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Bigchurch Is NOT As Bad As Some Would Have You Think!!! Sep 7, 2008 6:48 am
Mood: Grateful for Bigchurch!, 1091 Views
After reading a few posts this morning, I am disappointed to find that some would like for all of us to believe that there are no decent people on Bigchurch, everyone here are liars and deceivers, and definately NOT Christians!

I TAKE OFFENSE TO THAT!!!

What a narrow-minded viewpoint! That's like saying ALL Muslims are bad because a few are radical. It's like saying everyone in Africa are scammers because a few choose to live there. And shall we declare ALL priests child molestors because a few have abused?

Get real! For ALL of you new to Bigchurch, please pay attention! I have been here for 1 1/2 years and have met some of the most wonderful people I've ever had a chance to meet! People that are real, genuine, and sincere. People that have prayed for me and edified and encouraged me. People that freely give of themselves, in time, finances, and intercession. And, I've met many of them in person, they're just as real in person as they are in the blogs. The fellowship I have found here has amazed me.

DON'T give heed to those who have been mistreated by a few here, that are angry and resentful, unable to forgive and go on. They would have you believe that EVERYONE here is deceptive and abusive, and not Christians. This attitude comes from their pain and feelings of rejection. Please pray for them, as they are hurting and in need of healing and restoration. But, to categorize EVERYONE as less than real, is just WRONG!

Yes, of course you should use discernment when dealing with anyone on the internet. Yes, you should not believe ALL that people tell you on the internet, until you have had an opportunity to meet them and find out if they are real. Yes, you should even be cautious when dealing with people sitting behind a computer screen, until you learn if they are truly worthy of your trust. But, to automatically assume that EVERYONE is dishonest and out to get you is simply paranoia.

New members, Bigchurch is an awesome place to make new Christian friends. It's a wonderful environment to learn about spiritual things. It's an excellent way to spend time fellowshipping with other Christians. Are we all perfect here? NO! Emphatically, no! But we ARE in Christ Jesus, which makes us forgiven, and striving to be obedient, and for the most part, anxious to be a blessing to others, by walking in love with the love He has given each of us.
33 Comments
What Is YOUR Expression Of Love? Sep 6, 2008 4:45 am
Mood: Demonstrating Love, 622 Views
How do you express God's love to the world around you? Is there a certain organization you get behind, volunteer with, or support? Love is a verb and requires action. To express God's love to others requires us to "DO" something. What are you doing to activate and demonstrate His love?

The expression of love, is giving.

Learning to love comes from God, because He is love. If we follow His example, we must consider this:

"For God so LOVED the world, that He GAVE........
John 3:16

Jesus said: "GIVE, and it shall be given unto you, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.

Does giving to our family and friends separate us from the world? No, the Bible says that "even evil fathers know how to give good to their children." What separates us from the world, is our heart of compassion and empathy, to give to those outside of our comfort zones. During the Christmas season, we feel compelled to give, more so than at any other time of the year. Why is that? What is that stirring in our hearts, to want to give to those less fortunate?
Many would answer that it is God's way of providing for the needy. I would disagree. I have found, in my years of giving, that it blesses me, much more than those that are receiving. I believe that the reason we are instructed and admonished to give, is not necessarily for the benefit of others, although they are blessed by our doing so, but rather for the benefit of our own needs being met. It is amazing to me how God's principals seem in complete opposition to the world's principles.
The world says, "As you receive, give to provide for a need."
God says, "If you have a need, give, so that you can receive."

To Whom Do You Give? And Why?

I also think it is awesome how God sows a seed of empathy in each of our hearts, for a particular group or segment of the population, according to our experiences. If we've had a loved one in Hope Hospice, we tend to want to give to them. If we've had, or a loved one has had an experience in an abusive or addictive lifestyle, we tend to give to organizations that support those types of services. If we have a heart of compassion for the Homeless, we give to organizations that support the Homeless. Same thing for children or animals.
We had a Board meeting Saturday, for the ministry I started, and spent several hours planning the fund-raising activities and events that would allow us to give to the 12 women, currently in our program. I cannot describe the feeling, each year, as all 11 of us Board members, watch the tears and gratitude that come as the women open their gift bags during the holidays, for the simple, basic things that you and I take for granted, such as deoderant, shampoo, toothpaste, and new socks and underwear. Some come into our program with nothing, but what is on their backs. The reason we volunteer our time and money, is because we have a heart of compassion for these broken, addicted, abused, and homeless women, for most of us have walked in those shoes, in one way, shape, or form.

