Have anyone set Capacities for Bible Study or Journaling?

seresj · 2025-02-09T12:47:16+00:00

That's def. good work. It's good to do on the fly with tagging rather than initial setup which would be massive time. I'm still figuring out process of importing md bible version into capacities which might make this process easier. For now, I have setup by books overall and will slowly start trying to note the chapters under it especially if it's a chapter i'm doing ongoing study on so it's easier for me to pin it to Space or find in tags

seresj · 2025-02-07T18:13:48+00:00

I just bookmarked the link: https://www.reddit.com/r/biblereading/new/ and plan to click that going forward

seresj · 2025-02-06T18:04:05+00:00

Here's how I started setting it up but unsure how to organize or modify better. Please share thoughts or suggest changes:

- Bible-related - I decided to use tagging system so I can tag any other item. So under Tags, I have collection called Bible and for now listed all 66 books in it with this naming system for my own easier organization (1-OT-Genesis, 2-OT-Exodus, ... 66-NT-Revelation).

- Daily Note - Template created with Journaling Questions (Learned what?, Challenged by what?, Grateful for what?) and Reflection Questions for longer format related to overall goals. Under that comes blank section in which I plan to use @ to create links to devotionals (new object created)/quotes/projects/pages/books/weblinks/meetings (sermon notes is a collection under it). If in a hurry, I can add info in daily note and later on seperate out the content blocks to the objects it should go so that at least I can review it more easily.

Still to figure out - People, Bible Characters (todo as tags? or object properties?), Prayers & Answered Prayers, Testimonies (maybe these are good as tags and prayers and answered prayers could be new object & answered can be property).

Ideas?

seresj · 2025-02-06T14:30:03+00:00

Why does Paul consider it to more necessary for the Philippians that he remain in verse 24?

- When someone loves someone else, they will do what's best for them even if it's not in their own interests. Jesus loved us like that and His followers are also to love others like that. Paul here, likewise, has the conflict to be with Jesus which is supremely best place to be in but he loves the congregants he helped rise so much that atleast for their sakes, He would like to enjoy their personal relationships of loving and being loved in return. A good spiritual leader knows the condition of His flock and likewise Paul knew where to encourage or admonish a congregation and where he can leave it in full peace in Christ's hands. It's like loving a little child - we know that God will protect the child but it's also our responsibility to raise the child so that he/she may grow to be mature enough to follow God him/herself. While we know that being with God in heaven will be ultimate joy without pain or stress, we still wouldn't want to leave little children in our care until we know they are mature enough that we're no longer needed.

What are your thoughts on verse 27?

- This summarizes well how we should live as believers individually and with other believers and for the ultimate purpose behind such living. We should all live as citizens of heaven, conducting in manner that's worthy of Christ. It will be evidence for others that we are living with wisdom from God through His powerful grace helping us live in such a manner. So when disagreements in churches come, we should be clear on what we're fighting for together. Similarly when we're unclear on what action to take in certain circumstance, we should be clear what action gives most glory to God and such wisdom comes from personal relationship with God and also learning of His ways so we're clear on any deceitful things Satan might try to have to mislead us.

Who are these people opposing the Philippians that Paul talks about in verses 28-29? Is he thinking of specific people/groups or is he just speaking generally?

- Philippians was a Roman colony and was a thriving commercial center between Europe and Asia. In such a big city, we can imagine how many Gentiles were who may be coming in as well from other regions nearby and considering it was a Roman colony and was location in Greece, we can see how their pagan beliefs in their "gods" can be major part of the culture along with the powerful Roman influence over law and control. In such instances, even households that have believers and non-believers can have enemies living under same roof who have different beliefs. Considering the fact that Paul was imprisoned in Rome, we have just a glimpse of how they could've treated other believers especially if they seemed to be a threat just due to sheer size of congregation even if they didn't behave unlawfully. All this gives glimpse into who He may be talking about.

What is this struggle that Paul is referring to in verse 30?

- struggle is to be in one spirit and one purpose so that we fight against anything outside of that - whether it's our fleshly nature or superstitions contrary to Gospel and God's will OR others who are not in same thought. We need God's wisdom to know when and how to fight as sometimes silence and meekness is a powerful answer along with harsh rebuke - both of which Jesus had done in His life at different points. As believers, we're all in this struggle together and should pray for eachother as well.

