<![CDATA[Talk Jesus Forums & Bible Chat]]> http://www.talkjesus.com/ Christian forums, chat room and messageboard. en Mon, 20 May 2013 14:28:44 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.talkjesus.com/images/metro/blue/misc/rss.png <![CDATA[Talk Jesus Forums & Bible Chat]]> http://www.talkjesus.com/ Daily In Your Presence/FORCEFULNESS http://www.talkjesus.com/lounge/45532-daily-your-presence-forcefulness.html Mon, 20 May 2013 06:44:04 GMT FORCEFULNESS

On reaching Jerusalem,
Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out
those who were buying and selling there.
He overturned the tables... and the benches.
MARK 11:15

FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, remember My Father's house is a house of prayer, a holy place, a place where heaven feels free to call, and My Spirit has freedom to move. In the same way, I want your heart, My dwelling place in you, to be a place of honor. I force My way into no one's heart. You invited Me in. But when My Father's reputation is at stake, I will act in whatever way to restore holiness and maintain integrity. I will help you keep this home pure.

A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
In defense of Your Father's house and reputation, You showed us Your forcefulness, Lord. I, too, want to defend Your name. In times when courage needs to shine the most, in moments when truth demands action, Your mighty strength is always with me.

SIMPLE TRUTH

Courage is the ability to act on your own convictions, no matter what others do.

For more from Rebecca, please visit Rebecca Barlow Jordan - Author, Speaker, Greeting Card Writer
 ]]> Lounge ladylovesJesus http://www.talkjesus.com/lounge/45532-daily-your-presence-forcefulness.html Word 4 U 2day/IMAGINATION AND FREEDOM OF CHOICE http://www.talkjesus.com/devotionals/45531-word-4-u-2day-imagination-freedom-choice.html Mon, 20 May 2013 06:34:26 GMT *IMAGINATION AND FREEDOM OF CHOICE ‘…The world and all that is in it is mine….’ Psalm 50:12 The Bible says, ‘…God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.’ (Genesis 2:7 NKJV). Until then, we were just inanimate lumps of clay in human form. At that point... IMAGINATION AND FREEDOM OF CHOICE

‘…The world and all that is in it is mine….’

Psalm 50:12

The Bible says, ‘…God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.’ (Genesis 2:7 NKJV).

Until then, we were just inanimate lumps of clay in human form. At that point God breathed into us two important things:

1) Imagination. It distinguishes us from all other living creatures. It’s what makes us capable of going to the moon, inventing the Internet, having a dream, and worshipping our Creator. But even when God gives you a concept; you must work to make it a reality. God said, ‘The world and all that is in it is mine.’

That means that when you get ready to build and you only have a few bricks, you can pray for more bricks and God will give them to you. It also means that instead of complaining about what you don’t have, you look at what you do have, and what you can make of it with God’s help.

2) Freedom of choice. God has empowered you with the ability to make the right choices and act on them. But even though God has given you this ability, don’t try to go it alone.

Jesus said, ‘What is born of…[the physical is physical]; and what is born of the Spirit is spirit’ (John 3:6 AMP). Always depend on the Holy Spirit. He’s called ‘the Helper’ for a reason (John 14:26 NKJV).

Jesus promised His disciples, ‘You shall receive power [ability, efficiency and might] when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…’ (Acts 1:8 AMP). Imagination and freedom of choice—use them to glorify God.

written by Bob Gass ]]> Devotionals ladylovesJesus http://www.talkjesus.com/devotionals/45531-word-4-u-2day-imagination-freedom-choice.html Removing the Veil from our Heart http://www.talkjesus.com/bible-study-hall/45530-removing-veil-our-heart.html Mon, 20 May 2013 06:24:01 GMT _What is the Veil on our Heart and How to Remove it?_ Scripture: 2 Cor 3:13 We are not like Moses, who would put a_ veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing _the end of what was passing away. 2 Cor 3:14 But their _minds were made dull_, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been... What is the Veil on our Heart and How to Remove it?

Scripture:

2 Cor 3:13 We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away.
2 Cor 3:14 But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away.
2 Cor 3:15 Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts.
2 Cor 3:16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.
2 Cor 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
2 Cor 3:18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.


