Christian theology knowledge, how deep you are into worshipping, and other dating deal breakers

[dzheremi]

No matter what thing you might complain about, it's still someone's right to divide the dateable from the undateable based on that thing. Sure, it doesn't feel great to be in the latter category, but what's the alternative? If a woman tells you "No thank you; I'm not interested", do you say "No, actually, you are, because the criteria you used to dismiss me is not fair"? Of course not. You may think that, but something about saying it out loud would make it seem silly and ridiculous. As the kids would say (I think!), just take the L. So that one wasn't the one for you. Okay then. Knock the dust from your feet and go some place else.

I care deeply about theology. It is part of the reason why I'm Orthodox and not something else. But all of these threads are really the same thread in a million different disguises: "Women have standards that I'm not meeting, and that makes me feel bad, because it hurts to be rejected." Yes, it does. Of course it does. No one would deny it. Women are hurt when they are rejected too. That's just part of being human. But the idea that women are hurting you via theology or something is really weird. In my particular Church, we are not allowed to marry outside of the communion, and these types of incompatibilities are part of the reason why I think that is a sound principle, despite the fact that it makes it exponentially less likely that I'll ever marry (as I'm not ethnically Coptic, Syrian, Ethiopian, etc., whereas most of the people in the communion are, so there is a large amount of cultural difference). So even in cases where there is no theological difference between the parties (since we're all part of the same communion), it can be difficult. But I remember what my friend Raafat from church said the one time I complained about how restrictive the Church's marriage rules are from a convert's perspective: "Yes, fine, but so what? Did you join the Church because you love Jesus, or to find a woman to marry?" Oooof. That instantly killed any desire to complain about this in the future!

 

[bèlla]

I think people attracts spirits based on their convictions or weaknesses. Eventually, they become the spirit(s) that inhabits them. These spirits aren't necessarily powerful. Most of the time, these spirits are just average in strength.

Sin exposes us to negative spiritual influences as will wrong connections when a bond develops. Disembodied entities must be invited for indwelling. Which is the result of strongholds or spiritual practices that transgress the laws the Lord set. You can repent about a behavior and still be vexed by it spiritually. Repentance doesn't drive it away but its power is lessened when you cease to indulge.

I really don't know my calling. I never asked for it and the Lord never told met yet, despite seeing Jesus often in dreams. I think I'm in training for now.

I always believed we're here for a reason and addressed it from a kingdom perspective. I knew I was meant to represent the Lord in some capacity and my gifts and talents weren't happenstance. I began to view them with Him in mind and jotted them down and prayed for insight.

What I term "lifestyle design" is really that in action. I devote my time to developing the qualities He provided and devising new ways to be of service. Commitment is a conduit for more. When you stir up the gift He can strengthen it and bring others to accompany.

I may have a gift in exorcism, especially exorcising a place or a house but I also react to the spirits. I seem to absorb their energy and re-emit their energies in an uncontrolled fashion that can physically manifest and can be dangerous. I need to be able to control it. Jesus said I also have other gifts that is yet to manifest and with the right training, it could.

God bless you. Someone needs to do it. I'll recognize the presence in the natural. But I'm not looking for them. I'm conversant in warfare but I wouldn't want to be in the deliverance ministry and He knows it. But one of the benefits of discernment is revelation in prayer. When you intercede on an issue with a spiritual root you'll feel it. The stronger it is the more it manifests. They'll make appearances too but I ignore them and continue to pray.

That's why I prayed for the men I considered for companionship. Not only because I should but also because of the insight. I know what bothers me and anything foreign hails from the other. If there's a lot of pushback I know they've opened some doors or their spiritual DNA requires attention.

Do you want the other gifts to manifest?

One thing Jesus did ask me to do is learn Aramaic. I have absolutely no interest in the language so I find this to be a strange request and because only few people speaks the language today.

You may be serving a group or performing a service that requires it. Including translation. I thought I was done with Hebrew but I felt a prick when I responded to something a month ago and another this week. I don't know if He's sending back to the synagogue or compelling me to resume the things I once did for a greater purpose.

I don't know biblical Hebrew but I understand the modern version. We had classes in the past. I'm rusty but if I see a transliterated text I can read it. But I'm not messianic.

Leather boot with heels is the same boot used in figure skating. If they had one available for slalom inline frames, I would have gotten one too because eventually, I would like to progress into ice figure skating, couple of years down the road.

Wow, that's cool! Figure skating is nice and your light frame is an asset. I used to watch the competitions years ago and contemplated getting my daughter lessons but chose golf instead.

I never skated my whole until last 8 months, in my forties.

You've picked up a lot in that period and it seems to resonate with your makeup. Ballet and riding are my late additions. But I'm starting with pilates to strengthen my core and increase flexibility. I used to think of more adventurous activities. I enjoy skiing and golf but injuries are a consideration and I've ruled out a few.

We used to have the same setup many years ago until two families emigrated to other countries and everyone voted to sell the whole property due to better offer than selling the lots individually.

