RE: Edification of Singles (Full Version)

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AlwaysR8chel -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/20/2007 8:55:48 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Godhead

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]

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..... I know... I feel the same way... except in chic form! I have never felt loved so much in my entire life... and it goes against society because I don't have a 'man' in my life.

God rocks my world.... completely!

Okay... this verse has been running through my head...

    For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
    [Hebrews 4:12 NASB]


uuuuuuuummmmmmm............. what does this have to do with edification of singles??? [sm=sadquestion.gif]

.......... it's an encouraging verse for those who make it a point to dig into God's word! [sm=icon_smile_idea.gif]

[:D]



Focusing -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/21/2007 9:37:47 AM)

quote:

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

I second this in chic form [:D]

I feel so complete ..... (had to say it yet again)
Thank you Godhead!


Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverbs 3:3

I went to bed last night after reading Proverbs 3. There is so much wisdom written in those 35 little lines!! But this one screamed out to me. Kindness and truth. I have found these to be the cornerstones in my relationships - whether family, friends, coworkers, neighbors.



embracing_sonship -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/21/2007 2:21:50 PM)

Mt 7:9 “Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?
Mt 7:10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?
Mt 7:11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

Man, hook me up with somma those good gifts!! What are good gifts? I believe we tend to think certain things are good for us, but God knows better. We could ask God for a spouse, but what if such a gift, (which is good, btw) may not be good for the time being? Let's better ourselves for receiving the good gifts God has for us.

How? (emphasis mine)

1Ti 4:3 They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth.
1Ti 4:4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,
1Ti 4:5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.



joy2give2u -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/21/2007 3:10:38 PM)

What you do today affects tomorrow
Whatever you sow today you will reap tomorrow
If you waste today, your tomorrow will be empty
If you don't plant, water and weed today, you will have no fruit tomorrow.

I don't remember where I heard this quote but it has been in my mind for a few years........I read in the smile thread a beautiful story which ended with this statement and question

quote:

Never underestimate the impression you may make on others.

Whose life have you touched today?


Our today effects not only our tomorrow but the tomorrows of those we come in contact with today.........Is my life having a positive or negative effect? Which fruit will grow in their lives because of the seed I planted? Will it be good fruit or bad fruit?



shemaromans -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/25/2007 1:35:52 PM)

Psalm 100

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.

Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.



Godhead -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/25/2007 7:22:18 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: AlwaysR8chel

I know... I feel the same way... except in chic form! I have never felt loved so much in my entire life... and it goes against society because I don't have a 'man' in my life.

God rocks my world.... completely!



I have always wanted somebody that I can worship and love... God fits that role perfectly.
There could be no greater love then God’s for who is greater than He.

If only men would seek Him first before seeking a wife and find Him before finding a wife. Then there would be better husbands, and better husbands would lead to better wife’s, and better wife’s would make better children. Better children would lead to better churches and so a better world. Trust in the providence of God, He has brought all those together that would lead to the birth of Christ (Matthew 1:1-17). We have this great witness that all things are within God’s capability and control. Wait for the lord and He can most certainly bring the right person into your life. He has shown me clearly from scripture that we are to marry within the family only, His family that is.

O that thou wert as my brother, that sucked the breasts of my mother! when I should find thee without, I would kiss thee; yea, I should not be despised. (Song of Solomon 8:1)



Focusing -> RE: Edification of Singles (12/3/2007 7:30:11 AM)

As we discuss this Christmas season, and more particularly the various seasons in life that we go through, one of my devotions this morning is paraphrased below.

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galations 5:1

The first step in embracing every season is to let go and allow God to be in control, even - or especially - if it means letting go of our own expectations. God has us where He wants us to be - and we need to stop trying to be Super Mom (Dad) or Super Woman (Man).

Lord, help us to keep our focus on You this season, not on a gigantic, unreasonable to-do list. Gently remind us that You love us for who we are, not for the number of things we can cross off that list.



