Post: #121

A MESSAGE TO ALL PEOPLE CHRISTIANS, MUSLIMS, JEWS, and EVERYONE

Hello! Welcome to my thread! Feel free to comment at any time and thank you for visiting! I truly appreciate it!

I'd like to remind and inform anyone who reads this thread of an idea they might find interesting and possibly motivational.

I believe that all people are representatives of themselves, as well as mankind, and beyond that of whatever belief systems they may follow (traditionally religious or not).

As representatives of ourselves as well as more than ourselves, I believe we should behave in ways that we feel are best, most dignified and respectful towards ourselves as well as others.

I believe that if we act and behave in ways that remind people that decency, respect, and dignity in human behavior and communication is possible, we may encourage others to also behave similarly.

Furthermore, to those who represent various religions, I'd like to remind you all that you are representing those belief systems in your own conduct, and most of them also suggest that you behave in ways that are decent and respectful towards others despite their beliefs.

If we behave crudely, roughly, or violently towards others (despite how anyone treats us, and how others may behave), that this only continues to spread such behavior and promote it.

I suggest that you, whoever you are, be the first and foremost in excellent conduct and behavior, with pristine ethics and kind treatment towards all despite their violence or attacks.

Why should we behave harshly just because those we like or those who dislike participate in such behavior? Should we lose our own dignity if others do not realize how precious the opportunity is to maintain our composure and dignity?

If you wish to teach someone something, no matter what it is, I think that the best way to approach anyone is with kindness, peacefulness, and respect.

We all may falter at times in this regard, but I think that if we remind ourselves and act again according to our principles or the principles we wish to spread, that this will give us that certain good feeling that may come from such behavior.

I'm not asking people to be dishonest, but rather to consider your approach.

Most people believe and understand that the human race is one family, even the violent and criminal among us are still humans, and as those beings have life, so should all beings be treated in the best manner.

This does not mean we have to agree with everyone or believe what they say, but rather I suggest we at least realize their humanity, their equality in ignorance to our own, and that we ourselves should behave in ways that are best seeming to us and act through what conduct we consider truly most excellent.

So people may level accusations against us, our families, our relatives, our religions and belief systems, and any manner of things to goad us into losing our own dignity, but try to combat such behavior with what you feel is most excellent conduct.

I believe the most excellent conduct is respect, kindness, graciousness, appreciation, gentleness, peacefulness, dignity, honesty, caring, and careful speech.

Many others would agree, but may not practice this themselves, and I encourage you all to begin practicing excellent behavior.

Alot of times we may not examine what we say or how it might be hurtful to others, or even how what we say might be hurting ourselves, or how fighting with one another might not benefit us as much as more respectful discourse and dialogue.

I believe that one method in beginning to practice behavior you may consider better is to monitor, pay attention to, and be careful of your own speech and the way you speak it.

People seem to be extremely sensitive to little cues in a person's behavior such as vocal tone, and choice of words.

If we are careful to say things in the best ways, we might end up experiencing a better, more clear conversation, even if individuals are hostile towards us. This may also eventually ease tensions, and even if it doesn't, at least you wouldn't have behaved in a way that you found displeasing, or would have found displeasing if you were on the receiving end.

Why should we focus, as human beings, on hurting one another, rather than trying to make each other laugh and have a good experience all around?

Why not focus on trying to keep things cool and peaceful, to encourage kindness through kind actions and speech?

So I'd like to thank anyone who read this article, and I truly appreciate your taking the time to look into this issue.

I hope that you can see what I am trying to suggest, and I hope that we all follow good advice.

Please feel free to comment with contributing opinions or any questions you might have.

I'd love to hear from you, and also to know if you agree with what I've suggested.

Thanks again!

"Your post is scarily coherent.

I will have to agree with you. People spend way too much time thinking about the differences between people and not the similarities. Unity is dying. People are forgetting to learn about their enemies so that they may know and understand them. If they did this, they might not be their enemy anymore. We should embrace diversity, after all, what new things do you learn from someone who agrees with you and has your same ideas? "

Thank you so much for your kind words! I consider "scarily coherent" to be a huge compliment, and thank you so much for saying that! I truly appreciate it, and that you took the time to comment in this thread.

I was not familiar with that book! Thank you for the title!

Good idea! Vast information is available through personal communication with individuals. Many generalize huge populations of people into certain categories while it may be the case that each individual has immense information and experience though could share that may be fascinating, enjoyable, informative, and educational in nature. People from anywhere, even if they seem bad to us, may help us to realize things we hadn't before.

