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Post by Cindy on Sept 13, 2016 13:39:44 GMT -5
Yes to the third, I don't think I have missed praying before reading. Whether it's knowing I will be asked about it LOL
or it's becoming a habit now....or a combo of both, I am happy you are asking, because I am sure it will become a habit, if not already so.
I have recently asked Jesus to be with me, when Devon and sometimes Vanessa tell me something or ask.....but this is not yet a true habit that is automatic, and I really want it to be so.
I have on occasion done an 'insurance policy'prayer.....Jesus if I forget in the heat of the moment to ask you to be with me, guide me, my feelings etc etc when talking to grandchildren ( everybody really) would you please help me anyway.
However, I want to ask every time and be more specific.
The first question or reminder you so kindly asked me, is still a little more troubling....however, I found it hard to ask questions about the Lord's torture, and death, so I really didn't ask much or even think to.
That's great Barbara! I pray in general that the Lord will go before me and open the way for me to witness to them and open their hearts and minds to His truth. That He will show me when they've given me an opening to talk to them about Him.
Yeah, I would find it hard to ask about that too!
9/12/16
John 1:1-5
After I read John, I will go back to Luke, I just really really love John.
These first 5 verses are so beautiful and the very first one tells me why studying scripture, the Bible is so important if I want to know the Lord Jesus better! And thus is an application for me to do so!
v.1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."(Well. v. 14 tells us for sure, for sure, that Jesus is the Word) :-) so skipping ahead seems to be the order of my day LOL
Not only is Jesus the Word, but v. 3 tells me that He made everything:
v.3 " Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made."
I take note that it does NOT say, everything was made by billions and billions of years, and chance, a comic accident.
Yet another application for me is when I am fearful, overwhelmed by evil ( mine, other people, or fallen angels) I can remember this verse and take comfort:
V.5
5 "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399 
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Post by fearnot on Sept 13, 2016 17:13:37 GMT -5
9/14/16
John 1:6-14
The thing about John for me is it is much like Romans in that every single sentence is filled with meaning.
Of course, this is true for all scripture, but certain books have either a more massive impact, easy of understanding, fullness of meaning etc. for me, at this point and time in my life.
Alright so in order to get back to asking questions, I asked a sort of silly in a way question....
Which was, do I need to concern myself that I am 'narrow-minded' concerning Creation...
I think the Lord laughed
v. 10 "He was in the world, and though the world was made through him..."
So once again, the brilliant genius scientists, I used to look up to, I now pity because even with all that amazing brain power, they are deceived, mislead, and are fools with their evolutionary theory and what not.
Like at cern they are smashing atomic particles at 99% the speed of light, in order to go back and understand how the universe was created and what holds it together etc.
But 2 times in only 10 verses, God has given us (me) the answer.
My application is to never again be bamboozled by extraordinarily high IQ's . In face, if I had studied God's word as much as you, I could like David say, that irregardless of all their brain power ( which is less than an atom compared to God)....I could have been smarter than than they....it would not be pride, or boasting, or anything like that, it simply would be the truth.
Oh perhaps they would still retain mathematical abilities far far superior and so on, but on what really matters, they would be and are foolish men and women.
It's sort of like the verse, what will it profit a man ( or woman) if they gain the whole world but loose their souls?
No even at my lowly level, there is already much I have learned from God's word that they are ignorant of.
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Post by Cindy on Sept 14, 2016 9:53:36 GMT -5
9/14/16
John 1:6-14
The thing about John for me is it is much like Romans in that every single sentence is filled with meaning.
Of course, this is true for all scripture, but certain books have either a more massive impact, easy of understanding, fullness of meaning etc. for me, at this point and time in my life.
Alright so in order to get back to asking questions, I asked a sort of silly in a way question....
Which was, do I need to concern myself that I am 'narrow-minded' concerning Creation...
I think the Lord laughed
v. 10 "He was in the world, and though the world was made through him..."
So once again, the brilliant genius scientists, I used to look up to, I now pity because even with all that amazing brain power, they are deceived, mislead, and are fools with their evolutionary theory and what not.
Like at cern they are smashing atomic particles at 99% the speed of light, in order to go back and understand how the universe was created and what holds it together etc.
But 2 times in only 10 verses, God has given us (me) the answer.
My application is to never again be bamboozled by extraordinarily high IQ's . In face, if I had studied God's word as much as you, I could like David say, that irregardless of all their brain power ( which is less than an atom compared to God)....I could have been smarter than than they....it would not be pride, or boasting, or anything like that, it simply would be the truth.
Oh perhaps they would still retain mathematical abilities far far superior and so on, but on what really matters, they would be and are foolish men and women.
It's sort of like the verse, what will it profit a man ( or woman) if they gain the whole world but loose their souls?
No even at my lowly level, there is already much I have learned from God's word that they are ignorant of.
