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Does the Pain in your life alter your Choices????

Grandliseur

Well-Known Member
Do you think God offers road assistance? Sometimes I highly doubt God does anything, aside from sending Messengers/Prophets.
While we are told he carries our daily load, I must say that a more direct assistance could be used by many sitting in the mud being stuck so totally.
All one can do is pray, and in the end hope that death is painless mentally and physically.

Sitting at a keyboard in a far away location, there is little I can do for anyone. Yesterday, after my defeat at counting points on the modern algebra test administered here, I sat and enjoyed some beautiful songs in German and other languages I know, and simply was enjoying in my old age the ability to still do that. It was healing a little bit. Wonder how long those gifts will last - everyone seem to be getting Alzheimer's to some degree, especially as diabetes ridden as I am.
 

Trailblazer

Veteran Member
While we are told he carries our daily load, I must say that a more direct assistance could be used by many sitting in the mud being stuck so totally.
All one can do is pray, and in the end hope that death is painless mentally and physically.
Thanks for the reminder. All we can do is pray and hope and not be too attached to this mortal world. ;)
Sitting at a keyboard in a far away location, there is little I can do for anyone. Yesterday, after my defeat at counting points on the modern algebra test administered here, I sat and enjoyed some beautiful songs in German and other languages I know, and simply was enjoying in my old age the ability to still do that. It was healing a little bit. Wonder how long those gifts will last - everyone seem to be getting Alzheimer's to some degree, especially as diabetes ridden as I am.
I think you do more good than you know. You just helped me. :) Sitting at a keyboard you can reach more people than you could reach in person. I am very pragmatic.

One way I survive is not to think about the future. I live one day at a time. That is all I can handle.
 

Grandliseur

Well-Known Member
Perhaps, one should focus on what they can do instead of what they can't. There are a million ways to do something.
Some choices are between fairly equal evils. For many as they age, that is what happens. The young still think that they have 'life eternal' and that nothing can affect them - truly. Most such thinking are illusions of youth.

In that spirit, this song says something on that subject one place:
 

Grandliseur

Well-Known Member
You just helped me. :) Sitting at a keyboard you can reach more people than you could reach in person. I am very pragmatic.

One way I survive is not to think about the future. I live one day at a time. That is all I can handle.
Thanks for the pat on the back.

I also live one day at a time. As you say, that is all I can handle.
 

Bird123

Well-Known Member
Some choices are between fairly equal evils. For many as they age, that is what happens. The young still think that they have 'life eternal' and that nothing can affect them - truly. Most such thinking are illusions of youth.

In that spirit, this song says something on that subject one place:


We are all Spiritual beings in our true natures. We are all eternal. As eternal beings in a limited lifetime physical body, this lifetime has limits. Our view of life eternal stems from who we are and not our age.

This physical world has so much sensory input that soon many think that is all there is. As a result, one can limit their choices themselves. You say some choices are between 2 evils. Isn't it a limited view to think one has only 2 choices they can make in life? Perhaps it's time for one to question their goals and whether these goals are viable ones.

As I see it ever choice will return in time to teach us what our choices really mean. Perhaps the best choice is to choose neither of the 2 evils.
 

Grandliseur

Well-Known Member
We are all Spiritual beings in our true natures. We are all eternal. As eternal beings in a limited lifetime physical body, this lifetime has limits. Our view of life eternal stems from who we are and not our age.

This physical world has so much sensory input that soon many think that is all there is. As a result, one can limit their choices themselves. You say some choices are between 2 evils. Isn't it a limited view to think one has only 2 choices they can make in life? Perhaps it's time for one to question their goals and whether these goals are viable ones.

As I see it ever choice will return in time to teach us what our choices really mean. Perhaps the best choice is to choose neither of the 2 evils.
Since I believe nothing remains after death, except my 'dust' - I am not very eternal, imo. So, while I am no atheist, in some concepts I am a materialist. Who would have thought I would find something I could agree with them on. ;)
 

Trailblazer

Veteran Member
Since I believe nothing remains after death, except my 'dust' - I am not very eternal, imo. So, while I am no atheist, in some concepts I am a materialist. Who would have thought I would find something I could agree with them on. ;)
So you do not believe that you have an eternal soul that continues to exist in the spiritual world?
 

Grandliseur

Well-Known Member
So you do not believe that you have an eternal soul that continues to exist in the spiritual world?
No, I don't. To me death is a sleep, being unconscious, not existing any longer. As a Christian, though, I believe in the resurrection, a recreation by God into Paradise when it comes. But, in between, there is nothing - in my book.
 

