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I have wonderd this from time to time. A lot of couples I see getting married out there seem to have meet kind of on a random basis...usually through friends. For me I am 29 now and I have never had a women I would consider a girlfriend. During my college years when I was not so chrisitan I had a lot of short flings and meaningless relationships with girls who never wanted more. Even then I wanted a girlfriend. I am starting to worry. I am getting old. I am not a tall man..about 5.7. 5' 8'' with my shoes on. I am in good shape but my hair is thining and receading. I notice these things to be a problem all of my mid 20's. I cant see how now it would get better. I am a deceant looking guy but feel that those things are holding back to getting my foot in the door with a women. Even good hearted christian women are attracted to certain things and not going to want a guy just because he is christian, has a good personality and kind heart. I have tried for years to get myself a women and it has just lead to rejection after rejection. I had some girls interested in me at times but they always seemed to be ones who were in relations already with guys who didnt treat them well. I think It was just more of the personality they wanted but not really wanted me. I love and trust god but do hold a tiny bit of bitterness to being born a seemingly undesirable person. I mean things could be a lot worse, I could have no job, live in poverty, in hunger and the list goes on. I do feel that however that marriage and companionship is the greatest gift a person can recieve. I have known too many people who have cheated on girlfriends, been abusive etc..but still end up with a lovely wife..just because they are more desirable of a person. I do what I can  to make myself more attractive. I work out a bunch, I am furthering my education, I am invovled in lots of activities. I just wonder if I am waiting for god to send me a wife, or if I have to keep looking. I worry that I am going to walk this earth alone, and maybe not just without a wife but without friends either...as over the years they have seemed to disapear as well. I live almost all of my life on my own. I worry..but continue to pray and keep my faith.

Hi brohammer
Are you involved in a good church with lots of young adults? Are you involed there with different jobs and ministries etc?Do you go to a midweek fellowship group? What about a mans group(for friendship?)Does your church have a social group for those of your age who are single?

I think that the answer to your main question is that we need to put ourselves in a place where we are spending time with other believers of our sort of age, if there are any in our church. I always say to people that we cannot expect God to plonk someone on our laps and need to
be proactive to a certain extent. I know those who are in your position and do nothing to meet anyone at all.

For example, I met my husband through a Christian dating site. If I had done nothing, then I expect that I would still be single because women of my age(late 40's as I was then)rarely meet available Christian guys in their churches because there arent any.
So my choice was to probably stay single for the rest of my life, or try internet dating, and I met an amazing man who is now my husband.

  My son and older daughter came back to God in their late 20's, so had few Christian friends at that time (they do now). My son then age 30 met his now wife on a Christian dating site, and at the same age(30) my daughter met her now fiance on one and will marry next year.So they were both older than you are now. I also know many who have met their spouses this way. This is just one way that God can use.
I know others who are single and really really want to meet people, but when I suggest things to them such as internet dating, they will not try it, and I think, well OK its up to you but sometimes we have to meet God half way.

Thanks for the reply. The answer is no to all of the question with the involvement of church groups. I live in Germany and the only church is on base. There is one pentecoastal church group outside of base which I went but was not for me. I tend to shy away from the military church because only military people go and I have not seen many younger people there..mostly families.  Other chruches around here speak german or are too far from where I live. I would not say I am 'young' either...but I guess not too old yet really either. I think it will be much easier when I get back to the states. I have 1.5 yrs left here. I agree that though that has to be some effort on our part. That is why I was askeing this question. If I shoud just threw in the towel and let god place women for me. I think that maybe there can be a happening where god would allow us to 'bump' into eachother, but other than that I agree with being proactive. The only girls availbe here are some military girls who I work with( I generally dont date people I work with and the local german girls. I say I have tried dateing a couple and while interesting it has not seemed to work. Not sure if it is the cultural differences or because they know I will be gone after awhile.

What was wrong wiith the pentecostal church? I would say that in your situation an online Christisn dating site would be a good way to get to know others.

Hey, there, Bro Hammer > I put in a lot of detail, here; but in case you want something short and simple, I have put one of my main points in blue, below >

Quote from: You on Tue Jun 14, 2011 - 08:09:10
I have wonderd this from time to time. A lot of couples I see getting married out there seem to have meet kind of on a random basis...usually through friends.

I believe and trust that God has the plan

QuoteFor me I am 29 now and I have never had a women I would consider a girlfriend.

It is good to evaluate.

