Coffee Time!

[Soldier4Christ]

All by myself this evening so I've been enjoying some time in God's word and a little music along with my coffee and pineapple coffee cake.

[nChrist]

All by myself this evening so I've been enjoying some time in God's word and a little music along with my coffee and pineapple coffee cake.

   That is one cool looking cat.

Brother, it sounds like you're having a great day. I've been doing about the same, but I don't have any cake. I had to settle for one of those diet multi-grain health bars. I actually found one that I like with peanut butter, but you had to mention that coffee cake. Now, my taste buds are in revolt.   

I've been reading some today in Philippians. It's a pretty short book, but it speaks volumes and I'm blessed every time I read it. I think that all Christians need frequent reminders about the Riches of Christ in our lives, and Philippians does that well.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Philippians 2:5-11 KJV  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:  6  Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:  7  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:  8  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.  9  Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:  10  That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;  11  And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

[nChrist]

It's too late for me to say GOOD MORNING, so I'll say

G'DAY MATES!

I see David, Roger, and May online right now, and I sincerely do wish you a GOOD DAY. As Christians, every day should be a good day. We are anxiously awaiting the Glorious Appearance of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. He could come to catch us up to Glory at any time.

So, this is another wonderful day that the Lord has made - let us be glad and rejoice in it.

Love In Christ,
Tom

[Shammu]

All by myself this evening so I've been enjoying some time in God's word and a little music along with my coffee and pineapple coffee cake.

AMEN!!

By the way, consider the cool cat snagged!!

Well I've enjoyed great music today, and my coffee. Sorry I haven't been on much of late (I'll leave it at that) I've also been sick.

I pray each of you that are reading this are having a great day, in the light of the Lord.

[nChrist]

Well I've enjoyed great music today, and my coffee. Sorry I haven't been on much of late (I'll leave it at that) I've also been sick.

I pray each of you that are reading this are having a great day, in the light of the Lord.

You just reminded me how glad I am that we pray for each other every day. We all need it, regardless of circumstances. I do hope that you will get to feeling better soon, and you are - as always - in my prayers. God knows our needs, even when they are unspoken. It's a pleasure to pray for family and friends every day.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Psalms 19:1-14 KJV  The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.  2  Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.  3  There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.  4  Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,  5  Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.  6  His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.  7  The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.  8  The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.  9  The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.  10  More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.  11  Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.  12  Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.  13  Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.  14  Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

[nChrist]

Hello Everyone!

I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Labor Day Weekend and make a few comments.

First, I sincerely believe what I'm about to tell you and I promise that it will be short.

We're not watching a fight between Democrats and Republicans or liberals against conservatives. This isn't politics that we're watching. Forget about the issues being talked about BECAUSE THESE ISSUES ARE NOT THE AGENDA. They are simply a means to advance a much bigger agenda:

TOTALITARIANISM VS. FREEDOM

This isn't just communism raising its ugly head, rather an attempt for the government to take ALL POWER AND CONTROL. In other words, we are watching the attempt to REMOVE ALL FREEDOM IN AMERICA. No, this is not over-stated. Our representatives are lying to us. All you have to do is READ THE BILLS! and decide for yourselves. Some of our honest and courageous representatives are trying to stop this, but many are either TO BE members of the PARTY ELITE RULING CLASS - grossly understated what's going on - or gutless and silent. OUR VERY FREEDOM IS AT STAKE!

Forget about the health care debate because THIS ISN'T ABOUT HEALTH CARE. Forget about the extortion of cap and trade because THIS ISN'T ABOUT so-called global warming and the massive FRAUD intended to combat it. Forget about government bailouts with taxpayer money because this is just paying off cronies for services rendered. Forget about the government deciding which private auto dealerships stay in business. All of these things are illegal and Unconstitutional, but they aren't the issue. All of these things together are simply part of the means for the government to take total control and ENSLAVE AN ENTIRE PEOPLE UNDER TYRANNICAL RULE OF AN ALL POWERFUL GOVERNMENT THAT DOESN'T ANSWER TO THE PEOPLE!

WAKE UP!

LOOK!

LISTEN!

READ!

DEMAND!

WHILE THIS IS STILL A FREE COUNTRY!

By the way, there isn't room for God in a totalitarian government because God is an authority figure that competes for POWER. This is why we are increasingly seeing disrespect to Christianity and God. This new government doesn't want to share any power at all with the people or with God. Aren't you beginning to understand where all of this is going?

WAKE UP! - EDUCATE YOURSELF! - SPEAK UP!

[Soldier4Christ]

Amen brother, this is about fighting spiritual wickedness in high places, a war of good against evil.

[Shammu]

AMEN brother AMEN!!

This world is becoming more wicked as time goes by. A majority of the United States congressional leaders, are leading this country towards totalitarian/socialism government. Why some of you may ask??

Because some congressional leaders, and highly placed leaders in the world will not admit God is in control, they have placed themselves above God. Boy are they going to learn a lesson, the hard way one day. God is in control and will always be in control, there is no doubt in my mind.

