fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,402 
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Post by fearnot on Jul 4, 2016 14:29:27 GMT -5
Thank you so much yet again on the 'looks' issue Cindy.
It feels like being an onion.... kind of.
We talk about it, and you give me great help ( your words, and scriptures).
And so, it really does help me.....for a time.
But then, I loose all my teeth (for example)
and so...
we have another chat, and another layer is peeled.
I used to feel badly that I kept bothering you about this, but in a strange way, the blind man that Jesus healed, who at first saw men walking like trees, helped me not worry so much about that.
I feel pretty sure if a person were born blind, and then were able to even see like the first half of the healing, that would have been so thrilling.
But Jesus sort of peeled away another layer, and then the man had perfect vision.
I had to laugh about your daughter's experiences, what color are my eyes? LOL
I am always shocked that in a store people will still ask me something, instead of any of the other folks standing nearby....do 'grandma's' seem safer?
But sometimes, they not only ask me:
do you know where such and such is, or whatever
( i.e. like: boy prices on such and such sure have gone up!!)
But they now and again, will segue from:
do you know where is this or that is...
into their life story.
You know what is stranger still while we are on the subject....is sometimes I look in the mirror and I think, I don't really really look THAT bad.
At other times, I look and I am oh no it's waaaay worse than I thought!!!
What is odd, is the extreme flip-flop.
I wonder if it is
( IF I believed psychs, which I don't, even tho, this might sound like I do, but for lack of better words,)...
Some type of Body dysmorphism ( which is self obsession about perceived body defects)
or
is the first look, actually the real me?
I do understand that I should not even be thinking those thoughts at all (rather take them captive)... it's not so much the answer ( ugly or normal looking) but the strange dichotomy or extreme.
I am reminded of Snow White where her wicked old step mother has been told for years that she is the most beautiful ( I wonder if the 'magic mirror' was really a demon?).
Then, sort of like a demon, who has kept the step mother fixated on herself,
finally shows its true evil self,
as it throws the step mom into despair,
by revealing Snow White is the fairest in the land.
I am not condoning the step mother's self-centeredness but it seems like this fairy tale (another others ones),
was the world setting little girls up.
You are pretty, lovely, nice, valuable, etc. while you are young, but when you are old you will be ugly, mean, vengeful, and worthless.
It makes me sad in a way, that no one thought to amend the fairly tale, and instead, point out all the things you just told me, and mention we are to love the Lord with all our heart, and our neighbor as ourselves ( and not so much ourselves).
I might have even had a new character named Cindy :-), come along and tell the step-mother about how much Jesus loves her, how she should smash the mirror...
and even that she might regain a deeper kind of 'beauty' when she looses her self-centeredness and bitterness ( neither of which, will help have a 'pretty face, no matter if you are 17 or 107).
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Post by evafromgreece on Jul 4, 2016 15:27:57 GMT -5
Hey guys!
I finished Luke and I have studied John 1-4
I will write my thoughts on this by tommorow.
Thank you
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,402
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Post by fearnot on Jul 4, 2016 17:26:46 GMT -5
today Monday, July 4th
I read Mark 3:1-6
Jesus heals a man with a shriveled hand on the Sabbath.
This is probably one of the harder lessons to apply to my life....some of the people were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, but He asks:
v. 4 "“Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?..."
So he does the good thing, and heals the man's hand so it was completely restored.
v.6 "6 Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus."
The difficult application is to do the right thing, even knowing it might get you killed......being a cowardly sort, in one way, I would rather hide and be safe, but I would feel terrible, knowing I not only let a human down when maybe I could help, but worse, I would have let Jesus down.
I am afraid I am more like the Pharisees than I would ever like, in that, I would rather do things like:
stop drinking or don't eat this, or wear that etc.
than loving things that might include pain, torture or death.
That's not quite true, I would rather do the right thing, but I am cowardly, afraid of suffering etc.
Still, if I was ever faced with something like that God the Holy Spirit might help me, be brave.
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Post by Cindy on Jul 5, 2016 12:17:22 GMT -5
quoting my post as we are on a new page:
I don't mind discussing the idea of what I would do if not only healed but made beautiful, here.
The thing is I fear there is more 'bad' reasons than good.
However, as I am now on a very rapid ageing slope, I find, I am more and more self-conscious.
Therefore, I have a harder time talking to people ( never mind witnessing) because, I am more focused on that person feeling uncomfortable with a old person and my deep wrinkles etc.
I realize a very pretty person can be distracting also.
However, I think people ( at least at first) feel more comfortable with nice looking, rather than than old and wrinkled. It's probably a toss-up, so its more about "me" feeling more self-confident.
For example, About a year ago, my landlord, said to me:
when ( or was it how? I am not quoting verbatim)
did you get old? ( he may have added........... so quickly).
I had stopped dyeing my hair, so it is now grey/white among other things.
I even try to wait going out to our tiny yard, until no one is out ( except maybe our daughter).
And even then, I turn my back in such a way, that my face can't be seen as I am bending over pulling weeds, because the skin sags tremendously, and is not very pleasant.
The 'self-centered self-conciousness' extends to a putting my hand up by my mouth to try to cover those deep nasal folds....
I do try to put my hand back down tho.
Its a struggle: hide, vs. praying and asking to Lord to help me not be self-centered, but look to Him and trust Him even in this ageing issue.
If I were more healthy and nice looking, it seems like I would have more energy, confidence, and opportunity to perhaps find times to witness?
I wouldn't be thinking about how I look old etc. so I could focus more on the other person's needs.
Think of it like, if you were to go out, but when you left the light was very dim in your home.
But after you got to the store or where ever...
You struck up a conversation with someone.....
You noticed they were sort of staring at you shirt....
Then, you look down, and see that somehow you had pulled out a top that was filthy ( ugly food spills and dirty dirt from the garden).
Also, you see they are now looking at your hands, and even tho you washed them carefully, your nails still have lots of dirt embedded in them for your time working in the garden).
But I would think to myself that I could be coming across as a slob and would just want to end the conversation rather than explaining why I looked such a mess.