I believe that despite any pragmatic uses an individual or their information may have, that we should still maintain our own respect and dignity, and an alertness for information, while still understanding the possibility that even if a living being has no knowledge (just as we may have no sure knowledge) it may still be important in caring for them in an essential way.

To care for someone beyond their usefulness to us, but to care for them only based on their being, that they essentially exist, may be an action to confirm our own existence, and to encourage that we should be cared for, even if we were useless entirely to anyone and everyone.

Thanks for the joke! I did include "All People" and "Everyone". But I understand you were probably joking. Despite that, I'm sorry if I've offended anyone in any way with what I've written here.

Also, if anyone is viewing this thread, despite having completed the article or not, please feel free to comment at any time.

Post: #122

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_2H3RZL69Q

Post: #123

Thanks for the video but the framerate of the images seems like brainwashing!

Post: #124

I once asked people to tell me what qualities they felt were important to getting a good reward in the afterlife if there was one, or at least to be considered a good person by their standards.

I collected their answers in this list:

The complete list with additions:

1. Worshiping only God
2. Respecting all people
3. Being humble
4. Being honest
5. Living a moral life
6. Being generous with time and money
7. Practicing what you preach; not being a hypocrite
8. Rejecting self-righteousness
9. Forfeiting grudges
10. Forgiving others

11. Show love rather than hate
12. Wish everyone love, light, good health, and all the best
13. Don't hurt another, yourself, or anything intentionally ever in any way
14. Treat what is present with love and care
15. Love unconditionally, and ask for nothing in return
16. Refrain from judging and defining things
17. Love God
18. Love your neighbor

19. Take no other Gods besides the One God
20. Don't give God an image or form
21. Don't believe in a God with an image or form
22. Avoid saying crude things about God
23. Avoid saying things which make God seem less powerful
24. Keep every day sanctified by right conduct
25. Be respectful and kind of your elders
26. Treat everyone as your elder
27. Avoid killing things

28. Don't betray people, remain loyal
29. Keep your promises if you can
30. Don't steal things, wait for permission from the owner
31. Don't lie about people or say bad things about them
32. Be content with what is yours
33. Don't be self righteous about your goodness
34. Give to the poor, help in charity and aid
35. Share whatever is excess for you, and give out freely
36. Do what pleases your heart and makes you feel good about yourself and others.

37. Ask God for help, guidance, and whatever else
38. Avoid bitter jealousy
39. Avoid deeply inconsiderate ambitions
40. Don't boast and avoid personal arrogance
41. Avoid violence and violent, hurtful practices
42. Be open to reason and reasoning
43. Don't assume you know everything or anything for certain
44. Be peaceful and promote peacefulness in every way
45. Ask forgiveness from God for your errors and mistakes

46. Teaches what one believes is most beneficial
47. Maintains these ethics as best as possible
48. Try to be aware of the needs of others
49. Try to see things from the perspective of others
50. Try to avoid unintentional harm or likely harm

51. Learn from your experiences and adapt to new information
52. Place yourself and all down a path you find beneficial
53. Never tell anyone to do anything destructive or harmful
54. Be courageous in keeping to right and beneficial conduct
55. Be beneficient, give rewards and gifts to others freely

56. Cherish and appreciate all you can and everything
57. Release conflicts, judgment, and things to God
58. Pay attention to yourself and your conduct, stay good
59. Do not persecute, oppress, or harass anyone
60. Do not pursue anyone with ill intentions towards harm

61. Understand your weaknesses and limitations
62. Study the scriptures and religious knowledge carefully
63. Pray to God and seek God's gentle inspiration
64. Never be too sure of yourself, tread carefully
65. Be compassionate to all those in trouble in any way

66. Seek prosperity and benefit for all
67. Do not get caught up in what you can't help, but always try your best
68. Do not be too materialistic or get caught up in it
69. Seek satisfaction in God and right conduct

70. Be honorable, equitable, and fair in all dealings
71. Have convinctions towards good things, and God
72. Respond to goodness and evil with only goodness
73. Maintain a character strong in right conduct and good intentions and beliefs that are beneficial and peaceful

74. Acknowledge the efforts of all good people including Jesus and anyone who has done good
75. Admit to your mistakes and change your conduct for the better
76. Accept all good things that come to you with gratitude to God and anyone who is kind and provides
77. Devote yourself to promoting goodness in yourself and others

Post: #125

man, thats a lot of prayer....
your very into the bible i see...
excellent skill sets...

