How do we open our minds to understand the scripture? Seems like there is a step missing in this equation. We must remember that just because we, or you, know the way, others may not and may need that little bit of information we thought wasn't necessary to pass along - for instance, until this year I didn't realize that to open my mind to understand the scripture, all I had to do was READ it every day, THINK about it constantly and MEMORIZE it. The first step, of course is the most important. If we could only encourage our families to spend 15 minutes a day reading their Bible and talking with God, for a month, at the end of that month, they would only want more!! The more we immerse ourselves in God's Word, the more it makes sense, because it continually explains itself!

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Sarah Moss
*Prayer Changes Things!*

Daryl

I don't think I totally understand where you were coming from in your last question; but I like that little purple thing you used. How do you get it to appear beside a word?

Sarah, you made such a good point! The Word of God has the creative ability to do what it says!

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"The joy of the Lord will be your strength." (Neh.8:10).

Your brother in Christ

David T. Battler

Click on the Smilies Legend and you will see how I did it. (colon eek colon)

As far as my post goes, I did it to see if I could re-activate this study that had been inactive since August 15th.

Apparently, I succeeded.

So lets keep the topic flowing.

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In His Love, Mercy & Grace

Daryl

[This message has been edited by Daryl Fawcett (edited September 05, 2000).]

We need to remember that even those in the church have a problem getting it all together. We tend to take it for granted that now they are in the fold, it will all magically come together.
It doesn't.

I struggle myself with doubts and fears about getting it right.
How do we present thids in such a fashion that we can answer even some of the unasked questions?
There are people that need to know, but are afraid of rejection if they show their 'ignorance'.

That's so true, Gerry, which could be the reason why some are cautious about posting here as they think what they post may be considered stupid or ignorant by somebody else.

I am glad none of us here would do that to a person posting no matter what the thought or the question might be.

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In His Love, Mercy & Grace

Daryl

Gerry & Daryl

You made such a good point. It is hard to deal with the types of rejection you mentioned.

As representatives of His name; it is fitting that we don't knowingly show outright rejection to anyone who posts here and elsewhere something that we don't understand or agree with.

"Thousands of hearts can be reached in the most simple, humble way. The most intellectual, those who are looked upon and praised as the world's most gifted men and women, are often refreshed by the simple words that flow from the heart of one who loves God, and who can speak of that love as naturally as the worldling speaks of things that their mind contemplates and feeds upon.

Often, the words well prepared and studied have little influence. But, the true, honest words of a son or daughter of God, spoken in natural simplicity, WILL OPEN THE DOOR TO HEARTS THAT HAVE LONG BEEN LOCKED."
(6T 115).

Obviously, we don't need to have all the answers...we just need to know what to do with the ones we do have!

Grace

Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 2 Tim. 2:1, 2.

The lessons contained in the words of Paul to Timothy are of the greatest importance to us today. He charges him to "be strong"--in his own wisdom? No, but "in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." He who would be a follower of Christ is not to rely upon his own capabilities, or to feel confident in himself.

Neither is to be dwarfed in his religious efforts, to shun responsibilities, and remain inefficient in the cause of God. He is to draw strength from a sure and safe source, that never fails those who would have divine power. The exhortation to us is, "Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." If the Christian feels his weakness, his inability, by putting his trust in God, he will find the grace of Christ sufficient for every emergency.

The soldier of Christ must meet many forms of temptation, and resist and overcome them. The fiercer the conflict, the greater the supply of grace to meet the need of the soul; and the very nature of the grace received will enlarge the capacity of the servant of Christ to know God, and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent.

The soul of the believer will go out in intense longing to know and understand more of the truth and righteousness of Christ. All who advance in the divine life will have increased ability to search for truth as for hid treasure, and will appropriate the truth to their own souls.

The true Christian will understand what it means to pass through severe conflicts and trying experiences; but he will steadily increase in the grace of Christ to meet successfully the enemy of his soul, who works through human agency to cause the ruin of the servants of Christ.

By passing through severe ordeals of trial, the follower of Christ will better understand the ways of God and the plan of redemption, and will not be ignorant of the devices of the enemy. The darkness will press upon his soul at times; but the true light will shine, the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness will dispel the gloom; and although Satan seeks in every way to discourage him by presenting obstacles before him, through the grace of Christ he will be enabled to be a faithful witness of the things which he has heard from the inspired messenger of God. He does not despise or neglect the message received, but commits his knowledge to faithful men, who in their turn are to be able to teach others also.

In communicating the light to others, the Christian proves the truth of the word that "the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day" (Prov. 4:18) (Review and Herald, June 16, 1896).

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"The joy of the Lord will be your strength." (Neh.8:10).

Your brother in Christ

David T. Battler

[This message has been edited by DavidTBattler (edited September 10, 2000).]