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#208481 - 10/18/10 01:15 PM
Why do the Wicked Prosper?
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MustangGal
Unregistered
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The Bible addresses this question in Psalm 73:
“A psalm of Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills.” 12 “This is what the wicked are like . . . always carefree, they increase in wealth. Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence. All day long I have been plagued; I have been punished every morning.”
I've found myself not always following God's law, rather man's law, much like the wicked. Yet, God knows my heart and I often find myself punished; whereas, other wicked folk continue to prosper.
Why, then, do evil people, who make no pretense of believing in the Lord, receive blessings which appear to be from God while I have to pinch every penny?
And, what about those who profess to be Christians; yet, are not and simply hide behind the robe of religeon?
Edited by MustangGal (10/18/10 01:55 PM)
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#208487 - 10/18/10 03:15 PM
Re: Why do the Wicked Prosper?
[Re: jabber]
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Member
Registered: 11/15/05
Posts: 2798
Loc: NM, transplant from NJ
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Greed. And it's short-loved....only on earth. But believers' treasures are in heaven...eternally!
And remember; the bible says that it's easier for a camel to go thru the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to get to heaven.
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#208499 - 10/19/10 01:01 PM
Re: Why do the Wicked Prosper?
[Re: jabber]
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MustangGal
Unregistered
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I've met so many rich and greedy folk working at law firms. I see how law firms can take someone's soul and slander their good name. Just b/c someone has an 'Esquire' behind their name does mean honor.
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#208640 - 10/29/10 03:49 AM
Re: Why do the Wicked Prosper?
[Re: ]
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Boomer in Chief
Registered: 03/12/10
Posts: 3212
Loc: Illinois
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I see what you are saying, Mustang, but I can't hang all the greed on lawyers - despite that famous Shakespearean quote that says, "First kill all the lawyers..." (Aside: Here is an interesting essay on that quote from a law firm: Kill all the lawyers) I have experienced knowing/having to work with dishonorable, rich and greedy people in all walks of life - lawyers don't have a lock on greed. The only way I have been able to come to terms with this is the same thing that was mentioned by others in this thread: They will get theirs in the end. Meanwhile, I will live by my own standards, and sleep well at night. And so will you...
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#208869 - 11/09/10 04:26 PM
Re: Why do the Wicked Prosper?
[Re: jabber]
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MustangGal
Unregistered
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I couldn't agree more with ya Jabber!
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#209681 - 12/18/10 03:22 AM
Re: Why do the Wicked Prosper?
[Re: jabber]
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Registered: 11/24/06
Posts: 2930
Loc: Belfast/Northern Ireland
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i don't have the answeres and i don't have to have them.
i hope god dose't get em, becouse thats not gods place surley, thats a human construct of justice? threads jumping about between material greed, people starving and without a penny being driven to do eveil acts, so greed or the need to eat or jst being human and tempted.
in truth i not sure god even notises who's got what becouse a good busness idea is a good bussness idea regardless of the human hart. i know my hart aint sant like enough to be considered clean enough for god and i not sure i know enough people who's harts are sant like.....
......glass houses and stones springs to mind....
i do know the world aint faire and i still belive thats a humane being type thing and not a god type thing that makes a destinction to who get good materially and who won't. that logic would have you belive that aragently the rich are the true good peoplebecouse they deserve to bve financally becouse thir good. its kinda self fullfiling argument and even the rotten apples be sitting thincking thir harts are good enough becouse god allows them thir riches.
in life ya meet all sorts of people its just important that we aint the ones covered in sin, of envey or lust, or hatting the rich or just hating anybody.
the only logic too it i can find is god just dose't govern who gets what in life, we do and we are also respoonsible for how we get it in life, thats our mane bussness. How good a person we have been and how filled our harts are with warmth love and compasion and how often we act that out in life and in the deepest bits of our harts is how i think, hope god judges us. and when we fail becouse we all will at some point in our life that god will be mercifull and just in his mercy.
i canb't work it out that anything else falls too some type of judment or punishment thats not about or based on love comming into play.
_________________________
"Our attitude either gets in the way or creates a way," Sam Glenn
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#209703 - 12/19/10 01:25 PM
Re: Why do the Wicked Prosper?