I love how Paul puts it: “Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a “fool” so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”; and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”” (1 Corinthians 3:18–20) Knowing that, I certainly don't want to be "wise" as far as what the world thinks of me. I'd much rather be a fool for Christ! The things of this world so easily trap us. I see people who are good, godly Christians, but who train their children to be a success in this world instead of in God's Kingdom, and they don't even see how foolish it is or the danger they're setting their children up for. I did the same thing myself, but if I could have known then what I do now, I would have done things very, very differently. I'd be proud to wear the title of "fanatic" which I'm sure other christians would have called me, and in fact, many do right now. My prayer is that they'll all become fanatics soon!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Sept 14, 2016 12:25:14 GMT -5
Well, yesterday, I got off the track of talking to the Lord about an issue that came up ( I of course finally did talk to Him about it and calmed down).
Some 'official' person came to check on our elderly cat Sinbad. She talked to one of the tenants here.
The implication ( but you know how I can sometimes get too emotional and over blow something) but it seemed like she was checking to see if he was being abused, because he is soooooo thin.
He IS very thin. But I counted and we had as of yesterday over 10 cat food items for him, not including all the human food like tuna, canned chicken, canned salmon, real chicken, cottage cheese, sour cream, etc etc.
Furthermore, He has a route he takes every day... ( we feed him at least 5 or 6 times a day at least).
He goes to upstairs neighbor #7 ( above our daughter) for canned and fresh foods, down to #2 for fresh caught salmon, deer meat, crab, and whatever Brian the hunter catches and feeds Sinbad, then to Paul #3 for whatever he is eating, off to Hossanah to eat her little girl kitties food ( because 'stolen food' tastes better if you are a cat it seems?
So he eats about 10 plus times a day...however he is almost 21.
Hossanah took him last to the vet and they thought he was about 17 ( I found out from former owner he was older by several years) and in good health for his age.
Well you can see I was rattled that someone thought we were not feeding him. Finally, after talking to other people, I was...Oh NOOOOOOOOOO I should have talked immediately to you first Lord, I am sooooo sorry!!! I have done it again.
I will now just leave this situation in your hand!
It really upset me, when we are trying to do the best we can by this cat, that we can within our means.
I suppose we should be taking him every few months to the vets but he does NOT seem in pain.....he just eats and won't gain weight.
The vet last summer did not bring that up to Hossanah?
And again I try to snatch it out of the Lord's hand arrrggghhhh!
Then, I have been having an on going conversation with Jesus about what I am watching at night on net flix. This is an on going problem.
I have in fact, dumped various series as it becomes clear they are not God's best for me by a long shot.
Now I have been asking about a couple of others, and am close to dumping them also.
I also have been asking Jesus about my dreams ( and the influence of watching said series on the dreams).
I have talked to the Lord about Leonard's older brother ( the oldest died a few years ago). He has been having quite a struggle with cancer.
He was asking Leonard yesterday if Leonard would look after his wife when he dies ( Leonard agreed). Leonard finally asked Chuck to pray....and chuck told Leonard that he has had a hard time praying since his teen years.....but that he would really try. ( sort of an answer to prayer as far as it goes, it is a start).
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Sept 14, 2016 13:08:21 GMT -5
9/14/16 ( I put the wrong date for yesterday sorry)
John 1:15-18
I can't seem to read large sections of John because there is so much to digest in just a few verses.
I think I understand v.15 where it says:
‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”
I believe John is saying that Jesus was physically born after John, but the next part of the sentence is speaking of Jesus as God, existing before John.
However, the next verse I did ask Jesus about because it seems a little less clear.
v. 16 "Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given".
Especially: "grace in place of grace". It seems like Jesus is suggesting to check scripture.
The verse that came to mind seems like the first grace already given( unmerited favor) that God gives everyone:
Matthew 5: 45
......"He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous"
But the second kind of grace, is for His children who trust in Him.....this is the grace I am grateful for.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Sept 15, 2016 17:57:40 GMT -5
9/15/16
John 1:19-28
John the Baptist Denies Being the Messiah
The application is to be like John and
v. 20 "He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely...."
That is what I aim to do, if at all possible.
I tried to be honest and truthful, and confess freely, with you too!
I think there are times to be silent also, but for the most part to be honest.
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Post by Cindy on Sept 16, 2016 11:51:59 GMT -5
Well, yesterday, I got off the track of talking to the Lord about an issue that came up ( I of course finally did talk to Him about it and calmed down).
Some 'official' person came to check on our elderly cat Sinbad. She talked to one of the tenants here.
The implication ( but you know how I can sometimes get too emotional and over blow something) but it seemed like she was checking to see if he was being abused, because he is soooooo thin.
He IS very thin. But I counted and we had as of yesterday over 10 cat food items for him, not including all the human food like tuna, canned chicken, canned salmon, real chicken, cottage cheese, sour cream, etc etc.
Furthermore, He has a route he takes every day... ( we feed him at least 5 or 6 times a day at least).
He goes to upstairs neighbor #7 ( above our daughter) for canned and fresh foods, down to #2 for fresh caught salmon, deer meat, crab, and whatever Brian the hunter catches and feeds Sinbad, then to Paul #3 for whatever he is eating, off to Hossanah to eat her little girl kitties food ( because 'stolen food' tastes better if you are a cat it seems?
So he eats about 10 plus times a day...however he is almost 21.
