led into all truth https://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/t11 Runboard| led into all truth en-us Thu, 28 Mar 2024 22:47:46 +0000 Thu, 28 Mar 2024 22:47:46 +0000 https://www.runboard.com/ rssfeeds_managingeditor@runboard.com (Runboard.com RSS feeds managing editor) rssfeeds_webmaster@runboard.com (Runboard.com RSS feeds webmaster) akBBS 60 Re: led into all truthhttps://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p51,from=rss#post51https://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p51,from=rss#post51i found this page helpful: http://www.tasteheavennow.net/understanding_yourself/sexual_addictions_and_lust.htmnondisclosed_email@example.com (cogs)Wed, 13 Apr 2011 15:39:09 +0000 Re: led into all truthhttps://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p50,from=rss#post50https://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p50,from=rss#post50yes, i'm thinking that we're not going to be perfect without his help. and, we won't even be able to stop sinning without him. i could look at other people and see how they're sinning, and think that they're not following god. but i realize that being sanctified by god doesn't happen overnight. if i were to judge them, i would only be judging the imperfection in myself. which should make me, like you said, humble enough to see my weakness, and how much i have to rely on god's power not to sin. so even though the wind of sin is blowing me off course, i still need to direct my focus on god, who will move me toward the mark of his perfection. Mar 4:39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. i hope the love and peace of god will motivate us toward that place. i'm still trying to understand his power to overcome sin, and i'm glad that he showed me to start trusting him. i think you already see how to trust him, which is a good head start toward overcoming sin. because i believe that's the ongoing work of the holy spirit within us, is the freedom from sin, so that we can be saved from sin. otherwise, jesus wouldn't have had to ask god to send his spirit. i thank god for his help, or we would forever be in bondage. Luk 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, Luk 4:19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. Luk 4:20 And he closed the book, and he gave [it] again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. Luk 4:21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.  nondisclosed_email@example.com (cogs)Sun, 30 Jan 2011 16:44:52 +0000 Re: led into all truthhttps://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p49,from=rss#post49https://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p49,from=rss#post49quote:i agree. it makes us dependent on god, which is ironic that the things he wants most from us we have to rely only on him to do them. It's crazy like that. He will ask us to do something, but the only way we can get it done is by trusting him. I've been in a lot of situations in my life where it felt like all he wanted me to do is trust him more. He makes it seem like there's no way out, except through him. It's kind of annoying though, because you spend all your time flipping out, not knowing what to do, and then you final realize the answer is simpler than you thought. quote: like, even though i know they're cool, i won't open up to them, cause i'm afraid they'll laugh, or tell other people my confidences. Yeah. I don't want to be embarassed, or let down or anything. I'm sure you are right, that he will help us to trust others and lead us. quote:i told the lady i work with, that it's like an empty bucket down a deep well, where you draw it up, and it's filled with deep truths. That's a really neat way to look at it. Like out of nothing comes something; God makes a way out of no way; we have no idea where we are going, but God is always steering us in the right direction. I love when I have that deep knowing feeling. People around me seem so clueless sometimes, but deep in my heart, I feel that truth start to bubble over. It makes me feel so grounded, where I used to feel so lost and pointless in the world. Even though I keep my thoughts on God, I feel like I run into all kinds of problems with him. I feel like I am constantly in some sort of disaster, I wish I could handle things better. It's good that you come back, even if you feel guilty. Some people lose faith in God and stop trusting him, and then they feel so bad, they think they should just give up. I guess they feel like God doesn't want them anymore. But he always wants them! It is better to come back feeling bad then not at all. It's like people who achieve big dreams. They work hard at them, but then they mess up and have pitfalls, just like everyone else. The difference between them and everyone else is that they get back up, dust them selves off. That's what counts. =] Luke 15:17-19 is a humbling verse. He, as a son, has messed up, and is willing to lower himself to be a servant to be blessed. I hope that you can achieve that sort of humility. Keep coming back.nondisclosed_email@example.com (deadwednesdays)Thu, 27 Jan 2011 11:20:10 +0000 Re: led into all truthhttps://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p48,from=rss#post48https://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p48,from=rss#post48quote:I guess I used to get hurt a lot. yes, it's a learned response, since distrust comes so automatically. quote: I have to really work on getting my heart to stop doing it. But I know I can't do that own my own. i agree. it makes us dependent on god, which is ironic that the things he wants most from us we have to rely only on him to do them. quote:I am still working on trust. I love talking to you, so I am trying to overcome this issue. It's weird, I am like that with a lot of friends. They are great, don't do anything wrong, but somehow, I am afaid they will end up hurting me or something. i don't blame you, i have the same problems with people. like, even though i know they're cool, i won't open up to them, cause i'm afraid they'll laugh, or tell other people my confidences. i bet god will help us, like you prayed, to give his type of love to others. then, we'll have nothing to lose, cause it's really him directing us. but that deep knowing is really something. i told the lady i work with, that it's like an empty bucket down a deep well, where you draw it up, and it's filled with deep truths. i like that you keep your thoughts on god... it's so worthwhile. i depart now and then, and come back. i feel guilty, but i'd rather come back guilty than not at all. Luk 15:17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!  Luk 15:18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,  Luk 15:19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. nondisclosed_email@example.com (cogs)Wed, 26 Jan 2011 23:31:28 +0000 Re: led into all truthhttps://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p47,from=rss#post47https://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p47,from=rss#post47quote:i'm always reminded of scripture when i'm thinking about something. then, when i look it up online, i come across other verses i forgot. also, i've learned that the bible's more flexible in its useage, cause verses can come to mind that are totally out of their original context, but are valid for the situation now. it's like ideas that are used for more than just one purpose. This is true. I think sometimes people get trapped in looking at bible verses in only one way, when there truly are many different ways to look at it. People have to learn to open their minds more. That's why when people act like reading the bible doesn't solve their problems, I think about how it truly does have an answer for everything, if you dig deep into the words for meaning. quote:i had inspiration lately about trust: i feel the same way you do, that i really don't trust people. but recently it came to me that if the mistrust were removed, it would allow love to flow. it wasn't just an idea, it was like a feeling of knowing, like the spirit gives. this is what i'm talking about when i say that god can speak to you here and now. so you can know there's god spirit working in us to help us to trust. I never really thought about it that way. I guess if you trust people, love can flow from you, and you can share that with others. I'm pretty sure I could feel others love flow to me, too. It works both ways. I've got to stop missing out, lol. quote:i think i'm mostly tempted with lust, which seems more shameful than other sins. i think it's also one of the most subtle ways evil influences us, cause it's personal. It is so personal! Lust seems to get the best of me sometimes, too. I hate it. I have to really work on getting my heart to stop doing it. But I know I can't do that own my own. I just prayed that God guides us both and keeps us