₦airaland Forum

Friends, how was your weekend all?  Thank God it's another blessed day.

@Ruddyface, you are well understood.  In the spirit of fellowship let's continue to accommodate each other while at the same time examining things in love and in the light of the scriptures.

I quite agree that Daruche's view of the subject of Faith, Foolishness and Fantasy is rather narrow.  We can make the discussion more robust by giving examples of them at play in practical reality (from scriptures or real life situations).

Bless y'all.

olabowale:
@BeckyUK: #224 on: August 21, 2008, 12:17 AM »
Please when did the Christian god release the gag order, and therefore allow the words to be spoken in Asia? As I recall, Christianity is now in Asia. Isn't it? Could you give us immeasuable information on the time and place and who was the order lifted upon?

Dear Olabowale,  How are you?  Great, I hope.

While everybody's freedom/opinion is respected on a forum like this, we will really appreciate it more if the aim (as contained in the very first post) of this thread is respected as well.  This is Christian E-fellowship.  It is not supposed to be an inter-religion debating platform.  You may wish to create a thread to address your concern so as not to derail this one.

Thank you for your understanding.

@OLAADEGBU that was inspiring. Thank you for sharing. I believe we all have opportunities to stand up and be counted a Christian on many occassions and we don't take them all. May the Lord grant us courage in the face of opposition and strength in the face of persecussion to stand up for Him.

daruche:
Well, I think Faith is the evidence of things hoped for and the certainty of things not yet seen.

My brethren don't think, that is the definition of faith according to the eternal word of God.

Brother you are right. But what we are examining is the relationship between faith, fantasy and foolishness. You can throw in a little light as well.

God bless you BeckyUk for your post. That's another one so timely for me.

@Ruddyface

You are right. Fantasy is not bad when it is wholesome. It's good to fantasize. God gave us the mind to imagine. The people in Babel fantasized to build the greatest skyscrapper and God said it is possible to achieve that which they have imagined to do. Every inventor has fantasized! There is power in the mind, folks.

I also think faith supplies the driving force to make dreams reality. That gigantic project would never have started if there is no faith in its success. Faith is that 'eye' that sees it as already completed before it ever started.

Foolishness is having a fantasy without faith driving it.

More thoughts on this.

God bless you brainwave.  I have not yet recovered from the one of yesterday which was so timely!  Thank you.

. . . and in case you are still worried about your tomorrow, afraid about your yesterday and unsure about today, please cheer up, friend.  Look up to the Lord and receive strength, direction and encouragement.

Heb 13:8-  Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

What a new day folks!

Yesterday is gone. That is why it is called past. Gone with all its trials, challenges, failures and successes. It's all consigned to the archives now. Don't dwell there- however sweet or bitter it may have been. Take the lessons thereof and move on!

Today is here. That is why it is called present. Here with all its opportunities, open doors and second chances. You have the hindsight of yesterday's lessons and the foresight of tomorrow's dreams. So correct yesterday's mistake, make good choices that will give you a better tomorrow and make every moment of today count!

Tomorrow is yet to come. That is why it is called future- full of its promises, dreams and visions. What you do today all add up to what will make tomorrow. Plan for tomorrow but don't worry about it. Invest in your tomorrow today and don't postpone what you can do today till tomorrow. Redeem the time.

Have a wonderful day.

dudu-bobo:
Is there anyone here old enough to know the story of a guy who cut his manhood in Ibadan (I think) several years ago because he claimed it was getting him to sin

There is what is called zeal without knowledge.  It tends to foolishness.  There are ways to deal with his sin than dismembering himself (physically).  He can still commit that sin even without his manhood if the root cause is not dealt with!  Yes, with his thoughts, eyes, hands etc.

That said,  if he survived the ordeal and still makes heaven at the end, maybe it's worthwhile after all!  Not my recommendation though. 

Ruddyface:
This is a nice thread and very good sense behind it. But with all the long scriptural quotes, many of us have made it difficult to read and such a boring thread.

Can't we keep it simple and chatty? Must everyone show off their spiritual grandstanding?

Please let it be a 'fellowship' and not a 'church'.

---

@ Gamine,
What I mean dear, is that when we keep it short and interesting. it would be more like a chat than a message. That way, we would be discussing serious matters without actually sounding serious.

Get that?

Rudyface, I understand your concern.  I think I have been a culprit in some posts.  But you can't rule that out in response to some discussions.  Yes, I agree we all can quote the references instead of pasting all of them, but sometimes, to bring out some points or illustration, it's just necessary.

Besides, you wouldn't know what may encourage/minister to someone.  Instead of looking for a bible, it may just be convenient to read at a go.  Plus, a captain doesn't sail without a compass for direction.  Let's have it all, the simple, chatty, preachy et all, as long as someone is getting blessed.

