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Numbers 25:10-29:40 "Being Zealous for G-d" (Parasha "Pinchas")

PARASHA: “Pinchas” NUMBERS 25:10-29:40

This Torah portion starts with a somewhat surprising promotion in rank for an execution committed, and rather suddenly. Pinchas, the grandson of Aaron was a Levite, and during the time of the “weakness and falling away of the men of Israel, He took matters into his own hands, and slew Zimri and Cozbi, who were committing fornication in the sight of all Israel, yet Adonai rewarded him for this and gave him an “everlasting covenant of peace and an everlasting priesthood” because he was “Zealous” for his God, because he made an “atonement” for the Children of Israel”.

to understand this, we must go back to the story of "Balak". King Balak wanted Balaam to curse Israel, yet Adonai did not do this, as Adonai prohibited this. Adonai has already blessed Israel, and whoever Adonai has blessed, no one can curse. However, through the evil counsel of Bilaam, he let Balak know that the Israelites could bring a curse to themselves by going after the pagan gods of Moab and Midian, which would be through the enticing invitations of the women of Moab.

The Torah says that the Children of Israel went after the Moabite prostitutes and went to worship their god “Baal-Peor,” thus bringing down the wrath of YHVH. The result was a plague that killed 24,000 Israelites until Pinchas took action by taking a lance and thrusting it through the bellies of Zimri and Cozbi, thus “staying” the plague. As Adonai called it, “making an atonement for the children of Israel. "Blood for Blood." God gave Pinchas "A covenant of Peace." "Brit Shalom". What is interesting is that the "Vav" (or the letter "o") in the original Hebrew in the word "Shalom" is broken in half. What could this mean? One explanation is that Israel "Was" at peace before the Moabite women came to entice the men of Israel to go worship their gods, but the peace was "broken" through the worship of Baal and the fornication until Pinchas made "blood atonement."

Our Messiah Yeshua had never been separate from the love and fellowship of the Father, yet that "Shalom" was "broken" temporarily when he hung on that cross and bore our sins, as he cried "Eli, Eli, Lama Sabachtani" (My God, My God, why have you forsaken me)

Another thing we must remember is that we ALL have two natures, the “Yetzer Hara” (The evil inclination, or the sin nature) and the “Born again” spirit-filled nature that comes when we accept Yeshua as Messiah and LORD. Both live inside us, and something can “trigger” that old sinful nature and cause havoc and misery in our lives. In the case of the Israelite men, it was the arrival of the Midianite and Moabite prostitutes of Baal-Peor, and not only did they bring a curse upon the encampment of the Israelites, but they also brought death to 24,000 of the population.

Now, it seems like a large number, but if we realize that the Israelites probably numbered 2 or 3 million, then that number is quite small. We also need to realize that not ALL of Israel went after “Baal-Peor,” only the ones that went after the prostitutes. Yet the whole nation of Israel was affected. One can also ask a question: “Can one change his or her nature of being?” To answer this question, we need to look at a story.

A king once had two sons. To test them, he asked them that question. The first son said, “Yes, one can change his or her nature.” Yet the second son said, “No, one can never change his or her nature.

The king then said, “Go out and prove your statement; you have a week.” So, both sons went out, and after a week, they returned to the palace. The first son came near the king and queen with a large cloth bag. He put it on the floor, and out came a cat. The cat was dressed in fine linen and had a servant’s hat. The cat got up and walked on its two hind legs and lifted a small silver tray towards the king and queen. On the tray were two chocolates. The king and queen smiled and marveled at the cat and accepted the two chocolates. Everyone applauded! How wonderful!

The second son said, “Wait a minute.” He took a small cloth bag and emptied it on the floor, and out ran 5 mice. When the cat saw the mice, it dropped the tray and ran after the mice on all four paws. “You see,” said the son, “the cat went back to its old nature, it only needed a 'trigger”. You can dress a cat with fine clothes and teach it a few tricks, but it will always be a cat, and cats chase mice according to their feline nature.