strong in our battle against it. God always understands how everything works. Even when we don't. That should gives us lots of piece. I am still working on trust. I love talking to you, so I am trying to overcome this issue. It's weird, I am like that with a lot of friends. They are great, don't do anything wrong, but somehow, I am afaid they will end up hurting me or something. I guess I used to get hurt a lot.nondisclosed_email@example.com (deadwednesdays)Wed, 26 Jan 2011 11:10:21 +0000 Re: led into all truthhttps://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p46,from=rss#post46https://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p46,from=rss#post46quote:You inspire me whenever you explain something, and then you support it with scripture. i'm always reminded of scripture when i'm thinking about something. then, when i look it up online, i come across other verses i forgot. also, i've learned that the bible's more flexible in its useage, cause verses can come to mind that are totally out of their original context, but are valid for the situation now. it's like ideas that are used for more than just one purpose. quote:Normally I feel I can't trust anyone but God in this cold world, but you make me feel so welcome as family in the body of Christ. i had inspiration lately about trust: i feel the same way you do, that i really don't trust people. but recently it came to me that if the mistrust were removed, it would allow love to flow. it wasn't just an idea, it was like a feeling of knowing, like the spirit gives. this is what i'm talking about when i say that god can speak to you here and now. so you can know there's god spirit working in us to help us to trust. quote: What do you struggle with? i think i'm mostly tempted with lust, which seems more shameful than other sins. i think it's also one of the most subtle ways evil influences us, cause it's personal. quote:Would you pray for me? yes, i will. quote:It's like the example of the car trouble you sent me in your email, how it doesn't work and you're frustrated, and it suddenly does. You don't see how to make yourself change, but God is doing a work in you. wow, that's a good parallel. i think you're right, cause when we don't know how something's supposed to work, he understands how everything works. not only that, he's behind the scenes making better things happen. quote:I know when I am in pain, God is healing my heart, and sometimes I feel it, sometimes I don't. i'm glad that you sometimes feel it, that must feel wonderful.nondisclosed_email@example.com (cogs)Sun, 16 Jan 2011 16:42:49 +0000 Re: led into all truthhttps://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p45,from=rss#post45https://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p45,from=rss#post45quote:that's so good. not only can disciples help each other in general, but spiritually we can support our weaknesses. what inspires me is your love, peace, and selflessness. Really? That's so awesome! You inspire me whenever you explain something, and then you support it with scripture. It teaches me to do the same thing, because it's important to be able to back up what you say, so that you can have more faith you are doing what God wants. I sometimes feel like I just live and do whatever I want, thinking I am living for God, but I don't back myself up with Scripture. It's important because I can get into trouble that way. So I am learning. Another weakness of mine is that I really love to talk and meet people, but a piece of me is like really introverted, so I have a hard time opening up to people. But how you comment on my blog on the forum and how you email and stuff, you make me see I can trust people more and open up. Normally I feel I can't trust anyone but God in this cold world, but you make me feel so welcome as family in the body of Christ. Thank you so much for that. I am glad I help with your weaknesses, too. What do you struggle with? I could pray for you, and you could pray for me. You said selfishness and pride, I'll go ahead and pray for that. I pray for our relationship sometimes when I get on here and post, praying we both influence each other in a way that is good for both of us, and brings us closer to Christ. The more I pray, the more I feel it working. My weakness is introversion, the Scripture thing, and sometimes I push away from God a lot when he freaks me out, and I need to trust him instead. Would you pray for me? I posted Matt 18:19-20 in my last post. I love it because I know he hears our prayers as we try to lift each other up. quote:perhaps the fact that my sin is revealed helps me not to fall into a pit. I think this is true. You say you have to look out for your selfishness and pride, because it won't go away on it's own. But I think the fact that you realize it is the first step in changing. You can't change what you don't acknowledge, and I think he lets you see where your sinful nature pops up, so you can learn to push away. As opposed to being someone who thinks it is all okay, you are learning to differentiate being humble and selfless with pride and selfishness, and it's difficult, but you are becoming a better Christian. I do think the Holy Spirit is at work in you, pushing those bad feelings away even when you don't know it. It's like the example of the car trouble you sent me in your email, how it doesn't work and you're frustrated, and it suddenly does. You don't see how to make yourself change, but God is doing a work in you. I know when I am in pain, God is healing my heart, and sometimes I feel it, sometimes I don't. But I have learned he never really leaves me in the darkness like it sometimes feels. Mat 25:40 makes me love my enemies more. Because I do realize, like you said, that I am doing good to God by doing good to others. We can't be fully obedient to him without loving people it is difficult to love. He loves us, and he loves them too. Sometimes it's hard for me to face that.nondisclosed_email@example.com (deadwednesdays)Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:26:44 +0000 Re: led into all truthhttps://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p44,from=rss#post44https://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p44,from=rss#post44quote:I can help you grow in ways you can't do on your own, and you certainly do that for me. I think that is why God called us to have community, to come together as brothers and sisters in Christ. We can help teach each other and love each other and make each other stronger. That's what it's all about. that's so good. not only can disciples help each other in general, but spiritually we can support our weaknesses. what inspires me is your love, peace, and selflessness. god is the focus, as you said. i find myself seeing deeper inside of my nature, where there's selfishness and pride. i have to look out for it, so i can be humble and giving. it's not something that works out on its own. i don't really understand the method for changing, but i'm guessing that the holy spirit has power that's at work that i can't detect. perhaps the fact that my sin is revealed helps me not to fall into a pit. i think it's about our motivations for doing things (it's hard to put into words). i also think that love is the focus. his spirit is in each of us, and that spirit is manifested in our actions, even our actions toward each other. i was reading yesterday: Mat 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me. so perhaps that's how we can love our enemies, or those that are not loving. we can focus on the fact that we're doing good to god within people. i'm sure we'll learn more about it through time. quote:I feel like there is just too much pain in the world for me to be able to face it all and deal with it. i know, it causes us to get really discouraged, and give up. but lately i've started to try to counter that, and start to praise god for all he is and does. maybe that's a good tactic, i don't know, but i'm going to keep trying it. i'll wait for your reply, cause i always learn something from you too. nondisclosed_email@example.com (cogs)Tue, 28 Dec 2010 23:12:39 +0000 Re: led into all truthhttps://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p43,from=rss#post43https://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p43,from=rss#post43Tell me about it! It can be so difficult to love others. Especially when they are often only looking out for themselves. But we cannot be islands. That's a very hard truth for me sometimes. Sometimes, I just want to be quiet and reserved and help no one. I feel like there is just too much pain in the world for me to be able to face it all and deal with it. But when I open up and love someone, it affects them, and it affects other people as well. Then I find myself learning that if I open up in the first place, the pain I am so afraid of