The veil on our heart, is one of the biggest problems that Christians have. According to the scriptures above, it causes dullness, bondage, blindness, and not seeing any improvements in our life over time (no transformation into the image of Christ). It is the cause of many things including divisions, arguments, disputes, false doctrines, and generalized unhappiness and lack of satisfaction and reality in our Christian walk.
The veil prevents us from seeing, it prevents us from knowing God's will, it prevents us from thinking, feeling and desiring the things that we know the bible says we should. It causes us to be confused and blown about by every wind of doctrine and troubled over many things. It prevents us from bearing much fruit, since we cannot see where we are going, and we wander aimlessly in life doing much but accomplishing little. Removing the veil brings freedom, freedom from the law of sin and death, freedom from bondage, addictions, confusion and doubt etc, through transformation into the image of Christ.

Let's take a look what is the veil and how to remove it?

The short answer:
The veil is our own heart which is not close to Jesus Christ. We remove it by developing and maintaining a person relationship with Jesus Christ.

The long answer:

Firstly some basic facts about the human being:
God created man in three parts - spirit, soul, body.
The spirit is the part which contacts and communicates with God the Spirit. So much so that we believers are joined to the Lord and one spirit with Him (1 Cor 6:17). The main part of our spirit is our conscience.
The soul is the psychological part of us, our mind (thoughts), emotions (feelings), and will (intents).
The body is of course the physical part of us.

What is the heart?
The heart is our soul (mind, emotions, will) with our conscience:
Heb 10:22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

What is the veil?
The veil is our own heart which is not close to the Spirit of the Lord.
The veil on our hearts is our independent self. The veil is our human self concepts, opinions, mindsets, doctrines, traditions, thoughts, wisdom, theologies, philosophies, feelings and intents and plans.....
The veil is our own thoughts, feelings and intents and conscience that operate independently of the Holy Spirit dwelling in our spirit.

How to remove the veil?

To remove the veil we need to get out of our selves by turning to the Spirit.
This veil is taken away when we turn to the Spirit of the Lord. What does it mean to turn to the Lord? It means to turn to the Holy Spirit within us, who is the Spirit of Christ. The Holy Spirit is not a mysterious unknowable power or force.. the Spirit is the Spirit of Christ Himself who we can know and have intimate fellowship with. To remove the evil is by fellowshipping in and with the Holy Spirit. How do we turn to the Holy Spirit? We turn to the Holy Spirit by praying to, calling, praising, thanking, rejoicing in the person Jesus Christ.

We need to develop the habit of setting aside some time every day to contact the Lord and have meaningful fellowship with Him. The emphasis should be upon the quality rather than the quantity. And then to ensure the veil does not come back onto our hearts (by straying from the Lord), we need to maintain this fellowship with the Lord throughout the day wherever and in whatever we are doing.

When our hearts are in the Spirit we will be transformed so that we reflect the person of Christ - we will think, feel and intend more like Him. Also our conscience will be changed - our conscience will condemn us less, and we will know more carefully what does and does not please the Lord. ]]> Bible Study Hall james1523 http://www.talkjesus.com/bible-study-hall/45530-removing-veil-our-heart.html The nature of God http://www.talkjesus.com/bible-study-hall/45529-nature-god.html Mon, 20 May 2013 03:15:04 GMT Force is a non-matter entity that influences objects in its field. There are different forces in the universe. Gravitational force is one of them. Nature is another force. Nature works in a more complex way than any other force. It is responsible for the life cycles of living objects. It also has creative and regenerative capabilities. Our life... Force is a non-matter entity that influences objects in its field. There are different forces in the universe. Gravitational force is one of them. Nature is another force. Nature works in a more complex way than any other force. It is responsible for the life cycles of living objects. It also has creative and regenerative capabilities. Our life is also a force that keeps our body alive as a unit and is responsible for directing the building of our body from a one cell being to a fully formed being. God similarly is a force. He is the ultimate force which created all other forces and through them created the Universe. We do not see these forces, because they are not matter; however we do experience them. We experience God through his creation and through the spirit of love we experience around us.

