I'm not sure about this one but I give based on the gross amount before taxes.

It's important that remember that you have a choice. This means that you can choose who to follow and who not to follow, so you're not obligated to follow anyone. If I felt the person I was following does not value people and cannot be told constructive criticism, I wouldn't follow him. How he wants to lead is up to him, and who I want to follow is my choice.

Thank you!

First of all, I think people who focus on the fears and trials on of the "last days" are missing a very important verse: 2 Timothy 1:7 - For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

Second, because I know that we have limited time on Earth since we're all die anyway, I am not going to waste a day living in a cage of fear. I'm going to make the most of the time I have.

If she was my daughter here's what I would do:

I would spend the day with her, preferably in a nice scenic place that's full of nature. We'll enjoy the whole day together doing things she likes and top the evening with a nice dinner. Before the night ends I'll tell her, "In a few hours today will end and a new day will begin. Just because something is destined to end doesn't mean we can't make the most of a good thing and enjoy it while it's there. Even more, because we have Jesus, we know that with every good thing that ends in our life, something better is being birthed.

Why does she have to explain anything to him? Why doesn't she just tell him, "No thank you"?

The Lord can do anything. But I think the way to have true friends is to start by being a true friend.

Saying that something is a "steal" informally means that the item was obtained a huge bargain. Because the thing is so nice the price doesn't compare.

Priceless things such as true friendships, love, a relationship with God, purpose, peace, these are things that are worth our time, energy, and money no matter how expensive they may seem because they will always give us a better return.

Sometimes. Not so much. I usually eat hard boiled eggs. My favorite, when I do eat, is bangus.

I don't care about admirers. I know of none and have none. They are only interested in placing their unrealistic expectations on you. They care nothing for whether you struggle at work, feel lonely at night, are condemned by mistakes, or just trying to keep your head above the water. But as soon as you fall their judgement will swarm on you like flies on feces.

I know a lot of people. But I know very few who will love me at my lowest. I've felt very recently how quickly people's opinion of me can be influenced by even the most incredible of sources. I've realized that I'm a mistake away from being cast out, so there is no long lasting value in these relationships. They will be gone soon enough.

But a true friend, a true brother or true sister, those who will protect you, who will cover your shame and help you overcome, those who will sacrifice for you, those who will take risks with you, and encourage you, those who will appreciate you for who you are, those who will love you, and hope with you, and believe in you and with you, and those who you will do the same for, these are the ones I value. These are the ones I'll cultivate. It won't be perfect. That's for sure. But these are worth the cost, because you can never go wrong with the priceless things. They'll always be a steal.

You're welcome!

I've been doing it on and off for maybe 2 years. It seems to help. I try to use natural products and methods. I recommend using Dentiste.

What do you mean? Do you mean that he's pursuing her because he thinks it's God's will? Or he's telling her that? I don't understand the question too well.

If they're difficult because they are in great need of help and are open to being helped, then I'll take the time to serve them. I thank God every day for His mercy, that He loves me despite how difficult I am.

But if they're difficult because they're arrogant and take advantage of people, or are selfish, controlling, continuously grumbling, stifling, condemning, or have a superiority complex, I just limit my exposure to them. It's hard enough to keep a positive attitude on my own, it will be hard surrounded with these people. The big difference for me is not whether someone is a perfect or not, we're all incredibly flawed. The difference is whether someone is worth walking that journey of continues growth with.

With critics, and I do have quite a few critics, believe it or not, mostly from Christian circles, I listen to what they have to say and see what I can fix and do away with the negative emotions.

I'm not a church leader. I hold no position, neither do I have any interest in having one. My answer is my opinion not necessarily an institution's position. I answered a question earlier, and I talked about how we all have a choice. No one is obligated to stay in a church or do everything their pastor tells them to do. If Christianity is truly a relationship, then we must live it by choice. Having said that, it won't always be easy because relationships aren't always comfortable or painless. Follow a leader because you have chosen to after you have discerned that he or she will lead you to God NOT out of fear or obligation. If fear, obligation, or utang na loob is the motive then you won't please God even if you do what your pastor says because you would not be acting in faith.

I don't know enough to give you an answer. I don't know what he's preaching and I don't know whether it's erring or not. Sometimes what bothers us is the style or manner, and that's something we can get over. If it's something else, try to talking to him about it. It will help both of you. At the very least you'll discover a little bit more about each other.

I don't believe so. But could you provide more details?

Please see my earlier answer.

I remember when I went to Afghanistan. It was 2004, and two friends, Paul Pajo and Pastor Ray Corpuz, broached the idea of going to Kabul. I decided to go during my semestral break. I did some research on the place, and on paper it didn't seem very enticing to go. I couldn't afford it, the place was immensely dangerous, there was a language barrier, and I would have to right after my exams. By faith, and a lot of preparation, I went, and it was an amazing experience.

That being said, now that I'm older, I see the importance of partnering faith with wisdom. If you believe that God is calling you somewhere, ask Him to clarify a strategy for you. There is a famous saying by Hudson Taylor, "God's work done God's way will never lack God's resources." You don't have to figure everything out right away. Take it one step of faith at a time, and if it is truly God's work, He will make a way for you, and provide you with all that you need - including the peace that you're doing the right thing.

See my earlier answer.

See my earlier answer.