One of our relatives in California have same setup obviously due to high cost of living.

It's probably more common elsewhere. Rising prices have made homeownership difficult for many and corporations are buying them which drives the prices up. We'll be a nation of renters soon.

My distant "soft" future plans is to immigrate to Chile or Argentina and invest in real estate. These places offer the best climate in the world if global warming worsens. Basically any country in the southern hemisphere far below the equator like NZ.

A change of locale would be good for you and offer a fresh start. That's how I view our move overseas. The time in the countryside with get us acclimated with larger space, a garden and pets. Once my studies complete we'll settle in the south of France. The climate is favorable and I can grow year round.

What kind of real estate are you interested in?

I'm not really crazy on having a long life in this world anyway. Not a high priority and I would rather see the afterlife sooner. But if eventually I'm able to do it with better finances, I'll do it for the sake of my mom, sister, and niece. My only "selfish" reason to live longer is know more about the spiritual reality, ironically including afterlife. I don't think the Bible says about the spiritual reality enough. I have to go through non-canon Jewish scriptures to find more about it and I haven't read all of them yet.

I want to be here as long as I can to see my grandchildren grow up, accomplish my purpose and leave things in place for the next. I'd like to sit for several portraits while I'm here. To leave something behind for my loved ones that they can treasure for years to come.

My goal is to create a hall of ancestors and portraits made for those who've passed away like my grandparents and other relatives as a way of honoring their memory in the home. A family manual is a long-term project with practical and spiritual lessons with multiple contributors. An oral history of sorts that's documented.

What are your favorite non canonical books? I've read several too.

I only referred to youtube to operate the small sewing machine I have. But the hand sewing method, I found out on my own through trial and error.

There's someone on YouTube who only makes garments by hand. She shows her process and wears historical pieces and that's her wardrobe. Watching her is intriguing. I'm dipping a tow in costume design. That's the best utilization for pieces like that and there's period inspired events around the world.

I watched a program that recreated a ball from Jane Austen's era. They had the candles, decor, clothing and music. The participants were professionals and dancing was lovely but they said it was hard! The movies don't do it justice. They never stop moving. No wondered they needed punch afterward.

English country dance is a must and I want to learn. One of the best things about Spotify was finding music from different eras. It gives you a greater appreciation of the quality they had during that period. I wouldn't want to live back then but it's interesting nonetheless.

My workout clothes wear rapidly. I have an unusually acidic sweat that smells and tastes like hydrochloric acid. It bleaches my clothes and turns the fabric brittle over time.

Why is it so acidic?

~bella

 

[timewerx]

Sin exposes us to negative spiritual influences as will wrong connections when a bond develops. Disembodied entities must be invited for indwelling. Which is the result of strongholds or spiritual practices that transgress the laws the Lord set. You can repent about a behavior and still be vexed by it spiritually. Repentance doesn't drive it away but its power is lessened when you cease to indulge.

You might find it disturbing that in my experience, evil spirits can let themselves in even without inviting them in even among Christians who are living righteously.

Individually, people are like mini universes in their own right and you can think of spirits as "travelers" between universes. Spirits will likely avoid places where they can't be profitable but it doesn't stop them completely from trying to change their environment (their host), changing their convictions in order to become profitable in their host.

We can still resist these attempts by dark spirits to change our convictions the best we can. I've faced such situations before and surprised how my convictions can be turned overnight. Thankfully, the Lord will intervene when necessary.

God bless you. Someone needs to do it. I'll recognize the presence in the natural. But I'm not looking for them. I'm conversant in warfare but I wouldn't want to be in the deliverance ministry and He knows it. But one of the benefits of discernment is revelation in prayer. When you intercede on an issue with a spiritual root you'll feel it. The stronger it is the more it manifests. They'll make appearances too but I ignore them and continue to pray.

That's why I prayed for the men I considered for companionship. Not only because I should but also because of the insight. I know what bothers me and anything foreign hails from the other. If there's a lot of pushback I know they've opened some doors or their spiritual DNA requires attention.

Do you want the other gifts to manifest?

I never done it for other people. I still worry my presence may cause more harm than good. My method involves "baiting" dark spirits to make them come out. I bait them out with my own negative emotions and I have plenty of negative emotions in store! It's the part were a lot of things can go wrong. It's like drawing a wild and dangerous animal to you and can put people nearby in great danger.

Wow, that's cool! Figure skating is nice and your light frame is an asset. I used to watch the competitions years ago and contemplated getting my daughter lessons but chose golf instead.

Learning on ice is way better and less chance of injuries from falls too. Flexibility is a tremendous asset here. My flexibility is terrible but I'm still trying. I doubt I'll ever be competitive enough to make the competitions. Competing is not my goal anyway but for healing of my mind.

You've picked up a lot in that period and it seems to resonate with your makeup. Ballet and riding are my late additions. But I'm starting with pilates to strengthen my core and increase flexibility. I used to think of more adventurous activities. I enjoy skiing and golf but injuries are a consideration and I've ruled out a few.

