fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397 
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Post by fearnot on Feb 21, 2017 18:08:30 GMT -5
Thank you for your thorough explanation of head knowledge verse heart.
I found this to be especially helpful:
"It would just be in my head if I acknowledged that His Word says He is always with me but I didn't act on the knowledge.
When I act on the knowledge by talking to Him, sharing my deepest thoughts and feelings with Him as well as superficial ones, it brings Him and His Word into my heart. "
I do that... some days waaay more often than other days ,
but for sure, almost certainly never as much as you....
So you are a great example to me, to be less rude. I do not do it because I think I have to, its because I really want to. I often when reading take to Jesus about something I read, sometimes to express how sorry I am because I was like the person I read, etc.
And I do talk to him about wildlife, housework, family and friends, whats going on in the world, and so on.
However, there is also too much time I am out right rude ( usually when talking with others....sometimes I will ask the Lord to come with me when I know I am going to talk to someone, and sometimes in the middle of a conversation, I remember the Lord and silently ask Him to give me words, or help that person know the truth to set them free......etc.
But I also forget toooo many times and just get involved in the conversation and leave Jesus standing there like He isn't there. I am going to work hard on that.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Feb 21, 2017 18:12:09 GMT -5
Eva: Thank you for letting us know what was going on in your life, I was beginning to get concerned.
I am so sorry you have been going thru such a rough patch of illness etc. in your life.
I forgot which town or city you are in? How are you liking it? You have been there awhile..a couple of months now, is that correct?
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Feb 21, 2017 18:25:29 GMT -5
I forgot to mention that not only did I not consult with Jesus when I did my cold turkey last year....but I was also fueled by being angry at my PCP,
and full of self-pity, and fear.
Thank you for your counsel to ask Jesus about foods, herbs, spices etc. as helps, but also pointing out so much of that is new age etc.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Feb 21, 2017 18:26:29 GMT -5
2/21/17
Acts 23:23=35
Paul Transferred to Caesarea
Wow! the commander really took the situation as a very serious one
he has 472 men to go with Paul to Felix at Caesarea and after reading the letter from the commander, Felix ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s palace.
Paul does not ever seem to get to live the life of ease and comfort, which makes me ashamed of my whining.
Well, Jesus did say in this life we would have trouble.....
He didn't promise health, wealth, comfort, fame etc.
He even said we would have to pick up our cross, and Paul certainly did that.
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Post by Cindy on Feb 22, 2017 13:18:53 GMT -5
Thank you for your thorough explanation of head knowledge verse heart.
I found this to be especially helpful:
"It would just be in my head if I acknowledged that His Word says He is always with me but I didn't act on the knowledge.
When I act on the knowledge by talking to Him, sharing my deepest thoughts and feelings with Him as well as superficial ones, it brings Him and His Word into my heart. "
I do that... some days waaay more often than other days ,
but for sure, almost certainly never as much as you....
So you are a great example to me, to be less rude. I do not do it because I think I have to, its because I really want to. I often when reading take to Jesus about something I read, sometimes to express how sorry I am because I was like the person I read, etc.
And I do talk to him about wildlife, housework, family and friends, whats going on in the world, and so on.
However, there is also too much time I am out right rude ( usually when talking with others....sometimes I will ask the Lord to come with me when I know I am going to talk to someone, and sometimes in the middle of a conversation, I remember the Lord and silently ask Him to give me words, or help that person know the truth to set them free......etc.
But I also forget toooo many times and just get involved in the conversation and leave Jesus standing there like He isn't there. I am going to work hard on that.
I forgot to mention that not only did I not consult with Jesus when I did my cold turkey last year....but I was also fueled by being angry at my PCP, and full of self-pity, and fear. Thank you for your counsel to ask Jesus about foods, herbs, spices etc. as helps, but also pointing out so much of that is new age etc.  I remember being shocked the first time I realized though that I had been worshiping myself when I did things like that. I'd never seen it that way before, but it's actually true according to what the Bible says. We put ourselves above God by deciding what we will or will not accept in our lives. (in this case, not having pain meds, and being in pain) When I examined my heart with the Lord's help, I was appalled at my sin and how grievous they were. First I saw stubbornness - the sin that Israel was constantly being reprimanded for! I was stubbornly refusing to accept any verdict about what was going to happen other than what I wanted. I also saw I was being judgmental and making assumptions about what doctors, insurance companies, etc were thinking or planning to do, and judging their hearts for it. Of course that brought up self righteousness, because I certainly wouldn't do something like that to another person! I was quite sure at the time that I was right about it all, including about what I was doing. Speaking of what I was doing, that was the sin of self realization - my claim to my right to live my life the way I want to, and/or my claim to be who I wanted to be, how I wanted to be, etc. and believing I had the power to implement it and make it happen. Of course, when we do things like what you did, we don't think it through and consider it like this. (if we did, maybe we wouldn't fall into sin so often) But, whether we like it or not, this is really what you were doing, and what I was doing when I pulled things like that. The other big one that got me was that I realized I was trying very hard to be my own savior. (self savior) Instead of looking to God for help, wisdom, etc. I turned back to myself. Put those things all together and you can then add, self centered instead of God $ others centered, self reliant instead of relying on God, self justification (vindicating myself, since I had to do that to keep my conscience quiet), self indulgent, self serving, self sufficiency, and of course the biggie, self pity which always seems linked with fear and worry. I was pretty ashamed of myself just realizing all the self sins involved. But I continued to look with the Lord's help and realized that I had allowed myself to be discontent with what was happening in my life - (remember, we're called to be content in all things at all times knowing God will work things out in the end) and that discontent led to being resentful, and even some bitterness. In a sense I was holding a grudge against the doctors and insurance companies etc, and I was keeping a list of the ways I'd been wronged or would be wronged (in my mind, not on paper), and we're told that love doesn't do that - and we're supposed to be walking in love. I was even being vengeful in a way. I was kind of saying, "here, you're going to do this to me, so this is what you're going to have to deal with then!" Sadly, as I'm sure you also discovered, the only people I hurt were myself and my husband who had to put up with me.
I hadn't reflected on what God's Will might be or what His Word said about the situation or how I should react to it, and certainly hadn't taken my negative thoughts captive and replaced them with the Truth. But to me, the worst things of all was that it showed me that I was being an idolator by putting myself about God and trusting myself before Him and that I was being doubleminded -saying I trusted God but not actually trusting; saying I believed all things would work out for my good, but doubting.  All of that just because I'd allowed myself to get caught up in this world and what looked like was happening, instead of trusting God and knowing that the spiritual world was much more "real" than this one, and that I had nothing at all to fear from this world as long as I was trusting God.
By the way, I'm sure you realize this, but for those who don't, when we examine ourselves with God's help, in the Light of His Word, that too is reflecting on His Word, and brings change, making us more like Christ.
