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	<title>Comments on: The Body of Christ</title>
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		<title>By: Alicia</title>
		<link>http://powertochange.com/blogposts/2006/05/03/the-body-of-christ/comment-page-1/#comment-2611</link>
		<dc:creator>Alicia</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 04 May 2006 00:11:07 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description>We still need to fellowship in the local church. The Bible says not to forsake the assembling of ourselves (Heb 10:25). Not everyone on the internet who says they are a christian is truely a christian. Yes, you can say the same for the local church as well. The difference is that you can&#039;t see who you are fellowshipping with. The purpose of fellowship is to help encourage one another.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>We still need to fellowship in the local church. The Bible says not to forsake the assembling of ourselves (Heb 10:25). Not everyone on the internet who says they are a christian is truely a christian. Yes, you can say the same for the local church as well. The difference is that you can&#8217;t see who you are fellowshipping with. The purpose of fellowship is to help encourage one another.</p>
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		<title>By: stacy</title>
		<link>http://powertochange.com/blogposts/2006/05/03/the-body-of-christ/comment-page-1/#comment-2610</link>
		<dc:creator>stacy</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 May 2006 20:05:12 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description>Wow... online Christian community in action! Thanks for your posts today, and for your care and encouragement for Riann. For Riann and anyone else whose hearts are heavy today, if you are struggling with something in your life right now, have a question, or just need a listening ear, we invite you to share us. One of our e-mail mentors will respond to you personally. Visit: http://www.christianwomentoday.com/chat/askus.html

Also, I wanted to just affirm that here at TruthMedia (the ministry that publishes Christian Women Today), we uphold the value of the local church. While we create and encourage online community, we also point people to the local face-to-face, real-time connection that a church provides. If you are looking for a church, this resource may prove helpful: http://www.christianwomentoday.com/contact/findchurch.html

Laurie, one of our staff members, has an amazing story of how internet and church ministry worked in tandem in her own spiritual journey. Read or even watch it on video: http://www.truthmedia.com/aboutus/lauriem.html

May you experience God&#039;s love through His body today!

Stacy</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Wow&#8230; online Christian community in action! Thanks for your posts today, and for your care and encouragement for Riann. For Riann and anyone else whose hearts are heavy today, if you are struggling with something in your life right now, have a question, or just need a listening ear, we invite you to share us. One of our e-mail mentors will respond to you personally. Visit: <a href="http://www.christianwomentoday.com/chat/askus.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.christianwomentoday.com/chat/askus.html</a></p>
<p>Also, I wanted to just affirm that here at TruthMedia (the ministry that publishes Christian Women Today), we uphold the value of the local church. While we create and encourage online community, we also point people to the local face-to-face, real-time connection that a church provides. If you are looking for a church, this resource may prove helpful: <a href="http://www.christianwomentoday.com/contact/findchurch.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.christianwomentoday.com/contact/findchurch.html</a></p>
<p>Laurie, one of our staff members, has an amazing story of how internet and church ministry worked in tandem in her own spiritual journey. Read or even watch it on video: <a href="http://www.truthmedia.com/aboutus/lauriem.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.truthmedia.com/aboutus/lauriem.html</a></p>
<p>May you experience God&#8217;s love through His body today!</p>
<p>Stacy</p>
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		<title>By: Schultz</title>
		<link>http://powertochange.com/blogposts/2006/05/03/the-body-of-christ/comment-page-1/#comment-2609</link>
		<dc:creator>Schultz</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 May 2006 18:39:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://tmdevotionals.com/women/2006/05/03/the-body-of-christ/#comment-2609</guid>
		<description>Dear Riann,
  I do understand what you are going through. Please look outside your christian circle for help. Panic and anxiety attacks are serious mental health problems. Please talk to a doctor to help you find the help and support you need. I have found for myself, that a support group is very helpful, finding someone with a similiar situtation can help you feel that you are not alone.If you need someone to talk to, I am here. Ask your church to lift you up in their prayers. You do not have to tell them the exact prayer request, you can ask for an unspoken prayer request. 
                         May God comfort you,
                             Schultz</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Dear Riann,<br />
  I do understand what you are going through. Please look outside your christian circle for help. Panic and anxiety attacks are serious mental health problems. Please talk to a doctor to help you find the help and support you need. I have found for myself, that a support group is very helpful, finding someone with a similiar situtation can help you feel that you are not alone.If you need someone to talk to, I am here. Ask your church to lift you up in their prayers. You do not have to tell them the exact prayer request, you can ask for an unspoken prayer request.<br />
                         May God comfort you,<br />
                             Schultz</p>
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		<title>By: Dalene</title>
		<link>http://powertochange.com/blogposts/2006/05/03/the-body-of-christ/comment-page-1/#comment-2608</link>
		<dc:creator>Dalene</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 May 2006 18:11:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://tmdevotionals.com/women/2006/05/03/the-body-of-christ/#comment-2608</guid>
		<description>I dont think the Internet could or should take over as the sole source of fellowship. I think God intended for us to fellowship in as many forms as possible.
If that had been his intention he wouldnt rely on ALL of us to spread the word and would expect ONLY one person or one book to do everything.
But the Internet certainly serves its purpose.
I receive the Devotions daily while I am at work and it is amazing but sometimes I will open that days message and it seems to be speaking to the heart of the issue that I am often dealing with on that day.
There are so many days that it keeps me going and keeps me inspired!! It reminds me to pray over the issue, be it large or small.
I am thankful for All of the sources, be it written, emailed or in person that I come in contact with daily.
Be blessed.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I dont think the Internet could or should take over as the sole source of fellowship. I think God intended for us to fellowship in as many forms as possible.<br />
If that had been his intention he wouldnt rely on ALL of us to spread the word and would expect ONLY one person or one book to do everything.<br />
But the Internet certainly serves its purpose.<br />
I receive the Devotions daily while I am at work and it is amazing but sometimes I will open that days message and it seems to be speaking to the heart of the issue that I am often dealing with on that day.<br />
There are so many days that it keeps me going and keeps me inspired!! It reminds me to pray over the issue, be it large or small.<br />
I am thankful for All of the sources, be it written, emailed or in person that I come in contact with daily.<br />
Be blessed.</p>
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		<title>By: Joyful</title>
		<link>http://powertochange.com/blogposts/2006/05/03/the-body-of-christ/comment-page-1/#comment-2607</link>
		<dc:creator>Joyful</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 May 2006 18:04:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://tmdevotionals.com/women/2006/05/03/the-body-of-christ/#comment-2607</guid>
		<description>What a blessing to read all of your comments today! I just want to agree that online fellowship should never totally take the place of face to face fellowship with believers....I have the wonderful blessing of many online friends and coworkers, and when my father-in-law suffered a massive heart attack in the middle of the night, it was an online friend that first prayed for me and with me! I wouldn&#039;t have dreamt of waking someone up with a phone call but she was online. 

