Ray12614

3rd Hezekiah 143:200 - My son, thou shalt eat some milk chocolate for it shall bring a joyful smile upon thy countenance and bring joy to thy wife when she beholds chocolate smears upon thy face.

Too many unknowns . . . verbally insulted . . . exempted from certain (what kind?) services . . . two churches responding to you in the same ways . . . it cannot be solved here in this forum. I find it amazing that 2 churches/pastors would react to you the same way. I think the most sound advice you have gotten is to find a qualified counsellor (should be Christian) and lay out the particulars. Ray . . .

Interesting question . . . . without details, it is impossible to advise you on this except to say that google and Yelp reviews are definitely off limits for you to criticize the leadership of your church. According to Jesus in Matthew 18:15-17 there are ways to get these things resolved. Very few people I know do all of what Jesus said in these matters that are unresolved, and the results are sometimes devastating to the church. Real leaders do what they can to get these things taken care of before it spreads into the church. Whatever you do, do it prayerfully. Remember, the church is Jesus' church not yours, or your pastors. You both are 'part' of the church with different functions. If at all possible . . . reconcile. Grace and Peach . . .

Some things are not worth the debating about. Other times the 'iron sharpens iron' principle that should be applied and hearty reasoning of scriptures is profitable. I have learned over the years that I don't have to have the last word on any topic, and that I don't always have to be perceived by people as right. What matters is that God's Word has the last word, and anything more is just peoples opinions . . . Thats my 2 cents anyway . . .

Please let him know that Ray also has been asking about him, and that he is appreciated greatly.

Great idea with the monitors! We are never too old to learn new tricks about how we each study the scriptures. May the Lord bless you with all blessings in your study time. Happy Resurrection Day! Grace and Peace . . . ray

Words can and are powerful in the mouth of persons speaking them. They can encourage us, condemn us, make us laugh at times, inspire us to do things, or, convince us that action is ill-advised. When we think that everything around us was created by the Word of God, and, that we are created in the image of God, then our words do matter. That is why James makes the statements you are talking about. We can speak words that are right and correct, or, speak words that are the opposite of that. Both choices will have definite influences over us and those around us who hear our words spoken. You have me thinking now . . . lol. Very Good topic. Grace and Peace . . . Ray

Hummm . . . for a 6 year old . . . I might say that grandpa is having such a wonderful time in heaven that he does not want to come back. No more sickness, and very happy. Could explain that it is more of an permenant vacation. Later on, when older, you can share the 3 parts of people - spirit, soul, and body, and how grandpas spirit and soul has gone to be with Jesus, and his body is in the ashes you have. As far as Thomas is concerned, church history tells us that he went on to evangelize much of Asia (if i am remembering correctly). He doubted, yes, but he did not stay in the faithless condition, he chose to believe what he saw. Remember that when Jesus ascended more than 500 saw him ascend into heaven, but the scriptures also say: But some doubted. Even though they saw with their own eyes they still doubted what they were seeing. Annette I always appreciate your posts . . . Grace and Peace . . . ray . . .

Side-step it. Say "You told me not to call the Police! Do you think I am an idiot?!!!!" Remember when the Pharisees tried to trap Jesus by asking him if it was legal to pay taxes? He answered with a question. Not all questions deserve a Yes or No answer.

Blessings to you Annette . . . always remember you are loved and appreciated by Worthy forum people, but, especially by God the Father of all Mercies . . . Grace and Peace to you during this time . . . Ray . . .

Before the Covid, many on Worthy scoffed at my love for attending church. And of course now, with Covid, many more have determined never to attend church again when safe. No, I don't know you of course, but was just glad to find someone here who attends . . . Grace and Peace . . . Ray . . .

So glad to hear you are back in church! Yes, we can get alot of revelation during pastors teaching, and sometimes just sitting in silence and allowing the Holy Spirit to minister to us. Most times, it will be following the teaching from the pulpit, and, othertimes we take 'short side trips' when something said 'sparks' the Holy Spirit to teach us on some topic. One of the things that I appreciate about those who love me is: They always tell me the truth. Sometimes that does not feel very good, but, because they love me, and they want the best for me, they tell me even though it might bring up awkward times between us. I SOooooooo appreciate that from them. Of course, that also comes by spending time with them and developing friendships with those brothers and sisters in Christ. Yes . . . always error on the side of love. Good post! Ray . . .

Yes, I agree with those scriptures! However, I refuse to become obsessed with watching what I say because my cell phone might be listening . . . . lol I know what technology is doing, and none of what you said is wrong, but, IF somebody wants to listen to my conversations on my phone and in my house they will: 1. hear about the goodness of the Lord. 2. get bored with day to day life events. I hear what you are saying, BUT . . . I refuse to walk around in fear of who might hear what I am saying . . . Grace and Peace . . . Ray

My wife is an occupational therapist. She has remarked to me many times that her patients who had knee replacements take the 'easy way out' and do not push themselves past the pain so they can regain full mobility. Put up with pain now, and get the benefits for the rest of your life. Follow your therapist's therapy, and make the best recovery you can. Of course pray while you do that, for the best results. Grace and Peace . . . Ray

I accept you apology. I have no stones to throw. While I have my opinions regarding interpretations of scriptures, when people go on the offensive, I drop out of those topics. As much as I would like to believe pre-destination and other such topics are important, frankly they are just not worth the constant bickering over them. Years ago, I learned that I do not have to have the last word on anything. There is One who has that right, and, I am not Him. I joined Worthy mainly for fellowship purposes, and eventually, I find like minded brothers and sisters who enjoy the same. Also, I believe there are other rooms for doctrinal debating IF that is what you are looking for. Anyway . . . glad to hear your apology . . . wish others on predestination threads would do the same . ray

