Questions...

[dayofhope]

I have some important (to me) questions. I apologize in advance for pretty much writing a book. I'm a Christian already, don't get me wrong. But my faith hasn't been as strong as it used to be. I feel like my flame has been put out...

Question #1) How do you read the Bible? I know I'm supposed to say a prayer asking God that He shows me what He wants me to see when I'm reading, but... what am I looking for? How do people "study" the Bible? How do people find answers about life questions through it? I think it's interesting to read and everything, but I never really know what I'm personally supposed to get out of it? Other than things like the Ten Commandments that are pretty specific on what not to do, etc.

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Question #2) How do you know when the Lord is leading you to do something? Whenever I have an idea to do something, I never know if it's just my idea or if God is leading me to it. I pray about it, but I don't really feel like I get any leads?

Question #3) Talking about God's love to others.... what exactly do you say? I'm not very good at this, but I would like to be. I'm in high school. So, how do you just start a conversational about how Great our God is without scaring the other person off? I know I shouldn't be afraid of that, but the thing is, I don't want them to get weirded out and pushed farther from God. So, how do I tell them about God and have them interested to hear more and let God move in their hearts?

Question #4) Lately, I really haven't been feeling the spirit... for long periods of time, I don't feel it at all. I've felt it before enough to know for sure that I'll never doubt Him, but what about when (like now) I never feel it? When this happens, I feel like I'm doing something wrong. Like maybe I'm not dedicating myself enough, or like I'm holding something in my heart away from Him. But I remember it happening before, and I was reading the Bible like CRAZY, and I don't remember it helping much? Like I try to be kind and show God's love to others, but I still feel nothing? It will almost feel like I'm using my head instead of my heart.

Question #5) How do I keep myself on fire for Christ? Even when my friend and I were talking about God,(question #7) it felt like I was using my MIND to answer everything, and not my heart. I STILL felt nothing. I don't want to be a lukewarm Christian! I want to serve God! I want to be "a woman of Jesus's own heart." How do I do this when I feel like there's just... nothing? And I have prayed about this, but it doesn't help? I don't think there's any dark corner of my heart that I'm holding from Him. And I'm pretty sure I talk to Him like I used to, like a friend. But.... this is going to sound bad but lately when I'm praying I feel like I'm just talking to myself in my head???
<o> </o>
Not personal question, but just wondering kinda questions:

Question #6) I read a book recently talking about gay people. I know the Bible doesn't approve of being gay, and to hate the sin but love the sinner. And FYI, I am not gay. I just wanted to know what you guys think about the point someone made: they said a certain percent of people (I forgot the real number) in the world have been gay, and that the number has been the same for as long as we know. (This is from a book, I'm not sure at all if this is true.) Okay, let's say the book said 15% of people in the world are gay. It made the point that obviously this number cannot be hereditary, because gay people can't exactly reproduce. And since I as a woman didn't wake up one day and think "I like males," than most people probably did not wake up thinking they like the same gender. It just came automatically. So, since acting on gayness is a sin, the book is asking if God wants those 15% to never be happy. (I wasn't researching this, it was a fiction book I randomly picked off the shelf and I had no idea it would be partly about this.) I'm not sure what to think about this? I mean, I know I shouldn’t question God about that stuff, I’m just not sure what my personal opinion about this is.


Question #7) I have a friend who is Mormon. So one night we were talking, a lot about God. We were comparing Christianity to the Mormon faith, and she was telling me about things like pre-existance (which I didn't really believe, no offense if anyone does) and a place called Paradise that is separate from Heaven where we go after we die, and learn about God for those who never had the chance to. Kind of like a second chance. "Then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.' <SUP>43 </SUP>Jesus answered him, 'I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.'" (Luke 23:42-43) Now, maybe paradise is heaven, but maybe it's not? I mean when judgement day comes, some believe bodies will be taken from the graves. (This might actually be in the Bible, I don't remember) but if they needed the bodies in Heaven, why would they just then get them? So anyway, the main question about that was the one about Paradise. It makes some sense in my head, mostly because if people in the last years during Revelation get another wake up call, then why wouldn't those who died before it get one? (And all of those who died without knowing anything about Christ.) And why would you be taken up to Heaven, then later judged, and let back in? I'm just wondering if there's something in the bible that disproves this, or further
proves this.


