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lighthousejohn

Guest
#1
This was my devotional for today. I hope you enjoy it also.

1) Keep your eyes fixed on eternal things
“We do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” – 2 Cor 4:18
A Christian should keep his eye on his journey’s end, just as our Lord Jesus, while enduring the cross, kept focus on the joy that was before Him (Heb 12:2). And again when the stones flew towards Stephen, his eyes were lifted up to heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God (Acts 7:55-56).

Though you may lie at the rich man’s gates, soon you will escorted into Abraham’s bosom (Luke 16:19-31). Though Israel had a rough journey through the wilderness, Caleb and Joshua, men of excellent spirits, had their eye upon the good land they were going to (Num 14).


In the same way, set your heart on the hope to which Christ has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe (Eph 1:18-19).


2) Be content
“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. ” – Phil 4:11-13
Though you may suffer now, your suffering will not last forever. Your sorrows shall be short, and your joys long. Remember that Christ first endured the cross before he wore the crown. And David, before he was a king, was a shepherd. Remember that Lazarus, before he was carried into heaven, had experienced sorrow and sufferings on earth.


When Jeremiah would ask the Lord why wicked prosper, he was sure to say that the Lord’s judgments were righteous. And his point wasn’t to charge God with being unfair, it was to learn understanding of him in the way of his judgments (Jer 12).

Even if the godly have many waves of trials crashing upon them, the Lord will command his love towards them (Psa 42:7-8). And, after a little while, they shall arrive at the heavenly haven. This world is not the Christian’s resting-place, their rest is still to come (Heb 4:9).


3) Let faith and hope in Christ lift you above your suffering
“We rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations…” – Rom 5:2-3
Find peace in the fact that through Christ, whatever your present troubles are — whether outward afflictions, or inward temptations — they will soon be over. Then your sighs and groans shall be turned into songs of praise. You have all the hell you will ever experience now. Where the wicked man’s joy ends is where yours begins – and it shall never end.

In Christ,
John
 
May 14, 2010
116
2
0
#2
This was my devotional for today. I hope you enjoy it also.

1) Keep your eyes fixed on eternal things
“We do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” – 2 Cor 4:18
A Christian should keep his eye on his journey’s end, just as our Lord Jesus, while enduring the cross, kept focus on the joy that was before Him (Heb 12:2). And again when the stones flew towards Stephen, his eyes were lifted up to heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God (Acts 7:55-56).

Though you may lie at the rich man’s gates, soon you will escorted into Abraham’s bosom (Luke 16:19-31). Though Israel had a rough journey through the wilderness, Caleb and Joshua, men of excellent spirits, had their eye upon the good land they were going to (Num 14).


In the same way, set your heart on the hope to which Christ has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe (Eph 1:18-19).


2) Be content
“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. ” – Phil 4:11-13
Though you may suffer now, your suffering will not last forever. Your sorrows shall be short, and your joys long. Remember that Christ first endured the cross before he wore the crown. And David, before he was a king, was a shepherd. Remember that Lazarus, before he was carried into heaven, had experienced sorrow and sufferings on earth.


When Jeremiah would ask the Lord why wicked prosper, he was sure to say that the Lord’s judgments were righteous. And his point wasn’t to charge God with being unfair, it was to learn understanding of him in the way of his judgments (Jer 12).

Even if the godly have many waves of trials crashing upon them, the Lord will command his love towards them (Psa 42:7-8). And, after a little while, they shall arrive at the heavenly haven. This world is not the Christian’s resting-place, their rest is still to come (Heb 4:9).


3) Let faith and hope in Christ lift you above your suffering
“We rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations…” – Rom 5:2-3
Find peace in the fact that through Christ, whatever your present troubles are — whether outward afflictions, or inward temptations — they will soon be over. Then your sighs and groans shall be turned into songs of praise. You have all the hell you will ever experience now. Where the wicked man’s joy ends is where yours begins – and it shall never end.

In Christ,
John

this is a lovely thought..but I once asked a priest...."how many times do you turn the other cheek?..till they beat you and kill you..and rob you..then go after your daughter to rape her?"..(,not the exact words I used..but very much the same idea)

the priest answered...."you must love your nighbour as yourself"

he said it meant that you owuld save and fight for your neighbour from experiencing such tragedies..then you must love yourself enough to fight for yourself...

and not let yourself be taken advantage of...


was he right to instruct me this way??????

please...all comments appreciated and pondered with respect to the Almighty
 
Aug 16, 2009
129
2
0
#3
Find peace in the fact that through Christ, whatever your present troubles are — whether outward afflictions, or inward temptations — they will soon be over. Then your sighs and groans shall be turned into songs of praise. You have all the hell you will ever experience now. Where the wicked man’s joy ends is where yours begins – and it shall never end.
Hi Lighthousejohn,

Long time no see!


