marni

A few mins for this:

It is not easy to be humble as the word says, being lowly, admitting we’re sinners and not having all the answers. I understand many ‘great’ persons came to be what and where they are for being servant leaders, and many are even misunderstood. Servants are (supposed to be) humble and meek, and that doesn’t come naturally, so it’s actually going against our nature when we’re impatient to get something, or something done. Pride can be the need for power, and can we offer our other cheek (Matt. 5.39) when others cannot wait or keep up with how slow, ‘mediocre’ or just different we are or we do things? There’s a line I just read on Prov. 22.4, where humility and fear of God are equated with riches, honor, and life. This partly implies people gain riches and the others because they have walked humbly and feared God. ‘If you are disappointed or unmoved by heavenly riches, you have neither humility nor the fear of the Lord, and you do not understand real wealth (Luke 16.11).’ Working for both material and heavenly riches requires humility, and is not easy esp because we’ll go out of our comfort zones and make sacrifices as we obey.

I wasnt exactly following this, tho at some point i asked others to please help pray for them. But if you can reach out and touch in any way, some updates here: https://www.facebook.com/bringbackourgirls

I did not get to read the whole, but was this where Corrie told about the small bottle of vitamins she hoarded, and wc seemed to last so long she thought it was a miracle like oil not drying out.

Seems interesting... will try.

Thanks the info. Looking at health topics and just found this thread. Have any here come across or considered lessening acid-forming foods as sugars as explained in http://www.collegeofnaturalhealth.us/resources/acid-alkaline-diet.php or other cancer sites as http://www.acidalkalinediet.net/acidosis-the-kiss-of-death.php Will appreciate what others think.

Thanks for the ideas, from the others too. As i said, (unlike Christmas) we didnt go thru that as kids, so i just read up and saw what other Christians are saying. Once i saw a JW give a response/testimony in yahoo answers and thought, why, he sounds more like a Christian the way he defends his belief/decision... Basically, it's a practice based on Rom. 14, is it not? I'd like to paraphrase or shorten these, but might as well paste what they said. After all, i'm also reading on these, no! Amazingfacts (an SDA site) says: Provide appropriate alternatives. Some churches attempt to guide people away from traditional Halloween activities to something better. Children will go to a church-sponsored and learn about animals, listen to a spiritual talk on Noah and the ark, and enjoy some innocent games. Parents are thankful to have an option for kids who are eager to go out and collect candy or dress up in scary costumes or attend public school events. Refrain from a judgmental spirit. Perhaps your fellow Christians are working through how to deal with Halloween. Maybe they are not as clear or convicted as you are about what to do—especially those with children. Approaching them with an angry or critical spirit will not help them. Instead of condemning parents, why not invite families into your home for a short Bible study (age-appropriate), refreshments, and family-building games. Make it a time of worship and fellowship with the emphasis that as Christians the only thing we “hallow” is the name of our Heavenly Father to whom Jesus taught us when we pray to say, “Hallowed be Your name” (Matthew 6:9). Gotquestions org said it this way: If Christians are going to take part in Halloween, their attitude, dress, and most importantly, their behavior should still reflect a redeemed life (Philippians 1:27). There are many churches that hold "harvest festivals" and incorporate costumes, but in a godly environment. There are many Christians who hand out tracts that share the Gospel along with the Halloween candy. The decision is ultimately ours to make. But as with all things, we are to incorporate the principles ofRomans 14. We can’t allow our own convictions about a holiday to cause division in the body of Christ, nor can we use our freedom to cause others to stumble in their faith. We are to do all things as to the Lord.

