Willow

Seems to me much of Jesus ministry was focused exactly on that anyways. I can't think of one thing he talked about that didn't ultimately have to do with the heart anyways. :il:

You are so right Shelby!! I generally agree that tithing has been unbiblically pushed on people. HOWEVER.....want to hear the irony of the situation? I work in my church, in the finance department, in a church that is very much into the accurate tithing thing, so that you are not found robbing God and you will be blessed. Not to mention that the congregation pays for my wages...... I find this continually a struggle. Especially when I get people on the phone calling me and asking if it was okay that they didn't tithe this past weekend and then proceed to tell me all their financial issues. I feel very bad. And there are so many people in this office who can listen to my answer I need to be careful how I word my response!! LOL oye.... No many churches do not teach this. This is usually found out by believers studying the word on their own. Yes and no. Some search to be free from the bondages of legalism. Don't forget, some people are in places where the simplest 'suggestion' in the bible is mandated down there throats. Yes it is an honor to give back to God. He is our provider in all things. We must have an outlet to be generous in all areas. I think the main thing to consider in something like this is that we are supposed to be a NT church and they pooled their resources to help others and care for all the needs. We in North America don't have that. We hang onto our stuff, cling cling cling and then we find we are left hanging when it is taken away. Tithing, should be a lesson in faith in provision from God, worship to God in giving in recognition of his provision and love, and should be an outlet to show others the generosity of our hearts and that we are not set on the things of this world. In NA, we do everything extreme. Either we extreme tithe or we extreme don't! lol. This is not a reality TV church show (oh gasp could you imagine?) in either case, we should consider it a joy to give to the Lord, and in the meantime, not ram it down peoples throats as hard core doctrine. I find the generous response to be greater when people are taught about selflessness and servanthood and repentance more than give to receive, give cause God demands it. One further thought......we ARE blessed to be a blessing. Just think, your obediance in giving may be an answer to someone else's prayer. If God specifically asks you to give in a certain situation, do it! Think of how many times you have prayed for something. What if the answer to that prayer was depending on someone else who was unwilling or unobediant. Just something to chew on that's all..... :hug: :il: Willow

alecia, (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Hugs))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) )))))))))))) Can I just say how many people feel like you do, and they don't have even half the reasons you do to? But that aside, I don't know how what you went through feels, but I know the resulting feeling. I have felt EXACTLY the same way. And I keep thinking my body should be perfect when I get married. Then I look around me and see all the dozens, hundreds of couples that have gotten married, and there bodies aren't perfect. What about someone in a wheel chair, who may not be able to operate their legs, yet they can still feel joy, pain, pleasure, tenderness. And yet, there physical limitations has not limited some of them. God has blessed them with jewels for husbands. This kind of reminds me of a movie, with Mini Driver, where she didn't want to get close to someone because of a large scar she had from open heart surgery. She always wore high collared shirts. And might I just say......except for being newlyweds, or living in a nudist colony :x: your future spouse will see you most of the time with your clothes on! And those few moments with him otherwise he will reaffirm you that he loves you - no matter what. Since he is probably feeling self-conscious about himself too! I understand though - it is a very intimate moment where there is nothing left to hide behind. Here you are and there he is. How about you and I just take it one day and one step at a time?! God will help both of us through our insecurities and bless us both with husbands who love the rest of us as well - beyond what our skin can show! (believe me I am preaching to myself right now to!) Remember, in 1John it talks about perfect love driving out all fear. There is no fear in love. Oh I can't wait to experience God's extension of that here on earth in the form of a companion. Oh Shelby, :hug: you took the words right out of my mouth. I know EXACTLY how you feel. Except I have said those words to people lol Adstar - :hug: thanks Bro. You are a hero! Remember dear friends, God created many aspects to us. More than just our skin and outward features. But here is a thought.......some of the best books I ever bought at an antique store had the plainest, or some of them the most beaten up covers......but open the cover and WOW. I count myself lucky to have found it, and grateful nobody else got their hands on it before I did!!! Covers can be beautiful, but they don't always indicate the value of the content!! Think about the bible......generally speaking.....one of the plainest covers anywhere. And look at the hidden jewel for content. Absolutely priceless!!

