has done for us at the cross. These are in the form of worship, praise, and adoration. I am meditating about what was read, and I never "empty my mind". Nor is it any altered state. I avoid eastern meditation and know little about it. But God speaks in many ways. Sometimes He speaks to me through hymns. Most often it is though Scripture or through a sermon. But when I have a question, I don't sit with a blank mind waiting for an answer. I search the Scriptures first. Then I ask a pastor or mature Christian. And I never expect God to speak to me or answer it a certain way. When He does speak to me in my heart in His Still Small Voice, it is always unexpected. And His Voice carries the authority and love of my Creator as well as producing the fruit of the Spirit within me. Some of you are of the opinion that we can't hear God's voice, but Jesus said "my sheep hear My voice and follow me." The new testament is full of examples of people hearing God speak to them. Jesus said, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?. Saul didn't go to the old testament scroll to read it. Jesus spoke to him directly. He has not changed and sometimes still does the same. But it doesn't occur on a regualar basis. Nor can I "conjure this up" like they do in eastern meditation. Most often He brings scripture to my mind. Often my husband provides the answer. Occasionally I have envisioned something. Once our church was in the process of buying property to build a new church. Most people were dreaming of a beautiful cathedral but God was telling me we would be in a simple humble building. I saw us having church in a gymnasium. The next church that we attended for 14 years had build a gymnasium for a worship center. The same is true of the church we are now in. The article that Jade has referenced is trying to validate the "Contemplative Prayer" by the words of Dr. Stanley. But if you read his words without their commentary, he has not done this at all. All he endorses is the kind of guidance that I have suggested saying that it is possible for God to speak to our hearts during our quiet times. Corrie tenBoom, a lady of the Dutch Reformed Church, lived her life by leaning on God's personal guidance and speaking directly to her. She walked by faith, obeying and traveling to distant lands with no money but God would provide the tickets and places to sleep as she walked in obedience like Abraham.

Brother Lawrence wrote the Practice of the Presence of God, a Christian Classic. Madame Guyon was a major influence on Watchman Nee and was cousin of Fenelon, who wrote Let Go about dying to self. These I would not consider mystics. They simply had learned to live in God's Presence, taking the awareness of Him into everyday life. Some people separate their faith from their lives or compartmentalize it. This is not true Christianity, which should influence all aspects of our lives. We can sit quietly when we pray and study the Word but focus outside of ourselves on God. Eastern mysticsm would have us focus on ourselves and look within. This is wrong. God wants us to focus on Him. We are often admonished to "look to Jesus, the arthor and finisher of our faith". We can focus on our Father, seeking His will for our lives and hungering for Him, His purity and love for mankind. This is not eastern mysticism. And I did not see Dr. Stanley speaking of mantras or looking within ourselves. God confirms any word from the written Word and from mature Christians, just as the Voice from heaven at Christ's baptism was confirmed by the prophets, the Spirit's descent, and John the Baptist. There are always 2 or 3 witnesses. God's peace in our hearts is another clue. Should we be filled with dread, we have not peace, it is a warning that we should not procede to trust the words we have heard. It may not be from God. But if we are filled with God's peace and we hear the same message in a sermon or from another godly source, like our daily bible reading, perhaps God has spoken to our hearts. Even the prophet Samuel had to learn to recognize God's voice. Some denominations limit God to speaking through His word. He will never contradict His written word. But I will not limit God. I am completely opposed to eastern contemplation which is totally focused on self. We are to seak His Kingdom and His righteousness.

But to him to does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted to him for righteousness. Romans 4:5 NKJV Romans 10:1-4 NKJV Brethern, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. For I bear the witness that THEY HAVE A ZEAL FOR GOD, BUT NOT ACCORDING TO KNOWLEDGE. FOR THEY BEING IGNORANT OF GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND SEEKING TO ESTABLISH THEIR OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS, HAVE NOT SUBMITTED TO THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. That means that the imputed righteousness of Christ has put an end to our being righteous through keeping the law. God has declared us righteous when we make Jesus our Lord and Savior. That is His last word and we can't trump it. There is nothing we can do to improve on it. We are set free to serve God by walking in the Spirit. No longer do we have to try to be good enough to go to heaven. Those who try to improve on what God has done may be trying to establish their own righteousness. This is usually done with a great deal of zeal. It can create a spiritual pride in one's own goodness. Christians who do this are tempted to compare themselves with others rather than with Christ. They may be tempted to look down on those who have not achieved the same goodness they suppose they possess, not being aware of their own failings. Some believe that they are saved by faith AND works, which is contrary to Scripture. For by GRACE you are saved through FAITH, and that not of yourselves. It is a GIFT of God, NOT OF WORKS, lest anyone should boast. Eph. 2:8-9 NKJV It goes on to say that we were created for good works that were prepared for us beforehand that we should walk in them. We do this out of a grateful heart for what Christ has done for us, and by following the Holy Spirit, not in an effort to be saved. Moreover, those who have been forgiven much love much. When we are totally set free from keeping the law and embrace all Christ has done for us, we are flooded with thanksgiving and love for God. Grace is not a license to sin. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life he lives He lives to God. Likewise you also reckon yourselves to be dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:10-15

That so grieves me. Chas Stanley was one that I always thought was sound teaching. I guess we all need to take heed lest we fall.

