Bible Discussion Thread

Yes I have a little secret that I have kept for many years and I feel its a good time to tell it. I hope its ok with the lord that I do this. Notice my name is WHIT. All my life I have noticed that I am not alone as a man. Something has always let me know that it is with me. Something other than a human. The word whit means the least bit, a jot or a tittle is the definition. I am 67 years old and was born on June 16, 1953. I was born into a family that had extensive oil and gas holdings in the Permian Basin of Texas. When my grandmother died she left her inheritance to my dad and his 2 siblings. As time went by and oil technology was improving over the years the yearly production increased and increased. My whole life I have been drawn to the Bible KJV. My dad quit his day job and just because he didn't need that income anymore. Like I said I was drawn to the KJV of the bible. Deut. 13; 16 , John 7; 23. Long story short I found out that I am the least of these his brethren. I was 30 years old when I read Deut. for the 1st time. Two weeks later I met the lord in the form of a dark cloud on the Frwy..This thing gripped my whole body very tight and was totally invisible. The event lasted about 45 minutes that I will never forget. "If you seek the lord thy God with all your heart and all your soul you will find him ". And I DID !! "Thou shalt not take the name of the lord thy God in vain". And I never have taken it in vain. My name is the WORD OF GOD!! Well my dad finally died and now the fancy income is mine. He was born on 7/7/27. Thine enemies shall come at thee 1 way and flee 7 ways before thee. He died at the age of 63 and 280 days so I expect to die at the age of 70 and 280 days. Which means I will die about on PALM SUNDAY 2024. I have never written that little story before as you can tell.

The day my son was born was 6-27-77. My birthday that year was 7-7-77. I was 27.

It's just kind of a big thumbs up from God; that he's here; he's involved in our lives.

Try to think about life and what does God have in store for your life? No matter what we go through; He's there with us. He has plans for us. It's up to us to discover what's next.

Mishael

That was a strong testimony, Whit - thank you. And fortunately, during that spiritual encounter you had on the freeway, you were spared being involved in an accident - must be the Lord's doing indeed!

However, I was concerned with your reference to Deuteronomy 28:7: "The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways." As you know that portion was the LORD's promise to Israel to sustain & protect her providing she served the Lord & kept His commandments. And one of those promises is there in verse 7: protecting her from her enemies, that they might indeed march in closed ranks against her, but when the Lord's Hand comes against them, their fleeing will be totally disorganized as they 'run for their lives' in all directions.

You find this verse applicable to your life, particularly in the appointment by the Lord for your time on Earth. Did you receive this as a Word from God or was it simply you applying it to yourself? I can't change your mind to rethink this matter, but can say that this type of interpretation & application will in all likelihood, fail. And your 'remaining days' may be unnecessarily burdened with thoughts, plans & decisions based on your interpretation, which would grieve me for the outcome of your life on Earth.

My Mother died at age 40 - my Father at age 61. I've always felt that my time would come somewhere in between those years as various factors of health, genes, family history, etc. are taken into account. Now, I have exceeded 61 yrs by 5 yrs & still quite healthy. My calculations failed at that level. "(Our) times are in God's Hand" ( Psalm 31:15) & we can't presume to know what God knows & does with us. We are called to be faithful & holy in the new lives He has blessed you & me with & be living testimonies of His Grace to those living in darkness. May the Lord help you in this matter particularly.

Good story. Mine is the opposite. Born in a sharechoppers cabin and never had much. But if you don't know you are poor, it mattters little.

Thankyou for replying, I was afraid that my life story would go unnoticed..............THANKS and God Bless You !!!

A lot of us have a story like yours. Both my parents ; and 2 younger brothers from drugs. An adopted brother that found his birth family, then abandoned ours. You feel the sadness will never end. We have these testimonies to help and comfort others who are going through that same valley now.

I know your grief is still fresh; your heart still freshly wounded.

I pray the Holy Spirit would comfort you and let you see that your family is happy where they are.

God says in his Word, all souls are Mine. They are with Him.

People laugh at me because I watch movies. TV not so much. Someone gave me The Shack movie and I was able to get all that pain I was holding in; out.

