October 20, 2008 5:39 AM
Sam wrote:
I always wondered why men in the Bible beat themselves in time of grief or worry. "Beat your body" says Paul. "Beat your breasts for the pleasant fields, for the fruitful vines..." says Isaiah. Know I know. Verse 30 (Today's Proverbs) says "Blows and wounds cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being." In the American society today, 'normal' poeple don't participate in self flagellation (as seen in the movie, The Da Vinci Code) to rid themselves of sin. Today, we rely on our mind to be able to help us repent, as well as our friends and church ministers. "Don't beat yourself up over it." is a common saying which means, in general terms, and using another saying, "it's water under the bridge", get on with life. ANd that is the way we should, I think, 'get on with it'. We should, using our knowledge and fear of God, repent from sin the best we can, using our minds to remind us of the beatings and sufferings Jesus took for us. We should rely on each other to help us put our sin behind us, and strive toward a sinless life. I don't know when the practice of giving oneself a beating to cleanse away evil stopped, but I am glad it did. However, we should 'beat' our conscience up severely when we continue to indulge in some sort of sin. Wound our conscience, our mind instead of our body, to purge our soles of evil. Today, when you sin (and you probably will), 'kick yourself' in the conscience and see if that helps.)
To Joe.....lately you have listed the Scriptures that you say impact you. We'd like to you share HOW they impact you. Share with the brothers what new and exciting things you learned, and how they can be applied, from reading the Scriptures.
To Rik---well, how did day 1 go?
To Rich---if you could't tell, Rik and Tony went to see FIREPROOF with us the other night (or us with them, I guess) (along with our wives, of course). That is why you have seen what Rik wrote yesterday. Hope you get a chance real soon to get BJ excited enough to go see it. Reply to this
October 20, 2008 8:51 AM
rik wrote:
I had to bite my tounge (metaphoricly) several times. she seemed to repeate the agitative remarks several times because I did not respond. Reply to this
October 20, 2008 11:45 AM
Tony wrote:
When we quite kicking ourselves in the conscience we become dull to the Holy Spirit. We know when we sin, 90% of the time it is obvious and we have immediate regret or remorse. It's not the 10% I worry about but the lack of remorse or regret or disgust that scares me Reply to this
October 20, 2008 7:27 AM
Rich wrote:
(Verse 1): I did not know that beer was a drink in OT Bible times! Regardless, the message is correct. Alcohol (and drugs) is almost human - that is, they have a power to lead us astray. Here the Bible gives wine and beer "human" characteristics. One is a mocker and the other a brawler. They break down our defenses and let Satan into our hearts. A drink is not bad (actually for some it is) but we all need to always be careful of anything that opens our hearts to the devil.
Verse 6: "Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find?" Ouch!!! I claim to have unfailing love for God. Yet I struggle everyday, all day long with loving God above all else. I struggle with having Bible times and prayer times every day. I struggle with including God in my life every day, all day. I claim to have unfailing love, but am I a faithful man?
I claim to have unfailing love for my wife, but I struggle with lust. Am I a faithful man? I claim to have unfailing love for my children, but I get angry with them when they mess up, when they whine, when they complain or don't help out or when they are ungrateful. Am I a faithful man? I find this verse very challenging. I think faithfulness starts with our relationship with God. That will spill over into the rest of our life. I want to be a faithful man to God. I want to make my claim of unfailing love more than just some idle words. Reply to this
October 20, 2008 11:20 AM
Tony wrote:
You are just like the rest of us. All we can do is try. When we fail, and we will, all we can do is ask forgiveness from everyone and pray for strength,understanding and patience. There is a verse that tells what love is, it eludes me right now. We all have the same struggles, some MUCH more than others, we are all human. Patience, prayer and repentance, that's all we have. Reply to this
October 20, 2008 8:52 AM
rik wrote:
Tony is in need of our prayers more now then ever. He left his house last night around 9pm and now his phone is not going though at all please pray. Reply to this
October 20, 2008 9:53 AM
rik wrote:
It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.
this vs could have been used in chapter one Of the love Dare. It takes some discipline to avoid an argument.
