http://bibleoutpost.com/forum/ Sat, 04 Sep 2010 23:44:09 +0000 MyBB http://bibleoutpost.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=5 Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:53:12 -0600 http://bibleoutpost.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=5
1)Focus- Put your focus on what you want instead of the obstacles that stand in the way of you getting it. Stewing over the tasks in front of you only makes them bigger and more difficult to accomplish. When you focus on what you want you are more willing to do whatever it takes to get it. If the dream is strong enough you will be more than willing to pay the price. You will be happy to do the work because you know the results will give you what you desire.

2)Plan- Break your work down into small manageable steps. Put them in order. Arrange them so that the most important tasks are first in priority and the least important ones are last. Do what needs to be done when it needs to be done. Don't be tempted to look ahead or skip any of the steps that you have outlined for yourself in your plan. As you strike each completed task from your list you will be energized and motivated to take on the next one.

3)Fun- Have fun with your work. Celebrate your successes along the way. Do not fret over failures. Learn from them and move on. Make it a game. Each time you take the proper action you win.

4)Visualize- Visualize what you want. See it in vivid detail even before you physically have it. See what you want as being attainable. Realize that each time you act by taking the proper steps then you get closer to getting what you want. Take action with the vision of what you want firmly placed in your mind. Connect the attainment of your dream with the amount of action you take. When you know that obtaining of your desire corresponds with the amount of work that you do you will be compelled to take more action.

5)Move- Get into action. Inertia kills motivation whereas taking the proper action feeds it. You gain momentum by doing what you know you should do. Each time you apply the proper work habits you gain confidence. You also increase your skill level through the application of trial and error. Experiencing improvement is a great motivator. But in order to see improvement you have to start.

6)Change- Switch things up. Change your approach. Take a good look at what you have already done. If you are not getting the results you want then you are probably experiencing some level of disappointment or frustration. These emotions cause you to be less motivated. You can turn things around and boost your motivation by examining what is not working and changing your approach.

7)Believe- "Whether you believe you can or you believe can't you're right." Henry Ford said that. This mindset also applies to motivation. You need to believe you can do what needs to be done. You need to believe it so strongly that you are compelled to take the necessary actions. Increase your belief by revisiting your dream and recommitting to your plan.]]>
1)Focus- Put your focus on what you want instead of the obstacles that stand in the way of you getting it. Stewing over the tasks in front of you only makes them bigger and more difficult to accomplish. When you focus on what you want you are more willing to do whatever it takes to get it. If the dream is strong enough you will be more than willing to pay the price. You will be happy to do the work because you know the results will give you what you desire.

2)Plan- Break your work down into small manageable steps. Put them in order. Arrange them so that the most important tasks are first in priority and the least important ones are last. Do what needs to be done when it needs to be done. Don't be tempted to look ahead or skip any of the steps that you have outlined for yourself in your plan. As you strike each completed task from your list you will be energized and motivated to take on the next one.

3)Fun- Have fun with your work. Celebrate your successes along the way. Do not fret over failures. Learn from them and move on. Make it a game. Each time you take the proper action you win.

4)Visualize- Visualize what you want. See it in vivid detail even before you physically have it. See what you want as being attainable. Realize that each time you act by taking the proper steps then you get closer to getting what you want. Take action with the vision of what you want firmly placed in your mind. Connect the attainment of your dream with the amount of action you take. When you know that obtaining of your desire corresponds with the amount of work that you do you will be compelled to take more action.

5)Move- Get into action. Inertia kills motivation whereas taking the proper action feeds it. You gain momentum by doing what you know you should do. Each time you apply the proper work habits you gain confidence. You also increase your skill level through the application of trial and error. Experiencing improvement is a great motivator. But in order to see improvement you have to start.

6)Change- Switch things up. Change your approach. Take a good look at what you have already done. If you are not getting the results you want then you are probably experiencing some level of disappointment or frustration. These emotions cause you to be less motivated. You can turn things around and boost your motivation by examining what is not working and changing your approach.

7)Believe- "Whether you believe you can or you believe can't you're right." Henry Ford said that. This mindset also applies to motivation. You need to believe you can do what needs to be done. You need to believe it so strongly that you are compelled to take the necessary actions. Increase your belief by revisiting your dream and recommitting to your plan.]]> http://bibleoutpost.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=4 Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:52:00 -0600 http://bibleoutpost.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=4
I love the Bible and as much as possible prefer to study what it has to say for itself however there comes a time when we all need someone to tell us something or explain or expound a scripture for us.