Focusing -> RE: Edification of Singles (12/17/2007 7:18:26 AM)

You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah. Psalm 32:7

As I slowly work my way through the Psalms, this one brought joy to my heart this morning. The commentary for this verse states that "Personal claims upon our God are the joy of spiritual life." How true! To know that He is MY God, MY refuge, MY hiding place, that He preserves ME, the He surrounds ME. Wow .... as singles, what a joy to know that He is so personally invested in OUR lives!! He has our very best in mind for us!! All we need to do is seek His guidance, stay focused on Him.



cammo2006 -> RE: Edification of Singles (12/17/2007 7:35:11 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: SassySammers

As we discuss this Christmas season, and more particularly the various seasons in life that we go through, one of my devotions this morning is paraphrased below.

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galations 5:1

The first step in embracing every season is to let go and allow God to be in control, even - or especially - if it means letting go of our own expectations. God has us where He wants us to be - and we need to stop trying to be Super Mom (Dad) or Super Woman (Man).

Lord, help us to keep our focus on You this season, not on a gigantic, unreasonable to-do list. Gently remind us that You love us for who we are, not for the number of things we can cross off that list.


Heh, this chapter came up in a cell (basically a small Bible study group) the other week.

It certainly gave me a wake up call, let me assure you!

This one (actually the whole chapter's great, it's now in the list with 1 Cor 13 of my favourite chapters in the Bible).

AMEN!



Focusing -> RE: Edification of Singles (12/17/2007 3:07:12 PM)

Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Eph 4:29

Just wanted to restate a previous post.

Words carry much weight.....

They can build up.....

They can tear down.....

They have the power to destroy another's confidence, self-esteem, their dreams, they can cause one to backtrack from the progress they are making in dealing with issues.

Let us, as children of God, brothers and sisters in Christ, remember to edify with our words.

We all make mistakes. We all say things we later wish we hadn't. Unfortunately, words cannot be taken back. What we can do ..... an example we have received from our Father in heaven ..... is to forgive one another and move forward. The words "I'm sorry" speak volumes. Pain working it's way out can be very ugly. Ripping those bitter roots up can be painful not just to us, but to those around us.

From one humbled heart to others, let us try to choose words that edify. Words that show the love that Christ has give us ..... people who truly do not deserve it. It's the very least we can do in showing Him honor.



Focusing -> RE: Edification of Singles (12/26/2007 10:07:23 AM)

For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation. Psalm 149:4

This is the verse today in my study of the Psalms. In reading commentary related to this Psalm, I have come across this, and I realize I am breaking the with casual banter (or heated debate [;)]) here in the singles thread relating to us as singles being such visual creatures. I am not bashing anyone, and I hope it's not being taken that way. But it is important to know that some of us place a much higher value on things that have nothing to do with another's appearance. I have personally known and met many people who are in the world's opinion quite beautiful or handsome, and upon getting to know even the littlest bit about him or her, realize they are absolutely nothing but a shell. In knowing people like this, it has caused me to not place much value on another's outward appearance. The most beautiful person can be quite ugly on the inside. And an physically unattractive person (based on the world's standards) can be a very beautiful person on the inside.

I think the commentary on this Psalm is well worth a read. I have emphasized the part that I hold as truth in my heart.

“For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people;” and therefore they should take pleasure in him. If our joy be pleasing to him let us make it full. What condescension is this on Jehovah's part, to notice, to love, and to delight in his chosen! Surely there is nothing in our persons, or our actions, which could cause pleasure to the Ever-blessed One, were it not that he condescends to men of low estate. The thought of the Lord's taking pleasure in us is a mine of joy never to be exhausted. “He will beautify the meek with salvation.” They are humble, and feel their need of salvation; he is gracious, and bestows it upon them. They lament their deformity and he puts a beauty upon them of the choicest sort. He saves them by sanctifying them, and thus they wear the beauty of holiness, and the beauty of a joy which springs out of full salvation. He makes his people meek, and then makes the meek beautiful. Herein is grand argument for worshipping the Lord with the utmost exultation: he who takes such a pleasure in us must be approached with every token of exceeding joy.

God taketh pleasure in all his children as Jacob loved all his sons; but the meek are his Josephs, and upon these he puts the coat of many colours, beautifying them with peace, content, joy, holiness, and influence. A meek and quiet spirit is called “an ornament,” and certainly it is “the beauty of holiness.” When God himself beautifies a man, he becomes beautiful indeed and beautiful for ever.