If I had a clean shirt and nails on, I would find the conversation easier...I wouldn't be worried about looking like a slob ( or old, or dirty, smelly. or any other unpleasant thing)....
So I could just focus on the person, and what to say.
Second, if you are that busy thinking those kind of thoughts, (thoughts which should have been taken captive, by the way) then you have no time, or at least a whole lot less time to think about what you should be thinking of, which is that you are an ambassador for Christ. An ambassador does their best to be clean and neat, but does not have time to worry about their "looks". They stand up straight and tall, and look people in the eye, so that others will know that they are proud of their King (or president in this day and age), and that also tells people that they stand firmly in the authority their King has invested them with. They seek out other people to be friendly to them, so that more people will know that the country they come from has friendly and helpful people in it, because they are not only representing their King, but also their country itself. Our King is the Lord Jesus Christ and our country is Heaven (New Jerusalem). There is no country on earth that is more beautiful, or that has more wonderful, loving people in it than ours, and we have to show people that by the way we act here and now.
Third, you're more right then you realize that beauty can distract people from what another person is saying. My daughter used to like to tease the boys she dated by asking them a question, after they'd been talking for awhile. So after they'd been talking awhile, she'd ask, "Tell me one thing...what color are my eyes?" Of course the boys always turned bright red and stuttered because they realized they'd been caught. They had no idea what color her eyes were because they'd been looking at her breasts - even though they were always covered as she always dressed very modestly. Regardless of that though, we don't have a choice. God gave us the bodies He did for a reason, and if we don't like them, if we have a problem with them, we have to take it up with Him. But I wouldn't suggest it, because by having a problem with them, we're saying that He didn't do a very good job. It's not His fault that we age and get wrinkled etc. but at the same time, He tells us that while we're here we're to accept the conditions of this world and be content, knowing that He will make it worth our while when He takes us Home. We are literally here on a mission, and the bodies we have our our disguise. We are disguised to look like regular earth dwellers who are really the walking dead, when in fact, we are alive in Christ and seated in the heavenlies with Christ right now. “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:4–10)
You have a big job ahead of you to keep taking your thoughts captive and replacing them with the truth. You can also use them to witness to others. For example, if you think someone is "obviously" looking at your wrinkles, then use it to tell them why people get old and have wrinkles - because of sin. And that because of your King, you have His promise when you get Home, that He is going to give you a new body that will never get old or sick! Be proud that Your King is in control and that He gave you such a great disguise so you could walk among the dead and tell them how they can have life!
Fourth, you hit the nail on the head when you labeled it "self centered, self-consciousness." Both of those words should be big red flags for you, telling you that you need to stop those thoughts and replace them with God centered consciousness instead. When we are busy thinking about God and what He wants, we don't have time or energy to consider ourselves. We know better than to say, "I can't because" because we know that God will enable us to do what He wants us to do. Our job is to take the first step expecting Him to do so. In your case that first step is going outside when other people are there, or not hiding your face. (By the way, if someone sees you outside, they most likely won't think anything of it, but if they see you outside hiding your face, they are going to focus on that and wonder what's wrong with you) So the more you hide, the more you are causing people to think something is wrong and to wonder what it is and try to see it.
Please don't be upset or think that I'm upset, because I'm not. I'm just trying to show you what God says and help you understand it so you can be freed from Satan's schemes. I hope this helps some, and would like to talk about it more if it would help you.
Thank you so much yet again on the 'looks' issue Cindy.
It feels like being an onion.... kind of.
We talk about it, and you give me great help ( your words, and scriptures).
And so, it really does help me.....for a time.
But then, I loose all my teeth (for example)
and so...
we have another chat, and another layer is peeled.
I used to feel badly that I kept bothering you about this, but in a strange way, the blind man that Jesus healed, who at first saw men walking like trees, helped me not worry so much about that.
I feel pretty sure if a person were born blind, and then were able to even see like the first half of the healing, that would have been so thrilling.
But Jesus sort of peeled away another layer, and then the man had perfect vision.
I had to laugh about your daughter's experiences, what color are my eyes? LOL
I am always shocked that in a store people will still ask me something, instead of any of the other folks standing nearby....do 'grandma's' seem safer?
But sometimes, they not only ask me:
do you know where such and such is, or whatever
( i.e. like: boy prices on such and such sure have gone up!!)
But they now and again, will segue from:
do you know where is this or that is...
into their life story.
You know what is stranger still while we are on the subject....is sometimes I look in the mirror and I think, I don't really really look THAT bad.
At other times, I look and I am oh no it's waaaay worse than I thought!!!
What is odd, is the extreme flip-flop.
I wonder if it is
( IF I believed psychs, which I don't, even tho, this might sound like I do, but for lack of better words,)...
Some type of Body dysmorphism ( which is self obsession about perceived body defects)
or
is the first look, actually the real me?
I do understand that I should not even be thinking those thoughts at all (rather take them captive)... it's not so much the answer ( ugly or normal looking) but the strange dichotomy or extreme.
I am reminded of Snow White where her wicked old step mother has been told for years that she is the most beautiful ( I wonder if the 'magic mirror' was really a demon?).
Then, sort of like a demon, who has kept the step mother fixated on herself,
finally shows its true evil self,
as it throws the step mom into despair,
by revealing Snow White is the fairest in the land.
I am not condoning the step mother's self-centeredness but it seems like this fairy tale (another others ones),
was the world setting little girls up.
You are pretty, lovely, nice, valuable, etc. while you are young, but when you are old you will be ugly, mean, vengeful, and worthless.
It makes me sad in a way, that no one thought to amend the fairly tale, and instead, point out all the things you just told me, and mention we are to love the Lord with all our heart, and our neighbor as ourselves ( and not so much ourselves).
I might have even had a new character named Cindy :-), come along and tell the step-mother about how much Jesus loves her, how she should smash the mirror...
and even that she might regain a deeper kind of 'beauty' when she looses her self-centeredness and bitterness ( neither of which, will help have a 'pretty face, no matter if you are 17 or 107).
I'm glad you understand that you're supposed to take the thoughts captive and I hope you do so constantly from now on. Remember what Phil 4:8 says we're to think about.... I don't see anything in there about ugliness lol
I wonder if it is
( IF I believed psychs, which I don't, even tho, this might sound like I do, but for lack of better words,)...
