Ray12614

Yea . . . yea . . . yeah . . . Ok . . . stop beating around the bush and give me some of that patience stuff . . . but hurry up please . . . I don't have all day . . . . And yes . . . I am not serious . . . I am only kidding . . . LOL. I think that patience is one of those things that westerners have a problem with as we want everything quick and as painless as possible, but, The verses in James before and after are telling to say the least. [Jas 1:3, 5 KJV] [3] Knowing [this], that the trying of your faith worketh patience. ... [5] If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. Patience is given to those who endure the trying of their faith and If we lack wisdom concerning our temptations and trials, verse 5 says that all we need to do is ask for wisdom (concerning the trying of our faith) and God will give it to us so we can 'smartly' overcome. But . . . we have to patiently endure and not give up, give in, or shrink back into those temptations . . . . Good post . . . . Ray . . .

While I appreciate those who responded to this OP, some of the opinions expressed are theologies based upon doctrines of various Christian groups and associations I am not part of. I will consider them, but, scripture must make the final decision for me. You and Michael I think have the closest perspectives on what an NT prophet is, and how they are meant to edify and Exhort and I would also say 'warn' the body of Christ as needed in our local churches. Prophets are a part of the Eph 4 gifts given to our churches and (in my opinion) should be 'part' of the ministry team locally. I am wary of any prophet who is not connected to a local assembly and the ministry team at that local assembly because there must be safety for both the people (and the prophet) When prophets are in relationship with the other Eph 4 gifts (apostle, evangelist, Pastor/Teacher) what they say is judged, confirmed, or rejected in the assembly for the purpose of balance and safety. Unknown prophets who 'blow in', blow up, and then blow out' without being connected to local assemblies and church leadership have separated themselves from any governance and accountability. Every 'lone-ranger' prophet that I have seen over the years always seek to draw a following and take from the local assemblies instead of being blessings to those assemblies. In this day of 'internet ministry' I personally reject any prophet that cannot have his/her character verified by church leadership, and I have zero interest in listening to them. As far as the cannon is concerned, I agree that it is closed and that no prophet should ever attempt to add to it or take away from it. IF any prophet tries to do that then they must be identified by churches as 'false prophets' and the door should be closed so to speak to keep them from hurting the Body of Christ in our local churches. Very interesting topic!

Well . . . okay . . . I don't disagree with what you have posted, in fact I agree with you whole heartedly. But . . . in context vs 28 is connected with the previous verses about prayer, and how the Holy Spirit helps us pray. [Rom 8:26-28 KJV] [26] Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. [27] And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what [is] the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to [the will of] God. [28] And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.

Very good post, and good to read and be reminded of these things. I see the replies morphfed into end times but the precept of your op is very good. IF we love Him, keep (do) His commandments. Thank you . . . .

I pray that your whole mind, will, and emotions, and body is healed by the stripes of Jesus . . .

Thank you for sharing this! The Corporate Assembly . . . so important.

Awesome man doing an unique work among the Muslim world. Thank you for sharing about him.

I think I should try some of that procrastination stuff . . . but . . . maybe tomorrow or next week . . .

Praying for your healing and recovery. Regarding selling your stuff . . . take some time to recover, and then make your decision regarding those things. I have made many a bad decision in the 'moment' of circumstances, and regretted those decisions later . . . Ray . . .

Not sure what your point is, or the point of the quoted verse, but . . . . . it is in my bible . . . [Rom 1:25 KJV] [25] Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

Wow, that is an experience for sure . . . not sure how to reply except to ask How are you doing today? On a side note: We can feel anger about being treated unjustly by people, but, we must forgive them and allow God to sort all of that out at the Bema seat of Christ, OR, the Great White Throne Judgement. You can be sure God knows how to deal with all people and not just saved people. I would be praying asking for their salvation and them turning their lives over to Jesus. That will have another side effect of helping you have compassion on them and forgiveness will soon be part of how God changes you too.

Yes . . . elections have consequences . . . . IF we are not registered to vote . . . register . . . and when November comes . . . pray and vote for the best policies closest to Judio/Christian values, and NOT personalities. If we don't register . . . and not pray and vote . . . we are part of the problem and not part of the solution.

50 years ago I lost my wallet out of my pocket when I was plowing my mom's garden with farm equipment. Its buried out there in that garden somewhere . . . I keep driving by the old farm house and checking the garden plot to see it any money bushes are growing up in that garden . . . if there ever is any I will ask if I can pick the money off the bushes since it was my seed . . . .

Our sister is correct regarding urgency. I don't know what her theology is regarding end times, but, putting that aside; It is urgent for the unsaved at whatever stage of life they are in, and/or whatever times we live. It is urgent for the father/mother who might die soon. It is urgent for the drug user who may overdose and die without Christ. It is urgent for the teen who might commit suicide . . . and the list goes on and on . . . you show me a person who is without Christ and I will say it is urgent for them to receive Christ into their lives. We know not when each of us will leave this world and we cannot assume that people have forever to decide for Christ of not. Its like the story about a little boy who saw thousands of starfish washed up on a beach and then began to start picking them up and throwing them back into the sea water. A man passing by said "why are you wasting your time throwing them back into the water, don't you know that there are tens of thousands here, so what difference can you make among so many of them?" The little boy simply replied as he picked up one of the star fish and threw it back into the water " It makes a difference to that one". The point is that complacency fueled by an intellectual concept of theology misses the heart of Jesus who loves the lost we refuse to pray for, witness to, or minister to. My 2 cents on this . . . . Grace and Peace . . . Ray . . .

Again, you are loved and highly valued in God's eyes . . . NEVER forget that!