*Pumpkin*

On 10/29/2018 at 10:57 AM, Rick Reynolds said:

Last week I entered a plea in Nextdoor.com for neighbors to think about you kids when decorating the outside of their homes. I received 72 responses which mostly were very rude and insulting. Praise God that I touched a nerve through the leading of the Holy Spirit. 

It's a delight to make your acquaintance, Rick Reynolds! You've come to the right online community; as your brothers and sisters in Christ here truly do walk in the Spirit and bear fruits and evidence of it. I can understand your plight with regards to your stance on Halloween; there have been many views on it when the bible is taken into consideration. I honour the fact that you are doing what you feel pleases the Lord by your obedience, and what you've been taught by His unchanging Truth revealed in scripture. The reality of it is: whenever anyone gives their life over to the LORD and walk His walk, there will always be some sort of conflict with the world and its system (cf. 1 Chron. 29:15; Jn. 15:18-19; 17:16; Phil. 3:20; Heb. 11:13-16; 1 Pet. 2:11-12). The best we can do is to charge ahead as soldiers of Christ; and as you said: to pray to the LORD and ask to be led and guided by His Holy Spirit.

In Christ, *Pumpkin*

Hello prayerwarrior777,

It's nice to meet you! I think this should be in another forum instead of the welcome section. But in short: I personally do not celebrate Halloween due to its pagan origins. The bible says to abstain from all appearance of evil (1 Thess. 5:22). When I was a child, Halloween led to my obsession with the occult; such as astral projection, conjuring up demons that literally came through inter-dimensional portals in my bedroom, etc. But long story short . . . my life spiraled downhill and to the broad path to destruction. The LORD rescued me from my sins and sorcery, and gave me a new heart; a heart that had a new desire to serve Him, and to love others as He had loved others. The tricky part about our archnemesis (Satan) is that he is very subtle and crafty. He will slowly poison children by baiting them with things that are appealing to their sights or senses; and then he will have them hook, line, and sinker. As a result . . . they will grow up to be witches and warlocks, or anyone who will then have the ability to do his bidding -- whether knowingly or unknowingly. I have also learned that children are easily susceptible to lies, and that once they are indoctrinated with lies AS children; it is VERY difficult to pull them out of it. But thanks be to God that Christ died for the ungodly such as you and I; so now we have a second chance on life. A life no longer serving the desires of our flesh, but to do the Will of God.

In Christ, *Pumpkin*

Thank you so much for your words of encouragement, Not me and turtletwo. I will keep those in my heart at all times. I love you guys!

In Christ, *Pumpkin*

Thank you so much for understanding about how I feel. It's very difficult to even turn on the TV without having to come across commercials with sexual innuendos in them -- even on the daily news. I just came back from the grocery store and there were so many worldly magazines right in front of the checkout line; and I wished that they would remove them because there are children and young adults who may be influenced by them, and the carnality and sensuality displayed on the cover of such magazines. Just the other day they had BREAKING NEWS: and the "breaking news" was about the super lotto, and who is the "lucky" winner. They also wanted to know the name of the person who had won it. I can't understand what the importance of knowing the name of that person could possibly be. There are people in other parts of the world where children are dying of starvation and almost no one comes to help them. Then the so-called philanthropists give their money to support other "worldly" causes. Oprah is known for her charities, but they never go to starving people who die each day because of malnutrition. The bible says that in the last days, people will be lovers of themselves which lack "natural affection" (Rom. 1:31; 2 Tim, 3:3) and this seems to be the norm in this world. I so look forward to the return of Christ to take His bride home, and away from this sin stained world. So many people die each day without having made peace with God through Jesus Christ; and this brings me to tears knowing that they are in hell. Maranatha!!!