The verse may be read, “He shall beautify the meek with salvation,” or “He shall beautify the afflicted with deliverance,” or, “He shall beautify the meek with victory”; and each of these readings gives a new shade of meaning, well worthy of quiet consideration. Each reading also suggests new cause for joyful adoration. “O come, let us sing unto the Lord.”



Godhead -> RE: Edification of Singles (12/27/2007 8:57:35 PM)

This thread would make a good devotional, all we need is 365 post [:D]
What about a leap year [8D]


There is a price to pay for doing what is right and that can be loneliness but I would much rather pay the price for doing what is right then the price for doing what is wrong. The question that I pose to you all, is the God who is able to make us, able to love us?

Well He himself came in the flesh and died on the cross that we may regain a loving relationship with God. He went through a lot to bring us back into a loving relationship with God. He paid a great price and we will too but the reward will be eternal life with an eternal and loving God.



Focusing -> RE: Edification of Singles (12/28/2007 7:05:28 AM)

This morning, I am taking a little break from the mold here in the thread.

A thought crossed my mind yesterday, and conversation ensued last night. I wonder what others think of this:

The power of prayer is amazing! What's more of a blessing: to pray intently over someone, or to be prayed over?



Focusing -> RE: Edification of Singles (4/10/2008 10:02:42 PM)

quote:

Words we may read as offensive or harsh because of our own experiences would be softened if we read them believing the person writing the words wrote them with love and an open heart........


I was reading through this old thread, and these words really struck a cord with me. I know I have been guilty of reading others' posts without always putting them in a gentle light. Although you may not know about it, I do apologize. This is all a learning process - this thing called life.

In discussions with various friends these last few days, our relationships with our Lord have been the highlight of our conversations. This learning process I mentioned, our daily walk with Him, conversations with fellow believers, reading and studying the scriptures, learning how to apply them to our lives, learning what the scriptures mean to others - is a part of our sanctification. I believe strongly that we need to use God's Word to lift each other. I have decided to resurrect this thread. I might be the only one who ever posts here, but that's okay. My prayer in choosing scripture will be that it will touch someone's life - I will trust His guidance, that He may use me to help another.



And He said to them, "... for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.
Matthew 17:20

It is my prayer to have faith like this!!



Focusing -> RE: Edification of Singles (4/11/2008 8:05:24 AM)

But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, "LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD."
1 Cor 1:30-31


Keeping Christ as the center of my thoughts has been very freeing. Rather than boasting about another person, I would rather boast about Him. The commentary says "where Christ is made righteousness to any soul, He is also made sanctification. He never discharges from the guilt of sin, without delivering from the power of it".



joy2give2u -> RE: Edification of Singles (4/11/2008 11:05:43 AM)

Sam thank you for bring this thread back.

Like you I went back and reread the three pages here and was convicted by the very words, quoted below, I had written.

quote:

I have met some amazing people here and see God's light in so many. We have a great opportunity to show the world what a family of God looks like......how they walk together, share with each other, laugh, uplift, and disagree in a way which bonds them together and glorifies the Lord.


quote:

What about us? If we stopped talking about the typical stuff singles talk about and began sharing more what the Lord is doing in our lives, praying together and seeking him together in a way which connects us in spiritual intimacy would we be changed? Would the singles forum be a magnet drawing in those who hunger for an intimacy, a oneness with others so different then what the world promotes?


quote:

have decided to join Jesus in his prayer. Praying we, on the singles forum, would begin to see Jesus' prayer answered in a new way. That more and more we would begin to give "testimony" to God's movement in our lives.......Giving evidence through our postings that God is God and he still is in the transformation business.

I am praying we will not only post prayer request but take the time to write prayers, and the threads will become alive with retelling of the amazing things God is doing, saying and teaching us on a daily bases.


I didn't stay in the singles folders I left. It was easier.

I am sorry Sam. I left you alone with a heart burden we both shared.

Thank you for the gentle reminder.

joy



Focusing -> RE: Edification of Singles (4/11/2008 11:09:43 AM)

((( Joy )))

Thank you. [sm=heart.gif][sm=hug.gif]


Wow am I glad I wore the waterproof stuff today.



John_O -> RE: Edification of Singles (4/11/2008 11:46:44 AM)

A mouse looked through the crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife open a package.

What food might this contain? The mouse wondered - he was devastated to discover it was a mousetrap.

