fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383 
|
Post by fearnot on Dec 6, 2021 14:29:27 GMT -5
In suffering and persecution,
our comfort, hope, peace, perseverance etc.
is to:
fixing our eyes on Jesus,
the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
For the joy set before him he endured the cross,
scorning its shame,
and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners,
so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:2
and
I consider that our present sufferings
are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Romans 8:18
Plus
That is why I am suffering as I am.
Yet this is no cause for shame,
because I know whom I have believed,
and am convinced
that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day
2 Timothy 1:12
This is a fallen, sinful, broken, trouble filled world.
Both Christians and unbelievers are going to suffer.
But the unbeliever has no where to go
( without God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit)
for hope, salvation, comfort, peace etc.
They are lost in a dark, and getting darker world
they cannot pray to God now ( because they say they do not believe in Him)
they cannot put hope in eternity, because they think' there is none after death.
Today's world is dark,
and getting darker it seems to me, by the day.
That alone is discouraging.
I listen to the 4 teenagers I see almost daily,
and listen to what unimaginable things are going on for them.
Things like being daily bombard in school,
to embrace all types of sexual perversions
also ( and many middle school kids are doing so.... in droves)
violence in school has greatly escalated,
and many more discouraging, depressing things of that nature.
What is going on in the schools alone,
causes a type of suffering for me... I am greatly concerned for kids.
( I however, am able to pray and know that God is still on the throne
He is not unaware of any of this)
Still trying to shine any light or truth,
on those issues
can evoke a very hostile response:
4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers,
so that they cannot see
the light of the gospel
that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
2 Corinthians 4:4
Like beating your head against a wall
And the light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness did not comprehend it
John 1:5
The darkness has become very boldly seductive to
kids and adults.
It has always been seductive....it lures you in promising
pleasures and treasures and more:
In today's secular world
the 'him' in this verse
can be any 'pronoun' you wish
which is madness, depravity, insanity in itself
With her enticing speech she caused him to yield,
With her flattering lips she seduced him
Proverbs 7:21
but the end is:
Till an arrow struck his liver.
As a bird hastens to the snare,
He did not know it would cost his life.
Proverbs 7:23
Yet in the past the seduction has never been as bold, violent,
demanding, in your face, over the top as today.
Nevertheless the unbeliever should know
that this still holds true:
all that glitters is not gold
and in many cases it turns out to be death...
And for the unsaved,
what looked so fun, enticing, exciting, 'golden' etc.
seems to be true...
until...
it turns to death...
However, death for the unsaved,
is not just the end of sorrows that path will lead you to...
it is only the beginning of eternity of sorrows and worse.
|
|
|
|
Post by Cindy on Dec 7, 2021 11:42:38 GMT -5
I clicked on the attachment, but it just took me to a page with the same letter I
and nothing else?
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day
2 Corinthians 4:16
Sometimes, I do start to 'lose heart' over the outward of me, wasting away...
but then, I am so grateful and how inwardly, I have been and continue to grow inwardly....
That outweighs the outer decay
especially as I am heading towards being with the Lord Jesus forever
Still, I sometimes am frustrated by not being able to 'do'
and not thrilled with the 'old old lady' look sigh
But on the other hand, what good would it be to have remained young, and youthful 'pretty'
if my final destination was hell, because of my ugly sins insides...not lessening, but rather growing daily
So I choose, being with the Lord, and besides
I will soon get a new body :)
I guess that is on my mind because often after going to church on Sunday....
which was super great yesterday...
but we ended up staying for over 3 hours
the regular sermon etc,
but then chatting for 2 hours plus after
( meaning standing all that time)
And so
often on Mondays I am aching way more and super tired!
As far as us losing heart, or getting frustrated or even feeling down about the hardships, and or the way our bodies are falling apart and that we can't do the things we want to do and even the things we think God would want us to do, that's perfectly normal. It happens to all of us at times. That's why Paul wrote what he did, telling us not to lose heart, and in other ways encouraging us. When we read all the letters that Paul wrote, we find that even he lost heart at times. But when he did, he did what he tells us to do. He didn't allow himself to continue down that path in his thoughts. As soon as he realized it, he turned his thoughts toward Christ and things of eternal value.
I hate not being able to stand up straight, and always being bent over so much. I hate having to use a cane all the time, just to hold myself kind of upright and keep my hip from rubbing against my ribs. I hate the way I've been losing my hair for so many years that there's very little of it left. Unless the Lord grants me another miracle I'll wind up bald. The thyroid pill that I'm on doesn't seem to make much difference since I'm still losing my hair, although I guess I'm not losing quite as much as I was before. It's most likely the RA causing the hair loss as well as my thyroid, so the thyroid pill only gets rid of one of the problems. The meds for RA not only don't help with hair loss, they cause even more hair loss, so I'm not going there lol. OK, that's enough of that. I'm unwilling to continue this line of thought. Instead I'd rather look ahead to my future which is a whole lot closer now than when I first believed!
I can't wait to have my new body of course and I know that it will come with beautiful hair too! I can't wait to see the room the Lord has prepared for me. That He prepared it just for me makes it extra special. Most of all though, I can't wait to be with Jesus, to hug Him, to cry and tell Him (again) how sorry I am for all my sins, and how much I love Him and how grateful I am for all He's done for me.
Oh and yesterday I got to listen to another of MacArthur's sermons as usual, and I wanted to share some of the things he said. One thing that I thought you'd appreciate I heard on one of his question and answer videos. Someone asked if they could really be saved because they sometimes doubt their salvation. His answer, besides all the usual things he says about that, was that it's perfectly normal for us to doubt our salvation at times, and that everyone who's really saved does so at times. I think I've told you that before, but it was nice to hear him say it and to hear him say that he'd even doubted his salvation once in a while in while.
MacArthur's sermon was about The Wise and Foolish Builders. here's the scriptures he spoke about: ““Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”” (Matthew 7:24–27)
I thought I knew what these scriptures meant, and I did, but there was one thing that I never thought about. Jesus wasn't just telling us that we needed to know and obey the Lord's Word. He was also telling us how to know the difference between a real believer and a fake. He said we often can't tell until after the storm has come. It's the storm that shows the difference. Read the scriptures again and see for yourself. The storm represents all the things that we would consider "bad" that happen to us in this life; all the hardships, the trials, the pain, the suffering, everything. Someone who is really saved will persevere through the storms.
|
|
fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Dec 7, 2021 12:49:28 GMT -5
I can relate to what you said about your hair and thyroid pill
I have been taking them for about 30 years or more, give or take a few years.
I have never felt strong, energetic etc as a result.
I 'suppose' they maybe have kept me alive, and that I should be grateful and that is enough.
My disappointment in them was somehow I got the wrong idea,that I would get my old hair back, and be energetic etc.
That was a great insight about how a 'storm' will show us the real believers....that you for that!
|
|
fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Dec 7, 2021 13:36:28 GMT -5
Some pastors present the gospel as:
just add Jesus to your life.....
and
you will find your 'purpose'
you will be rich and healthy
life will be so much better
etc..
What gets left out (or very glossed over) is:
we are depraved sinners and
only Jesus can pay for those sins
and...
we need to repent of them...