The Bible speaks of when Christians will be hated from non-Christians, and yes, even family members. This day is coming, sooner then some of you may think.........

God will always be in control. I will place my trust in Christ, then man, any day, any time, for God never changes, man changes all the time.

Now if y'all don't mind, I'm going to have a cup of coffee, and do some reading.

[nChrist]

AMEN brother AMEN!!

This world is becoming more wicked as time goes by. A majority of the United States congressional leaders, are leading this country towards totalitarian/socialism government. Why some of you may ask??

Because some congressional leaders, and highly placed leaders in the world will not admit God is in control, they have placed themselves above God. Boy are they going to learn a lesson, the hard way one day. God is in control and will always be in control, there is no doubt in my mind.

The Bible speaks of when Christians will be hated from non-Christians, and yes, even family members. This day is coming, sooner then some of you may think.........

God will always be in control. I will place my trust in Christ, then man, any day, any time, for God never changes, man changes all the time.

Now if y'all don't mind, I'm going to have a cup of coffee, and do some reading.

SO TRUE!

I do have my coffee and I'm thinking about many things just like this. I give thanks that we put our faith and trust in Christ - not men. This also involves an inward look and the knowledge of how often I fail. But, I serve a Holy One who never fails, Jesus Christ.

We are watching evil and it's becoming more unbridled by the day. As Christians, we must not serve evil or bow down to it. Jesus Christ is our Master - not the devil. I'm not hinting that we can be perfect or holy, but we can serve the one we love the most and pray that He helps us to live for Him. He knows all about our weaknesses, so He went to the Cross for us. He began a good work in us, and He will complete it. Now more than ever we need to put on the full armour of God and go forward.

Ephesians 6:11-20 ASV   11  Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  12  For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.  13  Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand.  14  Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,  15  and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;  16  withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one.  17  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:  18  with all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints,  19  and on my behalf, that utterance may be given unto me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,  20  for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

We must not get discouraged because God is with us, and we are in His Hands. We can't stop this world from sinking into evil chaos, but some people are still accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. We don't know how many more Christ wants to add to His CHURCH before He takes us HOME, so we must ask God to lead and guide us day by day. We should know that He is not willing to leave any that are HIS. HE knows those who are HIS and they will know HIM. The Holy Spirit of God is still working to draw people to HIM, and we should simply ask God to use us for HIS Perfect Will.

Love In Christ,
Tom

2 Corinthians 4:1-18 KJV  1  Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;  2  But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.  3  But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:  4  In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.  5  For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.  6  For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  7  But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.  8  We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;  9  Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;  10  Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.  11  For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.  12  So then death worketh in us, but life in you.  13  We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;  14  Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.  15  For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.  16  For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.  17  For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;  18  While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

[nChrist]

Hello Everyone!

I'm enjoying a cup of coffee and a variety of outstanding Christian materials, certainly including the Holy Bible.

I asked for rain the other day to help our farmers and all of us. We're getting that rain, but in buckets. I'm not complaining, but I do hope and pray that we don't have many hurt or killed in flooding. The news indicates that most of Texas is getting more rain than we are.

Now to a higher note: let us all give thanks for what God gives us. His will for us is always the best whether we think so at the time or not. Everything does work out for good to those who love God, and we should always keep this uppermost in our hearts and minds.

Love in Christ,
Tom

Romans 8:24-28  For in hope were we saved: but hope that is seen is not hope: for who hopeth for that which he seeth?  25  But if we hope for that which we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.  26  And in like manner the Spirit also helpeth our infirmity: for we know not how to pray as we ought; but the Spirit himself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered;  27  and he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.  28  And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose.

[Shammu]

Hi all, I pray that each of you are having a great day. Well when I finish this cup of coffee, I will be heading off. But  first, I'd like to share this with y'all.

Obey man's law, unless it conflicts God's Law.

Romans 13:1-7

1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is DUE; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

[nChrist]

Brother Bob,

On the other side of that coin are Tyrants who are enemies of God who disobey all laws - man's and God's. One of the keys to this portion of Scripture is lawful authority. Another key is the believer obeying man's law in light of Acts 5:29. Otherwise, God speaks of disobedience of man's laws as evil.

This is a discussion that causes great confusion for many Christians. It has even caused many to remain quiet when they should have spoken out. In light of Acts 23:5, look at our system of government. We don't have a RULER, rather a servant of the people. The same is true of our representatives. Our founders were determined to establish a government by the people and for the people under the rule of GOD, the rule of Law, and the Constitution. If we did have a ruler, he or she would be God's servant to do good. The Bible has much to say about the function of civil government, how it is duly constituted, and what some of its duties are. Punishment of evildoers (violators of man's laws) is one of these duties. See Romans 12:17-21, 1 Timothy 2:2 and 1 Peter 2:14.

