my goal is to get back to the Cross from whence I wandered away.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXcbGxvgy...

Michael,

It is always good to be in the safe company of others who believe as you do and understand the passion of our Christ.

As you should well know by now it takes a toll on you when you put yourself in an enviroment that is not friendly and supportive with you. Your blog here is difinetly a place where both believers and non believers gather and unfortunately non believers can and will throw stones at you when your message convicts them.

I don't think you will have that problem inside a srtuctural church worshiping with the body of the Church.

The problem comes when you..."Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." That is a hard commandment to follow. I am always amazed when I think of what those obedient apostles went through taking the gospel to the "world". No doubt though that they experienced times when they likewise missed the advantages of safe haven inside the church. The "world" can be a tough place to tote the gospel.

Hang in their Michael, your faith will be tested. Just remember no matter where you are you can call on the Lord for guidance, and blessings. These are trying times, the devil is busy, this bad economy is pushing everyones buttons, and faith. I know my neighbors are getting a ear full when my husband and I argue sometimes too. God is still on the thrown, you ask him to come into your home, family, marriage, children, job, life, and strengthen your weaknesses, make your enemies your footstool, and help you keep the faith. Their is GREAT POWER in prayer. My preacher read from St. Matthew the 27 chapter 45-55 verse today. He preached on the crucifixion and the rising of Christ. He preached on how, many people of the world today may be crying up to God, asking why thou has forsaken them with losts of jobs, homes, deaths, wars, and a downward falling economy. He preached that "God Lives" and we have to call on him, he hears our prayers, and knows our pains and sorrows. Call on him, and he will make everything alright.

When I miss church for 2-3 sundays, I notice alot more burdens, stress, and anger builds up on me. When I go back to church, I feel at peace, the message preached lifts my spirits, I know it was something I needed to hear, My prayers to him for forgiveness and guidance feels answered, and I feel stronger mentally and spiritually in God. It is always good to here the message from God, when two or more gather in his name, he is their, and he will wipe your tears and lift your burdens. You go to different churches, until God places on your heart, that is where he wants you to be to receive his messages, and you feel fellowship one with another from the congregation. Ministers benefit hearing the word of God from other ministers too. God Bless you and your family.

Michael, did they preach? I visited there a few times and it struck me as a closed social club to go and show off musical talents. For the Lord, of course....

A wise decision Mike. And may God bless you because you haven't allowed pride to keep you from sharing your faults with the world.

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another... Hebrews 10:24,25

Some people don't believe that they need other Christian brothers and sisters who truly know and love them to be accountable too-- lest they are deceived by their own heart and step off the straight and narrow and believe a lie.Then there is no one in their life to stretching out the helping hand you to them that you talked about.

Michael,

Didn't it feel good to be among fellow believers who support your faith in contrast to non believers who criticize your beliefs?

Each member of the body works to the benifit of the others. It's much easier to stand united enabling one another in our walks.

Even the Lone Ranger wasn't Lone with Tonto around him.

I agree. Planting seeds for Christ to grow is a pleasure and brings joy.

dipperdan,

Not a bad thought. I would liked to have heard His first words out of the tomb also.

I can easily see how all three things were actually said and heard by the four apostles.

More important though than spliting a few word hairs is the message of His defeat of the cross. When we view what happened during the 3 days after the cross culminating in a resurrection we can better see things in the proper perspective.

I believe what He did far overshadows what He said?

I am just not having any luck finding a church family that suits ME. I cannot wrap my mind around the fancy cars and clothes that are, in my thinking, unnecessary for living or church going.

If we were doing what we (Christians) were supposed to be doing, we would live below our means and giving our extra if any to the needy.

Then, we wouldnt even need welfare. But, that is just my thinking. Maybe my fam and I need to pack up and go join the Amish.

I don't think my husband and boys would appreciate that though. And, I don't have a lil girl to help me with all that cooking and sewing and etc.

Michael, as I read your initial post in this thread I was surprised by your sudden change of circumstances but not dissapointed. God did not tell us it would be a life where we would be readily accepted but he did tell us that he would never leave us or forsake us. Man will disappoint us and let us down, but God & Christ will never forsake us. I never concern myself that he will forsake me, just that I might forsake him. When I face circumstances as you are at this time I find great comfort in the 23rd Psalm; Yea, though I walk throught the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (OK, it easy to see how the staff comforts comforts us but the rod??? Remember, God chastens those he loves to get their attention, and yes sometimes it takes that for him to get MY attention.) Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies---. remember, God wants better things for us than we want for ourselves, we want the fast cars and beautiful women, i. e. the things of this world, He wants the eternal things for us. So accept this circumstance you find yourself in as directed by God and seek his face for direction.