Since we are created by God, our basic nature, though it has been corrupted by sin, does reflect his nature. If we look deep in our heart, we realize that we find complete peace only in unconditional love. This is a clear indication that God’s nature is unconditional love. We get a confirmation of this fact if we believe that Jesus is God; because in Jesus we can see a God of infinite love and mercy, who humbled himself to take a human form and accepted the most painful death and humiliation in order to bring peace and joy to those who sinned against him. Furthermore, during his most painful death he forgave his executioners, and was concerned about the suffering our sin would cause us rather his own pain and suffering. God as a force, therefore, is not merely involved with creation. His very nature is love; and he constantly persuades us to choose the path of love. ]]> Bible Study Hall arunangelo http://www.talkjesus.com/bible-study-hall/45529-nature-god.html <![CDATA[12 Methods of GOD's Healing in the Bible]]> http://www.talkjesus.com/bible-study-hall/45528-12-methods-gods-healing-bible.html Mon, 20 May 2013 02:58:57 GMT Laying of Hands Luke 4:40 Deliverance Matthew 8:16 Breaking Curses James 5:16 Anointing Oil Laying of Hands
Luke 4:40

Deliverance
Matthew 8:16

Breaking Curses
James 5:16

Anointing Oil
Mark 6:13

Faith
Mark 11:23

Virtue or Touch
Mark 5:29-30

Presence of God
Luke 5:17

Prayer
Matthew 21:22

Gift of Healing
1 Corinthians 12:9,28

Fasting
Isaiah 58:8

Word of GOD
Psalm 107:20

Clothing
Acts 19:12 ]]> Bible Study Hall Chad http://www.talkjesus.com/bible-study-hall/45528-12-methods-gods-healing-bible.html The Great Tribulation http://www.talkjesus.com/scriptural-answers/45527-great-tribulation.html Mon, 20 May 2013 02:39:58 GMT *The Great Tribulation* The Tribulation is a future time period when the Lord will accomplish at least two aspects of His plan: 1) He will complete His discipline of the nation Israel (Daniel 9:24), and 2) He will judge the unbelieving, godless inhabitants of the earth (Revelation 6 - 18). The length of the Tribulation is seven years. This is... The Great Tribulation

The Tribulation is a future time period when the Lord will accomplish at least two aspects of His plan: 1) He will complete His discipline of the nation Israel (Daniel 9:24), and 2) He will judge the unbelieving, godless inhabitants of the earth (Revelation 6 - 18). The length of the Tribulation is seven years. This is determined by an understanding of the seventy weeks of Daniel (Daniel 9:24-27; also see the article on the Tribulation). The Great Tribulation is the last half of the Tribulation period, three and one-half years in length. It is distinguished from the Tribulation period because the Beast, or Antichrist, will be revealed, and the wrath of God will greatly intensify during this time. Thus, it is important at this point to emphasize that the Tribulation and the Great Tribulation are not synonymous terms. Within eschatology (the study of future things), the Tribulation refers to the full seven-year period while the “Great Tribulation” refers to the second half of the Tribulation.

It is Christ Himself who used the phrase "Great Tribulation" with reference to the last half of the Tribulation. In Matthew 24:21, Jesus says, "For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever shall." In this verse Jesus is referring to the event of Matthew 24:15, which describes the revealing of the abomination of desolation, the man also known as the Antichrist. Also, Jesus in Matthew 24:29-30 states, “Immediately after the tribulation of those days . . . the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory." In this passage, Jesus defines the Great Tribulation (v.21) as beginning with the revealing of the abomination of desolation (v.15) and ending with Christ's second coming (v.30).

Other passages that refer to the Great Tribulation are Daniel 12:1, which says, "And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time." It seems that Jesus was quoting this verse when He spoke the words recorded in Matthew 24:21. Also referring to the Great Tribulation is Jeremiah 30:7, "Alas! for that day is great, There is none like it; And it is the time of Jacob’s distress, But he will be saved from it." The phrase “Jacob’s distress” refers to the nation of Israel, which will experience persecution and natural disasters such as have never before been seen.

Considering the information Christ gave us in Matthew 24:15-30, it is easy to conclude that the beginning of the Great Tribulation has much to do with the abomination of desolation, an action of the Antichrist. In Daniel 9:26-27, we find that this man will make a "covenant" (a peace pact) with the world for seven years (one “week”; again, see the article on the Tribulation). Halfway through the seven-year period—"in the middle of the week"—we are told this man will break the covenant he made, stopping sacrifice and grain offering, which specifically refers to his actions in the rebuilt temple of the future. Revelation 13:1-10 gives even more detail concerning the Beast's actions, and just as important, it also verifies the length of time he will be in power. Revelation 13:5 says he will be in power for 42 months, which is three and one-half years, the length of the Great Tribulation.