QuoteDuring my college years when I was not so chrisitan I had a lot of short flings and meaningless relationships with girls who never wanted more. Even then I wanted a girlfriend.

At least, you evaluated.

QuoteEven good hearted christian women are attracted to certain things and not going to want a guy just because he is christian, has a good personality and kind heart.

Jesus does say, "'Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.'" (John 7:24) Of course, we have ladies who will say it is right for a woman to want someone she finds attractive. But I have found if I love someone, this makes her attractive more than ones maybe much more nice looking. I'd be concerned about if the woman is the one I want to bring up my children; I understand that sex is for reproducing children for God, most of all, not first and mainly for using a woman for the pleasure I want. So, I'd consider that truly sexual attraction about how we would want children to be reproduced, so they would know how to love and how to walk with God. So, if I find a lady who is how I want someone to be to bring up children, I'd "hope" this would be what makes her attractive! not what she looks like And, of course, how she can relate with you according to how the Bible says to relate in love . . . this would be important so your good example can feed your children so they grow up knowing how to love and how to relate in marriage. If what a woman like this looks like could cancel you from wanting her 

QuoteI have tried for years to get myself a women and it has just lead to rejection after rejection.

There is the adventure of praying before we seek a woman . . . so we don't waste our time with ones who reject us

QuoteI had some girls interested in me at times but they always seemed to be ones who were in relations already with guys who didnt treat them well.

And they might not appreciate you, but are only comparing you with guys who, to say the least, are not much competition. We need women who know the Bible standards for a guy and loving, and we need to deal with how God wants us to be pleasing to Him, first. Because seeming better than an abuser is not "quite" enough.

QuoteI think It was just more of the personality they wanted but not really wanted me. I love and trust god but do hold a tiny bit of bitterness to being born a seemingly undesirable person.

"and the things which are despised God has chosen" (in 1 Corinthians 1:27)

QuoteI mean things could be a lot worse, I could have no job, live in poverty, in hunger and the list goes on.

And we could be "lucky" that we don't look the way that appeals to a woman who judges only by what we look like; or you could now be with one who is going to help to maintain the American "fifty-percent" divorce rate because she did not first seek God and find out who our Father has for her. Consider the attention our Father gives to preparing the one He has for an obedient man. He knows and prepares their hearts and strength and discipline and has their whole life's plan and His own dreams for them; why miss this

QuoteI do feel that however that marriage and companionship is the greatest gift a person can recieve.

1 Corinthians 7:7 & 29

QuoteI have known too many people who have cheated on girlfriends, been abusive etc..but still end up with a lovely wife..just because they are more desirable of a person.

Jesus says the one forgiven much will love much (Luke 7:36-50). So, if a man has been evil, then repents, and is forgiven for much, possibly he will be much more loving so he is not  only desirable but has found out how to love. Or, you are talking about a charmer. Well, charm won't work.

QuoteI do what I can  to make myself more attractive. I work out a bunch, I am furthering my education, I am invovled in lots of activities.

I would say pray, and spend time in the Bible, about how to relate, how to be pleasing to God. This can get you in shape for loving, so you are how you would want to be for a wife who is God's blessing to you. Are you becoming the person who you would want your wife to have as her husband? Never mind what vain and superficial women are looking for; how about becoming ready for a really Christian lady? And then, even if you don't get married, you'll be a really good example for any and all people, so you are a good friend for anyone, whether they want you or not . . . like Jesus has been. 

QuoteI just wonder if I am waiting for god to send me a wife, or if I have to keep looking.

Keep becoming how the Bible says, and living the way God leads you, and then you can have deep attraction for a lady who is into Jesus like you are; God will have you two being magnets who will deeply attract if He pleases, and/or you will discover more and more very good and intimate companions.

QuoteI worry that I am going to walk this earth alone, and maybe not just without a wife but without friends either...as over the years they have seemed to disapear as well.

We need to love all people, always be available to be good for any person, not just judging who is good enough for us. Jesus could have stayed in Heaven, if He was about being with ones more His own kind But Jesus left His own Heaven, in order to reach and bless us and share His very own with us.

QuoteI live almost all of my life on my own. I worry..but continue to pray and keep my faith.

"casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7) I will offer > God our Father is more interested in you and caring about you, than you are. So, He has better for you than we can now hope and pray. So, God bless you, Bro Hammer

Thanks for the replies. The pentecostal was just a bit outside of my comfort zone. People talking in tongues and jumping around...not something I was grown into. I like my old church and am still listeing to the sermons that are put on thier webiste every weekend. As far as the christian site goes I tried one here and there is not really anyone on it. Not sure if the culture is just less religious or if they are not big into online dateing. Either way I think I might just have to wait until I get back to the states.

