Welcome to a place where Christ should be exalted and "Self" should be abased!!
Welcome to a place where the BIBLE can be discussed rationally, intelligently, and positively without unnecessary argument!!
Welcome to a place where prayer can be requested and encouraged!!
Welcome to a place where positive and encouraging thoughts from scripture can be shared in a caring and loving way!!
Welcome to a place away from all the arguments, recriminations, and negativity of the outside world!!
Welcome to a place of rest and safety!!
Welcome to a place where Philippians 2:3 is practiced: "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves."
Welcome to this Christian thread.
(Please leave all aggression, bitterness, and philosophy outside the door and please wipe your feet before coming inside!!)
I live in my own little world. But it's OK... They know me Here!
Welcome to a place where the BIBLE can be discussed rationally, intelligently, and positively without unnecessary argument!!
Welcome to a place where prayer can be requested and encouraged!!
Welcome to a place where positive and encouraging thoughts from scripture can be shared in a caring and loving way!!
Welcome to a place away from all the arguments, recriminations, and negativity of the outside world!!
Welcome to a place of rest and safety!!
Welcome to a place where Philippians 2:3 is practiced: "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves."
Welcome to this Christian thread.
(Please leave all aggression, bitterness, and philosophy outside the door and please wipe your feet before coming inside!!)
I live in my own little world. But it's OK... They know me Here!
On Novemebr 17, 1983 a poor sinner that had rejected His love and doubted His existance at 11:00 PM in the evening came face to face with this wonderful God...
Thanks Andrew. :-x
Today is my spiritual "birthday".
On September 22, 1974 this poor miserable sinner came to trust the One who "loved me and gave Himself for me" (Gal. 2:20). And for the very first time, this "doubting Thomas" could say: "My Lord and my God" (John 20:28).
My desire today is that God will bless His people and glorify His name!!! And that those who are His enemies will seek peace with Him (Rom. 5:1) and accept His free gift of love (John 3:16)!!!
*Amen*
Thanks Andrew. :-x
Today is my spiritual "birthday".
On September 22, 1974 this poor miserable sinner came to trust the One who "loved me and gave Himself for me" (Gal. 2:20). And for the very first time, this "doubting Thomas" could say: "My Lord and my God" (John 20:28).
My desire today is that God will bless His people and glorify His name!!! And that those who are His enemies will seek peace with Him (Rom. 5:1) and accept His free gift of love (John 3:16)!!!
*Amen*
I picked up my bag and went lookin' for a place to hide;
When I saw Carmen and the Devil walkin' side by side,
I said "Hey Carmen, come on, let's go downtown,
She said " I gotta go, but my friend can stick around."
Verse 2 of The Weight.
The bag is Christ's mission on earth and he has to decide the scope of same. Hence the 40 days in the Wilderness and the temptations of Satan. The devil stuck around Christ and tried to make his ministry large and loud, attracting people for all the wrong reasons. Luckily, Christ did not fall for temptation.
When I saw Carmen and the Devil walkin' side by side,
I said "Hey Carmen, come on, let's go downtown,
She said " I gotta go, but my friend can stick around."
Verse 2 of The Weight.
The bag is Christ's mission on earth and he has to decide the scope of same. Hence the 40 days in the Wilderness and the temptations of Satan. The devil stuck around Christ and tried to make his ministry large and loud, attracting people for all the wrong reasons. Luckily, Christ did not fall for temptation.
Sorry for the quick posts, but I get so many error messages it's very frustrating. "No time for greater depth". Susan
was reading back a few posts..... nice to read you there Tom... hope you are feeling better ... hi nikki and susan .. and others ...
neillie if you are reading am thinking of you and hope all is well. ...
was away a few days and was getting caught up on emails and all ...
enjoyed very , very much the following devotional ... combine it with the song of Solomon and you will enjoy fresh springs where hinds feet go ...
take care everyone ...
