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=> General Discussions => Topic started by: space.ace.jase on October 07, 2012, 07:24:39 AM
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Hello all,
Just wanted to ask a quick question in regards to how you all feel about your time left on this planet.. do you enjoy it? some of it? none of it?
Lately everything just feels likes it is getting worse and worse and I cannot seem to find anything good or anything worth even getting enthused at. I feel like every single day left on the planet will be nothing BUT misery.
I know in the end God will save the whole world but that seems like a million years away..
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space.ace.jase
Maybe the answer to your angst lies in your avatar Matthew 6: 34 where Jesus says: "So do not worry about tomorrow; it will have enough worries of its own. There is no need to add to the troubles each day brings."
All we can do is try to make the most of the present moment and let God work everything for good in our lives, knowing that He knows the end from the beginning, He is in full control and is not surprised by any thing that happens.
All we can do is endure and trust Him, totally relying on Him since He causes the circumstances that lead us to the choices we make.
Below is a scripture from 1 Kings 19 (after Elijah had called down fire from heaven to destroy the Baal priests) that shows that man is helpless even after his "greatest exploits" and that not only is God in control but only HE can lift us up:
Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.” Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.
But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.” And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again. And the angel of the LORD came again a second time and touched him and said, “Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.” And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God.
There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He said, “I have been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.”
And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.
nd when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He said, “I have been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.”
And the LORD said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place. And the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha put to death. Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”
(1 Kings 19:1-18 ESV)
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For me, it's because I know that God has a plan and that he is working it out that I don't need to feel hopeless. If I was in charge I wouldn't have all the misery along with the rapes, murders and senseless violence. But darn good thing I'm not in charge. All these things are necessary and we'll understand in time why it has to be so. Because of that world view I can see past the way things are...now and look to what they will be. And no, your not far from wrong. 'I feel like every single day left on the planet will be nothing BUT misery.'
Joh 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
It is enough.
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Lately everything just feels likes it is getting worse and worse and I cannot seem to find anything good or anything worth even getting enthused at. I feel like every single day left on the planet will be nothing BUT misery.
Hi Jase,
I have grown to a place where, in spite of all the misery in this world, I do find a reason to be enthused for each day. Each day brings the possibility of learning some deeper spiritual truth and understanding of our Creator and his master plan. This may sound "corny" to some, but it really is a joy that I experience.
My mother died two weeks ago, and the pain of that loss would be unbearable if it wasn't for the blessings I continue to received in growing spiritually. I believe in the "good news" of the scriptures. Whenever I get bogged down in self pity and the worries of this world, I ask (beg) God to elevate my thoughts and heart beyond the here and now. I believe our Creator is in charge and His plan is perfect.
Here is an encouraging scripture to meditate on during difficult times:
Romans 8:18 - "For I reckon that unworthy are the sufferings of the present season to be compared with the glory about to be revealed towards us." (Rotherham's Emphasize Bible)
René
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Rene, sorry to hear of the death of your mother.
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Hi space,
I dont enjoy the same things I used, but there are new and different things that Im learning to enjoy. I enjoy coming here and reading posts encouraging the brethren, refuting heretics, leaving links to Ray's papers at every post, playing with my kids, riding our atv, playing with my kids and making them happy. It's the little things I didnt notice before that Im finding good. A big one being this experience of evil God is putting us through. I really appreciate God putting me through this cause I know He is training us to be like Him. As much as it sucks sometimes I know this life is very short and God is very merciful and He means it for good.
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Hello all,
Just wanted to ask a quick question in regards to how you all feel about your time left on this planet.. do you enjoy it? some of it? none of it?
Lately everything just feels likes it is getting worse and worse and I cannot seem to find anything good or anything worth even getting enthused at. I feel like every single day left on the planet will be nothing BUT misery.
I know in the end God will save the whole world but that seems like a million years away..
