"Therefore ENCOURAGE one another..." (I Thess 5:11)

[DerSchweik]

“For all of them were trying to frighten us, thinking, ‘They will become discouraged with the work and it will not be done.’ But now, O God, strengthen my [our] hands.” (Neh 6:9)

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Rom 12:21)

“But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you…” (Mt 5:44)

“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.” (Prov 25:21f)

“For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” (Rom 5:10)

“We love because He first loved us.” (I Jn 4:19)

I have only been here awhile, but I have seen a lot already - some of it quite disheartening, yet much that is extremely encouraging too. If you will permit me just a couple of observations, I would hope and pray to encourage all of us who call ourselves His with this thread.

· There seems to be a consensus that this site has degenerated with the introduction of many who are not Christians, who are openly against the Lord, who hate His word, who hate His children, who are openly attacking Christians on this site with a variety of methods – arguing, bickering, and flaunting their sin and their enmity for all things Christian.
· It seems to be discouraging a number of us to the point of wanting to leave; and some apparently have already left.
· Some who remain seem discouraged and desirous of returning the site to the way it used to be (naturally).

I have seen the accuser, the great deceiver here – and it shocks me – belittling Christians, Christ, God, His Word, the church. I've seen a few atheists, agnostics, Satanists, some immoral, some degenerate (openly so), wolves among the sheep, some disguising themselves as Christians in some cases to promote as Christian immorality, homosexuality, abortion, gay marriage, denouncing the Bible as myth, spewing heresies, openly displaying their enmity for God, etc. Some seek truth, but some do not.

What can we do? Do we quit and go elsewhere? I hope not - I just got here! :wave: I don't know if it is possible to return the site to whatever it was, but I would like to start this thread to encourage each another in Christ not to give up, not to get discouraged, but to equip one another with scripture, with prayer, with advice on how to handle specific situations or individuals. If there is anything to conservatism, it is in the fight for the way things ought to be.

The question is, “How?”

I have a couple practical (I hope) ideas to start this thread with, and hope to see what you might add:

· Let us not get entangled in quarrels and pseudo-intellectual “debates” with people who clearly are not seeking the truth. Rather, if a thread degenerates to fruitless discussion, let us sign off with “Prayers” and leave the thread to others. “Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, but any fool will quarrel.” (Prov 20:3). And, “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him.” (Prov 26:4).

· At the risk of sounding trite, let us be committed to love one another, as best as we can in this venue – particularly in prayer for each other and for this site, as often as the Lord leads us. “The end of all things is at hand; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. Above all keep fervent in your love for one another…” (I Pet 4:7f). And, “The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” (Jas 5:16).

Your thoughts?

In Him,

[3girls2dogs]

Fantastic post. I am definitely going to think more over those passages. They are wonderful. I wish I was better with Scripture than I am.

Thank you for that.

[GreenMunchkin]

“For all of them were trying to frighten us, thinking, ‘They will become discouraged with the work and it will not be done.’ But now, O God, strengthen my [our] hands.” (Neh 6:9)

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Rom 12:21)

“But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you…” (Mt 5:44)

“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.” (Prov 25:21f)

“For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” (Rom 5:10)

“We love because He first loved us.” (I Jn 4:19)

I have only been here awhile, but I have seen a lot already - some of it quite disheartening, yet much that is extremely encouraging too. If you will permit me just a couple of observations, I would hope and pray to encourage all of us who call ourselves His with this thread.

· There seems to be a consensus that this site has degenerated with the introduction of many who are not Christians, who are openly against the Lord, who hate His word, who hate His children, who are openly attacking Christians on this site with a variety of methods – arguing, bickering, and flaunting their sin and their enmity for all things Christian.
· It seems to be discouraging a number of us to the point of wanting to leave; and some apparently have already left.
· Some who remain seem discouraged and desirous of returning the site to the way it used to be (naturally).

I have seen the accuser, the great deceiver here – and it shocks me – belittling Christians, Christ, God, His Word, the church. I've seen a few atheists, agnostics, Satanists, some immoral, some degenerate (openly so), wolves among the sheep, some disguising themselves as Christians in some cases to promote as Christian immorality, homosexuality, abortion, gay marriage, denouncing the Bible as myth, spewing heresies, openly displaying their enmity for God, etc. Some seek truth, but some do not.

What can we do? Do we quit and go elsewhere? I hope not - I just got here! :wave: I don't know if it is possible to return the site to whatever it was, but I would like to start this thread to encourage each another in Christ not to give up, not to get discouraged, but to equip one another with scripture, with prayer, with advice on how to handle specific situations or individuals. If there is anything to conservatism, it is in the fight for the way things ought to be.

The question is, “How?”

I have a couple practical (I hope) ideas to start this thread with, and hope to see what you might add:

· Let us not get entangled in quarrels and pseudo-intellectual “debates” with people who clearly are not seeking the truth. Rather, if a thread degenerates to fruitless discussion, let us sign off with “Prayers” and leave the thread to others. “Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, but any fool will quarrel.” (Prov 20:3). And, “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him.” (Prov 26:4).