Is Giving ALL About the money?

No, No, and No. Giving can be expressed in many ways:

Giving your time to help, is a gift of love.
Praying for others, is a gift of love.
Encouraging words, is a gift of love.
Listening is a gift of love.
Volunteering is a gift of love.

None of these things cost a penny, but show the love of Christ, within us. Regardless of your method of giving and regardless of the group you feel led to give to, give of yourself, today and every day, out of what has been given to you. Share your love, and the love that has been given to you, with those who need to be loved. Give of your time, to serve someone who cannot return the favor. Perhaps you can give some edification to someone in the blogs today, that simply need a friend, or a kind word.

I know a lady, who was a single mom of 2 children, and she didn't have 2 dimes to rub together, as life was very difficult, just paying the bills and making ends meet. So, she gave her time to others. Taking an elderly couple to doctor's appointments, and other errands, and just visitng and helping them in whatever capacity they needed. That was how she gave her love away. There's no reason or excuse why ALL of us cannot give of ourselves.
You may just find that it will bless you, much more than those that are receiving.

I pray that all who give, will be blessed beyond measure, for their kindness and generosity and that their needs will be met according to the degree that they give the love of Jesus to others.
11 Comments
Bigchurch, What's Love Got To Do With It? Sep 5, 2008 3:05 am
Mood: Walking In Love, 801 Views
Love has EVERYTHING to do with it!

No, it's not a song made famous by Tina Turner, but it's a Biblical mandate for our lives.
The world is seeking, craving, and desiring love, because love is the energy of life, it gives our life a purpose and meaning. Love is what motivates people to get up each day and strive to do what is right. I believe that love is the single-most important attribute of God, and I think that love is the most important thing to God. This is what Jesus said:

"I give you a new commandment, that you should love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another. By this, will all men know that you are my Disciples, if you have love one for another, if you keep on showing love among yourselves."
John 13:34, 35 AMP

Love is the trademark and characterisitic of Christians. Jesus said that all men would know we are His followers, by the love that is displayed in our lives. The apostle Paul said:

".....faith, hope, and love abide.....but the greatest of these, is love."
I Corinthians 13:3
The GREATEST of these? More important than faith? More important than hope? Are you convinced of the importance of love yet? If not, consider this:

"May Christ dwell in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love.
That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints, the experience of that love.
That you may really come to know, through experience for yourselves, the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge without experience, that you may be filled unto all fullness of God."
Ephesians 3:17-19
Paul prayed this for the church because he wanted them to REALLY know the love of God by their experience, and not by mere intellect. In all of Paul's wisdom and insight into spiritual things, he knew that a revelation of God's love was imperative to each person's life, because without it, nothing would go properly.
Our faith will not work without love, read this:

"For, if we are in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith activated and energized and working, through love."
Galatians 5:6
We are taught that faith is the pinnacle of Christian virtues, it is not possible to please God without it. This scripture says that faith works by love. How can we ask God to answer our prayers and have faith that He will do so, if we are mistreating others? (See I John 3:18-23)
It doesn't matter what gifts, talents, and knowledge we possess, without love, it is all futile. Read this:

"If I speak in the tongues of men and even angels, but have not love, I am only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
And if I have prophetic powers and understand all the secret truths and mysteries and possess all knowledge, and if I have faith so that I can remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing, a useless nobody.
Even if I dole out all I have and if I surrender my body to be burned or in order that I may glory, but have not love, I gain nothing."
I Corinthians 13:1-3
This is strong language, but hopefully, it gets your attention. There are many who think that they are really something special because of their vast knowledge, but according to the Word of God, they are NOTHING, unless love is their motive and priority.

