treasured

P.S. I love yas!! BUT....Jesus loves you more!!!!

Have you ever had one of those days when you felt like saying "Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do" when thinking about some of our 'Christian' brothers and sisters in Christ? I have and it seems as if it is getting more and more often. It is so upsetting to me seeing Christians tearing at other Christians because of the different denominations ...."You don't worship the way I do, so you're wrong"... "If you believe those things are still happening then you're wrong because I read..." (And my response with that comment is "Show me in scripture").. You see ,we get so busy tearing down our brothers and sisters that we fail to see the damage that is being done to those who are lost, .....but happen to be watching to see .."why do I want Christianity...how much different it is than being in the world"....Shame on us!!! Remember Jesus said .."By the LOVE we would be known"...not "by the denomination" Why did I bring this up?....I had a sister in Christ talk down some of the t.v. evangelists. When I told her "You can find negative about anyone or anything that you want"...She told me "I don't want to discuss it because I know that you believe in some of them"...which is news to me, ...because I believe in Christ !!...I have listened to all types of preachers on TV and else where and have gleaned from them some nuggets that have helped me in life, ...does that mean I believe 'in them'?..No but because I don't agree with them in things doesn't mean I am going to talk bad about them or their ministry! !! Shame on those who do!.....Who am I to say the Lord isn't using them?....who am I to say they aren't anointed by God ...what I recall from the Word the LORD says "not to touch the anointed"...it also tells us "God is the judge"...and as for the stumbling of the little ones.or new ones.."better to have a millstone tied around our neck and thrown into the ocean" !!..Any of you that have read my testimony know that God used a t.v. program to heal my disease in 2000....."Did that minister heal me???....No!!! God healed me, but used that moment and that preacher to speak it!...Do I worship or believe in that man???...no!! I have already stated that! Having come out of a cult that had me believing "We are right & EVERYONE else is wrong"...I see that same spirit in those that stand in judgment and elevate themselves and in the meantime are leaving carnage in their path!!...Shame on us!! So if they are wrong.....First pray the LORD touch them with correction then...LOVE THEM!....If they worship differently but worship Christ ...LOVE THEM!!!....If they dress different ...LOVE THEM!! worship standing up and hands lifted ..LOVE THEM!! ... If they pray out loud or in silence...LOVE THEM!!....If they are lost but seeking to Find ...LOVE THEM where they are!!!...We aren't the Holy Spirit that changes hearts or that draws ...we aren't the ONE that judges!!! We are here to show the LOVE of Christ... just Love them!!! "But the greatest of these is LOVE"

Hello family, I am not sure if this subject has been posted before but it just came up in discussion the other day with a young sister-in-Christ that was real concerned. She said it has to do with Christians, Jews and Muslims 'worshiping' together. That there is to be a big convention in New York next year. I have been trying to make sense of the information that I have found on the web and all that I have found really concerns me as well. Some articles stated the New Age teachings that are being welcomed into the church. Others listed names of some vary famous "Christian" authors who have been in attendance of meetings of this type. One states that the Christians are going to be forced to be "all-inclusive" in worship. To tell you the truth, this has really bothers me...it reminds me of the story of the frog in the pot of warm water that doesn't notice the temperature being turned up until he's cooked. Anyone know about this? Or why the church hasn't mentioned it?....like I said, "It is all new to me!" love in Christ Treasured

Be a witness....when that doesn't work.....speak

I think those times are tests for us to grow.....and if we don't pass we find ourselves going through similar situations again....I found that to be true when I worked in a Christian bookstore. I assuming that everyone that came in was a Christian ....or those trying to walk the walk... One lady would come in and talk down to the owner (who is such a lovely lady) like she knew everything and the owner hadn't a clue....which would irritate me!!!... I would say "How can you be so sweet to her?" ......She said "She is on her Christian journey and may have had a start or bend I never had".. ....(never thought of that).!....One time the lady came in with a new c.d. and book that she just bought at the other Christian bookstore (she made sure to tell us)...then opened the c.d. and asked the owner to play it for her to listen to while she read her book.! .... I again voiced my irritation to the owner after the lady left.!..The owner then told me something I remember every time I meet someone that irritates me...she said..... "I think she is the 'holy sandpaper' God sent into your path to knock of some of your rough edges to make you into what He wants"

I asked God to take away my habit. God said, No. It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up. I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. God said, No. His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary I asked God to grant me patience. God said, No.Patience is a byproduct of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is learned. I asked God to give me happiness. God said, No.I give you blessings; Happiness is up to you. I asked God to spare me pain. God said, No.Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me. I asked God to make my spirit grow. God said, No.You must grow on your own! , but I will prune you to make you fruitful. I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life. God said, No. I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things. I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me. God said..Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.