Post: #126

The following are quotes I collected from the Bible, to prove that God is One according to the Bible (as well as other scriptures), God has no body and is everywhere, There is no savior but God alone, there are no Gods other than God (None besides God), that God created everything from nothing (nothing existed infinitely alongside God).


"O Lord, there is none like You, nor is there any God besides You" 1 Chronicles 17:20

"You are great, O Lord God; for there is none like You, and there is no God besides You" 2 Samuel 7:22

"there is no one like God, our God." Exodus 8:10

"God (alone), He is God; there is no other besides Him." Deuteronomy 4:35

"God (alone), He is God in heaven above and on the earth below; there is no other." Deuteronomy 4:39

"See now that I, I am He (God), And there is no god besides Me (God)" Deuteronomy 32:39

"Hear, O Israel! God (alone) is our God, God (alone) is one [echad]!" Deuteronomy 6:4

"For who is God, besides God (alone)? And who is a rock (stability), besides our God?" 2 Samuel 22:32

"God (alone) is God; there is no one else." 1 Kings 8:60

"You are the God, You alone [bad], of all the kingdoms of the earth." 2 Kings 19:15

"You alone [bad] are God." Nehemiah 9:6

"For who is God, but God (alone)? And who is a rock (stability), except our God" Psalm 18:31

"You alone [bad], Lord, are God." Isaiah 37:20

"Before Me there was no God formed, And there will be none after Me." Isaiah 43:10

"‘I am the first and I am the last, And there is no God besides Me." Isaiah 44:6

"Is there any God besides Me, Or is there any other Rock (Stability)? I know of none." Isaiah 44:8

"I am God, and there is no other; Besides Me there is no God." Isaiah 45:5

"Surely, God is with you, and there is none else, No other God." Isaiah 45:14

"I am God, and there is none else." Isaiah 45:18

"Is it not I, God? And there is no other God besides Me, A righteous God and a Savior; There is none except Me." Isaiah 45:21

"I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me" Isaiah 46:9

"No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one [hen] and love the other, or he will be devoted to one [hen] and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth." Matthew 6:24 (Or God and Jesus, or God and anything else)

"But do not be called Rabbi; for One [hen] is your Teacher, and you are all brothers." Matthew 23:8

""The foremost is, ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one [hen] Lord; " Mark 12:29

"you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only [monos] God?" John 5:44

"This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only [monos] true God" John 17:3

"since indeed God is one [hen]" Romans 3:30

"to the only [monos] wise God, Amen." Romans 16:27

"there is no God but one [hen]" 1 Corinthians 8:4

"Now a mediator is not for one party only; whereas God is only one [hen]." Galatians 3:20

"Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only [monos] God" 1 Timothy 1:17

"which He will bring about at the proper time—He who is the blessed and only [monos] Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone [monos] possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or CAN see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen." 1 Timothy 6:16

"You believe that God is one [hen]. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder." James 2:19


Isaiah 45:18-22 -

"For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else. I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right. Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save. Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else."

Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Savior; there is none beside me. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else? (Isaiah 45: 21-22)

(Mother says to son)"My son, have pity on me; I carried you nine months in the womb and suckled you three years.... I implore you, my child, observe heaven and earth, consider all that is in them, and acknowledge that God made them out of what did not exist, and that mankind comes into being in the same way. Do not fear this executioner, but prove yourself worthy of your brothers, and make death welcome, so that in the day of mercy I may receive you back in your brothers' company."
2 Maccabees 7:27-29

There is none else.
Bible
I Kings 8:60


Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.
Bible
Matt. 4:10

There is none beside Thee.
Bible
I Sam. 2:2

Thou art the God, even Thou alone.
Bible
II Kings 19:15

Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.
Bible
Matt. 4:10

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord.
Bible
Deut. 6:4

God is one.
Bible
Gal. 3:20

God is great.
Bible
Job 36:26


I am the Lord, I change not.
Bible
Mal. 3:6

I the Lord am thy Saviour and thy redeemer.
Bible
Isa. 60:16

The One forming light and creating darkness,
Causing well-being and creating calamity;
I am the LORD who does all these. ”
—Isaiah 45:7, NASB

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Deuteronomy 31:6

The LORD gave this command to Joshua son of Nun: "Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath, and I myself will be with you."
Deuteronomy 31:23

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9

“Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus replied: “Why do you call me good? No one is good — except God alone.”
Mark 10:17-18

“If you want to enter life, obey the commandments."
Matthew 19:17, also see Mark 10:19

Isaiah 43:11
11 I, I am the LORD,
and there is no other Savior but Me. (A)

Isaiah 45:21-22
21 Speak up and present [your case] (A) [a] —
yes, let them take counsel together.
Who predicted this long ago?
Who announced it from ancient times?
Was it not I, the LORD?
There is no other God but Me,
a righteous God and Savior; (B)
there is no one except Me. ©

22 Turn to Me and be saved,
all the ends of the earth.
For I am God,
and there is no other.

Deuteronomy 4:35
35 You were shown [these things] so that you would know that the LORD is God; there is no other besides Him. (A)

Mark 12:32
32 Then the scribe said to Him, "You are right, Teacher! You have correctly said that He is One, and there is no one (A) else except Him. (B)

1. Deuteronomy 4:35,39 — Unto thee it was shown, that thou mightest know that the LORD he is God; there is none else beside him. (39) Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else.

