[Abby-Joy]

Wonderful post, brother. Idk what Paul’s thorn in the flesh was, but one thing that came to mind while reading your post was, “My grace is sufficient.” What are your thoughts on that?

I think we all have areas where we struggle. We are only perfect through the blood of Jesus ….we are clothed in HIS righteousness. Ours (righteousness) is as filthy rags.

I remember the words to the chorus of an old southern gospel song sung by the McKameys…

“When He sees me, He sees the blood of the Lamb. He sees me as worthy, and not as I am. He views me in garments as white as the snow. For the Lamb of God is worthy, and He washed me. This, I know.” 😊

[Sojourner]

Wow AJ, thanks for sharing those lines from the ol Gospel song. Those thoughts always bring tears of joy and thankfulness to me!

He encouraged Paul with these thoughts. My grace is sufficient for thee. For my strength is made perfect in weakness!

Therefore God is Not looking for strong men, but rather He is searching the earth over for these men who are weak and know where their true strength is found!

[Abby-Joy]

You’re welcome, brother. Here is the whole song.😊

[Sojourner]

@Abby-Joy Thanks for sharing the whole song. It won’t be to much longer now, we will all sing these songs of victory on the shores of the crystal sea!

[Abby-Joy]

I am so looking forward to that!

[Summerhat-n-Chicks]

Reading through this thread, feels like you wrote it for so many and I, too, have my share of tests and trials to have to go through on a daily basis.

Quite some years back, someone told me, that the Lord tests those the most he loves the most and I want to believe it even though I know he loves his flock equally. And I know that He would never give me more that I can’t handle, so I tell myself that nothing will be enough a reason for me to vaulter and give up on Him. So I continue on, carrying my yoke and pray, that in the end I will hear HIM say: “well done !”

Don’t give up , He knows your heart and one day you will succeed.

Praying for you strength and endurance. 🙏

[Sojourner]

I believe God has a place of rest for us in Him.

If we find ourselves unduly burdened by daily tribulations and trials (at least in my experience) has been because I failed to acknowledge Him in all my ways, and would just continue to do whatever I thought was best until things started falling apart, then I would cry out for help.

I check myself in this way daily now to remain in His peace. The Lord teaches us in Proverbs concerning wisdom.

“13. ¶ Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. 14. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. 15. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. 16. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. 17. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. 18. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her. 19. The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. 20. By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew. 21. ¶ My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: 22. So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. 23. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. 24. When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.” (Pro 3:13-24, KJV)

All her paths are PEACE!

When we ask Father for wisdom and acknowledge Him in all our ways He will direct our path and we will find all His ways are peace.

When my life stayed in a tumultuous cycle after careful prayer I would realize that it was the poor choices I had often made along lifes journey that were the reasons for my lack of peace.

At times I would try to help others, thinking I had some ability to do so. When truthfully I can’t even really help myself, only God can change me and heal my broken way of thinking.

When I erred in this way, I had lots of drama going on, people stealing from me and other undesirable circumstances would often manifest.

When the biggest problem I had was learning to become a true yoke fellow with the Lord and not running about doing what I thought was best or right.

When Jesus went down to the pool of Bethesda in John chapter 5, it was full of all kind of sick folks waiting to be healed. He could have healed them everyone but He didn’t, He only healed the one crippled man.

Why, we may ask? Here is the answer and one we must learn how to walk in if we want to walk in the power and peace of the Holy Spirit.

“30. I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. 31. If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.” (Joh 5:30-31, KJV)

Of my own self I can do Nothing!

A lesson I continue to learn thanks to His faithfulness and patience as the good teacher!

May you know the peace of God that passes all understanding together with all the saints as we learn this lesson together. 👌

• This reply was modified 3 months, 1 week ago by  Sojourner.

[Abby-Joy]

Such richness ….feasting today! God bless you, brother. I really want to save your posts in this thread somehow so I can come back to them from time to time. A real blessing…

[Sojourner]

It’s a snowy day here, so all we did was wash dishes, cook and fellowship.

