turtletwo

My heart is broken. I just found out that my dad went to the doctor today for a cancer update scan. But sadly- unless GOD intervenes, I will not hear back on this important report at all...due to family friction. Dad's caregiver (my brother) is hateful towards me. Refuses to talk to me about dad's medical info. And the law backs him up, due to the 'Hippa Act.' The power of attorney is my brother's daughter! ... So you can see what a mess I'm in. This important scan shows how far his cancer has spread. And to what organs. I would really like to know the test results, as I love my dad so much. My brother totally controls him. He has even rigged it up that I can't call our dad on the phone...And my own disease prevents me from traveling to see dad in person. Or I could at least try to interact with dad that way. The telephone was all I had and now that is being taken from me. I call this cruel and unusual punishment! I forgive my brother. But I just want contact with my dad back before he dies. He is in Stage 4 and getting worse all the time. Time may be short. Help! Any advice on what to do? I don't want to drag in a lawyer or social services or make this thing too ugly. Because that would only cause stress for my dad, who also has bad heart trouble... I have already tried pleading with my brother and humbling myself to him many times. Is the only solution the power of prayer to melt my brother's heart of ice??? If so, I need all I can get. If you can think of any other ideas, please let me know. Thanks, Worthy family.

This question is about Proverbs 18:21"Death and life are in the power of the tongue" ... Does anybody out there know what the actual meaning of this scripture is? ... Can we use this as a way to speak life over someone who the doctors have written off as terminal? I have heard word of faith ministries say that we can. But I am not a big fan of those, so I usually don't put much stock in what they teach. Still, if they're correct about this and this IS what Proverbs 18:21 means, I most definitely want to do this for my dad! Though I'm not sure how... Can anyone help me with this? My dad is in the process of dying of cancer. He is already at the last stage where Hospice nurses are coming out to his house. He is in much pain and growing ever weaker. The last time I spoke to him on the phone he sounded just awful and like he was fading away... My heart is truly breaking over him! I weep daily. I don't want him to die and he has expressed the same thing. Worst of all, he's unsaved! I DON'T WANT HIM TO GO OFF INTO AN ETERNITY WITHOUT CHRIST. I want to do anything I can to help him. I do pray for him and post requests for you here at Worthy to agree with me in prayer for him. But I just wondered if us 'speaking life over him' would help?

Thanks wyguy, for sharing this link with us! It means a lot to we who love Israel, 'the apple of God's eye.' For some time now, I have found myself wondering if the REAL reason all the surrounding nations are after Israel is OIL. It makes a lot of sense as to why so many would be interested in this tiny portion of land, right? Oh, and thanks too for your post in the thread about the nearness of the rapture. I couldn't agree with you more about being sick of living in this body. Mine hurts.

I agree! True points that needed to be said in these days of apostasy with the wishy-washy fence riders and the 'mush gospel.' Thanks for having the courage to do so.

What do I see, OneLight? A lot to comprehend! Though you did a good job trying to explain things to me. It's not your fault, by any means. I just get mind fog from being seriously ill, so that's probably why I'm still confused. Because between the N.T. verses and Daniel (and other O.T. prophets)...there are so many end time scriptures. That it's like putting together a 1000 piece puzzle on the table. Hard to complete the picture. To tie them all together in sequence. But I will continue re-reading and considering your explaination, OneLight...as well as the others here. You all gave thought-provoking input! KatyAnn brought up the parable of the Wheat and the Tares. Which is well worth remembering when discussing this. So would this be a post-tribulation view, KatyAnn? Or how would you define the timing of this event Jesus foretold? Any thoughts on this parable, anyone? It seems quite clearly interpreted for us. And nebula spoke of the trumpets. I have always been drawn to that same thought. If the Christians go up at the last trump, then that would be the seventh trumpet of Revelation. Correct? So is that a mid-trib position, neb? Because don't the worst part of the judgements follow the trumpets in the pouring out of the seven vials? Doesn't the revealing of the son of perdition and him setting himself up as god in the temple occur around the middle of the Tribulation? Despite issues with mind fog, I am still very interested in prophecy. If only for the reason wyguy said," I say, the sooner the better. I'm sick of living in this sack of sin I call a body." As someone 'sick of being sick', I look forward to the new body the Lord will graciously give me. Just imagine being pain-free, sorrow-free and sin-free! But the best part of all will definitely be meeting the One who gave His Life for me and paid the penalty for my sins. I can't wait to thank Him IN PERSON and worship Him forever!!! 2 Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. Maranatha! Come quickly, Yeshua!

