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A Time to Laugh

Mart De Haan Posted by Mart DeHaan
May 2nd, 2016
115 Comments » 

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Laughter can be a wonderful gift… full of wonder, joy…sometimes foolish, sometimes cruel.

In a dark season of life, Solomon sensed there is a time to laugh…

Modern science and medicine might lead us to believe that, for all of the benefits observed and measured, we were made to laugh— for our own health, and the good of others.

Sarah laughed. When the Lord asked Abraham why she had laughed, she said she didn’t laugh, to which the LORD replied, “yes you did laugh.” Later, she said the LORD made her laugh (Gen 18:11-15) (Gen 21:6).

Abraham and Sarah must have had more than a smile in their eye when they eventually named the son of an old lady—and her old man— “laughter.” (Gen 21:3-6)

The story that follows shows that there is a time to laugh, a time to cry, and a God whose heart helps us look beyond our moments to Him…with more than a smile.


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115 Responses to “A Time to Laugh”

  1. jeff1 says:
    May 2, 2016 at 7:09 am

    Taken from WIKIPEDIA

    “Turn! Turn! Turn!(To Everything There is a Season)”

    Written by Pete Seeger in the late 1950’s. The closing line and and “Turn! Turn! Turn!” are the only parts of the lyrics written by Seeger himself.

    The lyrics, except for the title which is repeated throughout the song, and the final verse of the song, are adapted word-for-word from Chapter 3 of the Book of Ecclesiastes, set to music and recorded in 1962.

    To everything – turn, turn, turn
    There is a season – turn, turn, turn
    And a time to every purpose under heaven

    A time to be born, a time to die
    A time to plant, a time to reap
    A time to kill, a time to heal
    A time to laugh, a time to weep

    To everything – turn, turn, turn
    There is a season – turn, turn, turn
    And a time to every purpose under heaven

    A time to build up, a time to break down
    A time to dance, a time to mourn
    A time to cast away stones
    A time to gather stones together

    To everything – turn, turn, turn
    There is a season – turn, turn, turn
    And a time to every purpose under heaven

    A time of love, a time of hate
    A time of war, a time of peace
    A time you may embrace
    A time to refrain from embracing

    To everything – turn, turn, turn
    There is a season – turn, turn, turn
    And a time to every purpose under heaven

    A time to gain, a time to lose
    A time to rend, a time to sew
    A time for love, a time for hate
    A time for peace, I swear it’s not too late!

  2. poohpity says:
    May 2, 2016 at 9:03 am

    This weekend I had time to listen to Chonda Pierce and she takes some of the funny habits and traditions that many do within the body of Christ and helps us to laugh at ourselves at the things we do. It is so healing not taking every thing so serious.

  3. jeff1 says:
    May 2, 2016 at 9:36 am

    I find my struggle with mental illness is getting the balance as I either take life too seriously or I am bordering on being irresponsible.

    It can make life difficult for those I live with when I become irrational about matters.

    My favorite comedy is those which have a go at the Politicians and there is one which was made in the 1980’s that I still enjoy thoroughly. I agree Pooh, I find that when I am upset that laughter is the best medicine.

    Not much for the modern day comedians and find I tend to watch programmes that where made 30-40 years ago which tickles my sense of humor.

  4. street says:
    May 2, 2016 at 11:17 am

    Later, she said the LORD made her laugh

    yes God had made her isaac.

    thinking much joy peace and laughter in the Kingdom.

    yet sorrow suffering for our good and His Glory.

    John 14:27
    Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

  5. poohpity says:
    May 2, 2016 at 11:37 am

    Viv, Chonda Pierce is deemed the “Queen of Clean” in the comedy realm. She has 10 minute routines on youtube that are just hilarious. She battled mental illness and shares some of her struggles through them.

  6. jeff1 says:
    May 2, 2016 at 11:50 am

    Thank You, Pooh, Will listen in.

  7. foreverblessed says:
    May 2, 2016 at 4:03 pm

    Thanks Pooh, that was very very good! I watched- Rehab and Recovery part 1 and 2.
    Some things were sobering, like giving advice to people who share their life’s problem.
    Instead, what the church should be, a groupy, you tell your story, and people accept you where you are!

    Too much talking, where the Holy Spirit would just be listening, and comforting, and again listening, and some more comforting. And then some time some upbuilding.

    Anyway, this is about humor, how Chonda can teach through humor!
    And I am build up by it.

  8. remarutho says:
    May 2, 2016 at 7:09 pm

    Good Evening All —

    Just imagining Abe and Sarah with a toddler in the tent! What a hoot: peek-a-boo — tag — drumming on the cooking pots…

    Surely there was a lot of laughter in their lives once Isaac started growing up and teaching his elderly parents more and more about love and togetherness.

    Blessings,
    Maru

    83F and sunny here

  9. poohpity says:
    May 2, 2016 at 10:35 pm

    The ability to look beyond our moments maybe of despair, grief, etc. to the hope that we have through prayer and laying everything in the hands of God can give us more than a smile but a heart full of joy. I so pray and ask God to help me to see beyond what my eyes can behold to the faith of the unseen.

  10. SFDBWV says:
    May 3, 2016 at 5:10 am

    As Mart pointed out there are different kinds of laughter. It should be noted that the news of a son being born to Abraham and Sarah was first met with laughter from Abraham (Genesis 17:17) before being met with the same sarcastic hidden laughter in Sarah’s heart. Also that Isaac’s name was foretold to Abraham (Genesis 17:19) first.

    Interesting also that the Lord turned sarcasm into elation upon Isaac’s birth (Genesis 21:6).

    Of course from the story we see that God knows what we think or the hidden thoughts within our hearts and mind. Nothing is hidden from Him nor can anything deny Him of His will.

    That should be no laughing matter. As many of us have murder in our hearts even if we don’t act upon it. Showing once again our need for grace and Jesus’ sacrifice.

    In my life it is laughter and our faith that keeps us from falling into deep despair. Because if you remove either there is little or nothing left.

    While laughter is a good balance and momentary release from our troubles it doesn’t replace having to deal with the more serious things of life, it just helps make it more tolerable.

    Another gift of creation from a God who knows exactly what we need.

    53 degrees this morning with light drizzle.

    Steve

  11. remarutho says:
    May 3, 2016 at 5:54 am

    Good Morning BTA Friends —

    Ours is an age of growing despair, it seems to me. It is despair that is the terror by night,the arrow that flies by day, the pestilence that stalks in darkness and the destruction that lays waste at noon:

    He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
    I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
    My God, in whom I trust!”
    For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper
    And from the deadly pestilence.
    He will cover you with His pinions,
    And under His wings you may seek refuge;
    His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.
    You will not be afraid of the terror by night,
    Or of the arrow that flies by day;
    Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
    Or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.

    The mighty heart of God, beginning with Adam, through Abraham, Isaac and Jacob — all the way to Jesus of Nazareth, “redeems your life from the pit, and crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion…”

    We are given the opportunity to laugh and smile, even in the worst of times, through the deliverance and healing given to us in Jesus.

    Joy all day,
    Maru

    55F and cloudy before dawn here

  12. jeff1 says:
    May 3, 2016 at 6:12 am

    Steve, you are so right, life is serious business, and when I am very depressed I find that comedy will not even seem funny anymore.