Romans 8:18-27
Good questions. Brother I too am frequently torn between being content....filled with joy, and shocked at the evils not only of the world, but of my own wretched mind! The book of Romans is filled with so much good spiritual meat.....I hear L. Ray Lewis say the same during one of his teachings to a group on a retreat....and I find this very true.....Romans is most likely my favorite book....and many things have opened my eyes ears and dead spirit taught by Ray and or others and the Spirit of course to these facts. Comfort, peace, truth, and a hope in things to come has me content in Christ, yet while my body falls apart, and my mind and life is not a cake walk. There certainly is no confidence in the flesh in my believe and conviction. I also do not dwell so much on the negative that I walk around depressed, but years ago I suffered from clinical major depression, and tried to take my own life and went through a dark period for many years. Now I have balance, as well as confidence that what is written in Romans 8:18-27 is true for all humanity and it is the only thing that gives me peace and keeps my sanity, or from slipping back into depression, or from putting my faith in money, or life, or the small things this world has to offer. Psalms tells us that each day is from the Lord and praise and be glad in it. I happen to say as long as it is the Fathers will.....then we will go to this or that city....and do this or that project and there will glory to his name. I also say this when things fall apart, including.....bankruptcy, mental illness, leg injury, lost of mother and father, best friend dying, girlfriend leaving me, house foreclosed, car repossessed, taxes owed to the government. These things will not shake me, and although far worse and similar things befall all humankind. So even amongst so much misery my eyes are not on what is seen.....but what is unseen, and my faith is not in things that are fleeting. So in the middle of hell and storms and the like we can know that our God is willing this and in control and has something incredible for us as we are made into his image.
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Hello all,
Just wanted to ask a quick question in regards to how you all feel about your time left on this planet.. do you enjoy it? some of it? none of it?
Lately everything just feels likes it is getting worse and worse and I cannot seem to find anything good or anything worth even getting enthused at. I feel like every single day left on the planet will be nothing BUT misery.
I know in the end God will save the whole world but that seems like a million years away..
I can relate and empathize with everything you stated in the above. We have the hope of happier times in future Eons floating somewhere in Our Minds & Figurative Hearts and that's good, a sure hope in the Resurrection from the Dead or Death State, but We have no choice in dealing with the everyday stress, sometimes and maybe often times and figuring out what choice is best in every given situation, feels like a ping pong or dodging darts. Circumstances can happen so fast or Prior Causes can happen so very fast causing a choice that We wish We didn't make, but it was the only possible choice We could have made under those particular circumstances, because We don't have Free Will or Free Choice or Free Moral Agency. Even if We can't take anymore and are overwhelmed too much and We choose to " Check out," even that's a Caused Choice.
To sum it all up, " Afraid of Living and Afraid of Dying," at the same time, sounds negative & pessimistic, but only the Spiritual aspect of this Life and God's control over emotions can circumvent this weakened disposition, but I certainly feel like you do lately, obviously, I can't or won't blame you, it is what it is.
May God Help You in Your struggles, Samson.
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So many good replies,
about
I know in the end God will save the whole world but that seems like a million years away..
Well. that's a matter of perspective. If we get closer to that premise, it will seem not that far away then. We can actually try to relate that premise with pretty much any topic and problem and that helps a lot, (It will also keep you busy for a loong time, and after a while you will might forget how miserable you used to feel).
It's like you have to go trough this level to then be able to get to the next, and the more you overcome the more freedom you have, first on your mind and then sometimes, if life enables you, you can have more physical freedom, but I am becoming to find out that the spirit with which we do anything is what is the real deal.
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I'm interested in science, creative work of all sorts, the good things people try to do against the odds and opposition. There are admirable traits and things to emulate as well as evil traits and things to avoid. Sometimes they are found in the same person! That interests me too.
Even so...Vanity, vanity...all is vanity. Even knowing that makes me happier inside. Because I know that all the arguments, suspicion, fears, strifes, envies, murders, ignorance, pride, sin and self-righteousness are going to be made right. I'll see it sooner if they are made right in me first. Might as well cooperate, even if it's hard. If it's a done deal..and it is...why not?
Saul, Saul...why do you kick against the goads?
