A Post to the Two-by-Two List on May 19,1998 By Rosalie
Greetings Everyone and welcome to H_ _ _, great to have you on board! This List does have its ups and downs, highs and lows. I've been on it almost a year now and have made so many new friends and learned so much - - it has been an amazing year.
I appreciate the opportunity to talk with people (either in person or on this list) about topics of common interest - - especially subjects that were forbidden or just never discussed when we were in the "truth."
I have noticed that it is harder for some people to shake off the old "hangups."
Some people grow in one area tremendously and then seem "stuck" in other areas.
I especially value those who respect all of us who have come out of a difficult, tangled web of deception and are trying to learn what God "REALLY" has in mind for each of us individually and "HIS" people as a whole.
God has not placed us all in the same place, either physically or spiritually. We all have different gifts, ministries, and value on this earth. I know God has dealt with me for a long time to get my narrow-minded, bigoted, "This is the "ONLY" possible way to do things" mentality out of my mind. I know we were taught from babies (most of us) to be judgmental and untrusting. We've learned to struggle and hang on by our fingernails.
We've not been known for our open-mindedness. (That's an understatement!!!)
God deals in different ways with different people and we need to hold our judgment and let God complete "HIS" plan for us. I've related this before, but one of the first places God led me (after I was excommunicated), was to the Catholic church. This may seem really weird, but God had a definite reason for that.
"HE" wanted me to know that "HE" loves "ALL" people.
"HE" wanted me to step out of my "COMFORT ZONE."
"HE" wanted me to look above the people, the buildings and the statues, and see "HIM."
I've been to hundreds of masses and I've gotten as much from God there as in any place. I loved being able to attend mass before school started - - what a wonderful way to start your day!
I've another poem........dedicated to all my dear, new friends:
Clear Vision
Many were the years I could not see
The kind of person God wanted me to be;
Hunting for reasons, trying to understand why
Are the answers in the books, or up in the sky?Many were the days spent stumbling around
Where to put my feet on the shaking ground?
Tripping and falling on the rocks of confusion
Learning from teachers specializing in delusion.Many were the hours spent looking for light.
Hunting in the darkness - -praying for my sight;
Searching and seeking through the long, hot day
To find a place to put my feet in the “CHANGING WAY!”Then one afternoon, I’ll never forget,
At the altar I met “HIM,” my face was wet.
I asked “HIM” to heal me and “HE” gave me power
To rise up and follow “HIM” - - that very hour!!!Running and walking, I rejoiced in my sight;
I blinked and paused in wonder at the glorious light.
God can do it for you if “HE” did it for me - - -
It’s a Gift - - It’s Free………Just ask to Receive.By Rosalie from Washington
"Only Grace"
by Matthew West
"Gird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the Grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.'
Since we came into this world physically alive but spiritually dead, we had neither the presence of God in our lives nor the knowledge of His will. Our minds were programmed to live independently of Him. We were mentally conformed to this world. When we became Christians, nobody pushed the "CLEAR" button in our preprogrammed minds. Even as Christians, we can still allow our minds to be programmed by the world.
So what must we do?
First, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Romans 12:1
How do you renew your mind?
By filling it with God's Word.
Second, Peter directs us to prepare our minds for action. (1 Peter 1:13). Do away with fruitless fantasy. To imagine yourself doing things without ever doing anything is dangerous. But if you can mentally prepare yourself in advance to obey God's TRUTH, you can motivate yourself toward productive living - - as long as you follow through by doing what you imagine.
Third, take every thought captive in obedience to Christ (2nd Corinthians 10:5) Practice threshold thinking. Evaluate every thought by God's TRUTH, and don't let your mind entertain thoughts contrary to the will of God.
Fourth, turn to God. When your commitment to do the will of God is being challenged by thoughts from the world, the flesh, or the devil, bring it to God in prayer (Philippians 4:6). By doing so, you are acknowledging God and exposing your thoughts to His truth. Your double-mindedness will dissolve "and the peace of God.....shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7)
Fifth, assume your responsibility to think. "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things" (Philippians 4:8).
The adage "Words are Cheap" is far from true.
Words kill and Words give life, they convey evil and good messages.
The man who manages his tongue and Words is said to be mature in all areas.
Words have brought down kingdoms and judgments have been passed on the basis of Words.
Words have been known for a long time as tools that:
Influence your perspective
Affect your performance
Determine your possession
Since Words are such powerful tools, you should use your Words to:
Build your spirit man
Paint the picture of your desired future
Re-write the negatives spoken into your life
Lift yourself from defeat to victory in God's Word!
There are FIVE THINGS you cannot recover:
(1.) The Stone.........................................................................after the throw!
(2.) The Word..........................................................................after it is said!
(3.) The Occasion....................................................................after the loss!
(4.) The Time...........................................................................after it is gone!
(5.) Eternity............................................................................after the Wrong Choice!