    What lifts me out of my despair is God’s words put to song and music. During my deep depression I remember my father bringing me gospel music to play and that is all I did all day for thinking was too much of an effort for me.

    There is nothing that gets right to my soul like music does for it is like God Himself is talking to me.

    Recorded by Elvis who is one of my favorite singers and particularly his gospel albums.

    “He Knows Just What I Need”

    My Jesus knows when I am lonely
    He knows each pain, He sees each care
    He understands each lonely heartache
    He understands because He cares

    My Jesus knows just what I need
    Oh yes! He knows just what I need
    He satisfies and every needs supplies
    Yes, He knows just what I need

    My Jesus knows just what I need
    Oh yes! He knows just what I need
    He satisfies and every need supplies
    Yes, He knows just what I need

  13. foreverblessed says:
    May 3, 2016 at 7:45 am

    Maru gave Psalm 91, thanks!
    I have also heard say that fear, prolonged fear, chronicsl fear van also turn into depression.
    This Psalm talks about fear!
    But God is greater then our fear!
    Perfect live drives out fear, and it is live that we received from heaven.
    We give our fear to Jesus, and He gives us His Love!
    And I believe that Joy is also a gift from heaven
    Gal 5:22

  14. foreverblessed says:
    May 3, 2016 at 7:51 am

    Proverbs 31:25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
    She can laugh at days to come.

    I pray to God about this, I want to be like that, please have mercy on me, and give me laughter!
    I believe that I should be honost about my feelings, I should not work myself up to Joy. I believe I should pray and ask God for Joy, like the poor lady, who kept asking, in one of the parabels of Jesus.

  15. poohpity says:
    May 3, 2016 at 9:34 am

    The cancer centers of America have a thing called called “Laughter Therapy” here are some of the benefits they list from laughing;

    According to some studies, laughter therapy may provide physical benefits, such as helping to:

    Boost the immune system and circulatory system
    Enhance oxygen intake
    Stimulate the heart and lungs
    Relax muscles throughout the body
    Trigger the release of endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers)
    Ease digestion/soothes stomach aches
    Relieve pain
    Balance blood pressure
    Improve mental functions (i.e., alertness, memory, creativity)

    Laughter therapy may also help to:

    Improve overall attitude
    Reduce stress/tension
    Promote relaxation
    Improve sleep
    Enhance quality of life
    Strengthen social bonds and relationships
    Produce a general sense of well-being

    With all those benefits we know God had a plan when He gave us Laughter. Thank you Father

  16. street says:
    May 3, 2016 at 10:40 am

    yes laughter is good for the soul and encourage to the body.
    yet faith in Christ is eternal life.

    “Where, O death, is your victory?
    Where, O death, is your sting?”[a]

    56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

    abundant joy and much laughter.

    the Lord is my Shepard i shall not want,

  17. jeff1 says:
    May 3, 2016 at 10:54 am

    Joy comes from knowing God, but it does not last for me, it is moments rather than prolonged joy.

    It is in those moments that I truly know God but once they pass I cannot recapture them.

    It is moments that give me the hope that I need to get back up and continue in my faith.

    I cannot live on the mountain and I have to go back to the valley because it is where God needs me.

    As the song goes the “God of the Mountain” is still “God in the Valley” and I must never forget that He is with me in Spirit.

  18. jeff1 says:
    May 3, 2016 at 11:18 am

    Yes, the God of the good times is still God in the bad times, the God of the day is still God in the night.

    Everything passes and I am left with my faith and that is how I know God is real, real to me, because of all the times He revealed Himself to me, and I have to hang on to those moments, because they can become distant to me, like they never really happened, because this world gets in the way, and I long for this world to go away so that I can be at one with Him because God’s world is not of this world.

  19. poohpity says:
    May 3, 2016 at 11:25 am

    We are created in God’s image with emotions, all emotions. God was sad, angry, compassionate, cried, enjoyed and yes laughs. So to me I can bring everything to Him and He understands and listens I believe with an open heart and thankful that we can bring our emotions with everything else into His care. From what I have read in the Psalms nothing was off limits in talking with God especially when sharing our hearts with Him.

  20. poohpity says:
    May 3, 2016 at 11:47 am

    I just got to laughing right now because I was thinking can you imagine coming across someone who laughs all the time. That is the only emotion they show. For me I would really think they have a very big problem and maybe ask if they need some help.

    My youngest son when he is scared or not feeling comfortable that is exactly what he does is laughs. Those who do not know him sometimes they get upset and angry with him then a big tear finally comes down his cheek because he does a real good job of hiding what is in his heart.

  21. joycemb says:
    May 3, 2016 at 12:57 pm

    I had a good laugh yesterday feeling the joy of being loved by a faithful God.

    I fight food addiction, and have for many years. It seems to get over on me more often than not. (PLease no advice, I know all the excuses and “cures”)

    Anyway, the day before yesterday, feeling completely overwhelmed with the fight I said “Lord, I’m so tired of battling with this, I’ve decided to turn it completely over to you and not deal with it anymore”.

    Needless to say, I gleefully devoured a half gallon of chocolate monster ice cream in 2 days and for once felt no guilt!! I was free, so I thought. Hey, this letting go and letting God feels good, I thought. No more struggle.

    Not so fast, God said as I opened up my facebook feed and within 5 posts there in black and white two scriptures telling me to ‘persevere’ and not give up, to keep running the race!! I was tickled that God is faithful and loves me so much to correct me and remind me of the bigger picture, and that life here is hard and there will always be struggles until we are Home. I dreamed last night of eating veggies and it wasn’t so bad after all. Still smiling at God’s love and faithfulness, His yoke really is easy and His burden light! Like laughter in love.

  22. joycemb says:
    May 3, 2016 at 1:01 pm

    Forever, Proverbs 31:25 was perfect for this post! I now know what it means as having experienced it personally. Thank you.

  23. joycemb says:
    May 3, 2016 at 2:12 pm

    The ‘glee’ I felt at letting go of all my inhibitions does not come close to the ‘glee’ I feel knowing I’m held fast in the hands of a loving God!

  24. jeff1 says:
    May 4, 2016 at 4:55 am

    The truth about life is that while laughter is the best medicine many of us take life too seriously to do it. In my own life I do not have to make big decisions that affect too many, but the fact is, sometimes those who do become burdened with the responsibility.

    I am thinking of Sir Winston Churchill who suffered greatly with depression and called it the “black dog”. A man who looked to God for guidance and though many today might see him as a war monger he went on to promote peace in Europe.

    To my way of thinking God’s purpose for Churchill was to be the staying power that would defeat Hitler.

    Evil triumphs today because there are few men like Churchill who put his God and his country first and himself last.

    Today leaders are lining themselves up for lucrative futures and the country and the people are the last thing on their minds.

    God help us! is what I am thinking today for you need to have a sense of humor in this world or you would never stop crying!