So you're by no means alone in this. I'm pretty sure that we've all done things like this before. What's good is that when we realize that what we did was a sin, and the ways it was sinful, and confess it to the Lord, He can then use it to change us to be more like Christ so that we won't fall quite so far, so hard, or for so long, the next time. It can also actually help us to identify our sin at other times as well, so that we can repent and not do it again. It seems to me, that at least for myself, that the Lord has to show me these sins in myself over and over again in different kinds of situations before I begin to recognize them before I do something and so stop myself. It's like I could say afterward that I could recognize the sin and not do it again if I happened to start thinking of doing something similar to what you did again, but I couldn't recognize it if it was in a different kind of situation, like maybe when someone said or did something to me that made me angry....so I'd fall into that sin again, and have to be shown by the Lord. I know that the big thing is that I need to think and seek the Lord before I react to anyone or any situation, but knowing and doing so are two different things. I try, but still often fail.
2/21/17
Acts 23:23=35
Paul Transferred to Caesarea
Wow! the commander really took the situation as a very serious one
he has 472 men to go with Paul to Felix at Caesarea and after reading the letter from the commander, Felix ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s palace.
Paul does not ever seem to get to live the life of ease and comfort, which makes me ashamed of my whining.
Well, Jesus did say in this life we would have trouble.....
He didn't promise health, wealth, comfort, fame etc.
He even said we would have to pick up our cross, and Paul certainly did that.
 In fact, there are out right lies in his letter as well as lies of omission. It shows though something that still happens all the time today in government, the military and any business as well. People don't want to have to make the decisions, so they do all they can to pass off any problem to the next person in line so that it's not on their head if anything goes wrong.
This verse is very important: “I found that the accusation had to do with questions about their law, but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment.” (Acts 23:29) and we see similar verses like it every time there's a problem between Paul and the government officials. The reason this verse and those like it are so important is because it shows that whenever Christianity or the leaders of Christianity were accused before governmental officials, they were always acquitted and deemed innocent and that Rome didn't consider Christianity anything to fear. Those who did fear Christianity and the leaders were usually the Jew's and sometimes the gentile's like when the leader of the guilds that made idols accused Paul and started trouble for him, but never the governing officials.
“So the soldiers, carrying out their orders, took Paul with them during the night and brought him as far as Antipatris. The next day they let the cavalry go on with him, while they returned to the barracks.” (Acts 23:31–32) The commentaries say this was a march of about 30-40 miles, so pretty long. The reason the foot soldiers didn't continue with Paul after Antipatris is because that area was mainly Gentile, and the ground was open and flat so there wasn't much danger of a surprise attack.
“he said, “I will hear your case when your accusers get here.” Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s palace.” (Acts 23:35)
“ ‘after your accusers arrive’ ” This should have been the Jews from Asia who accused Paul in the Temple of bringing a Gentile into the restricted Jewish area. The fact that they did not appear should have resulted in a dismissal of the charges. But, as often happens, local politics affects justice! The Romans were kind to Paul while he was in their custody (cf. Adcts 24:23). Paul stayed in a palace built by Herod the Great, which had previously been used for his personal residence, but now had become Roman Headquarters. Luke the Historian
Let me share what one of my commentaries says about this chapter:
As you review the events recorded in this chapter, you cannot help but be impressed with the commitment of Paul to his calling. “None of these things move me!” (Acts 20:24) If ever a man dared to follow Christ, come what may, he was that man. Paul did not look for the easy way but for the way that would most honor the Lord & win the lost. He was even willing to become a prisoner if that would further the work of the Gospel. You are also impressed with the amazing providence of God in caring for His servant. “The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, & delivers them” (Ps. 34:7). “Let us trust in God, & be very courageous for the Gospel, & the Lord Himself will screen us from all harm.” wrote Spurgeon. God’s people can afford to be daring, in the will of God, because they know their Saviour will be dependable & work out His perfect will. Paul was alone—but not alone! His Lord was with him & he had nothing to fear. The Bible exposition commentary
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Feb 22, 2017 14:22:35 GMT -5
LOL How do I know for sure for sure....well of course there is a very very very slim possibility, but if I were a betting person, I would not bet on it, seriously???....the odds are slim to none LOL
I wrote down all that you wrote about the sins committed...I am actually thinking of apologizing to my PCP and mentioning those things...what do you think?
And this is what I really do need to do, for sure:
"actually reflect on His Word and discuss it with Him during the day. When we do that, whatever portion of scripture we discuss with Him moves into our heart more."
It's funny you must have mentioned it yesterday because I did muse on yesterday's reading a bit and I did talk with Jesus about it a little bit.
Today is going to be rather hard in a way because I have to both babysit for awhile ( I am going to show Devon where Jesus himself used the sword of the Spirit...the Word ( and He is was and shall be The Word)....because we had talked a few days ago about the Christian armor....
Also, I have to start cleaning apt. #4
before the 'guests' come on Friday.
Plus other stuff so I need to do my Bible study but while cleaning I can think on what I read and talk with Jesus about it.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Feb 22, 2017 14:38:31 GMT -5
2/22/17
Acts 24:1-27
Today, I am just going to read this passage thru once, and reflect on it during the day...
and then....
tomorrow.....
I will read read it,
and
comment
and find application etc.
But I am still not sure about what you said about the application...should I not write about what I see or find each day as an application?
I am a little confused, on what you said,
was rather about not have to write about how I did , in fact, apply the application ( or any application) of scripture to my life?
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Post by evafromgreece on Feb 22, 2017 16:41:54 GMT -5
Eva: Thank you for letting us know what was going on in your life, I was beginning to get concerned.
I am so sorry you have been going thru such a rough patch of illness etc. in your life.
I forgot which town or city you are in? How are you liking it? You have been there awhile..a couple of months now, is that correct? I am in Thessaloniki, the 2nd biggest city in Greece. I used to live here from 2004-2012, I studied also here, its like a 2nd home :) |
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Feb 23, 2017 10:49:59 GMT -5
Eva:
Now I remember.....but I didn't realize you lived there before!!
I looked at some images and there are a lot with a round sort of castle looking structure and also a 'unique' looking sculpture, have you seen those and what are they?
Of course, when I was reading about Paul visiting there, I looked at images more from the biblical times.
It is right on the ocean, so can you see or get to the ocean from where you are living?
Are you still staying with a friend?
Which town/city were you born in?
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Feb 23, 2017 11:42:00 GMT -5
2/23/17
Acts 24: 1-27
Paul’s Trial Before Felix
The the high priest Ananias shows up with a lawyer!!! Wow! Was he afraid of Paul's great mind ( and faith of course)?
Tertullus spends a lot of time buttering up Felix with all manner of praise.
Paul however, states the truth and facts.
one application from Paul's own defense is:
v. 16 "So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man."
*(as an aside...it was the above verse (16),
and
all that you so clearly helped me see concerning self-worship, stubbornness, being judgmental and making assumptions about my doctor's heart, etc etc that made me think I should perhaps apologize to my doctor for those things.)*
But it was the last verse, that seemed so sad to me, Felix actually spent what appears to be a lot of time talking with Paul. It would seem to me that in talking to Paul for two years time , Felix would not only be greatly blessed but have been converted.
I could be wrong but the last verse of ch. 24 gave me the impression he was not! Unbelievable!!! To have been able to talk to Paul for 2 whole years and not be moved???
v. 27 "When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison."
I would think if Felix had been converted, or even to have grown to care for Paul over those 2 years, he would not have left Paul in prison.
