Hi everyone
In the past few weeks since we found the bible codes site and this forum, I felt really encouraged. Now that might sound an odd thing to say since there's been a bit of intrigue going on, but I know I and DH have seen that there is a lot of good stuff here.
Now, I have been thinking of this post all day as I do my housework and take care of my kids and I am half falling asleep here, but I think this needs to be said!

Almost every night, we come on here and see what the latest debates are. Indeed, we have been a bit starved of Christian conversation and we love seeing what other people are talking about. I have been thinking about all sorts of issues and wanting to delve into the word of God to see what it says. Dh is a bit of a thinker, he really enjoys doctrine but also the lighter stuff. It keeps us going mentally as it's hard to have these deep conversations after church, and with our family life it's hard to make it to a fellowship group. I love the way there are people here from other denominations of other parts of the Christian faith and we can chat about the important stuff and also trivial things.

When things are hard I appreciate being able to ask for prayer and I am blown away (an Aussie expression) that people who don't know me have offered to pray for me and my family.

Dh and I felt so welcomed when people pm-d us when we first joined (you know who you are and thanks!).

I have been stretched.... challenged... sometimes confused (but life is confusing) but I really want to encourage people to keep reaching out. There are so many of you guys who have a lot to give, and I just know that there are many people lurking out there who need answers. Maybe people in desperate circumstances or people needing to hear the gospel?

So, be encouraged, cling to what's good and thanks from me and Littlefaith (well he's snoring now, but I am sure he would say the same)
Lots of love from Aussieland
to our brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world x

I found out that some of the best Bible teachers in the world contribute to this forum. I have learned a lot from them and many have reminded me of things I had forgotten about. I have to tell you, that when the prayer warriors in this group make a Heavenly Appeal, results happen!!! Many faithful servants who know the Word of God and how to apply it.... hang out here. God bless you and your family.

Hi Shine....

I just now read this thread.

Well first I want to say that I know you also read some very terrible things being said between some of us members as of late. I think, I pray, that it is all over now.

Some lessons were learned and most of all....the Lord opened up my eyes to some things.

I'm thankful that all that did not chase you and yours away.

But from one fellow believer here in the U.S.A to you....I am happy your joining us.

God bless.

By the way....I have to say how much I like your country. Your President and leaders are apparently much smarter than some leaders in my country are.

You are letting the Muslims know just how it's going to be. That is how it should be.

God bless you all.

Hey....if things get real bad here in the United States...can I come to Australia to live?

Thank you for being faithful in posting your heart felt expression.

Your post is the second confirmation in the past month that there are those who read more than they comment, or don't comment at all.

It doesn't matter who one is, we all, at time, lose it when we allow anger to control instead of allowing the Holy Spirit lead. I know, I have been guilty myself.

I am as well, glad you stuck around during times of conflict on this place.

The lesson as of late it seems on this forum has been one of anger management and gaining control of emotions. I was pondering on these things this morning and I began to learn more concerning these kinds of matters. What came to mind is "some for noble and some for ignoble purposes." One teaches the other when a personn is given over to the works of the flesh. 2 Tim. 2:20But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

Bessie (is this your real name?),
It's nice to meet you and your husband! My husband hasn't been on here as much lately, but his name is Servant of IAM.

I do love Australia too...and by the way...we (here in the US) use the phrase "blown away" quite a bit too. But by all means, use your Auzzie speak...I love to have a foreign flavor.

And yes...this forum has had it's ups and downs lately, but overall I've thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship and the studies. There are some serious bible students here and to be honest; I trust the observations of those who most likely have gone through some humbling circumstances (to handle the word of God with integrity), rather than the majority of professed teachers out there.

God bless you,
Kim

Pamela,
I have a poem I wrote some time back...it reflects upon the word "ignoble". I'll put that in the poetry section soon.

God bless you,
Kim

Hello God's lambs,

I, for one, love the simple and direct instructions of our Lord such as:

2Timothy 4
[1]I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead as His appearing and His kingdom;
[2]Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.
[3]For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
[4]And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned into fables.
[5]But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

God is so good, he gives simple guidance and prepares us for what we may come across and how to handle it. As I always have said, God knew, knows what we are going to go through and He tells us how to behave when we are faced with certain situations. I love the rebuking of our Father, He loves us so much and His words will endure forever and He is so good to us.

The most important verses to me is:

Mark 12
[28]And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, Which is the first commandment of all?
[29]And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord Our God is one Lord:
[30]AND THOU SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THY HEART, AND WITH ALL THY SOUL, AND WITH ALL THY MIND, AND WITH ALL THY STRENGTH: this is the first commandment.
[31]And the second is like, namely this, THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF. There is none other commandment than these.

How simple is this? Does bickering with one another demonstrate that we love our neighbor? Of course not. We must be slow to anger as our Father is with us. Can you imagine where we would be if God would fuss at us each and every time we said something that goes against His teaching, (and I am sure we all do at one time or another)?

I will preach love, love, love. Even when we disagree with another person we must love them and control our tongues. We can express our differences with care and nurturing, rebuking someone doesn't mean lashing out at them with anger. And yes Pamela I agree with you this forum is full of loving and caring people who will stop whatever they are doing to send out intercession's prayers for those who need it. I don't post often, but when I do it is to remind all of us that God wants us to be compassionate with each other, slow to anger, gentle. loving. If someone offends you, just know that many offended Jesus, and when He was suffering on the cross He asked:"Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34

Should we not be like Him?
Pamela you are His treasured child, take your strength from Him and those prayer warriors in this forum. Thank you sister.

God be with you,
Bb

blessings!