fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399 
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Post by fearnot on Sept 27, 2016 12:55:18 GMT -5
9/27/16
John 6:1-15
Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
My first question is were there more than 5,000 feed? The reason I ask is scripture only mentions that many 'men'.
I suppose that could be used in the way people sometimes say "mankind' but mean woman as well.
However, another option is the woman and children did not get counted in that 5,000 which might have meant Jesus feed double or triple 5,000.
Be that as it may, an application for me ( is it too silly?) is that, Jesus approves of:
waste not want not,
and/or
recycling ( at least to a point).
We are to rely on the Lord for our provision, but not to be wanton wasters).
v.12 "......“Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.”
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Post by Cindy on Sept 28, 2016 12:33:24 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! 9/27/16
John 6:1-15
Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
My first question is were there more than 5,000 feed? The reason I ask is scripture only mentions that many 'men'.
I suppose that could be used in the way people sometimes say "mankind' but mean woman as well.
However, another option is the woman and children did not get counted in that 5,000 which might have meant Jesus feed double or triple 5,000.
Be that as it may, an application for me ( is it too silly?) is that, Jesus approves of:
waste not want not,
and/or
recycling ( at least to a point).
We are to rely on the Lord for our provision, but not to be wanton wasters).
v.12 "......“Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.”
Mark 8:9: 4000 men plus women and children, say a total crowd of 16,000 mouths. Jesus certainly had large audiences. (On this basis His Jewish audience at Bethsaida would have been 20,000) The Life of Christ
You can read about Him feeding the 5000 here to get the big picture: Matthew 14:13–21; Mark 6:30–44; Luke 9:11–17; and John 6:1–15.
You can read about Jesus feeding the 4000 here to get the big picture: Matthew 15:32–38; and Mark 8:1–9.
I find it interesting that Jesus ended His ministry to the Jews in Galilee by feeding the 5,000, and ended His ministry to the Gentiles by feeding the 4,000. He then end His earthly ministry with His disciples by having a meal in the upper room with them.
Good application! I'd still like to hear what the Lord is saying to you and what you get when you reflect on His Word during the day....
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Sept 28, 2016 13:58:31 GMT -5
Keep reminding me...thank you.
I will just mention one very small thing that I spoke to Jesus about this morning....it's sort of typical of everyday unfortunately.
So I have now established one good habit of putting on the full armor of God ( what I mean tho, is I repeat the verses and enact sort of the putting them on), then I ask Jesus to be with me and guide me as to what He would want me to do that day....oh and I 'try' ( about 50/50) to read a proverb or pslasm before getting breakfast
But once again, unfortunately, I almost immediately trundle on my own.....
Like this morning....I had finished making my smoothie for breakfast, before I realized that.... yet, once again.....
I had not spoken to Jesus once while making it...I was just thinking my own thoughts.
I did apologize as soon as I realized it, but its so discouraging!
Oh there has been some improvements, I mean I do talk to Him throughout the day.
I used to live my whole life without speaking to Him at all ( unless life threatening, when I would then throw up a hail Mary prayer....not even sure what that means... but I have heard it used on TV or somewhere... and so it sounds like what I would do...I think LOL).
So if we start there, there has indeed been an 'improvement'.
And sometimes I talk to Jesus a LOT more on some days, and then I slide backwards and just think my own thought and do my own thing. And some days I do reflect on what I have read in scripture, or it will just pop into my head.
Last night for example, I was watching a series, and one of the main actors was on a rant about why would someone ( and he mentioned religion bigotry) hate, be embarrassed etc etc. about a 'gay' son.....and I immediately started to reflect and think on what God has said in His word.
But I also noted how the enemy so effectively uses 'entertainment' to spread his lies. The episode was carefully crafted so you the viewer would feel so badly for the terribly abused 'gay' son because of the evil cruel father.
This type of indoctrination is happening so much, even in shows that don't have much or no swearing, porn sex scenes, etc.
But I was saying to the Lord Jesus that what seems even worse that those false doctrines ( as IF something could be worse)..
is the even more subtle idea of man as his own 'savior'.
Many programs have a kind of 'super hero"....no not like superman, but an ex military special ops guy, best sniper ever, brilliant tactical mind, hero.....who 'saves' the weak, helpless etc.
There is never a mention of God except if a hero is fighting some sort of cult ( and the strange way the cult leader uses scripture etc.)
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Sept 28, 2016 18:15:50 GMT -5
9/28/16
John 6 :16/24
Jesus Walks on the Water
I kind of spent more time looking at maps and images of the various places mentioned, but I am not sure exactly what town the disciples started off from?
It states they were headed to Capernaum and it mentions boats from Tiberas.
It also mentioned the disciples had rowed 3 or 4 miles, when Jesus walking on water came up to their boat.
I love what Jesus says to them in v. 20 "...... “It is I; don’t be afraid.”
That is the application for me and has been for years, to not be afraid. Since I am a natural coward, and have an active imagination, fear has stalked me all my life, but I have noticed as time goes by because of the Lord, I find myself, less and less afraid, more calm and peaceful.....not perfectly of course.....
but I doubt you can image what a scared weak kneed person I was, so even if I am not even as brave as just an average person, it is in fact, great progress for me. :-)
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Post by Cindy on Sept 29, 2016 11:20:11 GMT -5
Keep reminding me...thank you.
I will just mention one very small thing that I spoke to Jesus about this morning....it's sort of typical of everyday unfortunately.
So I have now established one good habit of putting on the full armor of God ( what I mean tho, is I repeat the verses and enact sort of the putting them on), then I ask Jesus to be with me and guide me as to what He would want me to do that day....oh and I 'try' ( about 50/50) to read a proverb or pslasm before getting breakfast
But once again, unfortunately, I almost immediately trundle on my own.....
Like this morning....I had finished making my smoothie for breakfast, before I realized that.... yet, once again.....
I had not spoken to Jesus once while making it...I was just thinking my own thoughts.
I did apologize as soon as I realized it, but its so discouraging!
Oh there has been some improvements, I mean I do talk to Him throughout the day.
I used to live my whole life without speaking to Him at all ( unless life threatening, when I would then throw up a hail Mary prayer....not even sure what that means... but I have heard it used on TV or somewhere... and so it sounds like what I would do...I think LOL).
So if we start there, there has indeed been an 'improvement'.
And sometimes I talk to Jesus a LOT more on some days, and then I slide backwards and just think my own thought and do my own thing. And some days I do reflect on what I have read in scripture, or it will just pop into my head.
Last night for example, I was watching a series, and one of the main actors was on a rant about why would someone ( and he mentioned religion bigotry) hate, be embarrassed etc etc. about a 'gay' son.....and I immediately started to reflect and think on what God has said in His word.
But I also noted how the enemy so effectively uses 'entertainment' to spread his lies. The episode was carefully crafted so you the viewer would feel so badly for the terribly abused 'gay' son because of the evil cruel father.
This type of indoctrination is happening so much, even in shows that don't have much or no swearing, porn sex scenes, etc.
But I was saying to the Lord Jesus that what seems even worse that those false doctrines ( as IF something could be worse)..
is the even more subtle idea of man as his own 'savior'.
