Bible Discussion Thread

Lord God , I pray for me to withstand prolonged periods of isolation. I have no friends, all I do is read and study , for upcoming exams, but I feel very negative about it because that's all I do and it seems to be mentally painful already. Other than that , I love to exercise and eat healthy every day, I love praying and talking to you God , and reading the bible as well as simple meditation. These are the things that I do every day for about 1 year + and sometimes honestly , it's quite depressing. If anyone is going through the same thing (man or woman).. I pray for you too that you will find the strength in depressive , overwhelming times such as this. That Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is always standing beside us in super lonely times, where you don't have anyone to talk to that much. Forgive us Lord Jesus. Please give us the strength also to help others as well, not to put others down but to LIFT them up. In Christ's name. Amen.

Mark, How are you doing today? It has been a month since you posted this and many have prayed for you. I do hope that you are feeling better than then. Let us know ow we can help you further.

Mark, hello, sorry to hear that you're feeling negative. Yes it can be very difficult at times. Even Jesus suffered a moment of stress, & totally without friends in a crucial time of need. Luke 22:40-48, Matthew 26:34-56, Matthew 26:67-74,

I welcome your outspoken prayer, thank you. I will lift you up in prayer likewise. HE is closer than a brother.

Be strong, hold tight to the LORD & HIS promises. He will not leave nor foresake us. Psalms 139:1-18, Romans 8:14-39

Hopefully these scriptures encourage you.

Mark When we look at the world we become miserable, when we look at others we can become distraught, when we look into a mirror we see all our faults. When Go to Gods Word with focus commitment drive and determination we read all the things God has done for us and in us that we could not do for ourselves, then turn our eyes upon Jesus look full in His wonderful Face and the Things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His Glory and Grace. Rise up to the level to the mountain top of Spiritual Believing.

Thank you David , a lovely post .

Hi Sacha I endeavor not to talk about the enemy and all his functioning, my focus is on Gods Word and all He has done and continues to do in around and for us who believe. An example I think about is Noah, nobody is going to tell me that the unbelievers around him didn't heckel Him or think he was nuts. Remember He's the only man found Grace in the eyes of God that statement is incredible so this guy also is building something that perhaps has never been seen in the middle of dry land, you know they thought he had screws loose. Yet for years he built the boat ignoring the unbelief surrounded with, ring a bell Jesus Christ raising lazareth from the dead. At times in our lives we will deal with the same thing They will see and not believe which makes them without excuse. God Bless we March On.

I think it is likely that there were boats in the time of Noah used for river travel and even open water travel/or fishing. But they had never seen a boat like Noah's, nor did they likely believe that God had told Noah to build it or say anything about rain or a flood, (which they did not know about before the flood. I think that they did not believe Noah was in communication with God because God didn't communicate with the majority of mankind at that time, due to their wickedness. They had shut out the relationship with God and the revelation of God due to their refusal to believe in and serve Him. It is highly likely that they had turned to the worship of and trust in false idols, spiritual beings, and ancestors, such as Cain or anyone else who had died previous to the flood. Their hearts were far from God. And God gave them over to their wickedness, unbelief, and idolatry. They probably did know of Noah's godliness and faith. Probably taunted, mocked, and scoffed him about it for 120 years.

God had a for not intervening to improve the situation before the flood in miraculous ways. We are not told why he withheld his power to do so. But it shows that mankind, once turned away from God, cannot turn back to Him without His help.

Sister GiGi, may CHRIST IN US grace us with HIS wisdom and HIS understanding.

Romans 8:11 For the children being not yet born, neither having done any GOOD or EVIL, that the PURPOSE OF GOD according to election might stand, not of works, but if him that calleth;

Ephesian 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundations of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.

Hebrews 4:3 .... the WORKS were finished before the foundation of the word.

Abel was chose, Cain was not, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, all the prophets, etc., etc. were CHOSEN for the PURPOSE of GOD, all others were not CHOSEN during their first life in the flesh, but will be resurrected back to their flesh, and then be save, but according to the purpose and election of GOD, at each ones appointed time.

Those chosen in this age, are chosen for a PURPOSE OF GOD, to be PRIEST in the KINGDOM OF GOD, on this earth.

All others will have a different office in God's kingdom, but eventually brought into the priesthood.

Ezekiel 20:37 And I WILL CAUSE YOU to pass under the rod, and will bring you into the covenant of God.