Revelation offers us the most information about the Great Tribulation. From Revelation 13 when the Beast is revealed until Christ returns in Revelation 19, we are given a picture of God's wrath on the earth because of unbelief and rebellion (Revelation 16-18). It is also a picture of how God disciplines and at the same time protects His people Israel (Revelation 14:1-5) until He keeps His promise to Israel by establishing an earthly kingdom (Revelation 20:4-6).

article: gotquestions.org ]]> Scriptural Answers Chad http://www.talkjesus.com/scriptural-answers/45527-great-tribulation.html Separated from husband and feel so hopeless http://www.talkjesus.com/counseling/45526-separated-husband-feel-so-hopeless.html Sun, 19 May 2013 18:01:17 GMT My husband and I have had a rocky relationship ever since we dated. He seemed ok when we first dated but after a few months things went downhill. I was in college and he was a state away (long distance) and we started to fight a lot. He would always talk about some girl and said he was going to hang out with her. He thought she was cute, etc, etc.... My husband and I have had a rocky relationship ever since we dated. He seemed ok when we first dated but after a few months things went downhill. I was in college and he was a state away (long distance) and we started to fight a lot. He would always talk about some girl and said he was going to hang out with her. He thought she was cute, etc, etc. We were dating exclusively and whenever we argued he always brought up that girl. I don't know why I continued to stay in the relationship. I think it was due low self-esteem and also the fact that he was the first guy I had intimate relations with (I have felt guilty about this ever since). The relationship was so bad that I started seeking counseling at my college and performing very poorly in my classes. He eventually moved to be with me and we got our own place and lived together. I stopped going to college and just worked. We would get into arguments and he would just go look at porn. I didn't find this out until way later in our relationship. He never came after me or tried to work things out when we argued. He lied to me about being fired from his jobs, he lied about money. I don't know why I thought marrying him would be any better. On the day of our marriage I had the worse feeling in my gut and we argued a few days before. Well my wedding I cried because my parents brought up drama (they dislike his mom). After a few years of being married we had our ups and downs but then things got bad. We argued and he would leave the house and not come home until very late at night. I found out he was looking at porn, not paying the bills (until our electricity got shut off), lied about losing his job. He received texts from several women (he says they were just co-workers and he never cheated on me). I lost some of my trust for him and started questioning him. We ended up having our daughter and whenever we got into arguments I would be left at home with her while he went out and didn't come home until late. We became homeless because I wasn't working at the time and had to stay in a hotel. I later found out he was stealing money from his boss...(I told him to put give it back). I was able to get us into a transition home and they helped us get back on our feet. We moved into our apartment and he lied to me about the tax refund (he had filed it without telling me) and had a separate bank account. He blamed it on the bank and said they were holding the money, he even went as far as to forge documents (make up people), pretend to call. I was upset and believed him and sought a lawyer. He knew this was all a lie and he allowed us to go meet a lawyer. I later called the bank and she said there was no one by that name. I felt like such a FOOL. This wasn't the worse part. His boss found out about the money and threatened to put him in jail. I will never forget that day. HE CRIED because he was so scared to death. That night we prayed and by God's grace he was spared from going to jail. The boss made him pay it back but he was fired. We moved into a different apartment and I was working from home. I also introduced him into working from home. We talked about our marriage and he said he was sorry about how he treated me. He seemed to change but then I found out he was lying to me again. He says that he tries to earn my trust but why would he lie? I started to not trust him about anything because everything he said to me seemed like a lie and usually was. We argued on my birthday and we argued on Mother's day. He doesn't seem to care. I separated from him because he got so angry and called me horrible ungodly names, he got so angry that he smashed my phone with a wrench (so I coldn't work from home). We talked during the separation and had sex a few times because we said we would try it out as if we were dating again. This didn't work so it's been a week since and says he feels that I should apologize. I can't, I can't trust him, I'm hurt, I'm so broken. I am not making an of this up. I feel like he is just doesn't care. He hasn't apologized for my birthday or mother's day or for lying. I feel that it just won't work. He also doesn't seem to care because I lost my job (which was due to a mistake) but he still has his (I introduced him to the job). He is not acting like a husband and more like a bf (if you can even call it that). I feel our marriage is done. We spoke to a counselor and they both say that he maybe depressed. I even contacted a pastor to come pray but for some reason something had to come up. My husband doesn't care about me so what am I supposed to do now? How can a marriage work when only one person is fighting? Please I ask for your prayers. I can barely stand on my own two feet anymore. We have two kids together and I really wish they didn't have to go through this. ]]> Counseling Lostdaughter http://www.talkjesus.com/counseling/45526-separated-husband-feel-so-hopeless.html About Satan http://www.talkjesus.com/evidence-bible-prophecy/45525-about-satan.html Sun, 19 May 2013 17:27:22 GMT About Satan

Satan is the prince of this world and the power of the air now.

