Christians Here To Help You And Talk - Page 19

abbas child · 09-30-2009, 06:20 PM

Al, I'm sorry this is a "worse" time for you. You are everyday in my prayers, but will be more extensive. A thought... when the "Marys" were going to Jesus' tomb, worrying about the stone in the way--"they looked UP, and the stone had been rolled away." I've come across that passage and point once through an ALS sister this week, and the next day in my reading. It seems like something to practice... that looking up instead of down, or at the focus of the problem. His peace for you, my beloved brother.
Ann

pamnandy · 09-30-2009, 07:44 PM

I thought about finding some pithy quotes on faith. But you already have faith. You already have hope, and above all, LOVE..love of Christ, of man, and all of God's creatures. You are having a "down day." Or perhaps a "down week." And that's okay. You already know that it's in the valleys is where you find Him. So I dedicate to you, "The Valley Song" by Jars of Clay. And I will pray for you.

In Christs's Love,
Pam

YouTube- The Valley Song - Jars of Clay

BrianD · 09-30-2009, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MtPockets

We have all been there and thanks to this Forum and partly to this thread some have opened up to complete strangers and had their faith encouraged and their spirits lifted up. We are not alone in this fight for our souls.

Al... as one of those new complete strangers, I'll just share the following:
" Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work ... A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. " Ecc 4:9,12

While we may not be located in the same room as you, you have many "strands" throughout the world, praying for you (with more added each week). You are SO right that we are not alone. We are all lifting each other up, and keeping each other strong. God bless and stand firm!

BethU · 09-30-2009, 11:15 PM

Capt. Al ... I am so sorry that you are going through hard times right now, and I pray for you and for all of us on this forum.

Like Barry, I am not a member of an organized religion (or even a disorganized one), but I have faith in the great power that supports us all. I remember from Sunday School that on the cross, even Jesus felt he had been abandoned by God. Faith is not an easy ride, but I know how strong yours is ... you show it in every word you share and all you give to others. I know it will carry you through.

Thank you for the strength and comfort you give to others on our forum.

Judith · 10-01-2009, 07:29 PM

Capt. Al,
I pray your days be peaceful as you look into Jesus' face each day. We use to sing a song that went like this and maybe you know it:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.

I pray for you most nights MT Pockets, but now will set as priority!! Thank you for all your encouraging and uplifting words. May our God keep you in perfect peace.

Judith

Senegal · 10-31-2009, 02:25 AM

Capt. Al,

I have not participated on the Forum very much recently. I was not aware of your prayer request until now. I prayed that you will be held gently and securely.

With love,
Senegal

MtPockets · 11-03-2009, 04:32 PM

Thanks everyone for the wonderful words of encouragement. You again have made me feel like a part of the BODY of Christ. One may be a toe, one a finger, but we all are necessary for the body to function properly. It is such a blessing to know we are not alone, even though there may be hundreds if not thousands of miles between us, we are one spirit in Christ.
Thanks, to your prayers, I am feeling much better. I have a renewed sense of what God has called me to do, as I finish my race, as I finish my fight. I believe we are all called to be an encouragement one to another. To let each other know you are not fighting this battle alone. May God give us each the strength and faith to overcome and endure to the end, and give Him all the glory.

abbas child · 11-03-2009, 06:56 PM

Capt. Al, I so agree that with the forum and pm ability, we can experience the life of the body of Christ. I realize you know Hebrews 12, but your comment caused me to think about what it says about the body, both here on earth and those who have gone before, but are still one with us... 12:1...

"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes upon Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God... for consider Him who has endured... that you may not grow weary and lose heart."
vs.28-29
"Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire."

I pray that you and I and all members of the body who are part of the race will run that race with endurance, picking up one another and allowing the Lord to consume us in His fire, for His glory. May God richly bless you and keep you in His peace.
Ann

MtPockets · 12-02-2009, 03:20 PM

Quote from David Wilkerson that really spoke to me.
"
God uses people to refresh other people. He so loves this kind of ministry that he moved the prophet Malachi to speak of it as a most-needed work in the last days. Malachi described how, in his day, God’s people built each other up through one-on-one edification: “They that feared the Lord spoke often one to another” (Malachi 3:16).

