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What’s a Word From the Lord?

Do we agree with those who say, “Every promise in the book is mine?”

If so, in what sense do we mean that?

Do we read the Bible until something jumps out as being a phrase we want to claim for ourselves? If so how do we keep from claiming to have a Word from God that was never meant to be “God’s promise to us”?

Do we have a strong impression of what we “hear” God saying to us in our own thoughts? If so, how do we make sure that we are not attributing to God our own hopes or desires?

Do we read the Bible as if all of it was written to us? If so what would we say to those who say, “None of the Bible was written to us. But according to the Apostle Paul, all of the Bible was written for us (2Tim 3:16).

How do we read the Bible?

If you find any of these questions worth thinking about, let’s talk about it….


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71 Responses to “What’s a Word From the Lord?”

  1. poohpity says:

    I read the bible to learn about God and how he has dealt with His creation. I feel like it was written not just to me but to everyone. I do feel it is for me and for everyone to learn from what God has allowed us to learn while not believing that it contains all the info about Him because it would be to much to contain in the pages. It has taken years to understand parts of it and how to apply it to my life. I have found that when situations present themselves to me the Word comes out of my memory and then I have aha moments because of the foundation that has been laid.

    When I hear Words whispered in my mind I have learned to recognize which are from God because they stand true to His word. The only way I can tell if a promise is from God is to again know His Word. It is not just something that can be learned from just one go through or from the thoughts of pastor’s or teachers because sometimes they teach things that are not found in scripture. So I think we really have to a solid foundation of the Word to have discernment.

  2. JediKnight4Him says:

    In my walk with the Lord I always get some confirmation that God is speaking a word “Rehma” to me. It’s that still small voice that says “this is the way,walk in it”.The other side of the coin is those who claim “God told me this or that” like something mystic….I call this Voodoo theology trying to mimic the real thing. Spending time in Gods word seeking his face is key to discern the voice of the Shephard.

  3. scout1 says:

    Mart, Mart, Mart . . .

    My dear brother . . .I love this post but . . .those questions have always been on my mind. Sometimes I can read and remember verses that make me see many “ways” the Lord may be directing or promising. I usually end up thinking in a circle! So, I think the challenge for your posting this time should be that you ask the questions and answer them too!! :) Waiting to hear. . .
    Scout

  4. MaryKristine says:

    Have to tell my story about when my daughter was diagnosed with a mass on her kidneys and a cyst in her brain. Had several years earlier been through Blackaby’s study: Experiencing God: Knowing and doing the will of God, from which had learned that God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances and the church. Knowing this, fast forward to the night the doctor called to say they found these in my daughter’s test results. Cried all night and figured this was a good enough excuse to get out of VBS at our church; however, chose to go and work anyway and sat on the floor with the 3yr olds as the teacher talked about “Tank” the turtle who trusts in God. Sang the song all morning that goes “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and he will make your paths straight!” Kind of felt better staying plugged into the church instead of staying home feeling sorry for myself. The next day, got my daily devotional via email and it was based on Proverbs 3:5-7. The day after that, turned my perpetual calendar of scripture over and it was Proverbs 3:5-6. Felt pretty confident after that the He was in control and didn’t know what was going to happen; however, knew there was no other choice, but to trust Him. Even had a stranger knock on my door (Jehovah witness) and after we had a talk (never mentioned my daughter) she wanted to leave just one more scripture with me…she started turning to Proverbs…and yes…it was Proverbs 3:5-7. Turns out they couldn’t find anything on her kidneys and she can live with the cyst. It’s operable if need be; however, it is stable (it’s now been 7 years) and the gland that it is on is not used after so many years. Kind of figure that was Him speaking. The one thing that made things clear was His Word. Hebrews 4:12 tells us that His Word is living and active, sharper than any double edged sword, penetrating to dividing soul from spirit and joint from marrow and it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. There is nothing else on earth that can do that! We have all the technology to see inside the womb, see in side the brain, yet nothing can compare to the Word of God!

    Hope this helps with understanding my experience of how God speaks.

  5. marma says:

    If we are just popping in and out of scripture looking for a promise then we aren’t really handling the Word rightly, since there is so much that has to be read end to end and carefully to really get the entire picture.

    We function better when we get whole balanced meals. A nibble here and there will keep us going but not for long, if we don’t get real sustenance and we open ourselves up to error because we aren’t reading in context.