Yet, I think, it must have been God's will, because God wanted Paul to talk to more people of power, authority, influence etc.
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Post by Cindy on Feb 23, 2017 12:17:06 GMT -5
LOL How do I know for sure for sure....well of course there is a very very very slim possibility, but if I were a betting person, I would not bet on it, seriously???....the odds are slim to none LOL
I wrote down all that you wrote about the sins committed...I am actually thinking of apologizing to my PCP and mentioning those things...what do you think?
And this is what I really do need to do, for sure:
"actually reflect on His Word and discuss it with Him during the day. When we do that, whatever portion of scripture we discuss with Him moves into our heart more."
It's funny you must have mentioned it yesterday because I did muse on yesterday's reading a bit and I did talk with Jesus about it a little bit.
Today is going to be rather hard in a way because I have to both babysit for awhile ( I am going to show Devon where Jesus himself used the sword of the Spirit...the Word ( and He is was and shall be The Word)....because we had talked a few days ago about the Christian armor....
Also, I have to start cleaning apt. #4
before the 'guests' come on Friday.
Plus other stuff so I need to do my Bible study but while cleaning I can think on what I read and talk with Jesus about it.
 No, don't mention it to your doctor!!!! He'd just think you were having some kind of guilt trip and think you needed a psych again LOL. Seriously though, it's not a good idea to talk to him about it. At least not now. If the time ever comes that he actually asks you to cut back on your pain meds, THEN, and only IF you feel the Lord leading you to do so, you could mention that "this time you will remember to speak to the Lord about it first so that you won't be doing it in your own strength again like you did last time". But even if that happens, I wouldn't say any more than that about it, unless he asks you to explain it more. If he does, then I would be very careful to offer a very short explanation and again not say more unless he asks another question, and if he does, again keep my answers short and simple. Why? Because first, he can't understand what you're talking about. He's totally blind to spiritual truth. When speaking to a child who doesn't understand addition, you don't start out talking about addition, subtraction, and division etc. You keep your talk to the very bare basics and as simple as you can, knowing they still might not understand, but that later, the Lord might use it to help them begin to seek for the truth. Second, his questions, and how he understands your answers, are more likely going to be based on his medical understanding of things, not on a spiritual understanding - which he has none anyway. So he will interpret what you say based on worldly medical knowledge, not based on God's Truth. Third, he's likely to get aggravated and feel you're taking up a lot more of his time than he wants you to if you start explaining all this to him. He may not say so, he may even deny it, but he's got patients scheduled to see him every 15 minutes, and the longer he's with you, the further behind he gets and the later he'll get home. (all doctors schedule patients every 15 minutes, even when the appointment is supposed to last for 30 minutes or more - don't ask me why - I don't understand it either!) Fourth, the only person you need to talk to about this (about what you did, not about talking to your doctor) is the Lord, and you should discuss it very thoroughly with Him.
That's great that you discussed some with the Lord! What scripture were you guys talking about? I'd love to know! This is the most important step you can take hon. The more you do it, the more natural it will become to you. And since you already talk to Him about so many other things, this should be easy for you to get in the habit of doing.
Good for you! I love that you're already thinking about "when" you can talk to the Lord about what you studied! Awesome!
2/22/17
Acts 24:1-27
Today, I am just going to read this passage thru once, and reflect on it during the day...
and then....
tomorrow.....
I will read read it,
and
comment
and find application etc.
But I am still not sure about what you said about the application...should I not write about what I see or find each day as an application?
I am a little confused, on what you said,
was rather about not have to write about how I did , in fact, apply the application ( or any application) of scripture to my life? Hey guys. These past weeks were tough from me. After a week sick from gastroenteritis, a little later I was sick again with tonsillitis and at the some days before I got sick I had an accident. I went to the movies and after the screening ended I fell off the stairs. I cannot find the right words in English to explain exactly what happened, but the result was really painful... So these past weeks I wasnt online and I felt also emotionally sick from all these. But... I yesterday finished the book of 2nd Timothy and now I will move on. Eva: Thank you for letting us know what was going on in your life, I was beginning to get concerned.
I am so sorry you have been going thru such a rough patch of illness etc. in your life.
I forgot which town or city you are in? How are you liking it? You have been there awhile..a couple of months now, is that correct? I am in Thessaloniki, the 2nd biggest city in Greece. I used to live here from 2004-2012, I studied also here, its like a 2nd home :) Eva:
Now I remember.....but I didn't realize you lived there before!!
I looked at some images and there are a lot with a round sort of castle looking structure and also a 'unique' looking sculpture, have you seen those and what are they?
Of course, when I was reading about Paul visiting there, I looked at images more from the biblical times.
It is right on the ocean, so can you see or get to the ocean from where you are living?
Are you still staying with a friend?
Which town/city were you born in?
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Feb 23, 2017 23:53:15 GMT -5
Thank you for your reply Cindy. It's funny you mentioned 30 minutes, because before, I read your answer.....
I was thinking my next visit might be a good time because it will be 30 minutes. It will be back to back appointments, the yearly well check and a regular visit.
I saw Alex the PT today, and it sure is easier in many ways to talk with him, because he is a believer, and often will quote appropriate scripture for example, he was talking about how we need other believers ( i. e. a good bible believing church if possible).... and how Iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another etc.
But I didn't even tell him( not in part or whole)....ha instead, I had patience ( well, one day's worth.... waiting for your reply.)
I thought the same thing Greece seems very pretty. I always thought Ireland would be also...in some strange way they remind me of each other....maybe because both are surrounded by a lot of ocean, and both are 'green' (trees etc), both seem to have beautiful buildings...... tho Greece no doubt has the oldest of the two countries, and a lot more concerning scripture of course.
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Post by Cindy on Feb 24, 2017 10:49:01 GMT -5
Thank you for your reply Cindy. It's funny you mentioned 30 minutes, because before, I read your answer.....
I was thinking my next visit might be a good time because it will be 30 minutes. It will be back to back appointments, the yearly well check and a regular visit.
I saw Alex the PT today, and it sure is easier in many ways to talk with him, because he is a believer, and often will quote appropriate scripture for example, he was talking about how we need other believers ( i. e. a good bible believing church if possible).... and how Iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another etc.
But I didn't even tell him( not in part or whole)....ha instead, I had patience ( well, one day's worth.... waiting for your reply.)
I thought the same thing Greece seems very pretty. I always thought Ireland would be also...in some strange way they remind me of each other....maybe because both are surrounded by a lot of ocean, and both are 'green' (trees etc), both seem to have beautiful buildings...... tho Greece no doubt has the oldest of the two countries, and a lot more concerning scripture of course.
I did get to see a very tiny bit of Ireland. Our plane stopped over there for a couple of hours. The green there is incredible and unlike green anywhere else. That's the biggest thing I remember about it. That and that I badly wanted to be able to stay and really explore the whole place!
What's happening to your bible reading? You missed a few days last week (I think it was) although I'm not sure if you really missed your study time, or just missed writing about it, and now again today?
I know I generally take the weekends off from the internet, but I never take any day off from the Lord and His Word. That's something we should never do as it's again putting ourselves before the Lord, so I hope you just haven't written about it or that you'll take the time to study with Him later today if you haven't already.....