".....we should not deceive ourselves into thinking that we love God, while we hate others."
I John 4:20

Fellow bloggers, varying opinions and beliefs, concerning doctrine and interpretation, is inevitable. Each of us differ in our viewpoints. But, when the viewpoints are presented with strife and contention, refuse to accept them. The method of forcefully shoving a belief down one's throat, is rarely persuasive and does little to change someone's thinking. And when we vehemently protest the doctrines we do not agree with, we should not return an evil word with an evil word, but instead, return our opinion with love.
A couple of wise scriptures in Proverbs say: "A soft word spoken, turns away wrath and Being kind and good to your enemies is like heaping hot coals of fire upon their heads."
Would you allow the fruit of love to be made complete in you? Are we not here to be a blessing and encouragement, to be edifying to one another, through the grace of God's love? Or, are we here to cultivate our own agenda? For me, it is the former and not the latter. It's as simple as making a choice, choose to walk in love, forgive easily, and pray for one another, in EVERY need.
That, is the will of God, for all of us.

If you have a problem with a brother or sister, follow the instruction given in God's Word and take it to them in private. A public spectacle only causes contention and brings everybody else down-unless that is your goal and purpose.

Can the world tell that you belong to Jesus, by the love YOU have for one another? Don't stone me, those were HIS words, not mine.
34 Comments
Does EVERYONE Have a God-Shaped Hole? Aug 31, 2008 4:22 am
Mood: Satisfied, 848 Views
I believe that EVERY person is born with a God-shaped hole inside of them, that ONLY He can fill, occupy, and satisfy. That may sound silly to some, but think about it. Before you asked Jesus to be the Lord of your life, did you feel this longing or emptiness inside? Did you feel that something in your life was missing? Did you try to fill that hole with other things, only to discover that nothing seemed to satisfy or fulfill this intangible need?

The origin of the phrase “God-shaped hole” seems to be Augustine's prayer, "You have created us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you." The meaning of the God-shaped hole is the innate longing of the human heart for something outside itself, something transcendent, something "other." Ecclesiastes 3:11 refers to God's placing of "eternity in man’s heart." God made men for His eternal purpose, and nothing in post-Fall time can bring them complete satisfaction. It is evident that God has placed “eternity” in our hearts, because men universally desire eternal life. All religion is based on that desire. All religions promise heaven or some variation of it. No one wants to die; all want to live eternally.

Sadly, too many spend their lives looking for something other than God, to fill their longing for meaning—business, family, sports, drugs, alcohol, sex, fame and fortune, etc. But in pursuing these things that are not eternal, they remain unfulfilled and wondering why their lives never seem satisfactory. There is no doubt that many people pursue things other than God and that they can achieve a measure of "happiness" for a time. But when we consider Solomon, who had all the riches, success, esteem, and power in the world—in short, all that men seek after in this life—we see that none of it fulfilled the longing for eternity. He declared it all "vanity," meaning that he sought after these things in vain because they really did not satisfy. In the end he said, "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all".
Ecclesiastes 12:13

So, in my humble opinion, I think the God-shaped hole DOES exist in the hearts of every person. If we feel the prompting of the Spirit, we will respond by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. When that happens, the God-shaped hole will be filled forever. Hallelujah!

What do you think? Have you ever experienced a longing, a yearning for something greater than yourself, a craving for something, yet unaware of what it was? Did you try to satisfy it with other things, only to realize that only God could fill it? I'd really like to hear your thoughts on this.
13 Comments
Rejoice And Shout For Joy!!! You Have Favor!! Aug 30, 2008 4:45 am
Mood: Rejoicing!!!, 622 Views
I was reading in Psalms last night, and when I came across this scripture, my spirit came alive!

"But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name be joyful in You. For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield."
Psalms 5:11-12

What is God's favor? It's His unmerited state of blessing, meaning we don't deserve it. It's His mercy and grace. It's His assistance, backing, encouragement, and support. It's a special privilege, a kind indulgence, and advantage. It's a Divine intervention. This lead me to my trusty Strong's Concordance, where I found almost 100 scriptures describing His favor toward us. It IS something to shout about and something we can expect.

"Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favor my righteous cause; yea, let them say continually, let the Lord be magnified, which has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant"
Psalm 35:27

God wants us to shout for joy, be glad, and magnify Him. Why? Because He is the One Who causes us to prosper, He is the One Who leads us and guides us, and He is the One Who loves us with an unfathomable and unconditional love. Many people confuse favor for luck, many have said to me, "You're so lucky!", to which I reply, "I'm not lucky, I'm blessed!" My many blessings are God's favor on me.