· At the risk of sounding trite, let us be committed to love one another, as best as we can in this venue – particularly in prayer for each other and for this site, as often as the Lord leads us. “The end of all things is at hand; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. Above all keep fervent in your love for one another…” (I Pet 4:7f). And, “The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” (Jas 5:16).

Your thoughts?

In Him,That's one of the best posts I've ever read here.

You're right, I think lots of us are literally feeling a little battle-weary because it feels like we're hurtling down the slippery slope, but those verses are a reminder that this is what is happening as we approach the end times, and if we can't cope with being villified and belittled on an internet forum, how will we cope when it's happening to us in the flesh?

If we can learn to accept it with grace and with love here, it'll become so much easier to do so in the "real world". CC is still such a baby forum, and it can either be somewhere we come to lick our wounds and cry, or somewhere we come for encouragement and support that'll help us rise up as children of the Most High.

Thank you for starting this thread, bro :hug: I was feeling pretty defeated, and now there's a healthy dose of hope and security in there.

Thank you so so much!

1 Thessalonians 5:11

[jive4005]

I LOVE those scriptures... all that "not giving up" stuff. It is OF God. It is His trurh and power.

My hope and faith are in Him, the Maker of all and my Daddy. He empowers me to defeat all negative ideas and worries.

How can I possibly do all this!?
Why doesn't anybody wanna help me?
Whaa whaa whaa.

Real Christians are "way" tougher than that. Let's all keep up a good rountine in God's gym (Bible). I'm recalling that the blessings are for those who ardently (oo, good word!) work with God. I love the way God works.

His,
Rev J

[~*Lady Trekki*~]

“For all of them were trying to frighten us, thinking, ‘They will become discouraged with the work and it will not be done.’ But now, O God, strengthen my [our] hands.” (Neh 6:9)

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Rom 12:21)

“But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you…” (Mt 5:44)

“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.” (Prov 25:21f)

“For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” (Rom 5:10)

“We love because He first loved us.” (I Jn 4:19)

I have only been here awhile, but I have seen a lot already - some of it quite disheartening, yet much that is extremely encouraging too. If you will permit me just a couple of observations, I would hope and pray to encourage all of us who call ourselves His with this thread.

· There seems to be a consensus that this site has degenerated with the introduction of many who are not Christians, who are openly against the Lord, who hate His word, who hate His children, who are openly attacking Christians on this site with a variety of methods – arguing, bickering, and flaunting their sin and their enmity for all things Christian.
· It seems to be discouraging a number of us to the point of wanting to leave; and some apparently have already left.
· Some who remain seem discouraged and desirous of returning the site to the way it used to be (naturally).

I have seen the accuser, the great deceiver here – and it shocks me – belittling Christians, Christ, God, His Word, the church. I've seen a few atheists, agnostics, Satanists, some immoral, some degenerate (openly so), wolves among the sheep, some disguising themselves as Christians in some cases to promote as Christian immorality, homosexuality, abortion, gay marriage, denouncing the Bible as myth, spewing heresies, openly displaying their enmity for God, etc. Some seek truth, but some do not.

What can we do? Do we quit and go elsewhere? I hope not - I just got here! :wave: I don't know if it is possible to return the site to whatever it was, but I would like to start this thread to encourage each another in Christ not to give up, not to get discouraged, but to equip one another with scripture, with prayer, with advice on how to handle specific situations or individuals. If there is anything to conservatism, it is in the fight for the way things ought to be.

The question is, “How?”

I have a couple practical (I hope) ideas to start this thread with, and hope to see what you might add:

· Let us not get entangled in quarrels and pseudo-intellectual “debates” with people who clearly are not seeking the truth. Rather, if a thread degenerates to fruitless discussion, let us sign off with “Prayers” and leave the thread to others. “Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, but any fool will quarrel.” (Prov 20:3). And, “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him.” (Prov 26:4).

· At the risk of sounding trite, let us be committed to love one another, as best as we can in this venue – particularly in prayer for each other and for this site, as often as the Lord leads us. “The end of all things is at hand; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. Above all keep fervent in your love for one another…” (I Pet 4:7f). And, “The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” (Jas 5:16).

Your thoughts?

In Him,

Thank you! :hug: This is a very encouraging and TRUE post. I appreciate this right now because I've been very discouraged myself about the various polls, discussions, and flat out ugliness that I've seen happening on this site recently. :sigh:

[Criada]

Thank you, brother. :hug:
God bless you.

[Greenthumb]

This is really good...thank you. :)

[JPPT1974]

We are hated for our beliefs in Christ
As we are Christians as the world hates us
For that. But it is well worth it.

[GreenMunchkin]

There's been an almight battle regarding Satanic prosyletising here tonight, so this thread is a real blessing.