In 1970 had joined a small group bible study of the 10 Basic Steps toward Christian Maturity by Campus Crusade. Here I learned how to discern God's voice and follow Him. This led to a more intimate fellowship with God than I had previously experienced, and it led to my full surrender. Each area of my life that I experienced problems in I would surrender to the Lord and learn what His Word advised me to do. When I was unable to comply I would ask God to do it through me, relying upon His life within me to do what I can't do in my own nature and strength. This was a new concept to me that totally changed me and resulted in God filling me with the Holy Spirit. The following year I joined Bible Study Fellowship and studied Mathew. Near Easter time we studied the crucifixion, and God put me through my own crucifixion and dying to self through trials. I seemed to experience wrongful accusations and being denied by friends as I studied the things Jesus experienced. So I identified with His sufferings. The same thing occurred the following year when we studied John. The scriptures became a part of my life and came alive as I identified with them. No longer were they beautiful poetry and platitudes. They are life and truth.

I believe it can be both. We sing hymns and choruses that are about God as well, but the purest worship is sang to God. I prefer these as well. Thank you for sharing. The song that Jadie shared last month was beautiful and worshipful. It was from Revelation as I remember. The best teaching is done in the home and in times like you discribe. But that tradition reminds me a bit of the teachings about purgatory--say a prayer to get them out. Oh well.

I associate the blessings and rituals associated with the meals with worship, especially if they also sing. My knowledge is minimal since I have only participated in a seder. I stand corrected. Thank you, Willa

I have always looked for a church where I am fed God's word, and I never worry about "fitting in". In our present church hubby started helping in building projects and got acquainted with the men. He has become the social one for the first time, and lingers before and after, visiting with people. I am acquainted with only a handful of people after 10 years. But I wouldn't think of attending elsewhere. Our neighbor is a pastor and close friend of hubby's as well, and he wants us to attend his church. But our beliefs are closer to the church we now attend, and we are fed sound teaching here. We find a lot more maturity among people attending here and more godly fruit. So my next question is, have you looked into the beliefs of the churches/denominations you are considering. This is important. It will reflect on what your kids are being taught as well. Most important, do they believe the Bible IS God's word, or do they just say it contains God's word? I would avoid any church that only say the Bible contains God's word, no matter how nice the people are. There are some very social churches among the new paradigm churches. The teaching is very shallow and personal salvation is not an issue. It is mostly self help groups and is called "seeker friendly", with an emphasis on making unbelievers feel at home. Avoid places like that.

Jesus died for that person,, too. He was betrayed by Judas, denied by Peter, and mocked by his crucifiers. Yet he hung on the cross saying "Father, forgive them, they know no what they do." If you are a Christian, His spirit lives in you. Let Jesus love her and forgive her through you. Tell God you can't do it without His help. He is faithful. Most of us have gone through this and know your pain. My small group leader bitterly meligned me to my face and verbally abused me in public. I had no idea she hated me so and also believed her to be my friend. But God's love is greater in me than any evil from her. About all I could say to her was "I am sorry you feel that way." This is dying to self. My normal inclination would have been to retaliate. "Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." " In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world. " We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Blessings, Willa

Willa to be content in any cituation we find our selves in means we stay in Joy and Peace when it is bad or good with plenty or in need. This in no way says we are to except this state and stay in it. The lust or love of money is talking about those who put money over God. Another words making money is more important then walking with God. No place in the word of God does it tells us it is wrong to have money. What is being said could be said [[ [THEREFORE DO NOT WORRY, SAYING, 'WHAT SHALL WE EAT?' OR 'WHAT SHALL WE DRINK?' OR 'WHAT SHALL WE WEAR?' FOR AFTER ALL THESE THINGS THE GENTILES SEEK. FOR YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER KNOWS THAT YOU NEED ALL THESE THINGS. BUT] ]] Seek ye the kingdom of GOD FIRST then these other things will be added unto you. [[[[TO THE BELOVED GAIUS, WHOM I LOVE IN TRUTH: BELOVED, I PRAY THAT YOU MAY BE IN HEALTH AND PROSPER EVEN AS YOUR SOUL PROSPERS.]]]] God will prosper His children. The problem comes when man wants to do it without God or do in mans way and not wait on the Lord. Jim

I have two grandchildren for whom I pray daily. I would call them and ask one about his Committment to the Lord--he is tender, and call the other and ask her if she would surrender to Jesus and make Him her Lord and Savior. She has played church but she is a people pleaser. She goes to church wanting Christians for friends but neglecting Christ. Then she keeps returning to a life of sin and bars and partying. My heart grieves for her.

There is a cult called truth seakers that I would avoid. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." Most churches accept immersion in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. One Pentacostal church only allows baptism in Jesus Name.

Matt. 8:16b-17 NKJV And He cast out spirits with a word, and healed ALL who were sick, that it might be fulfilled that which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses". Is. 53:4 I do believe healing was legally purchased at the cross, but like salvation it is still a gift to be received. I do not believe in the prosperity "gospel." This is not the Gospel that Paul preached and those who preach it are accursed. We are told instead to be content with what we have, and we are constantly told to avoid greed and the love of money. 1 Tim. 6:5-10 Useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a mean of gain. From such withdraw yourself. Now godliness with contentment is great gain. ---And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare---