Gemstone777

15 hours ago, wingnut- said:

Praying

Thank you Nut!  Praying for good health for you too!  Love ya brother!  

17 hours ago, Frances said:

Praying for you Gemmie.  

Awww, thanks Twin!  Love and miss you!  ❤️

20 hours ago, turtletwo said:

@Gemstone777 I have been praying for you and will continue to do so. Please keep us updated, when you can.  Have a blessed day.

Thank you turtletwo!    I really appreciate your prayers for me, and I felt covered at both appointments yesterday!  I have my dermatology appointment around 11 am today.  I will post an update of yesterday soon!  Thanks again, and you have a blessed day too!  

2 hours ago, Abby-Joy said:

Praying for you, @Gemstone777!

Thank you dear Abby!  I hope/pray you are well!  (((Hugs)))  ❤️

2 hours ago, turtletwo said:

@Gemstone777 I will be happy to pray for your doctor apt today and all the needs you have listed. GBU.

I appreciate the prayers and your quick response to intervene on my behalf!  God bless you!  

Greetings prayer warriors!  I'm more often in chat than on the forums, but I thank you in advance for all of you that will pray.  I have a doctor's appointment today to discuss my annual blood work results with my primary care physician.  I get results e-mailed to me beforehand, so I know that 2 of my liver enzymes are elevated and 1 other result was abnormal.  Also, I have a dentist appointment today to get my permanent crown put on.  When I was at the dentist a few weeks ago to get my temporary crown, I almost gagged and bit down on the drill inside my mouth cause my dentist's hands are quite large.  So needless to say, I am not looking forward to going today.  Prayers that God would take away any fear/anxiety would be greatly appreciated.   Then tomorrow, I have to drive an hour each way to see my Dermatologist who is treating my Psoriasis, Hidradenitis Suppurativa (chronic skin condition in lymph areas), and one other skin issue.  The treatments have helped a little, but all 3 dermatology issues are still flared up.  I also had a flare up yesterday related to my CFS/Me & Fibromyalgia, and the swelling, fatigue, and pain were challenging.  We are purging/organizing/downsizing in preparation for our move related to my husband's job, and I might have overdone it.  Next week my family and I are meeting a friend in PA for my Birthday and I'm most excited to see the, "Jesus" play.  Prayers that I would be healthy enough to travel, as it's 7/8 hours away.  Thankfully, my cold/flu symptoms are mostly gone.  I am most grateful for prayers of protection, relief, and healing.  Thank you all so much!  If you leave me a message here of what you need prayer for, I'd be glad to pray for you also.  Have a blessed day friends!  ❤️  

So glad he can be close to you and you both are being taken care of!  Prayers for healing for you both!  (((Hugs)))  ❤️

I'm glad chemo is nearing the end.  I am sad to hear you are suffering.  Continued prayers for you.  Love and (((hugs)))!  ❤️

Not a question, rather just a comment on a thought that was triggered by a verse in this passage.  In Ephesians 1:19 it says, “ speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord.”  When I was a child I would sit on our swing outside by myself and make up songs to God.  I didn’t write them down and often couldn’t remember the words or notes, but I was singing them from my heart to God.  Or when I was riding on the lawnmower I would create music just to sing to the Lord.  Maybe that is why I still like mowing so much to this day!  ?  Even though I am older now, I still create my own songs to God.  I will often sing them while on a drive, road trip, or travels across country with my husband or family.  The fact that they were/are one time only to me makes them more special, just for my King!  Thanks for letting me share a pleasant childhood memory!  Have a blessed day all! 

1.            What do you think it means to be dead and your trespasses and sins?

Our sin makes us guilty to God because we violated His holy commands.  So, those that don’t have a blood sacrifice (Jesus) to forgive them of their sins will die and go to hell.  Sin creates separation from God.  

2.            Where it speaks about the Ephesians’ former condition that they walked according to the course of this world and according to the prince of the power of the air, and of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience,  what do you think the bolded terms above are referring to?

The lost, those that have not been redeemed by the blood of Jesus, those that are serving/following Satan and not God, and are under his leadership.

3.            Who are the "sons of disobedience"?

Those that are engaging in sinful acts and not walking with/serving Christ.  Some have said this could also include the angels that fell and followed Satan.

4.            In verse three, Paul says that we also all formerly lived lusting in at indulging in the desires of the flesh and of the mind. Do you think then, that "all" means without exception?

Except for Jesus, absolutely all of mankind has sinned and fallen short of God’s holy, perfect standards.  (Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.)

5.            What kind of things are meant by lusts of our flesh and desires of the flesh and mind?

Lust of our flesh are sinful desires of the physical human body that are contrary to the will/law of God.  Desires of our mind are where the sinful desires usually start. 

6.            We were by nature children of wrath. What do you think that means?

By nature means born into the world as sinners and that it was not optional.  Children of wrath means that they are subject to God’s wrath for their sins.  Romans 3:10 As it is written, there is none righteous no not one. 

On 10/5/2018 at 9:41 AM, Frances said:

We know in Revelation that harps are mentioned.

Good point Frances!  Ephesians 5:19 says, "speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord." The phrase "making melody" comes from the Greek word "psallontes" which means "to rub or touch," "to twitch or twang." It was commonly used in Greek to refer to playing a stringed musical instrument.  This could be another Scripture indicating it isn't wrong to play instruments, just a different way of musical expression.

On 10/5/2018 at 7:11 AM, other one said:

I can only speak for the Church of Christ and say that they don't find any musical instruments used in the New Testament Church, so they do not use them in their Church Services.

I would say though their music without instruments can be very good....    the two I attended as a young person had some of the best music I have ever experienced in a church...…    Many of the congregation will take music lessons to be able to read and sing reading shape music books....   and a couple of hundred people singing 4 part harmony can be quite moving.

Thank you Other One for that explanation, as I am simply trying to understand the Biblical reasoning behind it.     I myself like Acapella music too.  I like music in a variety of forms, especially when it's used to praise God.   From my understanding of Scriptures, the Bible doesn't forbid it, but if someone is convicted differently than that is their choice.  Hope you have a blessed day!  

Does anyone understand where some Christian churches get in the Bible that you should not play instruments (verse 3-5) or dancing (verse 4), as long as it is to honor the Lord?   I sincerely want to know as I can not find it in the Bible.

Praise God in his sanctuary;
    praise him in his mighty heavens.
² Praise him for his acts of power;
    praise him for his surpassing greatness.
³ Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
    praise him with the harp and lyre,
⁴ praise him with timbrel and dancing,
    praise him with the strings and pipe,
⁵ praise him with the clash of cymbals,
    praise him with resounding cymbals.

⁶ Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

I love you sister!  My friends and family are praying for you also!  ❤️  

John 11:33-35 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.  “Where have you laid him?”  he asked.  “Come and see, Lord,” they replied.  Jesus wept.   

Sometimes in our society the world tells people to suck it up, not be emotional, and looks at crying as a weakness.  Especially if someone is a male it’s not looked at as manly to cry, yet Jesus wept.  It said he was “deeply moved…..troubled….wept.”  Not just a little upset, but extremely.  This passage is clear that Christ had emotions and was compassionate.  I believe this is an example where we should not follow the ways of the world, but use Jesus’ as an example of how to live.  Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep, is another place we are told to do this.  Then it goes on to say in John 11:36 Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”  By weeping, Jesus showed love.  

John 11:43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”   Because what Jesus spoke comes to fruition, if he had not called Lazarus by name, it would appear that all the dead buried there would have been brought back to life.  

John 11:48 If we let him (Jesus) go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation.”  Fear of losing their power and greed led to the chief priests and Pharisees plotting to kill Jesus.  

John 11:53-54  So from that day on they plotted to take his life.  Therefore Jesus no longer moved about publicly among the people of Judea. Instead he withdrew to a region near the wilderness, to a village called Ephraim, where he stayed with his disciples.  I’ve heard some Christians over the years say that we should just let evildoers overtake us and be martyrs for our faith.  I think this is an example where Jesus was wise and didn’t help them to do evil to Him, until it was His appointed time to die/be our sacrifice.
 

Hey Omega! 

When I watched your video, it was late and I was not in a mindset (alert enough), nor had the time in that moment to process deep theological things.  I had already spent hours reading over Scriptures and other posts in the Bible club, as I was catching up.  Sometimes you can read/watch something that stirs all kinds of thoughts in your mind, and it's hard to focus and respond to that when one is getting tired.  I wanted you to know I had watched it and hoped that you would be encouraged knowing someone took the time to do so.  I said what I felt in that moment, and I still think your character is quite entertaining, and I like your quirky humor.    I know that your main intent was not to entertain, but it doesn't mean that someone didn't get something deeper out of your post just because they were entertained, or didn't respond with deep insights.  

