Hello and greetings brothers and sisters in Christ. Its been about a year since I was last here as a forum member, and its been an interesting year to say the least. I was pretty confused and just blown away by our dear brother Mr. Smiths teachings. Im not saying I know it all now, which was my attitude after reading his papers only once. I think I started feeling self righteous and perfect even. I owe you all an apology, I truly am sorry, please forgive me. I hope Im not out of line by asking forgiveness openly like this to a few individuals whom I was like a beast to. Dave in Tenn, Kat, and especially Linny. I was wrong, Job did have to repent, I only realized this after reading one of brother Rays papers after the 3rd time. As a matter of fact it turns out all the prophets of old are gonna have to repent, but I think at least maybe they will have some kind of edge, I could be wrong though. Thats another thing, the Lord is teaching me never to assume I know the answer unless it's backed by Scriptures, or brother Rays teachings, which are backed by Scriptures. So I guess this brings me to a question about making assumptions. Is receiving The Kingdom of Heaven as a child alot like being unassuming? Not really knowing anything? Always willing to learn? Im sure it's possible there is more to it, so any input or Scripture is more than welcome concerning receiving the Kingdom of Heaven as a child.
One more thing, I was reading in Scripture about sowing discord (strife) among the Bretheren, and it sounds pretty serious.
Pro 6:14 Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.
Pro 6:15 Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.
Pro 6:16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
Pro 6:17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
Pro 6:18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
Pro 6:19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and HE THAT SOWETH DISCORD AMONG BRETHREN.
Not sure if this is a spiritual match, but it seems like it.
Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Gal 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
Gal 5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
One more, and it seems to be so full of Love.
Gen 13:8 And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren.
Once again, please forgive me. Sowing strife was my big thing last year. I have such a long way to go, and it seems like every time I read one of brother Rays papers there goes my house built upon sand. At least I have you all to turn to when the going gets tough. Its really important to read and re-read his papers more than once. It also really helps when the mods or anyone else posts excerpts from his papers, keep it up.
Peace and Love, G.Driggs