We will always have our “old nature of sin” with us, and it will rear up its ugly head, as Rav Shaul (Apostle Paul) testifies in Romans 7:14-25. Only physical death will free us from the “old sin nature.” Every day, it is a constant battle. The spirit against the flesh and the flesh against the spirit.

Another Prophet who showed "Kana" (zeal) for God was Elijah, who slew the 450 prophets of Baal after God accepted the sacrifice on the altar, and all the people saw that. They were convinced, and many turned from Baal worship.

Later on, in this Parashah, we see that Moshe intercedes for Israel when Adonai tells him to go up Har Abiram and take a look around, because he will die there. Adonai appoints “Yehoshua” as Moshe’s successor to lead the people into the promised land. We see two leaders now, “Pinchas,” who is granted the title and inheritance of “High Priest” for his action, he symbolizes the “Kana” (Zeal) for Adonai, and Yehoshua, who is given the “Ruach Elohim” to lead the people. Yehoshua is the same as “Yeshua” for HE is the one who leads US in our lives today. Yeshua also showed “Kana” when he drove out the money changers in the temple, he used a bit of violence, yet not for “religious” reasons, but for the “love” of HIS father and for respect for HIS HOUSE. Today HIS HOUSE consists of all “Kehilot” (assemblies) of born-again believers all over the world, not buildings

There are other ways one can show “zeal” for YHVH today: loving His Torah, obeying his commandments, teaching His Word to those who would listen, loving our neighbors, supporting our local body of believers, and voting for government officials who also uphold biblical standards. Pointing out sinful ways to sinners (in a loving, not condemning way) and pointing them to a personal relationship with Yeshua, our Messiah.

Chapters 28 and 29 deals with the review of the sacrifices and offerings that the Israelites would offer to YHVH. Remember that they are about to cross over the Jordan to possess the promised land. There, they would be “permanent residents,” and the fight would continue to cast out the Canaanites (another reason for the census) to see how many “fighting men” the nation consisted of. Every element of the offerings and sacrifices illustrates who YESHUA is and what he stands for;

2 lambs per day, fine flour with oil; Yeshua, who is the Lamb of God, who is the BREAD of Life, who has the Ruach HaKodesh (The Holy Spirit) within him. The oil symbolizes the Spirit of Elohim, and the “anointing by the Spirit on ALL believers. Wine was also used to pour over the sacrifices; the “wine” symbolizes the blood of Yeshua that ran down the cross, out of his veins for an atonement for all who believe and accept his sacrifice for sin. Bullocks were also sacrificed; the bullock symbolizes “strength” as the ancient symbol of the letter “Alef” was in the form of a bull. Adonai is “strength,” yet he allowed himself to become “lower than the angels” to walk as a man and be a willing sacrifice for sin. The goats remind us of Yom Kippur, one was set free and the other sacrificed, reminding us that our sins were “cast away” from us as well as dealt with on the cross. The sacrificed rams remind us of the “ram” that was in the thicket when Abraham offered his son Isaac as a sacrifice. That ram was sacrificed instead of Isaac, just as Yeshua was offered as a blood sacrifice in our place.

The sacrifice of Yeshua was ALL SUFFICIENT, for ALL TIME. Nothing lacking. We need to accept HIS sacrifice and atonement for sin in THIS LIFE, because our decision in THIS LIFE will determine where we will spend our NEXT LIFE.

Puzzling comment from brother

Thank you for your thoughtful suggestions.

We are elderly. I'm 75, he 72.
You are still youngins, In Eden people lived for hundreds of years, Noah was around 500 when he was building the ARK.

The only thing I could think of is if there were problems in the church or not.
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How do I rid my heart of remaining bitter roots?

1) Instant forgiveness is bad sometimes, especially if it lets people walk over you over and over. This happened to me in childhood. Forgiveness should be done when the offending party repents. Real forgiveness, from the heart, instead of as an ideal to do as fast as possible, should heal the soul rather than store up resentment.