HE DELIGHTS IN ME
“…he rescued me because He delighted in me.” Psalm 18:19
What in all the world could God see in any of us that would cause Him to delight in us? We, who were such an abomination to Him because of the sin that was rampant in our life…whose lives were centered in, and controlled by “self’ with all of its lust and desires. Can you even conceive that God in His holiness would look down upon us with anything but wrath and judgment?
Certainly, when we take a rational look at this, we must cry out with David, "What is man that thou art mindful of him” (Psalm 8:4). O, the magnitude of God’s grace, the infinite condescending love of God, His fathomless mercy that withholds the fury of His judgment, which we rightly deserve. “BUT GOD, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, and hath raised us up together, and made us to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:4-6).
But there is more! Because He delighted in me, He delivered me! From what, some may ask? We need only to look at Calvary and see the debt He paid for your sin and mine. The heinousness of our sin is only exceeded by the all-sufficient grace of God. How beautifully it is expressed in this beloved hymn. “Marvelous grace of our loving Lord, grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt. Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured, there where the blood of the Lamb was spilt. Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace, freely bestowed on all who believe! You that are longing to see His face, will you this moment His grace receive?”
Yes, He delivered me not only from the penalty of my sin, but also from the power of sin. How blessed to have the assurance of being FORGIVEN, SET FREE, DELIVERED, SAFE IN HIS ABOUNDING LOVE!
But there is more! “He brought me forth also into a large place.” And what is this “large place?” It is the presence of God…access to the Holy of Holies, WHERE HE IS! We can come into His very presence anytime, anywhere, for whatever reason and bare our hearts before Him in praise, adoration, and thanksgiving. A place ever so large…to encompass all of our need…to encourage our every concern…to heal our every hurt…to bind up our every heartache…to minister to us in His loving care. There is never a time when His heart is not open to us! “I will never leave thee or forsake you…I am with you always.” WHY? Because of His amazing grace and love.
Meditate on these profound words by Annie Johnson Flint: “He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater; He sendeth more strength when the labors increase. To added affliction He addeth His mercy; to multiplied trials, multiplied peace. When we have exhausted our store of endurance; when our strength has failed ere the day is half done. When we reach the end of our hoarded resources, our Father’s full giving is only begun. His love has no limit; His grace has no measure; His power has no boundary known unto men. For out of His infinite riches in Jesus, He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again!” Ah, this is the “large place” He brings us into…the REALITY OF HIS PRESENCE! WHY? “…because He delighteth in me.”
the very delight that the Father looks upon the Son is the same delight with which He looks upon us .... may our hearts collectively bow in absolute wonder of it all ... and then read the Song where His love for us is the same as His love for the Father and considers us the Bride ... let all of creation bow in this wonder ....
neillie if you are reading am thinking of you and hope all is well. ...
was away a few days and was getting caught up on emails and all ...
enjoyed very , very much the following devotional ... combine it with the song of Solomon and you will enjoy fresh springs where hinds feet go ...
take care everyone ...
HE DELIGHTS IN ME
“…he rescued me because He delighted in me.” Psalm 18:19
What in all the world could God see in any of us that would cause Him to delight in us? We, who were such an abomination to Him because of the sin that was rampant in our life…whose lives were centered in, and controlled by “self’ with all of its lust and desires. Can you even conceive that God in His holiness would look down upon us with anything but wrath and judgment?
Certainly, when we take a rational look at this, we must cry out with David, "What is man that thou art mindful of him” (Psalm 8:4). O, the magnitude of God’s grace, the infinite condescending love of God, His fathomless mercy that withholds the fury of His judgment, which we rightly deserve. “BUT GOD, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, and hath raised us up together, and made us to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:4-6).
But there is more! Because He delighted in me, He delivered me! From what, some may ask? We need only to look at Calvary and see the debt He paid for your sin and mine. The heinousness of our sin is only exceeded by the all-sufficient grace of God. How beautifully it is expressed in this beloved hymn. “Marvelous grace of our loving Lord, grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt. Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured, there where the blood of the Lamb was spilt. Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace, freely bestowed on all who believe! You that are longing to see His face, will you this moment His grace receive?”