I haven’t been to ctf for a while, until I visited the other day and found the Halloween thread. I’m getting back here bec. I kept remembering the next entry to the Scripture Union’s link, wc is Christiananswers.net when I googled Halloween christian. (But let me say when I did Halloween only, what came out was simply costumes and paraphernalia, or, business opportunities for the businessmen?). This last site has some verses, links, and alternatives. Please tell what you think. Intercession and spiritual warfare should be the first item on our agenda. It is NOT a last resort! § Join with other families in the church. Have the pastor announce a night of spiritual battle. Organize a group of Christians parents and students from your children’s school or homeschool group. As a family, designate the seven nights before October 31 as Family Prayer Outreach nights. § Pray for protection. Pray over both those who engage in prayer warfare and over those who will be out trick-or-treating or at Halloween parties. October 31 is a prime recruiting time for witches and Satanists… and a time for interested kids to experiment. Pray that the Lord keeps our kids from falling prey to those who worship the enemy. § Pray for discernment. Let the Holy Spirit direct you to specific prayer requests. Pray that the children who are “out there” will somehow “know” to keep away from certain activities. § Pray that the Lord hinder the occult rituals. For four years, I lived in a building which over looked a cemetery where occult ceremonial markings were often found. On certain occult feast days, usually between midnight and 3 a.m., I would look down into the darkness and kneel at my window binding the demons that controlled the ceremonies. § Pray for the salvation of the occultists. Jesus Christ died for those whom Satan holds captive and deceived, for those who mock Him, who deny His deity or His existence. He doesn’t want them to perish, but to come to Him calling Him Father, Lord. Pray the veil is lifted from their eyes, the Lord allows them to see clearly their spiritual condition and their only hope lies in Jesus Christ. Pray also, about whether the Lord would have you take a more active role in bringing the gospel to Satan’s servants. § Let your children know that this is effective warfare. They must know their prayers are heard and acted on by our Father. Let them know they can make a difference. Come October 31, they’ll know they have a job to do. http://christiananswers.net/q-eden/halloween.html

Just causing a little trouble... Not at all. This was meant to be a place to say what you think or feel, or believe in. If it makes others think again abt traditions, etc., then you've done your part. I'm sure some others have reservations too. For my part, we grew up catholic, but even then we didnt practice or celebrate the trick or treat stuff when we were growing up, so... At this point there's no way i can convince myself i can have harmless fun that way, or need to. Anyway, if people are honest to themselves, they could or would probably research on and pray on the matter more and see what it's truly all about.

Growing up, we never really celebrated it. I believe many have found it fun and have had precious memories, but that's how it was, not really thought much abt it. Anyway, i tried to read some on it yesterday. The Scripture Union has a short article here: http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/Families/Parents/Talkingabout/Halloween/1198.id

I loved to listen and sing to church music, til i saw even that could be an idol in one's life when we don't guard our heart. Here, just to point to some things written by a watchman, to help others if we're too 'lax' about how we deal w/ or choose what we worship with: "Let’s say there was a Mormon who wrote a hymn which actually had orthodox theology, and the “worship leader” thought it would be a good one for the congregation to sing. So the lyrics go up on the screen and the copyright says, “Latter-day Saints.” Should this song be used? What if the song was written by a Jehovah’s Witness, and the copyright line projected with the lyrics said, “Watchtower Bible and Tract Society.” Should this song be used? The answer to both of these should be, “NO!” As the congregation looks at the lyrics, they see where the lyrics came from, and it would appear that the leaders are giving tacit approval to these cults by using their material." from http://watchmansbagpipes.blogspot.com/

You don't know how many more times ive asked that big Why, as well as How? Tho entirely different experiences, there is an overlap in what we go thru, and many times no other could answer. Persevere, that's what I could say, but in truth I and others may also be struggling as hard as u are, trapped sometimes in places where we ourselves have put ourselves into-- but not always. Sometimes Proverbs can answer some of those hard to ask and answer stuff-- I returned to this commentary wc you might wish to read on Prov. 16.4: http://www.letgodbetrue.com/proverbs/commentaries/16_04.php You could search thru wc verse speaks more, and what it could be saying to you. Hope this helps a bit.

I was glad to read of your testimony, and know others are blessed.

