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Gemstone777

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  1. Gemstone777
    I like difficulty in the puzzles, but ease in use of putting them together.
  2. Gemstone777
    24:16 was my time. I figured out how to rotate pieces too!
  3. Gemstone777
    I did this one in 5:26 minutes. Is that good for my first one? I like the ones that you don't have to turn the pieces around. Is there a way to see the pic while you are doing the puzzle? Forgive me, I'm tech challenged, lol.
  4. Gemstone777
    I'm enjoying it! I like the discussion with others, as it helps me to learn and grow, and reinforces my beliefs. I find that if I do it before entering chat, that I don't get distracted/then too tired to complete it for the day. I like how you said you read the week's worth all at once. I find that sometimes I am more in a reading mood. It's kind of like with writing, if I try to write when not inspired I don't get much, but when inspired I can do far more in a shorter amount of time. I love reading the Word of God, but it stimulates my mind, so I am thinking earlier in the day may be best. Just my thoughts. Thanks for asking/accountability! Have a blessed day! ~ Gem
  5. Gemstone777
    It's AWESOME! I think it's not only amazing that He took the time to create us, but He created us in His image, (Genesis 1:27.) He says we are fearfully and wonderfully made in Psalm 139:14. He calls us his children in 1 John 3:1 (See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!) Only our God could turn dust into that! Psalm 8 is a great summary of these thoughts, especially verses 4-6 (What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet.) Early revelation of God's nature that wouldn't be expounded upon for 4000 years. I do wonder if Adam had a more complete understanding of the Trinity than we do? This verse has been misunderstood by some to mean there are many gods, but I like you believe it's referring to the Trinity. I definitely think Adam had a better understanding of who God is because he walked with Him, saw Him, and was in His physical presence. Adam and Eve were born not knowing sin until they ate of the tree of life. We however are born with a sin nature, a desire to do evil. In Psalm 51:5 David confirms this, "Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me." He reiterates that again in Psalm 58:3 The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as they are born, speaking lies. Paul confirms this in the New Testament in Romans 3:10 As it is written: "There is none righteous, no not one." Sorry I took so long to respond! I've been trying to catch up, and now I've finally read all of the comments in this section. I hope you and your family have a blessed New Year!
  6. Gemstone777
    Thanks for sharing Jade! I really enjoyed listening to this!
  7. Gemstone777
    What the world values as beautiful and what God values as beautiful are two different things. A person can have a beautiful physical appearance by the world's standards but have an ugly heart, and vice versa. God values spiritual things...humble spirit, kindness, joyful heart, patience, etc. I always found it interesting that Jesus was not considered physically attractive by the world's standards, and that he grew up poor. Two things the world pursues is beauty and riches. Isaiah 53:2-3 ...He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to Him, nothing in His appearance that we should desire Him. He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. I don't think God wants us to have a poor self image or lack confidence, but He also wants us to be humble and not arrogant. Balance is very important in all things. I wonder if Jesus was not physically attractive for it to not be a distraction to him, or so that those who struggle with body image, are despised, and undesired can relate to Him. This I do know, the ways of God are not the ways of man. I think this is a great reminder that even godly men are imperfect. Abraham had to have faith to move somewhere new without having a plan because of God's leading, and also great faith later when he was willing to sacrifice Isaac, his only son. But then he became fearful for his life, and took matters into his own hands instructing his wife to lie/deceiving the Egyptians, which God hates a lying tongue. Another crazy thing to me that not only was he initially blessed with cattle for selling his wife off as his sister, but then he gets further blessed by the king for the king's fear of judgement by Abraham's God. Also, I think we can have moments of where we honor God greatly, and moments when we fail. Sometimes, like with King David, our failures are not when we are young but when we are older. I think these things are included in the Bible not so that we will judge harshly other people, but to warn us to avoid falling in these ways, and to see these saints before us as imperfect beings so that we don't worship them. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
  8. Gemstone777