Repentance can ( at first)
cause a kind of pain to sinners.
because they loved their sins:
in order that they all may be judged
who did not believe the truth,
but took pleasure in wickedness
2 Thessalonians 2:12
There was ( at least for a time)
'pleasure' in wickedness
So to repent, turn away from, stop, etc.
that which you found some pleasure in
can cause pain for a time....
but the benefits of being a child of God
greatly outweighs, any pleasure,
evil pretended
( and lied) to give us.
Instead:
1 Therefore, since we have this ministry,
as we received mercy,
we do not lose heart,
2 but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame,
not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God,
but by the manifestation of truth
commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
3 And even if our gospel is veiled,
it is veiled to those who are perishing,
4 in whose case the god of this world
has blinded the minds of the unbelieving
so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ,
who is the image of God.
2 Corinthians 4:1-4
Knowing this:
The precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure,
enlightening the eyes
Psalm 19:8
And thus we can say:
8 we are afflicted in every way,
but not crushed;
perplexed,
but not despairing;
9 persecuted,
but not forsaken;
struck down, but not destroyed;
2 Corinthians 4:8,9
And also we can begin to see it in this way
( which won't always be easy but slowly on with the holy spirits help...) :
Consider it all joy, my brethren,
when you encounter various trials,
James 1:2
One way is to remind ourselves of this:
After you have suffered for a little while,
the God of all grace,
who called you to His eternal glory in Christ,
will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you
1 Peter 5:10
Strangely, ( perhaps because we are sinners)
being Christians might cause us to puff up in pride
like we are super special
( sort of the way the Jewish pharisees did)
And so God Himself might nip that in the bud
like he did with Paul:
7 Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations,
for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself,
there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—
to keep me from exalting myself!
8 Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me.
9 And He has said to me,
“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”
Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses,
so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
10 Therefore I am well content with
weaknesses,
with insults,
with distresses,
with persecutions,
with difficulties, for Christ’s sake;
for when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
|
|
|
|
Post by Cindy on Dec 8, 2021 10:07:11 GMT -5
I can relate to what you said about your hair and thyroid pill
I have been taking them for about 30 years or more, give or take a few years.
I have never felt strong, energetic etc as a result.
I 'suppose' they maybe have kept me alive, and that I should be grateful and that is enough.
My disappointment in them was somehow I got the wrong idea,that I would get my old hair back, and be energetic etc.
That was a great insight about how a 'storm' will show us the real believers....that you for that!
Some pastors present the gospel as:
just add Jesus to your life.....
and
you will find your 'purpose'
you will be rich and healthy
life will be so much better
etc..
What gets left out (or very glossed over) is:
we are depraved sinners and
only Jesus can pay for those sins
and...
we need to repent of them...
Repentance can ( at first)
cause a kind of pain to sinners.
because they loved their sins:
in order that they all may be judged
who did not believe the truth,
but took pleasure in wickedness
2 Thessalonians 2:12
There was ( at least for a time)
'pleasure' in wickedness
So to repent, turn away from, stop, etc.
that which you found some pleasure in
can cause pain for a time....
but the benefits of being a child of God
greatly outweighs, any pleasure,
evil pretended
( and lied) to give us.
Instead:
1 Therefore, since we have this ministry,
as we received mercy,
we do not lose heart,
2 but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame,
not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God,
but by the manifestation of truth
commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
3 And even if our gospel is veiled,
it is veiled to those who are perishing,
4 in whose case the god of this world
has blinded the minds of the unbelieving
so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ,
who is the image of God.
2 Corinthians 4:1-4
Knowing this:
The precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure,
enlightening the eyes
Psalm 19:8
And thus we can say:
8 we are afflicted in every way,
but not crushed;
perplexed,
but not despairing;
9 persecuted,
but not forsaken;
struck down, but not destroyed;
2 Corinthians 4:8,9
And also we can begin to see it in this way
( which won't always be easy but slowly on with the holy spirits help...) :
Consider it all joy, my brethren,
when you encounter various trials,
James 1:2
One way is to remind ourselves of this:
After you have suffered for a little while,
the God of all grace,
who called you to His eternal glory in Christ,
will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you
1 Peter 5:10
Strangely, ( perhaps because we are sinners)
being Christians might cause us to puff up in pride
like we are super special
( sort of the way the Jewish pharisees did)
And so God Himself might nip that in the bud
like he did with Paul:
7 Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations,
for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself,
there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—
to keep me from exalting myself!
8 Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me.
9 And He has said to me,
“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”
Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses,
so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
10 Therefore I am well content with
weaknesses,
with insults,
with distresses,
with persecutions,
with difficulties, for Christ’s sake;
for when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
People are evil by nature. “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11) Once we really understand how evil we are, we no longer believe we no longer believe that God owes us anything good, because we know that the only thing we're owed is Hell. Anything less then Hell is due to God's love, mercy and grace, not to anything we've done. I personally use Hitler as one way to determine if I've forgotten how evil I am. I remind myself that as bad as Hitler was, that I am every bit as capable of the very same evil he did. Even more personal to me is the man who sexually molested my children when they were between 2 and 4 years old. I hated him for many years and wished he would be tortured. Now I can honestly say I've forgiven him, love him and pray for his salvation. I've even written to him and talked to him on the phone, to tell him the gospel. More than that, I realize again that as horrified as I was at what he did, I too am just as capable of that evil as he is. It's only the grace of God that's prevented me from doing the things he did or that Hitler did. And that is true of every single person whether they realize it or not.
|
|
fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Dec 8, 2021 13:00:12 GMT -5
I totally agree about medicines...
but not only do they not perform as I might wish
( or not at all)...
The same goes for all the new 'super foods'
or supplements,
or
some ancient herbals found only in some far off land,
up in the highest mountains etc etc etc.....
they too, make great promises which they do not deliver on.
Perhaps some medically medicines, and who know herbal or supplements maybe help extend ones life
( or in some cases hurry your death along)
But I have yet, to have any of them, do what I 'thought' they might do.
Even pain meds,
the only ones that ever actually did anything,for me,
that I could truly notice,
and that was only to dull the pain...
it never went away totally
just down to a dull roar.
|
|
fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Dec 8, 2021 17:33:27 GMT -5
Even in the small community I live in
where there might be a shooting or a murder once every ten years
I am seeing this verse starting to be increasing even here:
Because lawlessness is increased,
most people’s love will grow cold
Matthew 24:12
We have certainly been seeing lawlessness increasing,
and the silly notion, if we just get rid of police, it will make it go away.
However, that is not what I am seeing happen.
So who are the peacemakers
politicians, musicians, actors, teachers, judges, etc.?
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called sons of God
Matthew 5:9
Could it not also be police?
for it is a minister of God to you for good.
But if you do what is evil, be afraid;
for it does not bear the sword for nothing;
for it is a minister of God,
an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.
Romans 13:4
I am also noticing hearts growing colder
in more and more seriously violent ways.
There have always been kids that bully other weaker kids
but yesterday in our small town,
the combined middle school/high school, had classes canceled
because someone was threaten students with violence.
And at the same time, a Christian site
I would read etc. the person there has become very very cold in her
posts.
But not only her posts, many who follow her
are posting angry, hurtful, rude, etc.
posts....this is supposed to be a Christian channel
and tho folks many disagree, you might think,
they would do so, in a kinder way.