It’s been a blessing communicating with you and others here today. A joy to sit at His tabel and share the Bread of Life. Thank you Lord!

[Squashmania]

I used to believe that “God doesn’t give us anything we can’t handle”. That has changed. God frequently give some more than I can handle, so I lean on Him and draw closer to Him in my need.

[Sojourner]

I like that thought. God giving us more than we can handle to teach us dependence on Him!👍 So that’s one way all things are truly working together for our good!😊

[Abby-Joy]

Reply to HisReturnASG:

Brother, I see what you’re saying and there is truth in it. We have been given grace, but grace isn’t a license to continue in sin. But we will miss it sometimes. And with every temptation, God gives us a way of escape.

1 Corinthians 10:12-13

[12]Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

[13]There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

We must choose to turn to Christ amidst temptation, and also amidst failures.

1 John 1:7-10

[7]But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

[8]If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

[9]If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

[10]If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

1 John 2:1-2

[1]My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

[2]And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

And yes, even Paul struggled in the battle between flesh and spirit. And he acknowledged that Jesus Christ was the answer to it all. I believe that’s why he often pointed out that righteousness doesn’t come by works, but if faith ….just as Abraham who believes God and it was accounted to him as righteousness.

Romans 7:14-25

[14]For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

[15]For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.

[16]If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.

[17]Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

[18]For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

[19]For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

[20]Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

[21]I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

[22]For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

[23]But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

[24]O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

[25]I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

Galatians 2:16-21

[16]Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

[17]But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.

[18]For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.

[19]For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.

[20]I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

[21]I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Galatians 3:6-11

[6]Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.

[7]Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

[8]And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

[9]So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

[10]For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

[11]But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

• This reply was modified 3 months, 1 week ago by  Abby-Joy.
• This reply was modified 3 months, 1 week ago by  Abby-Joy.
• This reply was modified 3 months, 1 week ago by  Abby-Joy.

[Abby-Joy]

I’m still learning this forum app. I posted this under an earlier comment. But I fixed a typo a few minutes ago and now the above post is moved to the bottom of the line. lol

Idk how to fix or prevent that. Is it just a glitch in the system?

[Abby-Joy]

The scriptures are brought to memory as I type, but not always the references. So I do look a lot of them up. It’s as much for myself as it is for anyone else that I post scriptures. The more we rehearse what God’s Word says, the more faith arises in our hearts.

I have had times when Holy Spirit spoke scripture into my heart, mind, and spirit so clearly that it was as if I heard it audibly. When He does that, He doesn’t give a scripture reference. He just speaks the Word.

For example…. in my late 20’s, I was in a severe battle that went on for so long, I cried out to God asking Him to take me Home. At that moment, He stopped me in my tracks and said, “Your life is hidden with Christ in God!” I asked, “What did You say?” And He spoke again… “Your life is hidden with Christ in God.” And that Word kept me through that battle which lasted a very long time. And that which He spoke was from Colossians 3:3 ….“For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” But He when He spoke to me, He spoke in modern day English (not in old English), and He didn’t give the scripture reference. He just spoke the Word.

But for us, here ….we need to see a reference because some reading may not know that what we say is scripturally based. It’s important to know we are believing truth (based on His Word) and not just someone’s opinions.

• This reply was modified 3 months, 1 week ago by  Abby-Joy.

[Sojourner]

Amen, thanks for the reminder to use scripture so that others reading will be blessed and understand what we speak isn’t personal opinion.

[Abby-Joy]

Thank you for the confirmation.

Blessings to you,

AJ

[JesusIsOurSaviour]

Amen Abby Joy that’s awesome thank you for sharing. 😃👍 God bless you and keep you:.. 😇✝️🏔

[Sojourner]

So many wonderful admonitions from the body here shared with solid scripture. That’s such a blessing to see working here amongst us.