    When I am down and pour my heart out to the Lord, He always sends encouragement, and usually it's quickly after. It could be an encouraging word from the Lord in a sermon or devotional, encouragement from a friend, or an unexpected blessing. Psalm 3:3 But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. Something that really stood out to me is that after praising the Lord is when good things come. The more we trust and praise God, the more we have the things we truly desire including peace. Philippians 4:19 My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus. That verse encourages me cause it didn't say He would meet some of my needs, but ALL! Thanks for sharing your heart! (((Hugs)))
  9. Gemstone777
    There are so many life lessons in these passages today you could spend a week marinating on the info! I’ll try to condense my thoughts/questions to a minimum, as this triggers so much in my brain. MATTHEW 7 · One observation is in Matthew 7:1 it starts out by saying, “Do not judge.” Then however in verses 16 and 21 of the same chapter it says that by their fruit you will recognize them. You have to be inspecting the fruit or making a judgment of sorts to know if the fruit is good or bad. Verse 2 says how we judge others is how we will be judged, so I think this is warning us not to judge harshly for if we are unmerciful to others we may not have mercy extended to us. This is where I think looking at the whole Word of God comes in especially handy. 1 Corinthians 5:12 What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? Although their actions may make us sad, I don’t think it’s our place to make harsh judgments on those outside of the body, for God will judge them. I expect lost people to act lost because they have not pledged their lives to Christ. · Verses 3-5 of Chapter 7 I think is clear that we need to work on ourselves first. It reminds me of what my dad used to always say to us as kids, “Tend to your own.” We shouldn’t be concerned about little problems with others if we have big problems of our own. I also like in verse 5 where is says “first take the plank out of your own eye, and THEN you will see clearly how to remove the speck from your brother’s.” So first work on ourselves, and then God will be able to better use us to help others. · Verse 8 is a reminder to me that we have to read the context of a Scripture, otherwise we could make it say something it doesn’t mean. The first part of 7:7 says “Ask and it will be given to you.” If you took that out of context you could see God as a genie that just grants your wishes. But, it’s talking about salvation, and those that truly seek Him will not be turned away. · Verse 12 of chapter 7 just reminded me of one of the Golden Rules in secular school growing up. My teacher would say, “Do unto others as you want done to you,” to our class. She didn’t quote it as a Scripture and might not have known it was in the Bible, but it is a very biblical principle. The Word of God is powerful, it’s good, and it can influence people without them even knowing it sometimes. · In Matthew 7: 22 where it says many will call out to the Lord and tell Him what they have done, but He tells them to depart from Him and calls them evildoers. My question is, do you think they really had deceived themselves into thinking they were going to heaven since they cried out Lord, Lord, or do you think deep down inside they knew they were just pretending to be a Christian? · Just a random thought on verses 24-27 of chapter 7, this reminds me of the 3 Pigs & the Big, Bad Wolf children’s story. The wolf blows down the first two pigs' houses made of straw and sticks. He can’t destroy the 3rd pig’s house because it’s made of bricks. With Christ as our rock and God on our side we are like the 3rd house made out of a bricks, a firm foundation. EXODUS 37 & 38 · Just wanted to encourage anyone who has not been to the Ark Encounter in Williamstown, KY to visit. It has a full size replica of Noah’s Ark. There’s lots of exhibits and Scripture throughout showing from creation to Christ’s resurrection. Ken Ham is the creator of this place, and he is a creationist and apologist, defending the faith.
  10. Gemstone777
    Genesis 48:18-19 says, Joseph said to him, "No, my father, this one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head," but his father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know. He too will become a people, and he too will become great. Nevertheless, his younger brother will be greater than he, and his descendants will become a group of nations.” I find it interesting that Jacob/Israel blessed Joseph's 2nd born (Ephraim,) over his 1st born (Mannasseh.) It kind of repeated what had happened with Jacob himself, only he stole the blessing from his older brother, Essau , by deceiving his father, Isaac. There's obviously a reason that God put this in here and allowed this to happen that way. In tradition, the 1st born always received the blessing, inheritance, and a place of respect which made them privileged. Deuteronomy 21:17 says, But he shall acknowledge the firstborn, the son of the unloved, by giving him a double portion of all that he has, for he is the beginning of strength; to him belongs the right of the firstborn. I wonder if God saw that as an area of pride, and decided to humble mankind, even His people. It was definitely God that allowed the order to be reversed because He's in control of all things, and nothing happens without Him allowing it. Any thoughts on this?