Don't believe any of it!! I am innocent!! INNOCENT I TELL YOU!! You have been talken to that Angel again haven't you? *sigh.....* Please say hello to the (((((((((((((((((((((Princess of hugs)))))))))))))))))))))))) for me k? LOL thanks!! :hug:

JCM!!!! ((((((((((((((((((((((((jcm))))))))))))))))))))))))) like I said - chat hug Worthy Welcome to you as well!! I hope you both find many many friends here. I know I have....lifers too!! Willow

<-------- that is me IR LOL Wills

Marsi!! (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Hugs Marsi))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) that is a chat room hug when you get in!! Welcome to Worthy!!! Like you, I can't get into chat at the moment (a chat Mod who can't get in?.. ) lol Anyways, it is very simple. You post away here till your heart is content. We have board moderators which are different from Chat room moderators. You can go to them for help for whatever questions you may have. Also anyone with Senior or Royal membership status next to their name are awesome people to talk to! Feel free to pm any of us and we will do our best to help! The different forum have different theme's if you will. The Upper Room has fellowship hall and humor sub rooms which can be for questions, getting to know people and general lighthearted stuff. Also a ladies only forum!! The other Forums have different subjects you can talk about. They are pretty self explanitory once you see the different topics being discussed. But if you want to talk about something and you see nobody has posted on a topic like that, start one up!!! Don't feel slighted if your topic is moved. A moderator may feel it is more appropriate in another forum. No biggie. As for rules?? We love and serve Jesus here. So of course if there are posts which cause Jesus name to be taken in vain or mocked - expect a moderator response!! LOL I am sure if there is anything of concern - a brother or sister in Christ will PM you and let you know any concerns. Otherwise, just post away and like the chat room......it is waaaay more fun to just dive right in!!!!! Blessings to ya hon!! look forward to chatting and posting with ya!!! :il: :hug: Willow

Those are good kittyjo! I did some skim reading (i am in a bit of a hurry at the moment) but I will digest them more indepth later. Thanks!!

I find that here there are more than one topic colliding. Yes I think the modern day Prophetic system is failing God. And it takes so much time now to observe in many situations the validity of whether or not someone is a prophet, by then they have already been elevated to that status and soon nobody is questioning it. I have a friend who says God has called her to be a prophet. I personally think that she isn't. Did they not stone a prophet in the bible when they were wrong? Not that we should be doing that now, however, she has been wrong on many occasions. I think there is a huge difference between a gift of prophecy and being a prophet. I wonder where this model started. Really. When he was with the multitudes and the 5000 - he didn't get to interact with them one on one. Cause when Jesus was here he didn't train one man to help him in ministry and spreading the gospel, he trained 12. Somewhere the 'church' screwed up and decided one pastor could do it all. My church is rapidly approaching 4000 people in it. Like my pastor can make that many house calls, get involved in the community, take care of his family and still have personal time with God. I guess I am blessed far more than I realize working and attending a church like mine. I work in the finance office. I see things all the time. I see how my boss reacts to a large donation and a small. He even caught someone wording something like - Major givers, other donations, etc....and he said he wanted those titles to be removed so that the person giving $10 wouldn't feel like they were less of a giver then someone who is able to give $20,000. That to me speaks highly of his wisdom and integrity as a person in charge of our money.

Thank you all who responded! Part of my motivation in posting this is I am part of a team in planning a conference in October called Beautiful One. It is going to be for girls aged 12-19 dealing with every topic girls face now-a-days. The thing I want young women (and men) to get is - there will always be someone else who thinks they are better than you...at anything! And there is nothing wrong with wanting to feel and look your best. It just shouldn't hinge on a scale number or clothing size. I am sure glad that clothing manufacturer's are finally getting it. Not every girl who has trouble finding clothing to fit is a Home Economics wiz! Something that also got me thinking is...here on the boards we may post away, express opinions and laugh or cry with each other. I really and truly wonder if this was a real life room we could come into and chat, would we be as bold as we are here? Would we speak up, or would we be self concious and shy away? Computers are a great tool to keep people connected, I just wonder outside of them, how are we doing? Dad Ernie, Thank you for that insight. I never looked at Paul's thorn that way before. Oh I do have a peace. Every now and then though, Satan likes to sneak back to see if I really do though. He likes to poke and praud it. Test to see if the wound is open or closed. It is closed, as far as I am concerned. I am happy with me. I see areas of improvement, but I am not hiding behind the cover of " I just want to loose weight to serve God better and treat my body as a temple" and then secretly obsess about it. I had a word given to me by my mom 4 years ago about why I have been overwieght for most of my life. She told me what God told her, and she even said that most of it didn't make sense to her. But it did to me. Oh did it ever. God actually used my weight to help me in something. It won't be like this forever, but God had a purpose for it to fulfill. So I am at peace. I just don't like it when the enemy comes sniffing around. So young readers, don't ever feel that you are alone in this battle. You parents, aunts, uncles, friends, someone you know has suffered from feeling inferior at somebody else's words or actions. The thing to remember is, it is just a season in your life and don't take those comments or actions and bury them inside, accepting them and making them a part of why you do the things you do (such as things like an eating disorder to make you lose weight etc.) Let them roll off your back. Let them be carried off you like dust in the wind. And remember you are here because God chose you to be here!

