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Hey Nitish! i know that I am not going to be everything I could be, or something I should be- but I have come to understand that, that is not my purpose in life. I have found that reaching the point of "giving up" is where I find God most at work in my life. My burden ridden life becomes grace fulled. The most effective thing I have found thus far is reading the word and prayer. I do not mean just a single prayer- I mean ALL the time, each time you get an urge or feel your being lead back down the path of lawlessness, "Cry out to Jesus." God surely knows that we are not strong enough, it is a realization we must reach. There will be days when our strength runs out, where we will hit rock bottom and think "this is it," or as you said "you will never make it," and in all honestly, I think there is some truth in that. No we cannot go on, or, "make it," BUT, by our Lord Jesus Christ ALL things are made possible! Even since the beginning God has perfected transformation! There is NOTHING, too big, or too small, that God will not fix. . ..He is not called our help for nothing! If I can leave with you but one thing Nitish, it would be the power of prayer. Yes we fail, and it is very discouraging, I know the last thing I want to do when I fell like I have failed God is talk to Him. . . .because it is hard and you feel ashamed. But realize, all things are already made known to Him. Despite our failures, He still loves us and still calls us. . .calls us into repentance and into His arms. I constantly have to battle my thoughts of thinking "some Christian I am." And I have realized that is true. I am not much of anything, much of a person, let alone a Christian. . . . .and it amazes me still God loves me!!! At times I am ashamed of my life and who I want to be, but refrain from doing so and taking that "leap." The biggest truth God has made known to me is that it is not me, but Christ. It is not me failing that makes me a failure, but the not getting back up. Don't give up Brother, Helps is on it's way. . . . Jesus saves!!!!!!!!!

1 Thessalonians 5:18 "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." What does it mean to give thanks in everything? How can someone be thankful in a time of desperation and hurt? This is a well used verse when people are hurting and in trials- so of course it does get misapplied, so with that, what do you think this verse is NOT, saying? Lastly, in what manner does "Gratitude" play a role in this?

Hello Cloud! I hope you have gotten some confirmation as to what you were looking for. . .I see you have not been here in a few days and hope your doing well. Concerning the voice of God, see the verses below: Isaiah 55:8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD." God GIVES us strength, He does not cast us down and out in the hopes of making us stumble or discomfort us in a material choice to make. From what I gather, and from what I understand of God. . .this is not Him telling you these things. When it comes down to ultimate choice it is between HIMSELF and man. John 10 is something I do encourage you to read. It talks not only as Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd but also the "thoughts/voices," we hear. The purpose of the thief and the robber is to set out to seek and destroy, make us stumble in our faith and lead us away from God and into the "danger zone." (See Hebrews 3:12 and 1 Timothy 1:19) Jesus purpose for us is to enjoy the full life of the Good Shepherd. (John 10:9-10) one that is with a purpose and works all things to the good. There is a time and a purpose for everything, death and life are not in the power of man. (Ecclesiastes 3) Do we fulfill a purpose? Absolutely, but are we a creator of things? No. That is God. So in conclusion, i do not believe that is God speaking to you...........

A very good question. I am often bothered by how people use this verse. If I may, Neb. Given Joe has set forth his interpretation (at which I agree with) do you also agree? If so why?

A very good question. I am often bothered by how people use this verse.... Sin Enslaves Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. John 8:35 (NIV) Jesus Saves Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:35-36 (NIV) Amen Joe!! I think you hit the nail on the head.

How much do you think that the Jews knew about Christ? Were they limited in their understanding of who Christ was, rejected Him and are therefore quite spiritually ignorant? Or were they "deaf" to His nature and simply did not truly understand?