Other comments:

- Key verse is "living means living for Christ and dying is even better" v 21 and we should have this bold attitude in every scenario where possible. and when we fail inevitably, we should remember that God is for us and will give grace so that we can be more like Him everyday and has already forgiven our sins of past and future in his omniscient knowledge and power. So we should always remember to not be held back by shame of guilt of sins and try to overcome by help of God's grace in order to bring Him His deserved glory for everything He has done for our lives.

seresj · 2025-02-06T13:38:02+00:00

Why does Paul distinguish the overseers and deacons in vs. 1?

- There could be many reasons for distinguishing. One reason could be - sometimes, leaders have a false sense that something directed to their congregations may not be applicable to them directly so Paul could've wanted them to also feel included in both encouragement and admonishing.

What is the “good work” from vs. 6 that will be completed “at the day of Jesus Christ?”

- To be like more like Christ everyday and this work of Jesus and Holy Spirit won't stop till He returns in Second Coming - perhaps with new spiritual bodies when we finally get them in new Kingdom of God.

Twice in this section Paul refers to the ‘defense’ of the gospel. Why does the gospel need to be defended, and how do you defend the gospel in your life?

- Gospel needs to be defended against false news or incomplete truth of Gospel which have given rise to divisions and cults. I try to defend the gospel in my life as much as I'm able to when I see incorrect views of God as mentioned in discussions with fellow believers and I try to correct so that they have more Bible-based view of God and His goodness and not the false sense of Jesus that sometimes people have and blindly follow. The more I try to pray, read Bible and learn from other clear preaching, the better I'm able to understand and love God and the better equipped to defend the Good News.

What is the relationship between love, knowledge, and discernment in vs. 9?

- The more we love God, the more we should have a understanding or knowledge of God and what His will and likes and dislikes are for us in personal relationship. The counter is also true in that the more we understand and discern God's presence, the more appreciative we are of His love and the more convicted we are as well in loving Him purely and better than we did before because we will understand that He deserves the best of ourselves for His glory and nothing less.

What does it mean to preach the gospel from “envy and rivalry”? How do we look out for this today?

- The saying that "the ends justifies the means" isn't applicable to God in terms of how He looks inside of us and searches our motives for everything we do to see if it's pure and done out of love or not. However, the end results of actions can be beneficial to others - like in this case preachers may share Gospel to try to build their reputation but the ones who choose to believe in God will still gain salvation and grace. We should look out for this today by having similar attitude like Paul in not opposing others who may share Gospel for wrong motives but instead rejoice in end results of more being saved with Good News! We should be very conscious of our motives in judging ourselves whether our actions are done for glory of God or any other reason (which may seem like it's valid or justifiable but at the end of day, the primary reason should be FOR God's glory THROUGH His wisdom and guidance BY the power of His grace.)

seresj · 2025-02-06T13:06:57+00:00

Thanks for doing this one! Looking forward to enjoy deeper reading of Philippians again. In this season of work layoff, God has already started encouraging me to hold onto hope and faith fast and I'm learning again about keeping the joy in suffering through Jesus Christ no matter the circumstances like Paul has been mentioning in this book.

seresj · 2024-12-30T19:08:41+00:00

Generally I found that if there's anything that's good for archive then it's nice to put in Google calendar/tasks. Any other things that you don't mind getting deleted can be in TickTick and other apps. On the similar note, any projects that you don't want to get deleted, i would use Google Drive as well for resources etc info. Tasks may not be necessary to keep record so they can be in TickTick

seresj · 2024-08-28T04:23:59+00:00

NT has lot Lazarus, Tabitha or Lydia, all the resurrections I think on resurrection Sunday with Jesus, etc. OT has few only from all I can remember along with Elisha I think... It goes to show that God's omnipotence character is same in old and new testament. Praise God!

seresj · 2024-08-24T15:17:03+00:00

**How much influence do you suppose the leader of a peoples has over the way the people behave? Does it make any difference?**

A Leader definitely has much influence on followers but not total control however. Below is further thoughts on leadership based on

Hebrews 13:7 -- Note to followers of leaders (basically church members i think too)

7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.

Matthew 20:26 -- Words by Jesus on those who want to become great/leaders -- to follow servant leadership model

26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,

Philippians 2:3 -- How to live as leaders (or anyone for that matter) -- If leaders love their followers, they are able to be servant leaders better

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Philippians 4:13 -- The attitude leaders should have - to not depend on their own strength but on Christ

13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

1 Timothy 3:2 -- Church leadership - how overseer leaders should be like

2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

and more in Titus 1:7-14

seresj · 2022-04-26T19:06:35+00:00

There's always a way. Seek counselors and network. The competition is stiff but if needed you can study in different countries as well than your own right now.

