Homeward

Yes, it was very interesting. Thanks Zayit.

Dearest EmeraldGirl, although at this time it may seem to you God does not care...He most assuredly does. Here is a hug from Him, to you, through me. Dear one, you are, and will be in my prayers.

Looks like you've been thinking some very profound thoughts there, buddy! God Bless!

Although longing for heaven is natural in a world where evil and satan are allowed to dwell (for a time), I gotta agree with Bob on this one. Peace

I think denominations differ depending on what country you live in. I am an adherent at a baptist church and it is nothing like the way I've heard some of the American posters describe it. Pastor preaches love, congregation practices love and it's very diverse. Ditto, and I am a Baptist who happens to be an American. And I am shocked that the childs parents would think that. Jesus loves children and does not want them held back from him! Have they not read and understood Mark 10:14, Matthew 19:14, Luke 18:16? Again, I am shocked and am praying about it.

Iryssa, you are right. If someone is an alcoholic, it would be very unloving to drink in front of them. And if someone states they are struggling with something it would be unkind for us to put a stumbling block in front of them.

Oh, and there's another one. "You don't like movies or television. Wow, you must be weak in the faith."

Ah, yes, the judging, and the labeling. Works in either or any camp one chooses to dwell. All anyone has to do is pick a label, and apply to any of the brethren who's simply stated opinion does not line up with theirs: Fanatic, Gnostic, Pharisee, Fill in the blank ____ with any label of ones choosing. Works insantly to sooth bruised egos, and ruffled feathers. And if that doesn't quite do the job, toss in some sarcasm. Pride...it's really something else... God is the judge of our walk. Praying for us all, here.

You're right, Gerioke. There are tons of obstacles in the walk. Landmines if you will...ie., pride, fear, depression, rejection, jealousy, anger, guilt, loneliness, lust, etc., etc., etc. And then there's Satan throwing his fiery darts. Aaargh, it is difficult! But be of good cheer brother, for you know we have a mighty and concerned helper in our God. Our Father, Jesus, The Holy Spirit, the word, prayer.

Conversion is instant. Growth is ongoing. Grace and Peace to you, Yomo

I agree. What I'm looking for in a church is irrelevant. I have my preferences, don't get me wrong, but I no longer belong to myself. My desires have been laid down at His feet, surrendered. I want for His desires to be my desires. I want to go to the church that God has in mind for me to attend. No matter what it offers or doesn't offer, big or small. I believe too many people try to find a church that makes them comfortable, which is understandable! (Not to say that a church should make a person uncomfortable.) I'm just saying that wherever the Holy Spirit leads me is where I want to go. That God be obeyed, reverenced, praised, glorified, served and honored in spirit and in truth is what matters the most. It happens in large and small churches where people are seeking Him diligently. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> You guys took the words out of my mouth.

Wow! Totally wonderful post! And the wisdom, love, and encouragement to one another from each of the brethren in these posts is awesome. Thanks all!

I see no reason for us to brawl, here. Each of us can explain our thinking, without coming to verbal fist fights. I can't imagine our Lord approving of that. Come let us reason together.

Thanks, Ovedya!

I wonder what God meant in verse 16 when He said to Satan... 16 Through your widespread trade You were filled with violence... Does anyone have any idea what God meant by widespread trade? Also, in verse 18 God said Satan's trade was dishonest. What was Satan trading? What was he doing? Is this something Satan is continuing to practice here on earth?

Yomo, Dear...I'm a Baptist. Are you ashamed of me?!! I'm not ashamed of you. Jesus knows our hearts, and we only have to please Him. And that's so wonderful because His yoke is easy, and His burden is light.

I just love reading your threads, Neb. Fascinating stuff as usual. Thanks for sharing it with us!

Thanks for posting this info, M. Very interesting!

Journey to where, and in who's company?

Aaah...yes, our Wonderful Father... Blessings to you brother!

Hmh, are you sure we're not related? Looks like you're mighty fast on the draw yourself. And yes, sometimes the penalty is worth it. In this case, I think it's a go!

Good one, hmh!!! I think I'll tease him about his new nickname the next time he comes over...but knowing his sharp wit, he'll come up with an even worse name for me over one of my antics gone bad. That guy...he's a sharp one... Brothers!!!... Ohhhh, good grief...couch potato...it's just too good to waste this one. Yep, I'm gonna go for it, and take any repercussions forthcoming. Thanks!!!

I see a few of you guys named claustrophobia. Warning, don't read the following! When I was a kid we'd invite all the neighborhood kids over and play couch roll-up. It was a macho game played by the fearless. You see we had a couch that had a mattress inside that could be unfolded for company. Anyway, the object of the game was to see who could stand to be rolled up in it for the longest time without shrieking or screaming. All the neighborhood kids loved it! Myself and my brothers included! Then came the day when my mom came home unexpectedly, and my youngest brother was still inside the couch. My mom woulda' been furious over this latest antic, so us kids did the sensible thing and sat on the couch like nothing was going on. It might have been O.K., and we could have sneaked my lil' bro out of there, if she'd gone upstairs. But you know how moms are. They can tell when mischief is brewin' She kept hanging out in the living room. And all of us kids were really sweatin' it. (I'm sure my brother most of all!) Finally my poor brother couldn't take it anymore and started screaming...Let Me Out!!! So off flew the cushions. The jig was up! We were all in hot water with mom being madder than a wet hen! My brother has since told me he has a bit of claustrophobia most probably brought on by this incident. And we were both laughing about it recently. We did conclude that one good thing did came out of it all. We think he broke the record that day.

OOOhhh. EEEeek. All those legs creeping towards me......arrrrrrrrrgh! Yikes!! Gangway....I'm outta' there! I'm talking about spiders. Creepy critters. Snakes don't bother me much...but I think fear of spiders is a genetic thing in my family.

Am not much into turning peeves into pets. Kind of a miserable state in my humble opinion. Not that I don't ever go there, but man, taking up permanent residence there is no fun at all, so I try to avoid it. On the other hand, my pets certainly do have some peeves. (1) First, on the peeved-pets list would be my two dogs. One a mighty,and handsome German Shepherd. And one, a butterfly-eared Papillon. A descendent of French royalty, he thinks . Anyway, these guys would be much less aggrieved if I threw the tennis balls *way* more often. In fact...a constant lobbing of balls would suit them both just fine! I'm thinking of building a mechanical ball thrower just for them. Will need to install an automatic dog biscuit rewarder for outstanding catches. (2) Next, on the list is my old cat, Moses, who insists that his food bowl never go empty. Not even for a moment. Truly a greedy, king of the jungle, is he, and *very* vocal. When he sees the contents of that ol' bowl starting to get low..."Pour on the grits, and make it snappy", he seems to roar! (3) Lastly, comes my little calico kitten, Sugar Baby. Hmmm...she never seems to get peeved about anything. That little player...