There is a lot of good replies to this thread, and I agree with most of them. I think that in keeping with this topic, we should also consider Deu 5:16 which is the command to honor father and mother. That command also carries a promise with it - long life and blessings. Notice that the promise is to those who honor, not to the parents being honored. So, the commandment is for our benefit, not our parents. My parents have both passed on but I still can honor them by remembering the good things that they did for me. Not only giving me life, but, providing for me and loving me. I know that all reading this cannot make my statement above, yet, they should try to find something that they did to be thankful for, and honor them for that. It is for our benefit, and it pleases our eternal Father too . . . Grace and Peace . . . Ray . . .

Blue Letter Bible works very well with tons of tools

I thank God I still have hair! I remember one time my pastor was walking with his 5 year old son in an Mall at Christmas time, and they saw a bald man walking close by. His son yelled out "Daddy look quick!!! There's a man with no hair!!!" Of course it echoed all over the mall. LOL The man was gracious, and smiled, and kept on walking . . . still . . . the little things are amazing to little kids. Grace and Peace . . . Ray . . .

Somehow I missed the notification you replied to my post. Apologies! Yes, that is what I mean, and more. The principal is when we gather together, He is with us. Also, When we Pray individually, he also answers our prayers. I think that IF we keep that in mind, then our prayers will be more specific, more intent, and more ferverent . . . Still, in context, Jesus was speaking about conflict resolution . . . Grace and Peace . . .

My father-in-law passed 2 years ago, and so I understand completely what you are saying. I encourage you to visit your dad, and even if he does not respond to you, keep telling him of what is going on in your life, and assuming you have good memories to relive, do that too. Sometimes people appear to be unconscious, but are listening to everything said around them (of course that may not be the case) but if he reaches that point just a little tip. I will keep you in prayer (for real) as I understand first hand what kind of challenges and situations you may go through. Mercy and Grace to you this very day . . . Ray . . If he is a Christian, then share scriptures, and if he is not, share ones that explain how he can be saved.

Hi : We have had about 14 inches of snow in southern lower michigan. Really, it is nothing major compared to the snow storms I remember as a kid in MI. schools normally would be open for anything less than 8". I am preparing for retirement, which is an major chapter in my life. Alot of unknowns but trusting God to lead and guide me through this transition time. I think I will find a job working part time contracting in IT. I find your post refreshing! Ususally, I find posts about predestination and doctrinal issues where inevitibly two people go back and forth to prove their points. I think that they could use a dose of NT advise how they don't always have to have the last word. LOL How about you??? Hope all is well with you, and that this post finds you in good health! Grace and Peace . . . Ray . . .

I only golf on professional courses . . . Once you pop the ball into the clown's mouth, and his eyes light up . . . you can never go back to those big courses with their boring greens separated by long areas of grass . . . AHEMMMmmmmm . . . . .

This verse (Mathew 18 starting around verse 15) should be understood in context (in my opinion), and the context is that Jesus is talking about resolving conflict between brothers. He just talked about that the proper steps to handle a brother who sins against you. Jesus is not afraid of conflict, neither does conflict 'keep' Him from gathering together with us. He just expects us to resolve conflict His way, using His teaching principals, and expecting His presence and power to do so WHEN we gather together in His Name. I have seen this done following Jesus' teaching, and it works (go figure right?). I also unfortunately, have seen this biblical teaching of Jesus ignored, and the result is anger, division, church splits, and more. Jesus' goal always is resolution and restoration between believers. But is is predicated on both sides submitting to Jesus' guiding principals and Word. And, that principal is: where two or more are gathered together in His name, He gathers together with them. It does not void the blessing and presence of the Lord in our lives when we pray privately, but, it affirms the blessing and presence of the Lord when we gather corporately. When we gather together as believers, we should do so 'in the Name of Jesus' and expect Him to gather with us for whatever purpose, whether it is conflict resolution, worship, teaching and preaching the Word of God, communion, witnessing, social events etc. Thats my opinion . . . hope this helps . . . Ray . . .

Years ago, back when CDs were the media platform of the day . . . I lost my job, and had a new house I just bought, and other financial obligations. It was a very trying time, and as most men reading this know about this topic, I was very depressed. The devil, hating me because I belong to Jesus, used that as an opportunity to harrass me day and night, mostly at night, stealing my sleep, and bringing waves of fear to me over real things that could happen, and also stupid things that never would or could happen. It was a very trying time for me. My wife told me to bring the CD player into our bedroom, and when I go to bed I would start CDs of praise and worship music playing on continuous loop, over and over. That brought an atmosphere of faith and worship into my bedroom, and I was finally able to sleep peacefully. Even after I got a new job, it was a practice I continued until my favorite CDs actually wore out. YES, it is possible to wear out plastic CDs, evidently there is heat or something that makes them go bad after thousands of hours playing them! My point is: Worship in private actually brings an atmosphere that contains all that is experienced spiritually in worship services, Peace, Joy, Marvelling at the awesomeness of our Great God, and more. In those times, focusing on God, our temporary, earthly troubles, seem to take a back seat to the awesome presence of God by the Holy Spirit. Grace and Peace . . . Ray . . .

I agree with the above answers. However, Interesting question . . . IF you were God, what do you think is the proper thing to be done??? Curious I am . . . Ray . . .