Many programs have a kind of 'super hero"....no not like superman, but an ex military special ops guy, best sniper ever, brilliant tactical mind, hero.....who 'saves' the weak, helpless etc.
There is never a mention of God except if a hero is fighting some sort of cult ( and the strange way the cult leader uses scripture etc.)
 Usually it's about then that I realize that I could have been thinking about Him and talking to Him all along as I certainly don't need the library for that! It's so embarrassing! I imagine He's used to it though. So don't be discouraged, just be grateful that you DO eventually realize it and then talk to Him! The only time to be upset would be if you don't realize it at all! 
Praise God too that at times scripture will pop into your mind because that's the Holy Spirit doing exactly what our Lord told us He would do! (reminding you of His Words, etc) and that you'll think of the Lord and/or His Word when seeing something on TV, that's great!
9/28/16
John 6 :16/24
Jesus Walks on the Water
I kind of spent more time looking at maps and images of the various places mentioned, but I am not sure exactly what town the disciples started off from?
It states they were headed to Capernaum and it mentions boats from Tiberas.
It also mentioned the disciples had rowed 3 or 4 miles, when Jesus walking on water came up to their boat.
I love what Jesus says to them in v. 20 "...... “It is I; don’t be afraid.”
That is the application for me and has been for years, to not be afraid. Since I am a natural coward, and have an active imagination, fear has stalked me all my life, but I have noticed as time goes by because of the Lord, I find myself, less and less afraid, more calm and peaceful.....not perfectly of course.....
but I doubt you can image what a scared weak kneed person I was, so even if I am not even as brave as just an average person, it is in fact, great progress for me. :-)
That's great that you're learning to trust the Lord and not be fearful hon. I'm so happy for you! You're doing really well. Keep on talking to Him and please, start asking Him questions about what you're reading, or at least make comments to Him about what you're reading and let me know ok?
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Sept 29, 2016 14:16:20 GMT -5
Oh I really like the added idea of comments about what I am reading, along with questions!
Thank you so much for the help of the geography.
For awhile I was confused how such a violent storm could come upon what is rather a smallish lake ( compared say to the Great Lakes in USA etc.).
So I looked up some info about it and read:
"The Sea of Galilee lies 680 feet below sea level.
It is surrounded by hills, especially on the east side where they reach 2000 feet high.
These heights are a source of cool, dry air.
In contrast, directly around the sea, the climate is semi-tropical with warm, moist air.
The large difference in height between surrounding land and the sea causes large temperature and pressure changes. This results in strong winds dropping to the sea, funneling through the hills."
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Sept 29, 2016 17:41:52 GMT -5
9/29/16
John 6: 25-59
These verse are some of the most encouraging, and at least at first some of the most bewildering verses.
Jesus the Bread of Life
On a quick reading, a person might be horrified that Jesus is talking about cannibalism when He says :
v. 53 "Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.
v. 54 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.
v. 55 For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. 56 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them."
So in asking Jesus about this He asked me what did I know so far from scripture as we ( I) am to get the whole council of God.
Well if we (I) have read everything else the Lord Jesus has said and know His character....I know He is not talking about cannibalism.
I know He followed the law perfectly, and eating or drinking blood was completely prohibited, so He certainly is not going to ask people to do something so detestable to God the Father ( nor the Son or Holy Spirit).
So far, in musing on these verses, v. 51 seems to hold a clue, when Jesus says:
"......This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”
and earlier He said:
29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
I an thinking they are connected, and that the eating and drinking refer to believing that Jesus gave His life for ours, he refers to His body as 'bread'...His flesh, that when we believe ( we eat, are nourished, and gain eternal life).
One of my favorite verse and most encouraging is when Jesus says:
v. 37 "All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away."
I have on occasion ask the Lord, knowing He holds me in His hand.... and no one can take me out of it....
that if ever, for some reason, I cannot imagine, I try to climb out on my own, that He will not let me do so...ever!!
I ask that in advance in case satan or a demon, should try to talk me into suicide or some other stupid thing....I want the Lord to know, in my sane mind, I never ever want to leave Him.
So another glorious verse to me is:
39 "And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day"
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Post by Cindy on Sept 30, 2016 11:24:10 GMT -5
Oh I really like the added idea of comments about what I am reading, along with questions!
Thank you so much for the help of the geography.
For awhile I was confused how such a violent storm could come upon what is rather a smallish lake ( compared say to the Great Lakes in USA etc.).
So I looked up some info about it and read:
"The Sea of Galilee lies 680 feet below sea level.
It is surrounded by hills, especially on the east side where they reach 2000 feet high.
These heights are a source of cool, dry air.
In contrast, directly around the sea, the climate is semi-tropical with warm, moist air.
The large difference in height between surrounding land and the sea causes large temperature and pressure changes. This results in strong winds dropping to the sea, funneling through the hills." 9/29/16
John 6: 25-59
These verse are some of the most encouraging, and at least at first some of the most bewildering verses.
Jesus the Bread of Life
On a quick reading, a person might be horrified that Jesus is talking about cannibalism when He says :
v. 53 "Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.
v. 54 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.
v. 55 For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. 56 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them."
So in asking Jesus about this He asked me what did I know so far from scripture as we ( I) am to get the whole council of God.
Well if we (I) have read everything else the Lord Jesus has said and know His character....I know He is not talking about cannibalism.
I know He followed the law perfectly, and eating or drinking blood was completely prohibited, so He certainly is not going to ask people to do something so detestable to God the Father ( nor the Son or Holy Spirit).
So far, in musing on these verses, v. 51 seems to hold a clue, when Jesus says:
"......This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”
and earlier He said:
29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
I an thinking they are connected, and that the eating and drinking refer to believing that Jesus gave His life for ours, he refers to His body as 'bread'...His flesh, that when we believe ( we eat, are nourished, and gain eternal life).
One of my favorite verse and most encouraging is when Jesus says:
v. 37 "All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away."
I have on occasion ask the Lord, knowing He holds me in His hand.... and no one can take me out of it....
that if ever, for some reason, I cannot imagine, I try to climb out on my own, that He will not let me do so...ever!!
I ask that in advance in case satan or a demon, should try to talk me into suicide or some other stupid thing....I want the Lord to know, in my sane mind, I never ever want to leave Him.
So another glorious verse to me is:
39 "And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day"
Let's look at the verse again:“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him.” (John 6:56) It reminds me of John 15 where Jesus speaks of remaining in Him a lot, as this too supports what you have said: “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.” (John 15:4–7) ““As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love.” (John 15:9–10)
As you said, starting with verse 29, Jesus stated what He was talking about: “Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”” (John 6:29) and from that point on everyone knew He was talking about believing in Him as their Messiah. He states this any number of times from verse 29 and verses John 6:35, John 6:36, John 6:40, and John 6:47. So everyone knew that was what He was talking about. Jesus was saying His spiritual offer is more valuable than life itself, and this is what caused so many disciples to leave, which was His intent. Jesus never tried to talk people into being saved. Instead He told them the truth - that they would have to walk a hard road if they wanted to be saved, and go through much hardship here before earning their reward in Heaven. Salvation isn't for wimps! (although today many preach as though it is, even though Jesus did the opposite.) Good Job!