[Re: jabber]
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Registered: 11/19/08
Posts: 1758
Loc: American living in Germany
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Aaah Celtic is back again, with her interesting thoughts and philosophies. I missed those conversations. Mustang you titled this thread; Why do the wicked prosper? On the other side of the coin; - you certainly don’t have to be wicked to prosper. Thanks to many prosperous folks, a lot of poor people are being helped. Millions are poured into funds by the rich…Take Bill Gates for example and his club of millionaires. In all of us, poor, rich, black or white, in all of us is a soul. In that respect we are all alike. We will all die and our souls will go somewhere peaceful and beautiful beyond our dreams. What happens down here, on earth, is just an interval. We have to simply make the best of it, - or not. Of course many don’t have a chance from birth on. Their release is when they die sooner than most of us and suffer no more. I know you are having an incredibly hard time, Mustang. I am not in the position to see where the problem lies. All I can suggest is; - try a new strategy. If you keep pushing the same buttons nothing will change. I’m sort of in a slump what my own profession is concerned. I need to change my own strategy and adjust as to how the market has changed. Internet is the biggest competition for me. Many home owners simply present their homes on internet portals, not needing a realtor anymore. I simply know it won’t help if I keep running on the same treadmill; - thus I’m actively searching alternatives before it’s too late. You and I know that being rich or poor has nothing to do with religion. I think we all have been tuned to believe; “being naughty shall be punished”. Let’s just leave the bible aside for a moment, and imagine that just won’t happen. Isn’t it possible that everything in our lives, things we have done; - good or bad, will just pop like a bubble when we die? It just doesn’t matter how we behaved. Our lives here are just a tiny part of what is to come. Imagine that an element of us will never die; - the soul within us. We aren’t really all that unique. Instead, we are all part of one puzzle; the universe,( that doesn't have to mean there is no God), which we all share together in endless time. So, if you believe that, like I do; then the life we have here is not about justice, rewards or punishments. It’s just about making the best of it, and enjoying moments that we have the privilege to experience. Right, that won’t get the food on the table, but getting that food on the table, can be a rewarding experience as well. If you aren’t able to do that, then your life plan must be changed, which leads us back to step one.
_________________________
As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live. Goethe
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#209743 - 12/20/10 03:43 PM
Re: Why do the Wicked Prosper?
[Re: jabber]
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Member
Registered: 12/30/05
Posts: 3027
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#209750 - 12/20/10 05:48 PM
Re: Why do the Wicked Prosper?
[Re: Mountain Ash]
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Registered: 11/19/08
Posts: 1758
Loc: American living in Germany
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Jabber, that’s just the point. Of course our behaviour matters here on earth. Those with a conscience generally don’t treat others wrongly. And those with a conscience, who have done harm to others, are punished by living with such a burden. But believing that we will be punished or rewarded when we die; - no I don’t believe that. Punishment for doing wrong things are a man made indoctrination. What we may consider bad or good may not be so in another culture. You asked; If God is a God of Justice, shouldn't He do something to stop it and protect the people who love Him and live in a righteous manner? I think your question is also the answer. God can't be a God of justice. If he were , then why is there so much injustice? I believe when we die, we return to where we were before we were born. Our souls live and always will, and that we are all equal as souls. I wonder if this is some sort of religion allready? In any case, I’m not following any religion nor have I been influenced by any readings. My own thoughts and visions have lead me to this belief. One way or another, it’s always better for ourselves and for others to be as good as we can be. On that I agree with you.
_________________________
As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live. Goethe
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#209764 - 12/21/10 01:03 AM
Re: Why do the Wicked Prosper?
[Re: jabber]
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The Divine Ms M
Registered: 07/07/03
Posts: 4894
Loc: Orange County, California
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Edelweiss, interesting thoughts.
Quite a few religions believe that out souls are immortal, and this body and life are just temporary way stations designed to teach us what we need to know for ascension. Some believe in reincarnation -- what we don't learn in this lifetime, we'll return & hopefully get it right next go-round.
The wicked obviously need to learn a hard lesson next time -- have a more difficult life, etc. -- which, of course, doesn't help the people they've screwed over in this life. Then, I realize many of you don't believe in reincarnation, so "he'll get his next time" really doesn't have meaning.
There are righteous people of all faiths, and of no faith. Same goes for wicked.
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#209841 - 12/26/10 12:36 AM
Re: Why do the Wicked Prosper?
