Coffee Time!

[nChrist]

I noticed that we have 84 Guests online reading, and this post is for you. You are most WELCOME and I hope that you are enjoying our huge variety of Christian materials. I hope that you're finding what you need and want.

[nChrist]

Good morning everyone. I just want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Many will be gathering with their families for a very special time together. May God receive all the Glory.

Luke 2:4-20 (KJV)  4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)   5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.   6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.   7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.    8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.   9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.   10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.   11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.   12 And this [shall be] a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.   13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,   14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.   15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.   16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.   17 And when they had seen [it], they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.   18 And all they that heard [it] wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.   19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered [them] in her heart.   20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

[nChrist]

I hope that everyone had a great Christmas. I know that I did. We did do considerable driving to and from family gatherings, but we had a great time when we got there. We got to see all of our kids and grandkids, and we attended a beautiful Christmas service at my daughter's church she attends.

Just a few more days and it will be 2012, so:

[islandboy]

Dropped in to wish everyone a  HAPPY  NEW  YEAR !!!!!
Hope all had a good Christmas and all are keeping warm. It has been very cold up here in PA, and be are in the mist of a winter blizzard
lots of snow strong winds and low temp's. But I am keeping warm in my new apartment.

[nChrist]

Dropped in to wish everyone a  HAPPY  NEW  YEAR !!!!!
Hope all had a good Christmas and all are keeping warm. It has been very cold up here in PA, and be are in the mist of a winter blizzard
lots of snow strong winds and low temp's. But I am keeping warm in my new apartment.

Hello Islandboy,

It's great to hear from you. Yes, I had a great Christmas and spent it with all of my kids and grandkids. Happy New Year to you. My wife and I spent a quiet time at home this year for New Year.

You and those facing the rough winter weather will be in my prayers.

Love In Christ,
Tom

[nChrist]

RESOLUTIONS of Jonathan Edwards (1722-1723)
From Timeless Grace Gems

            Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God's help, I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ's sake. Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.

            1. Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God's glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriad's of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many and how great soever.

            2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new invention and contrivance to promote the aforementioned things.

            3. Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.

            4. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.

            5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.

            6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.

            7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.

            8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God.

            9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.

            10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.

            11. Resolved, when I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances don't hinder.

            12. Resolved, if I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by.

            13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.

            14. Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge.

            15. Resolved, never to allow the least motions of anger to irrational beings.

            16. Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.

            17. Resolved, that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.

            18. Resolved, to live so at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world.

            19. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump.

            20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking.

            21. Resolved, never to do anything, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him.

            22. Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can, with all the power; might, vigor, and vehemence, yes violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.

            23. Resolved, frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original intention, designs and ends of it.

            24. Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, until I come to the original cause; and then both carefully endeavor to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.

            25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it.

            26. Resolved, to cast away such things, as I find do abate my assurance.

            27. Resolved, never willfully to omit anything, except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions.

            28. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.

            29. Resolved, never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession, which I cannot hope God will accept.

            30. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.

            31. Resolved, never to say anything at all against anybody, but when it is perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of Christian honor, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often, when I have said anything against anyone, to bring it to, and try it strictly by the test of this Resolution.

            32. Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that in Prov. 20:6, "A faithful man who can find?" may not be partly fulfilled in me.

            33. Resolved, always to do what I can towards making, maintaining, establishing and preserving peace, when it can be without over-balancing detriment in other respects.

            34. Resolved, in narration's never to speak anything but the pure and simple verity.

            35. Resolved, whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty, as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it down, and also how the question was resolved.

            36. Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it.

PUBLIC DOMAIN - Permission is not required to reproduce this material. Feel free to forward this on to your friends.

[nChrist]

RESOLUTIONS of Jonathan Edwards (1722-1723)
From Timeless Grace Gems

            37. Resolved, to inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been negligent, what sin I have committed, and wherein I have denied myself: also at the end of every week, month and year.

            38. Resolved, never to speak anything that is ridiculous, sportive, or matter of laughter on the Lord's day.

            39. Resolved, never to do anything that I so much question the lawfulness of, as that I intend, at the same time, to consider and examine afterwards, whether it be lawful or no; except I as much question the lawfulness of the omission.

            40. Resolved, to inquire every night, before I go to bed, whether I have acted in the best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking.

            41. Resolved, to ask myself at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly in any respect have done better.

            42. Resolved, frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was made at my baptism; which I solemnly renewed, when I was received into the communion of the church; and which I have solemnly re-made this twelfth day of January,1722.

            43. Resolved, never henceforward, until I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God's.

            44. Resolved, that no other end but religion, shall have any influence at all on any of my actions; and that no action shall be, in the least circumstance, any otherwise than the religious end will carry it.

            45. Resolved, never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relating to it, but what helps religion.

            46. Resolved, never to allow the least measure of any fretting uneasiness at my father or mother. Resolved to suffer no effects of it, so much as in the least alteration of speech, or motion of my eve: and to be especially careful of it, with respect to any of our family.

            47. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to deny whatever is not most agreeable to a good, and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peace able, contented, easy, compassionate, generous, humble, meek, modest, submissive, obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable, even, patient, moderate, forgiving, sincere temper; and to do at all times what such a temper would lead me to. Examine strictly every week, whether I have done so.

            48. Resolved, constantly, with the utmost niceness and diligence, and the strictest scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my soul, that I may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or no; that when I come to die, I may not have any negligence respecting this to repent of.

