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God is able and willing to deliver us 
Ridiculous but God is good .... (Eternally Saved)
Warped concept of God (John Doe 666)
Actually there is more (Eternally Saved)
Being poor is NOT bad. (John Doe 666)
Why not share something about Job's latter end ? (Eternally Saved)
You don' know where I come from (John Doe 666)
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John,
I'm sure that having been poor before, you know that poverty is not good, right? Of course God can turn something bad (like poverty or sickness) into something is beneficial for us (e.g. a more understanding attitude towards the less privilege, disciplined approach in taking good care of one's health). But I don't think it is right to think that bad things come from our Father. He doesn't "bless" us with bad things. He blesses us by delivering us from bad things. I find it extremely useful and helpful to my spiritual well-being to constantly think of God as a good God, as a Giver, as a Blessor. The Lord blesses but He doesn't take away. I find that this view of my Father helps to encourage a total trust and reliance on Him. And I find myself coming more readily to His throne than ever. I just feel that there is a risk that we may be unconciously encouraging a view of God as being less than willing to deliver His children from the curse of sickness and poverty if we keep saying things like "poverty is not a curse" or "God gives you this sickness to teach you something". I know many of us don't mean it, but I think we may be unwittingly building a culture of accepting defeats instead of encouraging people to ask boldly for God's blessings (like Jabez) in the church. Poverty and sickness is definitely bad. I believe with all of my heart that my Father's heart is to see His children delivered from being poor and sick. It is with this attitude that I disagree with you statement that "poverty is not bad". I'm not saying that being sick or poor is a sin. But I'm saying that as children of God, we should learn to declare our victory over the curse of sicknesses and poverty. The world may think of me as being illogical or silly, but I see it as a demonstration of faith. Some believers may think that I'm trying to twist God's arm (and denying His sovereignty), but I see it as clinging to Him (and depending on His mercy). What if God doesn't bless me? Firstly, I don't even believe that will happen (knowing that I'm not asking amiss, and I'm asking in Jesus' name). And even if He really doesn't bless me, will it make any difference to my attitude towards Him? No. I will still trust Him and thank Him (for there is noone else I can rely on), and not bow down the my cirumstances. In His Grace, Keith
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Messages
Outline:
That's the way to go brother by Eternally Saved, 2001, Nov 07
Keep the testimonies rolling in by Keith, 2001, Nov 07
Both of you are doing fine... by Royston Ong, 2001, Nov 11
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