As far as Christ's return, I think there are a lot of signs pointing to His return.  I think a lot of prophecy has been fulfilled that has to happen for Christ to return, but there still are more that need to take place.  I try to do what God has commanded me to do, be waiting and watching, and I don't think anyone knows exactly when He will return.  Matthew 24:36 But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.    

When it comes to Eschatology, I think there is a lot of uncertainty on the details and that is why there is so much debate, even among Christians.  Maybe that's because some think it's more literal and others think it's figuratively.  Even theologians sincere in their faith and studied far more than I about end times specifics disagree how it plays out.  I think people share what they believe is their interpretation of how it all plays out, and they take a stand based on their understanding of the Scriptures.  I think some things are truly mysteries and we won't know the preciseness of them until they play out.  I think it is important that we be doing the Lord's work so that when He returns he doesn't find fault with us.  That is what I think is most important.  

I know you like to discuss things/engage in debate, and I do see the benefit of iron sharpening iron.  However, sometimes discussion/debate can turn into arguments and are not profitable, as we see on the forums at times.  Maybe it's just because I've heard arguments on all sides of the Eschatology hot button topics over the years and I don't always choose to engage.  It's not because I don't have thoughts and views, I just choose to share them when I feel led.  As far as me or others growing, I think different things stick out to people at different times.  Just like on many of my posts on the Bible 365 Club Forum I speak about the things that stand out to me.  We are all different, at different stages in our walks, and certain things will stand out to us.  

I understand you desire deeper discussion with substance on the Bible 365 Club.  I would like more people to share questions and insights too.  I think we have to let people talk about what they feel led to talk about though and can't force our desires upon them.  All we can do is encourage more participation and hope they are gaining something from it.  Like Gandolph I believe it was said something to the effect that he likes that he can read multiple days at once on the Bible 365 Club.  I like that too, as I have multiple Scripture readings, devotions, Christian books, etc that I partake in.  If you touch one with this ministry, it's worth it.  I personally have enjoyed participating in Bible 365 Club.   

On 6/18/2018 at 6:17 PM, Omegaman 3.0 said:

Arguments from silence, do not impress me. I prefer that ideas have specific and clear support in scripture, that are a natural conclusion from scripture, rather than cherry picking certain verses, which are taken out of their contexts, to establish support for other ideas which are also not described in scripture. I am way too afraid to do that, I am amazed that so many other are not.

Arguments are not usually in silence, the arguing comes when someone states their ideas that others do not agree with.  Some people just don't like to argue and choose silence, which can be wisdom.  As far as cherry picking certain verses to support ideas doesn't mean they are necessarily taken out of context.  The Bible works hand in hand, it's a complete book with many parts.  For example, a verse from the Old Testament can be reiterated in the New Testament giving it further strength by complementing each other.  If looking for a certain topic let's say prayer, you can find verse all throughout the Bible that help us understand how to pray, what it is.  There's not one verse that dominates the meaning of prayer, they are all important.  I do think there's always a chance that things can be taken out of context and that's true for us all.  When we get to heaven we will all probably find out something was wrong with our theology, as we are imperfect beings.  But that is why we study to be as accurate as we can be in our beliefs, to honor God, and grow closer to Him.  

I did not think me commenting on the Omega Man character would draw this response from  you friend.  It does seem that I am unintentionally good at doing so though!    Although I may not have given you all the dialogue you want, this is me, and that is what I know how to do.  I hope you have a blessed day brother!  

Love in Christ always, Gem  ❤️

I watched the first video!  Your Omega Man super hero is quite entertaining! 

What I read and my thoughts are almost identical to Omega.  

On 11/5/2017 at 1:05 AM, Steve_S said:

There was, however, one restriction on the eating of those animals:

Gen 9:4  But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood.

Reflection:   

Yesterday, I saw a guy on a TV fishing show off the coast of Hawaii eat a heart that was still beating out of the big fish that he had just caught.  I was reminded of this verse.  It made me sad because he's violating God's instruction, and I'm guessing unknowingly brought judgment upon himself.  

Also, when I was in college, a group of friends went out for a steak dinner.  One of the guys that was a professing Christian and body builder ordered a rare steak that had blood coming out of it.  He ate the whole thing.  I tend to think maybe he didn't know this verse, but I guess he could have blatantly disregarded God's commands.