Matthew 6:14 - "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you."
Romans 12:19 - "Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord."

Here are two bible verses that might help you. The point of forgiving is to ensure you are forgiven and healed in your heart. If you are concerned with judgement and accountability you can trust God that God is a righteous judge without fault and will administer justice fairly.


2) How does one have a chance to forgive if one never gets to meet someone again? Is turning them and their offenses over the Jesus for forgiveness the way to forgive them and let go?

This could be similar to the good samaritan. A man was beaten almost to death and left stranded and passed by several priests and others. He would have to forgive the person who robbed him and almost killed him as well as the others who left him for dead.

Sometimes this could be an ex-partner or someone where there is no longer any contact. You can forgive these people from your heart but you do not need to seek them out, rather than try to seek these people out you can just seek God instead.


3) What if the abuser is a complete evil narcissistic psycho instead of someone who is just of a mean personality or having a bad day? That takes an extra long time to forgive compared to the above, and probably not in person. The Israelites didn't forgive the Canaanites on the battlefield, they conquered them. Jesus didn't just stand there and forgive the mob when they chased Him, He escaped (when it was not yet His time [to be captured]). When Jesus says turn the other cheek, He's speaking of social dynamics of getting along with fellow people where there are friends and enemies and heated disagreements, not threat-to-safety situations and abusive malice that needs to be escaped or survived. Love will always calm the troubled waters of anyone except someone with evil criminal malice against you.

Matthew 5:45 - "that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."

Romans 2:4 - "Or despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?" (21st king james)

The goodness of God is what helps lead people to repentance. What might help you is to try to put yourself in their situation or the golden rule treating them the way you would want to be treated.

Rather than view them as a horrible person, try to think what kind of life did they have that caused them to become the way they did? Some people suffer cruel horrific fates in the world, there is always a factor of time and luck, some are very unfortunate.

Some people witness or experience these calamaties and decide they must be ruthless and merciless in the world in order to survive. This stems from a nature which is seperated from God, this nature may seem right to people but in the end it leads to death.

If you had the full eternal perspective of God you would understand their fate and ending and you would see that God is a fair judge and that such a fate is so horrifying that God would not want any to perish.

A good example is reading Luke chapter 16 the parable of the rich man and Lazarus.


4) What is forgiveness really anyways? I've come across many definitions. I think forgiveness means to let go of the the fault or the person on the mind, and to turn it over to God to handle the injustice, but still once bitten twice shy if the person is bad influence or dangerous of course, gotta stay safe and sane. Forgive but don't necessarily forget.

Matthew 10:16 tells people to be wise as a serpent but harmless as a dove. You may need to be more cautious or prudent especially if you are a vulnerable person such as someone who is on the autism spectrum. Thankfully with God you are able to use your situations and even any weaknesses as strengths.

Yes you want to protect yourself from bad situations and you can always ask God for more wisdom.
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Victory In Jesus

Ephesians 6:12 KJV
[12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
My Intrepretation: To Rely on Gof by speaking faith , reading your bible ,praying to God
Hebrews 11:1 KJV
[1] Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Reading your bible praying to God
2 Corinthians 2:14 -17KJV [14] Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
[15]For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:[16]To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?[17]For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

Me bot being a denon or devil
Colossians 3:15 KJV
[15] And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.


Principle To All Religions Psalm 9:1 KJV
[1] I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.
Word Written and Spoken by Reginald Taylor Jr

Did Jesus Stop Eating After His 40-Day Fast? Some Food for Thought

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Hello

This is how I know.

I was raised attending a fundamental Baptist church in east Texas. Every Sunday our preacher's sermon was about accepting Jesus as savior or go to hell. I heard about sin, hell, Jesus dying on the cross, and “believing” in Jesus. At age 13 we had a week long revival and at the end of each of his sermons the visiting preacher would walk up and down the aisle begging people to go to the altar to accept Jesus as their savior. At the first service I remember thinking to myself “I hope he doesn't come over to me.” Well, he did, and when he put his hand on my shoulder, I found myself walking down the aisle to the altar. I was met by my SS teacher at the altar, and he asked me if I wanted to accept Jesus as my savior. Of course, I said “yes” so he had me repeat a prayer after him. I was told that I was now “saved,” and the next Sunday I was baptized in the regular church service.