Also, I think we can discuss around topics just as Gamine pointed.

Ruddyface:
Okay, what about this: Someone once preached about Faith, Foolishness and Fantasy. What is the difference between them and what are their similarities?

Faith feeds the spirit, fantasy feeds the mind and foolishness is inability to differentiate between the two!

donnie:
Now don't misunderstand this. Many know how to pray but not many know how to recieve. That is why Jesus ended his story with the saying 'however, when the son of man is come, shall he find faith in d earth?

That statement is quite true. I have been thinking about it and the following scriptures came to my mind:

Mark 11:
22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

Hi Ruby_Pearl.

I appreciate your response. I will like you to know that there is no force in the universe that can withstand the name of Jesus. The scriptures say His name is a stong tower, the righteous runs into it and is safe (Proverbs 18:10)

Those experiences maybe real, but they still bow to a superior power. Why don't you take side with the Superior One. You shouldn't put your trust in any man, but Christ alone.

Maybe I should ask if you are tired of the situation and you want to surrender all to Jesus? There is really no other way. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 15:6)

Bless you.

Oops! I guess you meant Beewhyfocs?

Gamine, you seem to have lost me there. Explain.

Gamine:
But we both know thats not what is PUSH is usually aiming at

If it is to consume it upon our SELFISH desires, then God is not there!

beewhyfocs:
My idea of prayer is that even if prayer does not change all things around you the way you want ( as in the PUSH concept) It will always change you to face things around you.

Our objective in prayer is to bring us closer to God and not just to "things". So whether it is PUSH or not God should be our focus.[/font]

We are on the same page, brother!

Gamine,

God is Just.  He can never be a wicked God- He has never been!

That is why I said '. . . ACCORDING TO HIS WILL'.  He answers if we pray according to His will.  The answer may not be what we want/like but He surely answers.  He knows what we NEED!

One reason why nothing happens when we pray is this:

James 4:3

Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

So it doesn't make God wicked when nothing happens, it only means we are not asking according to His will.  So when you are praying and nothing happens, just keep praying without ceasing.

BTW, one of the things that may 'happen' also is that our understanding may be opened to see where we are wrong!  So if that is what happens, 'something has happened'  

Gamine:
What is a Breakthrough and where is it in the bible?

My thoughts:

Just like A_K_O said, a breakthrough is human coinage- plain English. It could mean several things (depending on the circumstance) such as success, advancement, achievement, development, discovery, increase, progress, overcoming a restriction or obstruction etc

I also think the usage (and several others like it eg PUSH) is not wrong as long as the principles are scriptural.

Gamine:
I'm just saying,

Why does most of all this things seem to have a perspective on SELF

and where in the bible are we instructed to PUSH

While focus on SELF is condemned in the scriptures, the virtues of persistence, importunity, longsuffering and patience are encouraged. This is what I believe the poster was trying to pass across.

While you will not see PUSH in the scriptures, you will find underlying principles and lessons in passages like Luke 18 and luke 11:

Luke 18:
1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:

3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;

5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.

7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Luke 11:
1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

5 And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;

6 For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?

7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.

8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.

9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

However, we must note that while our God is not to be wearied, persistent praying develops our faith in His ability, diffuses our doubts, conquers our unbelief and reinforces our hope that He is able to do what we ask or seek ACCORDING TO HIS WILL!

sbm4real:
Which book has impacted you the most?

As for me, the Bible by a very wide margin. It's just so complete.

Gamine, I admire your energy.  Keep it up. I have had to copy a lot of lyrics here.  I only wish I have the tunes to some I don't know.

Blessings.

OlowoTee (and everyone in here), I appreciate what you are doing.  Your labour of love is not in vain.  Keep the fire burning!

Bless you my sis.

Ruby_Pearl:
I'm not sure if this thread is a calling for me to get back to who I was 3 years ago, but I am sure that this thread is helping a lot with it's advice/ Bible verses.
I just want to tell everyone thank you, and please keep them coming. I need all the help am getting, from anyone from anywhere. I need ME back, my relationship with God.

Well, I can't believe I just left myself vulnerable, but right now, no harm can be done to me if I don't allow it.

@Ruby_Pearl beloved, thanks for that story of yours. If all this thread is able to achieve is to bring you back to a vibrant relationship with the Lover of your soul, the Lord Jesus Himself, then its mission accomplished already.

Thanks for sharing with us. And NO, you didn't leave yourself vulnerable, dear. You only heard the voice of the Father to come back home. Outside is full of filth. Don't stay out of His will. All things are yours inside your Father's house. There is peace and joy, fulfilment and satisfaction. Ruby Love, come back home. Come back home. Come back home, says your Lord.