Wine is good. God made it to cheer man (Ps 104:14-15; Jdgs 9:13; Zec 9:17). A simple, quick test of a person’s knowledge of God and the Bible is his opinion of wine. Cheers! from http://www.letgodbetrue.com/proverbs/commentaries/20_01.php We didnt grow up drinking, but weren't really taught it was bad. This was just a site too good to pass by, w/ wisdom from Proverbs.

For this i think you could say: "I know my English is poor. Please help me correct it." You could use a simple textbook, but friends here could help you too who have more time.

Yes, those are beautiful Christmas songs we also memorized as kids, esp. Hark! I wonder if not very many young children still appreciate or sing that from heart? And one of the faves:

What i immediately remember is God speaking in a still, small voice. However, He also speaks in other ways, as in thunder. There's a blog from Elizabeth Prata on the latter, with link here: http://the-end-time.blogspot.com/2011/03/language-of-god-thunder.html Even Job describes God's voice as thunder in Job 37.2-12. And there's another article on God's voice in http://the-end-time.blogspot.com/2011/03/language-of-god-thunder.html where i'm quoting this for the Biblical references: Down through man's history, a few people have indeed heard God's voice. God spoke directly to Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:8), to Cain (Genesis 4:6), to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3; 17:1-2), to Jacob (Genesis 28:13-15; 32:26-29), to Moses (Exodus 3:4; 19:19), to Elijah (I Kings 19:9, 11-12) and others. In almost every case, Old Testament and New, it was the voice of Jesus Christ—the Logos, the Spokesman, the Word of God—that they heard.

Never got to reply to this, but thanks. Went a while ago, and yes, might need to go sometime. My pa used to say take care of your eyes, and been very careful as far as i know. But when u start using reading glasses, it's just different=(. So guys just take care too.

Yes, time for greets!

Yes, been following Israel... then again u come across some material that says to pay attention to Turkey too. Thought could post the link here: http://www.renewthemindministries.com/home/the-seven-churches-of-the-revelation/

I just met jamie jorge, the cuban-born violinist online. He was a med student bef. deciding to play music as ministry instead.

Austin, Thanks for sharing this. With the proliferation of false teachers and teachings however, we must be more careful what we read and listen to nowadays. I think you mean well to let others see this, but going to her Home, i saw there was this one vid entitled 'Official Announcement:the Lord is coming in 2013...' which just didnt happen. From here, prayerfully consider what to see, and ask respected adults if you need help. Other young ppl can also... you dont need to debate every other thing now, esp. as you-- we are all learning. You need time to digest, and discover if you're absorbing something true or not, ok.

Got to see some of these before.

A short vid of the Israeli soldiers: (I thought i'd put the link only, but it's here..Anyway, it's written: Published on Jul 22, 2014 July 22, 2014 (Gaza border) - PLEASE SHARE ON FB Moments before these Israeli soldiers enter Gaza and place their lives at risk for the sake of the Land of Israel, they prepare themselves by singing and dancing songs of faith in the G-d of Israel. They are singing: 1) "The whole world is a narrow bridge and the main thing is not to be afraid" - a famous rabbinical phrase 2) Serve G-d with joy and come before Him with song 3) "We Have No one Rely Upon Except Our Father In Heaven")

An encouraging story of a denomination: http://www.crossroad.to/Victory/stories/church-tolerant.htm The point: Rather then preparing the way of the Lord and making His paths straight, preachers are removing the bumps in the road to hell to make it as comfortable as possible for those who travel on them. The backslidden church utterly refused to remove the log out of her own eye and therefore also utterly refuses to remove anything from anyone else's eye. She vehemently opposes those who try to do so also. God help those who attempt to clean up the church and the world! Joseph Parks said it best: "The man whose little sermon is 'repent' sets himself against his age, and will... be battered mercilessly by the age whose moral tone he challenges. There is but one end for such a man. 'Off with his head!" You had better not try to preach repentance until you have pledged your head to heaven."