We've been through this with you. Sometimes the Law works to grind down those painful edges. God is not afflicting you. If you surrender your testimony (that you've lived), he will bring people your way that need to hear how you got through it.

Recently in the prayer request room I met a woman who had lost her mother. She hasn't been able to smile or go places. She feels like a prisoner in an empty house. I told her what I finally did (for me).

I confessed to the Lord I was lonely. Please send me some new Christian friends? I went to church and Joined the singles group, my age. I met others who were on the same life path. It was nice just to share and listen. To laugh again; to cry with others. Have others to go bowling with.

I started to eat better and to sleep without crying first. I looked up in the sky one night and felt like God was there too. I knew from scripture that Jesus is seated at God's right hand, making intercession for all saints (me too).

I experienced that enveloping love and care. I didn't think I had anymore tears, but I found some. Love heals us. God is Love.

Don't believe The Accuser's (satan) lies that God is evil or mean. That's satans personality. He hates God and everyone that God loves.

Just keep your eyes on Jesus. He took your pain.

Chris you could be right but my quest all my life has been to try and know more about the Lord. I see my life as being similar to the fortress called Masada which fell in the 1st century. History isn't real clear as to what year it fell but I believe Jesus predicted that the Romans were the conquerors that would bring it down. When I read Deut. I see myself as Israel and I take instruction from God when he speaks to Israel. Its more fun that way and I have found it to be RIGHT !! One thing I know for sure is that God can be EVIL. If you just study Jesus sometimes you forget that God can do evil things. But God can be extremely loving and kind also. I have found this thru studying the lord. He told me that he was going to remove my mom and dad which he did, but watching my mom die was hideous. I felt like Moses begging God to restrain himself from killing the first born of Egypt. She died from colon cancer and it took 5 years. She was not a Bible or religious enthusiast like me. I guess I am like a dog that has UNCONDITIONAL love for its master, and very respectful. I never make the mistake of forgetting or being disrespectful of GOD. If the lord has a problem with what I have just written I apologize but these are part of the statutes and judgements of the LORD THY GOD !!

I'm not sure what you mean when you say God can be EVIL? One who has truly studied Jesus knows; God may allow evil though he is not evil. He may give Satan or demons permission to do things(as we saw with Saul, Ananias, Paul, Job etc) but it is to be an example, to torment and to bring to righteousness-for His purpose. If God casts someone into hell it's not because He is evil..it's because the person was evil. We should fear him not because he is evil but because he has the ultimate authority to allow evil into our lives based upon our will.

When I was a very sinful person I experienced horrific things I never wish on anyone. Was it God himself? I don't believe so. I believe God allowed these demons to present themselves due to my sins. With what I saw and felt I can't even contemplate nor even want to imagine what hell would feel like.

I don't blame God. I don't think God is evil. I'm thankful he has shown me things that have changed my life and brought me closer to Him.

I hope you are able to change your view or understanding. Telling people God is evil is not using the correct lense.

Isaiah 45:7 (KJV) I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. It couldn't be clearer. God told Isaiah that He creates evil. And what about Jobs words? Job 2:10 And he said to her: Thou hast spoken like one of the foolish women: If we have received good things at the hand of God, why should we not receive evil?

the context is god said there is NO ONE BUT ME I create (everything) not everything expect evil, everything including evil. Definition of everything

1a : all that exists MERRIAM-WEBSTER'S UNABRIDGED DICTIONARY

"Definition" isn't always the ultimate authority; the context is also important to correctly understand the word's 'definition'. For example, I'm speaking with someone & in the conversation I refer to a girl as a 'wench'. The immediate reaction from my hearer could be one of horror in my word usage. But if he were to properly understand my speech, he would take into account the dual meaning of 'wench', its context in speech & any intonation expressed on my part. As you might know, 'wench' can mean both a young girl or a promiscuous lady, so words written or spoken are not always 'cut & dry' in meaning & application.