Having said that, I do want to say that when we are really hurting and aren&#039;t getting the support in church, the online community can fill a void.Riann, try out our chat room and I know that the women would love to pray for you!Or come at 10:30 am eastern and discuss the questions in the devotional. We would love to see you there!</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>What a blessing to read all of your comments today! I just want to agree that online fellowship should never totally take the place of face to face fellowship with believers&#8230;.I have the wonderful blessing of many online friends and coworkers, and when my father-in-law suffered a massive heart attack in the middle of the night, it was an online friend that first prayed for me and with me! I wouldn&#8217;t have dreamt of waking someone up with a phone call but she was online. </p>
<p>Having said that, I do want to say that when we are really hurting and aren&#8217;t getting the support in church, the online community can fill a void.Riann, try out our chat room and I know that the women would love to pray for you!Or come at 10:30 am eastern and discuss the questions in the devotional. We would love to see you there!</p>
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		<title>By: Karin</title>
		<link>http://powertochange.com/blogposts/2006/05/03/the-body-of-christ/comment-page-1/#comment-2606</link>
		<dc:creator>Karin</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 May 2006 16:23:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://tmdevotionals.com/women/2006/05/03/the-body-of-christ/#comment-2606</guid>
		<description>For Riann -- my thoughts and prayers are with you. I pray that you will be able to find another church that is loving and supportive. 

For everyone -- as publisher and writer for an online magazine I&#039;ve discovered the power and beauty of online fellowship. I&#039;ve connected via email with people from all over the world.  These people have shared their personal stories with me.  I in turn have had the chance to reach out by giving encouragement and offering prayers.  Without the Internet I would not have had such wonderful experiences.

I do believe that physically fellowshipping with other believers is important when we have the opportunity to do so. But it&#039;s not so much the physical presence of two or more people that cause fellowship to happen.  Rather, it&#039;s the heart of those individuals reaching out to one another. I&#039;ve had some deep moments with individuals via email but also physically as well.

We should appreciate both kinds of fellowship. They both have their place in the Christian community today. For Christians living in some parts of the world, Internet fellowship is all they have. However, physical fellowship is also beneficial in that it helps us to connect with people and help them (visit them in a hospital, hug them, etc.) in a way the Internet will not allow.