Yes, He delivered me not only from the penalty of my sin, but also from the power of sin. How blessed to have the assurance of being FORGIVEN, SET FREE, DELIVERED, SAFE IN HIS ABOUNDING LOVE!
But there is more! “He brought me forth also into a large place.” And what is this “large place?” It is the presence of God…access to the Holy of Holies, WHERE HE IS! We can come into His very presence anytime, anywhere, for whatever reason and bare our hearts before Him in praise, adoration, and thanksgiving. A place ever so large…to encompass all of our need…to encourage our every concern…to heal our every hurt…to bind up our every heartache…to minister to us in His loving care. There is never a time when His heart is not open to us! “I will never leave thee or forsake you…I am with you always.” WHY? Because of His amazing grace and love.
Meditate on these profound words by Annie Johnson Flint: “He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater; He sendeth more strength when the labors increase. To added affliction He addeth His mercy; to multiplied trials, multiplied peace. When we have exhausted our store of endurance; when our strength has failed ere the day is half done. When we reach the end of our hoarded resources, our Father’s full giving is only begun. His love has no limit; His grace has no measure; His power has no boundary known unto men. For out of His infinite riches in Jesus, He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again!” Ah, this is the “large place” He brings us into…the REALITY OF HIS PRESENCE! WHY? “…because He delighteth in me.”
the very delight that the Father looks upon the Son is the same delight with which He looks upon us .... may our hearts collectively bow in absolute wonder of it all ... and then read the Song where His love for us is the same as His love for the Father and considers us the Bride ... let all of creation bow in this wonder ....
Another great post, Andrew.
Makes me think of Psalm 122:
I will lift my eyes up onto the hills,
From whence cometh my help?
My help cometh from the Lord.
Wording may be a little off as my memory just isn't what is used to be. Susan
Makes me think of Psalm 122:
I will lift my eyes up onto the hills,
From whence cometh my help?
My help cometh from the Lord.
Wording may be a little off as my memory just isn't what is used to be. Susan
Finally, a post that made its way to the board; the Lord is indeed with me!
Hi Susan
yes you actually had the post make its way unto the board... God does move in mysterious ways .. or so they say ...
your scripture actually is from Psalms 121 ...
and is looking forward to a very soon coming day ... the little remnant of Israel left in Jerusalem is crying out onto God ... the armies of the world empires are gathering in the valley of Harmon just north of the city... to destroy not only the nation but the Jewish race and the believing remenant lifts up their collective voice to heaven ... across an eternity of space comes the answer ... as He first stands on the great mount of Olives and the mountain divides in two .. answering finally to the Lord's message "if thou has faith as a grain of mustard seed thou wilt say unto this mountain" and then the mountain divides in two to allow the thousands of believers to excape ... and then that awlful battle on the great plains as the world's armies attempt the imposible... to dare to fight against God ...
yes you actually had the post make its way unto the board... God does move in mysterious ways .. or so they say ...
your scripture actually is from Psalms 121 ...
and is looking forward to a very soon coming day ... the little remnant of Israel left in Jerusalem is crying out onto God ... the armies of the world empires are gathering in the valley of Harmon just north of the city... to destroy not only the nation but the Jewish race and the believing remenant lifts up their collective voice to heaven ... across an eternity of space comes the answer ... as He first stands on the great mount of Olives and the mountain divides in two .. answering finally to the Lord's message "if thou has faith as a grain of mustard seed thou wilt say unto this mountain" and then the mountain divides in two to allow the thousands of believers to excape ... and then that awlful battle on the great plains as the world's armies attempt the imposible... to dare to fight against God ...
how beautiful He will appear in their eyes and how beautiful will they appear to His eyes ...
so few today can appreciate these things things .. but they are there for anyone who will trust in the word of the Lord .. they are beautiful beyond compare ... but only can be seen if you truly want to see them ..
so few today can appreciate these things things .. but they are there for anyone who will trust in the word of the Lord .. they are beautiful beyond compare ... but only can be seen if you truly want to see them ..
