fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,664
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Post by fearnot on Jun 30, 2020 11:15:21 GMT -5
Thinking about those Christians that I knew in the past, who could so easily bring God's Word into every day conversation, without being 'preachy'....
One of the things they had ( that I do not, but should have) is a MUCH MUCH MUCH bigger trove of memorized scripture passages
So for example ( and this is not one I remember any of them using, nor is it really the best example, but it is an example)
Standing with a super secular neighbor,stranger, or family member etc. and lb both they and the other person might be perhaps looking up at the sky The might casually say something like:
[smear:#3034ba]"He ( God) covers the heavens with clouds; he prepares rain for the earth; he makes grass grow on the hills. Psalm 147:8[/smear:#19e61f:0]
or maybe a young man talking about just getting engaged might say to a non-believer concerning his love:
[smear:#1ca4a9]As a lily among brambles, so is my love among the young women Song of Solomon 2:2 [/smear:#d603f1:0]
Again, NOT the best example, because I am so badly limited in my memorized verses, and familiarity with God's word...
And yes, one 'help' would be to get busy and start memorizing again..... And although ALL scripture is needful, ....
I might memorize, at least some verses, with daily conversation in mind.... but.... which verses????:
Because here is another problem in today's times The day's of 'easy' Christianity has but all disappeared!
Not that being a Christian ever had a time of perfect ease.... there were always sorrows ( for the perishing, personal sins, etc. etc.)
But in our culture and society today, the slightest thing can trigger a secular non believer Even a 'racist' image ( in their minds) on a cereal box) So that, this idea expressed in this verse below, is an anathema to them:
[smear:#43e619]20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. Genesis 50:20[/smear:#c819e6:0]
And if the poor young Christian man were to opine about his fiance with these words from Scripture concerning her ( to a non-believer) Except substitute 'her' for your:
[smear:#eb3041]Your lips are like a scarlet thread, and your mouth is lovely. Your cheeks are like halves of a pomegranate behind your veil. Song of Solomon 4:3[/smear:#9f19e6:0]
He would be immediately labeled a chauvinist pig!!
The secular non-believer today, would rather hear any of man or Satan's nostrums,
than even the most sweet and lovely of God's absolute truths woven skillfully into a light and fluffy conversation... never mind a more substantial one!!
Still, I think there are Christians who can yet do so and it is a skill I would love to have.
So one step is to memorize more but the second is to know many many verse that could be used..... That is where I have always been stuck. I have also read of such in Christian fiction novels but sadly I did not at the time think of writing some Biblical verses the author used and in what circumstances :(
Still, I want this to be true of my conversation, a lot more of the time I have left on earth:
[smear:#48a1dc]Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. Proverbs 16:24[/smear:#e63319:0]
And not this:
[smear:#11a119]Though evil is sweet in his mouth, though he hides it under his tongue, Job 20:12[/smear:#e6197e:0]
Instead may God's words and not foolishness be to me and others:
[smear:#e619d3]How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Psalm 119:103[/smear:#19e681:0]
Done for today
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Post by Cindy on Jun 30, 2020 12:13:26 GMT -5
I'll reply inside your post this time.
Thinking about those Christians that I knew in the past, who could so easily bring God's Word into every day conversation, without being 'preachy'....
Were you already saved or are you talking about before you were saved?
One of the things they had ( that I do not, but should have) is a MUCH MUCH MUCH bigger trove of memorized scripture passages
Sadly, this is partly due to our age, and a great deal due to our illness and pain; it's simply impossible for us to memorize as many scriptures as we could have when we were younger and not in pain all the time. I've managed to memorize just over a hundred scriptures. My idea was to continually keep adding to the list, and I've tried to do that. But I simply haven't been able to do much more. I have them all on index cards and read about 11 every night. (Some cards have as many as 5 verses on them and others only one.) By reading 11 cards every night before I go to bed, I can go over all of the scriptures I've memorized every week. (I don't actually read them...I cover it all up except for the address - like John 1:1-4 -- with a blank card, and then recite what I've memorized.) I've had these same verses memorized for a couple of years already and it takes a very long time
to add another one to my list and memorize it. On the other hand, I know many more verses then the ones I've memorized, I just can't say them exactly right and don't remember where they are without looking.
So for example ( and this is not one I remember any of them using, nor is it really the best example, but it is an example)
Standing with a super secular neighbor,stranger, or family member etc. and lb both they and the other person might be perhaps looking up at the sky The might casually say something like:
[smear:#3034ba]"He ( God) covers the heavens with clouds; he prepares rain for the earth; he makes grass grow on the hills. Psalm 147:8[/smear:#19e61f:0]
or maybe a young man talking about just getting engaged might say to a non-believer concerning his love:
[smear:#1ca4a9]As a lily among brambles, so is my love among the young women Song of Solomon 2:2 [/smear:#d603f1:0]
Again, NOT the best example, because I am so badly limited in my memorized verses, and familiarity with God's word...
Why put your examples down? I thought they were good ones! And that your examples show that you have the ability to do exactly what you think you can't do LOL
And yes, one 'help' would be to get busy and start memorizing again..... And although ALL scripture is needful, ....
I might memorize, at least some verses, with daily conversation in mind.... but.... which verses?:
Barbara, you've fallen once again into the trap of thinking you're on your own and have no one to help you. But you do have all the help you could ever possibly need: you have the Holy Spirit, Jesus and the Father dwelling within you! Ephesians 3:17 shows us that Jesus dwells within us; and John 14:19–31 tells us that both Jesus and the Father dwell within us; and of course John 14:16–17 tells us that the Holy Spirit dwells within us. We're all familiar with these scriptures, sometimes too familiar because then we don't stop and reflect on what they really mean and what God is telling us: “As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.” (1 John 2:27)
Jesus doesn't lie, so these scriptures are speaking the truth to us. He does not say "if you are able to memorize many scriptures He will help you and teach you;" nor does he say, "if you study your Bible for 6 hours every single day, then you will be worthy and I will help you." No, He says that He will teach you about everything, period. “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26) and here He says it again, also including that He will also remind you of scripture when you need it. Here again He tells us the truth, and again there are no and's if's or but's attached to this statement of fact: “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” (John 16:13) .
Because here is another problem in today's times The day's of 'easy' Christianity has but all disappeared!
Not that being a Christian ever had a time of perfect ease.... there were always sorrows ( for the perishing, personal sins, etc. etc.)
But in our culture and society today, the slightest thing can trigger a secular non believer Even a 'racist' image ( in their minds) on a cereal box)
I'm not sure why that has any bearing on what you can say to people. Unless you're saying that if you say something, perhaps like the examples you sited above, that the person you're talking to might verbally attack you and call what you're saying as racists or hate speech.... If that's what you mean, then yeah, I suppose there's always the chance that what we say won't be well received. But really, why should that matter? Again it comes back to trusting God. God knows your capabilities (after all, He gave them to you!) He knows your desires and your fears. He also knows exactly what is best for you and what your needs are. He's not some tyrant, He's our loving Father, and He cares very much for us and loves us more then we can even imagine. Like Jesus said, we have no need to fear other people, or fear that our needs won't be met, or fear anything at all, because unlike earthly fathers, our heavenly Father is always with us, always loving us, always guiding and helping us.
I sincerely believe that you are a great deal more capable then you think you are, and that the only thing holding you back is yourself. I can't think of better advice for you or me either, then that we should remember that: “We live by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7) Every single person you see or run into during the day, is actually a divine appointment that God has set up for you. Maybe all He needs you to do is to smile at them, or maybe He needs you to speak His Word to them, or maybe it's something else. Whatever it is though, He will guide you to do it, and give you what you need to suceed. Our emotions jump all over the place and scream, "no! I'm not ready! I can't do that!!!! Help!!!!" But the Lord calmly says, "yes, you are ready, which is why I have brought this person into your life at this time."
You're doing so great!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,664
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Post by fearnot on Jun 30, 2020 12:44:30 GMT -5
I actually added a bit more to today's post....:) Which would be above your post and this one I think.
Well, I guess why I thought my examples were not the best, was because I remember hearing other example ( either in conversation, or as in reading a novel....
I have started writing down 'ideas' from novels that might be used in conversations
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,664
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Post by fearnot on Jul 1, 2020 11:57:06 GMT -5
This is a verse, not many can say they follow....not even many professing Christians
[smear:#19e6ab]15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15[/smear:#f15d06:0]
We are seduced by so many things in the world, like never before today's young people (at least in the US but also in many parts of the world) have grown up, from toddler-hood with video games some have spent most of their waking days playing video games
So what a seduction that is!!
But there are tons of other 'things'of the world' money fame politics sex power self etc etc etc.
This is a fallen world, and has a corrupt value system, and human hearts are prevented by sin
People no matter where they are on a scale of evil at any given time ( just one drop or is an ocean full) tend to look at this life as all there is...
They do not look at eternity very often and think about, what they are doing, thinking, saying etc and how it will effect their eternity and other people's eternity.
Instead giving up the 'things of the world':
[smear:#25b61e]let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts;....... Isaiah 55:7[/smear:#e619dc:0]
But even many Evangelical churches have gone the way of the world Some seem to be doing 'good' by being totally immersed in social issues and becoming social issue warriors
But they have abandon their true purpose of spreading the gospel and thru the preaching of the Bible the perverted hearts are being changed
Instead what they will discover is injustice will continue because the layers of evil ( governments have layers and layers of 'deep state')
[smear:#e65319]8 If you see in a province the oppression of the poor and the violation of justice and righteousness, do not be amazed at the matter, for the high official is watched by a higher, and there are yet higher ones over them. Ecclesiastes 5:8[/smear:#09e0e2:0]
There are some young people that started out protesting with the ideal that if they could see a change in government, a change in the laws a change in those who would enforce the laws peace would soon reign
But instead, they themselves soon showed the folly of such thoughts that man by himself or herself could make such lovely change Because....
It did not take long for many of them to get caught up in: not respecting laws that were made to promote peace and protection of people
Instead, they soon found themselves venting their frustration and anger by looting starting fires brawling rioting etc etc etc.
And their own experiment of a 'peaceful Eden' has turned into a nightmare
with more rapes than the countries with the highest rapes in the world
Already in 20 days, numerous shootings and deaths by shooting ( by their 'own' police force of BLM members)
Yesterday BLM 'cops' shot a 16 year old black youth and a 14 year old black youth and one of those young teen died right away the other 'might' have died today I did not check..... but so much for peace there is theft beyond the pale in Chad/Chops and drugs to beat the drum etc etc.
Going from capitalism to socialism, or communism will not change the sin in every human heart.
And rather, no matter what ism you change to this verse will reign
[smear:#e61948]So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted. Habakkuk 1:4 [/smear:#19e6b6:0]
And this: [smear:#e619a6] In arrogance the wicked hotly pursue the poor;.... Psalm 10:2[/smear:#19e62b:0] Done for today
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,664
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Post by fearnot on Jul 2, 2020 10:07:12 GMT -5
Some people think we have evolved so much and that the proof of our higher evolved self is seen in their gods:
Science and technology
But for example tho this is NOT the worst virus the world has ever dealt with yet it was our 'saviors' ( from a secular standpoint): science and technology
that help spread this virus, at near warp speed, around the whole world via airplane travel
And I know....this is perhaps only conspiracy, yet, even some very smart people in high places think this virus might have accidentally been released from a..... 'scientific' lab so science may have even a bigger hand
but for sure, our technology and science did contribute to its spread.
But another down side, to the secular gods of science and technology is, it has greatly increased our abilities and sophistication of our pet sins
for example: a 'peeping tom', can now go online and 'peep' at women or men....all day long and never worry about his getting caught or losing his or her reputation
The lie is:
we have become more 'evolved', and no longer are ignorant by believing in God and the Bible
the truth is, that in fact in man's effort to be 'FREE" he has become a slave to his or her sins
we are 'possessed'...... yes, many people are possessed by demons
but many more are possessed by 'self' we are 'possessed' by ourselves.
We are drunk and addicts of the deadly drug/ lie thinking, we are free.
[smear:#e64919]34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. John 8:34[/smear:#1979e6:0]
then there is this verse: [smear:#b612aa] 16 Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? Romans 6:16[/smear:#24e619:0]
The protesters and rioters, Antifa, and BLM folk who took over 6 blocks in Seattle at first called the area Chaz.....the A and Z in Chaz was to stand for:
"autonomous zone'
Which is telling because they thought of it as : 'self' governing no coercion ( no police or laws telling me what I can or cannot do) I am a 'law' unto myself the master of my own ship FREE
But they quickly proved they were destroying 'freedom' by their abusing it
and in fact, ended up killing ( literally in some cases) Freedom of speech, ideas, etc. That is why the name Chaz was then changed to Chop
in memory of the French Revolution where those who did not agree had their heads chopped off
This constant seeking for Utopia (Eden really) Does not end well without God.
It is and will be only with God Eden lost will be restored:
[smear:#9e2534]4 He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and merciful. 5 He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever. 6 He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the inheritance of the nations. 7 The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy; Psalms 111:4-7[/smear:#2ce619:0]
Man will never find complete and full justice apart from God They will only continue the mistakes, abuses and horrors of the past Because, man is 'lawless'
Why do people find a 'rebel' exciting, charismatic, and someone to follow? Their own hearts long to rebel and be lawless also.... it 'seems' like freedom free to sin without quilt or restraint.
The Corina virus gives people a 'fever' However, there is a 'virus' that is far more powerful ( it has affected every single person on earth from the beginning....except not Jesus...the only one who never got the sin virus)
the 'fever' it gives, even today ( tho we think we have evolved...as 'proven' by 'science')
is to a culture bent on doing what it wants being 'free; determined to start a revolution, in order to get their own way and sin freely
This 'fever and 'virus' ( a sin virus) has infected ALL humans and is determined to keep them in this collective world wide mind group/hive
It says: ( reminding me of the Star Trek show, where the collective Borg hive says:
Resistance is Futile
And it is!!!
Without God there is absolutely no hope!!!
[smear:#2a9d60]17 But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, Romans 6:17[/smear:#e61972:0]
Done for today
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,664
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Post by fearnot on Jul 3, 2020 11:01:51 GMT -5
In thinking about gender confusion last night, it hit me, that there might be a chance, it started right after the Fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
We do see that Adam complains to God about 'that woman'.... ( it reminds me of President Clinton saying: I did not have sex with THAT woman)
well Adam actually said THE woman:
[smear:#e67219] 12 The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” Genesis 3:12[/smear:#b619e6:0]
Notice both men did not use THE woman's name... both women had names but was it because of anger that Adam and President Clinton, could not even say the name of the woman?
But also we see the beginning of:
I am the victim, it is not my fault I am not responsible, someone else is!!
First we see Adam and Eve do a version of 'pass the buck' otherwise known as: I am not responsible for my actions
We've see Adam blames God and Eve blames the serpent/Satan:
[smear:#3c19e6]13 Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” Genesis 3:13[/smear:#e6196e:0]
I suppose there was some truth to Eve's reply the serpent did deceive her BUT...
She also 'chose' to be deceived She did not get a 2nd opinion Adam or more importantly God's
But I have to ask myself, why did she not ask Adam? In any case, woman seem to often have the ability to be deceived ( that is my opinion and I know it is not a popular one....)