@Abby-Joy “We must choose to turn to Christ amidst temptation, and also amidst failures.”

Yes amen, and as we continue on our journey with the good Shepherd it becomes easier and easier to choose to agree with Him in every situation of life.

I do not say any of us should “continue in sin” that grace may abound, God forbid!

I do however question what our / scriptural definition of sin really is.

To one sect, to eat or drink certain things are taught as sin. To another sin is thought of and taught about as some action one might make, like anger or dancing, to another it’s a strict style of dress or hairdo. Others teach it’s a sin to not attend a weekly service with faithful paying of tithes. But what does the Scriptures say about what sin is?

I believe the key is found here…

“All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.” (1Jo 5:17, KJV)

Ok, so All unrighteousness is sin.

Isn’t then all sin unrighteousness equally true?

If so then we must ask what has scripture to say about “unrighteousness?”

Here is a good place to begin to see what the deeds of unrighteousness are.

In other words what is produced by (the fruit of) unrighteousness, all listed after the thing “unrighteousness” that produced them.

“29. Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30. Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31. Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32. Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” (Rom 1:29-32, KJV)

Here we see that those unrighteous ones take pleasure in their ungodly deeds. There is no repentance or sorrow for their actions.

So, I ask what is this condition of unrighteousness that produces these acts we think of as sin? Or are they sinful acts produced by the ROOT or actual essence of sin which is referred to here as “unrighteousness” I think so.

What further does the scriptures have to say concerning these things? Let’s see…

“3. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 4. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. 6. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, 7. Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. 8. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.” (Rom 4:3-8, KJV)

So then we see here, when we believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ as taught in the Holy Scriptures by the Apostles and revealed to us by the Holy Ghost we not only receive a New heart and mind with New desires so that we no longer desire those things we once rebelled in. I who was an adulterer no longer find adultry a temptation because the Love of God has overtaken me and made me a bond slave to His desires who now lives in me giving me His New man nature.

All the anguish and suffering and death brought about by my old adulterous ways don’t hold any sway in my heart or mind anymore. I’m FREE FREE FREE to be a slave to Christ and his new nature that now lives in me! Alleluia! God has given me His eyes and heart so that every woman is seen as I would see my mother, sister or daughter. In purity.

Does that mean, I never have a lustful thought pass by my mind? No of course not. The pigeons can fly over and poop on the barn roof, but the window into the hay loft where they use to roost and brood their young is closed tight! They can’t get in if I give them no place.

This is where my choice comes in, and I choose to agree with God and see every woman in purity.

Remember that last scripture above how David said, “Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute (count against him) sin.”

We His body of washed by His blood believers are that “blessed man.”

Though we stumble along the way, we may grow angry without a just cause, or temporarily fail in being quick to obey His voice in a matter of forgiveness to another who wronged us. We may become discouraged and get drunk, or rejoice and have to many glasses of wine.

But sin no longer has dominion over us. Whenever we fall short He is faithful to correct us by Holy Spirit conviction in our heart. We need not grovel about begging for the forgiveness already purchased and freely given through Christ sacrifice and atonement at Calvary.

But, just honestly and humbly confess our fault with thanksgiving that it’s already covered and in faith that God who has begun a good work in us will be faithful to finish it.

As we look away from our unbelief which results in sinful actions and look unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith with thanksgiving, He continues to change us day by day into His image and likeness.

So, I conclude my thoughts here with this. Is getting drunk or some other activity that is destructive sin, or is it merely the result of sin, which is unbelief?

Unbelief = God doesn’t really care about me, so I will choose my own way, I will be my god.

When just the opposite is true for He has proven His love for us starting at Calvary and through every circumstance our unbelief has produced in our life to try and destroy us.

All unbelief is sin =

All sin is unbelief…

That’s how I believe He has taught me to understand sin what it is and where it comes from or originates. UNBELIEF

I hope in sharing this that some clarity may be brought to any misunderstandings concerning Grace, not sloppy agape of which I spoke of previously.