The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him.
Men, we are the leaders of our homes, our children are a direct reflection of how we have done as Dads. I know I initially eant to think my wife takes apart in all of this, but that is not what God says. If we are righteous our children will reflect that righteousness, if they dent we must check ourselves!
25 It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows. Being impulsive, I have never had a benifital thing happen to me by being impulsive, and I am not talking about an impulsive, unplanned date with my wife or something like that. I am talking about purchases, or moves, or big life changing decisions. My advice is to seek advice, pray and do not rush yourself. Reply to this
Good advice.....my 'impulse' is to buy a 1929 Ford Model A I went to see Sunday afternoon. Real good shape..would 'replace' the one which was burned in the house fire which my Dad sold to me. Prayed for guidance yesterday and this AM....am now seeking sound advice. Ano sabi ikaw? Reply to this
I have a boat, a motorcycle, and a rental property for sale, go figure.
I think we tend to want things in life that our parents had/did, but we forget they they do not know Christ like we do(at least I know my Dad doesn't) so they may tend to focus on worldly things instead of heavenly things. because we were raised by them we have a learned pattern that mimics theirs. It is a challenge to fight against that learned behavior. The quote from Fireproof comes to mind, "you need to lead your heart not follow it". ask yourself these three questions: Does making this purchase glorify God? Can it help me get closer to Him? Can it help me reach others who need to know HIM?
Really these are the only things in life that matter. I am praying to sell the possessions I mentioned above, I truly want to simplify my life less 'things' to divide my time. Ano gusto mo gawin? Reply to this
October 20, 2008 11:49 AM
Tony wrote:
Mac's wife is Spanish, Rick's is Filipino. It took me awhile but I think it is, what you say, and , what you do. So I think I said , do you do what you say. I think. How bout a phone number Joe? Reply to this
October 20, 2008 1:03 PM
Sam wrote:
I THINK Rik was asking me "What do I want to work on"?...or even more loosly translated: "Where my money is, there is my heart." (For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.--Mt 6:21). Reply to this
October 20, 2008 11:15 AM
Tony wrote:
I want to apologize to God and you all for my not being in the blog lately. I have read all the postings, I have read most of the days, but noting comes to me. I am in a bad place right now, spiritually, mentally, and everything elsely right now. Sometimes I/we let to many things get to us, they become overwhelming. This is my list of secrets, some you know, some you just found out. My daughter Brittany, she is almost 18 is 5 months pregnant. My son Jason who is now 15, just had a son born on Thursday. My wife of 20 years had been cheating on me for the last two years. She has also been abusing drugs and alcohol for the past two years, she has totaled out two cars and had several accidents, all involving drugs and/or alcohol. Just recently I found out she has not made house payments that she said she did. Last night I find my son, Jason, has a stash of three different pills, stolen from friends, cigarettes, cigars, weed and gang bandannas. Needless to say I lost it last night. Verse3, It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel." I tried to be very calm about all this last night, but I lost that battle. My wife and I got into a huge fight and I left. I don't know how to handle all of this any more. I love my wife, though she has pushed it past the limit several times, and I love my children. If I was a righteous person and much more spiritual I would feel like Job. It seams like it is all or nothing, no happy median. But, like Job, I have never cursed God, I have asked him why, and neither have my friends told me to curse God and die, thank you for that. I need your prayers guys, I can not do this alone any more. The movie Fireproof really impacted me at the part where he was 20 days into it and it did not seem to be working. That was when he realized that in order to love someone he had to learn to love first. That is where I am. I know how to give and do, but I don't truly know how to love, according to the bible Verse 24," A man's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way?" if this is true, it is predestination and we do not have free will. If it is not true as we perceive it, then what does it mean? There is a difference between directed and decided. Directed is guided, regulated, or managed where as decided is to determine or settle,to bring (a person) to a decision; persuade or convince. I think God does a little of both. He guides us yet at the same time He tries to persuade us. Was Judas directed or decided? Jesus knew what he was going to do, just as God knows our thoughts before we think them. So I ask again, free will or predestination. Sometimes it seems that no matter how hard we think we are trying it just does not work. I got married with the intent of one time, no back door, no way out. I know I have talked to Mac and Rick allot about this, and I have said I am through, the truth is I don't want to be through but we can't go on li Reply to this
October 20, 2008 12:30 PM
joe wrote:
Tony...I remember crying out to the Father years ago, going about 115 miles and hour on a motorcycle. I wanted Him to either take me out of this world or "fix" it. A long painful story...