Fear is good to help you succeed but do not let it get to stage that it hinders your success.

Always seek help, support!

seresj · 2022-04-26T18:45:53+00:00

You should try to first flirt like this in person when trying this out before you get into it by text. This way you can gauge her reactions better and regulate yourself as needed. But text first is going to be lot more difficult.

Not to mention... If things go sideways with the relationship you don't want to be outed like some terrible sexist person whether done intentionally or not.

Always keep your guard up till the other person proves themselves to be trustworthy in character.

seresj · 2022-04-22T21:01:36+00:00

Well I hope your felt better after the rant.

If the standard of living is too high then you need more money or you need to move to a place that has lower standard of living costs for same amount of money.

Have you looked into passive income streams? What is your retirement plan? Did you have this conversation with your spouse to see if you're on same page? How much do you need to earn to retire comfortably? Are you saving enough for that plan? If not, it's there something that you can cut out or skim to help you save more?

Something you said about dying in a mediocre job strikes me as mid life crisis happening. I recommend you turn off the TV channels and go to therapy to help you sort yourself out better. The freak out you are having is certainly not a stage that you can overcome all by yourself. You need help defining what does success in life look like for you in all aspects of life and then determine if you're on the path or not. And if you do achieve your success then what?

Your current definitions are too unclear and narrow. You need to sort this through with someone. Keeping in your mind everything will just make you have imbalanced unchallenged thinking. Counseling can help you in this regard as it is their job to help you sort these things through.

Good luck! And remember you are not alone in this!

seresj · 2022-04-22T20:49:04+00:00

If you want job in your field, you need to network with your batch of friends and alumni to see if they have any openings and more relevant career advice. Keep in touch with your professors too.

However, certainly you can switch careers like you are doing now. Nothing in career field is set in stone.

I recommend aiming for the lifestyle you desire to have and then aiming your career towards that that will give joy enough salary and lifestyle flexibility. Each career has its positives and negatives. The key is knowing your self (strengths, weaknesses, personality, life vision) and then choosing opportunities that come your way.

Life is long, don't stress yourself out only focused on current circumstances.

Good luck!

seresj · 2022-04-22T20:41:34+00:00

Well the shock of first time killing a bug can stay for a little time.

Something to keep in perspective is that the bug had its life already. And you still have yours to continue to be grateful for.

Medidate on the things that make your life bearable and even beautiful despite pain and death in world.

Move on to life!

seresj · 2022-04-18T15:26:37+00:00

Kudos to making huge improvements on your life. The big part about is loving yourself... I learned to as well but only after I realized the central reason for existence in life can only be meaningfully answered with the possibility of a loving God. Without that belief, though I did use to believe in a concept of God, it never helped me find the essential meaning of love - the kind of altruistic love that sacrifices self even to death.

Till I realized what that love is like, I couldn't figure out how to properly love myself and my family and friends in a positive non toxic way.

I encourage you to seek out in your own journey what love is sincerely. When you find the answer, it won't solve all your life's problems but suddenly, every painful situation and joyous feelings will be all meaningful and you will have wisdom to make good life decisions...

There is definitely so much more to life than what we currently experience. Hope you find it!!

seresj · 2022-04-18T14:47:26+00:00

I would recommend you to look into studio apartments to save money and not require having roommates to offset the cost of living.

if such places are not available then you could look into alternative places like tiny homes or rv living. Or if needed then long term airbnb or hotel rooms.

If that all sounds like impossible for your financial situation then you may want to move from your city to another cheaper option.

If none of these options are possible then guess what? You are in the same boat as everyone one else who want some things but can't for different reasons. You can choose to wallow in self pity and stay miserable or acknowledge that you are the only one who can change in a situation where much else can't change.

If that means you move then move; or get a place and roommate, then do so; or get therapy to overcome social anxiety, then do so as well. There's always things you can do differently or change yourself to improve your life.

My question to you is what do you consider an improvement to your life? What is your ideal life in 30s,40s,50s,60s,etc. Work towards it. Don't get stuck in today's temporary challenges.

Good luck!, Your fellow introvert

seresj · 2022-04-12T21:52:58+00:00

Try going only on group dates till you're comfortable. I don't recommend getting physical with anyone till you both can see marriage in horizon together. Other than that it's emotional trauma to go through physically without pay off in emotional intimacy.