Hossanah took him last to the vet and they thought he was about 17 ( I found out from former owner he was older by several years) and in good health for his age.
Well you can see I was rattled that someone thought we were not feeding him. Finally, after talking to other people, I was...Oh NOOOOOOOOOO I should have talked immediately to you first Lord, I am sooooo sorry!!! I have done it again.
I will now just leave this situation in your hand!
It really upset me, when we are trying to do the best we can by this cat, that we can within our means.
I suppose we should be taking him every few months to the vets but he does NOT seem in pain.....he just eats and won't gain weight.
The vet last summer did not bring that up to Hossanah?
And again I try to snatch it out of the Lord's hand arrrggghhhh!
Then, I have been having an on going conversation with Jesus about what I am watching at night on net flix. This is an on going problem.
I have in fact, dumped various series as it becomes clear they are not God's best for me by a long shot.
Now I have been asking about a couple of others, and am close to dumping them also.
I also have been asking Jesus about my dreams ( and the influence of watching said series on the dreams).
I have talked to the Lord about Leonard's older brother ( the oldest died a few years ago). He has been having quite a struggle with cancer.
He was asking Leonard yesterday if Leonard would look after his wife when he dies ( Leonard agreed). Leonard finally asked Chuck to pray....and chuck told Leonard that he has had a hard time praying since his teen years.....but that he would really try. ( sort of an answer to prayer as far as it goes, it is a start).
Most of the time our dreams don't mean anything other than whatever we've been thinking about or what's been bothering us that day. In other words, God rarely sends dreams to us these days. Even in the OT He only did so rarely, and then for specific reasons to further His plans. I used to be into interpreting dreams when I was involved in the new age and occult and they've purposely infiltrated the church with their garbage and many Christians have fallen for it. I'm not saying that dreams can't ever tell us anything though, because once in a while they can. Just last week I had one that surprised me because it showed me that I was holding onto negative emotions about something that I thought I'd taken care of. God didn't send the dream. I dreamed what I did because the subject was bothering me and I'd been thinking about it. When I remembered my dream, I simply realized that if my emotions were strong enough for me to dream about them, then I should take them to the Lord and work it out with Him.
I'm glad to hear that he's going to try to pray. It's not a good sign when people "can't" pray or when they think it's "hard". Tt indicates that they don't have a personal relationship with the Lord.
9/14/16 ( I put the wrong date for yesterday sorry)
John 1:15-18
I can't seem to read large sections of John because there is so much to digest in just a few verses.
I think I understand v.15 where it says:
‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”
I believe John is saying that Jesus was physically born after John, but the next part of the sentence is speaking of Jesus as God, existing before John.
However, the next verse I did ask Jesus about because it seems a little less clear.
v. 16 "Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given".
Especially: "grace in place of grace". It seems like Jesus is suggesting to check scripture.
The verse that came to mind seems like the first grace already given( unmerited favor) that God gives everyone:
Matthew 5: 45
......"He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous"
But the second kind of grace, is for His children who trust in Him.....this is the grace I am grateful for.
NIV | Jn 1:16 “From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.”
ESV | Jn 1:16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
KJV | Jn 1:16 And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace.
NLT | Jn 1:16 From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.
NCV | Jn 1:16 Because he was full of grace and truth, from him we all received one gift after another.
NET | Jn 1:16 For we have all received from his fullness one gracious gift after another.
What you said is true. Wiersbe says: "Grace is God’s favor and kindness bestowed on those who do not deserve it and cannot earn it. If God dealt with us only according to truth, none of us would survive; but He deals with us on the basis of grace and truth. Jesus Christ, in His life, death, and resurrection, met all the demands of the Law; now God is free to share fullness of grace with those who trust Christ."
Part of the reason you're having a hard time is BECAUSE you're only reading a few verses at a time. Because of that, you're not getting them in context at all, or seeing where John's going with his message. You really need to take enough time to read quite a bit more then just a few verses at a time, as you're just making it hard on yourself by doing this. You don't need to worry about being able to explain every sentence in the bible. What you need to do is read it like you would read a fiction book, and I seriously doubt if you read fiction the way you've been studying His Word! Obviously, I don't mean exactly the same way people read fiction, because people don't normally talk to the Lord when they're reading fiction, even if we do lol. What I mean is that you'd never just read three sentences and try hard to figure those out, you'd just keep reading and try to define things you weren't sure of by context.
9/15/16
John 1:19-
John the Baptist Denies Being the Messiah
The application is to be like John and
v. 20 "He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely...."
That is what I aim to do, if at all possible.
I tried to be honest and truthful, and confess freely, with you too!
I think there are times to be silent also, but for the most part to be honest.
Then if you get to one that's short like the next one which is just John 1:29–John 1:34, instead of taking advantage of it, go on to the next break which is John 1:42. John 2 only has 25 verses so you should be able to read all of that in one sitting and talk to the Lord about it. It's time to stretch yourself some more now that you're in the habit of daily study and make the time really count for you. 
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Sept 16, 2016 17:30:17 GMT -5
Will do :-)
9/16/16
John 1:21-42
John Testifies About Jesus
So my first question, was answered by reading on a few verses further.