Why don't you believe in the pre-trib rapture, OneLight? I would be truly interested to hear your thoughts on this. I happen to respect the various positions on the timing of Christ's return for His own. We can lovingly disagree on this matter, while still fellowshiping in Christ with one another. Do you agree? Yes, there is apostacy everywhere. Sadly, it's found its way into many churches now! Some are even practicing yoga and dabbling with things from the New Age Movement. It is difficult to find one that even proclaims the gospel anymore. They are turning more into clubs than places of worship. Many will no longer preach that we are all sinners who must trust in Christ's Atonement as our only hope for Heaven. They often shy away from mentioning repentance and a literal Hell. They are afraid that their mega-churches will shrink if they address unpopular topics such as leading holy lives. ("Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord" Hebrews 12:14 ) Some are even ashamed to mention the precious Blood that Jesus shed! It is a sobering time, to be sure. People I knew who I once thought to be genuine Christians have turned to crazy beliefs... such as 'everyone is going to Heaven.' I think that is called Universalism. But scripture says,"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matthew 7:13-14

Good topic, fromIslam2Christ. Interesting thought, Candice. I am stumped on this one. Hope others will participate in this discussion and speculate on the possible significance of this.

I definitely agree with MorningGlory about how good it is that they are always prepared and that they keep their secrets! I believe that the Lord has given Israel a special wisdom in military matters among other things, because scripture says that she is "the apple of His eye"...very special to Him. As stated in Zechariah 2:8 below. 8 "For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye." And as God told Abram in Genesis 12:2-4 2 "And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed." I openly declare that I, for one bless Israel. I stand behind her. And I know there are others here who feel the same way! That's why I'm thankful to be part of Worthy.

You are not alone in these types of feelings and thoughts. I struggle with them too. No one can deny that this world is full of sadness and suffering and unfairness. The only way I 'keep keeping on' is the Grace of God. He is all that is stable in the midst of this mess. I must keep clinging to scriptures like the one FresnoJoe posted and telling myself 'this too shall pass'...if only in the next life. Thank God it is temporary! I think xFireWithinx had some helpful things to say. Here are some scriptures I'd like to share with you: 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 3 "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ." Phillipians 4:7 7 "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." May the Lord's gentleness surround you and embrace you.

Then what they do is wrong. We are to worship GOD; not images or idols. Case in point; the Catholic custom of worshipping Mary, Mother of Jesus. Definitely. I agree with this truth and the fitting illustration.

Some 'good food for thought' in this excellent topic! (very nourishing. Not like the world's 'fast food' or 'junk food.' ) The recent replies I have read so far to the subject (OP) have been a blessing, as well. Especially the scripture verses that you've shared! Thank you, Worthy family for your edifying input. I look forward to going back (over a period of time) and reading some of the earlier posts.

Angelique, I have been thinking about you, feeling for you and keeping you in prayer. I wish that I could do more to help you with what you are going through! (Feel free to let me know if there is any way that I can, okay?) I'm glad you have turned to us here. You asked a good question...if anyone has felt the need to put on a facade to survive. And how many people would never even suspect your feeling dead inside. I pondered over possible causes for this and came up with a couple. One is that we all, as humans feel a desperate need for people to love and accept us. We fear if we make ourselves too transparent or come across as negative, then they might turn against us. Also, we often don't want to drag others down by being vulnerable. I always felt like I must be the strong one in my family. It wasn't till I got sick that I started realizing I let everyone else drain me dry with their problems. Sometimes I also need to be consoled or encouraged by others. I felt some resented me when I opened up. As if I was interfering with their happiness or 'raining on their parade.' But painting a happy face for them wasn't really being fair to myself or even fully truthful. I commend you for having the courage to come to this forum and express how you are struggling. Not everyone is so real and honest to pour their heart out the way that you did... It really touched me.

George, I asked some questions in #28, I think it was on the 17th. Still wondering on these. I know that you are a very busy guy and perhaps overlooked the questions. But could you please answer them, as soon as you get a chance? Thanks much.

Yes, I know the torment of feeling alone only too well. My family withdrew from me just because a physical disease befell me several years back. You would have thought it was leprosy! But really, they just didn't want to hear about my health problems. The lack of support from those I loved the most broke my heart. And though their cold behavior lingers on and I am shut out of my family even when my dad is dying of cancer, I see the only answer is God. Though I do thank my fellow Worthyites for all their help through the years. We really care, angelique. The Holy Spirit is called the Comforter. So He will be there for you, when humans fail to understand. You have my empathy. I have lost 3 close loved ones through death. They were family members that were really kind to me, ironically. I felt angry with God, as did Job in the Bible. I felt a deep sense of loss. Mourning definitely varies from person to person. Some just take longer for the inner pain to heal. So don't feel hurried or condemned. Because God understands. And so do I. Prayer and soothing Christian music are good therapies. And comforting scriptures too.