Like Rene said...the Good news is GOOD. But it's a struggle, I'll admit, to get past all the noise and chaos to be still and know that He is God. The more I study and meditate on what's true, the better the Gospel is. In fact, its been sort of a barometer both for seeing my own life and for understanding the plan that when the "Gospel " I think I know starts being less 'good'. there's either something wrong with me, or with what I think I know.
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The more I study and meditate on what's true, the better the Gospel is.
Jase,
Dave's given some of the best advice for dealing with this evil world. If you meditate on your job, or how you're going to pay the bills, or politics, or Middle East violence, it's going to be depressing. For me, it's difficult to even read the newspaper anymore without shaking my head and getting down...unless I remind myself that It's all part of the plan. This is going to end up good. Even if you think often about fun things (like sports, which I do), it can be nice for a day, but it's ultimately unfulfilling.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Phillipians 4:8
When you meditate on the truth, and the marvelous plan of God--as much as we can understand of it, anyway--we can overcome the depression of any situation in this world. Stock market crashes? Gas prices go to $5 a gallon? Hard times, but God's going to save every human that ever lived. A bomb kills 28 people in Syria? Horrible and sad, but every one of them is going to live again.
Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end. Isa. 9:7
No end of the increase! What are rising gas prices compared to that?
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Isa 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Rom 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
Rom 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
My problem, your problem, our problem is we have a carnal mind which doesn't seem to get renewed all at once. All these things that happen are needful and necessary and part of our growth including the misery and misunderstandings. I've made quite a study of Nazi Germany. I have studied and read the works of Hitler and many of the Nazi leaders as well as the Nuremberg trials and the psychologists who interviewed them. I have been fascinated with that part of history as I see many parallels between pre Nazi Germany and where we are now as a nation. That of course is a subject for a different thread.
However, I've always wondered how a Western nation full of church going people, a nation of morals and values could turn in such a short period of time to become what the Nazi's were. And as I studied their leaders I realize internally that I could of been any one of them. If I was born in that time and into those families and had those experiences I could of been any one of those men and would of rationalized my actions just as they did. It's quite a dose of helping your house of sand to remain in a heap let me tell you.
I bring this up to consider that everything that happened back in WWII and the millions of people who were killed in the war not to mention the Nazi holocaust were all a part of God's plan. I realize that, I understand that but with my natural mind I can not comprehend how everything that took place was part of God's overall plan and was necessary to accomplish his will. When I think of the suffering and misery and the millions who lost their lives I have to admit I simply don't understand why it was all necessary....but it was.
When we consider all of these things it comes down to a few basic and simple questions.
1. Do we believe that God is still on his throne and has everything under complete control?
2. Do we believe that God's will is going to be done?
3. Do we believe that in the ages to come God is going to redeem his entire creation as he has stated in his word?
If we answer in the affirmative to this and questions like this that deal with the sovereignty of God then we have to decide to rest in his promises and let God be God and reflect on the above scriptures and scriptures like them.
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Brother Jase,
imo you have one of the greatest "good" to look forward to and have here and now! All of us your brothers and sisters, including your "big brother" Christ. How much better of a family could you ask for. Your siblings here always give you great and Godly advise so that someday you, and we can go visit our Father together! Do you think that anyone here doesn't LOVE you? LOVE is the greatest gift from Gods spirit! All of these brothers and sisters here do love you dearly as a friend and as a brother, look at the encouragement that they give you in their responses to your question. And to your other questions yes I enjoy it now because now is the time God has given me here, now. Plus when I feel down I can come here to see my family, or play with my kids, whichever God wills. With Love for you my brother,
Greg
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jase, what you are feeling is real. this world is miserable. the great news, as has been said, is that the misery will not last, as you yourself stated that you are aware of that fact, and while at times it seems a million years away, it is far closer then when we first believed. truth is that it is as close as your lifetime, for you anyway, for as soon as you enter into that "final" rest, you will awake to Christ. we dwell in enemy territory and the enemy is doing their level best to beat us down. know that the misery has been dealt with. know that there is an end. know that The Father has not left us to this miserable state or all eternity. there will be peace, is peace in The Prince of peace and He is bringing that peace soon. know that there is healing in Christ our healer, and that He is bringing that healing soon. know that there is comforter in Him and that He is bringing that comfort soon, indeed, has given us His comfort so that while pressed on all sides, we cannot be overcome.
accept His comfort jase.
