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Chance - 8/25/2008 7:22:27 AM
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deliveredarling
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Do you think it's by chance we encounter certain people or do you think it is by divine appointment?
Not only in real life but here on the forums as well.
Are there lessons we are to encounter from the people we meet> Do you think God purposefully put so in so in your path to tech something or for you to learn something?
I do think it's purposeful for us.
Your thoughts?
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"Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed: but he puts it on a lampstand, in order that those who come in may see the light."
Luke 8:16
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RE: Chance - 8/25/2008 7:38:35 AM
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mvic
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Yes ... God places people in our lives (real life or here on the internet) for us to witness on His behalf, or to teach them or learn from them. Or even help them.
However, we have free will; and we can always say "No" and ignore God's invitation to do good.
He'll remind us of these lost opportunities when we get to meet Him.
The difficult bit I find is here on the internet Forums. I often ask myself which posts/threads should I respond to and which ones to ignore and move on. Some people I find post here to start an argument/debate, or merely to get us to confirm their plans rather than seek advice.
If in doubt, I just pray for them and move on.
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RE: Chance - 8/25/2008 9:35:11 AM
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Wild-Rose
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I believe God sends us to where we need to be in order to help people. I am the gardener at my church. Often, on the spur of the moment, I'll get it in my head that I need to thin out the hostas, or to buy a rose bush and plant it. While I'm working in the garden people will stop and admire the garden which is nice but often someone will ask for help. There was one lady who had just left her abusive husband and had her belonging including a cat all packed in her car. She had no where to go so she stopped at the church. I was able to let her in, we used the phone and got a hold of my paster. He was able to send her to a shelter that could help her. Another time it was a young fellow who was so excited because his sister was having a baby. But he didn't know the way to the hospital. So we went in and used Mapquest and got him on his way. During our brief conversation I was able to witness to him. He had been reading his Bible but I don't think he had been saved yet. I hope someday he comes back to our church. Another time, a fellow asked for food. I was up to my elbows in dirt weeding and planting new plants. I honestly did not have any food and the food that was in the church was not mine to give away. I felt bad about telling him no. In the future I'm thinking I might start making tuna sandwiches to take with me in case this ever happens again.
So yes, I think God puts gardening ideas in my head to get me to go when I'm needed.
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Wild-Rose
Rejoice that your name is written in heaven. Luke 10:20
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RE: Chance - 8/25/2008 1:20:55 PM
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deliveredarling
Posts: 1983
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quote:
However, we have free will; and we can always say "No" and ignore God's invitation to do good.
This reminds me the story/analogy of the man in a boat crying to the Lord for help. The Lord sends an airplane, the guy refuses, saying he's waiting on the Lord to save Him. The Lord sends a helicopter and the guy refuses, still saying he's waiting on the Lord to help. The Lord finally sends a rescue boat and the guy still refuses because he is waiting on the Lord. The guy screams out at the Lord, why didn't you save me?
The Lord answered Him saying, I sent you an airplane, a helicopter and a rescue boat. All three times, You refused My Help!
I just wonder how many times on here we reject stuff because it doesn't look like it's coming from the Lord?
_____________________________
"Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed: but he puts it on a lampstand, in order that those who come in may see the light."
Luke 8:16
http://www.myspace.com/egaip
Come visit
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RE: Chance - 8/25/2008 1:22:34 PM
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deliveredarling
Posts: 1983
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quote:
I believe God sends us to where we need to be in order to help people. I am the gardener at my church. Often, on the spur of the moment, I'll get it in my head that I need to thin out the hostas, or to buy a rose bush and plant it. While I'm working in the garden people will stop and admire the garden which is nice but often someone will ask for help. There was one lady who had just left her abusive husband and had her belonging including a cat all packed in her car. She had no where to go so she stopped at the church. I was able to let her in, we used the phone and got a hold of my paster. He was able to send her to a shelter that could help her. Another time it was a young fellow who was so excited because his sister was having a baby. But he didn't know the way to the hospital. So we went in and used Mapquest and got him on his way. During our brief conversation I was able to witness to him. He had been reading his Bible but I don't think he had been saved yet. I hope someday he comes back to our church. Another time, a fellow asked for food. I was up to my elbows in dirt weeding and planting new plants. I honestly did not have any food and the food that was in the church was not mine to give away. I felt bad about telling him no. In the future I'm thinking I might start making tuna sandwiches to take with me in case this ever happens again.