Blessings to those who take time to read. If God has revealed any more unto you then please share those thoughts that we all may grow in understanding.

Blessings to all those who love Him in Sincerity. Amen

[Abby-Joy]

What a blessing to read this!! Rejoicing in these truths …

Brother, these scriptures came to mind as I was reading your post. Can you see these tying in with this subject line?

Matthew 11:28-30

[28]Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

[29]Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

[30]For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Hebrews 4:9-11

[9]There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.

[10]For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.

[11]Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

1 John 5:3-5

[3]For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

[4]For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

[5]Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

[Abby-Joy]

Additional thought in relation to my post above ….

I think the central themes are entering into His rest and faith/believing God.

[Sojourner]

Amen sister AJ. There is a rest, though the mountains crumble and fall into the sea. Our place with Him for all eternity is secure.

I’m saddened for many who have heard the Gospel in part, but haven’t heard it in it’s completeness. Almost like a vaccination against the whole enchilada so to speak. So many I know who have learned spiritual ideas from vain traditions of their fathers but don’t know the confidence and peace of being His child.

Perhaps in the days ahead as they observe that Peace that passes all human understanding manifest in others, they will have one more opportunity to know Him as their beloved.

May we be that example in all we do.and say. Amen

[Abby-Joy]

Yes, amen

[Abby-Joy]

Truth. Can’t argue with that.😊

• This reply was modified 3 months, 1 week ago by  Abby-Joy.

[Abby-Joy]

I have been on 3 different Christian forums where there are nonstop debates. I avoid those like the plague. Instead, I engage where I sense the Lord leading and then leave. lol

Sometimes, all I feel led to do is drop some scripture. But for the most part, I hang outside the debate threads. It’s unprofitable and usually damaging, full of strife.

My call …where the Lord has me to focus most is encouragement, prayer, worship, and supporting those who have been broken through trauma. (Such as I have, I give …in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.)

I hope I’m not going off topic.

Anyway …this thread has blessed me majorly! Sometimes today, I’ve had to take deep breaths and just take in God’s goodness at a pace. It can be so ….almost overwhelming …but soooo GOOD!

• This reply was modified 3 months, 1 week ago by  Abby-Joy.

[Sojourner]

I completely understand the experience you describe on xian forums.

Sadly it is birthed from a religious spirit known as denominationlisim, fostered by the pride of the flesh. Just like the divide and conquer strategy used by the enemy in the worldly system of men’s politics, that same evil has long been at work among the so called xian churches.

When in truth there is only One body and One head of that body. Our Lord Jesus Christ. No divisions in Him. Each member recognizes the other and supplies what the other lacks ministering to itself in Love.

It’s easy to understand when one observes this behavior why many if not most of our neighbors identify as pagans.

I find at least some of these “pagans” are spiritually hungry and seeking the way.

Sadly while they are watching and observing what is called “christian” anything these days they seldom observe God’s people loving oneanother.

1 Corinthians 13 is a good reminder of how we should be conducting ourselves with eachother as well as in our relating to the lost of this world.

The disciples asked Jesus. “How shall we know your disciples?”

His reply “By those who are loving oneanother.” With this as our measuring stick, it’s very clear how few there really are.😥

Now we know that faith works by love! If faith were an engine Love would be the fuel.

Here He ask the question. “When the son of man returns, shall He find faith on the earth?”

“7. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? 8. I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luk 18:7-8, KJV)

Shall He find that faith that works by love? (Galatians 5:6)

“23. Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, 24. ¶ Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. 25. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: 26. Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. 27. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. 28. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. 29. And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. 30. And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.” (Luk 13:23-30, KJV)

Even so come quickly Lord Jesus, amen.

[urbanwhitebuffalofarms]

Please pray for me, no matter how hard I try there is this thing that has such a grip on me I just can’t stop the behavior no matter how hard I try.

