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#1
Testimonies That Have Inspired You / Re: Sharlon's Tumor
Last post by Rhonda - May 16, 2025, 01:34 PMQuote from: Pastor Ken on May 16, 2025, 11:07 AMI think is one of the most profound testimonies I have not only heard, but witnessed. It is truly a remarkable story with even the doctors using words like miracle, mustard seed, only God. When my faith is being tested this is one that I always try to look back on and remember how good our God is.I've never heard about this! I'd love for you guys to share it with us, sometime!
#2
Testimonies That Have Inspired You / Sharlon's Tumor
Last post by Pastor Ken - May 16, 2025, 11:07 AMI think is one of the most profound testimonies I have not only heard, but witnessed. It is truly a remarkable story with even the doctors using words like miracle, mustard seed, only God. When my faith is being tested this is one that I always try to look back on and remember how good our God is.
#3
People Who Have Inspired You / Wesley Huff
Last post by Pastor Ken - May 16, 2025, 11:05 AMI am finding this young guy is not really inspiring me, but casing me to take a pause and rethink some of the theology I have or don't have. Also, what have I learned new today.
#4
People Who Have Inspired You / Re: Bible Brings Knowledge of ...
Last post by Pastor Ken - May 16, 2025, 11:03 AMI really like this. I don't know how I missed it when I have been on before.
#5
Thoughts From Pastor Ken / Come Home!
Last post by Pastor Ken - Apr 17, 2025, 05:45 AMComing Home: A Christian Reflection on Returning to Where You Belong
There's something powerful about the idea of coming home. Whether it's walking through the door after a long trip or reconnecting with people you've been away from for too long, coming home stirs something deep within the soul. But beyond the physical return lies a spiritual truth that resonates with every believer: we were made to come home—not just to a place, but to a Person.
The Longing for Home
Every human heart carries a quiet ache, a deep sense that we are not quite where we're supposed to be. C.S. Lewis called it "a desire for our own far-off country." It's that restless feeling that something's missing, even when life seems good on the surface. In the Christian life, this longing is the call of God drawing us back to Himself.
We see this in Jesus' parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32). The son demanded his inheritance, ran away, and wasted everything. But when the emptiness caught up with him, he remembered the home he had left behind. The beauty of the story isn't just in the son's return, but in the Father's response—running toward him, arms open wide, heart bursting with love.
Home Is Where the Father Is
Coming home, in the truest sense, is returning to the Father. It's laying down the burdens, the guilt, the shame, and the striving. It's realizing that God doesn't wait at a distance, tapping His foot in disappointment, but rushes toward us the moment we turn around.
Many of us try to make our home in things that don't last—success, relationships, comfort. But these things, while sometimes good, can never satisfy that homesick part of our hearts. Only the presence of God can truly feel like home.
Grace at the Doorstep
What's most incredible is that coming home doesn't require perfection. It only requires surrender. The son didn't come back with everything fixed—he came back broken and repentant. And he was met not with punishment, but with a robe, a ring, and a feast.
This is the scandal of grace: that no matter how far you've wandered, the Father is always ready to welcome you back.
The Ongoing Journey
Even after we've given our lives to Christ, there are moments when we drift—our hearts get distracted, our devotion grows cold, or we simply feel disconnected. But God never changes His address. His invitation to come home remains open every single day.
Coming home isn't always a one-time event—it's a rhythm. A daily turning back. A quiet prayer whispered through tears. A gentle return to the arms of grace.
So maybe today, you're feeling distant. Maybe life has taken you far from where you once were with God. The good news is: the way home is still open. And the Father is waiting—not with judgment, but with joy.
Come home. You're always welcome here.
#6
Rhonda's Blogs / Re: This is AI's "blog".
Last post by Pastor Ken - Apr 15, 2025, 07:49 AMThat was amazing.
#7
Rhonda's Blogs / This is AI's "blog".
Last post by Rhonda - Apr 14, 2025, 04:54 PMI recently posed this question to AI, while researching for the book I am currently writing. I was curious as to what AI's response would be, if I asked the question in such a way that attempting to present an opposing viewpoint to John 3:16 would be unacceptable. This is the question I asked, while trying to gain a clear understanding of my character's mindset:
For my question to be answered in a way that I am searching for, we will begin by stating that John 3:16 is true. Now, building on that premise, why would a woman who believes that "God so loved the world" have trouble believing that God loves her? What is it about that vast, all-encompassing love for the world that challenges her understanding of, or belief in, a personal love for her? How does she gain understanding of how one love translates to another?
Disclaimer: This is shared merely because I found it interesting. AI should never replace Scripture, or commentaries, devotionals, etc., that are sourced from Scripture. AI is "artificial" and is not to be confused with Scripture, regardless of how sound it appears to be.