Ephesians 2:1-5
1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

Satan has freedom to come to earth and go to the throne of God now.

Revelation 12:6-14
6 Then j the woman(Israel) fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there k one thousand two hundred and sixty days.(Last half of the tribulation)
7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.(Satan doing now!)
11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.
14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time,(Last half of the tribulation) from the face of the serpent(Satan). ]]> Eric E Stahl http://www.talkjesus.com/evidence-bible-prophecy/45525-about-satan.html Thorns http://www.talkjesus.com/sermons/45524-thorns.html Sun, 19 May 2013 12:14:26 GMT
And said unto Him, All these things will I give you, if you will fall down and worship me
Matthew 4:9

Octavius Winslow - Christ and the Christian in Temptation -1877

Alas! the world constitutes one of the most seductive temptations of the Christian.

The world is satan's great weapon.

satan is constantly presenting it in endless forms of attraction, wearing as many disguises, and backed by every species of argument.

It is his chicanery to present only the bright side of the world, carefully concealing the darker and more repulsive one.

he presents
the flower; and conceals the thorns
its emptiness and heartlessness
its selfishness and malice
its deceitfulness and malignity
its ingratitude and baseness
its hollow friendships and its false loves

Oh! these are the thorns the cunning tempter conceals when he presents the world and the glory thereof, in exchange for the homage and the worship he asks.

There is not a stratagem satan does not employ by which to bring the world to bear upon the Christian . . .

the eye delighting in beauty;
the ear ravished with sounds;
the taste delicate and dainty.

"The lust of the flesh and the lust of the eye and the pride of life" are so many media through which the attractive power and ascendancy of the world attain an easy conquest in the mind of the Christian.

Seduced by its power,
convinced by its arguments,
ensnared by its glitter,
the world may enchain you a slave at its feet.

The deceiver attempts to draw:
the heart from Christ;
the mind from devout meditation;
and the whole soul from things that are divine, heavenly and eternal!
**********

And be not conformed to this world:
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,
that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:2








]]> Sermons Fragrant Grace http://www.talkjesus.com/sermons/45524-thorns.html Alien http://www.talkjesus.com/poetry/45523-alien.html Sun, 19 May 2013 08:56:25 GMT T’wer Sunday morning, I got to church I wandered in to find my perch But when I found my usual pew Imagine what came into view An alien in my posterial place Where I did rest my weary base. Shocked is how I felt that day A gert big Anglican in my way So off I stomped, aflame with... T’wer Sunday morning, I got to church
I wandered in to find my perch
But when I found my usual pew
Imagine what came into view
An alien in my posterial place
Where I did rest my weary base.

Shocked is how I felt that day
A gert big Anglican in my way
So off I stomped, aflame with pride
To find a place where I could hide
Forgiveness, it did not exist
Another name upon my list

The Lord, He came, and had a chat
I felt just like a spoilt brat
It seems that I had made Him sad
By worldly thoughts, cause I was mad
Repenting quickly, I was spared
The King of love, He really cared. ]]> Poetry Anglican http://www.talkjesus.com/poetry/45523-alien.html Daily In Your Presence/BAPTIZER http://www.talkjesus.com/lounge/45522-daily-your-presence-baptizer.html Sun, 19 May 2013 06:33:42 GMT BAPTIZER

"He will baptize you with
the Holy Spirit
and with fire."
MATTHEW 3:11

FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, because My Spirit has baptized you with love and power, you have been filled with every good thing you need to complete the work I gave you. But that filling is ongoing. Do not quench My Spirit with disobedience. Run to Me at the moment of your betrayal, and let My purifying fires do their work through you. I will immerse you daily with My love, My grace, My goodness, and My power.

A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
Lord, You baptized me not with water, but with Your Spirit of love. You placed a holy fire in my heart, an unquenchable flame that burns with the desire to know You, and to testify to Your faithfulness daily. You are my baptizer, Lord. Thank You for keeping the fire burning.

