Pharmekia

[TaraMaiden]

"By all means call on God, but at least row away from the rocks....

 

Trust me, coping with pain, and fearing taking painkillers is just dumb.

Relying on divine intervention alone, to make you better, is not often productive. Take the damn painkillers, fer krissakes, if they help you get through it.....

 

Become addicted to painkillers - now that's a different matter.

[pureinheart]

PiH, several things:

 

First of all, what others choose to do with regard to drug-taking is ultimately their choice and their decision. While we can attempt to lead by example, and try to influence them positively, when push comes to shove, the bottom line is that they must be responsible for themselves.

So your ex taking prozac was beyond your control.... In situations where we are placed in crisis or danger, our first thoughts must be to self-protection.

 

Rather like the instructions on a 'plane..... "Ensure your oxygen mask is in place before assisting someone else."

 

As to your dilemma with regard to effects: remember that absolutely everything you take in, has a 'side-effect; right down to the air that we breathe.

 

 

The point is actually the 'cure' to 'carelessness' - which is Mindfulness.

 

Curiously, someone who has a mental affliction, is in their "wrong mind" when they're in their 'right mind'. They need assistance to connect the wiring properly.

 

And that's perfectly OK.

 

Someone who is hyper-sensitive to the changes and effects of taking ANY substance (remember coffee has some pretty strong effects too!) Is more vigilant about their behaviour.

 

Simply because something has a side-effect doesn't mean it's a negative substance, or that the side-effect is negative.....

 

It's all a question of being Mindful.

Seeking the 'Truth' to within what you're doing for yourself.

 

Hey Tara,

 

This is very beautifully written and soooo much appreciated:love:

 

It's been frustrating over the years (being hyper-sensitive...BTW, never knew there was a dash in that word:cool: thanks), but the flipside is not injesting too much of anything that creates a build up in the liver, kidneys and such. Also refined sugar in concentrations that cake and cookies provide are like poison in my system, another possitive. It's hard watching others eat the "goodies", but not worth the two days it takes to "come down":laugh:

 

This thread has helped me tremendously! It's given understanding concerning anti-depressants (and other things). Here in the US one only has to walk into the doctors office and communicate "depression" and bammm anti-depressants are given. This had me scared, but not my problem because some probably need them ...this helps me to be "mindful" of others in this respect.

 

Funny you bring up coffee...one part coffee (ready made coffee in the pot) to three parts water. Was off of it for one month and couldn't handle it. It is a strong substance and the worst, most addictive IMO is nicotine. I lost my mind quitting- but started back up a few months ago, so if you all would keep me in your thoughts, I'm going to quit again soon. I don't inhale..lol..(like that makes a difference) it still gets into the system.

[pureinheart]

I agree, it's way off

 

Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.

 

I guess Timothy didn't have enough faith (1 Tim 5:23)

 

Ya, no lie! That was just insanity IMO...why then would we have had Luke:rolleyes:

 

You know it's also cruel. There is one faith that will watch a loved one die because they absolutely will not go to a hospital or doctor. I mean no disrespect to this faith, just don't agree.

 

God did give us a brain right?

 

 

 

"By all means call on God, but at least row away from the rocks....

 

Trust me, coping with pain, and fearing taking painkillers is just dumb.

Relying on divine intervention alone, to make you better, is not often productive. Take the damn painkillers, fer krissakes, if they help you get through it.....

 

Become addicted to painkillers - now that's a different matter.

 

A nurse just told me that it can be worse on a persons body if they don't take the pain meds and need them. She described it to me in medical terms, although can't remember exact wording.

 

I hate taking them, but do. Just enough to take the edge off because I have a high tolerance for pain.

 

Most people with great pain become inactive, WHICH is worse due to not working out all of the other impurities our bodies come in contact with daily.

[pureinheart]

From the word study I did a few years ago, I agree with TaraM (I think I posted once about this topic, but can't find it now).

 

One thing PIH (and this is a hardcore concept to take in) we have great liberty in Christ (a concept that stronger Christians need to study more. Paul taught b/c those that are strong in faith do not bother with 'is this a sin or is that' b/c a life of faith is about fulfilling the vision God has for our lives; not can I get away with this or that haha if that makes sense We're forgiven of all sin--past, present, future--so it's not about is this a sin or is that a sin, it's about will this act or behavior edify my life which is in service to Christ). Not that anything goes, again this is a meatier spiritual topic, but growing in Christ is a heart changing process. As we grow in Christ our heart changes and we do not want to sin...for me, I don't condemn people that drink but I have no need for it. I have great joy in Christ and have no need of mind-altering substances. But I don't condemn those that do (it's not my place). One thing that greatly annoys me about Christians is they often don't give people time to grow. This inflexible attitude from many Christians, is not a concept taught in the New Testament. It's definitely not the one that God uses or we would all have been stuck by lightening by now lol

 

