"by My Spirit Saith The Lord;"

GeneralJ · Feb 26, 2009

It is exhausting to read through the redundant debates between Spirit filled Christians and those that do not have the Spirit.1. Is the gift of tongues real?2. Are the gifts of the Spirit for us today?3. How do you know which interpretation to believe?4. How do you know you’re really saved?5. Where’s your proof of God?And on and on and on. I believe it is very important to note the fact that these are the same debates that the two “sides” have been “arguing” for ever. And will continue to do so until the end. So we know we can expect to be involved one way or another.First off, to those that truly have the Spirit of Christ, “do not be weary in well doing…” even when it seems you make no noticeable headway be assured that if you are giving a testimony of the truth of Christ in you his Word will accomplish what he has determined, and not return unto him void; QUOTE
Isa 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
Secondly, make sure that you are being led of the Spirit in whatever labor you undertake, for in that we can be sure Gods will is being done and not our own “labors of the flesh.”QUOTE
Pr 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Pr 30:6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
Thirdly I would like to address an issue that seems to be prevalent in a great many debates I come across here and on other forums, that being this; If the “things of God are Spiritually discerned” why do we attempt to appeal to the sinners “carnal” logic or education to convince them of Gods truth? The carnal mind is enmity towards God; QUOTE
Ro 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Ro 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
This method of trying to convince them in this way is comparable to explaining how to climb “Mount Everest” in roller skates.Fact is, the Spirit filled Christian’s heart is established by grace; that means that we are given everything we have by the Grace of God and not by our own labors. This includes our understanding and knowledge of the “things of God” for they are not “carnally” perceived nor can they ever be. If we were to believe our “education” and “Logical reasoning” brought us to the cross we are sadly mistaken. That would be giving glory to the flesh and not the Grace of God. So why would we assume that this “carnal logical arguing” can bring the sinner to the feet of Christ? It most certainly cannot. Without the Spirit we cannot gain anything of Christ, by carnal means we only labor in the flesh and the results are worthless and will be consumed by fire. QUOTE
Php 3:7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
The “things of God” are given by the Spirit not earned by flesh. QUOTE
1Co 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 1Co 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 1Co 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 1Co 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 1Co 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1Co 2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 1Co 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
It is by the Spirit and Grace (unmerited/ unearned favor) we are given to understand the things of God, not by our expensive educations or our eloquent speech, or our understanding of Logic. If it were truly by our intellect that we can win sinners to Christ then we would glory in our flesh. But we are created to give God glory not flesh and blood.We need to pump the brakes and let the Spirit discern who we are addressing and where they are spiritually, and what it is God is leading us to do in that matter. As soon as we begin to try and convince them by our own understanding the conversations and debates become a work of our flesh and become worthless.QUOTE
Pr 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Pr 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Pr 3:7 ¶ Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
For those that do not have the Spirit of Christ, I suggest you seek him in truth if you truly want to know the things of God.QUOTE
Jer 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jer 29:12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. Jer 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
We need to be obedient to the Spirit, and not go to “warfare on our own charges.” Those hearts God has prepared will receive what God has planned for them, but they will only receive it by the Spirit working in them and not by our labors. The Spirit will certainly lead you to sow, or water, but it is God and God alone that gives the increase.An experienced farmer does not sow seed in soil that has not been properly prepared; if he does he cannot expect a fruitful yield. God bless and keep you,General-

