A Christian Hunter's Devotions and Studies


TreeWalker

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Re: A Christian Hunter\'s Devotions and Studies

Wow: I knew there were numerous believers on the forum, and I've been here for several months now... often thinking of suggesting a "pinned" sight for believer to gather. How ironic that what I needed or wanted was right here the whole time, waiting for me to come in.

Kind of like our walk with Christ. Often times we search so hard for God's will. Often in our searching He is standing right in front of us with the answers... literally handing us His will. It is our human nature that often doubts His guiding. If we take the time to seek Him, often times we will see Him leading our paths.

Many people make "God's will" much tougher than what I think, He intended it to be. God said we would suffer trials and tribulations... but He also said he would direct our steps. When you read proverbs I truly believe He was saying that our choice to follow Him will be filled with temptation and tribulations, but I also believe that He clearly says that He will guide us and make known His will.

What purpose would God have in making it difficult to find His Will? Would this not just breed frustration and distress in believers. Honestly, God's will for you is most often right in front of you, and if you seek Him, you can often see it, right there for the taking.

God Bless, and thanks to the Mod who decided long ago to make this a pinned topic.

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  • 1 month later...

Re: A Christian Hunter\'s Devotions and Studies

Chinese Christian Tells of Prison Torture

By Gary Lane

CWNews

CWNews.org A leader of one of China's fastest growing House Church movements is now free and is talking about her sexual abuse and torture in prison.

It happened over a three-year period in Hubei province, in southern China.

Released from a Chinese labor camp nearly a year ago, 34-year old Liu Xianzhi only recently escaped to the West.

At the National Press Club in Washington this week, she recounted the brutal treatment she received by police interrogators while imprisoned in China's Hubei province.

Reporters were also given copies of Liu's videotaped testimony. She explained how she was also deprived of food and sleep.

She says her interrogators became angry when she refused to make a false confession against Pastor Gong Shengliang-a leader of the South China Church. Liu refused to sign a statement saying that she had a sexual relationship with pastor Gong.

As a result, a prison official tortured her with an electric prod. Liu said, "I did what I could to stop him, but he pulled off my bra. I felt extremely humiliated. He continued to use the prod on my chest, my body doubled over in pain."

Liu says she is speaking out to draw attention to the plight of other Christian prisoners in China.

President of the China Aid Association, Bob Fu, says more than 8,000 members of the unregistered South China Church have been imprisoned during the past decade.

Chinese officials have labeled the 100,000 member church an "evil cult." Pastor Gong is serving a life sentence in prison and is reportedly near death.

Joseph Grieboski is President of the Institute on Religion and Public Policy. He urges the Chinese government to abide by its own constitution which guarantees freedom of belief to the Chinese citizenry.

Grieboski said, "The actions of the state and the statements of the state are not in line and are not linked. That is all we're asking of the Chinese government-stand by what you say you believe."

We need to pray for our brothers and sisters, in Christ Jesus in China

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Re: A Christian Hunter\'s Devotions and Studies

[ QUOTE ]

....... you have overcoem alot pain in your life through your relationship with Jesus.

[/ QUOTE ]

I think we all have gone through pain of one type or the other, as we find our way to our Savior.......I like to think of it as "growing pains".........

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  • 2 weeks later...

Re: A Christian Hunter\'s Devotions and Studies

We had over a 100 kids and adults give their hearts to the Lord this week through our 3 Easter productions. Probably had over 3000 people came and watched adding up over the three days.

Well tomorrow is the most important day we celebrate. Christmas would be worthless without Easter!! If Christ never rose from the dead He would have just been some baby that didn't live up to expectations...BUT I'm so glad he paid my debt on that tree and did what I couldn't do!! He conquered h*ll and the grave and He LIVES at the right hand of the Father and He also lives in my heart!! God bless you all and have a blessed Easter!!

Joel

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Re: A Christian Hunter\'s Devotions and Studies

I think that the toughest thing for me to witness lately is a couple fo young folks that were devoted to Christ, take their steps away from their faith... frown.gif

One girl in particular.....often she confided in our youth leaders about the persecution that went on in her own home....by her siblings and her mother. She stood tall all of these years, to only fall victim here lately........I know that this is all in God's plan, and that she will come back sooner or later...and will probably bring scores more with her.......but I can only imagine the torment and heartache she must have felt, and probably the guilt she feels from time to time as she treads her new path........

