If you turn 1corithians chapter 13 verse 1; into a check list for your self, than you will see a even bigger picture.You will find yourself realizing, did I love in everything I do and or did?
I would like to elaborate on this verse a little more Because it takes a lot more energy to deny the deity of Jesus christ/Emanuel than it does to except it.
Acts 9:3-5. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. Here we see Saul in vs 3 he's surrounded by light, "the Glory of God that he spoke to Israel in the wilderness" then he heard a voice from the light, "Saul,Saul, why persecutest thou me" and Saul answers to the only God he knew, being he was a pharisee, WHO art thou Lord? And Jesus answered his question directly! " I AM Jesus " whom thou persecutest. Jesus was returned to his former Glory.
I think today people comes up some way or another a point of view and go to the scripture to authenticate it, rather than first go to the scripture with openness of mind and let the Holyspirit reveal truth
Thank you for sharing so intimately Suzanne. I know, life get's quite difficult & complicated when we have to experience hurdles or sadnesses that might cause us to lose our grip on it. In your case, after the passing away of your Aunt & then an Uncle, you began to console yourself somewhat by needlessly buying things. While it's true that we respond differently to situations, it's more important that we realize that we are no longer in control of ourselves & doing what is right for our lives, & seek to stop our actions, committing ourselves to the Lord for help.
We have a lady friend, a good Christian, who grew up in a very poor family, barely having any comforts in life apart from a bed & other essentials. Also being abused as a youngster, added to her sadness & poor outlook on life. After her marriage to a fine Christian man & both having good jobs, she all of a sudden came 'into money' which she never had before. Not having the privilege of learning about administering finances, she started to buy things (e.g. if she liked a pair of shoes in one colour, she had to have it in all the colours available in the store so she would have a matching pair for her (many) clothes). Her husband despairs, but understands where she's coming from & to some extent allows her. But what we see is a reaction, however abnormal & absurd, to a life of poverty earlier.
Even though you have bought cheaply over the internet, it's still money that has not been wisely spent - it helps to think that we could put aside that spare cash to give to someone in need - it may become more satisfying to you to see the expression of appreciation on someone's face than of a build up of silver objects in the drawer. And of course, the Lord would be pleased by your acts of love to your 'neighbour' & denying yourself. Commit this specific weakness (certainly not a major sin) to the Lord - ask Him what you can do for others or provide for another's needs, that can help you overcome this weakness.
Thanks again 4 talking 2 me about this ,i do appreciate your input very much ,there r 2 things that i struggle with amd im happy 2 talk about 21 of them ,i shall try 2 keep it brief ,in 2017 i was under some stress and sadness that i wasnt able 2 express properly ,my favourite aunty who i love very much became very ill and i knew as soon as i heard that she would die of it ,no one else in my family seemed 2 think this would happen but i knew she wwoulddie ,of course i couldnt go around telling every one this ,so i had 2 keep it 2 my self so in effect i started grieving inwardly 4 her 6 months b 4 she actually died ,during this time i had my 50th birthday and was expected 2 celebrate and b happy so i had 2 put a face on 4 that ,my aunty died 1 week after my 50th .Well ,ive never had a lot of sympathy or patience 4 people with addiction problems ,whatever their addiction might b ,i come from a family of addicts of all sorts ,but when i heard about my aunty i started 2 buy things of the internet ,mostly bits of silver jewellery ,im not rich so i was careful 2 look 4 bargains but i was so happy 2 recieve something nice in the post when i was feeling quite miserable ,by 2018 i realised what i was doing and got a grip of myself then covid came and at the very begining of the 1st lockdown in march my most favourite uncle died suddenly and we werent able 2 give him a family burial ,si ive been buying a few bits of silver again and im so annoyedat myself ,i think imgetting a grip again ,maybe i neede 2 learn not 2 look down my nose at addicts ? I think ive got a handle on my covetousness but i need 2 b tougher in my faith and appreciate all that i have ,better is the sight of the eye than the wandering of the desire.Thanks 4 all your help .
Whether it is sin that weights us down in life or other debilitating circumstances we find ourselves in, it is in God's Plan that both His Spirit & His children be ready to assist to save another from being overwhelmed in Satan's grip. When one member of the Body suffers, we all suffer & the only remedy we can give is our support & encouragement.
