MK202002

Things happen in our life, some say they are being punished, others think they are going through some kind of trial. Looking just at our own lives, how can we tell what God is intending? If we believe it's a test and determine keep at it, bravely bashing our heads against the proverbial brick wall, we probably will prevail eventually, but what if that wasn't what God wanted? What if we missed the most important lesson our lives? On the other hand, what if we look at a situation in our lives and say "this happened because of my sin". So we clean up our lives, but we're 'gun shy' and hesitant for the rest of our lives. And no, it's NOT easy to tell all the time. My smart-alek husband says "If we knew, it wouldn't be a test!" Is that part of it? I'm going crazy! How can you know if God is still on your side? Two years of this people, and still no answer from God. My faith is falling apart! Does anyone care? At church I get eye rolls the few times I do open up about this. It IS a big deal!

reloading is a fun hobby. knowledge is power!! (whoa, too much sugar, sorry)

wanna bet?

hi, haven't posted for a while, if this topic already has a thread, please refer me to that one and I will delete this one to save on cyberspace. What thoughts do you have on the shootings this morning in Colorado springs, Colorado? Conversation ideas: Persecution or random act of violence? Armed security guards at a church? Do you (or someone you know)live around the area affected? Another blow to a Haggard (haggey?)-founded church?

I think maybe what he meant was (correct me if I'm wrong, smalcald) taking pleasure in the idea, not the act. The idea of being in control, and being more powerful.

uh, let's not forget the credit cards for illegals without a social security number etc. and let's not forget the reduced college tuition that isn't available to citizens. I don't understand- how do you get those things without a social security #? I see how to get it if someone steals a SS number, but otherwise?

just curios

Being smack in the middle of the contenental US, I don't know much about how illegal immigration effects us. How exactly does it cost us "millions of dollars" every year?

Thank you, I totally recieve that. But again- this is not about his struggles, it's about mine. I know why he's in jail, why does God want me to do through this mess? Do you think I sinned? Of course I do, I do every day, as I'm sure you do, but I don't know what God wants me to get out of this.

Did you ever think to share the gospel with him? LT Frankly, I would've been too scared and too ticked off to think of that. I'm sorry, but it's true. Besides, I sincerely doubt the guy would've been receptive. Maybe YOU could've shared the gospel with him, but then, you're a guy, so he probably wouldn't have approached you in the first place, and if he had, he would have been a little more cautious with you. Hi Iryssa, What do the following verses have to deal with. If you are born again why should you fear/be scared? LT Because theres some sick sorry lowlifes out there that would attack a woman alone. thats what she has to fear. these same sick lowlifes don't care what God has to say. She had every reason to be scared with the way things happen now days. so? there have have always been rapists and thieves. what do our lives amount to anyway compared to the cause of christ? seriosly. maybe he wouldn't have been receptive to the gospel then.. but years down the road, he could remember and who knows? I'd much rather get jacked while spreading the gospel than jacked while making pathetic protests that may not do any good at all.

thanks- I think I feel kind of condemed right now. Maybe it's my church, or friends, or maybe it's in my head. Maybe this whole mess will help me walk more humbly. Anyone 50+, is it true that at the end of your life it's common to feel like you will never "get there?"

or: John 15:13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. or: 1 John 3:16This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.

We must realize that as believers we do possess absolute authority over Satan and his forces. We were given this authority by Jesus. You must take into account that this authority operates based on laws which God set forth. Our authority and dominion over Satan can not be turned on and off at will. Your husband has free will. He is a free moral agent. He exercised his free will. He committed crime. Now, even though he is saved, he must pay the price that society dictates. God forgives, the state does not. (as a rule) Your husband set events into motion that must run their course. In the eyes of God he is righteous, in the eyes of the State he is a criminal. Even though he has repented, he still owes a debt to society. It is actually unjust if he does not pay that debt. I am sure the crime had a victim of some type. If your husband were to escape punishment, then the victim would be hurt. I remember Kenneth Haggin telling a story about pick handles. During the great depression, two men purchased a pickup truck load of pick handles. The handles were turned, but yet to be sealed. This load of handles was worth over a years wages to the men. They brought the handles home and noticed it looked like rain. They debated parking the truck in the barn but decided to pray protection over the handles instead. It rained. The handles became warped and they lost a years wages. The men were crushed. They asked God why. They reminded God that they had trusted him to protect the handles. They heard no answer from God and became bitter. They saw brother Haggin and recounted the story to him. They asked him why their faith had not worked. He told them they had mistaken foolishness for faith. He said God showed you that it was going to rain. The fact that you were too lazy to open the barn doors and drive the truck in was your own fault. Sometimes binding, loosing, and taking authority is so misguided it is foolishness in practice. To avoid prison time, you hire the best lawyer, get letters from important people, and talk to people who can make a difference in the sentence. The way to keep someone out of prison is hire the right attorney. Get someone who has clout to pressure the D.A. Get someone who has clout to pressure the judge. You would be amazed what someone properly connected can do. I am not talking about rich people either. I am talking about people who can pull large numbers of votes. People who have pulled large numbers of votes. Get the victim to request leniency. As a police officer, I can promise you that the court sees religious conversion as a ploy. You would not believe how many people get saved right after they get arrested. Then, they get saved again the next time they get arrested. Then, they get saved again the next time they get arrested. Then they have a jail ministry. Then they get out and get arrested again. It is sickening really. Some people change. Unfortunately, the ones who use religious conversion as a means to try to escape punishment ruin it for the select few who truly change. this really isn't about my husband getting off scott free, but more of my understanding of the situation from a spiritual perspective. I'm letting him deal with his own questions. I generally do not like cops, but how in the world am I supposed find a lawyer with 'clout' over a court? A lawyer will certainly tell you that he has influence over a court, if you seem interested in hiring them. Are you aware that these people lie? And they were two-non violent class D felonies. He was connected to a case that had a victem, but he was not charged with anything violent. Another thing that is sickening is cops who say they are christians and have no quams lying, planting, being overly aggressive, and breaking the law to help others build a case. And they ruin any trust that might exist between another cop with integrity and the public.

oh my gosh thank you. You're like the only person who offered any scriptural reference. I'm Sorry but i don't particularly care to associate the bible with the klan. they might use the bible for their own purpose, but they do not follow its scriptural teaching. you have to remember that todays klan is nothing but a bunch of cowards. IF they were real men, they would stand toe to toe with whomever they had a problem with and settle it like men. I totally agree. The original purpose of this post was: 1. To find where they get thier twisted beliefs, 2. and how to show a person who subscribes to simular theology what the bible really says about the real Spirit of the Gospel. Using scripture references.