  25. poohpity says:
    May 4, 2016 at 6:42 am

    There were many people in the bible that suffered with depression. The man after God’s own heart which was David wrote many words that he shared in many of his Psalms showing that he suffered with depression. Then there was Jeremiah who wrote he book of Lamentations. It seems having a heart and compassion one will share in depression but on the other hand will also experience joy and laughter. It seems to me that there are many things that happen in life that can cause the best of us to be depressed and not being able to talk about it or share with others can even make it worse when we feel all alone in it but we are not, we are not alone. God as well as others understand and walk along side through it.

  26. SFDBWV says:
    May 4, 2016 at 7:04 am

    I don’t know of anyone who views the future with anything but darkness and discouragement. The world all around all of us is getting more and more evil and everyone senses it.

    Speaking with my niece yesterday who lives in an apartment in Philadelphia PA she was telling me her upstairs neighbors scare her. The couple both have tattoos on their legs of upside down crosses and the man has an uncomfortable evil laugh.

    Reading the BBC news yesterday I seen where a German couple had been arrested for torturing a woman to death and that there were others they now believe were killed in the same manor. How utterly disturbing to know that another human being can gain enjoyment (laughter) from the misery of another.

    One of the characters in the Simpsons cartoon, a young bully, has a signature laugh at the expense of another’s misfortune, just a simple but obvious sarcastic ha ha.

    We see the modern use of “LOL” often used not as laughter but as some form of sarcasm; even here amongst supposed Christian believers.

    Do you suppose that Satan laughed when Adam and Eve fell into his trap or that Cain laughed at killing his brother Abel?

    Most all of us have at some point seen a dramatization of a rich miser laughing as they fondle their gold.

    I give to you all a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox titled, “The Way of The World”
    “Laugh and the world laughs with you,
    Weep and you weep alone,
    For the brave old earth must borrow its mirth-
    But has trouble enough of its own.
    Sing and the hills will answer,
    Sigh it is lost in the air;
    The echoes rebound to a joyful sound
    And shrink from voicing care.

    Rejoice and men will seek you,
    Grieve and they turn and go;
    They want full measure of your pleasure,
    But they do not want your woe.
    Be glad and your friends are many,
    Be sad and you lose them all;
    There is none to decline your nectared wine,
    But alone you must drink life’s gall.

    Feast and your halls are crowded,
    Fast and the world goes by.
    Forget and forgive-it helps you to live,
    But no man can help you die;
    There’s room in the halls of pleasure
    For a long and lordly train,
    But one by one we must all march on
    Through the narrow isle of pain.”

    46 and wet.

    Steve

  27. poohpity says:
    May 4, 2016 at 7:35 am

    I do not view the future with darkness and discouragement. There are plenty of good, kind things all around us everyday that we can focus on rather than ugly. I guess it just depends on us and where we make a choice how to look with pessimism or optimism.

    We can look at the darkness and be discouraged or of the many signs that the Lord is coming soon and has everything in His hands being thankful that we were warned but are given hope of what is to come.

    Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

    8And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. Phil 4:6-9

  28. joycemb says:
    May 4, 2016 at 7:47 am

    Absolutely pooh, yesterday I was having a moment of cynicism and quickly reminded myself of how scripture tells us to think, reciting those very scriptures; Philippians 4:8. Such power in scripture, given to us by our great and loving God! It’s easy to laugh when we KNOW God is in control of everything, and that in all things God works for our good.

  29. joycemb says:
    May 4, 2016 at 7:51 am

    Steve I agree there is a season for laughing, and a season for weeping. But we can’t let them get us down forever. ( I’d be very uncomfortable also if I lived where your niece lives). Will pray for her.

  30. poohpity says:
    May 4, 2016 at 8:11 am

    I don’t know about you Joyce but I live around all kinds of people and yes some have skin art that may be scary but that does not necessarily represent their hearts. I know several groups of people that wear leather and have tattoos who ride motorcycles but their mission is to spread the gospel to bikers and those who seem like castaways but God pursues them just like He did us. No one is beyond God’s reach and just because the outside looks menacing does not mean they are beyond being loved. Frankly I am more sacred of those who look on the outside like they have it all together and stick their noses in the air and feel above others, they seem to cause more damage than good.

  31. poohpity says:
    May 4, 2016 at 8:18 am

    Hey by the way!! May the 4th be with you!! lol A little Star Wars humor.

  32. remarutho says:
    May 4, 2016 at 8:29 am

    Good Morning BTA Friends —

    Today’s Our Daily Bread has a message for our times, both personally and in the ruin of the society around us. The Scripture: “Restore us to yourself, Lord, that we may return; renew our days as of old” (Lamentations 5:21).

    Tim Gusatafson tells about Tiferet Yisrael Synagogue, destroyed in the 1948 war. Just two years ago, restoration began, and today it is a beautiful, historic building in the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem.

    A stone out of the rubble was placed as the building’s corner stone when work began. Jeremiah’s prayer from the Book of Lamentations was said at the ground breaking ceremony.

    The Lord Jesus is all about rescuing, restoring and renewing us when we have come to the end of ourselves. He will accomplish these wonders again and again — every time we take all the broken pieces to Him.

    Saw a church billboard this week that said: “Success is going through failure after failure without losing your enthusiasm.” We are not alone. We will never be alone, for God loves us super-abundantly through His Son Jesus.

    Blessings,
    Maru

  33. street says:
    May 4, 2016 at 9:08 am

    thanks steve for the way of the world. i remember and think of the stadivarius. string instruments made of a very special kind of wood. the kind of wood of no value to others. a wood so hollow that God can work His Joy through. a wood that can resonate great joy and great sorrow. a wood that can enjoy the very presents of God. Thank You God for Jesus

  34. jeff1 says:
    May 4, 2016 at 9:08 am

    You cannot know another by their appearance nor indeed how they behave for only God knows the inside and outside.

    For twenty years a baptist dentist kept a dark secret that he had murdered his wife and his lovers husband. He was a pillar of the community he lived in, and those who believed they knew him all his life where shocked when he finally handed himself over to the pastor.

    While many want to believe that he did so out of remorse for what he did he has admitted that it was the fact that his life was on a down hill spiral and he believed God was punishing him.

    It turns out it is not out of remorse but the fact that he was doing the suffering.

    When I examine my own motives for why I do things I do not always like what I see and when I am honest with myself it distances me from God but it does not stop Him loving me.

    While I have never had murder it my heart I have had hate so I know it is a fine line between love and hate.

    The crazy thing is that the more I get to know God the less I am scared of anyone regardless of how they look or behave.

    I know that God did not give up on me and that helps me to see others in a different light than I have been.

    Hope is never lost on God, it is men who lose hope.

  35. oneg2dblu says:
    May 4, 2016 at 10:25 am

    Steve.. Yes, it is getting darker day by day.

    According to the word, that is right inline with God’s plan.

    However, all the evil ink displayed in the world, and all those cynical laughs, and all evil intended adverse usage of (lol,) does not surprise or worry Our God.

    But, it further show us all of us who have discernment, the ever darkening process which God has put into play is thriving, alive and well.

    All the upside down thinking which permeates our free society today, or, “no rules on isle four,” or anywhere else for that matter, are just another step in further loosening of the old standards which used to work just fine back then, when we were Under God.
    But, are now no longer tolerated today, are all part of His Plan.
    So, we pray, we push on, we run the race to win the prize.