existing in the world will start to go away. We don't realize how much the things we do can affect other people, for better or for worse. There are so many times in my life where people did things that they didn't realize how devastating affects on me. I am sure I have done that to others. It's really dangerous. It is so amazing how Jesus still sacrificed himself, despite what we did in general and despite what those people did to him personality. You're right. They spat on him and called him names and mocked him and hated him and left him bleeding and dying. All the while, he loved them to no end. He still forgave them, accepted them. That's what real love is to me. Loving someone no matter what, through thick and thin, even when it's difficult: Romans 5:8 But God shows his great love for us in this way: Christ died for us while we were still sinners. John 6:37 The Father gives me the people who are mine. Every one of them will come to me, and I will always accept them. I love that verse, 2Ch 34:27. I believe humility is one of God's favorite personality characteristics. Because if Jesus is king of the world, of the universe, and he can put aside the things he wants for the sake of others, then we, who are far from perfect, have no right to be self-centered and all about ourselves. This is why we must continually die to ourselves. I have to stop being afraid and get out there and help people. I think it's one of the hardest concepts for Christians to understand and apply. It's hard to stop being selfish and start being more humble. John 6:38 For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. He is the center of everything and still was not focused on being the center of everything. Patience is so important to have. I think he continually teaches us patience by not answering our prayers whenver we say, but instead, whenever he is ready to. He is God, he doesn't bow down to us, so we need to stop trying to get him to. We need to stop trying to make him do things, and learn to be patient. I am still working on setting time aside for God. We need time during the day when we are focused on him, instead of us. It gives us clarity and a better perspective on things. I attempt to let him lead every day of my life. Because when I lead, I will run into walls. He leads me to where I need to go. I love having people in my life who will help me get closer to God. Every time I read one of your posts, I feel like I understand more, and I gain more peace in places in my heart where there was once confusion. I can help you grow in ways you can't do on your own, and you certainly do that for me. I think that is why God called us to have community, to come together as brothers and sisters in Christ. We can help teach each other and love each other and make each other stronger. That's what it's all about. Matthew 18:19-20 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” nondisclosed_email@example.com (deadwednesdays)Tue, 28 Dec 2010 21:20:24 +0000 Re: led into all truthhttps://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p42,from=rss#post42https://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p42,from=rss#post42wow those are some good guidelines! it's hard for me to love others sometimes, because they are not acting in my best interest (or theirs). like, "No man is an island, entire of itself", since everything we do affects others. so i guess, by that logic, if i love them, then i'm affecting others. one time in meditation, it became clear to me that loving others is the best course of action, in light of god's forgiveness, since i'm looking out for others' best interest, in a way that is higher than the evil they commit. i think this is god's nature, since jesus sacrificed despite not only mans' sins in general, but the immediate tortuous sins they commited against him personally. i don't know how to hear god's voice, but i'm thinking that being in a spirit of love and praise toward god does, as you said, open our hearts, and makes them pliable. this takes humility, which i believe god likes: 2Ch 34:27 Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard [thee] also, saith the LORD. about praise: Luk 19:40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out. next, i think patience is one of the keys. i've learned that if i want some answer from god, it's usually answered over time. so i just tell god, then put it on the back burner, cause i know he won't forget. it stands to reason for me, cause god doesn't have to jump when we say, and he's eternal, so he has a lot of patience. finally, i think we can achieve some of the things we want in our lives, if we set aside time to praise, love, and listen to god. this is humility, cause we don't get to do and think what we want during that worship time. it's all about god, at that time. my motivation is my hope that god's love will fill me, cause most of the time i think we walk around empty. and talking to you helps me sort out some of the internal chaos, to get some direction. two brains are better than one. nondisclosed_email@example.com (cogs)Sat, 25 Dec 2010 16:43:56 +0000 Re: led into all truthhttps://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p41,from=rss#post41https://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p41,from=rss#post41The way of man leads to death, but the way of God leads to eternal life. We are given the option to live a life of sin, but then we are held in bondage and are not free from it. It overtakes us until it destroys us. When we take the high road and follow God, it is more narrow and more difficult to follow, but by accepting the responsibility, he ultimately frees us from ourselves. He gives us strength in difficult times and we are loved, and get to experience a full life, on free from so much sin. Matthew 7:13-14 Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Following God is more difficult, but the reward is worth the effort, by far. I believe you are right when you say the fact that we are seeking out God's will in the first place gives him the opportunity to communicate with us. This is because our hearts are open. It is much easier for him to communicate with an open heart than a hard heart. So even if we don't know the exact destination, I know for certain we are headed in the right direction. Yes, we can choose to be God's servants. To figure out his will, I don't know a specific thing that tells you exactly what to do to discover it. It can be very frustrating because in my heart, I want to do the right thing, I want to do whatever will make him most happy and bring him the most glory. But how do I know what will bring him the most joy? I am so desperate for an answer. Things I do are continually pray for him to reveal to my heart what he wants me to do. I continue reading through the bible, seeking out people who can help me along in my spiritual journey (such as you), and listening for him. Even when I don't know what God wants me to do specifically for my life, there are general rules I follow: -always love others, act humbling towards other, try to put their needs before my own. -never be selfish with my money, give to those in need, always be willing to let God tell me what to do with it -pushing away my negative thoughts and feelings, learning to control my thoughts better, like stop thinking bad things about others, lusting, being greedy, apathetic -love God with all of my heart. I guess this would actually go first in the list. when he does speak to me, be obedient. -try to apply what the bible says to my life. But I just follow general principles such as these until I figure out what God wants me to do. It can be frustrating. What do you to try to determine his will?nondisclosed_email@example.com (deadwednesdays)Fri, 24 Dec 2010 00:21:42 +0000 Re: led into all truthhttps://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p40,from=rss#post40https://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p40,from=rss#post40thank you for sharing: Romans 6:16-18 Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. this reminded me that i have to choose to be a servant of god. when i tie it to this verse: Rom 7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. i can see that the natural way would be to follow what my own spirit is telling me to do. but since that leads to captivity (prison/bondage), i'm left to search out god's will in a matter. one thing that leads me toward that will, is to go the way that leads to love. i think what's the deal, is that we're not that experienced enough in following god, to know exactly what he wants. but the fact that we're trying to find it out, perhaps, gives god the opportunity to communicate with us. so thank you for reminding me that i can be god's servant, instead of the old, natural, human slave of sin. i'd like to know your opinion, and if you have a