Yep, if you were able to somehow climb out of His hand, then that would make God a liar, and we know He does not lie, ever! So it is impossible for you to lose your salvation. You can turn away from Him and ignore Him, but you cannot lose your salvation. You'd only lose your rewards and would know that He would be displeased with you. As for suicide, it is not unforgivable. There is only one unforgivable sin, the sin of not trusting Jesus for your salvation and hence not being saved. Since God cannot lie, there is no way you can lose your salvation, and no way Satan or his demons, or any human can cause you to lose it, not even you yourself.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Sept 30, 2016 13:42:24 GMT -5
Thank you so very very much Cindy!!! I did not look at any commentary so I was not sure if I was hearing from or being lead or taught by the Holy Spirit.
I was so encouraged when you agreed I was on the right track, because it was like you have been saying all along...
God Himself can teach me, I do not always need the 'experts' 'Bible scholars' ( not to say they are of no value.....)
just that God can teach even me, that was so comforting, thank you!!!
Oh I had to laugh....you were also so right (and funny) about the storms on the Sea of Galilee....God can make anything happen, anywhere at any time.
In fact, perhaps, the very fact, that sometimes, it is great for faith building, that a thing cannot be 'explained' by 'science'!!!
And the most comforting of all:
Yep, if you were able to somehow climb out of His hand, then that would make God a liar, and we know He does not lie, ever! So it is impossible for you to lose your salvation. You can turn away from Him and ignore Him, but you cannot lose your salvation. You'd only lose your rewards and would know that He would be displeased with you. "
That is perhaps the most thrilling of all....no I would not want God to be displeased with me ..... tho I managed to daily do that every single day....something displeasing.....(well more than one thing, gossip here, anger there, pride here, self-centeredness there, on and onand on)
But to 'know', that there is NOTHING, once we are saved, that can make us lose our salvation...
( again, I really hate my sins that make Jesus angry, or sad) but to know,
He will never give me up now..no matter what...
is beyond the most thrilling thing in all eternity......safe in His love...what joy and peace!!!
It also encourages me to fight the fight a little harder.....with His help.( in turning from sins).
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Sept 30, 2016 15:09:08 GMT -5
9/30/16
John 6: 60-71
Many Disciples Desert Jesus
So apparently there were many who didn't understand....but instead of trying to find out the truth and verify by asking Jesus, they instead make this statement:
v. 60 "On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?”
and based on their false assumption they:
v. 66 "From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him."
My comment to the Lord about this was it seems crazy for them to just up and leave, after at least some of them had gone thru many hardships in order to follow Him thus far.....and to do so without even asking Him if He would explain further because they were confused.
An application for me is to always ask! The worst that could happen is the Lord might refuse to explain, or He might delay for days, weeks, month, years or even decades.....but I believe He will answer a sincere question, so it costs me little to at least ask!!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Oct 1, 2016 13:28:12 GMT -5
10/1/16
John 7: 1-24
Jesus Goes to the Festival of Tabernacles
I did comment to Jesus that in a way, the fact His own human family
( as opposed to God the Father, and Holy Spirit),
did not believe in Him, must have hurt more ( in a way) than the general non-believing public)
v. 5 "For even his own brothers did not believe in him."
This first section has an application for me, that sometimes, it is best or okay, not to 'go public'....unlike the advise of Jesus brothers:
v.4 "No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret". (not that I want to be a public figure, but the idea for me is more like not blabbing every thought I might have, etc.
Jesus Teaches at the Festival
v. 15 "The Jews there were amazed and asked, “How did this man get such learning without having been taught?”
Of course, Jesus was and is God.....however, looking at this from a human perspective,
this is just one more encouragement and application, for me,
to not worry so much about not having theological training, because God Himself and teach me ( not that having theological training is wrong of course).
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Oct 2, 2016 11:47:32 GMT -5
10/2/16
John: 7: 25-43
Division Over Who Jesus Is
I first need to state the obvious, the world is still divided over who is Jesus.
And secondly, I need to mention something I forgot from yesterday's reading.
In v. 19 Jesus asks:
"Why are you trying to kill me?”
And they reply
v. 20 “You are demon-possessed,” the crowd answered. “Who is trying to kill you?”
I did ask the Lord ( something between a question and a statement)...why were you not extremely insulted they called you demon-possessed?
But today, I see in v.25 they say:
“Isn’t this the man they are trying to kill?"
Which seems strange because first the people call Jesus Demon-possessed for saying the authorities (Pharisees and chief priests) are trying to kill Him....
and then 2 minutes later,
they more or less admit, the leadership is trying to kill Him!!!
So just like today, some say He was a prophet, others say He was and is the Messiah, some want to believe He was nobody a liar or demon possessed,
but just as then, we all need to decide who Jesus is.....
As for me, I for sure want everything my Savior offered....like in v. 38, 39
"Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.
v.39 By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him ....”
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Oct 3, 2016 13:52:02 GMT -5
10/3/16
John 7: 45-53
I remember from another Bible study a long time ago that the Pharisees were wrong when they claimed in v.52 " Look into it, and you will find that a prophet does not come out of Galilee.”
So I looked it up ( thinking there was one prophet and was surprised to find out there were potentially 5!!!
They were:
1) Jonah....Jonah is the son of Amittai, and he appears in 2 Kings as a prophet from Gath-Hepher, a few miles north of Nazareth.
2) Nahum, is a little iffy it seems:
"Nahum, called "the Elkoshite," is the seventh in order of the minor prophets. His personal history is quite unknown. The site of Elkosh, his native place, is disputed, some placing it in Galilee, others in Assyria."
3) Hosea, also a little iffy
"Although it is not expressly stated in the Book of Hosea, it is apparent from the level of detail and familiarity focused on northern geography, that Hosea conducted his prophetic ministries in the Northern Israel of which he was a native."
Elijah, was born in Tishbe which seems to be in Galilee
and Elisha who was also from the Northern Kingdom (Galilee?)
For me the application is not to just trust blindly church leaders but verify!
What is astonishing is either the pharisees did not know this information, or they were being sarcastic, or out right lied.....none of these are good....so verify is the way to go.
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Post by Cindy on Oct 4, 2016 10:26:04 GMT -5
Thank you so very very much Cindy!!! I did not look at any commentary so I was not sure if I was hearing from or being lead or taught by the Holy Spirit.
I was so encouraged when you agreed I was on the right track, because it was like you have been saying all along...
God Himself can teach me, I do not always need the 'experts' 'Bible scholars' ( not to say they are of no value.....)
just that God can teach even me, that was so comforting, thank you!!!
Oh I had to laugh....you were also so right (and funny) about the storms on the Sea of Galilee....God can make anything happen, anywhere at any time.
In fact, perhaps, the very fact, that sometimes, it is great for faith building, that a thing cannot be 'explained' by 'science'!!!