Trailblazer

Veteran Member
No, I don't. To me death is a sleep, being unconscious, not existing any longer. As a Christian, though, I believe in the resurrection, a recreation by God into Paradise when it comes. But, in between, there is nothing - in my book.
So you believe your physical body will rise from the grave and be recreated when Jesus returns and you will be in Paradise on earth, or in heaven?
 

Grandliseur

Well-Known Member
So you believe your physical body will rise from the grave and be recreated when Jesus returns and you will be in Paradise on earth, or in heaven?
Most will receive a resurrection into Paradise on earth, if they make the cut. I hope I make the cut. I am quite aware of my own failings.

There is a song which I do not like, but it contains a lot of truth. It keeps saying, 'I didn't expect that.' I have found that to be true in my life.
 

Koldo

Outstanding Member
When it hurts, do you run from pain? When it hurts, do you treat others mean or ugly? When it hurts, do you give up and get depressed? When it hurts, do you hide from others so they do not see you hurting? When it hurts, do you pray to God to take the pain away? Does your religion teach you to do this? Does pain freeze you into inactivity?

Pain is no more than an indication something is wrong. Will you ignore pain in an effort to solve the underlying cause? Will you ignore pain in order to show others Love and Kindness? Would you be willing to go through great pain and adversity in order that someone else learns, grows and understands? Would you be willing to go through pain and adversity in order to help others?

As I see it. Pain is a big one. One can choose to let pain rule one's choices and actions or one can choose to see pain for what it really is.

We all have the power to choose regardless of what happens or the actions of others. As I see it. Choice is a valuable gift. One should never allow anything to intimidate our choices and that includes pain.

As I see it, one can only reach a Higher Level through choices. Sometimes the best choice is to hurt in order to make things better.

I think it's OK to pray and cry to God when there is pain. On the other hand, I would not expect God to solve those problems especially when everyone learns and grows overcoming adversity. There are many lessons among us all. It has never been only about our pain.

Once again, pain is only an indication something is wrong. Since we learn and grow through adversity, we were never expected never to hurt or feel pain. As I see it. It's what one chooses to do after one hurts that counts.

How about you? Does pain alter your choices in life? Do you allow this to happen?

Yes. No. Depends on the day, on the mood, on the weather, and so on and so forth.
If pain never alter your choices in life, you are retarded.
If it always does, you are too weak-willed.
 

Bird123

Well-Known Member
Since I believe nothing remains after death, except my 'dust' - I am not very eternal, imo. So, while I am no atheist, in some concepts I am a materialist. Who would have thought I would find something I could agree with them on. ;)


Perhaps, the mistake so many make is to rely on Beliefs rather than working at Discovering Truth.

As I see it, one can search out the very youngest of people. Learn from them. Many have not yet been seduced by all the sensory input into thinking this physical world is all there is. Further, they have just left the arms of God. One can learn much about God as well.

As I see it, you do not really know who you are. Perhaps there is a way to find out who you are. Find a dark quiet room away from all distractions and sensory input. Close your eyes and focus within. say to yourself: It's Me.

What will you discover?

There are many many ways to Discover as long as one is never satisfied with beliefs. Remember in the big picture Brains win. All the secrets of the universe stare us in the face. They wait for Intelligence to Discover them. You seem Intelligent. What will you discover? It has always been up to you.
 

Bird123

Well-Known Member
Yes. No. Depends on the day, on the mood, on the weather, and so on and so forth.
If pain never alter your choices in life, you are retarded.
If it always does, you are too weak-willed.


Perhaps what I am saying is so often when one hurts they lead with their feelings. If one ignores the feelings allowing their reason half to make the call, perhaps the reason for the pain can be fixed. Seems a much better action than running from the hurt.
 

Grandliseur

Well-Known Member
Perhaps, the mistake so many make is to rely on Beliefs rather than working at Discovering Truth.

As I see it, one can search out the very youngest of people. Learn from them. Many have not yet been seduced by all the sensory input into thinking this physical world is all there is. Further, they have just left the arms of God. One can learn much about God as well.

As I see it, you do not really know who you are. Perhaps there is a way to find out who you are. Find a dark quiet room away from all distractions and sensory input. Close your eyes and focus within. say to yourself: It's Me.

What will you discover?

