~This side of the 'glass'~

"Let us hope that newcomers gain the wisdom and necessary spiritual awareness that will
come to enhance their Christian endeavor. I believe the Bible is clear about not losing
those that come." (John 18:9 )

'It is a Christian duty and responsibility to nurture and care for those that have chosen
a life with God, so long as a spiritual heart puts forth love and truth, making sure not to
confuse, or cause doubt or uncertainty. Remember that an "advanced" Christian education is not
compatible with the likes of a "first-grade" Christian student.'

'Spiritual life is an alternative to material life. The desire for satisfaction and happiness are common
to both but the approach is different.
In the spiritual life, happiness originates from within and extends outwards, and in material life we seek
happiness within from things outside ourselves.

'Spiritual happiness is in our hands but material happiness depends on elements beyond our control.
Working for a spiritual goal brings permanent results even if success is not achieved in this life.
Material goals yield nothing once this life is over and very little if they are not successful.

'Spiritual life is more about controlling ourselves while material life is more about controlling external elements.
In spiritual life, the Lord’s pleasure is more important, and in material life our own pleasure is.

'Spiritual life can be tough at times, but seldom as tough as material life.

'Spiritual life requires detachment for success, while material life requires attachment for success.

'Spiritual life is natural because we are spirit souls, and material life is unnatural because we are not our material bodies.

'Spiritual happiness can increase indefinitely while material happiness hits a peak and then declines.

'Spiritual life has a foundation for recognizing the equality of all living beings but material life is stuck trying to make the inequalities of each person’s mind and body equal.

'Spiritual happiness is available for everyone but material happiness is dependent on our karma.

'Spiritual life frees us from the suffering of repeated birth and death while material life ensures they will continue.

'Spiritual life may look similar to material life because it’s the consciousness in which an activity is performed
that is more important than the activity.

(Intended solely as informative and subjects to reflect on.
Spiritual maturity and growth depend on the measure of one's intent. )

(Biblical spirituality means to be born of God (John 1:12-‐13; John 3:5-‐8; 1 John 4:7), be changed by
the grace of Jesus Christ (Rom 12:1-‐2), surrendered and obedient to the Spirit, living according to the Spirit (Rom 8:4-‐11), and consequently empowered by the Spirit to draw others to find life in the Spirit.)

"Spirituality is an essential aspect of Christian faith. It is the search for meaning and purpose in life, and it
involves a connection to something greater than oneself. For Christians, this connection is with God, and it is
through this connection that one may find real meaning and purpose in this life, here in the now."

**A "theory" is a proposed explanation or set of ideas that attempts to explain a phenomenon or concept,
often based on evidence and logic, but not necessarily proven through direct observation or practical application,
unlike "experience" which refers to firsthand knowledge gained through participation, or "practice" which
is the act of applying a theory in a real-world setting.

'Christian theories, or Christian theology, is the systematic study of Christian belief and practice.
Christian theologians use rational analysis, biblical exegesis, and argument to study the Christian tradition
and the texts of the Old and New Testaments.'

MISUSE OF SCRIPTURE IS PREVALENT

'Lest we get too high and mighty about ourselves, we have all misused Scripture for our own advantage.
Here are four common ways that the Bible is manipulated in our everyday lives:
Taking verses out of context. It’s easy to love bumper-sticker theology. It’s harder to do the work to understand
a verse in light of the whole story of God.

'To interpret the Bible to reinforce one's own preexisting beliefs. Often, we let our beliefs shape how we read Scripture.
But rarely does one let Scripture truly change what we’ve learned from our culture or family of origin.

'Mixing Scripture with national identity. America is a Christian nation. It’s the new Israel. It’s the promised land.
Christian Nationalism is rapidly growing among segments of conservative Christianity, and it’s non-biblical.
'To use it “for” us and “against” others. It’s amazing how often the Bible supports or forgives what “we’re” doing and preaches against what “they’re” doing.

**(Intended solely as informative and subjects to reflect on.
Spiritual maturity and growth depend on the measure of one's intent. )