Keep looking, but it is God you must rely on to send you a spouse.

The moment I got on my knees and told God that I was willing to live single for my whole life as long as I had Him---and meant it---He set the stage for my path to intersect with my Godly husband just two months down the road--someone I had known for years, who was in my first grade class in school and who stood next to me in the third grade class photo, and who put his arm around me there until I elbowed him in the gut! He doesn't remember that! LOL!

Just five short months later we were married, and that was 35 wonderful years and three children and four grandchildren ago!

When we mean business with God, then He does business with us.

Commit this verse to memory, and make Jesus your Lord and get to church--you will see Him honour your desires if you honour Him and put Him first:

Matthew 6:33
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

Ya know.
I really have no idea & knowing definitively one way or the other won't do anyone a bit of good.

However that being said;
If you base your position in life on Godly ideals including your single lifestyle you will be much happier for it.

God directs a man's path. You will not be married a day before God allows you to be. SOOOOOO
Quit worrying over it.

You have a year and a half in Germany. You can learn a little German and visit with German Christian churches.

Thanks again for the replies and I realize that I wont be married unitl god chooses for me to do so. I am going to try to learn german, I have learned a little already. A little difficult now working full time and a masters degree....but then again I dont really have a life so I should be able to squeeze it in. I will keep praying and following the path and hopefully in time it will happen.

Quote from: brohammer26 on Sun Jun 19, 2011 - 11:15:33
Thanks again for the replies and I realize that I wont be married unitl god chooses for me to do so. I am going to try to learn german, I have learned a little already. A little difficult now working full time and a masters degree....but then again I dont really have a life so I should be able to squeeze it in. I will keep praying and following the path and hopefully in time it will happen.

God bless you as you seek His best in your life!

It wouldn't hurt to learn to say, "Ich bin durstig" and, 'Ich bin hungrig"!! At least you won't starve!

Kind of funny just after I wrote this I went to my weekly sermons from my old church and it was speaking about singleness and how it should be handled based on 1 Corinthians. Talking about fleeing sexual immorality and seeking holiness first. The only thing I am scared about in these passages are the ones that speak of the unmarried and the widowed. 1 Corinthians 7:27 "Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife."  I do know that I want to be married and have no doubts about that as a lot of people seem to do.

What I am scared of when I do find a girl is falling into sexual temptation. I feel that for it to work I really need to find a christian girl who has the same christian values. Values that are new to me and I know will be difficult for me to keep and can only do through the strength of the lord. I know that I find the right girl who is on the same wavelength it would be much easier to keep away from sex until marriage. Well thanks again.

Yes German is a cool language and I would like to leave Germany haveing learned a deceant amount. I know numbers, days of week, basic sentance structures and greetings. I will be getting back into it after I go on leave back home.

What are you studying for your masters?

You can get a German Bible that Bible believers use, and memorize a verse that you can repeat so you have something good to say. And with this you learn some words, get some practice, and have something worth saying even before you have learned how to say much with sentences. For learning Spanish, I have bought a bilingual dictionary, but also a dictionary in Spanish so I can read how they represent their own words, and so I can read how they use grammar to explain definitions.

Political Science.  I have to learn the bible in english before I can even try in German! Heh. Really I have not been the best christian in the past and am only starting to learn and read more.

Thanks for this post! Nice to know I'm not the only one in the upper 20's having these issues. I'm 26 and haven't been a Christian for very long, August will make 2 years. Like you I also have thinning and receding hair, trust me, I know it's not the most attractive thing in the world and can do a lot of bad things to your self-esteem, but believe it or not there are women out there who will not only accept it but love it because they love you and aren't so shallow as to let only appearances make their decision of you. I'm not just saying this, I've actually experienced it with my ex. Yes she's my ex girlfriend but it wasn't because of the thinning and receding hair, that didn't bother her at all, it was because I just flat out don't trust people and turn into a control freak which gets much worse when I'm in a relationship. (I prayed and prayed for God to change that about me while we were together but it just didn't happen. ) So yea I'm giving up on relationships..

It's interesting how you bring up the part about not having any friends and being worried you never will because I really thought I was the only one in that boat. Now I will say I've always been pretty shy but still usually had plenty of friends, but now I have none. So not sure what to say about that except your not the only one worried about it at least lol.