2. Deuteronomy 6:4 — Hear, O Israel: The LORD thy God is one LORD. [Note in Mark 12:28-34 how Jesus and a Jewish scribe he encountered understood this text.]

3. Deuteronomy32:39 — See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.

4. 2 Samuel 7:22 — Wherefore thou art great, O LORD God; for there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.

5. 1 Kings 8:60 — That all the people of the earth may know that the LORD is God, and that there is none else.

8. 1 Chronicles 17:20 — O LORD, there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.

9. Nehemiah 9:6 — Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou has made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.

10. Psalm 18:31 — For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?

11. Psalm 86:10 — For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.

13. Isaiah43:10,11 — Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no savior.

14. Isaiah44:6,8 — Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. Fear ye not, neither be afraid; have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any.

15. Isaiah 45:21 — Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time: who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Savior; there is none beside me.

16. Isaiah 46:9 — For I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me.

17. Hosea 13:4 — Yet I am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me; for there is no savior beside me.

18. Joel 2:27 — And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed.

19. Zechariah 14:9 — And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one.

20. Mark 12:29-34 —And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.

21. John 17:3 — And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

24. Galatians 3:20 — Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.

26. 1 Timothy 1:17 — Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

28. James 2:19 — Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

Numbers 23:19
God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24)

Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. (Luke 24:39)

But who is able to build Him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain Him?... (2 Chronicles 2:6)


Athenagoras
"I have sufficiently demonstrated that we are not atheists, since we acknowledge one God, unbegotten, eternal, invisible, incapable of being acted upon, incomprehensible, unbounded, who is known only by understanding and reason, who is encompassed by light and beauty and spirit and indescribable power, by whom all things, through his Word, have been produced and set in order and are kept in existence" (Plea for the Christians 10 [A.D. 177]).

Clement of Alexandria
"Being is in God. God is divine being, eternal and without beginning, incorporeal and illimitable, and the cause of what exists. Being is that which wholly subsists. Nature is the truth of things, or the inner reality of them. According to others, it is the production of what has come to existence; and according to others, again, it is the providence of God, causing the being, and the manner of being, in the things which are produced" (ibid.).

"What is God? ‘God,’ as the Lord says, ‘is a spirit.’ Now spirit is properly substance, incorporeal, and uncircumscribed. And that is incorporeal which does not consist of a body, or whose existence is not according to breadth, length, and depth. And that is uncircumscribed which has no place, which is wholly in all, and in each entire, and the same in itself" (ibid.).

"No one can rightly express him wholly. For on account of his greatness he is ranked as the All, and is the Originator of the universe. Nor are any parts to be predicated of him. For the One is indivisible; wherefore also it is infinite, not considered with reference to inscrutability, but with reference to its being without dimensions, and not having a limit. And therefore it is without form" (Miscellanies 5:12 [A.D. 208]).

"God is Incorporeal
Although many places in scripture and Talmud speak of various parts of God's body (the Hand of God, God's wings, etc.) or speak of God in anthropomorphic terms (God walking in the garden of Eden, God laying tefillin, etc.), Judaism firmly maintains that God has no body. Any reference to God's body is simply a figure of speech, a means of making God's actions more comprehensible to beings living in a material world. Much of Maimonides' Guide for the Perplexed is devoted to explaining each of these anthropomorphic references and proving that they should be understood figuratively.

We are forbidden to represent God in a physical form. That is considered idolatry. The sin of the Golden Calf incident was not that the people chose another deity, but that they tried to represent God in a physical form.

"
God is Neither Male nor Female
This followed directly from the idea that God has no physical form. God has, of course, no body; therefore, the very idea that God is male or female is patently absurd. We refer to God using masculine terms simply for convenience's sake, because Hebrew has no neutral gender; God is no more male than a table is.