.......and it still does not change Mark 16:16 - He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. Gal 3:27 - For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. Acts 2:37-38 - Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brethren, what shall we do?" Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. I saw you wrote several times "I have heard." The question rather is what does the bible say? How can obeying a command of Christ take away from God's grace? Let's say you have been in the desert for 10 days with no food or water. You're about to die. Amazingly you come across a plate of food and water. You eat and drink and it allows you to live. Someone asks you about it and you say "I ate the food that was freely given but eating it had nothing to do with me being saved." Eph 2:8 - "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; " - This statement in no way unties you from what God has commanded you to do. All it is saying is that you weren't the one that thought of salvation or made it possible for men to be saved. You still have to obey God to be saved. The bible does not contradict itself. Ask yourself how does Mark 16:16 (salvation through belief and baptism) tie with Eph 2:8 (salvation through faith and grace). There was a time that I might take this as a personal attack on me. Getting all emotional over it. Maybe even crying (my dad is dying of cancer and that can make one sensitive) or retaliating to your criticisms of my Grace alone posts in an angry way. However, the "peace of God that passeth all understanding" is flooding me now. And He tells us in scripture to turn the other cheek. So I guess you may slap me over the computer screen , if you so desire. No hard feelings. But I think you already sort of did that in some remarks that were unfounded. I feel the need to clarify your misunderstanding of my actual meaning. I have studied the subject of water baptism straight from the Bible. You know, by picking up the Bible physically and reading the verses for myself. The important thing I must clarify for other readers here is that I NEVER take what anyone says at face value blindly. I do as the Bereans and compare it to the scriptures. I know just how easily people pull verses out of context, coming up with their own man made ideas. This is the trademark of every cult out there. So in kindness I say that you should not accuse a total stranger (me) of being so gullible. You don't know me. The reason I said "I have heard" is that I did not wish to take credit for these particular ways of explaining water baptism. I was merely sharing what pastors and fellow Christians have said to me. And what is wrong with that? Is that not one reason for a forum? But the bottom line is I DO look to the scriptures alone before I make a decision on anything I believe. And the Holy spirit faithfully guides me into all truth. So just wanted to set the record straight for readers. This is the way I live and would lovingly advice all my brothers and sisters out there to, also. I'm sure many do.

Amen, FresnoJoe! Thanks so much for sharing all these excellent verses. God's holy scriptures themselves make a compelling case that Jesus alone saves. Especially Matthew 3:11, John 14:6 and John 1:33 jump off the computer screen at me.

I was very blessed by your post! It really spoke to my heart. Thank you.

mizzdy, I remember you from way back when you were struggling to get a correct diagnosis for what you were suffering. Me too. All they would come up with is neuropathy with my legs all crippled. (Because I have diabetes. But it is well controlled by a pill they precribed.) And dystonia. But that doesn't explain all the other muscles throughout my body not working right! I have a lot going on together. That's why I think a bigger disease is incorporating the birage of stuff I've got. It is interesting that you said what you did about the unknown aspects of the autoimmune diseases. I have been told by people I know training for the medical field that they suspect this is what is REALLY going on with me. Because, like you do... I have extreme fatigue and severe muscle problems too. I believe autoimmune diseases are much more common than doctors are letting on. I think the doctors I've seen may be too proud to admit they are clueless. They should refer me to an autoimmune specialist, but stubbornly won't! I wish you the best with your medical problems. Graves is hard to go through. I have read on it. I will pray for you and would appreciate if you'd do the same for me.

When I had my water baptism, I was quite young. And it was because I saw it in the Bible and wanted to obey anything God may want me to do. But I keep it in its rightful perspective. Jesus, not water baptism... saved my soul. My pastor from years ago (now Home with Jesus) never put a huge emphasis on water baptism. Nor did he say it was a way to become a member of our local church. I have heard water baptism explained as an "outward show of an inward change" that already has occured through conversion. I have also heard some people say that it is a "symbolic identification with what Christ did for us." As we are immersed under the water, we are identifying with His death and burial for us And rising out of the water symbolizes His Resurrection. We are also showing WE have died to our old pre-salvation ways and are coming up out of the water to signify our new life in Christ, (which of course occured at the point of being born again...when our salvation actually took place.) There can be a gap in when you are saved and when you are water baptized, for various reasons. In my own case, I was young and wanted to understand a bit more about it before I just went ahead and did it. That way it would be more meaningful. Sometimes people truly can't be immersed in water, before they die. For example, my dad is way too far into his cancer for that. If he would yield his heart to Christ and become saved, he is unable to have a water baptism due to his extreme weakness. But that would not prevent him from Heaven.

