Christianity Oasis Forum

[stillstanding]

ok so

what im thinking about today is what goes on in the spiritual realm. i mean we know there is a battle around us for our souls. and people seem to on occasion have a glimpse into the spirit realm. i wonder why more people dont see some of this. it seems to me it would make your faith stronger. or make you want to seek more answers about it.

im interested in what y'all think...

[Mackenaw]

Hello Stillstanding (((hugs)))

God bless you this day.

Interesting question, Stillstanding. I don't know that there is just one answer to cover all situations.

God's Word says,
II Corinthians 5:7
7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

God's Word says,
John 20:29
29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

There is no doubt that many of God's children have glimpses into the spirit realm. But, I think that for the most part, those followers have been established their faith walk. They have walked in faith, in obedience, and in love, getting to know The Lord intimately through His Word, and then as God willed, were ushered into the spirit realm. They grew into the portion of faith given them, and reached for His love, joy, peace, patience, etc. -- (fruit of The Holy Spirit): which, by the way, are spiritual and come from the spirit realm. God is Spirit. Woooooohooooooooo!

Remember the account of the prodigal son? He took his inheritance and wasted it on riotous living. The spirit realm is part of our inheritance. God knows us intimately, and He knows if we're just gonna waste His spiritual gifts on riotous living, or if we will use them to serve Him.
None of us is perfect, and even the most seasoned Christian can be easily tempted, and if we mis-use spiritual gifts...we are playing with FIRE and just might get burned, or worse yet, burn another.

Sadly, I have witnessed well-meaning Christians who were seeking to grow in their spirit walk, but they fell victim to fraudulent teaching within the church. Initially they were excited, eager, and believing of what was being taught, but, after a time came to the realization that compulsion had entered in (they had allowed peer pressure to influence them), resulting in them rallying round a frenzy of fraud, and not the things of God. After such experiences, it can leave Believers wary of any talk of the spirit realm.

James 4:1-3
4 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?
2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

God is Good and He can be trusted, even when we cannot be trusted. The Lord is always looking out for us, protecting us -- even if, from ourselves.

God bless and keep you, Stillstanding.
Love,
Mack

[stillstanding]

Thanks Sister Mack! makes sense


today my thoughts are about this:

4 [a]What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? [b]Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask [c]with wrong motives, so that you may spend it [d]on your pleasures.

James 4

[stillstanding]

fasting...yuk!

but I listened to a message today by one of my favorite teachers and he spoke of fasting in a way I hadn't heard before.

He said people can do without a lot of things. he mentioned TV and how for a period when he was part of this one ministry, his family went without TV for 4 years and didn't miss it at all because what was going on at church was so much more exciting than anything on TV. I think of not only TV, which I rarely watch, but also phones and other electronics, cars, and other toys, gadgets, and treats like ice cream, chocolate, etc.

but we cant go without food for very long and we die within about 3 days without water.

so, if we fast and pray we are saying to God that whatever it is that we are fasting and praying for is so important to us that we cant live without it or we don't want to live without it.

the teacher gave an example: he was given a prophecy that his daughter would be taken from their home and killed and this word was confirmed through another word the next morning. He began to fast and pray and the Lord showed him that he should continue to fast and pray and keep his family close together at all times watching out for each other until God would tell them that the threat had passed.

the teacher said what He was saying to God was my child is more important to me than food, thus life, and I do not want to live without her. even in such diligent fasting and prayer God may not answer in the way we want, but we know that God can change His mind about things when His people pray.

when you put it like that, i'm willing to try...

I want healing or whatever it is that my son needs to get past whatever this is that's going on with him at school. my husband told me this morning to go ahead and make the appointment with the pediatrician for an evaluation to see if there's something medical or psychological behind his apparent inability to focus. I told him I am not ready for that.

I am not ready to accept that my son will be judged and labeled with some label that he will fight to overcome his whole life and probably placed on medication that will change who he is. I am believing God can fix it.

[stillstanding]

GRACE

2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Romans 6:14 ESV
For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

Romans 11:6 ESV
But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.

James 4:6 ESV
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Ephesians 2:8 ESV
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

1 Corinthians 15:10 ESV
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.

Romans 5:8 ESV
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

2 Peter 3:9 ESV
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

John 1:16 ESV
And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

Romans 3:24 ESV
And are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

Hebrews 4:16 ESV
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

2 Timothy 4:22 ESV
The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.

Isaiah 40:31 ESV
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Romans 3:20-24 ESV

For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

Colossians 4:2-6 ESV
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Numbers 6:25 ESV
The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;

Hebrews 5:9 ESV
And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him,

Romans 6:16 ESV
Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?