Even Jesus showed favor in all that He did. He came to give us ALL the answers, He healed the sick, He caused fish to jump into the fishermen's nets, to the degree that the nets couldn't hold them all, He caused a couple of loaves and fish to feed thousands, and He brought forth what was good. The favor we believe for today, has it's foundation in Him.

When people acknowledge the favor of God on you, make sure God gets all the glory, give Him all the credit for the blessings in your life. Shout and be glad, rejoice and magnify His name! His favor will get you things that money can't buy! As a child of the most-high God, favor belongs to you! Even in trials and tribulation, we know that He will see us through the valley of the shadow of death. Even in grief, He is closer than a brother, even in heartache, He is there to comfort us and collect every tear.

Look for and recognize His favor in your life. When you get that parking place close to the store, when you get that item on sale you needed to buy, when people respond to you in a way that amazes you-that's God's favor. That job promotion or bonus, that safety in an accident, that protection of your children, that's all God's favor.

Just for today, acknowledge the many ways that God gives you His Divine favor and shout praise and thanksgiving to Him, rejoice and be glad in Him-our source for all favor. Hallelujah!
10 Comments
What Hinders The Answers To Our Prayers? Aug 29, 2008 2:55 am
Mood: Prayerful, 715 Views
We ALL pray, for ourselves, for others, and for circumstances to change. And when we pray, we hope for and expect the answers to come. But, the Bible teaches that there are things that will keep us from receiving the answers we seek. Why bother taking the time to pray if there are issues present in our life that would keep us from receiving?

The most obvious hindrance to answered prayer is the presence of iniquity and unconfessed sins in the heart of the pray-er. Because our God is holy, there is a barrier that exists between Him and us when we come to Him with unconfessed sin in our lives.
“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear”
Isaiah 59:2
David concurred, knowing from experience that God is far from those who try to hide their sin from God:
“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me”
Psalms 66:18
Living according to selfish, fleshly desires will also hinder our prayers because it produces a hardness of heart toward others. If we are indifferent to the needs of others, we can expect God to be indifferent to our needs. When we go to God in prayer, our first concern should be His will. The second should be the needs of others. This stems from the understanding that we are to consider others better than ourselves and be concerned about their interests over and above our own.
Another major hindrance to answered prayer is a spirit of unforgiveness toward others. When we refuse to forgive others, a root of bitterness grows up in our hearts that chokes our prayers. How can we expect God to pour out His blessings upon us—undeserving sinners—if we harbor hatred and bitterness toward others and an unwillingness to forgive? This principle was beautifully illustrated in the parable of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18:23-35. The principle in this story is that God has forgiven us a debt that is beyond measure (our sin) and He expects us to forgive others as we have been forgiven. To refuse to do so is to hinder our prayers.
Yet another major hindrance to answered prayer is unbelief and doubt. This does not mean, as some suggest, that because we come to God convinced that He will grant our requests, He is somehow obligated to do so. Praying without doubt means praying in the secure belief and understanding of God’s character, nature and motives.
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek him”
Hebrews 11:6
When we come to God in prayer, doubting His character, purpose and promises, we insult Him terribly. Our confidence must be in His ability to grant any request that is in accordance with His will and purpose for our lives and with the understanding that whatever He purposes is the best possible scenario.
“But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does”
James 1:6-7
In addition, discord in the home is a definite obstacle to prayer. Peter specifically mentions this as a hindrance to the prayers of a husband whose attitude toward his wife is less than godly.
“Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers”
1 Peter 3:v7
Likewise, wives are to follow the biblical principles of submission to their husbands’ headship if their own prayers are not to be hindered. (Ephesians 5).
Finally, we are to pray according to His will. You can't just pray for a million dollars and expect to receive it. However, there are many promises of prosperity mentioned. Find a scripture that promises what you are asking for and pray that scripture back to God. Then, expect to receive the answer and thank Him for it, as though you have already received it.
If you will follow these important principles, you will see your prayer life become more fruitful. Last, but certainly not least, be patient. God answers prayer in His perfect timing. Just because you don't receive the answer right away, doesn't mean it's not on the way.
24 Comments
A Question--What Do We Do With Our Pain? Aug 28, 2008 3:31 am
Mood: Hurting, but blessed!, 726 Views
My heart was heavy yesterday, after reading some posts, so many here are hurting and I felt led to pray for them. Then, I got a phone call telling me a friend of mine had died late Tuesday night. There is so much pain in this life, what are we to do with it? I felt impressed to re-post this blog I wrote a year ago. I pray it blesses you.