There are many many ways to Discover as long as one is never satisfied with beliefs. Remember in the big picture Brains win. All the secrets of the universe stare us in the face. They wait for Intelligence to Discover them. You seem Intelligent. What will you discover? It has always been up to you.
There are so many different ways to approach life and its answers. I go by the authority of the Bible, not by something within myself that somehow knows the answers. I don't begrudge you your path. I just have my own.
 

Trailblazer

Veteran Member
Most will receive a resurrection into Paradise on earth, if they make the cut. I hope I make the cut. I am quite aware of my own failings.
I am also aware of my failings and worry I won't make the cut... According to my religious beliefs the cut is not an either/or, but rather it is a relative position and it goes something like this:

“The people of Bahá, who are the inmates of the Ark of God, are, one and all, well aware of one another’s state and condition, and are united in the bonds of intimacy and fellowship. Such a state, however, must depend upon their faith and their conduct. They that are of the same grade and station are fully aware of one another’s capacity, character, accomplishments and merits. They that are of a lower grade, however, are incapable of comprehending adequately the station, or of estimating the merits, of those that rank above them. Each shall receive his share from thy Lord. Blessed is the man that hath turned his face towards God, and walked steadfastly in His love, until his soul hath winged its flight unto God, the Sovereign Lord of all, the Most Powerful, the Ever-Forgiving, the All-Merciful.” Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 170
There is a song which I do not like, but it contains a lot of truth. It keeps saying, 'I didn't expect that.' I have found that to be true in my life.
I think you will be pleasantly surprised... Just from what I know if you, I would say you are a sincere and humble soul. God allows for our shortcomings... It is those who are sure they are going to make the cut that I worry about... ;)
 

Grandliseur

Well-Known Member
I am also aware of my failings and worry I won't make the cut... According to my religious beliefs the cut is not an either/or, but rather it is a relative position and it goes something like this:

“The people of Bahá, who are the inmates of the Ark of God, are, one and all, well aware of one another’s state and condition, and are united in the bonds of intimacy and fellowship. Such a state, however, must depend upon their faith and their conduct. They that are of the same grade and station are fully aware of one another’s capacity, character, accomplishments and merits. They that are of a lower grade, however, are incapable of comprehending adequately the station, or of estimating the merits, of those that rank above them. Each shall receive his share from thy Lord. Blessed is the man that hath turned his face towards God, and walked steadfastly in His love, until his soul hath winged its flight unto God, the Sovereign Lord of all, the Most Powerful, the Ever-Forgiving, the All-Merciful.” Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 170

I think you will be pleasantly surprised... Just from what I know if you, I would say you are a sincere and humble soul. God allows for our shortcomings... It is those who are sure they are going to make the cut that I worry about... ;)
Indeed.

I cannot say I disagree to the material in the post. Except, in my view, God doesn't forgive all things, so He is not All-merciful.
 

Trailblazer

Veteran Member
Indeed.

I cannot say I disagree to the material in the post. Except, in my view, God doesn't forgive all things, so He is not All-merciful.
Matthew 12:31-32 So I tell you, every sin and blasphemy can be forgiven—except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which will never be forgiven. Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven, either in this world or in the world to come.”

So, what other sins do you think God does not forgive?
 

Grandliseur

Well-Known Member
Matthew 12:31-32 So I tell you, every sin and blasphemy can be forgiven—except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which will never be forgiven. Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven, either in this world or in the world to come.”

So, what other sins do you think God does not forgive?
That is a very important question that most ignore how deep this goes.
The problem because 'what constitutes blasphemy of the holy spirit'? This turns out to be much more than word, and in many many cases it is a matter of deed, action.

I have defined some things personally, i.e. this is not accepted by the world in general. Here it is:
There exist: faith, no faith, anti-faith (or negative faith)
Under this subject we have sin which cannot be avoided since we are imperfect sinners; this may be forgiven. It may even be done on purpose in the heat of the moment. The Judge judges this. Thus Judas remains un-forgiven and Peter forgiven.

There is the practice of sin, which damns according to scripture. This is serious sin, deliberately indulged in, repeated as a practice without any intention to repent - that is what damns.
In scripture, God killed those who had no faith in him:
Psalm 106:24-26
24 And they got to contemning the desirable land; They had no faith in his word. 25 And they kept grumbling in their tents; They did not listen to the voice of Jehovah. 26 So he proceeded to raise his hand [in an oath] concerning them, That he would make them fall in the wilderness,
Those who have anti-faith are those who know God exists, but choose to work directly against his will and plans, these are God's adversaries, satans, devils, fallen angels are among them and humans too. Not all fallen angels may be part of them.
James 2:19-20 19 You believe there is one God, do you? You are doing quite well. And yet the demons believe and shudder. 20 But do you care to know, O empty man, that faith apart from works is inactive?​

These commit the blasphemy of the holy spirit by being in direct opposition to his word, his will, his plans. Even if they do not utter blasphemous words or sentences, their acts are blasphemous.