I wish I had it in front of me right now..... I watched a documentary years ago on A&E called the Quest for the lost tribes of Israel. Directed and researched by Simcha Jacobovici. Based on cultural and social custom elements and also using the bible as a modern day treasure map, he has located what he believes the possible location of the decendants of the lost tribes of Israel. I found it to be sooo interesting. One of the documentary's to get me thinking even more in the last 3 years about Jews and Israel in general.

Hey I do not know the lady who was your roommate. However, could I venture to say that just because she is a Christian doesn't mean that the odd feeling you get in the house isn't coming from her? I have met many 'Christians' who, I feel the spirit of God telling me to watch myself, guard myself, don't give yourself an opportunity to be alone or around them very long. My best friends roommate used to do the same thing. She would come home and as soon as the door opened and she walked through, she would be casting out demons and spirits etc.....my friend just looked at her like . I saw her one day. Seriously, that house was prayed over, anointed, and all party's inside were Christians including the owners upstairs. I think they were also the only owners of the house. Could be an object in the home, could be a spirit attached to someone, or even something previously in the house. in any case, do what you can and the rest? Leave to God. Victory is his!! In perfect love there is no fear. If God is in your home, perfect love drives out all fear. If you are still sensing something.....no matter how hard it is to do.....maybe you need to move. just an idea. The Lord will direct you. One other thing? Just because something like a cross appears? Doesn't mean it is of God though. Remember, Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light. how? Remember he was one once.......

I thought I would bring this up since it has most recently happened to me.....again. And this is very much a ladies topic, but I KNOW there are men out there who have struggled with this too. I would like to discuss body and self image, for a very important reason. We always tell many people to look within themselves and to look to God. Not to base their own views of themselves on what other people say or what they expect of them. This is true - but we must really examine what we say, even in innocence that can harm someone else. I have been ....large all my life. Not only am I genetically predispositioned for my particular frame and tendencies, but I will admit there have been many times I have not aided in helping myself fight these. In school, as all of you know, children are relentless on telling you what they think of you and what is wrong with you. They point out all your flaws. I developed a thick skin early on to deal with that. And even now, I don't care what people say. I am not in their mould, since their mould is modelled after something air-brushed on a magazine cover. But even now - at age 27, sometimes a little thing will affect me. I was having a conversation with someone. They were commenting on how this particular food item was just bearable to eat and they were only having it because it was the quickest thing they could find. It was a desert and they were having a sweet craving. So I told them something very cool and quick to make this dish more palatable and how to spruce it up to taste really good. This person looked at me and said....."oh deary, you shouldn't have said that. Doesn't sound good coming from a woman of your size..." And that...hurt. I know Satan can attack me using that, however, I choose to let it be a learning experience. For me and others. It is hard enough existing and living in this world, trying to be salt and light, trying to serve and love your neighbour as yourself, when loving yourself some days is like trying to climb Mt. Everest in swimming flippers. I genuinely cannot take some people who I am related to - telling me things under the phrase "Because I love you. If I didn't love you I wouldn't say anything". You know what I mean. I am not talking about the genuine concern some people could hear, "Hon loose weight cause you are heading down the same path your father was" (who may died of a heart attack due to his weight, cholesterol, etc). Now that would be a warning. I am talking about the nag and pick sessions under the disguise of 'caring'. Even comments to coworkers or people you see in places. If you don't cut yourself down and build up others, hopefully you will find that they will follow your example - believer or unbeliever. So I leave you with some questions.....or rather something to ponder........what is it about the human shape that causes people to make comments about each other? Why did it ever become a contest? Yes I know it is something of the world's views and one of Satan's ploys to steal, kill, and destroy. However, Christians for many years have not had victory over this. why? Why are we listening to the world so much? What is more compelling about comparing a body shape to someone else's rather that feeling fulfilled and completely accepted?

...or in some cases.....are being decieved before they can believe. I believe it is time for another session of warfare prayer for WB....