[Re: jabber]
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MustangGal
Unregistered
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Guess, the tough part for me is knowing that people do exists to harm others whether rich or poor, their intent is to purposefully harm another. To purposefully inflict pain upon another for pleasure is evil. I see this
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#209852 - 12/26/10 11:44 PM
Re: Why do the Wicked Prosper?
[Re: jabber]
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Registered: 11/24/06
Posts: 2930
Loc: Belfast/Northern Ireland
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yea hellow ladies and ann.............
i am not so sure i said much diffrent from any of the rest of you but perhapps my way of putting it dowen might be diffrent or my examples are diffrent but mostly I said the same as most and thats simply material gain and goodness or rightchness ise't always so clear cut. ........but i am also good with you thinking it was diffrent at its core but i aint not so sure it is diffrent.
Meridith how do you reachone the karma balance is regulated if considerring reincarnasion? goood deads get rewarded with a better life in the next life. dose it ever go the opposite way.......a real hard life is the rewared for the previouse life success at overcomming adversity? how dose it address poverty striken cultures and is thir ever a risk that us in our developed wealth get arrogant over the less developed cultures? Dose it all pice together?
i not so sure i care about anyone getting thir punishment for whickied they have done, i not suure punishment stops the behaviour. maybee some love compasion and guidance teaches a corrective way to do something but the cold hard bitter sting of adversity is hard to imagine bringing about a more loving life rather than storeing up bitterness and bile.
jabber, id really rather have the folks that do whicked things in life be stoppped and corrected through love than punishment, i just think it works better, well it dose so with kids and adults we'r just a bitmore sofisticated kids lol.
mustange if your starting this chat in response to somthhing happening in life right now that your witnessing whickedness and prosperity and it shaking your faith then i am sorry. I know you know what its like to see the "good" church going ladies that gossipe and backbite and prosper and i rember that being a tough thing to witness.
i know i am just repeating myself but i don't think god bothers with that stuff as he/she be more intrested in whats going on inside us in relasion to our lifes no matter to how hard or easie it is.
I just hope your not soar over it as thats when it starts effecting our owen spirituality. Keep strong regardless of whatts going on in life, and i hope you don't get pulled over to any side becouse of it. just be true to yourself and you'll be doing well.
_________________________
"Our attitude either gets in the way or creates a way," Sam Glenn
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#209856 - 12/27/10 02:05 AM
Re: Why do the Wicked Prosper?
[Re: celtic_flame]
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MustangGal
Unregistered
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Celtic Flame, welcome back yee wonderful gal!
This has been an interesting conversation and I love everyone's honesty -- thank you for that.
Yes, Celtic, my faith -- what little I have left, I'm ashamed to say -- has been shaken. I've seen people with the most evilist of intentions inflict pain upon others for their simple pleasure. People who hide behind the law, their degrees, the Church, government, those in positoins of authority, neighbors, etc., who have purposefully inflicted pain upon me and others with malice.
I often wonder what is God's purpose for evil folk?
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#209859 - 12/27/10 11:18 AM
Re: Why do the Wicked Prosper?
[Re: ]
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Member
Registered: 12/30/05
Posts: 3027
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Celtic you say
"i not so sure i care about anyone getting thir punishment for whickied they have done, "
I agree in fact I believe that its not in my hands or thoughts to punish wittingly another human being. My aim and mindset is to analyse why someone acts disrespecfully for my own peace of mind and growth.To aim for the ability to rise above and go peacefully about my life.Never to feed the fire of someone elses discontent or anger.Leaving them in time to work out an answer to their hostility.I just dont give my energy to unkind acts. I respect I have never been homeless or hungry so maybe have never been tested.
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#209862 - 12/27/10 01:17 PM
Re: Why do the Wicked Prosper?
[Re: jabber]
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Member
Registered: 12/30/05
Posts: 3027
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No Jabber I did not mention God.. and avenge is not in my vocabulary.
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#209871 - 12/27/10 10:05 PM
Re: Why do the Wicked Prosper?
[Re: jabber]
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Member
Registered: 12/30/05
Posts: 3027
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Nor do I think anyone has the right to ruin anothers life.
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#209876 - 12/28/10 01:46 PM
Re: Why do the Wicked Prosper?