It 'seems' to me, that so so many woman fall for a man's telling them they love them and then, after they get pregnant all of a sudden that 'love' has dissipated . Next comes an abortion or two and sometimes, the young woman decides she loves women better Men are the enemy
and so people have been doomed to being deceived over and over and over again since Satan first deceived Eve
The 'victim' response is sooooo evident for everything today: Things like : men keep woman down...woman cannot reach the financial ceiling...it's men's fault whites keep black from being rich.....its their fault heterosexuals keep gays from being happy, it's their fault and on and on it goes!
Someone else is always fault!
Sin entered into every aspect of human life at the Garden of Eden and the fall of Adam and Eve
Even the next two humans we see anger and a type of extreme victim response Cain's offering did not please God Able's did out of jealousy and Cain perhaps feeling it was not his fault he did not follow God's rule and perhaps blaming Able ( who did follow the rule for sacrificing) ? Cain killed Able
Then we see Cain's angry livid response....
[smear:#7e19e6]9 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?” Genesis 4:9[/smear:#e64819:0]
if two brothers cannot find love and forgiveness then the black verse white, situation we are seeing today, etc makes it even harder to find peace, love and forgiveness
That reminds me of the Harvard student who threatened to stab to death any white person who dared to say: ALL lives matter
she said that as they bled out, she would show them her 'paper cut' and claim her paper cut mattered ( as much as, their deadly stab cuts)
But then.... when her most prestigious job ( a top world wide accounting job that people would 'stab' for it is soooo soooo grand) fired her
She blamed President Trump supporters for losing her job Not.... that she made a horrifying video!!! NOOOO it was not her fault she was not responsible
( plus she started several 'go fund me accounts' because others made her lose this once in a life time job)
The key buzz word today is 'systemic' racism However, I think what is actually 'systemic' is not willing to be held responsible for our own actions
it is not just this one Harvard student it is part of our sinful human nature that started in the Garden of Eden
why was that? Adam and Eve turned from God and to Satan's deception and then to playing the victim
[smear:#a744c0]4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:4[/smear:#fb0f4f:0]
and it has continued right up to today
[smear:#b637aa]3 But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:3[/smear:#b94027:0]
And we have been fated to pass it onto our offspring.
One of the most obvious things one often sees with two siblings if they are fighting or done some mischief. and if the mother foolishly asks something like:
Why did you hit your brother or sister The answer is immediately:
It was their fault!!! They did thus and so and generally this goes on throughout a persons life.... unless God steps in and helps us take responsibility for our own actions.
Done for today
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,664
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Post by fearnot on Jul 4, 2020 10:33:08 GMT -5
People today all over the world are still trying to 'fix' this world, on their own, with secular ideas ( be it Marxism, socialism, communism, antifa, BLM etc etc etc
None of it will work....just look at the world today, and what these humanistic ideas bring: Chaos, anger, murder, and so on, but ultimately, it's just a shift in who has the power and money etc.
It has always been time to look at the 'true' cure ( now more than ever)!! And that 'cure' come ONLY thru God, thru our Lord and Savior Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, The Bible.
This world's evil system can only be 'fixed' by God, the one thing secular people do not want. They are trying everything to be rid of God...
[smear:#f727be]21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Romans 1:21 [/smear:#5ac10b:0]
Personally, I am already sick of these most recent attempts, by secular people's once again, trying their humanistic 'cures'
And I am looking forward to when Jesus will return as the righteous judge ( and true justice will be done)
[smear:#e67119] 1................“Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, 2 for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of his servants.” Revelation 19:1,2[/smear:#19e6d7:0]
But since this is about the World today and the Bible I would be remiss not to mention a few of the things going on in the 'World' not just the USA like:
The plague of locusts that has descended on East Africa, which is now about to have the 3rd generation take off
( Left unchecked, locusts multiply by a factor of 20 per generation, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO),
meaning that the second generation that took flight in March and April numbered in the trillions.. In fact.... trillions.... may even be, a 'conservative' figure )
So already the devastation is beyond enormous!!
So now with this 3 rd generation it's an almost certain, that potentially calamitous food shortages will happen in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia and the locust swarms have also have emerged in India and Pakistan...
The current swarm eats as much as 35,000 humans a day would consume
Plus locusts are heading toward Brazil, the swarms of locusts that had been in Paraguay, are now moving through Argentina , and the fears are, they could move into neighboring Uruguay
They can move up to 100 miles a day...sooo
Remember The Eighth Plague on Egypt during the Pharaoh/Moses confrontation was: Locusts
[smear:#c84ff3]15 They covered the face of the whole land, so that the land was darkened, and they ate all the plants in the land and all the fruit of the trees that the hail had left. Not a green thing remained, neither tree nor plant of the field, through all the land of Egypt. Exodus 10:15[/smear:#e69a19:0]
Locusts are on their way of causing great Famine in the counties mentioned so far....
Jesus said during the End Times there would be pestilences ( think a world wide pandemic)
and also:
[smear:#fcd508]For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. Matthew 24:7[/smear:#ae09bb:0]
However, I think this was for the time during the tribulation ( and we are not there yet) but are there increases now?
As for there being more earthquakes now... well, some secular scientists 'say' it might 'seem' so but..... there are more seismic instruments to record earthquakes and more people in more areas to note of feel them...
Be that as it may... I am not convicted there are not actually more of them...
because........
Other 'secular scientists say, they are increasing...... but they do not know why
Tho some speculate: "that changes in the speed of the Earth's rotation was possibly setting the planet up for significant earthquakes beginning in 2018 ( due to the slowing of Earth's rotation, scientists claim)"
[smear:#e6193c]Also there is a prophecy of a large earthquake in the land of Israel in the last days or end times: ]9 For in my jealousy and in my blazing wrath I declare, On that day there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. Ezekiel 38:19 [/smear:#5af306:0] But for today, I will just mention this interesting swarm of earthquakes ( tho I might mention more tomorrow)
In its latest report, the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) noted that it had detected a total of 9,000 earthquakes as of June 29, 2020.
Done for today
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,664
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Post by fearnot on Jul 5, 2020 9:51:56 GMT -5
Because the USA is not mentioned in Bible prophecy, Bible scholars have in the past, speculated that maybe the United States does not exist any more once the end times begin....
At one time, that would have seemed impossible, the USA has been the greatest country in the world for a very long time
But now, that possibility seems more and more possible and with the elections coming up in Nov., I would not be surprised to see more riots, mayhem, etc. than ever and perhaps, even civil war...to the point, our country will be devastated.
We are seeing a huge push this year ( more than ever before) to restrict Christian religious (also Jewish) liberty and redefine free speech ( and Bible quoting ) as “hate speech.”
And we are seeing this verse in every aspect of life now (not just USA, actually this worldwide):
[smear:#e66a19] 20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Isaiah 5:20[/smear:#b619e6:0]
However, this is a glaring reminder to the Christian of the biblical truth, that this world is NOT our home! Not only that, but in truth the USA is not really our true kingdom/country.... Rather:
[smear:#e61987]33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33[/smear:#3686ba:0]
And now we are beginning to see how truly dark this world is
[smear:#19727c]13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, Colossians 1:13[/smear:#660e8b:0]
That is not to say, we just sit and wait to be raptured out of here ( tho that is a temptation for me LOL)
Jesus even said these things:
[smear:#306a4b]15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. John 17:15[/smear:#e6199d:0]
Jesus told us we have a job to do while here on earth:
[smear:#077e68]15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Mark 16:15[/smear:#e64819:0]
So we certainly do not know how long we will be here and have to watch things continue in an incredible downward spiral, before we are raptured, but things for USA does not look promising no matter who 'wins' the election, the losing side will go ballistic....and we still have 4 more months before the election for other divisive crazy sin-filled things to happen.
One of the raging debates going on is Black Lives Matter and that white folks are intrinsically evil, and every white person is a racist, and the have 'white privilege', have a slave owners mentality, and therefore, their lives should not matter....
But is any of that true?
What does God say? It does not matter in the end what the world says about if you matter or not, it only truly matters what God says.
The whole world can tell you that you do not matter because you are evil...
( no matter if you are Asian, Arabic, American Indian, Korean, Black, Pacific Islander, Eskimo, White etc etc.)
The true truth is every human being is a sinner God says: [smear:#039df8] 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23[/smear:#ef1006:0]
and this [smear:#e61944] 10 as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; Romans 3:10[/smear:#191ce6:0]
On the other hand, the whole world could bow down at your feet and worship you that would not make your life matter it is God who determines that. it is what is the 'Truth' that matters
And these verses tells us a bit about what God thinks about any human life, no matter the color of his or her skin:
[smear:#9ae505]“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,........" Jeremiah 1:5[/smear:#e67919:0]
12 [smear:#5519e6]For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. Romans 10:12[/smear:#a12063:0]
and this [smear:#a719e6] 16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16[/smear:#fed40f:0]
Does that verse say: That God only loves those of Fair skin or on the other hand those with darker skin of only those with in between skin ( more...or less melanin)
Nooooo it says:
Whosoever......that means no matter if you have fair skin, Black skin, are short or tall, thin or heavy, a young child or 100 years old, are from the East or West, North or South have the highest or lowest IQ are male or female etc etc.
Tho saying this today, offends many people The truth is that to God ALL lives do matter and they always have!!!
But man is a sinner.... and men no matter their color are cruel,and hateful, to each other.
[smear:#e69719]42 But I know that you do not have the love of God within you.[/smear:#e619c8:0]
Done for today
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,664
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Post by fearnot on Jul 6, 2020 10:55:55 GMT -5
This is certainly 2 verses for our times as well as in the past.... but also the coming future
[smear:#62b367]15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5[/smear:#19c4e6:0]
The Bible made it clear as the end times draws near, it will be like birth pains which at first, are slightly painful, and far apart but get increasingly more and more painful and closer together
[smear:#a319e6] For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains. Mark 13:8[/smear:#9be619:0]
I think that is what we are seeing, and it is going to get worse Is there yer a chance of reprieve? I do not know But even IF there were... it will be short
and I am not holding my breath for it it will only be God's mercy
but with the election coming up... I personally do not hold out a lot of hope.
it really does not matter who is in power because people are sinners, and there are tooooo many wicked..... injustice is going to happen
[smear:#0df65b]4 Again I saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun. And behold, the tears of the oppressed, and they had no one to comfort them! On the side of their oppressors there was power, and there was no one to comfort them. Ecclesiastes 4:1[/smear:#1979e6:0]
and this verse
[smear:#3ba569]8 If you see in a province the oppression of the poor and the violation of justice and righteousness, do not be amazed at the matter, for the high official is watched by a higher, and there are yet higher ones over them. Ecclesiastes 5:8[/smear:#af3853:0]
And now people are clamoring to have all of the restraints torn down the family unit is under attack like never before they do not want any police or soldiers they want to be 'free' to do whatever they choose and they do NOT want God or the Bible, or even Christians to exist ( not really).
Jesus warned Christians:
[smear:#59a6d8]22 and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 10:22[/smear:#a119e6:0]
In fact, even in Habakkuk's day he was overcome with sorrow for the state of mankind And like soooo soooo many scriptures it was for his time, and I believe for the future like the World Today: [smear:#e62919]
2 O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you “Violence!” and you will not save?
3 Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise.
4 So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth.
For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted. Habakkuk 1:2-4[/smear:#1930e6:0]
So many churches today ( perhaps out of a type of compassion, and thinking they are doing good deeds, etc.) have basically become just another 'social justice' organization
But justice, real justice, is only found in the gospel
otherwise, the church has picked a worldly side ( tho it might be a 'good' one in a sense....it is not an eternal one).
We are told:
[smear:#33e619]2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth Colossians 3:2[/smear:#ba4fea:0]
Does that mean to ignore the injustices in the world? No, of course not, we are to do what we can to comfort, and help those in need
[smear:#7ec061]12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, Colossians 3:12-15[/smear:#57dade:0]
But know, that is NOT the eternal solution that people desperately need We could feed, cloth, house, take care of a persons wounds on every level and they would still be headed for hell for all eternity, if we do not give them the gospel and that needs to be the churches FIRST priority.
Otherwise, the church has become just another earthly, temporal, justice warriors, another institution concerned with social issues only.
[smear:#60c38d]2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2[/smear:#e6193c:0]
Without God, one cannot even truly define what is justice, who deserves it, how to implement it, and to expect fallen humanity to come up with the perfect answer is an exercise in futility.
Even today, we are watching people trying to implement justice by defining laws which will and has already lead to injustice.
Done for today.
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Post by Cindy on Jul 6, 2020 11:22:30 GMT -5
I'm so sorry I've been absent lately! And I've got another doctors appointment in an hour and I'm still not dressed! So I've got to leave now, but will try to catch up here tomorrow, ok?
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,664
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Post by fearnot on Jul 6, 2020 12:43:24 GMT -5
Of course Cindy!! :)
But only IF you are able,
having to go to the doctor can be a set back
and you may need a few days to recover....
do not worry!!
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Post by Cindy on Jul 7, 2020 11:00:55 GMT -5
[smear:#43e619]20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. Genesis 50:20[/smear:#c819e6:0]
And if the poor young Christian man were to opine about his fiance with these words from Scripture concerning her ( to a non-believer) Except substitute 'her' for your:
[smear:#eb3041]Your lips are like a scarlet thread, and your mouth is lovely. Your cheeks are like halves of a pomegranate behind your veil. Song of Solomon 4:3[/smear:#9f19e6:0]
He would be immediately labeled a chauvinist pig!!
The secular non-believer today, would rather hear any of man or Satan's nostrums,
than even the most sweet and lovely of God's absolute truths woven skillfully into a light and fluffy conversation... never mind a more substantial one!!
Still, I think there are Christians who can yet do so and it is a skill I would love to have.
So one step is to memorize more but the second is to know many many verse that could be used..... That is where I have always been stuck. I have also read of such in Christian fiction novels but sadly I did not at the time think of writing some Biblical verses the author used and in what circumstances :(
Still, I want this to be true of my conversation, a lot more of the time I have left on earth:
[smear:#48a1dc]Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. Proverbs 16:24[/smear:#e63319:0]
And not this:
[smear:#11a119]Though evil is sweet in his mouth, though he hides it under his tongue, Job 20:12[/smear:#e6197e:0]
Instead may God's words and not foolishness be to me and others:
[smear:#e619d3]How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Psalm 119:103[/smear:#19e681:0]
Done for today
Hon, you're still thinking it's something you have to do something about...like writing down how others did it etc. Instead, all you need to do is keep reading God's Word and memorizing what the Lord guides you to memorize. Also remember, the Lord said He would guide us as to what to say when the time comes so we need to lean on Him more, and our self less. Also, keep in mind that when you're talking to someone, you don't have to quote a scripture perfectly. It's OK if you don't remember it exactly. Therefore you could tell someone that God wants us to give up living for our self and instead live only for Him. You can tell them that you'll get the scriptures for what you told them later.. I actually added a bit more to today's post....:) Which would be above your post and this one I think.
Well, I guess why I thought my examples were not the best, was because I remember hearing other example ( either in conversation, or as in reading a novel....
I have started writing down 'ideas' from novels that might be used in conversations
Sorry, when I first saw it, it said it had been 20 hours since it was posted so I figured you were done. What you read in novels should be better because the author has had plenty of time to think about what scripture to use and how it should be done etc. Life isn't like that though. Life happens instantly. We don't generally have all month to figure out how we'll say something.
This is a verse, not many can say they follow....not even many professing Christians
[smear:#19e6ab]15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15[/smear:#f15d06:0]
We are seduced by so many things in the world, like never before today's young people (at least in the US but also in many parts of the world) have grown up, from toddler-hood with video games some have spent most of their waking days playing video games
So what a seduction that is!!