Just my two cents.  God bless all of you.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>For Riann &#8212; my thoughts and prayers are with you. I pray that you will be able to find another church that is loving and supportive. </p>
<p>For everyone &#8212; as publisher and writer for an online magazine I&#8217;ve discovered the power and beauty of online fellowship. I&#8217;ve connected via email with people from all over the world.  These people have shared their personal stories with me.  I in turn have had the chance to reach out by giving encouragement and offering prayers.  Without the Internet I would not have had such wonderful experiences.</p>
<p>I do believe that physically fellowshipping with other believers is important when we have the opportunity to do so. But it&#8217;s not so much the physical presence of two or more people that cause fellowship to happen.  Rather, it&#8217;s the heart of those individuals reaching out to one another. I&#8217;ve had some deep moments with individuals via email but also physically as well.</p>
<p>We should appreciate both kinds of fellowship. They both have their place in the Christian community today. For Christians living in some parts of the world, Internet fellowship is all they have. However, physical fellowship is also beneficial in that it helps us to connect with people and help them (visit them in a hospital, hug them, etc.) in a way the Internet will not allow.</p>
<p>Just my two cents.  God bless all of you.</p>
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		<title>By: Brigitte</title>
		<link>http://powertochange.com/blogposts/2006/05/03/the-body-of-christ/comment-page-1/#comment-2604</link>
		<dc:creator>Brigitte</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 May 2006 15:19:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://tmdevotionals.com/women/2006/05/03/the-body-of-christ/#comment-2604</guid>
		<description>First of all I want to say that online fellowship shouldn&#039;t replace church worship. I do know that as I have stated before CWT has provided me with more intimate and life application messages on a daily basis, that center around womens issues, which has been a blessing to my life.

I think that they both work hand in hand.

Riann, I hope that you will come back here and blog, because having an outlet to express yourself, more openly and freely, will also help in your healing.
I am actually reading a book that I was directed to from this site called Letting God Meet your emotional Needs by Cindi Mcmenamin. IT is awesome!

Remember in times like this that your mind is the spiritual place of battle, so try to read your Bible. Get a new living translation if you dont have one and get some scripture in your mind. Memorize 2 Corinthians 10: 4-5 and repeat it aloud to your self. I have learned that nothing can stand against the word of GOD.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>First of all I want to say that online fellowship shouldn&#8217;t replace church worship. I do know that as I have stated before CWT has provided me with more intimate and life application messages on a daily basis, that center around womens issues, which has been a blessing to my life.</p>
<p>I think that they both work hand in hand.</p>
<p>Riann, I hope that you will come back here and blog, because having an outlet to express yourself, more openly and freely, will also help in your healing.<br />
I am actually reading a book that I was directed to from this site called Letting God Meet your emotional Needs by Cindi Mcmenamin. IT is awesome!</p>
<p>Remember in times like this that your mind is the spiritual place of battle, so try to read your Bible. Get a new living translation if you dont have one and get some scripture in your mind. Memorize 2 Corinthians 10: 4-5 and repeat it aloud to your self. I have learned that nothing can stand against the word of GOD.</p>
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		<title>By: Bobbie</title>
		<link>http://powertochange.com/blogposts/2006/05/03/the-body-of-christ/comment-page-1/#comment-2603</link>
		<dc:creator>Bobbie</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 May 2006 14:37:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://tmdevotionals.com/women/2006/05/03/the-body-of-christ/#comment-2603</guid>
		<description>Hello Stacy,
I&#039;ve been online for almost 5 years now and actually discovered cwt in the beginning of this experience with the world wide web. 
The online Christian Community has helped me to step outside my comfort zone a bit.  The studies have helped me dig deeper in the Word, as well as teaching me.  The many ideas and thoughts of women from all over the world is awesome.  
I have found ladies who have gone through some valleys with me as prayer partners and true friends.
I have a wonderful local church family and I believe it is very important to be established in a Bible Believing congregation.  We do need fellowship with other believers.  We need to sit at God&#039;s table to be fed.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Hello Stacy,<br />
I&#8217;ve been online for almost 5 years now and actually discovered cwt in the beginning of this experience with the world wide web.<br />
The online Christian Community has helped me to step outside my comfort zone a bit.  The studies have helped me dig deeper in the Word, as well as teaching me.  The many ideas and thoughts of women from all over the world is awesome.<br />
I have found ladies who have gone through some valleys with me as prayer partners and true friends.<br />
I have a wonderful local church family and I believe it is very important to be established in a Bible Believing congregation.  We do need fellowship with other believers.  We need to sit at God&#8217;s table to be fed.</p>
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		<title>By: Doris</title>
		<link>http://powertochange.com/blogposts/2006/05/03/the-body-of-christ/comment-page-1/#comment-2602</link>
		<dc:creator>Doris</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 May 2006 14:05:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://tmdevotionals.com/women/2006/05/03/the-body-of-christ/#comment-2602</guid>
		<description>These are very good replies to Riann.  I believe many people to not know what to say to someone who is gong through such trials.  Perhaps the woman who has been un-Christian to you is also going through a bad time.  It has been said that `we are all in this together&#039; and there is no one who does not have problems.  They may not be the same as ours, but problems for them just as much.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>These are very good replies to Riann.  I believe many people to not know what to say to someone who is gong through such trials.  Perhaps the woman who has been un-Christian to you is also going through a bad time.  It has been said that `we are all in this together&#8217; and there is no one who does not have problems.  They may not be the same as ours, but problems for them just as much.</p>
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		<title>By: Laura</title>
		<link>http://powertochange.com/blogposts/2006/05/03/the-body-of-christ/comment-page-1/#comment-2601</link>
		<dc:creator>Laura</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 May 2006 13:21:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://tmdevotionals.com/women/2006/05/03/the-body-of-christ/#comment-2601</guid>
		<description>Riann,