SIMPLE TRUTH

It's hard to get a fire going when the wood is wet.

For more from Rebecca, please visit Rebecca Barlow Jordan - Author, Speaker, Greeting Card Writer

 ]]> Lounge ladylovesJesus http://www.talkjesus.com/lounge/45522-daily-your-presence-baptizer.html Word 4 U 2day/HAVE YOU BEEN REJECTED? http://www.talkjesus.com/devotionals/45521-word-4-u-2day-have-you-been-rejected.html Sun, 19 May 2013 06:31:43 GMT **HAVE YOU BEEN REJECTED? ‘…Do not be afraid…I am with you...’ Acts 18:9-10 When Paul tried to share his new faith with his old friends, ‘They opposed him’ (v. 6 NKJV). It hurts to be rejected by those you love. It seems like Paul was so hurt by their rejection that God had to encourage him, saying, ‘Do not be afraid…I am with you,... HAVE YOU BEEN REJECTED?

‘…Do not be afraid…I am with you...’

Acts 18:9-10

When Paul tried to share his new faith with his old friends, ‘They opposed him’ (v. 6 NKJV). It hurts to be rejected by those you love. It seems like Paul was so hurt by their rejection that God had to encourage him, saying, ‘Do not be afraid…I am with you, and no one is going to…harm you.’

Later when Paul reached out to some of the apostles, they too were wary of him. They saw him as too Jewish to be Christian and too Christian to be Jewish. Throughout his ministry, Paul suffered disappointment and rejection at the hands of those he loved. But when people fail you it drives you into the arms of God.

Being rejected by others can actually bring a greater intimacy with Him. When they stoned Paul and left him for dead, ‘he got back up’ and went on to greater things (Acts 14:19-20).

Being rejected makes you lean on God like never before, because you’ve nowhere else to turn! In fact, at times like that, unless you hear from God, there’s no other word of hope coming!

When others reject you, God has a way of opening doors to new levels of blessing you’d otherwise miss. Your greatest spiritual growth will generally result from your greatest trials.

The Psalmist wrote: ‘Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies [vindication]: thou anointest my head with oil [daily empowerment]; my cup runneth over [greater blessing]’ (Psalms 23:5 KJV). The truth is, without some pain and opposition, you wouldn’t get to sit at God’s table and enjoy His best.

written by Bob Gass
 ]]> Devotionals ladylovesJesus http://www.talkjesus.com/devotionals/45521-word-4-u-2day-have-you-been-rejected.html Peace without a Pill http://www.talkjesus.com/counseling/45500-peace-without-pill.html Sun, 19 May 2013 04:42:23 GMT Studies prove that many Americans admit they do not enjoy peace in their lives. Experts tell us every day in our nation, we swallow 9 tons of sleeping pills and another 15 tons of aspirin. Then we can add to that another hefty amount of more...]]> Peace Without a Pill

By Thomas Lindberg

Studies prove that many Americans admit they do not enjoy peace in their lives. Experts tell us every day in our nation, we swallow 9 tons of sleeping pills and another 15 tons of aspirin. Then we can add to that another hefty amount of more powerful medication — tranquilizers. Although our land has only 4 percent of the world's population, we consume 96 percent of the world's tranquilizers.Still another 31,482 Americans last year decided they had all they could handle. They were convinced no one and nothing could help them, so they took their own life. Yes, there's a lack of peace in our lives.

Yet people continue to search for peace. Last week I got on the internet and typed in the words "personal peace." I was curious how many sites give information on that topic. Do you know how many there were? More than 300,000! Yes, people are on a mad search for peace.

Is it possible to enjoy real, lasting peace? If so, where can it be found? I believe Isaiah 26:3 is God's answer to how to enjoy peace without a pill. Read the words of this Bible verse slowly and carefully: "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is staved on You, because he trusts in You."

Those words are some of the most profound in all of literature. They are so simple, yet so true. They are so old (about 2,700 years old), yet millions of people have experienced the reality of those words. Let's think together about three things.

First, let's think about the Keeper. The first three words of that verse are "You will keep." That refers to no one else but God Almighty. He is the Keeper. Go a little further with me and explore two things about the Lord, who is our Keeper.