  11. Gemstone777
    Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts Steve! I really like all that you had to say, and it all makes a lot of sense. I also like that you use the Bible to back up your thoughts. The part quoted above really stood out to me because Christ knew that outwardly they were appearing religious, but that their hearts were not right. He was calling them out in a sense because they were making a mockery of what Jesus was saying by calling for a sign, and not trusting what Jesus said. I still find it hard to wrap my mind around that they witnessed Christ's miracles, and spent time with Him on the Earth, and still rejected Him. John 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
  12. Gemstone777
    Omega!!! Too funny! We love ya Joe! <3
  13. Gemstone777
    There's my FresnoJoe heart that I love to see! Hope you are well today Joe!
  14. Gemstone777
    Hebrews 2:4 says God also testified to it by signs, wonders, and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. In Matthew 12:39 it says, He answered, “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign!" I have always heard the Matthew verse teaching that asking for a sign is what a sinful/wicked generation does. In Hebrews 2:4 though it says that God used signs, wonders, and miracles to testify. Obviously the Bible doesn't contradict itself, but one seems to make signs, wonders, and miracles good, and the other asking for a sign is sinful. What's the difference between asking God for clarity and discernment, verses asking for a sign. My understanding is that we don't ask for a sign, but God still uses them for good. I think the importance of the 1st 4 verses of Hebrews 2, is to caution all believers not to drift away from their first love, Christ. Feel free to share your thoughts to help me understand it better. Maybe I'm just complicating these 2 passages. Hebrews 2:18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. The phrase, “he himself suffered when he was tempted,” reminds me that refraining from sin/temptation can be hard and cause suffering, but that's what God wants us to do. It also reminds me that it was hard for Christ to resist the flesh, just as it is for us. 2 Timothy 2:22 Run from temptations that capture young people. That's another verse instructing us to flee temptations
  15. Gemstone777
    Yay! Cady's a part of 365 Bible Club! Now we have even more to talk about! Love you friend! <3
  16. Gemstone777
    Happy to have you as party of our Worthy family lee! Hope you enjoy the Bible 365 Club as much as me! Have a blessed day! ~ Gem
  17. Gemstone777
    Thank you very much Omega! I really appreciate that you do that! I'm enjoying reading with others! Your work is not in vain! Keep pressing on dear brother!
  18. Gemstone777
    I confess I am behind, but trying to catch up!
  19. Gemstone777
    Mostly just observations/thoughts today....just things that stood out to me, or that I am reminded of. Luke 22:3-4 Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. I always found it so sad, angering, even surprising how Judas could walk with Jesus, observe the miracles performed, have Jesus as a friend at one time, but turn his back on Him. Satan entering Judas reminds me that even though God has ultimate power/is stronger than the dark, that evil has power too. Just like part of God enters/covers us when we become His child allowing us to do good, evil entering man can result in them doing bad. It says, “And Judas went to the chief priests and officers and discussed how he might betray Jesus.” There is calculation, plotting, scheming, and feet that are quick to do evil. Christ's enemies didn't even have to come to Judas to persuade him, it was easy for them. Those types of behaviors that harm others with evil intent will never honor God. Yet He still allowed it to happen and Jesus was a willing sacrifice because without the remission of sins, men can't be saved. (Hebrews 9:22) What kind of love we've been given! Luke 22:33-34 But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.” I think Peter desired to not deny Christ, and thought he wouldn't do it. But, until you are actually in a situation you don't really know how you would handle it for sure. It's how you think you would handle it until that time has arrived. Even with the best intentions fear can get the best of any of us. Genesis 39:3-4 When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. While the Lord obviously blessed Joseph/was with him, God was also with Joseph when he was thrown into a pit/left for dead, sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused by Potipher's wife, and even imprisoned. I sometimes think people see favor as only those flourishing financially, health wise, etc., but often those that have bad circumstances can be the closest to God (like Job). I think suffering brings us closer to God because we realize our need for reliance upon Him, and I imagine it was that way for Joseph too. Also, praising God through the storms can show true faith and commitment to Him.
