http://www.praize.com/forums/ en-us no-reply@praize.com Sat, 25 May 2013 12:55:53 GMT Gossamer Forum by Gossamer Threads, Inc. http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification http://www.praize.com/forum/icons/gforum-logo.png http://www.praize.com/forums/ 50 50 http://www.praize.com/forums/Denominations_C7/SDA_Forum_F178/Re%3A_%5Bstandingfirm%5D_The_Bible_In_90_Days_P118807/?page=unread#118807 This was AWESOME! I want to begin a forum on this. But I will be off most of the weekend as I will be travelling home to AZ. Thank you SO much for doing these posts, Mike. I KNOW that they have meant a lot to me and I'm sure to others. I just wish everyone who has read them would come on here and tell you so you could know what a blessing you have been. Blessings ~ Sarah cacf8c5f390a5a8bcd28822f170845e2 Dec 1, 2012, 8:13 AM http://www.praize.com/forums/Denominations_C7/SDA_Forum_F178/Re%3A_%5Bstandingfirm%5D_The_Bible_In_90_Days_P118806/?page=unread#118806 I have read I Cor. 15 to Gal. 3 Gal. 4 to Col. 4 I Thes. 1 to Philemon All of Paul's letters are excellent so it is hard to pick out the high points. You can pick up any of his letters and begin reading and be greatly blessed by doing so. Ephesian and Philippians are a couple of my favorites. One of the things that impressed me was about someone called Epaphroditus . I don't recall ever hearing a sermon about him but I am sure that there have probably been many. Php2:25 I have thought it necessary to sendto you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, Php2:26 for he has been longing for you al land has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. Php2:27 Indeed he was ill, near to death.But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I shouldhave sorrow upon sorrow. Php2:28 I am the more eager to send him,therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. Php2:29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, Php2:30 for he nearly died for the work ofChrist, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me. Here it tells how Epaphroditus recognized a need that was lacking in the Philippians service and sought to meet that need. But that is not all, he gave his all in service for the gospel, to the point at which he became ill. He denied himself for the service of Paul in the Gospel. And so I wonder how many of us would do that? How many of us recognize needs in our churches, our homes, our communities and follow God's leading to meet those needs? How many of us recognize needs here at Praize and reach out to minister to those needs? It says that Epaphroditus risked his life to complete what was lacking in the Philippians service to Paul. What am I willing to risk my life for? We hear a lot about grace these days, and yes salvation is free but it costs everything. Jesus gave all, and his true followers will live as He lived, giving all for Him. Near the end of Philippians chapter 4 Paul penned these words: Php4:18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent,a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. Epaphroditus was not seeking great things for himself. He probably didn't think much of the work that he did. He was willing to be a courier boy for God, carring the gifts from the Philippians to Paul. This is how Paul sustained himself in trying circumstances. Am I willing to be a courier boy for God? Am I willing to be used of God, to spend and to be spent in the work of the Gospel. We have only looked at a few short verses and yet if we were to take them to heart and let them sink deep into our own hearts our lives would be tremendously different - our homes would be different, our jobs would be different, our communities would be different, even our community here at Praize would be different. We would be alert to needs, and rather than waiting for someone more talented than ourselves to come along and do the work, we would take hold of the work and there is no end to the good that we could accomplish in proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 48eaedfebaa702c1e889648b07d1a1e4 Nov 30, 2012, 6:19 PM http://www.praize.com/forums/Denominations_C7/SDA_Forum_F178/Re%3A_%5Bstandingfirm%5D_The_Bible_In_90_Days_P118802/?page=unread#118802 I went to Basic Youth Seminars as a baby Christian almost thirty years ago! :) Bill Gothard told how memorizing scripture repairs the brain! It is the only thing that does. I want to thank you again for all your postings here. I wish all the people reading these would post as well. While it helps people when they read, it only helps Praize when they write. Praize cannot stay interesting if you and I are the only ones who post. What are people going to do when you finish reading the Bible and don't