Many Christians try to help others. Some succeed and some fail.
Some bring forth that which helps and some that which hinders.
Some bring forth love and some bring forth hate.
The message varies from person to person as the interpretation varies from person to person.
That which might strengthen or edify a person at peace with God may be hate to someone not at peace with God.
That which is spoken by a hateful person may be hate while the same thing spoken by a loving person may appear to be words of encouragement.

Where many miss the boat is in how they find the words to share. Also those words may appear Differently to those hearing depending on whether the person has the gift of spiritual discernment. These things hinge on the type of minister the person has had and the type of church one has attended. They can also hinge on whether or not a person is able to go beyond their pet peeves or the doctrines of man.

Spiritual discernment of the word of God can be seen in 1 Corinthians 2.

1 Corinthians 2:12
[6] Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
[7] But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
[8] Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
[9] But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
[10] But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
[11] For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
[12] Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
[13] Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

The spirit of man will seek the things of man and the Spirit of God the things of God.
That is why to some having the "abundant life" may be money while to those with spiritual discernment the abundant life is having "mercy that endureth for ever" and "hope laid up in heaven" and salvation in having faith that Jesus Christ is the Son of God that died for our sin.

We can see the results of the carnal mind and those who are carnally minded. There really is no place in the church for a carnal mind and the spirit of man.
Below the scriptures show the results of a carnal mind and the spirit of man.

James 4:1-6
[1] From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?
[2] Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
[3] Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
[4] Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
[5] Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?
[6] But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Matthew 12:43
[43] When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.

The word of God says all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. We all are as David said born in sin. That sin can be seen in the book of John where the Lord said "sin, because they believe not in me." None of us came from the womb believing in Jesus as the word is clear in that faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God.

So, what does all of this have to do with a colt tied where two ways met?

Many times a colt, ox or ass is in reference to a beast of burden. An ass carried a prophet and a colt the Lord. There are references where David said in Psalms that he prayed our oxes would be strong to labor (a word televangelists hate) and even Paul wrote not to muzzle the ox that treadeth the corn.
Christians may be seen as a beast of burden as they are commanded to carry the word and preach it in all the world. Ministers can be seen as a beast of burden as they carry the burden, or word to their flocks.
Each has a place where two ways meet. The flesh versus the Spirit and schooling versus spiritual discernment.
many times it is the flesh that judges others and points out their flaws while they themselves lust after money and every comfort of life.

Mark 11:1-4
[1] And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,
[2] And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him.
[3] And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither.
[4] And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him.

So, can we see more about these two ways?

Proverbs 14:12
[12] There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

As I showed above the word says that to be carnally minded is death. That is the mind that seeks everything God hates. The lust of money which is the root of all evil and such. That is the mind that sees every other person's sin while being blinded to their own.
So what is one of the ways that are not of death?

Proverbs 15:24
[24] The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.

The Lord said that when you see the signs of the times look up for your redemption draweth nigh and it is written that if ye be risen with Christ seek those things which are above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.

It is amazing that those who should be seeking those things which are above in Christ such as sanctification, righteousness in Christ and such are more concerned about selling "love gifts" through their television ministry or finding a new financial breakthrough in the stock market or other people's sins.

What might be the way of life as defined by scripture?

2 Timothy 3:16
[16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

All scripture. Not just that which we like. Not just that which pleases the people. After all, most of the prophets were hated by the Jews and Jesus said ye shall be hated by all men for my name's sake.
It's amazing how the ministers have gone from being hated to being popular. The word says that which is highly esteemed of man is an abomination in the sight of God. That includes ministers and Christianity. When Christianity is loved by most it is no longer Christianity. It has gone from a calling to a career.

If all scripture is the way of life and it is suitable for instruction in righteousness what is this righteousness?

Proverbs 12:28
[28] In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.

Jesus said I am the way, the truth and the life. No man cometh unto the Father but by me and it is written in 1 Corinthians 30 that he has been made unto wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. It is also written that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness and in Romans 8:2 that the law of the Spirit of life in Christ has made us free of the law of sin and death.

If more ministers would seek the way of life in Christ and leave this world behind maybe more people would be saved. It is written that light manifests darkness and the light of life in Christ through the Spirit and word manifests the lies of the false prophets that are only concerned with getting rich while those who send them money are damned.