By the time I was about 17-18 years old I wasn't sure if anything I had heard in church was true. I didn't care anything about going to church; I forgot about God and did things teenagers do. Later I finished high school, went to college & graduated not knowing what kind of job/career I should pursue, and finally settled into a teaching career as a math teacher, got married and started thinking about things young married couples think about.

By the time I was about 25-26 years old I stated to question myself about thinking that God was not real. I had serious doubts about all the stuff I had been taught in church as a kid being true. I wasn't convinced that the bible was true or that God existed. I did not understand how “believing in Jesus,” if he WAS real, would save anyone, and I did not understand how saying a prayer “in Jesus' name would save anyone. None of it made sense to me and I just did not get it. But, although I did not “get it,” and I wasn't convinced that any of it was true, for some reason I began to think a lot about what would happen to me if I was wrong, and the bible is true.

After several miserable years of doubting the truth of the bible, I started going to the church that I grew up in and pretend to be a Christian. Deep down inside I knew that I seriously doubted that I was a true “believer,” and many times I would try to work up a sense of “belief” then say a prayer asking God to save me. Afterwards I would have peace for maybe a day, but then the doubts would come back and again the fear & misery took hold of my life. The “believe in Jesus” part was the main thing that had me confused; I did not understand the meaning of “believe.” I began to ask people at church a lot of questions about the bible & about believing in Jesus. I still wasn't sure if any of it was true, but I wanted to know one way or the other. I talked to our SS teacher, the preacher, and other Christians. None of them could give me any answers that convinced me of the truth of the bible. No one could explain to me how saying a prayer in Jesus' name would save anyone. No one could convince me what was meant by “believing in Jesus.” I was still as confused as ever and did not know what to do about the matter. I found some books in the church library written by well known Christians authors, and I read those books over & over. Those books only repeated the stuff I had already heard in church. I still did not have any answers that convinced me that I would be “saved” if I “believed in Jesus,' and that I could know, without a doubt, that Jesus would hear me & save me. I thought that there was absolutely NO way I could ever know for sure that I believed in Jesus & was saved. By this time my life was consumed with fear; fear that I had missed something; fear that there was a missing link somewhere that I would never find. Fear that was I facing a tragic future.

I was miserable, hopeless, and helpless. I realized that all the things “I” was doing were not getting me any answers. I did not know what I should do. One night as I lay down to try and get some sleep, I looked up at the ceiling of the bedroom and said a prayer to a God who I wasn't sure existed. I said “God will you show me how to believe in Jesus?” Then I went to sleep and slept better that night than I had slept in a long time.

The next night I found the big family bible, dusted it off, and turned to the Book of John, the Gospel of John. That was the first time I had ever read in a bible outside of church. I did remember someone in church saying that if anyone wants to know about Jesus to read the Book of John.

As I began to read from the first verse of the Book of John I noticed that, for some reason, I was understanding the words I was reading in a way that I had not understood them in the past when reading the bible in Sunday school class as a kid. It was as though there was something inside of me that was enabling me to understand the words. At first it was kind of like a dim light that allowed me to grasp little bits of information that got my attention. When I read the first 14 verses, something inside of me said, “That is Jesus, and he is God who became a man; he created the world everything in it.”
As I continued to read, the light became brighter and I began to see the words I was reading in a different way. When I read John 3:16 it reminded me of all the things I had heard in church about Jesus dying on the cross.

Two verses that really got my attention were John 4:23-24 which said that we worship God in Spirit and in truth, and I saw that I had just found that missing link. That missing link was/is the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit, and that light just became much brighter as I realized that I was reading my answer from God. Suddenly I knew that God is real and that He was showing me the truth that I had been searching for.