John 8:12 Then Jesus spoke to them again saying, "I am the light of the world, He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life." We see here a grand Christological importance in who Christ is, this opens the door to yet another "I AM" of Christ. What does Christ mean when He says He is the "Light of the World?" Following this, He also says those who "follow Him shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life," what does He mean and what is the "Light of life?" Surrounding the questions and scripture above, in John 8:32 Christ also says, "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free." This is a very common verse concerning spiritual matters and how the "truth sets us free", but what is this truth, and what does it set us free from? Last but not least, Jesus says in John 9:5, "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." Now, since Christ is no longer here, does that mean this light is put out? (Thinking Question ) God bless you and thank you all who take the time to discuss this! I am looking forward to some good discussion!

Exactly! Given this understanding, what are your thoughts about the Psalm 75:10?

Right Blessed. So in correlation to........ Psalm 75:10 ""All the horns of the wicked I will also cut off, but the horns of the righteous shall me exalted?"" What are your thoughts??

Interesting that you all have the same idea. My point of interest is surrounding the name "Jehovah Keren-Yish'i" Thoughts?

Isaiah 58:11 "The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength."

"All the horns of the wicked I will also cut off, but the horns of the righteous shall me exalted?" What are your thoughts concerning this verse? What are the "horns" in relation to? The point in this Scripture seems to be discovered in understanding the horns. . . So what is the seperation of the horns of the righteous and the horns of the wicked?

My my...Brother Jake...(I had written what is below the red line first...Then added the following words...) We are in a great dilemma without God's Power changing us...and indwelling us...whether we have a profoundly real experience (like I have had more than once)...or if we can simply believe The Word and are changed...For me I was too hard headed...Still am sometimes...I'm sorry....In my beginnings I couldn't even open The Word of God...God is in control of all that if we are Seeking Help and it just so happened that that was the path that God had for me to eventually Find Him...He wasn't lost...I was-just didn't know it...but if we don't experience something...we will return to our old ways and eventually get back to exactly (and worse) the yukky place we were in when we finally admitted we needed help...See John 3:18-21 and also Luke 11:24 where the unclean spirit goes about trying to find a place to rest and comes back to see if his "old home" is accessible...(I would say that God is Spirit and we need spiritual experiences) and don't forget...we are spirit, soul and body...all 3... Knowing that we only know in part...This helps explain it better for me...Keep in mind...I'm experiencing a Living God now...I'm not waiting until I get to Heaven...also...Keep in mind...God doesn't always go in order either...He did me backwards...gave me experiences...that I had to later find in The Bible for it to be explained...Amazing how He got me into The Word...Huh... John 3:27 John answered and said, "A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven." John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, (from above) he cannot see the kingdom of God." I apologize Kathy. . .I was not trying to question or place in doubt of your experience- not like it would mean much because you know what you experienced etc. And I agree it takes a "extra shove" for certain people.. . . What I was getting at is it is sad people looked for those experiences instead of looking strictly at God. He is our hope- not what others have. . . .we are each to our own and held in Gods eyes as special and unique. . . .that is what I was getting at- please forgive me of the confusion. Yes, I was kidding...I know that you are on the path as I am...of knowing Him more and more... I'm sorry that it made you sad that in the very very beginning of my walk...me not knowing anything at all...that I was around people and talked to people that had had amazing spiritual experiences with God delivering them from what ailed them...they had found a solution...the solution was the born again experience...and believe me...it is an experience that some of us experience profoundly...I wasn't raised in church...had many wrong ideas that had come into me and hardened my heart...eventually for me...something had to be literally experienced...and God made sure that that happened...we have to remember that God can use anything to bring us To Him... I indicated that eventually I had other profound spiritual experiences: Always Seeking God and Finally Attending Church...These experiences literally took me through the santification process...(set apart for God's use) and completely in no way desiring what "the world" offers anymore... I have experienced what many have not...only because of a profound desire in me to Seek Life...and Truth...and The Way...It is all good...Because everything I now desire is In Him... I have even "seen" in my living room a vision of a "golden arm and sword" holding up The Word... I know that the "Word of God" is The Sword of the Spirit...Whew...Oh Yes It Is!!! See Ephesians 6:17 and Hebrews 4:12 And most recently over and over...With the works that I have been given to do...hearing over and over the reason..."you are preparing for Revival"...My my...It has also helped in my walk to read about people of faith that have gone on before us...God will lead us into it if need be...He will quicken our spirits...Leading and Guiding... Much Love In Him, Kathy As I made mention of above. . . . it was not what happened to you that made me sad. . .that is joyous because you came to know the Lord. . .I am sorry for the confusion. . .it was in regard to those who are "in wait" looking for an experience rather than looking strictly at God. I have known people who have turned away from God because they are not inline with those who have had these experiences, I have also known people who have been removed from churches and left churches due to the accusation that they are not saved unless they witness such a thing. . .that is what I was getting at with it being sad. . . again, sorry for the confusion.