I was interested to read your comment: "satan does not make me sin ,i am the sinner ,the sin is all mine ,i am responsible 4 my own sin". I think I understand what you're saying, if by that you mean, that the sin in you & which continues to surface, is because it's already there & that Satan remains just a mute spectator. Even though there is merit in that & we all suffer with a fallen sinful nature passed on to us from the beginning, it is Satan himself who is ever present to appeal to that nature causing us to either obey his voice or to withstand him. Our fallen nature is just that: a nature already degenerated so that no good thing can come out of it. Yes, we might do many good things in our lifetime for people & society in general, but the equal propensity to do evil in our nature also exists. How often, we can be told of a man, decent in every way, loving his family, upright in business, but all of a sudden goes into an outrage against someone who has severely offended him & then lets all control & sensibility be lost, by taking another's life. That almost doesn't make sense, but it's reality as sin is ever present that can make us behave in unimaginable ways, not just by bringing disgrace to ourselves but in greatly offending God.
So you may be "the sinner & the sin is all yours", but every time you fall it's not just sin manifesting itself in you of its own accord, but Satan who takes up the fallen nature & your propensity to sin, to cause that root of sin to be revived & expressed. However, if one finds a delight to sin, I then agree that it comes from us - but we would need to question our faith. James 1:14,15.
Thankyou sooo much 4 taking the time 2 give me such encouragement and support ,i really do appreciate that and your words have comfortef me a lot ,im probably going 2 cause outrage now by saying publicly that satan does not make me sin ,i am the sinner ,the sin is all mine ,i am responsible 4 my own sin , the wages of sin is death and i earn those wages all by myself ,i know God loves and forgives me through Christ my sinless redeemer and you have cheered me up today by not allowing me 2 forget one of the most important principles of Christian truth ,forgiveness ,thanks so much ,may God bless you ,sorry ,may God continue to bless you .
Suzanne, I can see from what you've shared, that you are very sensitive & careful to please the Lord in every area of your life. And yes, we if are honest with ourselves, hardly a day would go by without some sin or some aberrant behaviour we express, that affects us before God & our own consciences. And it would be wrong for anyone to tell you that you are overly introspective & to overlook these things. No sin, however insignificant, can be overlooked & yet, as you state, we are daily cast upon God's mercies & forgiveness because of the shed Blood of His Son, for forgiveness & restoration.
This is the battle we all face in life as Christians & the word to us is always to persevere in our faith & not lose heart. Satan will always be at our door to force us or trap us into some sin - we will be victorious over some - we might fail in others. But I see a couple of key things here for you (& each of us): when our spirits are affected because of some act of sin, we know that it is God's Spirit within us Who is reminding us of our slip up & He is there to help you find forgiveness & restoration: God's Presence. The other thing is that through such failure, we are being taught & strengthened in being more watchful for the next time & in better dealing with it: God's Power. In other words, even though we might not see it, as we gain victories over sin, however small, we are learning to be fully cast upon the Lord & we are becoming more like Him.
If there's a particular area of your life that you know that Satan is attacking you in & causing you to sin, then it is something that needs to be brought before the Lord & your special attention through prayer, reading the Word & using it in those times of temptation. For some, it may be, being given to anger easily, or impatience, or careless thoughts, or many other areas of weakness. All these areas, God is able to help you, strengthen & guide you through, as you look to Him & rest in Him. 1 Corinthians 10:13; James 1:2,3.
I am a baptized Christian and have been reading the Bible daily 4 over 25 years ,i know what i am and am not supposed 2 do and say and believe and every single day i am ashamed of myself for the things that i do and say and think and feel and all the things that i should have said and done ,in other words every day i sin and every day i am sorry and ashamed of myself 4 my sins .After all this time i think i should b able 2 go 1 whole day without sinning ,i am truely weary of my own sinfull self .I thank my God ,the Holy One of Israel ,and his sinless only begotten son ,Jesus Christ the Righteous for being so long suffering and generous and kind and mercyfull 2 me ,even though they know me and all my horribleness better than i even know my own sinfull self ,i am truely thankful that God is not like us ,he is perfect and pure and beautiful and faithful and mercyful and very kind hearted and understanding ,nothing like me !
Hi Christine -- Because the original King James Bible which we are reading here was translated back in 1611, and from the Greek, the word "charitie" may not have quite the same meaning as "charity" today. Today we think of charity mainly as giving to others less fortunate, who need help. But other translations of the Bible both before and after the original King James version translate the Greek word as "love." If you read 1 Corinthians 13 using the word "love," it has a broader and deeper meaning. Love includes charity, but is more profound, especially when we consider that our human love is but part of God's love. No matter what we do, if we don't do it with love, we haven't done it fully, and in the end we're not left with much. Everything else will pass away, but love is eternal. Of faith, hope and love, the greatest of these is love. (verse 13.) As for your helping your friend, it sounds to me like your help was coming from a place of love. Are you sure that your friend meant her message the way you understood it? Was she saying that she would value your friendship even without your help? Sometimes these messages need to be straightened out. Psychology gets involved. Maybe she was feeling guilty for accepting your help. Maybe a longer discussion with her would help straighten it all out. And it also sounds like a Bible-study group might be of great use to you as far as Biblical meaning is concerned. Reading the Bible can be daunting. Is there a church that might have a Bible-study group that they have put on-line that you might attend, and that you might attend in person after the pandemic?