Again, I'm sorry for pretty much writing a book... Lol. Thank you for reading it, and I'm really hoping someone will have the answers I'm looking for.

 

[Thiscrosshurts]

Wow
That is a lot of excellent questions.This kind of examination shows the work of both Word and Spirit that is taking place in you.
I would like to address the feeling that the flame has gone out first because it is the easiest.

Here goes:
I like that old time rock and roll,that kinda music just soothes the soul.
You are a Spirit that has a soul that lives in a body.
Feelings come from the body(for sure) and possibly the soul if the song is correct.
The Spirit is eternal and out of time.There is no feeling in the Spirit.
The Word feeds the Spirit and can overflow to the soul.
The world feeds the body and can overflow to the soul.

The body is constantly feeding the soul so the Spirit has a lot of catching up to do.
Jesus said the Spirit is willing but the flesh(body) is weak.
That's why the necessity to pray without ceasing to keep the Spirit so engorged that it is constantly watering the soul.
A saturated soul will produce the "joy of the Lord" by taking over even the body and hence the feeling of "on fire".

However "on fire" is an action on our part to saturate ourselves with the word and walk in the Spirit.If we can perfect this constant out flowing "rivers of living water" will pour out of us and our love of others that comes from this will be our witness.

If your doing the same things nothing has changed with God.Your soul can become more accustomed to his filling and we are tested if we qualify.His mercy is forever but it is also renewed every morning.
The inflowing does tickle the flesh but saturation of soul and flesh will produce joy and stable love.

 

[David777]

Dear DayOfHope,

What to look for when you read the Bible?

Search through the New Testament for Jesus Christ. This is the reason the N.T was written. Find out everything you can about Jesus Christ. Next, explore what the Christian life is, just how do I live the life of Christ. This will require years of reading, the Holy Spirit will open your heart to Jesus more and more as you go.

 

[WantToKnowHim]

I have some important (to me) questions. I apologize in advance for pretty much writing a book. I'm a Christian already, don't get me wrong. But my faith hasn't been as strong as it used to be. I feel like my flame has been put out...

Question #1) How do you read the Bible? I know I'm supposed to say a prayer asking God that He shows me what He wants me to see when I'm reading, but... what am I looking for? How do people "study" the Bible? How do people find answers about life questions through it? I think it's interesting to read and everything, but I never really know what I'm personally supposed to get out of it? Other than things like the Ten Commandments that are pretty specific on what not to do, etc.

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Question #2) How do you know when the Lord is leading you to do something? Whenever I have an idea to do something, I never know if it's just my idea or if God is leading me to it. I pray about it, but I don't really feel like I get any leads?

Question #3) Talking about God's love to others.... what exactly do you say? I'm not very good at this, but I would like to be. I'm in high school. So, how do you just start a conversational about how Great our God is without scaring the other person off? I know I shouldn't be afraid of that, but the thing is, I don't want them to get weirded out and pushed farther from God. So, how do I tell them about God and have them interested to hear more and let God move in their hearts?

Question #4) Lately, I really haven't been feeling the spirit... for long periods of time, I don't feel it at all. I've felt it before enough to know for sure that I'll never doubt Him, but what about when (like now) I never feel it? When this happens, I feel like I'm doing something wrong. Like maybe I'm not dedicating myself enough, or like I'm holding something in my heart away from Him. But I remember it happening before, and I was reading the Bible like CRAZY, and I don't remember it helping much? Like I try to be kind and show God's love to others, but I still feel nothing? It will almost feel like I'm using my head instead of my heart.

