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!
((Ramona)) that's cute - you're right, that's a good giggle.
(((Helen))) - He says "Be still and know that I am God." Be assured, He is there. I want to share with you "The Tapestry of My Life" - it comes from a framed work you sent me back from the Santa's Elves days ...
My life is but a weaving
Between my Lord and me,
I cannot choose the colors
He works so steadily.
Oft times He weaves in sorrow,
And I in foolish pride,
Forget He sees the upper
And I, the underside.
Not till the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly
Will God unroll the tapestry
And explain the reason why.
The dark threads are as needed
In the skillful hand,
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.
A verse from one of my favorite songs goes...
When you don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand
Trust His heart. (from Babbie Mason's 'Trust His Heart')
Lifting you up in prayer.
(((Helen))) - He says "Be still and know that I am God." Be assured, He is there. I want to share with you "The Tapestry of My Life" - it comes from a framed work you sent me back from the Santa's Elves days ...
My life is but a weaving
Between my Lord and me,
I cannot choose the colors
He works so steadily.
Oft times He weaves in sorrow,
And I in foolish pride,
Forget He sees the upper
And I, the underside.
Not till the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly
Will God unroll the tapestry
And explain the reason why.
The dark threads are as needed
In the skillful hand,
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.
A verse from one of my favorite songs goes...
When you don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand
Trust His heart. (from Babbie Mason's 'Trust His Heart')
Lifting you up in prayer.
If you want to walk on water, you've got to get out of the boat.-J. Ortberg
Just another note of encouragement ... inspired by the other thread 'mind twister' and seeing the face of Christ.
It may take you a long time to see the face but be assured that it is there. It will suddenly become visible. It is, perhaps, a parable that in the perplexities and turmoil of life we can suddenly become conscious of His presence. Once seen, however, as in the picture, He dominates the scene, and one wonders how it was possible to miss Him.
It may take you a long time to see the face but be assured that it is there. It will suddenly become visible. It is, perhaps, a parable that in the perplexities and turmoil of life we can suddenly become conscious of His presence. Once seen, however, as in the picture, He dominates the scene, and one wonders how it was possible to miss Him.
If you want to walk on water, you've got to get out of the boat.-J. Ortberg
Good evening everyone ....
hi ya nellie and nikki ....
and a real special hi and hugs to bears ....
can I share a couple of thoughts with you ....
Have been spending time thinking about special things God has taught me over the years ...
the first one is found in Matthew chapter 18 ... and the corresponding chapters in Mark chapter 9 and Luke chapter 9.
Our Lord and the disciples had just come up to Capernaum to where I believe was Peter's house. The disciples had been thinking of the old Jewish economy and about the promised Kingdom and what their part may be in this (ie Who would be the greatest?)
Once at Peter's house our Lord took time to begin to teach them of new things. In doing so He is seated in the center of the main room in Peter's house on a short stool ... and when his disciples ask "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? - and Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
for a moment please observe the position of the little child .... Jesus is sitting on a stool and has called the little child to him... and the child has come to him in loving and trusting obedience .... ie in complete trust of the One who has called him as a child would to a father ...... and now where is the little child .... the child is wrapped in the arms of Jesus (Mark 9:36) ... Jesus is sitting on the stool ....
can you see the moment .... the child snuggled into the bosom of our Lord next to His heart and wrapped in His arms as He tells these hardened disciples that this child and ones like him would be the greatest in the kingdom of God .... see the child in the place of absolute affection next to the heart of our Lord and in the place of absolute strength ... wrapped in the arms of the Lord Jesus .... everyone who has met and knows this wonderful Lord occupies this most privileged place ...
The second place I would ask our thoughts to be taken to is John Chapter 4 where our Lord meets the woman at the well ... if we can look very carefully at the sceen we can see the love of God seeking this very special person ... a poor sinner woman... it matters not what her (or replace he if you must) sins are ... she represents each one of us .... poor creatures in need and He has come to meet us in our need .... but please dear children of God look carefully at the scene .... there is no condemnation in His voice .... He has not come to judge her ... the law and life has already done that .... He has come to meet her utmost need (the love of God) ... and gently and carefully He opens her heart to receive his love ....
a good commentary of this is by Mr Darby as follows ...
http://bible.crosswalk.com/Commentaries/DarbysSynopsisofNewTestament/dby.cgi?book=joh&chapter=004
dare anyone one of us ever lift a finger in condemnation of others ..... we who have passed between the nailed scarred hands of this most wonderful person who had mercy on us ..... may we only lift that finger to point to Calvary ..... and encourage others to see the Love that purchased me.....