Wow...you've really nailed this one down flat. What inspiring sentiments! Thank you, John, for sharing your insights with us.


- KayCee
 
L

lighthousejohn

Guest
#4
this is a lovely thought..but I once asked a priest...."how many times do you turn the other cheek?..till they beat you and kill you..and rob you..then go after your daughter to rape her?"..(,not the exact words I used..but very much the same idea)

the priest answered...."you must love your nighbour as yourself"

he said it meant that you owuld save and fight for your neighbour from experiencing such tragedies..then you must love yourself enough to fight for yourself...

and not let yourself be taken advantage of...


was he right to instruct me this way??????

please...all comments appreciated and pondered with respect to the Almighty[/quote

I believe that the priest was wrong to counsel you as he did. We are not to be doormat Christians but we are not called to get into physical confrontations either.

Jesus said that we are to forgive those who spitefully use us 7 x 70. What He is really saying is that we are to forgive others as often as ncessary. This is essntiually impossible for almost all humans because of our natural desire to get even. When someone gets in our face, we just naturally want to get back in theirs.

Submitting our will to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to overcome our natural desires is paramount for us to be able to forgive as Jesus said. He will also give us the peace and the strength to stand firm in our faith. It is when we waiver and look back at our old self that the enemy gains victory. It is tough but it is worth it.

In Christ,
John
 

pickles

Senior Member
Apr 20, 2009
14,479
182
63
#5
All good words to Eternalize. :D
God bless, pickles
 

VW

Banned
Dec 22, 2009
4,579
9
0
#6
I have come to understand that through every circumstance, every trouble, every downfall or failure, every setback, every disappointment, God is working something in me that I would not allow in a simple way. In other words, if I would just draw near, and let His glory change me into His image, if I would just come to His light, Jesus, and let that light reveal what I am and expose the darkness that exist in me, then I would be as He desires. But I don't draw near to Him, and I don't come to His light, because I tend to shy away from being exposed, and the glory is too bright and pure. And so comes the troubles, to drive me to His light, to give me cause to seek His glory.

Our Father is a master at creating us into what He wants us to be. And in the end, we will be just as He has foreseen us, complete in Christ Jesus. But we can be so much more like Him, so much more in Him and moved by His Spirit to do His works. The Law was by and large negative, in that it said, "Do not kill, do not steal, do not destroy," with some aspects which are about worshiping God. But Jesus gave us a commandment, which is positive, proactive, and not against anything. This commandment, to love one another even as He has loved us. Not as we love ourselves, but as He has loved us. And as I try to find the way to walk in this commandment, to be what He has given me example to be, I find that the only way is to draw near to God through Jesus Christ, and to come to the light, to love the light, that what is not of Him be seen by me for what it is, and that my deeds which are illuminated in His light be shown as being those works which are from God.

And so, if I am drawing near, and am seeking His light, I take great comfort; and if I am not drawing near, not seeking His light, I find troubles, which turn me to Him, and bring me great comfort. And if I am in Him, what happens in this world, what happens to this body, matters not in the least, because I am not my own, but a possession, bought with the highest price ever paid for any possession. And in the end, it is Christ.

John, this message you gave here brought these things to my remembrance, and so I give them. I am sorry if they take away from what you posted but what is here moved me deeply.

In His love,
vic
 
May 14, 2010
116
2
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#7
Jesus said that we are to forgive those who spitefully use us 7 x 70. What He is really saying is that we are to forgive others as often as ncessary. This is essntiually impossible for almost all humans because of our natural desire to get even. When someone gets in our face, we just naturally want to get back in theirs.

Submitting our will to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to overcome our natural desires is paramount for us to be able to forgive as Jesus said. He will also give us the peace and the strength to stand firm in our faith. It is when we waiver and look back at our old self that the enemy gains victory. It is tough but it is worth it.
hmmm..the priest was wrong??? why doesn't that surprise me...

but then again..if someone thinks they can come and murder me..rape my daughter..and steal everything I own..and maybe even my identity...

guess what..I fight back ..to the death!!!!!

and if I die..my ghost still fights...

if i am an unworthy christain because I fight for my RIGHT TO LIVE..and those of my family...

well then let me be cast to hell..with the other warriors who would not let thier lives betaken...

cuz..they were christian...

if I have to go to hell for disobeying GOD..I pick fighting for my life ..and for those I love..