This is the response given by AI (none of it is mine, or there would be no references to any of us being "worthy"):
Understanding God's Love: From Universal to Personal
The premise that "God so loved the world" as stated in John 3:16 is foundational to many Christian beliefs. This verse emphasizes a universal love that encompasses all of humanity, suggesting that God's affection and grace are available to everyone. However, for some individuals, particularly women who may struggle with self-worth or personal identity, this broad concept of divine love can create barriers to believing in a more intimate, personal love from God directed specifically at them.
The Challenge of Believing in Personal Love
Conceptual Distance: The idea of God loving "the world" can feel abstract and distant. When love is framed in such expansive terms, it may lead individuals to perceive it as impersonal. A woman might think, "If God loves the world, how can He truly care about me as an individual?" This perception can foster feelings of insignificance or unworthiness.
Self-Perception and Worth: Many women grapple with issues related to self-esteem and identity. If they do not see themselves as valuable or deserving of love—whether due to societal pressures, past experiences, or personal struggles—they may find it difficult to accept that God's love applies personally to them. They might believe that while God loves humanity collectively, they fall short of being worthy of such love on an individual level.
Experiences of Conditional Love: Often, human relationships are fraught with conditions and expectations. If a woman has experienced conditional love from family members or peers—where affection was given based on performance or behavior—she may project these experiences onto her understanding of divine love. This could lead her to believe that God's love is similarly conditional or dependent on her actions.
Theological Misunderstandings: Some theological interpretations emphasize sinfulness and judgment over grace and acceptance. If a woman has been taught that she must earn God's favor through good deeds or piety, she may struggle with the notion that God's love is freely given regardless of her shortcomings.
Gaining Understanding: Translating Universal Love into Personal Acceptance
To bridge the gap between the universal concept of God's love for the world and the personal belief in His love for oneself, several steps can be taken:
Personal Reflection: Encouraging personal reflection on one's worthiness can help individuals recognize their inherent value as creations of God. Engaging in practices like journaling or meditation focused on self-acceptance can aid this process.
Scriptural Affirmation: Exploring other biblical passages that emphasize God's personal relationship with individuals can provide reassurance. Verses such as Psalm 139:13-14 highlight how each person is uniquely created and valued by God.
Community Support: Being part of a supportive faith community where messages of unconditional love are emphasized can reinforce personal beliefs about God's affection for each individual. Sharing experiences within a community can also help normalize feelings of doubt and encourage growth.
Prayer and Spiritual Practices: Engaging in prayer or spiritual practices aimed at fostering intimacy with God can help individuals experience His presence more personally. These practices allow for direct communication with God, which can affirm His personal interest in their lives.
Therapeutic Guidance: For those struggling deeply with feelings of unworthiness, seeking guidance from a counselor or therapist who understands both psychological principles and spiritual beliefs may be beneficial in reconciling these feelings.
In conclusion, while the vastness of God's love for the world might initially challenge an individual's belief in His personal affection for them, through reflection, community support, scriptural engagement, and spiritual practices, one can come to understand how universal love translates into a deeply personal connection.
In summary, understanding how "God so loved the world" relates to personal belief involves recognizing barriers created by self-perception and past experiences while actively engaging in practices that affirm one's worthiness of divine love.
Authoritative Sources:
- John 3:16 - New International Version (NIV).
- Psalm 139:13-14 - New International Version (NIV).
#8
Men's meetings, get-togethers, gossip...... / Re: Prayers for the Day
Last post by DavidElkin - Mar 29, 2025, 08:02 AM| Loving God, be with us today as we encourage one another by praying together for your will to be done in our lives. Amen. |
#9
Men's meetings, get-togethers, gossip...... / Re: Verse of the day
Last post by DavidElkin - Mar 29, 2025, 08:01 AM"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."
John 15: 4-5 NKJV
John 15: 4-5 NKJV
#10
Thoughts From Pastor Ken / Pushing The Rock
Last post by Pastor Ken - Mar 28, 2025, 04:36 AMPushing a Rock Up a Hill
Most of the time I feel like I am pushing a rock up a hill.
I am never not aware of the rock. I feel its weight. I cannot let go of the rock. I am responsible to make sure it keeps moving up the hill; I can't let it roll back down. Every other activity must be done while holding the rock. I eat with the rock on my back. I sleep wedged beneath the rock, with rock-moving strategies and hopes for progress squeezing my dreams. Don't get me wrong; almost all the time I love the rock, and even more I love making the rock move forward. I just know that I have to push the rock. I don't feel like I have a choice. I just have to push the rock.
Sometimes I leave the rock with capable hands while I go encourage other rock-pushers, and maybe help them push their rocks through a tough spot.
I do have people with me pushing the rock. I love it when people push on the rock. I can use all the help I can get!
Some people help better than others.
Some people come and help me push the rock like it was their own rock. It really feels like it's "our rock" and "we" are pushing. This really makes rock-pushing fun. Some people have worn grooves in the rock from pushing so well, for so long. I love rock-pushers, because no matter what, I have to push the rock.
Some people who come to help push the rock like to talk about how maybe the rock should be a different color, or maybe the rock could use some sanding here and there, or maybe they don't like calling it a rock. "Is it possible to change rocks?" Whatever, just push the rock.