    Also, as you point out, Mart, it is part of our relationship with God; we read to get answers from the Lord. We have to let God say what He wants to say to us. We need to be still and listen.

    The question I have is, why do we get in trouble? I think it is because when we want something very badly we will try to use Scripture to justify it. Conversely, when we are afraid or feel guilty then we stay away from God’s Word for fear of it condemning us. I say “we” but I mean “me!”

    I’ve begun to realize that, no matter what, I need to stay in God’s Word. God loves me, Jesus died for me, the promises to the Church, to all believers are mine. If God has to bring me to my knees using His Word, it is a kindness– better Him than the world, or the consequences garnered by my own sin. Those last two are harsh and degrading teachers. We reap what we sow, and I think staying in the Word, looking intently, is sowing to the spirit.

    .

  6. SFDBWV says:

    Have any of you ever gone up against an obsticle so huge that it seemed foolish to even attempt it?

    Little David did when he stood up against Goliath.

    We can read about little David and see that there is no obsticle too big for God and those of us who put our trust in Him.

    Who among us can not be blessed from reading any of the Psalms?

    Do we not all have dark valleys where we walk?

    Are we not promised a better life than the old one? Abraham was told to leave one place for another. Aren’t we all ask to do the same?

    Yes Mart, the whole of the Bible, the written Word of God, is for us all. Will we ever fully understand it all? No. I don’t think so.

    Are the promises written there for me? Yes.

    Can I stand on these promises for my life? Yes.

    How do I read the Bible? With prayer and meditation on every word.

    How do I distinguish between God’s voice and my own? “The sheep know the voice of the shepard”, The Holy Spirit bears witness of Himself. With joy unspeakable and full of glory.

    Yesterday I gave thanks for the lives of 115 coal miners rescued from a mine in China. Today I ask God to comfort and aid the grieving brokenhearted families of the 29 killed here in West Virginia…He promised to heal the brokenhearted.

    Steve

  7. Puddleglum says:

    To Jediknight4him.
    Can we back the truck up a bit.
    I am 68 years young and I have been a believer for most of those years.
    Forgive my ignorance but, what is “Rhema”?
    I have never heard that word before and in the last 15 minutes I have heard it 2 times on two different blog sites. Please enlighten me brother.
    Ken

  8. pegramsdell says:

    Wow! What a great topic! The responses are amazing and I can really relate to them.
    MaryKristine…thank you for sharing your story. Praise God for your miracle.

    The bible says in John 1:
    1 In the beginning the Word already existed.
    The Word was with God,
    and the Word was God.
    2 He existed in the beginning with God.
    3 God created everything through him,
    and nothing was created except through him.
    4 The Word gave life to everything that was created,[a]
    and his life brought light to everyone.

    So…..His Word gives me life….I would die without it. I need to read His Word everyday. The Holy Spirit hovers over His Word, so when I read it, He is filling me too. Sweet! I look forward to spending time with Him. And also “Our Daily Bread” is a great help with a reading plan everyday. I really like it.

    So sorry to hear about the miners Steve. My prayers will be with the families.

    Jedi…love your name! :)

  9. Lively says:

    Good morning! I too, lift up the families of the miners in WV.

    I hope everyone had a glorious Easter, we did here. Hubby and I quit smoking for about the millionth time. It’s been about a week and a half now – trying to keep physically busy, idle hands devils work… lol

    My mom cherry picks verse and bible stories. She shies away from the tough subjects. I think her “brand” of Christianity is extremely dangerous, either the Bible is all for you – of not at all for you.

    Steve, quitting smoking after smoking for about 30 years of my life (yes, I had my first smoke when I was 10 and was a regular smoker by the time I was 12) seems impossible. I physically hurt for the want of a smoke this very second. Last week I cheated and had a few – Sat night I did the only thing I knew would force me to quit. I have fasted from smokes for the next 5 days. Through Him, all things are possible – that’s a promies He made – and I think is the promise I come back to most often.

    Stacy

  10. Pilgrimhere says:

    Great discussion, Mart. Jediknight hits a chord with me when pointing out that a consistent diet of the WORD is key – as was intended. How do we know the heart and mind of God? By reading His Word throughout our lives. As we experience the curve balls coming at us, we will be solid when we know the answer is in communing with our Father. I don’t always find the answer in my way, to my liking or not at all, but I know He loves me and wants the best for me and He wants time to work in my life.

