What is YOUR "thorn in the flesh"?

[Behold]

So what do "you" think about what I was saying?

I dont do that.
I dont post my opinion's regarding THEOLOGY.

What i do, is filter what i read, through the NT... specifically through the Lens of Paul's Doctrine.

And if the poster's pov lines up with Paul's Doctrine, then i agree.

 

[MA2444]

You stated something really bizarre... You stated that poverty is an "illusion"

So, that is just nonsense.

Listen, the Bible you own, says..>>>"POVERTY is the destruction of the Poor".

That's not an illusion... thats a fact.

I disagree Sister. It's all about perspective. That's a learned perspective for me. How You say? Simple. Because as I sit in poverty clinging to the Lord will my might...I grow rich in His word.

So I concluded that, for me at least, poverty is a secure place to be. My walk is my walk. Where the Lord put me!

I was saved in my pre teen youth. Then I got old enough to notice girls and backslid 30 or 35 years whatever until after my marriage was over. Then shortly after I returned to the Lord. I was thinking about all those wasted years for the Lord, and I asked the Lord....Lord where would I be right now if I hadn't wasted all those years?

And He answered me right away and said, right where you are now...

That blew my mind and I'm still chewing on that one. Maybe in my youth I didnt have the capacity for service in the Lord?

 

[MA2444]

I dont do that.
I dont post my opinion's regarding THEOLOGY.

What i do, is filter what i read, through the NT... specifically through the Lens of Paul's Doctrine.

And if the poster's pov lines up with Paul's Doctrine, then i agree.

Well that's no fun! You must think I'm nuts or something, lol.

I like Paul, he is cool. He wrote most of the NT! Nothing wrong with him! I dont think I have said anything against the doctrine of what Paul put forth. If I did then surely bring it to my attention because I like to learn.

 

[Behold]

So I concluded that, for me at least, poverty is a secure place to be. My walk is my walk. Where the Lord put me!

I think you need to realize that im not a Female.
(just so you know)...

Also, You just taught that your life is "pre-destination".., and so, that is not Christianity., that is the Theology of Pre-destination.

And its about a hairs-breath from "God predestined me to believe".. "God predestined me to ....." = CALVINISM

 

[Behold]

Well that's no fun! You must think I'm nuts or something, lol.

The theology of Pre-Destination, is what is 'Nuts'.

John Calvin was "nuts".. and a Devil.

 

[ChristinaL]

That's pretty funny.... some thinking the Lord is working with satan to keep people "humble" View attachment 51960

Bad choice of words. More like, if Satan attacks you God will allow it to keep you from being exalted above measure 2 Cor 12:7

 

[ChristinaL]

Well then.... rejoice in thy pain and suffering and glorify it!

Oh good grief man have you forgotten what scripture says.......

2 Corinthians 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

2 Thessalonians 1:4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:

Mark 10:30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

 

[ChristinaL]

My thorn in the flesh is Parkinsons. As I was diagnosed only this year I am finding it hard still not to think God must be chastising me for.........something.......

 

[MA2444]

You stated something really bizarre... You stated that poverty is an "illusion"

Poverty is an illusion just like being rich is an illusion. I used to watch the news a lot as a little kid and I remember hearing all about the millionaires and their money. Usually when they were going bankrupt and having Major Money problems! And over time, I concluded that Millionaires were not happy because they didnt have problems with money...quite the opposite because when a millionaire has money problems, it is a always a huge problem. So I seen that they had no advantage over poor folks. So the poor have money problems, so what? The rich have bigger money problems. And to think differently is to deny what Life is really about.

We were created for God's joy to worship him and bring Him praise and serve Him. Period. Not to chase money, that must be an illusion?

Over the years it was confirmed for me. I had plenty of money struggles and even some threatening shut off notices and so forth. There are ups and downs, and I noticed that, something always happened and the lights never got shut off. We never missed any meals. I noticed that, the only people who miss meals and get their utilities shut off are the drug addicts and drunks. And that wasnt me. I wasnt exactly walking with the Lord but I was trying to live as a man with some sort of integrity and honor about myself, and so I think the Lord gave me graces to do what I had to do and do it honorably at least in most cases. So I do think an illusion is a good analogy for poverty & wealth.