Some type of Body dysmorphism ( which is self obsession about perceived body defects)
or
is the first look, actually the real me?
We all have two things going on in our heads - one is due to our sin nature because we are so used to thinking the "old way", and the other is due to our new nature, the way God wants us to think. It's often visualized in cartoons as having Satan on one shoulder whispering into the persons ear and an Angel or Jesus on the other shoulder whispering into their other ear. This is why we have to take thoughts captive so Satan, our flesh and the world can't trip us up. I realize that the world loves to put labels on everything, but their labels are false. Since their information is corrupted and false, their labels have to be as well. What we have to do is get down to the root of it, not their labels and garbage, and the root is "self". In other words, being overly concerned with yourself, when God tells us that our focus is to be first on Him and then on everyone else we know, and finally, at the very last, self.
As for which look is actually you, all I can say is that it's the look that shows you the Truth that God tells us about ourselves. The Truth that He created us, individually, not in batches, and that He loves us. The truth that everything God creates is "good". The problem is that you're looking with eyes that aren't seeing the real truth. You need to ask the Lord to open your eyes to His Truth about you. God doesn't make mistakes and He doesn't make anyone "ugly". (although we are capable of making ourselves appear ugly) Remember the story where Elisha prays that his servants eyes be opened so he could see the truth, and when God opened that servants eyes, he saw that the bad guys that were about to attack them were surrounded by a huge number of God's Warriors? Well, as long as we're here on earth in this body, we rarely see the whole truth about anything, including ourselves. What we see is the make believe reality that Satan wants us to believe which is why we have to live by faith and not by sight. I wasn't kidding before when I said that our bodies were really disguises, for us to wear while we're here. When we get our real bodies, our new ones, that body will look like the "real us". It will show the beautiful spirit that we have inside us. The part of you that makes you yourself, will become visible. Right now, we have to look beyond a person's body to see what's inside them, but when we get our new bodies, what we are on the inside will be shown visibly and it will all be good. (because God will have made us perfect by then, with no sin nature to mess things up) So don't start thinking your new body will show your doubts or fears etc. because it won't. It will only show the good things and will be the body that God created for us to have. Do you see what I mean? We need to know that's true and that this body is just a vehicle to use to get our work done here so that we can get our real bodies when God calls all of His Ambassadors Home. This is what I believe although I'm not sure I've explained it very well.
That's very sweet of you to say that about me.  Trust me though, I'm just as messed up as you think you are 
Hey guys! I finished Luke and I have studied John 1-4 I will write my thoughts on this by tommorow. Thank you today Monday, July 4th
I read Mark 3:1-6
Jesus heals a man with a shriveled hand on the Sabbath.
This is probably one of the harder lessons to apply to my life....some of the people were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, but He asks:
v. 4 "“Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?..."
So he does the good thing, and heals the man's hand so it was completely restored.
v.6 "6 Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus."
The difficult application is to do the right thing, even knowing it might get you killed......being a cowardly sort, in one way, I would rather hide and be safe, but I would feel terrible, knowing I not only let a human down when maybe I could help, but worse, I would have let Jesus down.
I am afraid I am more like the Pharisees than I would ever like, in that, I would rather do things like:
stop drinking or don't eat this, or wear that etc.
than loving things that might include pain, torture or death.
That's not quite true, I would rather do the right thing, but I am cowardly, afraid of suffering etc.
Still, if I was ever faced with something like that God the Holy Spirit might help me, be brave.
I only brought this up because I've seen you write that type of sentence and every time you do, you've said "maybe" or "might" or something like that, and I know that I have often caught myself thinking the same way. So I wanted to assure you (and me too!) that God has not left us here to handle everything (or anything) on our own. We must take the first step of obedience, and He will supply all we need to do whatever He has called us to do at that time.
Remember too what Paul said. He agreed with you as he felt he was always sinning instead of doing what he should do. I love that portion of Romans! “As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.” (Romans 7:17–25) So at least we can know we're in good company!
Great job! I enjoyed reading what you've written about your studies!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,402
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Post by fearnot on Jul 5, 2016 12:22:38 GMT -5
Today Tuesday July 5th
I read Mark 3:7-12
You recently said crowds of up to 10,000 to 20,000 came to see and hear Jesus.
I was thinking about that when I read in verse 8 that people came from:
"....Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon."
That seems like it could be a very large area, so to have 10,000 or more show up would not be a stretch at all!!!
And once again we have the demons ( unclean spirits) crying out that he is the Son of God.
That confuses me a bit tho. Why would demons even allow the person they are possessing to go to see Jesus, of all people?
I would think they would encourage the people to get drunk, or fall down and hurt themselves, or encourage them to stay sleeping, etc etc. so they would not see Jesus and then the demons would be cast out?
I think the application for me, is not to give demons or even satan more credit or power than the Lord. If God chooses to save anyone, even demon possessed people, the unclean spirits do not have any power over our Lord.
As always Jesus tells the demons to be quite, he does not need or want to be 'evangelized' or talked about by demons!!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,402
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Post by fearnot on Jul 5, 2016 12:44:59 GMT -5
That was so beautiful what you said about these present bodies being like "disguises"...
somehow when I read what you wrote previously, I must have been so tuned into some of the other things you wrote that didn't really sink in.
I am soooo glad you re-wrote it, because this time I really heard it!!!
I think I said 'might' because,
I was thinking the disciples ran away ( at first) out of fear,
so knowing my general nature is fearful and cowardly....
that maybe God would, or maybe would not give me strength...at least not at first.
But you are right, it's also (mostly?) my 'old self' saying, that I am toooo cowardly even for God to be able to give courage to...
which of course is not true!!
You are so kind in your encouragements, Thank you!!!
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Post by Cindy on Jul 6, 2016 11:35:59 GMT -5
Today Tuesday July 5th
I read Mark 3:7-12
You recently said crowds of up to 10,000 to 20,000 came to see and hear Jesus.
I was thinking about that when I read in verse 8 that people came from:
"....Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, and the regions across the Jordan and around Tyre and Sidon."