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We are here to learn:
Gen 3:5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
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my walk with Jesus is gettin difficult as well.
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Hi Rito - Hope you are well my friend
I find the same thing with my walk with the Lord. Seems to get harder all the time, but I have learnt more and more to keep my eyes on Him through the pain and difficulties. It's not easy but trust me it's so worthwhile. If we could see that from the beginning then we wouldn't have to trust Him through the difficulties. I find through it all I get closer to the Lord.
Jer 17:7 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD.
Jer 17:8 He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."
Rom 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
You going to be OK there Rito because the Lord loves you so much and nothings going to stop God doing His will in your life.
I found this in Ray's emails that I find quite encouraging:
http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,1677.msg14083.html#msg14083 (http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,1677.msg14083.html#msg14083)
> Dear Ray, You are a real hero! I've been visiting your website for three years
> now and I never get tired of it. Sometimes I read the headlines and feel
> depressed about the world and wonder why I brought three wonderful little people
> into such a mess. Then I visit your site and start to calm down, I tell myself
> that Jesus is the saviour of the whole world, everything will be okay.
> I have to say though that sometimes I have doubts and fears, although not about
> hell or the so called "end times". I worry rather that there is not a plan,
> that this world is just an accident and that all of the suffering in the world
> has no purpose. My husband is a scientist and tells me that believing in God is
> like believing in Santa Claus. My family is at the other end of the spectrum
> and thinks that I'm going to hell because I don't go to church. Since my
> childhood I have yearned for God, but not the God that was presented to me.
> What you say makes sense to me, it feels right, it soothes me.
> But I wonder Ray if you worry too? You mention that you have children, do you
> worry about them when you read the papers? Can a person reach a point in their
> faith where they have no doubts? I pray daily, "I believe, help Thou my
> unbelief." Will this prayer be answered? I know that you are very busy, if you
> don't have time to respond I understand. I thank from the very bottom of my
> heart for all that you do. Jesus is my window on God, but you brought me to the
> window.
>
> With Love,
> Melinda
Dear Melinda:
No, I really don't worry about all the problems in the world to the extent that I get depressed. I am certainly saddened by the pain and misery in the world, how stupid many leaders of the world are, and the spiritual drug dealers of religion. However, as I know that there is a plan and purpose in all this pain and madness, it does not cause me to loose sleep. I have devoted my life to exposing spiritual crime and corruption while at the same time teaching the profound truths of God's Word. I full well know that what I am doing will have no impact on the world or its problems. But for a select chosen few, God is preparing His saints to correct all these ills in the future Kingdom of God on earth.
God be with you,
Ray
I continue to pray for you and also hope that you will draw close to God at this time.
James 4:8 Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners; and purify your hearts, double-minded ones.
Rhys
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Agreed Rhys - I have found God works on me in seasons [increments] I have seen some good, most bad but never best - this as Dennis says is learning, sometimes I get to a place where I cannot go a step further - The word tells me that "he will not put on you more than you can bear" - I think that is a HUGE translation error at times............ or what about "come to me all you who are heavy laden I will give you rest"
Its OK to say "have faith God helped you the time before, in similar circumstances so he will come again"...
point is - the wait gets longer and longer and as you grow.
From the man himself ,
“Brothers and sisters, we don’t want you to be unaware of the troubles that we went through in Asia. We were weighed down with a load of suffering that was so far beyond our strength that we were afraid we might not survive.” (2 Corinthians 1:8 )
Could you imagine saying to an inmate at Auschwitz, “Don’t worry; God never gives you more than you can bear!”?
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if it keeps up Jase, you might need to consider you are being affected with depression. We aren't made to be in misery all the time. It is not shameful. In that case....visit your doctor.
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Sometimes day to day struggles can make it feel like someone licked all the red off my candy, but these verses of scripture came to mind.