It seems that core strength is universally important across many sports. Hiking up and down the mountain I think is the safest outdoor adventure activity IF there are no dangerous animals in the area.

I want to be here as long as I can to see my grandchildren grow up, accomplish my purpose and leave things in place for the next. I'd like to sit for several portraits while I'm here. To leave something behind for my loved ones that they can treasure for years to come.

My goal is to create a hall of ancestors and portraits made for those who've passed away like my grandparents and other relatives as a way of honoring their memory in the home. A family manual is a long-term project with practical and spiritual lessons with multiple contributors. An oral history of sorts that's documented.

Doesn't cross my mind. I fear the practice will bind my spirit in one place until that place is destroyed which can be a very long time. I think this is the reason why the Bible tells us not to make an image of anything that is heaven nor on Earth which includes humans. The Bible doesn't explain it further in detail but I read about information concerning spirits that pictures or paintings/sculptures can bind the consciousness of the deceased person in it until it is completely destroyed ofc and that can mean being bound to that object for a very long time.

We never had real portraits of Jesus nor any of the disciples from the time they were alive. The portraits came much much later on after many generations which means the works are entirely fictitious. They all lived within the Roman Empire where they could have easily made an image of Jesus for remembrance but no one bothered to. They're probably following from the Biblical command or something even more esoteric that's probably not mentioned in the canon scriptures. It's one of the things I'm on the lookout for as I go through non canon scriptures.

What are your favorite non canonical books? I've read several too.

I've read Book of Thomas, Book of Mary, Book of Judas, Book of Enoch so far. My favorite is the Book of Enoch. Hoping to read more including the Kabbalah.

Why is it so acidic?

It's probably adaptations to intermittent fasting, and eating and drinking little while maintaining vigorous workout routine. No ill effect of any kind to me though. Vultures with high body acidity faces similar circumstances

 

[LoveDivine]

No matter what thing you might complain about, it's still someone's right to divide the dateable from the undateable based on that thing. Sure, it doesn't feel great to be in the latter category, but what's the alternative? If a woman tells you "No thank you; I'm not interested", do you say "No, actually, you are, because the criteria you used to dismiss me is not fair"? Of course not. You may think that, but something about saying it out loud would make it seem silly and ridiculous. As the kids would say (I think!), just take the L. So that one wasn't the one for you. Okay then. Knock the dust from your feet and go some place else.

I care deeply about theology. It is part of the reason why I'm Orthodox and not something else. But all of these threads are really the same thread in a million different disguises: "Women have standards that I'm not meeting, and that makes me feel bad, because it hurts to be rejected." Yes, it does. Of course it does. No one would deny it. Women are hurt when they are rejected too. That's just part of being human. But the idea that women are hurting you via theology or something is really weird. In my particular Church, we are not allowed to marry outside of the communion, and these types of incompatibilities are part of the reason why I think that is a sound principle, despite the fact that it makes it exponentially less likely that I'll ever marry (as I'm not ethnically Coptic, Syrian, Ethiopian, etc., whereas most of the people in the communion are, so there is a large amount of cultural difference). So even in cases where there is no theological difference between the parties (since we're all part of the same communion), it can be difficult. But I remember what my friend Raafat from church said the one time I complained about how restrictive the Church's marriage rules are from a convert's perspective: "Yes, fine, but so what? Did you join the Church because you love Jesus, or to find a woman to marry?" Oooof. That instantly killed any desire to complain about this in the future!

I agree with all your points. I think one thing to keep in mind in all of this is that it's also hard to be the person who turns someone down who shows interest. That's not a pleasant situation to be in. That person is often made out to be the bad guy. It's not fair. Marriage is supposed to be a lifelong commitment with one person. It makes sense to be very selective. We shouldn't judge another person's reasons for not being interested. We can only find one person special enough and interesting enough to forsake all others for them. It's not shallow to be selective. Yes, some people are too quick to write others off as being a potential. That can be a problem. Even so, that only hurts the person who is doing that. They can end up missing out on a good relationship.

As for the theology concern, I can't even imagine seriously considering a guy for a relationship until we had had many discussions about our beliefs and spiritual experiences. That is the most important aspect of any relationship. I wouldn't expect my partner to share my beliefs on every point of doctrine. I would however want to know that we had the same mindset and outlook on our faith. I really like what you were told by your friend. It's a very good reminder that our faith is ultimately about Christ first and foremost. Our own happiness second.

I hope you find someone within your communion. Maybe there are dating sites you can try for Orthodox Singles.

 

[dzheremi]

I agree with all your points. I think one thing to keep in mind in all of this is that it's also hard to be the person who turns someone down who shows interest. That's not a pleasant situation to be in. That person is often made out to be the bad guy. It's not fair.