method for finding out his will. nondisclosed_email@example.com (cogs)Thu, 23 Dec 2010 20:49:23 +0000 Re: led into all truthhttps://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p39,from=rss#post39https://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p39,from=rss#post39 I'm officially on break now, so I'll be able to reply a lot faster. :P Lol yeah, I did get your picture. You certainly look Irish! Irish people are awesome, lol. Though you shouldn't drink! It's hard, but we have to learn to show love, even when we feel angry. I feel like I am angry all the time, but I try to show love. You are right in saying that we have to put to death the deeds of the flesh when we grow in God's loving spirit. I think I talked about this on my blog once: Romans 6:16-18 Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. When you haven't grown in the spirit, you are much more likely to react in anger. But I believe God pulls on our hearts in our walk with him, he causes us to stretch and grow, so we gain more humility and we start to be even more loving towards others. He defuses our anger. Bringing up Clayton, God is so strange in this way.. how he won't give us the answer we are looking for, but he gives us what we need. He may make things difficult for us, but it is to help us grow and become better Christians. It's so hard to give up control of our lives in this way. Because we feel that if we control our lives, there will be peace. When God controls it, we can't control if we feel peace or craziness, we can only know that he never truly leaves us. This drives me nuts, but it's true. I once heard: ”A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.” - Rosalynn Carter God is a great leader. I love how God can take all our evil and bad circumstances and use them for his glory. That's one thing many people forget. They act like God isn't big enough to handle their problems, but he can take any problem and turn it into a blessing. Some people think there is too much pain in the world for things to get better. If they would trust God to help them, they can see he can turn the bad into go. He can use our weakness to show his strength: 2 Corinth 12:9-10 But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Do you trust God during your 'freak out' times? I try to thank him for my troubles, because they ultimately are for our good, as long as we don't stray far from God. nondisclosed_email@example.com (deadwednesdays)Thu, 23 Dec 2010 16:28:55 +0000 Re: led into all truthhttps://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p38,from=rss#post38https://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p38,from=rss#post38ah i'm so glad you're getting a break! i'm glad you replied again. did you get my pic? well, when i'm insulted, i immediately feel anger, and i'm not sure if i'll ever get over that. however, i can choose to calm myself, and react in a way that i know shows love. possibly, it may become habit to react lovingly. i don't think it's sin to get angry at first. we can move past our need to 'get back', because that spirit is covetous, selfish, and sinful. if we've grown in god's loving spirit, i think we'll have put to death the deeds of the flesh (over and over again). i like what you quoted from 'dying to live'. it's funny, cause i was just reading about 'the light' on the hallvworthington site, and here the light is giving truth to clayton. what's telling, is that god didn't give clayton the answers or acted as he wanted, but told him about how he was preparing clayton. i can see that when speaking with god, we should do as you say, and trust that he's working in our best interests, even if that isn't how we expect. and we should have humility, and not try to get god to do what we want. also, god uses evil for good, so perhaps we should be thanking him for our troubles. i'm so glad you trust god to see you through the uncertainties, and 'freak out' times, in your life. like you, i believe he sees us, and doesn't let us wander away from him. i think that if we attempt to stay in his presence (not go astray), we start to change according to his will. Isa 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him [jesus] the iniquity of us all. Psa 119:176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments. 1Pe 2:25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. nondisclosed_email@example.com (cogs)Wed, 15 Dec 2010 19:36:35 +0000 Re: led into all truthhttps://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p37,from=rss#post37https://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p37,from=rss#post37Sorry! It's like some days I get out of school and go straight to work, and I don't have time for anything. But luckily, I am taking a break from work and school very soon.. and I need it! I like that quote from the hallvworthington site! I spend like so much of my time trying to discipline myself, teach myself how to absorb the injustices others cause me, instead of passing them on. That's a big problem in the world. Everyone gets hurt, so they feel the need to hurt others. And trust me, others feel that hurt they pass on, and it's just a horrible chain reaction. When people are mean to me, I am constantly trying to absorb it and not just be mean to others. I don't always succeed, but I think I do fairly well. How about you? Whenever I am angry, I exercise or read certain bible passages to help me calm down some. When I say all you have to do is trust God, I do mean when you read the bible, like trusting him in what he says. He says if I tithe 10%, he will richly bless me, so I tithe. I trust him with all my money problems, because he says he will take care of them in time. I trust him to heal me, to lead me, to guide me, give me wisdom, open my eyes to what he's trying to let me know through his word... I trust him to keep me stable in a world that is terrified in the economic situation... just anything I can think of. It's kind of hard to explain, how I depend on him more than I depend on myself: Proverbs 3:5-6 5 Trust the Lord with all your heart, and don't depend on your own understanding. Remember the Lord in all you do, and he will give you success. The bible says to love God with all my heart and soul and strength. I can't really think of a good example of an image of trusting him, but... I guess I'll use a metaphor. Say your trust is money. You can keep all the money to yourself: trust yourself with everything in life, trust yourself to be successful, to make enough money, to take care of your family, to be happy, trusting God with nothing You can keep most of the money to yourself and give a little bit to God: mostly trust yourself with everything, but trust God with a little bit. Like you trust him with your health but not your money or family You can give most of the money to God but keep a little: lets say you trust him to take care of you and your family and to keep you well, but you struggle in trusting him with your finances You can give all the money to God and keep none for yourself: everything you do is for God. You don't depend on yourself for security, but you depend on him. You depend on him more than yourself to take care of your family, to make sure you get the things you need, to bless you and keep you strong. You stop trying to make yourself successful, and stop focusing on yourself, but focus on him, and focus on making him successful by telling people about his kingdom, and causing more people to be saved, etc. It's like you can trust him with bits and pieces of your life, or you can trust him with everything. And from what I know about him, the more you trust him with everything, the more he will bless you for taking that gigantic leap of faith. It's not easy, but well worth what you get from it. Lol I know this is going to make the post so long, but I feel I should share this with you from 'Dying to Live'. Clayton was talking about how he had hit rock bottom in his life: "One evening during this season of despair, I hit my lowest point emotionally. I was upstairs. The room was completely dark. As I lay on my back in bed, the tears had pooled up in my eyes and were hot on my skin. I was rehearsing my good deeds before God and feeling more and more rotten by the second as I tried to convince Him that, based on all my superior goodness, He should heal my mom, re-open Daddy's shop, and get me a full ride to Furman, Wake Forest, or Gardner-Webb. It was not working at all. God wasn't buying it. Neither was I. It was then, out of the blue, as it were, that the very Holy Spirit of God came and stood on my chest. Hard. Right there in the darkness. As if someone had snatched back dark curtains to reveal that it was noon noutside and the sun was shining bright when I thought it was still 3 a.m. and dark, the light cascaded into my mind and my soul. The epiphany was tangible. It was