Dunamite · Feb 26, 2009

Some debates are more hurtful than others, but most do not need to be hurtful and that is the case with this one. There is room for both positions because it is not a salvation issue.The Holy Spirit indwells all believers. That is the internal work of the Holy Spirit which claims us as one of Jesus' own and makes us an adopted child of God, the Father. The Holy Spirit also is at work in the world. This is the external work of the Holy Spirit. We can cooperate with the Holy Spirit or not and allow him to use us as he sees fit. This does not give us any extra measure of grace. It just makes us more useful to accomplish God's sovereign purposes because we are not limiting his ability to use us.When we limit God to work in us and through us then we are not affecting our salvation. Rather God will use the willing to carry out his work and take ordinary people and allow them to do extraordinary things. This is evidences by signs and wonders or manifestations.There are legitimate expressions of the Holy Spirit in people, but there are also Simon the Sorcerers who are shams. We need to be wary. There are also real Christians who are deceiving themselves, thinking that something is spiritual when it is from their own thoughts and desires. It takes great discernment to work with the Holy Spirit.I obviously believe in the gifts of the Holy Spirit and that he is at work in the world advancing the Kingdom of God. You know that you are really saved because you have the love of God in you. It is palpable, You just know. Others can see it in you too. This is evidenced by transformation. Love is a verb. To love is to do works. Those are observable. Without love then we are not saved.1 John 4: 7Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 13We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. 16And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. 17In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. 18There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 19We love because he first loved us. 20If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. 21And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.For John, like James, to be a Christian is to do. They will know we are Christians by our love, as the song says. Our works don't save us, but they are mirrors to the heart. If we are not acting out of love in everything that we do then we cannot be saved.John said: 18Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 19This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence 20whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. (1 John 3)James said: 14What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. 19You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. (James 2)There is a similarity and parallelism that is striking. You cannot love in isolation. Love requires that it be given away. We need recipients of our love. Those recipients are our brothers and sisters. And just as Jesus' love for us was without reservations, so should our love for others be. Love is unconditional. Love is generous. It means that if we are Christian we do not question. People do not have to deserve or merit our love or gifts. It is our nature to give.My proof of God is in me. He is as real to me as the beating of my heart. I just know without knowing how or why. He is a presence that is palpable and real. There is lots of external proof. But as James points out above, even demons believe in God. That does not make you Christian. There is no test to get into heaven. Knowing isn't enough.You can know all the right words to say. know all of the stories and be able to quote scripture and it won't save you one iota. It is the believing those words that saves you. It isn't the words, but the power in them that saves.I believe in God. I believe in all of his promises and I know as a certainty that he exists and that his promises will be kept. With knowledge there can be doubt. We can always find things that look grey and uncertain. Faith is sure and there is no doubt. It is black and white. You can't half believe. You either believe or you don't.

GeneralJ · Feb 26, 2009

Not sure what point you are trying to make here. By this statement; QUOTE
“People do not have to deserve or merit our love or gifts. It is our nature to give.”
Where are you claiming our love originates from, certainly not from us naturally?QUOTE
Ga 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Ga 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Ga 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. Ga 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Since Love is a fruit of the Spirit wouldn’t it stand to reason (as stated in the initial post) that all things are given by the Spirit?And since we have the Spirit of Christ in us, and we live by the Spirit, couldn’t we expect these fruits to be made manifest in our daily lives, such as preaching, correcting, exhorting, in love?So what I am saying in regards to your reply is that we who do have the Spirit of Christ in us will be enabled and compelled to do the things of Christ, and yes in love, because Christ ministry was a work of Love.Therefore I am not sure the point of your post.God bless,General-

shutin45 · Feb 26, 2009

My Brothers, GeneralJ and Dunamite.Thanks for taking the time and writing what you were led to.I hope and pray others read your rhema here. I will bookmark them for reference, guidance, and inspiration.They are words from (of) man, but given to you, I feel by God (they are supported by Scripture).GeneralJ was right on with non-Christian discussion/teaching etc. They don't have the Holy Spirit. I'm led to add that some Christians though, due to sin - which WE will ALWAYS have varying on our weaknesses which satan and his fellow fallen angels know and exploit, have issues, misunderstandings, and erroneous beliefs. Sins are of commission and omission. Sadly, the obvious sins of youth like lust etc. are replaced when we get older by much harder sins to see in ourselves such as pride, self-righteousness, unforgiveness (easier when we're young), bitterness(?), and lack of love/acceptance towards younger people going through trials we don't understand. Sometimes sin, which it is in essence anyway, is simply not obeying God. Such quenches the Holy Spirit in us to varying degrees.Because of all that and what you two said, we (Christians) will have differences of opinion/belief, some - probably most - supported by Scripture. My point? God, via Paul - in Romans 14, and others like James in Chapter 3, gives us guidance on how to handle such when dealing with fellow Christians. We should all know and obey what He tells us there, BUT as GeneralJ said, applied here to belief differences, we need to use discernment. Some belief differences are minor, but some AREN'T. When they aren't minor and need to be addressed, that's when guidance like that found in James 3 (and I think I Corinthians 1 and 2 apply) should be used.That's all!Hope y'all and others who see this have a blessed weekend