[Re: jabber]
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Member
Registered: 03/22/05
Posts: 4876
Loc: Canada
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This reminds me of something I read years ago that has become so ingrained in me. It was by Jean Vanier and I can't quote word for word, so will just give the gist of it. Essentially, he suggested that in every moment of our lives and in every encounter with every person we meet, we either sow seeds of death or seeds of life. We are constantly choosing, by our thoughts, actions, words and non-actions, to either sow seeds of darkness and death - or seeds of light and life. There's no in-between.
Thoughts of vengeance lead to actions, words and a general demeanor which support those thoughts and those beliefs of vengeance...more darkness in a world that needs more light.
People have hurt me, hurt others, rippled devastating consequences into my life that have created painful rubble that I've had to stumble over in order to move on. I've learned that keeping grudges, wishing for vengeance, praying that others will get what I think they deserve (not in a good way), are all seeds of death and create dark and destructive forces WITHIN ME, leading me further and deeper into despair.
When I forgive and let go, asking God to BLESS those people (in a good way) according to His will for their lives, and to teach me the golden nuggets of wisdom and learning that always exist within every situation, good and bad, then I am living in light and sowing seeds of life, both within myself, and in the lives of those others.
The Bible is very clear, though again I cannot quote, about God laying before us death or life, and then exhorting us to choose life. Choosing life means choosing to live lives of forgiveness, compassion and love, even and especially for those who hurt us.
That's (IMO) what being a Christian is supposed to be about - not seeking vengeance (which only adds more darkness and death to our own hearts and in turn to anyone and everyone we encounter), but seeking forgiveness and reconciliation and sowing seeds of life and light wherever we can.
I have to say that it is beyond my comprehension to ever even think about asking God to hurt anyone for any reason! To use prayer and God in that way is abhorrent to me. My heart and spirit yearns for peace and yearns for more light and love in the world - that yearning leads me to use prayer to ask God to bless, heal, encourage, strengthen and help others in whatever way those others need, including all who hurt me or others.
_________________________
When you don't like a thing, change it. If you can't change it, change the way you think about it.
(Maya Angelou)
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#209899 - 12/30/10 08:55 AM
Re: Why do the Wicked Prosper?
[Re: jabber]
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The Divine Ms M
Registered: 07/07/03
Posts: 4894
Loc: Orange County, California
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Meridith how do you reachone the karma balance is regulated if considerring reincarnasion? goood deads get rewarded with a better life in the next life. dose it ever go the opposite way.......a real hard life is the rewared for the previouse life success at overcomming adversity? how dose it address poverty striken cultures and is thir ever a risk that us in our developed wealth get arrogant over the less developed cultures? Dose it all pice together? Celtic, I have no absolute answers, but some (although not all) of the Hindu beliefs regarding reincarnation resonate with me. Having wealth is not a crime of the soul, and as such wouldn't be punished. However, gaining wealth through the suffering of others; or using wealth to harm another -- would be. Why do so many people live in poverty and have hard lives? I don't know. Are they being punished for past life transgressions? I don't know. When I look, I can imagine a rhythm to all this -- discord as much as sweetness. Ebb and flow. But that's my belief system.
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#209907 - 12/30/10 03:10 PM
Re: Why do the Wicked Prosper?
[Re: yonuh]
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Member
Registered: 03/22/05
Posts: 4876
Loc: Canada
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Yonuh, I read a book years ago (Embraced by the Light) about a woman who had a near-death experience and that's what she learned in her NDE. Her book changed my life forever, because so much of it resonated with me and made so much more sense than anything else I've ever read or learned. Embracing the possibility of these teachings has given me a whole new perspective and joy when reading Scripture, and a new sense of purpose...a profound relief, so to speak, because everything - every encounter, every experience, every perceived failure is actually a unique opportunity to either learn or teach...there are golden nuggets of wisdom and learning in every moment, when/if we have the eyes to see.
Over time, as I've read more about this, it has also (I believe) healed me of all suicidal thinking (which I've struggled with since the mid 60's). While I still have down days, deep down inside of me, I can feel a profound serenity that was never there before, a "peace that passes all understanding", because now I believe more than ever that everything, even those "down days", have opportunities for growth and stretching and hopefully, helping someone else. This way of thinking excites me like nothing else has for a long time.