So yes, I think God puts gardening ideas in my head to get me to go when I'm needed.
Yes, the Lord sends us to places, if we are open to and willing to listen to His guidance.
This is where it is more blessed to give than to receive comes in often! 
_____________________________
"Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed: but he puts it on a lampstand, in order that those who come in may see the light."
Luke 8:16
http://www.myspace.com/egaip
Come visit
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RE: Chance - 8/25/2008 1:45:14 PM
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LCannon
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I often marvel at the opportunity rather then the chance. Chances are everywhere, perhaps too many, I have to seize my opportunities.
'Oh! Are you familiar with...?'(Especially good for a sarcastic critic.)
'I'm sorry. Tell me more...'(Sometimes dangerous! Be prepared.)
'Do you consider yourself a good person?'(Way of the Master Series)
_____________________________
"It may be that when the angels go about their task of praising God they play
only Bach. I am sure, however, that when they are together en famille they
play Mozart and then too our dear Lord listens with special pleasure."(Karl Barth)
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RE: Chance - 8/25/2008 4:56:57 PM
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Liveloved
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Amy Carmichael said:
Opportunities come on little cat's feet and once they're gone, they're irretrievably lost.
Those words have stuck with me.
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RE: Chance - 8/25/2008 5:46:02 PM
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Walker311
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I've learned to learn something new each day regardless of the source. Each day presents a new opportunity but so many of us waste our time doing something somewhat insignificant and then miss important opportunities.
If our focus is on Christ, He helps us to see opportunity in circumstances and individuals whether they be good or bad.
Just today I read about a man who went on a solo trek across the Sierra Nevada region and was caught in a snow storm and then was injured and had to be rescued. So many of his friends searched for him, he was rescued, and he learned much about himself and the blessing of friendships. Though this was a terrible ordeal, he turned it into an opportunity to learn and grow.
I make mental notes of opportunity because it is designed by God and He may never present that opportunity to me again.
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RE: Chance - 8/25/2008 7:11:44 PM
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deliveredarling
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That was really cool Walker! Thank you.
_____________________________
"Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed: but he puts it on a lampstand, in order that those who come in may see the light."
Luke 8:16
http://www.myspace.com/egaip
Come visit
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RE: Chance - 8/25/2008 9:15:17 PM
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makarizo
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since I am always ready to share the gospel, and since I pray for God to put the right people in my path, I must believe that it happens all the time.
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RE: Chance - 9/12/2008 11:36:22 AM
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iamjc-s
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I call it Godincidenses.
For Christians there's no such thing as coincidenses.
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RE: Chance - 9/12/2008 11:56:47 AM
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growingseed
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We are all on the tree of spiritual life given to us by Jesus blood and we(vines) are offen tangled with others, though our lives cross we may always know that learning is the process of the father using others in our lives. It is heplful in my faith to realize that they are alot of brothers and sisters fighting their way to heaven like me. There is a comfort on my way home to meet others and hear how the Lord is working in their lives, and does give me a moment of rest, to sit and listen to what the Lord wants me to hear from other people.
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RE: Chance - 9/19/2008 2:53:31 PM
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pinkbow
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I am undecided as to whether or not that in all circumstances my encounters with other people are God's doing.
However, I can testify that when I have been in trouble and needed God's help, he has answered my prayers and placed people in my life that were able to give me what I needed. Those encounters, no doubt, are an example of God's mercy and grace.