Charity is Love & Love is Charity, that's why it's the greatest-God is Love & showed it through His Son, Jesus. Charity & Love is to share Christ with those who do not know Him. You can love without sharing, but you can't share without loving. Charity & Love-the Greatest!
If you were of the world, the world would love his own: but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world Hates you.
> You're not doing anything wrong that makes people persecute you. They just hate "who" is inside of you.
When people encounter someone who produces the fruit of the Holy Spirit, they are attracted and repelled at the same time. You're, kind, thoughtful, energetic. They also feel conviction about the sins they try to hide within themselves.
Now satan has you on the defensive and he has almost rendered you unable to bear the rejection of Christ inside of you. Realize who it is that is trying to shut you down so you can protect that tender Christ loving heart inside of you; that beats for lost souls.
Get mad at the right person (satan) and get back to what you love.
I'm really sorry this happened to you. Myself, I used to be naive. Now I'm naive with Wisdom. When you help someone out a long period of time, like you did. They sorta know it's not fair to you, and you should help others with needs too. I think it's subconscious; they wiggle out of the bond to feel less guilty of holding you back.
Just forgive them ok. May the Lord bless your faithfulness and show you how much He truly loves you. Book of Joel 2:28-29, Galatians 3:28. A handmaiden and daughter of the Lord.
> I want to encourage you and perhaps change your confession. I was thrilled when the Holy Spirit cleared my misconceptions about my memory. At that time my mother was presenting with dementia. That day I was asking: "scientists say that we only use 10 percent of our brains." Why can't we have more memory (like a computer)?
I got quiet and waited a long time. Finally, the Holy Spirit said: "you have the Mind of Christ." I scrambled for the Bible to look that up.
1 Corinthians 2
14 But the NATURAL man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned. (We must be born again)
15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But WE HAVE the MIND OF CHRIST.
> Jesus teaches us the meaning of scripture through the Holy Spirit. That is part of his ministry to us. Always ask Him to teach you.
IF we are born again, and have RECEIVED the Holy Spirits's Baptism?
John 14:16
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
John 14:26
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
John 15:26
But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
John 16
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;
10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world (Satan), is judged.
You wrote of the anger that builds up inside you when you are lied to, maybe continually. To be angry against the sin of others is not wrong, but to harbour it, thus allowing it to slowly eat into us is wrong; Ephesians 4:26, "Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath". There is an anger that isn't sin, even as Jesus showed anger when He went to the Temple & saw people treating the House of God with contempt ( John 2:13-16). So there is a righteous anger, as we call it, but there is an unrighteous anger that has its roots in self-pity & not receiving that which we deserve. We can get upset & angry, but we need to repent, fix up the matter with those concerned & go to bed without storing up that anger. It is hard to do, but the Lord will help when there is true Love.
It's not clear as to why your friend felt that your help to her was your attempt to "buy her friendship". Maybe it was something you did or said that she misconstrued, or even her own thoughts getting away with her & she came to a wrong judgement. In all such cases, if she will allow it, the matter should be aired in all seriousness & humility, so as to restore the bond of friendship you once enjoyed. You may even want to approach her with that desire: to rectify & make amends for whatever has caused this rift.
If the Lord has put it upon your heart to help people wherever you can, then this is a most worthy pursuit as your sole motivation is from the Lord & for the people in need, just as maybe you once were in need in your earlier days. So Christine, just a few thoughts to guide you. May the Lord guide you in this & bless your life. And by the way, you expressed yourself very well though not having had much education - just goes to show that there is an ability we are blessed with beyond the bounds of man deems is necessary.
Thank you for sharing that intimate part of your life Christine, & about the hurt that you've been holding onto. If I could focus on some of your issues: some of the words or expressions used in the Bible can be difficult to comprehend so we sometimes have to look for assistance elsewhere (e.g. various Bible Study Tools). In 1 Corinthians chap 13 (what we call Paul's Love chapter), Paul was first speaking about spiritual gifts given by God to believers & how to use them, in chapter 12. Then in chapter 13, Paul says that even though he may have received many of those gifts to bless the Church, yet if Love was absent, none of that mattered. Even if he was charitable (giving for others' needs), if Love wasn't there, he would just be like a musical brass instrument just making a noise.