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Feb 24, 2017 12:35:53 GMT -5
Oh ....Alex and I joked about my PCP, just silly stuff ( not true even)...like we wouldn't want to get him upset ( I have never really seen my PCP angry in 16 years....).....we were being silly.
But I did wonder if I should talk even to Alex about the anger over pain meds...
because Alex had asked if I had ever been able to cut way back of stop at any point...
So I 'thought' about mentioning even to Alex, a bit more ( more about why I went cold turkey and include some of your insights....
but
I did not yesterday, I just waited, for your reply about talking to my PCP and I only just had a brief wonder about talking to my christian PT since we too have talked a lot about pain etc.
It was only one day that I did not post ( 2.22.17). I wrote that I would read the whole passage that day....
and I did read the whole passage but did not post...only one day tho.
and then on 2.23.17)
I posted about it ( which was the next day).
That is weird about yesterday post tho.....
every once in a while, I delete a word because it is a spelling error,
or I think it isn't necessary
or confusing,
or my computer sometimes will insert what I am writing some where else
not after the words I just typed but somewhere in the middle or the beginning of my text,
and I have to go find where it inserted my last words
and when I find it and try to delete it......
it will delete the whole thing!!!!!
But I have always noticed...but maybe I was so tired I just hit POST and never checked to see if there was anything...but then there should be a blank post at least
Or
I might have done some writing
and someone came to the door,
or hubby needed to find something in the kitchen
or
someone called
the wild cats started a fight and I went out to stop it before they got hurt
etc etc etc.
Then I forgot that I did not post, and sometimes my computer freezes and I have to turn it off and back on
or I just clicked that particular window off
(I usually have as many as 5 or 6 windows open at all times)
thinking I had done the online Bible study for the day???
BUT WAIT>>>>>>>>>>>........... isn't today Friday the 24th??????
soooo I may have mis- numbered!!!
I do that every now and then....
See I posted this on Thurs:
2/23/17
Acts 24: 1-27
Paul’s Trial Before Felix
The the high priest Ananias shows up with a lawyer!!! Wow! Was he afraid of Paul's great mind ( and faith of course)?
Tertullus spends a lot of time buttering up Felix with all manner of praise.
Paul however, states the truth and facts.
one application from Paul's own defense is:
v. 16 "So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man."
*(as an aside...it was the above verse (16),
and
all that you so clearly helped me see concerning self-worship, stubbornness, being judgmental and making assumptions about my doctor's heart, etc etc that made me think I should perhaps apologize to my doctor for those things.)*
But it was the last verse, that seemed so sad to me, Felix actually spent what appears to be a lot of time talking with Paul. It would seem to me that in talking to Paul for two years time , Felix would not only be greatly blessed but have been converted.
I could be wrong but the last verse of ch. 24 gave me the impression he was not! Unbelievable!!! To have been able to talk to Paul for 2 whole years and not be moved???
v. 27 "When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison."
I would think if Felix had been converted, or even to have grown to care for Paul over those 2 years, he would not have left Paul in prison.
Yet, I think, it must have been God's will, because God wanted Paul to talk to more people of power, authority, influence etc."
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<,
I still am confused.....
I think I only missed posting, just one day, but as I stated, I was going to read all of the chapter the day I did not post.....
and I did...
and then I posted about it yesterday
So did you think I missed some other days??????
I really didn't think I missed any other days?
If there seemed to be one or two last week...it could have been I put the wrong date in....I have done that before arrrggghhh
I really really think the only day I missed posting ( but not reading scripture, was Wed of this week
and
no others)
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Feb 24, 2017 20:45:26 GMT -5
2/24/17
Acts 25: 1-12
Paul’s Trial Before Festus
Yet another ruler who wanted to do the Jews a favor.
I realized tho that even tho Felix had two years with Paul and was not converted, and Festus wanted to do the Jews a favor, maybe this is not so surprising after all, because the people had 3 years of Jesus's ministry and yet many did not convert when the son of God, himself was available.
But I noticed that Paul availed himself to all the proper legal channels, but I think the application, is not only is that okay.....but the reason behind it....to proclaim to gospel to those in high places and in authority.
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Today I watched the movie with Devon, you mentioned:
Steven's Test of Faith..
The part about Tyndale ( who was eventually martyred for his faith, but then a year or two later the king allowed the bible to be translated in some way reminds me of Paul in this passage.
Tyndale's dying prayer was that the King of England's eyes would be opened; this prayer seemed to find its fulfillment just two years later, with Henry's authorization.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Feb 25, 2017 16:10:57 GMT -5
2/25/17
Acts 25: 13-27
Festus Consults King Agrippa
Festus bring King Agrippa up to speed as he understands the situation
How hard it must be for an unbeliever to even begin to understand the issue at hand:
v. 18 "...his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected.
19 Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive. "
Paul Before Agrippa
v. 23 "The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp...."
LOL well that could have been an application for me, but I doubt I am ever going to be in the situation where I might have so much money, authority, pride etc. as to come with great pomp .....that I should avoid....only Jesus deserves such!
However, in one way, Festus can be an example for me to follow and apply to my life, in that, in front of the King and everyone, he tells the truth:
v. 25 "I found he had done nothing deserving of death..."
v.27 "I think it is unreasonable to send a prisoner on to Rome without specifying the charges against him.”
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Feb 26, 2017 18:21:16 GMT -5
2/26/17
Acts 26:1-32
In this passage Paul gives his defense to King Agrippa.
A couple of things come to mind....everything Paul said, surely the Jews knew ( even those parts they did not like)....but they had to know
V.22 ".....I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen—
23 that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.”
I have to wonder then, why did they hate Paul so much?
Was it their pride, greed, rebellion, sin, anger and hated Of Gentiles.....even tho, they KNEW what was God's heart, and plan?
Paul is an example to me by how he replied to Festus ,
who yelled Paul was insane ( tho greatly learned)
v. 25 “I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable.
Instead of shouting back, it's you dummy who is insane ( LOL)....
he actually calls Festus......most excellent!!
At the end both Agrippa and Festus agree Paul is not guilty ( this is beginning to sound familiar)
v. 32 “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.”
32 Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
I so admire Paul's determination to whatever the Lord would have him do, even continue on to his death.
If I had heard them say that about me, I would have been impossible to console....I would have berated my foolishness demanding to appeal to Caesar!!
But I think Paul knew their response ( of him not being guilty), had been possible all along,
but his purpose remained steadfast:
v. 22 "But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike."
He needed to continue to testify now to the great ( having done so already to the small) and then to die and go and be with the Lord.
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Post by Cindy on Feb 27, 2017 10:21:09 GMT -5
I've been sick all weekend and am still feeling yucky. The kids are coming over today since I was sick before. I was hoping I'd feel better by now. Oh well, I'll still enjoy seeing them. I need to go though so I can rest while I can. Sorry guys...
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Feb 27, 2017 14:45:05 GMT -5
Cindy; fear not
I am not feeling too great either....
We cleaned the apt for our landlord and that always ( well, often) takes several days to recover from.