In these two instances, one was an unbeliever, and the other was a believer, but yet both violated God's instruction.  The believer is forgiven, yet as believer's we are held to higher standards because of our decision to follow Christ.  The fisherman was an unbeliever so we shouldn't expect him to follow God's instructions.  It seems to me this is one of the many examples of God's grace on believers.  

On 5/6/2018 at 3:50 PM, Wayne222 said:

Praise the lord. I prayed for you too Gem !I feel joy for you.

Thank you Wayne!  I appreciate your prayers and celebration with me!  Reminds me of the verse in Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.  Have a blessed day!    

Sam!!!  Today I celebrate the day God chose to create you!  I am happy to know you, and glad we became friends on Worthy!  I appreciate the way you care for and protect others.  I hope this birthday is extra special and that you are granted many more joyful years going forward!  

Love always, your friend Opal  ❤️

1. What is your favorite means of transportation?  Why?   

Driving SUVs (family is big/tall), golf carts (air blows in your face...nice driving around Florida or the islands in Ohio and elsewhere,) and boating!   Driving SUVs, mostly because my husband and I (sometimes friends and additional family) like to travel/do road trips, and they're comfortable.  I have a lot of chronic health issues, and I got sick on a plane before, and want to avoid that as much as possible.  If you drive, you can stop when you please and have more control of your adventure.  We've made spontaneous stops on our travels that have made awesome memories.  I also like boating because the water is one of my favorite places to be and we like fishing, swimming, and water sports.  Pre-chronic illness, I loved to walk, hike, and rollerblading because they are fun and good exercise, plus I love the outdoors.   

2. What was your favorite class and your least favorite class in school?  Why?  (Feel free to extend this to things outside of school such as guitar lessons or at church or work or something.  Basically, what was fun to learn? and what drove you up the wall?)

I'm not a picky person so sometimes it's hard to pick my favorite or least favorite of something.  I like most things.  Favorites: Reading/Softball in Elementary School.  Social Studies/English/Volleyball in Middle School (mainly because I liked my teachers and they were Christians.)  Astronomy/Choir/Drama/Marketing in High School.  Communication/Journalism/Theater/Sociology/Psychology in college.  Least Favorites: High School - Chemistry (my lab partner got Mono and I had to do all the work by myself.)  College - Statistics (had a foreign professor that I couldn't understand and made it hard to learn.)  Favorites @ Church - AWANAS, (my dad was the director,) I always enjoyed participating.  Learning songs for choir or special music to sing with my mom.  

3. Who do you find to be the most interesting  person mentioned in the Bible (other than Jesus)?  Why?

I can only pick just one?  lol  The first one that comes to my mind is Job.  His story is personal to me as I've had 18 years of multiple chronic health issues, lost my mom early, infertility, difficult memories, hubby had job losses, and other heartbreaking things.  Suffering is something that's hard to understand and accept.  God used his story to help me accept things in my life that were not as I want them to be, and trust that God is good.  His faith under unwarranted adversity is amazing!

4. What is your favorite fictional book, story, or movie?  Why?

I read Pilgrim's Progress in 2nd or 3rd grade, and I've always liked that book ever since.  It's a neat story about the Christian walk put into words that makes sense to a kid or adult.  Movie there's too many to choose from, lol!  

  5. Who is the person who gave you the most encouragement in life?  What did they do for you?

My mother, her love was unconditional.  She supported me throughout life.  She said edifying things.  She was my biggest cheerleader.  She made me feel special.  Her and my father both had a huge influence on me spiritually.  I looked up to her and respected her.  

Like the rest of you, I am thankful for so many things, too numerous to count!  Some of the ones that come to mind right now are my husband.  I know some that long to have a spouse.  It's a blessing to have somebody love you and care for you, but that also loves the Lord.    I am thankful for my eyes, as some can't see.  I am thankful for my ears to hear.  I've met 2 people on Worthy that are deaf, and they've shared the challenges they face with that.  I'm thankful to have Worthy and my friends here that I can fellowship with even when I'm having health challenges that prevent me from leaving my home.  I'm thankful that the Lord gives me ministry to do, and a purpose.  I am grateful that God never turns His back on me!  Have a blessed day all! 

11 hours ago, BK1110 said:

Praise God for His goodness and mighty love! Praying more!

Thank you BK!  God is so good and loving!   

17 hours ago, Bluebird said:

Oh fantastic!! Just amazing!! Thank you for the good news! Will continue to pray

Thank you for your continued prayers and care!  God is truly amazing!  ~ Gem