  11. foreverblessed says:

    The key to the Bible is Jesus Himself.
    (Revelation 19:10 the spirit of prophecy is the testimony of Jesus)
    We can read all of the bible and yet miss Jesus.
    It is through Jesus that God made the way for us open to Him.
    And so it is with bible reading, only in Christ and through Christ, by the Holy Spirit.

    And Jesus is all love.
    We just remembered in Passover, and Easter how great His love for us was.

    So everyday I want to know more of His love, and I ask more faith. (Proverbs 3:3 )
    Proverbs 3 has always spoken to me, since I was 6, and now again because of MayKristines story, thanks for sharing and for guiding me to Proverbs 3 .
    That God would literally fulfill this verse, v9 in your daughters life!
    That is absolute a boast to our faith.

    How great is our God,
    sing with me how great, how great is our God.

  12. foreverblessed says:

    But also in the dull day to day our living God is always the same.
    See a few verses on, in verse 11 of Proverbs 3.
    If nothing seems to happen, then just very much is happening, God is training us, disciplining us, that in the low tide of life we will lean on Him, and by and by will be crucifying the big Me in me.
    (Lively, be strong, hold on, this is a big thing, do not give in, pray more, sing praises to God and Jesus, seek His face much more now. I had a big thing with coffee, I had to have coffee, every day, it was only to small cups, but I had to have them. I now see it as a training from God, a disciplining of the Me)
    So that Jesus in me will grow bigger and bigger, and I will grow smaller and smaller.

    I believe that all the promises are for us, or rather, will be for us.
    But God has to trust us too. He will give us all His power, the same that Jesus had, but first He will train us, Discipline us. So that for sure, that when we stand on His promises they are done in the will of the Holy Spirit, and not done for our own sakes and own glory.

    That only means we have to see the difference, and crucify the self. And even in doing that I need Gods guidance.
    because He promised that when I acknowledge Him in all my ways that He would make straight our paths Porverbs 3:6.

  13. foreverblessed says:

    To him who overcomes I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
    Rev 2:7

    He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death 2:11

    To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden mamma. I also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it. v17

    To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations 26
    see also v27-28, 3:5, 12, 21-22

  14. phpatato says:

    Stacy

    I will be praying for you and your husband as you both battle this addiction.

    Look up and don’t give up. Victory is yours in Jesus!!!

    Pat

  15. foreverblessed says:

    sorry, Proverbs 3:8 was fullfilled in MayKristines daughters life, while v 5-7 was given to her!

  16. poohpity says:

    Micah 6:6-8 6 What can we bring to the Lord?
    What kind of offerings should we give him?
    Should we bow before God
    with offerings of yearling calves?
    7 Should we offer him thousands of rams
    and ten thousand rivers of olive oil?
    Should we sacrifice our firstborn children
    to pay for our sins?

    8 No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good,
    and this is what he requires of you:
    to do what is right, to love mercy,
    and to walk humbly with your God.

    Hosea 6:3-6
    3 Oh, that we might know the Lord!
    Let us press on to know him.
    He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.”
    4 “O Israel[a] and Judah,
    what should I do with you?” asks the Lord.
    “For your love vanishes like the morning mist
    and disappears like dew in the sunlight.
    5 I sent my prophets to cut you to pieces—
    to slaughter you with my words,
    with judgments as inescapable as light.
    6 I want you to show love,[b]
    not offer sacrifices.
    I want you to know me[c]
    more than I want burnt offerings.

    Jesus repeats this in Matthew 9:13;12:7 Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘It isn’t your sacrifices and your gifts I want– I want you to be merciful,’ For I have come to urge sinners, not the self righteous, back to God.”

    God wants us to truly know Him and all the rest follows if we just get out of the way. If we want to know His promises for us get to know Him.

  17. pinawabrad says:

    I wonder if the logic behind the original question causes us to read our Bible’s poorly. I think we should receive the Word as God gave us the word – Not in a list of 700 commands, or a list of promises, but rather as whole books (letters, histories, etc) – See Gordon Fee’s second book on reading the Bible: “How to Read the Bible Book by Book”

    I believe that God speaks to us through the Bible. . . but too often we cut it up into almost recognizably small portions that we may miss God’s original intent. When we “hear” something that is not supported by the text – that may be fine – the Holy Spirit may be guiding us fair enough – but we ought not in that case to claim that God spoke to us THROUGH the Bible…

    Just thinking,

    Brad

  18. xrgarza says:

    Wow Mart,

    Yes, No, Maybe so; I once asked myself that very question, I learned that only the specific promises are not for us like the promise of a virgin child or to be the ruler of Israel etc. Generally speaking yes all are in fact ours, Praise God! However, most of the time to receive that promise there must be action on our part, it may be as simple as asking for it.