Since we see that Jesus is our righteousness and the way above we can see he is the way of righteousness.
We can see the way of a fool is right in his won eyes. You can try to teach them or warn them from now til the trumpet sounds and they still won't listen. Sadly, many of those are the ones professing to be Christians. The ones that should be sharing life who are too busy sharing a doctrine of man, a denomination of man, a word about getting rich, a lustful thought and everything but the Lord Jesus Christ that died that ALL who believe on him should not perish but have everlasting life. The one who are so busy pointing out other people's sins they cannot see their own.

Whether it be the Christian on the pew or the minister that stands behind the pulpit they all have a place where two ways meet.
Only one way will carry the word of God.
The other damn both he who speaks and those who listen.

Del,

It seems to me that somewhere alone the line a number of the basic principles got lost. Jesus tells us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and these things shall be added unto you. He also goes on to tell us to love God above everything else. And again in the old testament we are told to delight in Lord in all our ways and then He shall give us the desires of our heart. It to often seems like the focus is on the second part of what He says and not the first.

He also goes on to say store up treasures in heaven not here. I am more convinced than ever that the true Treasures are not in our things,money,power,fame etc. The real treasure is in Him first and than the second is the people around us as they will go on forever. Can we even begin to imagine what it will be like to see those we have known and whose lives we have touched in perfection without birth defects,illnesses,blemishes,mentally whole, and spiritually free from the bondages of this life we live now,in perfect love and peace? And to be able to see Him face to face and to be with Him perfectly?

Sarah,
I agree with you 100% kiddo.
The focus all too often is only on the portion of scripture that is an earthly or financial blessing.
Many forget Jesus said I call you friends IF you do as I say.
Everything is conditional as the Lord is no fool and knows how man will try to catch him in or hold him to his word.

It turned out to be a bit of a bummer today. I took my mom to the seniors Bible study today and the senior pastor,school principal and the new CFO took some time today for a Q & A session. The senior pastor wrote down the questions on a dry erase board. Almost all of the questions had to do with either the finances or programs. About 2/3 of way through the time he was taking for the asking of the questions i finally got a bit on edge and i just had to ask what the church was doing to teach the members about knowing,loving trusting and obeying God more. (When i asked the question i could tell he was not comfortable about that one)

Most of the time was spent about the "program' to pay down the mortgage on the buildings. School enrollment. Etc
The whole time he spent looking at his watch and he would answer the questions asked before and after the one i had asked. After an hour and half he never answered the question. (Almost all of the other questions were answered) I was so discouraged afterwards and i talked to the pastor that usually leads the bible study and he gave me a word of encouragement. He reminded me that God will lift up someone who is open to point the way back. What is so weird about that is i do not see myself that way. I know it is so far out of my comfort zone yet i can't let it go. (I know what they did to others that stood up and it's a very scary place and yet i know it's not time for me to leave) I just don't know if any of it is getting through or if i am just speaking to the wind so to speak.

Sarah,
I am sorry that a Bible study would go that way.
One would think that the Bible study would have been about scripture to manifest Christ and show what the gospel is really about.

I attended an adult Bible study class one time and my wife and I got kicked out for being heretics for telling the truth. It's sad when someone would teach contrary to scripture and then kick out the ones that stood on scripture. But that's behind me now and I have no hard feelings about it. I do feel sorry for the ones that were allowed to stay and be taught a lie.

If you are the one the teacher was talking about you will know in due season.

I know you said it wasn't in your comfort zone but the Lord told Peter he would go where another would carry him.
In the natural to a cross but in the spiritual he was led in and out of jail numerous times and used to preach unto the Jews. I reckon for a fisherman to get the calling to preach was rather not his ideal direction.

I hope all works out for you.

Sarah,
As an afterthought I can pretty much see where your question brought him to where two ways met.
Sort of do I answer her or do I ignore the question and hope nobody notices.
Sort of the flesh versus the Spirit and the carnal things such as finances versus the spiritual things in Christ.
I find it rather interesting.

Thanks Del,

I will be ok as long as i remember to keep my focus on Him and just speak the truth in love. I just want to be sure that i don't get off track. (It's way to easy to go off on a tangent and that is when we get ourselves in a lot of trouble of our own making)

I have been in the bible study for about 3-4 years now as it is one of the places when my mom still has a number of friends and some support. (She doesn't drive) I have gotten to know the teacher of the bible study fairly well and he has been a real encouragement. And we often talk a lot about where we need to be as people so......

It was afterwards when the two of us had a chance to have a bit more private talk about it and i mentioned to him that of all the questions that were asked that the most important one was the one not answered and i was not suprised by it and that's when the teacher said what he did.