    Because, God never changed His Plan.
    Gary

  36. poohpity says:
    May 4, 2016 at 11:01 am

    I have never heard of no rules. There are always rules and guidelines for how to treat others and in our relationship with God.

    Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future………

    Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

    25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

    28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

  37. oneg2dblu says:
    May 4, 2016 at 11:13 am

    jeff1… I trust you “not saying,” we can no longer tell a tree by it’s fruit.

    That it was just another “old rule,” an old world biblical principle which we should all just ignore today?

    Am thinking, if we can not ever truly see into the heart of another, “What then are we able to see, other than what they actually currently produce?”

    If we can see another is clearly a “bad apple,” how do we then, also ignore what we see?

    Just thinking…

  38. jeff1 says:
    May 4, 2016 at 11:38 am

    Are the beliefs people hold up to God or down to man! Who fails God, man does. False teaching is the reason the world is in the mess today and God knew that man would mess up.

    Who do we blame for false teaching those who teach it or those who listen to it?

    I personally listened to false teaching when I was younger and my father had warned me against it so I can only blame myself but many were led astray through no fault of their own.

    Jesus is the prize in my book, knowing that by His blood I am saved and by His power I am raised gives me peace now and it is peace that I have been seeking.

    Mental illness requires peace to stable the mind.

  39. oneg2dblu says:
    May 4, 2016 at 12:59 pm

    jeff1… I was not trying to upset you, or rob your peace.

    Just asking about clarification on judging what we see.

    I was not challenging Where or Who is Our Salvation, or whether Jesus is the Power and the Prize that gives us all peace either.

    I guess my point is this, “If nothing changes, nothing changes.”

    So, we must be able to see change in another, by their very actions.

    How that change looks to God, we probably will never know, but, Christ did judge a tree by its fruit, so should not we also do the same?

    But having said all that, does that also give us license to always change everything found in the old rules, just for garnering the support of this new world’s acceptance?

    I guess we can blame God for everything that is going on according to his plan.

    We can blame Satan for bringing us false teaching.

    We can blame man for listening and obeying anything that goes against the old rules, as today, things are getting darker and darker every day.

    Just thinking…

  40. street says:
    May 4, 2016 at 1:15 pm

    thinking about a tree and it’s fruit, even a blind guy could feel it’s leaves and fruit, smell and taste what it is.

    thinking about the innocent as a dove. don’t think i would want to be called screwed.

  41. poohpity says:
    May 4, 2016 at 3:53 pm

    Only God has the right to judge a tree by it’s fruit, Jesus did not even come to judge so what gives us the right to do so, well unless one puts their self in the place of God and that my dear friend is what I hear in what you wrote, Gary. Maybe acting more like His child and following His lead showing grace is the better option bringing laughter and joy rather than pointing a judgemental finger when we as human beings have no room at all to say anything to anyone else about sin because we have enough in our own lives to deal with. Jesus dealt with our sin by taking it all on His shoulders, on His back and payed our penalty to show us before God as faultless. Col 1:22 NLT; Eph 1:4 NLT

  42. jeff1 says:
    May 4, 2016 at 5:08 pm

    Gary, my post at 11.38 was not in answer to your post of 11.13 for I had not yet read that post.

    I do not believe I can know another the way God knows them so I do not believe in making judgments that only God can make.

    I struggle enough myself being the type of person God wants me to be so I have stopped being critical of others and try to live my life pleasing to God, and hope and pray that others will do the same, because I believe,that is what God intended us to do, rather than looking for the bad in people to look for the good in them and we might just find it.

  43. narrowpathseeker says:
    May 4, 2016 at 6:10 pm

    I’m sorry but this “we have no right to judge anyone” mantra is beyond my comprehension. I don’t think there is ANYONE that doesn’t judge SOMEBODY SOMETIMES..and most of us judge SOMEBODY on a daily basis. We ARE told that we will know them by their fruit…so I THINK we DO NEED TO JUDGE that fruit.

    The Lord gave us a brain as well as gifts and abilities to take care of ourselves and others…I believe He is there to HELP us DAILY but I don’t think He wants us to be like total invalids and expect him to put the spoon to our mouth, bathe us, change our clothes, and think and speak for us.
    I don’t know what kind of fruit it is that makes somebody correct and/or one up everybody regardless of which end of the stick they are on, but I can pretty much JUDGE that it isn’t good fruit. My beloved departed sister had that very unpleasant attribute..she had to argue or one up everybody…if I said the moon was a shade of yellow, she would argue that it was green cheese…if I tried to avoid the argument and say it may be green cheese, she would back up and say it was not …it was a shade of yellow! I loved her, but this was maddening. I judged this as some bad fruit… We talked and prayed about that and other things before she died and I believe she got it right with Him before she went home. It isn’t any less maddening coming from someone else. Lord have Mercy on us all.

  44. oneg2dblu says:
    May 4, 2016 at 6:33 pm

    jeff1… thanks for not putting me in a box of demeaning thoughts.
    By only expressing what you believe and not making judgments about my comment, or being proud about judging who you think I am, but answering without using one bitter note.
    You’ve kept the communication both open and honest, not overbearing, judgmental, and accusing.
    Your good fruit is certainly from a good tree because your actions show it.
    I may not be able to see into your heart as God does, but by the fruit of your lips, do I see you are good.
    Be Blessed, Gary

  45. oneg2dblu says:
    May 4, 2016 at 6:39 pm

    narrowpathseeker… I guess we see that, “If nothing changes, nothing changes.”
    So, we are again seeing that same “old fruit,” do what it does best, as it displays itself unchanged.

    Your discernment is always refreshing.
    Gary

  46. oneg2dblu says:
    May 4, 2016 at 6:48 pm

    jeff1… to see the good, is to judge also.
    To see the bad is no better or worse a judgment, it is only
    seeing what God wants you to be able to do, distinguish between good and bad.
    If we could not honestly do even that part, we would be as blind as the rest of this darkening world.
    Gary

  47. narrowpathseeker says:
    May 4, 2016 at 7:11 pm

    Gary, today on fb, there was a post which read that before we speak we should pass our thoughts through 3 gates. 1) Is it true 2) Is it necessary 3) Is it kind I replied that the world would fall pretty much silent if it adhered to that…especially the necessary…not much is necessary and what is may very well NOT BE kind and in today’s world with all the opposing information out there…who knows what is true and what isn’t.. So..my 6:10 pm post was not necessary and probably not considered kind. So thanks for the kind words for me. Have a Blessed evening.

  48. saled says:
    May 4, 2016 at 7:56 pm

    That verse that foreverblessed shared, Prov. 31:25. “Strength and dignity are her clothing and she laughs at the time to come.” And then Steve says that he doesn’t know of anyone who views the future with anything other than darkness and discouragement. Steve then mentions some of the dark things happening in the world, and we all could add to his list. Let me just mention the 8 family members shot in Ohio. And Steve describes the neighbors of his niece. We could imagine that the people responsible for the Ohio deaths looked that way. So where do we find hope in such dark times, when the darkness is on our own doorsteps? How can we laugh at the time to come?