That seems like it could be a very large area, so to have 10,000 or more show up would not be a stretch at all!!!
And once again we have the demons ( unclean spirits) crying out that he is the Son of God.
That confuses me a bit tho. Why would demons even allow the person they are possessing to go to see Jesus, of all people?
I would think they would encourage the people to get drunk, or fall down and hurt themselves, or encourage them to stay sleeping, etc etc. so they would not see Jesus and then the demons would be cast out?
I think the application for me, is not to give demons or even satan more credit or power than the Lord. If God chooses to save anyone, even demon possessed people, the unclean spirits do not have any power over our Lord.
As always Jesus tells the demons to be quite, he does not need or want to be 'evangelized' or talked about by demons!! That was so beautiful what you said about these present bodies being like "disguises"...
somehow when I read what you wrote previously, I must have been so tuned into some of the other things you wrote that didn't really sink in.
I am soooo glad you re-wrote it, because this time I really heard it!!!
I think I said 'might' because,
I was thinking the disciples ran away ( at first) out of fear,
so knowing my general nature is fearful and cowardly....
that maybe God would, or maybe would not give me strength...at least not at first.
But you are right, it's also (mostly?) my 'old self' saying, that I am toooo cowardly even for God to be able to give courage to...
which of course is not true!!
You are so kind in your encouragements, Thank you!!!
Yes, they ran away at first, because they didn't have the Holy Spirit yet. We're blessed to have Him from the moment we're saved though! Besides, I'm afraid that you and I will never have the kind of opportunities that the disciples and early Christians had, or even the Christians in some countries today have where Christianity is illegal. While I suspect that things will get worse for us here before the rapture, I don't think it will get to that point until after the rapture. Those who come to believe after the rapture though will be very much like the early Christians and put most of us who have believed during the Age of Grace to shame. They won't have a choice except to trust God 100% putting all their faith in Him for everything, and having no faith in themselves or anyone or anything else.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,402
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Post by fearnot on Jul 6, 2016 17:44:27 GMT -5
Thank you Cindy, I know the Lord didn't really tell us why the demons possessing people had them come to hear Jesus, but the speculations you gave were pretty spectacular!!
Especially hoping to influence people before Jesus came, seeing as when it came time for the crowd to decide between Jesus and Barabbas (besides their own sinful nature), perhaps the demons thought they had gain victory having been working the crowds for 3 years.
I was glad to hear you say that although things will most likely get worse for us, until the rapture, it probably won't be as bad as during those days.
Still, I can see where soon having a Bible may be a crime of having 'hate' speech, as well as wearing a cross would be offensive and on and on.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,402
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Post by fearnot on Jul 6, 2016 18:01:45 GMT -5
Today July 6th
I read Mark 3:13-19
Jesus chooses the 12
So they might be with Him,
and
so that He might send them out to preach
and
drive out demons.
Sometimes they would be on their own ( so to speak ) Jesus would not physically go with them but He had given them authority.
For me the application is, that I didn't read of any of them saying, I am too scared, or too shy, or too weak, etc.
So if Jesus should ( before I die or am raptured) say to me, go here or there and do this or that....
I need to go with joy, confidence that Jesus is fully capable of giving me authority also, IF He chooses.
I can feel blessed, excited to see what He will do ( in the situation, in the person or persons that are needy, and even in me).
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Post by Cindy on Jul 7, 2016 10:35:51 GMT -5
Thank you Cindy, I know the Lord didn't really tell us why the demons possessing people had them come to hear Jesus, but the speculations you gave were pretty spectacular!!
Especially hoping to influence people before Jesus came, seeing as when it came time for the crowd to decide between Jesus and Barabbas (besides their own sinful nature), perhaps the demons thought they had gain victory having been working the crowds for 3 years.
I was glad to hear you say that although things will most likely get worse for us, until the rapture, it probably won't be as bad as during those days.
Still, I can see where soon having a Bible may be a crime of having 'hate' speech, as well as wearing a cross would be offensive and on and on.
Today July 6th
I read Mark 3:13-19
Jesus chooses the 12
So they might be with Him,
and
so that He might send them out to preach
and
drive out demons.
Sometimes they would be on their own ( so to speak ) Jesus would not physically go with them but He had given them authority.
For me the application is, that I didn't read of any of them saying, I am too scared, or too shy, or too weak, etc.
So if Jesus should ( before I die or am raptured) say to me, go here or there and do this or that....
I need to go with joy, confidence that Jesus is fully capable of giving me authority also, IF He chooses.
I can feel blessed, excited to see what He will do ( in the situation, in the person or persons that are needy, and even in me). |
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,402
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Post by fearnot on Jul 7, 2016 14:00:17 GMT -5
Thank you for the reminder because as you said:
"we often have to be reminded as it's so easy to fall back into our old routines."
I sort of knew (in a way, cuz I do ask in the morning what would you have me do today Lord).....
But I was thinking more like 'hard things'...
But I wasn't thinking....
I already have His full authority for easier/easy or hard things.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,402
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Post by fearnot on Jul 7, 2016 14:23:18 GMT -5
Today Thursday July 7th
I read Mark 3: 20-34
First I must mention a rather strange verse, where His very own mother and family accuse Jesus of being 'out of His mind" ( in other words crazy).
That is very bizarre since His mother had been told by an angel about Jesus. I can see non-believer's latching onto this verse and spinning it in various ways ( like did she lie about the angel to save her self from death but now that Jesus seems to be fulfilling the very destiny predicted, she thinks Jesus is mentally ill, or they might say that Jesus was mentally ill, and the very fact His family thought so proves it etc.)
This whole passage is filled with somewhat difficult to understand statements like:
26 "And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come".
I think that means because some were accusing Jesus of gaining His power via the devil, but then Jesus was using that power to drive demons out of demon possessed people, wouldn't make sense.
But the next one is one that even Christians ( not understanding the verse) worry about:
29 "but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.”
And v. 33 “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked.
Could be mistaken to mean that Jesus said that, because, His mother and brother's had just accused Him of being 'mad'.