But there are tons of other 'things'of the world' money fame politics sex power self etc etc etc.
This is a fallen world, and has a corrupt value system, and human hearts are prevented by sin
People no matter where they are on a scale of evil at any given time ( just one drop or is an ocean full) tend to look at this life as all there is...
They do not look at eternity very often and think about, what they are doing, thinking, saying etc and how it will effect their eternity and other people's eternity.
Instead giving up the 'things of the world':
[smear:#25b61e]let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts;....... Isaiah 55:7[/smear:#e619dc:0]
But even many Evangelical churches have gone the way of the world Some seem to be doing 'good' by being totally immersed in social issues and becoming social issue warriors
But they have abandon their true purpose of spreading the gospel and thru the preaching of the Bible the perverted hearts are being changed
Instead what they will discover is injustice will continue because the layers of evil ( governments have layers and layers of 'deep state')
[smear:#e65319]8 If you see in a province the oppression of the poor and the violation of justice and righteousness, do not be amazed at the matter, for the high official is watched by a higher, and there are yet higher ones over them. Ecclesiastes 5:8[/smear:#09e0e2:0]
There are some young people that started out protesting with the ideal that if they could see a change in government, a change in the laws a change in those who would enforce the laws peace would soon reign
But instead, they themselves soon showed the folly of such thoughts that man by himself or herself could make such lovely change Because....
It did not take long for many of them to get caught up in: not respecting laws that were made to promote peace and protection of people
Instead, they soon found themselves venting their frustration and anger by looting starting fires brawling rioting etc etc etc.
And their own experiment of a 'peaceful Eden' has turned into a nightmare
with more rapes than the countries with the highest rapes in the world
Already in 20 days, numerous shootings and deaths by shooting ( by their 'own' police force of BLM members)
Yesterday BLM 'cops' shot a 16 year old black youth and a 14 year old black youth and one of those young teen died right away the other 'might' have died today I did not check..... but so much for peace there is theft beyond the pale in Chad/Chops and drugs to beat the drum etc etc.
Going from capitalism to socialism, or communism will not change the sin in every human heart.
And rather, no matter what ism you change to this verse will reign
[smear:#e61948]So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted. Habakkuk 1:4 [/smear:#19e6b6:0]
And this: [smear:#e619a6] In arrogance the wicked hotly pursue the poor;.... Psalm 10:2[/smear:#19e62b:0] Done for today
I was reminded recently of something else a great many people worship other then God...sports! Sometimes it's many sports ad sometimes it's just one in particular, but many worship sports. They'll pay outrages amounts to the players and to go see a game, and to buy shirts and all kinds of junk, etc. When you see people at a game they're whole hearts and minds and wills are involved. It would be great to see that kind of adulation in worship to God, but instead we see it in worship of sports.
Some people think we have evolved so much and that the proof of our higher evolved self is seen in their gods:
Science and technology
But for example tho this is NOT the worst virus the world has ever dealt with yet it was our 'saviors' ( from a secular standpoint): science and technology
that help spread this virus, at near warp speed, around the whole world via airplane travel
And I know....this is perhaps only conspiracy, yet, even some very smart people in high places think this virus might have accidentally been released from a..... 'scientific' lab so science may have even a bigger hand
but for sure, our technology and science did contribute to its spread.
But another down side, to the secular gods of science and technology is, it has greatly increased our abilities and sophistication of our pet sins
for example: a 'peeping tom', can now go online and 'peep' at women or men....all day long and never worry about his getting caught or losing his or her reputation
The lie is:
we have become more 'evolved', and no longer are ignorant by believing in God and the Bible
the truth is, that in fact in man's effort to be 'FREE" he has become a slave to his or her sins
we are 'possessed'...... yes, many people are possessed by demons
but many more are possessed by 'self' we are 'possessed' by ourselves.
We are drunk and addicts of the deadly drug/ lie thinking, we are free.
[smear:#e64919]34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. John 8:34[/smear:#1979e6:0]
then there is this verse: [smear:#b612aa] 16 Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? Romans 6:16[/smear:#24e619:0]
The protesters and rioters, Antifa, and BLM folk who took over 6 blocks in Seattle at first called the area Chaz.....the A and Z in Chaz was to stand for:
"autonomous zone'
Which is telling because they thought of it as : 'self' governing no coercion ( no police or laws telling me what I can or cannot do) I am a 'law' unto myself the master of my own ship FREE
But they quickly proved they were destroying 'freedom' by their abusing it
and in fact, ended up killing ( literally in some cases) Freedom of speech, ideas, etc. That is why the name Chaz was then changed to Chop
in memory of the French Revolution where those who did not agree had their heads chopped off
This constant seeking for Utopia (Eden really) Does not end well without God.
It is and will be only with God Eden lost will be restored:
[smear:#9e2534]4 He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and merciful. 5 He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever. 6 He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the inheritance of the nations. 7 The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy; Psalms 111:4-7[/smear:#2ce619:0]
Man will never find complete and full justice apart from God They will only continue the mistakes, abuses and horrors of the past Because, man is 'lawless'
Why do people find a 'rebel' exciting, charismatic, and someone to follow? Their own hearts long to rebel and be lawless also.... it 'seems' like freedom free to sin without quilt or restraint.
The Corina virus gives people a 'fever' However, there is a 'virus' that is far more powerful ( it has affected every single person on earth from the beginning....except not Jesus...the only one who never got the sin virus)
the 'fever' it gives, even today ( tho we think we have evolved...as 'proven' by 'science')
is to a culture bent on doing what it wants being 'free; determined to start a revolution, in order to get their own way and sin freely
This 'fever and 'virus' ( a sin virus) has infected ALL humans and is determined to keep them in this collective world wide mind group/hive
It says: ( reminding me of the Star Trek show, where the collective Borg hive says:
Resistance is Futile
And it is!!!
Without God there is absolutely no hope!!!
[smear:#2a9d60]17 But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, Romans 6:17[/smear:#e61972:0]
Done for today
well done!
In thinking about gender confusion last night, it hit me, that there might be a chance, it started right after the Fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
We do see that Adam complains to God about 'that woman'.... ( it reminds me of President Clinton saying: I did not have sex with THAT woman)
well Adam actually said THE woman:
[smear:#e67219] 12 The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” Genesis 3:12[/smear:#b619e6:0]
Notice both men did not use THE woman's name... both women had names but was it because of anger that Adam and President Clinton, could not even say the name of the woman?
But also we see the beginning of:
I am the victim, it is not my fault I am not responsible, someone else is!!
First we see Adam and Eve do a version of 'pass the buck' otherwise known as: I am not responsible for my actions
We've see Adam blames God and Eve blames the serpent/Satan:
[smear:#3c19e6]13 Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” Genesis 3:13[/smear:#e6196e:0]
I suppose there was some truth to Eve's reply the serpent did deceive her BUT...
She also 'chose' to be deceived She did not get a 2nd opinion Adam or more importantly God's
But I have to ask myself, why did she not ask Adam? In any case, woman seem to often have the ability to be deceived ( that is my opinion and I know it is not a popular one....)
It 'seems' to me, that so so many woman fall for a man's telling them they love them and then, after they get pregnant all of a sudden that 'love' has dissipated . Next comes an abortion or two and sometimes, the young woman decides she loves women better Men are the enemy
and so people have been doomed to being deceived over and over and over again since Satan first deceived Eve
The 'victim' response is sooooo evident for everything today: Things like : men keep woman down...woman cannot reach the financial ceiling...it's men's fault whites keep black from being rich.....its their fault heterosexuals keep gays from being happy, it's their fault and on and on it goes!
Someone else is always fault!
Sin entered into every aspect of human life at the Garden of Eden and the fall of Adam and Eve
Even the next two humans we see anger and a type of extreme victim response Cain's offering did not please God Able's did out of jealousy and Cain perhaps feeling it was not his fault he did not follow God's rule and perhaps blaming Able ( who did follow the rule for sacrificing) ? Cain killed Able
Then we see Cain's angry livid response....
[smear:#7e19e6]9 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?” Genesis 4:9[/smear:#e64819:0]
if two brothers cannot find love and forgiveness then the black verse white, situation we are seeing today, etc makes it even harder to find peace, love and forgiveness
That reminds me of the Harvard student who threatened to stab to death any white person who dared to say: ALL lives matter
she said that as they bled out, she would show them her 'paper cut' and claim her paper cut mattered ( as much as, their deadly stab cuts)
But then.... when her most prestigious job ( a top world wide accounting job that people would 'stab' for it is soooo soooo grand) fired her
She blamed President Trump supporters for losing her job Not.... that she made a horrifying video!!! NOOOO it was not her fault she was not responsible
( plus she started several 'go fund me accounts' because others made her lose this once in a life time job)
The key buzz word today is 'systemic' racism However, I think what is actually 'systemic' is not willing to be held responsible for our own actions
it is not just this one Harvard student it is part of our sinful human nature that started in the Garden of Eden
why was that? Adam and Eve turned from God and to Satan's deception and then to playing the victim
[smear:#a744c0]4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:4[/smear:#fb0f4f:0]
and it has continued right up to today
[smear:#b637aa]3 But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:3[/smear:#b94027:0]
And we have been fated to pass it onto our offspring.
One of the most obvious things one often sees with two siblings if they are fighting or done some mischief. and if the mother foolishly asks something like:
Why did you hit your brother or sister The answer is immediately:
It was their fault!!! They did thus and so and generally this goes on throughout a persons life.... unless God steps in and helps us take responsibility for our own actions.
Done for today
Not anger for Adam, but shame. And yes, it's for sure the start of the victim game. I have to say, I've actually had to read more about the news from this thread then I've heard about in many months. What I mean is that I've read more news then I have read or heard in many months all put together....just from reading your posts in this thread. Honestly, I hate reading about it, so I tend to just skim over those parts, but even so, it's a lot of news and some conspiracy theories too. But you're doing what you set out to do and doing a good job of it!
People today all over the world are still trying to 'fix' this world, on their own, with secular ideas ( be it Marxism, socialism, communism, antifa, BLM etc etc etc
None of it will work....just look at the world today, and what these humanistic ideas bring: Chaos, anger, murder, and so on, but ultimately, it's just a shift in who has the power and money etc.
It has always been time to look at the 'true' cure ( now more than ever)!! And that 'cure' come ONLY thru God, thru our Lord and Savior Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, The Bible.
This world's evil system can only be 'fixed' by God, the one thing secular people do not want. They are trying everything to be rid of God...
[smear:#f727be]21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Romans 1:21 [/smear:#5ac10b:0]
Personally, I am already sick of these most recent attempts, by secular people's once again, trying their humanistic 'cures'
And I am looking forward to when Jesus will return as the righteous judge ( and true justice will be done)
[smear:#e67119] 1................“Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, 2 for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of his servants.” Revelation 19:1,2[/smear:#19e6d7:0]
But since this is about the World today and the Bible I would be remiss not to mention a few of the things going on in the 'World' not just the USA like:
The plague of locusts that has descended on East Africa, which is now about to have the 3rd generation take off
( Left unchecked, locusts multiply by a factor of 20 per generation, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO),
meaning that the second generation that took flight in March and April numbered in the trillions.. In fact.... trillions.... may even be, a 'conservative' figure )
So already the devastation is beyond enormous!!
So now with this 3 rd generation it's an almost certain, that potentially calamitous food shortages will happen in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia and the locust swarms have also have emerged in India and Pakistan...
The current swarm eats as much as 35,000 humans a day would consume
Plus locusts are heading toward Brazil, the swarms of locusts that had been in Paraguay, are now moving through Argentina , and the fears are, they could move into neighboring Uruguay
They can move up to 100 miles a day...sooo
Remember The Eighth Plague on Egypt during the Pharaoh/Moses confrontation was: Locusts
[smear:#c84ff3]15 They covered the face of the whole land, so that the land was darkened, and they ate all the plants in the land and all the fruit of the trees that the hail had left. Not a green thing remained, neither tree nor plant of the field, through all the land of Egypt. Exodus 10:15[/smear:#e69a19:0]
Locusts are on their way of causing great Famine in the counties mentioned so far....
Jesus said during the End Times there would be pestilences ( think a world wide pandemic)
and also:
[smear:#fcd508]For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. Matthew 24:7[/smear:#ae09bb:0]
However, I think this was for the time during the tribulation ( and we are not there yet) but are there increases now?
As for there being more earthquakes now... well, some secular scientists 'say' it might 'seem' so but..... there are more seismic instruments to record earthquakes and more people in more areas to note of feel them...
Be that as it may... I am not convicted there are not actually more of them...
because........
Other 'secular scientists say, they are increasing...... but they do not know why
Tho some speculate: "that changes in the speed of the Earth's rotation was possibly setting the planet up for significant earthquakes beginning in 2018 ( due to the slowing of Earth's rotation, scientists claim)"
[smear:#e6193c]Also there is a prophecy of a large earthquake in the land of Israel in the last days or end times: ]9 For in my jealousy and in my blazing wrath I declare, On that day there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. Ezekiel 38:19 [/smear:#5af306:0] But for today, I will just mention this interesting swarm of earthquakes ( tho I might mention more tomorrow)
In its latest report, the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) noted that it had detected a total of 9,000 earthquakes as of June 29, 2020.
Done for today
Speaking of the locusts causing a famine, we also have this scripture: “I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.” (Revelation 6:8) Yes, I believe we are experienceing more earthquakes and more tornadoes and more floods etc. We have worldwide news now and have had for many years, so they can't say it's just because we're hearing about them all now. It's obvious to me that we're seeing more of all of these things, and that they're also becoming more destructive as well. Good job!
Because the USA is not mentioned in Bible prophecy, Bible scholars have in the past, speculated that maybe the United States does not exist any more once the end times begin....
At one time, that would have seemed impossible, the USA has been the greatest country in the world for a very long time
But now, that possibility seems more and more possible and with the elections coming up in Nov., I would not be surprised to see more riots, mayhem, etc. than ever and perhaps, even civil war...to the point, our country will be devastated.
We are seeing a huge push this year ( more than ever before) to restrict Christian religious (also Jewish) liberty and redefine free speech ( and Bible quoting ) as “hate speech.”
And we are seeing this verse in every aspect of life now (not just USA, actually this worldwide):
[smear:#e66a19] 20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Isaiah 5:20[/smear:#b619e6:0]
However, this is a glaring reminder to the Christian of the biblical truth, that this world is NOT our home! Not only that, but in truth the USA is not really our true kingdom/country.... Rather:
[smear:#e61987]33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33[/smear:#3686ba:0]
And now we are beginning to see how truly dark this world is
[smear:#19727c]13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, Colossians 1:13[/smear:#660e8b:0]
That is not to say, we just sit and wait to be raptured out of here ( tho that is a temptation for me LOL)
Jesus even said these things:
[smear:#306a4b]15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. John 17:15[/smear:#e6199d:0]
Jesus told us we have a job to do while here on earth:
[smear:#077e68]15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Mark 16:15[/smear:#e64819:0]
So we certainly do not know how long we will be here and have to watch things continue in an incredible downward spiral, before we are raptured, but things for USA does not look promising no matter who 'wins' the election, the losing side will go ballistic....and we still have 4 more months before the election for other divisive crazy sin-filled things to happen.