You believe that the God of the Bible is Creator of all things & this ALL must include both good & evil. I agree with your definition of 'everything', but your definition of 'evil' is questionable and, as I've outlined earlier, can have other meanings & when applied to the actions of God, it cannot be associated with the actions of Satan. Absolutes, by definition, can never be fused together or else they cease to be so (e.g. Truth/Lie; Hot/Cold; Alive/Dead). To suggest that God can be both or do both, that makes your definition & understanding of God reprehensible & contrary to biblical teaching.

regardless of what you deem as evil, would you say that when men do evil things because God told them to therefore its no longer evil. examples [ Exodus Chapter 21, verse 20:

If a man beats his male or female slave with a rod and the slave dies as a direct result, he must be punished, but he is not to be punished if the slave gets up after a day or two, since the slave is his property.

Not only does God condone slavery, but he is also completely comfortable with the concept of beating your slaves, as long as you don't kill them.Leviticus Chapter 25, verse 44:

Your male and female slaves are to come from the nations around you; from them you may buy slaves. You may also buy some of the temporary residents living among you and members of their clans born in your country, and they will become your property. You can will them to your children as inherited property and can make them slaves for life, but you must not rule over your fellow Israelites ruthlessly.

Here God states where you may purchase your slaves, and clearly specifies that slaves are property to be bought, sold and handed down. 1st Peter 2:18 slave submit yourself to your masters with all respect not only the good and gentle ones but also the cruel.shouldn't the Bible say, "Slavery is wrong -- you may have no slaves"? Shouldn't one of the Commandments say, "thou shalt not enslave"? the creator of the universe states in writing that slavery is perfectly acceptable. Beating your slaves is fine. Enslaving children is fine. ["Mein Kampf" contains phrases Hence today I believe that I am acting in accordance with the will of the Almighty Creator: by defending myself against the Jew, I am fighting for the work of the Lord. Nazi soldiers wore belt buckles inscribed with "Gott mit uns" (God is with us).

Wayne,

Just be careful with what you are stating about the Lord. You yourself are going to have to answer for all these things. Like these false things " the creator of the universe states in writing that slavery is perfectly acceptable. Beating your slaves is fine. Enslaving children is fine." The Lord never states "it's perfectly acceptable" as you state. It is stated that "if" it is done. Not that it's perfectly fine how you state. How you put children in there is totally false. I'm not getting into this discussion just be careful with, looking to the Old Testament, trying to point your finger at God. He sent Jesus Christ which is a free gift of salvation from Him. No matter what we have done. He still loves us and always will.

Jesus Christ is Lord. God is Love. God Bless you.

to uncomfortable for you to talk about? [new testament ] 1st Peter 2:18 slave submit yourself to your masters with all respect not only the good and gentle ones but also the cruel, Doesn't it seem that an all-loving, just God would think of slavery as an abomination just like any normal human being does? If a all-knowing, all-loving God had written the Bible, shouldn't the Bible say, "Slavery is wrong -- you may have no slaves"? Shouldn't one of the Commandments say, "thou shalt not enslave"? not give rules on how you can beat them .this is my question if you cant answer that's fine but don't answer just to chastise me for asking a question that you don't like it makes you look like a coward, making threats on gods behalf is not very christian .

I'm not replying with scriptures, ok? I think Nimrod was the first ruler to implement the use of "slaves", to build a tower just so he could satisfy his desire to shoot arrows at God,

The Godhead in their mercy, confused the languages. People drifted off to other regions to build their own cities where they settled. I don't remember Nimrod stopping them?

I consider myself to be a willing slave to Jesus: because He first loved me. I had to learn of that love, and to receive it. Gratitude and worship of Who He is, is where I choose to be. I desire to embrace all that He desires me to be. Free of self imposed hindrances that this flesh struggles against the desire of the spirit: which wants to worship God alone. We do groan inwardly to be free.

Belonging to Jesus is my one great happiness. Family and other things are blessings, but I don't set them above the love of God.

We all make our own way towards Him, the easiest way we will come. I fall over rocks at times, but I get up and continue the journey.

That carnality in our self is the biggest rock. It opposes progress to the freedom that is only found in Christ.

That's why it's my thought that true slavery already existed within ourselves. It wars against the freedom that is in Christ. But our deepest heart wants to be free.

