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.

I am not worried or afraid because I know what I've believed: That the battle has been won by Jesus Christ, Son of God. That HE has purchased, us who believe, with HIS blood. We are not in bondage to the lie that : God' either does not exist, or is dead, or is just a fairy tale. To believe that The Bible is The Word of The Living God, and is inerrant ; was my choice! And I'm glad that I chose to Believe. That makes you and I Believers. Amen.

I am now in my fourth year as elder in our; Non-denominational, Christ centered, Bible believing church. Eldership has been a very enjoyable and learning experience. After going to this church for a short time I was asked if I would like to become an Elder. An "overseer". My thought was: I'm not good enough --- and I definitely am afraid to talk in public --- but I accepted --- and have received way more than I have given. God has continued to Bless, and show HIS love toward me, by giving me this "Joyful Heart" group to interact with, love, pray, and learn from ... I appreciate you! Love ... Bro. Al

My willingness to die for what I believe shows me that I am on the right road. Perhaps it will also mean something to someone else some day. To have conviction about something, and to not be 'wishey- washey' this is a gift from God!

My opinion is that we had better practise dying to sin on a daily basis. This I cannot do in the flesh. But this My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be happy to enable me to do in The Spirit. Praise God. Love ...Bro. Al

The perspective is that Jesus Christ suffered for my sins and willingly gave Himself , and suffered mightyly that I might choose to live. The question is: Will I?

The danger for me is: Disobedience! And forgetfulness, why am I feeling this way? Is it fear that is blocking me from the sunlight of The Spirit? Usually not . . . it is much more sinister than that! It is usually something that I don't want to lose, or something that I might not get. It's all selfish and self-centered. God Richly Bless You. Love ...Bro. Al

Another reason, or two, that we all are tempted to sin: We are born with a sin nature. We sin by birth and by choice. It is more difficult to quit doing something that we've grown accustomed to doing, than to have never started it in the first place. Therefore, our memory works against us. A little different question would be: How and why would anyone want to quit sinning? I believe the answer is GOD! And HE has wisely introduced enough pain and suffering into the equation to get our attention. Jesus says: I am not willing to lose any ... that The Father has given me. God has not given everyone to Jesus, nor Jesus to everyone. Each of us has to make our own choice; but still Jesus is not willing to lose any! How can we resist temptation? I can't, HE can, so let HIM. Quit fighting it. Practise the Presence of GOD.

The helmet of 'Salvation' The Breastplate of 'Righteousness', Gird in the 'Truth', Shod in 'The Word', with The Shield of 'Faith', and the 'Sword' of The Spirit. These things will be necessary in our fight against Satan. It matters naught whether we say we are done with sinning. Without the able assistance of our Triunal God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; we will be defeated; not just once but over and over again!

Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior! YOU died an agonizing death for my sins. 'My sins are when and where I miss the mark.' I'm not happy with this ... but, I am a sinner by birth and by choice. My gratious Lord has forgiven my sins; wiped the slate clean; separated my from my sin as far as the East is from the West. Would that I recognize YOUR great love, LORD, and act accordingly. Praise YOU ; and BLESS YOU, LORD JESUS! Bro. Al