I heard the Testimony of a lady, she was a single Mother, recently divorced and had two boys. It was Thanksgiving day and she only had two hot dogs in the frige. And no money, she had a job but the bills came first. SO she took the boys to the park and grilled the hotdogs for them and they played and had some fun then as they were walking home the kids are saying, I'm still hungry Mom! I bet she felt so bad.

When they got home to their little apt. as they were going up the stairs an old lady came out from an lower apt and said, Oh Honey, I made Thanksgiving dinner for you and the boys... She said huh? I dont know you. And the Old lady says, I live down here and see you and the boys all the time, I made a Turkey for you! The kids said Yeah Mom! So they went down it was all ready and laid out with all the trimmings and side dishes. So they ate their fill and the old lady whipped out out a bunch of Tupperware and gave her all the leftovers and sent her home with them. And Pumpkin Pie, mmm!

The next day the Mom washed up all the lady's tupperware and was going to return it but no one came to the door and when she looked thru the window it was empty! So she went to the managers office and asked where's the lady that lives in that apartment?
And the manager said, that apartment has been vacant for almost 8 weeks now...
She said, no you dont understand, we ate Thanksgiving there last night! Here is the lady's tupperware! And the guy looked at her like she was nuts!
So she realized it was an Angel and went home and praised the Lord.

That might be one of the best testimonies I've ever heard! On that day, that single Mothers poverty was an illusion because her poverty was an illusion to God. Or so it seems to me.

 

[marks]

Over the years it was confirmed for me. I had plenty of money struggles and even some threatening shut off notices and so forth. There are ups and downs, and I noticed that, something always happened and the lights never got shut off. We never missed any meals.

Me too! Money troubles are an illusion to those in Christ. Jesus cares for my every need. And if I'm believing that, and like you, never a missed meal, never a bill not paid, then I have the security that we think riches would bring without the uncertain riches.

Much love!

 

[MA2444]

I think you need to realize that im not a Female.
(just so you know)...

Also, You just taught that your life is "pre-destination".., and so, that is not Christianity., that is the Theology of Pre-destination.

And its about a hairs-breath from "God predestined me to believe".. "God predestined me to ....." = CALVINISM

Uh-Oh. I'm sorry Brother. I think I did that once before too, huh? My mistake. But you still didnt understand me. I am not teaching predestination. I was speaking about Free Will, remember? With free will there can be no predestination. The choices are ours alone.

Oh God knows what will happen if we choose one thing or another but no can can be predestined to heaven or hell because with us making the choices, it makes it possible that He can save us...or Impossible to save us. People are here to make the choice. It is written, I have set before you life and death, therefore choose life. That's not predestination Brother!

 

[MA2444]

Me too! Money troubles are an illusion to those in Christ. Jesus cares for my every need. And if I'm believing that, and like you, never a missed meal, never a bill not paid, then I have the security that we think riches would bring without the uncertain riches.

Much love!

Because on Judgment day Trump and his billions will be standing next to a homeless guy and they will be seen as equals to God. I've never had to lie to get a job (Stupid!) and I've never had to steal to get ahead (even stupider!). I wasnt even walking with God! I can easily see in retrospect that God was taking care of me.

Maybe it was those knights of the roundtable books I read as a kid that put the idea of honor in my heart? Either those or my dad? I dunno all I do know is I'm worth more than many sparrows to God. And He feeds them.

Is anyone hungry? Let them ask for food. You have not because you ask not. and even sometimes when you dont ask, because that's how God rolls! He's Good!

 

[MA2444]

The theology of Pre-Destination, is what is 'Nuts'.

John Calvin was "nuts".. and a Devil.

Oh come on man. Who was talking about predestination? Not me!

We were discussing free will, the opposite of predestination

 

[GRACE ambassador]

Are you the one who is exempt from afflictions? Because I don't think anyone is. And that's the whole counsel of God, whether you will believe it or not.