!!Your Brother in Christ,Jim

shutin45 · Feb 26, 2009

A couple of further thoughts and a question,First, my question, related to sins quenching the Spirit:Is not taking care of Gods Temple - our bodies - a sin? I think it is, but because this applies to me, I might be "blinded" or misled (both by evil - not blinded by God). I can't seem to find relevant Scriptures. The further words are these: GeneralJ wrote:"First off, to those that truly have the Spirit of Christ, "do not be weary in well doing…" even when it seems you make no noticeable headway be assured that if you are giving a testimony of the truth of Christ in you his Word will accomplish what he has determined, and not return unto him void;QUOTE Isa 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."Related to this, don't ALLOW negative things people say or do cause you to weary or get discouraged. Give thanks for such, and consider it as a blessing which can be used - IF YOU DO SO AND LET IT - to help you build self-control, show the love of Christ in words and deeds in response, as an opportunity to forgive, to understand, to see hurt and pain in others which often causes such and try to help them, and goodness knows what other positive things. It will not return to Him void. Even if you don't see results or think you were wrong maybe you planted a seed!! GeneralJ wrote:"The Spirit will certainly lead you to sow, or water, but it is God and God alone that gives the increase."Amen!! I'll conclude with a word about pride. When we're saddled with pride, our words are about us and the warm fuzzies we may get from others about them. BUT.....when others disagree the proud are quick to anger, easily take offense or misconstrue what was said. There's LITTLE that truly satisfies like the reward of the Holy Spirit for things done without pride. I cannot convey the feeling. Positive feedback from others and confirmations in other forms from God that we did/are doing His will gives a feeling unmatched by mere ego building. I used to be deceived, misled, and sin due to pride. I know.In Christ,Jim

GeneralJ · Feb 26, 2009

QUOTE
A couple of further thoughts and a question,First, my question, related to sins quenching the Spirit:Is not taking care of Gods Temple - our bodies - a sin? I think it is, but because this applies to me, I might be "blinded" or misled (both by evil - not blinded by God). I can't seem to find relevant Scriptures.
We do know that our bodies are the Temple as per;QUOTE
1Co 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 1Co 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
The scriptures just before these I believe point out how we are to keep our “bodies.”QUOTE
1Co 6:13 Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. 1Co 6:14 And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power. 1Co 6:15 Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. 1Co 6:16 What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. 1Co 6:17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. 1Co 6:18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
If we consider that we are Gods temple it stands as truth to understand that anything unholy or unrighteous in “Gods temple” defiles it.So to answer your question, yes absolutely if we “defile the temple” we have sinned. Keep in mind the "spiritual" aspects of these warnings as well as the "physical."As for the remainder of you posts, thank you for your replies and exhortations.God bless and keep you,General-

shutin45 · Feb 26, 2009

QUOTE (GeneralJ @ Feb 26 2009, 06:12 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=69980
We do know that our bodies are the Temple as per; The scriptures just before these I believe point out how we are to keep our "bodies."If we consider that we are Gods temple it stands as truth to understand that anything unholy or unrighteous in "Gods temple" defiles it.So to answer your question, yes absolutely if we "defile the temple" we have sinned. Keep in mind the "spiritual" aspects of these warnings as well as the "physical."As for the remainder of you posts, thank you for your replies and exhortations.God bless and keep you,General-
Thanks for those Verses. I don't fornicate or have problems with such anymore, not since my teen years, but I do smoke.Went through a terrible bout of depression for years and ended up in despair wanting to die, and let my physical health go WAY down. Can hardly do anything now.BUT....After reading your reply and Verses, I went to clean out my Bible before a Thursday Night Praise service (very few people) and came across a letter from my Wife dated 1999. She was imploring me to stop smoking in it. So, I'm feeling convicted now to quit smoking and start exercising.Thanks!!And may God bless you and those dear to you.Jim

GeneralJ · Feb 28, 2009

QUOTE
QUOTE (shutin45 @ Feb 26 2009, 10:16 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=69990
Thanks for those Verses. I don't fornicate or have problems with such anymore, not since my teen years, but I do smoke.Went through a terrible bout of depression for years and ended up in despair wanting to die, and let my physical health go WAY down. Can hardly do anything now.BUT....After reading your reply and Verses, I went to clean out my Bible before a Thursday Night Praise service (very few people) and came across a letter from my Wife dated 1999. She was imploring me to stop smoking in it. So, I'm feeling convicted now to quit smoking and start exercising.Thanks!!And may God bless you and those dear to you.Jim
First off I apologize that I did not respond sooner, I had a few errands come up that kept me out of town most of the day.