Because at first, it could be construed that maybe John is lying, because one would 'think' he would know his cousin....
( tho maybe not),
however, it seems that when John said:
v. 31 "I myself did not know him"
and again in v. 33 "And I myself did not know him..."
What John meant was: he did not know who the Messiah was
v. 34 " ....this is God’s Chosen One.
John’s Disciples Follow Jesus
The application here is when you (I) know who my Savior is, then I should immediately drop 2nd best, and follow Him.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Sept 17, 2016 14:37:16 GMT -5
9/17/16
John 1:43-51
Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael
So I asked the Lord about where were and what did Bethsaida and Nazareth look like?
This was easy as I did a google search and looked at a bunch of images.
Bethsaida seemed to have more old parts left where as the photo images of Nazareth had some but looked more modern and built up.
Still, I saw on maps where they were and got a little of the lay of the land.
Jesus tells Philip to follow Him and that is an application for me also.
today got rainy, dreary, colder, etc. and I seemed to be in more pain, and a little depressed,so I asked Jesus to help me, keep my mind stayed on Him, rather than myself....but it is still a struggle.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Sept 18, 2016 16:39:59 GMT -5
9/18/16
John 2:1-24
Jesus Changes Water Into Wine
I always liked v.10
“Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”
It always gives me a special hope, that that is what the future holds for those who belong to Jesus.
Even if our lives are considered pretty good in this here and now, it is nothing compared to eternity future with Jesus.
I much rather have the 'cheaper wine now' and have the best for all eternity!
So the application for me, is to be patient with trials, sorrows, pain etc now, because in eternity future, all that will be gone forever, and the best will forever get better and better! Works for me LOL
Jesus Clears the Temple Courts
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Post by Cindy on Sept 19, 2016 9:27:58 GMT -5
Will do :-)
9/16/16
John 1:21-42
John Testifies About Jesus
So my first question, was answered by reading on a few verses further.
Because at first, it could be construed that maybe John is lying, because one would 'think' he would know his cousin....
( tho maybe not),
however, it seems that when John said:
v. 31 "I myself did not know him"
and again in v. 33 "And I myself did not know him..."
What John meant was: he did not know who the Messiah was
v. 34 " ....this is God’s Chosen One.
John’s Disciples Follow Jesus
The application here is when you (I) know who my Savior is, then I should immediately drop 2nd best, and follow Him.
NASB95 | Jn 1:31 “I did not recognize Him, but so that He might be manifested to Israel, I came baptizing in water.”
9/17/16
John 1:43-51
Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael
So I asked the Lord about where were and what did Bethsaida and Nazareth look like?
This was easy as I did a google search and looked at a bunch of images.
Bethsaida seemed to have more old parts left where as the photo images of Nazareth had some but looked more modern and built up.
Still, I saw on maps where they were and got a little of the lay of the land.
Jesus tells Philip to follow Him and that is an application for me also.
today got rainy, dreary, colder, etc. and I seemed to be in more pain, and a little depressed,so I asked Jesus to help me, keep my mind stayed on Him, rather than myself....but it is still a struggle. 9/18/16
John 2:1-24
Jesus Changes Water Into Wine
I always liked v.10
“Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”
It always gives me a special hope, that that is what the future holds for those who belong to Jesus.
Even if our lives are considered pretty good in this here and now, it is nothing compared to eternity future with Jesus.
I much rather have the 'cheaper wine now' and have the best for all eternity!
So the application for me, is to be patient with trials, sorrows, pain etc now, because in eternity future, all that will be gone forever, and the best will forever get better and better! Works for me LOL
Jesus Clears the Temple Courts
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Sept 19, 2016 11:41:36 GMT -5
do you have a preferred online source for:
"check the meaning of the word know in the original language"?
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Sept 19, 2016 12:33:26 GMT -5
9/19/16
John 3:1-21
Jesus Teaches Nicodemus
So one of my first questions is who was the 'we' Nicodemus spoke of as knowing that Jesus came from God?
Surely not the council members he belonged to?
I doubt Nicodemus was speaking like some kings using a royal 'we'?
I think I will have to read some commentaries ....
I did a Greek interliner translation ( don't know if it was a good one) but it wasn't much help....where is Eva when I need her LOL
Another question is:
why is God the Holy Spirit portrayed as wind?
v. 8 "The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”[d]
so I looked at other translations...
but then, read Matthew Henry's commentary...
It seems like perhaps it demonstrates God's choice. God may over look some and choose others, as the wind can blow one direction and then go another way?
(my words not Matthew Henry's lest I am way off course.....like a wayward wind )
This chapter has so many great verses, of course another favorite is:
v. 16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
A somewhat disturbing verse to me tho was
v. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed."
There are things in my past etc. I do not talk to people about for many reasons, I do not want to glorify my past sins, nor do I want to 'pollute' peoples minds ( sort of like porn does etc.), and so on.
So I worry that the 'deeds' are in the dark...however, I have brought/confessed them to Jesus.