People are captured by the flesh and taken captive (enslaved to bondage) by ever present, Satan. Who watches, studies our weakest cracks: drugs, porn, overeating, reading a horoscope instead of reading the Bible for an encouraging word for our day.

Spending plastic money instead of saving so we can pay cash. Envying other people's homes, wives, cars.

It takes change within, to set us free from what the flesh wants. People want freedom! They just don't see the Bible as a means to be free. They try everything (they see on tv) trying to get free. The worldly voice just wants your money! Even your Soul.

Only Jesus heals. He can cure us. Change us. Free us slaves.

Just on what you stated about me. You can call me all the names you want. When one says be "careful" that means to exercise caution or be mindful. Like when someone says to a child "look both ways before you cross the street!" It's not a threat. It's because I, or they, care about that person.

May the Lord Bless you with knowledge and peace. Love one another.

Hi Wayne,

I noticed you wrote: "shouldn't the Bible say, "Slavery is wrong -- you may have no slaves"?"

First, the Bible doesn't say slavery is morally right anywhere. If you assume that, please state where you think it says that. It says the opposite, though. Not every sin is explained in detail as a comprehensive list as what not to do. Matthew 22:36-40 - 2 greatest commandments say love your neighbor. You can't enslave someone beyond their will and be loving, so its obviously wrong.

There's a verse people commonly cite which is addressed to slaves to be content. Just because something is addressed to someone doesn't mean it's ok.

To anyone who reads the Bible and seeking to know God and emulate Jesus's character it's obvious that slavery and oppressing others is wrong if someone is actually, not everything morally wrong is specifically stated in the Bible, because there's countless ways to harm others. It also doesn't say to not look at pornography and isn't specific to all sexual sins, but if someone made that argument, they would obviously be using a logical fallacy too.

The Bible is full of examples to be kind and loving to each other. Example: Zechariah 7:9-10.

The Bible is also a book of history and real historical things documented, including many negative things. So a common fallacy is people assume just because it says something in the Bible means it's morally ok. No, there was death, slavery, and horrible things happening in that time and it doesn't mean it was morally allowed by God. Everyone will be judged fairly. Slavery was one of the many unfortunate ways people suffered back then- over a million Israelites were slaves in Egypt.

There was also a form of servitude back then which was common for the culture- which was closer to a job in some cases, even though people enjoy calling it slavery in order to strengthen their argument. You can go to a kibbutz today in Israel if you want and see what it's like- would that make you a slave? Volunteering for something to get something in return isn't slavery.

I showed you where it says it ,maybe you'll respond? but I doubt you will. Ill understand if you don't .

when god made rules about slavery for his people to follow that's condoning it , answer if you can why didn't he condemn it and state do not own another human being .its a tough question I know.

Bible doesn't condone slavery. Just because it doesn't address it specifically doesn't mean God allows it. It would be a logical fallacy to make such an assumption. The Bible doesn't specifically say that taking illegal drugs is a sin, like meth, cocaine, heroin, weed. Does that mean it condones it or is ok? No. It instead says your body is a holy temple. The Bible also doesn't say lying is wrong or a sin. Does that mean it's ok to lie? No. It says other places to not bear false witness. Lying is a sin. Colossians 3:9, for example. Watching pornography is obviously a sin, but the Bible doesn't say that specifically is a sin. It instead says all lust is sin. But Jesus took it a step further and said if you even look at a woman in the wrong way you're guilty of the sin. There are many other sins like this that aren't directly addressed, but is clear that it's a sin when looking at the context of all the verses. In many cases the Bible is even more restrictive than some assume.

So, if someone is enslaved and held captive beyond their will, it's obvious it's a sin, because of the mountain of verses showing context, like love your neighbor as yourself, and don't seek vengance- turn the other cheek. Matthew 5:43-48. It even takes it a step further and says to be kind to your enemy, pray for them, help others, and give to those who ask. Luke 6:30-36. There are other indications from the Bible that slavery is a sin as well. The mosaic law of the Israelites was to put someone to death for attempting to trade slaves: Exodus 21:16. In 1 Timothy 1:8-10 it lists 'menstealers' (slave-traders) along with other sins.