I continued to read, and found 2 other verses that got my attention, John 5:39-40, where Jesus told the Pharisees that they were searching scripture looking for eternal life and those very scripture told of him, Jesus, but they would not come to him so that he could give them eternal life. Then the light became even brighter as I saw that Jesus wanted me to come to Him so He could give me eternal life.

Next, I discovered even more convincing words in John chapter 6, verses 28- 44, where Jesus told those who were questioning him about the work God the Father required of them, and he told them that the work God required of them was to “believe in” the one whom he has sent. IOW, to believe in Jesus. WOW, that really got my attention, and I was still unsure about the word “believe," but I kept reading because, although I wasn't sure what I was going to find, I was willing to accept whatever it would be if it convinced me how to believe in Jesus. In the rest of verses 30-44 Jesus told those who were questioning him that they can't come to him unless God the Father teaches & draws them to him, Jesus, as they hear and learn from him, God the Father. But the verse that turned that light on to full beam for me was verse 37 where Jesus said, “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”

At the moment that God's Spirit turned that light on for me, I “got it.” All the things that I had heard in church as a kid, but did not understand, suddenly made sense to me. I saw that it's all about him. God's Spirit had just convinced me that the finished work of Jesus on the cross paid the penalty for my sin, in full, and that there is nothing that I could do or had to do to make myself acceptable to God for him to save me. I knew that Jesus took care of my sin problem for me, and immediately an enormous sense of relief overwhelmed my troubled soul. The Holy Spirit had just showed me that “believe in” meant to “depend on,” like a child depends on their parents to take care of them. I was convinced that God is real, the the bible is the truth, and that Jesus was waiting for me to come to him so he could save me and change me. I didn't have to try to believe; I couldn't help myself but to do anything except to believe. I could not have stopped myself from believing if I had wanted to. It was as though Jesus was right there in the room with me; no, I did not see a vision of Jesus, but I knew he was alive and there with me. I found myself talking to him, thanking him for dying on the cross for me, and I asked him to forgive my sin and to change me. I asked him to change me “his way.” I didn't really know what that meant, but that's what I wanted. Actually I came to “believe in” or to “depend on” Jesus before I called on Him. Like Romans 10:13-14 says, “...how shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed?”

That night, over 50 years ago I found a peace that I still have today. It is a peace that is impossible to explain to anyone who has never found that peace for themselves.

Yes, sometimes the devil tries to discourage me by putting the doubts back in my mind. He will try to get me to question my faith by telling me “you didn't really have enough faith,” or “ you didn't really commit your life to Christ,” or you didn't really repent,” or you didn't confess all your sin.” I remind the devil that it is not about anything I did, but it is all about what Jesus did for me on the cross. I will quote verse 3 of my favorite hymn to him.

My sin oh the bliss of this glorious thought
My sin not in part, but the whole
Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more
Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord Oh my soul

It Is Well with My Soul, Horatio G. Spafford


And then I quote my favorite scripture to him: John 14:6, “Jesus said I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”(KJV)


John
I never had any religious upbringing. My parents "believed" but were not practicing Christians in the sense of attending church. I attended Sunday school briefly, though I had stopped going by about six (I don't remember much about it). I know the stories (forgive the expression) though obviously not in any detail. I like the sentiment (NT at least) but I just cannot accept it as real.
I will keep looking though, you never know

Thank you for your reply
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If forever punishment is true and if all dead babies go to Heaven...

Any ones thoughts as to what Rom 6:3 says , That as many were BAPTIZED /. BAPTIZO. , into Christ Jesus.

were BAPTIZED /. into His Death. ??

And the Greek word Water /. Hydor. is. not. in. the Greek Text.

So how are WE. Baptized into His Death. ?/

dan p
He died for all humanity so we are all included because of what he did.
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Now drink your lead and other poison.

Canada is also undergoing a measles outbreak, centred on Ontario


The UK went through its own one in 2024, but is slowly getting it out of control.