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RE: Chance - 9/19/2008 3:29:47 PM
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HisCovenant
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I'm not convinced all encounters are guided by God. I think there is Biblical evidence that some are specifically directed by God, but some encounters seem to be made by the believer's choice to do something and not necessarily by God's hand. I would also admit that some of what doen't seem to be God's hand but our choice can be Him leading us without us recognizing His choices in the matter. I think there is Biblical evidence for that as well. What I am not sure there is Biblical evidence for is that every time it is Him directing and His appointment. At some point, I may find that evidence and amend my beliefs... it seems likely since most everyone seems to be in agreement- although consenus among others is not how I build my beliefs, but that's another thread.
However, none of that affects how I go through my day. I am open to God using me in the people who cross my path whether it's because He appointed we would stand next to each other in line in the grocery store or whether it's by chance that I forgot an item and so was three people back from where I would have been if not so forgetful. It doesn't change that I am to be holy and always be ready give a reason for the joy within. It doesn't change how I give to others or or help them. I'm still accountable to God for myself and held to the same standard (showing Christ within for God's glory.) I still learn lessons, experience the wisdom of acting rightly, and suffer the consequences when I don't. My heart is consistently revealed to me regardless of whether it is by chance or appointment.
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My friends call me Zippy!
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RE: Chance - 9/19/2008 4:54:59 PM
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raivyne
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I think God definitely puts people (and events) in our lives. We will be tested, our whole life is a test.
I have a real issue with patience - I don't have much of it (for adults who do things i think they should know better about). It has helped me tremendously in dealing with others to think that everyone i encounter is someone who God has placed in my path for a purpose. Perhaps by being kind in dealing with them I will help them and learn something in the process. Some days I just plain don't feel like being "nice" to these people... but I always feel better when I am.
_____________________________
God grades on the cross – not on a curve
Good – God = 0
In the dark? Follow the Son!
The Power of a Simple Gift! samaritanspurse.org
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RE: Chance - 9/19/2008 10:29:12 PM
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pinkbow
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quote:
We will be tested, our whole life is a test.
Whooie- that' s a lot of pressure to put yourself under! :)
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RE: Chance - 9/20/2008 9:35:47 AM
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rcjames
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quote:
ORIGINAL: deliveredarling
Do you think it's by chance we encounter certain people or do you think it is by divine appointment?
Both, some things just happen, and then there are those that God definately has a hand in.
Thanks
RC
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Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
Read the first chapter of my latest book here;
http://www.deliveranceofsara.com
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RE: Chance - 9/22/2008 4:54:51 PM
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raivyne
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quote:
ORIGINAL: pinkbow
quote:
We will be tested, our whole life is a test.
Whooie- that' s a lot of pressure to put yourself under! :)
depends on how you look at it, or what you think "passing" constitutes.
_____________________________
God grades on the cross – not on a curve
Good – God = 0
In the dark? Follow the Son!
The Power of a Simple Gift! samaritanspurse.org
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RE: Chance - 9/22/2008 7:22:05 PM
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LivingParadox
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God directing my steps is the only explanation many times, but I think he's involved in all of these encounters --some he reveals to us, other times he doesn't.
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RE: Chance - 9/23/2008 6:43:56 AM
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deliveredarling
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How can we believe in chance if God ordained a time and season for everything?
Do accidents really happen?
I remember one day last year I was getting ready for work and was running behind. I left for work only to remember that I had forgotten my cell phone. I returned home to get it. Upon leaving a gain, not even one mile from my house I was the first one to drive up on a head on collision. It was a horrible accident. The first I had ever seen up close a personal. It was my cell phone that I used to call 911! Accident? Or divine appointment?
Not only did God spare my life by me "forgetting" my cell, He allowed me to assist the injured while waiting for the paramedics to arrive. A man appeared and helped me drag a man from one of the trucks. When the police and paramedics arrived, he was nowhere to be found! Very freaky!
I didn't recognize things for what they were a couple of years ago. Now, I do not doubt that if there is some delay, it's because God has His hand on the situation. Maybe the delay is for me, maybe it's for another.....
_____________________________
"Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed: but he puts it on a lampstand, in order that those who come in may see the light."
Luke 8:16
http://www.myspace.com/egaip
Come visit
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