However, Jesus clarifies what He really meant in
v.35 Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”
The application for me, is to continually keep my mind on doing His will, that I might be His 'sister'.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,402
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Post by fearnot on Jul 8, 2016 14:32:50 GMT -5
Today Friday 8th
I read Mark 4: 1-9
This is the famous parable of the seed
There are several applications to me, one is not to be a part of the first 3 types but aim for the 4th.
And not only that, but if at all possible, try to produce more than 30 fold, I would love to be in the hundreds but am not sure that is realistic for me (yet with God all things are possible). In any case, aiming for 60%.
And of course, I want to be one of those that Jesus said:
Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”
I do think I am hearing more than I used to and God willing, will hear even more as time goes on.
That is where our Bible studies come in.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,402
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Post by fearnot on Jul 9, 2016 14:44:26 GMT -5
Today sat. 9th
I read Mark 4: 10-20
So when they are alone and ask Jesus about the parable
He says:
v.12 "they may be ever seeing but never perceiving,
and ever hearing but never understanding;
otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!’
What was true then seems even more so now, and reminds me of the internet where folks can be ever 'seeing', and ever 'hearing' but often, never understanding.
This is n advice of caution to me!!
Then Jesus explains what it means.
I think the one more apt to be troublesome to me is:
v. 19 "but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful"
Worries
wanting MORE and Desiring MORE
often choke the Word.
And I have already discussed how I am at this point aiming to reach a 60% crop...when I doubt I have even come close to 30% yet....but with God all things are possible.
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Post by Cindy on Jul 10, 2016 10:57:17 GMT -5
Sorry I didn't make it in here the other day. I only had time to write one thing and felt that I just had to write about the older brother of the prodigal son, so I did. I saw that you've already seen it too lol. But that was why I didn't make it anywhere else, as I was working on that. Thank you for the reminder because as you said:
"we often have to be reminded as it's so easy to fall back into our old routines."
I sort of knew (in a way, cuz I do ask in the morning what would you have me do today Lord).....
But I was thinking more like 'hard things'...
But I wasn't thinking....
I already have His full authority for easier/easy or hard things.
Yeah the authority thing is a hard lesson to learn for sure...at least it has been for me as I'm a lot like you are.
Today Thursday July 7th
I read Mark 3: 20-34
First I must mention a rather strange verse, where His very own mother and family accuse Jesus of being 'out of His mind" ( in other words crazy).
That is very bizarre since His mother had been told by an angel about Jesus. I can see non-believer's latching onto this verse and spinning it in various ways ( like did she lie about the angel to save her self from death but now that Jesus seems to be fulfilling the very destiny predicted, she thinks Jesus is mentally ill, or they might say that Jesus was mentally ill, and the very fact His family thought so proves it etc.)
This whole passage is filled with somewhat difficult to understand statements like:
26 "And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come".
I think that means because some were accusing Jesus of gaining His power via the devil, but then Jesus was using that power to drive demons out of demon possessed people, wouldn't make sense.
But the next one is one that even Christians ( not understanding the verse) worry about:
29 "but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.”
And v. 33 “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked.
Could be mistaken to mean that Jesus said that, because, His mother and brother's had just accused Him of being 'mad'.
However, Jesus clarifies what He really meant in
v.35 Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”
The application for me, is to continually keep my mind on doing His will, that I might be His 'sister'.
Oops the kids are here now, so I'll have to finish up later... sorry. It'll probably be tomorrow...
Today Friday 8th
I read Mark 4: 1-9
This is the famous parable of the seed
There are several applications to me, one is not to be a part of the first 3 types but aim for the 4th.
And not only that, but if at all possible, try to produce more than 30 fold, I would love to be in the hundreds but am not sure that is realistic for me (yet with God all things are possible). In any case, aiming for 60%.
And of course, I want to be one of those that Jesus said:
Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”
I do think I am hearing more than I used to and God willing, will hear even more as time goes on.
That is where our Bible studies come in. Today sat. 9th
I read Mark 4: 10-20
So when they are alone and ask Jesus about the parable
He says:
v.12 "they may be ever seeing but never perceiving,
and ever hearing but never understanding;
otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!’
What was true then seems even more so now, and reminds me of the internet where folks can be ever 'seeing', and ever 'hearing' but often, never understanding.
This is n advice of caution to me!!
Then Jesus explains what it means.
I think the one more apt to be troublesome to me is:
v. 19 "but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful"
Worries
wanting MORE and Desiring MORE
often choke the Word.
And I have already discussed how I am at this point aiming to reach a 60% crop...when I doubt I have even come close to 30% yet....but with God all things are possible.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,402
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Post by fearnot on Jul 10, 2016 11:16:19 GMT -5
Thank you for explaining about Mary. Yes if I had a choice, I too would go for the conquering over the suffering for my son also.
And I can understand now why Mary would rather have people, especially the Romans, think my son was 'crazy'.... rather than sane.... and knowing the Romans might kill him.
Not to worry, I do understand about grandchildren!!! LOL
To be honest, I am sorta glad you were not able to deal with it today, because our daughter's fiance has had his children visiting for the last 3 weeks ( while Hossanah's children ( our grandchildren) have been in Calif.
However, Brian ( her fiance) is taking them back home to their mom this morning, so I had to get up earlier than I am used to, and have managed to get a splitting headache.....apparently my body did not take kindly to missing it's accustom hour or two ( or more) sleep.
I may have to take some sort of extra pain med. cuz this just seems to be getting worse rather than better arrrggghhhh!
so yeah......don't feel bad or worry about it.
I would have had a hard time concentrating for much longer. :-(
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Post by Cindy on Jul 11, 2016 9:33:44 GMT -5
Sorry I got pulled away yesterday. I wasn't expecting the kids to be here so early....Today Friday 8th
I read Mark 4: 1-9
This is the famous parable of the seed
There are several applications to me, one is not to be a part of the first 3 types but aim for the 4th.
And not only that, but if at all possible, try to produce more than 30 fold, I would love to be in the hundreds but am not sure that is realistic for me (yet with God all things are possible). In any case, aiming for 60%.