Is this not a person asking for help and prayer? There is something stronger than himself or herself that has a grip a hold a manner of control over the ability to control the behavior alone. One can believe in the Father, Son and Holy Ghost and have already accepted Jesus as a personal savior. This person may understand may of the Christian concepts and ideals but they may yet be broken in their own eyes and feel that only these others are really blessed as they are somehow more favored. Poor self-esteem and a life of difficulty may in their mind create a very thick skin on such a person that they think everyone sees and they all know the shame of this person. Of course all this is not true but to a lost sole that has started on the right path is in grave danger of falling off the path.

I do believe that we are thy brothers keeper and that where we allow one person to fall from God’s grace esp as the person is asking for help this would be a terrible mistake. Yes I would pray for this person that God would put someone in this person’s path that can help them in a way that only God knows will help and that God’s will be done for this person.

[Sojourner]

That’s a blessing brother to see God’s empathy at work in you. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this topic here with all.

Blessings to you in Christ Jesus our Lord

[Pukalani-Farm]

@HisReturnASG Amen. I like your reply. I have dealt with it personally from someone who continues in sinful behavior over and over and apologizes over and over, but never truly repents. Repentance is NOT saying you’re sorry because you got caught; repentance is turning it all over to God and allowing Him to change you and mold you to what He wants you to be. Continuing in the same sinful behavior is NOT indicative of someone who truly WANTS to change their sinful behavior. It may be for a short time, but that is NOT true repentance.

“We all struggle with temptation, but God has given us the tools to
overcome the temptation. Faith alone is not enough if we don’t use that
faith and the power God has given us to rebuke that temptation and
never return to it. God is patient, but God also expects us to find our
strength in Him. Jesus sacrifice should not have been in vain that we
should continue to live in sin and still expect salvation and eternity
with Him. To stand before the judgement seat and then tell God [I’m
sorry Lord that I was so weak, but I know you love me] and expect
eternal life with Him. The Apostle Paul wasn’t even sure about his own
salvation. When thoughts come into my mind I say to myself [I will never
go back] , because I know what it is like to be separated from the love
of God. Most people don’t know they have the tools and it will always
be a struggle. But, then maybe they just want your pity, but they can’t
fool God.”

[CarolinaCarefree]

Wow! To hear someone actually ask for prayer about something I think all of us struggle with at times. There is a lot of good Scriptures already on this post. (Sorry have not been on here In a while.) So I will just give my testimony. When I was a younger Chriatian, I struggled with lost of things. One was my drinking. I’ll try to make this shorter.

One day I received a phone call that my nephew had been shot and killed. I grabbed a bottle of wine that the previous owner had left in the house we had just bought. I don’t know why I did not throw it out, because I had been sober for years at this point but always wanted a drink. Just did not take one. I looked long at the bottle and decided that I did not need it. I prayed, ‘Lord I don’t need this. Please take the desire from my heart.’ Well, He answered. I never wanted another drink. A few years later, my oldest daughter was born. At the time I smoked two packs a day. I prayed again. ‘Lord, I don’t need these, and my family does not need them. You took the desire for drinking from my heart, I know You can do it again. Take these from my heart.’ I Had just opened a pack and after praying i crushed the pack and to no surprise He did just that. From two packs a day to nothing.

I shared this not to place judgement or pint fingers. Only to give testimony to what God has done in my life.

The only thing I will say is we all need to search our hearts and ask Him to clean out the things we don’t need. But as a word of caution, when we empty things from our hearts, we can not leave an empty space. Thus fill your hearts with His word as He takes away the things you don’t need. Let His desires become yours.

I’ll stop preaching with that and pray.

Father, You know our hearts, please help those that are struggling with issues. Help make our desires be Yours. In Jesus’ name and strength. Amen!

[JerseyGiantChick]

If you could now how glad I am for you, bless you for never ever drinking again.