I hope each one has a wonderful week ... and remeber God does love you and wishes for you to know Him .... :-x
hi ya nellie and nikki ....
and a real special hi and hugs to bears ....
can I share a couple of thoughts with you ....
Have been spending time thinking about special things God has taught me over the years ...
the first one is found in Matthew chapter 18 ... and the corresponding chapters in Mark chapter 9 and Luke chapter 9.
Our Lord and the disciples had just come up to Capernaum to where I believe was Peter's house. The disciples had been thinking of the old Jewish economy and about the promised Kingdom and what their part may be in this (ie Who would be the greatest?)
Once at Peter's house our Lord took time to begin to teach them of new things. In doing so He is seated in the center of the main room in Peter's house on a short stool ... and when his disciples ask "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? - and Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
for a moment please observe the position of the little child .... Jesus is sitting on a stool and has called the little child to him... and the child has come to him in loving and trusting obedience .... ie in complete trust of the One who has called him as a child would to a father ...... and now where is the little child .... the child is wrapped in the arms of Jesus (Mark 9:36) ... Jesus is sitting on the stool ....
can you see the moment .... the child snuggled into the bosom of our Lord next to His heart and wrapped in His arms as He tells these hardened disciples that this child and ones like him would be the greatest in the kingdom of God .... see the child in the place of absolute affection next to the heart of our Lord and in the place of absolute strength ... wrapped in the arms of the Lord Jesus .... everyone who has met and knows this wonderful Lord occupies this most privileged place ...
The second place I would ask our thoughts to be taken to is John Chapter 4 where our Lord meets the woman at the well ... if we can look very carefully at the sceen we can see the love of God seeking this very special person ... a poor sinner woman... it matters not what her (or replace he if you must) sins are ... she represents each one of us .... poor creatures in need and He has come to meet us in our need .... but please dear children of God look carefully at the scene .... there is no condemnation in His voice .... He has not come to judge her ... the law and life has already done that .... He has come to meet her utmost need (the love of God) ... and gently and carefully He opens her heart to receive his love ....
a good commentary of this is by Mr Darby as follows ...
http://bible.crosswalk.com/Commentaries/DarbysSynopsisofNewTestament/dby.cgi?book=joh&chapter=004
dare anyone one of us ever lift a finger in condemnation of others ..... we who have passed between the nailed scarred hands of this most wonderful person who had mercy on us ..... may we only lift that finger to point to Calvary ..... and encourage others to see the Love that purchased me.....
I hope each one has a wonderful week ... and remeber God does love you and wishes for you to know Him .... :-x
hugs back, nikki
thank you, Andrew ... good read ... and some of the best encouragement are from the younger set and I've always loved the lesson taught by the story of the woman at the well.
thank you, Andrew ... good read ... and some of the best encouragement are from the younger set and I've always loved the lesson taught by the story of the woman at the well.
If you want to walk on water, you've got to get out of the boat.-J. Ortberg
Has anybody on the board ever studied the scriptures with Jehovah's Witnesses? Susan
Yes.
I found it very informative and I respect their beliefs.
I was invited to join, but it was too strict for me.
I believe in a lot of what they had to say and their interpretation of the bible. It made sense to me. I have also had discussions with Catholic teachers (in Germany, religion is taught in public school. You can choose between religion or ethics.)that were not satisfying for me.
Yes.
I found it very informative and I respect their beliefs.
I was invited to join, but it was too strict for me.
I believe in a lot of what they had to say and their interpretation of the bible. It made sense to me. I have also had discussions with Catholic teachers (in Germany, religion is taught in public school. You can choose between religion or ethics.)that were not satisfying for me.
Hello everyone - I posted a thank you few days ago, but for some reason my post didn't take... so I'll repost...
Thank you so much for all your kind words and prayers - they mean so much.
Nellie - thank you for posting that poem. I hadn't thought about that one in quite some time. It is a special one to me - I used to visit an elderly lady when i was in Stephen Ministry, and she shared this with me. She was one of few that one can call a true 'lovely' person. She was a gifted artist as well and an inspiration to me with the stories she shared of her life. She passed away a few years ago and I still have one of her paintings.
I have been going through some rough times, and it really means a lot to have people that support me in the kind ways you have all here. Thank you.
Thank you so much for all your kind words and prayers - they mean so much.
Nellie - thank you for posting that poem. I hadn't thought about that one in quite some time. It is a special one to me - I used to visit an elderly lady when i was in Stephen Ministry, and she shared this with me. She was one of few that one can call a true 'lovely' person. She was a gifted artist as well and an inspiration to me with the stories she shared of her life. She passed away a few years ago and I still have one of her paintings.