Retreating to the farmyard, the mouse proclaimed the warning :
There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!

The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, "Mr.Mouse, I can tell this is a grave concern to you, but it is of no consequence to me. " " I cannot be bothered by it."

The mouse turned to the pig and told him, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"

The pig sympathized, but said, I am so very sorry, Mr. Mouse, but there is nothing I can do about it but pray.

"Be assured you are in my prayers."
The mouse turned to the cow and said "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"

The cow said, "Wow, Mr. Mouse. I'm sorry for you, but it's no skin off my nose."
So, the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the farmer's mousetrap alone.

That very night a sound was heard throughout the house -- like the sound of a mousetrap catching its prey.

The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did not see it was a venomous snake whose tail the trap had caught.

The snake bit the farmer's wife. The farmer rushed her to the hospital , and she returned home with a fever.

Everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup, so the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient.

But his wife's sickness continued, so friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock.

To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig.

The farmer's wife did not get well; she died.

So many people came for her funeral, the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide enough meat for all of them.

The mouse looked upon it all from his crack in the wall with great sadness.

So, the next time you hear someone is facing a problem and think it doesn't concern you, remember -- when one of us is threatened, we are all at risk.

We are all involved in this journey called life. We must keep an eye out for one another and make an extra effort to encourage one another.


And to bring this parable to life:


Gal 6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

And what is the law of Christ? it was defined up in chapter 5.

Gal 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.



JustJeannie -> RE: Edification of Singles (4/11/2008 12:18:02 PM)

John, That was inspiring. I have often been one of the "other animals". I too often don't worry about things that don't affect me DIRECTLY. This week has brought me a LOT of perspective as to WHY we are here and WHY God lets things happen that we do not yet understand.



Focusing -> RE: Edification of Singles (4/11/2008 12:25:07 PM)

So, the next time you hear someone is facing a problem and think it doesn't concern you, remember -- when one of us is threatened, we are all at risk.

We are all involved in this journey called life. We must keep an eye out for one another and make an extra effort to encourage one another.

Thank you John. That really hit the nail on the head. [:)]



Focusing -> RE: Edification of Singles (4/15/2008 8:02:07 AM)

Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits;
Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases;
Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
Who satisfies your years with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.
- Psalm 103:2-5



Focusing on the Lord is the most amazing source of inner strength!



Focusing -> RE: Edification of Singles (4/20/2008 10:45:47 AM)

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

... kept by the power of God through faith .... 1 Peter 1:5


What beautiful promises from our Lord! He is there for us through everything and anything we are faced with ... all we need to do is reach out to Him.



sunluvingirl -> RE: Edification of Singles (4/21/2008 5:14:14 PM)

I read Isaiah 55 this morning. It truly is a beautiful chapter. I won't quote anything 'cause I don't know where to stop & start!![:)]



Focusing -> RE: Edification of Singles (4/24/2008 11:59:30 AM)

In the morning, O LORD, You will hear my voice; in the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch. - Psalm 5:3


This is so inspiring!!!


... and eagerly watch



When we pray, we are to do so in expectation that He will answer our prayer. While He may not answer the way we want, He does indeed hear our prayer. Our responsibility is to watch for Him ... how He answers, how He is guiding our lives, how He is working in the world all around us.



Focusing -> RE: Edification of Singles (4/27/2008 9:57:34 AM)

They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Acts 2:42


If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
1 John 1:6-7


Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.
Phillipians 2:1-2



Doing a little study about fellowship this morning. The early followers of Christ were diligent by "continually devoting themselves".

I sometimes find my mind wandering, and a brother or sister will say something that snaps my attention back to the Path, where He is waiting for me, so that we may continue our walk together.

I find it extraordinarily helpful by making the conscious choice to surround myself with brothers and sisters in Christ, who wave their hands in front of my staring or wandering eyes ... a gentle reminder on their part, sometimes gentle and sometimes startling on my part ... but done with love and concern, keeping my best interests in mind, bringing me back to the reality that I am a child of God. That I need to stay of the Path of Light.



While I have many friends across the spectrum - Christian and nonChristian - I find it best to keep Christians closest to my heart. To share my struggles with them, thereby allowing them to bring Scripture to mind that is helpful to me.

For me, that is an extremely important part of fellowship.



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