I do know i do not understand why God has me here. I do know He wants me to be faithful and continue to speak the truth in love till He brings to completion what He has in mind for me in this situation and as long as i hold on to Him and keep my focus on Him there is nothing that anyone can do to me that He will not use for His purposes and plans.

Sarah,
Every part of the body of Christ has a purpose. I'm sure the good Lord has you where he wants you for a reason. If not he would tell you to move on or move you if need be.

There is bound to be something in his plan for you.

I agree about not getting caught up in your own area and ending up off track.
I guess being a transgender could be as important to you as other things might be to me. And even though I am cisgender I have to make sure I don't get off track with some of my pet peeves like televangelists and such.
The important point for all of us is to keep our focus on Jesus Christ and who he is and what he fulfilled for us in his brief period of time here in this temporal world.
That is one reason when I do post I would prefer to try to post things that show who Jesus is from the laws and prophets as well as that which he would do having been prophesied.

I'm interested in seeing how this thing ends up.
Take care kiddo.

Del,

I know what i am really hoping for is that this church will get back to where it is suppose to be but i also realize that it may not as it is dependent upon how open the people are to His leading soooo.

He keeps reminding me that ALL THINGS work together for good for those who love God and called according to His purposes. (Although of course it doesn't always seem that way)

When He started dealing with me on the transgender issues it did not come out the way i thought it should. He started me out with seeking for the truth. There was only 2 ways it could go. And with Him being a God of truth i had to deal with that first. Either i had been living a life of lives to that point trying so hard to fit in and hide what i was or i was lying to myself about being transgendered. There was and is no in between.  (I am only speaking for myself) I spent so much time talking to pastors or in Christian support groups but all i ever got was the same pat answers. But i would ask one question that they could not answer i would ask "What about those who are intersexed and is it not possible that this is another form of it?" (We don't have all the answers so....) What ended up happening is that it drove me to seek Him out and how He saw me not how men saw me. He sees the person inside and the person inside is the one that He meant to be eternal. The shell that i am in will not last as it is. It to will be redeemed in His time and His way. What i learned was that in His sight being transgendered is not the main problem it is what comes out of it. He did not take it away from me nor has He transformed my body yet.
But He does remind me of 2 things. His grace is sufficent for me and also that this has been allowed to glory Him.
I just need to trust and hold on to Him. And as long as i stay within the boundries that He has given me i remain within His will (He has given me some freedom) I am not at this point to be married or to seek out any kind of sexual relationship. I am not to try to flaunt it nor am i to hide it. Everything that i do is to be modest and subtle not flashy.

I do realize that the following is what i believe He has also shown me and that it needs to be considered in wisdom and prayer as i myself do not know all the answers. I think that it goes much deeper than most people even realize just how deeply it runs and just how much it really affects those who are dealing with it. Paul goes into the fact that all of creation has been subjected to frustration and even our own bodies are not what they are suppose to be. God intended us to be either male or female but the natural world is also broken. He also intended us to be both spiritual and physical and those who are transgendered have a dichotomy between the two. The two do not mesh right. Because they don't mesh right it leads to a very painful bondage which affects us spiritually,mentally,emotionally and also with our bodies. The best way for me to try and explain it is that it's in some ways the body does not fit right. Like wearing shoes 2 sizes too small (This is how it feels for me) I can not speak for all but this is how i see it. (this is just my opinion and not written in stone) I do hope that this can give you a little more insight.

Sarah,
It does appear that you have studied it out rather well and are well on your way.
It is my hope that as you seek it all out the Lord will guide you.
Take care and God bless kiddo.

My problem is every time i get the riches on my hearts desire,  i give them away and then have to reget them all over again.. I just wonder when i should stop giving away the riches he wants me to have? I am getting older and well its getting harder and harder to set up a homefront / farm  with gardens etc..

AmazonD,
The church is the betrothed and bride of Christ according to scripture.
The people that make up the church are the bride of Christ.

The word says delight thyself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
David said there is none other upon earth I desire but thee.
The Lord told Eve Thy desire shall be towards your husband and he shall rule over thee.

If you are a child of God then your heart's desire is probably towards your Husband (Jesus) if you wish to be saved.
If you still have that desire towards him and the salvation he gives you haven't given away that which your heart desires.

As for the earthly desires I know what you mean. Many times over the years I have gotten something I really wanted or needed just to give it away to someone in need and wish to get another one like it.