And the most comforting of all:
Yep, if you were able to somehow climb out of His hand, then that would make God a liar, and we know He does not lie, ever! So it is impossible for you to lose your salvation. You can turn away from Him and ignore Him, but you cannot lose your salvation. You'd only lose your rewards and would know that He would be displeased with you. "
That is perhaps the most thrilling of all....no I would not want God to be displeased with me ..... tho I managed to daily do that every single day....something displeasing.....(well more than one thing, gossip here, anger there, pride here, self-centeredness there, on and onand on)
But to 'know', that there is NOTHING, once we are saved, that can make us lose our salvation...
( again, I really hate my sins that make Jesus angry, or sad) but to know,
He will never give me up now..no matter what...
is beyond the most thrilling thing in all eternity......safe in His love...what joy and peace!!!
It also encourages me to fight the fight a little harder.....with His help.( in turning from sins).
 I'm so glad I was able to encourage you! Yes, I daily do things that are displeasing to Him, but came to realize that there's a big difference between doing things that are displeasing to Him, that I'm trying to overcome, and having Him displeased with me because I refused to try, thus refusing Him. So never think that He is displeased with you because you sinned, He is pleased that you (and all the rest of us) are trying to overcome the sins with His help. Think about the disciples and later when they were apostles. They too sinned regularly, every day, and yet God didn't discipline them or get upset with them.
In fact, when Paul failed to win people to the Lord, and probably felt at his lowest, Jesus would appear to him and tell him he had done just fine! That's something I just recently realized as I've been studying Acts. For example: “The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”” (Acts 23:11) Paul was in Jerusalem and had been trying to tell the Jew's about Jesus (again) and before this, he'd constantly had problems with the Jew's everywhere he went; they tried to kill him and refused to listen to his testimony or give any credence to it. The Gentiles were saved, but not the Jew's and we know Paul longed for his fellow Jew's to be saved. So by now, he was feeling very low and like he'd let the Lord down. But the Lord came to him and instead of telling him to buck up and do his job better, He told him to "be encouraged", as that's the meaning of "take courage"! Then He told him that he would testify about Him in Rome...not like he'd been testifying to the Gentiles, but the same way he'd just been testifying to the Jew's in chapters 22 and 23! Therefore, Jesus was telling Paul that he had His full approval and wanted Paul to know he hadn't made any mistakes! In fact, He told Paul that what had happened and will happen was necessary! (that's the meaning of the word "must" in the scripture I posted. And He told him that his desire to go to Rome would be fulfilled, although not in the way Paul thought at the time. But even the fact that Paul winds up going as a prisoner, is done as a way for God to protect Paul. The centurion who had arrested him in Jerusalem was holding him for his own protection, he wasn't really a prisoner at all, he just couldn't leave the palace as they didn't want him to be killed. And the way he got out of Jerusalem was amazing because he had a military escort that was quite literally fit for a King! All of that to protect him from the Jews! God is just so incredible the way He encourages us and works things out! What He did for Paul, He does for us as well, every day!
9/30/16
John 6: 60-71
Many Disciples Desert Jesus
So apparently there were many who didn't understand....but instead of trying to find out the truth and verify by asking Jesus, they instead make this statement:
v. 60 "On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?”
and based on their false assumption they:
v. 66 "From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him."
My comment to the Lord about this was it seems crazy for them to just up and leave, after at least some of them had gone thru many hardships in order to follow Him thus far.....and to do so without even asking Him if He would explain further because they were confused.
An application for me is to always ask! The worst that could happen is the Lord might refuse to explain, or He might delay for days, weeks, month, years or even decades.....but I believe He will answer a sincere question, so it costs me little to at least ask!! 10/1/16
John 7: 1-24
Jesus Goes to the Festival of Tabernacles
I did comment to Jesus that in a way, the fact His own human family
( as opposed to God the Father, and Holy Spirit),
did not believe in Him, must have hurt more ( in a way) than the general non-believing public)
v. 5 "For even his own brothers did not believe in him."
This first section has an application for me, that sometimes, it is best or okay, not to 'go public'....unlike the advise of Jesus brothers:
v.4 "No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret". (not that I want to be a public figure, but the idea for me is more like not blabbing every thought I might have, etc.
Jesus Teaches at the Festival
v. 15 "The Jews there were amazed and asked, “How did this man get such learning without having been taught?”
Of course, Jesus was and is God.....however, looking at this from a human perspective,
this is just one more encouragement and application, for me,
to not worry so much about not having theological training, because God Himself and teach me ( not that having theological training is wrong of course).
10/2/16
John: 7: 25-43
Division Over Who Jesus Is
I first need to state the obvious, the world is still divided over who is Jesus.
And secondly, I need to mention something I forgot from yesterday's reading.
In v. 19 Jesus asks:
"Why are you trying to kill me?”
And they reply
v. 20 “You are demon-possessed,” the crowd answered. “Who is trying to kill you?”
I did ask the Lord ( something between a question and a statement)...why were you not extremely insulted they called you demon-possessed?
But today, I see in v.25 they say:
“Isn’t this the man they are trying to kill?"
Which seems strange because first the people call Jesus Demon-possessed for saying the authorities (Pharisees and chief priests) are trying to kill Him....
and then 2 minutes later,
they more or less admit, the leadership is trying to kill Him!!!
So just like today, some say He was a prophet, others say He was and is the Messiah, some want to believe He was nobody a liar or demon possessed,
but just as then, we all need to decide who Jesus is.....
As for me, I for sure want everything my Savior offered....like in v. 38, 39
"Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.
v.39 By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him ....”
10/3/16
John 7: 45-53
I remember from another Bible study a long time ago that the Pharisees were wrong when they claimed in v.52 " Look into it, and you will find that a prophet does not come out of Galilee.”
So I looked it up ( thinking there was one prophet and was surprised to find out there were potentially 5!!!
They were:
1) Jonah....Jonah is the son of Amittai, and he appears in 2 Kings as a prophet from Gath-Hepher, a few miles north of Nazareth.
2) Nahum, is a little iffy it seems:
"Nahum, called "the Elkoshite," is the seventh in order of the minor prophets. His personal history is quite unknown. The site of Elkosh, his native place, is disputed, some placing it in Galilee, others in Assyria."
3) Hosea, also a little iffy
"Although it is not expressly stated in the Book of Hosea, it is apparent from the level of detail and familiarity focused on northern geography, that Hosea conducted his prophetic ministries in the Northern Israel of which he was a native."
Elijah, was born in Tishbe which seems to be in Galilee
and Elisha who was also from the Northern Kingdom (Galilee?)
For me the application is not to just trust blindly church leaders but verify!
What is astonishing is either the pharisees did not know this information, or they were being sarcastic, or out right lied.....none of these are good....so verify is the way to go.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Oct 4, 2016 15:12:44 GMT -5
We haven't heard from Eva for awhile huh?
I am thinking she may be busy moving?
By the way we had to put our cat Sinbad down today....both vets said it was time...Sinbad, could not walk anymore, was in a lot of pain ( he never cried about pain, tho we know he was in pain from time to time...but he was crying all morning), he couldn't eat or drink, was incontinent, and had a seizure in the vets office, while we were waiting to see the vet.
So I am a bit sad. But God provided such super nice other pet owners as we waited in the lobby, and the vets were very nice as well!!