Although we usually speak of God in masculine terms, there are times when we refer to God using feminine terms. The Shechinah, the manifestation of God's presence that fills the universe, is conceived of in feminine terms, and the word Shechinah is a feminine word.
"

"God is Omnipresent
God is in all places at all times. He fills the universe and exceeds its scope. He is always near for us to call upon in need, and He sees all that we do. Closely tied in with this idea is the idea that God is universal. He is not just the God of the Jews; He is the God of all nations.

"In the Image of God
The Bible states that humanity was created in the image of God, but what does it mean to be created in the image of God?

Clearly, we are not created in the physical image of God, because Judaism steadfastly maintains that God is incorporeal and has no physical appearance. Maimonides points out that the Hebrew words translated as "image" and "likeness" in Genesis 1,27 do not refer to the physical form of a thing. The word for "image" in Genesis 1,27 is "tzelem", which refers to the nature or essence of a thing, as in Psalms 73,20, "you will despise their image (tzel'mam)". You despise a person's nature and not a person's physical appearance. The word for physical form, Maimonides explains, is "to'ar", as in Genesis 39,6, "and Joseph was beautiful of form (to'ar) and fair to look upon". Similarly, the word used for "likeness" is "demut", which is used to indicate a simile, not identity of form. For example, "He is like (dimyono) a lion" in Psalms 17,12 refers not to similar appearance, but to similar nature.

"

"I am the L-rd, and there is none else. I form the light and create darkness, I make peace and create evil. I am the L-rd, that does all these things." (Is. 45:6-7).

"I beseech thee, my son, look upon the heaven and the earth, and all that is therein, and consider that God made them of things that were not; and so was mankind made likewise." (2 Maccabees 7:28, KJV)

"Church Fathers opposed notions appearing in pre-Christian creation myths and in Gnosticism - notions of creation by a demiurge out of a primordial state of matter (known in religious studies as chaos after the Greek term used by Hesiod in his Theogony).[5]"

"All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made."
John 1:3

"... even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were."
Romans 4:17

"And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are"
1 Corinthians 1:28

"Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear."
Hebrews 11:3

Colossians 1:16
16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.

"Idolatry is the worship of a physical object as a god"

"In a number of places, the Hebrew Bible makes clear that God has no shape or form, and is utterly incomparable; thus no idol, image, idea, or anything comparable to creation could ever capture God's essence. For example, when the Israelites are visited by God in Deut. 4:15, they see no shape or form. Many verses in the Bible use anthropomorphisms to describe God, (e.g. God's mighty hand, God's finger, etc.) but these verses have always been understood as poetic images rather than literal descriptions. This is reflected in Hosea 12:10 which says, “And I have spoken unto the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and by the hand of the prophets I use similes.

a. Omnipotence: The first attribute of God that describes His capabilities is His omnipotence. This attribute means that God is all?powerful. John wrote of this, ?And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth? (Revelation 19:6). Of this attribute, Moses wrote, ?Is any thing too hard for the Lord?? (Genesis 18:14a). Of God?s might, the angel Gabriel proclaimed ?For with God nothing shall be impossible? (Luke 1:37). God is omnipotent; He is all?powerful!

b. Omniscience: The second attribute of God that describes His capabilities is His omniscience. This means that God is all? knowing. John wrote of this, ?For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things? (1st John 3:20). Concerning the omniscience of God, Paul wrote, ?Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world?(Acts 15:18). God is omniscience; He is all?knowing.

c. Omnipresence: The third attribute that describes the capabilities of God is His omnipresence. This attribute means God is everywhere. Of His omnipresence, the Psalmist wrote, ?Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there? (Psalm 139:7-8).

Deuteronomy 4:35
You were shown [these things] so that you would know that the LORD is God; there is no other besides Him.

In Jeremiah 23:24 we read: "Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the Lord. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the Lord."

I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me, Isaiah 45:5

Post: #127

For any of you who wanted the Jewish and Christian scriptural perspective on what I presented about God controlling all benefit, and all harm, all light, and all darkness:

Isaiah 45:7

New International Version (©1984)
I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the LORD, do all these things.

New Living Translation (©2007)
I create the light and make the darkness. I send good times and bad times. I, the LORD, am the one who does these things.

English Standard Version (©2001)
I form light and create darkness, I make well-being and create calamity, I am the LORD, who does all these things.

New American Standard Bible (©1995)
The One forming light and creating darkness, Causing well-being and creating calamity; I am the LORD who does all these.

GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
I make light and create darkness. I make blessings and create disasters. I, the LORD, do all these things.

King James Bible
I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these [things].

American King James Version
I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.

American Standard Version
I form the light, and create darkness; I make peace, and create evil. I am Jehovah, that doeth all these things.