I would like to STRONGLY suggest that you see a medical doctor or a psychiatrist about your panic and anxiety. There is a physical reason you are suffering with this. A doctor can prescribe medications that will help.  It is not a weakness or a lack of faith to take medications.  If you had heart disease or diabetes, you wouldn&#039;t consider it a lack of faith to see a doctor or take medications for that.  Mental illnesses (panic, anxiety, depressions, etc.) are no different; they are a result of a chemical imbalance in the brain. Medication can make such a tremendous difference and I thank God that they are available to us today. Your pastor may be aware of some Christian counselors or therapists in your area that can help too.  

Believe me, I can understand what you are going through. I too have suffered from depression and anxiety.  As a result of my illness, my husband abandoned me and we are now about to be divorced. He asked me to find another church home after our separation and I agreed. For the most part, I felt abandoned by my church as well. Save one person, no one called or sent cards or even an e-mail to encourage me. It is so hard for me to even attend a church now.  When I attend, I usually end up crying because I am painfully aware that I am not with my family and it just hurts so bad. But I miss that connection with the church family and I miss serving Christ by serving others. 

In the three years since I was initially hospitalized for major depression, I&#039;ve had a tough journey.  Christ is the only way I&#039;ve been able to make it. Hold on to Him and He will never leave or forsake you.

The daily devotionals from Christian Women Today mean so much to me.  They do not replace the physical connection to the local church. But there have been many days when all I can manage to do spiritually is read these e-mails.  Time after time, God has used them to speak directly to me. It&#039;s been amazing how many times I received exactly what I needed on that very day through the devotional.  I am very thankful for CWT for the work that they do. God bless and Riann, you&#039;re in my prayers. Other people do care about you!  Hang in there and hang onto God!</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Riann,</p>
<p>I would like to STRONGLY suggest that you see a medical doctor or a psychiatrist about your panic and anxiety. There is a physical reason you are suffering with this. A doctor can prescribe medications that will help.  It is not a weakness or a lack of faith to take medications.  If you had heart disease or diabetes, you wouldn&#8217;t consider it a lack of faith to see a doctor or take medications for that.  Mental illnesses (panic, anxiety, depressions, etc.) are no different; they are a result of a chemical imbalance in the brain. Medication can make such a tremendous difference and I thank God that they are available to us today. Your pastor may be aware of some Christian counselors or therapists in your area that can help too.  </p>
<p>Believe me, I can understand what you are going through. I too have suffered from depression and anxiety.  As a result of my illness, my husband abandoned me and we are now about to be divorced. He asked me to find another church home after our separation and I agreed. For the most part, I felt abandoned by my church as well. Save one person, no one called or sent cards or even an e-mail to encourage me. It is so hard for me to even attend a church now.  When I attend, I usually end up crying because I am painfully aware that I am not with my family and it just hurts so bad. But I miss that connection with the church family and I miss serving Christ by serving others. </p>
<p>In the three years since I was initially hospitalized for major depression, I&#8217;ve had a tough journey.  Christ is the only way I&#8217;ve been able to make it. Hold on to Him and He will never leave or forsake you.</p>
<p>The daily devotionals from Christian Women Today mean so much to me.  They do not replace the physical connection to the local church. But there have been many days when all I can manage to do spiritually is read these e-mails.  Time after time, God has used them to speak directly to me. It&#8217;s been amazing how many times I received exactly what I needed on that very day through the devotional.  I am very thankful for CWT for the work that they do. God bless and Riann, you&#8217;re in my prayers. Other people do care about you!  Hang in there and hang onto God!</p>
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