We learn through life experience which are designed by the Holy Spirit to train and mold us and increase our faith (yet we have free will to determine; this is the paradox of free will and pre-destination. Trying to understand this is like trying to understand the trinity...good luck haha).The Holy Spirit, the spirit of wisdom (discernment) teaches those that accept Christ as Lord of their life. What is edifying for increasing my faith? That will matter more than "is this technically a sin or is that?" b/c whatever is not done in faith is sin (Rom 14:23)

 

The Holy spirit tempers us He is a lot more patient and kind than people, and he knows us intimately. I've learned, I like him as my teacher more than other people. haha Kind of scattered right now b/c I'm traveling but later this week we can talk more b/c these are the topics I love discussing (life application topics). Questions you ask are always awesome PIH! I can tell you are growing big time :)

 

There are many verses from Paul that I think you might enjoy studying more.

 

Romans 14 is a good spiritually meaty chapter; for alcohol saying 19 in Proverbs 23 is interesting. So there is freedom in Christ, but what is in our best interest for growing in Christ? When we seek Christ, that is what matters most. It's not my life. it's His!

 

Whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin

 

Paul dealt a lot with eating food scarified to idols as this was the "hot"topic of Christians in that day. But when we walk in the spirit we do not fulfill the works of the flesh. But the liberty we have in christ combined with a heart desire to serve the Lord is why Paul stated: But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged by no man.

 

Wow dude, that's powerful...I trip too much.

 

It's the same as the debate concerning "once saved, always saved" verses "one can loose their salvation".

 

Some talking point to once saved always saved is that one can get to comfortable thinking they have a licence to sin. Being a once saved aways saved person, I disagree- I trip more about sin than those who believe we can loose our salvation.

 

You know TFW, there is a part of me that knows I might not ever get it right. Not trying to sound like a defeatist here at all, or make a bunch of excuses. I grew up a whole lot different than some if not most and was exposed to A LOT. The good thing is having the ability to identify with a wide range of circumstances and people. I think I am tainted by all of the stuff- like God telling King David he couldn't build the Temple due to having blood on his hands...I identify with King David a lot BTW.

 

Certainly there has been victory- complete victory in some areas and it is always so exciting when that happens. I'm not like the person that lived like the devil, then got delivered and never went back. Some things I returned to. Granted we all sin, but there are times I take it to new levels.

 

Who knows, maybe this time will be different. This is the truth, I have to be on guard with so many things due to a lot of personality defects that it can be exhausting. Being tired of the fight, there are times that things get by me, meaning I can't keep up with everything.

 

But again, it might be different- here's to hoping;)

[TheFinalWord]

You know TFW, there is a part of me that knows I might not ever get it right.

 

I hear you. I never will either...and that's the essence of a relationship with Christ. He did it b/c we can't do it...we never were able to, and (here's the freeing part) we never will be able to until Christ changes us

 

The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.

 

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

 

Not trying to sound like a defeatist here at all, or make a bunch of excuses. I grew up a whole lot different than some if not most and was exposed to A LOT. The good thing is having the ability to identify with a wide range of circumstances and people. I think I am tainted by all of the stuff- like God telling King David he couldn't build the Temple due to having blood on his hands...I identify with King David a lot BTW.

 

You have so many spiritual talents and gifts! You are one of the most open minded people I have met on this board. You take and and consider what everyone says..that is a rare gift

 

I don't think you sound like a defeatist...your testimony is genuine and real..it's honest. If all Christians had the same level of honesty and humility the kingdom of God would break out in a wave of revival.

 

This is a prophetic passage that provides a picture of the experience Christ had during his passion...he can relate to some of the things you are going through. You rock and we are praying for you PIH!!!

 

A prophecy of the Messiah: Isa. 53

 

He was despised and rejected by mankind,

a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.

Like one from whom people hide their faces

he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. Surely he took up our pain

and bore our suffering,

yet we considered him punished by God,

stricken by him, and afflicted.

But he was pierced for our transgressions,

he was crushed for our iniquities;

the punishment that brought us peace was on him,

and by his wounds we are healed.

We all, like sheep, have gone astray,

each of us has turned to our own way;

and the Lord has laid on him

the iniquity of us all.

 

He was oppressed and afflicted,

yet he did not open his mouth;

he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,

and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,

so he did not open his mouth.

By oppression and judgment he was taken away.

Yet who of his generation protested?

For he was cut off from the land of the living;

for the transgression of my people he was punished.

He was assigned a grave with the wicked,

and with the rich in his death,

though he had done no violence,

nor was any deceit in his mouth.

 

Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer,

and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin,

he will see his offspring and prolong his days,

and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.

After he has suffered,

he will see the light of life and be satisfied;

by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many,

and he will bear their iniquities.

Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,

and he will divide the spoils with the strong,

because he poured out his life unto death,

and was numbered with the transgressors.

For he bore the sin of many,

and made intercession for the transgressors.

Edited May 15, 2013 by TheFinalWord

[pureinheart]

I hear you. I never will either...and that's the essence of a relationship with Christ. He did it b/c we can't do it...we never were able to, and (here's the freeing part) we never will be able to until Christ changes us

 

The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.

 

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

 

 

 

You have so many spiritual talents and gifts! You are one of the most open minded people I have met on this board. You take and and consider what everyone says..that is a rare gift

 

I don't think you sound like a defeatist...your testimony is genuine and real..it's honest. If all Christians had the same level of honesty and humility the kingdom of God would break out in a wave of revival.

 

This is a prophetic passage that provides a picture of the experience Christ had during his passion...he can relate to some of the things you are going through. You rock and we are praying for you PIH!!!

 

A prophecy of the Messiah: Isa. 53

 

He was despised and rejected by mankind,

a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.

Like one from whom people hide their faces

he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. Surely he took up our pain

and bore our suffering,

yet we considered him punished by God,

stricken by him, and afflicted.

But he was pierced for our transgressions,

he was crushed for our iniquities;

the punishment that brought us peace was on him,

and by his wounds we are healed.

We all, like sheep, have gone astray,

each of us has turned to our own way;

and the Lord has laid on him

the iniquity of us all.

 

He was oppressed and afflicted,

yet he did not open his mouth;

he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,

and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,

so he did not open his mouth.

By oppression and judgment he was taken away.

Yet who of his generation protested?

For he was cut off from the land of the living;

for the transgression of my people he was punished.

He was assigned a grave with the wicked,

and with the rich in his death,

though he had done no violence,

nor was any deceit in his mouth.

 

Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer,

and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin,

he will see his offspring and prolong his days,

and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.

After he has suffered,

he will see the light of life and be satisfied;

by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many,

and he will bear their iniquities.

Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,

and he will divide the spoils with the strong,

because he poured out his life unto death,

and was numbered with the transgressors.

For he bore the sin of many,

and made intercession for the transgressors.

 

TFW, thank you soooo much! That's really sweet, thank you also for the compliments!

 

Nope, can't even find my way out of a paper bag (no lie) ...something funny- picture this, two people- my daughter and myself (she's from my mold definitely) who have lived in the same town most of my life and all of hers. I especially know every nook and cranny within a 60 or so mile radius. We were both about 1 minute away from town, slightly on the outskirts...we both were completely lost...seriously didnot know where we were. My hometown is laid out about as simple as it gets BTW.

 

Again- another town I knew inside and out, laid out VERY simple with one main road that seems to never end. I got mad and went for a "drive". Five minutes into this "drive" realised, wow, where am I? After driving for about an hour finally recognised some road signs...the "paper bag" thing really is the truth. Gotta love it, God does have a sense of humor- just hoping He still has a sense of humor after using His name in vain today, a lot:o Oh and that little "adventure drive" got everyone worried sick, but when I finally got back, NOONE was shocked that I got lost ...imagine that!

 

Well, love, concerning gifts- YOU are a blessing to us all!

 

Jesus does have to do it all and that's difficult to understand at times, which brings to mind what Jesus told Thomas about the Apostles having "seen" Him and believe and how it would be harder to "not" have seen and believe. Most of the time all I can "see" is the world, and it really is a massive struggle. Many times getting so caught up in the world and the things of it....bottom line, it's all about surrender...

 

You know, I just love you sooooo much! ((((((((hugs))))))) thank you once again for reminding me it's all about Jesus!

[TheFinalWord]

 

Nope, can't even find my way out of a paper bag (no lie) ...something funny- picture this, two people- my daughter and myself (she's from my mold definitely) who have lived in the same town most of my life and all of hers. I especially know every nook and cranny within a 60 or so mile radius. We were both about 1 minute away from town, slightly on the outskirts...we both were completely lost...seriously didnot know where we were. My hometown is laid out about as simple as it gets BTW.

 

Again- another town I knew inside and out, laid out VERY simple with one main road that seems to never end. I got mad and went for a "drive". Five minutes into this "drive" realised, wow, where am I? After driving for about an hour finally recognised some road signs...the "paper bag" thing really is the truth. Gotta love it, God does have a sense of humor- just hoping He still has a sense of humor after using His name in vain today, a lot:o Oh and that little "adventure drive" got everyone worried sick, but when I finally got back, NOONE was shocked that I got lost ...imagine that!

 

haha w/out my smart phone GPS I would get lost on a daily basis!!

[AlexDP]

This is a perplexing issue concerning the Bible to me. I don't really know what it means.

 

I've done various studies on it only to stop due to lack of understanding. I understand that street drugs fit the description to a tee, although do question marijuana.

 

What the world calls "legal" like alochol, I find to fit the description of pharmekia, but this could be wrong. I just don't know.

 

What do you think, what is your take on what the Bible means concerning "pharmekia"?

 

I wouldn't take this Bible thing too seriously, if I were you.