Oh we went to church yesterday and I like the new pastor a lot better. I still had trouble with the praise and worship band being waaaay to loud for my ears....oh well maybe will sit way in the back next time.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Feb 27, 2017 15:20:01 GMT -5
2/27/17
Acts 27: 1-12
Paul Sails for Rome
This lists many places they sailed
but
v. 10 & 11
is where an application comes in
"10 “Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.” 11 But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship."
It makes all the sense to follow the advise of someone who loves and prays to the Lord than an so called expert in the secular world....
But I have a strong feeling that,
since the centurion followed the advise of the owner of the ship,
which probably seemed sensible and logical, in that, the owner knew the sea, whereas Paul was not a sailor.....
is not going to turn out well....because Paul know the creator of everything, and the God who knows everything....that trumps all human experience and knowledge, but sometimes people insist on learning the hard way....
As for me, I will stick with what the Lord says ( unless for some stupid reason I sin or rebel....then I too may have to learn the hard way...
so I purpose, to do my best, to follow Godly advise.
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Post by Cindy on Feb 28, 2017 11:36:57 GMT -5
Oh ....Alex and I joked about my PCP, just silly stuff ( not true even)...like we wouldn't want to get him upset ( I have never really seen my PCP angry in 16 years....).....we were being silly.
But I did wonder if I should talk even to Alex about the anger over pain meds...
because Alex had asked if I had ever been able to cut way back of stop at any point...
So I 'thought' about mentioning even to Alex, a bit more ( more about why I went cold turkey and include some of your insights....
but
I did not yesterday, I just waited, for your reply about talking to my PCP and I only just had a brief wonder about talking to my christian PT since we too have talked a lot about pain etc.
It was only one day that I did not post ( 2.22.17). I wrote that I would read the whole passage that day....
and I did read the whole passage but did not post...only one day tho.
and then on 2.23.17)
I posted about it ( which was the next day).
That is weird about yesterday post tho.....
every once in a while, I delete a word because it is a spelling error,
or I think it isn't necessary
or confusing,
or my computer sometimes will insert what I am writing some where else
not after the words I just typed but somewhere in the middle or the beginning of my text,
and I have to go find where it inserted my last words
and when I find it and try to delete it......
it will delete the whole thing!!!!!
But I have always noticed...but maybe I was so tired I just hit POST and never checked to see if there was anything...but then there should be a blank post at least
Or
I might have done some writing
and someone came to the door,
or hubby needed to find something in the kitchen
or
someone called
the wild cats started a fight and I went out to stop it before they got hurt
etc etc etc.
Then I forgot that I did not post, and sometimes my computer freezes and I have to turn it off and back on
or I just clicked that particular window off
(I usually have as many as 5 or 6 windows open at all times)
thinking I had done the online Bible study for the day???
BUT WAIT>>>>>>>>>>>........... isn't today Friday the 24th??????
soooo I may have mis- numbered!!!
I do that every now and then....
See I posted this on Thurs:
2/23/17
Acts 24: 1-27
Paul’s Trial Before Felix
The the high priest Ananias shows up with a lawyer!!! Wow! Was he afraid of Paul's great mind ( and faith of course)?
Tertullus spends a lot of time buttering up Felix with all manner of praise.
Paul however, states the truth and facts.
one application from Paul's own defense is:
v. 16 "So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man."
*(as an aside...it was the above verse (16),
and
all that you so clearly helped me see concerning self-worship, stubbornness, being judgmental and making assumptions about my doctor's heart, etc etc that made me think I should perhaps apologize to my doctor for those things.)*
But it was the last verse, that seemed so sad to me, Felix actually spent what appears to be a lot of time talking with Paul. It would seem to me that in talking to Paul for two years time , Felix would not only be greatly blessed but have been converted.
I could be wrong but the last verse of ch. 24 gave me the impression he was not! Unbelievable!!! To have been able to talk to Paul for 2 whole years and not be moved???
v. 27 "When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison."
I would think if Felix had been converted, or even to have grown to care for Paul over those 2 years, he would not have left Paul in prison.
Yet, I think, it must have been God's will, because God wanted Paul to talk to more people of power, authority, influence etc."
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I still am confused.....
I think I only missed posting, just one day, but as I stated, I was going to read all of the chapter the day I did not post.....
and I did...
and then I posted about it yesterday
So did you think I missed some other days??????
I really didn't think I missed any other days?
If there seemed to be one or two last week...it could have been I put the wrong date in....I have done that before arrrggghhh
I really really think the only day I missed posting ( but not reading scripture, was Wed of this week
and
no others)
I'm so glad you didn't miss any days hon. It's most likely me. I've been very sick for almost 2 weeks, feeling worse every day till this past weekend. It leveled out then and I haven't felt worse since then but haven't felt any better either - except when the Lord steps in to help me. When I get like that, my brain just doesn't work right. I'm very sorry if I upset you or caused you any pain.  2/24/17
Acts 25: 1-12
Paul’s Trial Before Festus
Yet another ruler who wanted to do the Jews a favor.
I realized tho that even tho Felix had two years with Paul and was not converted, and Festus wanted to do the Jews a favor, maybe this is not so surprising after all, because the people had 3 years of Jesus's ministry and yet many did not convert when the son of God, himself was available.
But I noticed that Paul availed himself to all the proper legal channels, but I think the application, is not only is that okay.....but the reason behind it....to proclaim to gospel to those in high places and in authority.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Today I watched the movie with Devon, you mentioned:
Steven's Test of Faith..
The part about Tyndale ( who was eventually martyred for his faith, but then a year or two later the king allowed the bible to be translated in some way reminds me of Paul in this passage.
Tyndale's dying prayer was that the King of England's eyes would be opened; this prayer seemed to find its fulfillment just two years later, with Henry's authorization.
I hope you enjoyed the movie. I didn't watch the movies as I didn't have time to, but only listed the ones that looked like they might be good. I'm actually surprised you were able to watch it as I thought the trial was over by now.
2/25/17
Acts 25: 13-27
Festus Consults King Agrippa
Festus bring King Agrippa up to speed as he understands the situation
How hard it must be for an unbeliever to even begin to understand the issue at hand:
v. 18 "...his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected.
19 Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive. "
Paul Before Agrippa
v. 23 "The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp...."
LOL well that could have been an application for me, but I doubt I am ever going to be in the situation where I might have so much money, authority, pride etc. as to come with great pomp .....that I should avoid....only Jesus deserves such!
However, in one way, Festus can be an example for me to follow and apply to my life, in that, in front of the King and everyone, he tells the truth:
v. 25 "I found he had done nothing deserving of death..."
v.27 "I think it is unreasonable to send a prisoner on to Rome without specifying the charges against him.”
2/26/17
Acts 26:1-32
In this passage Paul gives his defense to King Agrippa.
A couple of things come to mind....everything Paul said, surely the Jews knew ( even those parts they did not like)....but they had to know
V.22 ".....I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen—
23 that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.”
I have to wonder then, why did they hate Paul so much?
Was it their pride, greed, rebellion, sin, anger and hated Of Gentiles.....even tho, they KNEW what was God's heart, and plan?
Paul is an example to me by how he replied to Festus ,
who yelled Paul was insane ( tho greatly learned)
v. 25 “I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable.