One of the raging debates going on is Black Lives Matter and that white folks are intrinsically evil, and every white person is a racist, and the have 'white privilege', have a slave owners mentality, and therefore, their lives should not matter....
But is any of that true?
What does God say? It does not matter in the end what the world says about if you matter or not, it only truly matters what God says.
The whole world can tell you that you do not matter because you are evil...
( no matter if you are Asian, Arabic, American Indian, Korean, Black, Pacific Islander, Eskimo, White etc etc.)
The true truth is every human being is a sinner God says: [smear:#039df8] 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23[/smear:#ef1006:0]
and this [smear:#e61944] 10 as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; Romans 3:10[/smear:#191ce6:0]
On the other hand, the whole world could bow down at your feet and worship you that would not make your life matter it is God who determines that. it is what is the 'Truth' that matters
And these verses tells us a bit about what God thinks about any human life, no matter the color of his or her skin:
[smear:#9ae505]“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,........" Jeremiah 1:5[/smear:#e67919:0]
12 [smear:#5519e6]For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. Romans 10:12[/smear:#a12063:0]
and this [smear:#a719e6] 16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16[/smear:#fed40f:0]
Does that verse say: That God only loves those of Fair skin or on the other hand those with darker skin of only those with in between skin ( more...or less melanin)
Nooooo it says:
Whosoever......that means no matter if you have fair skin, Black skin, are short or tall, thin or heavy, a young child or 100 years old, are from the East or West, North or South have the highest or lowest IQ are male or female etc etc.
Tho saying this today, offends many people The truth is that to God ALL lives do matter and they always have!!!
But man is a sinner.... and men no matter their color are cruel,and hateful, to each other.
[smear:#e69719]42 But I know that you do not have the love of God within you.[/smear:#e619c8:0]
Done for today
Speaking of Christians losing their freedom of speech (actually everyone is) but we'll be persecuted more, I posted this on facebook yesterday about this as I thought she did a great job of talking about it: michellelesley.com/2020/07/06/the-mailbag-guess-whos-coming-to-the-womens-ministry-dinner/?fbclid=IwAR1AGFKXIz1Ke3OWmM5DxjIytAtouGK_U17-VOChWAlTPwitiAIZEAynlnsI posted another thing on facebook about it too. But why is the persecution happening? yes, we know it's because they want to sin and don't want to hear what God says about it. But why is God allowing it? Remember, God has allowed all this sin to happen too. He's allowed the gays etc to have legal marriages, and he's allowed people to change their sex legally, even let parents change their childrens sex; and he's allowed abortion to continue, and for all this sin to continue to grow. In Romans 1 we're told that because people willingly turned to sin instead of God, that God gave them up to their sins so that their sins increased until: “They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless.” (Romans 1:29–31) Just as God allowed the sin of the people who lived in the area Israel later occupied, to reach it's full measure (Genesis 15:16) and as He allowed the sinfulness of the world to reach the point where He destroyed it with the flood, He's allowing this sin to reach it's full measure until He raptures His Church and begins the Tribulation. This sinfulness has included a great amount of false teaching that's caused another prophecy to be fulfilled - the great falling away in the Church. Along with fake news we have fake Christianity. God has been sifting the chaff out of His Church, and forcing true Christians to grow in their faith. Now it's time to really shake things up before the Tribulation and to cause the true church to grow tremendously before the rapture. The only way that can be done is through persecution. All through the history of the church, the more Christians are persecuted the more the church has grown in it's faith (individual members as well as the church as a whole) and in numbers of real converts. That seems to be the next thing to happen.
Good job! .
This is certainly 2 verses for our times as well as in the past.... but also the coming future
[smear:#62b367]15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5[/smear:#19c4e6:0]
The Bible made it clear as the end times draws near, it will be like birth pains which at first, are slightly painful, and far apart but get increasingly more and more painful and closer together
[smear:#a319e6] For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains. Mark 13:8[/smear:#9be619:0]
I think that is what we are seeing, and it is going to get worse Is there yer a chance of reprieve? I do not know But even IF there were... it will be short
and I am not holding my breath for it it will only be God's mercy
but with the election coming up... I personally do not hold out a lot of hope.
it really does not matter who is in power because people are sinners, and there are tooooo many wicked..... injustice is going to happen
[smear:#0df65b]4 Again I saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun. And behold, the tears of the oppressed, and they had no one to comfort them! On the side of their oppressors there was power, and there was no one to comfort them. Ecclesiastes 4:1[/smear:#1979e6:0]
and this verse
[smear:#3ba569]8 If you see in a province the oppression of the poor and the violation of justice and righteousness, do not be amazed at the matter, for the high official is watched by a higher, and there are yet higher ones over them. Ecclesiastes 5:8[/smear:#af3853:0]
And now people are clamoring to have all of the restraints torn down the family unit is under attack like never before they do not want any police or soldiers they want to be 'free' to do whatever they choose and they do NOT want God or the Bible, or even Christians to exist ( not really).
Jesus warned Christians:
[smear:#59a6d8]22 and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 10:22[/smear:#a119e6:0]
In fact, even in Habakkuk's day he was overcome with sorrow for the state of mankind And like soooo soooo many scriptures it was for his time, and I believe for the future like the World Today: [smear:#e62919]
2 O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you “Violence!” and you will not save?
3 Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise.
4 So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth.
For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted. Habakkuk 1:2-4[/smear:#1930e6:0]
So many churches today ( perhaps out of a type of compassion, and thinking they are doing good deeds, etc.) have basically become just another 'social justice' organization
But justice, real justice, is only found in the gospel
otherwise, the church has picked a worldly side ( tho it might be a 'good' one in a sense....it is not an eternal one).
We are told:
[smear:#33e619]2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth Colossians 3:2[/smear:#ba4fea:0]
Does that mean to ignore the injustices in the world? No, of course not, we are to do what we can to comfort, and help those in need
[smear:#7ec061]12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, Colossians 3:12-15[/smear:#57dade:0]
But know, that is NOT the eternal solution that people desperately need We could feed, cloth, house, take care of a persons wounds on every level and they would still be headed for hell for all eternity, if we do not give them the gospel and that needs to be the churches FIRST priority.
Otherwise, the church has become just another earthly, temporal, justice warriors, another institution concerned with social issues only.
[smear:#60c38d]2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2[/smear:#e6193c:0]
Without God, one cannot even truly define what is justice, who deserves it, how to implement it, and to expect fallen humanity to come up with the perfect answer is an exercise in futility.
Even today, we are watching people trying to implement justice by defining laws which will and has already lead to injustice.
Done for today.
you're doing great!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,664
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Post by fearnot on Jul 7, 2020 11:52:20 GMT -5
Tho laws have always been imperfect, and unable to completely coral the sins of humanity it does help keep it down to a dull roar but with the insisting of doing away with police and other authorities that the Bible calls God's ministers
[smear:#19e62f].....for the authorities are ministers of God,...... Romans 13:6[/smear:#19d4e6:0]
Without law and law enforcers, mankind is showing more an more his ( and her) true nature
[smear:#d919e6]28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.
29 They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips,
30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,
31 foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless.
32 Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them
but give approval to those who practice them
Romans 1:28-32[/smear:#191be6:0]
We see so much virtue signaling these days which is to show how 'virtuous' a person is, generally by putting down another person or group of people.
This is not a new practice, and the Bible speaks to this issue in these verses:
[smear:#299c57] 1 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
2 “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others.
Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.
3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:1-4[/smear:#8e0eb4:0]
It is interesting that some people think the Bible does not deal with today's issues but here is a perfect example, of how perfectly it does deal with a issue of today....
and scripture also give us the righteous, proper, correct, godly way of looking at this issue and the solution to it.
The Bible and thus God, dose not approve of 'fishing for compliments' to show how 'wonderful' and 'virtuous' you are therefore God does not give a stamp of approval, for virtue signalling. yet, we are seeing tons and tons of it today....
it can be disguised as 'standing with' a persecuted group, but in reality, it points to how wonderful you are , to stand with them: by taking a knee, or protesting, or rioting, or yelling slogans, spitting on people, hating, beating up etc. the enemy, pulling down statues, burning down buildings, wearing certain virtue signaling clothes, being 'holier than thou' etc.
[smear:#993569]Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, But who can find a faithful man? Proverbs 20:6[/smear:#75c737:0]
Instead, what is a Christian to do:
[smear:#2c803b]Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips. Proverbs 27:2[/smear:#e619a7:0]
We are not to seek praises of men and the world, but rather, give God the glory.
[smear:#468fe3] 14 But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Galatians 6:14[/smear:#49ae48:0]
Rather than parade around to show everyone how great you are, we are to
[smear:#0274f5]10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. James 4:10[/smear:#8405be:0]
And it is also pride that fuels virtue signaling, but God does not approve of self aggrandizement, boasting and pride.
[smear:#e2ef08]But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6[/smear:#7119e6:0]
and this we need to be careful of:
[smear:#84e619]16 These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage. Jude 1:16[/smear:#16a2a3:0]
Because all our hearts are: [smear:#f007f6] The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? Jeremiah 17:9[/smear:#1923e6:0]
Done for today
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Post by Cindy on Jul 8, 2020 9:48:58 GMT -5
Tho laws have always been imperfect, and unable to completely coral the sins of humanity it does help keep it down to a dull roar but with the insisting of doing away with police and other authorities that the Bible calls God's ministers
[smear:#19e62f].....for the authorities are ministers of God,...... Romans 13:6[/smear:#19d4e6:0]
Without law and law enforcers, mankind is showing more an more his ( and her) true nature
[smear:#d919e6]28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.
29 They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips,
30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,
31 foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless.
32 Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them
but give approval to those who practice them
Romans 1:28-32[/smear:#191be6:0]
We see so much virtue signaling these days which is to show how 'virtuous' a person is, generally by putting down another person or group of people.
This is not a new practice, and the Bible speaks to this issue in these verses:
[smear:#299c57] 1 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
2 “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others.
Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.
3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:1-4[/smear:#8e0eb4:0]
It is interesting that some people think the Bible does not deal with today's issues but here is a perfect example, of how perfectly it does deal with a issue of today....
and scripture also give us the righteous, proper, correct, godly way of looking at this issue and the solution to it.
The Bible and thus God, dose not approve of 'fishing for compliments' to show how 'wonderful' and 'virtuous' you are therefore God does not give a stamp of approval, for virtue signalling. yet, we are seeing tons and tons of it today....
it can be disguised as 'standing with' a persecuted group, but in reality, it points to how wonderful you are , to stand with them: by taking a knee, or protesting, or rioting, or yelling slogans, spitting on people, hating, beating up etc. the enemy, pulling down statues, burning down buildings, wearing certain virtue signaling clothes, being 'holier than thou' etc.
[smear:#993569]Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, But who can find a faithful man? Proverbs 20:6[/smear:#75c737:0]
Instead, what is a Christian to do:
[smear:#2c803b]Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips. Proverbs 27:2[/smear:#e619a7:0]
We are not to seek praises of men and the world, but rather, give God the glory.
[smear:#468fe3] 14 But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Galatians 6:14[/smear:#49ae48:0]
Rather than parade around to show everyone how great you are, we are to
[smear:#0274f5]10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. James 4:10[/smear:#8405be:0]
And it is also pride that fuels virtue signaling, but God does not approve of self aggrandizement, boasting and pride.
[smear:#e2ef08]But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6[/smear:#7119e6:0]
and this we need to be careful of:
[smear:#84e619]16 These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage. Jude 1:16[/smear:#16a2a3:0]
Because all our hearts are: [smear:#f007f6] The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? Jeremiah 17:9[/smear:#1923e6:0]
Done for today
Another one well done!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,664
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Post by fearnot on Jul 8, 2020 11:29:01 GMT -5
Thank you Cindy.....I think God is doing the 'lion's' share of the work :)When the posts are not ...then its more 'me' getting in the way :(
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,664
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Post by fearnot on Jul 8, 2020 11:49:42 GMT -5
You had mentioned how you had heard people promoting civil war, and I would not be surprised, if that is where we are headed, even sooner than later, with this coming election. And you mentioned it would cause many many deaths
And who would be so pleased with that?
[smear:#e61923]44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44[/smear:#59a10e:0]
[smear:#e64d19]8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8[/smear:#5cb00c:0]
'Devour' a nice way to say murder ( one way or another)
What is Satan's goal? Murder!!!
How will he begin (in these days) to accomplish it? Like he always has.... Starting with the Garcen of Eden....
His 'go to', top priority method, is by lying.
Even today, much of what 'starts' riots and all manner of violence, that we are seeing in our country is based on lies.... But they are 'special' lies... the lies are more dangerous, because they either have some 'truth' in them, or the lies sound like truth.
so the result is: [smear:#19e639] 19..... and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. 1 John 5:19[/smear:#9519e6:0]
4[smear:#f8860d]4 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44[/smear:#a743f4:0]
It almost seems as if the media is pushing, conditioning and even inflaming our country to civil unrest leading to civil war potentially?
I think many people (maybe to a much larger and bigger degree) than in the Garden, believe we humans can be as gods
[smear:#19e6a7]4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:4,5[/smear:#e619c0:0]
and we can 'create' or re-create the garden of Eden ( but on our terms, with our rules, and our morals etc.)
Even people in high places just one example was:
When President George Bush in a speech to Congress on Sept 11, (9/11) 1990, said: “[The war in Iraq is] a rare opportunity to move toward an historic period of cooperation. Out of these troubled times… a New World Order can emerge.”
Note tho, that 'troubled' times is or was needed, to over throw the 'old' and bring in the 'new'.
And I think, that many socialist, Marxists, Communists, BLM, Antifa, etc etc. also believe that 'trouble' times, is the way to bring change for the better but ultimately, where does this sad, horrific idea come from? the devil and of course, man's sin filled nature.
Done for today.
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Post by Cindy on Jul 9, 2020 9:27:26 GMT -5
Thank you Cindy.....I think God is doing the 'lion's' share of the work :)When the posts are not ...then its more 'me' getting in the way :( I love it when that happens! I can go back to some of the things I've written in the past, read them being reminded of some great things I've learned, not realizing that I wrote them until I see there's no link at the end of the article. Then I'm astounded and realize that I didn't write it, the Holy Spirit did! I've paid more attention to them when I do find one like that, and have also come to realize that while the writing sounds like something I'd write in general, that if you were to look at it really close, it would be slightly different then my normal writing... I just love how the Lord works in us! He is so good and such a magnificent teacher too! There's is none better!
You had mentioned how you had heard people promoting civil war, and I would not be surprised, if that is where we are headed, even sooner than later, with this coming election. And you mentioned it would cause many many deaths
And who would be so pleased with that?
[smear:#e61923]44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44[/smear:#59a10e:0]
[smear:#e64d19]8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8[/smear:#5cb00c:0]
'Devour' a nice way to say murder ( one way or another)
What is Satan's goal? Murder!!!
How will he begin (in these days) to accomplish it? Like he always has.... Starting with the Garcen of Eden....
His 'go to', top priority method, is by lying.
Even today, much of what 'starts' riots and all manner of violence, that we are seeing in our country is based on lies.... But they are 'special' lies... the lies are more dangerous, because they either have some 'truth' in them, or the lies sound like truth.
so the result is: [smear:#19e639] 19..... and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. 1 John 5:19[/smear:#9519e6:0]
4[smear:#f8860d]4 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44[/smear:#a743f4:0]
It almost seems as if the media is pushing, conditioning and even inflaming our country to civil unrest leading to civil war potentially?