Another young man I know was addicted horribly to Meth....the parents went through a recent divorce, and the mother thinks she cares about her boys, but is never around.......the father is a hard core farmer, and has spentevery waking hour trying to make life easier for his family, at the expense of spending less time with them to do so.....

The young man was sent through different rehabs, but with no success, and the influence of his friends didn't help either................things didn't start to come together till he was sent to Teen Challenge. Teen Challenge is a one year program organized and ran by Assemblies of God.............Now you can imagine what kind of response this youngster was giving them....a hardcore partier, Meth head in a Christian environment ?!?!? Well to make a long story short....this boy is now 6 months into the program, and he is on fire for God !!! The habit is gone, and his only cravings now are for Jesus Christ !! smile.gif

But the sad thing, is his two brothers...one older and one younger....have stated they want nothing to do with him now....he's changed too much...they don't know him, and don't want to know the new him.....

He may be shunned and forgotten by his family.....but what they don't realize is he has got a new one....... wink.gif

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Re: A Christian Hunter\'s Devotions and Studies

iminrut - I hear you and feel this hurt as well. It makes it that much tougher when it's a family member or even your own child.

We need to hold strong to the promises of God's word about them returning home and pray without ceasing.

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Re: A Christian Hunter\'s Devotions and Studies

That is awesome! Teen Challenge is an incredible program for many years now. I actually went to bible college with a couple graduates of the program. Several of my buddies are currently working for the program. We will pray that God continues to move in this young man's life and that his fire spreads to the others in his family. Also for this young lady to come back to the Lord. Thanks for the post. Be blessed!!

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  • 4 weeks later...

Re: A Christian Hunter\'s Devotions and Studies

God does truely work in mysterious ways......when I even look back at my own life, it can so easily recognize the the obsticles that God set in my path to make me change direction......some were good obsticles...others not so good......but all were to achieve a higher purpose in my life...l.one that took me over 30 years to comprehend.....

Several of us younger members from church, do alot of things together......like suppers at eachothers house.....weekend trips......camping, etc........the other night while sitting around visiting, several of us decided it would be a good idea to go visit this young man in Teen Challenge.......his toughest critics are going to be when he first comes home.......we figured we let him know he's got alot of friends back home he never knew he had, and are there for him when he get's there....

This is also Mothers Day as I type this.......it's a no brainer to alot of folks, but just a reminder to keep all of those that have recently lost sons or daughters......or Husbands, sons or daughters that have lost a wife or mother....in your prayers....

God Bless, and Happy Mothers Day....

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  • 2 weeks later...

Re: A Christian Hunter\'s Devotions and Studies

Your post reminded me of our Mother's Day service. It was a very emotional day. We dedicated 15 children. Some Mom's were standing alone as a single parent with their kids. Each child had a pastor or elder to hold the baby. AWESOME time.

The boo hooing came as I prayed with one of our youth who just lost his Mom a couple months ago. He was an only child and she was a single parent. He and I just cried together as I held him and prayed for him. You were right on in reminding us of that. The scripture reminds us time and time again of taking care of the fatherless and the widows.

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Re: A Christian Hunter\'s Devotions and Studies

yall i just wanted to tell you about my new girlfriend. i have liked her for a while and i met her at youth group. well come to find out she likes me and i asked her out and we have been together a week tomorrow. well she is a very godly girl and she has helped me get back on track with the lord. before her i was going to great falls with my best friend(non-christian) and meeting different girls every weekend. but thank god i stuck to my values and standards because i could have really messed up with those girls. not people you would want your parents to really know. but anyways my parents love her. i brought her fishing last sunday after church and she had alot of fun. so i thank god for her and everything else in my life. i have really started to shape up since i met her. i used to cuss alot and lately i have noticed i hardly do anymore.thanks for your time.

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  • 1 month later...

