All Discussion PAGE 1655

Please pray for me I'm struggling with drinking. Thank you.

Was Ruth the only woman Boaz married?

I have a praise report Deanna was released from the hospital yesterday late, the doctors said her lungs cleared up like a miracle, thank you Jesus, praise his name, thank you all that has prayed for her, please continue to keep her in your prayer she is still weak remember my daughter Jessica as well please remember Kristie and remember Gary Long he has kidney issues and been in and out of the hospital remember my lost coworker ,, Jesus does not wish any should perish , thank you Lord

Is it safe for a pregnant woman to fast?

I will trust the lord at all times, praises shall continually be in my mouth. Thank you lord for another day; to praise and glorify our lord

Amen.

Father epuipped me with the whole LORD the belt of truth

breastplate of righteousness

the shield of faith

the helmet of salvation

and the sword of the SPIRIT,

strenghtend my feet LORD healp me to stand and shout JESUS is alive



AMEN

Thank you Gigi - I especially appreciate your insight and discernment. I pray so much for this family, to all God to work on my heart to see them not as enemies but likewise sinners as all of us. I thought things became more peaceful. I used to ignore their carport, which is aligned with mine, but the other day, I swept their debris as well, just to do it. As mentioned, I was prepared to provide a tin box of Christmas cookies and a card, but was drawn to the sign in their window, which is written in bold letters. I'm so busy being involved with my work, business, and projects, as daughter is with hers. We realized the more we ignore them they seem to seek attention. The problem is they live in the same parcel so that even ignoring is not entirely being unaware. I've always preferred being nice would help, but a police officer observed I find it easier to talk to homeless members around the community than to the neibors next door. I understand and have observed the young man selling drugs and we often smell marijuana coming from the house. So they're not quite the kind of people we associate with, though there is greater desire to be in better if neutral terms. Association is not safe - or desired, but prayer is always on and for them.

My daughter has lived in her house here for five years. The neibors moved in last year. In the first month, he was arrested and sat in a police car in front of our house being vocally expletive, etc. That was the beginning of nightmarish behaviors we are all enduring in this block. My daughter and I are not the only neibors who have been affected by their presence. They changed the environment where the rest of us live.

Again, thank you for your prayer - I feel it speaks accurately to the situation and need in this case. Good was surely speaking to you through it.

Thank you, Gigi

Hi Adam - thank you for your response. It's hard to see both sides w/out experiencing the context, especially over time. The young lady & I used to speak. I'm sorry we have lost that with each other - however I have to share that I'm twice her age. She's close to my daughters ages so the disputes are basically of her age standings.To answer your questions:

1) I pray for them often. They have three young kids (2 are special needs and the youngest doesn't seem so).As a former teacher, I understand parents w/special needs children need patience from others. When they first moved in I offered multiple times to watch the children if she needed a break. She wouldn't utter anything in response. I continue to pray for her as I had often seen her as an overwhelmed parent.

2) She suddenly became weird. I used to chat with the young man of the cuff. One day my daughter drove home and the young man and I walked over to my daughter's car, where he was looking at a bumper. The young woman burst out the door, shielded the young man, and screamed at me and my daughter that "neither of us could have him." It was a strange occurrence, and that is where we felt it would be best to no longer engage. It implied a multitude of things we saw as justifiably negative and in a dark direction.

3) one random day, the guy stalked me in his car, dark windows, aggressive, and swift. It scared me. I had no idea from where that came.

4) I was not snooping in the window. It is a 30x50 case window (been an architect for 35 years.) The poster board is at least 30 length/letters bold black - enough pre-attentive attributes to effectively draw the eyes - doesn't require snooping - it draws attention.

5) I didn't grow up w/neibor conflicts, nor my daughters: as that will always be my standard. I'll continue to ensure they receive their packages, there's no behavior need or desire to act against them, or reason to think it safe to engage.

Thanks you Chris,

Yes, so much of wat you say makes good spiritual sense. I don't think that the early church celebrated Jesus' birth, even though Mary was part of one of those fellowships and knew His birthdate. I don't think that birthdays were celebrated much in those times anyway. But if Mary had told the apostles the date of His birth, it wasn't preserved in Scripture for us to know. And yes, is death and resurrection was remembered and solemnly celebrated in their gatherings for worship. They had a meal, as you said, and I agree, the measly way we "do" communion now a days kind of "guts" the whole purpose of this ordinance, "to unify the believers in Christ."

So, I will be thinking about what you have said in regards to my questions and also see what others say. I don't plan to go against my conscience on this.

Ok Rick, understood. No problem. Going to bed. have a good night's rest.

Hi GiGi. Your comments on the historical aspects of what we refer to as Christian festivals/commemoration made great reading & reflected the actual roots of these celebrations. As much as I agree with the use of various 'religious accoutrements', one must ascertain not only the origin of them but also how they can be perceived by others, given their history & use. And of course, if there is any biblical evidence of them. It's not for me to be opinionated on this matter, as each person has to be convinced in his own mind, but I like to, as much as I can, envision what the early Church believed & did & what the Scriptures have to say about it or allude to it.