Anyway, as always thank you soooo much for all your replies. I am truly astonished that no other women other than Eve ( or men) have joined us...they are so missing out!!!
I have to admit there is a part of me, that is almost sort of glad, cuz I get your replies all to myself ( typical only child syndrome LOL)!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Oct 4, 2016 15:38:19 GMT -5
10/4/16
John 8:1-11
I noticed the Pharisees claimed the law said the woman caught in adultery should be stoned to death....
But they neglected to mention the full law of
Leviticus 20:10
10 “‘If a man commits adultery with another man’s wife—with the wife of his neighbor—
'BOTH' ( I put both in caps etc.)
the adulterer and the adulteress are to be put to death.
And so they only brought the woman, when they 'legally' should have brought the man as well.
But this has always been a great comfort to me ( tho I never committed physical adultery, I managed to commit plenty of other sexual sins so when Jesus says to the woman in v. 11:
“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
I am greatly comforted by His mercy and love.....so different than say Islam which to this day, would indeed stone her to death.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Oct 5, 2016 15:00:00 GMT -5
10/5/16
John 8: 12-46
Dispute Over Jesus’ Testimony
Dispute Over Who Jesus Is
Dispute Over Whose Children Jesus’ Opponents Are
This dispute over who Jesus is goes on to this day.
There are those who claim that Jesus never said He was God, but then what exactly do they think Jesus was saying in v. 23
v.23 "But he continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world."
And 2 of my favorite verses:
v. 32 "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
v. 36 "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. "
My application is since Jesus IS the Word ( the Bible) and the only true Truth....
continuing to read, study, meditate on the Word,
I will know more and more of Jesus and be free indeed!
and the 2nd half of this verse is pretty chilling:
v.47 "Whoever belongs to God hears what God says.
The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Oct 6, 2016 12:39:58 GMT -5
10/6/16
John 8: 48-58
Jesus’ Claims About Himself
Unbelievable!! The Jews ask Jesus isn't it true when they say He is a Samaritan and demon-possessed and even more so, Jesus actually answers the terrible insult and tells them:
v. 49 “I am not possessed by a demon,” said Jesus..."
He goes on to say:
v. 51 "Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death.”
Either not understanding or deliberately choosing to disbelieve
they again insult Jesus saying:
v.52 "52 At this they exclaimed, “Now we know that you are demon-possessed! Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that whoever obeys your word will never taste death."
My comment to Jesus was how can you stand the human race?
I know it is your great love and compassion....still
Anyway, my application is to ask for His help to obey His Word so I may never taste spiritual death...I know I won't since he saved me, but never the less, I want to obey His Word, because that would be the best for me, peace, joy, love, understanding, hope, compassion, true freedom, etc etc.
And once again those who think Jesus did not claim to be God must not have read theses verses:
v. 58 “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered,
“before Abraham was born, I am!”
( 'I Am' is what God told Moses to tell the Jews that He was The God....the Only God)
v. 59 At this, they picked up stones to stone him,..."
Jesus says He is the: I Am....
the Jews understood He was claiming He was God
they thought it was blasphemy...
and that is why they tried to kill Him this time.
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Post by Cindy on Oct 7, 2016 10:30:10 GMT -5
We haven't heard from Eva for awhile huh?
I am thinking she may be busy moving?
By the way we had to put our cat Sinbad down today....both vets said it was time...Sinbad, could not walk anymore, was in a lot of pain ( he never cried about pain, tho we know he was in pain from time to time...but he was crying all morning), he couldn't eat or drink, was incontinent, and had a seizure in the vets office, while we were waiting to see the vet.
So I am a bit sad. But God provided such super nice other pet owners as we waited in the lobby, and the vets were very nice as well!!
Anyway, as always thank you soooo much for all your replies. I am truly astonished that no other women other than Eve ( or men) have joined us...they are so missing out!!!
I have to admit there is a part of me, that is almost sort of glad, cuz I get your replies all to myself ( typical only child syndrome LOL)!
You're very welcome hon. I greatly enjoy getting to share the Lord's Word with you!10/4/16
John 8:1-11
I noticed the Pharisees claimed the law said the woman caught in adultery should be stoned to death....
But they neglected to mention the full law of
Leviticus 20:10
10 “‘If a man commits adultery with another man’s wife—with the wife of his neighbor—
'BOTH' ( I put both in caps etc.)
the adulterer and the adulteress are to be put to death.
And so they only brought the woman, when they 'legally' should have brought the man as well.
But this has always been a great comfort to me ( tho I never committed physical adultery, I managed to commit plenty of other sexual sins so when Jesus says to the woman in v. 11:
“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
I am greatly comforted by His mercy and love.....so different than say Islam which to this day, would indeed stone her to death.
10/5/16
John 8: 12-46
Dispute Over Jesus’ Testimony
Dispute Over Who Jesus Is
Dispute Over Whose Children Jesus’ Opponents Are
This dispute over who Jesus is goes on to this day.
There are those who claim that Jesus never said He was God, but then what exactly do they think Jesus was saying in v. 23
v.23 "But he continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world."
And 2 of my favorite verses:
v. 32 "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
v. 36 "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. "
My application is since Jesus IS the Word ( the Bible) and the only true Truth....
continuing to read, study, meditate on the Word,
I will know more and more of Jesus and be free indeed!
and the 2nd half of this verse is pretty chilling:
v.47 "Whoever belongs to God hears what God says.
The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.” 10/6/16
John 8: 48-58
Jesus’ Claims About Himself
Unbelievable!! The Jews ask Jesus isn't it true when they say He is a Samaritan and demon-possessed and even more so, Jesus actually answers the terrible insult and tells them:
v. 49 “I am not possessed by a demon,” said Jesus..."
He goes on to say:
v. 51 "Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death.”
Either not understanding or deliberately choosing to disbelieve
they again insult Jesus saying:
v.52 "52 At this they exclaimed, “Now we know that you are demon-possessed! Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that whoever obeys your word will never taste death."
My comment to Jesus was how can you stand the human race?
I know it is your great love and compassion....still
Anyway, my application is to ask for His help to obey His Word so I may never taste spiritual death...I know I won't since he saved me, but never the less, I want to obey His Word, because that would be the best for me, peace, joy, love, understanding, hope, compassion, true freedom, etc etc.
And once again those who think Jesus did not claim to be God must not have read theses verses:
v. 58 “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered,
“before Abraham was born, I am!”
( 'I Am' is what God told Moses to tell the Jews that He was The God....the Only God)
v. 59 At this, they picked up stones to stone him,..."
Jesus says He is the: I Am....
the Jews understood He was claiming He was God
they thought it was blasphemy...
and that is why they tried to kill Him this time.