The main thing is to hold fast the desire of your heart in Christ.

As for riches, the word says that we have the riches of wisdom and knowledge. If the good Lord has given you spiritual wisdom that is the riches to keep even if you do give away the carnal riches.
The word says the tongue of the just is as choice silver. That is better than temporal earthly silver and worth keeping.
The word also says the fear of the Lord is his treasure. Being wise enough to fear him whom after he hath killed can cast body and soul into hell is a treasure to keep.
The word also says a word spoken in due season is as apples of Gold in pictures of silver.
Apples are a fruit and the fruit of the Spirit, or gold is worth keeping.

If you keep the riches the Lord gives and the desire of your heart that he gives you shall do well.

Take care and may God bless.

 

Del,

Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to answer. (I do know my thinking has changed so much over the years)
I am really thankful that God placed me in a church at one time when the teacher had a true heart for God. The one thing i will always remember about what he taught was never to just take his word on any subject that he spoke on was to go and pray first that God would open our hearts and minds and seek Him out when we studied the Bible as he would often say he himself was human and not the final authority but that God was.

This has been going through my mind the past couple of days and i know it's just my opinion and not set in stone. I think it may also have to do with the 2 ways also so that's way i am bringing it up. It goes the verse below.

2 Timothy 3:16
[16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

I think it goes to the intent of why God gave up the scriptures in the first place. I am begging to come to the conclusion that He meant them to be used as a scalpel in my life. To show me where i fall short,how to live before Him and to also 
let Him change me so that i become an example of what Christ was like so that those who do not believe can see  Him in my life and can be able to ask what is it that is so different and like Phillip before i can point to Jesus and say come and see. He is the reason because of who He is and what He done. God never intended us to use it as a hammer on someone else.

I also think that to often we get to the point where we see something we don't like in someone else and thing that is the worst possible thing they can be doing but i think that in God's eyes He will work on those things that are keeping us the furthest away first. (He has done that in my own life where He worked on some things that i didn't think were that important and other things that i placed in a higher position are still a work in progress) I think we get in the way way to much instead of pointing the way and then getting out of His way so He can do the work He is so good at.

Hi SarahM777

I just wanted to add how impressed and proud of you I am.  I have read many tg sites where churches were attended as kids, inmany cases came to know the Lord. Then as need to align body and sould together as best as possible, many of these folks were kicked out of church and often family's too.  As a result it sounds like many have turned their back on Jesus, thinking wrongly that it is him and his religion that rejected them. Never.  The sccripture clearly states he will never leave us.  You have not turned from him, even to there are many questions you are seeking answers to.  You know in your heart he loves you, and day by day He will lead you in his paths.  Little by little you will see your peace and joy is not dependant on works or others.  Just him.  Richard Wurmbrand who founded the Voice of Martyrs, was imprisioned for I think 18 years in Romania by the Communists.  He got out and started VOM.  He said something like he missed the days in jail because of the closeness he had with The Lord during that time.  Thru all the years it took to bring me to the place of acceptance and understanding of who I am, I knew all along he understood, loved me, and chose not to change my situation.

Your desire to please him will be the catapult for great eternal rewards in HIs kingdom one day.

think how wonderful when you hear HIm say well done my good and faithful servant.  You are you know!

Veronica

Hi Veronica,

It sounds like He has brought you a long ways also.

I am to the point that i can see the irony of what people have said and done. So many told me that the TG issues was going to keep me away from Him and yet it is the very thing He used to draw me closer to Him. I too went through a lot of the same questions and similar situations. It took over 30 years for Him to break down all the walls that had been built up over the years. One of the awesome things about God is that His way is through truth and we can know the truth but we do have to seek it. The key to that is to seek it in Him.

I think the biggest change came when He brought to mind one passage where Jesus talks about Him being the good shepherd and His sheep hear His voice and He calls them by name. For some reason (I can't explain it) i just came out and asked Him "What is the name you call me by?"  The answer was not what i thought it would be as i had another name that i was using at that time. The answer was so clear as i could literally hear "your name is Sarah" It's the name He calls me by. (Talk about being blown away by it) It finally dawned on me it's not the TG itself that will keep me away as it how i handle it that will either draw me closer to Him or push me away.