I may well be wrong because of insufficient evidence, but I don't believe that the early Church, under the direction of the apostles, set any particular day(s) aside for remembering Christ's Birth & Death. What we do read is, as appointed to them from the Lord, that whenever they come together to worship, fellowship & enjoy meals together, that a time be set aside to remember the Lord Who bought them. And so we have Paul's strong criticism & admonition of the Corinthians ( 1 Corinthians 11:20-30) for treating the fellowship meal & subsequent remembrance of the Lord as an orgy of gluttony & drunkeness. It ought to be treated as a special holy occasion of rembrance & giving of thanks for God's 'unspeakable gift' to them. I feel that both the Christmas & Easter sentiments were encapsulated in this fellowship feast, believers taking a moment to break bread from that meal & drink of that cup, to remember the Lord. Today, of course, mostly our celebration at the Lord's Table consist of a miniscule piece of wafer & even a smaller amount of juice, though convenient for our larger congregations, makes some mockery of the proper design of this blessed time. That said, maybe having Christmas & Easter celebrations will actually give some more reason to make it special.

Hi Cheryl Sorry Scripture reference Ezekiel 28: King of Tyrus figure of speech for lucifer veres 1-17, also

Isaiah 14:12-16.

Thanks for you input, David. Going to bed now. Have a good night's rest.

Cheryl, I concur with Rick. Angels have free will. Amazing that myriads of angels have never rebelled against God since they were created! Being in the presence of God must be amazing!

I don't know if we will ever know why or how Lucifer thought up the evil that caused him to fall. We know very little about angels and the spiritual dimension for a reason. I believe that Samiel is named in the book of Enoch or Jasher(?) or Jubilees. It says he was one of the leaders of the watcher angels who descended on Mt. Hermon to have sexual relations with human women in Genesis 6. I do not think he is the same angel as Lucifer. Others may have more information on tis. It is apocryphal information, not part of the canonical books of the Bible.

Debra, you are correct. We should do all we can to responsibly take care of our needs. In these times, many people have been it hard by the lockdowns and closing down of businesses, loss of income. Your posts reminds us to be generous to help others in need. We may have been in their shoes one time or may in their shoes sometime in the future, or never. But we can always find ways to bless people wen their resources fail.

Thanks for the reminder.

Hi Charles Don't dwell on this but no, if that could be done by our own works than logically there would not

be the need for our saviour, our very nature that we are born with is antagonistic against God. Even after

being born again we still fight a corrupt natural body which is worked by the five senses! Romans 7:15-25

Jackie, I am sorry you are having unpleasant interactions with your neighbors. I agree with Adam that you and your daughter should be praying for them often. And a card or welcoming gift may help (or not). It seems like they may just want to be left alone, for whatever reasons. I hope you can commit to being and continue being busy with your own business to keep your mind off your concerns. God is able to move whatever is in need of moving and bring resolve to your situation. Stay faithful to Him, focus on Him more than your neighbors.

I will pray for your situation.

Dear Lord Jesus, you know all things from start to finish. I ask that you will help Jackie's neighbors in whatever it is that they need most, especially if they need You, bring your grace and Word to them. Help Jackie and her daughter rest in peace knowing that You are their refuge and strong tower. Guide Jackie in how to reach out to these neighbors. I ask that if they are involved in criminal activity, that it will be found out by law enforcement and settled properly according to the law and justice of the courts. Put a stop to any nefarious activities they may be do or unkind thoughts these neighbors may harbor towards Jackie, her daughter and any other neighbors. We are trusting You to be present in this situation 24/7 and you ill bring it to a good end. We ask You, Jesus, all of these things, because You are our Lord and God. Amen

Hi Cheryl The true God is not a control freak, all of His creation has Freedom of Will that included

Lucifer who Decided to try to usurp Gods throne and became the Devil or Satan.

Gigi A child would not fit in the context I'm speaking of, most don't know what the reality of the term

Born again means.

Gigi The question answers itself actually, wouldn't celebrating something that's not correct spiritually

be the same as what the children of Israel did in the old testament? The only thing about Ho ho that's part truth

is that Christ was Born, the only reason gifts are given is in some circles that wise men brought gifts but

they didn't show up until he was at least 1-2 years old. Other than that the HOLY day 25th Dec. isn't

Holy in Gods Eyes, just food for thought. That being said I'm thankful that at least perhaps some people think

about Gods Word at least a little bit maybe. We are not supposed to be worldly, food for thought!

Hello Jackie,

I noticed your prayer request and your question like you were looking for input from others. Assuming you are I'm happy to offer a few observations based on what you shared. I have had challenges with my own neighbors and it is really challenging to love thy neighbor and pray for them when they may seem so opposing.