Father poured His heart out to me and made His thoughts known to me as promised because I responded to Him the only way I knew how.
Countless "miracles" have been revealed to us since then Tony. We don't share many of them because we learned some successes need to be kept in discretion for now.
In short. We don't see what Father sees, but we have His precious promises and we have proof that He keeps His promises. He promises to perfect your situation - soon. We can talk details if that's what you need right now but I just want to make sure you recognize evils lies to you... As I indicated a few days ago evil doesn't want to destroy just you, but your precious wife and children.
For now please believe that Father has given you everything you need today to love yourself, your circle, and allow you to be joyful in your suffering.
I can promise you that this situation hurts for a little while, but will result in amazing joy - very soon.
Because I have experienced and am experiencing most battles you are currently fighting - I can give you a glimpse of my heart. When I got home after church I became excited about your new grandchildren and the joy they are going to bring you and your family.
I am grateful for the opportunity for Father to show His unbelievable love and mercy to someone close to me, and I am thankful for the opportunity to have a man of perseverance in my life that my children admire. You should have heard the positive things they where saying about you on the way home. Is it my children's view of you or the view you have of yourself that I trust??? Reply to this
October 20, 2008 11:26 AM
joe wrote:
Going forward, I'll do my best to be a little more practical in sharing God's words that will serve to be my spiritual food throughout this day. My objective is always to have the food I will need to specifically love Father, myself, and those in my circle "today". If I don't spiritually eat something that quenches the thirst of "my soul", my spirit feeds on something else which almost always ends up in spiritual sickness for the day (lust, selfishness, pride, deceit). Evil is pretty consistent in taking advantage of my spiritual sickness to wage unrelenting attacks on those closest to me. Same old story...
Matthew 22:37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 39 ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” This is the bases of our household. Our common question here, "Are you doing your best to do this?"
These are the verses today that taste pretty good to my soul: First, Proverbs 20:24 The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way? My family has asked the Holy Spirit to tap into our lives on a daily bases with power because we knew we could not fix "it" without having the power promised to us from Christ. This word will help us understand that we don't have to know specifics of how the Holy Spirit works, but that we have power through the Spirit to obtain all our hearts desire. It's not by our success in obeying all the law - as the accuser (satan) would say, but by the multitude of Father's tender mercies. Glory...let us proclaim his "truth" - many perish for lack of understanding. How can we not hurt for those who are being devoured by the twisted truth of evil - "religiousness and self righteousness".