I think many people (maybe to a much larger and bigger degree) than in the Garden, believe we humans can be as gods
[smear:#19e6a7]4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:4,5[/smear:#e619c0:0]
and we can 'create' or re-create the garden of Eden ( but on our terms, with our rules, and our morals etc.)
Even people in high places just one example was:
When President George Bush in a speech to Congress on Sept 11, (9/11) 1990, said: “[The war in Iraq is] a rare opportunity to move toward an historic period of cooperation. Out of these troubled times… a New World Order can emerge.”
Note tho, that 'troubled' times is or was needed, to over throw the 'old' and bring in the 'new'.
And I think, that many socialist, Marxists, Communists, BLM, Antifa, etc etc. also believe that 'trouble' times, is the way to bring change for the better but ultimately, where does this sad, horrific idea come from? the devil and of course, man's sin filled nature.
Done for today.
Good! Yes, true, but we also need to look at why there could be war. Actually I'm not sure it would be called a war; it might just be anarchy, starting out with protesting and looting and shooting people at random and growing larger by the day. If it does come to that, it will happen because of hate. Jesus warned us about that too. Matthew 5:21–22 among other scriptures shows us that anger can change to hate and hate can change to murder! That's what we're seeing today. People are not following God's ways and are nurturing their anger instead of making sure that they have dealt with it before the end of the day. We are never to allow anger to last beyond that one day! But today even supposed Christians are hanging on to their anger and nurturing it instead of getting rid of it. So the anger grows and becomes hate and that hate is growing and infecting more people and then murder takes place! Maybe God will have mercy on us and cause our government to stop it before it goes any further. I hope so, but I'm not going to hold my breath. We can only pray and hope we can save a few before the rapture. (and pray that the Father sends Jesus to get us soon as well!)
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,664
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Post by fearnot on Jul 9, 2020 10:18:51 GMT -5
To the secular and/or scientific world today, Christians that believe God's word, seems like utter foolishness to them
[smear:#e63819]18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18[/smear:#69e619:0]
Nevertheless
[smear:#2caa5e]25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1 Corinthians 1:25[/smear:#df19e6:0]
So that we can say with King David: [smear:#8d9a11] Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. Psalm 119:98[/smear:#830b6d:0]
From time to time, I have been personally frustrated talking to a non-believer because I 'totally' get where they are coming from I have been there, done that, so I sometimes think I could spout 'their foolishness' better than they do, because I have lived it
But the frustration, comes because, there is a mind block or lock, or veil, etc. So that they cannot understand what I am saying!! In fact when this next verse says their minds are 'set' to me, it's like 'set' in concrete [smear:#19e6b7] 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. Romans 8:5[/smear:#e66019:0]
in this next verse the god of this world is Satan
[smear:#b20ba2]4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:4[/smear:#e67019:0]
A person can only go from non-belief to belief One might say, no.... that is not true that they knew a person who could quote the whole bible verbatim and that person practiced their Christian beliefs, so much, that he or she seemed almost to be like Jesus!!
And it could be almost true.... but .... just being able to quote the whole Bible, is not the same as being 'born again'
There have been very brilliant, intellectual men, who studied the Bible and knew what it said, but neither believed it nor was changed by it That is how strong sin is!!!
[smear:#5eae57] 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, Romans 1:21.22[/smear:#b43b6a:0]
Another major motivator for this foolish thinking is pride Satan had this kind of pride (and still does).
In fact, 'be proud' is almost the new anthem and motto for living today.
It is being taught from the earliest of years, throughout life... taught how to glorifying yourself!!
and, we are seeing (yet again), what that, reaps in the world today!!
Pride and boasting, can quickly lead to arrogance, and seeing yourself as superior to others you consider, lower than yourself ( in so many ways)
The message is: I'm special and you are not!!
A Christian is not to parade around with false humility and put oneself down all the time
that is being disrespectful to God who made you and gave you gifts!!!
Boasting about ones self, takes away from Giving God the glory
( and that is often the real point....especially from the devil's mind).
Being proud, like the devil, is to , not want God, but to think you can be God.
You can be whatever you want to be!!!
But true humbleness is a goal.... that is greatly lacking in the world today
[smear:#19e651] 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5[/smear:#df19e6:0]
Done for today
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Post by Cindy on Jul 10, 2020 10:47:48 GMT -5
To the secular and/or scientific world today, Christians that believe God's word, seems like utter foolishness to them
[smear:#e63819]18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18[/smear:#69e619:0]
Nevertheless
[smear:#2caa5e]25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1 Corinthians 1:25[/smear:#df19e6:0]
So that we can say with King David: [smear:#8d9a11] Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. Psalm 119:98[/smear:#830b6d:0]
From time to time, I have been personally frustrated talking to a non-believer because I 'totally' get where they are coming from I have been there, done that, so I sometimes think I could spout 'their foolishness' better than they do, because I have lived it
But the frustration, comes because, there is a mind block or lock, or veil, etc. So that they cannot understand what I am saying!! In fact when this next verse says their minds are 'set' to me, it's like 'set' in concrete [smear:#19e6b7] 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. Romans 8:5[/smear:#e66019:0]
in this next verse the god of this world is Satan
[smear:#b20ba2]4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:4[/smear:#e67019:0]
A person can only go from non-belief to belief One might say, no.... that is not true that they knew a person who could quote the whole bible verbatim and that person practiced their Christian beliefs, so much, that he or she seemed almost to be like Jesus!!
And it could be almost true.... but .... just being able to quote the whole Bible, is not the same as being 'born again'
There have been very brilliant, intellectual men, who studied the Bible and knew what it said, but neither believed it nor was changed by it That is how strong sin is!!!
[smear:#5eae57] 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, Romans 1:21.22[/smear:#b43b6a:0]
Another major motivator for this foolish thinking is pride Satan had this kind of pride (and still does).
In fact, 'be proud' is almost the new anthem and motto for living today.
It is being taught from the earliest of years, throughout life... taught how to glorifying yourself!!
and, we are seeing (yet again), what that, reaps in the world today!!
Pride and boasting, can quickly lead to arrogance, and seeing yourself as superior to others you consider, lower than yourself ( in so many ways)
The message is: I'm special and you are not!!
A Christian is not to parade around with false humility and put oneself down all the time
that is being disrespectful to God who made you and gave you gifts!!!
Boasting about ones self, takes away from Giving God the glory
( and that is often the real point....especially from the devil's mind).
Being proud, like the devil, is to , not want God, but to think you can be God.
You can be whatever you want to be!!!
But true humbleness is a goal.... that is greatly lacking in the world today
[smear:#19e651] 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5[/smear:#df19e6:0]
Done for today
Well said! I know what you mean about being frustrated when talking to an unsaved person. I too have lived the life many of them are and it just breaks my heart when they won't listen, because I know exactly how their life is going to turn out until they do decide to listen and accept Christ. I may not know the exact situations they'll get into, but I do know what they will all lead to - sorrow, hardship, and trials. And God isn't doing that to them - which is what many of them think. They're doing it to themselves. They're seeing the consequences of their actions. I know a young mother of 2 right now that I just want to shake and tell her what's going to happen to her. Maybe what I'll do is write her a letter and tell her what her life is going to be like. Maybe when she sees it coming true, she'll decide to start listening. But I'll run that idea by my pastor first!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,664
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Post by fearnot on Jul 10, 2020 12:24:04 GMT -5
Another thing is, for some of them, who are blinded is not only do I know where they are and some of their reasoning I may have gone a lot further down the road they are heading So I also know by experience, that the sorrows, pain, confusion, etc. will get much worse!! IF they do not turn.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,664
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Post by fearnot on Jul 10, 2020 12:53:34 GMT -5
Well, God speaks to the proud boastful intellectual
[smear:#6ab666]23 Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches,
24 but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 9:23,24[/smear:#c119e6:0]
One of the sad things today ( there are so many) is the great increase in Satan worship)
There are 'at least' 2 errors when talking about this
The intellectual in his or her pride and ego, disbelieves in such 'foolishness' as they see it. The other error is, to have come to the point, of worshiping the occult, 'magic' spiritual world of the devil and his demons etc. , However, the occult devil worshipers, laugh at the intellectual, because they know arcane 'secrets' from beings greater than man, and the cults, Satanists etc have more 'power'.
The power the satanist has is often brutal, violent, and self-centered and so, tho, most of the evil growing in the USA and the world, is mankind's own sin
We can see that the devil and his fallen angels are also wielding a lot of influence.
There is cross -over I think , or a working hand in hand sometimes (with mankind's sin and demons)
when you read this next verse, we see human sin listed for sure, but I have no doubt, that there are times when demons encourage these behaviors (in many ways) also.
[smear:#e63019] 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21[/smear:#299232:0]
In fact, I would think the greatest powers that draw people to this is pride, power, and knowledge ( basically some of the same traits we see in secular scientists)
And why is that?
I find it truly amazing how much these verses in Genesis explains so much of the World today ( in sooo many aspects)
[smear:#19c7e6]4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:4,5[/smear:#e67519:0]
Since Satan and his gang of demons have done such a 'good' job ( the term good being 'relative) of making ever Christian moral doctrine 'relative because there is no Absolutes allowed the 'Evil' in the above verse....is well....relative, it might be evil for you but not for me....entirely subjective or based upon one’s 'feelings' of right and wrong.
This is based only on man with no thought of what God says. And what does God say? For starts here is one verse we probably all know:
[smear:#19e67e]Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, Isaiah 5:20[/smear:#f40ea4:0]
And so when protest turn violent....because of violence one violence is Okay but not the other.
My violence is not wrong people think ( like those protesting police violence) because I am being violent for a greater cause...eliminating police violence even IF that means all the murderers, rapists, etc. go free.
moral relativism reigns all over the world today and has, for, well ,basically forever in the secular world. the prevailing idea today is.....it just depends upon your cultural view point nothing is absolutely evil, wrong etc.
This is a recipe for disaster and I do believe the demons cheer it on as well.
What is happening less and less, and mostly not even given one tiny thought, is looking for absolute truth in the Bible and also praying
[smear:#e6199a]5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5[/smear:#19e61f:0]
It is interesting to note that as Christians we are to focus on being a part of the body of Christ
[smear:#e6af19]12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12[/smear:#8c07a0:0]
Whereas Satanism and moral relativism etc. the whole focus is ....on 'self'. Since Satan wants to be worshiped as God
he destroys any lingering thoughts of the real true God by painting Him ( just as satan did in the garden)
As having no 'compassion' for man's needs ( 'needs like ) to love whomever I choose To abort babies because they are inconvenient To have power, money, things so because I 'need' these thing Satan who is so compassionate to human 'needs' says then you need to do what you need to do to fill you needs Steal, rape, kill etc.
Satan says, God is trying to keep you from your very best Satan says God withholds things from you that you need because God is a cruel, severe, no fun, tyrant.
Which is why we need to stay in God's word....to find out the absolute truth, because:
[smear:#19e651] 12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12[/smear:#e66c19:0]
Done for today
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,664
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Post by fearnot on Jul 11, 2020 10:40:54 GMT -5
This may seem an insignificant and small issue for today and all the craziness that is going on, but to me in an odd way points out a major human sin of 'self' as our priority ( not God).
Clearly not all photos are bad, some are delightful, but like all things mankind touches, selfies can also be filled with sin.
We see 'self'-promotion trying to find love or more to the point being worshiped for our beauty, fostering a love of self, trying to find some kind of meaning, getting a temporary satisfaction, boosting self-esteem, focus on me, and personal value tied only to looks, in this world of 'selfies' , those and more have become a narcissistic addiction of epic proportions.
It often is about trying to show only the physical 'outward' beauty of one's face and/or body.
It somehow reminds me of Satan's 5 'I's" or I WILL [smear:#5119e6] 13 You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’
Isaiah 14:13,14 [/smear:#2cb3ab:0] what we often do not see is humility:
Such as:
[smear:#9510a2]30 He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30 [/smear:#28e619:0]
[smear:#2eb299]25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. Matthew 16:25[/smear:#8e3ec6:0]
We don't see a lot of this in the self-centered selfie culture that cannot seem to get enough of self ( mostly showing off one's physical beauty to others)
[smear:#5f9320]24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:24[/smear:#e619d0:0]
I think Satan before he fell and was Lucifer was probably the most beautiful of all the angels and I am pretty certain angels ( at least those that did not follow after Satan's beauty and thus became demons) God's angels are all beautiful But Satan won the 'selfie' beauty contest but the cost was eternal separation for his Creator (in the future in Hell)
Selfies can turn into an insatiable desire for attention that only continues to grow when nourished and pampered. So that becomes our focus instead of:
[smear:#3d8135]36 Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Psalms 119:36[/smear:#c319e6:0]
The Bible warns us we can only serve one master God or self The problem is that self-infatuation has no room for the love of God.
[smear:#7b2266]24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other..... Matthew 6:24[/smear:#e67d19:0]
True the above verse was talking about money, but I think the principle of 'self' is there.
Selfies can begin to say, that life is all about us and leaves little room or none at all for God. We evaluate our self too highly
[smear:#019547]For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. Roman's 12:3[/smear:#e61961:0]
Another thing that is sadly apparent in selfies is the abundance of them because yesterday's selfies are passe, the pride of looking fine, bad, sexy, hot, beautiful etc. is gone, and one's needs another fix of praise.
But what is God's standard of beauty? oh by the way, this was a problem all my life so I can identify and I 'get' how God's standard is not mine...but in the end, it is more comforting than being the most beautiful being ever created look at where extreme beauty got the devil!!
What joy can a cold hearted beauty bring? Compassion, love, mercy etc. .... no..... it is only interested in self.
But this is one of many verses that gives us God's standard:
[smear:#8b04e0]3 Do not let your adorning be external— the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—
4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. I Peter 3:3,4[/smear:#cc09ce:0]
Done for today
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,664
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Post by fearnot on Jul 12, 2020 9:57:11 GMT -5
In the early 1960's the supreme court ruled against the Bible being read in the schools as it was unconstitutional and likewise for prayer in school.
It was as if they felt the need way back then to shield students from the deadly virus of: being in God's word, and gaining a godly moral foundation.
It seems to me those decisions have had terrible consequences, which continue to steamroll ever downward to more and more outward blatant in your face sin.
Drug use among even very young children has skyrocketed, abortions among young girls is astronomical, Academic achievement has plummeted, violence and juvenile crime is off the charts etc.
I think today, the Bible under certain occasion can be read as literature, just another 'fairly tale', mythology book. Over 50 countries do not even allow the Bible at all ( thus missionaries etc sneak them in, or memorize large portions of the bible).
I personally need a lot of encouragement to memorize more and more scripture, and as I believe nothing in the past , is going to rival what is coming in the future, therefore, we need to be in God word like never before.
[smear:#e619df] I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalms 119:11[/smear:#65e619:0] [smear:#e63919] But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4[/smear:#9919e6:0]
It's so ironic, people keep on sinning, and demanding their sins as 'rights' and yet, they at the same time, blame God for the consequences they have chosen. The justice they demand, is because sin has negative consequences which is why god give us tho shall not because of His love for us, He knows the pain that will result at some point.
So I think Satan is thrilled with all the chaos going on in the USA today because people will eventually demand 'peace' from all the chaos
( and of course even more so when the rapture happens) Then the devil can ride in on his white horse, promising peace... A false peace and even that won't last long at all.