Sometimes the most helpful response is not the one someone wants or expects. A few things you said makes me believe you are equally responsible for the problems with your neighbor and I will be happy to share that, assuming you want to hear it.

First, are you loving your neighbor and praying for them? You have asked for prayer and I have prayed for your situation, but have you genuinely prayed for your neighbor and how to be more loving as the Bible teaches? Have you prayed for their salvation? James 4:12, Luke 6:32, Matthew 5:44, Mark 12:31.

Next, there is nothing wrong with security cameras. They are an important deterrant to criminals.

You said you were able to see in their window and read a poster. Were you snooping and peeking through your neighbors windows at their private things? If so, that seems very wrong.

I believe you called your neighbors adversaries, but they're not supposed to be enemies. The Bible says satan is your real adversary: 1 Peter 5:8.

You said they kept a package, but did you ask for it back? Maybe they were out of town. Did the company reimburse or mail another? This seems pretty easy to resolve and is a common problem.

You said they are suspicious, but maybe they think you are suspicious? If I caught someone looking in my windows that definitely be hard to get over.

To rekindle the relationship perhaps show love and lead by example- the card idea is great.

This likely wasn't what you wanted to hear, but maybe it is the helpful. God bless...

God says "owe no man anything" , so we need to be careful in our spending, and not incurring debt if possible. It also was not is desire for us to live off of or burden the church with our debts, although I do believe they should help in an emergency. I know my particular church has helped me many times as a single mom. I did not always have to ask either but Bible also says , "if a man doesn't work" , he doesn't eat and a "man who doesn't take care of his own, is worse than an infidel". We all hit hard times, and I am blessed my church has helped me, but I also learned to help myself and eventually I was able to help others..

I need to see in the scriptures the answers to these question please. Was the angel name Samiel before his name changed to Lucifer? My next question is, How was it even possible for Lucifer to have the thought that he was better or more powerful than God? If the Angels only had God's will not free will how did the thought ever form. Especially in Heaven?

Alex. Malachi 3:1-4 is a prophecy concerning the refining & purification of Levi so that Judah's & Jerusalem's offering will "be pleasant to the LORD". Nothing to do with us, now or later.

The red heifer sacrifice ( Numbers 19:1-10) was burnt far away from the Tabernacle & only its blood was sprinkled on the door of the Tabernacle, the carcass burned & its ashes stored separately & used for purification purposes. This was only a special sacrifice & has nothing to do with destruction of "our old evil nature". Even as Jesus was crucified & "suffered without the gate", his death meant that we would be saved from the awful penalty for sin & our "old Adamic nature" will always be with us & not consumed, until the day our redemption is completed.

As for the Lake of Fire, we read in Revelation 20:10-15, that the Devil was cast into the Lake of Fire & brimstone, where the beast & false prophet are & will receive eternal torment. You seem to equate the 'baptism of fire' with the 'Lake of Fire'. Not so. This a physical place of torment for the Evil one & his disciples, whoever was not found written in Book of Life. If, as you believe, that all sinners (even Christ-rejecters) will one day be saved, then who are those who join Satan in that awful place? Unless, you believe that Satan must also receive forgiveness.

Your reading & understanding of the Scriptures takes an entirely different route to most people's, even the well-studied, & creates such a wide separation where our paths can never intersect. There is very little common ground on which we can base any further discussion. Thank you for your time Alex.

I found the commentary helpful on this chapter. Especially where the author speaks of Joseph testing the brothers concerning their affections or lack of for Benjamin. That surely must have been music to Joseph's ears.

This chapter continues the story of Joseph and is brothers in Egypt. Jacob and his sons did exactly as Joseph had asked of them. They brought Benjamin. Joseph devised a plan to keep Benjamin with him with the being put in Benjamin's sack.

The brothers told Joseph that their father would surely die of grief if Benjamin did not return with them. So, the drama continues!

I find it interesting that the text says that Joseph used the cup for divination. Was this part of his Egyptian training or was it part of the gift of dreams, and fore telling that God had given him?

Hi, in 1John5:16,what is it mean by "sin not unto death" and "sin unto death" ?

Hi David (and others)

I have read a lot lately on the pagan aspects of Christmas and Easter. I have always ascribed Cristian meaning to all of the ways I have celebrated these holidays as an adult.

My question to ponder is: Jews, Christians, and pagans use incense, and candles, and altars. Are we to not use these things since pagans use them? Can we not use a tree, lights, songs to celebrate the birth of Christ since pagans use these things to celebrate the solstice, saturnalia, yule, etc.?

I am interested in hearing what others have to say. I don't want to be legalistic, because I do embrace the freedom we have in Christ through His blood and so we can partake of some things with a clear conscience. I am aware of the verse that says whatever is not of faith is sin.

I welcome contributions on this subject. I am sure they will vary. Have at it folks. I'm up for learning something new from the Spirit.

Can a person live a sinless and or sin free life?

Yep, the same old lies and idolatry wrapped up in different names and "clothes" across the ages.

Definitely worth a "look up".