40 Days of Prayer

[masterblaster72 0]

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http://www.truthwinsout.org/blog/2011/03/15089/

Maybe 40 days of prayer is needed about this.

Quoteworthy, especially for those who fear that clicking on the link will invite demons into their bedrooms.

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The results from a recent poll published by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life () reveal what social scientists have known for a long time: White Evangelical Christians are the group least likely to support politicians or policies that reflect the actual teachings of Jesus. It is perhaps one of the strangest, most dumb-founding ironies in contemporary American culture. Evangelical Christians, who most fiercely proclaim to have a personal relationship with Christ, who most confidently declare their belief that the Bible is the inerrant word of God, who go to church on a regular basis, pray daily, listen to Christian music, and place God and His Only Begotten Son at the center of their lives, are simultaneously the very people most likely to reject his teachings and despise his radical message.

Jesus unambiguously preached mercy and forgiveness. These are supposed to be cardinal virtues of the Christian faith. And yet Evangelicals are the most supportive of the death penalty, draconian sentencing, punitive punishment over rehabilitation, and the governmental use of torture. Jesus exhorted humans to be loving, peaceful, and non-violent. And yet Evangelicals are the group of Americans most supportive of easy-access weaponry, little-to-no regulation of handgun and semi-automatic gun ownership, not to mention the violent military invasion of various countries around the world. Jesus was very clear that the pursuit of wealth was inimical to the Kingdom of God, that the rich are to be condemned, and that to be a follower of Him means to give one’s money to the poor. And yet Evangelicals are the most supportive of corporate greed and capitalistic excess, and they are the most opposed to institutional help for the nation’s poor — especially poor children. They hate anything that smacks of “socialism,” even though that is essentially what their Savior preached. They despise food stamp programs, subsidies for schools, hospitals, job training — anything that might dare to help out those in need. Even though helping out those in need was exactly what Jesus urged humans to do. In short, Evangelicals are that segment of America which is the most pro-militaristic, pro-gun, and pro-corporate, while simultaneously claiming to be most ardent lovers of the Prince of Peace.

Oh, but here is the thing, and it is a lightbulb moment:

Evangelicals don’t exactly hate Jesus — as we’ve provocatively asserted in the title of this piece. They do love him dearly. But not because of what he tried to teach humanity. Rather, Evangelicals love Jesus for what he does for them. Through his magical grace, and by shedding his precious blood, Jesus saves Evangelicals from everlasting torture in hell, and guarantees them a premium, luxury villa in heaven. For this, and this only, they love him.

In other words, conservative Evangelicals react to Jesus the same way they react to everything else: “What is in it for ME?”

Be humble, ask questions, listen, learn, follow the golden rule, talk when necessary, and know when to shut the fuck up.

[wolfriverjoe 1,523]

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And again you're focusing on one of several meanings of the word "help." That's the issue here, it's ambiguous.

Even if you're a fat man, a pint of B&J's might "help" you quite a bit psychologically. In those terms it's absolutely no different than praying to God, however, physically, it is not helping...which, I guess is also no different than praying to God.

In other words . . . Why is faith in God and prayer to him required when I could get the same (or quite possibly far better) results in other ways?

If you can get the same results in other ways, more power to you.

Kind of the "higher power of your understanding." If that quart of Ben and Jerry's or that fifth of Jack allows you to find the direction that helps you, allows you to help others and helps you make the world a little bit better place, great.

Some prefer the teachings of Jesus. Actually practicing what he preached is fine. Being "Saved" and then continuing to treat others like dirt (the article that was linked did a great job explaining that phenomenon) is a different story.

Others wish to follow the Flying Spagetti Monster. If being touched by his noodly appendage allows them to find acceptance and peace in a troubled world, great. If it just inspires them to overcook pasta, then not so much.

To each his (or her) own. I have no problem with that. I just don't like it when someone else tells me what I believe is wrong and that I should believe (or not believe) their way.