    Due to the information age that we live in, we all know too much and carry the burden of that knowledge. I look at the cover of my lap top before I open it and there is the apple with the bite taken out of it. We thought we wanted to be like God, knowing good and evil, and it is all too much for us.

    In one post, Jeff1 mentions Winston Churchill. I wonder, do you think he partially fulfills the King Arthur legend? It seemed that like Esther, Churchill was born for ‘such a time as this.’

    Maybe times are no darker now than they have ever been. Maybe we just know more. Maybe we should dare hope for our future, hope that we and our families and neighbors will thrive. It bothers me that the predictions of the end times in the Bible make it so easy to give in to our fear.

  49. street says:
    May 4, 2016 at 8:12 pm

    i remember being at my friends house and made a comment and his daughter, young adult, said”don’t judge!” it got my attention. i let it go since it was my friends house and it was his daughter. it did make me think of a proper response. it is mentioned in the Bible we are to judge right and wrong, the problems comes when doing it correctly. thinking of getting dressed in the morning, now most of us can handle shirts and shorts ok, but some have trouble with colors and whatever else the culture can throw at you. the truth will make you free.

  50. street says:
    May 4, 2016 at 8:17 pm

    you know mart i have always known humor has a dark side to it if you look for it. and i know gifts from God have no shadow or dark side. makes for a very interesting day.

  51. remarutho says:
    May 4, 2016 at 9:50 pm

    Good Evening BTA —

    God-given discernment does bring about judgment. But, judgment does not bring about condemnation. God will administer perfect justice in due course and in God’s own time, it seems to me.

    “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.

    This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” (James 1:17, 18, 19, 20)

    Grace & Peace,
    Maru

  52. SFDBWV says:
    May 5, 2016 at 5:14 am

    There is a TV show called “The Great American Pickers”. I never watched it until they came to town last fall to “pick” at a fellows junk here in our little community and now I do watch it when I get a chance. They go through the things others have collected and “pick” out things they can buy in order to sell at their antique stores in Nashville and in Indiana (I don’t know the exact town).

    When I have time to devote to our current subject I keep thinking that there is very little to “laugh” about and then I begin thinking about the difference between being happy or even amused and actually laughing.

    Some things make me smile, but that isn’t really laughing. Somethings make me happy, but that isn’t laughter either.

    I suppose most of us have encountered people who laugh at everything and sound almost foolish at a continuous giggle accompanying every sentence said. That’s not funny either it is more irritating.

    So given the base nature of BTA I look to scripture to see where there is laughter.

    There is some good stuff to read concerning “Laughter” Proverbs 14:13 KJV “Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.”
    Ecclesiastes 2:2 KJV “I said of laughter. It is mad: and of mirth, what doeth it?”
    Ecclesiastes 7:3 KJV “Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.”

    Then there is the quotes of Jesus Luke 6:21 KJV “Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.”
    Luke 6:25 KJV “Woe unto you that laugh now! For ye shall mourn and weep.”

    I don’t wish to deny any of you he pleasure of looking up laugh, laughter, laughing and laugheth in your own Bibles so I only “picked a few and gave a taste of what is available to read.

    While “picking” I also read some good thoughts from some of you and can find agreement with many.

    Perhaps I can get into that train of thought later. I will say that I agree we have at our fingertips too much information and not enough wisdom to know how to best use it.

    It has been a tough week here in our world. Last Saturday a neighbor’s 17 year old daughter was hit head on by a truck in her car. Monday they had to fly her to Baltimore MD for extensive reconstructive surgeries, she is in critical but stable condition. Tuesday another neighbor found her 34 year old son dead of an apparent drug over dose. We will bury him Friday.
    In a less personal matter my own country is providing a choice of either electing Jezebel or the court jester as our next president.

    Here in my house we will laugh at some TV, some humorous things that may occur around the house, but I have to say in general right now is not the “time” to laugh.

    44 cool and wet.

    Steve

  53. refump says:
    May 5, 2016 at 7:39 am

    “ Do you know what Adam said to Eve
    After their first big fight?
    Hey, I wear the plants in this family! ”

  54. remarutho says:
    May 5, 2016 at 8:01 am

    Good Morning BTA —

    It seems to me we have a choice, though sometimes a difficult choice, just as Sarah and Abraham did:

    Sit down and weep for the folly and destruction in this world — or

    Rise up smiling for the joy of the Lord’s overcoming power.

    Proverbs 17:22 – “A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones.”

    Nehemiah tells the people, “Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

    Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”
    John 14:27

    I am picking my Scriptures for today’s theme!

    Grace & Peace,
    Maru

  55. remarutho says:
    May 5, 2016 at 8:03 am

    Weather in the valley – 50F and cloudy – rain forecast

    Maru

  56. SFDBWV says:
    May 5, 2016 at 8:14 am

    Good one Refump, thanks.

    I will tell an older story and one I may have told here before.

    My first wife Rita was having minor surgery and had to stay in the hospital the night before. While visiting her that evening the “on duty” pastor was making his rounds at the hospital and came into the room.

    After some casual conversation he obviously didn’t quite know how to broach the subject of his calling so after Rita had told him she was to be put to sleep and laughing about it he also was still laughing slightly and grinning when he said to her, Yep that’s how it is you just go to sleep;” then his face and voice became dramatic as he continued, “and then wake up in hell!”

    Rita’s mouth was open and staring right at him not knowing what to say and I was silently laughing to myself at the awkwardness of the moment and of course at his attempt to get to the subject of where she may be with faith.

    I often retell the story and it always brings a smile and a chuckle.

    Thanks again Refump for the little joke.

    Steve

  57. oneg2dblu says:
    May 5, 2016 at 8:18 am

    I would guess that Laughter is but a one sided emotional coin, standing on its narrow edge, awaiting the fall.

    But, Joy, to me is more like the fully supported sphere of knowing God is in Control.

    When we experience that God-given Sphere of Joy, we are not standing on an edge awaiting another fall, or seeing only one side of the Sea of Changing Emotions available to all mankind, we are seeing what God and His Eternity has in store for us.

    Laughter to me is but as a vapor, quickly vanishing.

    God-given Joy however, are the bricks and mortar which God alone builds upon and provides for those not only get to Know Him, but also Love, Honor, and Obey Him.

    And that may well be seen as “laughable” to the rest of the world, who are now blindly laughing at the temporal.

    May the “Joy of the Lord,” not only cause us to Smile and Laugh now, but forever know, We are Blessed!
    Gary

  58. SFDBWV says:
    May 5, 2016 at 8:47 am

    Maru I will quote another familiar line from a movie, “You have chosen (picked) wisely.” Good job.

    Gary you are so very right, laughter and joy are very different matters. In fact I see all of the emotional things that surround happiness not necessarily laughable, but certainly enjoyable.

    Steve

  59. remarutho says:
    May 5, 2016 at 8:53 am

    Yes Steve!

    The ancient guardian knight speaks to Indiana Jones as he chooses the cup of blessing from the collection in the cave! Good stuff.

    Maru

  60. poohpity says:
    May 5, 2016 at 9:04 am

    Yes Maru, choosing the cup of blessing from the collection in the cave seems to be the difference in choosing the light over the dark, optimism over pessimism. :-)

    Psalm 126:2 NLT; Jeremiah 33:11 NLT

  61. poohpity says:
    May 5, 2016 at 9:11 am

    The Dead Church

    A new Pastor in a small Oklahoma town spent the first four days making personal visits to each of the members, inviting them to come to his first services.