 I felt like if she had been in my physical presence, that I should step away before I got hurt by the lightening that was surely coming! Then there was a guy who posted all the time and who specially defended against homosexuality. (I later discovered he'd been a homosexual before) and his other specialty was to defend against Catholicism. He'd post on that daily. Like many people who are against something so much, he would spend so much time looking for anything bad he could find about it, that eventually he wound up getting into conspiracy theories - first about the RCC, and eventually about lots of stuff. (that's often how it happens) And conspiracy theories are bad for the soul. (think about it: does anything in a conspiracy theory go along with what Philippians 4:8 tells us to allow in our thoughts?) Anyway, eventually he bought into those fully, and from there, he wound up deciding that it was the RCC that originally taught Jesus was God. That's so obviously not true, as it's what the bible teaches, not the RCC or protestants or anyone else. It's not a man made doctrine. Like Jesus told Peter, only the Father can reveal that to someone. (therefore, all who realize that Jesus is God, have heard from God the Holy Spirit at least about that,; whether or not they decided to accept His offer of salvation is another thing altogether.) During that time he also decided that Sodom's sin wasn't homosexuality, it was the lack of hospitality. Good grief! But you can see the damage that going overboard at being against things and being involved in conspiracy theories can do. After some time, I'm sad to say that I came to realize that this man had never been saved at all. He was simply into studying "information" and like most people preferred information that agreed with his preconceived ideas. It's why we're told “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.” (Colossians 2:8) Instead of his studies leading him to salvation, they led him to Satan. I have to admit that I've seen that happen more then just once or twice with people who posted regularly in the apologetics forum.
It wasn't until many years later that I realized that was why so many of them were so adamant that it was ok to attack their debate partners instead of the topic, regardless of what Jesus taught. So that when I laid down the law and said it would not be tolerated at all any longer, they all left rather than obey the rule and the Lord. (I didn't figure that out until many years after laying down that rule and forcing the issue) When I did figure it out, it made me glad that I had obeyed the Lord and insisted that He would be glorified even in the apologetics forum or there wouldn't be an apologetics forum. Since I've been on facebook, I've also discovered what others had told me for several years before on our old board: that some of the folks that we thought were Christians acted and spoke just like the world and nothing at all like a Christian when they were on facebook. In fact they post things there that show they know nothing of the Lord. You'd be surprised at who some of them are, at least I was. But you can tell if you think about those who never post on articles about God's Word or prophecy, or bible studies, but instead only posted in chat threads or things that were about the weather and things like that. (not that everyone who does that doesn't know the Lord, but it's one clue to look for) The only thing I've never figured out is why they'd want to post on a Christian board in the first place...and why they seem to think of themselves as Christians when they clearly aren't.... weird.
Well I'd better get going. I've got way too much to do today and am running super late already! Sorry I've been absent, but I've got so much work to catch up on it's not funny. Plus being exhausted isn't helping.... Hope you're feeling better!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Oct 7, 2016 15:15:18 GMT -5
Thank you for that great post Cindy. It was very helpful, because, I too have a bit of a tendency to lean to conspiracy theories, but I so appreciated the verses you suggested to reflect on.
I am surprised about the man that thought the Catholics that taught Jesus was God ( I sort of expect that from 7th day or Jehovah witnesses or Mormons etc.) but not someone who claims to be a full on Christian Christian ( rather than a 'christian'.... plus some other prophet or whatnot).
I was thinking about some of the people who claimed to be Christians but talked and acted like the world when in the world.....
I was wondering if perhaps most were never saved....
but yet some actually were?
I think I understood to you to say, that a person could be saved, but then live their life in sin, and yet would be saved as if by fire? They would not receive any crowns from the Lord and would know how much they had hurt Him by their life?
I am not saying that in hopes of living a life of sin ( but the problem is I still do....there are several besetting sins that for months or even a year will be gone, but then bam they come back when I am in a state of weakness, stress, or something and I am not on guard.
Every time, I ask forgiveness and that might be the very last time of which ever besetting sin it is....
and then,
it is gone again for a long time,
and again,
I am not on guard and so the cycle goes.
And they sometimes makes me wonder, once again, if I am really saved?
And those aren't even the daily sins of self-centerness, pride, anger, depression, greed, gossip, etc. etc.
I feel so blessed that I have you as a sister/friend etc. and that we have this particular thread going....which is to me the most important one.
It is the one hope ( well Jesus is the ONE hope) I cling to when I get overwhelmed with sins.....I sometimes feel like the folks you refereed to.
There were a few 'worldly' habits that Jesus did in fact take away almost immediately ( like swearing.....in college, I become a 'hippie' ( actually started on senior prom) and began to swear worst than a drunken sailor......
I never ( well maybe I slipped once or twice ) struggled with it since.
Also drinking ( getting fall down drunk) and drugs ( illegal ones) went by the wayside ( only once when I was in my 30's did I ever try pot again, and it was soooooooo awful that ended it forever!! And some others.
So why can't all other sins go away the same way?
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Oct 7, 2016 16:57:22 GMT -5
10/7/16
John: 9:1-34
Jesus heals a blind man
Instead of having joy, awe, compassion etc for this blind man from birth getting his sight.....the Pharisees instead nit pick about the fact it was done on the Sabbath!
Then the Pharisees decide to question as to if the man in fact was ever really blind.
Well, in a way, I can understand that at least, it's probably good to verify if someone claimed to perform miracles..... but they already knew Jesus and what miracles he had done.
So eventually they talk to the man himself and I love the man's reply:
v. 25 He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”
I can so relate to that!! Thank You Lord.
It's kind of funny, because the Pharisee grumble "...we don’t even know where he comes from.”
Like have they been living under a rock?
But then the man gives a great reply to that:
v. 30 "The man answered, “Now that is remarkable! You don’t know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes.
31 We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does his will.
32 Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind.
33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.”
And there you go the difference between magic/magicians and true Godly miracles!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Oct 8, 2016 13:45:56 GMT -5
10/8/16
John 9: 35-41
I imagine someone might at first think Jesus was only talking about physical sight and blindness.....but in fact, He was talking about Spiritual Blindness and Spiritual sight.
v. 38 "Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him.
39 Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.”
The former blind man believed and so now not only did he have physical sight which was no doubt a blessing to him, He now had the greater blessing of all, spiritual sight of the Lord Jesus.
I spoke with Jesus how He knows my eye sight ( physical) has always been poor, but I would rather have Him give me the blessing of full spiritual sight, than even full physical sight any day....and thanked Him.....for I would rather be almost blind as a bat ( super near sighted) now, and have spiritual sight for all eternity, than the other way around.
But I also thanked him that I can physically see. If I had a choice, I would rather not hear than be totally blind, but of course, I am grateful I have both! Well all 3 really as I am slowly getting spiritual sight too.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Oct 9, 2016 19:15:40 GMT -5
10/9/16
John 10: 1-21
The Good Shepherd and His Sheep
I have heard a lot of people blamed for Jesus death over the years: the Jews, the Romans, everyone etc.
And in one way they are all true in a sense, but there is also a way none are true because Jesus Himself tells us in v.17, 18
"17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again.
18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.
I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again."
The application for me is to follow Him...the good shepherd, when He calls me and not to follow another.
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Post by Cindy on Oct 10, 2016 11:14:02 GMT -5
Thank you for that great post Cindy. It was very helpful, because, I too have a bit of a tendency to lean to conspiracy theories, but I so appreciated the verses you suggested to reflect on.
I am surprised about the man that thought the Catholics that taught Jesus was God ( I sort of expect that from 7th day or Jehovah witnesses or Mormons etc.) but not someone who claims to be a full on Christian Christian ( rather than a 'christian'.... plus some other prophet or whatnot).