The one for Compton, it's right outside of Cherry Hill. I actually spent a week there once. Then I got baptized.

I don't know about you, but this is very upsetting to me!!...If it had been any other religion used in this "Drill"...can you imagine the outrage?!!??....I know my son had said years ago while attending college "Everything and everyone is to be tolerated there 'EXCEPT' Christians and Christian views"....we are put down and laughed at by educators as well as the media.....no wonder nobody feels there is a need to apologize to those Christian families in N.J. We need to be about our Father's business while we have the freedom to do so!!

I haven't been able to get into chat for what seems to be forever....but didn't see any "updates" on it...is it me?

"...You ask me how I know he lives.....He lives within my heart".

Someone told me that baptism is like a wedding ring being an outward symbol of something spiritual that has happened.

Have you noticed the somewhat 'bitter' comments by fellow believers ?.....I am referring to the message boards only. Some of them break my heart....I think of new ones coming in to see what makes us any different and seeing some of the digs or comments that many of the lost wouldn't even think of saying to another person, just out of respect...and yet "Christians" are talking to other "Christians"...or about other "Christians" in a such negative way.....where's the love?...I know it ISN'T the majority, but even the handful.....I wonder where their faith truly is.. I thought the word Christian meant "Christ-like" Reminds me of the story of the good Samaritan......we get so wrapped up on our thinking that "We Have Arrived" that we forget or 'ignore' what we are here for....helping the lost in a dying world! God have mercy on us

Oh my!!.....I am so Thankful that Carol was the "Christian" that thought I was worth her time....Or I and my family would likely still be in JW bound for Hell......THANK YOU JESUS!! PS. JW don't believe in "attaining their place in Heaven"...just thought you should know

Having lived 13 years of my life as a Jehovah's Witness....I found all of the posts interesting...It was a Christian Avon lady that helped me. ...I'm sure glad she didn't stop coming to my home just because I tried to convert her!...She later told me that I would make her so mad that she would sit in her car and cry..(but you know what?...I never knew that). I have a few comments * they are false witnesses!.....I remember when in training for door-to-door work we were instructed to call ourselves Jehovah's "CHRISTIAN" Witnesses to get the householder to lower their defense. * don't spend precious time studying what they believe...use it to study God's Word (that's our sword and this IS battle)..I heard a story about a man that worked in a federal mint...he was an expert and could spot a forged bill instantly...when asked how long he spent studying it he replied "I study the genuine...I know it so well that it makes it easy to spot a fake". *As for talking with them....be Christ-like, but remember they are very sincere in their beliefs...and they are sincerly wrong..they ARE under mind control... *I thought the idea of asking their address was original * The thing that kept us from calling at homes that we were not welcome ...and may still be effective is really quite easy...you see, they keep record of everything during their time "out in the field"..from the first door they knock on to the names of people at cetrain addresses (that's so when you go back the householder will think they were so unforgetable!... it softens them up for conversation.).....So simply tell them to put in their records "Do Not Call" and to pass it on to anyone else that has the "territory that you live in checked out in the future" .... *The greatest thing you can do for them is pray...sounds too easy, but there is so much power in prayer!...After I came out and after months later I found out that Carrol (my Avon lady) had her dentist (ASG Christian man), her chiorpractor (Baptist man),Her mechanic (Methodist man), and her family all pray for me. She knew when I started questioning my beliefs I would need all the spiritual help I could get and she was right!! *She started me thinking by asking questions...tends to lower their guard. The ones that really got me thinking were about the Holy Spirit and scripture calling HIM and saying HE Speaks, HE grieves, He can be lied to....showed me the Holy Spirit isn't just a force but personality a being...She never bombarded me just planted one here and one there and covered them in prayer

That made me think of a 80 yr old lady that came to the ladies Bible study I attended when we lived in New Mexico ...I came in late one Wed. morning to find the ladies all surrounding her and she and most of them in tears!..."What's the matter?" I asked.I new her husband was older than her and she was always asking for prayer for him...the week before he was climbing on a ladder and had fallen...(nothing injured but his pride...so she said!) ...She said "I have been praying and trying to 'be' a witness to my husband for 50 years now....last night when I got back from shopping he met me at the door with a big smile on his face and said when I left he had called my pastor to come over and explain how Christ would live in his heart.....he accepted Jesus !!!....Aw the power of prayer!!! It also reminded me of the familar saying "Three surprises when we get to Heaven:...Finding people there 'we KNEW' WOULDN'T be there.....NOT finding ones ones there 'we KNEW' WOULD be there..and thirdly finding ourselves there" Treasured