When did this happen, exactly? Malachi’s words came during a time of rampant ungodliness, when the “devourer” had destroyed much fruit in the land. God’s people had grown weary and started to doubt that walking with the Lord was worth it. They thought, “We’re told it pays to serve the Lord, obey his Word and carry his burdens. But as we look around at the proud and the compromisers, they’re the ones who seem happy. They’re pursuing prosperity, living carelessly, enjoying life to the fullest.”

The Holy Spirit began to move in Israel, and soon the fear of the Lord came upon a God-hungry people. Suddenly everyone in Israel, young and old, became one-on-one missionaries. By the Spirit’s prompting, people opened up to one another, edifying each other and building up and comforting those around them.

I’m convinced Malachi’s word about this ministry is a mirror image of the present day. He has given us a picture of an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the last days, as God’s people stop gossiping and complaining and instead minister refreshing. It’s happening by phone, by letter, by e-mail, and face to face. And God is so pleased with this ministry, we’re told he writes everything down. Every kind word spoken, every call made, every letter written, every effort to comfort the downcast is recorded in a “book of remembrance.” And the Bible says each of us whose deeds are written down will be precious to him: “They shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels” (Malachi 3:17).

Be a Titus to someone who’s downcast in spirit. Pray to have the spirit of Onesiphorus, who sought out the hurting to bring them to healing. Think of it: You’ve been given all the power of heaven to refresh a hurting believer, someone who needs the consolation that God has given uniquely to you. Yes, there are people who need you and the Lord intends your past consolations to bring refreshing to them. Call that someone today and say, “Brother, sister, I want to pray for and encourage you. I’ve got a good word for you.”

paleshia · 12-02-2009, 03:40 PM

thanks capt. al

that was refreshment for my soul as i become less and less useful in the job i was called to do at home with my family.

Marinewife1024 · 12-03-2009, 02:10 AM

That was beautiful and there are still tears running down my face. Sometimes a testimony like this is really what one needs to remember God is there even in the little things so of course that much more in the big things too!

MtPockets · 12-04-2009, 09:56 AM

I know we all have those days when we are not at our best, to say the least. Recently, during one of those times someone reminded me, just because you do not see the changes your are making in people's lives does not mean it is not happening. Until we get to heaven we will never know how maybe just one word spoken kindly to someone, really changed their lives.
I know with 16 grandchildren it seems to go in one ear and out the other. We sow the seed, it is up to the Father to make it grow and prepare the harvest.
Thanks for all the wonderful comments on this thread and elsewhere. To God be the Glory great things He has done.

hopeful warrior · 12-04-2009, 10:24 AM

Thank you so much for the wonderful reminder. Your writing rings true! What a wonderful opportunity we have to serve. An incredibly difficult endeavor, but a wonderful opportunity from Christ. Have a peaceful holiday season.

BethU · 12-04-2009, 10:29 AM

Oh, boy, am I glad to see you post!

Blessings!

Judith · 12-05-2009, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MtPockets

Thanks everyone for the wonderful words of encouragement. You again have made me feel like a part of the BODY of Christ. One may be a toe, one a finger, but we all are necessary for the body to function properly. It is such a blessing to know we are not alone, even though there may be hundreds if not thousands of miles between us, we are one spirit in Christ.
Thanks, to your prayers, I am feeling much better. I have a renewed sense of what God has called me to do, as I finish my race, as I finish my fight. I believe we are all called to be an encouragement one to another. To let each other know you are not fighting this battle alone. May God give us each the strength and faith to overcome and endure to the end, and give Him all the glory.

Capt. Al,
I've been away from the forum for awhile, but I am thrilled to see you back! It is truly a blessing when the body responds with encouragment one to another. I am glad you are feeling better. I think and pray for you, as well as other, daily. The Lord's grace is sufficient and carries us through each day. Our road to Him is continually a dying to self. As we accept and acquiesce to our lot in life, He can and does work through us to bring hope and endurance to those He leads us to. My prayer also is that, for the joy set before us, we run our race with endurance, keeping our eyes fixed on Him, who truly is our joy.

Judy