    I had a co-worker once tell me that the Bible was not written for us but for the people of that age only, and so as a result that the end of age had already happened. I asked him, if that’s so why even bother reading the Bible, his response was simple “because we have to”. I didn’t know how to respond then, I’m very confident today in my walk quite a bit wiser, I haven’t seen him in years but I believe that the Word is alive if I were to talk with him today I would think that the word has come alive in him and the conversation would be different.

    Although, I had a pastor visit the promise land once and he mentioned that his tour guide had the Bible virtually memorized from cover to cover, and pastor asked him “so you’re a Christian?” and the guide responded “heck no I don’t believe this stuff, this is just my job”

    My reading of the word has not always been systematic, I will read Psalms & Proverbs daily with a devotional, lately I’ve been going through the entire Bible on CD, from cover to cover, I have found that on occasions when I’m going through something I am reminded of a scripture and that always speaks to me and gives me strength.

    In addition, it’s been two years I had been struggling financially for about six years, I was doing all the right things, I even doubled up on my giving to the Lord, and I simply could not get above water, when I cried out Lord! Help me, why is this not working? This is the first time I randomly opened my Bible to Deuteronomy 26, and read something that I have read before but have never heard a message like I heard on that day, I questioned Lord are you serious? And so as a result I have been learning about my finances giving, receiving, saving, and spending in a way that I have never heard from any pulpit or Christian broadcast ever before, One day the book or booklet will be available. The bible says that the Lord is my provider, it’s not a magic wand, I have a responsibility to participate in the blessing.

    The word say’s “study yourself to be approved,” I think that was James, not sure though. A little wisdom and common sense helps too.

    Sorry for being so long.
    Rocky

  19. poohpity says:

    Amen Brad!!!!

  20. xrgarza says:

    MaryKristine, Praise God What an awesome testimony!

    Puddleglum; I don’t know if you have received your answered about Rhema, it’s a Greek word, it is in fact the spoken word of God, like a verb it’s an action word. That’s it in a nutshell.

    Rocky

  21. rxman says:

    I believe we have to look at who the author of a book of the Bible is talking to and in what context it is being said in. For instance, do we still follow all of the old testament commandments? no. Are women not allowed to have long hair as mentioned in the new testament? no.

    I agree with pinawabrad in that we need to look at the bible as a whole. But I also think that we can easily take things out of context and make them say whatever we want.

    I also believe that God has allowed non-biblical writers to speak to us. One non-biblical author I read was talking about the perfect will and the permissive will of God. I’ve heard that discussed for many years and believed it to be true, but couldn’t find an answer in the Bible. This author says that God has given us free will, in our decision to follow Christ and also in our every day decisions. We can get so caught-up in staying in the perfect will of God that we have paralysis by analysis.

    I guess I’m trying to say, that we need to trust the Holy Spirit in us to guide us. Jesus said the Holy Spirit would be our Counselor so let him be our counselor.

    Sorry, rambling.

  22. poohpity says:

    The passage from Paul to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:15-4:4 is so relevant to today, 15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
    2 Timothy 4
    1 I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom: 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

    3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

  23. Grace48 says:

    I, too, start with Jesus,and then the Bible to read and get to know more of God and learn and learn and learn and put what’s learned into tiny steps of faith, sort of like learning to walk, only in faith-walk and not physically.

    Yes. I believe the Bible is filled with promises of God for us all,too. If I didn’t, how would we get thru these times of suffering and still, with all of God’s help, endure. Why endure? Because of so much written in the Bible that gives plenty of reasons to endure.

    On the days when the problems are too big and I’m on my knees crying out to God that I’m not sure I can do this anymore, and comfort comes over me, and peace, then, afterwards, when I’m thanking God for that’ I’m remembering what I read in the Bible of how Jesus spoke of His peace that passes all understanding.