This topic is very person and traumatic for me, so bless all dry people that stay dry and live there life following God.

[CarolinaCarefree]

It is now not a matter of me staying dry. It is of me being filled with Living Waters that never run dry. He promises that once we know Him the old passes away and we will be made new.

Another thing I had to learn is that since He could forgive me for everything I have done wrong, then why should I hold a grudge. After that the first one I needed to forgive was myself.

Without Him, I am nothing.

[Sojourner]

Glad to see your reply, “It’s not about staying dry.”

Dry alcoholics are some of the most miserable people I’ve known.

It’s a different paradigm when you are free and the desire is all gone.

Jesus said, “Drink from this well of living water and you will never thirst!” (For other things again)

[CarolinaCarefree]

Amen, brother. A lot of people think change is about outward things being different. A relationship with Jesus is about inward differences that show on the outside.

[JerseyGiantChick]

You can stay dry with God on your side and you keep following God his way, it is your choice and let nobody take that away from you!

[CarolinaCarefree]

I think you may have misunderstood. God has already taken the choice from me and I don’t want it back. I no longer even have a desire for a drink. Not to mention I can’t stand the smell of it anymore. I can testify that once He takes the desire from your heart for something, it’s gone forever. But you must fill the void with His word or it will be filled with something else.

[JerseyGiantChick]

no I did understood Alright, I lost so mutch as a child and so do I can not stand the small. But if you want to or not, is is a part of your life you can not denied it.

I do not drink alcohol, but still it is a part and in me.

[CarolinaCarefree]

I’m sorry for any misunderstanding on my part. We all have a past and I do not deny mine. I have decided to stand on my past so that I can reach for my future. Remembering the past helps to not repeat it. But as for my drinking, God is the only One that could (and did) change me. I tried several times prior to giving everything to Him and failed. Once I gave Him everything, I no longer had the desire to drink because He filled the void that I was trying to drown. There is a long story there and I will spare the time of sharing. I do appreciate your concern and am sorry for your past experiences.

May God bless you as He has me.

[JerseyGiantChick]

That is why I wrote to be so glad for you, without God we are just human beings.

Although I went true hell as a kid and young adult, I always kept my belief in God and followed God his way. The losses remain an can not be undone, but it is what it is. God has also blessed me in so many ways.

How unsure the future may be (although the holy bible says it al), we must work hard and stay faithful to God. Help each other as a community, to show humanity.

Nowadays if you are just being polite, strangers are wondering that you are just being nice. Greeting, holding the door open, letting sombody go first, picking up and give what they have dropped, Sir/Madam, you name it is not normal anymore. I personally have noticed a big change at 9/11 and the last year even worse.

[Sojourner]

Thanks for sharing God’s goodness and faithfulness to answer our prayers when we ask anything according to His will!

I think He just patiently waits on us till we come to Him with our request. He really loves us to acknowledge that without Him we can do nothing.

Thanks also for the reminder to fill those places He empties for us with Him.

Our Father is a good good Father. Amen!

[CarolinaCarefree]

Amen

[Abby-Joy]

Not at all. I believe we should back up what we believe with scripture. That’s all. If someone just reads my words, it means nothing unless they can see the scripture I base my words and belief on.

[Abby-Joy]

I can’t see condemning someone for posting scripture. You might be appalled that I have notebooks filled with many many pages of handwritten scripture. When I came to Christ at the age of 13, I was given a KJV Thompson Chain Reference Bible by my youth pastors as a reward for memorizing the books of the Bible in order. And being the only member of my family who was Christian, I would stay in my room for hours with my Bible, copying scripture, running references and writing them down. I also had notebooks filled with the lyrics to southern gospel songs. I feasted on His Word …and in His presence, singing to Him, communing with Him. And that is my foundation. Those are things that still bring me joy and contentment to this day. I don’t post scripture to make myself seem wonderful and amazing. I post them because I NEED His Words …… I need them. That’s all.