Botz,

War? Bob is exercising wisdom in pointing out you are mocking God with your comments. And God is not pleased. He paid a dear price for you to have the chance to know him and to have you misuse apply scripture and taunt us with something so obviously against the grain of what God asks of us - is not stood for. We are praising His name higher than any other name. That is what this board is about. You should have read the fine print when you signed up. Glad we could entertain you. However, entertainment isn't why we are here. And the fact that you serve no one? You do serve someone. Whomever is not for God is against him. You have not decided to be for him yet - therefore - you are against him. The master of your destiny at the moment is satan - for you have not requested of Jesus to set you free from the bonds of satans eternal distruction. Be careful sir, you may think it is okay to be dark and like dark things, and not serve anyone but pleasing yourself and what makes you feel good. That will never make you happy in the end. And it is all about what happens in the end.........eternity is so very long my friend. Very long.......I would hate to see you find that out when it is too late. Please stay and post with us - but do not expect anything favourable to happen when God is mocked here. We do not stand for it on behalf of our Lord Jesus Christ - who has given the very breath we breathe to us....and you.

Who Hendrix?? Oh my dad would find that interesting!! He plays a bit like Hendrix did. In fact - that was how he and my mom met. Because he had Hendrix albums and my mom wanted to hear them!! PS - Bob?? God bless you Bro!

The more you read the word, the more verses will have addresses. But remember, the words are most important. Mostly it was said "For it is written...." I don't see an exact scripture reference mentioned!! So keep being in the word. It will come!!

very good idea!! thanks - hadn't considered that one! I guess I asked the question because I was thinking, how would you rank the importance of your existance and whom you spend that time with? I mean, my mom and dad are saved, yet I owe them SOOO much and love them dearly. However, should I be spending my time with all the people who don't know Jesus? Telling them while I have breath that he is the way the truth and the life. Of course I should be doing that now, but how much more would you feel that urgency? And, Jesus wasn't doing that the night he was going to be betrayed. He was alone - with his sleeping disciples! Of course his method of leaving to eventually go home was going to be different as well.......... so many questions......so many perspectives...... would you consider it a blessing to know? or a burden?

Ahh the Bagpipes!!! **sigh.......they move my heart and eyes to tears. I love hearing them. as for Celtic music? You know Botz there is some bands who do worship music Celtic style you know. And other Christian artists are doing lots of Celtic instrumental music that is beautiful and praise worthy. I will try and get you some albums titles I have at home. one of the is Revival in Belfast, another is Celtic Praise.

I guess I would wake early, drive to my favorite park and watch the sun rise. I would sing with the birds that morning Praises to God. I would pray and seek him, to ready my heart and spirit. Then I would go home and eat breakfast with my parents. I am not sure how many times we have ever had breakfast together. Not many. It is the meal most skipped in our home. I would tell them I loved them and how much they have been an inspiration to me. From there I would go to see my closest friends. Thanking and hugging them each for all they have done for me, as mentors, friends, role models, teachers, just everything!! I would then go and see my pastor and thank him for his wonderful leadership and model he has provided nearly all my life. And to press into all that God has for him and where he wants to take our church as a body. By mid afternoon I would be hungry so I would get lunch, on the way to downtown Vancouver. I would stop somewhere and purchase some blankets etc and go down to the section where all the addicts are. A Four block radius with the highest concentration of addicts and HIV infected people per block in North America I think are the stats. I would find homeless men or women and sit and talk with them. Give them a blanket, buy them something to eat or drink, and just be with them. I would hug them too. Many of them have never been hugged in many many years. Nobody likes to touch the untouchable in society. I would stay there until just before sunset. Then I would head out to the park nearby and watch the sun set over the water. I would sing and pray the whole way home. Once home again, I would sit down and have supper with mom and dad. And once we finished that, have communion with them. Give them one final hug and kiss goodnight. I would let mom tuck me in, and read to me the story of Paddington Bear, one she used to read when I was a young girl - about 8 years old, and always before I would go to bed. Then, I would go home to my father in Heaven.