Such as this verse tells:
Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass,
you who are spiritual,
restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness;
each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.
Galatians 6:1
And while the world gets darker by the day,
Jesus says we are to be and do this:
14 “You are the light of the world.
A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;
15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket,
but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
16 Let your light shine before men in such a way
that they may see your good works,
and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16
Still, we are going to be offensive to many,
no matter how compassionate we are
because the world hates the message
and they hate Jesus,
and since we have become united with Him
they hate us too.
If the world hates you,
you know that it has hated Me before it hated you
John 15:18
This is hard to take,
people hating you,
but if I have to choose,
I care way more that God accepts me.
Therefore
For to me, to live is Christ
and to die is gain
Philippians 1:21
|
|
fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Dec 9, 2021 13:26:06 GMT -5
I have been noticing how it seems the culture
( all over the world) today
is getting less civil,
more rude, angry, boiling over rage, fury etc.
A lot is of this is based on pride, resentment, jealousy, rebellion
and so on.
A fool always loses his temper,
But a wise man holds it back.
Proverbs 29:11
and
for the anger of man
does not achieve the righteousness of God.
James 1:20
It also seems anger is affecting more and more children
to attain to all levels of destruction,
even to murder.
Bullying, can soon ramp up,
to the victim,
taking revenge, by shooting his tormentors.
Without God then survival of the fittest, seems to be the rule.
However, Jesus said:
21 “You have heard that the ancients were told,
‘You shall not commit murder’
and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.’
22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry
with his brother shall be guilty before the court;
and whoever says to his brother,
‘You good-for-nothing,’
shall be guilty before he supreme court;
and whoever says, ‘You fool,’
shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.
Matthew 5:21,22
People are often so into being filled with pride,
arrogance, and 'self'
that any slight, and perceived disrespect,
( be it real or not)
is cause for instant rage.
In fact, schools are busy teaching kids to be:
proud of yourself,
have lots of 'self-respect'
you can do whatever you choose
You are a super star etc.
But they do not teach this:
Pride goes before destruction,
and a haughty spirit before a fall.
Proverbs 16:18
Learning self control does not seem to be a virtue in today's culture,
rather, internet posting is a great place
to learn to vent,
and be as
scornful,
mean spirited, angry etc.
as possible
These godly virtues seems to be losing ground daily:
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is
love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness
23 gentleness, self-control;
against such things there is no law
Galatians 5:22,23
and this
Let all bitterness
and wrath and anger
and clamor and slander
be put away from you,
along with all malice
Ephesians 4:31
And hardly any people are aware of this verse from God:
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
However, there actual is an anger that can be expressed,
a 'righteous' anger:
at evil, anger at sin, anger at ungodliness.
But even then, great care must be taken, so it does not turn into a sin.
I think it might be best, to give it up to God in prayer.
|
|
|
|
Post by Cindy on Dec 10, 2021 11:58:01 GMT -5
Good ones Barbara. I posted a bunch of devotionals today and will continue to post them as I can. They are all about persevering.
|
|
fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Dec 10, 2021 16:53:29 GMT -5
In the world today, there is a major push to save the world,
the environment.
In fact, my grandson ( in High school) was telling me
about the class yesterday where this was the topic the teacher
was talking about.
And for sure, even scripture, says, we should be 'good stewards':
Then the Lord God took the man
and put him into the garden of Eden
to cultivate it and keep it
Genesis 2:15
Unbelievers, cannot seem to get pass their five senses
if they can't see, feel, hear, smell or touch something
it does not exist.
And so,our world, planet earth,
fits their senses,
which they can see, touch etc.
but God does not
( because they cannot see, touch Him etc.)
So, they are desperate to care, totally, for this world...
In fact, part of what the teacher told the students yesterday
was they need to
respect and honor mother earth ( Gaia)
Which sounds very much like this scripture verse:
They gave up the truth about God for a lie,
and they worshiped God’s creation
instead of God,
who will be praised forever. Amen
Romans 1:25
For those who can't think of any verse where God
had man care for the earth,
here is one verse,
where God commands man,
not to totally exploit the land:
10 “Now you shall sow your land for six years and gather in its yield,
11 but in the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie uncultivated,
so that the needy of your people may eat;
and whatever they leave the animal of the field may eat.
You are to do the same with your vineyard and your olive grove.
Exodus 23:10,11
And what was the result,
when they did not do so?
33 You, however, I will scatter among the nations,
and I will draw out a sword after you,
as your land becomes desolate and your cities become ruins.
34 ‘Then the land will restore its Sabbaths all the days of the desolation,
while you are in your enemies’ land; then the land will rest and restore its Sabbaths.
35 All the days of its desolation
it will have the rest which it did not have on your Sabbaths,
while you were living on it.
Leviticus 26:34,35
But before, we as Christians,
decide to go out and join the environmental movements
we need to always compare scripture with scripture.
Because although, God did make this command,
He never suggested this world
( or even this universe),
must need to be preserved,
by humans
to last, forever.
In fact, as Pastor John MacArthur often puts it,
this planet is a disposable planet
(and even this universe for that matter)
So tho we are not to be deliberately trashing our planet
neither are we to be so caught up in it,
that we end up literally worshiping
the so-called mother earth ( Gaia)....
and drive ourselves crazy
by not using this or that,
because our carbon foot print will be too big
and thus,
will be an agent in hastening, the destruction of our earth.
In fact, if you compare scripture with scripture
then you will soon discover,
it will not be humans,
that will directly destroy the planet
( tho in a sense it will be.... because of our sins)
rather, it will be God the Creator,
who will destroy it
Let's look at some scriptures as to what the Creator God
will do to planet earth and the universe:
7 But by His word the present heavens and earth
are being reserved for fire,
kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly people.
2 Peter 3:7
And
11 Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way,
what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,
12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God,
because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning,
and the elements will melt with intense heat!
13 But according to His promise
we are looking for new heavens and a new earth,
in which righteousness dwells
2 Peter 3:11-13
And if you would like to see what God will do to our planet,
in way more detail,
read Revelation ( the last book in the Bible).
God is not intending this planet to last another billion,
or million, or even 10,000 years.
So we need to have a balance,
instead of,
spending all our waking hours
trying to determine:
should we use paper or plastic
or maybe cloth bags,
can we ever use hair spray,
or only gel,
should we go solar or wind or nuclear energy
and on and on and on and on and on...
and thus,
forget all about God,
studying His Word,
spreading the gospel....
Because people are still speeding towards and eternity in Hell.
Seriously, which is more important?
Virtue signaling how 'green' we are?
or loving the lost?
It is not that we should never consider some of those issues...
But like so many things,
our enemy ( the devil), can play on our pride,
keep us so wrapped up in these things...
( and many others like:
social justice, entertainment,
sexual pleasures, video gaming etc etc etc.)
we literally do not have time for God
or the lost and perishing
Instead we are so green,
even the trees are red with envy....
|
|
|
|
Post by evafromgreece on Dec 11, 2021 17:06:00 GMT -5
I am here. I am reading your posts. I will write my comments tomorrow. It’s been hard again these days
|
|
|
|
Post by evafromgreece on Dec 12, 2021 16:28:04 GMT -5
Thank you both; I greatly appreciate the prayers! But please know that although the Lord has shown me how to face this time in my life, and even though He helps me deal with it, I don't always handle it the way I should. I'm not perfect by any means! I often have to confess my sin of not dealing with it the way He tells us to. But little by little He is showing me that He is really with me and really giving me strength, comfort and encouragement. I tell you honestly that I could not do this without Jesus. Speaking of that, I can also say that this is yet another way that I know that everything the Bible says is true. I've done exactly what this scripture says: “Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them.” (Psalm 119:140) I have literally tested His promises (as only a believer can do) and found them to be true, just as He says.