like I could feel the light from the sun on my face, or maybe like I had been doused with a bucket of ice water unexpectedly while my head was turned the other way. What God unveiled to me right then and right there, with pools of hot tears in my eye sockets, took my breath away. Son, I know you are lonely and afraid and confused. But I have not left you. I am simply doing what you asked Me to do and I am using these things to do it. I am breaking you and humbling you to prepare you for what lies ahead and to remind you to trust in Me alone. So trust Me. Not yourself. Not your plans. Not football. Not money. Not scholarships. Just trust Me." So even when it is so tempting to trust ourselves and in our own small plans to succeed, trusting God to succeed for us is what we have to do. And sometimes he has to break us down and humble us to get that point across. When I say I am in pain, it's always emotional pain. Like something bad will happen to me or a friend, some bad situation. And it will cause me to freak out, and so my heart is in pain. I love how God says he won't leave us. Even if everyone else is okay, if he sees we are struggling and are lost, he will chase after us until he retrieves us again. I guess it is like losing your child. If you have 4 children and lose 1, it's not like you say "oh well, at least I have 3." That would be totally heartless. You turn your world upside looking for that child, not sleeping or focusing on anything else until you find them. It's not that you don't love the other 3, but that you love the lost one so much, too. Luke 15:8-9 Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ Luke 15:7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. I am glad that each and every individual is important to God. nondisclosed_email@example.com (deadwednesdays)Wed, 15 Dec 2010 18:20:10 +0000 Re: led into all truthhttps://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p36,from=rss#post36https://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p36,from=rss#post36thank you, i enjoyed making that site. it is the 2nd design for it, cause i got better at css. when you said that the root is deep, it reminded me where it says a little leaven, leavens the whole loaf. since the root spreads throughout the soil, so it can support what's on the outside, and feed it. then, when you said that they start feeling his rich love welling up inside them, it reminded me of: Jhn 4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. when you said, quote:If we had more of this change in the hearts of people, the world would change so much, as people's love for God transformed them inwardly and also outwardly in what they do. i read on the hallvworthington site, yesterday: quote:Suddenly a light in darkness appeared, and I rose up out of my body to view the San Francisco Bay area from the air. I could see how everyone in a chain reaction was passing on the hurts and injustices received from their neighbors to anyone around them, and it just kept going on: injury for injury, insult for insult, blow for blow, anger for anger, etc. No one was absorbing their hurts; everyone was passing them on to others. I understood, if many people would stop passing on their hurts and injustices, the world would be a radically different place. http://www.hallvworthington.com/Journey.htm when you say that trusting god is all you have to do, i was wondering if you have an image in your mind about that, to help you. cause i don't know exactly what you mean... like, when i trust god, it's usually with a bible verse, or something i can trust him in. are you in emotional, or physical pain? oh, and you gave 2 peter again: 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. at first, i totally glossed over the last part, cause i saw perish, but the repentance part is so relevant to the galatian verses: Gal 5:16 [This] I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. Gal 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. and you're totally right about seeing god as our father. it stands to reason, cause he's older and more experienced, and has many children that he has 'begotten', and he, in his wisdom, has a great plan for all of us, so that we can grow into enlightened beings. plus, i like the fact that he'll never leave us. Jos 1:5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, [so] I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.   Jhn 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Mat 18:12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? Mat 18:13 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that [sheep], than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. Mat 18:14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.   nondisclosed_email@example.com (cogs)Wed, 08 Dec 2010 17:14:23 +0000 Re: led into all truthhttps://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p35,from=rss#post35https://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p35,from=rss#post35Yeah, I've been to your site before. It's really nice! You seem to know a lot of stuff about it. You could probably even teach it. Wow!! I really like the way you said that. How God has to first give us a new heart and new Spirit, and that new heart replaces the hard one. The new one isn't hard but one that is fertile and open to God and his truth. These hearts have the seed of truth planted into them, and they grow and the root is really deep. Where they once were apathetic about God, they start feeling his rich love welling up inside them. This is such a beautiful metaphor. Just wanted you to know it really affected my heart because of the way you said it. It made my heart feel closer to God. The Spirit produces this fruit in us, and it replaces all the dirt and grime in our hearts, making them pure. Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. In place of hatred, sorrow, coldness, pride, greed, faithlessness. If we had more of this change in the hearts of people, the world would change so much, as people's love for God transformed them inwardly and also outwardly in what they do. It's not problem, praying for you. If that helped you to be patient, it is worth it. It also helps me to learn to pray more, which I need to do because I keep forgetting to. Trusting God is all you have to do. I struggle with patience sometimes. I feel myself getting impatient with people, with being in pain, with waiting to hear from the Lord. But it's okay. I prayed that the spirit will help keep me from being antsy and impatient. Psalm 40:1-2 I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. Thanks for explaining isaiah 42:3 to me. So Jesus is being patient with you, even when you are strugglng, when you feel weak. I love that about him. He seems so great that it's like "why would he pay any attention to us?", but we are his precious children, and he doesn't want us to be lost: 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. He could ignore us, because he could have better things to do. But we are his focus, even if it takes us awhile to do what he wants us to. I love that. Like a father gets frustrated with their child but they don't give up on them. The Lord is our father. nondisclosed_email@example.com (deadwednesdays)Wed, 08 Dec 2010 12:21:09 +0000 Re: led into all truthhttps://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p34,from=rss#post34https://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p34,from=rss#post34your motivation for following jesus is impressive (i read your post). i like the american standard version of the bible. it's my music theory website in my signature that gets about 20 a day, and i've had it since feb 2009, i think. the reason why i think it's important to work on those galatians verses, is that i think god prepares our hearts by purifying them. when our minds and hearts are both geared toward god's will, it's like fertile ground. i just remembered what he showed me one time: Luk 11:2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. the earth can be like our hearts, which are at first like stony ground: Eze 11:19 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: since the ground is now prepared, it's fertile to plant seed (the spirit speaks god's word):` Mat 13:23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth [it]; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. then comes in the galatian verses, that continue to grow us, producing fruit: Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. so god's will in heaven, is done is us, as the earth. it's just a metaphor, but the reality is getting knowledge of something that displeases god, and obeying his will in it, which produces change within us, that begins to work outwardly (fruit). on monday, i did better than i thought. i could tell my spirit was resisting, and that's natural for it. Rom 8:7 Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. but when you reminded me about patience, that really helped me to wait it out, and to understand that the faith is shown in being patient - with the expectation that i'll hear from god, and/or receive strength. i just have to trust god. thank you so much for praying for me. regarding isaiah 42:3, i was trying to say that i felt weak, and i'm not so strong in the spirit as i would like, but jesus is patient, and can see the bigger picture. so he doesn't immediately write me off, but works with me to make me stronger. here's matthew henry's explanation (go down to IV): matthew henry i'm glad you have that verse about rejoicing in tribulation. when we're in a storm, it seems chaotic, but with god as our guide, we'll still be able to move through it in the right direction. i'll pray that you get assurance that you're getting guidance. nondisclosed_email@example.com (cogs)Tue, 07 Dec 2010 18:07:40 +0000 Re: led into all truthhttps://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p33,from=rss#post33https://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p33,from=rss#post33Thank you for praying for me, too. I'll try to remember praying for you on a daily basis, because I am struggling with praying enough. I need to get back into the habit. That's good that you see God's protection and guidance. That's the main thing that matters. Even if you don't feel him telling you to do anything now, I think that's fine because maybe he just has plans for you a little later. He uses people at all ages, like Abraham and Sarah, lol. But as long as you're growing, you're fine. I can tell you really like the King James version. I need to buy me a version of that bible because I really like the language it uses. I use the NIV and also the New Century version. Those Matthew verses are so true. I feel like it's not enough to just say you are Christian, but to try to really live that out in your life. And even if you are living it out, you have to try to keep your heart in the right place. It is true that faith without works is dead, but also is true that you can actions won't get you into heaven, your heart having faith in Christ will, alone. So you can't do nothing but you also can't be all legalistic, either. It's a balance. My site gets anywhere from between like 2 to 20 views a day. A lot of times in the teens. Most I ever got in a day so far is 61. How long have you had your blog? I've been working on mine since June of last year. I'm always trying to figure out ways to draw in more people, because I feel like the message is so important. I wish I knew places to advertise. I prayed that you can make it through the rest of the week, trying to put him first. How did you do on monday? The Matthew 13 verses... I don't want to be like those guys either! It's amazing that I read that and people come to mind who I know that are like that. I certainly hope I am not. I want to be the guy where the seed takes root and a bunch of crops come up. Matthew 13:23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” Isaiah 42:3- could you explain that to me? Explain what you mean? So I can kind of get a better understanding of it. This is basically how I am feeling at the moment: 1 Peter 4:12-13 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. I feel like I am constantly pushed into all sorts of trouble that I can't really get myself out of on my own, and so I am forced to depend on the Lord more. It's a really difficult struggle, but I am trying my hardest to stay true to my faith. nondisclosed_email@example.com (deadwednesdays)Tue, 07 Dec 2010 08:17:14 +0000 Re: led into all truthhttps://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p32,from=rss#post32https://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p32,from=rss#post32lol have more to say... i don't want to become like these guys: Mat 13:19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth [it] not, then cometh the wicked [one], and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. Mat 13:20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Mat 13:21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. Mat 13:22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. but here's the way i feel recently: Isa 42:3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. i'm thankful that you prayed for patience for us. i think we'll have to learn it. nondisclosed_email@example.com (cogs)Mon, 06 Dec 2010 19:24:27 +0000 Re: led into all truthhttps://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p31,from=rss#post31https://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p31,from=rss#post31i pray for your decision, one way or the other. it is a responsibility, since you'd have to keep up with it over time. and thank you for praying for me. no, i don't have anything extra that i think god is telling me to do. it's enough, now, i think, to grow in purity and learn god's will. perhaps he'll direct me later. however, i know that he's led me through my life, cause i can see his protection and guidance over time. that scripture in galatians is so good, i'll give it again, from the king james: Gal 5:16 [This] I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. Gal 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. this is the crux of christianity, i believe. we can do anything in god's name, but we must be working the galatian scripture out in our lives. also: Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. i look forward to reading your post on the blog. do you get much traffic? my site gets like 20 people a day on average. also, i wanted to say that today's monday, and i always have trouble coming off the weekend, and trying to live in god's spirit. it's like my spirit fights with my mind to not listen, and get its own way. it's a close example of the galatian scripture. i think part of the problem is being tired, so i'm spiritually weak. i think i'll meditate tomorrow morning. have a great day, and read you later. nondisclosed_email@example.com (cogs)Mon, 06 Dec 2010 17:52:46 +0000 Re: led into all truthhttps://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p30,from=rss#post30https://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p30,from=rss#post30That's so true! We can experience that freedom from sin while we are alive. I find that the more that I submit myself to Jesus, the more I am free from that feeling of constant, unbearable sin in my life. It is hard to accept God's will when we have our own. It feels so much like this is my life. I will do what I want. It's hard to learn to open our eyes everday and realize, "hey, God's plans are better than mine, so he needs to be in control". Galations 5:16-17 So I tell you: Live by following the Spirit. Then you will not do what your sinful selves want. Our sinful selves want what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit wants what is against our sinful selves. The two are against each other, so you cannot do just what you please. I am publishing a post tomorrow about how as Christians, our love for God should shine through our actions, not just our words. Sometimes I have a really hard time with that, because I still want to do what I want to do.. But I am growing. I can tell you have a passion in your heart for the Lord, and you are trying to grow stronger with him. I'll pray for you. I'll be sure to share any new insights with you! Do you have any idea what God has called you to do in your life? I feel called to worship him through music, and then he told me that later in life, after that, I would preach. Always seems interesting that I'll have 2 different careers at different times. But I'm working very hard on those. I always love finding out from God what he wants me to do with my life. Another thing.. I am thinking of Sponsoring a child through this program called Compassion, and it's where you pay $38 a month, to take care of the physical needs of hurting children, like food and clothes. And also take care of their spiritual needs. You can write them letters and tell them about the hope in Jesus, and about how they can find strength in him while everything else sucks. They'd form a relationship with me, and more importantly, Jesus. They would write back. I know I'm only 18, but I really have plenty of money to do this.. I work, I have some saved up, and I just would like you to pray that the Lord reveals to me if I should do this. It's a lot of responsibilty, but I have so much love for children such as these. nondisclosed_email@example.com (deadwednesdays)Mon, 06 Dec 2010 14:07:48 +0000 Re: led into all truthhttps://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p29,from=rss#post29https://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p29,from=rss#post29i replied to your pm, thank you. quote:In Dying to live, Clayton says we