If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. ( 1 Cor. 15:19).
I have been essentially quarantined to stare at the walls of an empty house; rather grubby by some men's standards but a work in progress. My point in saying this is to support those out there who for the sake of service to the Lord are in the same or similar
situations. Thus; the scripture on the top of the page.
For me; whatever skills that I have managed to develop on this site have been benefited through much time to pray and meditate alone. It is essentially a core part of who I am; being born an only child and limited number of relatives (without descendants).
The theme of this posting; I suppose would relate to us beginning to see our calling and how it relates to giftings He has given us. For me it is discernment; and for my friend that I am helping long term it appears to be evangelism. That appears to be something the Lord is teaching me along with my own weakness in fostering that long term relationship and commitment to assist.
Such a concept is beyond normal human interaction. Using our gifts is something we should do for the purpose of edifying others and of course to serve God in obedience. This is more or less in line with Him choosing others rather than our own personal preferences-the two paths may intersect but again we are likely to learn more from those we don't normally hang out with or even understand. We have to trust in God's plan when it comes to our social lives; although I would venture to say that's a concept rather rare today.
It is nice being able to hang out with kids in Awana; having no kids of my own and a learning experience. I would like to encourage others to reach out here; particularly those who feel lonely and depressed. WE in one sense have nothing to offer but in Him we have all to give; through His message through us in word and deed. His children ALL of them are precious in His sight.
My friend who has Pneumonia IS sort of quarantining himself; he is finishing a round of meds and staying in his place; I may drop a few more things for him in a couple days. Keep him in prayer (Steve). He has been a mixed bag; someone who another couple friends of mine have warned me about an unhealthy codependence for far too long.
I decided to start guitar lessons which begins tomorrow. I don't have a venue at present (and the new church does accappello) so unless something on that bulletin board at the music store brings forth something; or I win the contest and get promoted at a recital on social media I am unlikely at present to be able to do much more than personal edification; but perhaps it is a good venue for ministry. The old instructor is no longer there (was very young actually); this new dude is supposed to be good (Doug).
It has been a marathon effort extricating myself from attendance as a church member for the aforementioned reasons; I happened to bump into someone in the store probably the last person I'll get into the subject with-as I am letting people one on one ask me when they will. So far only my one friend has actually brought up scripture; others just try to justify others they knew who did this and that who were remarried; etc. It is hard building genuine relationships; and people may be using some of these tactics because they feel saddened of me leaving. I had to read multiple printouts from a lady who does small group with her husband about "no perfect church" and what she deemed to be a proper response to those remarried (referring to remaining in the "state" we are in which actually is precisely the point. Very exhausting but I knew it would be a battle. Too foggy last weekend to drive over an hour; Lord willing even if it rains that won't be an issue this week. In 2 weeks I hope to meet everyone after church at a lunch event.
I am glad you and I have been drawn by God to this forum. We are able to encourage each other often and enjoy the fellowship we share.
I am one of 10 children with a large extended family. Growing up, I had many cousins to spend time with but as we all became adults we all kind of went our own ways. As for my siblings, there are only half of them that I have regular contact with because the other 5 do not follow the Lord despite our upbringing by believing parents.
I can honestly say that is more uplifting to fellowship with other believers than to interact with family members that revile the Lord, practice spiritism, buddhism, and hostility towards Christ.
You didn't say why you are quarantining. Are you ill?
I have been essentially quarantined to stare at the walls of an empty house; rather grubby by some men's standards but a work in progress. My point in saying this is to support those out there who for the sake of service to the Lord are in the same or similar
situations. Thus; the scripture on the top of the page.
For me; whatever skills that I have managed to develop on this site have been benefited through much time to pray and meditate alone. It is essentially a core part of who I am; being born an only child and limited number of relatives (without descendants).
The theme of this posting; I suppose would relate to us beginning to see our calling and how it relates to giftings He has given us. For me it is discernment; and for my friend that I am helping long term it appears to be evangelism. That appears to be something the Lord is teaching me along with my own weakness in fostering that long term relationship and commitment to assist.
Such a concept is beyond normal human interaction. Using our gifts is something we should do for the purpose of edifying others and of course to serve God in obedience. This is more or less in line with Him choosing others rather than our own personal preferences-the two paths may intersect but again we are likely to learn more from those we don't normally hang out with or even understand. We have to trust in God's plan when it comes to our social lives; although I would venture to say that's a concept rather rare today.
It is nice being able to hang out with kids in Awana; having no kids of my own and a learning experience. I would like to encourage others to reach out here; particularly those who feel lonely and depressed. WE in one sense have nothing to offer but in Him we have all to give; through His message through us in word and deed. His children ALL of them are precious in His sight.
Be encouraged!
My friend who has Pneumonia IS sort of quarantining himself; he is finishing a round of meds and staying in his place; I may drop a few more things for him in a couple days. Keep him in prayer (Steve). He has been a mixed bag; someone who another couple friends of mine have warned me about an unhealthy codependence for far too long.
I decided to start guitar lessons which begins tomorrow. I don't have a venue at present (and the new church does accappello) so unless something on that bulletin board at the music store brings forth something; or I win the contest and get promoted at a recital on social media I am unlikely at present to be able to do much more than personal edification; but perhaps it is a good venue for ministry. The old instructor is no longer there (was very young actually); this new dude is supposed to be good (Doug).
It has been a marathon effort extricating myself from attendance as a church member for the aforementioned reasons; I happened to bump into someone in the store probably the last person I'll get into the subject with-as I am letting people one on one ask me when they will. So far only my one friend has actually brought up scripture; others just try to justify others they knew who did this and that who were remarried; etc. It is hard building genuine relationships; and people may be using some of these tactics because they feel saddened of me leaving. I had to read multiple printouts from a lady who does small group with her husband about "no perfect church" and what she deemed to be a proper response to those remarried (referring to remaining in the "state" we are in which actually is precisely the point. Very exhausting but I knew it would be a battle. Too foggy last weekend to drive over an hour; Lord willing even if it rains that won't be an issue this week. In 2 weeks I hope to meet everyone after church at a lunch event.
HUG (virtual will have to do)
Agape. RHP
Will keep Steve and you in prayer.
I am glad you and I have been drawn by God to this forum. We are able to encourage each other often and enjoy the fellowship we share.
I am one of 10 children with a large extended family. Growing up, I had many cousins to spend time with but as we all became adults we all kind of went our own ways. As for my siblings, there are only half of them that I have regular contact with because the other 5 do not follow the Lord despite our upbringing by believing parents.
I can honestly say that is more uplifting to fellowship with other believers than to interact with family members that revile the Lord, practice spiritism, buddhism, and hostility towards Christ.
You didn't say why you are quarantining. Are you ill?
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