Thank you again so much for starting it :hug:

[3girls2dogs]

This thread just keeps getting better and better. I wish I could rep you a million times for how much I enjoy this thread.

[~free~]

Awesome thread, I like it! :clap: Thanks, bro!! :hug:

[GreenMunchkin]

You're so supportive, Steve :hug: It's such a blessing :)

Hey, do you want me to merge the 2 Encouragement threads together?

[JPPT1974]

Thanks for a thread like this my friend
You are so awesome to have it!
God bless!:amen:

[_beloved_]

Let us encourage one another!
We are to encourage, edify and love one another.
This is a beautiful thread.

[~*Lady Trekki*~]

Yay! More encouragement! :clap:

[~free~]

Yay! More encouragement! :clap:
You have such a posative outlook, Trekki, you are a blessing to me and everyone here! :hug:

[~*Lady Trekki*~]

You have such a posative outlook, Trekki, you are a blessing to me and everyone here! :hug:

As do you! :hug: And you are a blessing to me too my friend. :)

[GreenMunchkin]

Sure! Not sure how that is done - didn't mean to duplicate a thread.Oh, no, you didn't :hug: But they're so connected, and all about encouraging one another, they should be as one thread :clap:

It's done now :) If you want them separated again, let me know, lovely, k? And I'll split them again :hug::hug:

[~*Lady Trekki*~]

Sure! Not sure how that is done - didn't mean to duplicate a thread.
As far as I'm concerned we can never have enough encouragement threads! :D

[Time2BCounted]

What a great thread

Amen

[HowardDean]

This is good.
A lone christian can become a victim.
We need other christians for support And encouragement!
(anyone who has yahooIm is encouraged to Im me sometime and we can discuss Godly things.

I feel blessed today/night.
This board is a blessing to me.
I am glad I foudn conservative area, it jsut feels right.:hug: :clap:

[~free~]

1Peter 3:13-14

And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.

[Criada]

You are all lovely people, and i am more grateful than I can possibly express for your love and encouragement.
Thank you all very, very much for being there.
:hug: :hug: :hug:

[~*Lady Trekki*~]

You are all lovely people, and i am more grateful than I can possibly express for your love and encouragement.
Thank you all very, very much for being there.
:hug: :hug: :hug:
:hug: :hug: :hug:

[~free~]

You are all lovely people, and i am more grateful than I can possibly express for your love and encouragement.
Thank you all very, very much for being there.
:hug: :hug: :hug:
We love you! :hug::hug::hug:

And thank YOU very, very much for being here!!!

[3girls2dogs]

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[Nicki4Christ]

Romans 1:12 I’m eager to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. In this way each of us will be a blessing to the other.
:hug: :hug:

Great Thread :clap:

[~*Lady Trekki*~]

:groupray:

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

[~free~]

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g17/free2b_01/encourageoneanother.jpg?t=1191445872

[~*Lady Trekki*~]

I hope you find this as encouraging as I do! :clap:

PTL (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDQijZ0OpaU)

[~free~]

"I choose kindness... I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me."

Max Lucado

[~free~]

Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

[GreenMunchkin]

"Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence,
"The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?" (Hebrews 13:5-6)

:clap::clap:

[DerSchweik]

The effective prayer of a righteous man availeth much...

Know that our prayers are heard, that God does listen. He does care and HE DOES ANSWER!

Therefore continue to pray always, in faith, and He will hear, and He will answer!!!

[Time2BCounted]

Philemon 1:1 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=64&chapter=1&verse=1&version=9&context=verse)
Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,

It is so good to see you again brother, youve been away too long

[~free~]

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;

not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;

rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;

distributing to the needs of saints, given to hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.

Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peacably with all men.


Romans 12:10-18

[~free~]

http://spiritualoasis.files.wordpress.com/2007/01/encouragement.jpg

I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalitied not powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God wich is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39

[Criada]

Romans 8:31-37
If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36As it is written:
"For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."[l] 37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

[~free~]

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x125/sue2008/3z6ics2.jpg

[Criada]

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w188/Criada/1cor2_800.jpg

[Criada]

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w188/Criada/wildflowers.jpg

[~free~]

^ Beautiful, sis. I look forward to the days that it looks like that here!!!

God bless you my friend :hug:

[Hentenza]

bump

[~free~]

Strength For the Weary Heart

Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.
When you find that weariness depresses or amusement distracts you, you will calmly turn with an untroubled spirit to your Heavenly Father, who is always holding out His arms to you.
You will look to Him for gladness and refreshment when depressed, for moderation and recollection when in good spirits, and you will find that He will never leave you to want.

A trustful glance, a silent movement of the heart towards Him will renew your strength; and though you may often feel as if your soul were downcast and numb, whatever God calls you to do, He will give you power and courage to perform. Our Heavenly Father, so far from ever overlooking us, is only waiting to find our hearts open, to pour into them the torrents of His grace.

(doc329)

[Criada]

Psalm 121

A song of ascents.

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;

4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;

8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.