Hi George,
Please help me understand Who decides ultimately wether I do something or do nothing? I honestly thought God has planned for each and every life to be the way it is and where it is.
You are right it is ALL of God. I read your story in the 'Who Am I' section, what a hard life you have had. Now God has lead you to Ray's site and opened your eyes. "the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining" (1John 2:
. God doesn't need you to have anything to offer to use you in His work. That's the reason I understand His bringing me here.
1Co 1:26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.
v. 27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;
v. 28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are,
v. 29 that no flesh should glory in His presence.
Actually there is no way that you can qualify or earn or deserve to have faith to believe and understand this truth, it is a gift of God.
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
v. 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
v. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
So at this point I would suggest that you study Ray's teachings. It will give you a good understanding of the basic Scriptural truths. Then you will have more confidence to study the Scripture for yourself.
2Tim 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Take comfort in the knowledge it is not all up to you, but Christ in you that gives you hope of the glory that lies ahead.
Col 1:24 I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church,
v. 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God,
v. 26 the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints.
v. 27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
mercy, peace and love
Kat