Anyone recall this incident? I received in an email.
Subject: Agree or Delete. Just like Dalton McGuinty wanting to keep the 'Lord's Prayer' out of The Ontario Legislature, for the same reasons. What a gutless wonder He has turned out to be.
This is by a daughter of a murdered couple in TORONTO who had a Bible And Bookstore on Bloor Street . When I had to testify at the murder Trial of my parents a week ago, I was asked to raise my right hand. The bailiff started out, 'Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole Truth, and nothing but the truth ? I stood there and waited but she Said nothing more. She said, 'Do you?' I was so stunned I blurted out, 'What happened to 'so help me God?' She came back with'Do you?' I replied yes, but I was perplexed. Then the judge said, 'You can say That if you want to.' I stopped, raised my right hand and finished With 'so help me God!' I told my son and daughter that when it came time for them to testify, They should do the same. It's no wonder we have so many problems in This country. If I'd had my wits about me, I'd have told them that Taking God out of the courtroom is only going to result in more Criminals and murderers like him being in there. I don't know what can be done about it, but it's time we stepped up And did something. CBC this morning had a poll on this question. They had the highest Number of responses that they have ever had for one of their polls and The percentage was the same as this: 86% to keep the words; 15% Against. That is a pretty commanding public response. I was asked to send this on if I agreed or delete if I didn't. Now it is your turn. It is said that 85% of CANADIANS believe in God. Why don't we just tell the 14% to sit down and SHUT UP! If you agree, Pass it on. If not, you know where that friendly little ol' delete Button is. Wait! Do you really want to hit that Delete button? Are you so cynical and Hard-hearted that you don't believe God will hear people when they Call on His name? Now, decide whether to delete or pass it on. .
.
.
.
.
.
Subject: Agree or Delete. Just like Dalton McGuinty wanting to keep the 'Lord's Prayer' out of The Ontario Legislature, for the same reasons. What a gutless wonder He has turned out to be.
This is by a daughter of a murdered couple in TORONTO who had a Bible And Bookstore on Bloor Street . When I had to testify at the murder Trial of my parents a week ago, I was asked to raise my right hand. The bailiff started out, 'Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole Truth, and nothing but the truth ? I stood there and waited but she Said nothing more. She said, 'Do you?' I was so stunned I blurted out, 'What happened to 'so help me God?' She came back with'Do you?' I replied yes, but I was perplexed. Then the judge said, 'You can say That if you want to.' I stopped, raised my right hand and finished With 'so help me God!' I told my son and daughter that when it came time for them to testify, They should do the same. It's no wonder we have so many problems in This country. If I'd had my wits about me, I'd have told them that Taking God out of the courtroom is only going to result in more Criminals and murderers like him being in there. I don't know what can be done about it, but it's time we stepped up And did something. CBC this morning had a poll on this question. They had the highest Number of responses that they have ever had for one of their polls and The percentage was the same as this: 86% to keep the words; 15% Against. That is a pretty commanding public response. I was asked to send this on if I agreed or delete if I didn't. Now it is your turn. It is said that 85% of CANADIANS believe in God. Why don't we just tell the 14% to sit down and SHUT UP! If you agree, Pass it on. If not, you know where that friendly little ol' delete Button is. Wait! Do you really want to hit that Delete button? Are you so cynical and Hard-hearted that you don't believe God will hear people when they Call on His name? Now, decide whether to delete or pass it on. .
.
.
.
.
.
Thx Deac for the gif
Anyone recall this incident? I received in an email.
Subject: Agree or Delete. Just like Dalton McGuinty wanting to keep the 'Lord's Prayer' out of The Ontario Legislature, for the same reasons. What a gutless wonder He has turned out to be.