This verse is about the coming of the anti-Christ, but as many commentators have noticed ( at least for a short while, tho he has a bow, it does not mention any arrows, So he will promise a utopia at first
[smear:#30a539]2 And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer. Revelation 6:2[/smear:#e6199b:0]
Satan will pretend to be like Jesus.
But in the meantime.... we already have millions demanding 'justice' and sadly even many evangelical churches have been continuing to gear up and promote in their churches 'social 'justice.
I really liked what I heard John MacArthur say once when asked about Churches and social justice he replied Justice....does not need an adjective.
Just for the record, Christians have always to this day, done the most caring and compassion for hurting people, starting more hospitals, nursing schools, shelters, feeding millions of starving people, often the first to help in any kind of disasters etc.
But our great commission ( tho we do great services to those suffering on earth) is to care for people's eternity as Jesus said:
[smear:#06eabf]10 And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. Mark 13:10[/smear:#e619b1:0]
But 'social' justice actually has a very strong political aspect to it, most often heavy on Marxism. Some of it's major ideas revolve around things like: “income redistribution,” “property redistribution,” economic egalitarianism progressive taxation, Etc.
One of the main ideas is that the rich, got wealthy on the backs of the poor. .. And perhaps, to some extent this is true, in some case, but most assuredly not all.
But the focus is on the 'saving grace' of all people having money and things. So many envy the rich ( even while spouting Marxism) But what is one thing God say about the rich? It's pretty scary
[smear:#7f2940]26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? Matthew 16:26[/smear:#e68919:0]
The thing is Marxism, communism, socialism etc. have never worked But what about the church getting involved would that make it work this time?
Well for one thing, in order to try to make it work, it has to first destroy the system in place ( capitalism) and cause a revolution which can bring chaos, violence, pain and suffering in its overthrow.
We are not called to be a part of destruction or violent revolution instead as much as is possible we are to live peacefully
[smear:#7b0b4f]18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:18[/smear:#19e643:0]
And we know that God is just and justice will come [smear:#1f8e6c] “The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he. Deuteronomy 32:4 [/smear:#e61965:0]
But back to the rich, there are many who are rich, not by ill gotten gains. And they see there wealth as a great responsibility to be a good steward of what God has allowed.
Social justice warriors make a blanket sweeping condemnation of all those who are rich, and paint them all with a broad brush of evil that the wealthy exploit the poor and so they see the government ( socialistic etc.) as the Savior Rather than how the the Christian views financial differences.
Christians are to have giving people to gospel their first priority but they are also called to help the poor, the widows, the orphans, the sick etc etc. here are just a few of many exhortations to help those who are suffering.
[smear:#5ec25d]13 But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. Luke 14:13-14[/smear:#19cce6:0]
[smear:#e619d3]7 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. James 1:27[/smear:#8ee619:0]
[smear:#1b8669]31 Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God. Proverbs 14:31[/smear:#449f0f:0]
[smear:#459760]42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. Matthew 5:42[/smear:#e619d0:0]
But that bring me full circle, the young today, do not for the most part, have a clue, that these are already things Christians are to do, so instead of the government forcing equality, we are each person, to do what we can to ease suffering in this life but especially in the next.
Done for today.
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Post by Cindy on Jul 13, 2020 10:45:11 GMT -5
Another thing is, for some of them, who are blinded is not only do I know where they are and some of their reasoning I may have gone a lot further down the road they are heading So I also know by experience, that the sorrows, pain, confusion, etc. will get much worse!! IF they do not turn. Yep, me too! But then I've looked back at myself when I was living like they are now and asked myself if I'd have listened to someone tell me about God then, and I have to say "no". In fact, I can remember some good godly people trying to help me and tell me the gospel. What did I do? I laughed at them and made fun of them and told others how ridiculous they were. But at the same time, very deep inside me, I knew I was wrong, but i ignored that knowledge. So as frustrated as I too get, when I remember all of that, and then acknowledge that the Lord still rescued me and saved me, then I have to know too that He will do no less for them!
Well, God speaks to the proud boastful intellectual
[smear:#6ab666]23 Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches,
24 but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 9:23,24[/smear:#c119e6:0]
One of the sad things today ( there are so many) is the great increase in Satan worship)
There are 'at least' 2 errors when talking about this
The intellectual in his or her pride and ego, disbelieves in such 'foolishness' as they see it. The other error is, to have come to the point, of worshiping the occult, 'magic' spiritual world of the devil and his demons etc. , However, the occult devil worshipers, laugh at the intellectual, because they know arcane 'secrets' from beings greater than man, and the cults, Satanists etc have more 'power'.
The power the satanist has is often brutal, violent, and self-centered and so, tho, most of the evil growing in the USA and the world, is mankind's own sin
We can see that the devil and his fallen angels are also wielding a lot of influence.
There is cross -over I think , or a working hand in hand sometimes (with mankind's sin and demons)
when you read this next verse, we see human sin listed for sure, but I have no doubt, that there are times when demons encourage these behaviors (in many ways) also.
[smear:#e63019] 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21[/smear:#299232:0]
In fact, I would think the greatest powers that draw people to this is pride, power, and knowledge ( basically some of the same traits we see in secular scientists)
And why is that?
I find it truly amazing how much these verses in Genesis explains so much of the World today ( in sooo many aspects)
[smear:#19c7e6]4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:4,5[/smear:#e67519:0]
Since Satan and his gang of demons have done such a 'good' job ( the term good being 'relative) of making ever Christian moral doctrine 'relative because there is no Absolutes allowed the 'Evil' in the above verse....is well....relative, it might be evil for you but not for me....entirely subjective or based upon one’s 'feelings' of right and wrong.
This is based only on man with no thought of what God says. And what does God say? For starts here is one verse we probably all know:
[smear:#19e67e]Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, Isaiah 5:20[/smear:#f40ea4:0]
And so when protest turn violent....because of violence one violence is Okay but not the other.
My violence is not wrong people think ( like those protesting police violence) because I am being violent for a greater cause...eliminating police violence even IF that means all the murderers, rapists, etc. go free.
moral relativism reigns all over the world today and has, for, well ,basically forever in the secular world. the prevailing idea today is.....it just depends upon your cultural view point nothing is absolutely evil, wrong etc.
This is a recipe for disaster and I do believe the demons cheer it on as well.
What is happening less and less, and mostly not even given one tiny thought, is looking for absolute truth in the Bible and also praying
[smear:#e6199a]5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5[/smear:#19e61f:0]
It is interesting to note that as Christians we are to focus on being a part of the body of Christ
[smear:#e6af19]12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12[/smear:#8c07a0:0]
Whereas Satanism and moral relativism etc. the whole focus is ....on 'self'. Since Satan wants to be worshiped as God
he destroys any lingering thoughts of the real true God by painting Him ( just as satan did in the garden)
As having no 'compassion' for man's needs ( 'needs like ) to love whomever I choose To abort babies because they are inconvenient To have power, money, things so because I 'need' these thing Satan who is so compassionate to human 'needs' says then you need to do what you need to do to fill you needs Steal, rape, kill etc.
Satan says, God is trying to keep you from your very best Satan says God withholds things from you that you need because God is a cruel, severe, no fun, tyrant.
Which is why we need to stay in God's word....to find out the absolute truth, because:
[smear:#19e651] 12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12[/smear:#e66c19:0]
Done for today
I like how you brought up that we're to focus on others instead of self, that's an important point! I have noticed something else that seems to be happening among Christians now - and I mean with those really saved. Even those really saved are strongly tempted to become angry at what's happening to either our country, our loved ones, our friends, or to our fellow Christians. (or even to all of those things eventually!) We have to be super careful about allowing that to happen, even if we're positive that our anger is righteous anger. I say that because it's very easy for righteous anger to become sinful anger! One way we can keep a lid on our anger is to obey this scripture: ““In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” (Ephesians 4:26–27) In other words, make sure that we have worked out our anger before we head to bed that night. (or if we don't have a regular bedtime, then before midnight!) Note too though that when we don't do that, we are giving the devil a foothold in our life, and that should be scary enough to cause us to make sure we do all we can to avoid anger and to turn it over to the Lord before the end of our day.
Another thing I've noticed is that even those really saved can become so caught up in fighting against the things that are being done that are so wrong...like the transgenders and all that garbage and the stuff that's being taught in the schools etc. that they eventually, without even realizing it, change from fighting with spiritual weapons to instead putting down the people who are trapped in those sins. When that happens, the Christians whole personality seems to change when that topic comes up (which it seems to do often) and instead of building up others with their words, they are seen to be putting those folks down. Sadly, it's rare to hear anyone hold them accountable, because most Christians would agree with them and may not realize that the Lord doesn't approve and that this isn't the first or only time this has been said, that this has become a habit now. This is yet another reason the Lord tells us to guard our hearts and minds and to be aware of what our thoughts are. If we're paying attention to our thoughts and realize that our thoughts are tending toward the negative toward others, that should send up a red flag, causing us to stop and reflect on what we're doing and ask the Lord's help to do and speak the way He wants us to. We need to remember that the person we're using the derogatory term for today, may wind up being our sister or brother in Christ one day; and also that there are any number of derogatory terms that could be applied to us as well!
It's like the Lord shows us in His Word though. Sin is contagious. So Christians who are seeing and hating the sin that we see, are tempted to sin as well. We don't do it on purpose, but instead it just sort of happens little by little. And before we know it, we've been caught up in all the anger and sin as well.
This may seem an insignificant and small issue for today and all the craziness that is going on, but to me in an odd way points out a major human sin of 'self' as our priority ( not God).
Clearly not all photos are bad, some are delightful, but like all things mankind touches, selfies can also be filled with sin.
We see 'self'-promotion trying to find love or more to the point being worshiped for our beauty, fostering a love of self, trying to find some kind of meaning, getting a temporary satisfaction, boosting self-esteem, focus on me, and personal value tied only to looks, in this world of 'selfies' , those and more have become a narcissistic addiction of epic proportions.
It often is about trying to show only the physical 'outward' beauty of one's face and/or body.
It somehow reminds me of Satan's 5 'I's" or I WILL [smear:#5119e6] 13 You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’
Isaiah 14:13,14 [/smear:#2cb3ab:0] what we often do not see is humility:
Such as:
[smear:#9510a2]30 He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30 [/smear:#28e619:0]
[smear:#2eb299]25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. Matthew 16:25[/smear:#8e3ec6:0]
We don't see a lot of this in the self-centered selfie culture that cannot seem to get enough of self ( mostly showing off one's physical beauty to others)
[smear:#5f9320]24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:24[/smear:#e619d0:0]
I think Satan before he fell and was Lucifer was probably the most beautiful of all the angels and I am pretty certain angels ( at least those that did not follow after Satan's beauty and thus became demons) God's angels are all beautiful But Satan won the 'selfie' beauty contest but the cost was eternal separation for his Creator (in the future in Hell)
Selfies can turn into an insatiable desire for attention that only continues to grow when nourished and pampered. So that becomes our focus instead of:
[smear:#3d8135]36 Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Psalms 119:36[/smear:#c319e6:0]
The Bible warns us we can only serve one master God or self The problem is that self-infatuation has no room for the love of God.
[smear:#7b2266]24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other..... Matthew 6:24[/smear:#e67d19:0]
True the above verse was talking about money, but I think the principle of 'self' is there.
Selfies can begin to say, that life is all about us and leaves little room or none at all for God. We evaluate our self too highly
[smear:#019547]For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. Roman's 12:3[/smear:#e61961:0]
Another thing that is sadly apparent in selfies is the abundance of them because yesterday's selfies are passe, the pride of looking fine, bad, sexy, hot, beautiful etc. is gone, and one's needs another fix of praise.
But what is God's standard of beauty? oh by the way, this was a problem all my life so I can identify and I 'get' how God's standard is not mine...but in the end, it is more comforting than being the most beautiful being ever created look at where extreme beauty got the devil!!
What joy can a cold hearted beauty bring? Compassion, love, mercy etc. .... no..... it is only interested in self.
But this is one of many verses that gives us God's standard:
[smear:#8b04e0]3 Do not let your adorning be external— the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—
4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. I Peter 3:3,4[/smear:#cc09ce:0]
Done for today
Yep, selfies are the product of what the whole "self esteem" gospel has brought us, and I sure haven't seen anything good from it!
In the early 1960's the supreme court ruled against the Bible being read in the schools as it was unconstitutional and likewise for prayer in school.
It was as if they felt the need way back then to shield students from the deadly virus of: being in God's word, and gaining a godly moral foundation.
It seems to me those decisions have had terrible consequences, which continue to steamroll ever downward to more and more outward blatant in your face sin.
Drug use among even very young children has skyrocketed, abortions among young girls is astronomical, Academic achievement has plummeted, violence and juvenile crime is off the charts etc.
I think today, the Bible under certain occasion can be read as literature, just another 'fairly tale', mythology book. Over 50 countries do not even allow the Bible at all ( thus missionaries etc sneak them in, or memorize large portions of the bible).
I personally need a lot of encouragement to memorize more and more scripture, and as I believe nothing in the past , is going to rival what is coming in the future, therefore, we need to be in God word like never before.
[smear:#e619df] I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalms 119:11[/smear:#65e619:0] [smear:#e63919] But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4[/smear:#9919e6:0]
It's so ironic, people keep on sinning, and demanding their sins as 'rights' and yet, they at the same time, blame God for the consequences they have chosen. The justice they demand, is because sin has negative consequences which is why god give us tho shall not because of His love for us, He knows the pain that will result at some point.
So I think Satan is thrilled with all the chaos going on in the USA today because people will eventually demand 'peace' from all the chaos
( and of course even more so when the rapture happens) Then the devil can ride in on his white horse, promising peace... A false peace and even that won't last long at all.
This verse is about the coming of the anti-Christ, but as many commentators have noticed ( at least for a short while, tho he has a bow, it does not mention any arrows, So he will promise a utopia at first
[smear:#30a539]2 And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer. Revelation 6:2[/smear:#e6199b:0]
Satan will pretend to be like Jesus.
But in the meantime.... we already have millions demanding 'justice' and sadly even many evangelical churches have been continuing to gear up and promote in their churches 'social 'justice.
I really liked what I heard John MacArthur say once when asked about Churches and social justice he replied Justice....does not need an adjective.
Just for the record, Christians have always to this day, done the most caring and compassion for hurting people, starting more hospitals, nursing schools, shelters, feeding millions of starving people, often the first to help in any kind of disasters etc.
But our great commission ( tho we do great services to those suffering on earth) is to care for people's eternity as Jesus said:
[smear:#06eabf]10 And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. Mark 13:10[/smear:#e619b1:0]
But 'social' justice actually has a very strong political aspect to it, most often heavy on Marxism. Some of it's major ideas revolve around things like: “income redistribution,” “property redistribution,” economic egalitarianism progressive taxation, Etc.
One of the main ideas is that the rich, got wealthy on the backs of the poor. .. And perhaps, to some extent this is true, in some case, but most assuredly not all.
But the focus is on the 'saving grace' of all people having money and things. So many envy the rich ( even while spouting Marxism) But what is one thing God say about the rich? It's pretty scary
[smear:#7f2940]26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? Matthew 16:26[/smear:#e68919:0]
The thing is Marxism, communism, socialism etc. have never worked But what about the church getting involved would that make it work this time?
Well for one thing, in order to try to make it work, it has to first destroy the system in place ( capitalism) and cause a revolution which can bring chaos, violence, pain and suffering in its overthrow.