That is a very important and good point to make, so I'm glad you've made it (I think it's one of those points that maybe those who need to hear it would take more seriously coming from a woman than from a man like me). It seems like a lot of men think that since there is apparently a kind of "imbalance of interest" with the women they are asking out, then that means women are heartless and give no thought to turning down men over the slightest little thing. I don't see why that would be the case. Those times when I've turned a woman down due to lack of interest on my part did not feel good, either, so why assume that women would feel any differently? Are they made of different "stuff" than men are? No. We're all equally humans, just trying to find someone to be with. The fact that women have to be more selective than men due to the aforementioned imbalance of interest may mean that women are more practiced in letting their potential suitors down, but it doesn't then follow that they don't care. I would assume it grinds you down after a while.

Marriage is supposed to be a lifelong commitment with one person. It makes sense to be very selective. We shouldn't judge another person's reasons for not being interested. We can only find one person special enough and interesting enough to forsake all others for them. It's not shallow to be selective. Yes, some people are too quick to write others off as being a potential. That can be a problem. Even so, that only hurts the person who is doing that. They can end up missing out on a good relationship.

Definitely. That's very well observed.

As for the theology concern, I can't even imagine seriously considering a guy for a relationship until we had had many discussions about our beliefs and spiritual experiences. That is the most important aspect of any relationship. I wouldn't expect my partner to share my beliefs on every point of doctrine. I would however want to know that we had the same mindset and outlook on our faith. I really like what you were told by your friend. It's a very good reminder that our faith is ultimately about Christ first and foremost. Our own happiness second.

I hope you find someone within your communion. Maybe there are dating sites you can try for Orthodox Singles.

Thank you. That's very kind. I am not looking right now, but I still trust that if God wills it, He will make it happen. My task is to be open to it and cooperative with Him, as in all things.

 

[bèlla]

But the idea that women are hurting you via theology or something is really weird.

There are healthy and unhealthy people in the world of all iterations including Christians. There's this notion that if you're a believer you won't do this or that but it isn't true. Everyone has struggles and we respond to them differently. It isn't uncommon for people who've been rejected to do the same much like you see with bullies.

You have everything in the flock that you have in the world. The moment you accept that you'll stop being surprised. If you allow a person to show you who they are beforehand they will. Don't lead with assumption. Sometimes we have to sharpen our observation skills and head things off before they occur. Everything is obvious if you know how to spot it. That's the difference.

~bella

 

[bèlla]

You might find it disturbing that in my experience, evil spirits can let themselves in even without inviting them in even among Christians who are living righteously.

There's a difference between vexation and in dwelling. The latter requires legal rights that's why Christ mentioned the strongman. No matter how righteous you are you're still sinning and there's places you haven't surrendered to God that can warrant intrusions.

The person who is consistent in prayer and fasting has a cleaner abode than one who isn't. They're more likely to head off the problem and notice the temptation and errant thoughts while others don't. You don't realize how much the devil whispers until you gird your mind.

Individually, people are like mini universes in their own right and you can think of spirits as "travelers" between universes. Spirits will likely avoid places where they can't be profitable but it doesn't stop them completely from trying to change their environment (their host), changing their convictions in order to become profitable in their host.

I've seen them hopping from person to while walking outdoors. He's looking for a home and I reminded him he wasn't welcome. My natural prayer style is offensive. I'm always praying against something and don't stop with myself. I work on my bloodline too. When that's your perspective you think twice about the things you let in your life because you understand the consequences.

We can still resist these attempts by dark spirits to change our convictions the best we can. I've faced such situations before and surprised how my convictions can be turned overnight. Thankfully, the Lord will intervene when necessary.

It depends on where the conviction hails. The only ones that stand are those that dwell in the spirit. If it began in your head but hasn't made it to that place it can be broken. The same applies for the heart and the flesh.

I never done it for other people. I still worry my presence may cause more harm than good. My method involves "baiting" dark spirits to make them come out. I bait them out with my own negative emotions and I have plenty of negative emotions in store! It's the part were a lot of things can go wrong. It's like drawing a wild and dangerous animal to you and can put people nearby in great danger.

Why do you need to do that? You may encounter something stronger than you and end up with a roommate.

Learning on ice is way better and less chance of injuries from falls too. Flexibility is a tremendous asset here. My flexibility is terrible but I'm still trying. I doubt I'll ever be competitive enough to make the competitions. Competing is not my goal anyway but for healing of my mind.

Add pilates to your routine. There's free videos online.

Doesn't cross my mind. I fear the practice will bind my spirit in one place until that place is destroyed which can be a very long time.

I'm not worried about that. It's a way of honoring loved ones who contributed to our welfare and served the Lord. Telling their story is important. When we're gone no one will remember. Having a fount of wisdom to draw from is priceless. We learn different lessons. Getting them down is the goal.

I've read Book of Thomas, Book of Mary, Book of Judas, Book of Enoch so far. My favorite is the Book of Enoch. Hoping to read more including the Kabbalah.

Why do you want to read the kabbalah? What are you hoping to learn?