And of course, I want to be one of those that Jesus said:
Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”
I do think I am hearing more than I used to and God willing, will hear even more as time goes on.
That is where our Bible studies come in. Today sat. 9th
I read Mark 4: 10-20
So when they are alone and ask Jesus about the parable
He says:
v.12 "they may be ever seeing but never perceiving,
and ever hearing but never understanding;
otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!’
What was true then seems even more so now, and reminds me of the internet where folks can be ever 'seeing', and ever 'hearing' but often, never understanding.
This is n advice of caution to me!!
Then Jesus explains what it means.
I think the one more apt to be troublesome to me is:
v. 19 "but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful"
Worries
wanting MORE and Desiring MORE
often choke the Word.
And I have already discussed how I am at this point aiming to reach a 60% crop...when I doubt I have even come close to 30% yet....but with God all things are possible.
Thank you for explaining about Mary. Yes if I had a choice, I too would go for the conquering over the suffering for my son also.
And I can understand now why Mary would rather have people, especially the Romans, think my son was 'crazy'.... rather than sane.... and knowing the Romans might kill him.
Not to worry, I do understand about grandchildren!!! LOL
To be honest, I am sorta glad you were not able to deal with it today, because our daughter's fiance has had his children visiting for the last 3 weeks ( while Hossanah's children ( our grandchildren) have been in Calif.
However, Brian ( her fiance) is taking them back home to their mom this morning, so I had to get up earlier than I am used to, and have managed to get a splitting headache.....apparently my body did not take kindly to missing it's accustom hour or two ( or more) sleep.
I may have to take some sort of extra pain med. cuz this just seems to be getting worse rather than better arrrggghhhh!
so yeah......don't feel bad or worry about it.
I would have had a hard time concentrating for much longer. :-(
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,402
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Post by fearnot on Jul 11, 2016 12:46:26 GMT -5
Awww thank you Cindy.
I have been for about 2-3 mts trying to get by with little or no pain meds....except for a very very low dose of Morphine in the morning.
Most days I either don't take any or 1/2 norco.
I think both the tumeric and now the kefir are helping a LOT! Also summer seems to help also...tho we are having a very cool summer so far....sorta an extended spring.
However yesterday, I broke down and took 1/2 a norco and in about an hour ( oh and a short nap) I started to feel a lot better....headache gone yeah! Cuz it was NOT good.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,402
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Post by fearnot on Jul 11, 2016 12:53:28 GMT -5
Today Monday July 11th
I read Mark: 4: 21-25
This was the parable of the lampstand.
v.25 was a verse I need to apply to my life.
It says:
25 "Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.”
The way I need to apply it is, if I 'have', or take time in God's word, and a relationship with with the Lord Jesus, then I will be given more....
I surely don't want it to be taken from me ( tho neglect of any other way).
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Post by evafromgreece on Jul 11, 2016 14:19:42 GMT -5
Guys, I want to apologise for not being here so many days. Its really hard this period. Too many things at work.
We will also take part in an exam, in 3 days and I have to study about this.
I am continuing John. Its really different from the other books, more "spiritual" lets say.
Please forgive me for the little time I spent here.
From Saturday I will have some days off, and things will get better and back to normal.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,402
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Post by fearnot on Jul 11, 2016 15:32:13 GMT -5
Thanks for letting us know Eva! I am glad you were not sick.
Pray you do well in your exam!!
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Post by Cindy on Jul 12, 2016 9:26:54 GMT -5
Awww thank you Cindy.
I have been for about 2-3 mts trying to get by with little or no pain meds....except for a very very low dose of Morphine in the morning.
Most days I either don't take any or 1/2 norco.
I think both the tumeric and now the kefir are helping a LOT! Also summer seems to help also...tho we are having a very cool summer so far....sorta an extended spring.
However yesterday, I broke down and took 1/2 a norco and in about an hour ( oh and a short nap) I started to feel a lot better....headache gone yeah! Cuz it was NOT good. Today Monday July 11th
I read Mark: 21-25
This was the parable of the lampstand.
v.25 was a verse I need to apply to my life.
It says:
25 "Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.”
The way I need to apply it is, if I 'have', or take time in God's word, and a relationship with with the Lord Jesus, then I will be given more....
I surely don't want it to be taken from me ( tho neglect of any other way). Guys, I want to apologise for not being here so many days. Its really hard this period. Too many things at work. We will also take part in an exam, in 3 days and I have to study about this. I am continuing John. Its really different from the other books, more "spiritual" lets say. Please forgive me for the little time I spent here. From Saturday I will have some days off, and things will get better and back to normal.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,402
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Post by fearnot on Jul 12, 2016 15:46:44 GMT -5
Today Tue. July 12th
I read Mark 4:26-29
The Parable of the Growing Seed
Unfortunately this passage points to the application of how much , I need to be.... MORE in the Word, than I am!!
I read it and was mystified because Jesus didn't explain it.
I read it over a couple of times ( tho I did not pray or ask the Holy Spirit to help me....yet another application).
Instead I looked it up on got answers.....and you might wonder if I sleep walk thru reading scripture....
They pointed out that Jesus had just talked about the sower and the seed!!
So there you go the seed is the Word of God and how it works in man without man's help.
So the application is pretty clear, I need to be in the Word, the Bible MORE!!!
And try to remember what I read on a few verses ago!
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Post by Cindy on Jul 13, 2016 10:18:46 GMT -5
yes context is always very important, but the most important thing of all is to always pray before you begin to read!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,402
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Post by fearnot on Jul 13, 2016 15:29:31 GMT -5
I am so so glad you reminded me ( yet again) to PRAY BEFORE I read the Bible!!!
It's not a habit I have yet truly cultivated.
I realize that I need to tho, because not to pray before I read scripture, is to treat God's word ( not totally) like any other book.
Of course, I KNOW it is NOT (like any other book ever) and the God's Word has infinite effect on me....
but.... without praying, I miss so much!!
God does open scripture to me sometimes, even when I don't, but it's like a 'little'..... instead of a LOT...or sometimes nothing at all.
If you think of it, could you remind me for a few days or a week so the habit gets ingrained in me?