    On the days when I see with joy and surprise how God worked out something that I felt was impossible, again,thanking God and remembering things read of in the Bible and of God’s strong and tender love towards us,shown thru Jesus and written of in the Bible.

    Even today, going thru a very confusing time with all the complex issues concernig things with my daughter. Read,as nearly every day from “Our Daily Bread”. and the word were so fitting and strengthening. I don’t quite know what I would call that, but the thought of manna came to mind on this rocky road and deep valley wilderness trip that we’re on lately.

    Forgive my words if they don’t seem to quite answer Mart’s question as well and eloquently as all of you have, yet I try for love of Jesus and to keep on thanking God,even here, And am still learning from reading others written comments here,too.

  24. thanqlord says:

    We must first remember that the Bible is God’s Word to us as a whole. When we begin dissecting it into little pieces in an attempt to find one little passage to apply to a given situation, we generally run the risk of taking something out of its larger context.

    It is most important to remember the overall purpose of Scripture: to build the relationship, the bond between God and His created people. It is not for us to throw darts at to simply seek a revelation du jour. That is how superstitions are born, and there is no biblical support for such a practice.

    The Bible is God’s Word, but it is not God Himself. For answers, we must still seek Him — however He chooses to communicate to us, through His Word, through others, or through life as He brings it to us, we constantly must be aware that He always seeks to communicate His love and purpose to us. To simply pick and choose among Scripture passage until we find one that suits our fancy reflects immaturity as believers and an unwillingness to truly seek God’s will, even though the seeking or the answers we receive might be hard.

  25. poohpity says:

    It seems as if you answered your own question Mark from the verses you quoted from Genesis 4:1-2. How does that not say who was Cain’s dad?

  26. thanqlord says:

    In response to Mark L. above, Lk 3:38 says that Jesus came from Seth’s line. We must be careful of speculation.

  27. Grace48 says:

    Thanglord, am agreeing with you in what you wrote. Am thinking of how the apostle Paul so often wrote the words, “in Christ”, as to his relationship and to urge others on to that deepening relationship with God.

  28. Puddleglum says:

    Gen. 4:1
    Adam lay with his wife Eve and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain….
    Mark L. Unless I’m missing something this seems very clear to me.
    Why would you question who Cains father was?
    Ken

  29. JediKnight4Him says:

    To Puddleglum,The “word” Rhema in scripture is diffrent than Logos “word”. Rhema is an illumination or spoken word from the Lord. Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing,and hearing by the word “Rhema” of God. Logos is for example “In the beginning was the Word “logos”, and the Word “logos” was with God, and the Word “logos” was God” John 1:1.Rhema is a verse of scripture that the Holy Spirit brings out to our attention for application for a current situation or needed direction or encouragement. That’s a word from ther Lord.

  30. poohpity says:

    Mark, can you help me understand how to apply your quest of who was the dad of Cain to “Do we read the bible as if all of it was written to us?”

    Here is the Hebrew.א וְהָאָדָם, יָדַע אֶת-חַוָּה אִשְׁתּוֹ; וַתַּהַר, וַתֵּלֶד אֶת-קַיִן, וַתֹּאמֶר, קָנִיתִי אִישׁ אֶת-יְהו.
    1And the man knew Eve his wife; and she conceived and bore Cain, and said: ‘I have gotten a man with the help of the LORD.’
    ב וַתֹּסֶף לָלֶדֶת, אֶת-אָחִיו אֶת-הָבֶל; וַיְהִי-הֶבֶל, רֹעֵה צֹאן, וְקַיִן, הָיָה עֹבֵד אֲדָמָה.
    2 And again she bore his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.

    I hope this helps with the Hebrew and English after. The Hebrew reads from the right to left.

  31. poohpity says:

    KISS!!!

  32. walker2007 says:

    I am one that Believes the promises of the Bible are for all of Creation, Believers and Unbelievers alike. God promises that those who refuse Him will suffer an Eternity of Fire and those who Call on His name will have everlasting Peace with Him in Heaven! To many people read between the lines and take things out of context about health , wealth, and Life itself. If we ask and have faith that HE will deliver it to us then it will be done as HE promised, BUT only if what we ask will further GOD’S Kingdom Not our personal wants.

