jesus4al

Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen. Heb 11:1 I was lost in sin. On June 12, 1972, by God's grace He brought me to AA and for the last 35 years I have been a free man. Thank you Lord.

May we become willing to 'listen' to The Holy Spirit reveal God's Word to us. Both Prayer and Meditation are avenues that God uses to reach us. If we avail ourselves of this opportunity daily we will be indeed 'Practising HIS Presence', and HE will help us understand all things.

In my opinion, if this person is speaking in agreement with the words recorded in the Bible, then he has become a spokesman for God. The Holy Spirit , pneuma, wind, and also "Chi" is a force applied by God to the human psychi of a yielded soul.

The Scriptures, both Old and New, act for me as TRUTH. This is what I have choosen to believe is 'The Truth'. This world and what is purported to be 'truth' by those who have choosen to live by it's standard, is going to end in hell. In a word "darkness" is represented by unbelief. To add some more: The seven deadly sins. The "Light" is The Word.

My opinion is, unless you are in the business, like a mortician, or a clergyman, what would you gain by pursuing this topic? (death) Describing your earthly body as a tent reduces its worth and also points to it's lack of permanence. The significance of Peter's referring to death as "departure" could be at that point we are (spiritually) leaving this planet, our spirit is making an "exodus".

If our 'character' has the same qualifications as Christs 'character' then we likely are His: (have been purchased by Him) ie: peacefulness, integrity, forthrightness, obedience, lawfulness, willingness, honesty, openmendedness. These are some of the hallmarks of Christs character which we may emulate, if we have been purchased by Him. As to what assurance can be given a fruitless, barren "believer" ....!

Personally, I don't believe that loving God is easier than loving others. But, my definition of 'love' might be different than yours. Brotherly kindness, charity, and love; this is the subject. To 'avoid' trials and tribulations is not a Christ like attitude, to me. I pray for a Christlike attitude for all of us, in The Family of God. Love ...Bro. Al

A disciplined devotional life is very important to me because otherwise I would try to do it in a 'catch as catch can' manner. 'Flying by the seat of my pants' approach. And, that is not what the God of my understanding has is mind when He uses the work "diligence" or disipline. So early in the morning, just as the sun is rising, I ride my motorcycle to the Park, and commune with God while practising Tai'chi. The times are very few when I have not done this meditation, but it has happened. I have never forgotten to do it. There is always time to turn my thoughts to God. You might say that Tai'chi is not a 'christian discipline' but I would quickly say that considering Christ and HIS Ways is what I'm practising. Call it what you will, it is the discipline that we are discussing, and repetition helps create discipline.

By God's Grace am I even hear now writing this. These questions cause me to consider The Lord's will, and getting out of my own thoughts into HIS thoughts is absolutely purifying and wonderful for me. Thank you family. This is not absolute ... for God is not done with me yet, but I would say knowledge has been the easiest for me to move into. And, self control has been the hardest. As to why ... first , at a very young age I began learning. But, my learning was off track. I learned a lot of things that I then needed to unlearn. Anyway, I am more familiar with learning, than the other (mentioned up till now) attributes. Self control, I would say, has been the hardest. And, the reason has been similar: I had not been given an ultimatum, (by The Holy Spirit), regarding self control, until recently, well . . . err . . . the last 40 years or so. Now The Holy Spirit is definitely working in my life. And, HE is making Himself known; and His presence felt! Thank You Lord! In other words, I'm equating "easy" and "hard" with the amount of time I have been working on the attribute/defect.

Most of our brains can only think of one thing at a time ... so (think) put in what you will. Knowing this I start my day in The Word, and lately I have been ending it the same way. This has been successful in my case and I pray that it is for you also. Although it means a little work, and takes a little planning and forethought, it can be done ... with, or by, The Holy Spirit! God Bless You, my Family. Love ...Bro. Al

My Bible says: "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: "I take this to mean that we who are in The Family of God have been given EVERYTHING that is necessary to live an abundant life in The Spirit. We must get to 'know' God however. This doesn't mean that we are to know all truth, all at once. After inviting Him into our heart, HE abides with us; HE takes up residence with us and speaks to us through our conscience.

For me personally to be called "by His own glory and goodness" is thoroughly awesome. Words cannot express how I feel. But, to answer: "What does it mean?" It means everlasting life! The affect is that now I can practice HIS presence, whenever I choose; and I want to do that more often and to a greater extent.

Because to do otherwise would benefit satan, the devil, and the powers of darkness ... whatever and wherever they are. This verse teaches that satan is alive, hungry, and angry. Love ...Bro. Al

... "Resist the devil. Be sober. Be vigilant." Our enemy (the devil) is both sober and vigilant; but with a completely different purpose. And if we are any less sober and vigilant than he ... spells trouble. Love ...Bro. Al The instructions of Peter are less in depth; but are with the same intent: help the sheep to stay on the right path.