My objective on a daily bases is to beat my body (mental or physical) to make it my slave. At times it may take listening to "good" music, working out while talking to the Father, curling up on the floor crying out, or fasting - to bring my heart to the place where I can approach the throne in a way pleasing to God, like the tax collector: Luke 18:11 The Pharisee prayed: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and I don’t commit adultery. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! 13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ 14 I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. Reply to this
October 20, 2008 12:45 PM
Sam wrote:
Very good Tony...."what say you?" was my imperfect Tagalog. Thanks Rik....pray for guidance for me, if ya would. Tony....been through it all, as you are going through right now (well, most of it). I too, if I had known, would have claimed I fealt like Job. Feel honored, in a way, that God is allowing Satan to test you. God will only allow so much...there WILL BE a light at the end of this deep tunnel. NOW, as far as advice from me>>>??? Turn your son in to the law. BOY, does THAT ever sound tough. But remember what the Bible says about disciplining your son--how it will save him from death. In this case, you need to act NOW to save him from physical death...we can work on the spiritual growth later. Drugs, as my son found out, will only lead to worse and worse things...I fear him killing someone---at least now he is in a long drug rehabilitation program (Oh, by the way, he has two daughters, one from each of two women, out of wedlock, and he is still unmarried. You need to act now with Jason. No need to get the 'rod' out and beat him--you could end up physically hurting him as well as ending up in jail yourself. BUT, you need to talk to an expert in drug problems. If turning your son into the law seems harsh, find Sonny Sessions--the guy who used to run the ACOC drug rehab program..I'll bet HE could offer some sound advice. How did you handle 'the situation' last night? Why did you argue with your wife? Does she not see the problem(s) facing Jason? Why did you leave the house. Are you and your wife going to see a counsellor, for sure? One huge and important first step. I'd advise asking your preacher WHO you should go see. Don't be ashamed----the past is the past...you need to deal with the now, and the future. TODAY (hopefully you'll check this blog again today) contact Sonny Sessions and your preacher. I am sure you can find their numbers somewhere. Talk with them about the problems (all of them). Get some EXPERT advice. I feel ill-equipped to assist simply because of my lack of knowledge on how to handle these situations---even though I was in similar ones, it is obvious I did not learn how to correct the wrongs. Let's see if all of us can get together this evening...say around 7:30-7:45 somewhere near the East-West Connector (that would include Joe, Rich, Rick, you and I). We can all get together, pray, talk about it, and pray again. What say ALL of you? If I have not heard from you, I will call you all later this afternoon. I have all phone numbers but not sure if Joe's home is correct (770-522-8342). Also, I don't have Joe's, nor Rich's WORK numbers. Mine is 404-464-6954. Reply to this
I always wondered why men in the Bible beat themselves in time of grief or worry. "Beat your body" says Paul. "Beat your breasts for the pleasant fields, for the fruitful vines..." says Isaiah. Know I know. Verse 30 (Today's Proverbs) says "Blows and wounds cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being."
In the American society today, 'normal' poeple don't participate in self flagellation (as seen in the movie, The Da Vinci Code) to rid themselves of sin. Today, we rely on our mind to be able to help us repent, as well as our friends and church ministers. "Don't beat yourself up over it." is a common saying which means, in general terms, and using another saying, "it's water under the bridge", get on with life. ANd that is the way we should, I think, 'get on with it'. We should, using our knowledge and fear of God, repent from sin the best we can, using our minds to remind us of the beatings and sufferings Jesus took for us. We should rely on each other to help us put our sin behind us, and strive toward a sinless life. I don't know when the practice of giving oneself a beating to cleanse away evil stopped, but I am glad it did. However, we should 'beat' our conscience up severely when we continue to indulge in some sort of sin. Wound our conscience, our mind instead of our body, to purge our soles of evil. Today, when you sin (and you probably will), 'kick yourself' in the conscience and see if that helps.)
To Joe.....lately you have listed the Scriptures that you say impact you. We'd like to you share HOW they impact you. Share with the brothers what new and exciting things you learned, and how they can be applied, from reading the Scriptures.
To Rik---well, how did day 1 go?
To Rich---if you could't tell, Rik and Tony went to see FIREPROOF with us the other night (or us with them, I guess) (along with our wives, of course). That is why you have seen what Rik wrote yesterday. Hope you get a chance real soon to get BJ excited enough to go see it.
Reply to this
I had to bite my tounge (metaphoricly) several times. she seemed to repeate the agitative remarks several times because I did not respond.