It's good that your worried about sexual temptation now so you can try to prepare yourself. My number 1 suggestion would be to never be in a room alone together!!! You can tell each other all you want that you're gonna wait til marriage but as soon as you get in a room together alone for an extended period of time, it's possible you might forget that promise and may even forget you're a Christian altogether for the moment.

        God bless!!

Quote from: mrhockey903 on Sat Jun 25, 2011 - 13:45:21
Thanks for this post! Nice to know I'm not the only one in the upper 20's having these issues. I'm 26 and haven't been a Christian for very long, August will make 2 years. Like you I also have thinning and receding hair, trust me, I know it's not the most attractive thing in the world and can do a lot of bad things to your self-esteem, but believe it or not there are women out there who will not only accept it but love it because they love you and aren't so shallow as to let only appearances make their decision of you. I'm not just saying this, I've actually experienced it with my ex. Yes she's my ex girlfriend but it wasn't because of the thinning and receding hair, that didn't bother her at all, it was because I just flat out don't trust people and turn into a control freak which gets much worse when I'm in a relationship. (I prayed and prayed for God to change that about me while we were together but it just didn't happen. ) So yea I'm giving up on relationships..

It's interesting how you bring up the part about not having any friends and being worried you never will because I really thought I was the only one in that boat. Now I will say I've always been pretty shy but still usually had plenty of friends, but now I have none. So not sure what to say about that except your not the only one worried about it at least lol.

It's good that your worried about sexual temptation now so you can try to prepare yourself. My number 1 suggestion would be to never be in a room alone together!!! You can tell each other all you want that you're gonna wait til marriage but as soon as you get in a room together alone for an extended period of time, it's possible you might forget that promise and may even forget you're a Christian altogether for the moment.

        God bless!!

Hi mrhockey903, very well written post in response to the OP's post. However, if I may encourage you, I hope you will change your mind about giving up on relationships. I don't know God's plan for your life, but I know this: God did not change you while you were in your past relationship. However, He will surely work in you for whatever you need while you are single. He's doing it for me!

After recent 'singledom', I had to get closer to God so I can see what's really going on with me. I mean, I believe I'm a decent person, but I have made not so good choices when it comes to relationships with men. Well, I know I have changed a lot since early singledom (LOL) and I'm glad I am by myself so I can cry like I need to, talk to God however I want to during this, and the confidence to express myself. I wasn't confident in my past relationships, and I am now.  I'm confident in God, knowing He has whatever he wants me to have for me at the appropriate time. Not only that, but I am beautifully and wonderfully made, which I couldn't even BELIEVE that a year or even 2 ago.

I am 2 weeks from 28 yrs old and I thought about giving up on relationships too. But, I would be lying to myself if I said I did not want a mate. I say, I'm giving up on lustful relationships; I'm giving up on not being myself with men. However, I am becoming open (by God's grace and help) for love.

So, I hope that you will have a change of heart one day too. You know He can change your character and help you become more balanced.

In Jesus name...

Hi Stefanie! Thank you for saying so and for the encouraging words as well! It is still hard tho dealing with the fact that He didn't change me even tho I prayed about it so much. I realize it's hard to know His reasons for everything and we may not know until we get to Heaven, but it's still hard not to be a little bitter about the whole deal even tho I know He has a reason for everything. And I know the easy answer is we just weren't meant to be but still..

Anyways, I really do appreciate the encouragement and it's wonderful how He's been working on you and in your life! It's great that you're able to be so open, and confident to express yourself. I believe I have a huge problem with being able to be myself especially in group situations, I don't know why but I have anxiety issues and it really gets bad in social situations. I do agree with you about being single and being able to talk to God however and whenever you want, it's a great thing!

What's crazy is it's almost like you read my mind because I too would be lying to myself if I said I didn't at all want a woman in my life.. Which is why I almost didn't write that little comment about giving up on relationships, maybe I'm just trying to convince myself lol.. I like how you put that in there about giving up on lustful relationships, that part really hits home for me.

It's very encouraging to know how much God has done for you during this time of getting closer to Him. I strongly believe that's exactly what I need to do, and to put Him first in every area of my life. I don't know if I can completely retract my statement yet about giving up on relationships; God has lots and lots of work to do on me before I could do that.

If you are anxious while with groups, this can be part of Satan's trick to get you to isolate from Christian groups so you can get with one woman so you can get immoral with her. Also, we need to be able to love all people, not to put too many emotional eggs all into one basket!

