THE INNER ROOM - "Learn and Grow - to Maturity". Please read the OP. - Page 133

Bondman · 08-18-2008, 10:19 AM

ENCOURAGING OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS

CFS fair blows me away! I can't believe the amount of agape there is here! And of course and important part of agape is encouraging other Believers. The amount of THAT which goes on here also stuns me!

However there are folks in the church who think this is WRONG. They say, "Don't tell them they're doing great. This will just TEMPT them to PRIDE." I strongly DISAGREE! I can't think of anyone who I've complimented and encouraged in whom I ever saw pride developing as a result. Instead I see a major need in this sad ole world of ours, for us to be BUILDING UP our brothers and sisters in Christ!!

Thus when I told blankgirl in a post earlier today that I thought her blog was great, in no way do I believe that I was tempting her to pride. No way. I was encouraging her out of my LOVE for her. She was expressing how unsure she was that she'd done the right thing with the blog. I read it, reckoned she had done right and good, told her so, and expressed that I thought what she's doing is good. That's part of agape isn't it? I would have thought so!!

Okay, but the other side of the coin IS how WE think about ourselves. When someone compliments me on a Message or whatever, I love hearing this. It tells me that I'm on-track with what God's called me here to do. I NEED the feedback. Does it tempt me to pride? NO. But it could if I was foolish about it. FACT: We all need what I'll call a "wholesome" appreciation of who we are. A realistic one too. We should be feeling good about ourselves as God's kids, right!! But while it's okay for me to be told I did great, it's not good for ME to start thinking that I am GREAT!

God is the One Who's GREAT! Not me. He is my Master; I'm His lowly servant. And just in case we have a problem in this area, Jesus was kind enough to put me and you exactly back to where we need to be:

Luke Ch 17:9 Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. 10 So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’”

Kind of brings things back to reality, doesn't it? No matter HOW GOOD, HOW RIGHTEOUS, HOW MATURE IN CHRIST I become, no matter HOW WELL I SERVE HIM - I'm only doing what He's commanded me to do. So I CANNOT stand up and say, "Hey, look at me!" but rather will humble myself by prostrating myself before my Master's throne of glory, flat on the floor before at His nail-scarred feet, remaining there, not worthy to raise my head or my eyes towards the Lord or Lords and King of Kings!!

From that position may I bless each and every one of you who bless me by being part of the IR!

- BM

worshipper · 08-18-2008, 12:24 PM

Bondman:

Speaking of agape love: I am so thankful that the Lord sent me to a church with Pastor and his wife who both preach in 5-fold ministry (Ephesians 4:11-13) who have shown such agape love to me; it has refeshed me and encouraged me in the deeper things of God. (Prayer, worship, prophecy; ministry of the gospel in general and personal spiritual growth) Hallelujah!!! (this is IRL-in real life; this forum is one of only 2 "christian" forums that I have seen such love...I have been on several)
Ephesians 4:11-13
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

You mentioned:
Luke Ch 17:9 Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. 10 So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’”

I have felt that this has been my LIFE VERSE for the past several years...
I am being held accountable to this scripture by the Holy Spirit. Thanks for bringing that scripture up; I am studying it and would like to "dig deeper" with it.

Bondman · 08-18-2008, 03:22 PM

THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS (AGAIN!)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Faithwoman

Thank you all for your replies..
and I know Bondman.. new testament, new testament..

It's okay, hon! I mean this is SO difficult for most folks. It is only cos I've read the NT goodness knows how many times during 50 years that I tend to KNOW if a thing is there or not. And if I reckon that it's not I check it out to make sure anyway. *polishes halo vigorously!*

It's true that the OT is good to read. AND there's piles of stuff there for us today! It's simply that FIRST OF ALL, for the uninitiated, who DON'T know all that the NT says, it's far too easy to latch onto something in the OT that's PART OF THE OLD COVENANT and therefore does NOT apply to us today. And that part of things is what I'm here for, if you like! *broad grin - a heavenly one of course!*

Then SECOND OF ALL, lots of the Old Testament is just so much easier to read than the New. There are stories and people and it's intersting (and maybe even fun). Much more so, for example, than trying to read and figure what Romans or Hebrews are about! Thus PEOPLE ARE NOT READING THE NEW TESTAMENT (ENOUGH). And the results of THAT are bad:

lack of growth in the Lord,
lack of knowledge,
immaturity,
and a very poor level of spirituality. Does that all sound SERIOUS?

And the result of THOSE in turn, is a Western church that has:

basically lost its way
is therefore worldly
and so is devoid of POWER, and worst of all
is becoming more and more contaminated with false doctrine!!! (like those I've written in various Messages, e.g., HOW TO READ THE SCRIPTURES (AND HOW NOT!) - Part 1).