While we do Praise God For "any and all miracles" of His Gracious healing Today, we also cannot ignore
God's Answer For Many of those who [ believing, praying, but discouraged because they ] are not healed,
according To His Will, eh?

The "Grace Part" Of His Whole Counsel Cannot Be ignored In Today's "Age Of Infirmities" =

Part I God's GRACE Word For our infirmities:

(1) In That GRACE, God, In His Omniscience, Had Already Chosen His Own In CHRIST,

And Already Knew What "infirmities, trouble, trials, afflictions, sufferings, And persecutions​

we would go through,” And, Thank Him, He "Promised" He Will Never Give us more testing​

than we can handle. (Ephesians 1:4; 1 Corinthians 10:13) Amen?​

​

(2) Please, Precious friend(s): Thank God In { easy }, And, Also, For { Difficult? } All things!

Which Is "The Will of God Concerning" us (1 Thessalonians 5:18; Ephesians 5:20)​

(3) After Paul ( our #"pattern"# for Today! ), prayed 3 times for his affliction, the "Answer he Received,"

According To The Scriptures, Was:​

"And He { CHRIST } Said Unto me, My GRACE Is Sufficient For thee: For My Strength Is​

Made Perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory {cp} in my infirmities, that ​

The Power Of CHRIST May Rest Upon me!" (2 Corinthians 12:9) {cp 2 Corinthians 11:23-30}​

@Bruce-Leiter, since you are asking about "the thorns in my flesh" that I "gladly glorify in" = they are:
eye floaters [ shaped like this: ( ) , So God Can Keep Reminding me of: His ( Parenthetical Age Of GRACE ) ? ],
cartilage missing in my neck, teeth falling out, lower back pain, sharp pains in lots of spots.

"Most gladly" is a Far Cry from doing things with "murmuring and complaining", eh?

And, Thus I can and Do: Praise and Give All Thanks Be Unto God For This One!:

(4) "For our light affliction, which Is But For A Moment, worketh for us A Far More Exceeding And Eternal weight

of glory; 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!" (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)​

+
(5) "For I reckon that The Sufferings of this Present Time are not worthy to be compared with The Glory which

shall be revealed in us. For the earnest Expectation of the creature Waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of​

God...​

...ourselves also, which have The Firstfruits Of The Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, Waiting for​

The Adoption, to wit, The Redemption Of our body!" (Romans 8:18-19; Romans 8:23) Blessed Hope! Amen?​

............................... ( cp 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 AV )​

to be continued...

 

[GRACE ambassador]

Part II God's GRACE Word For our infirmities:

(6) "Therefore being justified by faith, we have Peace with God through our LORD JESUS CHRIST: By Whom

also we have access by faith into This GRACE Wherein we stand, and rejoice in Hope of The Glory of God.​

​

And not only so, but we glory { cp } in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience,​

experience; and experience, Hope: And Hope maketh not ashamed; because The Love Of God Is Shed Abroad​

in our hearts By The Holy Ghost Which Is Given Unto us!" (Romans 5:1-5) {cp 2 Corinthians 11:23-30}​

cc: @Dan Clarkston ??? Why are not These Grace Scriptures in your 'whole counsel', eh? FurtherMoreOver:

(7!) ”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. Likewise The Spirit Also Helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what​

we should pray for as we ought: But The Spirit Itself Maketh Intercession For us with groanings which cannot be​

uttered!” (Romans 8:27-28)​

(8!) "Blessed Be God, Even The Father Of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, The Father Of Mercies, And The God of

All Comfort; Who Comforteth us in All our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble,​

by The Comfort Wherewith we ourselves Are Comforted Of God!" (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) Praise God!! Amen?​

(9!) Please, always be “watching, Patiently waiting And Looking For” That Blessed Hope, The Imminent Return Of

our LORD To Take us Home To Heaven, In Glorification! { Thus, Ending All of our "infirmities, trouble, trials,​

afflictions, sufferings, And persecutions!” } (Ephesians 6:18; 1 Corinthians 15:51-57; 2 Corinthians 5:1-9;​