SO BE IT..

I get cast to hell for loving...
 
May 16, 2010
337
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#8
Yery inspiring for those in times of Trial; Thank -you
If I could Add one thing to this politely; it would be if you do need a rest, You can Always rest in Christ!
Love & Peace Forever IN Christ!
 
May 14, 2010
116
2
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#9
Yery inspiring for those in times of Trial; Thank -you
If I could Add one thing to this politely; it would be if you do need a rest, You can Always rest in Christ!
Love & Peace Forever IN Christ!

hmmm..is this your way of telling me its GOD's will for me to die..and for my child to be raped and beaten...


geee taaanks...for that wonderful type of "brotherly love"


I think I'll take my chances on hell and fight for myself..and those I care deeply about...

If God doesn't understand that kind of LOVE...

can you tell me WHO DOES..???????


EDIT NOTE: I just realized the quoted post was not intended for me..so...

but..if anyone is saying I am wrong for fighting for my life..and for the sanctity and caring of my children

PLEASE >>>PLEASE explain to me HOW I AM WRONG in doing so
 

VW

Banned
Dec 22, 2009
4,579
9
0
#10


hmmm..the priest was wrong??? why doesn't that surprise me...

but then again..if someone thinks they can come and murder me..rape my daughter..and steal everything I own..and maybe even my identity...

guess what..I fight back ..to the death!!!!!

and if I die..my ghost still fights...

if i am an unworthy christain because I fight for my RIGHT TO LIVE..and those of my family...

well then let me be cast to hell..with the other warriors who would not let thier lives betaken...

cuz..they were christian...

if I have to go to hell for disobeying GOD..I pick fighting for my life ..and for those I love..


SO BE IT..

I get cast to hell for loving...
Many times words are given which are meant with the best of intentions, but are nevertheless, wrong. The law to love your neighbor as yourself is not the new commandment of Jesus. When He passed through the heavens, and became our high Priest, He became the priest of a new covenant, with a new commandment, which is to love each other even as He has loved us.

I too would fight for my wife and my children. Because I love them with the love of God, and I give myself for them every day in His love. But in this I am being not only lead by the Spirit, but empowered by the Spirit, for it is God's love in and through me. And I can be sure that in whatever I do, as long as I am following the commandment to love even as He has loved me, I can do no wrong. And if for my faith, I must give my life without answer, He gives me the strength through His love for this also.

We cannot know when it is wrong to fight, nor when it is wrong to lay down. We cannot see the future, can barely see the past, and are blind in the present. But our God knows all, and sees all, and knows the beginning from the end, and can see what each and every action or inaction will bring about. This is why we must follow the Spirit in all things to be assured of being in His will. And if we fall, and do not follow Him for some time, He can and will make even these times to become of His will, for He works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

In His love,
vic
 
May 14, 2010
116
2
0
#11
Many times words are given which are meant with the best of intentions, but are nevertheless, wrong. The law to love your neighbor as yourself is not the new commandment of Jesus. When He passed through the heavens, and became our high Priest, He became the priest of a new covenant, with a new commandment, which is to love each other even as He has loved us.

I too would fight for my wife and my children. Because I love them with the love of God, and I give myself for them every day in His love. But in this I am being not only lead by the Spirit, but empowered by the Spirit, for it is God's love in and through me. And I can be sure that in whatever I do, as long as I am following the commandment to love even as He has loved me, I can do no wrong. And if for my faith, I must give my life without answer, He gives me the strength through His love for this also.

We cannot know when it is wrong to fight, nor when it is wrong to lay down. We cannot see the future, can barely see the past, and are blind in the present. But our God knows all, and sees all, and knows the beginning from the end, and can see what each and every action or inaction will bring about. This is why we must follow the Spirit in all things to be assured of being in His will. And if we fall, and do not follow Him for some time, He can and will make even these times to become of His will, for He works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

In His love,
vic

wow..absolutely inspiring words for me today..and they bring me comfort and solace..

they help me to try and rest in his love...and wait for his guidance..in every single lil situation of my day..

I wish to live peacefully....and for others to as well..

I also wish to protect young children, from the harm of those who wish to abuse them, and use them, for selfish purposes..


you post was very soothing...

like balm to a sorrowful heart..

thankyou for understanding...and thankyou for your prayers..