This is by a daughter of a murdered couple in TORONTO who had a Bible And Bookstore on Bloor Street . When I had to testify at the murder Trial of my parents a week ago, I was asked to raise my right hand. The bailiff started out, 'Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole Truth, and nothing but the truth ? I stood there and waited but she Said nothing more. She said, 'Do you?' I was so stunned I blurted out, 'What happened to 'so help me God?' She came back with'Do you?' I replied yes, but I was perplexed. Then the judge said, 'You can say That if you want to.' I stopped, raised my right hand and finished With 'so help me God!' I told my son and daughter that when it came time for them to testify, They should do the same. It's no wonder we have so many problems in This country. If I'd had my wits about me, I'd have told them that Taking God out of the courtroom is only going to result in more Criminals and murderers like him being in there. I don't know what can be done about it, but it's time we stepped up And did something. CBC this morning had a poll on this question. They had the highest Number of responses that they have ever had for one of their polls and The percentage was the same as this: 86% to keep the words; 15% Against. That is a pretty commanding public response. I was asked to send this on if I agreed or delete if I didn't. Now it is your turn. It is said that 85% of CANADIANS believe in God. Why don't we just tell the 14% to sit down and SHUT UP! If you agree, Pass it on. If not, you know where that friendly little ol' delete Button is. Wait! Do you really want to hit that Delete button? Are you so cynical and Hard-hearted that you don't believe God will hear people when they Call on His name? Now, decide whether to delete or pass it on. .
.
.
.
.
.
Subject: Agree or Delete. Just like Dalton McGuinty wanting to keep the 'Lord's Prayer' out of The Ontario Legislature, for the same reasons. What a gutless wonder He has turned out to be.
This is by a daughter of a murdered couple in TORONTO who had a Bible And Bookstore on Bloor Street . When I had to testify at the murder Trial of my parents a week ago, I was asked to raise my right hand. The bailiff started out, 'Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole Truth, and nothing but the truth ? I stood there and waited but she Said nothing more. She said, 'Do you?' I was so stunned I blurted out, 'What happened to 'so help me God?' She came back with'Do you?' I replied yes, but I was perplexed. Then the judge said, 'You can say That if you want to.' I stopped, raised my right hand and finished With 'so help me God!' I told my son and daughter that when it came time for them to testify, They should do the same. It's no wonder we have so many problems in This country. If I'd had my wits about me, I'd have told them that Taking God out of the courtroom is only going to result in more Criminals and murderers like him being in there. I don't know what can be done about it, but it's time we stepped up And did something. CBC this morning had a poll on this question. They had the highest Number of responses that they have ever had for one of their polls and The percentage was the same as this: 86% to keep the words; 15% Against. That is a pretty commanding public response. I was asked to send this on if I agreed or delete if I didn't. Now it is your turn. It is said that 85% of CANADIANS believe in God. Why don't we just tell the 14% to sit down and SHUT UP! If you agree, Pass it on. If not, you know where that friendly little ol' delete Button is. Wait! Do you really want to hit that Delete button? Are you so cynical and Hard-hearted that you don't believe God will hear people when they Call on His name? Now, decide whether to delete or pass it on. .
.
.
.
.
.
Thx Deac for the gif
ahh, yes ... I should've come back here a long time ago - but just got too involved in other things.
Thank you all for your words of encouragement.
Susan, yes - i was feeling resentful & stretched & unworthy - very Martha-esque!! I had to pause and take stock - what did Jesus say in answer to her question - Mary has chosen the good part. So I deliberately started taking the time aside to read and study the Bible.
Andrew - yes! Songs of Solomon - truly the relationship. So many little things happened that God was just too eager to show that He cared for & loved little ole' me ... and through (of all people) my hubby. I know it sounds cliche, but it daily amazes me how the Holy Spirit is working in his life. I agree with my DD - it is just such a good feeling when the head of the house also becomes the spiritual head ... at least I don't feel like I'm butting heads (excuse the pun) with him. It was great before, but the unity in purpose now is just wonderful.
I haven't slowed down much in my 'obligations' but I have a totally different perspective. I've been reading about the Reformation - Wycliffe, Huss, Jerome, Luther, Zwingli, etc. - and well, I really don't know what hardship is all about! LOL!! Reading about their lives of conviction, commitment and faith/trust in God and His word has been such an inspiration.
