My pastor's wife made an amazing point a few weeks ago. She said God's will for us is not some big over arching plan for our lives. That's what we all expect. The thing is, his will is very simple. It's basically Galations 5:22-26. That's it.

We should live lives that are:
• We should be filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
• We should crucify the sinful nature with its passions and desires
• We should not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

If we do that. If we live in accordance with that... We will be living within God's will.

thanks dl'ing now

Thanks for posting the link Dave, I'll take a listen.

As per usual, we're not on polar opposites;I think we come from different motivations. Let me try and explain myself, because I want you to understand where I'm coming from, and I fear that I may not be accurately representing myself or my intentions here.


Is it worth it? Yes! Would Brian have willed it if he was aware what was at stake? Very possibly, from what little I know of the man. But here's the thing I'm thinking about:
Roman's 8:28 says: "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." This scripture can bring hope in a situation like this. But the point I want to make is that just because it happens, doesn't mean it's God's will (or Will). Everything works together for good, but that doesn't mean that everything that happens is good, or was meant to happen.

Based on what you've said earlier... I think you'd agree with that?

So, if I am left with the knowledge that not everything that happens is good, and I know Jesus (who I find to be a good example) raised people from the dead and didn't just let things be the way they were, then I'll do what's in my power to stop it. If Jesus felt that Lazarus was worth raising from the dead, then why can't I decide the same thing? All that's in my power here is prayer, fasting... the spiritual weapons God has given us. That's what I created this thread to say. There has been countless posts about deaths, sickness, murder, car accidents, etc. on these boards, and I for one am going to make a stronger effort to pray and intercede for this community.

(And if I spend my breath praying and interceding for the health of people on these boards, and it turns out it's God will that "x" happens, have I really wasted my time? Do I really have a wrong attitude? I don't think so.)

Me too


What I meant specifically, was why can't I decide to lay hands on someone and pray for their healing? I can. Obviously all glory goes to God, and if the healing doesn't place, it's no slight on me or God. I can't decide what God does.

I don't think it's a dangerous line of thinking if your heart is in the right place. Jesus gave us power and authority, and told us to go and do everything he had done, and more. If we have the authority to cast out demons, do we say "Well, maybe it's God's will that the demon is there, who am I to cast it out?" I don't think it's that different.

We are all so lucky to make it this far.  Everyday.  Blessed really.  Lets not take that for granted. 

How can we take these tragedies and turn them into building lasting realities spiritually?
I am learning great lessons of faith from these fine men today.


THANK YOU.

IMO, it's good to pray against disease, etc. But there also has to be acceptance that what we want might not happen, and we need to not get made at God or question a person's faith if healing (or whatever) doesn't happen. (Is this what you're saying, pudd?)

I was reminded of something interesting while listen to the radio at lunch today: John 9:1-3 really makes it sound like God purposely caused the man to be born blind so that God would receive glory when Jesus healed the man. Without his consent, the man suffered through decades of blindness, the humiliation of begging, and the scorn of others so that God could be glorified.

i work as a grocery store manager.  Why is there so much cancer...


one major reason is this:

grocery stores are built to hold groceries for long periods of time.  Shelf life of products is being increased.  It was only a few years ago that bread, cereals, pasta, etc. had a shelf life of half of what it is now.  They are pumping things in the food that appear safe.  They have been tested individually and are safe.  The combinations of things we eat cause reactions that are not safe.  This is actually gonna come out soon.  We have had more recalls of products over unsafe issues in the last few months.

this is why produce and meat prices are soaring here in the states to compensate for the recalls and shelf pulling we are doing.

I honestly don't think it is much of a God issue or Bible issue cept for the fact that we live in a fallen world.  Sin happens and we continally have to face the thorns of the world.


doug

doug

You're willing to admit that publicly??