In the OLD testament, every tenth one that passed under the ROD was and offering unto the LORD.

Malachi 3:3 ... that they may offer to the Lord an OFFERING in RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Isaiah 6:13 But yet in the land shall be a TENTH, and it (the tenth) shall return, and shall be eaten: as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance (the HOLY SEED, CHRIST IN YOU) is in them, when they (the trees) cast their leaves: so the HOLY SEED shall be the substance thereof.

Revelation 22:2 And in the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the TREE(S) OF LIFE which bear twelve manner of fruit every month: and the LEAVES OF THE TREE(S) was for the healing of the nations.

This is the purpose of those CHOSEN by election, in this AGE.

In Reply God couldn't intervene for the rest because like it says in Romans chapter 1 God gave them over in other words they walked from him knowingly, same concept as raising a child correctly who knows what they should be doing and later on disobeys and gets the consequences of disobedience. Its very interesting to NOTE that Noah did not close the ark God did Knowing that if the unbelievers Got on it they would have killed Noah and family that's wicked they can get. Remember who the first murderer was due to his unbelief.

Hi Rick,

I know that you are deeply committed to knowing what is said in Scripture. There are statements that are ver batum what is written in Scripture (what is said by God) and statements that are what we think the Scripture verses. In your post you stated that God shut the door because the unbelievers would have killed Noah and his family. That it an "I think it means" statement. I have never thought about unbelievers doing that if they got on the ark. But something to consider. I think that God shut the door because it time was up (an "I think it means statement.) Most of the time, like you and me, people state "I think it means" statements in their posts. I don't mind this. I am able to discern between the two types of statements. We share on this site in this way, trusting the Holy Spirit to use us to help one another grow in our knowledge and understanding of Scripture so that we can know Him better and learn what He has done in the world s it is recorded in Scripture.

I've also read many posts that state this is what it is, so this isn't one individual or two.

David, please elaborate for me for clarity.

We understand each other but make no mistake I believe God closed the ark for that reason and also noah might have had pity on them when they started screaming and it would have been a disaster. You also many times have stated perhaps or you opinion so I'm doing what the beatles did let it be.

Hahaha well said Rick , my tongue has a lot of teeth marks in it where I bite it !

Hi Sasha Years ago i went to a fellowship in a cabin in the woods with a bunch of believers and at the end of the teaching the challenge was for no one to say a word to anyone the rest of the night and do what Gods telling you to do.



To say the least it was a remarkable night, these things were never communicated, one person made hot chocolate, another showed up at the right time walked around and only gave it to certain people, another did the same thing with coffee. People walked up and prayed for someone not saying a word. Another made a fire in the fireplace after a different person gathered the wood. I learned a lot.

What a lovely experience , I enjoy your posts very much . You seem to have had a very interesting walk , keep talking while you are walking please . Much love in Christ .

Sis A wise man said to me you know why God gave you two ears and one mouth, to listen more than you talk, I'd like to master that.

Oh, Please, Rick. That is not biblical. No chapter and verse. I read through the posts daily on here. That is listening. But more so, I listen to the holy Spirit, too, and he tells me that what you posted is a veiled slight towards me.

I think Rick's comment was a reply to me . He says Sis at the begining and it's replying to me I think , do you need the Holy Spirit to discern a veiled slight ? It seems you or the Holy Spirit , got it wrong .

Please, Sasha, I think that it is disrespectful to question if a professed believer needs the Holy Spirit. You were not in my heart when I felt that "red flag", so you cannot be a judge as to whether I need the Holy Spirit or not. I, for myself, do not make such statements to people who are brethren. I assume that they have the Spirit and that He is at work in each person. I believe in thinking the best of people on this site, as well as being honest and thoughtful with what we say. I was intending to be that to Rick, to whom I addressed my post.

I know the Holy Spirit never gets anything wrong. Us, meh, more frequently than we really know.

If you check the thread , I believe Rick's reply about two ears and one mouth was directed to me , I responded to your reply to him as I felt that you were attempting to tell him what he can and cannot say on this site . I believe that there are moderators on this site and if any of us get out of line they remove our post . One of the things I admire most about America is it's freedom of speech laws / rights . I'm not sure what you mean by "red flag " , sorry I'm not familiar with that term . This has all been a bit of a storm in a tea cup as far as I'm concerned , I hope you agree .