We are not called to be a part of destruction or violent revolution instead as much as is possible we are to live peacefully
[smear:#7b0b4f]18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:18[/smear:#19e643:0]
And we know that God is just and justice will come [smear:#1f8e6c] “The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he. Deuteronomy 32:4 [/smear:#e61965:0]
But back to the rich, there are many who are rich, not by ill gotten gains. And they see there wealth as a great responsibility to be a good steward of what God has allowed.
Social justice warriors make a blanket sweeping condemnation of all those who are rich, and paint them all with a broad brush of evil that the wealthy exploit the poor and so they see the government ( socialistic etc.) as the Savior Rather than how the the Christian views financial differences.
Christians are to have giving people to gospel their first priority but they are also called to help the poor, the widows, the orphans, the sick etc etc. here are just a few of many exhortations to help those who are suffering.
[smear:#5ec25d]13 But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. Luke 14:13-14[/smear:#19cce6:0]
[smear:#e619d3]7 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. James 1:27[/smear:#8ee619:0]
[smear:#1b8669]31 Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God. Proverbs 14:31[/smear:#449f0f:0]
[smear:#459760]42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. Matthew 5:42[/smear:#e619d0:0]
But that bring me full circle, the young today, do not for the most part, have a clue, that these are already things Christians are to do, so instead of the government forcing equality, we are each person, to do what we can to ease suffering in this life but especially in the next.
Done for today.
Another good one! Most Christians have been duped into thinking that they can't take their Bible to school and read it or that they can't pray etc at school, and any number of other things. I wish there was some way to get the truth into everyone's hands, but knowing how people are today, it probably wouldn't matter. it's not that it's illegal for students to read their Bibles, pray and meet together with other Christian students, it's more that they're simply not interested in doing so. So at least for now, the rights are still there. What's stopping kids from taking their Bibles, praying, and talking about God then? Peer pressure. They don't want the other kids to think they're weird. They aren't really prepared to give up their lives for Christ.
Back when Christianity started, parents had to teach their children carefully about the gospel and make very sure they totally understood it, so the parents could be sure the child would go to heaven. But, the parents also had to make absolutely sure that the child understood the choice they were making and that the choice meant that they would most likely pay for it with their life. So when those kids chose Jesus, they knew what the risk was and they meant every word! Now days life is easy, and 99% of the kids are spoiled rotten. (and yes, I include my own grandchildren in that, because it's true.) Most kids have it easy today. They don't even have to do their school work in order to pass to the next grade! They just have to show up once in a while. They're demanding and are used to having everything handed to them on a silver platter. Don't even get me started on today's churches and what they "teach" the kids and how they teach them! The early Christians would be rolling over in their graves! Sadly this is even true in many of the few "good" churches that are left!
www.partnerwithschools.org/student-bill-of-rights.html
answersingenesis.org/public-school/rights-in-public-schools/
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,664
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Post by fearnot on Jul 13, 2020 10:58:38 GMT -5
Anger, violence, murder, hatred, revenge, revolution, and terrible wars have been with us throughout human history. But think a different kind of a spirit of anger, has crept in, it is one of extreme volatility.
For example, yesterday a 24 year old young mother was shot in the head by BLM, because they yelled Black Lives Matters and she replied: All Lives Matters And that was enough to kill her.
Often, it seems in the past, wars etc. had to do with who had certain commodities, or it could be one group against another But it seems to me today, anger is so easily triggered, by one word spoken that is deemed disrespectful.
Which is just the opposite of the higher standard Jesus set:
[smear:#e619d7]21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; Matthew 5:21,22[/smear:#51e619:0]
Instead of forgiveness, the pride of the human heart is completely out of control To the point if you even slightly veer from the 'allowed' speech and inadvertently disrespect someone, you ( more and more) will pay for your mistake by death.
Again, the exact opposite of what Jesus said:
2[smear:#4219e6]1 Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times. Matthew 18:21,22[/smear:#e6192f:0]
When Jesus said 77 times, He did not mean for us to keep a chart, and list each offense, but then when someone reaches the 77th we can let them have it! The idea is an indefinite amount of times.
But even Peter's stinginess of only allowing 7 times of offending, is way more that, the cold hearts of today, which does not have room for forgiveness, for even one time!!
And in our world of instant revenge, this next verse, would seem so alien, as to be totally unbelievable!!
[smear:#249e5b]19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Romans 12:19[/smear:#e619af:0]
This is not to say that in today's world the temptation to retaliate in the face of persecution, harassment, unfair treatment etc. is not almost unbearable. But what should we as Christians do when someone offends us, mocks us disrespects us etc.?
If we don't leave it up to God, it will almost certainly breeding feelings of hatred and unforgiveness, and a dangerous spirit of vindictiveness...these are not godly Christian virtues.
One example is how David ( who could have killed King Saul on several occasions did not, and instead said to Saul:)
[smear:#ab19e6]12 May the Lord judge between me and you, may the Lord avenge me against you, but my hand shall not be against you. I Samuel 24:12[/smear:#e65c19:0]
And we are commanded to do this instead:
[smear:#49974a]21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21[/smear:#db19e6:0]
And Jesus said this:
[smear:#88f406]39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Matthew 5:39,43,44[/smear:#e66019:0]
We don't see much of praying for those who persecute us going on today! And the 'slap' could be any number of insults and personal slights to even greater ones.
Of course, the greatest example of this is Jesus Himself, when dying on the cross He was ( and is God) He died in order to pay for the sins of all who would believe on Him. He was perfect and never sinned and was treated so unjustly and yet... While dying on the cross He said this: [smear:#1975e6]34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34[/smear:#ab2444:0]
It is way easier to choose the immature yelling at, hitting back, or even shooting someone in anger and it is only with being in God's word, and with prayer and the Holy Spirits help that we can act in a more mature way to respecting the disrespectful ( as we see it).
One great help from God's Word ( the Bible) is this verse:
[smear:#e4013a]12 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12[/smear:#5f1da5:0]
I think a real concern to 'turn' the other cheek in this hostile violent, world today is the end up looking like a naive pushover, a patsy, an easy target for today's ever increasing bullies. Eating humble pie does not sit well and it too could end up getting us killed
But there are really only two ways, God's way, and the secular, unsaved world's way. Again look at Jesus for our example He was lied about, spat on, beaten, tortured, mocked, and crucified, and yet he remained respectful towards others. There is a higher purpose to our suffering insults etc.
WE need to show mercy, sacrificial love, and be longsuffering towards the unsaved. Turning the other check is about forgoing retaliation for personal offenses. Retaliation is what the world expects and is doing more and more of but as Christians we do not walk in their paths ( or we pray for the Lord to helps us, when we are sorely tempted to slap back).
Done for today
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Post by Cindy on Jul 14, 2020 10:08:49 GMT -5
Anger, violence, murder, hatred, revenge, revolution, and terrible wars have been with us throughout human history. But think a different kind of a spirit of anger, has crept in, it is one of extreme volatility.
For example, yesterday a 24 year old young mother was shot in the head by BLM, because they yelled Black Lives Matters and she replied: All Lives Matters And that was enough to kill her.
Often, it seems in the past, wars etc. had to do with who had certain commodities, or it could be one group against another But it seems to me today, anger is so easily triggered, by one word spoken that is deemed disrespectful.
Which is just the opposite of the higher standard Jesus set:
[smear:#e619d7]21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; Matthew 5:21,22[/smear:#51e619:0]
Instead of forgiveness, the pride of the human heart is completely out of control To the point if you even slightly veer from the 'allowed' speech and inadvertently disrespect someone, you ( more and more) will pay for your mistake by death.
Again, the exact opposite of what Jesus said:
2[smear:#4219e6]1 Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times. Matthew 18:21,22[/smear:#e6192f:0]
When Jesus said 77 times, He did not mean for us to keep a chart, and list each offense, but then when someone reaches the 77th we can let them have it! The idea is an indefinite amount of times.
But even Peter's stinginess of only allowing 7 times of offending, is way more that, the cold hearts of today, which does not have room for forgiveness, for even one time!!
And in our world of instant revenge, this next verse, would seem so alien, as to be totally unbelievable!!
[smear:#249e5b]19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Romans 12:19[/smear:#e619af:0]
This is not to say that in today's world the temptation to retaliate in the face of persecution, harassment, unfair treatment etc. is not almost unbearable. But what should we as Christians do when someone offends us, mocks us disrespects us etc.?
If we don't leave it up to God, it will almost certainly breeding feelings of hatred and unforgiveness, and a dangerous spirit of vindictiveness...these are not godly Christian virtues.
One example is how David ( who could have killed King Saul on several occasions did not, and instead said to Saul:)
[smear:#ab19e6]12 May the Lord judge between me and you, may the Lord avenge me against you, but my hand shall not be against you. I Samuel 24:12[/smear:#e65c19:0]
And we are commanded to do this instead:
[smear:#49974a]21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21[/smear:#db19e6:0]
And Jesus said this:
[smear:#88f406]39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and for those who persecute you,
Matthew 5:39,43,44[/smear:#e66019:0]
We don't see much of praying for those who persecute us going on today! And the 'slap' could be any number of insults and personal slights to even greater ones.
Of course, the greatest example of this is Jesus Himself, when dying on the cross He was ( and is God) He died in order to pay for the sins of all who would believe on Him. He was perfect and never sinned and was treated so unjustly and yet... While dying on the cross He said this: [smear:#1975e6]34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34[/smear:#ab2444:0]
It is way easier to choose the immature yelling at, hitting back, or even shooting someone in anger and it is only with being in God's word, and with prayer and the Holy Spirits help that we can act in a more mature way to respecting the disrespectful ( as we see it).
One great help from God's Word ( the Bible) is this verse:
[smear:#e4013a]12 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12[/smear:#5f1da5:0]
I think a real concern to 'turn' the other cheek in this hostile violent, world today is the end up looking like a naive pushover, a patsy, an easy target for today's ever increasing bullies. Eating humble pie does not sit well and it too could end up getting us killed
But there are really only two ways, God's way, and the secular, unsaved world's way. Again look at Jesus for our example He was lied about, spat on, beaten, tortured, mocked, and crucified, and yet he remained respectful towards others. There is a higher purpose to our suffering insults etc.
WE need to show mercy, sacrificial love, and be longsuffering towards the unsaved. Turning the other check is about forgoing retaliation for personal offenses. Retaliation is what the world expects and is doing more and more of but as Christians we do not walk in their paths ( or we for the Lord to helps us, when we are sorely tempted to slap back).
Done for today
Actually, Peter thought he was being extravagant by suggesting he should forgive 7 times. (and by their standards, he was!) The Rabbis taught that people should only forgive others 3 times and no more because that's all God forgave Israel's enemies...using Amos 1:3, Amos 1:6 etc as references.
Let me paraphrase a quote I read in one of my fiction books that I really liked: We need to remember that communion is a feast of forgiveness. However, most people have unforgiveness as a meal instead. We feed off our anger, our resentment, and our disappointment, and the more we taste it the more we want. Before long we’re imagining the sweet taste of revenge. The problem is that rather than satisfy our hunger, it eats us up inside, and when the meal is over, bitterness and guilt have picked the meat off the bones of our souls. And that’s where many people are today.
The more I consider where people are at today, with all the hate and unforgiveness (as those things seem to be the main things that identify them), the more I think the reason for that is that people have never seen their own sinfulness - and I'm including many people who say they're Christians here. But not just those who are joining in with BLM and other similar groups, but also those who are hating the people involved in BLM or other like groups. I'm including all those "Christians" who love Trump and hate everyone who says the slightest thing bad about him, or who brings up something he's done that's negative and calls it what it is - wrong. All those people who seem to think that Trump can literally do nothing wrong and never has done anything wrong, and will jump down someone's throat for suggesting otherwise. I'm also including all those who do that very thing about Obama. But then I'm also including all those who hate the people who love Trump or Obama that much! All of them have their priorities badly mixed up.
They're putting way too much emphasis on this world and no where near enough on the one that's our real home. I'd be willing to bet that they know more about politics and their candidate then they do about the Lord and His Word. Others know more about race, and perversion (homosexuality, transgender, etc) then they do about the Lord and His Word. What really blows my mind is that anyone could possibly believe that any of those people are actually Christians!
I remember reading a news article some 10 or more years ago saying that some country in Africa where Christians were still being killed, were sending missionaries to the US. At first i expected the article to say that they'd be trained here, but that wasn't it at all. They were coming here to bring us the gospel! At first i was shocked, but then I realized that we badly needed it and prayed they'd have a huge harvest. But since we're living in the great falling away, it wasn't huge. It didn't even make a ripple in the news. But in God's Kingdom it did, because I'm sure more souls were added to His Kingdom that would have remained lost if they hadn't come. The point is though, that they realized even then, how badly corrupted the Church in the US had become and that the true Gospel was missing from a large part of it. Our country was and is filled with people who think they know all about Jesus when in fact, they know nothing at all!
My pastor's wife came over yesterday to visit and we were talking about all this anger too, and where it's likely to go, and when. We even talked about conspiracy theories and how they've grown so common that more Christians then ever are buying into them now. How the people know more about things like the news, politics, the election, their favorite conspiracy theories, BLM, abortion or whatever their favorite "bad thing" is, then they do about the Lord and His Word. And that's so very wrong. It's the reason all this is happening.
If people spent as much time in the Word as they do in the news or posting junk on facebook about the news or their favorite bad thing, our country wouldn't be in the position it is now.
to change the subject some, I just noticed what you said at the start of this thread: "Thinking about those Christians that I knew in the past, who could so easily bring God's Word into every day conversation, without being 'preachy'.." I'd say you're doing a very good job of that yourself!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,664
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Post by fearnot on Jul 14, 2020 11:51:34 GMT -5
I too remember that about some African missionaries coming here... they really need to send a lot more now!!!
Thank you for saying I am doing well here...
but writing seems a WHOLE LOT EASIER, than talking with someone face to face ( or should I say mask to mask LOL)
and be able to connect God and His Word to literally everything in a way that will not turn a nonbeliever off.
Still, it could be kind of like 'practicing' for face to face.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,664
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Post by fearnot on Jul 14, 2020 12:04:04 GMT -5
Some kind of random thoughts about the world today.
No matter which way a person is disapproving of another person, based on their skin color... What they are ultimately doing, is: holding God in contempt for His egregious 'mistake' of not making everybody like them!
People were even angry, because Jesus had the audacity, to heal a man on the wrong day!!
[smear:#60ae59]23 If on the Sabbath a man receives circumcision, so that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me because on the Sabbath I made a man's whole body well? John 7:23 [/smear:#e619b3:0]
So if it is BLM hating whites, or whites hating blacks, or any other combination, since they have turned from God's commandment to love, and forgive they have instead, joined Satan's fight....because hatred is the devil's plan.
God, on the other hand, says this:
[smear:#db59ab]7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 1 John 4:7-9[/smear:#a1e619:0]
Christians are to be known by our love:
[smear:#e68619]35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35[/smear:#ba19e6:0]
We are not to be known by disrupting society and causing Chaos, and putting all our hope in the secular socialist idea of global solidarity.
And speaking of socialism, which we are hearing more and more of in our country.... it is a kind of alternative to the gospel
Instead of what God says that we are all born as sinners they promote the ideal that people are born innocent but because of financial inequality and some are poor, they are 'forced' by their poverty, to turn to crime
BUT.... the socialists reason:
if, we all steal from the rich ( generally white man) then..... we can all become wealthy, as we redistribute the rich man's money to everyone!!
