RE: Edification of Singles (Full Version)

All Forums >> [People] >> Singles



Message

embracing_sonship -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/6/2007 11:19:42 AM)

Good post and verses joy2give2u. John 17 is one of my favorite--if not my favorite--chapters in the Bible. Every time I read the part where Jesus prays for future believers, I envision Him praying specifically for me and my Christian friends. Verse 24 is also touching:

Jn 17:24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world."

I also like this verse:

Jn 17:15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.

That's such a strange verse to me, because I am always looking forward to the day I am taken out of this world. But Jesus never intended to do that. We have a purpose on earth, and this thread is witness to what our job is.

Father, protect us from the evil one. We live in a world that does not love you, and therefore, does not love us. But we love you, and we want those who do not love you to come to know you. This is your heart's desire, and therefore, is our heart's desire as well. We delight ourselves in you, for before we were born, you chose us and loved us. Let us also show that love to others, as you have called us to do.



embracing_sonship -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/6/2007 11:25:09 AM)

Re: going through a dry period...I too am going through such a time, but my pastor read this verse from 1 Peter that really touched me. She didn't know I needed to hear it, but it was at the perfect time.

1Pe 5:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

The passage continues:

1Pe 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1Pe 5:8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
1Pe 5:9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
1Pe 5:10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
1Pe 5:11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.



joy2give2u -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/6/2007 2:44:55 PM)

These words stood out to me while spending time in the Word.

In the recounting of Lazarus's death John 11:20-24 caught my attention.

20 When Martha got word that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him. But Mary stayed at home.

21 Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.

22 But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask."

23 Jesus told her, "Your brother will rise again."

24 "Yes," Martha said, "when everyone else rises, on resurrection day."

A pause moment........God was saying something to me.......what Lord? What do you want me to see?

Martha proclaimed God would do whatever Jesus asked, she believed Jesus had the power to do anything..........

Jesus made a statement.......he spoke directly to her very concise and clearly what he planned to do.

Martha heard his words and fit them into her understanding of Jesus and what she believed he would do.......

Did she water down his words in order to make them fit into her understanding of what Jesus would do? Why did she not take his words literally?

Why don't I always? How often does God speak directly to us, sharing what he is going to do, and we change the meaning to fit our understanding of what we think he can or will do in our own lives?

I am not sure what all God is showing me here but I know he is speaking. I know that often he shares things with me which seem so impossible I water down his words so that they fit better into what I think he can and will do in my life. Do you?

Later in the story Mary comes and says to Jesus "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died"

Some in the crowd said "This man healed a blind man. Why couldn't he keep Lazarus from dying?"

It says Jesus was deeply troubled. He had already wept the death of Lazarus. He knew he was going to raise him from the dead. Why was he deeply troubled? Was it the doubt of the people to believe what he had clearly told them?

Jesus tells them to roll the stone away and again there is doubt. Martha tells the Lord the smell will be terrible since he has been dead for four days.......do you really think she believed he was going to rise from the dead? If she did would she have cared about the smell or about getting her brother out of there?

40 Jesus responded, "Didn't I tell you that you will see God's glory if you believe?"
they didn't believe........I think their doubt was pretty evident........but they did act in obedience.

41 So they rolled the stone aside.

Many of us have prayed God would bring a husband or wife to us. That we would be married with children. Many believe he has shared he is going to answer this prayer.....still instead of taking hold of those words and standing firm on his promise we look for ways to fit them into our life circumstances as they are now. We try to make sense of his words based on the realities we see in our lives....

Maybe it is time we, myself, starts believing his literal words and even in areas where I lack faith begin to take actions as though it was already true.

Is it time we singles rolled away the stone and allowed those dreams to live again.



Focusing -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/7/2007 7:17:45 AM)

Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Is 43:18

I love this verse! With all we deal with on a daily basis, why ponder things that have happened - if they are not edifying? Have you ever noticed that 100 people can say something positive to you, but one person will cut you down, say something hurtful, spiteful, just plain mean? Isn't it true that the one comment that sticks out in our mind is that one? Why do we do that? Why do we ponder that one thing? God doesn't want us to. He wants us to think on things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, things of good repute, things that are worthy of praise - He wants us to dwell on these things. Isn't that awesome that He knew what would bother us, and He has already given us advice. That's some serious love!



joy2give2u -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/7/2007 10:06:19 AM)

Psalm 115:1

Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us. But to your name give glory.......

