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A wonderful truth
John from Kentucky:
--- Quote from: theophilus on June 17, 2014, 11:27:14 AM ---
--- Quote from: Extol on June 15, 2014, 09:04:37 AM ---It's a great comfort knowing that God is in control, isn't it?
Any time we are inclined to feel depressed about our family members not listening to us, or mocking our beliefs, or society becoming more and more secular. . . just remember these words from Ray. God knows exactly what He is doing. 8)
--- End quote ---
Dear Extol, I really have to try to keep these words to heart, that God knows exactly what He's doing. Lately, I have been waging a battle in my mind/heart. Injustice is being done to me and others. And God doesn't move a finger. (As far as my eye can see) I sometimes think about the atheists' claim that 'turning the other cheek' is a way for those in authority and power to manipulate the minds of men and subjugate them. That to do this makes one weak, and thus a sure target for abuse.
I lose my temper; I utter profanities; I breathe murder. The very worst of me comes out! And I know that God Almighty is witnessing my behavior. To be like Christ! I simply cannot be! I cringe to think what I could be capable of. I have ruled out the possibility of being counted worthy to be in the first resurrection. How can I be when I react like this?
Why should I even keep trying when I already know the end result? I'm hopeless.
--- End quote ---
You sound like a human. Welcome to the planet Earth.
Jesus is Savior. Being both Creator and Savior--that is His job. He is very good at it. Jesus will get you through everything. No need to worry. It is a done deal.
Kat:
--- Quote from: theophilus on June 17, 2014, 11:27:14 AM ---Lately, I have been waging a battle in my mind/heart. Injustice is being done to me and others. And God doesn't move a finger. (As far as my eye can see) I sometimes think about the atheists' claim that 'turning the other cheek' is a way for those in authority and power to manipulate the minds of men and subjugate them. That to do this makes one weak, and thus a sure target for abuse.
I lose my temper; I utter profanities; I breathe murder. The very worst of me comes out! And I know that God Almighty is witnessing my behavior. To be like Christ! I simply cannot be! I cringe to think what I could be capable of. I have ruled out the possibility of being counted worthy to be in the first resurrection. How can I be when I react like this?
Why should I even keep trying when I already know the end result? I'm hopeless.
--- End quote ---
Hi theophilus,
Just because you are unaware of what God is doing does not mean He's not working something in you and others as well through the things that happen. We all have to go through the trials and tribulations of life and it is always for us to learn from it, but yes we will all need to reach a point of seeing ourselves as hopeless sinners. We are in a process of learning that 'we' cannot overcome these weaknesses of the flesh, it really takes time for us to change over from 'our' trying to fix things, to learning to trust God to do so in us. Our getting angry, shows we do not trust Him, but feel He has not done what we think He should have... we have to get over thinking we know best.
You can't expect a quick fix for these sins that have become habitual and engrained into a thinking, words and actions. Just hating these weaknesses that manifest in us, is the first step. If you continue to hate them enough and don't just give up, you should reach a point when you will actually began to catch yourself before doing/saying/thinking some of these things. This is a progression of recognizing these weakness of the flesh and slowly removing them one at a time, over time.
I really feel that we have to come to the very same place as Paul did and realize that we too are the worse of sinners.
1Ti 1:15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.
I really believe that God will bring us all to realize and see that the sins in our own life would rank us right there with Paul as chief among sinners. And I feel it is a necessary part of the process, we have to see ourselves as being as lowly as any other human being before we would ever be able to rule over them with Christ in the next age.
The first resurrection is the greatest possible hope in this life, yes it is only God who determines who will be in it. But we can have evidence of that hope, if it is given to us to strive and never give up on the hope to be there.
Luke 13:24 "Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.
Php 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
v. 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
mercy, peace and love
Kat
theophilus:
--- Quote from: indianabob on June 17, 2014, 11:39:51 AM ---Theophilus,
The injustices you suffer from are small compared to those suffered by our Lord.
If we take your concerns seriously what are the only options available?
1. You are OF the chosen or you are not!
If you are OF the chosen then God will finish His work in you in this life.
2. You are NOT of the chosen and will receive your judgment in the resurrection age.
If true then God will do His work in you through His beloved son Lord Jesus and the body of Christ at that time.
Either way your success is guaranteed!
The difference is only one of timing and all you need be concerned about now is having patience and enduring until the end of your present life. Simply practice forgiveness each day to best of your ability according to the gift God has provided.
We all will have the answer soon enough!
Indiana Bob
--- End quote ---
Hello Indiana Bob, no doubt my sufferings do not compare to those of our Lord and Savior; not even to those of other people. But, they are my sufferings and the ones that affect me directly. They are the ones that I'm living.
You know, I've always thought that an overcomer doesn't fail, that he's always victorious. I fail all the time; I come short of God's law. I suppose if I endure to the end, I just might be considered an overcomer.
I like the phrase "Either way, your success is guaranteed!" :)
I need patience! Lots of it! But one doesn't GET patience. Once learns it, right? Oh brother! ;D
Thank you for your words.
theophilus:
Hello Kat,
I had actually stopped using foul language years ago. Now I see that my livelihood is being directly threatened by this bitter individual, and it's getting to me. I got bills to pay, child support, etc, etc. This guy is evil; he gets off on doing us harm. This guy has been lucky that no one has snapped and done something about it.
If tonight that I go back to work (I was off last night), I don't manage to do at least a 106%, I will not be able to meet my production for the whole week. This means this would be my last week being employed. Can you see how stressful this is for me? If I lose my job, it would be because of him. And what about him? He'd still have a job, thank you very much!
You mentioned trust in God. Trust is what I see I also need to exercise. To be godly is the hardest thing to do on this planet! Thank you for your advice.
P.S.: Patience + trust + no worrying
cjwood:
... To be godly is the hardest thing to do on this planet!
one of the truest statements i have heard one make. at least for me. i constantly have to remind myself that i can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me. He is our intercessor. in all things. hang in there theo p.
claudia
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