NCarolinian

When we use the word Lust , it is usually in a negative sexual context. There are also people, places and things we can lust for, but again a negative association is usually applied. There seems to be an account in Scripture where the word Lust takes on a more Holy aspect. James 4:5 in the King James Version says, "Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?" The original Greek word used here for "lusteth" is  epipotheō ( ep-ee - poth -eh'-o) meaning  to yearn; to dote upon, that is, intensely crave possession (lawfully or wrongfully); earnestly desire; greatly long after . Romans 1:4 declares The Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Holiness - " and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord."   Now, with this understanding, this lust must be a healthy, Godly lust. Two more translations I will share with you. First...

Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (King James Version) Ever had a serious gut-check about your life? You can read/hear Paul having one in these verses. But after he has his time of reflection (good and bad), he chose to forget the past (everything) and Move Forward with God's new goals for him. There are some keys that will help us Move Forward in Christ and see more of His plan in our lives. After experiencing a victory or moment of serious life reflection, the attitude that we have not arrived will go a long way. Paul says, "I count not myself to have apprehended:....". In the New International Version , the verse states - "I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it." The original Greek word used for ...

1 Corinthians 10:13 "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." Pritchard Paraphrase All the temptations that you have succumb to are nothing new to humanity. At the same time, God always does His part - He will not allow the amount of temptation to be to much. God will provide a way out so you can take the temptation and manage it wisely ("endure it"). God's Part - He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear He will also provide a way out Notice our part - "endure it" . We do not receive a "Get Out of Temptation Free" card. Step one of our part is to have The Counselor (The Holy Spirit) within you to guide during all moments of your life, especially the temptations. Step two is to act on His discernment or prompting in a giv...

For the believer, God's Presence and Provision are displayed in front of us, behind us, on either side of us, above us and within us. God describes His presences in front of us with a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Psalm 119:105) .  He  depicts Himself as one who protects on either side -  A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. (Psalm 91:7)   God also portrays Himself in at least two places as your "rear guard" - Isaiah 52:12 and Isaiah 58:8 .  Then in Deuteronomy 32:11-12 , Moses poetically illustrates God as an eagle that hovers over its children. "... like an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, that spreads its wings to catch them and carries them aloft. The Lord alone led him; no foreign god was with him." Even from above us the Holy Spirit is present and covers. John calls the Holy Spirit the Parakletos . This is one who comes alongside a...

Dear Lord, I realize why our bodies get sick. I understand that from birth we are in a process of decay because of the nature of sin, until you return and manifest your victory over sin, death, hell, sickness and the grave. However, since you immediately healed people who had faith in you, why do you not heal not only me at this time with my issue, but other Believers that have had worse problems - immediately? Lord for the other Believers and myself, it is not about having faith as a mustard seed - we have that covered. I and other Christians have had the faith of the coco de mer seed (Palm tree seed), which according to the internet is "the largest seed in the world... It can reach about 12 inches (30 cm) long, and weigh up to 40 pounds (18 kg)." Yet, you still allow for the ailment to continue. Sometimes you allow for the issue to persist a long time. I have even seen you permit the circumstance to drag on and then end in death - all to a Believer with great faith a...