Yes we all need Bible study lessons.

You see it doesn't matter how many times you read something if you don't understand you subconsciously skip over that item. In fact sometimes you don't even see it and then when someone else points it out you are amazed that you didn't see it.

The Bible can be like that. Sometimes we need a preacher and I'm not just referring to the bloke behind the pulpit on Sundays.

For me one of the most important times of my life when I depended on Bible study lessons was when I was a child in Sunday School. I loved the Bible stories of Daniel in the Lions Den, Shadrach, Meschach and Abednigo in the fiery furnace, the stories about Abraham, Joseph and the coat of many colors and so on.

Those initial Bible Study lessons gave me a taste of what God was all about. It ignited my excitement and created a thirst to know more.

I believe there is one very important point to come out of all this when giving Bible Study lessons. Keep it as simple as possible. Those amazing stories explained in simple child-like terms are awe inspiring without any complicated deep searching.

Jesus spoke in parables. In other words when He gave a Bible Study lesson he spoke to people in a way that they could understand by comparing Godly things with the stuff that they could relate to.

You don't need a doctrate, a theological degree or any other higher learning certificate to preach the word of God or to understand it. Most of the early disciples were ignorant and unlearned men according to the religious leaders of their day because unlike these days schooling was not readily available.]]>
I love the Bible and as much as possible prefer to study what it has to say for itself however there comes a time when we all need someone to tell us something or explain or expound a scripture for us.

Yes we all need Bible study lessons.

You see it doesn't matter how many times you read something if you don't understand you subconsciously skip over that item. In fact sometimes you don't even see it and then when someone else points it out you are amazed that you didn't see it.

The Bible can be like that. Sometimes we need a preacher and I'm not just referring to the bloke behind the pulpit on Sundays.

For me one of the most important times of my life when I depended on Bible study lessons was when I was a child in Sunday School. I loved the Bible stories of Daniel in the Lions Den, Shadrach, Meschach and Abednigo in the fiery furnace, the stories about Abraham, Joseph and the coat of many colors and so on.

Those initial Bible Study lessons gave me a taste of what God was all about. It ignited my excitement and created a thirst to know more.

I believe there is one very important point to come out of all this when giving Bible Study lessons. Keep it as simple as possible. Those amazing stories explained in simple child-like terms are awe inspiring without any complicated deep searching.

Jesus spoke in parables. In other words when He gave a Bible Study lesson he spoke to people in a way that they could understand by comparing Godly things with the stuff that they could relate to.

You don't need a doctrate, a theological degree or any other higher learning certificate to preach the word of God or to understand it. Most of the early disciples were ignorant and unlearned men according to the religious leaders of their day because unlike these days schooling was not readily available.]]> http://bibleoutpost.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3 Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:50:30 -0600 http://bibleoutpost.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3
The bible is termed the Great Book. This definitely is the correct description for this wonderful work. Any topic that we experience in our daily lives is covered in the bible.

As people, if we are to get better at anything, we need reminders to help us stay consistent.
Bible verses are those reminders. Constantly reading the verses and reflecting is the consistency.

So how does one find verses to match your circumstance? Where do you start when there are 66 books of the bible? Asking your clergyman is one way.

I am going to present another idea to you.
Asking your clergyman is always wise. Guiding you through this maze of living a life of faith is one of their functions. If we search for our own answers first and seek guidance second, our experiences will be that much more powerful. We are more active in the process of growing in faith.

The resource that I am talking about is the internet. It is an excellent starting point. Just type in the keywords that you are looking for in the search engine. Presto, there are hundreds of pages of information on your topic. There will be bible verses linked to the topic. Don't underestimate what the power of the internet can do for you in aiding you in your quest to build more faith.]]>
The bible is termed the Great Book. This definitely is the correct description for this wonderful work. Any topic that we experience in our daily lives is covered in the bible.

As people, if we are to get better at anything, we need reminders to help us stay consistent.
Bible verses are those reminders. Constantly reading the verses and reflecting is the consistency.

So how does one find verses to match your circumstance? Where do you start when there are 66 books of the bible? Asking your clergyman is one way.

I am going to present another idea to you.
Asking your clergyman is always wise. Guiding you through this maze of living a life of faith is one of their functions. If we search for our own answers first and seek guidance second, our experiences will be that much more powerful. We are more active in the process of growing in faith.