IS ANYONE SUFFERING?

The physical aspect aside, the definition of pain, mental or emotional, is as follows:

PAIN-the distress or suffering caused by great anxiety, anguish, grief, or disappointment; a sensation of hurting or strong discomfort; the feeling of punishment or penalty.

The Bible contains a multitude of scriptures that refer to pain. In my quest to come up with a number, I was led to my trusty Thesaurus, and was somewhat amazed at all the words associated with pain.

acute discomfort, suffering, ache, misery, pang, throe, twinge, distress, hurt, agony, torment, affliction, torture, upset, wound, excruciate, crucify, anguish, sorrow, grief.
WOW!!!
And these don't include the many words that can lead to causing pain, such as:

betrayal, deception, lonliness, rejection, unfaithfulness, disappointment, slander, etc, etc, etc

Needless to say, my quest to count how many scriptures deal with pain, was short-lived. It could take a month to look them all up, so, suffice it to say, there are literally hundreds, perhaps even thousands of references to pain and it's synonyms. Do you wonder why that is? In the reasonings of my over-analytical mind, I did. My humble opinion? I have always believed that the Bible is God's Handbook for Life, and let's face it, life is full of pain. Is there anyone reading these words that HAS NOT felt pain, in one way, shape, or form? I think not. It's no wonder that God addressed the issue so frequently.
So, what do we do with our pain? How do we endure it? What can we do to ease our pain? What are the Biblical admonitions? Are there advantages to being in pain? Too many questions? lol Yes, I agree, and it could very well take a series of posts to answer them all, and I petition each of you to offer your advice and suggestions.
I am currently in a great deal of pain, and well-wishing loved ones have advised me to "try not to think about it" or "just let it go". I appreciate their intentions, but how do you do that?
How do you not think about it when something as simple as a single word or even a sound, can trigger that overwhelming ache in the middle of your chest? Or the panic of not being able to catch your breath? How do you not think about it when sleep eludes you for days and focus and concentration are unattainable?
Prayer is the #1 answer to how to ease our pain AND the advantage of experiencing pain. Prayer draws us closer to God, in our dependence on Him and in our trust in Him. It allows the Comforter, to comfort and makes tremendous power available.
Praise and worship, although difficult at times of extreme pain, takes the focus off of self, and places it on the God Who loves us so much, He saves every tear. It reminds us of His lovingkindness, mercy, and compassion. It forces us to contemplate and be grateful for every blessing He has given us, and fills us with the peace that passes understanding.
Reading the Bible is another method for easing our pain, and many times I am led to the book of James, only 5 short chapters, but full of wise and inspiring words. This week, the Holy Spirit consistently reminded me of James 1:2-4, "Count it all joyful when enveloped in trials and tribulations. Be assured that the trial and proving of your faith, brings out endurance, steadfastness, and patience."
The first time I read this, I thought it was an oxymoron. Count it all joyful? But, since then, I have learned that the only way to acquire endurance, steadfastness, and patience, is to develop it during the hard times. There's no other way to obtain these qualities, than to suffer. The Bible is filled with countless words of edification and encouragement, and can lift your spirit, no matter how low you feel.
Finally, I would like to offer some practical applications that will help to ease your pain. For me, writing a blog about it has been very therapeutic, hahaha It also helps me to reach outside of myself and offer assistance to others. This will bless you more than it will bless them. There are dozens of ways to accomplish this, pick one that suits you and be a blessing. What you make happen for others, God will make happen for you.
Next, count your blessings, sit down and make a list of every blessing in your life, if you think hard enough, you can come up with many. Meditate on them, read them over and over, then thank God, out loud, for each and every one. An attitude of gratitude is extremely rehabilitating, when broken.
Lastly, it really helps me to laugh. It may sound absurd to laugh in the midst of suffering, but just try it. The scripture in Proverbs that states "Laughter does a heart good, like a medicine", is so true! The physical act of laughing releases peptides, or endorphins in the brain, which have a pain relieving effect and will lift your mood better than any drug. Watch a funny video or comedian, read funny stories, you can even go on the internet and read jokes by the hundreds.
It was my prayer, prior to writing this, that my words would be annointed, and provide hope to all who are suffering, as I am. Jesus sacrificed His ALL, so that we could have life, and have it in abundance, to the full, until it overflows. We may have to go through pain in our lives, and go through the valley of the shadow of death, but we don't have to remain there.
May our gracious and loving Father soothe every suffering soul, fill you with His joy, and give you beauty for your ashes.
I covet your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions, as it may help those, like me, who are suffering.
Thank you, and God bless you all!
26 Comments
That Still, Small Voice-Can You Hear It? Aug 26, 2008 3:56 am
Mood: Listening, 728 Views
Oh, Precious Holy Spirit!!

Today, I am reminded of how vital and important the Holy Spirit's ministry is in my life. I have come to depend on His guiding me, to know what to do and how to do it. He places people in my thoughts, to pray for. He teaches me in ways that my little brain is unable to fathom. He gives me insight in confusing situations, when otherwise I would have no clue. Then, there's the conviction, lol. I'm not always happy about that, but know that it's necessary and beneficial for my spiritual growth. It is the Holy Spirit Who is responsible for working out the purpose of my existence, and the manifestation of God's perfect plan. I am often prompted to consider how meaningless my daily life would be without Him and how much I rely on His presence for even the simplest things.

The Holy Spirit is given to every believer, the moment they accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. This is what Jesus had to say:

"But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send, in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your rememberence) everything I have told you."
John 14:26 Amplified

His ministry in our lives is uncomprehendable to our mere intellect. His monumental assignment is to accomplish the perfect plan and will, of the Father, for each one of our lives. But, at the same time, it is unique, intimate, and individual for every person.

Here are some of His attributes:

He indwells us Romans 8:1
He annoints us I John 2:20, 27
He regenerates us John 3:3,5
He baptizes us Acts 2:17-41
He guides us John 16:13
He empowers us Micah 3:8
He sanctifies us Romans 15:16
He bears witness to us Romans 8:16, Hebrews 10:16
He comforts us John 14:16-26
He gives us joy Romans 14:17
He gives discernment I Cor 2:10-16, I John 4:1-6
He bears fruit Gal 5:22, 23
He gives gifts I Cor 12:3-11
He illuminates our mind I Cor 2:12,13, Eph 1:16,17
He reveals the things of God Is 40:13,14, I Cor 2:10

But, what benefit is He to us, if we can't hear Him? Can YOU hear that still, small voice? And, if you do, do you give heed to His promptings?

Sometimes, we hear it, then disregard it, dismiss it, ignore it, put it completely out of our thoughts. But, I admonish you to pay attention; the more you disregard that still, small voice, the harder you heart becomes. And, the harder your heart becomes, the more difficult it is to hear it, the next time. I have learned to recognize the sound of that still, small voice and follow what it tells me to do. Jesus said it would be beneficial that He go, in order for us to receive the Holy Spirit, and that tells me that it must be important for us to have.

If you aren't reaping the benefits and assistance that the Holy Spirit is there to give you, would you consider asking God to soften your heart, and give you ears to hear? He will answer that prayer, then the next time you hear that still, small voice, pay attention to what it says!
21 Comments
How Do You Feel About Romance? Aug 22, 2008 4:32 am
Mood: Knowing I'm loved, 846 Views
I'm like most women, in that I love romance and crave it in a relationship. What woman doesn't love flowers, chocolate, and soft-spoken words of love? If men were more aware of this need to be wooed, and have more willingness to provide it, there would be a much higher success rate in love. But, what is the perspective of romance from a Christian viewpoint?

Although there are no direct references to the word "romance" in the Bible, there are hundreds of mentions of "love." Since the dictionary definition for romance is "ardent emotional attachment or involvement between people; a love affair," these two terms can sometimes be used interchangeably. But, the true meaning of love, as defined in the Bible, has been corrupted in the common usage of our English language and society. Most often, love is confused with infatuation - that elated, "high" feeling we get when we "fall in love." This kind of "love" is something that lasts typically a short time, and unless replaced by true love, results in broken relationships.