The Bible says, "nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." (1 Peter 5:3) So, if we are possessing people, this is trying to lord ourselves over others. And this is against how our Father wants us to be loving. So, if God did not fix your problem, possibly this is because first you need to read and understand better how the Bible says He wants you to love > including >

"submitting to one another in the fear of God." (Ephesians 5:21)

Even if you are the "head" of your wife (Ephesians 5:23), this needs to be by means of your example winning her, not with forcing and intimidating and controlling her, or this is not loving by the Bible. Jesus wants us to obey willingly; so He does not have a man trying to force and scare and guilt-trip or even charm his wife to obey, but lead by example. "Be the first to do what she needs to do." > "rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God." (1 Peter 3:4) Be first about pleasing our Father in His love's "incorruptible beauty", and then deeply we can attract whoever we really belong with!!!

Like I said in my earlier post, I have no friends so it's not like I'm in social settings very often.  So I'm not too worried right now about being alone with a girl, but I do see what your saying and make a good point.

I have to say that I have pretty much always put all my emotional eggs into one basket when I'm in a relationship.  I get way too attached but that's just how I've always been, it comes natural to me so I don't ever know what to do to change it.  I mean I can see it but it doesn't change, even after praying about it. 

I appreciate your response and the Scripture verses are great but these things are a lot easier said than done.  If it was easier done than said, then I would've changed a long time ago.

Quote from: mrhockey903 on Sun Jun 26, 2011 - 14:20:34

! It's great that you're able to be so open, and confident to express yourself. I believe I have a huge problem with being able to be myself especially in group situations, I don't know why but I have anxiety issues and it really gets bad in social situations.

@ mrhockey: Honestly, I have the same issue with being open in social situations. I'm a reactive person, so if I feel comfortable around the people I'm with, I will open up more easy. But if not, I have to have the God-confidence to just speak and not worry about reactions. So, its not easy for me all the time either. But, I can say this year, I have seen a lot of changes done within myself and God gets the praise for that!
FYI: I am super open behind this computer, LOL..shoot, I'll tell you anything you want to know! heehee

  Hi Bro,

      IMO, I think the receding hairline and being undertall bothers you men more than it does us women... going back to early days of man, a woman wants a guy who will take care of her. Someone who has their prioities straight and treats them well.  It can be the small things that make a difference that shows a woman that he  is really thinking about her, is she comfortable?, is she cold?, will she like these flowers? ( you could bring dead ones and if they were from your heart, she would love them :) I think it is instinct for a woman to want a guy who can provide for her... it doesn't mean he has to make more money than her... just that he is always thinking about her when something happens... will he shovel a path of snow so she can get inside safely when she comes home from work or will he just go to bed... those are the things that make a guy sexy, being responsible and knowing he is always going to be there for you... that you can count on him.  Alot of guys think once they are comfortable in the relationship, they don't need to be that person any more and it is that person she fell in love with... same for the women, if they think of their guy
before themselves, cook his favorite meal, do small things for him to let him know you care, those are the relationships that make it, because they still try to impress their mate...  IMO

Quote from: IamStefanie on Thu Jul 14, 2011 - 17:43:36

Quote from: mrhockey903 on Sun Jun 26, 2011 - 14:20:34

! It's great that you're able to be so open, and confident to express yourself. I believe I have a huge problem with being able to be myself especially in group situations, I don't know why but I have anxiety issues and it really gets bad in social situations.

@ mrhockey: Honestly, I have the same issue with being open in social situations. I'm a reactive person, so if I feel comfortable around the people I'm with, I will open up more easy. But if not, I have to have the God-confidence to just speak and not worry about reactions. So, its not easy for me all the time either. But, I can say this year, I have seen a lot of changes done within myself and God gets the praise for that!
FYI: I am super open behind this computer, LOL..shoot, I'll tell you anything you want to know! heehee

@ Stefanie: It's nice to hear from someone that has the same issue who is getting better with it. That's exactly how I am, reactive. If I feel comfortable around them I'm fine, but I want to be fine even when I'm not comfortable which I'm sure you feel the same way. I need to work on the God-confidence thing. I have been trying to focus on God and let Him in on every aspect of my life, it's hard to do but I've noticed that with prayer it's been happening more and more, so hopefully that can be an aspect that opens up as well!
hahaha yea seriously, it's much easier behind the computer, I completely agree with you! Good call on that one lol! 