It's probably adaptations to intermittent fasting, and eating and drinking little while maintaining vigorous workout routine. No ill effect of any kind to me though. Vultures with high body acidity faces similar circumstances

Do you drink a lot of water frequently as a norm?

~bella

 

[dzheremi]

There are healthy and unhealthy people in the world of all iterations including Christians. There's this notion that if you're a believer you won't do this or that but it isn't true. Everyone has struggles and we respond to them differently. It isn't uncommon for people who've been rejected to do the same much like you see with bullies.

You have everything in the flock that you have in the world. The moment you accept that you'll stop being surprised. If you allow a person to show you who they are beforehand they will. Don't lead with assumption. Sometimes we have to sharpen our observation skills and head things off before they occur. Everything is obvious if you know how to spot it. That's the difference.

~bella

Forgive me, Bella, but it is not quite clear to me how this relates to the portion of my post that you quoted. Can you enlighten me further, if you don't mind explaining? Thank you.

 

[LoveDivine]

That is a very important and good point to make, so I'm glad you've made it (I think it's one of those points that maybe those who need to hear it would take more seriously coming from a woman than from a man like me). It seems like a lot of men think that since there is apparently a kind of "imbalance of interest" with the women they are asking out, then that means women are heartless and give no thought to turning down men over the slightest little thing. I don't see why that would be the case. Those times when I've turned a woman down due to lack of interest on my part did not feel good, either, so why assume that women would feel any differently? Are they made of different "stuff" than men are? No. We're all equally humans, just trying to find someone to be with.

Definitely. I think men tend to experience rejection more often than women, because they are usually the ones who initiate and pursue. So in that sense it can be tougher for men, because they are in the role of the person who is taking the risk so to speak. What I can add from the women's perspective is that it often puts the woman in the uncomfortable spot of either accepting someone she doesn't really find attractive to be courteous and polite or of declining/ rejecting the pursuit and exposing herself to negative comments and criticisms. I've experienced that myself. The guy showing interest immediately gets huffy and insulting when he is rejected. That's when you hear all the " be careful you don't end up alone comments." Is it right to demonize someone for not reciprocating interest ? All these threads are putting the blame on the women. We don't get their side of the story at all. We just get the narrative of shallow, picky women who turn down men for silly reasons. Maybe men need to stop to consider who they are asking out. Is that person someone who might be a good match ? So many guys take the approach of messaging tons of women on dating sites or asking out anyone who is avaliable in their church / social circle, etc. They aren't being selective just casting out their line hoping for a bite. That's fine if they want to do that, but they also shouldn't be surprised if that approach also yields more rejections than yes responses. Case in point this thread. The OP doesn't even like the type of women he is complaining about, but he still keeps asking them out anyway.

 

[bèlla]

Forgive me, Bella, but it is not quite clear to me how this relates to the portion of my post that you quoted. Can you enlighten me further, if you don't mind explaining? Thank you.

You said, "But the idea that women are hurting you via theology or something is really weird."

And I'm suggesting it's not. There isn't a predefined list of christian sins and struggles. You'll find everything in the world in the church. Including mind games. That doesn't mean everyone he's speaking to is doing that. But the idea it's impossible is wrong.

People frequently say if you're christian you won't do this or that. When in truth you don't have that struggle. You can be christian and use pornography or commit adultery. It happens. That's why people get hurt. They expect differently and lower their guard.

~bella

 

[timewerx]

The person who is consistent in prayer and fasting has a cleaner abode than one who isn't.

Yes, absolutely. Don't give the devil any foothold. Fasting and prayers definitely does that. Evil spirits can also be likened to drug cartels. You'll notice cartels are more successful/profitable in countries where corruption exists in the governments. In countries where the income gap is huge and poverty exists.

Why do you need to do that? You may encounter something stronger than you and end up with a roommate.

It's the only way I could stop evil spirit(s) from returning. I'm able to absorb their energy and I think it weakens them and for some reason, they cease from returning. I've ended up with "roommates" before but eventually capturing them as well.

Add pilates to your routine. There's free videos online.

I saw some videos and it's funny that I already do some of them during skating while warming up. My warm up routine is gliding one foot forward and backward in various postures combined with stretching and repetitive motions. It's quite more challenging to do it while also skating on one foot because you're maintaining balance as well. But it's good exercise (for my brain).

I'm not worried about that. It's a way of honoring loved ones who contributed to our welfare and served the Lord. Telling their story is important. When we're gone no one will remember. Having a fount of wisdom to draw from is priceless. We learn different lessons. Getting them down is the goal.

As I've told you earlier, the only reason I want to live longer is to gain as much knowledge as I can about the spiritual reality. I've been studying other cultures as well about their spiritual beliefs, myths, etc.

One similarity I found even between cultures completely isolated from each other is they consider anonymity as some kind of "power" in the spiritual realm. Anonymity gives you power not just metaphorically but also literally.

Jesus also valued anonymity greatly. Not just in keeping His own name secret but also instructed His followers to keep their good deeds in secret.