post any more? It is the job of all members to post and fellowship here. Praize is a communty. Where is the rest of the neighborhood? I guess I had better go read Romans 6, 7, 8!!! Blessings ~ Sarah c93c0bfb6fd9cfbfc21e21116a6afb6b Nov 29, 2012, 8:18 AM http://www.praize.com/forums/Denominations_C7/SDA_Forum_F178/Re%3A_%5Bstandingfirm%5D_The_Bible_In_90_Days_P118801/?page=unread#118801 Dec. 17 - Rom. 1 to Rom. 14 Dec. 18 - Rom. 15 to I Cor. 14 I have read Romans and I Corinthians up to chapter 14. The book of Romans is a great encouragement to me. When I attended a seminar many years ago on Basic Life Principles by Bill Gothard he encouraged us to memorize large portions of the book of Romans, particularly Romans 6, 7 and 8. There is so much spiritual meat in these chapters. If you have a few minutes please read these chapters and pray to God about them. I Corinthians is a very practical book as are most of Pauls epistles. Tomorrow I will finish I Corinthians and move into II Corinthians. There are not very many more days left until I am finished reading through the Bible. cf0d5d73819f7b7ca22fc9bf4abda6e0 Nov 28, 2012, 5:52 PM http://www.praize.com/forums/Denominations_C7/SDA_Forum_F178/Re%3A_%5Bstandingfirm%5D_The_Bible_In_90_Days_P118800/?page=unread#118800 I believe you have the gift of encouragement! This was very interesting to me. How was Paul supporting himself at that time? I know I have thanked you before for posting here, but thank you again. It has meant a LOT to me. Blessings ~ Sarah 488776c9ee81227f5f37b1a6ab45aaf2 Nov 26, 2012, 9:49 PM http://www.praize.com/forums/Denominations_C7/SDA_Forum_F178/Re%3A_%5Bstandingfirm%5D_The_Bible_In_90_Days_P118799/?page=unread#118799 Day 79 Acts 17 to 28. The book of Acts is such an exciting read. This finishes the historical portion of the New Testament. Tomorrow I will begin in the Epistles with the book of Romans. The book of Acts finishes with these words. Act28:30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, Act28:31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance. Paul ran his course, and finished well. Many christians today give up before they have finished their race. We hear of men and women, even Pastors and Leaders giving up the faith when things don't turn out as they expected. Let us not be of that group but let us press on toward the mark. b6d00833489957620b0778d2037341fb Nov 26, 2012, 6:23 PM http://www.praize.com/forums/Denominations_C7/SDA_Forum_F178/Re%3A_%5Bstandingfirm%5D_The_Bible_In_90_Days_P118797/?page=unread#118797 Day 78. All I can say is "Awesome, awesome, awesome!" Abba knows what I need to hear. I am feeling sorrow that you will soon be finished. What comes next? You have really inspired and blessed me. Blessings ~ Sarah e801e5b108b96e21b4b96938a42cecf7 Nov 26, 2012, 10:15 AM http://www.praize.com/forums/Denominations_C7/SDA_Forum_F178/Re%3A_%5Bstandingfirm%5D_The_Bible_In_90_Days_P118796/?page=unread#118796 Mike, this (Day 76) was awesome. So far 147 people have read it and I pray they were as blessed as I was. I am going to read it over several times in the next few days. Blessings ~ Sarah 22a5e532ddc951375ca7331747b22e8d Nov 26, 2012, 10:11 AM http://www.praize.com/forums/Denominations_C7/SDA_Forum_F178/Re%3A_%5Bstandingfirm%5D_The_Bible_In_90_Days_P118795/?page=unread#118795 Day 78 Acts 7 to 16 Act16:25 About midnight Paul and Silas werepraying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, Act16:26 and suddenly there was a greatearthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediatelyall the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened. Act16:27 When the jailer woke and saw thatthe prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself,supposing that the prisoners had escaped. Act16:28 But Paul cried with a loud voice,"Do not harm yourself, for we are all here." Act16:29 And the jailer called for lightsand rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. Act16:30 Then he brought them out and said,"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Act16:31 And they said, "Believe inthe Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." 