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Post by Cindy on Apr 20, 2017 9:26:59 GMT -5
Starting a new thread for us here.Before I talk about some of the things you mentioned, I don't want to forget about on first waking up.
All of the things I mentioned and you so lovingly and kindly talked about, but yet still there is an aspect, that is hard to describe......
It truly 'seems' like it does not even involve any thought or thoughts......
It 'appears' to me like a sense of doom, gloom,
sometimes like helpless hopelessness.....
That is before, I cry out to Jesus and/or wrong actual thoughts creep in.
I am pretty sure you will not cotton to my 'theory'....but I have often wondered if ( and honestly this is not from a pity poor me....but a real wondering)
I wonder if because from being a baby to almost 6 and never knowing when the next day would come to be uprooted, leave whatever place and people I was with, to a whole new set.....
that somehow I learned a bad habit of gloom and doom, of lack of trust, and feeling of being unlovable or very bad......and each time it happened and because no one ( at least, I don't remember)
told me it was not the case.....
I not only waited for the next hammer to drop
and
then
I for sure also began to feel sorry for myself,
had pity parties, etc.
So that even when I got to my adopted parents, I still continued in that so much, that eventually,
I didn't want to wake up.....I was afraid and angry, and bitter....
and eventually 'depressed' but the thoughts of 'why' I was afraid etc. went away, and just the gloomy down unhappy to face a morning remained?
Really tho I went to lots of psychs in the past,
none of them were of any help....
it's only been from talking with you and looking at the sin, and from God's perspective and some actual real ways to truly be able to overcome, that I have felt I might have victory over the darkness with Jesus help.
for decades I had no real way of fighting it.....not really because I needed Biblical ways, and God's help.
Even tho I did read, and study to Bible, I don't recall much at other bible studies that specifically dealt with this specific issue....other sins yes,
but not some nebulous nefarious hard to explain,
sense of gloom in the morning...along with all the other things we talked about...physical pain, not being able to do all I hope to accomplish etc etc.
I will do another post for the neat other things you posted because this was kind long winded LOL
I think your theory is probably correct Barbara and I think the Lord led you to realize that. If you remember, we did talk about how past thoughts and feelings can stay with us for a long time and color the way we view things and how we feel. So what you're describing is exactly like that and you explained it very well. Sadly, because you hung on to that for so many years, it may take time for it to go away completely and for you to accept the changes the Lord has made within you, so that the old feeling is replaced with a new good one. It depends on you and the Lord really, and how much time you spend in His Word daily. That's one of the reasons I've constantly mentioned that the more time you spend in His Word, the faster the changes happen, since it's His Word that changes us. In view of what you've told me, I think making a commitment to the Lord to consciously choose to say and believe that "this is the day the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it", each morning when you wake up, will eventually help you overcome it. I don't mean it will help by itself, but along with being in His Word daily and talking to Him about it. What do you think? I'm curious too as to why you thought I wouldn't agree with what you thought? You know yourself much better than I ever can and the Lord speaks to you just as He does to me.....One of the things that occurred to me about your mentioning how pain can effect even the young......was little Liam having major surgery at 4 days old!! I don't know ( but I pray it will be true)
if he will heal and be perfectly fine afterward,
but I wondered since the surgeon said it was like connecting a fire hose to a straw....if he might have digestive problems for awhile or even all his life? maybe you have some insight to set my worries and fears at ease about that?
Anyway, one neat positive thing you said about waking up was that God still has something for us to do.....it may be we can't do much physically, but prayer can be a very powerful thing....and I was thinking being a prayer warrior is quite and honor!!
Another cool thing was you said, Jesus was waiting for us to get up to spend time with us!!!
Wow! What an amazing thought!!!
That is certainly a not gloomy thought....I wish someone had told me that years ago! So thank you so much!!
The reminder that Jesus had no physically 'beauty' was also very helpful!
I wish you could expand on that more also.....about the world's beauty....
You know, it seems to be that even in Christian fiction novels.....the woman and men main characters are 99% beautiful....oh a few don't think they are,
but we soon learn that they are in fact, drop deal gorgeous!!
Not only that, they may have a grandmother who is 'sweet', Godly, kind, quotes scripture and is wise etc. but almost always she is also plump, wrinkled,
grey-haired, ...I understand that is just stating 'facts'.....but why do they always have to put almost more, or a lot, of focus on how old and frumpy, they are?
Couldn't they show more of the beauty you talked about the friend you knew who at first was NOT pretty but within an hour with her, you began to see her as 'beautiful'......as God sees the elderly?
Anyway.....it just seems like the world's standard of beauty is even in Christian novels...novels which in ever other way, have great example of Biblical principals.
Which reminds me....even tho scripture says Jesus was not 'beautiful' almost all paintings depicting him do have him as mostly handsome, strong, manly,
even 'beautiful' in some.....and the same in most movies etc.
I like very much how you explained God did not need our praise....like some egotistical being....WE need to praise...just like prayer is for our benefit....God already know, what we need and everybody else....He allows us the privilege and honor to be able to in some way join with Him and be with Him and communicate with Him.
Oh and it was also so helpful when you said we are not our bodies.
But why do so many people like to look at 'beauty'?
I do know that beauty ( some beautiful people) can be arrogant, cruel, even more self-centered than most, but also, they may be more fearful of losing their beauty so they must spend most of their time on maintaining....
kind the same way if you have a beautiful home and furniture and cars etc.
A person has to spend sooooooo much time on up keep,
that they don't have time to live,
and enjoy their home,
family, friends, etc.
I miss Eva.....its beginning to feel like she isn't coming back....I know she is really probably still struggling mightily with work, and so on.....
A part of me, loves having you all to myself.....but that is selfish and I really do so miss her,
yet I know people have left for one reason or another
and then
in a year so, they are back....
so I need to be patient.
Yes! Praying for others is a very serious and very honorable job! I remember after I got hurt and was beginning to get worse and had to start dropping out of things at church cause I couldn't do them anymore, I was talking about it with one of the elders and told them that as painful as it was to not be able to do the things I used to do at church like being on the worship team etc, that no matter what happened, there was one thing that Satan couldn't take from me and that was my ability to pray. I was absolutely determined that nothing would ever stop that because even if i got so bad that I couldn't get out of bed, I could still pray. And that's what I've done ever since. Although I rarely get out of the house, usually only once a week when we do the shopping, I pray for people I see on the street, or in the store, just whoever the Lord points out to me. I pray for the people I hear about on the news and the people Bruce works with. He tells me all that happens at his job every day, including who's sick, who's having family problems etc. then of course I still pray for you and all the regular members of FH and some that aren't regular members - again, whoever the Lord leads me to pray for. Then there's my neighbors and of course my own family, and the body of Christ in general. And my daughter is always calling me asking me to add people to my prayer list. Even Elijah and Grace ask me to pray for their teachers and friends, so i do. So the list is very long. 
Yes, Jesus can't wait for us to wake up and spend time with Him every day. He just loves us so very much! I wanted to ask you before I forget, are you adding the things like this to your notebook so you won't forget them?
Concerning Christian authors and beauty - we have to remember that the authors, like us are also in various stages of their walk with the Lord. None of us is perfect and none of us will be until we get to Heaven. There may well be an author who shows beauty the way God does, but you may not have discovered them yet. I actually have read books where the author showed how a woman who wasn't beautiful according to the world standards, did seem that way to others because of who she was inside. It's hard for us to truly understand godly beauty when all we've been exposed to is earthly or worldly beauty. Plus, just as importantly, remember what the Lord tells us that we will find exactly what we are searching for. if we are searching to find ugliness, then that's what we'll find. If we are searching for beauty, then that's what we'll find. That's true even when we're reading a fiction book. See a lot of what you see as ugliness, others, including me, see as beautiful. If I allowed myself to dwell on it, I'd feel cheated that my hair isn't completely grey and that I don't look like the typical grandmother. I still look like I always have. What you see as ugly, I see as the way grandmas are supposed to look and the way my grandma looked. I little plump, grey hair and yes, even some wrinkles - to me that's grandma and grandma's equal love and love is beautiful. So you see how the way you feel about something colors what you see and think even when reading a fiction book. You see ugliness where others see love and beauty. God calls grey hair a crown, and I can't wait till I get mine! I'm 10 pounds overweight according to the world - well more then that even according to the world, but I don't care what the world says, because I know my Father made my body and it's comfortable at this weight. And besides that, my husband loves me even at this weight, so why should I worry about it? I don't lol. (but I used to before the Lord taught me otherwise)
Worldly beauty is one of the idols that many Americans have, just like others have the idol of money, power or fame. (or all the above) When I see people that the world considers beautiful, I don't see them that way at all. I see the poisonous lies they've accepted and what it's done to them. To me, beautiful is someone without makeup who you can see is innocent of those lies, someone who, like a child, accepts themselves the way the Lord made them and simply enjoys the life they've been given.
4/19/17
Psalm 63
Because I have already blabbed on and on
and
I have an early doc appointment tomorrow I may keep this a bit short
Still I love verse 3..... I know it is the absolute truth.....God's love IS better than life!!
and so another reason for giving Him glory....and in v. 4 for praising Him!!
3 Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.
4 I will praise you as long as I live,And v. 5 mentions singing...it was funny the other night a for maybe the first time sang to Leonard a refrain of a hymn and he said: "what a nice voice you have"
I was really stunned...I did not think so....I thought, I had the right tempo, timing and correct words.....but nice voice?????
v. 7...there I go....I can sing to Him in the shadow of His wings LOL
In fact, I was thinking ( and later even said to Leonard) well, I think maybe Jesus appreciated my child-like effort at singing a psalm to Him ( and to Leonard)
( it was the "wash me and I will be whiter than snow one)
Maybe in Heaven He will give me a truly lovely voice to sing to Him?
I also am pretty tired because today I had to clean the B& B apt ...a lot of it on my own.....usually Leonard and I do it together.....he did help but he had a ton of things he had to do today
Anyway.....I am tired and achy and have to get up early to go to doc. sooooo
Yes, because His love is better than life is so very true.... we need to always remember that and really know that deep inside.
“My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.” (Psalm 63:5)
Jesus was being accosted by the Tempter—Satan himself—when he cited this passage, “Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”” (Matthew 4:4)
Fittingly, Jesus hadn’t eaten for forty days. No doubt, food was his primary need. But in the midst of near starvation, he said that there was something more important than food: to be strengthened by the Spirit of God as he rested on the very words of the Father. Spiritual food can seem unsatisfying at first, but have you ever had someone say to you, “I love you”? Wouldn’t you gladly pass on a buffet in order to hear such words? In Jesus’ case, this spiritual food was more important than physical life itself. Now we begin to understand how God remains faithful to his promises even when his people go hungry. The physical food points to something better. The apostle Paul often went hungry but he saw absolutely no contradiction between that and God’s generous care for his truest needs. Paul knew that, no matter how well fed, the physical body was inevitably going to die. But a fed spirit is satisfied for this life and the life to come. To make it more personal, if Paul had God, what else did he really need? Heart of the matter
As I was going over my memory verses today, it occurred to me that one of them might be really good for you and so would the verse that comes after it. Let me share them with you and you can decide if they might help you.
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”” (Galatians 2:20–21) When I read those verses, it reminds me that I live for Christ, not myself, and that He is living in me giving me what I need to live this life. The second one reminds me that although I still sin, even though I try not to, it's because righteousness can't be gained by my trying, but only through Christ who lived a perfect life for me. What do you think? Would it help you to remember these?
You can skip to psalm 65 next if you want and we'll just continue from there.
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Post by Cindy on Apr 20, 2017 9:46:04 GMT -5
Just so you know, I also copied the last few replies to the other thread "the joy of the lord" fresh-hope.com/thread/3256/joy-lord-strength so that we'd always be able to find them as they're specifically about how you feel when you wake up and are things to help you with that.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383 
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Post by fearnot on Apr 20, 2017 18:15:33 GMT -5
I guess I thought you wouldn't agree because it was too self-centered thinking and even if true, I 'should have' overcome it years ago......
But of course, like I said, even in some very wonderful Bible studies in the past....that particular issue never came up.....tho many many other helpful, and useful things were covered.
But THE most precious Bible study for me, has been with you.
The others were good, one even very good.....but they can't even come close to your wonderful one on one tailored to my hurts, pains, self-centeredness, wrong thinking etc. However, you explain everything with such care, such gentleness, truly loving, always based on God's word etc. that I have never ever been able to figure out why you don't have thousands of Christians beating down you web site door, begging to be able to do Bible study with you?????
It is such a mystery to me...it makes no sense to me at all, that you don't have hundreds, nay thousands wanting you to lead a Bible study with them?
It is on a much smaller scale but reminds of me the same absolute total mystery as to why every human being that ever existed would not want Jesus to save them for all eternity......I understand people thinking, they are not worthy ( none of us are), I even understand, people being confused for a time, and even angry at God for circumstances in their lives ( I understand, i am not saying it is right.....not at all.....but I understand it).....but what sane person would not want the God of all creation to love them and save them for all eternity????? Its insane.....maybe a person might think that God doesn't love them.....but still their heart's desire would be that somehow, God would take pity on them.....otherwise its insanity.
I, once again, have not been writing in my journal....it is right near me too....no excuse....
So I need to get back to it!!!
But probably not today. Yesterday, Leonard was not able to help me clean the Vacation rental apt. for Landlord much and I spent over 6 hours cleaning in such a way, it really inflamed my right arm, so that I couldn't sleep last night, even with pain meds....just waaaay over the top.
I had to go back today after my doc appointment, and finish some small cleaning......
Leonard is getting an MRI for his toe as I am writing.
Oh sort of funny good news
Michael, our son sent me an e-mail, in which he said:
"I never thought I would ever be excited about a poop!
But Liam has had his first poop ever, which is a good sign"!!!
I wish I knew what the Christian novels were that had the main female character not be a super beauty,
but yet, is thought of as being beautiful ( like you said, just physically because she doesn't wear a ton of makeup, but more so because of her character,
and most of all because the fact she is with the Lord often each day, lends her a beauty, no amount of make-up could ever begin to reach.
Since, I still need to type about the Bible study,
I am not going to write much more because keeping my arm, hands and shoulders in the typing, searching etc. extended hurts on just an average normal day.....but I am still hurting a lot from yesterday, and really would just like to lay down......sigh!
now I am doing a poor pitiful me LOL
But I did seriously over do and caused waaaaay more inflammation which is making my pinched nerves scream! sigh!!!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Apr 20, 2017 20:49:37 GMT -5
4/21/17
Psalm 65
The very 1st word of the 1st verse...Praise
v.2 a wonderful confirmation that God answers prayer
and v.3 God forgives our sins!!!!
And v. 8 has a 'joy' word....even songs of joy:
v.8 "The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders;
where morning dawns, where evening fades,
you call forth songs of joy."
Verses 9-13 talks of how God cares for the earth and v. 13 has yet another joy word connected with song I am thinking there may be an application in that for me, at some time).
v. 13 " The meadows are covered with flocks
and the valleys are mantled with grain;
they shout for joy and sing."
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Post by Cindy on Apr 21, 2017 9:19:51 GMT -5
I guess I thought you wouldn't agree because it was too self-centered thinking and even if true, I 'should have' overcome it years ago......
But of course, like I said, even in some very wonderful Bible studies in the past....that particular issue never came up.....tho many many other helpful, and useful things were covered.
But THE most precious Bible study for me, has been with you.
The others were good, one even very good.....but they can't even come close to your wonderful one on one tailored to my hurts, pains, self-centeredness, wrong thinking etc. However, you explain everything with such care, such gentleness, truly loving, always based on God's word etc. that I have never ever been able to figure out why you don't have thousands of Christians beating down you web site door, begging to be able to do Bible study with you?????
It is such a mystery to me...it makes no sense to me at all, that you don't have hundreds, nay thousands wanting you to lead a Bible study with them?
It is on a much smaller scale but reminds of me the same absolute total mystery as to why every human being that ever existed would not want Jesus to save them for all eternity......I understand people thinking, they are not worthy ( none of us are), I even understand, people being confused for a time, and even angry at God for circumstances in their lives ( I understand, i am not saying it is right.....not at all.....but I understand it).....but what sane person would not want the God of all creation to love them and save them for all eternity????? Its insane.....maybe a person might think that God doesn't love them.....but still their heart's desire would be that somehow, God would take pity on them.....otherwise its insanity.
I, once again, have not been writing in my journal....it is right near me too....no excuse....
So I need to get back to it!!!
But probably not today. Yesterday, Leonard was not able to help me clean the Vacation rental apt. for Landlord much and I spent over 6 hours cleaning in such a way, it really inflamed my right arm, so that I couldn't sleep last night, even with pain meds....just waaaay over the top.
I had to go back today after my doc appointment, and finish some small cleaning......
Leonard is getting an MRI for his toe as I am writing.
Oh sort of funny good news
Michael, our son sent me an e-mail, in which he said:
"I never thought I would ever be excited about a poop!
But Liam has had his first poop ever, which is a good sign"!!!
I wish I knew what the Christian novels were that had the main female character not be a super beauty,
but yet, is thought of as being beautiful ( like you said, just physically because she doesn't wear a ton of makeup, but more so because of her character,
and most of all because the fact she is with the Lord often each day, lends her a beauty, no amount of make-up could ever begin to reach.
Since, I still need to type about the Bible study,
I am not going to write much more because keeping my arm, hands and shoulders in the typing, searching etc. extended hurts on just an average normal day.....but I am still hurting a lot from yesterday, and really would just like to lay down......sigh!
now I am doing a poor pitiful me LOL
But I did seriously over do and caused waaaaay more inflammation which is making my pinched nerves scream! sigh!!!
you're such a sweetheart! I can easily tell you why people don't want to study the way you have. Most people do not at all want to know what their sins are or how to fix things God's way. They'd much rather take a pill and believe it's not their fault, even though they never get better. In other cases when the problem is with a marriage, they'd rather believe it's their spouses fault and that they're perfect, or if their spouse is an unbeliever that that's the problem. Again, they don't want to look at themselves. That's the very last thing people want to do today. They also don't want to give up any false teaching they've picked up, like if they're sick or in pain that God will heal them if they only have enough faith, or if they need money, the same thing. They simply don't want to know the Truth, just like God warned us through Paul. They either prefer to teaching of demons, or at the very best, simply ignore themselves and the problems and continue on as they are, maybe even studying the bible, but not applying it to themselves... except the parts they like lol.
I hope Leonard's toe is getting better. That's great about Liam! I think I've heard every first time parent talk about their baby's first poop LOL.
I honestly can't remember which books did that. The best I can suggest is to simply keep your eyes open to look for it when it does show up.
I'm sorry you're in so much pain hon. I'll be praying for you to feel better. I'm not feeling very good either and neither is Bruce today, although he went to work anyway, poor guy.
4/21/17
Psalm 65
The very 1st word of the 1st verse...Praise
v.2 a wonderful confirmation that God answers prayer
and v.3 God forgives our sins!!!!
And v. 8 has a 'joy' word....even songs of joy:
v.8 "The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders;
where morning dawns, where evening fades,
you call forth songs of joy."
Verses 9-13 talks of how God cares for the earth and v. 13 has yet another joy word connected with song I am thinking there may be an application in that for me, at some time).
v. 13 " The meadows are covered with flocks
and the valleys are mantled with grain;
they shout for joy and sing."
Since we were talking about prayer recently, I wanted to share that I'm re-reading a book about prayer that's one of the best I've ever read and wanted to share it with you. It's in my bible library though. I checked though, and you can get it for only .99 cents for Kindle! That's fantastic! His other books are great too, but I thought maybe we could read this one together. It's called, The Inner Chamber and the Inner Life, By Andrew Murray, in 1905.
www.amazon.com/Inner-Chamber-Life-ebook/dp/B00550W62A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492783954&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Inner+Chamber+and+the+Inner+Life
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Apr 21, 2017 12:14:13 GMT -5
Thank you Cindy!!!
As it so happens I am going to my Christian PT today so good timing (concerning my hurting arm....it is still hurting, its hard to even try to lift it upward.....it hurts doing nothing at all soooooo,
like I said, good timing).
I had ( and I think I may still have somewhere) a book or 2 by Andrew Murray....I will go look at some point, and see if I have that title or no by him.
YES! I don't know why I never thought to listen to the old classic hymns like when I play spider solitaire......its funny, it makes playing a silly card game more fun, richer, or something I cannot define.....I am so happy you suggested that.....its like DUH!!!! why didn't I think of that? LOL
I saw my PCP yesterday.....it was sort of funny
He noticed I had been avoiding getting an mammogram
I told him....well over the past years I have had 3 false positives and then biopsies sooooo I am done!!
He then said....we have a new machine, that hurts a lot less, and hardly ever gives false positives.
He is big on mammograms because years ago he lost his mother to breast cancer.
So I said....fine ( in my mind...just one last time bubba HA!)
But then, he says:
You are due for a pneumonia shot.
Again, I said: NO!!
( I actually was thinking he meant flu shot)
He said: Yes!
I said, I did not die this winter from it
He agreed.....you did not die
then he said: Yes
and I said no
he said yes
and I said...maybe
we talked about it some
and it dawned on me it was not a flu shot
He said make that a yes
I said
maybe......
he looked at me LOLOL
and I said....FINE!!!
By the way, he was laughing at this exchange as I threw dagger looks at him LOL....but I got the last word in HA
But not today, next time I come in!!!!!
Then he had to say....ok
Maybe I will be raptured before then....
I did not want a shot in my already hurting arm....roll eyes
he offered my other arm ( nice of him)
Great....both arms hurting....no thank you
So that was that.
I suppose you are right about folks but I feel so selfish and blessed to have you all to myself.....people have NOOOOOOO idea what they are missing.
They can't really love hurting....I know a person can get used to pain and misery, it may be all they have known.....and so anything else is scary and suspect....
but still, to be able to get closer to Jesus.....
how can that not be anything but a WIN and blessing, relief from pain, sorrow, hurting to safety, true freedom but most of all LOVE of the Savior.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Apr 21, 2017 12:33:22 GMT -5
4/21/17
psalm 37
Right off in v. 1 (God thru) David says do not fret because of the Evil doer......
How completely up to date.....who says the Bible is not relevant for today!!!!
I sooooo need that reminded because Evil in all forms seems to be growing at a breakneck speed!!!
But then...what are we to do as evil grows and grows and grows???
God gives a many things we ( me and are great applications) can do,
for example
v. 3 "Trust in the Lord and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
4 Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him and he will do this:
and v. 7 " Be still before the Lord
and wait patiently for him;"
God says again in v. 7 we are not to fret, even when they carry out their evil schemes.
He says it again in v. 8
" Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret—it leads only to evil."
Then he goes on the talk a bit about the evil doers for the next few verses.
and goes on further and compares the righteous with the evil doers lives.
v. 28 says He will not forsake us!!!!
That is something Jesus said also and is so comforting.
and v. 37 says a future awaits us....the wicked may indeed have his or her time for a very short time on earth, but then, that's it....never again ( unless they repent, turn from their wicked ways, and trust on Jesus).
But God is a stronghold even in times of trouble for the righteous!
I will put my hope in the Lord.
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Post by Cindy on Apr 22, 2017 7:09:09 GMT -5
Thank you Cindy!!!
As it so happens I am going to my Christian PT today so good timing (concerning my hurting arm....it is still hurting, its hard to even try to lift it upward.....it hurts doing nothing at all soooooo,
like I said, good timing).
I had ( and I think I may still have somewhere) a book or 2 by Andrew Murray....I will go look at some point, and see if I have that title or no by him.
YES! I don't know why I never thought to listen to the old classic hymns like when I play spider solitaire......its funny, it makes playing a silly card game more fun, richer, or something I cannot define.....I am so happy you suggested that.....its like DUH!!!! why didn't I think of that? LOL
I saw my PCP yesterday.....it was sort of funny
He noticed I had been avoiding getting an mammogram
I told him....well over the past years I have had 3 false positives and then biopsies sooooo I am done!!
He then said....we have a new machine, that hurts a lot less, and hardly ever gives false positives.
He is big on mammograms because years ago he lost his mother to breast cancer.
So I said....fine ( in my mind...just one last time bubba HA!)
But then, he says:
You are due for a pneumonia shot.
Again, I said: NO!!
( I actually was thinking he meant flu shot)
He said: Yes!
I said, I did not die this winter from it
He agreed.....you did not die
then he said: Yes
and I said no
he said yes
and I said...maybe
we talked about it some
and it dawned on me it was not a flu shot
He said make that a yes
I said
maybe......
he looked at me LOLOL
and I said....FINE!!!
By the way, he was laughing at this exchange as I threw dagger looks at him LOL....but I got the last word in HA
But not today, next time I come in!!!!!
Then he had to say....ok
Maybe I will be raptured before then....
I did not want a shot in my already hurting arm....roll eyes
he offered my other arm ( nice of him)
Great....both arms hurting....no thank you
So that was that.
I suppose you are right about folks but I feel so selfish and blessed to have you all to myself.....people have NOOOOOOO idea what they are missing.
They can't really love hurting....I know a person can get used to pain and misery, it may be all they have known.....and so anything else is scary and suspect....
but still, to be able to get closer to Jesus.....
how can that not be anything but a WIN and blessing, relief from pain, sorrow, hurting to safety, true freedom but most of all LOVE of the Savior.
I'm so sorry your arm is still hurting so badly. I'll keep praying for you hon. That's funny about your PT talking you into things like that. Just remember, don't allow him to talk you into something you truly don't want. I'm with you about the mammograms. I had the same problem and have refused to have another one since and no one's going to talk me into it LOL (and they got the "new machine" here too LOL!
No people don't like to hurt, but we're afraid of change. I meant to add though that another reason there's not a lot of people is because there are many other really good teachers online, and many people have been with another teacher for a long time already and don't need someone new. And then there's a whole lot of "Christians in name only" who never bother to study their bible and couldn't imagine actually spending time with someone else studying it.
4/21/17
psalm 37
Right off in v. 1 (God thru) David says do not fret because of the Evil doer......
How completely up to date.....who says the Bible is not relevant for today!!!!
I sooooo need that reminded because Evil in all forms seems to be growing at a breakneck speed!!!
But then...what are we to do as evil grows and grows and grows???
God gives a many things we ( me and are great applications) can do,
for example
v. 3 "Trust in the Lord and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
4 Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him and he will do this:
and v. 7 " Be still before the Lord
and wait patiently for him;"
God says again in v. 7 we are not to fret, even when they carry out their evil schemes.
He says it again in v. 8
" Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret—it leads only to evil."
Then he goes on the talk a bit about the evil doers for the next few verses.
and goes on further and compares the righteous with the evil doers lives.
v. 28 says He will not forsake us!!!!
That is something Jesus said also and is so comforting.
and v. 37 says a future awaits us....the wicked may indeed have his or her time for a very short time on earth, but then, that's it....never again ( unless they repent, turn from their wicked ways, and trust on Jesus).
But God is a stronghold even in times of trouble for the righteous!
I will put my hope in the Lord.
If it's ok, how about tomorrow we skip some and do Psalm 68 and go on from there?
I would like to add something here for the future for you because I know you're going to be counseling others so you'll need this and I don't want to forget about it. It's a little gem I discovered in one of my books called "Freedom from the lies you tell yourself" a long time ago, but thankfully put it in my notes by 1 Cor 13:5 so I wouldn't forget it. Here the author gives examples of self talk that will help us through various feelings. (by self talk, I mean what we say to ourselves in our minds). Here it is:
Here's more truth to replace the lies that create anguish & leave us raw: 1. It’s true I’m feeling bad. It’s only unpleasant, however; it’s not doomsville. 2. It’s not doomsville because I’m not letting it be. I'll allow some good healthy pain, but I won’t allow anguish, misery, woe, & disaster. 3. I’m in control here. God has created me as an emotional being, so I can expect to have emotions. But God has also given me the fruit of the Spirit: self-control. So I'll control my feelings & they can’t control me. 4. I am angry. I can, however, handle anger in a biblical, healthy manner. I don't lie to myself about this emotion & I don't try to squelch it or hold it in. I'm also not a person of temper tantrums. I choose self-control.
Here's more about other things we tell ourselves:
When we lose someone or something important to us, we will feel hurt, yes; but if the hurt deepens to despondency & depression & remains that way for weeks or months, the cause isn't the loss but misbelief. Two misbeliefs undergird this kind of despair: 1. God is not the source of life. Man is. When we're despondent over loss, we're telling ourselves that the person or thing we lost is crucial to our lives & happiness. The untruth lies in the fact that nothing & nobody but God is crucial to anyone. This truth is revealed in the 1st commandment You shall love the Lord & have no other gods before Him. To ascribe the all-sufficiency of God to any person is idolatry, & the basis for idolatry is deception & misbelief. (James 1:16–17) Those truly good & perfect gifts do not come from someone or something other than God. 2. Since I lost X, my world has nothing of any significance in it. Experience bears out the deception here. Many of us tell ourselves we “can't live without” some person, object, scheme, or notion. Then this adored “whatever” is removed from our lives & wonder of wonders, we recover. Some people without the skills we are learning in this book prolong their sufferings. They go on muttering destructive, irreligious, “without X I’m nothing” self-talk.
But many who have suffered loss in their lives recover and find satisfying and exciting alternatives. “I used to consider my health indispensable,” an ex-football star says. “When I lost what I considered absolutely essential to living, I thought there was nothing for me to do but die.” The handsome ex-athlete was in a car accident and lost both legs. He went on, however, to discover he had many interests in other areas. He graduated from college with honors and became a skilled musician. He is now married and working as a biologist. Although he encounters many problems as a handicapped person, these problems don’t render him hopeless or helpless.
A person can lose his/her health, reputation, vision, hearing, legs, hands, even family members, money, homes, physical attractiveness, life goals & plans & yet recover & go on living a wonderfully rewarding & meaningful life. When you suffer a loss, you're going to feel the sting; but the key to recovery is not to repeat that someone or something is of such importance that you cannot go on after losing it. You can go on. You are important. Part of the self-talk of nearly all depressives includes the statement, “The future is hopeless.” In actual fact, while nearly all depressed people tell themselves they will always feel devastated & down, virtually all recover. It's helpful to predict recovery if you are suffering from depression or counseling a depressed person because recovery is in fact the most likely outcome! Speak the truth & say, “Even though I feel I have no hope, my recovery is assured. Thank God, these feelings of depression won’t last.” Pray this prayer with us:
Dear Lord, thank you for giving me emotions. I’m thankful I can feel pain as well as joy. Thank you for setting me free from being a victim of my own emotions.Thank you for caring deeply about me even though I’m sometimes unaware of it.
I choose now, in the mighty name of Jesus, to speak the truth to myself instead of misbeliefs. I am yours and so are my emotions. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Freedom from the lies you tell yourself (Ebook Shorts)
Here, as all through this book, he's speaking to Christians who have the Lord to help them and through whom they can do all things. Therefore their recovery is assured, for the Lord will make sure they recover. Romans 14:4. (just wanted to make sure you understood what he was saying there)
This is a great short little book and is only $1.99 on amazon if you're interested.
www.amazon.com/Freedom-Lies-Yourself-Ebook-Shorts-ebook/dp/B005PWSRDK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492860129&sr=8-1&keywords=freedom+from+the+lies+you+tell+yourself
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Apr 22, 2017 12:26:45 GMT -5
It was my PCP (primary care doc) that I had the 'argument'... not really arguing but....
I did see my Physical Therapist and one of the things he did for my arm ( besides exercises) was to tape both shoulders to a proper position.
He could not do much about the fact of bad inflammation, aggravating the pinched nerves.
But because my shoulders sloop downward it adds a lot more pain so he taped them so I could feel where there are supposed to be and how different muscles should be in play.
And he gave me 2 exercises to strengthen the correct muscles....
The other reason he taped my shoulders is it was because I had to clean the B&B for landlord mostly by myself this last time.
Leonard usually helps more with cleaning, but he had MRI, and had to drive a friend to 2 different towns, pick up daughter at work, pick up grandchildren at 2 schools etc. etc. that the inflammation got soooooo bad in my arm.
And then......I will have to clean B&B again... alone..... on Monday because Leonard goes sees the specialist about his toe.....
soooo Alex the Christian PT was not happy to hear that....my arm and shoulder need to heal....
but the taping will help....a little.....
The taping is in part so I won't be able to reach incorrect like I usually do...due to incorrect shoulder position ( and of course pinched nerves).
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Apr 22, 2017 13:01:41 GMT -5
That was soooooo weird......I must have been hurting more than I knew?
I really thought I was posting about psalm 67....
oh-oh am I loosing it? LOL
Let's see if I can get today right
4/23/17
Psalm 68
v. 3 has to joy references as does v. 4 it has praise and joy
( I never noticed so many ...if at all in past readings of scripture)
v. 5 is such a comfort to the fatherless and widows ( of which we are seeing more and more on FH)
v. 5 "A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,....."
I am not sure I understand exactly what v. 13 but it sure sounds lovely....
v. 13 "Even while you sleep among the sheep pens,
the wings of my dove are sheathed with silver,
its feathers with shining gold.”
verses 19 and 20 are also very comforting and I am thinking have a 2 fold meaning when it mentions escape from death.
v. 19 "Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,
who daily bears our burdens.
20 Our God is a God who saves;
from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death."
v.32 mentions singing and praises again LOL
"Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth,
sing praise to the Lord,"
As v. 35 says so should I... as my application....
"Praise be to God!"
My arm tends to hurt at lot holding mouse in forward extension.....so I was a little short winded today.
maybe it will be better tomorrow....not so sure about Monday when I clean again.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Apr 23, 2017 11:01:35 GMT -5
4/23/17
Psalm 69
Tho I am pretty sure this is about human enemies, but it also
reminds me of the multitudes of sins that makes me: 'sink in the miry depths,
where there is no foothold" and "outnumber the hairs of my head"
Anyway v. 5 says what I can also say:
v. 5 "You, God, know my folly;
my guilt is not hidden from you."
Then v. 7 and 10 talk about the scorn endured for loving God.
Christians seemingly have throughout the ages, endure scorn to a greater or lesser degree, and it seems like to me in our times, it is on the increase ..... and may eventually get worse and worse.
Starting at v. 13 is a passionate prayer to the Lord for help
( well so far its all been such a prayer really)....
and there is a lot more about scorn...
and then
the psalmist enemies, take it up a notch higher,
and begin to do cruel things to him, like:
v. 21 "They put gall in my food
and gave me vinegar for my thirst. "
The vinegar for his thirst reminds me of Jesus on the cross.
But instead of praying for Father God to forgive them, like Jesus did, the psalmist in his pain, ask God to bring them to justice....and it seems he wants them severely punished.
In any case when we get to v. 30, we get a definite change and the psalmist turn to praise and thanksgiving, which is where my application lies also:
v. 30 "I will praise God’s name in song
and glorify him with thanksgiving.
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Post by Cindy on Apr 24, 2017 11:19:56 GMT -5
It was my PCP (primary care doc) that I had the 'argument'... not really arguing but....
I did see my Physical Therapist and one of the things he did for my arm ( besides exercises) was to tape both shoulders to a proper position.
He could not do much about the fact of bad inflammation, aggravating the pinched nerves.
But because my shoulders sloop downward it adds a lot more pain so he taped them so I could feel where there are supposed to be and how different muscles should be in play.
And he gave me 2 exercises to strengthen the correct muscles....
The other reason he taped my shoulders is it was because I had to clean the B&B for landlord mostly by myself this last time.
Leonard usually helps more with cleaning, but he had MRI, and had to drive a friend to 2 different towns, pick up daughter at work, pick up grandchildren at 2 schools etc. etc. that the inflammation got soooooo bad in my arm.
And then......I will have to clean B&B again... alone..... on Monday because Leonard goes sees the specialist about his toe.....
soooo Alex the Christian PT was not happy to hear that....my arm and shoulder need to heal....
but the taping will help....a little.....
The taping is in part so I won't be able to reach incorrect like I usually do...due to incorrect shoulder position ( and of course pinched nerves). That was soooooo weird......I must have been hurting more than I knew?
I really thought I was posting about psalm 67....
oh-oh am I loosing it? LOL
Let's see if I can get today right
4/23/17
Psalm 68
v. 3 has to joy references as does v. 4 it has praise and joy
( I never noticed so many ...if at all in past readings of scripture)
v. 5 is such a comfort to the fatherless and widows ( of which we are seeing more and more on FH)
v. 5 "A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,....."
I am not sure I understand exactly what v. 13 but it sure sounds lovely....
v. 13 "Even while you sleep among the sheep pens,
the wings of my dove are sheathed with silver,
its feathers with shining gold.”
verses 19 and 20 are also very comforting and I am thinking have a 2 fold meaning when it mentions escape from death.
v. 19 "Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,
who daily bears our burdens.
20 Our God is a God who saves;
from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death."
v.32 mentions singing and praises again LOL
"Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth,
sing praise to the Lord,"
As v. 35 says so should I... as my application....
"Praise be to God!"
My arm tends to hurt at lot holding mouse in forward extension.....so I was a little short winded today.
maybe it will be better tomorrow....not so sure about Monday when I clean again.
The psalmist then rehearsed the victorious occupation of the land of Canaan from which kings were driven out. Verse 13, though difficult to understand precisely, seems to refer to Judges 5:16 which speaks of reproval of some Israelites who were remiss in supporting the Conquest. While some Israelites were sleeping at night in the open air, refusing to engage in battle, God blessed His dove Israel. Their prosperity (probably spoils taken from defeated enemies) was like silver & gold on the wings & feathers of a dove. The snow on Zalmon may refer to a snowfall on a mountain near Shechem (Jud. 9:48) which helped Israel rout the enemy. Or it may suggest that God’s victory was as refreshing as freshly fallen snow. The Bible Knowledge Commentary
God led his people into Canaan. He merely spoke his word, & kings of hosts fled before Israel. Peaceful non-combatants were able to share in the distribution of the spoils of the routed enemy. Following the times of war, Israel enjoyed periods of peaceful prosperity which are likened to the beautiful plumage of the dove; & the dazzling whiteness of a patch of snow in the midst of dark terrain. The wisdom literature
I got the idea from this verse that even when we're asleep - unaware of what's really going on - God takes tender, loving care of us, always giving abundantly. He grooms us - prepares us - for the day we stand before Him, adorning us with silver and gold (Sheathed: to case or cover with something.) metals generally considered fit for royalty. This verse is like catching a mother or father in a tender moment with their child as the child sleeps, unaware the parent is there, guarding them and thinking of all the ways they are preparing them for their future. Makes me think of: Eph 1:4; Eph 5:27; 1 Pet 1:18; Ps 55:6; Isa 40:31; Rev 12:14; Ps 91:4. I also think it could be speaking of how God will protect Israel during the Tribulation. Things may appear rough and bad, but she will be safe. Also it could be saying that while Israel may appear to be worth nothing -sleeping among the campfires,- that she's actually sheathed with silver and gold and worth a great deal to God. It could also be saying that even while she sleeps among the campfires being unaware of anything, that God is protecting her and considers her precious. Psalm 45:13, Psalm 105:37, Psalm 21:3, Isaiah 60:9,
“The chariots of God are tens of thousands and thousands of thousands; the Lord has come from Sinai into his sanctuary.” (Psalm 68:17) Have you ever thought about how many angels God might have? Here and in other places, it appears they are almost innumerable!
I spent all morning on this psalm today and want to share some history behind verse 15. This little verse certainly doesn't sound important: “The mountains of Bashan are majestic mountains; rugged are the mountains of Bashan.” (Psalm 68:15) But it really is! I posted about it separately in another forum so everyone could read it.
fresh-hope.com/thread/3448/bashan-gates-transfiguration-return
I think it will surprise you when you read it!
By the way, I meant to say that I'm really glad that you're noticing the verses about joy and praise and worship more now. I hope that by doing so that you're seeing how the psalmist was joyful even during the most dire circumstances. The times he didn't feel joyful, he would tell himself to praise God so that he would get his joy back. That's a big lesson for us to remember!
4/23/17
Psalm 69
Tho I am pretty sure this is about human enemies, but it also
reminds me of the multitudes of sins that makes me: 'sink in the miry depths,
where there is no foothold" and "outnumber the hairs of my head"
Anyway v. 5 says what I can also say:
v. 5 "You, God, know my folly;
my guilt is not hidden from you."
Then v. 7 and 10 talk about the scorn endured for loving God.
Christians seemingly have throughout the ages, endure scorn to a greater or lesser degree, and it seems like to me in our times, it is on the increase ..... and may eventually get worse and worse.
Starting at v. 13 is a passionate prayer to the Lord for help
( well so far its all been such a prayer really)....
and there is a lot more about scorn...
and then
the psalmist enemies, take it up a notch higher,
and begin to do cruel things to him, like:
v. 21 "They put gall in my food
and gave me vinegar for my thirst. "
The vinegar for his thirst reminds me of Jesus on the cross.
But instead of praying for Father God to forgive them, like Jesus did, the psalmist in his pain, ask God to bring them to justice....and it seems he wants them severely punished.
In any case when we get to v. 30, we get a definite change and the psalmist turn to praise and thanksgiving, which is where my application lies also:
v. 30 "I will praise God’s name in song
and glorify him with thanksgiving.
This is actually a psalm about both David and Jesus.
Let me share a few notes about it:
This psalm is a prayer of desperation. David realizes that because he is hated by others, he may shortly be killed. Though he begs for rescue, and calls down curses on his enemies, he concludes the psalm with a high note of praise, with inferences concerning the coming messianic kingdom when all enemies of God’s people are dealt with swiftly and severely (cf. Rev 2:27). Much of this psalm was applied to Christ by the NT writers. This psalm expresses the feelings of any believer who is being horribly ridiculed, but it uniquely refers to Christ. The MacArthur study Bible
Ps 69 is quoted seven times in the NT.
“Those who hate me without reason outnumber the hairs of my head; many are my enemies without cause, those who seek to destroy me. I am forced to restore what I did not steal.” (Psalm 69:4) Quoted in John 15:25.
For the most part, David had lived righteously before God. Yet, the Lord Jesus lived even more righteously (without sin) and nonetheless was hated without reason. They that would destroy me … are mighty. It was bad enough that our Lord’s enemies were many; they were mighty as well. Then I restored that which I took not away refers to the fact that Jesus was presumed guilty and paid the penalty for sin that was not His own. KJV Bible Commentary
“For I endure scorn for your sake, and shame covers my face. I am a stranger to my brothers, an alien to my own mother’s sons; for zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult you fall on me.” (Psalm 69:7–9)
The Lord Jesus undertook to do the Father’s will, and it took Him to Calvary. He endured the shame of the cross and the railing accusations of an ungrateful mob. KJV Bible Commentary.
(From notes on John 7:1–10). This unbelief had been prophesied in Psalm 69:8—“I am become a stranger unto My brethren, and an alien unto My mother’s children.” (Since Jesus was not Joseph’s natural son, He could not say “My father’s children.”) The Bible exposition commentary
Even his family rejected him (cf. Mt 12:46–50; Jn 7:3–5). The MacArthur study Bible
We should be so consumed with God’s glory that we hurt when He is dishonored. That was certainly the attitude of David when he said, “Because zeal for Your house has eaten me up, and the reproaches of those who reproach You have fallen on me” (Ps. 69:9). David was deeply hurt when God was dishonored. When you identify with God in that way, you will care about His honor much more than about what happens to you. Truth for today
The psalmist has brought hatred and hostility on himself by his unyielding insistence that the behavior of the people measure up to their outward claim of devotion to God. Whenever God was dishonored he felt the pain, because he loved God so greatly. Jesus claimed for Himself this attitude, as indicated in Jn 2:17; Ro 15:3. The MacArthur study Bible
“You know how I am scorned, disgraced and shamed; all my enemies are before you. Scorn has broken my heart and has left me helpless; I looked for sympathy, but there was none, for comforters, but I found none. They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst.” (Psalm 69:19–21)
This triad is designed to show the great suffering, shame, and contempt poured out upon the Lord as He hung upon the cross. God the Father was not unaware of what God the Son endured. KJV Bible Commentary.
Gall was a poisonous herb. Here it serves as a metaphor for betrayal. Friends who should provide sustenance to the psalmist had turned against him. Gall in vinegar was actually offered to Christ while He was on the cross (Mt 27:34). The MacArthur study Bible
“May the table set before them become a snare; may it become retribution and a trap. May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see, and their backs be bent forever.” (Psalm 69:22–23) Quoted in Romans 11:9-10.
“May their place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in their tents.” (Psalm 69:25) Quoted in Ac 1:20 with reference to Judas.
“For they persecute those you wound and talk about the pain of those you hurt.” (Psalm 69:26)
Those hostile to the psalmist were ridiculing him as one suffering from God’s chastisement. In its messianic application, the suffering of the Messiah was a part of God’s plan from eternity past (cf. Is 53:10). The MacArthur study Bible
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Post by Cindy on Apr 24, 2017 11:21:36 GMT -5
My computer is really messing up so I'll have to close for now.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Apr 24, 2017 19:55:22 GMT -5
Thank you for all the wonderful notes and commentaries
they were all really helpful
But I noticed esp. on v. 68:13....that you found things way beyond the usual commentaries....by scripture!!!
4/24/17
Psalm 70
David asks God to come quickly to save him....I can relate to that!!!
But then there is another rejoice word
v. 4 "But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who long for your saving help always say,
“The Lord is great!”
Another good application for me.....
and David ends with another plea for God's help and deliverance.....
once again, I can agree with that!!!
I have been cleaning and so my arm is less than happy, so I was glad this psalm was 5 verses.....yet very powerful!
The sun has been having a lot of massive CME ( Coronal Mass Ejections, at the same time the solar winds are extremely fast, and the earth's shields are not at their strongest so that may be effecting the power outages, and the slow web among other things?
I don't know if that is what you meant by your computer messing up or not...but just some info I heard today.
Liam is doing well, he may go home in a week, and he is also off of morphine and not in pain, so that is good news!!!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Apr 25, 2017 13:29:43 GMT -5
Before I get started tho the x-ray showed the infection in Leonard's toe bone, the MRI did not....so specialist basically just said, if it flares up again and starts hurting to come back, and maybe come back in a month anyway.....something like that.
I had a question tho about people labeled schizophrenic....such as Leonard's mom.
He said even as a young child he remembers her sitting on a couch always talking to people who were not there.
I have seen people walking down our street doing the same thing but those people I thought were maybe high and hallucinating
or
they were doing, like all of us do, when are rehearsing in our minds a conversation with somebody ( in the future perhaps)
but
we do not speak out loud...
however, maybe when some people are under the influence of some drug, they are unaware they are doing it audibly?
But if a person is not under the influence of a drug, what do you think is really going on?
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Apr 25, 2017 13:58:22 GMT -5
4/25/17
Psalm 71
This is such a cool psalm in the the psalmist consistently thanks God for being his refuge, rock and fortress to which he can always go
A good application for me too!!!
and then come the praises
he speaks of his birth
and v. 9 was like it was written for me right now
v. 9 "Do not cast me away when I am old;
do not forsake me when my strength is gone."
and v. 14 is sort of a remedy for old age, despair, worry, sickness etc. have hope and praise God more and more.
v. 14 "As for me, I will always have hope;
I will praise you more and more."
And v. 18 suggests even tho old God still has use for us (even if we cannot do what the psalmist proposes we can yet pray)
v. 18 "Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
your mighty acts to all who are to come."
and then v. 20 & 21 are very uplifting to me when I start wallowing about old age...I need to remember this verse....come to think of it, much of this psalm seems written for me LOL
v. 20 "Though you have made me see troubles,
many and bitter,
you will restore my life again;
21 You will increase my honor
and comfort me once more."
oh well he wants to shout again...hummmm LOL
Anyway, off to clean some more....my shoulder and arm are a 'wee' bit better...so far that is....I didn't clean as much since I have 2 or 3 days this time....I normally would still try to get as much done as possible cuz who knows what the next day will bring and I might get caught not getting it all done or having to really push and hurt even more than this last time....
but I decided even so....not to push so hard yesterday and take the chance....but I better get going or I will go back to sleep......ummmmmm now there's an idea LOL
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Post by Cindy on Apr 26, 2017 10:26:28 GMT -5
Thank you for all the wonderful notes and commentaries
they were all really helpful
But I noticed esp. on v. 68:13....that you found things way beyond the usual commentaries....by scripture!!!
4/24/17
Psalm 70
David asks God to come quickly to save him....I can relate to that!!!
But then there is another rejoice word
v. 4 "But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who long for your saving help always say,
“The Lord is great!”
Another good application for me.....
and David ends with another plea for God's help and deliverance.....
once again, I can agree with that!!!
I have been cleaning and so my arm is less than happy, so I was glad this psalm was 5 verses.....yet very powerful!
The sun has been having a lot of massive CME ( Coronal Mass Ejections, at the same time the solar winds are extremely fast, and the earth's shields are not at their strongest so that may be effecting the power outages, and the slow web among other things?
I don't know if that is what you meant by your computer messing up or not...but just some info I heard today.
Liam is doing well, he may go home in a week, and he is also off of morphine and not in pain, so that is good news!!!
It's good that you're noticing the praise and rejoicing in the psalms we do. It shows us how very, very important it is for us to praise God and actually rejoice in the things He has done for us, and the things He will do for us. It's something we need to do regularly every day - not just once a day out of duty, but rather regularly as we see/hear/think of things. It's a powerful weapon against depression, and against Satan as well!
Before I get started tho the x-ray showed the infection in Leonard's toe bone, the MRI did not....so specialist basically just said, if it flares up again and starts hurting to come back, and maybe come back in a month anyway.....something like that.
I had a question tho about people labeled schizophrenic....such as Leonard's mom.
He said even as a young child he remembers her sitting on a couch always talking to people who were not there.
I have seen people walking down our street doing the same thing but those people I thought were maybe high and hallucinating
or
they were doing, like all of us do, when are rehearsing in our minds a conversation with somebody ( in the future perhaps)
but
we do not speak out loud...
however, maybe when some people are under the influence of some drug, they are unaware they are doing it audibly?
But if a person is not under the influence of a drug, what do you think is really going on?
This is so neat I've got to share it too:
Professional counselors, in an understandable defense of their livelihood, say that inexperienced or untrained counselors can easily be fooled by counselees, while trained professionals are more likely to detect and understand complex and abnormal behavior.
If so, one would rightly expect that their diagnoses of mental disorders would be consistently accurate and that they would readily perceive when someone is faking a mental illness. Dr. E. Fuller Torrey and Dr. Judi Striano, in separate books, describe an experiment at Stanford University that revealed just how inaccurate psychiatric diagnoses can be and how easily the experts can be fooled. A psychologist by the name of D.L. Rosenhan, a professor of psychology and law at Stanford University, had eight “perfectly sane people” (Rosenhan “himself, one graduate student, three psychologists, a pediatrician, a psychiatrist, and a woman who was a homemaker”)10 admitted to 12 different mental hospitals. The attending psychiatrists were told that these “patients” were hearing voices.
Otherwise, these normal people, mostly graduate students, gave completely truthful histories to the psychiatrists. They were all diagnosed as “schizophrenic,” except one who was diagnosed as “manic-depressive.” Once admitted, they acted perfectly normally; yet were held for 7 to 52 days (the average was 19) and were given over 2,100 pills total. The true patients on the wards often recognized them as pseudopatients but the staff never did. Once labeled, the staff’s perception of them was apparently so profoundly colored that normal behavior was seen as part of their psychosis.
In an even more damning postscript to the experiment, Rosenhan told one hospital what he had done. He then told them that he would try to gain admission for another pseudopatient there within the next 3 months. Ever watchful for the pseudopatient who was never sent, the staff labeled 41 of the next 193 admissions as suspected pseudopatients; over half of these were so labeled by a psychiatrist. The experimenter concluded: “Any diagnostic process that lends itself so readily to massive errors of this sort cannot be a very reliable one.” Why Christians can’t trust psychology
Just goes to show that we can't trust what the world says. We can only trust God and His Word. It's sad for those who have trusted the world to fix their loved ones or themselves, just like we have, and we know how badly that worked out. I long for the day when everyone's eyes will be open to the truth about this world and just how corrupt our minds are because of the fall.
4/25/17
Psalm 71
This is such a cool psalm in the the psalmist consistently thanks God for being his refuge, rock and fortress to which he can always go
A good application for me too!!!
and then come the praises
he speaks of his birth
and v. 9 was like it was written for me right now
v. 9 "Do not cast me away when I am old;
do not forsake me when my strength is gone."
and v. 14 is sort of a remedy for old age, despair, worry, sickness etc. have hope and praise God more and more.
v. 14 "As for me, I will always have hope;
I will praise you more and more."
And v. 18 suggests even tho old God still has use for us (even if we cannot do what the psalmist proposes we can yet pray)
v. 18 "Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
your mighty acts to all who are to come."
and then v. 20 & 21 are very uplifting to me when I start wallowing about old age...I need to remember this verse....come to think of it, much of this psalm seems written for me LOL
v. 20 "Though you have made me see troubles,
many and bitter,
you will restore my life again;
21 You will increase my honor
and comfort me once more."
oh well he wants to shout again...hummmm LOL
Anyway, off to clean some more....my shoulder and arm are a 'wee' bit better...so far that is....I didn't clean as much since I have 2 or 3 days this time....I normally would still try to get as much done as possible cuz who knows what the next day will bring and I might get caught not getting it all done or having to really push and hurt even more than this last time....
but I decided even so....not to push so hard yesterday and take the chance....but I better get going or I will go back to sleep......ummmmmm now there's an idea LOL
I'd like to talk about the word, "shout". You obviously have negative connotations of it. Can you tell me why? Let's look at other ways this verse is translated. Most use the word, "shout", but it's a positive thing as we can see by these other translations:
AV 1873 | Ps 71:23 My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; And my soul, which thou hast redeemed.
NKJV | Ps 71:23 My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing to You, And my soul, which You have redeemed.
YLT | Ps 71:23 My lips cry aloud when I sing praise to Thee, And my soul that Thou hast redeemed,
DARBY | Ps 71:23 My lips shall exult when I sing psalms unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.
LEB | Ps 71:23 My lips will sing for joy when I sing praises to you, and my soul, which you have redeemed.
How does this change your perception of this verse? Keep in mind that verse 24 continues what he's saying in verse 23:
“My tongue will tell of your righteous acts all day long, for those who wanted to harm me have been put to shame and confusion.” (Psalm 71:24)
I wanted to share this note about this psalm as well:
His refuge, his hope, his confidence, and the object of his delight and praise are some of the words the psalmist uses to describe God. Now ask yourself: Where do you take refuge? Who is your rescuer and deliverer? Into whose ear do you speak when you need help? A best friend? A neighbor? Your spouse? Do any of these substitute for seeking help from God himself? Maybe your refuge is not a who, but a what. Do you look for refuge in “harmless” distractions—books, TV shows, work? These things are not bad in themselves, but they become bad when they function as gods in your life, preventing you from knowing and loving God. Where do you place your hope and confidence? What fills you with excitement and joy so that you burn to tell others about it? Where do you go for wisdom and knowledge? If you honestly examine yourself can you say that God fills all of those roles? Are you loving him with your entire being? This understanding of worship exposes us all as worshipers who have gone astray. Even the atheist places faith in something. Everyone has answers to the questions that Psalm 71 raises. The question is not whether or not you will worship; the question is who or what you will worship. Heart of the matter
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Apr 26, 2017 12:42:20 GMT -5
Yes shouting does have less than good connotations....the other versions were much better!!!
I think several things make shouting scary and unpleasant
Often shouting is connected with misunderstanding, abuse, anger, violence etc.
( which happened several times to me as a young child.)
But Also, when I got to my adopted home, perhaps because my parents were born in the late 1800's and grew up with parents who lived in earlier 1800's.....
the children should be seen and not 'heard' was a given.....
there was no loudness from me at all.
But also Leonard was from a family where noise was unavoidable with 6 children and a dad who often yelled
loudly ( esp when drunk)....so when things upset Leonard he yells...sometimes a LOT!!!
And I just freeze because that is NOT the time to try to talk to him
often, afterwards, he apologizes for his bad temper
( not at me, just often at 'things' or situations etc.)
But I find 'shouting' to be uncomfortable at best and often scary to the point of just 'freezing' ( not moving).
So when David talks of 'shouting', I know he means it as an expression of Joy and praise....but it just is hard for me to make the transition.
I allowed my own children to be a bit more 'expressive' with occasional shouts of 'joy' like YEAH!!!! that I would have never done as a child....
so like its ok for others...
I just cannot see actually 'shouting' praises.....
speaking them yes,
but shouting is a stretch....
it seems even rude and disrespectful ( and to shout at another person seems hurtful).
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Apr 26, 2017 13:00:21 GMT -5
4/25/17
Psalm 72
Aha! This is a psalm of or about Solomon
He asks God to endow him with righteousness....something we already have from Jesus.
He also asks the Lord for other blessings
and talks quite a bit about righteousness and prosperity.
I found verse 12 comforting because there have been times when I felt afflicted with no to help but actually at those times God did in fact help! So I can remember this when and if those feelings try to depress me ( application).
v. 12 "For he will deliver the needy who cry out,
the afflicted who have no one to help".
and then some more praises :-)
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Post by Cindy on Apr 27, 2017 10:44:43 GMT -5
Yes shouting does have less than good connotations....the other versions were much better!!!
I think several things make shouting scary and unpleasant
Often shouting is connected with misunderstanding, abuse, anger, violence etc.
( which happened several times to me as a young child.)
But Also, when I got to my adopted home, perhaps because my parents were born in the late 1800's and grew up with parents who lived in earlier 1800's.....
the children should be seen and not 'heard' was a given.....
there was no loudness from me at all.
But also Leonard was from a family where noise was unavoidable with 6 children and a dad who often yelled
loudly ( esp when drunk)....so when things upset Leonard he yells...sometimes a LOT!!!
And I just freeze because that is NOT the time to try to talk to him
often, afterwards, he apologizes for his bad temper
( not at me, just often at 'things' or situations etc.)
But I find 'shouting' to be uncomfortable at best and often scary to the point of just 'freezing' ( not moving).
So when David talks of 'shouting', I know he means it as an expression of Joy and praise....but it just is hard for me to make the transition.
I allowed my own children to be a bit more 'expressive' with occasional shouts of 'joy' like YEAH!!!! that I would have never done as a child....
so like its ok for others...
I just cannot see actually 'shouting' praises.....
speaking them yes,
but shouting is a stretch....
it seems even rude and disrespectful ( and to shout at another person seems hurtful).
Ps 71:23
NKJV | My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing to You,
YLT |My lips cry aloud when I sing praise to Thee,
DARBY | My lips shall exult when I sing psalms unto thee;
LEB | My lips will sing for joy when I sing praises to you,
Basically, he's saying that he was so full of joy thinking of all the Lord had done for him and would do for him, that he simply couldn't hold it in - it had to come out, so he sang aloud rejoicing. When I see the word "shout" in that context, I think of someone standing in a large crowd of people, all of who are praising God, and he lifts his voice to join with theirs in song- not quietly whispering the words, but singing loudly the way a professional singer would sing, so the Lord will hear him, because he wants the Lord to hear him and wants the Lord to know that he's not ashamed to praise Him. So it's not really "shouting" the way the world thinks of the word, or the way you described it. Instead, it's simply speaking or singing in our full voice, not quietly, but certainly not rudely or disrespectfully. Instead it would be disrespectful to whisper or do it quietly at times like this, because it would seem as though you were ashamed of the Lord and didn't want anyone else to know that you loved Him and want to praise Him.
I'm not saying we should never praise God quietly, or within our own minds. I do that all the time. But there are also times when it's appropriate to speak out and praise Him aloud with our full voice and let Him know how we feel. Again, you can compare it to a family situation. There were many times when my children would thank me for something I'd done or said, and they'd do it quietly. They might just come up and say thank you as they passed by, not making a huge deal out of it, but letting me know they appreciated it. Since what I'd done was a simple thing, the way they thanked me was appropriate. Other times they were more vocal about it and let their siblings know about it when they overheard them thanking me for something bigger I'd done for them. Like if they'd been worried about something and I'd done or said something that helped them overcome it. They might come and throw their arms around me and say thank you loudly enough for their siblings to hear. Finally, there were also times when even that wasn't enough. They'd be so excited that they simply couldn't hold it in. Like the time I was able to get the money to allow my daughter to go to Europe for two weeks when she was sure she'd never be able to go. When I told her, she didn't actually shout or yell, but she was louder than normal and everyone heard her thanking me over and over again as she was jumping up and down due to her excitement. God tells us to come to Him like little children. He's meaning children who don't have the restraints put on them by their parents or others yet. They're too little to know it's not socially acceptable to do or say certain things so they simply say and do whatever their heart tells them. Since we're adults, we're far beyond that of course and we do have restraints that we've lived with all our life. God wants us to know that He wants us to express how we feel to Him. He wants us to be filled with joy, just like my daughter was when she was literally jumping up and down for it. It gives Him pleasure when we are able to express our joy and thankfulness to Him, because He loves us and wants us to have an abundant life; a life filled with the joy He gives us. Therefore He wants us to be able to express that joy in whatever way we're feeling it, whether it's a quiet joy, or a jumping up and down joy!
Does that help at all?
4/25/17
Psalm 72
Aha! This is a psalm of or about Solomon
He asks God to endow him with righteousness....something we already have from Jesus.
He also asks the Lord for other blessings
and talks quite a bit about righteousness and prosperity.
I found verse 12 comforting because there have been times when I felt afflicted with no to help but actually at those times God did in fact help! So I can remember this when and if those feelings try to depress me ( application).
v. 12 "For he will deliver the needy who cry out,
the afflicted who have no one to help".
and then some more praises :-)
“He will rule from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth. The desert tribes will bow before him and his enemies will lick the dust.” (Psalm 72:8–9)as well as verses 10 through 17 show that He will rule over all the earth righteously, not just little Israel. In verse 10 it shows the other countries bring Jesus tribute. Isaiah 60:3, Isaiah 60:6 and Isaiah 60:9. Also Rev 11:15. Rev 17:14. Rev 21:24-26.
Verse 5 is actually translated quite differently by some versions:
“He will endure as long as the sun, as long as the moon, through all generations.” (Psalm 72:5)
ESV | May they fear you while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations!
Preferable to the words "He will endure" (from the LXX) is the translation, “You will be feared” (from the Heb.; cf. niv marg.). Taken that way, the verse refers not to the human king but to God who endures through all generations. The Bible knowledge commentary
That's a good application. I think the next psalm may speak more about that.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Apr 27, 2017 12:23:55 GMT -5
yes do see what you mean and it does put a different light on letting the Lord jesus know your (my) joy in Him....for sure.
I suppose when I was a really little one I expressed that kind of joy but I do not remember it....I guess most people do not remember being that young or have memories.
I have a vague memory of being about 3 standing alone on a sidewalk waiting for a CPS worker or whomever they had back.
I am pretty sure the foster mom was watching from the window? But back then, I don't think they worried much about children getting kidnapped.She may have been trying to avoid tears...mine/hers/ours?
Still, I know I did not have much a little bag with a change of clothes and no toys whatsoever....
but our landlady who has been a CPS worker for about 30 years, says that is still often the case for kids in foster care....they do not have even one toy.
That could be a good thing tho....because what good is a doll or a teddy bear, when you want love?
So tho I don't remember feeling unrestrained joy at 2 years...
however, that does not mean I did not....
maybe I was delighted at getting to eat ice cream, candy or a cookie or something LOL
But I do understand I wouldn't want to be rude to Jesus by hiding my voice in a whisper.....
I have done that at church...
but more because I am disgruntled with the mantra like praise and worship song that we are to sing the same words over and over and over 10-20-30 times...
.by ten times singing the same refrain over and over..... I am pretty much done and stop or whisper...cuz it begins to feel like a 'Christian' mantra.
Some even stranger things are taking over some 'Christian' churches. I watched a video with John MacArthur who was with a group of pastors discussing one 'new' very sad thing happening in more and more churches now.
They ( not something MacArthur is doing nor the group with him...they were talking about this latest travesty in the church)
but these other pastors who are promoting this so-called 'new' working of the Holy Spirit (NOT)
those men, are in my mind, are like wolves in sheep clothing...
These men are insisting that that the Holy Spirit is doing a 'new' thing.
The group of pastors ( who are against this travesty )...
had videos of this supposed 'new' work of the Holy spirit
and it is, exactly, precisely ,in every way ,
like when yogi practitioners open up the kundalini .....
The people in the church with these false leaders .....start twitching sooooo badly that you would think the had some incredible terrible neurological disorder!!!
It's not the usual Charismatic falling backwards type of thing
oh nooooo.... that's so yesterday....
no the people/flock they are indoctrinated into this
throw their heads back and shake it sooooooooooo violently
and for soooooo long,
I can only imagine the damage being done to the neck....it is horrible to see and so scary.
Plus they twitch and twitch and giggle and laugh, and howl, and bark and continue to twitch...all the time thinking they are being controlled by the Holy Spirit doing a 'new' thing!!!
Frankly, it seems to me like they are super demonically possessed.
Also as time goes by I see more clearly why:
"..... it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household"
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Apr 27, 2017 19:39:07 GMT -5
4/27/17
Psalm 73
The psalmist envied the rich at first:
"3 For I envied the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked."
partially because they were healthy as well as wealthy....but he knew their Character was greatly lacking and in many cases down right eveil.The more he thinks about what they have and what he doesn't have he even begins to wonder why does he keep pure:
v. 13 "Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure
and have washed my hands in innocence.
14 All day long I have been afflicted,
and every morning brings new punishments."
but then, he realizes their end will be worse they horrible
v. 17 "till I entered the sanctuary of God;
then I understood their final destiny."
But like this psalmist... if I ever start to envy again the rich and healthy...
I need to remember their end if they do not repent
and also
my end is like the psalmist.
I would soooooooooooooo much rather have trouble now, and an eternity with Jesus than riches now, and Hell forever!!
v. "23 Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever."
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Post by Cindy on Apr 28, 2017 11:10:36 GMT -5
yes do see what you mean and it does put a different light on letting the Lord jesus know your (my) joy in Him....for sure.
I suppose when I was a really little one I expressed that kind of joy but I do not remember it....I guess most people do not remember being that young or have memories.
I have a vague memory of being about 3 standing alone on a sidewalk waiting for a CPS worker or whomever they had back.
I am pretty sure the foster mom was watching from the window? But back then, I don't think they worried much about children getting kidnapped.She may have been trying to avoid tears...mine/hers/ours?
Still, I know I did not have much a little bag with a change of clothes and no toys whatsoever....
but our landlady who has been a CPS worker for about 30 years, says that is still often the case for kids in foster care....they do not have even one toy.
That could be a good thing tho....because what good is a doll or a teddy bear, when you want love?
So tho I don't remember feeling unrestrained joy at 2 years...
however, that does not mean I did not....
maybe I was delighted at getting to eat ice cream, candy or a cookie or something LOL
But I do understand I wouldn't want to be rude to Jesus by hiding my voice in a whisper.....
I have done that at church...
but more because I am disgruntled with the mantra like praise and worship song that we are to sing the same words over and over and over 10-20-30 times...
.by ten times singing the same refrain over and over..... I am pretty much done and stop or whisper...cuz it begins to feel like a 'Christian' mantra.
Some even stranger things are taking over some 'Christian' churches. I watched a video with John MacArthur who was with a group of pastors discussing one 'new' very sad thing happening in more and more churches now.
They ( not something MacArthur is doing nor the group with him...they were talking about this latest travesty in the church)
but these other pastors who are promoting this so-called 'new' working of the Holy Spirit (NOT)
those men, are in my mind, are like wolves in sheep clothing...
These men are insisting that that the Holy Spirit is doing a 'new' thing.
The group of pastors ( who are against this travesty )...
had videos of this supposed 'new' work of the Holy spirit
and it is, exactly, precisely ,in every way ,
like when yogi practitioners open up the kundalini .....
The people in the church with these false leaders .....start twitching sooooo badly that you would think the had some incredible terrible neurological disorder!!!
It's not the usual Charismatic falling backwards type of thing
oh nooooo.... that's so yesterday....
no the people/flock they are indoctrinated into this
throw their heads back and shake it sooooooooooo violently
and for soooooo long,
I can only imagine the damage being done to the neck....it is horrible to see and so scary.
Plus they twitch and twitch and giggle and laugh, and howl, and bark and continue to twitch...all the time thinking they are being controlled by the Holy Spirit doing a 'new' thing!!!
Frankly, it seems to me like they are super demonically possessed.
Also as time goes by I see more clearly why:
"..... it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household"
Your case is unique in that sense as you taught it to yourself at a very young age. In a way it was probably your way of throwing a tantrum. You simply held everything inside yourself, which is a very, very unhealthy way to deal with emotions. But since you didn't get the love you needed when you showed them, you just kept them inside. That's something you most likely have to deal with to this day.
Other people do the opposite and don't show any restraint even as adults. There are a few times when that's ok, like finding out a son who's off fighting a war and you thought was dead, was actually very much alive. But most of the time, it's not appropriate. You see that often at many Pentecostal or charismatic churches. They say they're "feeling the Holy Spirit" or that He's got control of them; but the problem with that is that the bible says that God is not a God of confusion, but a God of order. God is not going to cause anyone to lose control of their body. I took a friend to my church one day and she let go like that and wound up smacking me in the face with her arm while she was praising God. That wasn't God, it was her own lack of control, which is a fruit of the spirit. Even normally though, at home, she's a very emotional person and shows her emotions without any control at all, which is usually kind of embarrassing to others who see it.
So there's a middle ground there. It's very good and healthy to show your emotions, especially to the Lord who created you. At the same time though, He's not asking or causing us to be out of control with our emotions. There have been many times when I'd be driving to or from work and I'd be praying or reflecting on God's Word (I always did that when I drove) and I'd be so overcome with either joy due to His love for me, or sorrow over my sins, that I'd wind up in tears. (It was usually joy) That's not good when you're driving, so I'd have to pull over and finish talking to Him on the side of the road until I could stop the tears. That was my choice though. I could have controlled myself and stopped crying by not allowing myself to think about it, but that would have been denying God my true feelings. So I chose to simply pull over and continue to share with Him and then continue on afterward. (when you have children, it's hard to have time to be alone with God so that's why I always used my car for that). My other place for sharing with the Lord when the kids were still at home was when I was taking a shower LOL. I could even sing praise songs in there, just like I did in the car!
Anyway, the point is that we need to allow ourselves the freedom to share our feelings with the Lord, just like the psalmist does. David was an exceptionally busy person - we know what his life involved so we know that for sure; yet he found time every day to spend time with the Lord - to read His Word, think about it, and to praise Him, and pray, and even to write songs to Him. We know there are many of them that are "missing" from the bible that have been lost over the centuries. Of course they're not really missing from the bible, because it has everything in it that God intended it to have, but David and the others wrote many other books of psalms that we don't have, which again shows how important praise is, and that we need to share our feelings with the Lord so that we too can wind up praising Him. Remember, no matter how down David was, or how sick or tired, he always told the Lord and then before he was done, he'd wind up praising God, which is exactly what we need to learn to do every day.
Speaking of that, the day before yesterday when I wasn't feeling all that well, I had an amazing talk with the Lord as I was reflecting on His Word. It started out with me reflecting on Gal 2:20, and from there the Lord took me to a half dozen other scriptures explaining them to me and how to apply them in various situations and how they all were linked together. I kept thinking that I wished there was some way I could record all that He put in my mind, but of course I couldn't lol. I knew I'd never be able to reproduce all that He shared with me. I tried to reproduce a little bit of it yesterday, but it wound up nowhere near as wonderful as what He shared with me. I love talking to Him about His Word and just reflecting on it with Him, as He always shows me so much and I learn so much from Him. This is what I wrote if you're interested....
What if We Feel Inadequate?
Yes, there's a great deal of false garbage being said about the Holy Spirit and how He moves in us. Thankfully we know that's not true because we know the Lord and that's not something He would do. Those poor people are in bad need of prayer and are a good example of an inappropriate way of showing emotion. God wants us to be honest with Him - honest about our emotions as well as everything else. At least to a point. Remember when Moses hit the rock with the stick and got in trouble for it? He did that because he was frustrated with the people and took it out that way. That was not an appropriate way to show his emotions at that time because at that time he was supposed to be acting for God and showing God's power, not his own emotions. That's what got him in trouble. He dishonored God. When these people do these things and say it's the Holy Spirit moving in them, it too dishonors God because it tells lies about Him.
I can say that the Holy Spirit does cause me to show my emotions more than I have ever done in my life though, and He does so by causing me to either cry for joy or for sorrow over my sins. (usually for joy and or love) I never cried in front of anyone from the time I was a teenager until I got saved. Once I got saved though it seemed like I was always crying lol. When I go to church, tears are always streaming down my face, and I've seen that happen to many, many others as well. I'm not sobbing loudly, or making any sound at all actually, but the tears are coming and I couldn't stop them even if i tried because I'm so full of love and joy for my Savior. That's one of the normal ways the Spirit works within us to let our emotions out.
4/27/17
Psalm 73
The psalmist envied the rich at first:
"3 For I envied the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked."
partially because they were healthy as well as wealthy....but he knew their Character was greatly lacking and in many cases down right eveil.The more he thinks about what they have and what he doesn't have he even begins to wonder why does he keep pure:
v. 13 "Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure
and have washed my hands in innocence.
14 All day long I have been afflicted,
and every morning brings new punishments."
but then, he realizes their end will be worse they horrible
v. 17 "till I entered the sanctuary of God;
then I understood their final destiny."
But like this psalmist... if I ever start to envy again the rich and healthy...
I need to remember their end if they do not repent
and also
my end is like the psalmist.
I would soooooooooooooo much rather have trouble now, and an eternity with Jesus than riches now, and Hell forever!!
v. "23 Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever."
Psalm 73:1-21
Avoiding Self-pity
Sometimes it is proper to grieve and to hurt over the condition of the world or the things done to us. What we have to avoid, however, is the paralysis of self-pity. We may be sad with good reason but if we give in to self-pity we allow the person or situation that hurt us to control us. Self-pity comes when we are overwhelmed by how circumstances affect us. We may become irrational, emotional, depressed, angry or all of the above. When someone is involved in self-pity he does not have God’s perspective because he is so concerned with what is happening to him he forgets to see the whole picture. Such was the case with Asaph. Envy entered his heart when he lost sight of the fact that his situation was different from theirs. His perspective was to be God’s, but he was sharing the perspective of the world. That is usually the case when we are struggling. At the time we most need to look at life through the eyes of faith we start thinking like the world does. Asaph was caught in this trap. The heart of self-pity is envy and Asaph was envious; envious of the prosperity he saw among people whom he did not think were worthy of it. Christianity and change
It’s not wrong to want your husband to love & listen to you; or to want a warm meal & a hot cup of coffee, or to get to your appointment rather than getting stuck in traffic. But when fulfilling your desires, even for a good thing, becomes more important than anything else, that’s when it changes into a “desire of the flesh” (Gal 5:16–17). You want it too much. When you don’t get what you want, demand, believe you need, & think you deserve, your anger flares up. See what James said about where our wrong anger comes from: James 4:1–2. When you want anything—even a good thing—more than God, you will get angry when you don’t get it or it’s taken away from you. Heart of the matter
Self-pity
Asaph makes great claims for himself. He says he's been a man of moral purity & innocence & yet he suffers the result of his envy. He's plagued day & night by thoughts of what the wicked have & what he does not have. Self-pity is like that. The mind becomes engrossed in a morbid, temporal perspective. Asaph himself says that his self-pity has lead to his own ignorance & a sense of depression & oppression (v. 14, 16). He also speaks of an embittered spirit & grief as a result of his self-pity. All he can see is the prosperity of the wicked & his own lack. Many of us have experienced what Asaph has. We are so consumed by others, whom we consider evil, doing well that we can only think about them & what they have done.
Instead of leaving the hurt in the past they continue to hurt us as we relive the event. Sometimes long after the initial infraction we are still bound by the memory. When we try to figure it all out we often have the same reaction as Asaph: (Psalm 73:16). I can imagine Asaph is in that situation in this psalm. Perhaps he had been in this state for several days crying out to God; calling out for answers and questioning God for not responding. Many of us have been there. There seems to be no justice. Yet it may be that the questions Asaph was asking were not the right ones. Perhaps Asaph was looking for a way of fixing the situation when what he needed was a new way of understanding it.
I have a deep conviction that often when we think we need our circumstances to change what we really need is a change of perspective. We need a way of seeing our situation that gives it new meaning. That is what Asaph found. Asaph was overcome by trying to understand it all until he got a new perspective. The new perspective was that of being able to look at the situation as God did. Asaph began to see that God is true to His word about the wicked. They will see destruction but according to God’s schedule & not ours. The psalmist indicates that the wicked are always at the edge of destruction (v.18). They may not know it but they are in imminent danger of God’s judgment.
If He seems to delay, it's for a reason & we must be content to let Him handle things His way. When He's ready to judge them it will be swift & complete (vss. 19–20). In verses 21–28 Asaph speaks in such wonderful language of his relationship with God that one would think it was a different writer altogether. What caused the change of perspective? Why would someone who was ready to give up on his relationship with God now be speaking of how close God is to him and how God holds his hand and leads him? The answer lies in verse 17. He was feeling down, caught up in the perspective of one who is not trusting God until he entered God’s presence & understood. If you want to understand what's going on, you spend time with the One who knows. You talk to Him, you reaffirm your love for Him, your commitment to Him, regardless of whether or not you get the full answer. After all, He is the sovereign Lord whose understanding is far beyond ours. There will be some things we just won’t understand & that shouldn’t bother us because we do know that God is faithful & all powerful & He will do the right thing at the right time. God tells us what we need to know to enjoy & serve Him. If we need to know something He will show us. If He doesn’t tell us the answer to the question we're asking, then we know that either it's not for us to know or it's not time for us to know it. Christianity and change
The Right Attitude
How do we enter the sanctuary of God? First, we do it with all humility. We don’t approach God demanding an answer. We approach Him with the realization that had Jesus not gone to the cross on our behalf we would have no right to approach Him at all. We approach with confidence not in our cause or in ourselves but we approach with confidence in the fact that Jesus has cleared the way, through His work as mediator, for us. Second, we approach Him in faith. We know He knows all things. We know He is a good God. In faith we must accept that whatever His answer is it is in accordance with His good and faithful character, even if our answer does not reveal why something has happened to us. Third, we know Jesus understands. When Jesus was on earth He experienced every kind of struggle that we do. He was physically and verbally abused, abandoned by friends & family, ridiculed etc. Fourth, we accept that our call from God is to obedience. Whether we understand what has happened to us or not we obey. That is really at the heart of faith, isn’t it? We trust Him for those things we do not see (Heb. 11:1). If we don’t understand, there is a reason. We must trust that He knows best what we need to know. Fifth, when we approach God we accept the mercy (forgiveness and comfort) and grace (empowerment to get through the struggle) He provides. We don’t need to get revenge. Vengeance belongs to the Lord. We need to gain perspective – God’s perspective. Then we can go on with our focus on God & His calling for us. We can leave the hurt or the person who hurt us in God’s hands because that situation or person is no longer our responsibility nor should they be our focus.
The change in attitude for Asaph hinges on verses 16–17. What does it mean to enter the sanctuary of God and how does it help avoid self-pity? Christianity and change
The Right Method
First, God’s Word is central to all worship. Scripture is the means by which God speaks clearly and without error. We can trust His Word. We will not know God intimately unless we know His Word. As the Holy Spirit works within us to understand what we read we will be encouraged. It is interesting to note that Asaph understood what would be the end of the wicked people he was bothered about, but he never did find out why they were more materially prosperous than he was. God’s Word often changes our perspective so that we find the question we started with doesn’t matter any more. Second, worship must also be part of the process. Worship is for God. When we sing & lift up prayers & praise it is to Him. Worship is the proper response for us to make to our God. God wants us to engage in worship & when we do we are drawn in to a rich fellowship with Him. Worship should involve other Christians in a church setting where the sacraments & preaching of the Word are present. It should also be done alone through prayer & personal devotions. When we draw near to Him in this way He draws near to us as well. Third, prayer & fasting are important elements to develop. Jesus engaged in prayer & fasting. Daniel too had a regular time of prayer & was tossed into the lions’ den for it (Daniel was happy that the lions were fasting at the time). Through fasting people can develop a sensitivity to God’s leading that other disciplines don’t develop so keenly. I knew of one man who fasted regularly every Monday using his lunch and dinner breaks to spend extra time in prayer & the study of Scripture. He spoke of great benefits from the practice. Fourth, fellowship with other believers encourages our walk with God in unique ways. (Heb. 10:25). God uses other people to encourage and teach us. If we are to understand God we must develop our relationships with His people. Finally, I want to mention ministry. We begin to understand the things of God as we put those things into action. Responding to intimacy with God by serving others adds a fulness to the relationship. Christianity and change
(the purpose of fasting isn't so much going without food as it is to have more time to spend with God!)
Cry on your bed or cry to the Lord. Everything turns inward in depression. A beautiful flower momentarily catches your attention, but within seconds the focus bends back into your own misery. You see loved ones who are celebrating a recent blessing, but before you can synchronize your feelings with theirs, you have doubled back to your own personal emptiness. Like a boomerang that always returns, no matter how hard you try, you can’t get away from yourself. Pain is like that. If any part of your body is injured, you can’t get away from the pain. You may have brief distractions, but then the throbbing breaks through your consciousness and dominates again. At its peak, there seems to be no way out. You feel trapped by it. But there are choices. You are standing at a crossroads and you will take one path or another. There is no such thing as not choosing, because “not choosing” is one of the paths. It too is a choice. Your decision is between calling out to the Lord or not. This is the choice that has confronted those in misery throughout history. Listen to the prophet Hosea, who wrote these words on behalf of the Lord: “They do not cry out to me from their hearts but wail upon their beds” (Hosea 7:14). Heart of the matter
Putting self-pity behind us
We may have good reason to be sad about what has happened to us, but self-pity is the wrong way to respond to it. When we engage in self-pity we are in a position of pride & mistrust. Pride in that we say through our self-pity, ‘I am too good for this’, or, ‘I don’t deserve this’. It is mistrust in that we are not trusting in the providence of God. God is the ruler of the universe & we must trust that what He allows He allows for a good reason. We may not understand what the reason is, but we do understand that what He wants us to do now is trust Him & go on with life in obedience to Him. We put self-pity behind us in the same way we deal with the sin of pride. We humbly affirm that what is most important is that we trust Him, confess our own sins & ask His help to turn from them. We then forgive those who have wronged us & press on with what He would have us do. As we do this we consciously leave the hurt for Him to deal with in His own way. Every time I am tempted to entertain the old feelings of self-pity I remind myself, & God, that I do not own that situation any more. I have given it to God & I must refuse to take it back. As I do that each time I am tempted, the temptation becomes easier to handle the next time & I gain more & more freedom from it. God calls all of His children to make a pilgrimage through this life & into the eternal presence of God. It's not our place to be concerned whether someone else has a better pilgrimage than we do. Our pilgrimage is unique & the task for us is to accept what happens, as our journey is designed to make us more like our Savior. So whether the road is rough or smooth we work at being content & faithful to follow God wherever He leads. May God grant all of us the grace and mercy to be people who are not engaged in the ungodly exhibition which is self-pity. If you are a Christian you will suffer (1 Peter 4). The next time you feel that you are suffering more than the non-Christian picture in your mind the end result for that person should they remain without Christ and pray for them. Then, thank God that He has shown you mercy and pray as Job did, "Though He slay me, I will hope in Him" Job 13:15. Christianity and change
As Asaph pondered the end of the wicked, he came to see that this is really the decisive thing. It is the end that makes the difference. It did not matter how happy and prosperous they appeared to be in this life. The immensely important matter was what lay ahead of them. Asaph began to understand that with all their care-free days and ways, the wicked were standing on a slippery slope and would ultimately be plunged into eternal destruction. Asaph’s experience should lead us to understand that the righteous on his worst day is far better off than the unrighteous on his best day. Opening up Psalms.
“I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.” (Psalm 73:22)
The psalmist’s resentment and mistrust had transformed his perceptions of God and reality. Faithlife Study Bible
He confesses how—foolish—literally, “stupid,” and ignorant—literally, “not discerning,” had been his course of thought. Commentary Critical and Explanatory
The psalmist confesses his own errors, e.g., the folly of his former impatience. He had lowered himself to the level of a beast, for what distinguishes man from animals is his power of communion with God. He worried instead of worshiped. The wisdom literature and Psalms.
“You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.” (Psalm 73:24)
Asaph was in need of divine guidance. He had just discovered the foolishness of his heart, & lest he should be constantly led astray by it, he resolved that God’s counsel should henceforth guide him. A sense of our own folly is a great step towards being wise, when it leads us to rely on the wisdom of the Lord. The blind man leans on his friend’s arm & reaches home in safety, & so we should give ourselves up implicitly to divine guidance, nothing doubting; assured that though we cannot see, it is always safe to trust the all-seeing God. “You will,” is a blessed expression of confidence. He was sure that the Lord would guide him. Be assured that God will be your counselor & friend; He will guide you; He will direct all your ways. In his written Word you have this assurance in part fulfilled, for holy Scripture is His counsel to you. Happy are we to have God’s Word always to guide us! What is the mariner without his compass? What is the Christian without the Bible? This is the unerring chart, the map in which every shoal is described, & all the channels from the quicksands of destruction to the haven of salvation mapped & marked by one who knows all the way. Blessed be You, O God, that we may trust You to guide us now, & guide us even to the end! After this guidance through life, the Psalmist anticipates a divine reception at last—“& afterward receive me to glory.” What a thought for you, believer! God himself will receive you to glory—you! Wandering, erring, straying, yet he will bring you safe at last to glory! This is your portion; live on it this day, & if perplexities should surround you, go in the strength of this text straight to the throne. Morning and evening
“Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.” (Psalm 73:25)
The gospel of Christ revolves around the 2 Advents of the Savior: The 1st when He came as the humble baby in Bethlehem’s manger; the 2nd when He returns as King of kings with power & great glory to establish His eternal kingdom. Christ’s first coming assures us that we now have a God who identified Himself with us in every aspect of life from birth to death. The anticipation of His 2nd coming assures us that we will live & reign with Him forever. Such a hope keeps this life from becoming “tedious & tasteless”—regardless of the seasons or situations. The ultimate source of inner joy is God Himself, not our circumstances. Without an intimate sense of His daily presence, however, our lives can easily become wintry & frigid. Amazing grace
Asaph realized that because he had God as his Friend, he needed nothing else. He had more than the wicked, and what he had would last forever. God would hold him, guide him, strengthen him, satisfy his spiritual desires—and one day, take him to heaven! We are not philosophers, living on man’s explanations. We are pilgrims, living on God’s promises, and His promises never fail. With the Word
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26)
Though bodily and mental powers fail, the psalmist claims “God is the rock of my heart,” i.e., his sure refuge in every danger. Now that he has come to his spiritual senses, he will never look for any other refuge. The wisdom literature and Psalms.
Convinced now that God would never fail him, Asaph has little trouble accepting the apparent prosperity of the wicked in the face of his own distress. KJV Bible Commentary
“Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.” (Psalm 73:27)
God is the source of all life, and those who stray from Him stray from the source of eternal life. We must abide in Him to live. The jealous God will not permit the righteous to be alienated from Him. KJV Bible Commentary
“But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.” (Psalm 73:28)
The greater our nearness to God, the less we are affected by the attractions of sin. No longer would Asaph hesitate or vacillate. He has resolved, I have put my trust in the Lord God. KJV Bible Commentary
If you see this in time, you can skip to Psalm 76 next if you'd like to.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Apr 28, 2017 14:47:31 GMT -5
I just realized that Leonard and I took 2 different paths as children.....he expresses easily his frustration, anger etc.
out loud, and for the most part, I have kept it in.
Like you, I don't think my children ever saw me cry ( maybe once or twice)....I would leave and maybe go to the bathroom or bedroom, and let silent tears flow then make sure my face was 'normal....no hint of tears' before emerging.
But actually Leonard has been a big big help....he will often say what I am silently thinking ( things I am afraid will make him or someone either mad or sad)
But he will say it out loud...often if he is saying what I am thinking about him.....as a joke....he will really play it up and make it super silly....so I dare agree ( usually also in a joking manner)....but it has allowed me to be more open.
Still, I absolutely will not talk when he is venting.....I think I have in the past, and discovered that is NOT the time.....not even to ask if I can help in any way.....
I have noticed something sort of positive from my early childhood and that seems to be I notice others feelings especially children and also animals ( my daughter calls me the animal whisper LOL).
I have been talking to adults and then noticed the distress of a child....but the other adult does not. For example, once our daughter in law was annoyed with our other grandson ( not her baby boy). So she sharply reprimanded him.
I noticed immediately how hurt he was by her tone ( not so much by what she said).
So he whispered he was sorry and went to hug her and she snapped at him again....not hearing what he said no noticing he was trying to hug her as part of his apology.
He was devastated by then, so I quietly told her, he said he was sorry and is trying to also give you a hug....Oh she said....ok. and all was well.
Now that may have been because she was tired, having a bad day etc.
But this happens more than I can tell and the same with little creatures....I can be again talking to adults and see an animal needing ------- fill in the blank and the other person, does not even know the animal is there.
So it could be? God turned my somewhat unhappy early childhood into a blessing of sorts?
However, I have to tell you something, I thought was pretty cool.......!!!!
I am 'almost 'shouting LOLOL
I had a dream last night.....
I imagine you scratching your head, thinking OKKKKKK ( people having a dream, there's a new concept LOL)
But here's the thing
In the dream, I was talking to a young girl who had a baby son.....
She was very poor and very bitter of the rich
I happened to be standing right next to her baby
She started telling the baby to beware of the rich....
and then I started as Asaph in the psalm, talking to the 'baby' but really also to her....about all the 'evils' of the rich
I did suggest that perhaps some rich did not have such wonderful lives, but then covered themselves with arrogance, pride ( not needing God in their minds), rudeness etc.
So this girl I could tell was happy I was taking her side....
but then I moved on to the parts about their future outcome.....
And so on my dream went , there was more to it but this is just to give you an idea of it
( I was sort of evangelizing to this girl in my dream)
But I have never had a dream before (that I remember) that was specifically about something I had read that day in the Bible!!!
See why I am shouting...almost, in my mind...actually I am sort of hoping up and down LOL
Even if I had it wrong, at least my mind was working on it in my sleep/dream.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Apr 28, 2017 15:20:41 GMT -5
I did want to mention something else....maybe it should go in the counseling so feel free to move this post to there.
But as a short background, when I was adopted at almost 6,
I gained 2 adopted cousins....boys.
One was about 6 years plus older than I and the other 12 or so years older.
I was super super super shy and didn't have any experience with any boys cousins or not.....and they were not ( or so it seemed) especially thrilled that their aunt and uncle decided to get a girl....why not a boy?!!!
Their dad was the Chief of the Rhode Island state police.
So he could be intimidating too tho was perfectly nice, but didn't relate to a little girl either.
In fact, my youngest boy cousin became a very ribboned, trophied, all star basketball player.
And strangely enough before my uncle and dad met and married their wives, they played basketball together. So at Thanksgiving and Christmas etc. the 2 boys dad and uncle would go and watch games on the only TV.
My mom and her sister ( aunt) were very very close and would go to kitchen to cook and talk.
I would sit for 1-2 hours in a room with no toys, no books, no radio, no tv, no record player...I would just sit, alone and so I never probably said two words to my cousins....tho I looked up to them.
They never reached out to me, even as I got older
and 2 days ago I decided to search the net to see if I could find out anything about either.....and I found out both had died.
It should not have been shocking or surprising....
and like I said, I doubt we ever spoke more than a few words....
but I did feel a sadness and bereft feeling....maybe feeling robbed of a relationship I always wished for but never was to be
I am pretty sure neither were believers so that added to it.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Apr 28, 2017 15:33:52 GMT -5
4/28/17
Psalm 74
Well, to be honest, there are times when it does feel like v.
1 but I always think its because so many in our country have pushed God away
v. 1 "O God, why have you rejected us forever?
Why does your anger smolder against the sheep of your pasture?"
and it also seems like the secular culture has been and is still trying to
v. 8 They said in their hearts, “We will crush them completely!”
They burned every place where God was worshiped in the land."
to the point where I have sometimes wondered how long oh Lord?
v.10 "How long will the enemy mock you, God?
Will the foe revile your name forever?"
but at the same time, another part of me hopes and prays God will hold off a little while longer so my loved ones might be saved.
Then the psalmist begins to recite all of Gods wonders in praise.
And he asks God to eventually ( if not sooner) rise up and right all the wrongs.....as do I.
I am just not feeling very peppy today and am hurting ( finished cleaning yesterday, and tho I went slow and took 3 days...I still had not allowed the flare up to subside to a dull roar.....so it is NOT happy.
Thank you for all your posts when I know you are not feeling well either and you may be feeling even a LOT worse.....so thank you soooooooo much.
Still no Eva....do you think she will ever come back?
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Apr 29, 2017 14:04:28 GMT -5
How weird I posted my bible study yesterday but got the date wrong,
then I went and corrected it just a minute ago....with another wrong date Oye vey.....finally I got yesterday's date correct....I am pretty sure! HA!
Soooo today is:
4/29/17
Psalm 76
I still struggle with fearing man....generic ( almost any man...or woman)
So v. 7 is for me...
It is speaking of God
v. 7 "It is you alone who are to be feared...."
And there are many praises of God in this psalm.
I have started reading Cheryl's thread from the beginning so I am a little tired.
The good thing ( well at least this part) is our landlord is here so he will clean tomorrow.....so maybe my arm and shoulder will have some time to rest and heal a bit.
I am reading a Christian novel that is sort of funny ( to me anyway).
One character frequently takes scripture and applies it to herself.....not that we can't do it but its how she does it that is funny....
She will be off doing something that could rightly be called sort of 'sneaky',
and will notice how God's beauty in the autumn leaves,
have made a 'red carpet'....
just for her sneaky business
and she sees it as 'sign' that God approves
and thus HE provided her this red carpet.
Instead of giving God the glory and thanking Him for the beauty of His Creation ( even in our fallen world).
It just strikes me as funny....in a sad way,
but amusing.
I think perhaps many Christians at one time or another have done this same self-centered approval of some sin....until.....the Lord will set them straight.
This Psalm reminds me to glorify the Lord God of what He has done because He deserves glory and honor.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Apr 30, 2017 15:18:06 GMT -5
4/30/17
Psalm 77
This is a good psalm to remember when it 'seems' like God has abandon us
( me)......
We (I) can remember all the things He has done for me in the past
v.11 " I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago."
And not only what God has done in the past for me but what He has done since Creation and throughout history.
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Post by Cindy on May 1, 2017 11:04:09 GMT -5
I just realized that Leonard and I took 2 different paths as children.....he expresses easily his frustration, anger etc.
out loud, and for the most part, I have kept it in.
Like you, I don't think my children ever saw me cry ( maybe once or twice)....I would leave and maybe go to the bathroom or bedroom, and let silent tears flow then make sure my face was 'normal....no hint of tears' before emerging.
But actually Leonard has been a big big help....he will often say what I am silently thinking ( things I am afraid will make him or someone either mad or sad)
But he will say it out loud...often if he is saying what I am thinking about him.....as a joke....he will really play it up and make it super silly....so I dare agree ( usually also in a joking manner)....but it has allowed me to be more open.
Still, I absolutely will not talk when he is venting.....I think I have in the past, and discovered that is NOT the time.....not even to ask if I can help in any way.....
I have noticed something sort of positive from my early childhood and that seems to be I notice others feelings especially children and also animals ( my daughter calls me the animal whisper LOL).
I have been talking to adults and then noticed the distress of a child....but the other adult does not. For example, once our daughter in law was annoyed with our other grandson ( not her baby boy). So she sharply reprimanded him.
I noticed immediately how hurt he was by her tone ( not so much by what she said).
So he whispered he was sorry and went to hug her and she snapped at him again....not hearing what he said no noticing he was trying to hug her as part of his apology.
He was devastated by then, so I quietly told her, he said he was sorry and is trying to also give you a hug....Oh she said....ok. and all was well.
Now that may have been because she was tired, having a bad day etc.
But this happens more than I can tell and the same with little creatures....I can be again talking to adults and see an animal needing ------- fill in the blank and the other person, does not even know the animal is there.
So it could be? God turned my somewhat unhappy early childhood into a blessing of sorts?
However, I have to tell you something, I thought was pretty cool.......!!!!
I am 'almost 'shouting LOLOL
I had a dream last night.....
I imagine you scratching your head, thinking OKKKKKK ( people having a dream, there's a new concept LOL)
But here's the thing
In the dream, I was talking to a young girl who had a baby son.....
She was very poor and very bitter of the rich
I happened to be standing right next to her baby
She started telling the baby to beware of the rich....
and then I started as Asaph in the psalm, talking to the 'baby' but really also to her....about all the 'evils' of the rich
I did suggest that perhaps some rich did not have such wonderful lives, but then covered themselves with arrogance, pride ( not needing God in their minds), rudeness etc.
So this girl I could tell was happy I was taking her side....
but then I moved on to the parts about their future outcome.....
And so on my dream went , there was more to it but this is just to give you an idea of it
( I was sort of evangelizing to this girl in my dream)
But I have never had a dream before (that I remember) that was specifically about something I had read that day in the Bible!!!
See why I am shouting...almost, in my mind...actually I am sort of hoping up and down LOL
Even if I had it wrong, at least my mind was working on it in my sleep/dream.
What a wonderful dream! That comes from thinking about God's Word during the day too, so the more we think about Him and His Word during the day, the more likely we are to have a dream about it. I don't mean that we'll dream about the same thing we were reading or reflecting on that day, but when reading and studying His Word is a daily habit and when reflecting on it during the day is also a daily habit, then it's more likely that we'll dream about God and His Word at night. I'm quite sure you got it right too, or if not the Lord would have corrected you. It reminds me of this verse: “I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.” (Psalm 16:7) These versions translate it a bit differently:
NET | Ps 16:7 I will praise the LORD who guides me; yes, during the night I reflect and learn.
HCSB | Ps 16:7 I will praise the LORD who counsels me — even at night my conscience instructs me.
I also wanted to mention something about reflecting on God's Word during the day. Usually people reflect on whatever they read that day, but there's no rule that says we have to do that. I may start out thinking about that, or I may start out thinking about something entirely different from what I read that day. Instead, another scripture may come to my mind and I'll begin thinking about that instead. Or, I may start out praying for someone and that may cause a scripture to come to my mind so after my prayer, I may start thinking about that scripture and talk to the Lord about it instead. A lot of times when I reflect on His Word, I wind up having like a day dream that I'm explaining it to someone. Like that thing I wrote about feeling inadequate - I'd been praying for my son in law, and the Lord brought Gal 2:20 to my mind. So after my prayer was done, I began to reflect on it and it turned into like a day dream where I was explaining all of it to my son in law, trying to get him to see that it didn't matter if he didn't think he could do a certain job because his confidence wasn't supposed to be in himself, it's supposed to be in Christ. The Lord led me to a bunch of other scriptures during that time, and I found myself explaining them to my son in law in my mind. It was really neat. I know it was the Lord leading me because He taught me things from it, even though I was the one saying them in my mind. I know it sounds weird, but when you experience it, you'll know what I mean. It's the same thing that happens at times when I write something.
I did want to mention something else....maybe it should go in the counseling so feel free to move this post to there.
But as a short background, when I was adopted at almost 6,
I gained 2 adopted cousins....boys.
One was about 6 years plus older than I and the other 12 or so years older.
I was super super super shy and didn't have any experience with any boys cousins or not.....and they were not ( or so it seemed) especially thrilled that their aunt and uncle decided to get a girl....why not a boy?!!!
Their dad was the Chief of the Rhode Island state police.
So he could be intimidating too tho was perfectly nice, but didn't relate to a little girl either.
In fact, my youngest boy cousin became a very ribboned, trophied, all star basketball player.
And strangely enough before my uncle and dad met and married their wives, they played basketball together. So at Thanksgiving and Christmas etc. the 2 boys dad and uncle would go and watch games on the only TV.
My mom and her sister ( aunt) were very very close and would go to kitchen to cook and talk.
I would sit for 1-2 hours in a room with no toys, no books, no radio, no tv, no record player...I would just sit, alone and so I never probably said two words to my cousins....tho I looked up to them.
They never reached out to me, even as I got older
and 2 days ago I decided to search the net to see if I could find out anything about either.....and I found out both had died.
It should not have been shocking or surprising....
and like I said, I doubt we ever spoke more than a few words....
but I did feel a sadness and bereft feeling....maybe feeling robbed of a relationship I always wished for but never was to be
I am pretty sure neither were believers so that added to it.
There's nothing wrong with being shy; I'm shy too - very shy, believe it or not. But the thing is that we can't allow our shyness to control us. We need to be in control of ourselves and not allow our emotions to control us and "shyness" is an emotion. And you know what God says about emotions. Obviously, neither of us knew that as children or even as adults; not until the Lord showed us that in His Word, which for both of us was fairly recently. So, to honor the Lord, and to take control of myself instead of letting my shyness control me, when we bought this house, I was determined to get to know my neighbors. I'd never done that before, and I was scared to death! But I knew the Lord would be with me, so I made myself get up and walk out my door. I'd baked 3 containers of cookies so I took those with me and went to each of the 3 houses that are close to us and introduced myself and offered them the cookies. My hands were shaking But you know what? They were wonderful people and have been wonderful neighbors to us ever since then! 4/28/17
Psalm 74
Well, to be honest, there are times when it does feel like v.
1 but I always think its because so many in our country have pushed God away
v. 1 "O God, why have you rejected us forever?
Why does your anger smolder against the sheep of your pasture?"
and it also seems like the secular culture has been and is still trying to
v. 8 They said in their hearts, “We will crush them completely!”
They burned every place where God was worshiped in the land."
to the point where I have sometimes wondered how long oh Lord?
v.10 "How long will the enemy mock you, God?
Will the foe revile your name forever?"
but at the same time, another part of me hopes and prays God will hold off a little while longer so my loved ones might be saved.
Then the psalmist begins to recite all of Gods wonders in praise.
And he asks God to eventually ( if not sooner) rise up and right all the wrongs.....as do I.
I am just not feeling very peppy today and am hurting ( finished cleaning yesterday, and tho I went slow and took 3 days...I still had not allowed the flare up to subside to a dull roar.....so it is NOT happy.
Thank you for all your posts when I know you are not feeling well either and you may be feeling even a LOT worse.....so thank you soooooooo much.
Still no Eva....do you think she will ever come back?
I don't know about Eva hon. It doesn't seem like she wants to be with us regularly anymore. I guess she prefers to study on her own without us. That's why she only drops in once in a great while. Otherwise she'd be here every day if she thought she still needed us or wanted to be with us.
How weird I posted my bible study yesterday but got the date wrong,
then I went and corrected it just a minute ago....with another wrong date Oye vey.....finally I got yesterday's date correct....I am pretty sure! HA!
Soooo today is:
4/29/17
Psalm 76
I still struggle with fearing man....generic ( almost any man...or woman)
So v. 7 is for me...
It is speaking of God
v. 7 "It is you alone who are to be feared...."
And there are many praises of God in this psalm.
I have started reading Cheryl's thread from the beginning so I am a little tired.
The good thing ( well at least this part) is our landlord is here so he will clean tomorrow.....so maybe my arm and shoulder will have some time to rest and heal a bit.
I am reading a Christian novel that is sort of funny ( to me anyway).
One character frequently takes scripture and applies it to herself.....not that we can't do it but its how she does it that is funny....
She will be off doing something that could rightly be called sort of 'sneaky',
and will notice how God's beauty in the autumn leaves,
have made a 'red carpet'....
just for her sneaky business
and she sees it as 'sign' that God approves
and thus HE provided her this red carpet.
Instead of giving God the glory and thanking Him for the beauty of His Creation ( even in our fallen world).
It just strikes me as funny....in a sad way,
but amusing.
I think perhaps many Christians at one time or another have done this same self-centered approval of some sin....until.....the Lord will set them straight.
This Psalm reminds me to glorify the Lord God of what He has done because He deserves glory and honor.
Anger makes us draw back from people. But God’s anger is different. It’s intended to cause us to take Him seriously (to “fear” God) and move us to come to Him (v. 11). Even when directed against us, God’s anger never overwhelms His love. Human beings can trust even an angry God to welcome the guilty with open arms. The Bible reader’s companion 4/30/17
Psalm 77
This is a good psalm to remember when it 'seems' like God has abandon us
( me)......
We (I) can remember all the things He has done for me in the past
v.11 " I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago."
And not only what God has done in the past for me but what He has done since Creation and throughout history.
I love this verse, especially since I'm always asking Him for miracles lol:
“You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.” (Psalm 77:14)
Here's something interesting for you:
“Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen.” (Psalm 77:19)
Jesus may have fulfilled this when He walked on the sea in Mark 6:48; Matt 14:25; John 6:19;
From Mark 6:48; “He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them,” (Mark 6:48)
“He came to them, walking on the sea” This was another nature miracle of Jesus for the purpose of strengthening the disciples’ faith. They witnessed His power & authority in many different ways. But they still did not understand; they were still afraid & amazed. It is possible that this miracle was meant to fulfill Job 9:8; Job 38:16; Psalm 77:19; & Isa. 43:16. Jesus was acting out divine acts from the OT (cf. v. 52). “He intended to pass by them” This does not seem to fit the context unless it means to link up with Job 9:8 & 11! The Gospel according to Peter
“He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea. He is the Maker of the Bear and Orion, the Pleiades and the constellations of the south. He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted. When he passes me, I cannot see him; when he goes by, I cannot perceive him.” (Job 9:8–11)
If you want to, you can skip to Psalm 81 next. Let me just list the next ten or so for you: Psalm 81, 84, 86, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on May 1, 2017 13:11:01 GMT -5
That was great I got the list and wrote down the next 10 to study :-)
yeah, I think you are right about Eva, she has kind of said all along ( in a way) that she wanted to study on her own pretty much.
I am sure you have already thought of this ( and in a kind of sort of way, so have I )
But it really hit me for some reason when I read this in the Christian novel I am reading.....the same one with the silly woman and God providing her a red carpet
( as a sign He 'approved')
for her sneaky project....
Further on the pastor's wife who has inoperable breast cancer is consoling a friend ( strange that she should be helping them)
Anyway, in the book she says she thinks there are 5 types of healing:
First is our immune system ( She goes into how God provided that for us)
2nd is doctors, surgery, medicine etc.
3rd is attitude ....
because even with the best surgeon, if a person does not have a healthy positive and faith in God attitude they may not get better ( I am not sure I am saying this exactly as in the novel but you get the idea)
4th is a miracle from God
But what really stuck me as actually sooooo true
is death
If all the above fail, death is actually the ultimate healing because we will be with the Lord, in our new bodies with no more sickness and not more sin!
I mean I knew that......but on some level, I never really really thought of death as the ultimate healing......I always thought it was 'death'
yes I knew I would be with the Lord and a new body and without sin
I just didn't think of death as a 'healing'
So I finished that novel and there was one more thing about death in it.....that again, I am sure you are well aware of....and maybe in a foggy sort of way I was......
But you know how Paul said he ran the good race////I think they were drawing from that.....
Because the pastor's wife in the book was absolutely dying and yet again comforting someone else who was struggling with her dying
She said to them, ( not the exact quote)
it's okay you know, because death is Victory!!!!
She went on to say 'something' like:
we are born and Jesus is drawing us closer to Himself in this life, but death is like a race and when we die we have the victory.
Again, I know Heaven will be glorious and to be with Jesus forever...well I can't imagine how great that will be
But I think I have always view death itself as a kind of 'defeat'.....not victory!!
Funny because I almost didn't finish this book, because for awhile I just could not figure out where is was going, it was a bit funny, but seemed a little aimless......but something has to be really really bad for me to not finish it......
and you know my on and off struggle with death.....and so here in this somewhat silly book were 2 helpful or more clarification on death....as the ultimate healing and victory who knew LOL
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Before I talk about some of the things you mentioned, I don't want to forget about on first waking up.
!!