Some people will walk beside me, getting really close to me, and almost touching the rock. They'll quietly tell me how I might make some changes in how I am pushing the rock. They may regale me with tales of rocks they've moved (well, at least they touched some cool rocks). They don't break a sweat, but they occasionally have to take breaks from not pushing the rock. Often, they wander off, shaking their heads over how poorly I seem to pushing the rock. Regardless, I keep pushing the rock.
Some people come and ask to help push the rock. Sure! Push! But they'd prefer a certain spot to push...no, not there. Maybe there...well, not really there. "I'm not really being used very well at pushing the rock." Really? Just push the rock.
Every once in a while someone will be upset that I am pushing the rock. Yes. That I am pushing the rock. I mean that I don't know why they're upset, because I am just pushing this rock. But somehow I've let them down, haven't pushed well enough, or even that I am pushing too much. Maybe I haven't let them have control of the rock? Control the rock? I don't own the rock. I am just pushing this rock up a hill. But in response to my rock-pushing, they stop helping push the rock. Sometimes others stop with them. I pause to catch a breath after they stop pushing, get a fresh footing, and then I keep pushing the rock. It's a little heavier than before. But I keep pushing the rock.
I keep studying rock-pushing. I keep learning. I am inspired by the rock-pushers who have moved rocks before me. I can see the trails left by their rock-pushing. Many have made my way easier. Their example compels me. I want to leave a trail for other rock-pushers to follow. I keep pushing the rock.
I sometimes wonder if I will ever push my rock as well as others. It seems like some rock-pushers sail past me. Others, too many others, I have seen lose traction, focus, or grip and roll back down the hill with their rocks. Rock-pushing can be dangerous. But I just keep pushing the rock.
Because at the end of the day, and at the beginning of the day, and in fact all day long every day, I am pushing a rock up a hill.
Most of the time I feel like I am pushing a rock up a hill.
I am never not aware of the rock. I feel its weight. I cannot let go of the rock. I am responsible to make sure it keeps moving up the hill; I can't let it roll back down. Every other activity must be done while holding the rock. I eat with the rock on my back. I sleep wedged beneath the rock, with rock-moving strategies and hopes for progress squeezing my dreams. Don't get me wrong; almost all the time I love the rock, and even more I love making the rock move forward. I just know that I have to push the rock. I don't feel like I have a choice. I just have to push the rock.
Sometimes I leave the rock with capable hands while I go encourage other rock-pushers, and maybe help them push their rocks through a tough spot.
I do have people with me pushing the rock. I love it when people push on the rock. I can use all the help I can get!
Some people help better than others.
Some people come and help me push the rock like it was their own rock. It really feels like it's "our rock" and "we" are pushing. This really makes rock-pushing fun. Some people have worn grooves in the rock from pushing so well, for so long. I love rock-pushers, because no matter what, I have to push the rock.
Some people who come to help push the rock like to talk about how maybe the rock should be a different color, or maybe the rock could use some sanding here and there, or maybe they don't like calling it a rock. "Is it possible to change rocks?" Whatever, just push the rock.
Some people will walk beside me, getting really close to me, and almost touching the rock. They'll quietly tell me how I might make some changes in how I am pushing the rock. They may regale me with tales of rocks they've moved (well, at least they touched some cool rocks). They don't break a sweat, but they occasionally have to take breaks from not pushing the rock. Often, they wander off, shaking their heads over how poorly I seem to pushing the rock. Regardless, I keep pushing the rock.
Some people come and ask to help push the rock. Sure! Push! But they'd prefer a certain spot to push...no, not there. Maybe there...well, not really there. "I'm not really being used very well at pushing the rock." Really? Just push the rock.
Every once in a while someone will be upset that I am pushing the rock. Yes. That I am pushing the rock. I mean that I don't know why they're upset, because I am just pushing this rock. But somehow I've let them down, haven't pushed well enough, or even that I am pushing too much. Maybe I haven't let them have control of the rock? Control the rock? I don't own the rock. I am just pushing this rock up a hill. But in response to my rock-pushing, they stop helping push the rock. Sometimes others stop with them. I pause to catch a breath after they stop pushing, get a fresh footing, and then I keep pushing the rock. It's a little heavier than before. But I keep pushing the rock.
I keep studying rock-pushing. I keep learning. I am inspired by the rock-pushers who have moved rocks before me. I can see the trails left by their rock-pushing. Many have made my way easier. Their example compels me. I want to leave a trail for other rock-pushers to follow. I keep pushing the rock.
I sometimes wonder if I will ever push my rock as well as others. It seems like some rock-pushers sail past me. Others, too many others, I have seen lose traction, focus, or grip and roll back down the hill with their rocks. Rock-pushing can be dangerous. But I just keep pushing the rock.
Because at the end of the day, and at the beginning of the day, and in fact all day long every day, I am pushing a rock up a hill.