Re: A Christian Hunter\'s Devotions and Studies

Well it's been a busy couple of months....and in light of all the Christian related topics in the Polticial room, I figured it was time to bring this baby back up....we can all use a little pick-me-up.....

Last weekend, the Wife and I along with our 4 little ones (6,4,2 and 4 months) went to family camp up at Devils Lake.......I hadn't being feeling very special spiritually lately, and was not to excited to go......in fact i tried to talk the wife into only staying overnight one night.......but God spoke to me quickly, letting me know i was being selfish, and to do the right thing by my family.......yes, my convictions started kicking in bigtime.....

Sure I ended up missing the ND State Outdoor 3D shoot......but you know what, I didn't even notice it.......it was one of the more enjoyable weekends I can remember....and this is with 4 rugrats none the less...LOL

The speakers during the morning services and evening worships were PHENOMINAL !!! Carl Bauman was great as ever.......and there was someone i never had heard of before, but will never forget............Dobie Weasel......remember that name folks.......if he is ever anywhere close to your area speaking, you must go see.....even if it would happen to be a high school lyceum (spelling)........he was breathtakingly good....he preaches like nothing I've ever heard........he has a sense of humor and a love for God......it is simply inspiring....

To amke a long story short........I wasn't feeling very spiritual remember.........it is amazing , but the three many services I attended......each had to deal with exactly what I had been going through......torment, discouragement and lost dreams.........

I've been tormented by the fact I think i have let several youth slip through my grasp that i could have testified to and shared some of God's word with......I've got a dream of having my own business that not only glorifies God but ministers as well......and not only has it seemed to get lost in the mix of having to many projects on my hands....I'm also constantly discouraged in one form or another when I ever get the ball rolling........

Needless to say, the last evening I went up for an altar call....I felt called to do so, in fact i didn't even though I felt compelled to do so the first evening......well the second evening I went up, and bowed down on the floor..weeping and sobbing....I felt numerous men praying over me as I sobbed and prayed,.....suddenly a felt a peace come over me.....just like when a thunderstorm breaks to clear skies.......it was a God given blessing, and not only do I have a peace but a renewed vision for me and my family......our house is better, and so ar we.....praise be to God....and thanks to the River of Life organization in Devils Lake for hosting such a wonderful camp for young and old alike..... smile.gif

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Re: A Christian Hunter\'s Devotions and Studies

It's amazing how our Lord comes into our lives and wakes us up exactly when we need it. I'm sitting here at 36 years of age holding my 6 day old son in amazment of the power and glory of God.

There are a million questions that we can ask that can only be answered by our maker when we get to heaven sitting here in my lap.

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Re: A Christian Hunter\'s Devotions and Studies

Man I haven't seen this post updated since I started coming back here. Glad to see someone make a post on it. I am wanting to get back into my old habit of posting a daily devotion on here.

About you not feeling close spritually to the Lord. I know exactly what you mean. I get in this thing I call the devil's gutter every once in awhile and here lately it has been horrible. I mean it is like I am miserable everywhere I go....work, home, even church. It is like I just can't get out. Then all of a sudden as I am doing my Bible study or quiet time that God says.....son I am with you and all it better.....at that point in time I feel so much better.

And back when I was posting the little devotion on here everyday....I felt great.

Glad to here about all the wonderful works our Lord and Savior has been doing in everyones lives here lately. God bless you all and look forward to starting those daily post.....so be watching!

JOSH

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Re: A Christian Hunter\'s Devotions and Studies

Here's a pick-me up for you-all

My son Troy, who is 33 years old now, is one of my children from my first marriage when I was 17 years old.

After his Mom and I parted ways after a 6 year marriage, back east I never saw Troy again until about 16 years ago, when they finally moved west and ended up on Vancouver Island.

I was a relatively new Christian at the time, when Troy came to visit me.

He reminded me so much of myself when I was his age and looks a lot like me too. I was kinda shocked however to find out he was a satanist.

I was so worried about him and yet I had to get into the "Jesus confrontation" with him right from the get go. He was pretty deep into satanism, and was seeing "so-called angels of light" and having astro-travelling experiences. I pressed on in hopes that the Lord would reach out to him and he to the Lord.

