Big Steve

Has anyone heard from her this morning? Is she doing ok???

I love the Exteme Makeover show myself. Although it does sometimes give the impression that those surgeries are no big deal, when they really are. While I agree that many people take these things too far, I see nothing wrong with getting some of these things done if it will make you feel better about yourself. It's the same principle as going to the gym. I am constantly trying to improve one way or the other every time I step through the door, be it to lift more weight, strip off bodyfat, whatever my goal is at the time. I also help people with diet and exercise programs, and I will say their outlook on everything changes for the good every time they reach a goal or see some results. And I really enjoy helping people that way. I've been at it long enough, I can get a skinny guy big, and I can get a bigger person to lose weight, tone up, or whatever they have in mind, IF they put out the effort required. I wish I could do it full time, but we don't have the market for it here and I'm not willing to move. But back to the subject at hand, true beauty is on the inside, I totally agree. But if a person feels better about themselves on the outside too, then they become more willing to share and express their inner beauty also. The human body is a wonderful, amazing creation by God. It is so adaptable to things, and it responds and learns from the things you teach it. I really think all people are beautiful, but sometimes they don't see it in themselves, even when others do. So if they need some external help to make them feel better about themselves I think it's ok.

I was looking at a plain tan wall, and also a white ceiling. When it faded away, if I would just blink it would come back again. The wildest thing was it really was in color. I did it a couple of times cuz I wanted to see it again.

I didn't see anything with my eyes closed, but when I opened them I saw the image on the wall in front of me. That was awesome! And it's in color?? Cool.

Praying for you right now...

Very cool post kittyjo! I love the letter from Jesus :il:

tess! Sure hope we see you again! Thanks traveller, now see I never noticed that function. That will be handy for me, I am always forgettin where I've posted. :oww:

AMEN!!! :hug: :il: I haven't been spoken to by the Lord personally yet. Does this mean anything? Am I not a "Genuine Believer" because of it? I would love for Him to talk to me. I am a new Christian, and am only recently beginning to be able to recognize when I am being led by the Holy Spirit. A friend here said she believes one must get to a certain place in their Christainity before really being able to be receptive to the voice of the Holy Spirit. I believe this too, because like I said, I was being led for quite a while and was not able to recognize it. Just looking for other thoughts on this. God Bless!

How come when I use the "view new posts" tab up top to look at the new postings, none of the posts I've posted in show the little dot in the middle of the envelope, to indicate I've posted in there? (wow, how many times can YOU use the word "post" in a sencence?) I usually go off the forum home page and just try to remember where I've posted, but the board is so active (which is AWESOME) that I can't keep track. But using that tab isn't much easier without the dot to remind me where I've been. It shows up any other time, just not in there. :suspect:

A timely and comforting post!

Christie - what you said made me think of a song by Collin Raye titled, "What if Jesus Comes Back Like That". The lyrics are socool, here they are. Read all of them, each chorus is different too. I get goosebumps when I listen to that song. I also have to agree Christie, I think Jesus uses different people in different ways to reach others. For example, a lady I work with is a Christian, but she's a little different than most people, kind of a "goody-two-shoes", and everyone thinks she's a "weirdo" because of that and her beliefs. Well her and I are very good friends, and she would talk to me alot about things and try and help me before I was saved. She was a big part of the beginning of my journey to Christ. But like I said, not many people listen to her. Now on the other hand, you've got me. You've seen my picture. I can come across as a hard a$$, I lift weights, eat lots of food, like to go out and have a few beers now and then...you get the idea. I've talked to some of the same people at work who think my friend is goofy, yet they're more receptive and want to listen to what I have to say about Jesus because it's coming from me, not her. I'm more "real" to them, so they listen. I can also approach different groups of people that she never could, because of my appearance and attitude. So I think we all have special gifts or talents to use, that will make each of us useful in our own way to bring the word of Jesus to others.

Being a new Christian this subject sometimes worries me, in that I could possibly be tricked at some point by Satan. Does he ever tell people something that actually DOES match up with scripture? Like in this case, satan pretended to be Jesus, but said we don't need to repent to get to heaven, which obviously is wrong. Could he ever try and trick you into believing he's Jesus by telling you something that aligns with scripture, getting you to start listening to him, thinking it's Jesus, but all the while you're being led astray?

