Hello Arcturus,
Many years ago, God came into this life in a way I've never heard of before. I was a young man and never studied the bible, but prayed for the first time openly and with a broken heart. He heard that prayer and came at that instant with an experience that is beyond words or description. Being young and a babe in the Lord, I needed to tell someone, and I thought who in their right mind will listen. So, I decided to go to churches and relay the experience, thinking they will know what I am talking about. Whew...big mistake, the very first preacher I talked to laughed so hard and loud, he almost fell out of his chair, and quickly ushered me out of his church, with a loud door slamming behind. The second wasn't much better, was told I was posessed with a devil, and given the most insidious looks I've ever seen before. I went to scores of churches, not giving up, because noone can undermine that experience, because it was of God.
I thank God for those experiences with churches, because it has caused me not to get caught up in their ways. It has been for the most part a walk of solitude, growing through much study and prayer, just between God and me. Always on the look for others who know God, yet the need for true fellowship has always been longed for. But, where to find them is the question? I thank God for Ray and this forum, and the members. It's been an oasis is the desert.
The kingdom of God is within, that is where His Spirit is, and its a constant battle to not let self regain the throne, but to yield towards His Spirit. The true faith, is not one that is welcomed in this world. Contrary to what most say, we will not be well loved or become rich. I look at the lives of the prophets, Jesus, the apostles, and the many throughout history who have suffered for His namesake, and it gives me peace and joy that God has given that privledge to one such as me.
I don't see myself as being worthy for the spiritual life, experiences, joy and the sufferings. Yet, this is what is happening, so, I accept it with thankfulness. Knowing that He knows what is best for me. I yearn for the day when the knowledge of the Lord will cover the earth and every knee shall bow, what great conversations and fellowship will transpire.
(Heb 4:9 LITV) So, then, there remains a sabbath rest to the people of God.
(Heb 4:10 LITV) For he entering into His rest, he himself also rested from his works, as God had rested from His own. LXX-Psa. 95:11; Gen. 2:2
(Heb 4:11 LITV) Therefore, let us exert ourselves to enter into that rest, that not anyone fall in the same example of disobedience.
(Heb 4:12 LITV) For the Word of God is living, and powerfully working, and sharper than every two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of both soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge of the thoughts and intentions of the heart;
(Heb 4:13 LITV) and there is no creature unrevealed before Him; but all things are naked and laid open to His eyes, with whom is our account.
(Heb 4:14 LITV) Then having a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast the confession.
(Heb 4:15 LITV) For we do not have a high priest not being able to sympathize with our weaknesses but One having been tried in all respects according to our likeness, apart from sin.
(Heb 4:16 LITV) Therefore, let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and we may find grace for timely help.
We must follow Jesus, He came not to condemn, and loved us first while still being enemies, so we must do the same towards others. Seems to me, there is no other way. He shows His mercy to us, and He puts us in situations to where we must forgive them, for as we were before, now gaining some knowledge, must forgive and love them, for they know not what they do, as once we were.
(1Co 2:7 LITV) But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, having been hidden, which God predetermined before the ages for our glory,
(1Co 2:8 LITV) which none of the rulers of this age has known. For if they had known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory;
(1Co 2:9 LITV) according as it has been written, "Eye has not seen, and ear has not heard," nor has it risen up into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those that love Him. Isa. 64:4
(1Co 2:10 LITV) But God revealed them to us by His Spirit, for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God.
God bless,
Gary
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Topic: HOW IS GOD LEADING/DRAGGING YOU? (Read 8592 times)