God did not exactly reveal His name and neither Jesus did to His disciples except for one instance. Jesus only ever revealed His name "Jesus" or "Iésous" to Paul but not to the original 12 disciples and I found it very intriguing.

In some non-canon scriptures, Jesus was told using the "ineffable name of God" to manifest miracles. This "ineffable name" is not in the Bible. Ofc, in some fiction, legends, myth we are told that knowing the name of the evil spirit gives us power over the evil spirit. This is why an evil spirit would do everything to avoid revealing its name to anyone.

Esoteric beliefs of some cultures follow the same pattern of reasoning and philosophy in the teachings of Jesus. A broken spirit is highly valued in some. God also values a broken spirit. Ironically, even intelligence agencies like CIA and KGB and even DEA favor recruiting people who are broken in spirit (or they break the spirit of their recruits) to do undercover work for them. They all highly value secrecy / anonymity.

They don't always recruit family members but anyone who is able to share the same vision as they do. Jesus believes in the same thing - family is anyone who does the things He does where only few are able to because narrow is the road that leads to life.

I will certainly help my loved ones the best I could but I would try to avoid having any records of my existence. As a family we don't put up pictures of us in the house. We're all individually convicted to avoid the practice. Nobody told us to do it.

Why do you want to read the kabbalah? What are you hoping to learn?

I've been studying the concept of afterlife and spiritual reality of other cultures. The Kabbalah is one of them from the Jewish perspective.

Jesus also gave away clues that the Pharisees held the knowledge to the Kingdom of God. They'd be including OT non-canon scriptures and may include the Kabbalah as well.

That they "shut" the doors to the Kingdom of Heaven in people's faces. Not exactly sure what this meant. Either the Pharisees showed unjust favoritism to whom they will know Godly wisdom or their canon scriptures excluded scriptures that showed how to get in to the Kingdom of Heaven.

Do you drink a lot of water frequently as a norm?

I only drink when thirsty. When I'm fasting, I don't drink anything including water. I feel perfectly fine otherwise. Even my bones and joints in perfect condition despite skating.

Acidity in the blood in theory will negatively affect muscle strength and result to poor workout recovery performance. But I'm not exhibiting any symptoms at all and ECG shows my recovery performance is excellent. Research does tell chronic acidity produces no symptoms nor ill effects in some people although it doesn't explain why .

 

[dzheremi]

You said, "But the idea that women are hurting you via theology or something is really weird."

And I'm suggesting it's not. There isn't a predefined list of christian sins and struggles. You'll find everything in the world in the church. Including mind games. That doesn't mean everyone he's speaking to is doing that. But the idea it's impossible is wrong.

People frequently say if you're christian you won't do this or that. When in truth you don't have that struggle. You can be christian and use pornography or commit adultery. It happens. That's why people get hurt. They expect differently and lower their guard.

~bella

Ah, I see. Thank you for explaining. To me these examples are not theology, but I do see what you're saying.

 

[bèlla]

Yes, absolutely. Don't give the devil any foothold. Fasting and prayers definitely does that. Evil spirits can also be likened to drug cartels. You'll notice cartels are more successful/profitable in countries where corruption exists in the governments. In countries where the income gap is huge and poverty exists.

Each country has a ruling spirit but you'll find differences in various areas with related territorial entities as well as those that dwell in the waters. As a result some places will be known for certain vices but another has a foothold elsewhere. Our financial capital is in the east and there's also a body of water. While the west is known for its liberalism and has waters of its own.

When you're contemplating an area prayer is necessary not only for confirmation but to get the lay of the land spiritually. Those are the elements that will oppose you while you're there. For example, I wouldn't move to a place where witchcraft was part of the culture or another religion was the dominant practice. I don't care how nice it is. It's a lot of warfare.

It's the only way I could stop evil spirit(s) from returning. I'm able to absorb their energy and I think it weakens them and for some reason, they cease from returning. I've ended up with "roommates" before but eventually capturing them as well.

I've never heard of anyone doing the same. Nor are we more powerful than them. It's the blood that gives us strength and their existence proceeded our own. But I'm not surprised at all because you're curious and it goes with territory.

I knew someone who picked up a succubus after relations with a former sex worker. They weren't aware of their past and began to have problems and reached out for advice. I told them what it was and how to deal with it but that was the extent of my involvement. The experience taught them a lesson and brought their lust under control. Sometimes the Lord permits unpleasant consequences to bring us our senses.

If things go awry in your experiments I hope you have someone you can turn to. A person more experienced than you are. Otherwise it may be unpleasant.

Esoteric beliefs of some cultures follow the same pattern of reasoning and philosophy in the teachings of Jesus. A broken spirit is highly valued in some. God also values a broken spirit. Ironically, even intelligence agencies like CIA and KGB and even DEA favor recruiting people who are broken in spirit (or they break the spirit of their recruits) to do undercover work for them. They all highly value secrecy / anonymity.