Question #5) How do I keep myself on fire for Christ? Even when my friend and I were talking about God,(question #7) it felt like I was using my MIND to answer everything, and not my heart. I STILL felt nothing. I don't want to be a lukewarm Christian! I want to serve God! I want to be "a woman of Jesus's own heart." How do I do this when I feel like there's just... nothing? And I have prayed about this, but it doesn't help? I don't think there's any dark corner of my heart that I'm holding from Him. And I'm pretty sure I talk to Him like I used to, like a friend. But.... this is going to sound bad but lately when I'm praying I feel like I'm just talking to myself in my head???
<o> </o>
Not personal question, but just wondering kinda questions:

Question #6) I read a book recently talking about gay people. I know the Bible doesn't approve of being gay, and to hate the sin but love the sinner. And FYI, I am not gay. I just wanted to know what you guys think about the point someone made: they said a certain percent of people (I forgot the real number) in the world have been gay, and that the number has been the same for as long as we know. (This is from a book, I'm not sure at all if this is true.) Okay, let's say the book said 15% of people in the world are gay. It made the point that obviously this number cannot be hereditary, because gay people can't exactly reproduce. And since I as a woman didn't wake up one day and think "I like males," than most people probably did not wake up thinking they like the same gender. It just came automatically. So, since acting on gayness is a sin, the book is asking if God wants those 15% to never be happy. (I wasn't researching this, it was a fiction book I randomly picked off the shelf and I had no idea it would be partly about this.) I'm not sure what to think about this? I mean, I know I shouldn’t question God about that stuff, I’m just not sure what my personal opinion about this is.


Question #7) I have a friend who is Mormon. So one night we were talking, a lot about God. We were comparing Christianity to the Mormon faith, and she was telling me about things like pre-existance (which I didn't really believe, no offense if anyone does) and a place called Paradise that is separate from Heaven where we go after we die, and learn about God for those who never had the chance to. Kind of like a second chance. "Then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.' <SUP>43 </SUP>Jesus answered him, 'I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.'" (Luke 23:42-43) Now, maybe paradise is heaven, but maybe it's not? I mean when judgement day comes, some believe bodies will be taken from the graves. (This might actually be in the Bible, I don't remember) but if they needed the bodies in Heaven, why would they just then get them? So anyway, the main question about that was the one about Paradise. It makes some sense in my head, mostly because if people in the last years during Revelation get another wake up call, then why wouldn't those who died before it get one? (And all of those who died without knowing anything about Christ.) And why would you be taken up to Heaven, then later judged, and let back in? I'm just wondering if there's something in the bible that disproves this, or further
proves this.


Again, I'm sorry for pretty much writing a book... Lol. Thank you for reading it, and I'm really hoping someone will have the answers I'm looking for.

For your first question, you must read the bible and meditate on it. Look for the passage that you feel "hits" your heart. Then read the passage once more, and relate this passage to your daily life. Do I experience things like this? Do I accomplish this in my life? This is reflection...And for "what-not-to-do" problem, always PRAY FIRST. Ask for the Holy Spirit, and then you will soon feel your heart skips a beat on something...and you will soon understand the passages.


For the second question, it is a matter of what we call LOVE. There is a certain urge like " I must do this for it is better for him/her to know it.Or else..." That is love. You know that you need to do something when you know it is for her good. That is when God tells you that you must do it..

For the third question, I also felt the same way you described when I talked about GOD. But you see, love knows no shame. It knows no bounds. You show love when you don't mind to be ridiculed, to be despised afterwards. Because when you love, you will have this responsibility to save everybody.

And to avoid scaring people off, try to talk with the people when they talk about their plans, their problems and as such. HEAR them first.sayThen RELATE yourself, and TESTIFY. It worked for me at a time, especially when they feel down. . Say for example you are talking about your grades, and them he/she had a problem in Geometry. Say "you know I also had this problem in my Physics. But you know what, when I pray.." That's it. You may not say bible passages, but when you relate how God changed your life (EVEN THE LITTLEST DETAILS) everyday, you helped him/her to become a believer. Then when you can see that it is not quite awkward anymore to talk about passages in the bible you can now talk with him/her about it.

The fourth and fifth question,,,ahh,,,that's what we call "BELIEVING BECAUSE I FEEL IT" You know, I am a victim of that for some time.. Whether you feel Him or not, it doesn't matter. There is still God,, but sometimes you do not feel it..It is very,very different in AWAY from him. God is never away...thing is, the devil wants you to believe that God is there when you feel Him,and away when not. God never change..
Malachi 3:6 "I am the LORD, and I do not change." Sinner, He loves us. Saints, He loves us. Life is practicing God's will. And when you believe in Him, He never,ever leaves you. Even you put your toe away from Him, He will follow you. That's how He loves us.
And not at all times you need that feeling. There is your heart to feel. There is your mind to accomplish.
You know, I am quite a foolish because I talk to God in my head..when I brush my teeth, when I saw my crush, when I eat, when I am crying. Try to incorporate God in every details in your life. Like when you saw that cute guy over there..well,,instead of calling to your friend at the dead of the night talk to God like a friend. Also, tell Him how hurt you are. Tell Him your doubts, your anger towards Him (if any)That's how I pray, really. I incorporate God in everything. And then you will soon feel your relation to Him going deeper and deeper.


The gay question? Well, in my opinion, when you are tempted to be a gay is satan's provoking strategy, and not a sin. When you fall from it, it is a sin. Though I cannot judge gays. God has only the right to judge..


On the thing about paradise, many religions have many views about it.
But just let us put it in this way..I cannot say that it is a place where souls will go up or bodies will be alive as well..but the most important for me to know is GOD IS THERE,I feel safe. And that is paradise.


By the way, I am a teenager like you. Try to cultivate your relation with God by "praying-talking" with Him, by reading AND understanding the bible ( I am guilty of not reading bible often.However I try to reflect about it little by little, say a passage for a week so that it will be on my mind...) and by joining communities that will cultivate you further with God..sooner you'll have that flaming torch of God's love in your heart..

And do not let the devil rust these habits!!!Practice makes you not perfect, but makes you more better...a better believer of Christ until we meet Him..

Hope I help//

 

[dayofhope]

Search through the New Testament for Jesus Christ. This is the reason the N.T was written. Find out everything you can about Jesus Christ. Next, explore what the Christian life is, just how do I live the life of Christ. This will require years of reading, the Holy Spirit will open your heart to Jesus more and more as you go.

I have read several of the New Testament books, and I do know quite a bit about it, although I don't claim to be an expert, and I do have a lot of learning to do still. But I did grow up in a Christian house and church, and I've known Christ as long as I can remember, so the NT isn't entirely new to me.

For your first question, you must read the bible and meditate on it. Look for the passage that you feel "hits" your heart. Then read the passage once more, and relate this passage to your daily life. Do I experience things like this? Do I accomplish this in my life? This is reflection...And for "what-not-to-do" problem, always PRAY FIRST. Ask for the Holy Spirit, and then you will soon feel your heart skips a beat on something...and you will soon understand the passages.

Any suggestions on where to start with doing this, like what book in the Bible?

I love being able to " feel the spirit " but I guess I really shouldn't depend on that.

You know, I am quite a foolish because I talk to God in my head..when I brush my teeth, when I saw my crush, when I eat, when I am crying. Try to incorporate God in every details in your life. Like when you saw that cute guy over there..well,,instead of calling to your friend at the dead of the night talk to God like a friend. Also, tell Him how hurt you are. Tell Him your doubts, your anger towards Him (if any)That's how I pray, really. I incorporate God in everything. And then you will soon feel your relation to Him going deeper and deeper.

I've tried doing this, and I would love to be better at it... but it still feels like I'm just kinda thinking in my head? How do I pray in a way I'm definitely talking to God?

Thank you for all of your answers. They have been very helpful. I'm still not sure on the question about how to know when God is leading you to do something?

 

[WantToKnowHim]

If you need a guide in which what to read first, try to have a bible planner.


I think that there is in no way that you are not talking to God . Every thoughts and feelings, every ideas, God knows that. For

Lk:16:15:... God knoweth your hearts...

and if He hears even the deepest desires of your hearts, wouldn't it be better if we say it to Him?

Hope we both be successful..I myself is still in the practising stage.

I'll pray for you.

Hope this helps.

 

[Stickz]

Hello dayofhope,

Peace be unto you.

It looks like I'm about three months behind, sorry.

Many people will tell you to start in the New Testament because that's what we go by today—and that's okay—I was told the same thing when I first got started. But there are a lot of things that you'll never fully understand in the New Testament without having a good understanding of the Old Testament. It is like watching the third or fourth part of a movie without having seen the previous parts, especially if the movie has a deep story line and complex characters. The New Testament refers to the Old Testament hundreds of times, so it just makes sense that knowing what had happened in the Old Testament would prove to be valuable information when trying to understand the New Testament, right?

If you truly want to understand the Bible, show the Lord by reading it as often as you get the chance, asking Him always to help you to understand what you're reading. I have been reading it for over twenty years and I'm still not sure what to believe about certain things. In the last two years, though, a lot has changed for me. Keep at it. The Lord likes persistence.

James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Knowing when God is leading you to do something? When you have questions like this, look them up in the Bible; that is one way to study the Bible. Having questions is where it all starts. Having access to a Strong's Concordance is helpful when studying the Bible. You may be able to get access to a Strong's online if you do not have one in the house already.

You will get different answers from different people no matter the question when it comes to the Bible and God. And that is why it is very important for you to have your own relationship with God. My answer is, if you aren't sure that it's God, then it isn't. If there's any doubt, then it isn't Him. Search the Bible, see if you can find any examples of the things that you are experiencing. All of the answers are in that book, and in personal time ( prayer ) with the Lord.

Talking to other people about the Lord just takes time.

I can tell by your post that you are intelligent, just keep at it. Read and pray often. You'll get it.

Question six: I think that part of the problem that God has with gay relationships is that they can't become one flesh. They can't reproduce together.

For years the experts have been saying that people are born with tendencies. They're sure that the brain of a serial killer is different from the average brain. Some of that may be true. It's not really my area of expertise, so I don't really know what to think about it. We may very well be born with certain tendencies. Each one of us with different sets of tendencies to deal with in our lives. Which ones are okay to have?

Should fathers drink because they inherited it? Should pedophiles be encouraged in their sin? Should all serial killers be released from their prisons to enjoy what they like doing? Liars? Adulterers? Porn and drug addicts? Thieves? Greed? Arsonists? We can't really encourage any of it because it ends up hurting others in some way. What would happen if everyone decided to be gay? No children would be born, and we'd become extinct in a hundred years.

God designed things to be this way for a reason. And I'm sure that I don't fully understand all of His reason. But I do understand this: God didn't just create us and start throwing random rules our way. All of His laws are there to protect us, to protect others, better us, and not to take the fun out of life. What kind of person is grieved by laws?

Since it has been three months, how are you looking on your question seven? Have you searched the Bible for the answer? If so, what have you discovered?

 

[dayofhope]

WantToKnowHim;; you're right, there really is no way He /doesn't/ hear us. Thanks for mentioning that, it helped. : )

Stickz;; Lately I have been reading about a page of my Bible every weekday, currently in 1st Corinthians. I've found that, rather than reading before falling asleep (which I was usually too exhausted to do) it helps to read it right after school and right after have prayer as a sort of quiet time. I see what you mean about needing to know the Old Testament as well, and I'll definitely read it sometime. (Right now I kinda just choose a chapter at random.)

Your point about gay relationships makes sense, although I'm sure there's more to it too, along with your point about criminals. The idea of them having some sort of brain difference in some ways sounds like an excuse, although it may be true, but does that mean if a child is born with the brain tendency of a murderer, is that their set path in life? Somehow it seems like there is more choice than that. Or maybe it's a reaction (possibly affecting the brain too) to what life has thrown their way. I really don't know what to believe, I've never been very good at thinking too much into that topic.. lol. I pretty much just treat people who are gay the same way as anyone without any judgements, since that's definitely not my place to judge~~

I'm still kind of iffy on the whole if-you-don't-know-for-sure-it's-God-then-it-isn't thing, if only because I don't know if my relationship is strong enough with Him at this point to really know for sure when I hear it. Like, I'll feel like it is from Him, but it won't be 100% sure about it. And I'm not really sure how to get answers in prayer, since I'll usually just pray about something and wait for whatever is to happen happens (unless that's what you meant to do?)

For question seven, I've concluded that Paradise may or may not exist, but I'm leaning more towards it existing. And upon further thought into it, I still do not believe in pre-existence. It just doesn't make any sense to me, I do not feel like it's right, and there's too many arguments against it. But that's just my beliefs. : )

 

[Kallie]

Hi Dayofhope..... seek and u will find....

i can help u with the pre existens part,if i understand you correctly you are asking about reincarnation?

Hebrews 9 :27
Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,

So as u can see we are not destined to die and come back again.

As for the paradise question,my personal believe is that when we die we go to paradise ..... or hades and await Jesus return ,multitudes of believers who have died thoughout the centuries will be resurrected. Together with believers alive at the time, they will be transformed into glorified, immortal, imperishable forms, or changed bodies.

John 5 28 -29
Do not be astonished at this; for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice<SUP> </SUP>
<SUP> </SUP>and will come out--those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.

Revelation 20 :12-15
And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Also another book was opened, the book of life. And the dead were judged according to their works, as recorded in the books. And the sea gave up the dead that were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and all were judged according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire; and anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.

I hope this helped

God bless

 

[Brighthouse]

Hi sisterDayofhope! read 2tim chapters 1-4.This is our starting point to me. 2 Tim 1:8-12 The very first calling in Christ is that of courage,and with very good reason! Feeling are nice!! We all have them,but they are not to believe either the Word of God with,or Jesus with.

That is why courage is stated first here.It takes courage to have faith! it take courage to love,because love is always not going to be received just because we give it.So because of this,it takes courage in every area of our life! Feeling can lead one to lack courage.

Feeling are good for the flesh,like seeing a dark alley, and thinking you may go another way,that is not fear,that is just being smart! Why invite the devil an opportunity( eph 4:27) ?? What you find is that in every area of our life in Christ great courage is needed by us!

Courage can be taught,most have little of this. To receive this supernatural and it really is supernatural courage,we have to learn how to abide in our Jesus. To be faithful 2 tim1:13-18 to be strong 2 Tim 2:1-2 meaning we will have to be more strict upon ourselfs as well. 2 Tim 2:5-10 next secure!verses 11-13

For then!! we can then!!! be sound in Faith verses 14-19,sanctified verses 20-23.and by this,we become what we truly are!! a servant! 2 tim 2:24-26) Then a warning! What happens if we let our feeling control our courage. 3:1-9, the protection from this,3:10-17 then dear sister what examples we are to be towards others. 4:1-5 and finally the comfort!! a good finish!! 4:6-7 which leads to a great future!!

4:8 A friend in our life,is one who does his or her best in our Jesus. Looking always to encourage, not discourage,to build you up,not tear you down,to remind you of peace and love when you see sorrow and pain. 2 tim 4:9-18 verse 18 The LORD!! will rescue ME!! from what?? amen EVERY!! evil deed! and!! will bring me safely to his heavenly Kingdom; to HIM be the glory forever and ever!

This my sister in Christ after one receives Jesus Christ in there life, is the way to begin!! Not end,but begin,as many here will tell you,there is so much more then this!

But when I came to Jesus, I did not want a story to be told to me,I am a bottom line kind of man,tell me what to do,show me,and I will do my very best to complete the task set before me. Do we make mistakes?? LOL YEP!! many!!