  33. Bill Cowell says:

    All of the Bible is inspired by God, but we must interpret it correctly. For example, when God promised Abraham that He would make him a great nation, and that through him all families of the earth would be blessed, that was definitely a promise to Abraham. Through that promise we are blessed by having Christ as our Saviour. Some promises we can claim directly, and in others we may be indirect recipients of the blessings or whatever it is that is promised. There are so many promises that we can claim directly from God to us. By interpreting the Bible wrongly, some have erred in claiming things that were not intended for them at all.

  34. poohpity says:

    Being a women and knowing that “and again” would mean to me that although not said that she knew Adam again(once more) for another birth. If I were to have two children at once I would say “still” or “while”. Again according to “The American Heritage College Dictionary” it means once more. Let’s give this a rest because it is not on topic and what would be the purpose even if they were twins. The enmity is mutual hatred or hostility and why would God want that between the husband and wife rather than between human kind and the advocate causing evil.

  35. poohpity says:

    Also it does say in verse 1 “a man” not two men.

  36. marma says:

    Rocky–thanks for sharing Deut 26. It spoke to me, too. Especially the part where the giver remembers before God all that He has done for the giver. Helps me understand the concept of cheerful giving a lot better.

    Marcia.

  37. Puddleglum says:

    To Jediknight.
    AHA Thank you. I am enlightened. Never to old to learn something new.
    To Mark L
    As I know beans when it comes to Hebrew or Greek I will just as Pooh says, let it rest but thank you anyway my brother.
    Ken

  38. Puddleglum says:

    Goodnight everyone.
    God bless
    Ken

  39. jpvictory says:

    Wow, I must do this more often. I just needed to say; ‘A Word From the Lord;” provides me with peace, that surpassing all understanding; and as many of you have so eloquently quoted Prov 3: 5, 6, and 7 above, like many of you, I recognized when God is speaking to me because, I on purpose seek a realationship with him. One which I DESIRE TO BECOME CLOSER THAN ANY OTHER RELATIONSHIP WITH ANYTHING OR ANYONE. I have yet to reach this level of committment, but I want to live my life so that God will be Glorified. God’s word is alive and even though I don’t read God’s word everyday, on appear to be as committed to God and His Word and many that live their lives openly for our Lord everyday, I know God is drawing me closer to him daily. I desire and pray for committed devotion and communication with Him daily. I did create this desire in my heart, God did. I’m ashame when I know I am not living what I know to be God’s expectations.
    However, I am thankful to Him for his Son, Jesus and RBC MINISTRIES, FRIENDS AND FAMILY.

  40. foreverblessed says:

    Welcome jpvictory
    GOd gave us the seed of His faith, His love, and we can act on it. I now want to start the day, as soon as I open my eyes in the morning, and want to connect to God and Jesus. I search for Him. And the goal is in search for His love, and peace.
    Even before I come out of bed, this is the first thing I have myself determined to do.
    So that His love will fill my life, and so much that I start to sing, and praise Him My maker.
    And so much that in ALL MY Ways, I acknowledge Him (Proverbs 3:6), so also in the small things, the little things in life, the down to earth things in life.

    So also in the small things in life I seek Gods promises.
    And I think God wants us to stay in His love, and be at peace with Him, so that our prayers will flow to others, and sow seeds of His Life. We might not see that, but they are a big part of His work of Redemption He started in Jesus Christ.
    THat’s how I interpret Hebr 11:1 too the prayers prayed in GOd’s love and faith out of Gods promises found in the bible, for others will be the truth.

    To be honoust, this is my intention!

  41. SFDBWV says:

    Mart and friends, In answering the question of whether or not the promises of God written in scripture are for us all, or whether the Bilble is written to us all…

    The simple answer is yes.

    The stories and promises found in the scripture, all lead to Christ and come together at the cross.

    Each individual has a personal relationship with God. It is very personal, the person not ever fully aware of how the Holy Spirit is ahead of their understanding and awaiting that special moment when an individual is ready to accept a teaching from Him. When just at the right time the Holy Spirit is able to open a truth or “word” of God, to a person when they are ready and able to recieve it.Only the Holy Spirit knows when that timing is right.

    Which is why we can all read the same verse of scripture, and get different meanings. We are at different places and times with our relationship with God.

    God speaks to us from the scripture, as well as teaches us from the scriptures. The stories having relevance to any generation.

    Keep an open mind but keep your eyes on the Christ.