Of course bopeep. But we are called to be ;sustained, are we not? The purpose was not to cast doubt, or be a stumbling block. . .but to "brainstorm" ideas and show signs in our own lives how God has overcome for us. . .and how we can remove ourselves from the situation- a "let go and let God" of sorts.

Very interesting Zion! Though I am curious- in what manner does this relate to God's jealousy to us? If this is the bride (the church) speaking to the groom (Christ) then what is the relation? (Sorry if this appears nit-picky, I am just stirring discussion ) To me, this is a husband and wife senario, no husband would ever want to share his wife with His enemy, and I know if that ever happened between me and my husband (never want it to!!!) I know that he had better be jealous! And I would be too if the situation were reversed. We are the bride of Christ, so of course, He has every right to be jealous over us. But the fact that He actually is... I mean, who is man that He is so mindful of him? Of me??? That's another mystery! But I bless the Lord that He does love us so much. This love is what has saved our very souls. I will ask you the same question Zion. . . Is God's jealousy the same though? Or does it differentiate from our jealousy? If so, in what way is it the same? If different, in what way does it differ?

Something I think we could discuss Heni (though I know your intent- just discussion. . .thank you for your response by the way.) is How God's jealousy differentiates on how we see jealousy. . . . Thoughts?

Wow, oh, wow. . . I am completely shocked! It seems almost as if someone hacked my computer a year ago and wrote that! Whatever I was thinking- it obviously was not inline with that bible, that much is obvious. Thank God I did not try and "prove" my reasoning. . . . This is quite repulsive to read in a way- how could I consider my savior to even be in line with such a thing? Praise God I no longer think this but, man. . . I am baffled at such a comment! Now that I have a target on my back, I will sit against this wall and repent...... though come to think of it, this is rather sad in a way........no wonder during this time I struggled so much.

Reeking I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Revelation 3:15-16 Puddles Of Corruption Moab hath been at ease from his youth, and he hath settled on his lees, and hath not been emptied from vessel to vessel, neither hath he gone into captivity: therefore his taste remained in him, and his scent is not changed. Moab hath been at ease from his youth, and he hath settled on his lees, and hath not been emptied from vessel to vessel, neither hath he gone into captivity: therefore his taste remained in him, and his scent is not changed. Jeremiah 48:11 Waves Of Refreshment And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. Deuteronomy 6:5 What A Joy He Is Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Psalms 103:1 Interesting that you bring up Moab Joe! Following Jeremiah 48:11, we see the Lord declaring his reign of "abundance" will cease for Moab deceitfully did the works of God, so again we are brought back to the lukewarm/double minded aspect. Bringing this back to Ezekiel. . . Ezekiel 47:9, 12 9And it shall be that every living thing that moves, wherever the rivers go, will live. There will be a very great multitude of fish because these waters go there; for they willl be healed, and everything will live wherever the river goes. 12Along with the bank of the river, on this side and that, will grow all kinds of trees used for food; their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. They will bear fruet every month, because their waters flows from sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for medicine." With comparison to John John 7:37,38 37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. We begin to understand that truly in Him, is where abundance flows! Taking this into consideration, our "pureness" through the abundance and mercy of Christ we become a replenishment to other things i,e, others. This is only possible by an outflow- someone or "something" to bring it all together. (i.e. Jesus) So what becomes of the marshes and the cisterns? God specializes in transformation- so how does one go from being a "marsh" and reliant on cisterns- to being a bible believing- Jesus following- river of abundance?