And please be aware that false doctrine is EVERYWHERE:

it's in the church
it's in Christian books
especially on Christian radio and TV
and so it far too easily also gets into our personal lives!

If you get the impression from all of the above that things are not in very good shape round the place then you're DEAD RIGHT!!! We all have an IMPORTANT TASK, no make that TWO IMPORTANT TASKS: 1) To work hard towards having our own lives in the best possible shape that we can, so that we will be in a position to be able to 2) Help others towards the same goal.

Love to all!

- BM

Bondman · 08-18-2008, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by worshipper

Bondman:

Speaking of agape love: I am so thankful that the Lord sent me to a church with Pastor and his wife who both preach in 5-fold ministry (Ephesians 4:11-13) who have shown such agape love to me; it has refeshed me and encouraged me in the deeper things of God. (Prayer, worship, prophecy; ministry of the gospel in general and personal spiritual growth) Hallelujah!!! (this is IRL-in real life; this forum is one of only 2 "christian" forums that I have seen such love...I have been on several)
Ephesians 4:11-13
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

You mentioned:
Luke Ch 17:9 Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. 10 So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’”

I have felt that this has been my LIFE VERSE for the past several years...
I am being held accountable to this scripture by the Holy Spirit. Thanks for bringing that scripture up; I am studying it and would like to "dig deeper" with it.

Oooh, great verses in Ephesians, worshipper! Love it!! Very pertinent and powerful stuff for us all.

And I also LOVE you having Jesus' strong statements in the Luke verses to use to be accountable to the Lord. Wow, way to go!!!

Bondman · 08-18-2008, 03:30 PM

SERIOUS PRAYER REQUEST

We have a serious legal matter that unexpectedly hit us yesterday. I can't give details here, only to say that it's connected with the multi-millions we are waiting on God to release to us for ministry in the 10/40 Window, but some things went wrong that never should have, and now we're under legal threat because of this.

At this point in our life, the threat is ultimately one that concerns our very lives! We are nowhere NEAR well enough to be able to handle anything even remotely like this! The stress of it is certainly enough to push me over the edge and end my life (this I know, that satan would just love that). And Beloved is not in much better shape. Life is a daily struggle for us both, just to survive.

We're asking God to remove this matter completely! - which is as it certainly should be. HE can do this. WE cannot. I'm going to ask would you please pray with us - each day, until this is accomplished! I'll keep you up to date of course.

Thankyou for being such great supporters and caring so much. We sure don't EVER take this for granted!

- BM

worshipper · 08-18-2008, 11:49 PM

My Dear Bondman and Mrs. (Beloved) Bondman:

We KNOW that NOTHING is too hard for the Lord and I call upon the Name of the Lord and His sovereignty to take authority in Jesus' Name over this thought and possibility that this could even threaten your life in any way...

Please know that we will be standing in prayer

(or kneeling in prayer rather) petitioning the Father on your behalf until this is settled.

2 Timothy 1:12
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Psalm 31

1In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.
2Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.
3For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.
4Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength.
5Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.
6I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the LORD.
7I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;
8And hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: thou hast set my feet in a large room.
9Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly.
10For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed.
11I was a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbours, and a fear to mine acquaintance: they that did see me without fled from me.
12I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel.
13For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.
14But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God.
15My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.
16Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies' sake.
17Let me not be ashamed, O LORD; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave.
18Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.
19Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!
20Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
21Blessed be the LORD: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city.
22For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.
23O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer. 24Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

Psalm 32:7
Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.
Psalm 37:28
For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
Psalm 41:2
The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.
Psalm 97:10
Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.

Bondman · 08-19-2008, 08:22 AM

UPDATE (re: SERIOUS PRAYER REQUEST)

Quote:

Originally Posted by worshipper

My Dear Bondman and Mrs. (Beloved) Bondman:

We KNOW that NOTHING is too hard for the Lord and I call upon the Name of the Lord and His sovereignty to take authority in Jesus' Name over this thought and possibility that this could even threaten your life in any way...

Please know that we will be standing in prayer

(or kneeling in prayer rather) petitioning the Father on your behalf until this is settled.

You are a real sweeetie, worshipper! Thankyou so much for all the verses and for your assurance of prayer. Can't tell you how much we appreciate it when people care enough to support us in times of need like this.

We've started working with a trained support person who is paid to help low income people like us for no cost. She will be attempting to do the difficult task of stopping them. I'm sure it's okay to say that her name is Carol, and she's a truly beautiful person. So please now focus your prayers on her efforts on our behalf, for wisdom and so on, and for the other party to soften their hearts to acknowledge our plight and not bring serious harm to us.