I'm studying Luke 12 right now and again some of my notes were on this subject, so I'd like to share a couple with you. Though He is called “Prince of Peace” (Is 9:6), Christ will have no one deluded into thinking that He calls believers to a life devoid of all conflict. and Jesus was pointing out that conflict occurs when light and darkness meet. This division can range from mild insults to murder. We really need to think about the fact that "conflict occurs when light and darkness meet." Light and darkness reminds me of John 1:1-5, which I'll post at the bottom. John tells us that Jesus is the Word, and He is light and life. We know that Satan is death and darkness. He's the opposite of all that Jesus is. So when Jesus and Satan meet, conflict occurs; when life and death meet, conflict occurs; when light and dark meet, conflict occurs. We know one other thing too: from the moment we are saved, the Holy Spirit dwells within us.
Having the Holy Spirit dwell within us means that whoever is around us, is also around the Holy Spirit (God), even though they aren't aware of it. This makes unbelievers very uncomfortable. I'm sure you have also noticed that simply saying the Name of Jesus, also makes unbelievers very uncomfortable. That's why they use it as a cuss word. The Name of Jesus is very powerful. And if His Name is powerful, His presence is even more powerful! And Jesus is also always with us. (He also dwells within us as does the Father.) So everywhere we go and whatever we are doing, we are causing light and darkness to meet (unless we are sinning), and that is making every unbeliever we are around uncomfortable.
This creates a big problem when we live with someone who isn't really saved. (the problem is there whether the person we are living with is a friend, a brother, sister, parent, or boyfriend, or spouse.) That's one of the major reasons the Lord tells us not to marry an unbeliever. We shouldn't even date a person if they aren't saved and living to please the Lord. I think if you read this article I wrote about this subject, it may help you understand this better too:
Mixed Marriages.
There is one other very important part of the hardships that happen to us that every Christian needs to know about. How a person deals with the hardships of life can tell us if that person is really saved or not. Someone who is really saved, will not completely lose their faith because of the hardships and trials they go through. They will persevere and continue to endure them, even though there are times when they feel like giving up, or even do give up for a time; but they always come back to the Lord. Those who give up and then later return are like a little child that throws a tantrum because they don't like their parents rules, but later comes back for a hug. Those who leave and don't return show us that they were never really saved at all.
Let me show you some scriptures about this. keep in mind that the word translated "perseverance" can also be translated, endurance, having patience, constancy, steadfastness, forbearance, and longsuffering. It's even a fruit of the Spirit where it's called "patience": “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22–23) Please read the following scriptures, but don't just read them. Take your time, read one and then really think about what that scripture is saying; then go to the next one and do the same thing. OK?
“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1 Peter 1:6–7)
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (1 Peter 5:10)
“Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Timothy 4:16)
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16–18)
“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.” (2 Peter 1:3–9)
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1)
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2–4)
“Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” (James 5:10–11)
“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” (Hebrews 10:35–36)
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (Romans 12:12)
We need to persevere, because Jesus did: “May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.” (2 Thessalonians 3:5)
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:5–6)
“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (Romans 5:3–5)
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.” (John 1:1–5)
Thank you for these scriptures. They were very helpful. And some of them reminded me of a notebook we used to use some years ago . I recognized some of them. Mixed marriages, relationships and friendships can cause a real mess. I think that a non believer because they are being used by satan in various ways , and because satan want to turn us away from God , these people are used this way. And at first we think they love us and slowly we allow sin in our lives and we face the results of it |
|
|
|
Post by evafromgreece on Dec 12, 2021 16:41:34 GMT -5
In suffering and persecution,
our comfort, hope, peace, perseverance etc.
is to:
fixing our eyes on Jesus,
the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
For the joy set before him he endured the cross,
scorning its shame,
and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners,
so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:2
and
I consider that our present sufferings
are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Romans 8:18
Plus
That is why I am suffering as I am.
Yet this is no cause for shame,
because I know whom I have believed,
and am convinced
that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day
2 Timothy 1:12
This is a fallen, sinful, broken, trouble filled world.
Both Christians and unbelievers are going to suffer.
But the unbeliever has no where to go
( without God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit)
for hope, salvation, comfort, peace etc.
They are lost in a dark, and getting darker world
they cannot pray to God now ( because they say they do not believe in Him)
they cannot put hope in eternity, because they think' there is none after death.
Today's world is dark,
and getting darker it seems to me, by the day.
That alone is discouraging.
I listen to the 4 teenagers I see almost daily,
and listen to what unimaginable things are going on for them.
Things like being daily bombard in school,
to embrace all types of sexual perversions
also ( and many middle school kids are doing so.... in droves)
violence in school has greatly escalated,
and many more discouraging, depressing things of that nature.
What is going on in the schools alone,
causes a type of suffering for me... I am greatly concerned for kids.
( I however, am able to pray and know that God is still on the throne
He is not unaware of any of this)
Still trying to shine any light or truth,
on those issues
can evoke a very hostile response:
4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers,
so that they cannot see
the light of the gospel
that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
2 Corinthians 4:4
Like beating your head against a wall
And the light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness did not comprehend it
John 1:5
The darkness has become very boldly seductive to
kids and adults.
It has always been seductive....it lures you in promising
pleasures and treasures and more:
In today's secular world
the 'him' in this verse
can be any 'pronoun' you wish
which is madness, depravity, insanity in itself
With her enticing speech she caused him to yield,
With her flattering lips she seduced him
Proverbs 7:21
but the end is:
Till an arrow struck his liver.
As a bird hastens to the snare,
He did not know it would cost his life.
Proverbs 7:23
Yet in the past the seduction has never been as bold, violent,
demanding, in your face, over the top as today.
Nevertheless the unbeliever should know
that this still holds true:
all that glitters is not gold
and in many cases it turns out to be death...
And for the unsaved,
what looked so fun, enticing, exciting, 'golden' etc.
seems to be true...
until...
it turns to death...
However, death for the unsaved,
is not just the end of sorrows that path will lead you to...
it is only the beginning of eternity of sorrows and worse.
One thing I am not sure about… The world and sometimes we describe living in sin as fun and exciting and golden. But the results are not only ending to hell after life but suffering eventually in this one as a result of sin . |
|
|
|
Post by evafromgreece on Dec 12, 2021 16:50:37 GMT -5
I hate not being able to stand up straight, and always being bent over so much. I hate having to use a cane all the time, just to hold myself kind of upright and keep my hip from rubbing against my ribs. I hate the way I've been losing my hair for so many years that there's very little of it left. Unless the Lord grants me another miracle I'll wind up bald. The thyroid pill that I'm on doesn't seem to make much difference since I'm still losing my hair, although I guess I'm not losing quite as much as I was before. It's most likely the RA causing the hair loss as well as my thyroid, so the thyroid pill only gets rid of one of the problems. The meds for RA not only don't help with hair loss, they cause even more hair loss, so I'm not going there lol. OK, that's enough of that. I'm unwilling to continue this line of thought. Instead I'd rather look ahead to my future which is a whole lot closer now than when I first believed!