John 3:16 ESV
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Matthew 5:45 ESV
So that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

1 Timothy 6:17 ESV
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.

John 1:14 ESV
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Jude 1:4 ESV
For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Colossians 2:2 ESV
That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ,

Ephesians 2:1-22 ESV
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— ...

2 Timothy 2:1 ESV
You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus,

Galatians 2:19-21 ESV
For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.

1 Corinthians 12:9 ESV
To another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit,

Romans 6:4 ESV
We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

Romans 6:1-4 ESV
What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

Luke 1:1-80 ESV
Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught. In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. ...

1 Peter 3:7 ESV
Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

2 Timothy 1:9 ESV
Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,

Ephesians 1:1-23 ESV
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, ...

2 Corinthians 8:7 ESV
But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.

Acts 2:1-47 ESV
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. ...

John 8:34-36 ESV
Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Proverbs 4:9 ESV
She will place on your head a graceful garland; she will bestow on you a beautiful crown.”

Psalm 103:1-22 ESV
of David. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. ...

Job 42:1-6 ESV
Then Job answered the Lord and said: “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. ‘Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you make it known to me.’ I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; ...

1 Peter 5:5 ESV
Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

1 Peter 1:1-25 ESV
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. ...

Titus 2:11-14 ESV
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

Titus 2:11 ESV
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,

2 Peter 3:18 ESV
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Titus 2:13 ESV
Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

Romans 6:2 ESV
By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?

Acts 19:11-16 ESV
And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them. Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” ...

Hebrews 13:9 ESV
Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them.

Romans 4:16 ESV
That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,

Romans 1:7 ESV
To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Titus 2:12 ESV
Training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,

John 3:13 ESV
No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.

John 3:16-17 ESV
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

[stillstanding]

2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

a WHAT?

a NEW CREATION!

we are made NEW. the old has passed away.

wake up each day and grab a hold of the promises of God! pray! put on the full armor of God! and tell the enemy he is a liar! IT IS WRITTEN "THEREFORE IF ANYONE IS IN CHRIST, HE IS A NEW CREATION! THE OLD HAS PASSED AWAY, THE NEW HAS COME!"

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God

Acts 2:38-39 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the GIFT of the Holy Spirit. For the PROMISE is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”


Romans 8:1 There is therefore now NO CONDEMNATION for those who are in Christ Jesus.

NO CONDEMNATION!
NO condemnation!!

what is condemnation? having been judged and convicted; found guilty

Romans 8:1 There is, THEREFORE, now NO CONDEMNATION for THOSE who ARE IN CHRIST JESUS!

the devil is a liar! WE WILL NOT be CONDEMNED, FOUND GUILTY< DISAPPROVED OF because of the devil's LIES!!

YOU ARE MADE NEW!!! NEW! NEW NEW!

what is new?

NOT THE SAME AS BEFORE

when is before?

LAST YEAR! YESTERDAY! A MINUTE AGO! ONE SECOND AGO!

when is now?

RIGHT THIS INSTANT!!

you are reading this right this second and you are made new!

you are a new creation! because you are saved! when you were saved you recieved Holy Spirit and reborn spiritually. you DO NOT have to be whatever labels were given you by man, because GOD SAYS we are NEW! GOD SAYS! we are new! GOD SAYS! we are not condemned!

GOD SAYS!!! you are a CHILD OF THE MOST HIGH! you are what GOD SAYS!!!!
put off those labels you have been given in the old! put down the garbage that goes with the old labels and ACCEPT the GIFT of newness and walk in it! LISTEN to the WORD of GOD! HE - the CREATOR of the UNIVERSE - says you are NEW!

[stillstanding]

19 Remember my affliction and my wandering,
the wormwood and bitterness.
20 Surely my soul remembers
And is bowed down within me.
21 This I recall to my mind,
Therefore I have hope.
22 The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
For His compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I have hope in Him.”
25 The Lord is good to those who wait for Him,
To the person who seeks Him.
Lamentations 3:19-25

I think back and remember how lost i was wandering around in filth and darkness. As i think about it in sorrow and humility, as i remember how can i not have hope? look at where i was. where i came from. Where i was DELIVERED from!
How can i not be hopeful? The love of God, the neverending Love of the LORD never has failed me! NEVER will fail me! He is compassionate towards me, even in my darkest darkness and filthiest filth, will never stop! He will stand by me thru thick and thin and He will hold my every tear in His hands! His compassion and Love toward me are refreshed anew every single morning!!
The Lord IS my Hope! He IS good! He is GOODNESS! He is Love!

[stillstanding]

it would have been 1000 better not to stand than to stand and then back down.