Agape love is a connection through the spirit. A true manifestation of this requires a relationship with Jesus. For without Him, agape love isn't exhibited in its truest form. We, as humans, can't reach this level alone. We need our Heavenly Father's spirit in us, working through us.

By far, the best book in the Bible on this romantic and agape type of love is the Song of Solomon. An often-quoted and many times favorite of romantics, this book demonstrates the parallel between the agape love Christ has for His church and the deep, abiding love a husband has for his bride. The lover and beloved exchange dialogue with each other, and the beloved speaks with her friends. Every passage attests to the deep and abiding love between the lover and beloved. The two are so consumed with that love that it fills them and gives them strength to face each new day. They find comfort and solace in each other's arms and are incomplete without each other. Being together excites them, and when they're apart, they anticipate their reunion.

But, above everything else that is demonstrated in God's word, it's important to keep in mind that love/romance is an action. It's not passive, and it's not a feeling. It's a verb. It requires you to do something in order to bring it to pass. It also requires that you put the other person's wants and desires above your own.

My Dear One and I are currently reading a book about Christian relationships and read last night that divorced women were interviewed and asked what went wrong in their marriage. The vast majority answered that there was no emotional connection between them and their spouse. Keeping romance alive contributes to maintaining that emotional connection. I am blessed beyond measure to have a man that understands and implements this principle.

For me, romance is making me dinner and cleaning up the mess, lol. Romance is going around my house and making up a list of everything that needs to be fixed, and then fixing them. Romance is an hour-long massage, then leaving me to fall into a blissful sleep. Romance is a gentle touch, a reassuring word, and a look of true adoration. I have never met a man that so adequately comprehends this important truth, as the man God has given me. Men, there is great wisdom in learning to demonstrate romance in a relationship. If you don't believe me, try it and see.

What is romance to you? What kind of things tell you that you're loved?
21 Comments
Atheist Challenges "In God We Trust" Aug 21, 2008 12:20 pm
Mood: Voting for God, 735 Views
Yes, he's at it again! The same atheist that tried to get "God" removed from the Pledge of Allegience, has filed another lawsuit to have "In God We Trust" removed from American currency. I read this article from the website of MSNBC, where they're holding a live poll. After voting, I discovered that 75% were against it and 25% were for it.

SAN FRANCISCO - An atheist who has spent four years trying to ban the Pledge of Allegiance from being recited in public schools is now challenging the motto printed on U.S. currency because it refers to God.

Michael Newdow seeks to remove “In God We Trust” from U.S. coins and dollar bills, claiming in a federal lawsuit filed Thursday that the motto is an unconstitutional endorsement of religion.

Newdow, a Sacramento doctor and lawyer, used a similar argument when he challenged the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools because it contains the words “under God.”

He took his pledge fight to the U.S. Supreme Court, which in 2004 said he lacked standing to bring the case because he did not have custody of the daughter he sued on behalf of.

An identical lawsuit later brought by Newdow on behalf of parents with children in three Sacramento-area school districts is pending with the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, after a Sacramento federal judge sided with Newdow in September. The judge stayed enforcement of the decision pending appeal, which is expected to reach the Supreme Court.

Congress first authorized a reference to God on a two-cent piece in 1864. The action followed a request by the director of the U.S. Mint, who wrote there should be a “distinct and unequivocal national recognition of the divine sovereignty” on the nation’s coins.

In 1955, the year after Congress inserted the words “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance, Congress required all currency to carry the motto “In God We Trust.”

“The placement of ‘In God We Trust’ on the coins and currency was clearly done for religious purposes and to have religious effects,” Newdow wrote in the 162-page lawsuit he filed against Congress.

Newdow’s latest lawsuit came five days after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected, without comment, a challenge to an inscription of “In God We Trust” on a North Carolina county government building.

In doing so, the justices upheld the Richmond, Va.-based 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which ruled that “In God We Trust” appears on the nation’s coins and is a national motto.

“In this situation, the reasonable observer must be deemed aware of the patriotic uses, both historical and present, of the phrase ‘In God We Trust,”’ the appeals panel ruled in upholding the inscription’s display.

What do you think? I know of at least one atheist here at bc that may vote for the words to be removed. Please go to the website and vote.
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