It may come from a totally unexpected source, just trust in God that he is not through with you yet, be receptive to that still small voice and try the spirits that they be from God and not from Satan.

You will be in my prayers so expect a miracle.

dipperdan,

I was actually trying to say that perhaps He said all those words at the last and each remembered what they heard of most importance to them.

In your comment you stated that Mathew and Mark quoted..."My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken?" He then gave a loud cry and breathed His last. Perhaps in this loud cry Luke and John heard Him say "Father into Your hands I entrust My spirit and it is finished. Just a thought.

Sorry if I came across the wrong way. In all honesty I probably took your post the wrong way by assuming that you were just another person wanting to show contradiction to the Bible and make it questionable to believe in. That has been quite prevelant on here sometimes and even to the point that I come to just expect it.

Also the word disciple would have been the most appropriate word for me to use in my previous post. You were right about the misuse of the word apostle. I actually noticed it while I was typing it but got to daydreaming about the old antique beds that are referred to as apostle beds and forgot to correct it. Not my first mistake typing and I have a feeling it won't be my last.

People think the rod was only used for beatings.

It was also used to guide and to ward off predators.

This rod or *shebet* inspired the sceptre that rulers used to symbolize their authority and their duty.

As a shepherd was responsible for nurturing,guiding and protecting the flock (even at the cost of his own life),those in charge of a community were required to keep order and look out for the welfare of those they governed.

Those responsible for children had a similar role.

Proverbs 23:13 assures us that the rod of correction does not kill but children and beasts die or are maimed by beatings every day.

Even Exodus 21:10 refers to a rod causing the death of a servant.

The rod (like the law),if used without love or wisdom,can cause fear and resentment or can do lethal damage.

It can drive away those who need it most.

But,authority,discipline and guidance cannot kill.

They CAN offer protection from outside threats and from self-destructive behavior.

The Bible shows us abandoning punitive control like whippings,stonings,etc. in favor of forgiveness and personal responsibility.

If our mobs have to drop the stones intended to punish our fellow sinners,then those who have transgressed have to leave off their sin and behave righteously.

A good Shepherd isn't limited to a stick that punishes after a mistake has been made.

His authority is so evident in His character and actions that those under Him begin to look to him to lead them.

They will begin to think ahead of time about what He would have them do and act accordingly.

That rod of instruction gives a flock,the members of a family or a nation the ability,the responsibility and the privilege of self-determination.

A law based on "Thou Musts" and "Thou Shalt Nots" might be necessary for beings too weak or ignorant to have a say in their own lives but true meekness requires the maturity to do the right thing of one's own free will.

The comfort of correction and the new covenant comes from the liberty we have when we can know the right paths and follow them rather than wander aimlessly or be led by those who seek our destruction.

quantumcat, you have said alot, in so many ways. Very Good. My Rod & my Staff, they comfort me: Is He that guides me and protects me, as well as disciplines me also. Thanks for bringing that out.

dipperdan, I understand what you are saying, and I understand what parkerbrothers is saying also. Looking at the verses, I believe that he said things at different times of the hour, and each author had written similar events, and yet other parts that the other authors had left out.

Quantumcat,

I've read your comments for quite some time and have always enjoyed them.

I was wondering if you'd ever read the little paperback book entitled "A Shepard looks at Psalms 23" by Phillip Keller. Mr Keller was a shepard in Australia for many years, as was King David in Israel, and I found his book very helpful to better understand what David was speaking of in his writings.

He explained how 11-12 year old boys in Australia would compete in throwing their staff close to a target without hitting it. The idea was to get the attention of the wayward sheep without hurting it, i.e. give it a "wake up call". If that didn't suffice to get their attention then more drastic measures would have to be taken. But it was always with the gentlest means possible to get the sheep away from harm, the same as our Heavenly Father does.

Mr. Keller goes on to explain many more aspects in the life of a shepherd and also an hireling. I would recommend that book to every Christian, not in leiu of the Bible but in conjunction with God's word.