P Jay

Could I copy this and post it on Facebook? I really like the things you've suggested to do, and would like to share it with others.

God manifests himself to us all the time to those who the eyes to see and the ears to hear. Not everyone believes. Not everyone has faith. I think it requires faith to be able to see His MANIFESTATIONS.

I called my son to see if I could go over to his place and he said no. This is the first time I have not been able to see my sons whenever I want to. He and his wife only let their family into their house. This is the first time in my life that I have thought about dying when I cough. This is the first time in my life that my church has been closed. And also the first time my AA groupo has been closed. So it's the first time I go to an AA group on line. It's pretty cool.

Thank you for a simple way to approach others and help them see that the path to salvation is simple...But, simple does not mean easy.

thank you for this letter: I think it's probably the best written statement I've seen. I will review it often and pass it on to my family and friends.

I really like what you wrote. Thanks.

Thanks for your feedback. Maybe I didn't communicate my idea very well. I understand what you say as true. I understand that this forum CAN DO for others in needs. I said what I did regarding the poster not coming here because he HAS come here so much and yet continues to be addicted to these girls. I felt that the people here probably gave all of the best advice they had, and that the only thing that we could do to help would be to pray for him. In terms of people like this I must wonder what the underlying motif is for him coming here. That's all.

I hear your cry, and I recognize it because I've heard it many, many times. First, this is not the place to come to to get help. You have tried that before and for reasons that only you know it did not help. So I suggest that you stop coming here looking for answers to your problems. For anyone here to imagine they can help you with more advice, I believe they are as blind as you are. The most help you can get here is for people on this web site to pray for you. Hopefully our prayers will be answered. Find yourself a good doctor/counselor, a good pastor whom you can trust and DO WHAT THEY SUGGEST. It's one thing to want help and an entirely different thing to do what they suggest that you need to do. Good luck. I am praying for you.

I'm very interested in what you believe a church is like, and what the people there are doing. what is the focus of that church and what do they DO as a church and as individual members of this church. Thank you for sharing.

thank you all for responding. I appreciate it. You all had lovely things to say.

Thank you for a very good idea to think about this morning, and a very good reminder that what I am receiving is what I need and not necessarily what I want. I used to pray for the things that I wanted, and so often God never seemed to answer these prayers. In my selfishness I would get angry because I wasn't getting what I wanted. As I've gotten older I've learned that I really don't like anger. It feels like poison in me. So in order to stop myself from getting angry I have learned to accept the idea that I get what I need not what I want. And I have come to love this saying because it has helped me live more in a state of peace and gratitude from every little thing that I receive, every day.

There is another topic floating around in my mind, and it's the idea that the Church is divided and disconnected. There are times that I believe it is, but other times that I don't think it is. It seems to be a fact to me that there are different churches that seem to interpret Scripture differently, and as a result they have different ideas about what it means to be a Christian, and what it means to be a church. There's the idea that a divided house will soon fall gives me concerns because I hear many Christian leaders talking negative ab0ut other leaders or other churches. It seems to me that some believe that one church is better than the other. And this seems to be one reason for the division in the Church. Is one church better than another? Or is it good to have diversity among the Believers in Christ?

These words are stuck in my mind this morning. I am very curious what you all think these words mean to you. Thanks for responding.

I like that quote, "Abide in Me, and I in you." I like the concept of abiding, to be with someone. For me it's all about having a relationship with Jesus Christ. A REAL one.

Thank you for the wonderful words to start this day with. I love the Biblical reference in Psalm 84:11, "For the Lord is a sun and a shield." I will carry these words with me daily. It's a very good mantra.

First discernment is certainly one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and we should always be willing to use this gift if it's given to us. Judgement on the other hand is not discernment, in my opinion. To come alive in Christ, is to die to one's self. Death is never fun, and it's quite painful for many of us. My personal death to the human body was painful. AND it was unfortunately slow. But it did happen. Human beings are all different, and many of us are slowly going through that death. The lucky ones get to go through it quicker. Like Paul. hahaha...The word of God tells me to be slow to judge so I try to be. I'll leave it up to HIM to judge. I find my calling is to try to love others....ALL OTHERS. Even the ones that are tough to love. Love is the only path that we can travel on in order to bring others to Christ/God, or visa versa to bring Christ/God to them.

Let's not forget that we cannot get faith on our own. It must be given to us by God. It is a free gift. If we remember this there is no need to argue or debate. Just accept the gift that is given to you, and be grateful you get any at all. I so often forget that God is in charge of everything. He gives what He wants to give to whomever he chooses. Be humble and be glad for all who are chosen. Peace

I enjoyed reading your post, and agree wholeheartedly. With everything you said.

Yes. Many times. I have NOT seen him in the flesh but only in the Spirit. What good is it to have a relationship with someone if you can't see him, or if you can't talk to him, and most importantly listen to Him. In my opinion, being born again is all about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. AND like any relationship, the more time we spend with him the deeper our relationship will be. Good luck.

The pastor is the CEO of the Church. He surrounds himself with a gifted leadership team. Together they help the believers find the well that contains the water of eternal life. This team also helps the believers discover their gifts and how to use them in leading others to Christ.