At times i can "see" where He is taking me to. I can see a beautiful woman filled with love,grace,mercy and compassion who has been set free of this bondage and is whole and complete. Not that He has done so yet but it will be done in His time and in His way. He has given me a restriction and that is not to seek out SRS or HRS because He wants me to trust Him and He will do it His way and in His way so that it may glorify Him. And it does not mean that it He will do so in in this life but that He can if He so disires it for His purposes and plans. I am OK with that.



Sarah

HI Sarah

Isn't that interesting, your name being Sarah?  The same of Abraham, and the two of them finally did see God's promise fullfilled with the promised one, Isaac, whose name meant laughter!  How that relates to you I have no idea but as time goes on I'll bet God shows you more.

One of the epistles that has helped me thru the years has been Galatians.  It's great in terms of helping us understand being led of His spirit.

I agree with you in that my life too He has used my tg issues to help me grow up spiritually. When we do reach the point where we are comfortable with whatever He wants, it does bring great peace, and we leave it in his hands.  No easy, but best when we can.

Veronica

Hi Veronica,

At this point i too am not sure how my name relates but it will be interesting to find out.

I have found that God speaks to me a lot through music also. And this song reminds me of a time when God brought me to a place where i had to choose between two paths.


After spending years trying to find the answers and thinking that the TG issues were my main problem. I had reached a point that matter how much i whined,cried,threw pity parties etc. He did not transform my body or allow me to do so on my own. Every door would slam shut in my face. I was so ready to just give up and throw it all away. It was at that point He told me "You have tried doing it your way and it has not worked and can not work, will you trust me to do it my way and not seek this out through man's way?" I had to let go of it and place it in His hands. The journey He took me on was no where near what I thought it would be. He started with the envy,anger,bitterness,unforgiven etc etc. There were days He would show me something and i didn't want to see it. I would get angry with Him and get into arguments. Some of the things He asked me to do I did not want to do. (Forgive the 2 people who hurt me the worst  and i would "You have got to be kidding. I would rather eat worms and it would be so much more satisfying to beat the snot out of them" He had to break me to His will. He never condemned me for it but He did spank me so to speak when i needed it.
It took over 3 years to get through the worst of it. Sometime i had to go over the same ground time and time again till i finally let go of it. But as i did so He started removing the chains that were holding me captive. And i started to understand about having life and having it more abundantly. It was not in changing my situation but in being changed on the inside.

He took what looked like a curse and turned into something good. If it hadn't been for the TG issues i may never have reached this point. I could have just been a "Sunday only Christian" as it may never have been real in my life. But it's only because He pointed me out the 2 different paths i could go and He helped me to submit to His path.


Sarah

Hi Sarah

I too found in my life, especiall the last 7 or 8 years I have drawn closer and closer to Him, and much because of my transgender issues.  It has not been without pain, but He uses that too for good.  I love music, worship songs and even worldy songs.  Often be just changing a word or too, they become worship songs too.

I like the Seekers from Australia, and in 'I'll neveer find another you" they sing it's a long long journey, so stay by my side, when I walk thru the storm you'll be my guide.  Sometimes when I am singing along I change guide to God, but guide works fine too!

He works very hard over the years to get us to trust and rest in him, and to follow him.

I really want to reach out and help others who belive to realize that that is what he wants, more than our works.  The attempted suicide rate among transgenders is horrible.  When churches, parents, brothers, sisters and other reject the tg folks, that does not help.  When they do that they do not really understand the total scriptures and the commandments of Jesus.  Like love one another as I have loved you, and how about judge not ?  So much about other people is not given to us to understand, so judging others is off the chart.

Oh well, enough!

Veronica

Del,

If you don't mind i do have a question for you which i think also fits on the 2 ways. I am not sure if i am seeing this right but it appears to me that in a number of places the "church'' has tried so hard to come up with doctrines on things that Jesus Himself never explained nor did the apostles try to explain them. They were what they were and they left it at that. (I have been a bit afraid that i may be walking very close to the edge to being viewed as a heretic because if they did not explain them (I will just use this as an example the Trinity for one) on one hand you hear the voice of the Father,Jesus being baptized and than the dove coming down and on the other hand you also have Jesus telling Thomas that He and the Father are one.  My problem with it is that Jesus does not explain it how the 2 go together. (I am not saying it's not that it couldn't be but i don't really know for sure as it is not explained) Is this not something that belongs to God and it's not a puzzle for us to try to explain but just for us to trust Him with it? Because if we are in danger of trying to explain something that He doesn't explain then can we not get way off track and put up a road block between God and man that He never intended?

If you can help i would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks
Sarah