The word "charity" in Common Greek (the language that the NT was written in), actually means 'True, God-given Love, a sacrificial Love' & not just being charitable. Paul is trying to show us that just by being charitable to someone doesn't necessarily mean we are displaying that Love from God - it could be for conscience sake, desire to help someone, even trying to build up some 'brownie points' to please God. Only a pure Love out of a pure heart will produce a sincere giving of oneself for another person. So Paul goes on to explain this Godly Love in verses 4-7: Love (shown to people) is patient, kind, without envy, without self-promotion, brings good behaviour, not self-seeking, does not retaliate, hates iniquity (all sins & errors) but doesn't judge, loves Truth, puts up with a lot but thinks no ill of others, rests on hope which gives endurance to finish our life course well, are the sorts of things that Paul says are the virtues of this Love. And finally in verse 13: 'even though all three (having great faith, unshakeable hope, & Godly Love) are so important, the greatest one, on which everything hangs, is Love.
I never had an education as such, due to chronic illness as a child, and find whilst I live by truth, I become angry with people who constantly tell lies. Due to often hardships in life, I find at the age of 70, I hold bitterness within. I have always believed n God and as a child prayed night and day continuous to let me live and to help me to breath. It is through God I strongly believe that I am alive today, and without it problems I had my family, whom I love very much. It was in my thirties and second marriage, I had a massive attack and was in a coma for a few weeks, upon awakening I was told I was very luck to be alive, they never expected me too pull through. I remember feeling very light as if I had been thoroughly blessed, upon awakening. However, I find it hard to UNDERSTAND GODS WORD, through my lack of education, and on the times I attempted to read the Bible found it too daunting to understand, so I gave up trying to read it. Upon reading 1 Corinthians ch13 V1-13, I found it hard to actually comprehend its meaning. What I deduced from it was about being charitable, where I have always helped others less fortunate than myself and I felt needed help. That was until a friend of mine who Had five young children and was divorced from her husband, told me in NO uncertain terms by text, after helping her for two years, where she greatly accepted my help an would often hint for other assistance; THAT I DID NOT HAVE TO BUY HER FRIENDSHIP, It was out of the blue, and that was all that was stated. I did not know where that came from and was greatly hurt by that as I thought I was helping her out, and that she knew me better than that. I walked away from her, after replying to her, I thought I was her friend, I don't buy anyone. Whilst I still help others, I feel very vulnerable about helping and being charitable. Can some explain to me the text I have just read, I do not expect any rewards for helping people, I thought that was being charitable.
1 Corinthians 13:5 KJV - 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
Other inferior versions of the Bible have this verse end with " it (love) keeps no record of wrongs." This is simply not true. God is love and His Word is full of records of wrongs against Himself and others. This doesn't mean we don't work on forgiviving others, but forgiveness does not equal forgetting. God created our brains with a memory that stores emotionally-laden events permanently. It is impossible to forget meaningful events in our lives whether they are negative or positive.
Thank you, it brought tears to my eyes, im struggling to savemy marriage and i recently found out that my husband may have gotten another pregnant. He says thas impossible because he was not with her. I need the Lord to lean on for strength. Thanks again for sharing! It is exactly what i needed to be reminded of! God Bless
I've told this before. Just how much Jesus loves and forgives us. He didn't do this just for me; he did it for you too.
It's a vision. I saw Jesus still nailed to the Cross. It was lying on the Rocky ground. I was hurting immensely. Every time I told someone I had been saved: they would tell me that, anyone as evil I had been, could Not possibly get saved. They would laugh.
My heart said that you can still make others hate you. The devil was tempting me.
In my vision I picked up a large rock and began hitting the nails in Jesus's hands. He didn't cry or jump. He stared into my eyes and said, I Love You. Every time I struck Him, He'd say the same thing: I Love You.
I threw away the rock and fell into His arms. I love you, my child, forever.
The vision ended and I knew with never another doubt that Jesus loves me. He'll love you too, if He is what you want and need forever. He gives whole arm hugs. His love satisfies the inner chamber of our hearts. Whatever you need from Him; just ask Him. If you want to take a walk, He'll go with you and point out things in creation we both love.
I was a major "freeway accident" when I met Jesus. Everything in my soul was crushed. I couldn't trust love. I couldn't receive love. I was my own worst enemy.
Every detail I learn about Him, strengthens the bond. I read my Bible voraciously to find out everything He is. He is stronger than any element on earth and in heaven too. His will is so strong, He laid His life down; for all of humankind. And then He took His life up again. He's on a mission to rescue all those who will, to be born again.
He's not someone who will disappear if we look gross or act up to get attention. His love covers a multitude of sins.
Whatever your soul cries out for: allow Jesus to fill that deepest need. He will love you back into health and wholeness. The heart wants what it wants, and needs. I love that song: he walks with me and he talks with me; and tells me I am His own...
25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity
26 MENS' HEARTS failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
********
I do not want to frighten anyone; but Satan wants to. He desires people to reject Jesus in word and deed NOW, rather than wait Till the end of the Tribulation period.
He has released billions of demons to spark riots, violence, theft, murder, suicide, depression, Fears: of disease, the future, no jobs, no income, death, starvation, homelessness. Demons to strike fear in people's minds. Satan wants us to bail and kill ourselves. He is all of those things. He is a Hunter of Souls. He KNOWS he's going to Hell and he wants to steal souls from Jesus.
Go on YouTube, search: spiritual warfare, and get some tools on how to beat up on demons: bind them, cast them into dry places or outer darkness. They are invisible, so don't let that throw you off. Ephesians 6
Part of the Harvest is praying every day for that harvest to survive until scripture gets to them in time to save their souls. All lukewarm Christians will surely suffer loss of rewards in Heaven, if they intend to just sit on their salvation and do nothing for those that are perishing!
Description of a goat: I would like to go witnessing and pray for people's salvation and healing.....But But But But But. Does that sound like a goat?
Matthew 25:32 (Read the whole chapter)
And before him (Jesus) shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
Everyone should do the work of an evangelist: going, giving, praying hard for, doing the work of an evangelist:
2 Timothy 4:5
This website has a Prayer Request room that has people come in there every day. GO YE in there and pray for them! Don't just sit on your gifts. Are they saved?
32 Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
33 These things I have spoken unto you, that IN ME ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
I was sent in here almost a year ago. God knows my body is older now, but my Faith is rock solid towards God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit who helps us to Persist in bringing salvation to those who are perishing. I want you to hold onto what you have, and trust in what you already know. Consider...that you were chosen too. As much as Peter, John and Paul. You have a testimony of Gods Love that no one else has. It has power that the Holy Spirit will use to convince sinners that they need that Power To Live also. Mine: I was revealing a horoscope to a backslid Methodist; when the Lord sorta rolled back her face; and I was then looking into His Face. She left and I was in a "state", I cannot define really. Arrested on a "Damascus Road". He is absolutely ALIVE
After 36 years, here I am. I believe He has picked you too. He lets us see the miseries of human life to spur us forward to show them their need for a Risen Savior. He's not out of reach. He's as close as your next breath. If you are stuffed full of scripture and stories (parables), He will use those as you are willing to give them to Jesus. He's numbered our days and recorded them in a book. We're like an army of Noah's that are loading the Ark, which is Jesus Christ.
In addition to building the Ark, Noah preached salvation to the unbelievers. Get in the Ark. Be saved. Not everyone will pray with you for salvation. Don't internalize.
2 Timothy 3:13 evil will wax WORSE and WORSE. Read all of 2 Timothy chapter 3 & 4:1-4.
Paul is telling us to grow up. He told the Corinthians in chapter 3 that they were babes and could not handle meaningful doctrine while they were still carnally minded. Then in chapter 12 their self serving focus on the gifts was actually hindering the intended use of them which is to build up the body of Christ. He then shows them the better, mature way which is charity.
Charity is essentially what Jesus commanded in John 13:34-35, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
Also in John 15:12-13, "This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (Which incidentally points to the Cross.)
Ephesians 4:11-16 gives a fuller development of this necessary work of edifying the body, that we henceforth be no more children...
I would like to elaborate on this verse a little more Because it takes a lot more energy to deny the deity of Jesus christ/Emanuel than it does to except it.
Acts 9:3-5. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. Here we see Saul in vs 3 he's surrounded by light, "the Glory of God that he spoke to Israel in the wilderness" then he heard a voice from the light, "Saul,Saul, why persecutest thou me" and Saul answers to the only God he knew, being he was a pharisee, WHO art thou Lord? And Jesus answered his question directly! " I AM Jesus " whom thou persecutest. Jesus was returned to his former Glory.
thank you
There are no excuses for errors . The Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth , the word of God promises this .
Errors are human and from the devil originally.
I recommend the bible only .
Please direct me.
Thank you In Jesus' name,
Susan
We have a lady friend, a good Christian, who grew up in a very poor family, barely having any comforts in life apart from a bed & other essentials. Also being abused as a youngster, added to her sadness & poor outlook on life. After her marriage to a fine Christian man & both having good jobs, she all of a sudden came 'into money' which she never had before. Not having the privilege of learning about administering finances, she started to buy things (e.g. if she liked a pair of shoes in one colour, she had to have it in all the colours available in the store so she would have a matching pair for her (many) clothes). Her husband despairs, but understands where she's coming from & to some extent allows her. But what we see is a reaction, however abnormal & absurd, to a life of poverty earlier.
Even though you have bought cheaply over the internet, it's still money that has not been wisely spent - it helps to think that we could put aside that spare cash to give to someone in need - it may become more satisfying to you to see the expression of appreciation on someone's face than of a build up of silver objects in the drawer. And of course, the Lord would be pleased by your acts of love to your 'neighbour' & denying yourself. Commit this specific weakness (certainly not a major sin) to the Lord - ask Him what you can do for others or provide for another's needs, that can help you overcome this weakness.
I was interested to read your comment: "satan does not make me sin ,i am the sinner ,the sin is all mine ,i am responsible 4 my own sin". I think I understand what you're saying, if by that you mean, that the sin in you & which continues to surface, is because it's already there & that Satan remains just a mute spectator. Even though there is merit in that & we all suffer with a fallen sinful nature passed on to us from the beginning, it is Satan himself who is ever present to appeal to that nature causing us to either obey his voice or to withstand him. Our fallen nature is just that: a nature already degenerated so that no good thing can come out of it. Yes, we might do many good things in our lifetime for people & society in general, but the equal propensity to do evil in our nature also exists. How often, we can be told of a man, decent in every way, loving his family, upright in business, but all of a sudden goes into an outrage against someone who has severely offended him & then lets all control & sensibility be lost, by taking another's life. That almost doesn't make sense, but it's reality as sin is ever present that can make us behave in unimaginable ways, not just by bringing disgrace to ourselves but in greatly offending God.
So you may be "the sinner & the sin is all yours", but every time you fall it's not just sin manifesting itself in you of its own accord, but Satan who takes up the fallen nature & your propensity to sin, to cause that root of sin to be revived & expressed. However, if one finds a delight to sin, I then agree that it comes from us - but we would need to question our faith. James 1:14,15.
This is the battle we all face in life as Christians & the word to us is always to persevere in our faith & not lose heart. Satan will always be at our door to force us or trap us into some sin - we will be victorious over some - we might fail in others. But I see a couple of key things here for you (& each of us): when our spirits are affected because of some act of sin, we know that it is God's Spirit within us Who is reminding us of our slip up & He is there to help you find forgiveness & restoration: God's Presence. The other thing is that through such failure, we are being taught & strengthened in being more watchful for the next time & in better dealing with it: God's Power. In other words, even though we might not see it, as we gain victories over sin, however small, we are learning to be fully cast upon the Lord & we are becoming more like Him.
If there's a particular area of your life that you know that Satan is attacking you in & causing you to sin, then it is something that needs to be brought before the Lord & your special attention through prayer, reading the Word & using it in those times of temptation. For some, it may be, being given to anger easily, or impatience, or careless thoughts, or many other areas of weakness. All these areas, God is able to help you, strengthen & guide you through, as you look to Him & rest in Him. 1 Corinthians 10:13; James 1:2,3.
If you were of the world, the world would love his own: but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world Hates you.
> You're not doing anything wrong that makes people persecute you. They just hate "who" is inside of you.
When people encounter someone who produces the fruit of the Holy Spirit, they are attracted and repelled at the same time. You're, kind, thoughtful, energetic. They also feel conviction about the sins they try to hide within themselves.
Now satan has you on the defensive and he has almost rendered you unable to bear the rejection of Christ inside of you. Realize who it is that is trying to shut you down so you can protect that tender Christ loving heart inside of you; that beats for lost souls.
Get mad at the right person (satan) and get back to what you love.
I'm really sorry this happened to you. Myself, I used to be naive. Now I'm naive with Wisdom. When you help someone out a long period of time, like you did. They sorta know it's not fair to you, and you should help others with needs too. I think it's subconscious; they wiggle out of the bond to feel less guilty of holding you back.
Just forgive them ok. May the Lord bless your faithfulness and show you how much He truly loves you. Book of Joel 2:28-29, Galatians 3:28. A handmaiden and daughter of the Lord.
> I want to encourage you and perhaps change your confession. I was thrilled when the Holy Spirit cleared my misconceptions about my memory. At that time my mother was presenting with dementia. That day I was asking: "scientists say that we only use 10 percent of our brains." Why can't we have more memory (like a computer)?
I got quiet and waited a long time. Finally, the Holy Spirit said: "you have the Mind of Christ." I scrambled for the Bible to look that up.
1 Corinthians 2
14 But the NATURAL man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned. (We must be born again)
15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But WE HAVE the MIND OF CHRIST.
> Jesus teaches us the meaning of scripture through the Holy Spirit. That is part of his ministry to us. Always ask Him to teach you.
IF we are born again, and have RECEIVED the Holy Spirits's Baptism?
John 14:16
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
John 14:26
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
John 15:26
But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
John 16
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;
10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world (Satan), is judged.
SEE PART 2>>>>
You wrote of the anger that builds up inside you when you are lied to, maybe continually. To be angry against the sin of others is not wrong, but to harbour it, thus allowing it to slowly eat into us is wrong; Ephesians 4:26, "Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath". There is an anger that isn't sin, even as Jesus showed anger when He went to the Temple & saw people treating the House of God with contempt ( John 2:13-16). So there is a righteous anger, as we call it, but there is an unrighteous anger that has its roots in self-pity & not receiving that which we deserve. We can get upset & angry, but we need to repent, fix up the matter with those concerned & go to bed without storing up that anger. It is hard to do, but the Lord will help when there is true Love.
It's not clear as to why your friend felt that your help to her was your attempt to "buy her friendship". Maybe it was something you did or said that she misconstrued, or even her own thoughts getting away with her & she came to a wrong judgement. In all such cases, if she will allow it, the matter should be aired in all seriousness & humility, so as to restore the bond of friendship you once enjoyed. You may even want to approach her with that desire: to rectify & make amends for whatever has caused this rift.
If the Lord has put it upon your heart to help people wherever you can, then this is a most worthy pursuit as your sole motivation is from the Lord & for the people in need, just as maybe you once were in need in your earlier days. So Christine, just a few thoughts to guide you. May the Lord guide you in this & bless your life. And by the way, you expressed yourself very well though not having had much education - just goes to show that there is an ability we are blessed with beyond the bounds of man deems is necessary.
Thank you for sharing that intimate part of your life Christine, & about the hurt that you've been holding onto. If I could focus on some of your issues: some of the words or expressions used in the Bible can be difficult to comprehend so we sometimes have to look for assistance elsewhere (e.g. various Bible Study Tools). In 1 Corinthians chap 13 (what we call Paul's Love chapter), Paul was first speaking about spiritual gifts given by God to believers & how to use them, in chapter 12. Then in chapter 13, Paul says that even though he may have received many of those gifts to bless the Church, yet if Love was absent, none of that mattered. Even if he was charitable (giving for others' needs), if Love wasn't there, he would just be like a musical brass instrument just making a noise.
The word "charity" in Common Greek (the language that the NT was written in), actually means 'True, God-given Love, a sacrificial Love' & not just being charitable. Paul is trying to show us that just by being charitable to someone doesn't necessarily mean we are displaying that Love from God - it could be for conscience sake, desire to help someone, even trying to build up some 'brownie points' to please God. Only a pure Love out of a pure heart will produce a sincere giving of oneself for another person. So Paul goes on to explain this Godly Love in verses 4-7: Love (shown to people) is patient, kind, without envy, without self-promotion, brings good behaviour, not self-seeking, does not retaliate, hates iniquity (all sins & errors) but doesn't judge, loves Truth, puts up with a lot but thinks no ill of others, rests on hope which gives endurance to finish our life course well, are the sorts of things that Paul says are the virtues of this Love. And finally in verse 13: 'even though all three (having great faith, unshakeable hope, & Godly Love) are so important, the greatest one, on which everything hangs, is Love.
I'm trying to understand why that was the translation of "thinketh no evil"
Other inferior versions of the Bible have this verse end with " it (love) keeps no record of wrongs." This is simply not true. God is love and His Word is full of records of wrongs against Himself and others. This doesn't mean we don't work on forgiviving others, but forgiveness does not equal forgetting. God created our brains with a memory that stores emotionally-laden events permanently. It is impossible to forget meaningful events in our lives whether they are negative or positive.