 
Dear Brohammer26, I read your post earilier today and wanted to send you some encourging words. Some women LOVE bald men, so don't worry about your hair falling out. I love bald heads. When I see a bald head, I stare at the man. I think you should give the women you serve with a chance. You never know, one of those women maybe looking for the same thing you are. I'm also going through the same thing you are. I work among thousands of men at a shipyard, and for whatever reason, I seem to pick someone who is already dating someone or not interested in settling down. I was shot down the other day. I was bummed and disappointed. And then I complained to God, "Is there any man out there that is around my age that is not married or dating someone? I'm tired of being lonely!" 
  After I settled down, I realized that I need to trust God! God knows what is in that guy's heart that I am attracted to, I don't. So hang in there, and try to think positive about your circumstances. Have you heard of Joyce Meyer or Joel Osteen? Both have really good sermons on positive thinking, especially Joel Osteen. You maybe able to watch them on You Tube or on their websites. Good luck and God Bless you for serving our country in Germany. I pray that you come home safe!!!!!!! Sincerely, Susan

I would be careful with the idea of reading anything from Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer, and even Beth Moore. When I was first saved close to 2 years ago I started reading a book by Joel. I was going through a difficult break up as well and while it did somewhat make me feel better for a short time, at the same time I didn't know much about the Bible yet being I was so new. I told my Pastor I was reading a book by him and he immediately suggested I stop reading it because his teaching is not very Biblical. He tells you what you want to hear, not what the Bible says. Same with Joyce and Beth, yea they sometimes throw some Scripture in there but they twist it and use it out of context to make you "feel" better. Well anyone that's been a Christian long enough can tell you it's not about a feeling, it's about God, a relationship with Jesus. Yea Joel and others are very good at talking in front of a crowd, but just because they're good at public speaking doesn't mean they are sound Biblical teachers.

Joyce Meyer and Beth Moore are women of excellence in the Lord Jesus Christ, and anyone who would read a book by either of them would do well and be edified.

In fact, they would the first to admonish anyone to NOT live by their feelings.

Try reading one of their books and be corrected before lashing out at their fine reputations. It's called gossip.

Quote from: Lively Stone on Thu Jul 28, 2011 - 13:17:55
Joyce Meyer and Beth Moore are women of excellence in the Lord Jesus Christ, and anyone who would read a book by either of them would do well and be edified.

In fact, they would the first to admonish anyone to live by their feelings.

Try reading one of their books and be corrected before lashing out at their fine reputations. It's called gossip.

hahaha wow guess you've fallen into there trap. If you actually read and listened to them "preach" and if you read the Bible and understood it, you'd know it's not Biblical teaching. I realize that a woman is of course going to defend women preachers, which isn't Biblical in itself, but here's your first mistake, they do tell people to live by their feelings, that's what their "sermons" are all about, trying to make them "feel" better about themselves instead of preaching God's word. Don't tell me to read one of their books, you shouldn't want to cause people to stumble. I don't need to read one of them when I have heard their preaching, and I fell right for it when I was a baby Christian because I didn't know better.

Call it what you want, it's not gossip when it's truth.

"lashing out at their fine reputations." Since when do we judge people by their reputation?? Doesn't matter what their "reputation" is, we should always hold up what they're saying right next to the Bible and see if it measures up. Tiger Woods had a great reputation until we found out the truth behind the cameras.

Quote from: mrhockey903 on Thu Jul 28, 2011 - 14:36:54

Quote from: Lively Stone on Thu Jul 28, 2011 - 13:17:55
Joyce Meyer and Beth Moore are women of excellence in the Lord Jesus Christ, and anyone who would read a book by either of them would do well and be edified.

In fact, they would the first to admonish anyone to live by their feelings.

Try reading one of their books and be corrected before lashing out at their fine reputations. It's called gossip.

hahaha wow guess you've fallen into there trap. If you actually read and listened to them "preach" and if you read the Bible and understood it, you'd know it's not Biblical teaching. I realize that a woman is of course going to defend women preachers, which isn't Biblical in itself, but here's your first mistake, they do tell people to live by their feelings, that's what their "sermons" are all about, trying to make them "feel" better about themselves instead of preaching God's word. Don't tell me to read one of their books, you shouldn't want to cause people to stumble. I don't need to read one of them when I have heard their preaching, and I fell right for it when I was a baby Christian because I didn't know better.

Call it what you want, it's not gossip when it's truth.