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There once was a bunny

But when He didn't return, as they expected, they refigured the event, and understood that God said, " "Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary" .. being the plan of Salvation, OT & NT ... It moved from the physical, sanctuary of the OT, to the Spirtual Sanctuary, in Heaven, where Christ moved from the Holy Place to the Holy of Holies, where he is officiating the Atonement, since 1844
Yeah, it's standard procedure for date-setters to come up with a very spiritual excuse for having their End Times forecasts turn out to be rubbish. The problem they all have is not believing what our Lord said:
"
Matthew 24
36But about that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone."

42“Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming."


They stack hubris on top of ignorance, and are therefore compelled to fabricate a very religious-sounding excuse for their sure-fire can't-miss total-lock dates dates for our Lord's return come and go with incident, when simply accepting what our Lord exlicitly said wou;d have spared them their richly deserved embarassment.
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Don't Trust the Voters

I propose a similar solution - retain universal suffrage, but impose severe limits on electoral candidate selection.

Candidates for any elected role must be able to pass tests based around knowledge, skills and applied competencies. The more important, meaningful and impactful the desired role, the more difficult and lengthy the testing. The testing for a lifetime judicial appointment or a presidential candidate should be substantially different from the testing for a city councillor or school board member.

The old English model of public service examinations would be a good starting point. India's current Civil Service Exam provides a model - multiple rounds of testing, conducted over a lengthy period of time (I think it's 12 months) with multiple different elements (there's a verbal exam/interview, a series of general knowledge exams and then another series of exams/assessments based around competencies and practical applications). I think the pass rate is about 1-2%, and you're only allowed a set number of attempts.

That way, no matter who the voter votes for, they know they're going to end up with a candidate that is qualified for the role they are seeking.

There are - of course - dangers and drawbacks to this. It may just end up creating a political class whose main skill is scoring high on tests (this was a common complaint of many English-style civil services). It may also discourage electoral participation by people who are potentially good leaders, but don't perform will in examination-type scenarios. Perverse incentives abound
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Because of Evildoers

“Do not fret because of evildoers,
Be not envious toward wrongdoers.
For they will wither quickly like the grass
And fade like the green herb.
Trust in the Lord and do good;
Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the Lord;
And He will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord,
Trust also in Him, and He will do it.
He will bring forth your righteousness as the light
And your judgment as the noonday.
Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.” (Psalm 37:1-7 NASB1995)

There are many wicked people in this world, and not all of them are those who are being publicly identified as “evil,” but many of them are being publicly identified as “good.” And many who are being called “evil,” are not evil, but are “good.” So, please do not put your trust in what you hear or read or think you see on the internet or on television or coming from any other media source, pastors included. For lies and liars abound all over the place. And deception is huge just about everywhere you look these days.

But there are definitely real wicked people who are plotting and carrying out evil against those who have done them no harm. And many that they target are true followers of Jesus Christ. For Christian persecution is definitely on the rise, and some people making false professions of faith in Jesus are only helping in the charge against those who are true servants of the Lord Jesus. For some who profess to be good are our enemies, in disguise. And so they purposefully try to make Christians look bad so that we will be hated.

But we are not to fear these evildoers and what they might do to us. For our Lord was very upfront with us in letting us know that if we follow him with our lives that we will be hated and persecuted as he was, and that suffering is part of the Christian life, helping to make us more like Jesus. And if we are treated as Jesus’ enemies treated him, we will be falsely accused of wrong, when we are doing right. And we will have people who will lay mental traps for us to fall into, so that they will have cause to accuse us wrongfully.

But we are not to give way to fear of what they might do to us, but we are to put our trust in the Lord, and then keep on doing the good that we ought to do, as his followers, and as called of God to specific areas of ministry. And we do this because we love God, and we want to obey him, but also because we love our fellow humans, and we want them to hear and to believe the truth so that they can be delivered out of their slavery to sin, so that they will now walk in obedience to our Lord and to his New Covenant Commands.