What do Reprobates see when they see them selves in the mirror. Call it self image. Those who are bibillcy illiterate, don't see them true selfs. They can't see there true value. Mans works doesn't super cede works for God. Without spiritual discernment and guidance, they cant asertain it. A person who is carnal minded can't understand. And Christian who resists Holy Spirit, will not excell.
James chapter 1
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourself. Do what it says, anyone who listens to the word but does not doe what it says is like someone who looks at his face in the Mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away, and immediately forget what he looks like.
What context . Christian people must be Doers of the word. Not fake Christian people, who play church.
Reprobates depise those who have genuine faith. Because there lifes are lie, and its false religion.
Proverbs chapter 28
The wicked flee though no one pursues.
Reprobates are running from themselves. Running from there own conscience. They leave trail of bad fruit. What side of the glass do Reprobates see. In the movie road warrior,mel Gibson. One scene, bad guy tells mad max, You can run, but there's no where to hide !!. Coward's run from themselves. True courage, is carrying your own cross, and following Jesus. They hide behind there fear struck imagimations. They have guilty conscience.
Reprobates know there in rebellion against God.
Proverbs chapter 12
Who so ever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid. A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but a man of evil devices he condenns.
What side of the mirror. Wicked won't give up there false position. Pride keeps Reprobates from seeing the truth, and they build a resistance around there heart. They can't face there Conscience. There afraid to love. They can't endure a rebuke or correction. Because they are compromised by their conscience.
What side of the glass are the righteous and the Reprobates.
Peace.

"Hoping and/or expecting to have God as part of one's life is going to be a daunting endeavor,
and not everyone shall acquire the spiritual heart needed to truly have the essential intimacy
with the unseen Spirit of God. POOF, rarely does it just happen...(even with a spiritual awakening) since
the unseen shall always be an extraordinary and mysterious concept for the mind to fully comprehend."

'The human mind is not programmed to fully visualize this unseen Spirit. And surely the "noise of the world"
will bring the cause of not fully understanding what the cross signifies of God's grace and love which shall
undoubtedly baffle the mind with bewilderment.'

'One of the most important graces to experience after one has received saving grace is the presence of the Holy Spirit
“Grace is not a thing, but a person–the Holy Spirit.”1 believe Grace is not a theoretical concept or a one-time transaction
but a living, active, constant Presence. One may experience grace “through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth”
(2 Thessalonians 2:13).
"Grace is the Helper who guides prompts and sanctifies us, and surely that still small voice reminding
us of the truth when one forgets.'

(Intended solely as informative and subjects to reflect on.
Spiritual maturity and growth depend on the measure of one's intent. )

"Faith is the servant and server of hope" (the word “hope” mentioned 130 times in 121 verses)
Simply means faith acts as a means to cultivate and sustain hope; it is the foundation upon which hope is built,
providing the belief and trust necessary to anticipate a positive future, even in the face of uncertainty;
essentially, faith actively works to nourish and maintain hope within a person."

https://christianchat.com/threads/this-side-of-the-glass.182929/post-5409183

"SPIRITUAL GROWTH FOR CHILDREN. These words surely caught my attention!
This subject is near and dear to my heart and our experience..." my dear wife of
fifty years" (Praise God) now over twenty-seven years ago since we began a family ordeal
concerning our grandson. Now M. is twenty-six, doing great, good-paying job he is really into,
though he travels out of state. He was able to buy a new truck just recently before he left for Washington State
on his job, which looks to last some time. This young man is a story in himself... Yes, I get tears
for being so thankful and proud of him and he is a blessing and an inspiration that I thank God for...DAILY!
(sharing about M. may touch the Heart!) Hope to do this sometime.

'Back, I had to take a break and contemplate what and how to share this testimony. It may be a long
post as I am not up to it all in one "sitting'. I have been around eighty-four years and my stamina is
not what it once was... Maybe it was my wife that brought this up.... Done with that..

'Ironic, I just read my daily Twenty-Four Hours a Day "Meditation for the Day"...Dec. 12, ...it surely fits with this post.
( mysterious are the ways of God )

Most of us have had to live through the dark part of our lives, the time of failure, the nighttime of our lives, when we were full of struggle and care, worry and remorse, when we felt deeply the tragedy of life. But with our daily surrender to a Higher Power, comes a peace and joy that makes all things new. We can now take each day as a joyous sunrise gift from God to use for Him and for other people. The night of the past is gone, this day is ours.
"Amen"

'With that message, my thought of words may be blunt, upfront without reservation. These elements I truly believe were
instrumental in the overall sequence and consequences of events that took place. GOD...LOVE...HONESTY...PERSEVERANCE.
Knowing this family ordeal played out from 1997 through 2007 will perhaps give a time frame to consider the many
things that occurred during this time of it all.'

'I will begin with some overall elements that were dealt with by two different family's involvement.
Some are documented records within the confounds of the police, court of law, legal attorneys, Christian advocates,
senior and family seminars, and AA. I will make a note here that Ombudsman advocates I comment for their part!

'Now for the ugly heart-wrenching factors that were the cause of this family saga. In no preferred order.
Selfishness, self-contentedness, wealth, vanity, drugs & alcoholism, family and child abuse. Threatening and
intimidation of harmful acts (to my well-being) and power from the intimidator's parent being an FBI agent
with influence. Emotional trauma, resentment, and hate that have no limits will surely leave a family
with an "emotional scar".