Instead of shouting back, it's you dummy who is insane ( LOL)....
he actually calls Festus......most excellent!!
At the end both Agrippa and Festus agree Paul is not guilty ( this is beginning to sound familiar)
v. 32 “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.”
32 Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
I so admire Paul's determination to whatever the Lord would have him do, even continue on to his death.
If I had heard them say that about me, I would have been impossible to console....I would have berated my foolishness demanding to appeal to Caesar!!
But I think Paul knew their response ( of him not being guilty), had been possible all along,
but his purpose remained steadfast:
v. 22 "But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike."
He needed to continue to testify now to the great ( having done so already to the small) and then to die and go and be with the Lord.
Cindy; fear not
I am not feeling too great either....
We cleaned the apt for our landlord and that always ( well, often) takes several days to recover from.
Oh we went to church yesterday and I like the new pastor a lot better. I still had trouble with the praise and worship band being waaaay to loud for my ears....oh well maybe will sit way in the back next time. 2/27/17
Acts 27: 1-12
Paul Sails for Rome
This lists many places they sailed
but
v. 10 & 11
is where an application comes in
"10 “Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.” 11 But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship."
It makes all the sense to follow the advise of someone who loves and prays to the Lord than an so called expert in the secular world....
But I have a strong feeling that,
since the centurion followed the advise of the owner of the ship,
which probably seemed sensible and logical, in that, the owner knew the sea, whereas Paul was not a sailor.....
is not going to turn out well....because Paul know the creator of everything, and the God who knows everything....that trumps all human experience and knowledge, but sometimes people insist on learning the hard way....
As for me, I will stick with what the Lord says ( unless for some stupid reason I sin or rebel....then I too may have to learn the hard way...
so I purpose, to do my best, to follow Godly advise.
Good application.
I hope you'll be able to start on your other thread sometime soon.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Feb 28, 2017 13:49:51 GMT -5
Oh Nooooo I totally forgot about the other thread, I am sooo sorry!! That just keeps happening.
Yes, maybe we can get baptized with this new pastor.
I would like to go a time or two more.....
and Leonard is still taking antibiotics
and has yet to do the colonoscopy ( which really needs to get done soon).
We have been having our landlord coming from Portland and staying for 3 or 4 days ( he is doing a LOT of work, and has all manner of workers, and he depends on Leonard for many things ( letting electricians, roofers, worker bees etc. etc. in cuz we hold the keys etc.)
It's hard to think with all the noise and interruptions sigh!
And it is going to go on for a few more mts at least.
Yesterday was kind of a bad day. I wanted to at least do a few of the simple exercises for my back that Alex wanted me to do.....but I discovered that in part the bronchiectasis along with the sleep apnea can often make exercise very difficult and I have a bit of trouble breathing, start coughing etc.
I may ask Alex if I ought to try using an inhaler first.
Anyway, I just did NOT feel good and slept a lot and that was a bummer.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Feb 28, 2017 14:07:31 GMT -5
2/28/17
Acts 27: 13-26
The Storm
Soooo a tremendous hurricane that lasted for days hit, until all the men but Paul thought they were going to die.
Paul tells them, they will not but the ship will be lost
the angel that told Paul this also said to Paul:
24 and said, ‘Do not be afraid...."
Well, that is an application I have wanted to apply since forever, so I will continue to muse on why god is trustworthy and nothing can happen to me or anyone until and unless He allows or ordains it.
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Post by Cindy on Mar 1, 2017 12:02:00 GMT -5
Oh Nooooo I totally forgot about the other thread, I am sooo sorry!! That just keeps happening.
Yes, maybe we can get baptized with this new pastor.
I would like to go a time or two more.....
and Leonard is still taking antibiotics
and has yet to do the colonoscopy ( which really needs to get done soon).
We have been having our landlord coming from Portland and staying for 3 or 4 days ( he is doing a LOT of work, and has all manner of workers, and he depends on Leonard for many things ( letting electricians, roofers, worker bees etc. etc. in cuz we hold the keys etc.)
It's hard to think with all the noise and interruptions sigh!
And it is going to go on for a few more mts at least.
Yesterday was kind of a bad day. I wanted to at least do a few of the simple exercises for my back that Alex wanted me to do.....but I discovered that in part the bronchiectasis along with the sleep apnea can often make exercise very difficult and I have a bit of trouble breathing, start coughing etc.
I may ask Alex if I ought to try using an inhaler first.
Anyway, I just did NOT feel good and slept a lot and that was a bummer.
What else happened to make your day bad or was it just that? I'm sorry you had such a bad day though.
I hope Leonard is able to have that procedure done soon and get it over with. At least then he won't have to think about it anymore.
As far as your other thread goes, just do it when you can. It's waited this long, so a few more days aren't going to matter.
2/28/17
Acts 27: 13-26
The Storm
Soooo a tremendous hurricane that lasted for days hit, until all the men but Paul thought they were going to die.
Paul tells them, they will not but the ship will be lost
the angel that told Paul this also said to Paul:
24 and said, ‘Do not be afraid...."
Well, that is an application I have wanted to apply since forever, so I will continue to muse on why god is trustworthy and nothing can happen to me or anyone until and unless He allows or ordains it.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Mar 1, 2017 15:45:16 GMT -5
Yesterday was a start of a flareup and last night was worse, did not get to sleep until about 4:30 ish ,
and when I woke up was in a lot of pain ...
I felt immediately depressed ...
until
I prayed, and took thoughts captive, but I was really overwhelmingly down for a few minutes.
Leonard will call about colonoscopy prob after he see nurse tomorrow ( I think he will be done with antibiotics by then).
So I think his plan is to see if his foot is okay ( for now anyway)...
and then
get scheduled of colonoscopy....
they were really really anxious he do it immediately but that has not worked out so far....
trying to take antibiotics and do the fast and do the surgery all at the same time....not so much.
the antibiotics make his stomach upset even with food,
without food if he were fasting, might be too big a stretch.....but hopefully he will get cleared tomorrow.
Yeah, I will use the inhaler first.
I actually thought of that, AFTER I wrote you. LOL
I had JUST thought of using it,
because I was having a lot of trouble breathing while trying to do a simple exercise...
and had yet to really think it thru....
but thank you for the encouragement!!
I forgot to mention, after I prayed and took thoughts captive, I was much better....the depression went away, but I did take some pain meds which also helped.
I think the combo of a flareup ( way more pain)
AND
the increased bronchiectasis giving me trouble ( it has been very minor, with just some coughing)
was what added to my renewed low ( and not as good sleep too).
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Mar 1, 2017 16:02:36 GMT -5
3/1/17
Acts 27: 27-44
The Shipwreck
This 'storm' went on for 2 weeks!!!!!
Paul thwarted an escape and encouraged everyone (276 people)to eat...
Paul prayed over the bread..
( I was thinking of life...Jesus....and said they all would live).
Everyone survived but the ship was broken up.
And what you wrote today ( on yesterday's passage)
pretty much sums up my application for today's passage:
"I think I'll chose to listen to the Lord and not the world LOL because when we do that, there's no reason to fear anything, and when we don't, we have every reason to fear!"