And when this says that we should delight ourselves in the Lord, and he will give us the desires of our hearts, please know that if truly our delight is in the Lord, our desires will now be what he desires for our lives, and they won’t be sinful, fleshly, and selfish desires. And if we truly delight in the Lord, this isn’t just about feeling good and feeling happy, but it is about being joyful in service to him, with a desire to obey his commands and with a commitment to put sin to death and to live holy lives, pleasing to him.

And if we are slandered by those who oppose us, if they bring false charges against us in hopes to discredit us so that people will no longer listen to us –which was the intent of Jesus’ enemies always, and why they put him to death – then we must give it all over to the Lord, trusting that he will take care of us and that one day, maybe even after we die, the Lord will bring our true character into the light, and we will be exonerated of the lies spoken against us. For the Lord will plead our case for us. So we’re to have no fear!

For Our Nation

Professionally recorded in Nashville, TN
Via Gerry Peters, music producer and arranger
An Original Work / September 11, 2012
Christ’s Free Servant, Sue J Love


Bombs are bursting. Night is falling.
Jesus Christ is gently calling
You to follow Him in all ways.
Trust Him with your life today.
Make Him your Lord and your Savior.
Turn from your sin. Follow Jesus.
He will forgive you of your sin;
Cleanse your heart, made new within.

Men betraying: Our trust fraying.
On our knees to God we’re praying,
Seeking God to give us answers
That are only found in Him.
God is sovereign over all things.
Nothing from His mind escaping.
He has all things under His command,
And will work all for good.

Jesus Christ is gently calling
You to follow Him in all ways.

Men deceiving: We’re believing
In our Lord, and interceding
For our nation and its people
To obey their God today.
He is our hope for our future.
For our wounds He offers suture.
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Because of Evildoers
An Original Work / July 22, 2025
Christ’s Free Servant, Sue J Love

Prayers for my friend.

Sorry I forgot to update you all! He successfully had the surgery 2 weeks ago and is ok right now. He gets the sutures removed on Friday and will find out Friday if he has cancer or not. Right now he is in massive pain and the pain will get worse on Friday when they remove the sutures and will slowly get better over time. They've got him on prescription pain killers but they apparently do nothing. Please pray for him and I'll update you guys Friday on how it goes
continued prayers!
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Guy From Medina Pride Came Back...

I'm not sure what more can be said in a situation like that. OP did fine, sharing Christ died for his personal sin & rose to give him eternal life

My guess is he's well-learned based on his response & he took time to think out his beliefs. I would venture he's read the Bible to a greater extent then many people who identify as Christians. His response can't be given the care he requires in that short time frame. His response requires Apologetics & time. Sadly, I fear many Christians downplay the need for apologetics when evangelizing. The NT is more then just 'you will believe b/c an Apostle told you.'
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How to grow as a Christian? Maybe personal guidance (not sure)

I wish you success and safety as you defend your country.

One possibility you might consider is to pray the Daily Office, as your schedule permits. My church's Book of Common Prayer has liturgies for Morning Prayer, Noonday Prayer, Evening Prayer, and Compline. All of these are services that can be done without clergy. You can pray them on your own, or you can gather with a few friends if there are others nearby who want to join you. Praying all four each day is a lot, but pick one that fits your schedule well, and try praying it regularly -- daily, if you can.

An online version of the Book of Common Prayer is here: The Online Book of Common Prayer . It's in English, but your English seems excellent.

Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer assume you have access to a Bible. Bible passages can be found online (at least, in English; I hope Ukrainian too?), if you don't have a print copy of the Bible. Noonday Prayer and Compline (late evening) are shorter and more self-contained.

To be clear, there are many kinds of spiritual disciplines that are useful for Christians, and the Daily Office is just one. But I know a number of Christians who find it beneficial.
(posting in fellowship)

Great advice!

I'm not Anglican, but I also love the Daily Office from the Book of Common Prayer, as well as the prayers within it. I find them very uplifting.

:)
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