Dear Lord please change our hearts to desire your glory above all else........



embracing_sonship -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/7/2007 2:03:55 PM)

joy2give2u, very good post re:Lazarus. I've never thought of it that way, and it's a good perspective on how we should receive God's promises. As a matter of fact, I read this very passage a week or two ago, and came out with a totally different perspective, and yet, I think neither are incorrect.

I know what you mean about fitting certain circumstances in our lives around why God hasn't fulfilled His promise. The problem I have, and perhaps many others, is whether what we heard from God was actually from Him, or from our own heart (i.e. an idol). On top of that, I struggle with where God's hand ends and where my role begins.

Let's say God has promised me that I would be married someday. What do I do with that promise? Trust that no matter what I do, God's will be done, or do I have a role in bringing this forth? If I have a role in bringing it forth (which I believe to be true), what is that role?

I look no further than Abraham as an example. God promised Abraham a son. Was Isaac born of a virgin? No, the Bible says Abraham lay with Sarah. That was his role. But also remember, Abraham was disobedient in that he lay with Hagar first. It wasn't wrong that he lay with Hagar (it was allowed at the time), but that he did not trust God to fulfill His promise through he and his wife (which was a symbol of Christ and the church).

So where is my role? What paths lead to Hagar, and what paths lead to Sarah? To me, that is totally unknown. Could it be that God hasn't revealed that path yet? Could it be that I am walking down that path, unknown to me? Could it be that I have already missed the path, and if so, is the promise null and void?

So many questions, so little answers. It is for this reason that I have taken on the belief that it isn't the how that is important, but rather, the recognition. That when I do find somebody worthy of marriage, I would be like Abraham, and offer my "gift" as a "sacrifice" to God, knowing that He'll test it by fire, and if it is good, it will survive. And when I do receive this gift of marriage, that it won't be by my own doing, nor will it be because I deserved it. It will be because of God's grace and faithfulness.



joy2give2u -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/7/2007 2:38:43 PM)

quote:

I know what you mean about fitting certain circumstances in our lives around why God hasn't fulfilled His promise. The problem I have, and perhaps many others, is whether what we heard from God was actually from Him, or from our own heart (i.e. an idol)
I use to struggle with this also, especially, after believing for so long God told me certain things only for them not come to past, until I read a article my pastor gave me to read by Mark Virlker entitled Dialoguing with God.

Here is the paragraph which stood out the most to me.

"It is very important that you become still and probperly focused if you are going to receive the pure word of God. If you are not still, you will simply be receiving your own thoughts. If you are not properly focused on Jesus, you will receive an impure flow, because the intuitive flow comes out of that upon which you have fixed your eyes. Therefore, if you fix your eyes upon Jesus, the intuitive flow comes from Jesus. If you fix your gaze upon some desire of your heart, the intuitive flow comes out of that desire of your heart. To have a pure flow you must first of all become still, and secondly, you must carefully fix your eyes upon Jesus. "

If we want to know for sure something is from God and not our own wants and desires we have to take our eyes off those wants and desires and place our eyes on Jesus..........

I know I use to go into my quiet time with the Lord with my mind focused on the things I want to present to him.....the worries, concerns, hopes, dreams.......I wanted him to speak to those things because they were the things my mind was fixed on.............Now I spend time worshiping and praying until I ready to let go of everything, release them from my mind and seek to spend time with the Lord just to be in his presence.......to hear him talk to me.....to sing praise to him as he sings praise over me.........I think when we go to the Lord with no other agenda or thought except to be with him........we hear him.



embracing_sonship -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/7/2007 5:50:59 PM)

Ha, ironic you mention Mark Virkler. He spoke at my church about a year ago. That is how I even understand the reasoning behind having an idol on my heart; from his teaching. There are a lot of factors involved in the word I received, and I won't go into them for the sake of not hijacking your thread.

Anyway, I do encourage his teaching. I was really interested in his dream interpretation message. After he talked on dreams, I regularly had 1-3 dreams a night that I remembered, and on some occasions, God spoke directly to me through dreams.