I have been going through some rough times, and it really means a lot to have people that support me in the kind ways you have all here. Thank you.
Oh, Nellie! I am so sad to hear of the loss of your friend.
You certainly are right in saying life is unpredictible. May God succour you in your hour of need. He is always there for us, Susan
You certainly are right in saying life is unpredictible. May God succour you in your hour of need. He is always there for us, Susan
Oh, Nellie! I am so sad to hear of the loss of your friend.
You certainly are right in saying life is unpredictible. May God succour you in your hour of need. He is always there for us, Susan
You certainly are right in saying life is unpredictible. May God succour you in your hour of need. He is always there for us, Susan
Oh, Nellie! I am so sad to hear of the loss of your friend.
You certainly are right in saying life is unpredictible. May God succour you in your hour of need. He is always there for us, Susan
You certainly are right in saying life is unpredictible. May God succour you in your hour of need. He is always there for us, Susan
I don't know what to say about posting on this thread!
Sorry, Sorry
Sorry, Sorry
(((Susan))) ok, thank you - it's Biblical actually - there are lots of instances in the Bible where God repeats Himself over & over when He wants to make sure you get the message! 🙂
(((bears))) - yw ... I thought it was kinda neat that when I was reading your post, I looked up and saw that on the wall ... anyway ...
(((bears))) - yw ... I thought it was kinda neat that when I was reading your post, I looked up and saw that on the wall ... anyway ...
If you want to walk on water, you've got to get out of the boat.-J. Ortberg
WE REMEMBER THEM
"In the rising of the sun and in its going down,
we remember them.
In the glowing of the wind and in the chill of winter,
we remember them.
In the opening of buds and in the rebirth of spring,
we remember them.
In the blueness of the sky and in the warmth of summer,
we remember them.
In the rustling of leaves and in the beauty of autumn,
we remember them.
In the beginning of the year and when it ends,
we remember them.
When we are weary and in need of strength,
we remember them.
When we are lost and sick at heart,
we remember them.
When we have joys we yearn to share,
we remember them.
So long as we live, they too shall live, for they are now a part of us,
as we remember them." *
— Jewish prayer, from the Rabbi’s Manual 1998
"In the rising of the sun and in its going down,
we remember them.
In the glowing of the wind and in the chill of winter,
we remember them.
In the opening of buds and in the rebirth of spring,
we remember them.
In the blueness of the sky and in the warmth of summer,
we remember them.
In the rustling of leaves and in the beauty of autumn,
we remember them.
In the beginning of the year and when it ends,
we remember them.
When we are weary and in need of strength,
we remember them.
When we are lost and sick at heart,
we remember them.
When we have joys we yearn to share,
we remember them.
So long as we live, they too shall live, for they are now a part of us,
as we remember them." *
— Jewish prayer, from the Rabbi’s Manual 1998
I sincerely hope that no one visiting this thread will be offended because I posted a Jewish prayer here -- no offense was intended whatsoever. I just thought it was a beautiful prayer and since the source was already there at the bottom, I thought that it should be included in my post as well. I did hesitate a bit before posting it, but then I thought ..... "Oh well, Jesus was Jewish ...."
I think it's a beautiful prayer. And yes, Christ was a Jew. Aside from that, I am in favour of borrowing good stuff like this,Lucie.
Christ came to fufill the (Jewish) law and left us with a new covenant.
We share our past with the Jews as well as our ethics.Christ came to change "do no harm" into "love your enemies" and " do unto others as you would have them do unto you". Prior to Christ, it was the Jewish tradition to forgive 7 times. In Luke, Christ says not seven time but seven x seven x seven! There is always room for forgiveness in our hearts.
IMHO when God, through Christ, created us in God's image he created us with an infinite capacity for love. Notice that you can always love another without it diminishing your save for someone else.
Sorry, I have strayed from my original response. Great prayer, Lucie.
Christ came to fufill the (Jewish) law and left us with a new covenant.
We share our past with the Jews as well as our ethics.Christ came to change "do no harm" into "love your enemies" and " do unto others as you would have them do unto you". Prior to Christ, it was the Jewish tradition to forgive 7 times. In Luke, Christ says not seven time but seven x seven x seven! There is always room for forgiveness in our hearts.
IMHO when God, through Christ, created us in God's image he created us with an infinite capacity for love. Notice that you can always love another without it diminishing your save for someone else.
Sorry, I have strayed from my original response. Great prayer, Lucie.
If you don't mind, I think I will use that prayer in my "in memorium" for my father. He passed away on February 1st, 1985 at the age of 52.