Anyway, a application for me, is to treat those who are 'weak' like Nicodemus (coming in the dark...out of fear?) to way Jesus did....except them where they are at, encourage and teach them tho they could only take a fearful baby step.
Jesus could have been insulted and take Nicodemus to task but He did not.
I need to remember how fearful I can be, and have compassion and not disdain or be annoyed at the weak ( like me).
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Post by Cindy on Sept 20, 2016 12:08:39 GMT -5
do you have a preferred online source for:
"check the meaning of the word know in the original language"?
No, I have no idea if there is anything. That's why I told you the other ways you could get around that.9/19/16
John 3:1-21
Jesus Teaches Nicodemus
So one of my first questions is who was the 'we' Nicodemus spoke of as knowing that Jesus came from God?
Surely not the council members he belonged to?
I doubt Nicodemus was speaking like some kings using a royal 'we'?
I think I will have to read some commentaries ....
I did a Greek interliner translation ( don't know if it was a good one) but it wasn't much help....where is Eva when I need her LOL
Another question is:
why is God the Holy Spirit portrayed as wind?
v. 8 "The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”[d]
so I looked at other translations...
but then, read Matthew Henry's commentary...
It seems like perhaps it demonstrates God's choice. God may over look some and choose others, as the wind can blow one direction and then go another way?
(my words not Matthew Henry's lest I am way off course.....like a wayward wind )
This chapter has so many great verses, of course another favorite is:
v. 16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
A somewhat disturbing verse to me tho was
v. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed."
There are things in my past etc. I do not talk to people about for many reasons, I do not want to glorify my past sins, nor do I want to 'pollute' peoples minds ( sort of like porn does etc.), and so on.
So I worry that the 'deeds' are in the dark...however, I have brought/confessed them to Jesus.
Anyway, a application for me, is to treat those who are 'weak' like Nicodemus (coming in the dark...out of fear?) to way Jesus did....except them where they are at, encourage and teach them tho they could only take a fearful baby step.
Jesus could have been insulted and take Nicodemus to task but He did not.
I need to remember how fearful I can be, and have compassion and not disdain or be annoyed at the weak ( like me).
“Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.”” (John 3:1–2) Now, add to the fact that you know he is a pharisee, with what you know that the pharisees have been doing to Jesus. Here's some hints to remind you:
“Now this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was.” (John 1:19)
“Now some Pharisees who had been sent questioned him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?”” (John 1:24–25) It was the chief priests (Pharisees) job to investigate all religious claims, therefore they sent priests to John and to Jesus to investigate who they were and what they were teaching. Nicodemus, was one of the group of priests that was sent to question Jesus, that's why he said "we".
Barbara, you can learn the answers to your questions by talking to the Lord and paying close attention to His Word. I know that I show you guys stuff from commentaries now, but I do so simply because I figure you're probably tired of hearing what just I have to say about stuff, and also to show it's not "just me" that thinks a passage means something. Remember though, that I'd already learned this stuff long before I got any commentaries or any other book other than my bible. The Bible was the only thing I had besides the Lord Himself, and He showed me all of what I know. The commentaries simply taught me other ways of learning about it and teaching about it. I knew for example that John just had trouble recognizing Jesus even though I had no knowledge about what the words in the original language meant. Now that I can look up the words in the original languages, that just adds another exciting way to confirm what the Lord taught me.
As for your question about the Holy Spirit being compared to wind, yes that's true, but you didn't need a commentary to figure that out. The wind is invisible, so is the Spirit. The wind is mysterious, so is the Spirit. We can't see the wind, but we can see what it does - like the leaves of a tree being blown around etc. We can't see the Spirit, but we can see what He does by the changes that happen in the lives of those He controls. Again, all you needed to learn that was your Bible, the Lord and to use the brain He gave you to reflect on it for a bit after asking Him about it.
“Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.” (John 3:20) This verse has nothing to do with confession. It's talking about people who are currently unsaved and doing evil. They hate the light and don't want their deeds exposed as they want to continue to do them.
Yes, most likely Nicodemus did not want to jeopardize his place in the Sanhedrin, especially since he was just starting to get to know Jesus. He does eventually choose to follow Jesus and let his faith be known though. So I'm not really sure if he was actually "afraid" or if he was acting more out of prudence, and trying to get the facts so that he could make up his mind as to whether or not Jesus was the Messiah. There would be no point in throwing away his station in life if he decided that Jesus wasn't the Messiah, so best to wait and learn more until he could make up his mind.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Sept 20, 2016 13:53:59 GMT -5
This was especially helpful about the wind:
We can't see the wind, but we can see what it does - like the leaves of a tree being blown around etc. We can't see the Spirit, but we can see what He does by the changes that happen in the lives of those He controls."
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Sept 20, 2016 14:45:53 GMT -5
9/20/16
John 3: 22-36
John Testifies Again About Jesus
Perhaps this is a wrong application of this verse, but yet, it seems comforting to me, when I don't feel like I have enough faith etc.
v. 27 To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven."
In any case, this seems to be a built in application for me:
v. 30 "He must become greater; I must become less.”
These are also great verses:
v. 35 "The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands."
v. 36 "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them."