I do thank you for the advice though. Maybe I need to reread Mark's workbook on how to hear God's voice...



Focusing -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/7/2007 7:58:30 PM)

quote:

Mark Virkler. He spoke at my church about a year ago. That is how I even understand the reasoning behind having an idol on my heart; from his teaching. There are a lot of factors involved in the word I received, and I won't go into them for the sake of not hijacking your thread.


No problem ... permission granted to hijack the thread and go into a great discussion [:)]

I believe we can all benefit from some discussion about idols.

(and I'm enjoying the conversation)



Godhead -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/7/2007 9:16:09 PM)

It says in the Psalm, “Why are you downcast Oh my soul for yet will I praise Him” and “Sing unto the Lord a new song.”

So I decided to write this little tune and it always seems to
cheer me up[:D]

God is so wonderful, God is so great,
Only on You we should meditate.
I want to love you so much and have you in my life,
For your much better then a nagging wife.

Great and awesome God please stand by me,
So I wont have to hug a tree.
I’d would rather hug you and have you in my life,
For your much better then a nagging wife.

Okay so its not Lennon and McCartney[8D]



Focusing -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/8/2007 6:54:02 AM)

"For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, But My lovingkindness will not be removed from you, And My covenant of peace will not be shaken," Says the LORD who has compassion on you. Is 54:10-11

When I read this, I thought Wow! My lovingkindness will not be removed from you. Lovingkindness. Isn't that a great word ... it brings to mind visions of people being kind to one another, treating each other with love, speaking in love, gentle hands, gentle hearts, gentle words.

I would love to hear what others think of this word. Lovingkindness What comes to your mind when you hear it?



embracing_sonship -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/8/2007 2:19:26 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: SamTrustsGod

No problem ... permission granted to hijack the thread and go into a great discussion [:)]

I believe we can all benefit from some discussion about idols.

(and I'm enjoying the conversation)


You know, Mr. Virkler taught for almost 3 full days at my church, and the idol thing was only briefly covered. I wonder if it's such a huge problem or not. I think as long as we are aware of the possibility of there being an idol on our hearts, and we pray accordingly, we should be OK.

One example is the Israelites and the manna. They got tired of manna, and asked for foul instead. God granted their prayers, but the foul meat made them sick, and some died.

I think God got a little fed up with the Israelites, when all they did was complain, and all He did is answer their prayers. I don't want to end up like the Israelites. Don't need my future wife causing me to be sick or die!!

quote:

I would love to hear what others think of this word. Lovingkindness What comes to your mind when you hear it?


Never thought about it. I have a hard enough time wrapping my mind around God's infinite, unconditional love, that I don't have the capacity to understand what lovingkindness means. My NIV Bible says "unfailing love" instead.

---------------------------------------

My verse of the day:

I like to use this verse when fellow believers come to me and ask me how to deal with a particular sin in their lives:

1Co 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Not only is it common to man, but Jesus experienced it too. Take it to Him, and He'll help you through it. I love what my pastor says from time to time: "The devil's been up to the same tricks since the beginning of time."



joy2give2u -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/8/2007 3:07:18 PM)

quote:

Lovingkindness What comes to your mind when you hear it?
I haven't looked the word up. I wanted to share what came to my mind before I looked it up. This is what my first thoughts were.... Lovingkindness is when unconditional love joins kindness in action.......

An example:

Imagine two daughters caught drinking on school grounds. The parents are called and both fathers show up.

Father number one loves his daughter very much. He loves her with an unconditional love which does not diminish because of her actions. Yet when he shows up at the school his frustration and angry is evident. He lectures her with an angry tone and yells at her. She is grounded for a month

Not once does he stop loving her but his tone while taking action is harsh and unkind.

Father number two arrives at school and calmly asks his daughter what happened and why what she did was wrong. He tells her he is disappointed in her without showing anger, condemnation or attempting to make her feel guilty for her actions. In a firm, yet gentle, voice he reminds his daughter actions always have an reaction and asks what she thinks would be a deserving reaction on his part. She suggest the same as father number one had given his daughter. The father looks her deeply in the eyes, seeing to her heart and says I think you have learned a valuable lesson so chose not to give you what you deserve. He grounds her for one week.