To you, it may seem like a storm in a teacup. I am not sure what Rick thinks about our exchanges. I'd like to know. Some people wish to make a statement and then go back and forth with someone a few times. Rick and I went back and forth at length. I don't think that is out of bounds. If others find it uncomfortable, they can exit the thread. There is freedom to do that.

As always,

God's blessings to you. We are in this together.

Sasha,

Sorry, but I never said what anyone can or cannot say on this site. If you think I did, please refer me to it. I just happen to be presenting a viewpoint that you and others may not agree with. I tolerate the views of other, even as I write responses where I differ. I would ask that people do the same to me.

I am not on this site to argue to persuade others. I am on this site to have an opportunity to dialogue about with others on the subjects that come up on the comments section. part of dialoguing includes presenting different opinions and points of view. It is not arguing, but healthy interchanges to help with clarifying biblical truths.

I welcome a response from you.

Hello Gigi In my heart it was iron sharpeneth iron, some points we agree some points we disagree but we both love and God and His Word learn and move closer to the return then we will all know each other perfectly! I enjoy the fellowship.

Thanks you, Rick for responding, and I am on the same boat with you on this. I think that both you and I love a rigorous discussion, and, I think both of us are strong enough to see it through. Not everyone is like this and some can be wearied or bothered by these sort of wrestling with ideas at length. It is good to have someone to do this with without fearing offense because someone doesn't agree with me or you, or, that someone has a strong way of presenting their ideas, as you and I do. It is just us doing us.

To all concerned my fault forgive me Wasn't communicating clear God Bless.

Hi Rick , no worries , I don't take any thing on here too personal and I enjoy a giggle .

Sis that wasn't directed at anybody I was being funny sorry!

Got it! Thanks for clarifying.

Forgiven, no problem.

Rick,

Thanks for the explanation. I later did think that perhaps your were being humorous, but it did hit me in a way that sent up "red flags" in my spirit. I wish you well. For myself, if someone wanted to exhort me to listen more and talk (write) less, I would want that person to say exactly that. I would not be offended by such straight-forward speaking. If you were just referring to yourself, then that is where I would think that you were being humorous.

Glad we have had an opportunity to speak further on this.

Hi Mark Reading your post I can see you talk to God and pray but how much have you reached out , i.e. gone somewhere started a conversation with someone, bought a cup of coffee for someone ask someone how are you doing today. In order to really live we need to really give or we become like the dead sea. The reason its dead its got current in but not out when I got born again to overcome my fear I just went to malls and talked to all kinds of people and in the process father would show me what to say. I'm not talking about the word just making friends because people read you before they read the word. To this day I walk up to women who are dressed nice and tell them how good that outfit looks on them, of course in a tasteful manner, trust me their surprised because most men don't know how to genuinely be complimentary or if I see well behaved kids I tell the parents its nice to see that especially in our day and time. Always keep in mind 1 Corinthians 13 Then you can soar above the negatives and depression of the society we live in. We are the conquerors through the one who conquered for us. We reach out to raise ourselves up and help other along the way.

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Mark, this is what you're dealing with. I've gone through this myself. No more despairing. You have to stand up against IT. And it thinks it can take you down. Just as Ezekiel had to do in chapter 37, SPEAK OUT: in Jesus Name and by the power of his authority, I come against YOU, spirit of heaviness; I BIND your evil plans against me and in the name of Jesus of Nazareth I reject you and cast you into outer darkness to wander, forever. I forbid your return. I am a blood bought child of the Most High God! I am covered in Jesus Blood. Let me go!!!

it's personality

Spirit of Heaviness [a demon]

Manifestations - Excessive Mourning, Sorrow-Grief, Insomnia, Self- Pity, Rejection, Broken-Heart, Despair-Dejection-Hopelessness, Depression, Suicidal Thoughts, Inner Hurts that won't heal.

Study The Enemy of Tour Soul:

Heaviness Scriptures: ( Isaiah 61:3; Luke 4:18; Nehemiah 2:2; Proverbs 15:13; Psalms 69:20; Proverbs 12:18; 15:3,13; 18:14; Luke 4:18; 2 Corinthians 1:8-9; Isaiah 61:3; Mark 9; Luke 4:18; Proverbs 18:14; 26:22)

ITS ROOTS "The Works of the Flesh," Galatians 5:19-21.

By their fruits you will know all men, Matt 7:20.