I was thinking about some of the people who claimed to be Christians but talked and acted like the world when in the world.....
I was wondering if perhaps most were never saved....
but yet some actually were?
I think I understood to you to say, that a person could be saved, but then live their life in sin, and yet would be saved as if by fire? They would not receive any crowns from the Lord and would know how much they had hurt Him by their life?
I am not saying that in hopes of living a life of sin ( but the problem is I still do....there are several besetting sins that for months or even a year will be gone, but then bam they come back when I am in a state of weakness, stress, or something and I am not on guard.
Every time, I ask forgiveness and that might be the very last time of which ever besetting sin it is....
and then,
it is gone again for a long time,
and again,
I am not on guard and so the cycle goes.
And they sometimes makes me wonder, once again, if I am really saved?
And those aren't even the daily sins of self-centerness, pride, anger, depression, greed, gossip, etc. etc.
I feel so blessed that I have you as a sister/friend etc. and that we have this particular thread going....which is to me the most important one.
It is the one hope ( well Jesus is the ONE hope) I cling to when I get overwhelmed with sins.....I sometimes feel like the folks you refereed to.
There were a few 'worldly' habits that Jesus did in fact take away almost immediately ( like swearing.....in college, I become a 'hippie' ( actually started on senior prom) and began to swear worst than a drunken sailor......
I never ( well maybe I slipped once or twice ) struggled with it since.
Also drinking ( getting fall down drunk) and drugs ( illegal ones) went by the wayside ( only once when I was in my 30's did I ever try pot again, and it was soooooooo awful that ended it forever!! And some others.
So why can't all other sins go away the same way?
The contrast between Abraham and Lot illustrates this truth (Gen. 12–19). Abraham believed God and obeyed when God called him from Ur of the Chaldees to go to a land about which he knew nothing. God led Abraham a step at a time, a day at a time; and wherever Abraham went, he pitched his tent (a pilgrim and stranger) and built his altar to God (a citizen of heaven). He was ready to obey. Lot, however, did not have the heart of a true pilgrim, although he was a saved man (2 Peter 2:7). He became fascinated with Sodom and started to move in that direction (Gen. 13:5–13). Abraham maintained his separated position, but Lot eventually moved into Sodom and was taken captive by the enemy (14:12). Abraham rescued his backslidden nephew, but Lot went right back into Sodom again. When the angels visited Sodom, they found Lot sitting in the gate, which indicates that he was now an official in the city (19:1). Lot forsook the tent and the altar, and everything he lived for went up in smoke when God destroyed Sodom. He was saved “yet so as by fire” (1 Cor. 3:15). Wiersbe, W. W. (1988). Be what you are: 12 intriguing pictures of the Christian from the New Testament
It's not just crowns we lose but rewards. God has much more for us than just crowns! What you say about old besetting sins happens to all of us. I think it's God's way of reminding us so that we don't forget and backslide into them again. So they are not besetting sins any longer because we don't do them all the time anymore, but just once in a great while. But God doesn't want us to forget the lessons we've learned in the past so in His mercy when they do pop up again, He reminds us of what they really are so that we won't fall into their trap again.
You have got to stop wondering if you're really saved. I've told you before, but I'll say it again: that's Satan's lie that is trying to trick you into becoming his slave again through fear. Our God does not give us a spirit of fear but a spirit of self control or as it's also translated, "of a sound mind". In other words, when you worry or wonder if you're really saved, you are not using the "sound mind" that God gave you, you are being tricked by Satan. That should make you angry!!!!! And it is going to continue to happen until you do what God tells us to do about such things. First to take that thought captive and replace it with the truth that you are saved and that your salvation has absolutely NOTHING to do with how good you are or how good you can be. it's only because of God's grace and mercy we're saved. Second, you need to have that belt of Truth on, which pulls everything in your life together by God's Truth, just a belt pulled their robes together around their waist. That means too that we cannot be double minded. We must live by faith in God's Truth, (which is using the shield of faith) not in the lies of Satan or the philosophy of this world, or our feelings. We have to remember that we have on the breastplate of righteousness - in other words, we have been clothed in the righteousness of Christ and that's how God sees us. God does not see us in the dirty rags of our life of sin any longer. He sees us robed with Christ's righteousness. Remember that you wear the helmet of Salvation which is what protects your head - your mind. Satan is a deceiver and we need to think like saved people and have the mind of Christ (2 Cor. 11:1–4) and remember our hope that He is coming again and will complete our salvation with new bodies and getting rid of our sin nature completely. Those are the weapons of true spiritual warfare and as long as you allow Satan to defeat you by getting you to wonder or worry about your salvation, you won't have the joy of victory you could have. It would probably be a good idea to note all this in your notebook so you can remind yourself of it frequently, as this seems to be much more a besetting sin than anything else for you right now.
Hon, our sins, (and I say "our" because i sin just as much as you do if not more!) won't be gone completely until Jesus comes for us or we go to heaven. We are human and will have to battle with sin, just like Paul and the apostles did, every day until then. That's why His coming is called "our blessed hope"! It's the huge blessing that will complete our salvation that we look forward to every day, knowing that it really could happen any time!
I don't say all this to make light of sin - God forbid! You must realize that only someone who is saved, hates sin even though we do it! Unsaved people could care less that they sin, unless it's something they're afraid they'll be caught at and get in trouble for, and then the only reason they care about it is because of the earthly consequences! On the other hand, those of us who are saved, hate to sin against the God who loves us and died for us. Oh, we can get caught up in sin and even still enjoy it to a certain extent because we're human, (that is if we allow ourselves to go that far) But eventually, we pay attention to the Holy Spirit who dwells within us and we confess our sin and repent of it. In fact, the more we grow in our faith, the more we hate sin, especially our own sin. When we allow ourselves to get involved with sin, we ignore the Holy Spirit (to our own peril) and we concentrate only on our sin, enjoying it's pleasures for as long as we can get away with it. In fact, I can remember a time when you did just that. But because you were saved, you finally paid attention to the Holy Spirit (and probably me yelling at you lol) and repented of your sin. Then I watched as over time you began to hate the sin that you had loved before. Really, honestly, we all have done that, not just you. Me too. Different sins perhaps, but still the same thing. We are really all the prodigal sons and daughter's of God, who when we finally listen to the Holy Spirit, decide to come back to our Father and ask Him for help, to take us even as His slaves. But because He loves us so much, He instead opens His arms wide and welcomes us back home as royalty! My besetting sin was having sex with Bruce outside of marriage, before Bruce and I were married. So you see my dear, you are not alone, but instead are human like all of us, like Paul, and Peter, and all the apostles were too. And yes, I can say that I believe you are saved and there's no doubt of it in my mind at all! 10/7/16
John: 9:1-34
Jesus heals a blind man
Instead of having joy, awe, compassion etc for this blind man from birth getting his sight.....the Pharisees instead nit pick about the fact it was done on the Sabbath!
Then the Pharisees decide to question as to if the man in fact was ever really blind.