I cannot claim that having no faith is blasphemous. That is up to Christ to judge as God's judge. Perhaps some may be forgiven. I know of some who had reason for their loss of faith; some whom I thought were saintly but who suffered terribly.
 

Trailblazer

Veteran Member
That is a very important question that most ignore how deep this goes.
The problem because 'what constitutes blasphemy of the holy spirit'? This turns out to be much more than word, and in many many cases it is a matter of deed, action.

I have defined some things personally, i.e. this is not accepted by the world in general. Here it is:
There exist: faith, no faith, anti-faith (or negative faith)
Under this subject we have sin which cannot be avoided since we are imperfect sinners; this may be forgiven. It may even be done on purpose in the heat of the moment. The Judge judges this. Thus Judas remains un-forgiven and Peter forgiven.

There is the practice of sin, which damns according to scripture. This is serious sin, deliberately indulged in, repeated as a practice without any intention to repent - that is what damns.
In scripture, God killed those who had no faith in him:
Psalm 106:24-26
24 And they got to contemning the desirable land; They had no faith in his word. 25 And they kept grumbling in their tents; They did not listen to the voice of Jehovah. 26 So he proceeded to raise his hand [in an oath] concerning them, That he would make them fall in the wilderness,
Those who have anti-faith are those who know God exists, but choose to work directly against his will and plans, these are God's adversaries, satans, devils, fallen angels are among them and humans too. Not all fallen angels may be part of them.
James 2:19-20 19 You believe there is one God, do you? You are doing quite well. And yet the demons believe and shudder. 20 But do you care to know, O empty man, that faith apart from works is inactive?​

These commit the blasphemy of the holy spirit by being in direct opposition to his word, his will, his plans. Even if they do not utter blasphemous words or sentences, their acts are blasphemous.

I cannot claim that having no faith is blasphemous. That is up to Christ to judge as God's judge. Perhaps some may be forgiven. I know of some who had reason for their loss of faith; some whom I thought were saintly but who suffered terribly.
Well thanks... I see what you mean now. Just because Jesus said that there is one unforgivable sin, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, that does not mean that is the only thing that will not be forgiven. I believe that what is forgiven and not is up to God and we cannot ever know what that will be for us or anyone else.

The term blasphemy may be generally defined as “defiant irreverence.” The term can be applied to such sins as cursing God or willfully degrading things relating to God. Blasphemy is also attributing some evil to God or denying Him some good that we should attribute to Him. This particular case of blasphemy, however, is called “the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit” in Matthew 12:31.
What is the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit?

I know a lot of nonbelievers who say God is evil and I have been worried about them, but I can do nothing to convince them God is not evil. Do they get a free pass just because they claim not to believe in God? Only God knows. ;)
 

Grandliseur

Well-Known Member
Well thanks... I see what you mean now. Just because Jesus said that there is one unforgivable sin, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, that does not mean that is the only thing that will not be forgiven. I believe that what is forgiven and not is up to God and we cannot ever know what that will be for us or anyone else.

The term blasphemy may be generally defined as “defiant irreverence.” The term can be applied to such sins as cursing God or willfully degrading things relating to God. Blasphemy is also attributing some evil to God or denying Him some good that we should attribute to Him. This particular case of blasphemy, however, is called “the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit” in Matthew 12:31.
What is the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit?

I know a lot of nonbelievers who say God is evil and I have been worried about them, but I can do nothing to convince them God is not evil. Do they get a free pass just because they claim not to believe in God? Only God knows. ;)
Very good post and definition. "defiant irreverence.” The term can be applied to such sins as cursing God or willfully degrading things relating to God. " You got it. All kinds of things may be 'defiant irreverence.' I like this wording.

Just because a person does not believe in God does not mean that there is no judgment. If an american were to go driving in Europe and drive 50 mph in a 50 kph zone, he still would get a ticket for his transgression even though he thought it referred to mph. This is the same with God. One set of rules, our own consciences, applies to all.
 
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