It's a vision. I saw Jesus still nailed to the Cross. It was lying on the Rocky ground. I was hurting immensely. Every time I told someone I had been saved: they would tell me that, anyone as evil I had been, could Not possibly get saved. They would laugh.
My heart said that you can still make others hate you. The devil was tempting me.
In my vision I picked up a large rock and began hitting the nails in Jesus's hands. He didn't cry or jump. He stared into my eyes and said, I Love You. Every time I struck Him, He'd say the same thing: I Love You.
I threw away the rock and fell into His arms. I love you, my child, forever.
The vision ended and I knew with never another doubt that Jesus loves me. He'll love you too, if He is what you want and need forever. He gives whole arm hugs. His love satisfies the inner chamber of our hearts. Whatever you need from Him; just ask Him. If you want to take a walk, He'll go with you and point out things in creation we both love.
I was a major "freeway accident" when I met Jesus. Everything in my soul was crushed. I couldn't trust love. I couldn't receive love. I was my own worst enemy.
Every detail I learn about Him, strengthens the bond. I read my Bible voraciously to find out everything He is. He is stronger than any element on earth and in heaven too. His will is so strong, He laid His life down; for all of humankind. And then He took His life up again. He's on a mission to rescue all those who will, to be born again.
He's not someone who will disappear if we look gross or act up to get attention. His love covers a multitude of sins.
Whatever your soul cries out for: allow Jesus to fill that deepest need. He will love you back into health and wholeness. The heart wants what it wants, and needs. I love that song: he walks with me and he talks with me; and tells me I am His own...
25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity
26 MENS' HEARTS failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
********
I do not want to frighten anyone; but Satan wants to. He desires people to reject Jesus in word and deed NOW, rather than wait Till the end of the Tribulation period.
He has released billions of demons to spark riots, violence, theft, murder, suicide, depression, Fears: of disease, the future, no jobs, no income, death, starvation, homelessness. Demons to strike fear in people's minds. Satan wants us to bail and kill ourselves. He is all of those things. He is a Hunter of Souls. He KNOWS he's going to Hell and he wants to steal souls from Jesus.
Go on YouTube, search: spiritual warfare, and get some tools on how to beat up on demons: bind them, cast them into dry places or outer darkness. They are invisible, so don't let that throw you off. Ephesians 6
Part of the Harvest is praying every day for that harvest to survive until scripture gets to them in time to save their souls. All lukewarm Christians will surely suffer loss of rewards in Heaven, if they intend to just sit on their salvation and do nothing for those that are perishing!
Description of a goat: I would like to go witnessing and pray for people's salvation and healing.....But But But But But. Does that sound like a goat?
Matthew 25:32 (Read the whole chapter)
And before him (Jesus) shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
Everyone should do the work of an evangelist: going, giving, praying hard for, doing the work of an evangelist:
2 Timothy 4:5
This website has a Prayer Request room that has people come in there every day. GO YE in there and pray for them! Don't just sit on your gifts. Are they saved?
31 Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?
32 Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
33 These things I have spoken unto you, that IN ME ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
I was sent in here almost a year ago. God knows my body is older now, but my Faith is rock solid towards God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit who helps us to Persist in bringing salvation to those who are perishing. I want you to hold onto what you have, and trust in what you already know. Consider...that you were chosen too. As much as Peter, John and Paul. You have a testimony of Gods Love that no one else has. It has power that the Holy Spirit will use to convince sinners that they need that Power To Live also. Mine: I was revealing a horoscope to a backslid Methodist; when the Lord sorta rolled back her face; and I was then looking into His Face. She left and I was in a "state", I cannot define really. Arrested on a "Damascus Road". He is absolutely ALIVE
After 36 years, here I am. I believe He has picked you too. He lets us see the miseries of human life to spur us forward to show them their need for a Risen Savior. He's not out of reach. He's as close as your next breath. If you are stuffed full of scripture and stories (parables), He will use those as you are willing to give them to Jesus. He's numbered our days and recorded them in a book. We're like an army of Noah's that are loading the Ark, which is Jesus Christ.
In addition to building the Ark, Noah preached salvation to the unbelievers. Get in the Ark. Be saved. Not everyone will pray with you for salvation. Don't internalize.
2 Timothy 3:13 evil will wax WORSE and WORSE. Read all of 2 Timothy chapter 3 & 4:1-4.
PART 2 on the way!
Charity is essentially what Jesus commanded in John 13:34-35, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
Also in John 15:12-13, "This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (Which incidentally points to the Cross.)
Ephesians 4:11-16 gives a fuller development of this necessary work of edifying the body, that we henceforth be no more children...