  20. Gemstone777
    I was thinking along that line too that it could be both! The reason I think it would be good to minister to the types of people listed in that passage is because they are often not thought of, esteemed, or cared for, and most could do nothing in return if you served them a meal. For example, a crippled person w/mangled hands would not have the ability to make a meal. Jesus often ministered to the people that others wouldn't. He is not a respecter of persons. Also, it reminds me of the verses about loving the unlovable...what does it profit for us to love somebody that everyone loves, loving the unlovable allows Christ to shine through us. Thanks so much for your insights, I respect you/them a lot! ~ Gem
  21. Gemstone777
    Omega that's great stuff! This is what I love about doing Bible study with other believers is that they can shed light on things, or help to see things from a different perspective as long as they are accurately interpreting the Scriptures. Even when there is peaceful disagreement, it can be iron sharponing iron and make us dig into the Word even more. I think it's great that you've challenged us all with reading our Bible more deeply and discussing it with others! Thank you for that! As far as the Luke passage, you may very well be correct. I sometimes think that is a challenge with understanding certain passages within the Bible as to how much is literal, or how much is figuratively. I obviously took it more literal, and you believe it's parabolic. What you say makes sense also, making it hard to decipher. Those are good suggestions of places to minister to others if I feel led to do that. I agree that meeting the spiritual need (sharing the Gospel) is the most important thing we can do to the lost world. We can just meet the physical needs and the people could still be dying and going to hell. God does accept us in spite of ourselves, and that is a beautiful thing! ~ Always, Gem
  22. Gemstone777
    Luke 14:12-14 Then Jesus said to his host,“When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” I think often times in our society we try to pay people back things for the things that they have done for us. Sometimes a verbal or written "Thank You" is enough, and a grateful heart. I once was given 2 weeks paid leave to use for sick time at work by one of my dad's friends. I did not have enough time for my medical leave, and you were allowed to transfer your own personal/sick time to others. I was so grateful for his generosity that my dad and I took gift cards over to him to thank him. He was not as happy to receive them as we thought, as he told me I was robbing him of his blessing by giving him his reward down here. He did take them, and was not mad at me, but that has always stood out to me. This verse reminded me that sometimes we just need to say thank you, and praise God for all the many blessings in our life that we can never repay....the biggest one being our salvation/forgiveness of sins! Also, for application of God's Word....any ideas as to where to find poor, crippled, lame, and blind random strangers to invite/would want to come to a banquet/dinner? James 1:22 says...But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. I'm always challenged to "do" when I hear instructions given in the Bible. Genesis 25:17-18 Ishmael lived a hundred and thirty-seven years. He breathed his last and died, and he was gathered to his people. His descendants settled in the area from Havilah to Shur, near the eastern border of Egypt, as you go toward Ashur. And they lived in hostility toward all the tribes related to them. I knew it was prophesied that Ishmael would live in hostility. Genesis 16:12 "He will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone and everyone's hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers." I guess it makes sense that the hostility was passed down to his descendants cause children are often products of their environment, but they don't have to be. You sometimes see people break free from all kinds of family cycles...abuse, alcoholism, poverty, etc. Deuteronomy 5:9 ...for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity (sins) of the fathers on the children, and on the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me. My understanding of this is that the sins of the fathers are only poured out on to the subsequent generations that hate God. Hating God is what gives the punishment, not the fathers sins. So for example if Ishmael's descendents had broken away from his sinful ways, then they wouldn't have been hostile and suffered the consequences of hating God.
  23. Gemstone777
    Steve, so much good stuff you put here! I am on vaca, but I hope to respond when I get back! Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I love to hear what my brothers/sisters have to say! Have a blessed week! ~ Gem
  24. Gemstone777
    Joe, I love your hearts and I smile when I see them! You are an encouragement without saying a word! (<3) ~ Gem
  25. Gemstone777
    Good thought! Maybe it's because he was closer with God than the others. Kind of like John was Jesus' beloved. My 2 cents!
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