    The following Sunday the church was all but empty. Accordingly, the Pastor placed a notice in the local newspapers, stating that, because the church was dead, it was everyone’s duty to give it a decent Christian burial. The funeral would be held the following Sunday afternoon, the notice said.

    Morbidly curious, a large crowd turned out for the “funeral.” In front of the pulpit, they saw a closed coffin, smothered in flowers. After the Pastor delivered the eulogy, he opened the coffin and invited his congregation to come forward and pay their final respects to their dead church.

    Filled with curiosity as to what would represent the corpse of a “dead church,” all the people eagerly lined up to look in the coffin. Each “mourner” peeped into the coffin then quickly turned away with a guilty, sheepish look.

    In the coffin, tilted at the correct angle, was a large mirror.

  62. poohpity says:
    May 5, 2016 at 9:53 am

    There is nothing that brings pure laughter out of my heart than being around babies who have no worries and yet they can laugh from the bottom of their toes and that just makes me laugh along with them. My favorite is playing pick-a-boo but then there is blowing bubbles or raspberries on the belly.

  63. jeff1 says:
    May 5, 2016 at 11:39 am

    We have some marvelous TV ads with babies in them and they are hilarious. As you say Pooh it does your heart good to watch them definitely a real tonic for me anyway.

  64. street says:
    May 5, 2016 at 7:58 pm

    Nehemiah tells the people, “Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

    our strength comes from His everlasting love and faithfulness. sell everything and come to Him. hows that song go, let goods and kindred, and they self also….

    it’s a daily thing…..just hate the days my spirit is so far away from Him.

    sometimes i wonder if the yoke is a like a retractable dog leash. i don’t think so. just thinking.

  65. street says:
    May 5, 2016 at 8:00 pm

    23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

  66. street says:
    May 5, 2016 at 8:57 pm

    [8] Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. [9] Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. [10] And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. [11] To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

  67. joycemb says:
    May 5, 2016 at 10:15 pm

    Street this morning I was thinking about what Paul said, that Christ is IN us. How then can we get away from Him? If we died, which we do when we accept Christ’s atoning grace, then rather than empty, wandering shells how can we be anything less than filled with the presence of Christ. Something to think about on those days when we may feel we have wandered away. The yoke becomes our ‘bond’ if you will to the peaceful presence of Christ. I think sometimes we are tempted to wander by the enemy of our souls, who doesn’t tempt those who don’t care. Take heart! If Christ be before us, above us, behind us, and below, then how can we wander, really? We are never alone or away from Christ our champion! He even went to the depths of hell to rescue His people. Think how important we are to Him.

  68. joycemb says:
    May 5, 2016 at 10:17 pm

    Mostly we need to be patient in our suffering as God is working to bring us closer to Himself. The reward is great!

  69. joycemb says:
    May 5, 2016 at 10:19 pm

    And yes, He is a mighty fortress!

  70. jeff1 says:
    May 6, 2016 at 2:12 am

    Gary, your post May 4 12.59 pm

    Thinking about what you said about we could blame God for everything as part of his plan.

    I need to be honest with myself or I will blame God but it is I who wander from the truth and not God.

    It is God who steers me back on course. I eventually seen where my earthly father was coming from but it took me a lot longer than it did him because my father was more intelligent than I.

    I was arrogant enough to tell myself that God was on my side but I forgot that my enemies where likewise believers who also believed God was on their side but my father never asked the question was God on his side but was he on God’s side and that is why he got it right and I didn’t.

    It is the problem with Christianity as a whole each religion believes they are on God’s side and I believe that is why God wants us to focus on Christ or else there will be division among us but Christ unites us because his teaching takes us beyond ourselves and onto a higher thinking where we put God first and self last.

    Needs to be practiced in life and my father was a very disciplined man as he had been in the Navy from 18 and Palestine Police also he had a Christian upbringing which meant he looked to God for guidance from an early age.

    I believe my father would have made a good leader but I must realize that I may not but God uses me to my strengths which are different to my Dad’s.

    Thankfully God can use the weakest as well as the strongest and that is what makes Him so amazing.

  71. oneg2dblu says:
    May 6, 2016 at 7:27 am

    jeff1… yes, we have Christ in us, in the form of the Holy Spirit.
    For, as we surrender or empty ourselves, we are being filled with the HS, we are not vacuums, but jars of clay containing the Presence of God.
    God is faithful to fill us every time we seek Him,, but, we also leak, so throughout our walk with the Lord, we will have many fillings.
    Some may think Once Filled, Always Filled, but that does not quite align with the Word of God, as some fillings are only temporal, according to what I have been taught.
    Gary

  72. oneg2dblu says:
    May 6, 2016 at 7:37 am

    Ask, Seek, Knock are both, the initial and the ongoing instructions, as the ongoing process designed by God.
    Like most instruction, “Love your Neighbor,” it is in the obedient, repetitive nature of testing and trials, that mature and develop us.
    All Godly Character is not built upon a one time event, but upon many testings and trials, just like Faith.
    “Faith that is not tested, can not be trusted.”
    I trust most of us would agree.
    Gary

  73. poohpity says:
    May 6, 2016 at 7:52 am

    Gary you may want to check the word of God again about the Holy Spirit. We are sealed and marked by the Holy Spirit and no one can take that away if God says we are His, we are His. (2 Cor 1:21-22 NLT; Eph 1:13-14 NLT) There is also special empowering from the Holy Spirit to do certain tasks. (Acts 1:8 NLT; Eph 3:16-17 NLT)

  74. poohpity says:
    May 6, 2016 at 8:07 am

    Another one of the things the Holy Spirit does is leads or teaches us in truth not what we see as truth but in God’s truth. John 14:26; 16:13

  75. poohpity says:
    May 6, 2016 at 8:16 am

    We can grieve the Holy Spirit but we can not take it away.

    “And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

    31Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Eph 4:30-32

  76. poohpity says:
    May 6, 2016 at 8:21 am

    So that pretty much says, Once you are saved, you are saved for eternity. We can either go laughing, full of joy or in grieving the Holy Spirit which seems to cause us to have a miserable existence while here.

  77. poohpity says:
    May 6, 2016 at 8:25 am

    Isn’t it wonderful the things we can learn in the word of God. Unlike many human relationships we can push people away but not our God, once we are His, we will always and forever be His. That should bring not only a smile to our faces but in our hearts as well and we can laugh again out of joy.

  78. street says:
    May 6, 2016 at 12:26 pm

    joycemb said, “Think how important we are to Him.”

    i think how important He is to me.

    There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews.

    the world only got to lol for 3 short days.

    i choose JoY.

  79. joycemb says:
    May 6, 2016 at 1:31 pm

    Yet God could have chosen to wipe out every sinner as He did in the time of Noah. See how important we are to Him? He loves us so much He died rather than killing me and everyone else. That’s love.

  80. joycemb says:
    May 6, 2016 at 1:34 pm

    It has nothing to do with how I ‘feel’ about myself, or how others ‘feel’ about me. We are brothers and sisters of Jesus.