Romans 13:7-10. The Bible summarizes the commands as not every sin will be perfectly or specifically addressed, but just love one another. It says love is the fulfilling of the law.

I already explained how slavery is different than servitude common in Bible.

Given the mountain of scripture evidence, it would seem dishonest to claim the Bible says slavery is ok.

But he does address it specifically Exodus Chapter 21, verse 20:

True what you said. The word Rapture is not in the Bible. This does not mean it is not true.

so why is God setting rules for his people to follow . Its literally robbing a human being of their entire life, liberty and pursuit of happiness in order to gain money off of their labor. I dont care if slaves had accommodations at the four seasons, if they still were someone's property with no freedom to act on their own desires, life goal, ability to fulfill their potential and had no rights as an equal, only to be used as free labor. How anyone could claim that there is any context where that would be ok?, I don't care what time in history it was, God should have not only condemned this but actually punished slave owners not make rules for it. Genesis chapter 17, verse 12: Exodus chapter 12 verse 43: Exodus Chapter 21, verse 1: Exodus Chapter 21, verse 20Exodus Chapter 21, verse 32: Leviticus Chapter 22, verse 10: Leviticus Chapter 25, verse 44: Luke, Chapter 7, verse 2:Colossians, chapter 3, verse 22: Titus, chapter 2 verse 9: new testament jesus said1st Peter 2:18 slave submit yourself to your masters with all respect not only the good and gentle ones but also the cruel.

Its literally robbing a human being of their entire life,

liberty and pursuit of happiness in order to gain money off of their

labor. I don't care if slaves had accommodations at the four

seasons, if they still were someone's property with no freedom to act

on their own desires, life goal, ability to fulfill their potential and had

no rights as an equal, only to be used as free labor or as sex slaves How anyone could claim

that there is any context where that would be ok, I don't care what

time in history it was, God should have not only condemned this but

actually punished slave owners like gays or unruly kids. Genesis chapter 17, verse 12: Exodus chapter 12 verse 43:

Exodus Chapter

21, verse 1: Exodus Chapter 21, verse 20

Exodus Chapter 21, verse 32:

Leviticus Chapter 22, verse 10:

Leviticus Chapter 25, verse 44: Luke, Chapter

7, verse 2:

Colossians, chapter 3, verse 22:

Titus, chapter 2 verse 9:

here God tells Moses what he should do [ numbers 31:17 through 18 now therefore kill every male among the little ones and kill every woman who has known man intimately but all the girls who have not known man it's a mid-lease pair for yourself] and here God is setting the rules for his people that owned slaves [Exodus Chapter 21, verse 20:

If a man beats his male or female slave with a rod and the slave dies as a direct result, he must be punished, but he is not to be punished if the slave gets up after a day or two, since the slave is his property.]

God is also completely comfortable with the concept of beating your slaves, as long as you don't kill them. [Leviticus Chapter 25, verse 44:

Your male and female slaves are to come from the nations around you; from them you may buy slaves. You may also buy some of the temporary residents living among you and members of their clans born in your country, and they will become your property. You can will them to your children as inherited property and can make them slaves for life, but you must not rule over your fellow Israelite's ruthlessly.]

Here God states where you may purchase your slaves, and clearly specifies that slaves are property to be bought, sold and handed down. and this is what Jesus has to say about .[ 1st Peter 2:18 slave submit yourself to your masters with all respect not only the good and gentle ones but also the cruel.] shouldn't the Bible say, "Slavery is wrong -- you may have no slaves"? Shouldn't one of the Commandments say, "thou shalt not enslave"? Ephesians 6:5

New International Version

Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Colossians 3:22

New International Version

Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.

Wayne, true, God did tell Isaiah that He creates evil, but if you take it as written without seeing it in context, one could conclude that God is also the Creator of evil. The context is: for Israel's sake, God raised up Cyrus the Great, of Persia, to conquer Babylon so as to free Israel from the Babylonian captivity ( Isa 45:1).