Very true post Marilyn!

I just started reading "The Case for Christ" also. Very good so far.

This is a good post1

Thanks for all the insight from everyone. It definately helps. I have no doubt everything is as God wants it to happen, sometimes it is just hard to grasp. But then again, some things we are just plain and simple not fully capable of understanding while here on Earth.

Ok, the topic of our free will has been brought up alot lately, so I have a question.(of course, what's new) God knows our hearts, our thoughts, what sins we have committed, and I've read He already knows our future sins as well. If that is the case, aren't our actions already "pre-determined" to some extent, which would mean we are acting out what is already destined to happen? If He knows what we are going to do before we do it, doesn't that kind of take free will out of it? Let me give an example that I thought about from the thread on whether you've ever thought you were God. A nurse is in the operating room trying to save an accident victim's life. They are doing everything possible to save this person, and if it is God's will for that person to live, he will. If not, no matter what the team of doctors to, the person will die. That makes perfect sense to me, but here's where my question arises. In the combat situation about myself I gave in that thread, I have someone in my rifle sights. I make a decision whether or not to pull the trigger. Now if it was God's will that the person in my sights is to die at that moment, then my decision on what to do was already pre-determined at that point, wasn't it? And can I just add, this is a legitimate concern I have. I'm using the situation above because I thought it was a good example, I don't want this to turn into another thread about whether it is right or wrong to pull the trigger. That is just a reality of combat, and not my question here. Thanks!

That is very helpful. I will read the scripture you quoted for a better understanding. Based upon this receiving of crowns as reward, here's a question. Is there different "levels" or "standing" in Heaven. Meaning, say you have 10 crowns and I have 9, is there a difference in where we stand in the eyes of Jesus?

"Also I believe that the verse quoted from Hebrews talks about intentional sin. That is knowing that it's wrong, thinking about it all and still doing it. I don't believe that anyone will lose their Salvation over it but they will have to answer for it at the Judgement Seat Of Christ." Yours in Him Mark This was posted in the "once saved always saved thread" and it brought up another question for me. I have read where those that are saved will still face judgement for their works. What is at stake during this judgement, since it's not your salvation?

I know exactly what you are saying, I actually was Southern Baptist and I used to say "they were never really saved to begin with". You know what though? It happened to me, I was saved and I chose to do my own thing after I got saved. it does happen! I just want to encourage you and tell you that some people who believe OSAS really are listening and God will soften their hearts. I have seen this come true with my family and friends. Just keep praying for them!

Well none of mine are satanic or offensive, unless the cartoon character "Tazz" (tazmanian devil) is bad. But I don't think so. I thought hard before I got them, to make sure it wouldn't be something I'd regret later. I actually have one on my forearm of a cross, with a light shining from behind it. At it's base it has two crossed rifles and two roses. Resting on top of the cross is a military helmet. It has the words, For love of God and Country" around it. It is in honor of everyone who has given thier life serving our great nation. I designed it myself. The rest are military/patriotic tattoos also.

Thanks Ted. That WAS what my original concern was about. "Sam, we're not talking about simply plugging the neighbors or taking shots in the dark. To shoot at something that you are not positively sure of is pure stupidity. Gun owners have to be taught to know, without a doubt, what their target is. " That is also a very very important point. In a home-defense situation, you better be aware of not only your target, but what is behind your target as well. Meaning, if the intruder is standing in front of a wall, and the kids bedroom is on the other side of that wall, don't take the shot. There are LOTS of things to consider in these scenarios that have come up. All I can say on that part of it is if you do own a firearm and keep it for self-defense purposes, I hope people are responsible enough to get some training on it's proper use if you have never had any. I do feel my original question was answered, and I feel it IS Biblically sound to employ lethal force as a last resort in these situations.

I believe that the body is the temple of the soul, so I'm currently going to the gym every day trying to build the biggest temple possible. I have tattoos and my ear is pierced. This is truly displeasing to God?

Well I knew I shouldn't have posted this when I had to leave for work last night. I missed alot! Kittyjo and shiloh - great posts! I have to agree that self-defense and persecution are getting mixed up here from what I read. It would not be morally right to stand by and do nothing if the situation presented itself and your family was in danger. I deal with many violent people while I'm on duty, and I can't think of any of them that would stop an assault because of any words I might speak. It always requires action.