_________________________
When you don't like a thing, change it. If you can't change it, change the way you think about it.
(Maya Angelou)
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#209913 - 12/31/10 09:57 AM
Re: Why do the Wicked Prosper?
[Re: Eagle Heart]
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Member
Registered: 12/30/05
Posts: 3027
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It is my belief that we all reach a "place" that sits well with our own journey.For some it is a book other have an experience that allows personal growth. I too have read books Eagle similar to the one you mention.
Meeting many people who are troubled through my career there often presents a mindset of turmoil...presents as health problems or inablilty to maintain significant riendships..sometimes manifests as sadness and sometimes anger...in most cases there has to be a turning point before a client finds ther "place" So for me being vengenful has no value and erodes well being. It demands practice and is as important as exercise and good food.
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#209920 - 01/01/11 02:22 AM
Re: Why do the Wicked Prosper?
[Re: Mountain Ash]
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Member
Registered: 06/24/06
Posts: 384
Loc: California
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I agree with you Mountain Ash,
I see no point in being vengeful and have recently been reading an article about the power of positive thinking. I read Norman Vincent Peale many years ago and firmly believe in his beliefs.
I wish several family members would hang on to the positive rather than the negaative..
How do you influence others to see the positive??
Donna
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#209922 - 01/01/11 12:10 PM
Re: Why do the Wicked Prosper?
[Re: 49erDonna]
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Member
Registered: 12/30/05
Posts: 3027
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Donna There are none so blind as those who do not want to see.
Each person has the ability to seek their own conclusion.In novels..plays as in life there is a "turning point"
but illness is I believe connected to mind set...so internal work has to be done.
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#209924 - 01/01/11 01:49 PM
Re: Why do the Wicked Prosper?
[Re: Mountain Ash]
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Member
Registered: 03/22/05
Posts: 4876
Loc: Canada
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So wise, MA. My journey has been so full of twists and turns that it has taken many "turning points" to get to my here-and-now. I suspect that there will need to be more, because there is still much internal work to be done. I think, believe, that these life-changing turning points come just as one needs them to move into the next chapter of that inner work. It seems that it's a never-ending process, though perhaps that's because I choose to keep searching out what I need to heal the parts of me that are still broken (eg, I still have trouble establishing and maintaining relationships).
I keep hoping that one day I will stumble over the threshold into perfect inner harmony, where all of these turning points and healings will join together into one harmonious web of well-being and inner peace - what I want most, my constant prayer, is always to learn how to love and to be loved to the point where love and light are all that ripple out of my heart and mind and tongue. Perhaps that can't happen within the confines of this human form, but it's what drives me to keep moving forward and not to give in to complacency and futility (otherwise, my life would seem like intolerable drudgery at times.)
_________________________
When you don't like a thing, change it. If you can't change it, change the way you think about it.
(Maya Angelou)
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#209929 - 01/01/11 03:10 PM
Re: Why do the Wicked Prosper?
[Re: yonuh]
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Member
Registered: 03/22/05
Posts: 4876
Loc: Canada
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I think that others can be roadmaps to new directions if we're open to allowing their experiences and insights to teach us something. I can attest to being profoundly changed by the women here over my several years here. I have to especially give credit to JJ whose positive attitude opened my eyes to the possibility of changing my negative/depressive patterns of thinking. It took a lot of work, at first it was every moment, 24/7, being vigilant in catching the negative thoughts and then deliberately replacing them with gratitude and positive thinking.
JJ often shared about how her Mom would get up in the morning, open the curtains and greet the day with something like "Hello world!" I adopted that, and believe me, it was very hard for me to get out of bed some mornings. But I did, opened my curtains, and every morning would thank God for the beautiful new day, the beautiful tree outside my window, and for the chance to learn more wonderful things about life and love that day. It took awhile, but slowly it began to change my life. Now it's just part of my day, catching those negatives - perhaps mulling over them for a bit to discern where they're coming from - but then resolutely focusing on the lesson behind the situation, the blessing beyond the pain and the light behind the clouds.
So as you say, Yonuh, I did witness here how positive thinking and gratitude attitude worked for others, and used those wisdoms and perspectives to help change my own way of thinking and seeing the world. I like the change. There's still more to do, but I really like how far I've come, thanks to everyone here!