One thing I know is He is a personal Keeper. The Bible verse says, "Thou, You." We call those personal pronouns. That tells us that God is a personal God and a personal Keeper.
All of us have known people who have had a personal nurse, a personal accountant, a personal secretary, a personal trainer, or a personal bodyguard. When you believe in Jesus as Savior, you have a personal peace keeper.

I was waiting in an office, and while waiting I was reading a national magazine. The article was about how to release stress and gain peace. Do you know what the author's advice was? Talk to your pet! The writer had the right concept — talk to someone — but better than your cat or dog, talk to your Lord. He's your personal peacekeeper.

Another thing I know about God is He is a powerful Keeper. The word "keep" in the original language of the Bible means "to guard." It's a military word and is used to describe a group of soldiers guarding a city. That's what God Almighty does. He guards your peace.

We hear on the news of the United Nations sending in a peacekeeping force. That's what God does for His people. He personally and powerfully comes to you and enables you to experience peace without a pill.

One of the greatest thieves of peace today is guilt. The devil uses guilt against us to rob us of peace. As a pastor, I've had hundreds of people tell me they are haunted by their past. I've had men and women tell me about illegal business deals, serious errors in judgment, dishonest acts, adultery, abortions, and tempers out of control that ruined relationships, to name a few. Now these dear people suffer from guilt and enjoy little to no peace. Here are the words I've heard often, "I just can't get free of it."

There is some good news. We can all come to a personal and powerful God who has both a key that will unlock the chains of past guilt, and a key that will open the door to future peace.

Let me take a page out of my ministry and tell you a true story. Some years ago a man came to me. Let's call him John. He had made a very poor decision. As a matter of fact, John's choice was clearly a sin, and he admitted that it was. You see, John had done something that God clearly said not to do. Now he had no peace. He told me that he felt rotten inside.

One day we met and were talking about God's cleansing, freeing power. In that moment, the Lord dropped a verse from Acts 10 into my mind. It was, "What God has declared clean you must not call dirty."

I explained that verse to John. Then I laid my hands on him and prayed that he would experience the power of that verse. If you could talk with John today, he would tell you that from that moment to this moment, a personal and powerful God has given him real peace. And my friends, what He's done for others, He can do for you.

Second, let's think about the keeping. Notice how the verse goes on: "You will keep... in perfect peace. " What a promise! Let's dig a little deeper and see two things. One thing the Bible promises is that you can experience constant peace. You see, every word in the Bible is from God. This verse says that God will keep you "in" perfect peace. That tells me that His peace is constant.

It's like this, if you are "in" something, you're surrounded by it, it's constant. When we say, "Come in out of the cold (or heat)," we're saying, "Come into the house where the temperature is constantly 72º." That's the peace God gives. It works all the time, whether situations are good or bad.

I recall Monday, October 19, 1987 very well. The stock market took a nosedive over 500 points. Investors called it Black Monday, for the market fell 22%.

There were suicides that day. A jump alert was issued for the Golden Gate Bridge. A man in Florida walked into his stockbroker's office and killed his financial advisor. There are some people who only have peace when all's well.

I contrast all that with a missions banquet I attended that night. This banquet, which had been scheduled months before, was for the purpose of raising money for missions. After I spoke at the meeting, a man approached me with a large check for missions. He said to me, "I lost a bundle of money today on the stock market, but this I know, I'll never lose what I give. I have peace through God in every situation." How true. That's the constant peace of which I write.

Another thing the Bible promises is that you can experience complete peace. Isaiah 26:3 calls the peace God gives "perfect." If something is perfect, that means nothing is missing, it means it's complete.

Worry is a terrible peace-robber. On one of his broadcasts Paul Harvey told of a man who was worried that he was looking old. To fool people, he had braces put on his dentures so people would think he was young. How silly! My friend, the peace God gives can work at all times and in every situation.

I'm thinking of a man right now whose car was hit broadside at 85 mph by a drunken driver. He was rushed to the hospital, hovering between life and death. This man is a fine Christian. He later said, "As I lay in the emergency room not knowing if I would live or die, I had absolute peace from God." Hallelujah!

No one can explain that. I believe that's why the Bible says it is "the peace of God that passes understanding." It's beyond our ability to figure out, but don't doubt for a minute that it's real. The verse is not finished, however.