The resource that I am talking about is the internet. It is an excellent starting point. Just type in the keywords that you are looking for in the search engine. Presto, there are hundreds of pages of information on your topic. There will be bible verses linked to the topic. Don't underestimate what the power of the internet can do for you in aiding you in your quest to build more faith.]]> http://bibleoutpost.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=2 Sun, 18 Apr 2010 20:45:39 -0600 http://bibleoutpost.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=2 Verses

• Exodus 15:3 The LORD is a warrior: the LORD is his name
• Romans 15:33 The God of peace be with you all. Amen.
  

Alleged Contradiction
Since God is a warrior, he cannot be the God of peace,

Explanation 1
At times it is necessary to engage in war to achieve peace. God's overall mission is to have an eternal peace, but because evil and sin exist in the world, conflict is created between a good God and people who have rejected Him. God must stand as a warrior to achieve peace.


Explanation 2
Let's ask a simple question -- is it not reasonable to say that God can be both a "warrior" (NIV) and a God of peace, as the circumstances require? Can a person not be a soldier at some time in their life, during a time of war, and say, a tuba inspector during times of peace? Is God not allowed to react to what we do as He sees fit?

The Exodus was a time when God advanced on behalf of Israel for conquest -- it is certainly appropriate that this hymn of praise to Him extolled that virtue and practice. Romans 15:33 is the salutation of a letter, when blessings are offered. The "genre gap" here is vast, to say nothing of the historical contexts! A contradiction would only exist if God were described as being of war and peace at the same time and performing the same action. That simply isn't the case here. Being warlike and peaceful are not permanently, mutually contradictory states, for they each involve complexes of interaction with persons and actions that are encountered over time.

Source: http://www.tektonics.org/uz/warringgod.html]]> Verses

• Exodus 15:3 The LORD is a warrior: the LORD is his name
• Romans 15:33 The God of peace be with you all. Amen.
  

Alleged Contradiction
Since God is a warrior, he cannot be the God of peace,

Explanation 1
At times it is necessary to engage in war to achieve peace. God's overall mission is to have an eternal peace, but because evil and sin exist in the world, conflict is created between a good God and people who have rejected Him. God must stand as a warrior to achieve peace.


Explanation 2
Let's ask a simple question -- is it not reasonable to say that God can be both a "warrior" (NIV) and a God of peace, as the circumstances require? Can a person not be a soldier at some time in their life, during a time of war, and say, a tuba inspector during times of peace? Is God not allowed to react to what we do as He sees fit?

The Exodus was a time when God advanced on behalf of Israel for conquest -- it is certainly appropriate that this hymn of praise to Him extolled that virtue and practice. Romans 15:33 is the salutation of a letter, when blessings are offered. The "genre gap" here is vast, to say nothing of the historical contexts! A contradiction would only exist if God were described as being of war and peace at the same time and performing the same action. That simply isn't the case here. Being warlike and peaceful are not permanently, mutually contradictory states, for they each involve complexes of interaction with persons and actions that are encountered over time.

Source: http://www.tektonics.org/uz/warringgod.html]]> http://bibleoutpost.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 23:50:35 -0600 http://bibleoutpost.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1 Verses
Psalms 145:9 (NIV) The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.
Jeremiah 13:14 (NIV)"I will smash them one against the other, fathers and sons alike, declares the LORD. I will allow no pity or mercy or compassion to keep me from destroying them."

Alleged Contradiction
God can't possibly be "good to all", as stated in Psalms 145:9, if he vows to destroy fathers and sons together, without pity, mercy or compassion.

Explanation 1 - Discrimination
A problem with the allegation lies in the interpretation of Psalms 145:9. The Psalms verse is not claiming that the LORD is "good to all" in every single action. Rather, it is a statement about discrimination. God does not restrict "goodness" to a lucky few; everyone he has made is able to receive goodness and compassion from him.

Explanation 2 - Perspective & Scope
It is incorrect to interpret Pslams 145:9 to mean God must always do what we consider to be good. While I may want to win 1 million dollars in the lottery, has God been bad to me by actively preventing my numbers from hitting? To a non Christian, the answer could easily be yes. However, from God's perspective, he could be protecting me from getting money that would allow me to quit my job, develop a drug habit and actively destroy my family and life. It's all about perspective, and it's God's perspective that matters.