Humans value brokenness for malleability and non resistance. They want someone who will follow without question or reasoning. The cessation of the will is their goal but God is otherwise. He wants us to choose Him.

I will certainly help my loved ones the best I could but I would try to avoid having any records of my existence. As a family we don't put up pictures of us in the house. We're all individually convicted to avoid the practice. Nobody told us to do it.

We are legacy driven and our existence undergirds other efforts. Anonymity would hasten that. It is because of the work and name recognition we're cultivating that we'll be able to do greater things for the kingdom. We believe that is worthy of remembrance and emulation so others may follow suit. That is the tradition we're establishing.

I've been studying the concept of afterlife and spiritual reality of other cultures. The Kabbalah is one of them from the Jewish perspective.

I'm familiar with it and looked into long before I went to the synagogue. It's popular in freemasonry and occult circles and ultra conservative Jewish ones too. That sect of judaism is more closed than the rest. My jewish mentor was from that world and took me under her wing because I was frum. But it's taught at other synagogues and conservatives are welcoming. You'll get exposure to talmud and learn how to read hebrew if you're interested.

Jesus also gave away clues that the Pharisees held the knowledge to the Kingdom of God. They'd be including OT non-canon scriptures and may include the Kabbalah as well.

Judaism is different from christianity in scope and practice. You're encouraged to search the text, ask questions and draw your own conclusions. It's more interactive and you're reading the bible constantly and dissecting a passage in the weekly parashah. You're looking for nuggets and application and revisit them every year.

The practical side is equally important. Shabbat meal, bread and wine, prayers, and so on. No matter where you are around the world they're doing the same. Whereas christianity is more diverse and that's something I've never cared for. If you want to learn kabbalah you have to go to the source. Jews are secretive and don't put everything in books.

That they "shut" the doors to the Kingdom of Heaven in people's faces. Not exactly sure what this meant. Either the Pharisees showed unjust favoritism to whom they will know Godly wisdom or their canon scriptures excluded scriptures that showed how to get in to the Kingdom of Heaven.

I found Christ in a synagogue because most of their practices testified to His existence. They didn't have to say His name we were emulating the new testament and I recognized it. The first time I had bread and wine I connected it to communion. It was obvious.

Many of their teachings instill a kingdom perspective and that's probably why I'm committed to my purpose and view service from a greater scale. That's how they think and togetherness is a hallmark. You pray together, worship together and break bread afterward. Everyone is included and no one sits alone. Newcomers had partners in the service for company and as a source of information. You speak to one another whether you're acquainted or not because you're family.

Kingdom is woven in their practices without calling it by name. The inclusion that was lacking in the past has been resolved. All are welcome to come and learn. There's an exoteric and esoteric side to judaism but the former is the door. You move from the outside in and christianity's the same.

The MJ forum discusses it too and you may find it helpful.

~bella

 

[timewerx]

I've never heard of anyone doing the same. Nor are we more powerful than them. It's the blood that gives us strength and their existence proceeded our own. But I'm not surprised at all because you're curious and it goes with territory.

King Solomon is one example according to the "Testament of Solomon". He used at least one talisman. There are images of these talisman online.

Intriguingly, my vision gets distorted and I feel dizzy when I look at the images of these talisman. As if looking at something that isn't real.

I get the same exact effect when looking at my face in the mirror when looking at my eyes in particular. I've got colleagues complain to me they get dizzy when they're looking at my face.

Somehow, the effect of these Jewish talisman got in my eyes or these talismans are meant to recreate a supernatural effect.

Our family had quite a few encounters with supernatural beings. A few with my mom in her childhood with one instance witnessed by the whole family they thought were angels (very strange group of people) that came to their house to heal my sick mom.

I'm familiar with it and looked into long before I went to the synagogue. It's popular in freemasonry and occult circles and ultra conservative Jewish ones too. That sect of judaism is more closed than the rest. My jewish mentor was from that world and took me under her wing because I was frum. But it's taught at other synagogues and conservatives are welcoming. You'll get exposure to talmud and learn how to read hebrew if you're interested.

I've read parts of the Talmud before. It's a large volume and didn't have time to read everything.

The Talmud is basically compiled writings of Rabbis from the time of the Pharisees. Their written understanding of God and the Jewish doctrines. I put very little value into it because Jesus also made it clear in many passages that men cannot be relied on to know the truth but the Spirit of Truth only.

The book of the prophets are more reliable because they are supposedly written accounts of the prophets, not the opinion of a rabbi of that prophet.

If you want to learn kabbalah you have to go to the source. Jews are secretive and don't put everything in books.

I may have the talent for filling in missing information. I tend to find correlations better than most people and can find the rest with deductive reasoning. It's probably the result of my "mental issues".

I just need to read as much as I can find and everything will fall into place.

 

[bèlla]

King Solomon is one example according to the "Testament of Solomon". He used at least one talisman. There are images of these talisman online.

I'm familiar with the book. Are you aware of its purpose and how the talisman was used? They're used in magical rites and for summoning.