Remind me of what exactly the problem is with your thyroid. Maybe I could think of something helpful or ask my doctor to get her opinion.
MacArthur's sermon was about The Wise and Foolish Builders. here's the scriptures he spoke about: ““Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”” (Matthew 7:24–27)
I thought I knew what these scriptures meant, and I did, but there was one thing that I never thought about. Jesus wasn't just telling us that we needed to know and obey the Lord's Word. He was also telling us how to know the difference between a real believer and a fake. He said we often can't tell until after the storm has come. It's the storm that shows the difference. Read the scriptures again and see for yourself. The storm represents all the things that we would consider "bad" that happen to us in this life; all the hardships, the trials, the pain, the suffering, everything. Someone who is really saved will persevere through the storms.
Maybe the storms are used to turn us to God when we are getting away. |
|
|
|
Post by evafromgreece on Dec 12, 2021 16:53:04 GMT -5
I can relate to what you said about your hair and thyroid pill
I have been taking them for about 30 years or more, give or take a few years.
I have never felt strong, energetic etc as a result.
I 'suppose' they maybe have kept me alive, and that I should be grateful and that is enough.
My disappointment in them was somehow I got the wrong idea,that I would get my old hair back, and be energetic etc.
That was a great insight about how a 'storm' will show us the real believers....that you for that!Remind me also of your thyroid problem. |
|
fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Dec 12, 2021 20:07:49 GMT -5
The secular unbelieving world continually advertises,
sins as:
exciting, fun,
your 'right'to do whatever you please,
glamorous
you are a free spirit to live, love, laugh etc.
sin can be profitable (sometimes...for a short time)
etc. etc.
Drinking, drugs, sex are what free spirits,
independent. strong, woke,
hip, etc etc. people do...
Many of these unbelievers feel prideful and superior to Christians
they scoff at them.
And they view those Christians who refrain from all the freedom and fun as:
uptight, boring, goody two shoes,nerds, dweebs, dull, etc. people.
And to a certain extent,
this might actually 'seem' true
until...
its not....
But.....once you are a full blown alcoholic,
or drug addict,
or with some sort of sexual disease....
and are so addicted to your pet sins,
you are a 'slave' to your sins,
it is no longer fun
But more than that,
it is dark and dangerous in this world
you could get to the place
where you are having to steal to keep up your habit
maybe you will become homeless,
and very sick etc.
And most frightening of all these unbelievers are heading to eternity without God.
I've been hypothyroid for years......
( there are two major thyroid issues....hypo or hyper)
Hypo is when your thyroid does not produce enough
of certain crucial hormones
therefore your energy level is turned way down,
you are often way more sensitive to the cold
you often cannot lose weight,
you lose you hair ( or it thins a lot)
etc. etc.
They give you medicine, but I have been taking it for years
and never felt peppy, with tons of energy.
I think ( for me)
it just is keeping me alive so far...
my problem is I 'thought'
or rather had higher expectations of what the meds would do.
which for me, that was not what they actually did.
|
|
|
|
Post by Cindy on Dec 13, 2021 10:47:47 GMT -5
I'm so sorry I didn't see your post before now Eva. All I saw was what I wrote and I thought it was my post. I just now saw what you wrote at the bottom of it! That's right, we did make a notebook! Do you still have yours? If so you can add anything new to it now. That's very true what you said about mixed marriages too. There are many examples in the Bible of believers marrying unbelievers and of the problems it caused them. It's not something I'd do again, that's for sure! Because they can't really love us. No unbeliever can truly love another person, because they don't have God's love in their heart, or the Holy Spirit to enable them to love. Their "love" is a cheap imitation of God's love and nothing anyone who's known the love of Christ would be interested in. And then there's also Satan's lie that we can change them and get them to believe and be saved, but we can't. That's God's job, and He says it's the opposite of that which usually happens - they change the believer and cause the believer to sin against the Lord.
Eva asked, "Is there any way to know who is pretending to be a Christian?". That's a great question. And the answer is both yes, and no. God does give us some ways we can use to help us decide if someone is really saved or not, but warns us that we are not God and we cannot know what is really in another person's heart, so all we can do is use our judgment to determine if someone is still unsaved and needs to hear the Gospel, or is a false teacher we need to avoid, or is simply someone who needs some help. The things He shows us to determine if someone is saved, are all things we can also use to examine ourselves to determine if we are truly saved and growing in our faith, which is something God encourages us to do regularly.
What I'd like to do is show you how to tell if someone is really saved. Obviously if you don't see these things in a person, then that person may not be really saved.
I'd like to start out with what to me is the biggest sign of all that shows if someone is really saved or not, or if we are saved: Do they love Jesus, and love His Word? No one can love the Lord unless they have been saved. It's impossible. “And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (Romans 5:5) At the moment of our salvation, God pours His love into our hearts, so that we can love Him and so we will be able to love others the way He loves us. Unfortunately the part about loving others the way He does, doesn't come instantly and takes spiritual growth before that part happens. But loving Him, happens right away.
The very next thing, (to God it all happens in the same instant as He isn't bound by time) the Holy Spirit causes us to want to know His Word, and want to understand it. He draws us to His Word. This is a hard one because we can ignore the Holy Spirit, and if we ignore Him long enough, He will stop what He's doing. That's not a good thing, because there are a number of bad consequences of that. For one thing, when we ignore Him, it's being disobedient, and it's also grieving Him. We are warned: “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30) When we refuse to be drawn into God's Word, the Bible, we are telling God that we really are not interested in knowing Him and we have no intention of obeying Him. In other words, we just want a ticket to get into Heaven, but don't want anything to do with God. That's the way an unbeliever would think, which is why it's so very dangerous for someone who wants to believe they're saved to turn away from God's Word. Many Pastors, going back hundreds of years and those alive now, say that the way we treat our Bible is the way we treat God. If someone who believes they are saved, or at least thought they were, has done this, then they need to confess their sin to God knowing they will be forgiven. But they also need to know that God always adds the same thing He told the woman in John 8:11: "Go, and sin no more". In other words, God will always forgive us, but he expects us to turn away from that sin and not continue in it.
God always has excellent reasons for what He commands us to do, including His command to spend time reading the Bible every day and apply what we learn to our life. I won't get into that now though since that's not what this is about. Just let me know if you want to know more and I'll tell you then.
So the first two ways we can tell if we or someone else is saved is: 1. if they love God and 2. if they love spending time in their Bible. The next way to tell would be to see if they are bearing any fruit. If we really love God and are spending time reading the Bible daily and apply it to our life, then we will continually grow in our faith. This will show up in many ways, including what we call "the fruit of the Spirit". So, do you see more of these characteristics in yourself or in the person you are judging: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22–23) Still another way to tell is if you see less sin in your life, “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.” (Galatians 5:24) We aren't going to quickly see all the different fruit of the Spirit growing in us, but we will notice that we're being a little more kind to others or perhaps we'll notice that our love for others is increasing, or that we're more peaceful then we were before. Noticing the fruit growing takes time and is usually something we notice when we look back on our life, and realize that we're more patient than we used to be, or something like that.