Psalms 145:9 is better understood as a general "hope" or "intent" of God. It is an overview statement meant to praise God's general disposition towards all of us. His heart is bent on goodness towards us. But God is just and our choices have consequences. If we read further down in Psalms 145, we will come to verse 20 which says: The LORD keeps all who love Him, But all the wicked He will destroy. While verse 9 shows us that God wants to give us goodness (a.k.a blessings), verse 20 confirms the reality of the situation that we will not always get these blessings. In fact, he will actively work to destroy those who stray too far from Him.

All of us have the opportunity to receive God's goodness; he wants to give it and there are undoubtedly countless times in every person's life where He has been good to us without our awareness. It should come as no surprise that the wicked people in Jeremiah 13 faced the wrath of God just as he said they would in Psalms 145:20. Instead of contradiction, the consistency of the Bible has been shown.

Explanation 3 - Read the Whole Story
All of Psalm 145 must be taken into context. Consider what is said in verse 20:

Psalm 145:20 The LORD keeps all who love Him, But all the wicked He will destroy.

God makes it clear that He will destroy wicked people so it should come as no surprise when we find a group of people in Jeremiah 13, that they are being warned again about being destroyed. How do we know they are a wicked people? Because the Bible tells us a few verses earlier:

Jeremiah 13:10 ‘This wicked people, who refuse to listen to My words, who walk in the stubbornness of their hearts and have gone after other gods to serve them and to bow down to them, let them be just like this waistband which is totally worthless.

Explanation 4 - God's Justice Is Always Good
When God administers justice it is always good. God's goodness does not trump God's justness. The Bible clearly states that there are consequences to sin. Some consequences are natural while others are directly levied by God. To say because God is good means that he can never punish the wicked is simply untrue. Because God is good, he MUST punish the wicked.]]> Verses
Psalms 145:9 (NIV) The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.
Jeremiah 13:14 (NIV)"I will smash them one against the other, fathers and sons alike, declares the LORD. I will allow no pity or mercy or compassion to keep me from destroying them."

Alleged Contradiction
God can't possibly be "good to all", as stated in Psalms 145:9, if he vows to destroy fathers and sons together, without pity, mercy or compassion.

Explanation 1 - Discrimination
A problem with the allegation lies in the interpretation of Psalms 145:9. The Psalms verse is not claiming that the LORD is "good to all" in every single action. Rather, it is a statement about discrimination. God does not restrict "goodness" to a lucky few; everyone he has made is able to receive goodness and compassion from him.

Explanation 2 - Perspective & Scope
It is incorrect to interpret Pslams 145:9 to mean God must always do what we consider to be good. While I may want to win 1 million dollars in the lottery, has God been bad to me by actively preventing my numbers from hitting? To a non Christian, the answer could easily be yes. However, from God's perspective, he could be protecting me from getting money that would allow me to quit my job, develop a drug habit and actively destroy my family and life. It's all about perspective, and it's God's perspective that matters.

Psalms 145:9 is better understood as a general "hope" or "intent" of God. It is an overview statement meant to praise God's general disposition towards all of us. His heart is bent on goodness towards us. But God is just and our choices have consequences. If we read further down in Psalms 145, we will come to verse 20 which says: The LORD keeps all who love Him, But all the wicked He will destroy. While verse 9 shows us that God wants to give us goodness (a.k.a blessings), verse 20 confirms the reality of the situation that we will not always get these blessings. In fact, he will actively work to destroy those who stray too far from Him.

All of us have the opportunity to receive God's goodness; he wants to give it and there are undoubtedly countless times in every person's life where He has been good to us without our awareness. It should come as no surprise that the wicked people in Jeremiah 13 faced the wrath of God just as he said they would in Psalms 145:20. Instead of contradiction, the consistency of the Bible has been shown.

Explanation 3 - Read the Whole Story
All of Psalm 145 must be taken into context. Consider what is said in verse 20:

Psalm 145:20 The LORD keeps all who love Him, But all the wicked He will destroy.

God makes it clear that He will destroy wicked people so it should come as no surprise when we find a group of people in Jeremiah 13, that they are being warned again about being destroyed. How do we know they are a wicked people? Because the Bible tells us a few verses earlier:

Jeremiah 13:10 ‘This wicked people, who refuse to listen to My words, who walk in the stubbornness of their hearts and have gone after other gods to serve them and to bow down to them, let them be just like this waistband which is totally worthless.

Explanation 4 - God's Justice Is Always Good
When God administers justice it is always good. God's goodness does not trump God's justness. The Bible clearly states that there are consequences to sin. Some consequences are natural while others are directly levied by God. To say because God is good means that he can never punish the wicked is simply untrue. Because God is good, he MUST punish the wicked.]]>