Thankyou guys, SO MUCH!!

EDIT: I find this VERY interesting! (and I bet Wayne can relate):

Such a situation as this obviously brings a massive amount of stress into our lives. Hard enough for a well person to handle! But when you're like us you have such small reserves to be able to manage the high level of stress.

I go to the Lord for strength to get through, and He lovingly responds. Nonetheless, my body still has to have enough left for Him to "put that help into" - if you see what I mean. Thus this morning I had one lot of stress, followed by another, then another. And at that stage I was "gone"! The whole of "me" simply couldn't take any more - even with all the Lord's help.

I figure that this is simply because my body is so far gone at this stage. At this point in my life that's what I believe. BUT, if I'm wrong, then what would be true is that I have still more work to do on effectively trusting Him for help! (which I will do of course).

I just love being a Christian!!!!

- BM

worshipper · 08-19-2008, 10:24 AM

Thank You Lord for Carol. Have your way in the hearts and minds of everyone involved and be glorified through this trial with the behavior of your saints

Faithwoman · 08-19-2008, 12:19 PM

First of all, Bondman I will be praying for you and the Mrs. that this be removed.

Ok.. update with daughter. I shut off the text messaging this morning. I got a call from her not because of that but for her to tell me something else. She was with a girlfriend last nite, a boy was taking them home, they saw another kid, the boy dropped them off, so he could go to store.
Meanwhile the cops pulled in, asked them what they were doing, because there was a break in to a car just around corner, he put the two girls and this boy in the cop car, drove to the break in, meanwhile smelled alchohol, did breathalyzer, my daughter was not drinking but the boy who they stopped to chat with was. They released my daughter to the other girl's mother, ( my daughter told them that her dad was not home.. lie)..

Anway I was sick over whole thing, I left work and drove 2 1/2 hours to see my daughter. To back up a minute, I had called my ex before any of this happened this morning, to tell him about the other stuff going on.

I got to their house. I took my daughter for ride and to get something to eat. It was a horrible horrrible mess. She tried to get out of car while car was going 55mph. There was screaming and shouting going on. She said some very hurtful things to me. But she also was able to get out alot of things that had been heavy on her heart. I drove around and parked car. She kept getting out of car. She tried to get the car keys, I tried to get them from her. I hurt her wrist in this attempt. We both cried, shouted and such.. horrible horrible. She did not want to go back to her dad's , she did not want to come home with me.. She ended up going back to her dad's. She went in the bedroom, she felt sick. My ex was sitting in the chair with an ice pack on his head because had had a migraine. I told him we needed to go in and speak with her. He just stood there. I explained that she could no longer stay over night at her friend’s house. I wanted her to have fun as a teen, but she would be coming home in the evening.

This is just a brief synopsis of it all. It was horrible. The things that were said by her and me, there were many hurtful things. My daughter is hurting inside. She has been hurting for years because of the divorce.

Please pray that the Lord will restore healing in her, in me and in our relationship. Please pray that if it is the Lord’s will for her to come and live here with me, it will be shown soon. I did pray with her before I left.

I am tired. I will not give up.

Faithwoman

Fluffy · 08-19-2008, 03:17 PM

Hang in there, Faithwoman! Dont give up! You are fighting for her very life. She may not appreciate it right now, but there will come a day when she will realize the truth of the matter. That you love her and want the best for her.
I am reading a very good book called "Captivating" by John and Stasi Eldredge. She had gone thru something very similar with HER mother. She says that she did not realize the pain she was putting her mother thru. She only knew herself was in pain. But after she grew up, and was saved by the Lord, He showed her what her mother was going thru, too. They made up and became mother/daughter again and made some good memories together.
I say all this to show that you are not alone. I cried when I read this part of the book. There IS hope!
Lord, I come to You this morning and ask for wisdom for Faithwoman. That You fill her with peace and the knowledge of just what to do. I also lift up her daughter and ask that you continue to woo her heart and bring her to salvation. I also ask that you give wisdom and strength to the father, that You show him what he needs to do to help his daughter. Help him to SEE her and appreciate the beauty that she has inside of her, longing to come out.

And while we are at it, Lord, I ask that You help Carol. Show her the hidden things and expose the plans of the enemy. Lord, You had promised Bondman and Nettie, and we are standing on those promises and not backing down. We will NOT be moved! Bondman and Nettie were promised healing, money, and a new ministry. These things we stand in faith for. We also ask that You continue to strengthen Bondman's and Netties bodies as well as their faith as they stay trusting in You.
AMEN!

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