According to Matthew 6:10; 11:12; 12:29; 16:18; 18:18; 28:18

Bind: Spirit of Heaviness

Loose: Comforter-Holy Spirit, Garment of Praise, Oil of Joy, John 15:26; Isaiah 61:3

I know people like their own tunes, but this works for me. Listen to: Kingdom in the Streets by DION. It's on YouTube. OR, "IN 3D". Listen sometimes to Spiritual Warfare Scriptures. Type that in on YouTube and they will build up your faith. Praise will get you out of that Valley of Dry Bonesstand up on your feet and shake your fist at Heaviness.

He has to leave. He cannot cross the bloodline of Jesus's Blood. Jesus was cool when satan was tempting Him. He just fired off some scriptures.

You're gonna slay this Giant! Praise will get you through. Just trust me on this.

Mishael

Excellent, Mishael!

This spirit of heaviness is not just a mental illness: depression, it has a spiritual element that is often overlooked.

Mark, I encourage you to heed Mishael's suggestions in her post. As a believer, you have the Lord God on your side, unlike those outside of Christ who suffer from a depressing time of isolation and stress (as your studies seem to be).

Get out and about as much as you can. Fresh air will do you good. Have simple conversations with anyone who is willing to engage with you when you go out, As Rick suggested. I pray that God will bring someone to you who is a Christian brother to help you through this in person. We were made for fellowship with one another, and so any prolonged isolation will cause some sort of problem. Do whatever you can to break up the isolation. I know that it is very hard to do this when one is feeling depressed. The tendency is to further withdrawal, but that is the way of the enemy. Put forth a concerted effort to fight back by making yourself get out of the house and be around others, even passively, before you then begin to speak to others in causal conversation. You never know who will be the one God has called to walk beside you through this time.

Mark,

Loneliness is so crushing at times. I am sorry that you are spending most of your time alone. I know that studying takes concentration without distractions. What are you studying? I will pray the God will send someone your way to interact with often. Maybe going to the park for a walk will provide an opportunity to meet someone, maybe a walking partner. But I think the key may be to just get out and be around people. Also, if you are feeling very depressed, I suggest counseling.

I am praying for you.

Mark,

I don't know your age. Mine is soaring lol. I've seen some decades. When my soul needs company I read Psalms. It helps to know someone else had the same feelings.

Right now what's going on in this nation, is hard to recognize. So we have to encourage ourselves as King David did. I wish I was musical. I appreciate those who are.

You are doing the right things, as you told. I'm kind of a solitary kind of person. But I know that there beats the heart of an evangelist in here, and I go out routinely and initiate a conversation with complete strangers. I'm comfortable with my odd routines. Many people are being affected by what's happening: sheltering, wearing masks, and all that.

We are really living in the last days. We see prophesy unfolding. My eyes have always seen the uniqueness of this world. So many different people, nations, cultures. The sheer beauty of earth that God made and all the creatures and vegetation's. We know heaven is going to be even more stunning. It's like we are waiting for the big event.

You'll feel better if you set aside time to seek friendship, conversation and contact with flesh and blood people. Social websites can't do that. There's something about sharing a park bench or tiny tables in a coffee shop. I talk to all ages. I find friends at Goodwill, Subway or Home Depot.

I like church groups that meet for dinner once a week. Everybody brings something. One time this gal brought a head of lettuce and we giggled all night.

We need to go outside the house and talk to neighbors. No one wants to talk politics LOL

I might start with "I have a blue parakeet that needs a new home; he reminds me of my brother. Laughing feels good. Father lift Mark in the spirit of his mind; to live in your Light and joy. Amen.

Come join us in the QUESTIONS room. They fully discussed 'hell tonight'. Bless you. Mishael

Mark, thanks for making me smile! I thank God that we don't have to seek out friendship with the world especially in this dark time the world is going through. I pray that God would bless you and that the Holy Spirit would commune with you. Especially in your loneliest moments. I pray that the Holy Spirit would Help you study. Like a Holy Spirit study buddy! I pray right now in Jesus name that you would be blessed and that he would keep you through your isolation. amen!

Yes indeed. You are right. All we need is God in our life to continuously guide us, and protect us. Thank you for the kind words, I hope for you all the best also. God Bless.

What I meant before was that friendship with the world is enmity with God. So I'm thankful that I dont feel like I have to go to a club or other worldly event to connect