stop struggling when Jesus comes back, and also says: on the hallvworthington website, he says that it's possible to experience that while alive, since jesus can return within our hearts, and we can be purified (sanctified) to the point of not sinning anymore, since, quote:Dying to live happens slowly as new life replaces the old, as we remain in the life-giving vine of Christ i don't believe we have to hope as if we don't know if we're growing - i think we'll know very well we're growing since we'll be in contact with god, like you said, quote:Sometimes, God lets me know that I am doing a good job in my walk with him i'm glad you have felt god's love, so i know i'm not the only one. honestly, i think following god is worth it, since he gives us love and peace... otherwise we'd just be going contrary to our natures, for no reason other than to please god. Phl 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 1Jo 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. you're right about struggling. it's a struggle to put myself aside to try to listen to his way (the way of truth and life). my normal habit is not to want god's will (because of my own will). i came to the conclusion that as well as loving jesus with words, we can love him with our lives, by going through the process of learning his will for our lives, then doing that will, once it's learned (no matter our age, since i believe people are at different developmental stages spiritually). you seem to respect god very much. Psa 111:10 The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do [his commandments]: his praise endureth for ever. if i get any new insights from god, i'll tell you, and i hope you share yours with me. nondisclosed_email@example.com (cogs)Mon, 06 Dec 2010 09:52:37 +0000 Re: led into all truthhttps://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p28,from=rss#post28https://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p28,from=rss#post28Yeah, we do really have to grow as Christians. Sometimes, God lets me know that I am doing a good job in my walk with him.. but I have to remember to never let that fool me into believing that I don't need help. Like I was reading this book last night, "Dying to Live" by Clayton King, and it talks about the paradox that we have to die to ourselves in order to gain life in Christ. Put ourselves aside in order to let him lead us. After reading some of it, I was blown away at how much closer I felt to God because of it. We truly can never stop growing, we can never be enough like Christ. Reading that gave me a lot of strength. Yeah, I got your test message, I replied back. I forgot you said you would send that, lol. You said you have been searching for many years, and you're 43. I am only 18 and I appreciate you sharing what you know with me, so I don't have to feel so lost. You searched and you found what you needed, so now I can have help when I am searching. A huge part of being Christian is struggling, trying to focus on God, while fighting our own sinful nature. I struggle a lot, too. sometimes with anger and lust and learning to always put others in front of myself. In Dying to live, Clayton says we stop struggling when Jesus comes back, and also says: "Until we are made perfect and complete in Him, we will remain in the crucible of pain, walking the narrow and rocky road holding onto an unseen hand of grace, hoping that the life of Christ is growing in us as the old nature and its habits die a little bit more each step of the journey. Dying to live happens slowly as new life replaces the old, as we remain in the life-giving vine of Christ...God will not give up on you. He owns you adn He will keep working with your lump of clay until the useful vessel He desires emerges... Our hope when we slip back into old habits of selfishness, materialism, and competition is that we don't have to fight those battles on our own. There is a greater power at work in us and He is not going to bail out on what He has already begun." So it will be a struggle, but we will never be alone. Christ will lead us and guide us, and won't give up on us. He invested everything in us. I think you're right about feeling God's love. Sometimes I get so lonely and I cry, and I'll be so desperate for God and wonder why he seems to leave me. But I know he never actually leaves me. Then, I'll feel overwhelmed by his love. It's the kind of love that I know has to be from God, because no one else has really been around to show me that love. I try to love others with that same kind of love, too.nondisclosed_email@example.com (deadwednesdays)Mon, 06 Dec 2010 08:21:36 +0000 Re: led into all truthhttps://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p27,from=rss#post27https://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p27,from=rss#post27yes, it really shows. part of being a christian is growing. honestly, i think that god has to grow us, cause like a plant, we can't water and feed ourselves. so i'm wondering if i'll get to a point where i'm allowing god to grow me. i think also, that even if you're not meditating, you can hear at times, from god. oh, and i totally understand working, especially if you don't work near a computer. did you get my test pm, so i know i'm sending to the right person? that way i can send my name, but i'll tell you i'm 43 cause i already put that on d.a. that's why i said that i've been looking for the info for many years. god led me to a place where i could understand a few things. now, i hope that open hearts like yours can learn, and not have to search forever for something useable in christianity. the fact that you're humble enough to have faith that god is real, will help you to grow. and thanks for getting back to me oh, and to spend time with god, i read the bible, i try to love and be open to people, to see how god speaks and works through me. and of course i give to those i see in need. on the other side of it, i think it's a struggle to not do what god dislikes. i'm still learning, so like i said, perhaps there'll come a point where i'm growing in a way that is really evident. also, you were talking about pain, and feeling god's love. i have all of a sudden felt a lot of love, when i was feeling sad. i think it was too much love and peace to not be god. i would beg god not to leave, but i know he's always here. i just wanted to feel that love all the time. that may be why it's so important to grow in god's spirit, cause we can love each other like that.nondisclosed_email@example.com (cogs)Mon, 06 Dec 2010 03:02:54 +0000 Re: led into all truthhttps://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p26,from=rss#post26https://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p26,from=rss#post26sorry- I get busy with work and stuff. I hate that 'cause I really enjoy talking to you. Anyway, I like how you were talking about how God reads your heart. It is so true! My pastor was once talking about how one time, there was this group of people in church, and there were a bunch of wealthy people who were tithing and what not, and they could tithe a lot. Then, there was one lady there who was really poor, and could really only give some change to the church. That was all she really had, and she gave it all. My pastor said God told him that what the lady gave was worth much more than what the men gave. He saw what was in her heart. She had little, but she gave it all with a heart fully in love with God. The men had plenty to give, and gave a lot more, but their hearts were not in it like hers. She was desperate, it took more love for Christ to give that money. The men weren't, and so it was easy and didn't really come from the heart. I always try to live by making sure that I love Jesus, inwardly. Yeah, you can go to church and give and talk about Jesus. But what he is really concerned about is the changed heart. I try to make sure that in my heart, I trust him, love him, show humility towards him. The inward love will eventually be reflected into the things I do, such as giving more, praying more, etc. But the change must start inwardly at first. 