Anyway, just to let y'all know ... things are back on track for me - my discouragement didn't last long ... every morning the song in my mind is 'Give Me Jesus'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Dca0P7w9ZQ
Have a great day, everyone.
Thank you all for your words of encouragement.
Susan, yes - i was feeling resentful & stretched & unworthy - very Martha-esque!! I had to pause and take stock - what did Jesus say in answer to her question - Mary has chosen the good part. So I deliberately started taking the time aside to read and study the Bible.
Andrew - yes! Songs of Solomon - truly the relationship. So many little things happened that God was just too eager to show that He cared for & loved little ole' me ... and through (of all people) my hubby. I know it sounds cliche, but it daily amazes me how the Holy Spirit is working in his life. I agree with my DD - it is just such a good feeling when the head of the house also becomes the spiritual head ... at least I don't feel like I'm butting heads (excuse the pun) with him. It was great before, but the unity in purpose now is just wonderful.
I haven't slowed down much in my 'obligations' but I have a totally different perspective. I've been reading about the Reformation - Wycliffe, Huss, Jerome, Luther, Zwingli, etc. - and well, I really don't know what hardship is all about! LOL!! Reading about their lives of conviction, commitment and faith/trust in God and His word has been such an inspiration.
Anyway, just to let y'all know ... things are back on track for me - my discouragement didn't last long ... every morning the song in my mind is 'Give Me Jesus'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Dca0P7w9ZQ
Have a great day, everyone.
A lie has speed, but truth has endurance. - Edward J Mohn
So happy to hear you're doing better Nellie. God bless you, Susan
Just wanted to share this from this morning's devotional ... especially in these times of economic uncertainty, dollar plunging, investments vaporizing (well, depends on one's investments, for sure) - this is what keeps me happy, content & worry-free (concerned but not overly worried) ... a client my stockbroker says they love having around!!
Wish you all a wonderful Wednesday.
------------
A man/woman is rich according to what he IS, not according to what he has.
Biblical text: One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.(Proverbs 13:7 NIV).
Fulton Oursler told a story of an old nurse who was born a slave on the eastern shore of Maryland. She had not only attended Fulton's birth, but that of his mother. He credits her for teaching him the greatest lesson he ever learned about giving thanks and finding contentment.
Recalls Oursler: I remember her as she sat at the kitchen table in our house; the hard, old, brown hands folded across her starched apron, the glistening eyes, and the husky old whispering voice, saying, "Much obliged, Lord, for my vittles."
"Anna," I asked, "what's a vittle?"
"It's what I've got to eat and drink - that's vittles," the old nurse replied.
"But you'd get your vittles whether you thanked the Lord or not."
"Sure", said Anna, "but it makes everything taste better to be thankful."
Poverty is not a state of the pocketbook for many people, but a state of mind.
Do you think of yourself as being rich or poor today? What is it that you truly count as "wealth" in your life? If you list things that are not material in nature, you are likely very wealthy indeed!
Wish you all a wonderful Wednesday.
------------
A man/woman is rich according to what he IS, not according to what he has.
Biblical text: One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.(Proverbs 13:7 NIV).
Fulton Oursler told a story of an old nurse who was born a slave on the eastern shore of Maryland. She had not only attended Fulton's birth, but that of his mother. He credits her for teaching him the greatest lesson he ever learned about giving thanks and finding contentment.
Recalls Oursler: I remember her as she sat at the kitchen table in our house; the hard, old, brown hands folded across her starched apron, the glistening eyes, and the husky old whispering voice, saying, "Much obliged, Lord, for my vittles."
"Anna," I asked, "what's a vittle?"
"It's what I've got to eat and drink - that's vittles," the old nurse replied.
"But you'd get your vittles whether you thanked the Lord or not."
"Sure", said Anna, "but it makes everything taste better to be thankful."
Poverty is not a state of the pocketbook for many people, but a state of mind.
Do you think of yourself as being rich or poor today? What is it that you truly count as "wealth" in your life? If you list things that are not material in nature, you are likely very wealthy indeed!