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Mar 2, 2017 14:22:23 GMT -5
3/2/17
Acts 28: 1-10
Paul Ashore on Malta
The incident with the snake biting Paul shows a general fickleness of people, at first they assumed he was a murderer, but when he did not swell up and die, they decided he was a god.
But Paul is an example of being an ambassador for Jesus, when he went to the home of the chief official and prayed for the sick father.
My application is to remember whether I am seen as bad or good,
my application and goal is, to glorify Jesus and proclaim the gospel ( even thru kind, compassionate behavior)
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Post by Cindy on Mar 3, 2017 12:17:37 GMT -5
Yesterday was a start of a flareup and last night was worse, did not get to sleep until about 4:30 ish ,
and when I woke up was in a lot of pain ...
I felt immediately depressed ...
until
I prayed, and took thoughts captive, but I was really overwhelmingly down for a few minutes.
Leonard will call about colonoscopy prob after he see nurse tomorrow ( I think he will be done with antibiotics by then).
So I think his plan is to see if his foot is okay ( for now anyway)...
and then
get scheduled of colonoscopy....
they were really really anxious he do it immediately but that has not worked out so far....
trying to take antibiotics and do the fast and do the surgery all at the same time....not so much.
the antibiotics make his stomach upset even with food,
without food if he were fasting, might be too big a stretch.....but hopefully he will get cleared tomorrow.
Yeah, I will use the inhaler first.
I actually thought of that, AFTER I wrote you. LOL
I had JUST thought of using it,
because I was having a lot of trouble breathing while trying to do a simple exercise...
and had yet to really think it thru....
but thank you for the encouragement!!
I forgot to mention, after I prayed and took thoughts captive, I was much better....the depression went away, but I did take some pain meds which also helped.
I think the combo of a flareup ( way more pain)
AND
the increased bronchiectasis giving me trouble ( it has been very minor, with just some coughing)
was what added to my renewed low ( and not as good sleep too).
I hope Leonard is doing better too and that his foot is completely healed. That can be so difficult with diabetes.
The world, our flesh, and Satan love to try and make us or keep us depressed and when people live with pain, it would be a very easy road out. We hear all the time that depression can easily be part of living with pain. I feel especially bad for any christian who believes that. While it is normal to be depressed when you live with pain, it's only normal for unbelievers, not those of us who have the Lord of all creation living within us, helping us. Sure, it hurts. It hurts a lot and it requires a lot of mental and spiritual energy to overcome and keep going. But we realize that we have a choice. We can get depressed and live that way for the rest of our life, blaming everything on God, our pain, our illness, the doctors, lack of pills, or the wrong pills, and everything else we can think of - and by doing so make everyone around us miserable too. Some will even leave us because of that, and then we can blame them as well. And those who don't leave us, certainly won't enjoy being around us, because who likes being around someone who's always down? Or we can choose to smile through the pain, trust that God is using every bit to make us more like Christ and to give us even more amazing rewards in heaven, and of course that He will help us.
You know what really amazed me though? When I went to be tested to determine how disabled I was - 25%, 50%, 100% etc. the lady doing the testing stopped me toward the end and told me she was really confused about me. Just before this, she'd gone into her office for a bit and I'd taken a break and gone in the bathroom and cried because I was hurting so much. When I was done, i washed my face, put on a smile and went out and sat down to wait for her. That's when she came out and told me she was confused. I asked her what was confusing and she told me it was my smile! I think I just stared at her for a few seconds and wouldn't be surprised if my mouth was hanging open too. I really truly couldn't believe it. She said she had never ever seen anyone who was in pain like that, smile. She just couldn't get over it and couldn't understand why I would smile for any reason. When I realized she was being honest, I explained to her that it was a choice I made. I explained that when someone gets the flu, we don't expect that person to smile and act like they're enjoying it until they get better. The same for any other short term illness. If someone breaks their leg, we don't expect them to smile either - at least not until the pain is gone. But when someone has to live with pain every single day for the rest of their lives, people don't understand when they don't smile. They might put up with it for a few days or even possibly a week or two, but after that, they expect us to be "normal", because we look normal. That's not right or fair, but that's how it is.
Knowing that, and also knowing that when we don't smile, we don't feel well mentally or emotionally or spiritually. Instead we feel anywhere from slightly off to just plain sick or bad when we don't smile. I explained to her that I didn't want to feel that way on top of the pain, nor did I want to cause others to feel badly because of my pain. Instead, I wanted to do all I could to make myself feel as good as I could, and smiling was a very simple way of doing that. Smiling is like a medicine, and the only side effects are good ones. Laughing is the same way. So that was why I purposely smiled as much as I possibly could, in spite of the pain I was in. She understood what I said, and seemed thoughtful about it too. But when I saw my doctor after that, he told me he had gotten her report and showed me what she wrote. Sure enough, she had included her "concerns" that I could smile! She didn't say I was faking the pain and didn't allow my smiling to cause her to say I wasn't completely disabled, but simply mentioned it because it was so unusual. In fact, in her words, "unheard of". That's a really, really sad commentary on just how messed up people are today, isn't it?
3/1/17
Acts 27: 27-44
The Shipwreck
This 'storm' went on for 2 weeks!!!!!
Paul thwarted an escape and encouraged everyone (276 people)to eat...
Paul prayed over the bread..
( I was thinking of life...Jesus....and said they all would live).
Everyone survived but the ship was broken up.
And what you wrote today ( on yesterday's passage)
pretty much sums up my application for today's passage:
"I think I'll chose to listen to the Lord and not the world LOL because when we do that, there's no reason to fear anything, and when we don't, we have every reason to fear!"
Before leaving this exciting section of Acts, we should note some practical lessons that it teaches us. First of all, storms often come when we disobey the will of God. (Jonah is a good example of this truth.) However, it was not Paul who was at fault, but the centurion in charge of the ship. We sometimes suffer because of the unbelief of others. Second, storms have a way of revealing character. Some of the sailors selfishly tried to escape, others could only hope for the best; but Paul trusted God and obeyed His will. Third, even the worst storms cannot hide the face of God or hinder the purposes of God. Paul received the word of assurance that they needed, and God overruled so that His servant arrived safely in Rome. Finally, storms can give us opportunities to serve others and bear witness to Jesus Christ. Paul was the most valuable man on that ship! He knew how to pray, he had faith in God, and he was in touch with the Almighty. The Bible exposition commentary
The entire 276 “came through safe to land.” The angel’s word was fulfilled (v. 24), and that in spite of everything that worked to the contrary even to the very last. The Interpretation of the Acts of the Apostles
3/2/17
Acts 28: 1-10
Paul Ashore on Malta
The incident with the snake biting Paul shows a general fickleness of people, at first they assumed he was a murderer, but when he did not swell up and die, they decided he was a god.
But Paul is an example of being an ambassador for Jesus, when he went to the home of the chief official and prayed for the sick father.