Somehow, the effect of these Jewish talisman got in my eyes or these talismans are meant to recreate a supernatural effect.

You're opening a lot of doors. I hope you know what you're doing.

I may have the talent for filling in missing information. I tend to find correlations better than most people and can find the rest with deductive reasoning. It's probably the result of my "mental issues".

Has it occurred to you that this may be leading you astray and getting you into things above your head?

~bella

 

[timewerx]

I'm familiar with the book. Are you aware of its purpose and how the talisman was used? They're used in magical rites and for summoning.


You're opening a lot of doors. I hope you know what you're doing.

I'm literally born with the ability. Really have no choice. It's a lesser reason why I need to go over non-canon scriptures and Jewish esoteric texts to be able to control it, even turn it off.

But mainly to know the truth about everything.

Has it occurred to you that this may be leading you astray and getting you into things above your head?

Jesus did so many things that are not written in the Bible (John 21:25). I have a burning curiosity to find out what they were.

Either prophesied in one of the non-canon book of the prophets or non-canon Gospels.

I have the Spirit of Truth to guide me as well (John 16:13)

And I have very little to fear about these things. I don't really trust the goal behind the canonical process. They seem to continue the work of the Pharisees which is to deny access to the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus had access to the Kingdom of Heaven while on Earth is how how he's able to perform many miracles. Jesus even guaranteed His followers to be able to do even greater than the things He did. I believe that time is today where we now have access to as much knowledge we can possibly absorb with the spare time we have.

I think religious authorities fear they would actually happen. It has the potential to change the world's status quo. It can decentralize the world's power structure, literally end the age we're in. Those in power have the most to lose.

 

[bèlla]

I'm literally born with the ability. Really have no choice. It's a lesser reason why I need to go over non-canon scriptures and Jewish esoteric texts to be able to control it, even turn it off.

Since you're venturing into territory involving sorcery you may wish to leave it there to avoid censure.

Jesus did so many things that are not written in the Bible (John 21:25). I have a burning curiosity to find out what they were.

That's understandable. I think we'll learn more over the years as things are revealed. Some truths are slated for specific periods. If we haven't mastered what's available more won't be easier.

I think religious authorities fear they would actually happen. It has the potential to change the world's status quo. It can decentralize the world's power structure, literally end the age we're in. Those in power have the most to lose.

There may be some truth to that and I definitely believe some things were withheld from the general population or put in obscure titles whose price is beyond reach for the majority. First editions are popular for a reason.

How is the kingdom bettered through your acquisition of the knowledge and power you've referenced and how have you handled it in the past?

I've seen this before. A person gets curious and looks at non canonical things then ventures into the occult and begins to make comparisons. And after a while the bible seems less authoritive.

~bella

 

[timewerx]

That's understandable. I think we'll learn more over the years as things are revealed. Some truths are slated for specific periods. If we haven't mastered what's available more won't be easier.

My approach to knowledge is that everything is possible until disproven. It has worked incredibly well for me at least in improving myself physically. I've adapted in ways that is still unknown to science. When knowledge is unavailable, I extrapolate.

I gain mastery of the things I already know by absorbing more knowledge of spiritual matters. It helps give me new perspectives. Understanding what is already known from a different point of view. Like an "interferometer" to see details not possible otherwise. It helps further in improving and healing my mental weaknesses and issues by stimulating growth and enhancement of brain matter.

How is the kingdom bettered through your acquisition of the knowledge and power you've referenced and how have you handled it in the past?

I've seen this before. A person gets curious and looks at non canonical things then ventures into the occult and begins to make comparisons. And after a while the bible seems less authoritive.

I observed it to affect the world in unconventional and strange ways even without saying a word. There is a very strong opposition to the ongoing trends.

I look at all scriptures, canon or otherwise with same level of suspicion or scrutiny even after I read them. Never let your guard down.

 

[High Fidelity]

Many Christians are worldly anyway. Many are just embarrassed to admit it or actually unaware they have the issue.

That doesn’t excuse it or justify the lowering of standards.

The bible talks about the many and the few, it’s not the many we should wish to be a part of, but apart from.

 

[timewerx]

That doesn’t excuse it or justify the lowering of standards.

The bible talks about the many and the few, it’s not the many we should wish to be a part of, but apart from.

There are many Christians who just can't resist the temptation of worldliness.

I knew one Christian who told me she gets tormented by evil spirits if she refuses to be worldly and I believe what she's saying because I experienced it too.

I often hear from people today about "positive vibes" and it has all to do with worldliness because if they stop being worldly, they feel under attack by evil spirits and their loved ones gets attacked too.

On one hand, worldliness can make you feel good, on the other hand, you get under attacked by evil spirits including your loved ones if you refuse to be worldly. There is a very strong push by the evil spirits to keep people worldly.

I'm just brave enough to resist the attacks of evil spirits because I have no children of my own, no wife, no GF, no friends. I have very little to lose.