Theophilia05151

Spending time together with no agenda...listening to one another. Don't go in looking for love, but wanting to give love.

Unity starts with an understanding that my job is not to get you to agree with me, but to live my life in such a way that I contribute to the body of Christ as a whole. On other words, I work at taking the log from my own eye so to speak and work on living up to the biblical standard God has for me. Unity is my problem not someone else's problem.

What would I do? Be grateful.

I kind of like the worthy neighborhood troll gig... and so very grateful I was named a troll from my first appearance back here. At least I know where I stand.

Love your tag line bopeep

Although had no idea what a troll was until Thursday, upon my mere entry into chat, I was called a troll and have been called a troll by five people now. So look closely at my face so you can identify a troll....This is what one looks like. I will gladly be the worthy troll if people can stop being ugly to one another around here. I actually went looking for some information on trolls last night, because much like your post indicates, I think there is something to hatred, its targets and also receiving the flung hatred of others. You may have heard about the concept of shadow which is all we repress about ourselves - both good and bad. I think there is probably something to trolldom and the concept of the shadow...but that's a troll talking. This troll is going to go teach Sunday School - on love...go figure. Love on, SS

Here you go... https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/your-online-secrets/201409/internet-trolls-are-narcissists-psychopaths-and-sadists

That first sentence should read, I would like to say more, but before I say anything I would like to ask you how you differentiate creature and child. Define them and tell me how I should treat each, please. Thanks.

Hi woundeddog, I would really like you to say more about that before I say anything. At first blush, I have to say that were all created in the image of God and the same breath of God that breathed life into Adam, breathed life into me. I am sure that this will come down to differing opinions about how we interpret Scripture. I would say that I balance what Jesus said (which in my opinion was a hyperbolic figurative statement) with the account of creation where God gave humankind life. I think it's important to look at the whole of Scripture. YHWH often refers to Israel as YHWH's son, or child. The greater part of this, is that, in humility, I truly do not want to set myself up as deciding who is and who is not a child of God and demeaning others to say they are not children of God. I have done that and it hasn't gone well. Yet, when I sincerely offer myself in love and believe the best of everyone, treating them like they are in truth the child of the most high God, things go a lot better. Again, I am not God, who has made it very clear that my little bitty part is to love in a large way. BUT, I am really, really not wanting to argue over a post that is about not arguing... Kind of defeats the point.

I think my favorite part in teaching about this is when I get to tell people to stop being so self-righteous when they pray for others. Only God really knows what another needs. Seek God's best for others, not what you think will fix them!

This is good too...as well as some of the writings of Kevin Watson from the vital piety blog... http://pendel.s3.amazonaws.com/2224E48AC8494AAE98E89045FD4E6772_3 - Guidelines for Holy Conferencing.pdf

Here is an article...that goes into a bit more detail... http://mnumc-email.brtapp.com/files/eefiles/documents/holy_conferencing_study_guide_2012.pdf

I think that's to my point...right?

It may be adding fuel to the fire here...but there is now a whole series of "bible" studies that use the devo as the primary text. I don't want to bash Sarah Young...heaven knows that people can pick apart anything I do any day of the week...but I think the devo as primary way of relating to God is not the most sound approach. People will argue if you lift up studying the biblical text as a/the primary way of relating to God saying that the the first century Christians did not "have" the bible. Jesus' example to the community was one of being a faithful follower of YHWH, which included faithful study or sacred Jewish texts. We should seek to do the same. SS

Thank you shiloh for the original post....I have read both God Calling and Jesus Calling. God Calling is highly revered in AA. However, like ricky, I think I will still with Morning and Evening by Spurgeon.

Here was the pic attached to the article.

Hi like this, Dan. I have been captivated with the idea (from a Christian writer) that we suffer both how we suffer ( meaning the actual cause of our suffering) and the way we suffer (meaning how we handle our suffering. Worry is one of those things that can compound daily life, especially our suffering. SS

Hi All, We have a grand tradition in the United Methodist Church that is getting more press and practice these days as we have come to a greater state of disarray over a topic we can't seem to come to agreement. The tradition to which I refer is called "holy conferencing." John Wesley promoted this way of seeking to understand another, rather than tearing them down. I thought you might be interested in these 8 principles of holy conferencing - 1. Every person is a child of God2. Listen before speaking3. Strive to understand from another’s point of view4. Strive to reflect accurately the views of others5. Disagree without being disagreeable6. Speak about issues; do not defame people7. Pray, in silence or aloud, before decisions8. Let prayer interrupt your busy-ness . I think we would do well on here to ask people a lot more questions in order to clarify from where they are coming than to jump to make a pithy, pointed opposing statement. Enough said. Love on, friends.

Hi Tiggs, I think this is the same thing that was being discussed in the "When Michael Stands Up Thread..." Here is what was posted from a site online. Disclaimer - I do not spouse this view and would appreciate not being attacked over posting the information - On September 23, 2017 a sign forms in the heavens that fits the requirements of Revelation 12. As far as can be determined from computer models, this is the only time this sign will occur in history. Therefore, this would literally be the Great Sign of Revelation that is to appear in heaven. The woman in heaven is Virgo–the Virgin. The sun is the sun “clothing Virgo” and the moon is actually under her feet. The garland of twelve stars are the nine stars of Leo with three wandering stars that have been situated within Leo at this time to make twelve. Those wandering stars are: Mercury, Mars, and Venus. The last element of the sign is that the Virgin must be with child. The planet or star of the Messiah is Jupiter. Jupiter at this time is in the womb of Virgo. Again, no replication of this sign has yet to be found. The problem with this sign is that all to often it is taken only as a symbol for what it represents and is not considered an actual sign placed in the heavens by God. The sign represents the birth of Messiah from the virgin of Israel, but it is to be taken as an actual sign to be seen and thereby understand the time at which a significant event occurs. The problem then is to determine where it occurs within the timeline of the end of days. That is, where does it occur in relation to the 70th Week of Daniel–the final period of seven years before Messiah comes to rule the planet. The solution lies within Micah 5.In Micah 5 the timeline of the Messiah is given. First he will be born in Bethlehem and he is to be known as the one who will be ruler in Israel. When Jesus came he presented himself as the Prince on Palm Sunday, but then he was later crucified that week on Passover. He did not become a world ruler from Jerusalem at that time. Micah then says that Messiah will give them up “until the time that she who is in labor has given birth.” Forty days after the resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven and ten days later the Church began and continues to this day. According to Micah, Israel’s remnant will return to the children of Israel only after she has given birth. The sign of Revelation 12 is the sign that marks this time. It marks the transition from the Church to Daniel’s 70th Week. This sign appears in the heavens just two days after the Feast of Trumpets and likely the Rapture of the Church in 2017. All the qualifiers are there from September 23-25, 2017 for this sign, which comes 1,260 days after the first tetrad of April 15, 2014. However, the woman must give birth and Jupiter remains in the womb a few more weeks when it will then emerge. On November 13, 2017, Jupiter emerges and is joined in conjunction with Venus. This day also comes 444 days after their previous conjunction on August 27, 2016 that marks Jupiter’s entry into Virgo. If November 13, 2017 marks the beginning of the significant spiritual return of Israel, then six days later marks what appears to be the beginning of the 70th Week of Daniel. This is done by counting 2,520 (7 x 360) days back from the Day of Atonement 2024. Now most prophecy students believe Israel signs the covenant with the Antichrist to begin the 70th Week per their understanding of Daniel 9:27. This author instead believes that this is Israel’s Covenant with God, which is strengthened by God himself showing the Israelis that all is back on track. During the transition from the Rapture to the beginning of the 2,520 days would be sixty days and it is believed within that time there is the fulfillment of Psalm 83 and Ezekiel 38-39. Only God rescues Israel from the war and Israel is said to recognize that fact. With the Rapture occurring on the Feast of Trumpets and this war coming from the north, it should be clear to many Jews what just occurred. With an understanding of the Old Testament, it should be clear. Of course, that is why it is there. Paul speaks of the Gentiles provoking the Jews to jealousy. If there were a time to be jealous, to see a sizable segment of Gentiles (and some believing Jews) get taken in the Rapture to safety before the coming Day of the Lord would be it. It will mean that many Jews will get on track and believe. With 144,000 Jewish male witnesses found in the book of Revelation, it has been made clear that many in Israel will believe and preach the Gospel of the Kingdom. The seven years begin at a time of Israeli spiritual renewal. This is why Jesus warns Israel of the Antichrist by identifying the time of the Abomination of Desolation, which occurs in the middle of the 70th Week. That is the true moment of identification and time the Antichrist will control the land of Israel.One roadblock in understanding the sign of Revelation 12 is by not understanding the layout of the book of Revelation. Chapter 11 takes the reader to the end of the seven years at the seventh trumpet when the earth fully becomes under Jesus Christ our Lord. Chapter 12 begins further detail on this coming time and starts back at the beginning. We therefore begin at this sign that represents Israel and the bringing forth of the Messiah. But the point is that this is a heavenly sign placed in heaven to show us when these things will begin. That is, the continuation of the salvation story through the nation of Israel. Therefore, the sign of Micah 5 and Revelation 12 is an actual sign in the heavens that can be documented and it is yet future. It marks the time at which a true return of Israel will occur. It is not an accident that it comes right after the Feast of Trumpets–the time of the last Trump for the Church. This then means (along with everything else documented here on this site) that time is short for the Church. Will believers pay attention and do what must be done and make sure that they are sharing the gospel? The doors to the Church are still open for those who might believe in our Savior Jesus Christ. Only by believing and putting our trust in Christ will we escape what is soon coming upon the world. It is becoming pretty apparent what is soon coming. If one does not believe until after the Rapture, God’s grace will be sufficient, but it will not be without many perilous trials. - See more at:http://watchfortheday.org/micah.html#sthash.j5FAJ3OE.dpuf