  81. oneg2dblu says:
    May 6, 2016 at 2:48 pm

    How nice to have my pastor’s teachings confirmed by the word of God.
    In fact we are taught that we not only leak, but we are to be filled, and filled, and filled again, even to overflowing.
    So, to me, the measure of how much you’ve been filled, or leaked, is reflected in how you live your life.

    The word gives confirmation about many fillings.

    If you’ve been taught that you receive only one filling, and then the process is done, over, finished and forever, you’ve missed the greatest journey there is in life, the constant refreshing and refilling one both needs and receives when engaged in the ongoing daily relationship with the Lord.

    So, if getting your one time fix or seal of approval is all there is for you, I am truly saddened that there needs not exist for you the rest of the story.

  82. oneg2dblu says:
    May 6, 2016 at 3:07 pm

    To me it is sad, that some think they can see the beginning, the middle, and the end, all wrapped up in their having just one moment of faith.

    That may have worked out okay for the soon to be dead thief on the cross, but, for the living who still may have many more days, months, years of temptations, trials, and testing, to mature and live out their faith walk?
    We certainly will need a refilling…
    Just thinking

  83. street says:
    May 6, 2016 at 3:15 pm

    saw this post on face book about humor.

    https: //www.facebook.com/BigThinkdotcom/videos/10153596674478527/

  84. joycemb says:
    May 6, 2016 at 3:20 pm

    I don’t think the OSAS argument is going to end here, on this blog. So why keep discussing it? Let God be in charge of this matter. Ok? And give each other grace, acknowledging that when God chooses to give divine wisdom He will, to each, in His time. Seek first the K o G and all these things will be added to you.

  85. jeff1 says:
    May 6, 2016 at 4:36 pm

    I will share with you a very terrifying thing that happened me when I was psychotic. I seen bodies with only holes for eyes and faces like stone and I was freezing cold and I knew I was in hell. A friend came around to the house to be with me as my family where way of of their depth at how to deal with me.

    She prayed and rubbed my feet and hands until I came out of the episode and I told her I knew I had been in hell and God’s spirit had left me.

    She said because of my vulnerable state that I could be attacked by the spirit world but that God would never leave me and He didn’t for He has brought me through some dark times and each time I feel that bit stronger.

    My friend also told me that certain personalities are more vulnerable to the spirit world than others and I was one of them.

    Psychotic is a very terrifying state to be in and I have had three episodes in my lifetime but feel much better than I have in a long time and I know God protects me in ways I do not understand.

  86. street says:
    May 6, 2016 at 4:43 pm

    after listening to that video a couple times….i wonder if humor is an acid test for humans?

  87. joycemb says:
    May 6, 2016 at 5:06 pm

    Street your dot com doesn’t work. What’s the name of the clip?

  88. joycemb says:
    May 6, 2016 at 6:56 pm

    Street I copied and pasted and it worked just fine. I probably didn’t get it all the first time.

    Listened to it a couple times also. I had forgotten the joke about how do you make God laugh? Tell Him your plans.

    I have to think about your question a while. What sort of acid test are you thinking? Like only humans can produce laughter? or if you can’t laugh does it mean your not fully human, or? His theme of political correctedness I agree has gone way too far, but it is the culture we now live in. So what to do? Stop laughing so we don’t offend or laugh and accept the consequences? People don’t like generally to be laughed at. I know I don’t, probably my ultra-sensitive nature. Now, I can laugh at myself sometimes, depending how un-depressed I am. It is dependent on mood, isn’t it? or is it?

  89. joycemb says:
    May 6, 2016 at 6:57 pm

    He does make a good point about control though. Thanks street good to think about.

  90. street says:
    May 6, 2016 at 9:23 pm

    you know mart been thinking about the darkness jerimiah encountered in his life. yet he wrote about hope, even when told they would not return from egypt. i think of the pardox of dread and worry in time of peace, and mirth when confronted with the death. considering it joy. thinking momentary and light affliction when compared to glory to be revealed in Christ. it really helps to look to Him. He’s looking out for you, even when it doesn’t feel like it. i remember a quote in regamuffin, ” this is the way you treat Your friends.” we know Whom we have believed. hang in there.

  91. street says:
    May 6, 2016 at 9:24 pm

    joycemb the acid test was thinking out loud. God’s Word is better at discerning such things.

  92. street says:
    May 6, 2016 at 9:30 pm

    what people say should be able to give you a clue what to is going on inside the person. God’s Word will give you a foundation to stand on instead of getting lost. He is the One at work.

  93. poohpity says:
    May 7, 2016 at 8:51 am

    Father, help us to see beyond the moments we are having now to the hope we have in you. Fill us with joy and trust. Help us to put our trust in you so we can like little children rejoice in who you are and that you even take notice of us, treating us with patience. Restore us to a right relationship with you so it will be a time to laugh. In Jesus’s name.

  94. street says:
    May 7, 2016 at 9:47 am

    thinking about the verse that says,” He makes all things new.” gary could this be renewing your mind since the Holy Spirit remains by the Blood of Christ?

    i am very aware and disappointed in my own heart mind and flesh. it is definitely a war zone. yet there is peace and joy in the midst of it.

    thinking further about not letting the sun go down on your anger. in other words, settle all accounts with God at the end of the day, the night approaches. easier said than done, God give us wisdom/love to accomplish your will.

  95. joycemb says:
    May 7, 2016 at 10:24 am

    The purpose of discernment is to know how to pray for others, not to condemn. That goes for ourselves also. Belittling ourselves can be a source of pridefulness. A sort of last ditch effort to prove we still reign on the throne of our own hearts. God knows us from the moment we were conceived. oh the joy of knowing how much He loves us!

  96. joycemb says:
    May 7, 2016 at 2:30 pm

    And easier to laugh at ourselves as well. Learning how to use the grace of laughter here.

  97. joycemb says:
    May 7, 2016 at 2:30 pm

    God bless us all with the gift of laughter.

  98. joycemb says:
    May 7, 2016 at 6:48 pm

    Happy Mother’s Day all!

  99. jeff1 says:
    May 8, 2016 at 6:04 am

    I have been in the company of people who laughed at people and to my shame I joined in. Since that experience I have discovered the difference in laughing with someone and laughing at someone.

    Yes, indeed, laughter can be a great gift or a cruel sarcasm depending on the heart at the time of the laughter.

    Solomon sensed right that he had done both and knew which was right and which was wrong.

    May God give me the strength to not laugh with others, that, which is no laughing matter, but to laugh with those who do so out of a shared sense of humor and who are in need of a good hearty laugh.

  100. jeff1 says:
    May 8, 2016 at 6:33 am

    Pooh, thinking of your post of 6/5/ 8.21 am

    You said, we are saved for eternity, as God promised, and that we either live our life with joy or grieve the Holy Spirit and be miserable here.

    I very much see that as being true to me but there are still unanswered questions.

    Firstly, since my mother and brother both suffered with mental illness, how can I know whether mine is from grieving the Holy Spirit, or inheritance, or does is make a difference to God either way?

  101. jeff1 says:
    May 8, 2016 at 6:38 am

    last sentence should read ‘or does it make a difference to God either way?

