> Testimonies / Prayer Requests / Fellowship
In Retrospect; A Clearer Vison
hillsbororiver:
Hi Everyone,
There have been so many thoughtful posts I feel compelled to address as many as I can over the next couple days (as time allows), thank you all!
--- Quote from: dogcombat on January 13, 2009, 03:22:26 PM ---Joe,
I think your words reflect a HARD truth that can only be EXPERIENCED. Before you were led to the truths of God, you had to know what was missing. THAT was the ONLY way you would have searched for the "buried treasure" hidden "FROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE AGES". May God continue to reveal more of who He is IN CHRIST to you as you journey on from here.
Ches
--- End quote ---
Hello Ches,
You know I really hadn't experienced that gaping void since I was a teenager and had gone through some very spirit crushing tragedies due to the deaths of my brother and sister and my first girlfriend. The last one actually led me to seek God earnestly but His will for me was to experience the Seventh Day Adventist church first. Eventually that experience (about 3 years or so) turned me off of churches (I was brought up a lackluster Catholic) so there I was totally immersed back into the world, self serving, callous and reckless.
God was more or less always in the back of my mind, way, way back mostly, but I did from time to time buy and read Hal Lindsay and books of that sort, especially when I was facing some sort of trouble. ;) None of these books or authors seemed to line up with each other though, always a variation of interpretation so I kind of came to my own idea that some people are given certain keys to Truth and at some point perhaps it would all come together. I did have a belief in a God but I had no clue as to what He was really all about and even less of a clue of what His ultimate plan and purpose might be.
When I had that wounded, anxiety filled spirit as a teen at least I knew why I had felt so dreadful and helpless, when it reemerged in middle age with absolutely no real problems it was a total mystery, it wasn't until the scales began to drop off my eyes (they are still falling thank God!) and I first started seeing what God's real plan and purpose for us all was that this void began to be filled with a peace that only He can provide. It isn't always easy but when we know the reason and purpose of our tribulations here (even if we can't truly comprehend every aspect) they are much less likely to overwhelm us in a negative way. Amazingly enough these trials can even be a source of joy in a spiritual way. Try explaining that to a non believer or a "name it and claim it" believer!
Peace,
Joe
hillsbororiver:
--- Quote from: mharrell08 on January 13, 2009, 05:09:23 PM ---Thank you for sharing your testimony with us Joe...these events were a benefit to you as well as to us to learn from.
--- Quote from: OBrenda on January 13, 2009, 04:39:44 PM ---I often find myself thinking I certainly am not one of the chosen (which I have peace with) !
Especially when I hear about the trails of others that have really suffered.
--- End quote ---
Hello Brenda,
Not to take attention away from Joe's comments, but being one of the elect/chosen is not up to anyone but God. In the same manner that no one can claim they are one of the elect, in like manner, no one can claim to not be, you know?
As Paul states he was chief among sinners, but Christ would be longsuffering towards him as a pattern for those who believe [1 Tim 15-16]. As Christ was able to bring Saul into repentance to become Paul, He is able to do that with any of us.
I know we can sometimes make comments that show our humility, but they should not be at the detriment of our belief that God can turn any of us into His very image, in this age. He has to bring us low in order to lift us up...but that does not mean he has forsaken us in any way and that a place in the 2nd resurrection is our destiny. We all lack the qualifications to have the position of glory & honor that bestows the Sons and Daughters of God...that is why the Lord does the work IN US rather than us doing the works as 'all have come short of the glory of God' [Rom 3:23].
I know we all know these things in our mind, but this was just a reminder to know these in our hearts and live them. Please take no offense. :)
Marques
--- End quote ---
Hi Brenda & Marques,
I understand where you are coming from Brenda, we do tend to give glory to the prophets, men of old and the apostles but as Marques pointed out (I am paraphrasing) all glory goes to God and His Son, anything good they did was by the leading of the Spirit.
What did (Simon) Peter do to earn his unique calling? Or Andrew or Philip, James, John, etc.
They were in the right place at the right time, we all know Who caused them to be in the right place at the right time don't we? ;) It seems these were ordinary men going about their day to day business without worldly honor or status but the King of Kings, the creator of the Universe called them to witness and be a part of the greatest achievement in history, the salvation of mortal, carnal man into Sons of God!
We are told;
1Co 1:26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
1Co 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
1Co 1:28 And base things of the world and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are:
1Co 1:29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.
1Co 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption:
1Co 1:31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
Reading that always gives me hope!
Peace,
Joe
OBrenda:
Joe,
Gives me hope also. :)
I know there are still layers of thinking in error that need to be burned out of me.
I always appreciate it when someone shines a light on it for examination.
Feels like we are growing up into being all in all!
This is Good,
Brenda
aqrinc:
I want to echo what Brenda has written, i am so happy that we have others here to
pick us up when we fall; or prop us up when we get weary and yearn for company.
Heartfelt Thanks to All, In Jesus Christ Name.
george. :)
Vangie:
Amen George!
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