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Post by Cindy on Sept 21, 2016 10:47:20 GMT -5
This was especially helpful about the wind:
We can't see the wind, but we can see what it does - like the leaves of a tree being blown around etc. We can't see the Spirit, but we can see what He does by the changes that happen in the lives of those He controls."
9/20/16
John 3: 22-36
John Testifies Again About Jesus
Perhaps this is a wrong application of this verse, but yet, it seems comforting to me, when I don't feel like I have enough faith etc.
v. 27 To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven."
In any case, this seems to be a built in application for me:
v. 30 "He must become greater; I must become less.”
These are also great verses:
v. 35 "The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands."
v. 36 "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them."
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Sept 21, 2016 11:11:08 GMT -5
I think I to this day, have times of wanting God to 'magically' fix some sin, or take away some pain, or give me something I think I should have.
Take a sin for example. On the one hand, we know ( don't we) that in our own strength we cannot overcome a besetting sin....we need God to help us overcome it...yes?
Yet, on the other hand I fear I treat God like some jinni in a bottle and just pray:
take this sin away.... wanting God to 'magically' fix it for me.
It seems I am to fight the good fight, deny myself, etc.
But it seems like some fights never end and I grow so weary ( just use self-centered-ness as one example).
It seems like a loosing battle and I do wish the Lord would just wave a 'magic' wand ( not really a 'magic' wand.... but you get the idea),
and remove it for me...
and that goes for other besetting sins, as well).
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Sept 21, 2016 14:05:26 GMT -5
9/21/16
John 4:1-26
Jesus Talks With a Samaritan Woman
Both Leonard and I have been feeling drained of energy. Part is low thyroid as always, but my mild bronchiectasis has gotten a bit worse, so I am coughing a lot more often ( but mostly seems to sap my energy) and arthritis also seems to be kicking up as Fall changes are rolling around...
the reason I am grumbling, is I did have several question I want to ask Jesus, but I don't have much energy to search the scriptures for answers today.
I will write the questions, and pray that maybe as the day progresses ( it's almost noon tho) that I may perk up ( I just want to sleep).
So the other thing I forgot to mention is I have been intrigued by the names of various places lately and have been googling them and looking at the images. Yesterday, I looked at 2 or 3
But today I looked at Sychar
Which bring me to the first 2 questions:
1) Did you have another purpose/meaning ( other than geography...well dud probably) to mentioning Jacob's well...what was it?
2)why did the Samaritan Woman call Jacob their father?
I seem to vaguely remember they were related ( kind of like 1/2 Jews) but there was no love between the Jews Samaritans, they avoided each other...even v.9 hints at the animosity.
However, therein lies an application for me.....Jesus forgiving nature and love to even 'enemies'.
V. 25-26 were really somehow uplifting to me...esp. v. 26
v. 25 "The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”
26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”
If I get my burst of energy and do a bit of digging, I will try to post what the Lord led me to as an answer ( at least, for this day....but I just am not sure if I can muster it up).
the bronchiectasis has been so mild for so long ( tho it has added to less than vigorous vitality)...
that this recent hacking has caught me off guard.
I guess I thought maybe it wouldn't progress.
Part of the problem might be I like to sleep with the window open, but now nights are getting colder and a bit foggy.....which may not? be the best for lungs...sigh.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Sept 22, 2016 12:55:13 GMT -5
I have not gotten very far in my 2 questions. I know there was the story about the good Samaritan and at one point the Jews accuse Jesus of being a Samaritan but trying to see how that connects with Jacob's well, I only saw one reference to that....so far....still working.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Sept 22, 2016 18:45:09 GMT -5
9/22/16
John 4:27-38
The Disciples Rejoin Jesus
one application is to be like Jesus and:
"34 “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work."
Well not entirely like Jesus.... but to run the race that is set before us.,,,and to reap whatever crop we can for eternal life, by telling others the good news if and when we are able.
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Post by Cindy on Sept 23, 2016 12:48:21 GMT -5
I think I to this day, have times of wanting God to 'magically' fix some sin, or take away some pain, or give me something I think I should have.
Take a sin for example. On the one hand, we know ( don't we) that in our own strength we cannot overcome a besetting sin....we need God to help us overcome it...yes?
Yet, on the other hand I fear I treat God like some jinni in a bottle and just pray:
take this sin away.... wanting God to 'magically' fix it for me.
It seems I am to fight the good fight, deny myself, etc.
But it seems like some fights never end and I grow so weary ( just use self-centered-ness as one example).
It seems like a loosing battle and I do wish the Lord would just wave a 'magic' wand ( not really a 'magic' wand.... but you get the idea),
and remove it for me...
and that goes for other besetting sins, as well).
9/21/16
John 4:1-26
Jesus Talks With a Samaritan Woman
Both Leonard and I have been feeling drained of energy. Part is low thyroid as always, but my mild bronchiectasis has gotten a bit worse, so I am coughing a lot more often ( but mostly seems to sap my energy) and arthritis also seems to be kicking up as Fall changes are rolling around...
the reason I am grumbling, is I did have several question I want to ask Jesus, but I don't have much energy to search the scriptures for answers today.