Secondly I thank you for demonstrating courage in disclosing personal struggles you contend with, it is rare to see nowadays and it is a wonderful witness as to how God still works with his Children, whatever their situation. As far as the temple is concerned, again it is important to understand that any sin we do in our flesh defiles it. In the Word we are commanded to keep it “sanctified,” that is to present and keep it Holy and separated unto God. The only way this is possible is for us to offer it as a “sacrifice” through “mortification” by the Spirit. QUOTE
Ro 12:1 ¶ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.Ro 8:10 ¶ And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. Ro 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Ro 8:12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. Ro 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
So by the Spirit “mortifying” (transitive verb to attempt to subdue the body or desires and passions by self-imposed (For us - Spirit imposed) discipline, hardship,) the deeds of the flesh, or in other words dying to the flesh, we are offering it up as a sacrifice. In Gods word we are told that through this “fleshly mortification” we gain life. Also by this “death to the flesh” we offer a necessary substance that we “apply” in our “spiritual soil” in order to produce a “higher quality” spiritual fruit. (That’s another subject in itself).Concerning the “sacrifice” if we consider the act of offering up our praise and thanksgiving to God (also sacrifices) when there is sin present in our lives, how acceptable are these “tainted sacrifices?” If there is something in the “temple” that has defiled it, then how effective is the temple to give Glory to God? This could go on into a very large post. But I will stop for now.God bless,General-

For Life · Feb 28, 2009

QUOTE
Secondly, make sure that you are being led of the Spirit in whatever labor you undertake, for in that we can be sure Gods will is being done and not our own “labors of the flesh.”
How do you start doing it? How do you listen to the Spirit and become guided by the Spirit? Does God help with this or does it require me to do something first? How do I know it is the Spirit of the Lord that is directing me and not something else?

GeneralJ · Feb 28, 2009

QUOTE (For Life @ Feb 28 2009, 10:10 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=70036
How do you start doing it? How do you listen to the Spirit and become guided by the Spirit? Does God help with this or does it require me to do something first? How do I know it is the Spirit of the Lord that is directing me and not something else?
Lu 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?2Ch 15:15 And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them: and the LORD gave them rest round about.Isa 55:6 ¶ Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:Jer 29:12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.Jer 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.Mt 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:Ask God, fervently and truthfully, believe and you will recieve.God bless and keep you.

shutin45 · Feb 28, 2009

QUOTE (For Life @ Feb 28 2009, 11:10 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=70036
How do you start doing it? How do you listen to the Spirit and become guided by the Spirit? Does God help with this or does it require me to do something first? How do I know it is the Spirit of the Lord that is directing me and not something else?
Dear, dear, For Life. Let me say Praise God that your heart is in the right place. I and other Christians feel the Spirit is moving and there is an urgency. Many are being called to do various things (I Corinthians 12 Verses 27-30) for God. You are saying "here am I Lord, send me", but want to go/say/do what is right. Bless you. You seem to be one (of many??) who possibly is dealing with the same vexation and righteous frustration I have felt lately and routinely. I do SO understand and empathize with you. It's SUCH a troubling thing, but it's ONLY temporary. I say righteous because the frustration is in the spirit of doing what God wants - not you - and you don't want to be deceived by evil and misled.I say temporarily because in time you will know if what you do is what God wanted at that time from you. There will probably be different things you're led to do. You will know because He will reward you and provide confirmation from others, in His Word - as you study or MAYBE if you prayerfully ask Him to lead you to Scripture relevant to what you're led to say/do. Just open your Bible to wherever it opens to after doing that, and He MIGHT do that. Let such confirmation NOT give you vain and fleeting ego boosts, due to pride, lest the Holy Spirit be quenched and your mission stifled/stopped/used by evil. The right spirit to take such confirmation in is joy that you've pleased God and done His will. It's incredible joy and motivation as opposed to a fleeting prideful ego boost.Ego (PRIDE) motivated boosts can send you back for more rather than where you should be going, and when others don't agree or say negative things, it can easily offend you (because it's about YOU and not God), lead you into hurtful disputations, cause you to lose your self control and carnally respond, and otherwise give evil - satan and his fellow fallen angels - opportunities. Sorry to go into all that first For Life. Was led to do so.Now for a partial answer to your issue. I pray other Brothers and Sisters in Christ here at Christianity Board will help me help/guide you also:Here's what the Bible says you need to do in my words (II Corinthians Chapter 14 Verses 9-11):Read II Chronicles Chapter 7 Verse 14. I feel that applies to more than just "healing their land". Step one - Purify yourself. Fall on your knees in earnest desire, HUMBLE yourself, and ask that the Holy Spirit reveal sin in your life. There is guidance in previous posts about sin. It can be of commission, omission, lack of love, SO many things. Listen to that small still voice audible or not. DON'T rationalize sin revealed to you as acceptable. REPENT of revealed sin. Step two - Ask for God's guidance, to be on the path He has for your life, and tell Him "here I am send me" (or whatever He doesn't send everyone somewhere literally). Here's where I need help folks. There are many other steps after doing those basics, and I'm not led to go further. PLEASE help our fellow Christian in their righteous and timely quest.I'll pray for you