Bible in Basic English
I am the giver of light and the maker of the dark; causing blessing, and sending troubles; I am the Lord, who does all these things.

Douay-Rheims Bible
I form the light, and create darkness, I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord that do all these things.

Darby Bible Translation
forming the light and creating darkness, making peace and creating evil: I, Jehovah, do all these things.

English Revised Version
I form the light, and create darkness; I make peace, and create evil; I am the LORD, that doeth all these things.

Webster's Bible Translation
I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.

World English Bible
I form the light, and create darkness. I make peace, and create calamity. I am Yahweh, who does all these things.

Young's Literal Translation
Forming light, and preparing darkness, Making peace, and preparing evil, I am Jehovah, doing all these things.'


Isaiah 31:2

New International Version (©1984)
Yet he too is wise and can bring disaster; he does not take back his words. He will rise up against the house of the wicked, against those who help evildoers.
New Living Translation (©2007)
In his wisdom, the LORD will send great disaster; he will not change his mind. He will rise against the wicked and against their helpers.

English Standard Version (©2001)
And yet he is wise and brings disaster; he does not call back his words, but will arise against the house of the evildoers and against the helpers of those who work iniquity.

New American Standard Bible (©1995)
Yet He also is wise and will bring disaster And does not retract His words, But will arise against the house of evildoers And against the help of the workers of iniquity.

GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
He is wise and can bring about disaster. He doesn't take back his words. He rises against wicked people and against those who help troublemakers.

King James Bible
Yet he also [is] wise, and will bring evil, and will not call back his words: but will arise against the house of the evildoers, and against the help of them that work iniquity.

American King James Version
Yet he also is wise, and will bring evil, and will not call back his words: but will arise against the house of the evildoers, and against the help of them that work iniquity.

American Standard Version
Yet he also is wise, and will bring evil, and will not call back his words, but will arise against the house of the evil-doers, and against the help of them that work iniquity.

Bible in Basic English
Though he is wise, and able to send evil, and his purpose will not be changed; but he will go against the house of the evil-doers, and against those to whom they are looking for help.

Douay-Rheims Bible
But he that is the wise one hath brought evil, and hath not removed his words: and he will rise up against the house of the wicked, and against the aid of them that work iniquity.

Darby Bible Translation
But he also is wise, and he bringeth evil, and recalleth not his words; and he will arise against the house of evildoers, and against the help of workers of iniquity.

English Revised Version
Yet he also is wise, and will bring evil, and will not call back his words: but will arise against the house of the evil-doers, and against the help of them that work iniquity.

Webster's Bible Translation
Yet he also is wise, and will bring evil, and will not call back his words: but will arise against the house of the evil-doers, and against the help of them that work iniquity.

World English Bible
Yet he also is wise, and will bring disaster, and will not call back his words, but will arise against the house of the evildoers, and against the help of those who work iniquity.

Young's Literal Translation
And He also is wise, and bringeth in evil, And His words He hath not turned aside, And He hath risen against a house of evil doers, And against the help of workers of iniquity.


Lamentations 3:38

New International Version (©1984)
Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and good things come?
New Living Translation (©2007)
Does not the Most High send both calamity and good?

English Standard Version (©2001)
Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that good and bad come?

New American Standard Bible (©1995)
Is it not from the mouth of the Most High That both good and ill go forth?

GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
Both good and bad come from the mouth of the Most High God.

King James Bible
Out of the mouth of the most High proceedeth not evil and good?

American King James Version
Out of the mouth of the most High proceeds not evil and good?

American Standard Version
Out of the mouth of the Most High cometh there not evil and good?

Bible in Basic English
Do not evil and good come from the mouth of the Most High?

Douay-Rheims Bible
Mem. Shall not both evil and good proceed out of the mouth of the Highest?

Darby Bible Translation
Out of the mouth of the Most High doth not there proceed evil and good?

English Revised Version
Out of the mouth of the Most High cometh there not evil and good?

Webster's Bible Translation
Out of the mouth of the most High proceedeth not evil and good?

World English Bible
Doesn't evil and good come out of the mouth of the Most High?

Young's Literal Translation
From the mouth of the Most High Go not forth the evils and the good.


Job 2:10

New International Version (©1984)
He replied, "You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.
New Living Translation (©2007)
But Job replied, "You talk like a foolish woman. Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?" So in all this, Job said nothing wrong.

English Standard Version (©2001)
But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.

New American Standard Bible (©1995)
But he said to her, "You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?" In all this Job did not sin with his lips.

GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
He said to her, "You're talking like a godless fool. We accept the good that God gives us. Shouldn't we also accept the bad?" Through all this Job's lips did not utter one sinful word.

King James Bible
But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.

American King James Version
But he said to her, You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.

American Standard Version
But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.

Bible in Basic English
And he said to her, You are talking like one of the foolish women. If we take the good God sends us, are we not to take the evil when it comes? In all this Job kept his lips from sin.

Douay-Rheims Bible
And he said to her: Thou hast; spoken like one of the foolish women: if we have received good things at the hand of God, why should we not receive evil? In all these things Job did not sin with his lips.

Darby Bible Translation
But he said to her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. We have also received good from God, and should we not receive evil? In all this Job did not sin with his lips.

English Revised Version
But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.

Webster's Bible Translation
But he said to her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.

World English Bible
But he said to her, "You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. What? Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?" In all this Job didn't sin with his lips.

Young's Literal Translation
And he saith unto her, 'As one of the foolish women speaketh, thou speakest; yea, the good we receive from God, and the evil we do not receive.' In all this Job hath not sinned with his lips.


Jeremiah 32:42


New International Version (©1984)
"This is what the LORD says: As I have brought all this great calamity on this people, so I will give them all the prosperity I have promised them.
New Living Translation (©2007)
"This is what the LORD says: Just as I have brought all these calamities on them, so I will do all the good I have promised them.

English Standard Version (©2001)
“For thus says the LORD: Just as I have brought all this great disaster upon this people, so I will bring upon them all the good that I promise them.

New American Standard Bible (©1995)
"For thus says the LORD, 'Just as I brought all this great disaster on this people, so I am going to bring on them all the good that I am promising them.

GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
"This is what the LORD says: As I brought all these disasters on these people, so I will bring on them all these blessings that I have promised them.

King James Bible
For thus saith the LORD; Like as I have brought all this great evil upon this people, so will I bring upon them all the good that I have promised them.

American King James Version
For thus said the LORD; Like as I have brought all this great evil on this people, so will I bring on them all the good that I have promised them.

American Standard Version
For thus saith Jehovah: Like as I have brought all this great evil upon this people, so will I bring upon them all the good that I have promised them.

Bible in Basic English
For the Lord has said: As I have made all this great evil come on this people, so I will send on them all the good which I said about them.

Douay-Rheims Bible
For thus saith the Lord: As I have brought upon this people all this great evil: so will I bring upon them all the good that I now speak to them.

Darby Bible Translation
For thus saith Jehovah: Like as I have brought all this great evil upon this people, so will I bring upon them all the good that I have spoken concerning them.

English Revised Version
For thus saith the LORD: Like as I have brought all this great evil upon this people, so will I bring upon them all the good that I have promised them.

Webster's Bible Translation
For thus saith the LORD; As I have brought all this great evil upon this people, so will I bring upon them all the good that I have promised them.

World English Bible
For thus says Yahweh: Like as I have brought all this great evil on this people, so will I bring on them all the good that I have promised them.

Young's Literal Translation
'For thus said Jehovah: As I brought in unto this people all this great evil, so I am bringing in on them all the good that I am speaking concerning them;



Numbers 23:19

New International Version (©1984)
God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?
New Living Translation (©2007)
God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?

English Standard Version (©2001)
God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?

New American Standard Bible (©1995)
"God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?

GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
God is not like people. He tells no lies. He is not like humans. He doesn't change his mind. When he says something, he does it. When he makes a promise, he keeps it.

King James Bible
God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

American King James Version
God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: has he said, and shall he not do it? or has he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

American Standard Version
God is not a man, that he should lie, Neither the son of man, that he should repent: Hath he said, and will he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and will he not make it good?

Bible in Basic English
God is not a man, to say what is false; or the son of man, that his purpose may be changed: what he has said, will he not do? and will he not give effect to the words of his mouth?

Douay-Rheims Bible
God is not a man, that he should lie, nor as the son of man, that he should be changed. Hath he said then, and will he not do? hath he spoken, and will he not fulfil?

Darby Bible Translation
ùGod is not a man, that he should lie; neither a son of man, that he should repent. Shall he say and not do? and shall he speak and not make it good?

English Revised Version
God is not a man, that he should lie; Neither the son of man, that he should repent: Hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Webster's Bible Translation
God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoke, and shall he not make it good?

World English Bible
God is not a man, that he should lie, nor the son of man, that he should repent. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not make it good?

Young's Literal Translation
God is not a man -- and lieth, And a son of man -- and repenteth! Hath He said -- and doth He not do it? And spoken -- and doth He not confirm it?