Quoted text here: n September 23, 2017 a sign forms in the heavens that fits the requirements of Revelation 12. As far as can be determined from computer models, this is the only time this sign will occur in history. Therefore, this would literally be the Great Sign of Revelation that is to appear in heaven. The woman in heaven is Virgo–the Virgin. The sun is the sun “clothing Virgo” and the moon is actually under her feet. The garland of twelve stars are the nine stars of Leo with three wandering stars that have been situated within Leo at this time to make twelve. Those wandering stars are: Mercury, Mars, and Venus. The last element of the sign is that the Virgin must be with child. The planet or star of the Messiah is Jupiter. Jupiter at this time is in the womb of Virgo. Again, no replication of this sign has yet to be found. The problem with this sign is that all to often it is taken only as a symbol for what it represents and is not considered an actual sign placed in the heavens by God. The sign represents the birth of Messiah from the virgin of Israel, but it is to be taken as an actual sign to be seen and thereby understand the time at which a significant event occurs. The problem then is to determine where it occurs within the timeline of the end of days. That is, where does it occur in relation to the 70th Week of Daniel–the final period of seven years before Messiah comes to rule the planet. The solution lies within Micah 5. In Micah 5 the timeline of the Messiah is given. First he will be born in Bethlehem and he is to be known as the one who will be ruler in Israel. When Jesus came he presented himself as the Prince on Palm Sunday, but then he was later crucified that week on Passover. He did not become a world ruler from Jerusalem at that time. Micah then says that Messiah will give them up “until the time that she who is in labor has given birth.” Forty days after the resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven and ten days later the Church began and continues to this day. According to Micah, Israel’s remnant will return to the children of Israel only after she has given birth. The sign of Revelation 12 is the sign that marks this time. It marks the transition from the Church to Daniel’s 70th Week. This sign appears in the heavens just two days after the Feast of Trumpets and likely the Rapture of the Church in 2017. All the qualifiers are there from September 23-25, 2017 for this sign, which comes 1,260 days after the first tetrad of April 15, 2014. However, the woman must give birth and Jupiter remains in the womb a few more weeks when it will then emerge. On November 13, 2017, Jupiter emerges and is joined in conjunction with Venus. This day also comes 444 days after their previous conjunction on August 27, 2016 that marks Jupiter’s entry into Virgo. If November 13, 2017 marks the beginning of the significant spiritual return of Israel, then six days later marks what appears to be the beginning of the 70th Week of Daniel. This is done by counting 2,520 (7 x 360) days back from the Day of Atonement 2024. Now most prophecy students believe Israel signs the covenant with the Antichrist to begin the 70th Week per their understanding of Daniel 9:27. This author instead believes that this is Israel’s Covenant with God, which is strengthened by God himself showing the Israelis that all is back on track. During the transition from the Rapture to the beginning of the 2,520 days would be sixty days and it is believed within that time there is the fulfillment of Psalm 83 and Ezekiel 38-39. Only God rescues Israel from the war and Israel is said to recognize that fact. With the Rapture occurring on the Feast of Trumpets and this war coming from the north, it should be clear to many Jews what just occurred. With an understanding of the Old Testament, it should be clear. Of course, that is why it is there. Paul speaks of the Gentiles provoking the Jews to jealousy. If there were a time to be jealous, to see a sizable segment of Gentiles (and some believing Jews) get taken in the Rapture to safety before the coming Day of the Lord would be it. It will mean that many Jews will get on track and believe. With 144,000 Jewish male witnesses found in the book of Revelation, it has been made clear that many in Israel will believe and preach the Gospel of the Kingdom. The seven years begin at a time of Israeli spiritual renewal. This is why Jesus warns Israel of the Antichrist by identifying the time of the Abomination of Desolation, which occurs in the middle of the 70th Week. That is the true moment of identification and time the Antichrist will control the land of Israel. One roadblock in understanding the sign of Revelation 12 is by not understanding the layout of the book of Revelation. Chapter 11 takes the reader to the end of the seven years at the seventh trumpet when the earth fully becomes under Jesus Christ our Lord. Chapter 12 begins further detail on this coming time and starts back at the beginning. We therefore begin at this sign that represents Israel and the bringing forth of the Messiah. But the point is that this is a heavenly sign placed in heaven to show us when these things will begin. That is, the continuation of the salvation story through the nation of Israel. Therefore, the sign of Micah 5 and Revelation 12 is an actual sign in the heavens that can be documented and it is yet future. It marks the time at which a true return of Israel will occur. It is not an accident that it comes right after the Feast of Trumpets–the time of the last Trump for the Church. This then means (along with everything else documented here on this site) that time is short for the Church. Will believers pay attention and do what must be done and make sure that they are sharing the gospel? The doors to the Church are still open for those who might believe in our Savior Jesus Christ. Only by believing and putting our trust in Christ will we escape what is soon coming upon the world. It is becoming pretty apparent what is soon coming. If one does not believe until after the Rapture, God’s grace will be sufficient, but it will not be without many perilous trials. - See more at: http://watchfortheday.org/micah.html#sthash.j5FAJ3OE.dpuf

I don't think anyone answered you or angels. I am just passing along the information to which this other person kept referring...I do NOT espouse the view of the site posted here - http://watchfortheday.org/micah.html

Several people have agreed with you. So, I hesitate to say anything controversial. I also hope that you are talking about pestering God in prayer. I would hope that my relationship with God is characterized by more true relating between the two of us and not me simply trying to elicit a response from God. Scripture says without faith it is impossible to please God. I imagine any significant human relationship I have would deteriorate rapidly if I simply brought up the same issue over and over rather than trusting the character of the other person and/or the shared history and that in time whatever issue I was seeking to be resolved would be. I honestly think its an affront to God when we talk more than we listen in prayer. Which party in the relationship fashioned the universe? Certainly not me...

I honestly would be ok with wearing something like this.