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orion77:
Hello Layla,
Faith without works is dead. I agree with you, there are things we do, say, and think that helps bring about righteousness. I am just very careful not to take too much credit, or to boast of the good changes.
It looks like we agree with each other, it is through this type of communication over the internet, where we dont see each others faces, mannerisms, body language, and tone of voice that makes it hard at times to properly convey a message.
I guess, what I really mean, is looking at the difference from where I was (serving self), and now (hopefully serving others). This makes me think of His two commandments, to love God and neighbors with all our hearts. This love being put outwards towards God and others, has brought a greater sense of peace, than I ever could of achieved before. And that love is of God, for God is love.
God bless,
Gary
ciy:
Gary and Layla
"Delight yourself in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass." Psalm37:4-5
CIY
gmik:
Zander, thank you for letting us all know. I did miss you and figured it was about your break up. You and Sorin for some reason are on my heart alot! Guys, don't give up on God, ever, Remember......even if He slay me, yet will I worship Him. For me, getting back to Ray's papers puts things back into perspective then I can get into the Bible believing He does really care for me.
Life is so short and fleeting....
Love to you all. Prayers are still going up for you.
JJ:
Zander and Sorin, I really do identify. Life has been so hard that it almost seems like a joke that so much can go wrong for
so long. I have many times recently felt like God must hate me because He seemed to be unwilling to give any relief.
Very weary and worn--life seems like a prison... no visible hope for so long. We each have our limits and circumstances,
losses and heartaches.
For me, it hits the bottom line very quickly because of what God has taught thru BT. God is soveriegn. (PERIOD!) So I am
SURE that He is able to help, and when He doesn't, then I KNOW that He has a reason. Does that mean He hates me? I have wondered when I was buried by life. But I know the verses in Hebrew that says He chastens ALL that He loves. It doesn't feel like love at the moment, does it?
What about the verses saying we should give thanks in EVERYthing, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.... After I had hit the bottom of the bottom for the umteenths time, the thought came to me that I was not being obedient-- forgot to be thankful..... and in all my misery, I had failed to focus and grasp and appreciate the wonder of our awesome God! I was NOT worshipping as I was putting out fires. I was hurting, struggling, and whining
and complaining about my "misfortune" but had forgotten to worship -- had God become less of a God, less awesome?
I guess that is what I was thinking- God sure isn't very nice...... boo-hoo :-( mumble, grumble...............
That moment hit me! I was just wanting my way, my comfort, and to be in control (god) of my own life! YUK!
I could see (once again!) that I was so unworthy and that I was not able or willing to see the big picture-- God's plan that my human mind can not grasp and I was unwilling to trust Him. I had a perfect point in my history to remember the fool I am and WHY I need God!
And then God let me see what I had forgotten: Christ was humiliated, falsely accused and abused and suffered rejection,
betrayal, injustice and terrible pain - physical and mental and DEATH! and He was God!!! He said that we must lose our
life to find LIFE. So who do I think I am that I do NOT have to suffer the same?!!!! How would I learn obedience any other
way, if it was by suffering that Christ learned obedience?!
We learn with repetative lessons. We die by layers, as the flesh is removed from us. We would not willingly submit, for it
is way too painful! When we are young or first come to Christ, we surrender all. We simply do not know what ALL means!
It is by degrees that we learn. I have a love/hate attitude about this process. It hurts so bad to die to the flesh, it cuts SO
DEEP. But even in the suffering and loss and struggle for daiily survival, I see two things: 1) how God makes beautiful
flower gardens from the composted rubbish. In the midst of troubles, He makes "things" happen that could not happen
with my own trying-- like relationship growth-- personal growth as well. 2) how there is NOTHING this world has to offer
-- not mates, children, money, comfort or pleasure that tops knowing the ONE, TRUE, LIVING GOD of creation!!! And for
that desire (that He has placed in my being) I have the courage to say, "Not my will, by thine be done-- no matter what the
cost." I simply understand that there is more to our existience than this puny body and this short earth-life and I want HIM!
so badly! I say this with tears in my eyes because I am so weary and I understand the cost.
But there is a glimmer of hope and even joy somewhere deep inside that pleads with God to give me the strength to endure with patience to the end of my life. He won't let me go and so I have hope that He will continue to work this nasty lump of clay-- pounding out the air bubbles, spinning me dizzy, baking me in fierce heat........ that one day, I may be a vessel of honor for His purposes-- to glorify Him.
I could say more, but I have already said TOO much! Sorry so long! You guys at BT are the only ones I know that understandthese things...... JJ
MG:
You brought tears to my eyes JJ.
Thank you!
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