"lashing out at their fine reputations." Since when do we judge people by their reputation?? Doesn't matter what their "reputation" is, we should always hold up what they're saying right next to the Bible and see if it measures up. Tiger Woods had a great reputation until we found out the truth behind the cameras.

Actually Joyce and Beth are solid preachers of the word of God.

They are up front about not living by our feelings but by the truth of the word, taking our thoughts captive and making them submit to Christ.

Gossiping about fellow believers and disparaging their fruitful ministries is not of God. It smacks of envy. In fact, it causes discord in the Body of Christ. God hates when people accuse His anointed ones. If you haven't read anything of these fine women of God, then all we can see is empty words.

Go to God if there is a  problem with belief, and let Him help you, but do not make accusations against the brethren.

My two cents, I like Joyce and Beth ~ currently reading Stormie Omartian.

Carry on.......

Actually Joyce and Beth are NOT solid preachers of the word of God. Maybe it's just that you don't know what solid preaching looks like.

Apparently you have problems reading too, like I said, it's not gossiping when it's truth, but since it's one of your favorite words, go ahead and use it, i don't care.

Envy?? what in the world would i be envious of?? False teaching? uhh no..

God hates false teachers, don't try to tell me what God wants and doesn't want from us, because obviously you have no idea. You say God hates when people accuse His anointed ones, yet you're accusing me, pretty ironic eh?? Yet again it seems you have a reading problem, I don't need to read any of their books, I used to watch Joyce when I first became a Christian until I was pointed in the right direction by my Pastor.

And again your accusing me, that I have a belief problem. What do I have a problem believing exactly??

@Wednesday: And of course, yet another woman defending them because they're female preachers. Obviously neither of you are going to admit it, but there main goal is to make you feel better about yourselves. They use the fact that there female preachers, that they're gonna get a lot of attention from other women and just because they're female preachers you're gonna support her no matter what she's preaching. Hey whatever, go right ahead, hopefully one day you'll wake up and realize they're leading you down the wrong path.

Quote from: mrhockey903 on Thu Jul 28, 2011 - 22:37:39
Actually Joyce and Beth are NOT solid preachers of the word of God. Maybe it's just that you don't know what solid preaching looks like.

Having been raise on solid bible preaching, I recognize it when I see and hear it. the main criteria to know is to always check the Scriptures. So far, these women of God check out!

QuoteApparently you have problems reading too, like I said, it's not gossiping when it's truth, but since it's one of your favorite words, go ahead and use it, i don't care.

It is gossip when people seek to tear down rather than build up. If people have a true concern, they would go to the source.

QuoteEnvy?? what in the world would i be envious of?? False teaching? uhh no..

Could be any number of things or it could just be a grumpy spirit! LOL!

QuoteGod hates false teachers, don't try to tell me what God wants and doesn't want from us, because obviously you have no idea. You say God hates when people accuse His anointed ones, yet you're accusing me, pretty ironic eh?? Yet again it seems you have a reading problem, I don't need to read any of their books, I used to watch Joyce when I first became a Christian until I was pointed in the right direction by my Pastor.

He hates people who foment discord in His Body. That needs addressing.

Obviously it is OK to denounce Joyce Meyer and Beth Moore without knowing what they write or what they say. Your pastor is wrong. He has hurt his own cause by depreciating and discrediting a ministry that God has His powerful hand on. Perhaps he has envy.

QuoteAnd again your accusing me, that I have a belief problem. What do I have a problem believing exactly??

I have no idea what it is. These women preach the plain word to average people and have Lord's anointing to do so, and there is much spiritual fruit from their ministries. Obviously the Lord is blessing them and they present His word!

Quote@Wednesday: And of course, yet another woman defending them because they're female preachers. Obviously neither of you are going to admit it, but there main goal is to make you feel better about yourselves. They use the fact that there female preachers, that they're gonna get a lot of attention from other women and just because they're female preachers you're gonna support her no matter what she's preaching. Hey whatever, go right ahead, hopefully one day you'll wake up and realize they're leading you down the wrong path.

What do we need to feel better about? this is not a female issue. Men adore them and are spiritually enlarged by the truths they teach, also. It is God who is working through them!

The wrong path is to disparage spiritual leaders.

haha I love how you assume my Pastor is wrong. You know absolutely nothing of my Pastor, and just like you're telling me not to say anything because I haven't read their books, then who do you think you are saying anything about my Pastor? Hypocrite

You're obviously brainwashed, what kind of church did you go to and what's your "solid bible preaching"? just because you think you're right doesn't mean you are, might wanna check yourself before you stumble.