'I feel drained from the reflections of a very dark time in my life. I am going to continue this thread later.
Keep in mind what is to come may be sensitive pertaining to introducing and /or talking to a child about Jesus Christ.
It is very disturbing what adults are attempting to put in the minds of the most vulnerable...our children and young
people in general...not good!

(to be continued "SPIRITUAL GROWTH FOR CHILDREN")

Thank brother

oops,"Thank you, brother" darn sausage fingers

Cultivating a life of love: A reflection on 1 Corinthians 13 - iHope

"I learned years ago that the US military always had advanced equipment
and technology years ahead of the particular year we were living in.

'Also I am aware from personal family relations that had family involved in
government agencies, that they were committed to a code of secrecy that even the closest
of the family could not and would not know what they were doing or working on,
and a severe consequence if there was a breach in their code of secrecy.

'From fifty years ago up to the present time is mind-boggling and beyond just what
is "out there" that protected government personnel are involved in. Be mindful that
in this age the world has eyes and ears.

'Back in my days the gossip and rumors would blow you away about these unknowns.
To the point of rattling society to extreme behavior. Fear of the unknown can present
a severe mental breakdown.

'Orson Welles's War of the Worlds was a radio drama broadcast in 1938 that told the story
of an alien invasion of Earth.

'I have been told some horror stories about this event. Not good!
'That is all I will say about that...but it happened!

Computers will overtake us when they learn to love

Silence is deafening

(cont. from post #1,028) Today 12/14/24
https://christianchat.com/threads/this-side-of-the-glass.182929/post-5418811

"A lot of personally sensitive family things will be eliminated as I am internet searchable,
and the main theme here is God and Love...Honesty and Perseverance.

'And today's 'Thought for the Day' is also Synonymous with this post...

Love and fear cannot dwell together. By their very natures, they cannot exist side by side. Fear is a very strong force. And therefore a weak and vacillating love can soon be routed by fear. But a strong love, a love that trusts in God, is sure eventually to conquer fear. The only sure way to dispel fear is to have the love of God more and more in your heart and soul.
"Amen"

'Being Abandoned was an unsettling ordeal for our daughter with a newborn. They came into our home when we were all living in Arizona. After a couple of years, she married into a wealthy self-centered family atmosphere. Our grandson became an object of rejection after they had two children ( we took care of our grandson a lot of the time as he was being traumatized
with disturbing effects.) Came to the point where we got legally involved with serious backlash from the son-in-law and his family.
They divorced and money and influence her husband got custody of the two children.

'We were awarded legal guardianship when M. was about Three. Being so traumatized, the doctor put him on medication,
but Risperdal had side effects I was concerned with it so we dropped it. We relied on our love and calmness and quiet times
with him. My wife and I attended Grandparents Raising Grandchildren and a lot of prayer and tears were shared.
(Thankfully by this time I had cleaned up my life through God, AA, and my sponsor)

'Thankfully M. mellowed out started school, joined the Boy Scouts, and adjusted well. School was tough
as he had no interest in most of it. We legally adopted M. in 2007 when he was ten. Was about two years in the process.
Our daughter was fine with the decision. All was good there.

'Our daughter had moved here to Missouri with her new husband (they had married in Az.) He was raised here
in Mo.) which he was a blessing as he accepted M. and they became very close. He passed away after we had
moved out here. This was a tough time for all of us.

' Here M. became involved in church and youth programs and graduated from High school. And became interested in
trucks and became a self-taught whizz as a mechanic (thanks in part to his step-father who had passed away) he left M.
with enough money that M. bought a classic 1966 Chevy Impala. His joy to this day. He lets me drive it 'occasionally'

'Through all these things we had instilled in M. was our love, being honest, and to be all he wanted to be. Always in
support and encouragement and that God had been part of my life. I had many talks with him about how I felt and
what God meant to me through my problems. He absorbed far more than I realized...Praise God.

'And make no mistake the power of GOD, LOVE, HONESTY, and PERSEVERANCE.
"I have and am living this and I stand by this truth of it all."

"To overcome the world means to silence the commotion and focus on what really matters."

"Drones are used for surveillance of people, places, and things. Conceivably with
a major concern with the border. Millions at large across the land. Drones know and
see things that inquiring minds want and need to know. Hello!

'New Sheriff coming to town!

2 Timothy 4:3-4

"The time will come to pass when Bible Scriptures shall dismantle the lofty."

2 Corinthians 10:5