In Christ, *Pumpkin*

21 minutes ago, Not me said:

Scripture says;

Philippians 1:21 (NASB)
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Christ was Paul’s everything. Paul’s conscious personal  relationship with Christ had so grown that of a surety Paul could confidently say; 

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

That this might be our hearts desire,  that we too could confidently say; 

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

A heart that can truly say this, is a treasure indeed. As believers, as long as we are in the body to strive that this could and would be made true in our life’s. Blessings to all that would have a heart “after all of Him and nothing of us.”

much love in Christ, Not me 

This is divine providence that I came across this thread. That passage dwells in my mind 24/7. I am heartbroken and grieved at this fallen world and its sinful world system. As each day passes by . . . I can see the decline of morality and falsehood being disseminated (e.g., abortion, murder, anarchy, antichrists, false prophets, false teachers, false religions of demons, etc. -- Dan. 12:10; Matt. 24:23-24; 1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; 2 Thess. 2:9-10; 2 Pet. 3:3-4; 1 Jn. 2:18; et al.). I used to pray to the LORD almost everyday asking Him to please take me home . . . this world is causing me so much grief. But then I realised that I have loved ones that are lost and need to come to the knowledge of the truth concerning the Word of God, and of the Gospel. I also realised that my parents would be so grief-stricken if their son had passed away before they did -- and I would not want that to happen because I love them so deeply. I also realised that me wanting to depart is somewhat "selfish" on my part -- not considering how others would feel if I had passed away into glory before they did. So we have to have the same mindset as Paul did: To live is Christ and to die is gain. To continue to diligently do God's Will here on Earth until the LORD calls us home (cf. Acts 13:36; Eccl. 12:13-14; Jer. 29:11; 32:19; Matt. 28:18-20; Rom. 8:28; Eph. 2:10; 1 Pet. 2:9). When all is said and done . . . we will have a joy so wonderful to describe . . . that no one can take that joy away from us.

In Christ, *Pumpkin*

17 minutes ago, 1sheep said:

A heart conversion produces fruit. I wrote alot about that a few pages back.

 

Amen Bro!!! or Sis? This is absolutely 100% true. In the parable of the vine and the branches (Jn. 15:1-17), Jesus is depicted as the "vine", while the branches refer to professing believers or Christendom. The branches that produce NO fruit are withered and cast into the fire to be burned (a metaphor for hell and the Lake of Fire). Fruits are evidence that one has truly been born-again. James says that fatith without works is"dead" -- in other words, that is a "dead" faith, and not a "saving" faith. True Christians do not keep the commandments to be saved, but rather they keep the commandments because they are saved. When James says that a man is "justified" by his works (Jas. 2:24) -- it doesn't mean that this man is justified before God -- but before men. How will others know that we are a Christian unless we display an "outward" manifestation of our heart? Jesus said that all men will know that we are His disciples if we love one another as Christ loved us; this is a perfect example of true faith. The scipture also expounds upon fruits as evidence of a new birth. 

But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)

In Christ, *Pumpkin*

9 hours ago, Neighbor said:

Ha, The spiders in the closet where you keep the vacuum cleaner- guess where they came from? Don't try that one with wasps. When you shut off the cleaner they come back out, rather ticked off too.- Source; voice of experience

Thanks for the warning! I try to stay from wasps as far as east is from the west. Got stung once . . . VERY painful!

Most common house spiders are harmless unless provoked by accidentally stepping on them while sleeping or brushing up against them. They're also useful in that they can get rid of the other unwanted pests which may cause physical harm and skin infections from their bites.  The OP's post is funny nonetheless!

Edited: One of the best ways to get rid of spiders is to vacuum them up. Works every time.

10 hours ago, Neighbor said:

Father forgive me my trespasses. May even my missteps, errors, failures, and sin, be used by your Holy Spirit  towards the awakening of hearts to repentance of sin against you. May by your Spirit those I have failed by not living up as good example  hear and heed your call to them to turn to you. May I please be forgiven for  my impatience, my frustrations, and flat out sinful behaviors,  especially if and when they reflect my insecurity in your will, your hearing of my prayer, and  my many faults. Please cover them over with your love for those I know and love too. Show me the way of further sanctification so that I may be a far better bond-servant one that does not take a step backward so often. Thank you Lord, Amen.