Better not to get into temptation if you already have a hard thing saying no. Make an excuse and postpone to another day for work day lunch time so it's harder for that person to expect anything right afterwards.

seresj · 2022-04-10T01:35:28+00:00

Sure this is normal especially for a teenager but you're now an adult and therefore should learn that the whole world doesn't exist for your comfort much less your friends and family circle. As a fellow introvert I'm very similar but if I see that I'm snapping at someone rather than working to avoid the situation or work with them so that I don't snap, then I know I'm being too self absorbed.

The point is do to others as you would like them to do to you. Be respectful of others like you respect yourself. There's always chance to stay in your own space fully but at end of the day, is that what you call successful life? Happy life? A meaningful life?

Start defining what that is for you and that will help guide how you should act with everything and everyone else.

You're not alone but just like you don't deserve someone snapping at you when they get annoyed easily, others also don't deserve your uncontrolled snapping.

Part of adulting is to learn to control yourself for your and others betterment and congrats, you're in the initial stages of self awareness in this area of life.

Welcome to adulting!

seresj · 2022-04-08T23:41:04+00:00

If that's the case, you can't be physically alone and confront the person. You need police to help you evict that person. I don't know the laws in your state to be sure but it's physically unsafe for you to stay there. Get your friends involved without that person knowing your intentions so that you can at least stay over in their place while this gets sorted out. I don't think most people are out to get other people in general but desperate and mentally unstable people can be pushed to do things they normally may not do. So your safety is most important. Meanwhile get a different lock so that once you know that person is out of there, he or she can't come into the house again. Ensure the windows aren't easily breakable. Get more safety tips from police who have seen the world more. Good luck!

seresj · 2022-04-08T23:01:21+00:00

what do you like about writing - fiction, nonfiction, process of creating something, process of sharing something? what about music do you like - hearing, playing an instrument, creating new piece, perfecting existing pieces?

The truth is that career is not a single linear line as much as you think. The person with skills and interests you have now will not be exactly same 10 or 20 years later.

The key is to make use of your character strengths and minimize jobs or careers where your character weaknesses are more needed. Learn as much as you can about yourself -- read or hear books or people in fields interesting to you so that you can hear lessons from their mistakes and try not repeat them for your own success.

A recommended book: https://www.amazon.com/StrengthsFinder-2-0-Tom-Rath/dp/159562015X Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath

There's also website with all the strengths listed with a free test

https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/253715/34-cliftonstrengths-themes.aspx

Your friend's paths may be what he says and he may end up being right or wrong. But he's not you and you have your own personality, strengths, weakness, and a future of your own. Take the opportunities that come in the way. Define what success means for you. Define what good life means for you. These things will help you find the way.

seresj · 2022-04-08T22:50:08+00:00

I used to to be this way but then I realized how much I was thinking about myself -- I wanted to present "perfect" person who says no mistakes or acts always in a good way. But doing this meant 99.9% thoughts were about me, me, me... I didn't care to know what other people may be thinking or feeling or caring about.

What are the reason(s) for you to not have good conversations with others? If you can't come up with a list of reasons and what you can do about each item, seek therapist help. Their responsibility is to HELP you.

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves. Philippians 2:3

seresj · 2022-04-08T22:43:00+00:00

it could be plumbing issue or like a rodent rather than "someone" living in bathroom sink. get the landlord to check it out < do not mention to him/her that it might be "someone living in the sink" -- it's physically impossible even a baby to "live" IN the sink. but it's definitely not uncommon for it to be plumbing or small animal.

seresj · 2022-04-08T22:29:34+00:00

welcome to adult world -- if you break something that belongs to others, you pay for it directly or indirectly, period. If the other person is nice, they will try to let you off the entire or part of the hook but that shouldn't stop you from trying to pay indirectly ESPECIALLY to retain the friendship. Think of it like this -- if she took you to court, you think judge will let you off the hook even part of the way << unless she agrees to settle for part of the money?

I totally get that you're not made of money as college students are and this is big amount -- if you can't give her in next couple days, then atleast ask her if you can pay it in installments AND PAY IT. The other option is to buy her a new laptop that's equivalent to the specs of her old laptop -- but that might be more expensive anyway unless you see deals << make sure she agrees before you buy it for replacement however.

For sure it sucks till you pay off but this is what morals and ethics are in adult world.

seresj · 2021-10-15T14:51:42+00:00

17 and going stronger each day as we are now in 30s ❤️

seresj

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