So now we have:
1. if they love God
2. if they love spending time in their Bible.
3. if they see that some of the fruit of the Spirit is increasing in themselves
4. if they see that some sins are decreasing and next:
5. if they see their prayer life growing
Usually when we're first saved, we often don't pray very much, and when we do pray it's usually because there's a crisis and we need help. But the Holy Spirit will draw us to pray more often and about everything. If we have someone to disciple us, that person will also guide us into praying more. Just as it's true that the more time we spend in the Bible and apply it to our life, we will see more spiritual growth; the more time we spend in prayer will also result in more spiritual growth. God and His Word are the very things He uses to change us to be more like Jesus.
The 6th one would probably be that they would notice that they felt more love toward others, especially toward other believers. This would be more for someone who had been saved for awhile, not a new Christian or baby Christian.
If you look at the fruit of the Spirit, you'll see that it really describes Jesus. There are other things we're told we need to grow in that describe Him as well. For example: “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3–4) and “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2–4) and “May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.” (2 Thessalonians 3:5)
Keep in mind that another way "perseverance" is sometimes translated, is "patience". Now this is something that only someone who has grown in their faith will see, because most baby Christians don't understand why or how to rejoice in suffering like Jesus did. Still another way perseverance is talked about is when we read, "stand firm". For example: “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58) and “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13) This would be the sixth way to tell if someone is saved. It would be something to look for in people who have been saved (or think they have been) for quite awhile, like a year or more.
#7. if they don't give up their faith when they go through hard times or a crisis, instead they persevere. Someone who is truly saved, won't give up their faith. You have to be careful with this one though, because a baby Christian, one that has not grown at all or very little, may look like they have fallen away from their faith for some time, but they will always return to the Lord. And when they do, the Lord will again draw them to His Word and prayer so He can grow them in their faith, which, if they obey Him will cause them to stand firm the next time there is a crisis or a hard time for them.
So now we have:
1. if they love God
2. if they love spending time in their Bible.
3. if they see that some of the fruit of the Spirit is increasing in themselves
4. if they see that some sins are decreasing and next:
5. if they see their prayer life growing
6. if they see their love for other people growing
7. if they persevere (don't give up their faith) when they go through hard times or a crisis.
Finally, the last one I can think of off the top of my head would also be only for someone who has been saved for a number of years, not a new or baby Christian. (by a "new Christian" I mean someone recently saved; and by a "baby Christian" I mean both someone newly saved and someone who has not obeyed the Lord and grown in their faith yet.) The last one would be that they would notice that instead of hating someone who had hurt them badly at one time, that they felt love for them and wanted to reach out to them and tell them about the Gospel so they wouldn't go to Hell. They do not approve of what the person did, they just forgive the person the way Jesus forgave them. So now we have:
1. if they love God
2. if they love spending time in their Bible.
3. if they see that some of the fruit of the Spirit is increasing in themselves
4. if they see that some sins are decreasing and next:
5. if they see their prayer life growing
6. if they see their love for other people growing
7. if they persevere (don't give up their faith) when they go through hard times or a crisis.
8. if they feel love for a person who harmed them in the past.
9. There's one other thing too, that is kind of obvious. When you really love someone or something, you want to talk about it all the time, whenever you can. People who love sports talk about it every chance they get. If they love video games, they talk about them whenever they can. If they have fallen in love, they talk about them every chance they get. So someone that loves God and His Word, will talk about God and His Word every chance they get. Like me, that's almost all I talk about lol. But if I'm talking about the weather or something else, like maybe my cats, like I try to do in the chat thread, I'm not very excited about whatever I'm talking about. I love my cats, and my husband, but I love the Lord more! For people who have Facebook, it's very easy to see what's first in their lives. All you have to do is look and see what they usually post about. Christians that rarely post anything about the Lord, cause me to wonder if they're actually saved. I used to check Facebook before I let someone onto our old board, and I often blocked people who said they were Christian after I saw what they posted on Facebook. I see a lot of people who say they're Christian, but who mainly post stuff about politics. If they are saved, they're sinning, because God is certainly not first in their life like He's supposed to be. That's one good thing about facebook. It makes it pretty easy to tell what or who is first in a person's life!
I hope these help answer the question for you. If you don't see these qualities or characteristics in a person, then they may not be saved.
|
|
fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Dec 13, 2021 12:25:21 GMT -5
That was great Cindy, thank you so much!
|
|
fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Dec 13, 2021 14:12:27 GMT -5
Sometimes unbelievers might actually say a 'prayer'
when some terrible tragedy happens.
As if they found a bottle with a genii in it, they expect God to jump to it,
and answer their demand.
And when or if, God does not,
they throw up their hands and say:
That is proof there is no God.
Instead we are told to:
Be anxious for nothing,
but in everything by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving
let your requests be made known to God
Philippians 4:6
But its not always just nonbelievers who treat God that way.
Sometimes believers come to God
( when things are tough) with their list:
of wants, needs, demands etc.
and expect God to give it a stamp of approval.
But they are not always consistent in prayer,
and often when they do pray it is selfish...
wanting God to heal their pain,
fix their finances,
change their mate or children etc. etc.
Sometimes people complain more,
than praying more.
But here are some verses about how God says the Christian should pray:
rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer,
Romans 12:12
also
pray without ceasing
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Plus
For this reason,
since the day we heard about you,
we have not stopped praying for you.
We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge
of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives
Colossians 1:9
And if God does not answer immediately?
Now He was telling them a parable
to show that at all times
they ought to pray and not to lose heart
Luke 18:1
About that.... ( not losing heart)
some Christians
have prayed for decades,
for a loved one to be saved
before it happens....
decades is a very long time,
to not lose heart!
Also, sometimes Christians die,
and their prayer for a loved one to come to salvation,
never was answered in their life time,
but in fact,
it might be years later, their prayer IS answered.
But I think that might be part of the definition
of what being a prayer warrior is.
Even so, there may be a time or season,
when we feel like giving up,
but let us remember Jesus said:
but I have prayed for you,
that your faith may not fail;
and you, when once you have turned again,
strengthen your brothers.
Luke 22:32
Also
Who then is the one who condemns?
No one.
Christ Jesus who died—
more than that, who was raised to life—
is at the right hand of God
and is also interceding for us
Romans 8:34
Another thing that some Christians
are not so good at
( I am still a 'baby' in doing this
but better than I was)
And that is when we pray
we can also pray God's word ( scripture)
back to Him....
so we are talking to Him in His language.
Of course He can hear us and answer
even if we are not able yet to do this
but when I can do it
I sometimes feel even closer to the Lord.
Another thing that can happen,
is God may answer a prayer quickly and fully...
and we do not stop to thank Him.
This verse again can be on our hearts and minds
concerning praying:
Be anxious for nothing,
but in everything by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving
let your requests be made known to God
Philippians 4:6
And
Devote yourselves to prayer,
being watchful
and thankful
Colossians 4:2
This is something to consider:
The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked,
but the prayer of the upright pleases him.