I commend your humbleness in expressing your sorrow over your sins -- and I see it as a good example of how the LORD would have us pray regarding our sins. Praying for our sins to be forgiven on a daily basis is the right thing to do; and we can see this in our LORD's model prayer (Matt. 6:9-13). Asking for forgiveness must be done daily -- because we sin daily; not just in our outwards actions, but also within our thoughts and hearts. If the LORD commanded us to give us this day our "daily" bread -- then we should also ask the LORD for sins that we have done knowingly, and unknowingly; sins of commission, and sins of omission, to be forgiven "daily". Failure to do so can grieve the Holy Spirit (Isa. 63:10; cf. Acts 7:51; Eph. 4:30; 1 Thess. 5:19) and our prayers may not be answered. This is a form of "resisting" the Spirit's prompting (Gen. 6:3; Ps. 106:33; Zech. 7:12; cf. Acts 5:3,9; Gal. 5:17). For the LORD seeks those with a broken and contrite spirit (Ps. 34:18; 51:17; 147:3; Isa. 57:15; 66:1-2; Matt. 5:3-4; cf. 2 Cor. 7:10; 1 Pet. 5:6; et al.). And one last thing: We must always remember to forgive "others" in order for "our" sins to be forgiven (Matt. 6:12,14-15; Lk. 17:3-4; Col. 3:13; Eph. 4:31-32, etc.). An unforgiving heart may be an indicator that the one "unwilling" to forgive (continually) may not be saved; for those who delight to "forgive" and ARE always "forgiving", are those who have been "forgiven."

In Christ, *Pumpkin*

Hello BrotherIan,

The Bible says that God IS Spirit -- not God is "a" spirit as some translations render it as such; so God is to be worshiped in "Spirit" and in "Truth" (Jn. 4:24). Furthermore, God CANNOT be seen (cf. Ex. 33:20; Jn. 1:18; 5:37; Col. 1:15; 1 Tim. 1:17; 6:16; Heb. 11:27; et al.). In these final days before the 2nd coming of our LORD; there are many forms of deception -- and Satan Himself masquerades as an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14) and can "assume" many forms. EVERYTHING needs to be tested by the Word of God (the two-edged sword); which is a "discerner" of thoughts and the intents of the heart (Heb. 4:12; cf. 1 Jn. 4:1-6). Am I 100% certain that the photos you have taken are that of the Holy Spirit? No! But certain indications tell me that the photos are not something positive. Our LORD is a consuming fire (Deut. 4:24; cf. Heb. 12:29), and whenever the word "fire" correlates to God -- it is usually an indication of His Wrath (Ex. 19:18; Ps. 89:46; 2 Kings 1:10-14; Matt. 3:11; 2 Thess. 1:7; Rev. 20:19, etc.)

Please understand that I am not trying to burst your bubble; but rather my intent is to spread the truth in love (1 Cor. 13:4-7; Eph. 4:15; Gal. 4:16; Eph. 4:2-3; Col. 3:14; cf. 1 Pet. 1:22; 1 Jn. 3:18). The ONLY time God is revealed in a seeable manner are in "theophanies" (Ex. 3:2; 19:16-18; 24:16; Deut. 5:4; cf. Lev. 9:23-24; Judg. 13:20-22; Num. 14:14; Ezek. 1:4; 10:3-4; Zech. 9:14; Rev. 4:3) -- or a "Christophany"; and most importantly -- in the person of our Dear Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! As mentioned earlier: Fire usually indicates Judgment, Glory, and Power of the LORD in most instances found in Scripture; although there are rare instances where it is the working of the Holy Spirit being manifested as a sign of approval (Num. 9:14-15; Ps. 66:10; Prov. 17:3; cf. Matt. 3:11; Lk. 24:32; Acts 2:3-4; Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 6:11; 2 Thess. 2:13; Tit. 2:14; 1 Pet. 1:2;). So use Spiritual discernment and the Word of God to verify your "experiences" as valid, and coming from God Himself -- and not some other spirit out to deceive you. Hope this helps!

In Christ, *Pumpkin*

1 hour ago, HAZARD said:

Welcome.

Short answer, Live together, share expenses, help and support each other, but don't commit adultery, that is, have sexual relations out side of marriage. That's the hard part. If you can do that, all is well with God. 

Don't fall into a pit, my friend!