_________________________
When you don't like a thing, change it. If you can't change it, change the way you think about it.
(Maya Angelou)
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#209934 - 01/01/11 03:28 PM
Re: Why do the Wicked Prosper?
[Re: jabber]
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Member
Registered: 12/30/05
Posts: 3027
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Yonuh You say All you can do is stay positive yourself and hope they follow your example.I agree with you. and Eagle...I too appreciate JJ's cheerful attitude.
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#210275 - 01/11/11 02:46 AM
Re: Why do the Wicked Prosper?
[Re: Mountain Ash]
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MustangGal
Unregistered
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Albert Einstein once made a very, very important remark we ALL should never forget.
"This world is to dangerous a place to live in. Not because of all of the evil and bad around us, but because of those who sit and let it continue to happen."
Einstein's quote is similar to, in meaning, to the often quoted "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing" attributed to 18th century British statesman Edmund Burke (1728 - 1797). The origin of this quote and its many variants is widely disputed and may actually be a composite from Burke's writings. Apparently there is no original. The point being the thought behind Einsteins quote is anything but new. It's been in all kinds of literature for a hundred years before he said it. He may or may not have known of it. Einstein added the guilt angle.
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#210383 - 01/13/11 01:26 PM
Re: Why do the Wicked Prosper?
[Re: yonuh]
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Member
Registered: 02/17/05
Posts: 10032
Loc: New York State
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#210852 - 02/03/11 02:04 PM
Re: Why do the Wicked Prosper?
[Re: jabber]
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Member
Registered: 06/03/04
Posts: 2830
Loc: Massachusetts, USA
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I invite you to take a look at the entire Psalm.
Psalm 73 (Contemporary English Version) (A psalm by Asaph.) God Is Good
1-God is truly good to Israel, [a] especially to everyone with a pure heart.
2-But I almost stumbled and fell,
3-because it made me jealous to see proud and evil people and to watch them prosper.
4-They never have to suffer, [b] they stay healthy,
5-and they don't have troubles like everyone else.
6-Their pride is like a necklace, and they commit sin more often than they dress themselves.
7-Their eyes poke out with fat, and their minds are flooded with foolish thoughts.
8-They sneer and say cruel things,and because of their pride, they make violent threats.
9-They dare to speak against God and to order others around.
10-God will bring his people back, and they will drink the water he so freely gives. [c]
11-Only evil people would say, "God Most High cannot know everything!"
12-Yet all goes well for them, and they live in peace.
13-What good did it do me to keep my thoughts pure and refuse to do wrong?
14-I am sick all day, and I am punished each morning.
15-If I had said evil things, I would not have been loyal to your people.
16-It was hard for me to understand all this!
17-Then I went to your temple, and there I understood what will happen to my enemies.
18-You will make them stumble,never to get up again.
19-They will be terrified, suddenly swept away and no longer here.
20-They will disappear, Lord, despised like a bad dream the morning after.
21-Once I was bitter and brokenhearted.
22-I was stupid and ignorant, and I treated you as a wild animal would.
23-But I never really left you, and you hold my right hand.
24-Your advice has been my guide, and later you will welcome me in glory. [d]
25In heaven I have only you, and on this earth you are all I want.
26-My body and mind may fail, but you are my strength and my choice forever.
27-Powerful LORD God, all who stay far from you will be lost, and you will destroy those who are unfaithful.
28-It is good for me to be near you. I choose you as my protector, and I will tell about your wonderful deeds.
Blessings!
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#213203 - 06/01/11 04:23 PM
Re: Why do the Wicked Prosper?
[Re: chatty lady]
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Queen of Shoes
Registered: 05/24/04
Posts: 6123
Loc: Arizona
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Chatty, maybe God looks at the sinner differently than we do?
_________________________
If it doesn't feel good, don't do it twice. www.eadv.netBoomer Queen of Shoes
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#213214 - 06/01/11 06:56 PM
Re: Why do the Wicked Prosper?
[Re: Anne Holmes]
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Member
Registered: 06/03/04
Posts: 2830
Loc: Massachusetts, USA
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John 3:16 tells us that Jesus died, that whosoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life. It is good news that if we sincerely repent of our wrongdoings and turn away from them, God forgives us.
