> General Discussions
"Why So Hard?"
hillsbororiver:
This is such a relevant topic to so many here (and scattered all over the world) that I thought it might be a good idea to post Ray's response in General Discussions so we could discuss it. This journey He has called us into is one of trial and tribulation, sometimes it can seem to be a bit too much and we even wish we could just go back to being "normal" once again. But the Lord will have none of that and keeps pulling us closer to Him through this refining fire.
He is never far from my mind and just about every situation I confront I seek what lesson He has planned for me through this (and any) experience, when I fail I usually recognize it very soon if not immediately and I am humbled once again, my flawed, weak and carnal nature exposed to His Light once more, my desperate need for His Guiding Spirit underlined in big bold type.
You know this is funny if not psychotic, the other day I woke up in a particularly jovial and happy mood thinking about the rather successful previous day at work and looking forward to some other (temporal) things on the horizon when it occurred to me that "wait a minute, I don't feel the scourging, the intense Light that is exposing my flesh seems to be switched off presently," get this, I actually became concerned that He had left me and was done with calling or choosing me for His Kingdom, that I had been left to ride the waves of the sea without Him. My joy (in these worldly things) was tempered immediately, the feeling of chastising began again and I more than welcomed it. I know this would sound like the ramblings of a lunatic to those who have not been blessed by His calling/choosing.
His Peace and Wisdom to you all,
Joe
Hi Ray,
My name is Randy. I have no clue what to believe anymore. I'm really trying to find the truth and I've hit so many trees it isn't funny. everytime I think I have the right understanding then pow theres another tree. why is it so hard to find the truth? I was a JW and tithes weren't taken then I found the Living church of God and not many if any followed what they were supposed too, well most thiings like the sabbath and such being on saturday. I would think God would help me out on this. I'm just really tired and confused.
I have so many different things taught in my head its hard to even think right anymore. I just don't what to say or think anymore. I think if you are true of God then maybe a prayer would help. I really don't know. everything about things I thought I knew was different in your web page I don't even trust my own understanding any longer. I'm going to try and read the web pages again. Also what about gathering together as a commandment? I'm just not sure anymore.
I really don't think I'll get a reply because of the e-mails you get already but I'm just sooo confused.
I've read books on America and Great Britin in the worlds stage today and they made since to me but is that wrong also? I just don't know what to think anymore and really don't think I have the courage to carry on. How can it be so hard to find God?
I hope he hears me and answers.
I won't take anymore of you time
Thanks
Randy
Dear Randy:
You sound a little bit like every other person who has been forced to come out of Babylon. Maybe we should change our name from "Bible-Truths" to "The Last Resort Religion." Or how about this: "The First Church of Dropouts for Jesus"?
You wonder why it is so hard to find God? Well, for one thing, you have been "looking for love in all the wrong places." You went from the JW's to the Living Church of God. I'm surprised you weren't a member of the Worldwide Church of God--many of us have been, you know? Here's a spiritual truth that might help you: "Howbeit the Most High dwells NOT in temples made with hands" (Acts 7:48). That will eliminate a lot of looking right there--stay away from church buildings, synagogues, and temples--that's where Satan dwells (Rev. 2:13).
We're not any different on the outside than the JW's or the Church of God. I'm just a normal guy. When I walk down the street people don't point and laugh, women don't lust, children don't run, and dogs don't bit me. But inside, I think that we are a good bit different from most. And I think that is maybe what you are really looking for--that difference on the inside. As Dirty Harry once said: "A man (or a woman) has got to know his limitations." Once God has shown you your limitations, He will find you--you won't have to go looking for Him. Randy, listen to me: God isn't lost: you don't have to try and find Him. YOU are the lost one, but God knows where you are. Don't worry about the "right religion" or the "right doctrines." If God wants you to read the material on our site, you will read it--you won't be able to not read the material on our site. And as you read you will begin to see and under stand things that you never saw or understood before.
Read my paper at the top of our home page: "YOU FOOLS! YOU HYPOCRITES! YOU FOOLS!" If it makes sense and you understand it, go to the next one, and the next one.... If they don't make good sense to you, you can always turn to another web site. There are a couple of hundred million of them dealing with religion and doctrine. Don't look up "hell," however, because although there are nearly ten millions sites under hell, bible-truths.com is the first one, and you'll be right back with us again.
God be with you,
Ray
P.S. I really love this answer and all the ground it covers in so few words.(Joe)
Deborah-Leigh:
Hello Joe
That e-mail really deserves a second look as do ALL of Ray's responses. They never stop teaching and being a good example to me. I love them!
What I have noticed happening within me is that my emotions are set as internal territory that is training me. I am beginning to see that my emotions, some that I feel come from me (ignorance at work here) and some that I feel are coming from outside my control (double ignorance here :D) are actually being caused all the time by God and are under His supervision and plan. This experience of new awareness is wonderful because it draws me into the quiet spot that I believe is occupied by Christ within me whenever emotions occur that I want to throw off! :D
I am doubly thankful to Jesus and God for teaching me the wonders of His ways and through the gentleness of His methods and handling of me.
I enjoyed your disclosure of what and how He is dealing with you. Thank you for sharing. :)
Peace in fellowship
Arcturus :)
rocky:
Something I've been thinking about is what is the suffering we are to experience to enter the kingdom of God?
No one in this world is free from suffering. Wounds run deep, for followers of Christ and non followers of Christ.
I'm thinking the suffering is different for Christians, and the result is different. One leads to worldly sorrow, and one leads to Godly sorrow.
2Co 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
there's a verse somewhere that talks about suffering for doing good or suffering for doing bad, (can't find it at the moment)
Just wondering if any have some examples of the differences, or insight.
Patrick:
Joe, after I read that e-mail yesterday, something came to mind. I have heard so many people say that the Lord will never give you more than you can handle, and I believed I was the one who knew that limit (man's got to know his limitations). So many times I have gotten down on my knees and prayed "I can't take anymore" and it seems like the situation gets even worse.
I know now that God sets that limit, He is the potter and we are just the clay. He knows how much the clay can handle; the clay does not know (the clay thinks it knows but it really does not).
hillsbororiver:
--- Quote from: rocky on January 20, 2007, 10:49:57 AM ---Something I've been thinking about is what is the suffering we are to experience to enter the kingdom of God?
No one in this world is free from suffering. Wounds run deep, for followers of Christ and non followers of Christ.
I'm thinking the suffering is different for Christians, and the result is different. One leads to worldly sorrow, and one leads to Godly sorrow.
2Co 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
there's a verse somewhere that talks about suffering for doing good or suffering for doing bad, (can't find it at the moment)
Just wondering if any have some examples of the differences, or insight.
--- End quote ---
Hi Rocky,
I can give a short, personal response in regard to the difference between my own worldly suffering and Spiritual suffering. When I was oblivious to the Spirit and totally engrossed with day to day life in the world I would blame any setbacks or suffering on others, any time events did not go my way it was either someone else who screwed me or by their incompetence I had to overcome something that "never should have happened."
Now when things are not going the way I would desire or prefer I see it as part of the trials and tribulation I must endure to purge this carnal heart from it's inherent wickedness. Instead of looking outward for someone to blame I look inward and see how far I have yet to go.
There is comfort in knowing that God is in control and that He is creating His Sons and Daughters, as Patrick mentioned we are the clay and for a pot or vessel to be worth anything it must endure the kiln's fire.
His Peace and Wisdom to you,
Joe
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