[JesusIsOurSaviour]

Hi there. God leads the way, amen! I also love this subject. Okay, so you do understand that every single modern version of the Holy Bible (200+ probably still making different ones) are not as accurate as the KJV that came out in 1611? You know why the flesh questions it!? “Ye shalt surely not die” every time. Why is that? If you look at the roots of the NIV, ESV, NKJV, you’ll notice… they don’t all line up. I believe integrity is what God is all about, and that would include every jot and tittle. Actually, David W. Daniels, author and publisher of the Chick tracts, is expert in this specific subject. He break it down extremely fluently in a very simple way of understanding. His career is dedicated to reaching people with this because it’s so important to know roots. Because God is simple. Studies show it’s actually easier to read and understand the KJV verses the others. God is not the author of confusion. Satan really doesn’t want everyone reading bibles, let alone the KJV. There’s a reason it’s tried and true and stands the test over them all. I don’t have the links right now, but I was definitely pulled to share on the top of my head. Really is the point of studying to show ourselves approved, a workman needing not to be ashamed… rightly dividing the word of truth… that’s dispensationalism! We must fully comprehend that we cannot have a corrupt Bible and call it God’s Word. We simply cannot. God’s word is tried and true. The NIV etc are literal perversions and a weakening and washing down of God’s word and the Lord said if any man add to this book I will add the plagues to his life,… any man take away I will take away blessings from him… And why would anyone want to do that, anyway? Unless the roots of it are well.. evil? (Satan slipping in the cracks with the Bible’s. This is one example: and only one,

KJV VS. NIV (1 example) this includes all other 200+ modern Bible versions corrupt manuscripts KJV is the beloved authorized version from 1611.

Isaiah 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

But what about the NIV? The word “Lucifer” is clean, bald-headed gone and now this creature is identified as the “morning star”. Lucifer is the “morning star” in the NIV.

How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations!

So we know that in the NIV the “morning star” is a negative, evil figure. Right? He was fallen from heaven. He was cast down to the earth. Can we find the “morning star” anywhere else in the NIV? Yes! The following passages in the NIV show the “morning star” as Jesus Christ! But the NIV just called the fallen creature of Isaiah 14:12 “morning star”. Lucifer AND Jesus are ONE in the NIV! Lord have mercy, Jesus! Help me, Lord.

NIV: Revelation 22:16,

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you [1] this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”

NIV: 2 Peter 1:19,

And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

NIV: Revelation 2:28–

I will also give him the morning star.

NIV Reader, can you say to the “lord” OUT LOUD,

“Oh, lord, Thank you for giving me the NIV.

It is proper to call Jesus a fallen creature.

Jesus and Lucifer are the same.

Thank you, father.”

If you can, the lord and father

you are praying to is–SATAN.

If you cannot say this, you need to

UTTERLY DESTROY

your perverted “bible”. Don’t even use it to “help” you.

Get a King James Bible so you can have the true word of God.

This is very serious.

WAKE UP, TIME IS VERY SHORT!

I say it with love. Peace be with you all, His glory and His might. Amen.

[Sojourner]

@HisReturnASG I love the thought contained in Isaiah 1:18 Come let us reason together, God is such a gentleman in His dealings with mankind.

That however is very different from religious debates I have both seen and been a part of in the past.

After realizing that “I” couldn’t reveal anything or persuade anyone apart from His Spirit working in me, I pretty much gave up on what had become (in my experience) a exercise of testosterone (read flesh here) to demonstrate our knowledge of scriptures yet void of the very Spirit that authored the book.

Not saying the Holy Ghost never falls upon a believer to speak in a bold and confident way concerning the truth of the Gospel. Indeed He will at times. But learning to wait for His prompting prior to engaging in a passionate discussion is the goal of a mature saint. I’m not there yet, but He’s the one doing the work in me as I choose to cooperate 👍😉👌

I’m confident therefore that the work will be finished…