And again using your favorite word, gossip. I don't gossip so keep your accusations to yourself, yet again being a hypocrite..

What's really sad is you measure success the same way the world measures success, if you're rich and popular then you're successful.. oh wait, shouldn't that old "solid bible preaching" be kicking in here?? God doesn't measure success by how much money we have.

Again, I'm most definitely not envious of false teachers, neither is my Pastor, but if you'd like to accuse him to his face I'd love to see it.

These women do NOT preach the plain Word to people, again you might want to check out how badly brainwashed you are. Every time I see someone watching them on tv I cringe and feel sorry for them, even when I was a brand new Christian listening to them, a lot of red flags came up. So obviously the "average" people they preach to aren't getting out of it what they should be. They twist the Scriptures to say what they want them to say, not what they actually say.

You say they're producing spiritual fruit, all you see is what they show you on tv, if you believe everything you see on tv then you must think the government really tells us the truth about everything. God can use even false teachers and evil for His good, lets not forget that.

wow who knew, men can be brainwashed too, huh.. I don't know you tell me, I'm not a female, thank God. If it's not a female issue then why do so many women flock to them?? I'm sure a lot of those men do it just to make the wife happy

What's hypocritical? Apart from being against the rules to make such a mean-spirited judgment, if you are wrong about how you are judging anointed spiritual leaders, then your pastor who influenced you away from them is also wrong.

It's a no-brainer.

Quote from: mrhockey903 on Thu Jul 28, 2011 - 23:13:18


What's really sad is you measure success the same way the world measures success, if you're rich and popular then you're successful.. oh wait, shouldn't that old "solid bible preaching" be kicking in here?? God doesn't measure success by how much money we have.

False!

Success in ministry is measured by the spiritual fruit that results from it.

It is easy to see the critical spirit now that is operating in the attempt to discredit Meyer and Moore.

QuoteThese women do NOT preach the plain Word to people, again you might want to check out how badly brainwashed you are. Every time I see someone watching them on tv I cringe and feel sorry for them, even when I was a brand new Christian listening to them, a lot of red flags came up. So obviously the "average" people they preach to aren't getting out of it what they should be. They twist the Scriptures to say what they want them to say, not what they actually say.

Red flags in a new believer? LOL! These women actually know the word better than most of us.

QuoteYou say they're producing spiritual fruit, all you see is what they show you on tv, if you believe everything you see on tv then you must think the government really tells us the truth about everything. God can use even false teachers and evil for His good, lets not forget that.

And you know better than they do of the lives they affect for Christ all over the world?

Quotewow who knew, men can be brainwashed too, huh.. I don't know you tell me, I'm not a female, thank God. If it's not a female issue then why do so many women flock to them?? I'm sure a lot of those men do it just to make the wife happy

Women love them. Nothing wrong with that.  I love women in ministry. So do men.

As you have not given any proof of anything negative about them I can safely say that all we have here is a cynic. A dime a dozen. 

It's not a mean-spirited judgment, all you have to do is listen to them "preach" and you'd realize they're twisting Scripture to their liking, that's a "no-brainer". I'm not wrong, and my Pastor is definitely not wrong. It was almost 2 years that he said that and do you think I just dropped it right then and there? No, I asked other times because anyone that reads the Bible should know that the lessons to be learned are not so easy that you learn them all from reading it once or twice, you have to study them and you still may not be interpreting it correctly. Maybe that's your problem, since you read the Bible over, maybe, don't know if you have, you think you know everything, well I guarantee you that you don't, nor do I. But even the little I've read I can see that the things they say are not from the Bible.

False? so you're saying God does measure success by how much money we make?? wow yea you obviously don't read the Bible so you wouldn't know either way if they preach the truth, well let me just help you out here, they don't.

So your saying that a new believer can't have red flags? wow, how presumptuous of you, it's amazing that you know everything. Where's your proof that they know the Word better than most of us?

Do you know any better the lives they "effect" over the world?? Do you keep in contact with them to make sure they actually continue and really become Christians?

Yes there is something wrong with women loving them, they're false teachers, that's a pretty good reason right there, unless you want people to stumble.

Nope, not a cynic, I'm just not brainwashed like you are, so keep trying to down play it, I honestly don't care trying to use cool little phrases i.e. "dime a dozen".. cute, you're really cool. Again, I ask where's your proof?? All you see is what's on your television, have you talked to her in person? Been backstage with her when a camera isn't in her face?? You have no idea what kind of person she really is