As I understand what I've read in the Bible, the reward for believing in God will be the same regardless of the amount of time we served Him. If a 10 yr. old gives his heart to Jesus, and lives a Godly life his reward will be the "same" as for the 70 year old who accepts Jesus as a Savior in the winter of his life: Eternal life is what God promised. I hope this helps.
The wicked seem to prosper, but eventually, if there is no repentance, they will perish. We decide our eternal future by the daily choices we make. Let us live with that in mind and be a light and an inspiration to others.
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#213222 - 06/02/11 02:35 AM
Re: Why do the Wicked Prosper?
[Re: yonuh]
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Member
Registered: 03/22/05
Posts: 4876
Loc: Canada
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I didn't respond, Chatty, because I already know how you will feel about my answer. I passionately believe that there is no such thing as anyone being "beyond redemption". I don't have the time, wisdom, energy or inclination to judge anyone anywhere for anything...I have enough to tend to in my own heart and choices. It's enough for me that God knows all, knows the heart of each person and knows all the "why's" of their lives and choices...He created even those you would condemn and He calls each one His son or His daughter...I've experienced His mercy first-hand. And I trust His ability to deal with anyone anyway He chooses.
_________________________
When you don't like a thing, change it. If you can't change it, change the way you think about it.
(Maya Angelou)
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#213223 - 06/02/11 02:42 AM
Re: Why do the Wicked Prosper?
[Re: Eagle Heart]
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Member
Registered: 03/22/05
Posts: 4876
Loc: Canada
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You probably also won't like what I'm about to share...I suppose I'm going to get a lot of negative flak...while so many were celebrating, my very first instinct and thought at the news that Bin Laden had been killed was to pray for him and ask God to forgive him...the words just instinctively without hesitation filled my heart and mind. I could not, and hope to God I never will be able to, celebrate the killing of any human being. I will be honest, and admit to being hopeful that his death might bring respite from his level of terrorism in the western world, but I still could not "celebrate" or feel happy about someone being killed.
_________________________
When you don't like a thing, change it. If you can't change it, change the way you think about it.
(Maya Angelou)
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#213224 - 06/02/11 03:16 AM
Re: Why do the Wicked Prosper?
[Re: Eagle Heart]
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Boomer in Chief
Registered: 03/12/10
Posts: 3212
Loc: Illinois
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Thanks for sharing your point of view, Eagle Heart. I don't have a problem with your actions when you heard bin Laden was killed. Everyone handles news their own way, and as far as I can recall, there's nothing in the Bible that says we can't pray for our enemies. In fact, doesn't Matthew 5:44 advise us to do so? Here's a link to a site with a number of translations of that verse: Bible Commentary
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#213252 - 06/04/11 05:36 PM
Re: Why do the Wicked Prosper?
[Re: Anne Holmes]
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Queen of Shoes
Registered: 05/24/04
Posts: 6123
Loc: Arizona
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You know, the theory that the wicked prosper just isn't true. Not every evil person is happy, rich or prosperous. There are millions of good people who have prospered as well.
Eagle, I too felt sadness that Bin Laden died never knowing the beauty of love.
_________________________
If it doesn't feel good, don't do it twice. www.eadv.netBoomer Queen of Shoes
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#213315 - 06/07/11 06:58 PM
Re: Why do the Wicked Prosper?
[Re: Dianne]
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Member
Registered: 06/03/04
Posts: 2830
Loc: Massachusetts, USA
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I agree with Dianne: not every evil person is happy. But at times it does seem that those who have no concern for human life or for the rights of others, etc., prosper. And we see many who are responsible, caring persons struggling with afflictions (illness, financial hardship, injustice and other issues). That's why David's Psalm talks about it.
On the other hand,only God knows the motives and true intentions of our heart and what drives each of us to act the way we do. We are not capable of judging them correctly and that is not our calling.
I agree with Eagle: I do feel sad that people die without ever knowing or experiencing love. God loves each person and regardless of their wrongdoings, I believe we should respect life. He is the giver of life. Each day he gives us is an opportunity to choose to live for Him or choose to live selfishly for our own purposes.
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#213332 - 06/08/11 01:43 AM
Re: Why do the Wicked Prosper?
[Re: Songbird]
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MustangGal
Unregistered
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Songbird, I understand -- yet, it can be such a selfish world in which to find intrinisic value. I agree that God's path is best and often the toughest.
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