I think I will remember to pray first before reading God's Word from now on, but I just want to be, sure for sure, for sure, if you know what I mean.
I think once you told us how long it took to have a habit take effect. I have read that it depends on the habit. Some take 21 days, but harder ones can actually take up to a full year.
Which is interesting, because we are a little over 6 months ( for me that is) establishing reading the Bible every day!!
I would not wish to quit this thread today and feel that I would 100% confident that the habit of reading God's word every day, was firmly and completely established!
The reason being, this is probably one of the most
( maybe prayer is first??),
if not THE most important habit for anyone to have..
and thus,
it is the one that satan ( and ourselves of course) really tries to derail, with all manner of 'urgent necessary' other things, that 'must' be done instead.
But in any case, I need to combine prayer with the Bible!!!
Thank you ahead of time!!!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,402
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Post by fearnot on Jul 13, 2016 15:47:25 GMT -5
Today Wed. July 13th
I read Mark 4:30-33
The Parable of the Mustard Seed
Strangely enough, tho Jesus is talking about, what the Kingdom of God is like.... the application for me today, was about what I just wrote about.
Praying before reading scripture may seem like a 'little' thing, a small thing like a mustard seed.....
But letting it grow, it will turn into a large tree-like plant.
Which reminds me, I used to have a very hard time with this verse, because in the cool climates I have grown up in the 'mustard plant' does not really grow into a plant that the birds ( well maybe a tiny little bird might hang on it?) can perch on.
But I was reminded of how different and how every single plant was different in size, when I lived in Hawaii.
Every plant was much MUCH bigger!!!!
Even the Hawaiian people are in general, a much sturdier more massive (even 'tree' like legs..the Hawaiian men pride themselves on that LOL) people.
I never grew mustard seed in Hawaii, but it occurred to me it too, might grow a LOT bigger there,
and in Israel,
or
perhaps, that particular type of mustard has gone extinct, like many plants and animals have over the centuries.
In any case, none of that effects how I need to apply it to my life, I know that God is more than able to grow something big, from something seemingly small ( like children LOL).
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Post by Cindy on Jul 14, 2016 12:06:16 GMT -5
I am so so glad you reminded me ( yet again) to PRAY BEFORE I read the Bible!!!
It's not a habit I have yet truly cultivated.
I realize that I need to tho, because not to pray before I read scripture, is to treat God's word ( not totally) like any other book.
Of course, I KNOW it is NOT (like any other book ever) and the God's Word has infinite effect on me....
but.... without praying, I miss so much!!
God does open scripture to me sometimes, even when I don't, but it's like a 'little'..... instead of a LOT...or sometimes nothing at all.
If you think of it, could you remind me for a few days or a week so the habit gets ingrained in me?
I think I will remember to pray first before reading God's Word from now on, but I just want to be, sure for sure, for sure, if you know what I mean.
I think once you told us how long it took to have a habit take effect. I have read that it depends on the habit. Some take 21 days, but harder ones can actually take up to a full year.
Which is interesting, because we are a little over 6 months ( for me that is) establishing reading the Bible every day!!
I would not wish to quit this thread today and feel that I would 100% confident that the habit of reading God's word every day, was firmly and completely established!
The reason being, this is probably one of the most
( maybe prayer is first??),
if not THE most important habit for anyone to have..
and thus,
it is the one that satan ( and ourselves of course) really tries to derail, with all manner of 'urgent necessary' other things, that 'must' be done instead.
But in any case, I need to combine prayer with the Bible!!!
Thank you ahead of time!!!
I used to wonder how anyone could say that God was closer than a brother and for a long time thought it was just some kind of spiritual thing. Now I know it's not though. It's very real. If somehow, anyone ever came to my house and just watched me without me knowing they were there, they'd probably soon be calling the loony farm and having me committed, because I talk to the Lord out loud (and when other humans are present, in my mind) constantly, just as though a real live person was standing next to me - because there really is a real live person standing next to me! It's such a strong habit that there have been times when my husband, kids or grandkids have caught me speaking aloud to Him because I forgot to do it in my mind since they were here LOL. This is how you develop a real relationship with Him: through prayer and His word combined.
I think the reason others have a problem is because they think of prayer as some kind of ritual, always starting with "Dear Lord", or "Heavenly Father", or whatever, and always ending with "in Jesus' Name, Amen". And that is one way we can pray. But the kind of prayer I'm talking about is not that at all. It's simply talking to Him the way you'd talk to anyone else - well, except that you're always respectful remembering that He is God after all. But I even tell Him jokes and laugh with Him. Just this morning I asked Him what He did for fun and talked about that with Him. Another thing that's neat about it is that when we first start doing this, I think we don't really expect Him to answer any of our questions.... at least I know I didn't at first. But He taught me differently and I now know that He will always answer my questions. He still surprises me though because sometimes I'll think He's done answering me only to find out later that day (or the next) that He still had more to say about the subject. He's also surprised me at the various ways He finds to answer my questions or tell me something. It's usually through His Word, but He's used other things as well. He's certainly creative, that's for sure!
Today Wed. July 13th
I read Mark 4:30-33
The Parable of the Mustard Seed
Strangely enough, tho Jesus is talking about, what the Kingdom of God is like.... the application for me today, was about what I just wrote about.
Praying before reading scripture may seem like a 'little' thing, a small thing like a mustard seed.....
But letting it grow, it will turn into a large tree-like plant.
Which reminds me, I used to have a very hard time with this verse, because in the cool climates I have grown up in the 'mustard plant' does not really grow into a plant that the birds ( well maybe a tiny little bird might hang on it?) can perch on.
But I was reminded of how different and how every single plant was different in size, when I lived in Hawaii.
Every plant was much MUCH bigger!!!!
Even the Hawaiian people are in general, a much sturdier more massive (even 'tree' like legs..the Hawaiian men pride themselves on that LOL) people.
I never grew mustard seed in Hawaii, but it occurred to me it too, might grow a LOT bigger there,
and in Israel,
or
perhaps, that particular type of mustard has gone extinct, like many plants and animals have over the centuries.
In any case, none of that effects how I need to apply it to my life, I know that God is more than able to grow something big, from something seemingly small ( like children LOL).