Reply to this
When we quite kicking ourselves in the conscience we become dull to the Holy Spirit. We know when we sin, 90% of the time it is obvious and we have immediate regret or remorse. It's not the 10% I worry about but the lack of remorse or regret or disgust that scares me
Reply to this
(Verse 1): I did not know that beer was a drink in OT Bible times! Regardless, the message is correct. Alcohol (and drugs) is almost human - that is, they have a power to lead us astray. Here the Bible gives wine and beer "human" characteristics. One is a mocker and the other a brawler. They break down our defenses and let Satan into our hearts. A drink is not bad (actually for some it is) but we all need to always be careful of anything that opens our hearts to the devil.
Verse 6: "Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find?" Ouch!!! I claim to have unfailing love for God. Yet I struggle everyday, all day long with loving God above all else. I struggle with having Bible times and prayer times every day. I struggle with including God in my life every day, all day. I claim to have unfailing love, but am I a faithful man?
I claim to have unfailing love for my wife, but I struggle with lust. Am I a faithful man? I claim to have unfailing love for my children, but I get angry with them when they mess up, when they whine, when they complain or don't help out or when they are ungrateful. Am I a faithful man? I find this verse very challenging. I think faithfulness starts with our relationship with God. That will spill over into the rest of our life. I want to be a faithful man to God. I want to make my claim of unfailing love more than just some idle words.
Reply to this
You are just like the rest of us. All we can do is try. When we fail, and we will, all we can do is ask forgiveness from everyone and pray for strength,understanding and patience. There is a verse that tells what love is, it eludes me right now. We all have the same struggles, some MUCH more than others, we are all human. Patience, prayer and repentance, that's all we have.
Reply to this
Tony is in need of our prayers more now then ever. He left his house last night around 9pm and now his phone is not going though at all please pray.
Reply to this
It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.
this vs could have been used in chapter one Of the love Dare. It takes some discipline to avoid an argument.
The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him.
Men, we are the leaders of our homes, our children are a direct reflection of how we have done as Dads. I know I initially eant to think my wife takes apart in all of this, but that is not what God says. If we are righteous our children will reflect that righteousness, if they dent we must check ourselves!
25 It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows.
Being impulsive, I have never had a benifital thing happen to me by being impulsive, and I am not talking about an impulsive, unplanned date with my wife or something like that. I am talking about purchases, or moves, or big life changing decisions. My advice is to seek advice, pray and do not rush yourself.
Reply to this
To Rik
Good advice.....my 'impulse' is to buy a 1929 Ford Model A I went to see Sunday afternoon. Real good shape..would 'replace' the one which was burned in the house fire which my Dad sold to me. Prayed for guidance yesterday and this AM....am now seeking sound advice. Ano sabi ikaw?
Reply to this
how is the jeep project going?
Is the RV being used regularly?
I have a boat, a motorcycle, and a rental property for sale, go figure.
I think we tend to want things in life that our parents had/did, but we forget they they do not know Christ like we do(at least I know my Dad doesn't) so they may tend to focus on worldly things instead of heavenly things. because we were raised by them we have a learned pattern that mimics theirs. It is a challenge to fight against that learned behavior. The quote from Fireproof comes to mind, "you need to lead your heart not follow it". ask yourself these three questions:
Does making this purchase glorify God?
Can it help me get closer to Him?
Can it help me reach others who need to know HIM?
Really these are the only things in life that matter. I am praying to sell the possessions I mentioned above, I truly want to simplify my life less 'things' to divide my time. Ano gusto mo gawin?
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Gawin mo kung ano ang iyong sasabihin?
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Ano sabi ikaw? What the heck???
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Mac's wife is Spanish, Rick's is Filipino. It took me awhile but I think it is, what you say, and , what you do. So I think I said , do you do what you say. I think. How bout a phone number Joe?
Reply to this
Ohhhh! Spanish and Filipino - I was getting a little freaked out.