Well, in a way, I can understand that at least, it's probably good to verify if someone claimed to perform miracles..... but they already knew Jesus and what miracles he had done.
So eventually they talk to the man himself and I love the man's reply:
v. 25 He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”
I can so relate to that!! Thank You Lord.
It's kind of funny, because the Pharisee grumble "...we don’t even know where he comes from.”
Like have they been living under a rock?
But then the man gives a great reply to that:
v. 30 "The man answered, “Now that is remarkable! You don’t know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes.
31 We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does his will.
32 Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind.
33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.”
And there you go the difference between magic/magicians and true Godly miracles!
10/8/16
John 9: 35-41
I imagine someone might at first think Jesus was only talking about physical sight and blindness.....but in fact, He was talking about Spiritual Blindness and Spiritual sight.
v. 38 "Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him.
39 Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.”
The former blind man believed and so now not only did he have physical sight which was no doubt a blessing to him, He now had the greater blessing of all, spiritual sight of the Lord Jesus.
I spoke with Jesus how He knows my eye sight ( physical) has always been poor, but I would rather have Him give me the blessing of full spiritual sight, than even full physical sight any day....and thanked Him.....for I would rather be almost blind as a bat ( super near sighted) now, and have spiritual sight for all eternity, than the other way around.
But I also thanked him that I can physically see. If I had a choice, I would rather not hear than be totally blind, but of course, I am grateful I have both! Well all 3 really as I am slowly getting spiritual sight too. 10/9/16
John 10: 1-21
The Good Shepherd and His Sheep
I have heard a lot of people blamed for Jesus death over the years: the Jews, the Romans, everyone etc.
And in one way they are all true in a sense, but there is also a way none are true because Jesus Himself tells us in v.17, 18
"17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again.
18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.
I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again."
The application for me is to follow Him...the good shepherd, when He calls me and not to follow another.
Again, I love your applications, you're doing that very well. I'm glad to hear that you're talking to him too.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Oct 10, 2016 17:31:41 GMT -5
I never really thought of this...you said:
"So they are not besetting sins any longer because we don't do them all the time anymore, but just once in a great while."
Somehow that was comforting ( not that its still sin, but it sin decreasing,and in some cases totally repented of and gone for good.....not even to snare me, when my guard is down.
Actually everything you said ( some you have said before of course) was comforting and helpful!! Thank you.
I am beginning to worry and/or wonder what happened to Eva?I know with her work shc couldn't always come every day without fail, but she was really doing pretty good I thought.
Then she mentioned moving and poof....
I will start looking for questions to ask....I still am not overly comfortable with that, so I do so appreciate your kindness, patience and encouragement. :-)
Did you know Leonard sent you PM about a Bible question he had? :-)
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Oct 10, 2016 18:37:55 GMT -5
10/10/16
John 10: 22-40
I love it that 2 times Jesus says in these verses that no one can snatch those that are His out of His hands.
I know there are some that are His, that then go and either get back into all manner of sins ( of course own their own) but also sometimes because some demon(s) are enticing them....but even so ( and we know it breaks Jesus heart) but tho they wander off like foolish sheep, if they truly belong to the Lord, no demon, nor satan himself will be able to have them for all eternity because ultimately, no one can really take them out of Jesus possession.
v. 31 says:
"Again his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him..."
Every time I read that I can't help but ask the Lord, how can you be so patient? Were you never tempted like James and John?:
Luke 9:54 "When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?”
Of course the answer is the next verse:
Luke 9:55 "But Jesus turned and rebuked them".
Again to those who try to say Jesus never claimed to be God
v. 30 "I and the Father are one.”
And in case the nay sayers try to explain that one away, one of the next verses makes it clear that the Jews also thought He claimed to be God!
v. 33 “We are not stoning you for any good work,” they replied, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.”
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Oct 11, 2016 15:01:09 GMT -5
10/11/16
John 11:1-16
The Death of Lazarus
I remember hearing a long time ago that we ought to let the Bible give the meaning of a word.....
and in this passage, there is a good example.
Some people when they read in the Bible of someone falling asleep, may think the meaning is natural sleep ( and it might), but not always such as in v.12
but v. 14 gives the correct definition.
v. 12 "His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.”
v. 13 Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep.
v. 14 So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead,....."
My application is in the next verse, which I know is at least in part, or mainly said, out of discouragement and/or a kind of disbelief.....
However, to me, it also shows a steadfast love and loyalty to the Lord Jesus and willingness to even die with Him.
v. 16 "Then Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”
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Post by Cindy on Oct 12, 2016 8:32:55 GMT -5
Sorry guys.... We spent all day yesterday at a couple of doctors, the lab and the pharmacy. Didn't get home till after 6pm.We were both exhausted. Bruce is still having migraines. He's sleeping now, but I'm hoping he'll be able to go to work soon. I've got to run as I have all of yesterdays chores and today's to do now.... I'll have to reply to your post tomorrow... I hope!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Oct 12, 2016 11:33:32 GMT -5
I am so sorry to hear Bruce is still suffering, and I am sure it is very wearing on your health too!!!
Just take your time....I was just thinking, that a few days here and there with nobody but me, could be a good thing, in that I am encouraged to stay the course
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,399
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Post by fearnot on Oct 12, 2016 14:21:05 GMT -5
10/12/16
John 11:17-37
Jesus Comforts the Sisters of Lazarus
When I start to fear the pain of death I should memorize and reflect on verses 25 & 26
v. 25 "Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.
The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;
v. 26 "and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
I am thinking someone might get confused and say, well everyone will live after they die.....but I think that being in Hell, is 'existing'and that without joy, love, creativity, beauty or anything else... and its even worse than all that...
it for sure, is nothing like really 'living', being in eternity with Jesus.
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Usually it's about then that I realize that I could have been thinking about Him and talking to Him all along as I certainly don't need the library for that! It's so embarrassing! I imagine He's used to it though. So don't be discouraged, just be grateful that you DO eventually realize it and then talk to Him! The only time to be upset would be if you don't realize it at all! 
I'm so glad I was able to encourage you! Yes, I daily do things that are displeasing to Him, but came to realize that there's a big difference between doing things that are displeasing to Him, that I'm trying to overcome, and having Him displeased with me because I refused to try, thus refusing Him. So never think that He is displeased with you because you sinned, He is pleased that you (and all the rest of us) are trying to overcome the sins with His help. Think about the disciples and later when they were apostles. They too sinned regularly, every day, and yet God didn't discipline them or get upset with them. 
I felt like if she had been in my physical presence, that I should step away before I got hurt by the lightening that was surely coming! Then there was a guy who posted all the time and who specially defended against homosexuality. (I later discovered he'd been a homosexual before) and his other specialty was to defend against Catholicism. He'd post on that daily. Like many people who are against something so much, he would spend so much time looking for anything bad he could find about it, that eventually he wound up getting into conspiracy theories - first about the RCC, and eventually about lots of stuff. (that's often how it happens) And conspiracy theories are bad for the soul. (think about it: does anything in a conspiracy theory go along with what Philippians 4:8 tells us to allow in our thoughts?) Anyway, eventually he bought into those fully, and from there, he wound up deciding that it was the RCC that originally taught Jesus was God. 