Isaiah 28:29
All this also comes from the LORD Almighty, wonderful in counsel and magnificent in wisdom.

Proverbs 8:14
Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have understanding and power.






So from a Biblical (Jewish and Christian) perspective as well as a Qur'anic (Muslim), Vedic (Hindu, Brahmanic, Vishnaist, Shaivaist), Ancient Egyptian, Ancient Akkadian, and ancient Han Chinese perspective, God alone can create benefit and harm towards anything, and brings benefit or harm towards anything God wants to.

Post: #128

life speaks started the thread....
life speaks is the thread....
for all you encumber in thought of the lord...
you should know...
thou shalt not steal....
if you continue.....
you have broken one of the commandments....
im sure you wouldnt want that....
so in the future...
when i start a thread....
its my thread...
try not to consume all....
plenty of space here for everyone...
lets not start looking like glp over here....
this is the tactics of the mods at glp...
no one wants that do we....

Post: #129

LIFE SPEAKING  Wrote:

man, thats a lot of prayer....
your very into the bible i see...
excellent skill sets...

Well, I like to use all variety of scriptures from around the world to give the same religious message:

That there is only one power and that is God alone.
That everything is under the control of God alone who has all the power.
That our only safest option is to appeal to God and seek benefit from God.

All the scriptures generally have the same message. My favorite is the Qur'an because it is the most clearly and strictly monotheistic and never presents a humanoid God or things that can be easily misinterpreted. The Qur'an contains some of the purest monotheism available in scripture and is always very firm about God having all the power over everything.

The Biblical, Vedic, and Zoroastrian scriptures have largely been used for a variety of messages and purposes, and contain passages in the english translations that can be potentially misleading or confusing as to the nature of God, though they still clearly state the same message of the Qur'an and what I am hoping to present as well which is strict monotheism.

Post: #130

LIFE SPEAKING  Wrote:

life speaks started the thread....
life speaks is the thread....
for all you encumber in thought of the lord...
you should know...
thou shalt not steal....
if you continue.....
you have broken one of the commandments....
im sure you wouldnt want that....
so in the future...
when i start a thread....
its my thread...
try not to consume all....
plenty of space here for everyone...
lets not start looking like glp over here....
this is the tactics of the mods at glp...
no one wants that do we....

Yeah, sorry about all this writing. Though the thread title does seem to indicate this is a place to consider one's own. I've provided lots of information for anyone interested in reading and learning about things from other religions, and also to assist in inspiring people in thinking of prayers they could possibly say. I apologize if any of the writing or information has offended you.

Do you have a prayer to say?

Post: #131

for such work as you've done...
one needs to be repaid....
to all, lets thank freedom for all he has done to bring this thread to the top...
he truly, has made the thread....
but we do all own this thread...
sorry for my competitve nature....
carry on...
no harm no fowl...bock bock...

Post: #132

LIFE SPEAKING  Wrote:

for such work as you've done...
one needs to be repaid....
to all, lets thank freedom for all he has done to bring this thread to the top...
he truly, has made the thread....
but we do all own this thread...
sorry for my competitve nature....
carry on...
no harm no fowl...bock bock...

Thank you! I really appreciate that! That was really nice! I think I'm done for now anyway, and anyone interested in lots of information can explore the information on this page and the pages prior.

I'd love for this thread to be used by others for sharing their prayers especially.

There have been some really beautiful prayers said here so far, as well as some controversial ones, and I'd love to see more!

Thank you for staying with this thread and keeping it going as well! I think it was a really nice idea!

Post: #133

thanks, you too...
come back soon...
hopefully you've invigorated the masses..

let god be with you in your travels from day to day...
all men reach for god...
sometimes its too late to grab....
dont be in that sometime....
be ready to grab if ou need too...
say a litlle prayer today, say i love you to mom and dad and the kids...
give the friend a hug, maybe even an enemy or two...
godbless all...

Post: #134

LIFE SPEAKING  Wrote:

thanks, you too...
come back soon...
hopefully you've invigorated the masses..

let god be with you in your travels from day to day...
all men reach for god...
sometimes its too late to grab....
dont be in that sometime....
be ready to grab if ou need too...
say a litlle prayer today, say i love you to mom and dad and the kids...
give the friend a hug, maybe even an enemy or two...
godbless all...

I did! Wow!

Post: #135

I went wow because I had just done those things and came here and read that you mentioned all that!

I was wondering, what inspired you or motivated you to make this thread? What was the initial idea behind it? What did you expect? What were you thinking of? What do you want for it now?