Proverbs 15:8
And I have got to say, when I was far away from God
I was truly 'LOST' and it caused so much damage
I had no real knowledge of anything
but as I pray every day, and read God Word,
His Holy spirit, teaches me wonderful things
‘Call to me and I will answer you
and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know
Jeremiah 33:3
Nevertheless, if we 'forget' to pray
and find ourselves sinking in despair
like the apostle Peter
know God can answer your much belated,
and very short 3 word prayer also.
But when he saw the wind,
he was afraid and,
beginning to sink, cried out,
“Lord, save me"!
Matthew 14:30
However, it would be better,
to pray without ceasing :)
|
|
|
|
Post by evafromgreece on Dec 13, 2021 16:29:45 GMT -5
The secular unbelieving world continually advertises,
sins as:
exciting, fun,
your 'right'to do whatever you please,
glamorous
you are a free spirit to live, love, laugh etc.
sin can be profitable (sometimes...for a short time)
etc. etc.
Drinking, drugs, sex are what free spirits,
independent. strong, woke,
hip, etc etc. people do...
Many of these unbelievers feel prideful and superior to Christians
they scoff at them.
And they view those Christians who refrain from all the freedom and fun as:
uptight, boring, goody two shoes,nerds, dweebs, dull, etc. people.
And to a certain extent,
this might actually 'seem' true
until...
its not....
But.....once you are a full blown alcoholic,
or drug addict,
or with some sort of sexual disease....
and are so addicted to your pet sins,
you are a 'slave' to your sins,
it is no longer fun
But more than that,
it is dark and dangerous in this world
you could get to the place
where you are having to steal to keep up your habit
maybe you will become homeless,
and very sick etc.
And most frightening of all these unbelievers are heading to eternity without God.
I've been hypothyroid for years......
( there are two major thyroid issues....hypo or hyper)
Hypo is when your thyroid does not produce enough
of certain crucial hormones
therefore your energy level is turned way down,
you are often way more sensitive to the cold
you often cannot lose weight,
you lose you hair ( or it thins a lot)
etc. etc.
They give you medicine, but I have been taking it for years
and never felt peppy, with tons of energy.
I think ( for me)
it just is keeping me alive so far...
my problem is I 'thought'
or rather had higher expectations of what the meds would do.
which for me, that was not what they actually did.
Even unbelievers are frustrated now with their lifestyles… See how much their are talking about narcissism and how bad is this. But it turns out it’s sin and evil… Not just one mental health condition. I know much about thyroid. I ve been hypo but fixed with medication. Now I don’t have thyroid after the surgery but it takes time to find the right dosage . And calcium also. Write me in pm about the meds. Most of the time it’s ok with the pills. If not maybe the doctor didn’t prescribed the right dosage |
|
fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Dec 14, 2021 11:38:08 GMT -5
Will pm you about thyroid :)
|
|
|
|
Post by Cindy on Dec 14, 2021 11:46:01 GMT -5
I'm just hypothyroid Eva. I need to have a blood test done to see if I'm getting enough medication.... which reminds me that I should call my doctor and remind her to send in an order for that to the lab.
I liked what you wrote Barbara. It was another good one!
I thought of one other way to tell if someone is really saved or not, so I'll just add it to the bottom of this list for you:
How to tell if someone is really saved.
1. if they love God
2. if they love spending time in their Bible.
3. if they see that some of the fruit of the Spirit is increasing in themselves
4. if they see that some sins are decreasing and next:
5. if they see their prayer life growing
6. if they see their love for other people growing
7. if they persevere (don't give up their faith) when they go through hard times or a crisis.
8. if they feel love for a person who harmed them in the past.
9. They love to talk about God and His Word every chance they get.
10. if their life has changed since they got saved and other people can see the change in them, they're likely really saved.
However, many people have the mistaken idea that if you say what has been called "the sinners prayer", that you're saved and never have to worry about it again. People who have been taught that, assume they're going to heaven even though their life looks exactly like it did before they supposedly got saved. They hang out with the same people, do the same things, and act the same way. If they used swear words and told filthy jokes before, they continue to do so. These people are not at all saved and will go to hell if they don't get right with God before they die.
I hope these help answer the question for you. If you don't see these qualities or characteristics in a person, then they may not be saved.
|
|
fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Dec 14, 2021 12:35:01 GMT -5
It just occurred to me, since we are looking at
how our ideas about life
( especially people who are not saved Bible believing believers)
are contrary to God's ideas....
There is this verse:
For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord
Isaiah 55:8
I think it is wonderful that God is infinitely intelligent,
because there will always be something new and glorious
for believers in eternity future.
We have limited thoughts,
even though....
believers are to
... be imitators of God,
as beloved children
Ephesians 5:1
So the more we are in God's word
and being sanctified, we will begin to have more
and more of God's ideas.
This is the direction we are going:
2 And do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,
so that you may prove what the will of God is,
that which is good and acceptable and perfect
Romans 12:2
But as for the unsaved....
Nothing has changed,
( except for perhaps getting worse)
as in the days of Noah
5 Then the Lord saw that
the wickedness of mankind was great on the earth,
and that every intent of the thoughts of their hearts was only evil continually.
Genesis 6:5
And
Let the wicked abandon his way,
And the unrighteous person his thoughts....
Isaiah 55:7
I should state once again,
that even believers, who still sin
( but prayerfully less and less)....
will therefore also from time to time
hold opposing views from God,
on all manner of different types of issues.
( until the Holy Spirit and God's Word,
begins to change these wrong, or foolish thoughts and ideas)
And the reason why we are so different in our thoughts?
because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God;
for it does not subject itself to the law of God,
for it is not even able to do so
Romans 8:7
There are so so many topics
unbelievers and sometime believer
think totally opposite than God
like:
politics, and government
family, children,
gender and sex
wealth and power
entertainment
truth
culture
environment
work
peace
etc. etc.
I might just take one at a time.
and show some of the differences?
|
|
|
|
Post by evafromgreece on Dec 14, 2021 15:49:10 GMT -5
So now we have:
1. if they love God
2. if they love spending time in their Bible.
3. if they see that some of the fruit of the Spirit is increasing in themselves
4. if they see that some sins are decreasing and next:
5. if they see their prayer life growing
6. if they see their love for other people growing
7. if they persevere (don't give up their faith) when they go through hard times or a crisis.
Finally, the last one I can think of off the top of my head would also be only for someone who has been saved for a number of years, not a new or baby Christian. (by a "new Christian" I mean someone recently saved; and by a "baby Christian" I mean both someone newly saved and someone who has not obeyed the Lord and grown in their faith yet.) The last one would be that they would notice that instead of hating someone who had hurt them badly at one time, that they felt love for them and wanted to reach out to them and tell them about the Gospel so they wouldn't go to Hell. They do not approve of what the person did, they just forgive the person the way Jesus forgave them. So now we have:
1. if they love God
2. if they love spending time in their Bible.
3. if they see that some of the fruit of the Spirit is increasing in themselves
4. if they see that some sins are decreasing and next:
5. if they see their prayer life growing
6. if they see their love for other people growing
7. if they persevere (don't give up their faith) when they go through hard times or a crisis.
8. if they feel love for a person who harmed them in the past.