Quote:
Last, let's think about the kept. The first two parts — the keeper and the keeping — are totally God's part. To be quite honest, you have nothing to do with those parts. But now we come to your part in the process — the kept. You see, God will give peace to the person "whose mind is stayed on You (God)."
God's Word is a life-changing book. How does that verse challenge us? It certainly urges you to be learning. Isaiah used the word "mind." What's a mind for? To learn. As you learn more about God's character, love, power, faithfulness, etc., then you'll trust Him more and experience greater peace.

Back in 1852, our nation elected a new President, Franklin Pierce. He was the only president in our history who refused to lay his hand on the Bible as he took the oath of office. Here's why. Just a few weeks before the election, Mr. Pierce, his wife and son were on a train. There was a wreck and his son was tragically killed. Pierce blamed God for that incident and therefore refused to put his hand on the Bible.

Some years later, Mr. Pierce admitted, "I was foolish. I've now learned that God does love us. I now trust Him." You see, he learned about God and it was his path to peace.

Isaiah 26:3 also urges you to be leaning. The word translated "stayed" literally means "to lean." So we could translate our verse like this: "You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is leaning on You."

I've lost count of the number of people through the years who have told me words like this: "Something bad was happening in my life. At first, I spent all my time trying to figure it all out. That made me more frustrated. Finally, I stopped trying to figure everything out and just started trusting God and praising Him. Soon I began to experience peace." My friend, that's leaning on the Lord.

William Randolph Hearst was a famous and wealthy newspaper publisher in the 1920s. He also loved art and had a huge collection. One day he read of a painting and decided he must own it. Hearst sent two men to Europe to find the painting and to buy it.

The two men scoured European art galleries for seven weeks. They finally located the painting and wired Mr. Hearst with the information. "Where is it?" Hearst demanded. They replied, "It's in your art warehouse in California. Mr. Hearst, you already own it."

There are many Christians who are just like William Randolph Hearst. They ask, "Where can I find peace?" The answer is that you already own it if you know Jesus. You see, you can experience peace without a pill. Will you ask Christ to give you His peace today? Will you surrender all of your life to Jesus? When you do, you'll discover new optimism, refreshing confidence, and lasting peace that can carry you through any situation in life. That's God promise to you.


Thomas Lindberg is Pastor of First Assembly in Memphis, TN.
 ]]> Counseling Chad http://www.talkjesus.com/counseling/45500-peace-without-pill.html Prayer Needed http://www.talkjesus.com/prayer-request/45499-prayer-needed.html Sun, 19 May 2013 01:21:46 GMT I am in need of a few prayers.... In a few weeks I will be taking a test that defines my career in the military which decides whether or not I get to stay in the military. I have been struggling with affects of this test on my life. I know god is going to provide for me but I fear the unknown. I am very fearful as I don't have a plan B but I know what ever happens god will be with me.... If you could just send out a few prayers that I pass this test and be able to stay in the military.... thanks and god bless everyone! ]]> Prayer Request mega http://www.talkjesus.com/prayer-request/45499-prayer-needed.html I need Prayers Because I am Sick http://www.talkjesus.com/prayer-request/45497-i-need-prayers-because-i-am-sick.html Sat, 18 May 2013 21:22:31 GMT I am in need of major prayers I am having a lot of trouble with my immune system Back in April I was treated for a Very Severe sore throat that made it hurt to swallow Food that I had to get treated with antibiotics and I am now Back Majorly sick again this Time I have a Major Painful Hurting Lump in my Neck with a Very Severe Sore throat that... I am in need of major prayers I am having a lot of trouble with my immune system Back in April I was treated for a Very Severe sore throat that made it hurt to swallow Food that I had to get treated with antibiotics and I am now Back Majorly sick again this Time I have a Major Painful Hurting Lump in my Neck with a Very Severe Sore throat that is hurting everytime I swallow food plus it hurts to swallow and now I am on antibiotics again. I do not know How I am going to be able to get my immune system better because I had an RNY Gastric Bypass done in July of 2012 I do not know if having Immune system problems is a part of RNY Gastric Bypass. I am wondering if there is someone that can send me a some get Well cards in the postal mail because I am having a Major rough time with not getting better at all. If you can send a Get well card to me in the postal mail I would very much appreciate it because I am having a Major rough time with sickness. Please message me if you would like my postal address. Please message me if you can pray for me.

Channing ]]> Prayer Request channing28105 http://www.talkjesus.com/prayer-request/45497-i-need-prayers-because-i-am-sick.html