I will write the questions, and pray that maybe as the day progresses ( it's almost noon tho) that I may perk up ( I just want to sleep).
So the other thing I forgot to mention is I have been intrigued by the names of various places lately and have been googling them and looking at the images. Yesterday, I looked at 2 or 3
But today I looked at Sychar
Which bring me to the first 2 questions:
1) Did you have another purpose/meaning ( other than geography...well dud probably) to mentioning Jacob's well...what was it?
2)why did the Samaritan Woman call Jacob their father?
I seem to vaguely remember they were related ( kind of like 1/2 Jews) but there was no love between the Jews Samaritans, they avoided each other...even v.9 hints at the animosity.
However, therein lies an application for me.....Jesus forgiving nature and love to even 'enemies'.
V. 25-26 were really somehow uplifting to me...esp. v. 26
v. 25 "The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”
26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”
If I get my burst of energy and do a bit of digging, I will try to post what the Lord led me to as an answer ( at least, for this day....but I just am not sure if I can muster it up).
the bronchiectasis has been so mild for so long ( tho it has added to less than vigorous vitality)...
that this recent hacking has caught me off guard.
I guess I thought maybe it wouldn't progress.
Part of the problem might be I like to sleep with the window open, but now nights are getting colder and a bit foggy.....which may not? be the best for lungs...sigh.
I have not gotten very far in my 2 questions. I know there was the story about the good Samaritan and at one point the Jews accuse Jesus of being a Samaritan but trying to see how that connects with Jacob's well, I only saw one reference to that....so far....still working. 9/22/16
John 4:27-38
The Disciples Rejoin Jesus
one application is to be like Jesus and:
"34 “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work."
Well not entirely like Jesus.... but to run the race that is set before us.,,,and to reap whatever crop we can for eternal life, by telling others the good news if and when we are able.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Sept 23, 2016 15:34:02 GMT -5
Thank you so much Cindy.
I remember being a LOT younger and wondering about this or that in the Bible and then sometimes years of even a decade later, learning the answer. I don't suppose you mean that long LOL
But yeah you are right....plus, I just haven't been feeling great.
I was not tooo bad this summer, but now with the cold, wet, rainy, windy , grey days back( and then back to summer and back to winter vacillating) etc.
I am lagging and limping and sleeping along.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Sept 23, 2016 15:54:20 GMT -5
9/23/16
John 4 :39-54
Many Samaritans Believe
I think v.42 is an application you have been trying to encourage me from almost the beginning of my joining FH
v. 42 "They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”
I need to continue to rely on God to teach me, give me answers etc etc. rather than lean on what other men and woman of God say in commentaries etc.
Jesus Heals an Official’s Son
I enjoyed looking at the various towns and places mentioned. It really helps to get an vague idea ( they probably have changed considerably from when Jesus walked ) but still, to see where each is located, the hills, valleys, lakes etc. is neat!
Not everything is great about the internet, but looking at the images is cool.
I even am going to look at a couple of short youtube videos on these towns.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Sept 24, 2016 11:16:36 GMT -5
9/24/16
John 5: 1-15
Well it seems like God didn't want to put a lot of emphisis on which festival it was, and more on what Jesus said and did etc.
The Healing at the Pool
I noticed 2 things to start with:
1)- is the man Jesus healed had been an invalid for 38 years!!
2)- this was the only man Jesus healed that day and that particular hour, time and place...tho there were other people who were blind, lame, and/or paralyzed.
But the application for me is to be like this man who when Jesus told him to pick up his mat and walk....did so immediately!!!
I always 'intend' to obey, but, I also tend to lag, procrastinate, dilly-dally, 'think about it' etc etc.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Sept 25, 2016 19:29:08 GMT -5
9/25/16
John 5: 16-30
The Authority of the Son
I have heard that some people claim that Jesus never claimed He was God, but this passage pretty much refutes that!
I had a quick question about v.25
"Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live."
But then it seemed to me that Jesus was speaking about the spiritually dead. And it seems like perhaps v.28 might clarify it because there Jesus talks about the dead also, but there it's those who have physically died because he talks about their graves.
Likewise it seems like perhaps v. 26 & v. 27 explain the 2 ways that Jesus is a son...a Son of God and a son of man.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Sept 26, 2016 15:51:20 GMT -5
9/26/16
John 5:31-47
Testimonies About Jesus
At first read
( especially if one does not know the Old Testament)
v.31 is shocking when Jesus says:
v.31 “If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true.
This is a good example of why we need to know the whole council of God ( both old and new testament, because other wise it would be harder to know why our Lord said this.
But Deuteronomy 17:6
v.6 "On the testimony of two or three witnesses a person is to be put to death, but no one is to be put to death on the testimony of only one witness."
and
Deuteronomy 19:15
v. 15 "One witness is not enough to convict anyone accused of any crime or offense they may have committed.
A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses."
2 other verses I think are of great importance....
( Of course every word out of the mouth of God is important, I mean for me today and especially concerning what aspect of these verses had great impact on me today)
are v. 39 & 40
"39 You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me,
v.40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life."