Remember the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-) He went away from the father to a far country and there wasted away in loose living. He strayed out of the confines of grace. Need I say he lost all. But one day, just like yours today, he came to his senses! Why would he live in sadness and penury when all things are freely his own in his father's house?

See what he says:

vs 18 'I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight;

19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men."'

Thank God that was not the end of the story. He actually did go to his father. What a father he has! He threw a welcome party for him. Hear what the father said, Ruby:

vs 22 "But the father said to his slaves, 'Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet;

23 and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate;

24 for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.' And they began to celebrate.

Ruby dear, will you make your Heavenly Father glad this morning by returning to Him? He is waiting for you. In fact, He has been waiting for you since 3 years ago! Read the whole of that Luke 15 meditatively right now. I will pray along with you.

Come on, Ruby, let's make the Lord happy!!

Love you.

Another thing to consider in giving attention to His word is to remove everything that distracts us from studying, listening to and doing the word.

Things like the cares of this life are thorns that choke the word in our lives (parable of the sower).  They are as varied as issues of this life, some legitimate, some mundane and some unwholesome.  They all compete for the attention we should give to the Word.

Lord, grant us grace in the face of distractions that we may give attention to your word.  Your word is life.  Amen.

Gamine:
We pay attention to God's word

by Studying and listening to teachings of the Word.

In addition to studying and listening to the teachings of His word, we are to DO the word. Not only hearing, but also doing.

". . .Whatever He says to you, do it." John 2:5b

Simple obedience to what He says delivers us from endless toiling and struggles. I am not saying it is easy at times, but it sure pays at the end.

@OLAADEGBU

God bless. In order words, there is no quick fix without connecting to the Source Himself! Hmmmh 'useless if detached'. I hear you sir.

Guys, can we expand a little more about Gamine's word for the day?

- How do we give attention to God's Word practically?
- How do we guard our hearts with all diligence? You may give personal examples to enrich us further.

Thank you.

oluyale:
Oswald Chambers described God as the Great Engineer, creating circumstances to bring about moments in our lives of divine importance, leading us to such divine appointments.

one of such is this Forum E-FELLOWSHIP, LETS KEEP THE FLAG FLYING ( Feel free to share your prayer points,  God is here i BELIEVE.)

You know what?  Your piece above also reminds me of Jacob at Luz (Gen 28).  How God can turn the mundane things to create those circumstances!  He was just sleeping when he had a dream of angels ascending and descending there.  He didn't know God was there!  He changed the name of Luz to Bethel in that moment of divine importance.

vs 16
Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, "Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it."

vs 19
He called the name of that place Bethel; however, previously the name of the city had been Luz.

May God continually direct us never to miss our moments of divine importance.

@Gamine,

Talking about the Word of God, can you imagine how powerful, honourable, majestic, full of authority and awe the name of our God is?  Truth is, He has so magnified and highly esteemed His Word more than and above all His name!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Incredible    (Psalms 138:2b)

Friends,  I am so overwhelmed by the responses I have seen and the way we have all embraced this.    God bless y'all.

I'm so glad about the maturity displayed.  I will like to make an earnest plea:  Let's keep denomination out of here and focus about Him alone- the One whom we adore.  We can all moderate this together when we respect each other and correct in love.

Let's raise the banner of Jesus high and keep the flag flying.

Love you all.

Gamine:
As i grow, i must help others grow too!

God bless You all!

That is the spirit Gamine.

uniquelove:
This sounds great, I love God.

He deserves to be loved.  Bless you.

Hunmh, LASIEFAIRE, that was deep!  Thanks for that.  It reminds me of part of this song by Phil Driscoll:

I remember you said you will never leave me
That in times of trouble you will be my friend
But sometimes, some doubt and fear try to steal my faith
Then I just run to you, I just run to you.

ima1:
wow thanks for coming up with this idea, proves no one can say they did not have the opportunity to serve God, i am happy to be part of it, n thanks to Gamine for todays word, hope this would become a daily bible reading thing, especially for me because i don't read the bible much, if i could come online and get a dose of the bible then its a great thing.

I pray it happens, sister.  That is my desire and much more.  A real daily christian online experience that just grows and grows, while we get filled with His divine presence.  Yes, here on Nairaland!  Somebody say Amen!

yicob:
somebody shout halleluyah!

The Lord is always ready to listen to the prayer of believers if only we are ready to obey his command. "seek ye 1st the kingdom of God and every other thing would be added . . ."

Halleluyah, brother!

Trust and Obey, for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey!