Hi, everyone!
I've been so amazed to see how many of us would welcome some sort of online encouragement from Scripture. It seemed to really strike a chord! I've been "noodling" about this and I agree with another post - keeping the encouragement on this board would help other Christians and seekers find us and join in if they'd like. (Our "regular" posts would go on the board as usual - questions about foods, recipes, symptoms, etc.) We would need to be really mindful of the purpose of the IBS board so that we wouldn't "take up too much room". This is a great board, very well organized and moderated - but it could be confusing to others if the subject line was not exactly IBS-related. If we posted a bunch of messages with subject lines in "Christian-speak", it might be confusing, cluttering and seem sort of clique-ish. In other words, we would need to be extra-considerate!
I'm a very low-tech person myself, so I don't have any idea how web sites, message boards, etc., are created and maintained. However, one thought I have is: would it be possible for us to establish a Scripture-based encouragement thread and keep it going? Anyone who wanted to could post/read/reply via the thread (or just lurk). I'm thinking about Matthew 4:4 (based on Deuteronomy 8:3) -- when Jesus says, "...The Scriptures say, 'People need more than bread for their life; they must feed on every word of God.' " (New Living Translation) Also, Psalm 34:8, "Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!" (NKJV) In my "Experiencing God Every Day" calendar, the page with Ps. 34:8 has this prayer at the bottom: "Food for my life, that is what You are. I am nothing without daily nourishment from You. You invite me to taste. I will. Feed me, LORD, from Yourself. That is all I need. Amen" With all of our dietary restrictions and difficulties, isn't it wonderful to know that there is "food" which will always be available, digestible, nutritious and tasty?!
Anyway, back to the encouragement thread: if we started out with just a place to share Scripture from our quiet times, or from a Bible study we're involved in, from a praise song or hymn, etc., it could be very simple and easy to use - and we would trust the Holy Spirit to speak to each of us as we read and meditate on what is shared. We could share email addresses and encourage one another that way, too, in more depth - whoever is willing.
One tricky area is doctrinal beliefs. I'm sure there are some differences in some areas. I've been part of a Christian women's online encouragement board before and these differences were usually handled with great tact and respect. However, I'd personally prefer to stay away from posts about doctrines - just stick to wisdom and encouragement straight from the Word! Look what's happened already, from just a couple of posts! I think it's so important to remember that God does the work in us - He, by His Holy Spirit, will be our guide and teacher.
Paul tells us in Colossians 3:16-17, "Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use His words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through Him to God the Father."
Is anyone interested in pursuing this? What would we name the thread, so that its content / purpose would be readily identifiable but not seem "exclusive"? I've run out of ideas! Heather, could we try something like this?
God bless you all - and may He remind us to lift up the needs of the entire board in prayer!
Kaybee C
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