Romans 8:35-Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36-As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
37-Nay, in all things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
38-For I am persuaded, that neither death , nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39-Nor height , nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Joel
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This earth is a beautiful place. It's just humans that make the world evil miserable. Not all humans. You must unplug from the rat race stop and look around at the beauty that God has given us to enjoy. At times I feel as you. I was told by a great man once before i go to bed stop to thank The Lord for the comforts you have. Such as the roof over my head, my bed that i sleep on the pillows I rest my head on the heat in winter the a/c in summer. Lets not forget the ones that truly love you no matter what hell you put them through. If you have pets thank The Lord for them also. They love you always. Do this every night before bed. When you wake up in the morning getting ready for the day look yourself in that mirror and tell the Lord thank you for this day. Out loud, This will be a good day a positive day I will stop and see the beauty You have given me. In Jesus name I give thanks .Sounds weird but I try ed it for 1week everynight and everyday. What did I Have to loose. Hey Katrina took everything away from me except my love ones, which is all that matter to me so I gave it shot. after a week I notice a difference in my attitude, my out look on life was changing so I continue to carry on everynight,everyday. I still have my moments but not as often.
OH YEA It was Ray who said thank God for the everyday things you have.
Thanks,
Darren
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Hi Jase,
I can relate to how you feel. I think that a little piece of all that everyone has responded should help and be some encouragement for you. It is funny how we go through all these cycles of emotions. It is tough most times. I wil pray for you and that your spirits are lifted!
Much love from your sister in Christ- Heather. :)
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I was looking at all the little icons on here... and I think all the faces remind me of what I'm feeling as I read this thread. I think it's one of the better ones that have been on for a long while. The reason being... everyone goes through the same things. It doesn't matter if we're rich.. we worry about how to spend... if we're poor we don't have that worry, but we then have concerns about a roof over our heads, food to eat, clothes for our backs. If we are well.. we worry about maintaining our health.. if we're sick we worry about how to function in a world that needs us to function... about how to find relief from pain, etc. This is LIFE... and we're here to LEARN all that God has for us to learn.
The thing I find encouraging in the message is that... when we suffer, when we see our children suffer, we can look at them and say... God's got something IN this situation that he is teaching us... and we can take comfort in that because trials only last for a little while... and will benefit us if we just fall back into HIS arms of love and trust that He's in control. My husband and I have found sooooo MUCH comfort in the things we've learned through Rays teachings. We were lost for a while after he died.. "LIKE NOW WHAT"? But we have a heavenly Father who teaches us through His spirit... and each day actually becomes exciting... wondering what's next. I see Him working in my children.. (where as I used to lay awake in bed, stressing about them).
I do believe the main thing is to LOVE each other, and know that God is working in us all... that's why we like BT's.... it's been quite a ride.
Love you all...
Dennis & Connie
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Hello all,
Just wanted to ask a quick question in regards to how you all feel about your time left on this planet.. do you enjoy it? some of it? none of it?
Lately everything just feels likes it is getting worse and worse and I cannot seem to find anything good or anything worth even getting enthused at. I feel like every single day left on the planet will be nothing BUT misery.
I know in the end God will save the whole world but that seems like a million years away..
Let me give you two pick me up's to lighten your heart my friend.
As you can see, globally things are going quite well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbkSRLYSojo
As you can see, individually things are also well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Oww4Ap3YZA
Regards
DL
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There sure is plenty of misery on this earth. Then again we have these special moments in our lives. These moments make our lives bareable. As Ray always said by the grace of God. Sometimes i get overwhelmed with the amount of pain and suffering it makes me upset and sad. This is when i thank God for all theblessings He has bestowed upon me. Not just the love I'm souround with but all the thing we might not think of much. Electricity, hot and cold running water, the roof over my head and the bed i sleep in and much more. By the grace of God i i don't live where i have to walk to a river could be miles away and carry buckets of water to a dwelling with no electric ,dirt floor, and living in real poverty. thanks be to God. My heart goes out for these people. Once again, only by the grace of God there goes me.