Your Brother in Christ,JimP.S. I'll gladly help you, and I'm sure others will too, with any questions or other help you may want. Feel free to PM me anytime about anything you're led to. And GeneralJ - I just saw your post. Feed the Spirit and not the flesh comes to mind

shutin45 · Mar 3, 2009

QUOTE (For Life @ Feb 28 2009, 10:10 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=70036
How do you start doing it? How do you listen to the Spirit and become guided by the Spirit? Does God help with this or does it require me to do something first? How do I know it is the Spirit of the Lord that is directing me and not something else?
Dear For Life,I was hoping others would help out, but I guess so far no one has been led to.I've been praying for you and for guidance on what I could tell you further, and here goes:I was led to Proverbs Chapter 3. I feel that Verses 5-8 specifically address what you're seeking, but the whole chapter will help you also:[sup]1[/sup]My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: [sup]2[/sup]For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. [sup]3[/sup]Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: [sup]4[/sup]So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. [sup]5[/sup]Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. [sup]6[/sup]In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. [sup]7[/sup]Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. [sup]8[/sup]It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. [sup]9[/sup]Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: [sup]10[/sup]So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. [sup]11[/sup]My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: [sup]12[/sup]For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. [sup]13[/sup]Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. [sup]14[/sup]For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. [sup]15[/sup]She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. [sup]16[/sup]Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. [sup]17[/sup]Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. [sup]18[/sup]She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her. [sup]19[/sup]The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. [sup]20[/sup]By His knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew. [sup]21[/sup]My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: [sup]22[/sup]So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. [sup]23[/sup]Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. [sup]24[/sup]When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. [sup]25[/sup]Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. [sup]26[/sup]For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken. [sup]27[/sup]Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. [sup]28[/sup]Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee. [sup]29[/sup]Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee. [sup]30[/sup]Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm. [sup]31[/sup]Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. [sup]32[/sup]For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous. [sup]33[/sup]The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just. [sup]34[/sup]Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly. [sup]35[/sup]The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.What are your Spiritual gifts? 1st Corinthians Chapter 12: [sup]1[/sup]Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. [sup]2[/sup]Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. [sup]3[/sup]Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. [sup]4[/sup]Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. [sup]5[/sup]And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. [sup]6[/sup]And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. [sup]7[/sup]But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. [sup]8[/sup]For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; [sup]9[/sup]To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; [sup]10[/sup]To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: [sup]11[/sup]But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. [sup]12[/sup]For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. [sup]13[/sup]For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. [sup]14[/sup]For the body is not one member, but many. [sup]15[/sup]If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? [sup]16[/sup]And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? [sup]17[/sup]If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? [sup]18[/sup]But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. [sup]19[/sup]And if they were all one member, where were the body? [sup]20[/sup]But now are they many members, yet but one body. [sup]21[/sup]And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. [sup]22[/sup]Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: [sup]23[/sup]And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. [sup]24[/sup]For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked. [sup]25[/sup]That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. [sup]26[/sup]And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. [sup]27[/sup]Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. [sup]28[/sup]And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. [sup]29[/sup]Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? [sup]30[/sup]Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? [sup]31[/sup]But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.Also, what life experiences - trials/tribulations/valleys have you been through that have blessed you with experience and wisdom you can use to help others going through such?Do you have a continual feeling/thoughts about something that IS BIBLICAL and SUPPORTED BY SCRIPTURE that you think you might be being led to do or say? Lastly, the Great Commission is our first calling. The harvest is many and the laborers are few. If you're as ready as possible (steps 1&2 of my previous post and GeneralJ's advice are good starts) - we'll always be imperfect - just take a step of faith and trust God. I'll stop there. I still hope and pray others here will help you. There is greater wisdom in the counsel of many.Again, may God bless you for wanting to do this

Jim

For Life · Mar 3, 2009

Thank you for the responses. I wasn't trying to hijack your thread. I was hoping that my questions would help the discussion.

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