1 Samuel 16: 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” I feel like I keep putting mediation off, but I am certain it helps. You can always grow from spending time with God like that. What else do you do to spend your time with God? I try praying, reading the bible daily... when I'm heart broken, I write down the things that are bothering me, and then find encouraging bible quotes on them... of course, I draw, write poetry, sing, give money for his name.. I have so much love in my heart for Jesus, that I try to make sure that literally everything I do reflects how much I love him. I. e. working. I work so I can tithe and give to charities that give people clothes and food but also tell about Jesus. I'm always trying to outdo myself, lol. Like an endless competition with myself... to be the best me I can be for Christ.nondisclosed_email@example.com (deadwednesdays)Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:05:56 +0000 Re: led into all truthhttps://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p25,from=rss#post25https://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p25,from=rss#post25i'll send my name in a pm, when i get your reply back i don't meditate every day, but i do it pretty regularly. i'm wanting to get to the point i can listen while doing anything. i'm glad you talked about patience. i do think god wants us to learn patience, because it's a part of faith, also a part of humility. like, sometimes i want an answer, but i realize if i just give it some time, god will answer in his own way. i'm glad that god comforted you, since that's what the holy spirit is called. also, you were wondering who was speaking, and i think it's the spirit speaking through your mind. they say he also speaks audibly, but i've not heard that (which may be scary). and, i'm glad you know that god reads your heart, cause you'll learn that you don't really even need words, just a simple impulse, especially when you're communicating spiritually, which requires nothing physical (which bogs the mind down anyway). i think that's why there's such a 'knowing' when god imparts knowledge, because we're so used to thinking in serial, with one thought or word after the next. but god can 'upload' to our minds in parallel (all at once). i also believe he can work within us, without our even knowing what he's doing (with our invitation of course). after all, the lame man had no idea how his body was being healed by jesus. he just knew the results. i'm glad you're willing to try listening. the early quakers were called 'quietists', since they listened more than spoke. if you don't have any expectation, you can find out what he wants you to know. like, if you put your will aside to find out his. a verse about patience: Dan 10:12 Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. Dan 10:13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. Dan 10:14 Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision [is] for [many] days.     nondisclosed_email@example.com (cogs)Thu, 02 Dec 2010 19:57:56 +0000 Re: led into all truthhttps://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p24,from=rss#post24https://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p24,from=rss#post24Thanks! I prayed for you, too. I think I am going to try meditation. Like maybe 10 minutes every morning, I want to pray to God, asking him to tell me what he would like me to accomplish that day. Then I'll hush my heart and listen for his answer. I remember the first time that I did that, I did not get an answer with words, and I had been really sad and about to cry earlier. A few minutes after I stopped the meditating, the pieces started falling into place in my heart. I was thinking "yeah, I'm sad and feel like crying, but this pain hurts so much less than the pain I used to feel when Jesus was not with me at all. This pain with him feels better than the joy I had when my heart was in the world." It felt really amazing. I felt like getting up and dancing and being happy, it made me feel so awesome. Even if he doesn't speak sometimes, I don't mind him answering my prayers like that. He answered how I could feel better without saying anything. I'll keep listening. Do you meditate daily? I love Rom 8:26 because sometimes I feel really weak and I don't know how to ask God for exactly what I need, so I pray that the Spirit will tell him exactly what I need. I know he knows the contents of my heart, and I know he knows how to heal me better than I know how to heal myself. So I love this verse! Lol, you mean JC on the picture? Haha I always wonder if people will think I'm talking about Jesus. It's actually Jennifer Clayton, my name. Maybe I should use my whole name next time. By the way, what's your real name? It's crazy that we've started talking and I don't really know your name. Romans 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end I try to remember that God does things in his own time, not my own time. So I have to be patient. I know it may seem like he is taking forever, but that's okay: 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. I pray that you and I have more patience, I know God has plan for me, and you, and everyone else. nondisclosed_email@example.com (deadwednesdays)Thu, 02 Dec 2010 18:24:03 +0000 Re: led into all truthhttps://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p23,from=rss#post23https://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p23,from=rss#post23ah the internet went down and i had to rewrite this reply... you have a lot of things to think about. i like that you obey what god tells you. i'll pray that he blesses you more and more. i can tell that you have god's spirit, like you said, calm and sweet and loving. i would add that you seem patient. you asked what might help to make god speak to you more. it's not really up to us, but the website tells about meditation, not like an eastern thing in order to tap into power, but like simply listening. you quiet your mind, that's racing here and there, enough to actually attempt to hear the calm small voice of god. it's the spirit of god in us that will relay thoughts to our heart and mind. Rom 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Rom 8:27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what [is] the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to [the will of] God. god will speak when he chooses. Jhn 3:8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. he reminded me about john 5, where the pool is disturbed by an angel, but some man is too lame to reach it, so jesus heals him. it's like that with the spirit, that we're too spiritually lame to enter into the waves that god's making. so we have to come to jesus, as our only hope. i'm happy to listen to your words of faith, and i thought that the 'jc' in your art was for jesus christ, lol.   nondisclosed_email@example.com (cogs)Thu, 02 Dec 2010 02:08:44 +0000 Re: led into all truthhttps://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p22,from=rss#post22https://batypicaljesus.runboard.com/p22,from=rss#post22Sorry about taking so long to respond.. I've been working right after school and was stressed because of exams and what not. Lol It's so cool that you try to return to the same place where you heard God speaking to you before, even though the apartment complex is there now. He just might show up again. I know I've felt like that, trying to return to certain things to hear God's voice. For example, I was sitting in a room at my church one day, and one of the preachers told me that God wanted me to read something in Nehemiah. I couldn't remember exactly what, because in the room, we were discussing some serious issues I had, and I was all freaked out and couldn't focus on that. I wish I could have, though! I regret that I have no idea what the passage was, so I've been searching through Nehemiah and trying to take in the whole message, and maybe have some insight into what God wanted me to read. It means too much for me not to care. I find myself constantly trying to go up and beyond for him. Like when he told me to pray with my sister that night, I prayed with her that night and a bunch of nights after that. I was trying to go above and beyond what he said, because he goes above and beyond for us: Malachi 3:10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. So if we do even the bare minimum he asks of us, he will bless us more than we deserve to be blessed. So since he goes up and beyond for me, I do the same for him. Jesus dying for me was going up and beyond for me. I can't stand when people just settle for doing the bare minimum that God wants. I've always felt like that. That knowing feeling is really awesome. I just wish I had a way to tap into that power more. I was reading that website you gave me the link to, and it might take me some time to figure out how to get the Lord to speak to me more. Do you know anything specifically that works? I talk to God everyday, just in case he decides to speak up. Sometimes, he won't actually say words to me, but put in my heart what he wants me to do, with like a feeling that I know is from him, and I like those, too. He is always very calm and sweet and loving when he speaks to me. It's so funny because sometimes when my preacher talks about how God speaks to him, it's like God obviously knows he does some stupid stuff and he treats him as if he is ignorant a lot of times. I guess it's just the different nature of our hearts. Maybe he's more stubborn towards God than me sometimes. lolnondisclosed_email@example.com (deadwednesdays)Thu, 02 Dec 2010 00:33:44 +0000