20 minutes ago, Cobalt1959 said:

How, exactly, does your consumption of a meal and it's timing relate to the Savior of the world returning to inherit His Kingdom?  Matthew plainly tells us not to set dates because no one knows when this event will happen and it says so in plain language that is impossible to misunderstand.   But you continually try and explain that portion of scripture away just as you attempt to explain away scripture about the fate of the unsaved because you want to believe in universalism.  You don't understand scripture, and you don' t want to understand scripture.  You want to make it work for what you already believe instead of altering your beliefs to fall into line with what scripture actually says.

Amen Bro! False prophets were to be stoned to death according to the OT, but we now live in the age of Grace and Forgiveness. There will always be date setters who will continue to insist that they have some sort of "special revelation" from God. The devil is extremely cunning, and there are many deceiving spirits that will plant lies and thoughts into those who live in disobedience to the precise wording of Scripture (cf. 1 Kings 22:22; Matt. 24:24; 1 Jn.4:1; ). The EXTREME DANGER of making prophecies about our Lord's return is that it can cause many to live in a state of disobedience because they feel as if they can sin all they want and to just wait until that moment made by false prophets to repent. Sad to say . . . this has led many down the dark and broad path to destruction and a Christless hell. It only takes ONE failed prophecy for someone to be deemed a false prophet. And ALL false prophecies originate from demonic spirits that deceive the hearts of the simple. The irony in all of this is that false prophets cite the passage (See Matthew 24:36) and taking it out of context without consulting the scripture as a WHOLE. And in the Olivet discourse, Jesus WARNED about false prophets (Matt. 24:24) who will "deceive" many -- even themselves (self-deception -- 2 Tim. 3:13). Consider the WHOLE counsel of God and "test" the spirits (1 Jn. 4:1-6). Jesus said that He will come "quickly (Grk. "tachy; "imminently, or at ANY moment -- Rev. 22:20). The thing about someone who is "deceived" is that the said person does NOT know that they are deceived -- and that's the dangerous part about it. I find no point in debating with "date setters" or engaging in a discussion with them unless they REPENT of their false revelations, or adding or taking away from God's precious truth. Such people condemn themselves and will stand before the God of TRUTH and the consequences will be eternal. These people need to be WARNED -- because such false revelations are in fact calling God a liar because the scriptures CLEARLY proves that NO ONE can know the day nor the hour. Someone who claims otherwise put themselves in a higher authority than Jesus, and even God Himself. Keep fighting the good fight of faith and use spiritual discernment, and compare what these people have to say against the truth of God's revealed word.

In Christ, *Pumpkin*

25 minutes ago, Mike Mclees said:

I say this in very simple terms as I read it. Behold I come quickly.

Means we must live ready for his coming.

and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. This refers to the judgment seat of Christ where we as believers shall be judge of our works and rewarded accordingly .

We must diligent to do the works we are called to do. Age of grace does we sit on our hands.

 

Amen Bro! Easy to understand and straight to the point.

Sorry for interuption, but thank you all for what you guys are doing here. I am really enjoying the participation.

I am all too familiar with your situation, Wayne222. The thing about work is that there will always be someone who does not like us for whatever reason unbeknownst to us. I had co-workers accusing me of being homosexual, and it all began with the women at my work trying to make passes at me. I was not trying to get myself entangled in any type of sin or misconduct -- especially at my workplace. As a result . . . they accused me with all sort of lies. Sadly, we live in a predjudiced world where people don't have to have a reason to hate us, or say negative things about us behind our back. And if things don't go according to their ways, and we're somehow involved in it -- then it can result in them having an issue with us. The list of reasons why we may have trouble at work is endless. This happened to me for over 10 years until I was finally able to work from home instead of coming in to the office. Hang in there!

In Christ, *Pumpkin*

On 10/13/2018 at 3:21 AM, Kristin said:

Please pray that I will get a lovely home and my family can be together at last!  Thank you. 