College Press Quote:  Without a doubt the most immediate contextual connection is with the preceding paragraph, 12:17-21. The teaching concerning the role of government in 13:3-4 deliberately complements the teaching about personal nonretaliation in 12:19. These doctrines are in a sense just two sides of one coin, despite the unfortunate chapter division after 12:21. Paul wants to make it clear that the prohibition of personal vengeance does not mean that evildoers are free to do all the harm they please, without restraint and without fear of any kind of punishment at all. While individuals are not allowed to take their own vengeance against those who do them wrong, God has established civil government to be his earthly agent to see that such vengeance (i.e., justice) is carried out. We should never teach or preach from either of these paragraphs (12:17-21 and 13:1-7) without referring to the other.

Brothers and Sisters, the Bible has much to say about human government in many portions of Scripture, and they must be looked at in context and purpose. This would be a very lengthy study, but two more quotes will summarize part of the broad picture. We should start by knowing that all of God's purposes are good, so God speaks of ideals in human government.

College Press Quote:  The fact remains that if we take Paul to be referring here to individual governments and rulers, then we have no choice but to say that God has hand-picked and personally put into office every blood-thirsty tyrant, every genocidal dictator, every anti-Christian regime, every crooked politician and judge, every sadistic sheriff and police officer, and every immoral and bribe-taking public official who now exists, has ever existed, and ever will exist.

College Press Quote:  It is easy to see how such an understanding can be used to justify every form of tyranny and to coerce citizens into blind obedience to the most degrading and antibiblical demands. It is no wonder that J.C. O'Neill has said of 13:1-7, “These seven verses have caused more unhappiness and misery in the Christian East and West than any other seven verses in the New Testament.”

If we did have a ruler, lets look at a key portion of Romans 13:1-7 again:

Romans 13:3-4 KJV  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:  4  For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

If we did have a ruler, the Apostle Paul would not be referring to rulers like Hitler who were the evil. A major point that the Apostle Paul is stressing is that believers should be good, law-abiding citizens. We should not be confused and think that God sanctions evil tyranny. God's Laws are good and so are His purposes.

Brother Bob, I'm certainly not trying to argue with the completely valid points you made. The Scripture you quoted is also applicable to all of us. I simply wanted to point out the other side of the coin in terms of Biblical instructions. We should also know that God raises up forces to deal with evil. God is not on the side of evil.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Acts 5:29 KJV  Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

1 Timothy 2:1-3 KJV  I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;  2  For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.  3  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

1 Peter 2:13-16 KJV  Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;  14  Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.  15  For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:  16  As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.

[nChrist]

Hello Everyone,

I've been thinking about and reading about good and evil from the sole book that IS THE AUTHORITY on this issue - GOD'S WORD. As Christians, we have a great and worthy challenge of sharing God's Good News about Jesus Christ and rescue from the curse of sin and death. It's very sad to consider how many are enemies of God and have nothing but mockery for God's Greatest Gift to mankind. Many have hardened hearts, so it might be that God has already given them over to their lusts and destruction. However, we should keep trying because this is not for us to decide. We should pray for the lost and morn for them every day. After all, they are without hope and on the runaway train to evil and chaos - their own destruction and eternal torment. Christians can't stop that runaway train, but we can yield to God's Will until He comes to take us home. Only Jesus Christ will be able to stop that runaway train, but people are still accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.

I love the following portion of Scripture:

2 Corinthians 4:1-18 KJV  1  Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;  2  But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.  3  But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:  4  In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.  5  For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.  6  For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  7  But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.  8  We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;  9  Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;  10  Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.  11  For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.  12  So then death worketh in us, but life in you.  13  We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;  14  Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.  15  For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.  16  For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.  17  For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;  18  While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.


Our battles are difficult and we won't win them, but Jesus Christ Will! We need to keep things in the proper perspective, the Biblical perspective. If we do, we will have ample reasons to give thanks every day - regardless of how evil and chaotic this world gets before Christ takes us home. Consider this:

1 Peter 5:6-11 KJV  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:  7  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.  8  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:  9  Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.  10  But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.  11  To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Faith - Hope - Fullness of Joy in Jesus Christ - our Lord and Saviour Forever!

Love In Christ,
Tom

[nChrist]

GOOD MORNING BROTHER DAVID!

I'll assume that you had trouble sleeping also. I'm going to try again shortly, but it's one of those times that I'm busy thinking about things. I think that all Christians have a lot on their mind these days.

I think that I need to turn the news completely off for several days - all news in any media - and spend some time studying and concentrating on God's promises. This is a beautiful thing to do, and I haven't done it in some time. I'm talking about turning off all noise also and just getting quiet with God and His Word. This is always refreshing and uplifting - something that all Christians need from time to time. I think that we many times allow the noise of this world rob us of spiritual refreshment.

Love In Christ,
Tom

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[David_james]

Good Morning Bro. I managed to get more sleep.

I do have some things on my mind. I'll probably email you.