"There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy

"~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

[funjumper101 15]

The practicing socialist, aka, the false christian, is a perfect example of this two faced, selfish abuse of "christian" principles and values.

The "tribe" rules for sheeple. The ability to think for yourself goes against everything that the sheeple believe in. These folks are so utterly stupid that they describe a former president of the Harvard Law review, who also was a professor of constitutional law, as a "socialist". The abject idiocy of such statements is far beyond the grasp of the meager intellect available to them. They can't even admit to themselves that they are what they profess to abhor, a Socialist, with a capital S.

When these folks go to meet their maker, they will have a lot of explaining to do. With luck, their sins equate to an eternity in hell. They certainly deserve it.

[Stumpy 284]

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It remains curious to me why skydivers in other countries express the slightest concern about America's politics.

Its kind of fun, like watching motor racing for the crashes. Plus my company is headquartered there, I have family there, and have spent several years there so it does interest me. Besides, US residents here on SC generally have no problems putting the boot in to criticise the 2 countries I call home.

Never try to eat more than you can lift

[wolfriverjoe 1,523]

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It remains curious to me why skydivers in other countries express the slightest concern about America's politics.

Its kind of fun, like watching motor racing for the crashes. Plus my company is headquartered there, I have family there, and have spent several years there so it does interest me. Besides, US residents here on SC generally have no problems putting the boot in to criticise the 2 countries I call home.

Plus, as the worlds largest economy, what happens here affects just about everywhere else.
Look how our banking crisis affected the entire world economy.

I also think the opinion of those watching from the outside has real value. They are less likely to have a personal stake in the situation.

"There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy

"~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

[kallend 2,026]

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http://www.truthwinsout.org/blog/2011/03/15089/

Maybe 40 days of prayer is needed about this.

Hmmm, sounds just like a couple of the "Christian" posters here.

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The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one.

[maadmax 0]

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http://www.truthwinsout.org/blog/2011/03/15089/

Maybe 40 days of prayer is needed about this

Quoteworthy, especially for those who fear that clicking on the link will invite demons into their bedrooms.

*** The results from a recent poll published by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life () reveal what social scientists have known for a long time: White Evangelical Christians are the group least likely to support politicians or policies that reflect the actual teachings of Jesus.

It is perhaps ,,,

In other words, conservative Evangelicals react to Jesus the same way they react to everything else: “What is in it for ME

I enjoyed reading that observation. It is definitly something to think about. In some cases it is true, in other cases it is totally incorrect. My understanding of Jesus's teachings is to be first transformed within by the Love of God and then overcome the evils of the world with the Grace of God that has been revealed to you.


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[pirana 0]

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Which (if it were true) has exactly nothing to do with who is the incumbent political party. Glad we got that cleared up.

It remains curious to me why skydivers in other countries express the slightest concern about America's politics.

Be that as it may, the 40 Days of Prayer is not political party specific. We are praying for God's will for our country and thus preparing for it.

"Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."

The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, Romans 14:17.

But if He is all powerful, why does He need us to pray for His will? If we do not pray, does His power go away, resulting in His will not being done?

God doesn't need us to pray. We need to pray to God.

OK, let me rephrase. Why do we need to pray? Does He take requests? Will He do some things differently based on the type and volume of prayers?

Bottom line, what is the purpose of praying and what is the mechanism in play that allows praying to achieve that purpose?

" . . . the lust for power can be just as completely satisfied by suggesting people into loving their servitude as by flogging them and kicking them into obedience." -- Aldous Huxley

[RonD1120 62]

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OK, let me rephrase. Why do we need to pray? Does He take requests? Will He do some things differently based on the type and volume of prayers?

Bottom line, what is the purpose of praying and what is the mechanism in play that allows praying to achieve that purpose?

As Christians, we pray to get in communication with the Holy Spirit and to achieve a stronger alignment with the will of God.

Look for the shiny things of God revealed by the Holy Spirit. They only last for an instant but it is a Holy Instant. Let your soul absorb them.