God also speaks through Isaiah in that chapter about His Greatness & the special position of Israel to His Heart (vv 3-6) & a part of that message was that God can create both light & darkness (the absence of light); He can create peace & also evil (the absence of peace; calamity; war). God, in His Power & Authority can cause Israel to live in peace & security, or if they disobeyed Him, then that peace can be taken away (evil will befall them). However, in this chapter, God is using Cyrus to bring evil (war) by conquering Babylon thus enabling the release of Israel from her clutches.

And so with Job 2:10. Did God specifically bring evil upon Job when he did nothing wrong deserving punishment? Rather, God permitted Satan to afflict Job terribly with the loss of his family, property & affliction of boils. His 'wise, loving' wife told Job to curse God & die - it would be better for him than suffering, but you know Job's response to her: God has blessed me with good & shall not evil (bad) things also come my way - not knowing the reason for his suffering as God gave Satan permission to test Job's faithfulness. Likewise, do we also blame God when evil strikes us? Some do, but those who know the Heart of God understand the matter correctly: a Good God cannot create evil, or else He isn't good - God cannot be both. Evil comes because of our sin or from God's discipline just as He gave to Israel when they left Him.

[Evil comes because of our sin or from God's discipline just as He gave to Israel when they left Him.] you are contradicting yourself here now , I think you are confused or lying . in job how is god not at fault? if I give you permission to kill someone am I free from blame ?

According to the book of Job, God had full authority over every aspect of Job's destruction. God considered Job a perfect and upright servant. We can rightly argue that Job did not deserve the persecution that he received at the hands of satan. We know that God had no need to prove Job to satan or anyone else. We know that God was aware of and allowed it. And Job never doubted God's authority over every moment.

You've searched out and thought about it enough to bring up the story of Job to show God's ultimate authority over all of what you term the 'evil' failures of His creation. You craft and shade your rendition of the examples you give so that the whole situation begins to stink. Then you just drop your investigation right there and point to God and say 'He did it'. Do you really think that it should all be written off as that simple? If you're happy with that then I guess that's ok but then it sounds like a 'misery loves company' attack.

Is beating or torture, even to death, the ultimate trouble to befall either an individual or his/her loved ones? Is there nothing worse than death? Can good come from 'evil'? Thousands of years later millions of people like myself are wiser thanks to God having provided us this account in the life of Job.

For various translations of the word 'evil' (as found in Job 2:10 for example) you can do a web search on "Strongs H7451". I think you'll find that displeasure, distress, or adversity will be an accurate modern English equivalent.

No contradiction: when we sin or when God disciplines us, we will suffer at His Hand. I'm not talking about a God of evil or God Who creates evil as has been discussed. I'm talking here about when we do wrong & we suffer at God's Hand. Is this the work of an evil God? Is a parent evil for disciplining his child, or the Law in punishing the wrong-doer? No evil created but we suffer 'evil' at their hands.

Giving "me permission to kill someone" is a strange example, but yes, if you could give me 'permission' & I took 'advantage' of that, then I don't see how you would be blamed, though your mental state could be brought into question. The blame & punishment rests upon me who committed the crime. But if you compelled me to kill, indeed threatened me with death if I refused you, then you would bear the greater responsibility - and God doesn't force or compel us to do wrong (or, evil).

Sometimes I wonder why I have kept this story to myself for so long and now I remember. I agree with you totally about keeping it secret. Very SORRY that I forgot !! But I know my parents are still alive because they were great parents. Thankyou and I am sorry !!

Whit, no apologies necessary - I don't believe I questioned you sharing your secret - these testimonies speak to all of us of what others have gone through in life & how the Lord has sustained & intervened in some special way.

However, your comment about God being both good & evil concerned me. Ordinarily, I could pass this off as a person's use of the word 'evil' may not be what I'm thinking of. But that comment triggered in my mind, one of my last conversations with an uncle before he passed away some years after we talked. He too used that phrase about God being both good & evil, yet his was an angry, fist in the air blast against God, because of certain 'evils' that had come to him through his life. Even when talking about this with him, about his accusation against God & that God is not a God of evil nor can He do evil, my uncle was adamant it was so till his death.