The claim that the mustard seed is the smallest seed is made in the context of this parable which is set in a garden, for the word translated ‘herbs’ in v. 32 literally means ‘garden plants.’ The Life of Christ
Mustard seed at the time of its sowing is extremely small compared to herbs, yet at maturity extends upward beyond any.
KJV Bible Commentary
The mustard seed is not the smallest of all seeds in existence, but it was in comparison to all the other seeds the Jews sowed in Israel. While not a tree in the truest sense of the word, the mustard shrub has been known to grow as large as 15 ft. high and to have the properties of a tree, such as having branches large enough for birds to nest in. The tree represents the sphere of salvation, which would grow so large that it would provide shelter, protection, and benefit to people. Even unbelievers have been blessed by association with the gospel and the power of God in salvation. Christians have been a benediction to the world. This is undoubtedly a reference to several OT passages, including Ezekiel 17:23; Ezekiel 31:6; Daniel 4:21—passages which prophesied the inclusion of Gentiles in the kingdom. The MacArthur study Bible
Jesus did not intend to teach botany here but to make a point about the kingdom of God. The mustard seed was the smallest seed of any plant cultivated in first-century Palestine and was proverbial for minuteness. Though mustard is not technically a tree, it can grow to a height of from six to ten feet and support birds. Jesus was probably making a theological point that His readers would catch, alluding either to Ezekiel 31:17 or Daniel 4:12 and the world dominion of God’s kingdom. Alternatively the statement may have been meant to shock: The kingdom of heaven will grow much bigger than one would expect when seeing its beginning. The Apologetics Study Bible
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,402
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Post by fearnot on Jul 14, 2016 16:51:02 GMT -5
Thank you ever so much for writing all you did about praying and talking to Jesus!!
I usually do read scripture on line ( tho sometimes I read it the night or day before and occasionally a commentary) when I write here because I can paste and copy the verses if I include them.
Also its easier than also trying to juggle my Bible with my laptop, mouse, headphones, book to scroll the mouse on, a pillow to raise the computer that is on my lap, sometimes a snack and/or something to drink etc.etc.
However, the idea of writing a reminder to pray on a bookmark etc. was a grrrrr-great idea!
And I loved everything you revealed about talking to Jesus....I do hope He will answer me as much as He does you.
I do talk to Him throughout the day, but not as much as I would like (another habit/joy/privilege) I would like to cultivate way more deeply more often....keeping my mind stayed on Him.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,402
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Post by fearnot on Jul 14, 2016 17:32:03 GMT -5
Today Thursday July 14th
I read Mark 4: 35-41
So while reading this, I asked Jesus 3 questions ( since I am still very shaky in knowing what may or may not be a true answer or even just my own thoughts.....
If it's okay with you, I would like to write a little about it, and get your help, because you have been doing this a LOT longer than I....in a way, this could be in one sense, like the first time...
or at least, on a different , new level.
So right off the bat:
v. 35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.”
v.36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat.
My question to Jesus was, what did it mean.....'just as you (He) was?
Were you dirty from sand, or did it mean you were so very tired ( as you obviously were)....or something else.
My 'thought' (?) was tired....but I am not 100%
sure.
Then:
v. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
My 2nd question was:
Did their asking you if don't you care.....
make you angry or sort of hurt....
it seemed disrespectful ( but perhaps honest).
The problem with that question was, although it was my immediate question to him, I didn't wait for the answer.....
I just read on and then I sort of got an answer of sorts
v.40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
It seems like His answer was that it was yes hurtful, disappointing, and maybe made Him a little annoyed?
So, in any case, the application for me is,
to realize that, even tho I may not stop all fear.....
I need to take it captive as soon as possible, because, at least for me, it is a disrespectful attitude...
and of course, fear is lacking in faith...
I need to focus instead on the fact that no matter what the outcome is, of whatever I am fearful of....
He will be with me always, and even if it means death for me.....
He will make something good out of it.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,402
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Post by fearnot on Jul 15, 2016 11:52:08 GMT -5
Today Friday July 15th
I read Mark 5: 1-10
Jesus Restores a Demon-Possessed Man
Again demon possession. I can't help but believe that demon possession is growing at a very fast rate today, as we speed towards the tribulation. Yet again in France it seems like another demonstration of that.
But in this case ( in Mark),
the demon may have contributed to this man's great strength, but the man did not use it to kill people, tho a man who could break iron chains, surely would have been able to kill many many people.
I have to wonder if people were spared mass murders, because Jesus was walking around, but today, with much of the world having what amounts to 'God Free Zones', the demons are getting bolder and bolder to mass murder people ( something the demons long to do).
I did ask Jesus a question, but as of yet have no definitive answer. I wondered what this man ate out there? Did he have relatives or friends bring him food? It would seem like if the folks wanted to contain him they might have tried to weaken him but not providing food, but clearly he must have been eating ( plus imbued with demon power?) to maintain his strength.
Anyway, I notice that up to and including, verse 10, the man himself does not speak to the Lord, only the demons. In fact, it seems they were forced to not only come to meet Jesus, but fall on the man's knees, to the Creator and Lord of everything.
My application, is, to realize that even tho the ever increasing manifestation of demonic possession is greatly increasing and is even terrifying,
to know,
that they(demons and demon possessed) must bow their knee to Jesus....
and to make sure, that our ( Leonard and I) home is never a God Free Zone,
but in fact,
continue to 'increase' it,
(as the demons increase... we who love the Lord Jesus must increase our love for Him more!!)
as a God/Jesus/Holy Spirit....
Wanted Here Zone!
We are seeing the results,
the more the Lord is being kicked out of the nations,
the more the demons can run rampant, and the more possessed people continue commit horrifying acts.
In wars, men usually stick to killing other soldiers,
(tho they also raped women, and even killed children from time to time),
but the 'war' going on today,
is changed into just killing as many people as possible, (no matter who they are, or even killing those that are part of your group)
right from the start and not bothering to fight a war of soldiers against soldiers.
The other application is to step up my prayer life and of course reading God's Word.
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Trust me though, I'm just as messed up as you think you are 
!!