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Mat 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
"Almost half the world — over three billion people — live on less than $2.50 a day... 22,000 children die each day due to poverty..."
http://www.globalissues.org/article/26/poverty-facts-and-stats (http://www.globalissues.org/article/26/poverty-facts-and-stats)
IMO, this planet is one big cesspool of misery. Even the small percentage of us who escape poverty still suffer.
But there are an even a smaller percentage who live easy lives, enjoy their grandchildren, etc., then die peacefully in their sleep. Perhaps God puts them here for the rest of us to envy?
If you are called in this life then you will have to "endure" unto the end. But for a purpose:
Mat 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven:
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Did Eve and Adam eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of Evil? I don't think so. There's the knowledge of both GOOD and EVIL in the fruit. I've seen happy poor people and miserable well-off people. Which one is experiencing GOOD and which one EVIL?
Php 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
Php 4:12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
Did Paul know only how to to be abased, hungry, and suffering?
I recognize that this life is an experience of evil WHEREBY to humble us. But the same book talks about a good life...it just may be that having it ALL good doesn't play the same role in humbling us.
2Co 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
2Co 12:8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
2Co 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2Co 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Did Paul have the thorn without the revelations? Did he only have weakness and no 'strength being made perfect'? Did he take NO PLEASURE in infirmities, reproaches, necessities, persecutions, and distresses? Was he only weak and never strong? Did he never rejoice, or always?
Isa 26:9 With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.
Isa 26:10 Let favour be shewed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness: in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly, and will not behold the majesty of the LORD.
Are God's judgments only evil/unfavourable? Are they evil/unfavourable at all?
Can favour be shown to the just, and he will deal justly?
Eph 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
Eph 5:9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
Eph 5:10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Gal 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Gal 5:26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
I know we have just an earnest/down-payment of the Spirit. But if we don't have so much as a little of all that, then we don't have so much as a little of His Spirit. Abounding or abased, this is the character that God is or will be creating in us. I just want to get onboard and yoked up.
Just me talking, but when I first came to B-T, it was a REBIRTH of optimism and faith from despair and cynicism. My first thought on believing the Salvation of all wasn't "Thank God all these pesky other people are going to be brought up to my level." Instead it was, "Thank God. That means I'm going to be saved too." That faith and optimism has waxed and waned over the years since, and been tried many times. (Truth be told, a fair number of those trials have occurred right here on ye olde BT Forum. Sometimes its been wisdom, and sometimes not.) I just want to be right on the inside, no matter what the outside circumstance may be. Man, even the world envies that.
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Understandable Dave. My experience when coming to BT was more of a birth than re-birth. Like taking an old coat off (church doctrines) and sewing a new one to wear (seeing scripture in a different view and understanding). I think God likes human yo-yo's. Since first stepping into the BT world it's been an up and down coaster. Too often I do wonder if I'm the rock too heavy for God to lift. But then again, I suppose to find the precious minerals one must split the rock. The mustard seed parable is becoming more and more enlightening, and perhaps understandable. Many good things can come from something so small, but to be perfect, it will take an enourmous amount of time and pruning.
Dennis: "Almost half the world — over three billion people — live on less than $2.50 a day... 22,000 children die each day due to poverty..."
We should be so thankful for the smallest of wonders like: clean water pumped into a house, a house to live in, warm air in the winters, cool air in the summer, and on and on. And freedom.
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Yes, Gary. I'm also glad to be free of all that Christian doctrine...to the extent I am. Every 'revelation' since then has added to that. And every pull back to it has lessened it as well.
And maybe its cynicism creeping back in, but I hear familiar voices murmuring in my head reading your list of things to be thankful for and seeing the 'evil' side of them.
No to pick on Jace, but he's a young man. Lord willing, he'll have a longer life of opportunity than a broke-down old coot like me ahead of him. Freedom FROM is certainly a great blessing, but freedom TO is better. What is he going to DO about all the evil he sees? I hope it isn't just 'feel', moan, blog, and comment on Yahoo news articles.