I am not against water baptism. Though I know some believe it is a dispensational thing which is no longer necessary for Christians to partake of. But I strongly believe that the danger lies in looking to the immersing in water as part of our salvation. Or as a necessary act to perform at that moment of our faith in Christ. This type of thinking risks "works gospel confusion" and taking away from the completeness of Christ's Atonement... Is not His Blood alone enough to save our souls? Of course, it is! Trusting in what He did gives Him all the glory and therefore prevents water baptism from becoming 'adding works to Grace.' Ephes 2:8-10 is the key verse. Our response to Christ's free gift of salvation should be one of being ashamed that we are sinners, trust in His finished work on the cross for us, recieving the free gift of salvation and heartfelt repentance (turning from our selfishness and sins to serve Jesus for the rest of our life... with Him on the throne of our heart as Lord.)

Keifer, I can't believe I just discovered this forum now! I am not new, by any means. But my daily physical illness causes me to be slow and not read as much as I'd like. So I must have overlooked it? Anyway, good work! It is an excellent thing to see someone out there posting scriptures like this to edify the body of Christ here. I am blessed by this forum. And I know others here are too. So thank you for your labor of love.

Thank you for this poem. And thanks to all of you who opened up about your feelings. It was helpful to me. Because many times I feel alone in my depression. But you all have helped me see that it is nothing to be ashamed of. It is a reality. I guess that's why I can identify with King David in the Bible. He often expressed such inner struggles in the Psalms. And the very fact that God allowed this to be place in Scripture says to me that God understands...Even when human beings don't. God bless you. And keep up the good work with your writing and sharing with others who hurt. Praise be to Jesus, who took on flesh! When He walked upon this earth like we all do, He was a Man acquainted with grief and sorrow. Isaiah 53:3. Also, "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." Hebrews 4:15 Hope these scriptures help someone out there, even as they did me.

George, 1) still wondering why I have big red x's to the left of certain conversations I have saved over time. ( It isn't to do with who did and didn't answer me. They vary. ) 2) I get messages that say 'topic deleted" What does that mean? 3) And messages that say "this person is unavailable." What does that mean? (Sorry for posting 3 questions at once.) Thanks, George for your patience with us all. P.S. Has anyone else experienced any of these things I have described happening? If so, George's answers to my questions should help you out, too.

I appreciate that comment, traveller. I want very much to minister to whoever I can through Worthy's site. And I recognized that same heart inTeenInChrist, with lyrics that those that age will identify with. So I thought that posting Just as I am would be something positive I could do (to share with older people here a like-minded message.)

Thanks for sharing this, TeenInChrist. Very good words! I'm sure many will relate and benefit from it. I respect the young in this generation who are taking a stand for Jesus and sharing the gospel. It makes me happy. Styles of music definitely change over the years. But it is sure nice when the message doesn't! I was a Christian in my teens too. That was many years ago. Back then we had a song with a similar meaning, called "Just as I am." It was written in old english, but I am posting it anyway. I hope it will help (some of the older readers here may not have difficulty with old english. I know that my kids do, though...) Isn't it so cool that in the body of Christ we can be saying the same message, but in different ways? It makes me so sad when people don't understand we can never be good enough to earn our way to Heaven. And that is the whole reason Jesus had to suffer and die, in our place! My family doesn't understand that us coming to Christ, just as we are and looking to what He did is what saves us. By the way, I have played them newer styles Christian music in hopes it would help them surrender their hearts to Jesus. Good works will always follow the radical change He makes in us, but you can never reverse the order..."getting the cart before the horse." Ephesians 2: 8-10 explains it well. 8-9 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. So verses 8-9 are how He saves us... Verse 10 is the result from getting saved. Below are the lyrics to the song 'Just as I am' that really touched when I was a teen and to this day. Just as I Am, Without One Plea Text: Charlotte Elliott, 1789-1871 Music: William B. Bradbury, 1816-1868 Tune: WOODWORTH, Meter: LM -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Just as I am, without one plea, but that thy blood was shed for me, and that thou bidst me come to thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come. 2. Just as I am, and waiting not to rid my soul of one dark blot, to thee whose blood can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God, I come, I come. 3. Just as I am, though tossed about with many a conflict, many a doubt, fightings and fears within, without, O Lamb of God, I come, I come. 4. Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind; sight, riches, healing of the mind, yea, all I need in thee to find, O Lamb of God, I come, I come. 5. Just as I am, thou wilt receive, wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve; because thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come, I come. 6. Just as I am, thy love unknown hath broken every barrier down; now, to be thine, yea thine alone, O Lamb of God, I come, I come. Hope this will speak to somebody, even as TeenInChrist did to me.