Death truly IS an enemy...one we cannot fight, but soon will be destroyed (1Cor 15:26) I have lost so many :Grandparents,parents,brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, nephew,children and best friends....It doesn't get any easier the older we get...Each death cuts to the core!!...And like so many have stated, time helps dull the pain..! Aw... but those PROMISES.!!!..."There will be no more sickness, outcry or pain ...HE will wipe away every tear from their eyes.....and death will be no more!!" Thank You LORD! Im praying about your loss

Rachel, You did everything that was right, and right now it is so fresh that it still hurts. I think the other posts wer great advice...I'm not real good at giving it, but know how much best friends mean to women. ...she still needs your friendship. Seems there is always one that is bossy and the other passive, but I thank God for the blessings of "best friends"...mine lost her battle with cancer (which she was unaware of for 6 months) this last October...and it still hurts not having her to laugh with share secrets and complaints with and yes, even fret or worry about. You did everything right, just prayer for her..(that IS the greatest thing we CAN do for others). I'll be praying for you both! Treasured

One of my favorite things here in Worthy are the nuggets dropped in chat every now and then by Watchman. ..be it a powerful oneliner or a poem or story....You know, something that makes you focus on The Lord and your walk with Him. I thought it would be great to see what others have to share. Here's one for example:... A NEW LOOK AT PSALM 23 This is an eye opener... Some probably never thought nor looked at this Psalm in this way... even though they say it over and over again. The Lord is my Shepherd--- That's Relationship! I shall not want --- That's Supply! He maketh me to lie down in green pastures--- That's Rest! He leadeth me beside the still waters --- That's Refreshment! He restoreth my soul --- That's Healing! He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness --- That's Guidance! For His name sake --- That's Purpose! Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.--- That's Testing! I will fear no evil--- That's Protection! For Thou art with me --- That's Faithfulness! Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me --- That's Discipline! Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies--- That's Hope! Thou anointest my head with oil --- That's! Consecration! My cup runneth over --- That's Abundance! Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life --- That's Blessing! And I will dwell in the house of the Lord --- That's Security! Forever--- That's Eternity!!!!!!!! What do you think?... have you a 'nugget to share'?

oh my Can't just get the "answer" to the "question" you ask...

I'm not sure that the church loves the blue-haired ladies any more than anyone else that isn't 'just like them'....(I am one of those old grannys that doesn't dye her tell-tale grey hair) and have had all kinds of comments made about how grey hair makes one look tired or 'haggard'...(long word for hag...wonder who they mean..LOL)...Anyway that isn't what I wanted to share. .This is:.....My Son-in-law and daughter are youth leaders in a small town. ..She had a butterfly tattooed on her ankle when she found the Lord to remind her how He transformed her life from a lowly worm to something beautiful!....her husband wears dreds (because he likes the style)...but he wears a stocking cap with the dreds tucked in during church....They never have done drugs....don't drink.. or smoke. .. They LOVE the Lord ...are faithful in personal Bible study!!... Well, four "Christian" people of the church tried to force their pastor to remove them because of their 'look' not being 'Christ-like'.!! It broke my heart to see these two loving young adults be hurt by 'religious' people!!..Yet they continued in their work of the Lord...telling the pastor they would do what ever he felt needed to be done!.... They knew the ones that were going behind their backs and still showed only love to them...(I can't say that I myself, would have been able to do that).....Their pastor was in much prayer ...(several here in Worthy prayed with me for them)...And instead of having them step down he gave them more...Youth church open to the community!...The disgruntled left the church, but not without trying to destroy it by calling everyone in the directory and informing them that they were leaving... The church, the youth group and the youth church have all grown by leaps and bounds!...We cannot have revival in our churches with narrow-minded ,venomous attitudes running the unsaved off. "Love the Lord with all you heart, mind and soul....love your neighbor as yourself"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KITTY!!!

I agree totally with you!!...... I think we need more focus on Christ and off our selves....that's what I loved about SteveJ's study on God's Holiness Thurs. evening....been thinking about it all week. We CAN'T even imagine how holy He is!!! God bless you Leonard!

oh my

We have a new pastor here, and I love his messages!.....Guess What...He is a note reader!!, and after setting under pastors that 'know what they want to say' it was very hard to stay focused on what he was saying because of thinking..."Doe's he 'know' anything he is talking about?.."Is he shy?"..."why doesn't he make eye contact?","the onlytime he looks up is like you learn in speech class ...'over the heads and first to this side of the room and then next time that side'"....Now I take notes without looking up...Sure makes it easier to keep focused on the message. Did have a pastor in New Mexico that had a monotone voice, and can say I did find myself joining MANY others in nodding off ....I think your 10 points were Right On

2 Timothy 3:1-4....In the Last Days