            49. Resolved, that this never shall be, if I can help it.

            50. Resolved, I will act so as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the future world.

            51. Resolved, that I will act so, in every respect, as I think I shall wish I had done, if I should at last be damned.

            52. I frequently hear persons in old age say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again: Resolved, that I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age.

            53. Resolved, to improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer.

            54. Whenever I hear anything spoken in conversation of any person, if I think it would be praiseworthy in me, Resolved to endeavor to imitate it.

            55. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to act as I can think I should do, if I had already seen the happiness of heaven, and hell torments.

            56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.

            57. Resolved, when I fear misfortunes and adversities, to examine whether I have done my duty, and resolve to do it; and let it be just as providence orders it, I will as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty and my sin.

            58. Resolved, not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness and benignity.

            59. Resolved, when I am most conscious of provocations to ill nature and anger, that I will strive most to feel and act good-naturedly; yes, at such times, to manifest good nature, though I think that in other respects it would be disadvantageous, and so as would be imprudent at other times.

            60. Resolved, whenever my feelings begin to appear in the least out of order, when I am conscious of the least uneasiness within, or the least irregularity without, I will then subject myself to the strictest examination.

            61. Resolved, that I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind from being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it.

            62. Resolved, never to do anything but duty; and then according to Eph. 6:6-8, do it willingly and cheerfully as unto the Lord, and not to man; "knowing that whatever good thing any man does, the same shall he receive of the Lord."

            63. On the supposition, that there never was to be but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true luster, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed: Resolved, to act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time.

            64. Resolved, when I find those "groanings which cannot be uttered" (Rom. 8:26), of which the Apostle speaks, and those "breakings of soul for the longing it has," of which the Psalmist speaks, Psalm 119:20, that I will promote them to the utmost of my power, and that I will not be wear', of earnestly endeavoring to vent my desires, nor of the repetitions of such earnestness.

            65. Resolved, very much to exercise myself in this all my life long, that is, with the greatest openness I am capable of, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him: all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and every circumstance.

            66. Resolved, that I will endeavor always to keep a kindly aspect, and air of acting and speaking in all places, and in all companies, except it should so happen that duty requires otherwise.

            67. Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, what good I have got by them, and what I might have got by them.

            68. Resolved, to confess frankly to myself all that which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion, also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help.

            69. Resolved, always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it.

            70. Let there be something of benevolence, in all that I speak.

PUBLIC DOMAIN - Permission is not required to reproduce this material. Feel free to forward this on to your friends.

[nChrist]

Hello Everyone,

Pull up a chair, have a cup of coffee, and read some great Christian materials. It's Friday. HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

[islandboy]

I am resolved to read over the resolved until every sentence is resolved into my thoughts and actions. I will be very busy the next few hours reading all of the resolved messages and enjoying every minute of it. Thanks to nChrist for sharing. I need to hear all of these tonight, to help my troubled soul.  Coffee in hand I am going to read each one. May God Bless You.

[nChrist]

Hello Islandboy,

I'm glad that you stopped by for a visit. I was just giving thanks for the rain that we're getting right now. Now we've had several good rains in a matter of weeks, so we're hoping this signals the end of our drought conditions.

The stock ponds went dry in the country and it was hurting the farmers and ranchers. They were having to buy feed and haul water for livestock. My wife and I took a drive in the country a couple of days ago and saw water standing in the stock ponds. YEAH! And the farmers have a good chance of actually making crops this year. Another YEAH!

I hope that you get to feeling better about things and have a great week.

Love In Christ,
Tom

[nChrist]

[Jemidon2004]

Who has believed what he has heard from us?[a]
    And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
2 For he grew up before him like a young plant,
     and like a root out of dry ground;
he had no form or majesty that we should look at him,
    and no beauty that we should desire him.
3  He was despised and rejected by men;
    a man of sorrows,[c] and acquainted with[d] grief;[e]
and as one from whom men hide their faces[f]
    he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4  Surely he has borne our griefs
    and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
     smitten by God, and afflicted.
5  But he was pierced for our transgressions;
    he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
     and with his wounds we are healed.
6  All we like sheep have gone astray;
    we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
    the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
     yet he opened not his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
    and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
    so he opened not his mouth.
8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away;
    and as for his generation, who considered
that he was cut off out of the land of the living,
    stricken for the transgression of my people?
9 And they made his grave with the wicked
     and with a rich man in his death,
although he had done no violence,
    and there was no deceit in his mouth.
10 Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him;
    he has put him to grief;[g]
when his soul makes[h] an offering for guilt,
    he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days;
the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.
11 Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied;
by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant,
     make many to be accounted righteous,
     and he shall bear their iniquities.
12  Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many,[j]
     and he shall divide the spoil with the strong,[k]
because he poured out his soul to death
    and was numbered with the transgressors;
yet he bore the sin of many,
    and makes intercession for the transgressors.

That's my Christ. The one who bore my Sins, so that I would have the chance of salvation. He IS Risen!

[Soldier4Christ]

Amen!

[nChrist]

Another Amen! - Have a Blessed Easter.

Brother, it's great to hear from you. I hope that things are going well for you and your family.

Love In Christ,
Tom

[Jemidon2004]

Thanks BEP! Still in the military. Now a Staff Sergeant...God help my troops... How all of ya'll are doing well!