Neither father's unconditional love is greater or less then the other but father two's actions, tone and approach is different. His unconditional love is expressed with gentleness and kindness.

I think lovingkindness looks more like the second father then the first.



Focusing -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/9/2007 7:08:34 AM)

Be wise as serpents, innocent as doves Matt 10:16

I am copying this from a CW parenting article titled "Beyond Manners: Trade Nice Parenting for a Bold Gospel" by Paul Coughlin: He told those who dared to follow Him to be both streetwise and sin-free. Don’t hurt people, but don’t be a sucker either.

What amazing advice! This can be applied to all kinds of situations....



joy2give2u -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/9/2007 10:42:21 AM)

Philippians 4:4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice!

How?

Philippians 4:8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.


Take captive your thoughts and joy is your reward.



Godhead -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/11/2007 10:30:37 PM)

All my life I had searched for true loved and somebody worth loving.
I have found it in God who is the best father, teacher and friend I could possibly have. He cares about me more then anyone else in the world. He will never lead me astray or do anything that is not for my ultimate good. Instruction from his word are like sweet kisses from His mouth. He has shown me love in its most ultimate expression, by dying on the cross. He loves me in the most truest and absolute sense and satisfies me completely. I have decided that the only thing I can possibly do in return is to give my life to him and let him make something beautiful out of it and I am wholly and solely his. It feels so good and right to belong to Him. By His side is where I where I was always meant to be. I am so glade that I waited for now I know true contentment and wholeness of being. I don't need anybody else [:D]



Focusing -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/12/2007 6:59:18 AM)

Jesus said: Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matt 11:28-30

I love this verse! How true it is when we are struggling with all we go through on a day-to-day basis, and we take our focus off the Lord, and life becomes so hard .... we're trudging through the murky waters .... dragging our feet laboriously.

Then we hear it .... a gentle reminder .... come to Me .... I will give you rest .... My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

We forgot to lean on the Lord .... we got so wrapped up in all that is going on that we FORGOT!! His yoke .... He carries the weight of the burden, making it easier for us! Who else loves us like that? To help carry the burdens with us?

Father, help us to always remember You are there, let us not tune out Your gentle voice whispering in our ears .... come to Me, I will give you rest.



embracing_sonship -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/13/2007 1:19:12 PM)

This set of verses really touched me today:

2Co 1:20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.
2Co 1:21 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us,
2Co 1:22 set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

Does it really matter what God has promised us beyond what He already has in Christ? I think not. Yet, He still gives us more. It makes me hard pressed to ask for anything else from God, since He has already given me all I need.

I also like the part "He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come."

Yeah, I have a stamp on my head that says I'm owned!! HeyO, u got owned by God! [:D]

I was bought and payed for, and as a deposit for the purchase, God has given me some collateral in the Holy Spirit.

Wait a minute, not only did He pay for me, He also gave me a deposit to back up His purchase? What, He doesn't think I trust Him? Uh, maybe I should start rethinking some of those areas where I probably don't trust Him.



Brenda-lee -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/13/2007 2:06:29 PM)

I would totally love to share what edified me this morning!

Fresh manna everyday ya know?

This morning I woke up late so I didn't have time to do my whole devotional.. but I felt led to read Psalm 112

Here is the verse in 2 translations:

7He will not fear evil tidings;
His heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. (NASB)

In the (NIV)
7 He will have no fear of bad news;
his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.

No matter what, we can totally trust Him. Doesn't matter what we feel, what circumstances are going on around us, none of that matters when we are 'steadfastly' trusting Him. Remaining in the eye of the hurricane.

I think that all of these things that are happening all around us is for a purpose.. no matter how big or small the event.. it has at the least one primary purpose.. to cause us to choose... to choose to trust God... trust in His abiding love... to trust in His plan and purpose for our lives! To give Him all praise, honor, and glory for what He has done, and continues to do in the lives of His people...

I think the cancer of what is going on is disbelief, we have been looking at the circumstances, and not at Him who says, I know the plans I have for you, plans of a future, and a hope! We are talking about God who leads His people, loves His people, and provides for all of their needs according to His riches and glory...

oops, sorry didnt mean to get preachy... One of my recent prayers is that God by His Spirit would cause us to fall more 'in love' with Jesus. When you think about it, what isnt there to love about Jesus?