My application is to remember whether I am seen as bad or good,
my application and goal is, to glorify Jesus and proclaim the gospel ( even thru kind, compassionate behavior)
“His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him.” (Acts 28:8)
Many pass lightly by Paul’s praying as if this conveyed nothing special regarding Paul and the miracle, as if it was similar to a pastor’s prayer for the sick. But Paul prayed exactly as Peter did in Acts 9:40 in order to learn the Lord’s will concerning this desperately sick man. The apostles never healed at will; they performed miracles only on the Lord’s or the Spirit’s intimation. So here Paul prayed not for the sick man but for himself: did the Lord intend to heal this man through Paul or did he not? And the Lord directed Paul to heal. Forthwith the miracle was wrought. The Interpretation of the Acts of the Apostles
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Mar 3, 2017 12:57:32 GMT -5
I really appreciated your talking about smiles and laughter even in the midst of terminal pain ( what I mean is it may last until this life is over).
I watched a Ted talk on youtube of a man born with a extreme terrible face ( many over the top disfigurements).
His mother at first could not even bear to look at him and left him in hospital but eventually after a few mts having talked to other children they brought him home.
He did have about 2 dozen operations but still his face is what most folks would call very ugly ( nose made out of a toe because he lost both legs ( from the knees down I think).
Anyway, to make a long story short, at 14 doctors offered to do a whole bunch more surgeries to make him far more presentable...
But...in moving his eyes again, one ( of many) possible complication might be he would lose his eyesight.
At this point a brother who had said nothing during this family discussion, finally asked:
What good would it be if he were (pretty, handsome...I forgot the exact word), if he could never see it?
He decided at that moment to own his face....he didn't bring God into his talk but I felt it was still a lesson, because it reminded me of you telling me about a friend who was not beautiful, but in fact, was beautiful.
It did not take long to over come, the less than movie star handsomeness of this man, and see real character and actually beauty of a quick mind, sense of humor, kind spirit ( and I am thinking if not now, someday a child of God....certainly I pray so).
I think that some days when I awake my first thought/feelings are pain, old, lack of purpose, even inability to glorify or do anything for the Lord, tired, and so on.
I would love if someday you could write a bit.....talking the words of Phil 4 and give some examples of your own musings
on each word, like:
Noble
We are to think on what is noble. I know our first thoughts of all those words would be how Jesus was ( and is).
But if we were to expand our thinking on those
what is truly noble in life? ( other than God....well nothing would be perfectly)
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Mar 3, 2017 13:18:48 GMT -5
3/3/17
Acts 28: 11-31
Paul’s Arrival at Rome
Paul then travels up the coast of Italy til he comes to Rome, where he was allowed to live by himself with a soldier to guard him.
Paul Preaches at Rome Under Guard
But of course, being Paul, it only took him 3 days to start preaching again....in a few days he preached from morning to evening!!!
Oh to be like Paul:
v. 30 "For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him.
31 He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!"
Well, there is an application...
but one I will never ( most likely) be able to copy,
but then...
that was God's purpose for Paul...
and for me...
to do whatever He might wish, for whatever life, and quality of life, I have left.
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I remember being shocked the first time I realized though that I had been worshiping myself when I did things like that. I'd never seen it that way before, but it's actually true according to what the Bible says. We put ourselves above God by deciding what we will or will not accept in our lives. (in this case, not having pain meds, and being in pain) When I examined my heart with the Lord's help, I was appalled at my sin and how grievous they were. First I saw stubbornness - the sin that Israel was constantly being reprimanded for! I was stubbornly refusing to accept any verdict about what was going to happen other than what I wanted. I also saw I was being judgmental and making assumptions about what doctors, insurance companies, etc were thinking or planning to do, and judging their hearts for it. Of course that brought up self righteousness, because I certainly wouldn't do something like that to another person! I was quite sure at the time that I was right about it all, including about what I was doing. Speaking of what I was doing, that was the sin of self realization - my claim to my right to live my life the way I want to, and/or my claim to be who I wanted to be, how I wanted to be, etc. and believing I had the power to implement it and make it happen. Of course, when we do things like what you did, we don't think it through and consider it like this. (if we did, maybe we wouldn't fall into sin so often) But, whether we like it or not, this is really what you were doing, and what I was doing when I pulled things like that. The other big one that got me was that I realized I was trying very hard to be my own savior. (self savior) Instead of looking to God for help, wisdom, etc. I turned back to myself. Put those things all together and you can then add, self centered instead of God $ others centered, self reliant instead of relying on God, self justification (vindicating myself, since I had to do that to keep my conscience quiet), self indulgent, self serving, self sufficiency, and of course the biggie, self pity which always seems linked with fear and worry. I was pretty ashamed of myself just realizing all the self sins involved. But I continued to look with the Lord's help and realized that I had allowed myself to be discontent with what was happening in my life - (remember, we're called to be content in all things at all times knowing God will work things out in the end) and that discontent led to being resentful, and even some bitterness. In a sense I was holding a grudge against the doctors and insurance companies etc, and I was keeping a list of the ways I'd been wronged or would be wronged (in my mind, not on paper), and we're told that love doesn't do that - and we're supposed to be walking in love. I was even being vengeful in a way. I was kind of saying, "here, you're going to do this to me, so this is what you're going to have to deal with then!" Sadly, as I'm sure you also discovered, the only people I hurt were myself and my husband who had to put up with me. 
All of that just because I'd allowed myself to get caught up in this world and what looked like was happening, instead of trusting God and knowing that the spiritual world was much more "real" than this one, and that I had nothing at all to fear from this world as long as I was trusting God. 
In fact, there are out right lies in his letter as well as lies of omission. It shows though something that still happens all the time today in government, the military and any business as well. People don't want to have to make the decisions, so they do all they can to pass off any problem to the next person in line so that it's not on their head if anything goes wrong. 
No, don't mention it to your doctor!!!! He'd just think you were having some kind of guilt trip and think you needed a psych again LOL. Seriously though, it's not a good idea to talk to him about it. At least not now. If the time ever comes that he actually asks you to cut back on your pain meds, THEN, and only IF you feel the Lord leading you to do so, you could mention that "this time you will remember to speak to the Lord about it first so that you won't be doing it in your own strength again like you did last time". But even if that happens, I wouldn't say any more than that about it, unless he asks you to explain it more. If he does, then I would be very careful to offer a very short explanation and again not say more unless he asks another question, and if he does, again keep my answers short and simple. Why? Because first, he can't understand what you're talking about. He's totally blind to spiritual truth. When speaking to a child who doesn't understand addition, you don't start out talking about addition, subtraction, and division etc. You keep your talk to the very bare basics and as simple as you can, knowing they still might not understand, but that later, the Lord might use it to help them begin to seek for the truth. Second, his questions, and how he understands your answers, are more likely going to be based on his medical understanding of things, not on a spiritual understanding - which he has none anyway. So he will interpret what you say based on worldly medical knowledge, not based on God's Truth. Third, he's likely to get aggravated and feel you're taking up a lot more of his time than he wants you to if you start explaining all this to him. He may not say so, he may even deny it, but he's got patients scheduled to see him every 15 minutes, and the longer he's with you, the further behind he gets and the later he'll get home. (all doctors schedule patients every 15 minutes, even when the appointment is supposed to last for 30 minutes or more - don't ask me why - I don't understand it either!) Fourth, the only person you need to talk to about this (about what you did, not about talking to your doctor) is the Lord, and you should discuss it very thoroughly with Him. 
!!