But we have God's Word to help us when we do! And we have something no can ever take from us!! God's LOVE!! God's Favor( psalm 90:17) and most important!! God's grace and mercy!! Remembering to also have this!! for others as well!! That covers questions 2-4 I think.

To me,before I would talk about Jesus to others,I wanted to be an example,in College,I found that by doing this,people will come up to you. Hey sis! Or brother,what is going on with you you seem so different then before!! THEN!! Your testimony is God's own work on you!Tell them this! I can not speak for others but for me, here is what the Lord did,then tell them!

Let them decide.Our calling, not a job is when people see us,they see our flesh with there eyes,but inside them,they see who is inside of you!Jesus! And they want that light!! because most always want what they cannot see,they want what is unseen to them, in there own life!

Peace joy,LOVE!! COURAGE!! and with all of this,wonderful loving faith!question 6,do not concern yourself with what another believes,Jesus sure did not,he presented them the truth,and let them decide.This also takes courage,many will say who do you think you are?? LOL I know who I am!! Do you?? Let them mock make fun of you,this is also a promise to us as well!( john 15:18-20!!) courage!

I cannot tell you how much I was mocked,mad fun of, belittled!!More then my present age of 56 years! BUT!! Some of them came back,would you pray for me brother Mark,I really have a need,many other of my friends do not understand.SURE!! Then just do what Jesus did for us sister!! LOVE THEM!! ( 1 John 4:17-19!!)

For remember what we have we did not have until after Jesus touched us! And since Jesus touched you!! He can now touch them,because Jesus is in you!( john 14:12-14!!) ABIDE in God's WORD!! Instead of feeling, look to what his Word says instead!( rom 12:1-2) which renews our very mind!! So that from this,with Jesus in us!! we always know how to respond to any!!( Colossians 4:6!!) Be the salt that seasons!! Flavor all who you meet with Jesus.

For love is the flavor salt which was made for us by Jesus! When you read the Bible, it is saying as you open it thus saith the Lord unto,( yourname) To me, the Bible says what it means. I need not add to it,or take anything away from it. Now the real question for you!! Can you be trained by the Lord to follow??( matt 16:24-26) CAN YOU?? YES!!! But will we???

We do not try,we do or do not. Try is an excuse to fail to me. I have taken 2 words away from me,try and can't.( luke 1:37) is why for can't.WE cannot!! UNLESS!! we allow Jesus in us to change our nature to his nature!! amen! Hope this has helped you sister.

 

[Face His Truth]

she was telling me about things like pre-existance

Did she also tell you that Mormons try to baptize dead people? Just stick to earnestly praying to God and he will reveal to you what he planned for you to know and do. There's no rushing God anyway and most of your questions have been asked thousands of times by millions of believers probably? And likely; most of them will not be fully answered by God through Christ to most believers. We are simply free to ask those questions but not necessarily privileged to learn the answers from God in our lifetime.
So just be patient and God will eventually have you knowing and doing what he planned for you; just like the rest of us. Blessings.

 

[iammekkb]

Hi sisterDayofhope! read 2tim chapters 1-4.This is our starting point to me. 2 Tim 1:8-12 The very first calling in Christ is that of courage,and with very good reason! Feeling are nice!! We all have them,but they are not to believe either the Word of God with,or Jesus with.

That is why courage is stated first here.It takes courage to have faith! it take courage to love,because love is always not going to be received just because we give it.So because of this,it takes courage in every area of our life! Feeling can lead one to lack courage.

Feeling are good for the flesh,like seeing a dark alley, and thinking you may go another way,that is not fear,that is just being smart! Why invite the devil an opportunity( eph 4:27) ?? What you find is that in every area of our life in Christ great courage is needed by us!