55e53589da08287f7bc62d5fdb56111c Nov 25, 2012, 12:40 PM http://www.praize.com/forums/Denominations_C7/SDA_Forum_F178/Re%3A_%5Bstandingfirm%5D_The_Bible_In_90_Days_P118791/?page=unread#118791 Today I read Luke chapters 10 to 20. Time is moving by so fast. It seems like not too long ago that I started reading in Genesis and soon I will be finished reading the Bible. I have learned alot so far, not just in terms of biblical knowledge though I have learned much of that. But I have also learned alot about myself in the process as I have observed how I have responded to various events depicted in the pages that I have read. I have also noticed that as I spend greater amounts of time in the Word, the pull of the world and the strength of temptations are not as great. It is like God is rewarding me with spiritual blessings for spending time with Him in His word. I think this is probably true for all Christians. When we honor God and seek Him by spending time with Him in His Word and in prayer to God there unexpected blessings that come our way. There is much that I could say about my reading today, but rather than to comment on one or two passages let me just say that I have caught a glimpse of Jesus Christ in these chapters. I have seen Jesus just as surely as James and Peter and John saw him when they walked beside him in Galiee. I want to become like Him, to reflect his image to everyone I come in contact with. I want others to see Jesus and be drawn to him. That is my great longing. I want everyone here at Praize to experience Jesus like they have never experienced Him before. This old world has very little to offer me, I want to see Jesus, and I want others to see Jesus. As you are reading these words please pause and think about Jesus and what He means to you. Then think about what you mean to Him. May God richly bless you as you do. 33c75d7d34deda3930e11e118d2a8957 Nov 23, 2012, 5:46 PM http://www.praize.com/forums/Denominations_C7/SDA_Forum_F178/Re%3A_%5Bstandingfirm%5D_The_Bible_In_90_Days_P118788/?page=unread#118788 Mike, your teachings here are awesome! And I am SO grateful to you for taking the time from your busy life to post them. Many are reading and, I am sure, learning from them. I know that you are not going in depth here, and that is not the purpose. For wonderful, in depth teachings of the Bible, people can go to http://www.praize.com/blogs/member/revsuz . Her teaching is very different but both of you are inspired by the Holy Spirit. Praize is blessed and grateful to have you. Blessings ~ Sarah 62733535cdbb30217f02e2c3f3d4ec21 Nov 22, 2012, 8:23 AM http://www.praize.com/forums/Denominations_C7/SDA_Forum_F178/Re%3A_%5Bstandingfirm%5D_The_Bible_In_90_Days_P118787/?page=unread#118787 Today I read Mark chapters 1-13. Mark was not one of the 12 disciples. He was closely connected with the New Testament Church and associated with Peter. Peter told Mark many things about Jesus and Mark's gospel is really Peter's retelling of those events. From Mark we learn the importance of connecting with strong spiritual leaders who will help us grow in faith and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. From Peter we learn of the importance of mentoring others particularly those younger in the faith and to help them grow in faith. And so as we put it together we find ourselves learing from men and women who have an experience with Jesus Christ and in turn teaching others as God opens doors of opportunity for ministry. This reminds me of John 7:37,38 where Jesus said, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." With one hand we receive from God, with the other we give to others, constantly receiving, constantly giving in ministry. This is the life of the Christian. 55b58acd0beb60a38f6f76ee649680cb Nov 21, 2012, 7:17 PM http://www.praize.com/forums/Denominations_C7/SDA_Forum_F178/Re%3A_%5Bstandingfirm%5D_The_Bible_In_90_Days_P118780/?page=unread#118780 That is a HUGE milestone! I am SO proud of you, and SO grateful that you have continued to keep us posted here. There are many that are reading your posts, and that is awesome! I know that you are blessed. I'm excited to hear your revelation on the New Testement. Honestly, I am so honored to have been a part of this. Thank you. Blessings ~ Sarah 034078a316afe8405d65c2fe16259f6d Nov 20, 2012, 9:25 AM http://www.praize.com/forums/Denominations_C7/SDA_Forum_F178/Re%3A_%5Bstandingfirm%5D_The_Bible_In_90_Days_P118778/?page=unread#118778 Yesterday was a milestone for me, I completed reading the old testament. From my reading here is a promise. Mal 4:1 "For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the LORD of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. Mal 4:2 But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. Today I begin reading Matthew in the New Testament. I am looking forward to reading through the gospels once again. fb8a02e335f884fb824efe2878c0da2d Nov 20, 2012, 5:36 AM http://www.praize.com/forums/Denominations_C7/SDA_Forum_F178/Re%3A_%5Bstandingfirm%5D_The_Bible_In_90_Days_P118771/?page=unread#118771 [ It is hard to grasp the depth of His love for us because even in our closest relationships we are selfish and want to receive more than we give. This is obvious in the divorce rate in the church and in the world. Lord please give us the heart of a giver and help us to give to