Call anytime partner: 770-641-8202
Reply to this
I THINK Rik was asking me "What do I want to work on"?...or even more loosly translated: "Where my money is, there is my heart." (For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.--Mt 6:21).
Reply to this
I want to apologize to God and you all for my not being in the blog lately. I have read all the postings, I have read most of the days, but noting comes to me. I am in a bad place right now, spiritually, mentally, and everything elsely right now. Sometimes I/we let to many things get to us, they become overwhelming. This is my list of secrets, some you know, some you just found out. My daughter Brittany, she is almost 18 is 5 months pregnant. My son Jason who is now 15, just had a son born on Thursday. My wife of 20 years had been cheating on me for the last two years. She has also been abusing drugs and alcohol for the past two years, she has totaled out two cars and had several accidents, all involving drugs and/or alcohol. Just recently I found out she has not made house payments that she said she did. Last night I find my son, Jason, has a stash of three different pills, stolen from friends, cigarettes, cigars, weed and gang bandannas. Needless to say I lost it last night. Verse3, It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel." I tried to be very calm about all this last night, but I lost that battle. My wife and I got into a huge fight and I left. I don't know how to handle all of this any more. I love my wife, though she has pushed it past the limit several times, and I love my children. If I was a righteous person and much more spiritual I would feel like Job. It seams like it is all or nothing, no happy median. But, like Job, I have never cursed God, I have asked him why, and neither have my friends told me to curse God and die, thank you for that. I need your prayers guys, I can not do this alone any more. The movie Fireproof really impacted me at the part where he was 20 days into it and it did not seem to be working. That was when he realized that in order to love someone he had to learn to love first. That is where I am. I know how to give and do, but I don't truly know how to love, according to the bible
Verse 24," A man's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way?" if this is true, it is predestination and we do not have free will. If it is not true as we perceive it, then what does it mean? There is a difference between directed and decided.
Directed is guided, regulated, or managed where as decided is to determine or settle,to bring (a person) to a decision; persuade or convince. I think God does a little of both. He guides us yet at the same time He tries to persuade us. Was Judas directed or decided? Jesus knew what he was going to do, just as God knows our thoughts before we think them. So I ask again, free will or predestination. Sometimes it seems that no matter how hard we think we are trying it just does not work. I got married with the intent of one time, no back door, no way out. I know I have talked to Mac and Rick allot about this, and I have said I am through, the truth is I don't want to be through but we can't go on li
Reply to this
like this anymore. We will seek counseling, both marriage and anger management, please pray for us.
Reply to this
Tony...I remember crying out to the Father years ago, going about 115 miles and hour on a motorcycle. I wanted Him to either take me out of this world or "fix" it. A long painful story...
Father poured His heart out to me and made His thoughts known to me as promised because I responded to Him the only way I knew how.
Countless "miracles" have been revealed to us since then Tony. We don't share many of them because we learned some successes need to be kept in discretion for now.
In short. We don't see what Father sees, but we have His precious promises and we have proof that He keeps His promises. He promises to perfect your situation - soon. We can talk details if that's what you need right now but I just want to make sure you recognize evils lies to you... As I indicated a few days ago evil doesn't want to destroy just you, but your precious wife and children.
For now please believe that Father has given you everything you need today to love yourself, your circle, and allow you to be joyful in your suffering.
I can promise you that this situation hurts for a little while, but will result in amazing joy - very soon.
Because I have experienced and am experiencing most battles you are currently fighting - I can give you a glimpse of my heart. When I got home after church I became excited about your new grandchildren and the joy they are going to bring you and your family.
I am grateful for the opportunity for Father to show His unbelievable love and mercy to someone close to me, and I am thankful for the opportunity to have a man of perseverance in my life that my children admire. You should have heard the positive things they where saying about you on the way home. Is it my children's view of you or the view you have of yourself that I trust???