9. There's one other thing too, that is kind of obvious. When you really love someone or something, you want to talk about it all the time, whenever you can. People who love sports talk about it every chance they get. If they love video games, they talk about them whenever they can. If they have fallen in love, they talk about them every chance they get. So someone that loves God and His Word, will talk about God and His Word every chance they get. Like me, that's almost all I talk about lol. But if I'm talking about the weather or something else, like maybe my cats, like I try to do in the chat thread, I'm not very excited about whatever I'm talking about. I love my cats, and my husband, but I love the Lord more! For people who have Facebook, it's very easy to see what's first in their lives. All you have to do is look and see what they usually post about. Christians that rarely post anything about the Lord, cause me to wonder if they're actually saved. I used to check Facebook before I let someone onto our old board, and I often blocked people who said they were Christian after I saw what they posted on Facebook. I see a lot of people who say they're Christian, but who mainly post stuff about politics. If they are saved, they're sinning, because God is certainly not first in their life like He's supposed to be. That's one good thing about facebook. It makes it pretty easy to tell what or who is first in a person's life!
I hope these help answer the question for you. If you don't see these qualities or characteristics in a person, then they may not be saved.
It is very helpful indeed. And what I am thinking 💭 these days is what is the cost of the really unnecessary pain of having unbelievers as friends and the relationships with them. And that if I have stayed close to God instead of experimenting with sin I would not have experienced all this unnecessary deep emotional pain. I am not sure why it happened… I still have my notebook 📒 😊 😊 |
|
|
|
Post by Cindy on Dec 15, 2021 9:45:12 GMT -5
It just occurred to me, since we are looking at
how our ideas about life
( especially people who are not saved Bible believing believers)
are contrary to God's ideas....
What you said was good, but please don't go into all those other things you listed. Let's keep this focused on what Eva wants answered. OK? |
|
|
|
Post by Cindy on Dec 15, 2021 10:31:15 GMT -5
It is very helpful indeed. And what I am thinking 💭 these days is what is the cost of the really unnecessary pain of having unbelievers as friends and the relationships with them. And that if I have stayed close to God instead of experimenting with sin I would not have experienced all this unnecessary deep emotional pain. I am not sure why it happened… I still have my notebook 📒 😊 😊
It's kind of ironic, but we plead with people to get saved, but Jesus never did. In fact, it often seemed like He tried to give people reasons not to get saved. Here is what He told a large crowd of people who wanted to follow Him: “Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’ “Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:25–33)
The Lord would never tell us to hate our parents in one breath and in the other tell us to “honor our father and mother”. What the Lord is telling us here is that we have to put Him and His Word first. Jesus and His commands must come before our parents, before our boyfriend or husband, before our friends, and even before our own needs, wants and desires. Carrying our own cross, is talking about self denial. Like I've already said, we must put Jesus and His Word even before our own needs, or wants. We must deny ourselves and live for Him instead of living for our self.
We have a tendency to think we're just fine the way we are; and that we're quite intelligent and can figure out life for our self. But the fact is that we are going to live forever. The only question is where we will spend eternity. We will either spend it in Hell, or Heaven. If we want to avoid Hell, then we must do what Jesus says.
We need to remember too that when Adam and Eve sinned, the entire world was cursed. This is another big reason why bad things happen to us. We live in a broken world, so we can't expect to have a life without pain and hardship.
|
|
fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Dec 15, 2021 15:19:31 GMT -5
Will keep on point, I kind of forgot...sorry! :-/
|
|
fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Dec 15, 2021 15:23:42 GMT -5
God can also use our sufferings, pains and hurts, and turn them to good.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
4 who comforts us in all our affliction
so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction
with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
5 For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance,
so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.
6 But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation;
or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort,
which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer;
2 Corinthians 1:3-6
As we press towards being more like our Lord,
we remember Jesus, suffered for our benefit:
15 For we do not have a high priest
who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses,
but One who has been tempted in all things just as we are,
yet without sin.
Hebrews 4:15
I have found that from time to time
t other people who have gone thru a similar painful situation,
can really help me, and comfort me, and understand what I am talking about,
compared to someone 'trying' to help,
who never had that particular trial, pain, suffering etc.
Having understanding compassion, has a way of uniting people also.
5 so that there may be no division in the body,
but that the members may have the same care for one another
1 Corinthians 12:25
I was just thinking of the blank, uncomprehending stares
I would get, if trying to explain to a non-believer
that even in our country, Christians do get some minor persecution
when I mentioned some of the ugly labels throw out in scorn...
But another Christian,
having gone thru similar epitaphs, insults, unkind definitions of Christians, etc.
will be not only able to relate,
but to give some godly advice, on how to
forgive those who were cruel etc.
But this is true for all manner of hurts we suffer from other people...
some from unbelievers, some from believers, but family and loved ones.
Here is a promise of sorts, not, generally one we love to hear:
12 Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus
will be persecuted
2 Timothy 3;12
And so for sure, the more we hang with unbelievers,
we have to know,
they simply cannot comprehend where we are coming from,
and so they often ridicule, make fun of, and scorn us and hurt us.
But this can happen with believers also.
Sinners will sin.
Nevertheless, we are blessed to have the Lord,
who loves us, and comforts us
and from time to time,
like a good father disciplines us.
In fact, here is another not often immediately received with joy,
promise...
( because sometimes our pain comes from God, the father,
because we have chosen to sin):
5 and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons,
“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
Nor faint when you are reproved by Him;
6 For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines,
And He scourges every son whom He receives.”
Hebrews 12:5,6
We live in a fallen world, it is sin filled....
trouble, hurt and pain is going to find us.
We cannot hide from it, it is just a part of life.
Some think if they were the richest person on earth,
they might avoid it then ( but they are sadly mistaken)
Perhaps being a monk, or hermit? Even then, suffering will find them.
Sin is obstinate, enduring, and it grows and grows.
If worded for our cancel culture of today...
and I were to ask an unbeliever
if everybody makes 'mistakes',
that are often hurtful to themselves or others,
most would agree.
Well, God does not call sin a 'mistake'
but that all people do sin is an absolute truth:
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
Romans 3:23
And here is the thing:
Sin always, eventually hurts.
You can be hurt by those you love and are the closest to you.
What we have to remember is God can use this pain
and turn it into a way to grow us
and also it will help us help another person who is suffering and pain.
|
|
|
|
Post by evafromgreece on Dec 15, 2021 16:48:35 GMT -5
I have never thought of this this way. Jesus indeed mentioned the all the thing that someone had to give up and all the trials.
And since there are a lot of Christians that preach prosperity gospel and I wonder actually what they had read to lead them there.
And one thing. We might have talked about in the old forum. God created us and He knew in advance what we were going to do. Could this mean also that we are "programmed" to be saved or not? I doubt that but I have to understand this better
|
|
|
|
Post by Cindy on Dec 16, 2021 11:28:05 GMT -5
Excellent one Barbara! I think what you're calling "programmed to be saved" is actually what the Bible calls "predestined". I'm honestly not up to dealing with that today, but will attempt it tomorrow, along with information about the false teachers who teach the prosperity gospel. What I can say very quickly about the false teachers is that they are not saved, and because they aren't really saved, they don't have the Holy Spirit to guide them and teach them what the Bible says. So although they can read it, they can't really understand it, so they make up what they want it to say and pretend that it does. I'm sure Barbara can do a lot on this too. It's amazing some of the stuff the unsaved come up with and say the bible teaches!
|
|
!!