After quite a few visits over the years, I had pretty much preached myself out, and was content just to love him and go hunting a few days a year with him.

A few days ago, he called me, and announced that he had just accepted Jesus as his Saviour. I haven't seen him in person yet, but I am more excited than ever at our next meeting. grin.gif

Life doesn't get any better than this for me ...Praise you Jesus !!!!!!!!!! smile.gif

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Re: A Christian Hunter\'s Devotions and Studies

This is one of those times I want to just drop down to my knees and praise God. He is good all the time and all the time God is good.

You are a very lucky man Buckee. God bless you and your son and I pray that you get to see each other soon.

You are in my thoughts and prayers!

God loves you!

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Re: A Christian Hunter\'s Devotions and Studies

[ QUOTE ]

Needless to say, the last evening I went up for an altar call....I felt called to do so, in fact i didn't even though I felt compelled to do so the first evening......well the second evening I went up, and bowed down on the floor..weeping and sobbing....I felt numerous men praying over me as I sobbed and prayed,.....suddenly a felt a peace come over me.....just like when a thunderstorm breaks to clear skies.......it was a God given blessing, and not only do I have a peace but a renewed vision for me and my family......our house is better, and so ar we.....praise be to God....and thanks to the River of Life organization in Devils Lake for hosting such a wonderful camp for young and old alike.....

[/ QUOTE ]

We all need to humble ourselves and spend time on the carpet before the King letting him refresh us. PTL!!!

[ QUOTE ]

Man I haven't seen this post updated since I started coming back here. Glad to see someone make a post on it. I am wanting to get back into my old habit of posting a daily devotion on here.

About you not feeling close spritually to the Lord. I know exactly what you mean. I get in this thing I call the devil's gutter every once in awhile and here lately it has been horrible. I mean it is like I am miserable everywhere I go....work, home, even church. It is like I just can't get out. Then all of a sudden as I am doing my Bible study or quiet time that God says.....son I am with you and all it better.....at that point in time I feel so much better.

And back when I was posting the little devotion on here everyday....I felt great.

Glad to here about all the wonderful works our Lord and Savior has been doing in everyones lives here lately. God bless you all and look forward to starting those daily post.....so be watching!

JOSH

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks SO much for sharing this Josh. It was very timely and a huge encouragement.

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Re: A Christian Hunter\'s Devotions and Studies

I don't know how many of you out there remember when I was posting a little daily devotion on here, but the time has come where I am going to try to take the time daily to do it again. It is just a little something out of on of the books I do on a daily basis...so here goes. Hope someone gets something out of it!

WHAT'S YOUR LEGACY?

"Hold firmly the message of life. Then I can boast in the day of Christ that I didn't run in vain or labor for nothing" Philippians 2:16

An Echoing Legacy

It's difficult to quantify one's legacy. It's one of those things that isn't really defined until life is over. But if we live a life of character, perseverance and faith, our legacy can echo long after we've left this world.

The apostle Paul is a prime example of this wonderful truth. When we consider his biography, we see that he came to a pivotal moment of decision. That choice was crucial to his legacy.

Life Lessons from Paul

As a young man, Paul was zealous in his pursuit of obedience to the law and more educated in the Scripture than many older rabbis(see Galatians 1:13-14). He was on the fast track to success in the Jewish world. But Christ intervened and laid the foundation for Paul to create an eternal legacy.

As a result of his letters and his leadership in the early church, Paul was a spiritual father to millions of people over the past 2,000 years, Timothy, Titus, Augustine, Billy Graham and scores of others came into the body of Christ because of Paul's dedication.

Leaving a legacy grows from faithfulness and obedience. Today, in a notebook, begin with the words "When I die, my legacy will be............" and describe what you think your legacy would be if you died tomorrow. Then ask God to show you how to live in such a way that the legacy you are building in your children, your church and your community will begin to reverberate for eternity.

Bottom Line....

Begin making choices based not on their temporal significance only, but also according to their repercussions after you leave this world.

2 Corinthians 5:1-10(one of my favorites)

This devotion was taken from a little book the men's ministry gets at my church called, "Stand Firm" God's challenge for today's man! Hope you all injoy! grin.gif

Josh

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