Is there something specific we can pray about? I live in California too and the cost of living is through the roof. It is by the Grace of God that I have an apartment that I am able to afford due to rent control, and me having lived in my place for almost 15 years. Even that being so . . . I can barely make ends meet and eke out on a living. The city where I live at is being gentrified and all of the poor blue collar workers are on their way out because they just can't muster up enough income to support themselves -- let alone their family -- so they have to work two jobs just to put food on the table. Anyway, enough about me. I will be constantly praying for you. But keep in mind that most of the times when we are walking with the Lord in obedience; life isn't always smooth sailing, and there will always be harships and trials to help us grow spiritually. The Lord gives us what we need, and not necessarily what we want. Keep hanging in there and let Christ be your source of strength, and let the Holy Spirit guide you in the direction the Lord wants you to walk in.

In Christ, *Pumpkin*

On 2/10/2018 at 10:09 AM, Judah_Roars said:

The last year out of the two years have been very difficult. The people that I live with is a family and a couple of tenants including myself which some of the family members have been falsely accusing me which it makes it uncomfortable for me. I re-anointed my room and feel Peace! One of the Uncle's is quite malicious constantly slamming doors which literally shakes the entire house and he doesn't care to upset me every time. The Lord told me not to say anything! I gave it to the Lord and trusting God will provide the finances for me to move soon. The best thing I did was turn over this situation to God!!!! The Lord will deal with them accordingly! Thank you Lord for your Faithfulness!!!

I haven't read through all of the pages but I have dealt with a similar situation like yours in the past -- but probably much worse. I had fellow tenants that had their dogs deliberately urinate and poop nearly every day on my property . . . and I think it was because they were racist and were witchcraft practitioners (they knew that I was a Christian). They would also have parties up until 2 a.m in the morning, and I could not sleep at all -- even with the best earplugs. I also dealt with one guy who threatened to "ruin" my life every time the floor creaked. I had to walk on eggshells and tiptoe ALL OF THE TIME. It was absurd. lol! The building was very old and poorly insulated, and every step I took (even if I were to walk like a ninja) the floor would creak -- then the tenant from downstairs would come knocking on my door yelling and screaming. This one time he cut the cable wire to my TV so I couldn't even watch the news at all. This guy was pure evil. Nobody in the building liked him. This guy kicked in one of the tenants door one time because the tenant wanted to be left alone and the guy was again complaining about creaking noises. I also had a my tire flattened too one time. I can go on and on about how extremely difficult it was for me to live. What was my solution? Instead or imprecatory prayers, I prayed that the LORD will have them surrender their hearts over to Him for Salvation, and renew their spirit from within. Eventually they all moved out and the LORD gave me a new place to live where it is less disturbing and troublesome -- but there will always be confrontations in our lives so as to TEST us and help us grow in the fruits of the spirit. I've learned to grow in patience; long-suffering, humility, and self-control from enduring these events in my life. The LORD tells us to pray even for our enemies and to heap burning coals upon their heads so they may see the Love of God in us ... and perhaps give their life over to the LORD.

In Christ, *Pumpkin*

Your daughter will be healed. Nothing is impossible with God, and it doesn't matter how serious of an illness it is to God -- He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).

To the OP: Just remember the "Parable of the persistent Widow"; and as others have said: this doesn't have to be your last attempt. Anything within the Will of God will come to pass if it is truly the Lord's desire -- and yours. 

Keep on asking...

Keep on seeking...

Keep on knocking...

In Christ, *Pumpkin*

I had the same issue for over 30 year: I was known for my wicked temper. If someone looked at me the wrong way, I would ask them if they wanted to fight! Just someone brushing up against me would make me rage with anger. Any words spoken to me that seemed out of place would turn me into the Hulk. I realized that the issue was my "heart". That is, if my heart was purged with the Love of God and replaced with humility and peace that comes from God alone -- then that is the remedy to my anger issues. I worshiped God and devoted my whole life to walking in His statutes and living in absolute obedience to Him; and I felt the love of God growing within me . . . and I saw others in a different way -- I saw them the way Jesus did. If our sole desire is to be obedient to the Lord because we LOVE Him and want to please Him . . . we will grow and be conformed to the image of Christ. All of our negative emotions that are displeasing to the LORD will subside and be purged from within us. It may resurface sometimes because we are still in the flesh; but our old ways will no longer have dominion over us.

In Christ,*Pumpkin*