  102. oneg2dblu says:
    May 8, 2016 at 6:58 am

    joycemb says:
    May 6, 2016 at 3:20 pm
    I don’t think the OSAS argument is going to end here, on this blog. So why keep discussing it? Let God be in charge of this matter. Ok? And give each other grace, acknowledging that when God chooses to give divine wisdom He will, to each, in His time. Seek first the K o G and all these things will be added to you.

    I wonder when we say, “Let God be in charge of this matter,”
    aren’t we then saying, that God could never use any our blog discussions to bring us closer to understanding the truth, or His Wisdom, or any solution?

    Are we just all pawns or like wayward sheep, with no godly discernment, incite, or instruction to share?

    If God can use “all things for the good of those who love Him,” why not then use us and our discussions as well?

    Just thinking…

  103. oneg2dblu says:
    May 8, 2016 at 6:59 am

    Happy Mother’s Day!

  104. poohpity says:
    May 8, 2016 at 7:56 am

    Viv, I am not sure but my take on it is that holding on to bitterness, anger, hostility and malice can make anyone miserable and I do not think God wants us to be miserable. He wants us to be tenderhearted, merciful and forgiving just as He is with us. That not only grieves the Holy Spirit but it can bring us down as well.

    On the other hand chemical imbalances in the brain cause mental illnesses which can be from heredity and that can cause a miserable existence too. I guess one would have to really see inside to see which one it is or maybe both. Maybe one can cause the other?

    The good news is that which ever one it is God can work on both and although we may grieve the Holy Spirit, He never leaves or forsakes us.

    Happy Mother’s Day to everyone!!! :-)

  105. jeff1 says:
    May 8, 2016 at 8:57 am

    Thank You, Pooh, I wish I could believe that I do not grieve the Holy Spirit, but I know right from wrong and I have not always done right so I cannot be sure what causes my mental distress but to know God is with me in the good and bad gives me hope to go on and that He can work to make all things well.

  106. poohpity says:
    May 8, 2016 at 9:21 am

    I do not think there is a person alive who has not grieved the Holy Spirit. I know I have many times when I lack forgiveness and carry anger in my heart. So you are not alone and yes I share that hope as well. Romans 8:28 NLT

  107. poohpity says:
    May 8, 2016 at 9:22 am

    Everything means everything!!!

  108. joycemb says:
    May 8, 2016 at 9:27 am

    Gary what I’m talking about is when we “share” the same message over and over to the same audience and the same response is given in return doesn’t wisdom say that if the message is true the Holy Spirit also confirms the message? Wisdom comes a little at a time, so why keep beating others over the head with my understanding? I can be right but love is also patient and kind, and God does not force Himself on anyone. These arguments are just that, arguments, and Paul says we are not to get involved with vain arguments. Vain meaning earthly, sensual, and driven by human emotion.

    Unbelievers, and believers like our own Jeff1 have been hurt and confused by continual arguments about Biblical interpretation. Wars have been fought over differing interpretations even. I don’t believe that is Gods intent. Not the God I know and have had to learn to trust because of the way mankind has treated me and others I love.

    So I am asking please to think about what is your agenda and does it line up with Gods agenda for the whole world.
    Blessings, Joyce

  109. jeff1 says:
    May 8, 2016 at 9:55 am

    Your post resonates with my heart Joyce, and it is why I get so sad at times, because I find too many think like Gary and I no longer can align with there thinking because I don’t believe it is God’s intent.

    Gary you say speak the truth and I have to speak the truth I believe I have been getting God wrong while I believe my father got God right.

    A person can change their mind and I have changed mine because I know that I was not letting the spirit lead me and while it upsets me to know that, I still believe God has forgiven me because it is a gift and not something I had to earn.

    Peace and good will to all who truly seek it in their hearts, and may God be with all who do, with mercy for those who for whatever reason fail to understand God’s intent.

  110. joycemb says:
    May 8, 2016 at 1:21 pm

    Gary, the last sentence in my post to you should read, Does your agenda line up with how God wants to communicate with His children?

  111. oneg2dblu says:
    May 8, 2016 at 1:34 pm

    joyce says… “doesn’t wisdom say that if the message is true the Holy Spirit also confirms the message?

    jeff1 says…I find too many think like Gary and I no longer can align with there thinking because I don’t believe it is God’s intent.

    What is God’s intent?

    Are we saying that all expression that only agrees with others statements posted here are wise and acceptable, and any that do not automatically find absolute agreement is then demeaned as being unwise and unacceptable?

    By what standard do we speak, or then express to silence ourselves and others?

    I trust we are not “judged here,” by any popular opinion, or political correctness, or the inferred rule that says, do not challenge others words repeatedly here but silence yourself, (Gary) and please allow for certain others to keep on saying what they will, even if they are also just as repetitive?

    May I close with this quote … “Peace and good will to all who truly seek it in their hearts, and may God be with all who do, with mercy for those who for whatever reason fail to understand God’s intent.”

    Gary

  112. jeff1 says:
    May 8, 2016 at 5:58 pm

    I find peace in that I have found refuge in Christ and that does not mean that I believe I know God’s intent for this world but I know His intent for me is to be at peace with myself.

    I cannot be like you Gary and I am not saying you are wrong I am saying that I have found peace with God because up to that I did not have peace.

    When the indwelling spirit revealed to me that I had wandered from the truth I struggled greatly before God and still have hiccups but I have learned to trust God even with my doubts and it is by focusing on Christ and not by questioning God about what He is doing in the world.

    I am taught that we make up the body of Christ and I am just a part and even though I believe I am a weaker part I trust God loves me.

    That is enough for me, it is all I need, but I cannot tell another what they should need for that is for their indwelling spirit to reveal to them.

    I am saying we have all different talents and God will put them to use for what I do know about this world is that there is work to be done.

  113. oneg2dblu says:
    May 8, 2016 at 6:26 pm

    We are more alike than you give credit. As everyone who is a Follower of Christ, came from a place in this world where they were enemies of God first.
    Just thinking…

  114. oneg2dblu says:
    May 8, 2016 at 6:28 pm

    In fact, to befriend this world is a wayward position.

  115. jeff1 says:
    May 9, 2016 at 5:41 am

    I see this world as complex and God uses people in all walks of life and I see this in the Bible that God uses those whom may seem unusable to me.

    I often examine myself and wonder what use am I to myself never mind God, but that is what to suffer from depression is like, one day, you believe you can take on the world, and the next, you are so far down that even trusting God does not make you feel any better about yourself.

    Each of us wrestle with our own demons and the truth is some do it better than others and then there are those who sail through life like they never had a trouble in the world and I am amazed at how they can be so oblivious to what goes on around them.

    While I am glad for all types and it does my heart good to see happy people it does not stop me wondering why the world for all the churches and religion is not a better place.

    As my son points out countries advertising for tourists rarely show us there poorer areas yet they all have them.

    For me it is not about befriending this world but knowing who in it to befriend.

    I am tired of trying to understand people as they are complex and I no longer trust in my own discernment. The only person I could truly put trust in was my father and I have never met anyone quite like him since.

    As the song goes ‘this world is not my home I am just passing through’ resonates with my heart more and more.

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