Jesus tells us that the scriptures testify about Him! Including v. 46
"If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me."
The application for me is to continue to try to study the scriptures diligently!!!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Sept 26, 2016 16:21:03 GMT -5
9/26/16
John 5:31-47
Testimonies About Jesus
At first read
( especially if one does not know the Old Testament)
verse 31 is shocking when Jesus says:
v.31 “If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true."
This is a good example of why we need to know the whole council of God ( both old and new testament, because other wise it would be harder to know why our Lord said this.
But Deuteronomy 17:6
v.6 "On the testimony of two or three witnesses a person is to be put to death, but no one is to be put to death on the testimony of only one witness."
and
Deuteronomy 19:15
v. 15 "One witness is not enough to convict anyone accused of any crime or offense they may have committed.
A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses."
2 other verses I think are of great importance....
( Of course every word out of the mouth of God is important, I mean for me today and especially concerning what aspect of these verses had great impact on me today)
are v. 39 & 40
"39 You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me,
v.40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life."
Jesus tells us that the scriptures testify about Him! Including v. 46
"If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me."
The application for me is to continue to try to study the scriptures diligently!!!
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Post by Cindy on Sept 27, 2016 11:37:21 GMT -5
My goodness, you've been writing up a storm! LOL Thank you so much Cindy.
I remember being a LOT younger and wondering about this or that in the Bible and then sometimes years of even a decade later, learning the answer. I don't suppose you mean that long LOL
But yeah you are right....plus, I just haven't been feeling great.
I was not tooo bad this summer, but now with the cold, wet, rainy, windy , grey days back( and then back to summer and back to winter vacillating) etc.
I am lagging and limping and sleeping along. 9/23/16
John 4 :39-54
Many Samaritans Believe
I think v.42 is an application you have been trying to encourage me from almost the beginning of my joining FH
v. 42 "They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”
I need to continue to rely on God to teach me, give me answers etc etc. rather than lean on what other men and woman of God say in commentaries etc.
Jesus Heals an Official’s Son
I enjoyed looking at the various towns and places mentioned. It really helps to get an vague idea ( they probably have changed considerably from when Jesus walked ) but still, to see where each is located, the hills, valleys, lakes etc. is neat!
Not everything is great about the internet, but looking at the images is cool.
I even am going to look at a couple of short youtube videos on these towns.
9/24/16
John 5: 1-15
Well it seems like God didn't want to put a lot of emphisis on which festival it was, and more on what Jesus said and did etc.
The Healing at the Pool
I noticed 2 things to start with:
1)- is the man Jesus healed had been an invalid for 38 years!!
2)- this was the only man Jesus healed that day and that particular hour, time and place...tho there were other people who were blind, lame, and/or paralyzed.
But the application for me is to be like this man who when Jesus told him to pick up his mat and walk....did so immediately!!!
I always 'intend' to obey, but, I also tend to lag, procrastinate, dilly-dally, 'think about it' etc etc.
 9/25/16
John 5: 16-30
The Authority of the Son
I have heard that some people claim that Jesus never claimed He was God, but this passage pretty much refutes that!
I had a quick question about v.25
"Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live."
But then it seemed to me that Jesus was speaking about the spiritually dead. And it seems like perhaps v.28 might clarify it because there Jesus talks about the dead also, but there it's those who have physically died because he talks about their graves.
Likewise it seems like perhaps v. 26 & v. 27 explain the 2 ways that Jesus is a son...a Son of God and a son of man.
9/26/16
John 5:31-47
Testimonies About Jesus
At first read
( especially if one does not know the Old Testament)
v.31 is shocking when Jesus says:
v.31 “If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true.
This is a good example of why we need to know the whole council of God ( both old and new testament, because other wise it would be harder to know why our Lord said this.
But Deuteronomy 17:6
v.6 "On the testimony of two or three witnesses a person is to be put to death, but no one is to be put to death on the testimony of only one witness."
and
Deuteronomy 19:15
v. 15 "One witness is not enough to convict anyone accused of any crime or offense they may have committed.
A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses."
2 other verses I think are of great importance....
( Of course every word out of the mouth of God is important, I mean for me today and especially concerning what aspect of these verses had great impact on me today)
are v. 39 & 40
"39 You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me,
v.40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life."
Jesus tells us that the scriptures testify about Him! Including v. 46
"If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me."
The application for me is to continue to try to study the scriptures diligently!!!
My brain's pretty fuzzy today as I'm exhausted, so if I missed q question or didn't explain something you would like to know more about, please let me know ok?
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Sept 27, 2016 12:37:06 GMT -5
I know what you mean about 'trying....
There was some councilor (maybe (?) in my past,
that used to say to me when I would say: " I'll try".....
They would say (as I was already sitting)...
now 'try' to stand up....and I would stand up.
Then they would say...."noooooo that is standing up
sit back down and "TRY" to stand up....there is a difference."
"Trying is not doing....
you either DO or you do NOT DO
Trying is NOT doing."
So to be more accurate, I need to not let the world and my own sin
keep me from doing....
or doing something else, more often than NOT!
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