Ta-da! problem solved!
But what did Jesus say about the poor? This of course will not go over well with our socialists, but is it the 'truth'?
[smear:#19e69f] 7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. Mark 14:7[/smear:#e6198f:0]
So have we ever seen socialism work well? Some will say, maybe not perfectly...... but if people really really let it....
The problem is, they are not understanding that humans are sinners so no matter what economic political system is in place we will never get utopia or the Garden of Eden back, on our own
Because: humans are sinners, selfish, power hunger, self-centered, There is the 'ideal' world and then the real world
so in the end, no matter how nice socialism or communism sounds on paper they have ended up being totalitarian, tyrannical governments,often extremely cruel, and murderous ( a LOT more than what people think of our police force!!)
In fact it breaks my heart what hatred is being poured on the police for the actions of a few because there have been endless times, the police have laid down their lives for others and in a way and to some degree,did like Jesus ( tho He did it for millions or billions of people)
Many in the police followed this verse to their deaths
1[smear:#5b1d5d]3 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13[/smear:#e77736:0]
Back to the other isms If we were bees or ants or robots, we might embrace the good for the colony hive ideal instead of what we are full of pride, ego, individualistic, self-centered, sinful people we are and always have been. And do we really want to become insects anyway?
[smear:#19e6c0]They have neither knowledge nor understanding, they walk about in darkness; Psalms 82:5[/smear:#a219e6:0]
But in addition the socialists now are saying in the world of today it's not just wealth that is causing oppression of the masses but they have added its also sexual and race and it is soooo ingrained that often the oppressed don't even know they are oppressed!!
But all of this is man without God....because that is also a major component.
So when God says this in the verse below ...it is thrown out.... in a socialist system.... because in their system everything belongs to everybody!
[smear:#48ab69]17 “You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's.” Exodus 20:17[/smear:#b13e6e:0]
Jesus did not rebuke the landowner ( master) for owning property , or even for his building a fence
but in socialism etc. this would be a 'sin' in their eyes.
[smear:#cb582e] 33 “Hear another parable. There was a master of a house who planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a winepress in it and built a tower and leased it to tenants, and went into another country. Matthew 21:33[/smear:#a619e6:0]
Also in the parable of the talents the 'business man' gives different amounts of money to several men....he did not give the same amount to all and when the one who got the least complained..... saying:
[smear:#27e619]24 Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ Matthew 25:24,25[/smear:#c319e6:0]
Jesus did not say: Opps! my bad Here let me take some that the others made a lot of money off of and give it to you so it will be 'fair'
nooooo instead :
[smear:#e619d3]26 But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed?
27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest.
28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. Matthew 25:26-28[/smear:#18a083:0]
There would be a lot to say about what that parable means...
but one thing it points out, I think is that a socialist/communist system tends to:
demotivate people, penalize those who work hard, and reward those who do not. ( I don't see Jesus thus promoting these things in this parable)
But I am thinking we are heading to that system anyway and when the anti-Christ comes and institutes the mark of the beast many will go for it...
because it will seem maybe like socialism... a nice fair system
But as we know it will be a LOT LOT more than that!!
It will be eternal evil and forever people who go for it will be Hell bound.
People who so want 'things' will be willing to worship the anti-Christ and their fate will be forever sealed ....as going to Hell no amount of money is worth that!
Done for today.
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Post by Cindy on Jul 15, 2020 11:03:27 GMT -5
I too remember that about some African missionaries coming here... they really need to send a lot more now!!!
Thank you for saying I am doing well here...
but writing seems a WHOLE LOT EASIER, than talking with someone face to face ( or should I say mask to mask LOL)
and be able to connect God and His Word to literally everything in a way that will not turn a nonbeliever off.
Still, it could be kind of like 'practicing' for face to face. Yes, I agree, I've always liked writing better then talking too lol.
Wait, wait, hold it!!!!! Now I see what you really meant about people talking to others about the gospel... you want to do it in a way that won't turn unbelievers off! Hon, that's impossible! In fact, if you do that regularly, or anyone else does it regularly, then they have made God out to be a liar. Why? Because God tells us that unbelievers will be upset by the gospel! He says they'll hate it! If anyone can speak to others about the gospel without offending them, then they either aren't speaking the Truth, or the person is already saved, or is going to be shortly and God has already opened their heart to His Word. Let's take a quick look at exactly what Jesus said the Holy Spirit would do with unbelievers: “When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.” (John 16:8–11) People don't like to have to admit that they're wicked. After all, they've spent most of their lives trying to prove to themselves and others that they're basically a good person, and then the Holy Spirit comes and exposes their guilt so they have to face it! Most people aren't going to just sit and smile nicely when that happens. But we say, "but I don't beat them up, I'm careful about what I say!" That doesn't have anything to do with it. The Holy Spirit dwells within each of us who are saved, and is going to do His job whether we do or say anything at all to that person! So what you're aiming for isn't something that can usually happen.
It can happen once in awhile...like the time Philip was told to speak to the Eunuch. The Eunuch was ready to be saved as God had opened His heart and mind to the gospel. Or even when the disciples preached their first sermon on Pentecost, again because God had all those folks ready to be saved. Most of the time though, people aren't that close to being ready to be saved. So they're most likely to either walk away saying they don't have time to talk (that would be about the nicest way lol) or they may get belligerent, or may even start spewing out stuff that they've heard others say proved God wasn't real. What happens will depend on the persons general character, on whether or not it's just the two of you or if there are others present, etc. If others are present it can serve to make them bolder and meaner as they have someone to back them up.
Honestly though, we don't need to be concerned about it. In the long run it really doesn't matter if they like us or not. What matters is that we at least give them a chance to go to heaven instead of hell. And it's ok if they choose not to take us up on our offer, because what we're really doing is planting a seed, knowing the Lord will water it. It's when we think the whole thing is our job that we get into trouble. Because before long we're thinking it's all on us whether or not someone is saved and that couldn't be further from the truth.
Our job is small and simple: just plant a seed and keep smiling as we walk away, no matter how they react to that seed being planted. God will take care of the rest, regardless of who the person is. Our job is the same whether the person is our adult child or an acquaintance. All the rest is up to the Lord. He may plant more seeds using other people, or He may bring the person back to us to plant another seed. Or He may save them instantly then and there, which is always amazing when it happen. We also have the job of teaching the people who have been saved, so When God has caused the seeds that were planted to bear fruit, and the person is saved, then it's time to teach them everything so they in turn can teach others. We just have to keep reminding ourselves that all the stages between planting a seed and teaching them everything Jesus commanded us, is God's job and not ours.
Some kind of random thoughts about the world today.
No matter which way a person is disapproving of another person, based on their skin color... What they are ultimately doing, is: holding God in contempt for His egregious 'mistake' of not making everybody like them!
People were even angry, because Jesus had the audacity, to heal a man on the wrong day!!
[smear:#60ae59]23 If on the Sabbath a man receives circumcision, so that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me because on the Sabbath I made a man's whole body well? John 7:23 [/smear:#e619b3:0]
So if it is BLM hating whites, or whites hating blacks, or any other combination, since they have turned from God's commandment to love, and forgive they have instead, joined Satan's fight....because hatred is the devil's plan.
God, on the other hand, says this:
[smear:#db59ab]7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 1 John 4:7-9[/smear:#a1e619:0]
Christians are to be known by our love:
[smear:#e68619]35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35[/smear:#ba19e6:0]
We are not to be known by disrupting society and causing Chaos, and putting all our hope in the secular socialist idea of global solidarity.
And speaking of socialism, which we are hearing more and more of in our country.... it is a kind of alternative to the gospel
Instead of what God says that we are all born as sinners they promote the ideal that people are born innocent but because of financial inequality and some are poor, they are 'forced' by their poverty, to turn to crime
BUT.... the socialists reason:
if, we all steal from the rich ( generally white man) then..... we can all become wealthy, as we redistribute the rich man's money to everyone!!
Ta-da! problem solved!
But what did Jesus say about the poor? This of course will not go over well with our socialists, but is it the 'truth'?
[smear:#19e69f] 7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. Mark 14:7[/smear:#e6198f:0]
So have we ever seen socialism work well? Some will say, maybe not perfectly...... but if people really really let it....
The problem is, they are not understanding that humans are sinners so no matter what economic political system is in place we will never get utopia or the Garden of Eden back, on our own
Because: humans are sinners, selfish, power hunger, self-centered, There is the 'ideal' world and then the real world
so in the end, no matter how nice socialism or communism sounds on paper they have ended up being totalitarian, tyrannical governments,often extremely cruel, and murderous ( a LOT more than what people think of our police force!!)
In fact it breaks my heart what hatred is being poured on the police for the actions of a few because there have been endless times, the police have laid down their lives for others and in a way and to some degree,did like Jesus ( tho He did it for millions or billions of people)
Many in the police followed this verse to their deaths
1[smear:#5b1d5d]3 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13[/smear:#e77736:0]
Back to the other isms If we were bees or ants or robots, we might embrace the good for the colony hive ideal instead of what we are full of pride, ego, individualistic, self-centered, sinful people we are and always have been. And do we really want to become insects anyway?
[smear:#19e6c0]They have neither knowledge nor understanding, they walk about in darkness; Psalms 82:5[/smear:#a219e6:0]
But in addition the socialists now are saying in the world of today it's not just wealth that is causing oppression of the masses but they have added its also sexual and race and it is soooo ingrained that often the oppressed don't even know they are oppressed!!
But all of this is man without God....because that is also a major component.
So when God says this in the verse below ...it is thrown out.... in a socialist system.... because in their system everything belongs to everybody!
[smear:#48ab69]17 “You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's.” Exodus 20:17[/smear:#b13e6e:0]
Jesus did not rebuke the landowner ( master) for owning property , or even for his building a fence
but in socialism etc. this would be a 'sin' in their eyes.
[smear:#cb582e] 33 “Hear another parable. There was a master of a house who planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a winepress in it and built a tower and leased it to tenants, and went into another country. Matthew 21:33[/smear:#a619e6:0]
Also in the parable of the talents the 'business man' gives different amounts of money to several men....he did not give the same amount to all and when the one who got the least complained..... saying:
[smear:#27e619]24 Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ Matthew 25:24,25[/smear:#c319e6:0]
Jesus did not say: Opps! my bad Here let me take some that the others made a lot of money off of and give it to you so it will be 'fair'
nooooo instead :
[smear:#e619d3]26 But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed?
27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest.
28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. Matthew 25:26-28[/smear:#18a083:0]
There would be a lot to say about what that parable means...
but one thing it points out, I think is that a socialist/communist system tends to:
demotivate people, penalize those who work hard, and reward those who do not. ( I don't see Jesus thus promoting these things in this parable)
But I am thinking we are heading to that system anyway and when the anti-Christ comes and institutes the mark of the beast many will go for it...
because it will seem maybe like socialism... a nice fair system
But as we know it will be a LOT LOT more than that!!
It will be eternal evil and forever people who go for it will be Hell bound.
People who so want 'things' will be willing to worship the anti-Christ and their fate will be forever sealed ....as going to Hell no amount of money is worth that!
Done for today.
I think you've done an excellent job of explaining exactly what's true and what's not, and why. Not just in this post, but in all of them. I would think that if what you were saying didn't have anything to do with God and salvation that everyone who read it would agree with you...they'd have to. You state things simply and clearly, and leave no way for people to misunderstand what you're saying. But because you are speaking of salvation and God, sadly, people won't read what you say. Instead they'll skim it and immediately start in with all their reasons that you're wrong. Sad, isn't it.....
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 7,664
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Post by fearnot on Jul 15, 2020 11:22:57 GMT -5
I saw a news article where a young gay activist was incensed that some Christian church or group had actually 'STOLE THEIR...the gay movement's ....Rainbow and were using it!!!!
It made me think about several things
First: Was it really possible that this young person, had absolutely no idea about what the Bible said about the rainbow???
1[smear:#e6193b]1 I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” 12 And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: 13 I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14 When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, 15 I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16 When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” 17 God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.” Genesis 9:11-17[/smear:#3a19e6:0]
Well, it certainly is possible, if her parents were atheists, and public schools never talk about or teach what is in the Bible....I guess she could easily have lived her life without a clue.
That reminded me of just how almost all Christian symbols, holidays etc have been hijacked but the secular culture but really, Satan also had his hand in it as well, as he wants to mock, and corrupt scripture.
Here are some ways Satan mocks and even more 'corrupts' scripture by bringing godly symbols, and holidays to a base consumerism etc.
A look at Christmas I have for many years been reminded that the Christmas tree points to the purpose of Jesus being born He will die on a cross ( and the tree is a reminder of it for me)
But it has been hijacked into making it just a decorator's dream
Still, the lights on the tree, say to me, that Jesus birth ( what we celebrate at Christmas)'is the 'light' coming into the world.
[smear:#192ce6]9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. John 1:9[/smear:#e61942:0]
1[smear:#9719e6]2 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12[/smear:#daf403:0]
Giving of gifts is biblical But going into debt is not
But what does the gift giving symbolize Well to me the most important thing is
[smear:#19e624]23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23[/smear:#cb19e6:0]
And in a way, I think this is where Satan has made a great deception youth and even adults today see Christmas as: all about me more more more stuff gimme gimme
The 'Christ' in Christ-mas is never given one thought and they miss the greatest gift they could ever be given.
[smear:#0b9581] 16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16[/smear:#6bf40b:0]
Enjoying feasting is also okay in the Bible but gluttony is not
[smear:#51cb63]20 Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, 21 for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags. Proverbs 23:20,21[/smear:#b445aa:0]
So between the over spending on material items, drinking and providing a huge meal many may be almost heading to the poorhouse when instead, Christ-mas is to be an uplifting celebration of the greatest gift we have ever known.
Instead people have caved into self, excess, inability to control themselves they instead have shopped til they dropped, taught our children to also worship blatant consumerism and foster the spoiled brat syndrome and then there is the
feeding them lies of Santa Claus, ( there was a true Christian man named Saint Nicholas of Myra...but that is another issue) the Santa Claus of today, has no relationship)
But even the idea that the Santa Claus of today... is keeping a list of your good and bad behavior and you can get 'stuff' by being good and not much by being bad...is in itself a corrupted theology and so many others like Frosty the Snowman, etc.
with often, not one word about the real reason for the Season the birth of Jesus.
Perhaps even sadder is Easter I am not anti-Easter egg hunts but when that is the total aspect of Easter it is heart breaking because
Easter is the Christian celebration of Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead. This is the most important aspect of Christianity.
[smear:#17585f]14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:14[/smear:#c319e6:0]
I think the secular world is happy to go along with Satan corrupting these and many other Christian symbols, Holidays etc. because they do not want to even think about God.
instead:
1[smear:#178b34]8 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, Romans 1:18-22[/smear:#5819e6:0]
The sad result of becoming fools by kicking God out of your mind, is the emptiness inside as you live in this dark world, and at the edge of your thoughts, where you are headed for eternity. When I reflect back on my youth ( something I try not to very often anymore) but I really really was walking around in darkness oh the sun was shinning but I had no real purpose ( some vague secular ideas....but none satisfying)
and in an odd sense, I was almost literally bumping into other lost and blind people who were also empty and dead men and woman walking there was no real beauty, love, compassion, hope, direction etc.
And so that poor young woman who thinks Christians stole 'her' rainbow is to be pitied she is blind and so so lost. Done for today
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