If you look in the bible, the book Psalms actually means songs. Oh sure we read them as verses and words...and they don't rhyme, but that is what they were. So, I enjoy Praise and Worship. They express - like David tried to - the feelings of us creation, to our Creator. Good and the bad sometimes. I love Celtic music. I love instrumental - like classical whether it be one instrument or an orchestra. I love going to the symphony. Jazz - oh my goodness I love Jazz....and Blue grass Alternative (actually I don't know what you call it anymore. What group does Switchfoot belong to?) Anyhoo, some bands like that, along with the Coldplay types, Jars of Clay, Caedmon's Call, etc... I absolutely adore Choral music. I mean the kind where you have a 100 person + mass choir singing madrigal, and concert accapella pieces. The kind you go to a large Orthodox church with stained glass windows at Christmas time and listen to the haunting melody's of God's most natural gift - the voice, and you get goose bumps the whole time. I sang in a group a little smaller than 100 people, and it was the most challenging and most rewarding thing I even did. I guess I really like a mixed bag of things. I think music just touches some deep part of us that nobody can really explain. I often used to think - and sort of still do - that music - without even singing, expresses an emotion you can't otherwise feel. I mean music stirs up emotion, but making music expresses something inside that otherwise might not make it out. It is such a universal language. Evey level of society and culture around the world has it. You can glorify God in nearly any music you listen too, it is good also if you are aware of the source. I like someone's music, like Yanni, however, sometimes I can sense something spiritually not right.....later on was when I found out he is into New Age. In all things Praise Him. In all things Bless Him In all things give God the honour. I will leave you with a song we performed in high school choir - a festival in which we not only won Gold at, but recorded a CD with this on it.....and it was taken directly from the bible...

Here is a question of late that is circling around my coworkers. If you knew you had one last day on this earth, or you knew someone else was going to have their last day on earth, what would you do? How would it change those 24 hours for you?....... This hits home since I have found out 3 people in the last week who have been given the 'any day now' diagnosis.....

I know MANY people who like to thank God in advance for something. I would like to offer another view...thanking God for whatever he is going to do. We should be specific in our prayers. It is important. You are voicing something that is what you see as a need. Small example. I needed a car. I had none for months. And I was praying - God, take me shopping. I have no idea what kind of car to get and what kind I really need. I know what I like - but what do I need? (as is it wrong to ask of what I like as well as what I need?). So I felt God ask me, "Well, what do you want and what do you think you need? Give me reasons". so here they were, I needed a 4 door car - since it is easier to get in and out of the back seat and I frequently drive many people around and help load antiques my mom buys to take them home to be refinished. I needed a large trunk - same reason - for large antique purchases - and also to help bring things over when we moved, which is happening now! I needed this car before Christmas last year since I was going to be busy running around and taking mom around as she doesn't drive. I wanted a car in the colour blue, green or dark grey, cause I like them and cause they don't look dirty as fast (like white or black) I wanted at least a radio and cassette player in it that worked so I could listen to something. My last cars both didn't. I wanted a more powerful engine. If you are carrying a lot of furniture - you need something that can get you up a hill or 2! I wanted a different brand of car then I had been driving previously since I found them to break down a lot and be unreliable. And....I needed it to be free. Literally - I had no money. So.......I got a 4 door, blue V6 Buick with a huge truck and a radio and cassette player that works....on Nov 15 last year. And the best part of all........ .........it was given to me! I didn't go to a car lot and pick this out. This was given to me by a dear lady who I had not had contact with in 5 months before she called me to see if I wanted a car since she heard somewhere that I needed one and didn't know if I was still looking for one. Now this isn't my shopping list to God - but he asked me to be specific and I told him what it was and why. And I left it to him. I didn't get that answer until 4 months after I prayed it the first time. I thanked God in advance for providing for my need - whether that was later bus service (our bus system leaves much to be desired at the moment), or rides from people....whatever. I knew God was going to help me. I also prayed His will to be worked out. I didn't know how much I blessed the family that gave it to me. When they heard my story, they realized how awesome God is when they obeyed his command to call me up. They weren't going to!!! A final thought........is it God's will to have people perish? Is it God's will to have people suffer? Is it His will to see someone not fulfilled in life and wandering without blessing or purpose? NO!!! His will....on earth as it is in heaven......there is no suffering in heaven, there is no lost people in heaven, there is no sickness, sadness, unfulfilled people in heaven. But is it in His timing.......? Is it in His design?? Will and design I don't think they are the same thing. My will comes under the authority of something/someone else. What I want to do and what is asked of me are often 2 different things. So I concede to follow the wishes of God, or my boss in my job....etc. God heart is that none should perish, but know everlasting life. Even God's will would not break the rules he has set in place. If the person does not call on the name of Jesus and ask them to be Saviour, they are not saved. I would agree - there is no real right way to pray. There is no magic formula and no magic words. But scripture does have a lot to say about prayer. Many times when God speaks audibly in the bible to people - it was when the person was praying. Here are some other scriptures to add to the awesome ones already posted: As it implies in James - the prayer of a righteous man - lifestyle and heart style have to do with answered prayer - not the words you use.

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: : the beach is wide my friend.....i wasn't meaning the same pieces of sand....LOLOL good one though...