    Steve

  42. ValD says:

    I would like to share with you how God spoke to me through your Daily Devotional. On June 1st 1996, my son-in-law was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. I went to bed that night very tearful not knowing what the future held for my daughter and son-in-law. I was woken in the early hours of the next morning with the words ‘go downstairs and open your Bible’. As I opened the bible ‘Our Daily Bread’ opened on the 2nd June with the scripture John 11 vs 4 ‘This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it’. My son-in-law had to wait until January 8th 1997 when he received bone marrow from his brother which kicked in three days later. He recovered fully and went on to have a daughter Emma who is now approaching 10 years (she also was a miracle because the consultants who treated my son-in-law said that after all the teatments he went through he wouldn’t be able to father a child naturally. What is impossible to man IS possible for God. God speaks through his word, his Holy Spirit directing us, his people, dreams, in fact many, many ways if we only ask Him.

  43. poohpity says:

    Mark, I was never offended, I was disguising. Whenever we have questions about something that is written or not written we can always ask the Lord for wisdom especially since it is His Word, who better to clarify.

  44. SFDBWV says:

    Please permit me and allow me to stray from the topic a bit.

    I am so proud of the wonderful people there in Montcoal WV. Having to share their grief and saddness on national TV. They never hesitate to give honor to Jesus Christ. They show the world the resolve and strength that Christ has given them.

    This is a way of life in the mines, and those of us who have worked there know very well the knowledge of our own mortality and that our time to die could be at any time.

    This is true for everyone, so everyone needs to be ready to face death and eternity.

    I offer to all the peace of Jesus Christ, that surpasses understanding….The whole purpose of life and our future can be found there within the pages of the Christian Bible.

    Steve

  45. poohpity says:

    I agree Bill C that some promises are person specific but they will all effect us in some way or another. Amen.

  46. poohpity says:

    Steve, I watched that last night too!!

  47. Grace48 says:

    Yes, none of us really knows what is ahead of us. When, years ago, we lost my oldest daughter and our home in a disaster,and the shock wore off, realized that so fearfully. Yet as time went on came to also realize that Jesus did not leave us and that God is forever,though nothing of this life is. Psalm 23 is so often on my mind and even the prayer that I so often pray and am so comforted by. Maybe, as Steve said, it fits where,in faith, that place where I am, and would not give such comfort to all, but to my family and I right now it’s so fitting. Yet God is amazing to know each of us and what’s in our hearts and what we need and all simultaneously. Yet that Psalm has comforted the mourning, the fearful,soldiers,and so many.

  48. Grace48 says:

    Just to clarify, I mean that our possesions,and even our loved ones,as we have them with us for as long as they are with us in our and their lifetimes, don’t last forever, though our loved ones go home to be with God.

  49. Grace48 says:

    and Steve,just reading of what you wrote of the people in Montcoal, WV is and their public faith in Jesus during such a time in their lives, is, well, I’d call them heroes in faith,like written of in the New Testament,of the long line of ones mentioned,as in Hebrews 11.

  50. foreverblessed says:

    Grace, I just read the story of Job, and some extra information about him, and your story has a resemblance of Job’s.
    Job was recommended for his patience, I pray for you that you will be strong in persevering, and in patience.
    There is another book on Job, it is not in the bible, so you know that fact, written 100 BC, which said that Satan wrestled with Job, he was in trouble for 20 years. And that Satan was getting wearied because of the patience of Job, and so left him.
    What is the result: Job is a strong warrior for the Lord, refined and made strong in faith.

    (this might be getting of the thread, how do I come back to it: if the bible says: Revelation 14:12
    This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God’s commandments and remain faithfull to Jesus.

    As we want to stand on the promises of God, we have to obey His commandments and remain faithfull to Jesus.
    (And His commandments are: to Love our God, and subsequently our neighbour as ourselves.
    not all the literal commandments we find in the pentateuch which are the first 5 books of the bible, these all look forward to the fulfilling in Jesus Christ)

  51. poohpity says:

    Mark I meant discussing, lol, I have no idea what that word meant. That is what I get for posting before I have my coffee.

  52. rokdude5 says:

    My pastor always say, “Read the Bible by looking at the context in relation to its history, how the sentence is grammatically structured and whether its written literally or figuratively.”

    For me, I struggle on whether a portion of the Scriptures applies to me. For example, aside from animal sacrifices, how many of us follow the Levitical laws in light of John 14:15? Another case is how many of follow the Commandment of not working on the Sabbath on what ever day that falls for you?

