Bobby, this thread is getting better, now that you shared your experience and we can always count on you
for relevent scripture. Thanks. Great vereses! How many times have we read, quoted, heard those scriptures, but do we
really GET the meaning? I think we do understand them more accurately, as they were intended, NOW
that we understand God's sovereignty, purpose and refining work to save ALL.
We are not striving to make ourselves perfect, as many of us learned in religion (even the non-legalistic/grace only
nondenominations). We are reaching forward, pressing for the prize of the high-calling of God in Christ Jesus. But
most of my reaching is pleading for strength and mercy and most of my pressing is in determination to endure and
keep faith in the face of the painful refinement process. There is always that awareness that God brings that I was
being carnal-minded or selfish and it is kinda like-- trip, stumble, fall, bounce up and with a quick look back to see
what it was that tripped me, keep moving forward with the mental note to look out for that "stumbling block" in the
future. There is repentence/agreement with God happening during that process, but not the beating myself up
thing-- that is really kinda prideful in my experience- because it means I didn't want to make a mistake--I wanted
to be perfect. Have to think deeply and go round and round to realize that. Once we see we are nothing/sinful, we
aren't shocked by our failings.
Anyway, it is no longer the list of "do's and don't's" of religion to make myself a better christian: go to church,
give my time serving the church, read my Bible, go to meeting/studies, pray, cram salvation down someone's
throat--- do NOT drink, smoke, dance, cuss....... etc...... the list varies form one denomination to another, but
we now realize WE aren't saved by our own faith, nor are we kept by our own works..... it is ALL of God!
It was pure agony before wasn't it. Now it is just suffering, losing self...... but kinda like cleaning house for a
move...... no fun to do, but after the "junk" is gone......... aaaahhhh....... the burdens are lighter. Peace!
Yes, Gary, it is a liberation that only God can give us!
Can't wait to hear more testimonies from others as well. It is very encouraging to hear others speak truths
of God in reference to real life experiences in their lives.
Jayle