*part in italics is a portion of an email that I shared*

We need to renew our minds daily by the washing of the water of the word... this is the chemo that will kill the cancer...



Focusing -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/14/2007 9:56:29 AM)

No longer will you have the sun for light by day, Nor for brightness will the moon give you light; But you will have the LORD for an everlasting light, And your God for your glory. Isaiah 60:19

What a beautiful promise!!



Focusing -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/16/2007 8:43:12 AM)

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

How true this is! I am capable of stirring up anger - which in and of itself isn't necessarily a bad thing. Stirring up strong emotions on purpose can be a good thing. I began a conversation with a friend using harsh words, bringing forth an angry reaction and response. Then the gentle conversation followed. It showed me his true character - which was pure in his walk with the Lord - and brought forth a wonderful discussion. Months later, the fruits of that conversation are coming through with a bountiful harvest. A positive affect on many brothers and sisters in Christ. It was a huge risk, intentionally bringing forth that anger, but it was done through much prayer beforehand and guidance from the Holy Spirit. I say it was a risk because if he had not had a pure heart for Christ, it would have been disastrous.

I was extremely blessed through the use of those harsh words, because they had an intended purpose, but more often, words are used carelessly and to hurt others. They are not used to build up a brother or sister in Christ, or used to glorify God.

How have you used your words? Do you often stir up anger through careless choices or impulsiveness, or do you choose to to think carefully about what you say?



mutinywxgirl -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/16/2007 8:43:43 AM)

Thank you Sam!



AlwaysR8chel -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/18/2007 6:56:52 PM)

.
.
.
.
......... Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.
(1 Corinthians 15:58 NASB)


;o)



Focusing -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/19/2007 7:59:30 AM)

Yesterday in Sunday School we learned about PEACE. Our sermon followed with a study on being AT THE FEET OF JESUS. This morning my favorite devotion speak of MATTERS OF THE HEART. They are all intertwined. I love when God brings things together ... a complete sense of contentment is in all of these teachings. Today I am studying that ......

A happy heart makes the face cheerful Proverbs 15:13A (NIV)

A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones Proverbs 15:30 (NIV)

All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast Proverbs 15:15 (NIV)


We Must Cultivate a Thankful Heart

Thankful people are thoughtful people. They remember the kindness shown to them by God and others. As a result, they become more attentive towards the needs of others. Thoughtfulness is the fruit of a thankful heart.

We Must Cultivate a Trusting Heart

People who trust God are content and it shows. They have learned to say in troubled times, "Lord, this is not what I would have chosen, but knowing that You have my best interest in mind, I will trust You." Psalm 61:8 states, "Trust in Him at all times, O people. Pour out your heart before Him. God is a refuge for us." Learn to trust God's heart when yours is breaking and you will find contentment and peace even in times of trouble.

We Must Cultivate a Humble Heart

Humble people have learned to rely on God for everything through prayer. A humble heart runs to God for daily strength. "Lord, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear." (Psalm 10:17 KJV). We don't capture the ear of God by grumbling and complaining. God is eager to listen to our cries when we humbly depend on Him through prayer.


Have a blessed day,
Sam



Godhead -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/19/2007 6:56:48 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: SamTrustsGod

People who trust God are content and it shows.


I can testify of that I cannot tell you what strength, joy and peace I have in knowing God. I feel so complete and more a man and at rest in myself then I ever have [:D]

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Hebrews 13:8

Here is one of my favourite verses in the Bible, how eternal and unchanging is our God. Trustworthy and faithful. My relationship with God didn’t flourish until I held this verse in faith. One thing that God has shown me, and that is how trustworthy and dependable He is. His love is forever and cannot be changed. Like the song says, “Our great unchanging friend.” No one has ever loved us or cared for us more then the Son of God.
Why is a great mystery to me but it is part of who He is. His love for us is something that we can always believe in and take refuge in. If the Son of God loves us, who can be against us. Everything that we have can be summed up in that Jesus Christ loves us and proved it by dying on the cross. I guess that He cannot do anything more then that. Hold on to that and it will be your strength and joy.



Page: <<   < prev  1 [2] 3 4 5   next >   >>



Forum Software © ASPPlayground.NET Advanced Edition 2.5 ANSI