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) = Wonderful Comfort! Amen?​

(10) ”And we know That All things Work Together For Good To them that love God, to them who Are The Called

According To His Purpose!” (Romans 8:28)​

(11a) Please memorize 2 Timothy 4:8:

"Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which The LORD, The Righteous Judge,​

Shall Give me At That Day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His Appearing!"​

(11b) Please Prayerfully/Carefully study 1 Corinthians 3:7-15, And "know" that, At "That Day { The Judgment Seat }”

Of CHRIST, In Heaven, All "good works of preaching The Gospel of GRACE, studying The Word Of Truth, Rightly ​

Divided, and, loving/helping others" Will Surely Be "rewarded As gold, silver, And precious stones!" Amen?​

(12) For All those who humbly Trust CHRIST As their Personal Saviour, The Bible Says:

a): “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”​

(2 Timothy 1:7)​

b): “Be careful [ anxious ] for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving​

let your requests be made known unto God. And The Peace Of God, Which Passeth all understanding,​

Shall Keep your hearts and minds Through CHRIST JESUS.​

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are True, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just,​

whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there​

be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:6-8)​

​

Surely then God's Grace Word For our infirmities is Part/Parcel Of "The Whole True Counsel Of God", Correct?

c): # “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, [ Paul! our pattern

1 Timothy 1:16 AV ] do: # And The God Of Peace Shall Be With you.” (Philippians 4:9)​

-------------------------------------
Conclusion, for All of the “just who live By Faith” { Not feelings… } (2 Corinthians 5:7 AV):

"For unto you It Is Given in the Behalf Of CHRIST, not only to believe on Him, But Also to suffer for His Sake"​

(Philippians 1:29)​

+

"If we suffer, we Shall Also reign with Him..." (2 Timothy 2:12) Amen?​

------------------------------
Again, Precious friend(s), please, Always:

Be Very Richly Comforted In The LORD And Saviour, JESUS CHRIST!

GRACE, Mercy, Peace, Love, and JOY In Christ, And In His Word Of Truth, Rightly
Divided (+ I and II)!

Amen.

 

[marks]

Maybe it was those knights of the roundtable books I read as a kid that put the idea of honor in my heart?

Much love!

 

[ChristinaL]

Because on Judgment day Trump and his billions will be standing next to a homeless guy and they will be seen as equals to God. I've never had to lie to get a job (Stupid!) and I've never had to steal to get ahead (even stupider!). I wasnt even walking with God! I can easily see in retrospect that God was taking care of me.

Maybe it was those knights of the roundtable books I read as a kid that put the idea of honor in my heart? Either those or my dad? I dunno all I do know is I'm worth more than many sparrows to God. And He feeds them.

Is anyone hungry? Let them ask for food. You have not because you ask not. and even sometimes when you dont ask, because that's how God rolls! He's Good!

Those who bear false witness against your neighbor, (and Trump is your neighbor too) will face judgment. If you are with the MSM who does nothing but lie to the public or if you are stupid enough to buy into the MSM's lies you will be judged

 

[marks]

Those who bear false witness against your neighbor, (and Trump is your neighbor too) will face judgment. If you are with the MSM who does nothing but lie to the public or if you are stupid enough to buy into the MSM's lies you will be judged

So very true! All these liars will stand before God one day.

Much love!

 

[marks]

(11a) Please memorize 2 Timothy 4:8:

"Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which The LORD, The Righteous Judge,Shall Give me At That Day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His Appearing!"

This is for me the heart of the matter. We look for Jesus, to be forever with Him!

Much love!

 

[MA2444]

Those who bear false witness against your neighbor, (and Trump is your neighbor too) will face judgment. If you are with the MSM who does nothing but lie to the public or if you are stupid enough to buy into the MSM's lies you will be judged

You got me all wrong. I voted for Trump and like him. I only used Trump as an example of a rich man. I wasn't disparaging him in any way. Maybe Trump was a bad idea for an example? I could buy that due to the political climate being against him. Sorry for the confusion but the idea was that the rich and poor will be on even ground before God.