Reply to this
Going forward, I'll do my best to be a little more practical in sharing God's words that will serve to be my spiritual food throughout this day. My objective is always to have the food I will need to specifically love Father, myself, and those in my circle "today". If I don't spiritually eat something that quenches the thirst of "my soul", my spirit feeds on something else which almost always ends up in spiritual sickness for the day (lust, selfishness, pride, deceit). Evil is pretty consistent in taking advantage of my spiritual sickness to wage unrelenting attacks on those closest to me. Same old story...
Matthew 22:37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 39 ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” This is the bases of our household. Our common question here, "Are you doing your best to do this?"
These are the verses today that taste pretty good to my soul: First, Proverbs 20:24 The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?
My family has asked the Holy Spirit to tap into our lives on a daily bases with power because we knew we could not fix "it" without having the power promised to us from Christ. This word will help us understand that we don't have to know specifics of how the Holy Spirit works, but that we have power through the Spirit to obtain all our hearts desire. It's not by our success in obeying all the law - as the accuser (satan) would say, but by the multitude of Father's tender mercies. Glory...let us proclaim his "truth" - many perish for lack of understanding. How can we not hurt for those who are being devoured by the twisted truth of evil - "religiousness and self righteousness".
My objective on a daily bases is to beat my body (mental or physical) to make it my slave. At times it may take listening to "good" music, working out while talking to the Father, curling up on the floor crying out, or fasting - to bring my heart to the place where I can approach the throne in a way pleasing to God, like the tax collector:
Luke 18:11 The Pharisee prayed: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and I don’t commit adultery. I’m certainly not like that tax collector!
13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ 14 I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God.
Reply to this
Very good Tony...."what say you?" was my imperfect Tagalog.
Thanks Rik....pray for guidance for me, if ya would.
Tony....been through it all, as you are going through right now (well, most of it). I too, if I had known, would have claimed I fealt like Job. Feel honored, in a way, that God is allowing Satan to test you. God will only allow so much...there WILL BE a light at the end of this deep tunnel. NOW, as far as advice from me>>>??? Turn your son in to the law. BOY, does THAT ever sound tough. But remember what the Bible says about disciplining your son--how it will save him from death. In this case, you need to act NOW to save him from physical death...we can work on the spiritual growth later. Drugs, as my son found out, will only lead to worse and worse things...I fear him killing someone---at least now he is in a long drug rehabilitation program (Oh, by the way, he has two daughters, one from each of two women, out of wedlock, and he is still unmarried. You need to act now with Jason. No need to get the 'rod' out and beat him--you could end up physically hurting him as well as ending up in jail yourself. BUT, you need to talk to an expert in drug problems. If turning your son into the law seems harsh, find Sonny Sessions--the guy who used to run the ACOC drug rehab program..I'll bet HE could offer some sound advice.
How did you handle 'the situation' last night? Why did you argue with your wife? Does she not see the problem(s) facing Jason? Why did you leave the house.
Are you and your wife going to see a counsellor, for sure? One huge and important first step. I'd advise asking your preacher WHO you should go see. Don't be ashamed----the past is the past...you need to deal with the now, and the future. TODAY (hopefully you'll check this blog again today) contact Sonny Sessions and your preacher. I am sure you can find their numbers somewhere. Talk with them about the problems (all of them). Get some EXPERT advice. I feel ill-equipped to assist simply because of my lack of knowledge on how to handle these situations---even though I was in similar ones, it is obvious I did not learn how to correct the wrongs.
Let's see if all of us can get together this evening...say around 7:30-7:45 somewhere near the East-West Connector (that would include Joe, Rich, Rick, you and I). We can all get together, pray, talk about it, and pray again.
What say ALL of you? If I have not heard from you, I will call you all later this afternoon. I have all phone numbers but not sure if Joe's home is correct (770-522-8342). Also, I don't have Joe's, nor Rich's WORK numbers. Mine is 404-464-6954.
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Teach me how to cook rolls!
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