you and to those you have called us to minister to in our homes, our jobs, our communities. Amen. ] I am in agreement with you on this short and simple prayer you have prayed here. I NEED God to give me that heart. I am not where I should be... but praise God, I am not where I was. I think the problem is that we don't allow Him to live His life out through us. We consider ourselves separate from God. Maybe when you return (if you have a moment) you would like to start a forum thread on this topic? Have a blessed trip. I will also be travelling this weekend, so we can pray for one another. Blessings ~ Sarah 47dd023f35f6ce98964a259c9ee34bff Nov 16, 2012, 7:06 AM http://www.praize.com/forums/Denominations_C7/SDA_Forum_F178/Re%3A_%5Bstandingfirm%5D_The_Bible_In_90_Days_P118757/?page=unread#118757 I have read Ezekiel chapters 1-23. The book of Ezekiel is an extraordinary and intriguing book with the visions of God depicted. It reveals God and his great love for us. I expect to be through the Book of Ezekiel tomorrow or Friday. I have noticed that as I have been reading through the books of the Bible that God's love for His people is coming through stronger and stronger. It is hard to grasp the depth of His love for us because even in our closest relationships we are selfish and want to receive more than we give. This is obvious in the divorce rate in the church and in the world. Lord please give us the heart of a giver and help us to give to you and to those you have called us to minister to in our homes, our jobs, our communities. Amen. 2e43dc5d8fd96fd3d9370db5404c5a7d Nov 14, 2012, 7:31 PM http://www.praize.com/forums/Denominations_C7/SDA_Forum_F178/Re%3A_%5Bstandingfirm%5D_The_Bible_In_90_Days_P118756/?page=unread#118756 Amen & amen. I always feel kind of sad that we have let Him down so badly. Thanks for keeping up with your notes here. I really appreciate reading them. Blessings ~ Sarah 92e05eba883dcf7052c10b2f1de90199 Nov 13, 2012, 7:24 PM http://www.praize.com/forums/Denominations_C7/SDA_Forum_F178/Re%3A_%5Bpraizeop2%5D_The_Bible_In_90_Days_P118755/?page=unread#118755 Thanks Sarah for your kind words and encouragement. I have now completed Jeremiah and Lamentations. I am ahead and gaining on my daily assignments. God's word is very precious to me. It was difficult reading about the exile and the destruction brought about by Babylon in the latter part of Jeremiah and in Lamentations. This was the result of them forsaking the Lord. Even today we try to go our own way but still God pleads with us to return to Him. Let us seek Him while He still may be found. We do not know what tomorrow will bring but we do know Him who brings all of our tomorrows. It makes me wonder what history would have been like if the priests, leaders and people would have followed God fully with all of their hearts. Our Bibles would portray a very different experience. What about us? What would our lives and Christian experience be like if we would follow God full out, worshipping Him alone? May that be our experience as we seek Him. aa8e815a4f81769418354ae467cee816 Nov 13, 2012, 6:19 PM http://www.praize.com/forums/Denominations_C7/SDA_Forum_F178/Re%3A_%5Bstandingfirm%5D_The_Bible_In_90_Days_P118749/?page=unread#118749 What a precious post, Mike. That scripture is the very reason why we must put a guard by our mouth. So precious. I hope all the others that are reading here are enjoying as much as I am. Blessings ~ Sarah 0c4e58d0f8483277494169541160c620 Nov 12, 2012, 2:30 PM http://www.praize.com/forums/Denominations_C7/SDA_Forum_F178/Re%3A_%5Bstandingfirm%5D_The_Bible_In_90_Days_P118747/?page=unread#118747 Today I have completed two days reading assignments Jeremiah 1 - 10 and Jeremiah 11 - 23. From my reading today. Jeremiah 15:16 "Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts. This has been a favorite passage of mine for many years now. It talks about how precious the word of God is to us. It is not just words written on pages but rather the living, transforming words of our God. When we grasp their importance and their power they become the delight of our hearts and we long for more and more of them. We are thus called by the name of our God. In scripture "name" reveals character. And so when God tells us that we are called by his name, He is telling us that He has written His own character on our hearts, transforming us into the image of Jesus Christ. This is why the things we used to love to see and do no longer have any attraction to us and why things we used to have no attraction to we now find intensely interesting. Lord God, please write your name on our hearts, and increase our desire for your Word. In Jesus precious name, Amen. 4670556b762f54e30bf6950e7794f2ad Nov 11, 2012, 7:48 PM