[kallend 2,026]

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OK, let me rephrase. Why do we need to pray? Does He take requests? Will He do some things differently based on the type and volume of prayers?

Bottom line, what is the purpose of praying and what is the mechanism in play that allows praying to achieve that purpose?

As Christians, we pray to get in communication with the Holy Spirit and to achieve a stronger alignment with the will of God.

Why do you always resort to gobbledygook when presented with a difficult question?

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The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one.

[quade 4]

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As Christians, we pray to get in communication with the Holy Spirit and to achieve a stronger alignment with the will of God.

So...it's a one sided conversation where you're doing the talking and he is supposedly listening, but somehow you are hoping to, "achieve a stronger alignment with the will of God."

By talking . . . to him.

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[maadmax 0]

Why do you always resort to gobbledygook when presented with a difficult question?

[maadmax 0]

So...it's a one sided conversation where you're doing the talking and he is supposedly listening, but somehow you are hoping to, "achieve a stronger alignment with the will of God."

By talking . . . to him.

[quade 4]

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So...it's a one sided conversation where you're doing the talking and he is supposedly listening, but somehow you are hoping to, "achieve a stronger alignment with the will of God."
By talking . . . to him.

Nope, it is about realization, understanding, acceptance, and peace .

[Skyrad 0]

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OK, let me rephrase. Why do we need to pray? Does He take requests? Will He do some things differently based on the type and volume of prayers?

Bottom line, what is the purpose of praying and what is the mechanism in play that allows praying to achieve that purpose?

As Christians, we pray to get in communication with the Holy Spirit and to achieve a stronger alignment with the will of God.

Why do you always resort to gobbledygook when presented with a difficult question?

Sounded pretty straight forward to me.

When an author is too meticulous about his style, you may presume that his mind is frivolous and his content flimsy.
Lucius Annaeus Seneca

[Skyrad 0]

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So...it's a one sided conversation where you're doing the talking and he is supposedly listening, but somehow you are hoping to, "achieve a stronger alignment with the will of God."
By talking . . . to him.

Nope, it is about realization, understanding, acceptance, and peace .

Hmmm, that's not what Ron said. Which one of you is wrong?

[quade 4]

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its only a one sided conversation if you decide not to listen.

So, you're saying God has actually spoken to you? You've heard his voice? An actual voice? The voice of God? He spoke to you?

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[Skyrad 0]

Yes

When an author is too meticulous about his style, you may presume that his mind is frivolous and his content flimsy.
Lucius Annaeus Seneca

[quade 4]

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Yes

How did you know it was God versus say, an auditory hallucination brought about by schizophrenia?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auditory_hallucination

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[Skyrad 0]

Try it for yourself you will know you're not crazy.

When an author is too meticulous about his style, you may presume that his mind is frivolous and his content flimsy.
Lucius Annaeus Seneca

[RonD1120 62]

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its only a one sided conversation if you decide not to listen.

So, you're saying God has actually spoken to you? You've heard his voice? An actual voice? The voice of God? He spoke to you?

Yes, same with me as well.

Look for the shiny things of God revealed by the Holy Spirit. They only last for an instant but it is a Holy Instant. Let your soul absorb them.

[JackC1 0]

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Try it for yourself you will know you're not crazy.

If I heard voices I'd consider that pretty worrying evidence that I was crazy. Assuming I was sane enough to make the connection.

[beowulf 1]

Have either of you ever questioned whether or not the voice you hear is actually the God you believe in? How did you come to the conclusion that the voice you hear is the God of the Bible?

[normiss 798]

Excellent question.

[RonD1120 62]

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Have either of you ever questioned whether or not the voice you hear is actually the God you believe in? How did you come to the conclusion that the voice you hear is the God of the Bible?

I my case, it was confirmed by Scripture, personal affect and effect and, by the elders.

I used the wrong word, confirmed should read validated.

Look for the shiny things of God revealed by the Holy Spirit. They only last for an instant but it is a Holy Instant. Let your soul absorb them.