Courage can be taught,most have little of this. To receive this supernatural and it really is supernatural courage,we have to learn how to abide in our Jesus. To be faithful 2 tim1:13-18 to be strong 2 Tim 2:1-2 meaning we will have to be more strict upon ourselfs as well. 2 Tim 2:5-10 next secure!verses 11-13

For then!! we can then!!! be sound in Faith verses 14-19,sanctified verses 20-23.and by this,we become what we truly are!! a servant! 2 tim 2:24-26) Then a warning! What happens if we let our feeling control our courage. 3:1-9, the protection from this,3:10-17 then dear sister what examples we are to be towards others. 4:1-5 and finally the comfort!! a good finish!! 4:6-7 which leads to a great future!!

4:8 A friend in our life,is one who does his or her best in our Jesus. Looking always to encourage, not discourage,to build you up,not tear you down,to remind you of peace and love when you see sorrow and pain. 2 tim 4:9-18 verse 18 The LORD!! will rescue ME!! from what?? amen EVERY!! evil deed! and!! will bring me safely to his heavenly Kingdom; to HIM be the glory forever and ever!

This my sister in Christ after one receives Jesus Christ in there life, is the way to begin!! Not end,but begin,as many here will tell you,there is so much more then this!

But when I came to Jesus, I did not want a story to be told to me,I am a bottom line kind of man,tell me what to do,show me,and I will do my very best to complete the task set before me. Do we make mistakes?? LOL YEP!! many!!

But we have God's Word to help us when we do! And we have something no can ever take from us!! God's LOVE!! God's Favor( psalm 90:17) and most important!! God's grace and mercy!! Remembering to also have this!! for others as well!! That covers questions 2-4 I think.

To me,before I would talk about Jesus to others,I wanted to be an example,in College,I found that by doing this,people will come up to you. Hey sis! Or brother,what is going on with you you seem so different then before!! THEN!! Your testimony is God's own work on you!Tell them this! I can not speak for others but for me, here is what the Lord did,then tell them!

Let them decide.Our calling, not a job is when people see us,they see our flesh with there eyes,but inside them,they see who is inside of you!Jesus! And they want that light!! because most always want what they cannot see,they want what is unseen to them, in there own life!

Peace joy,LOVE!! COURAGE!! and with all of this,wonderful loving faith!question 6,do not concern yourself with what another believes,Jesus sure did not,he presented them the truth,and let them decide.This also takes courage,many will say who do you think you are?? LOL I know who I am!! Do you?? Let them mock make fun of you,this is also a promise to us as well!( john 15:18-20!!) courage!

I cannot tell you how much I was mocked,mad fun of, belittled!!More then my present age of 56 years! BUT!! Some of them came back,would you pray for me brother Mark,I really have a need,many other of my friends do not understand.SURE!! Then just do what Jesus did for us sister!! LOVE THEM!! ( 1 John 4:17-19!!)

For remember what we have we did not have until after Jesus touched us! And since Jesus touched you!! He can now touch them,because Jesus is in you!( john 14:12-14!!) ABIDE in God's WORD!! Instead of feeling, look to what his Word says instead!( rom 12:1-2) which renews our very mind!! So that from this,with Jesus in us!! we always know how to respond to any!!( Colossians 4:6!!) Be the salt that seasons!! Flavor all who you meet with Jesus.

For love is the flavor salt which was made for us by Jesus! When you read the Bible, it is saying as you open it thus saith the Lord unto,( yourname) To me, the Bible says what it means. I need not add to it,or take anything away from it. Now the real question for you!! Can you be trained by the Lord to follow??( matt 16:24-26) CAN YOU?? YES!!! But will we???

We do not try,we do or do not. Try is an excuse to fail to me. I have taken 2 words away from me,try and can't.( luke 1:37) is why for can't.WE cannot!! UNLESS!! we allow Jesus in us to change our nature to his nature!! amen! Hope this has helped you sister.

This was such a wonderful, clear response I just love it and thank you for helping to feed my spirit, how beautiful.

 

[SpiritLedEd]

Day of Hope, as of this writing you haven't visited TJ for several days. I do hope you come back. You have good questions. Here's a website that I believe is a good source of information for you: Ask Questions about Life and God.

Spirit Led Ed (SLE)