Your Mother's death was long & very painful & heartbreaking to read. My Mother too died, suffering horribly for two years with lung cancer. Even after our family's pleadings with God & cries from me, her 14 yr old son, did not move God's Hand to spare her. Why didn't God listen - is He evil for taking an innocent life? I had to learn early on that God wanted her Home & there would be events in the future that would fall into place - into His bigger Plan.

All I can share here is that God does allow things to happen to our lives or loved ones for reasons unknown to us - this does not make Him evil, it shows us that He is God alone, our Creator, the One Who is entitled to do what He wants with His creation, & in His Plans He does what is right & best for us. We can't see the end of it all - we just feel the present disappointment & sorrow. But in our ignorance of Him, He requires a complete trust & faith in His Work & that "we (should) know that ALL things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." ( Romans 8:28). The Lord strengthen you.

I watched my mother die for 5 years and maybe God did that to scare me out of being an undesirable, adulterous, disrespectful, drunken derelectic idiot. I personally don't believe he needed to do that to keep me straight, but I did have the resources then to become a wild and crazy playboy debaucherer. I married a very poor lady with three small boys and helped her raise them they are now very fine men. WE are still married and we love each other very much. So maybe there was a method to GOD's seemingly evil way that he treated my mother. It WORKED !!

The lord god said, and i quote, i create peace and i create evil...i am the lord god.

The Lord understands that life won't always treat us well, whether to us personally or to those whom we love. Of course, this is all because of the presence of evil in us & in the world. Why people who've done nothing wrong against God or others & also innocent children have to also suffer, will always be perplexing to us & reason to accuse God. Yet, when we recover from that anger & hatred against God we must find room in our hearts to consider that God finds no pleasure in our suffering & death: Ezek 18:32 "For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye."

Yes, He can take away that pain & looming death, but for those who love Him, He waits to see our true response to Him - coming in implicit faith & trust that He does all things well & for our good. And we know for faith to work & produce the desired fruit, means that the object of our faith must be fully believed in & deemed totally trustworthy & reliable. Man will fail us, as will governments & family & friends, sometimes showing us our misplaced faith. But God can never be faulted & can never be accused & for those who do, whether ignorantly or deliberately, they can look forward to specific dealings by God.

Your testimony shows us that ultimately God had His Hand upon your life even bringing you to Him in spite of the sorrow of losing your Mother in that grievous way. Many would have turned against God, as my Uncle did, to their eternal damnation, but he spared you, gave you a lovely & loving family & yes, a living testimony to His Power & Grace. Sadly, pain will come to us - I might have to suffer it in the future - but my prayer is that in spite of physical/mental torment, I will cling onto the One, in Whose Hands my life is hid & secure through all eternity. Leave the pains of the past - I've had to - as that is the only way to be able to truly worship & glorify the Lord in your heart & through your life - this is real Faith.

That was very beautifully put Chris. Like I said before, sometimes I feel like the dog that has been raised by his master all his life and cannot hate his master even after the most horrible beating imaginable, which is what I call UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. Where is the dog to go because there is only one master. Not only is it love but you can throw respect and fear in there too. The master is the one with the sustenance of life, food, water, shelter and companionship. I have been that dog before on several occasions. I am not certain about the reference chapter and verse of this quote but I remember reading it, "And because I have brought all this evil upon them I shall surely render unto them all the good which I have promised." I am certain that my mother will find many mercies in her next destination and probably already has. I loved her dearly along with my Dad. He was close to the Lord and was really LUCKY to die in his sleep. Loving, fearing and respecting the Lord are true keys to a happy life.

Jeremiah 32:42: "For thus saith the LORD; Like as I have brought all this great evil upon this people, so will I bring upon them all the good that I have promised them.", I think is the verse you're thinking of - very good memory you have there, Whit!

Tis true, even the mistreated dog will crawl back to his master & hopefully that will soften the master's heart & the dog will receive a loving reception. Yet, we know that whatever & however life throws curved balls at us, our Master will always be there with open arms & a loving embrace. Continue to enjoy your Master's Love & Healing in every area of your life.

Thankyou Chris, you truly are a great student of the Bible and skillful writer. I have always tried to remember pertinent lines from the Bible cause it may keep me from being very upset. Thankyou very much for comments sir!