He Loves Us Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem. The LORD hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the king of Israel, even the LORD, is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more. In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack. The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. Zephaniah 3:14-17 Amen Joe! This really opens a "door" to seeing just how much God "take up to us." His love is surely not called eternal for nothing! With that being said- I have a follow up question. We see God's compassion for Israel- but what about us? The love for Israel of course dates back to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. . .so how do we know this same jealousy is for us? That this same merry and joy is for us?

Very interesting Zion! Though I am curious- in what manner does this relate to God's jealousy to us? If this is the bride (the church) speaking to the groom (Christ) then what is the relation? (Sorry if this appears nit-picky, I am just stirring discussion )

For One Short Period Of My Life (Total Immersion In The Bible For A Year And Prayer Almost Without Ceasing) Whenever I Prayed I Felt Cool Waters Flowing With Joy Over My Heart And Yes, I Do Tend To Take All Scripture Up Close, Personal And Literal Right, Joe. I think that is a point at which we should all reach- be filled abundantly with the living water of Christ. One of the aspects I see in this (which is partial to the reason I started this thread) and of course- other scriptures (which I am sure will be brought up in the possible near future) is that aspect of being "lukewarm." We cannot be in the abundant water of Christ- and still contain our own "source" of water. . . The book of Jeremiah is what brings this to mind! Jeremiah 2:13 "For My people have committed two evils; They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters. And hewn themselves cisterns- broken cisterns that can hold no water," Thoughts and of course some more of God's word?

Amen Joe! Ezekiel 47:11 "But the miry places thereof and the marishes thereof shall not be healed; they shall be given to salt." I am very glad you quoted Ezekiel 47! There is so much truth to take in from this scripture! So we see in Ezekiel 47:11- that upon this river of abundance will there be waters that become "diluted." There is no outflow of the water- so it can not replenish itself, it sits and is worthless. I wonder how this plays into the lives of Christians? We see Christ being the "Living Water" and this prophetic dream (IMO) is in reference to this very thing! Thoughts on the relation it has- and how this would/does apply to us as Christians?

John 7:37,38 37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. This "great feast" is credited to be the Feast of Tabernacles. In preparation to the final day (the eighth day) many things are prepared to get ready for the final sermon. The references and the meaning behind this Feast has numerous meanings- but for the sake of discussion- we will focus only on the eighth day. . . . On the eighth and final day of the feast, the high priest of Israel, in a great processional made up of priests and tens of thousands of worshipers, descends from the Temple Mount to pause briefly at the Pool of Siloam. A pitcher would be filled with water, and the procession continued via a different route back to the Temple Mount. Here, in the midst of great ceremony, the high priest will pour the water out of the pitcher onto the altar. The meaning for this is to invoke God's blessing on the nation by providing "life-giving water." Thus the meaning behind what Christ says- that they have it wrong, that HE is the life giving water. So my discussion is around this proclamation- what does it mean that Jesus is the life giving water? What does this symbolize to a Christian concerning other scriptures?

So as the Topic Title says, this is concerning Demonic Oppression. I am not 100% on the need per say- besides deliverance! So with that, I am sure she will be in shortly to give us a better idea of what is going on.

Right Parker. I am glad you made a point in saying God's jealousy is not the same as ours (His is a godly jealousy) because a lot of times people try and manipulate scripture to be contradictory. Exodus 20:3 "You shall have no other gods before me." This is basically the (IMO) the main drive of God being jealous. . .so we agree- God is jealous in the sense that we are His; He bought us with a price!