    Does the Great Commission (Matt 28:19-20)applies to each one of us? I think it does but maybe Im wrong.

    I certainly dont want to cherry pick which portions of the Bible applies to me. I do know, I can feel the Spirit within me when I read or hear the Word and He says, “RJ…..Im talking to YOU!!”

  53. poohpity says:

    Amen RJ. I think it all boils down to the principles of the bible as a whole. To me it is comforting to know God just wants a relationship with me to go this thing called life.

  54. foreverblessed says:

    Rockdude, when you fill in “law and prophets” in a keyword search in biblegateway.com and have the search done on ly in the gospels, you can see what Jesus did say about them.
    So as not to worry about the literal commandments in the books of Leviticus.

    When you ask, in the light of John 14:15,
    think of this:
    Deuteronomy 18:14-22
    The Lord our God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him.

    So listen to what Jesus commands in the Gospels, and Paul explains in the Pauline epistles, and then again, in prayer and what the Holy Spirit says.

  55. saled says:

    Do we read the Bible until something jumps out as being a phrase that we want to claim for ourselves?

    20 years ago I went Thru the Bible with J.Vernon McGee, through reading all five volumes of his edited messages. This is how God gave the Bible to me. I read it while my children were napping, and most of the time, I came across something I wanted to claim for myself. It didn’t have to be a promise; it could be a fact such as God choosing to announce the birth of Jesus to shepherds instead of religious leaders. Something within me would say “YES!” and then usually I would stop reading and cherish this new idea.

    Currently, I find myself looking for evidence in the Bible that all men will be saved. I used to look for evidence to win an argument; now I look for hope. I guess it is still looking for a phrase to use for my own purposes.

  56. poohpity says:

    I think it is good just that you are in the Word.

  57. Deasy Oeij says:

    Hello.. Greetings from believers in Indonesia.

    I believe God works in every circumstances and in every little detail that is happening in our life. God can use everything to let us know bout His heart. Either it is from the bible, preach, voices from other people or voices in our heart. I learn these past few months that I can’t tell God what to do, but I can let my heart be molded in His hands. It all about giving in to God and trusting Him with our life. I’m still struggling with my problems, but I believe that God will show me the way to go… Have a blessed day everybody…

    “With a thankful heart and a song of praise
    we’ve come to You gather in this place
    for the things You’ve done and for who You are
    we worship you with a thankful heart

    So we lift up our praise and
    we lift up our sacrifice to You
    Lord we offer our prayers and
    we offer our life in gratitude
    For all You do, we worship You with a thankful heart”

  58. poohpity says:

    Thank you Deasy for helping me remember. Amen!!!

  59. foreverblessed says:

    Greetings and blessings to all believers in Indonesia!

    Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You,
    who walk in the light of Your presence, O Lord.

    They rejoice in your name all day long;
    they exult in your righteousness

    For You are their glory and strength,
    and by Your favour you exalt our horn. Psalm 89:15-17

    see ODB april 5, the power of praise.
    The blessed people are those who do glory in Gods glory, and not their own, so meek and humble people,
    and yet bold in acclaiming God.

    It might seem proud to acclaim God, but He calls them blessed who do so.

    And what do we acclaim for ourselves and for those who God lays in our heart: Love,faith, peace, joy, meekness, temperance, (Gal 5:22) all things part of His Kingdom

  60. Grace48 says:

    Thank you,Forever Blessed, for your prayers and to any whom I’ve forgotten to thank in the past for your prayers also.

  61. challaces says:

    It’s too much to read and understand all of these comments; my question is HOW do you KNOW it is the Voice of God?
    I once went with instinct, and than that seemed too risky, like trust in my own spirit. Than I turned to others, such as pastors, but than there are the ones who claim to know God but cause a personal discernment in spirit ( a gnawing that something is not right with some thing in what is spoken ) . . . and on the other hand, I still pray a lot, but I do not hear any particular voice, I usually just say “Amen”
    a serious question, if anyone can take the time to help me fully understand?

  62. poohpity says:

    challaces, it takes time to get to know the voice of God just like it takes time to know your personal friends really well. We have been given the bible to understand God but it is a big book and it takes time. We also have the Holy Spirit to guide us into all the truths with that combination you could not go wrong. It all takes time but God will see your desire and help you along. Good things come to those who give Him some time which is our most valuable commodity.

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