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=> Testimonies / Prayer Requests / Fellowship => Topic started by: EKnight on October 07, 2009, 10:40:42 PM

Title: I have a confession
Post by: EKnight on October 07, 2009, 10:40:42 PM

I have been thinking about posting this for some time now and just couldn't bring myself to admit it aloud.  I need prayers as I can feel myself drifting away from here, God, bible studies etc.  I don't want it to be this way.  I have not been prayerful either.  I just seem too preoccupied with the things of the world.  I find it difficult to concentrate on what I am reading when I am here at BT.  Why would God do this to me?  I don't want to be one of the many!!  My beliefs have not wavered, just my further studies have decreased.  Please ask God to draw me back.

Eileen

Title: Re: I have a confession
Post by: Marlene on October 07, 2009, 10:46:24 PM

Eileen, I will keep you in my prayers. I have had a hard time lately because of trials. I know you have had yours too. I like you have not got much studying done. I do pray alot and just hang in there. I am so looking forward to what new things Ray is going to talk about. I think it is good to say how you are feeling and ask for prayer.

You can count on me.

In His Love,
Marlene

Title: Re: I have a confession
Post by: Roy Martin on October 08, 2009, 09:24:29 AM

Eileen I know all too well how you are feeling. It doesn't matter what path we are on or how long we stop along the way or how many side roads we take just to see whats out there. In this journey with all of its side attractions and the many paths; they all lead to the same place and its God that leads us down these roads and its God that helps us find our way when we think we are lost in the dark.( With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.) Mathew 26
  What does this verse mean to you Eileen? What does the Holy Spirit inside of you say  about it when you read it?
 Show me a person that hasn't been where you are and I'll show you a liar.
I have been where you are so many times that I feel free to say that its necessary to take these paths so that God can call us back. I have tried many times to run from God, you know just throw in the towel on all the confusion. Life seemed so much easier before God called me; that's what I use to think.
 Its OK Eileen. You are where you need to be for a time. Your post doesn't surprise me. I sensed your feelings several months ago and now here you are asking for prayer. Yes! you can run but you can't hide.

 Father God you promised us the Holy Spirit to comfort and guide us and I know that you can't lie. I stand on this promise, and ask you to guide and comfort our sister Eileen according to your will. In Jesus name

Peace
Roy

Title: Re: I have a confession
Post by: aqrinc on October 08, 2009, 12:34:30 PM

Hi Eileen,

The next step is all we can do; GOD In His Wisdom shows us just enough for us to follow Jesus Christ. Remember All we like sheep!!. I have to go to work now so need to be short; those similar challenges and obstacles are in front of me daily. We are learning, so do not faint, persevere to the end, see that crown.


Rotherham.
Jas 1:12 Happy the man who endureth temptation! Because, becoming approved, he shall receive the crown of life—which he hath promised unto them that love him.

Rev 2:10 Do not fear the things which thou art about to suffer. Lo! the adversary is about to cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried, and may have tribulation ten days. Become thou faithful until death, and I will give thee the crown of life.

george. :)

Title: Re: I have a confession
Post by: cjwood on October 08, 2009, 09:04:33 PM

Quote from: Roy Martin on October 08, 2009, 09:24:29 AM

Father God you promised us the Holy Spirit to comfort and guide us and I know that you can't lie. I stand on this promise, and ask you to guide and comfort our sister Eileen according to your will. In Jesus namePeace

amen and amen.


claudia

Title: Re: I have a confession
Post by: gmik on October 08, 2009, 09:10:16 PM

Thanks for sharing your burden-I know that feeling all too well- just a fleshly thing I guess.

 I try to just think about Jesus, his face, his love for me, what he went thru, how faithful he is.......you know, thoughts like that....reading a different version of my normal bible can help me during those times....what I will not do is condemn myself......and don't you either....

there is therefore now, no condemnation, in the Lord....our feelings have nothing to do with it...its a fact....we are in the Lord!!  Woohooo!!!!

Love ya sis,
gena

Title: Re: I have a confession
Post by: daywalker on October 08, 2009, 09:19:38 PM

Quote from: EKnight on October 07, 2009, 10:40:42 PM

I have been thinking about posting this for some time now and just couldn't bring myself to admit it aloud.  I need prayers as I can feel myself drifting away from here, God, bible studies etc.  I don't want it to be this way.  I have not been prayerful either.  I just seem too preoccupied with the things of the world.  I find it difficult to concentrate on what I am reading when I am here at BT.  Why would God do this to me?  I don't want to be one of the many!!  My beliefs have not wavered, just my further studies have decreased.  Please ask God to draw me back.

Eileen

Hey Eileen,

I'm going through a similar stretch myself... I feel like I'm on the edge of a cliff.. Certain things are bothering me and causing me to lose focus [nothing/nobody here, just things in my life...]

...But the last time I felt this way... I found Bible Truths! So my gut tells me God working deep within and is on the verge of opening my eyes to another amazing revelation... it's possible that this is what God is doing with you as well...


I recall what Ray said once [during 'Repentance' I believe] [paraphrasing...] that even when [it appears] God is working against us, He's working for us.


You're in my prayers,

Christopher

Title: Re: I have a confession
Post by: kenny on October 09, 2009, 11:40:25 AM

Quote from: EKnight on October 07, 2009, 10:40:42 PM

I have been thinking about posting this for some time now and just couldn't bring myself to admit it aloud.  I need prayers as I can feel myself drifting away from here, God, bible studies etc.  I don't want it to be this way.  I have not been prayerful either.  I just seem too preoccupied with the things of the world.  I find it difficult to concentrate on what I am reading when I am here at BT.  Why would God do this to me?  I don't want to be one of the many!!  My beliefs have not wavered, just my further studies have decreased.  Please ask God to draw me back.

Eileen

Eileen

The worries of this world will choke out Gods word if we let it, I stand with you that the thorns of this eon have none effect on you and you prosper in Gods word.

Kenny

Title: Re: I have a confession
Post by: 9440geoff on October 09, 2009, 04:56:50 PM

Hi Eileen,

I know how easy it is for the cares of the world to squeeze God out. I used to think "it's OK, God will still be there when I get back. But I also knew that was not what He wanted. He wants all of us, not just the spare bit.

Geoff

Title: Re: I have a confession
Post by: EKnight on October 09, 2009, 07:32:17 PM

Thanks for all your responses.  I appreciate your prayers.  I sincerely pray that God summons me quickly before I completely turn away.  I have been trying to return to studying but I can never seem to find a quiet place or time.

Eileen

Title: Re: I have a confession
Post by: firefly77 on October 09, 2009, 10:17:29 PM

Quote

Hey Eileen,

I'm going through a similar stretch myself... I feel like I'm on the edge of a cliff.. Certain things are bothering me and causing me to lose focus [nothing/nobody here, just things in my life...]

...But the last time I felt this way... I found Bible Truths! So my gut tells me God working deep within and is on the verge of opening my eyes to another amazing revelation... it's possible that this is what God is doing with you as well...


I recall what Ray said once [during 'Repentance' I believe] [paraphrasing...] that even when [it appears] God is working against us, He's working for us.

Eileen,
Isn't it great to be able to share your burdens here and find you are not alone, but others are going through very similar experiences. What Christopher wrote to you is something that I need to hear as well, today; I, too, was very disheartened and couldn't pray. Sometimes all I can do is read what others have to say because I feel so "blank".

God bless you!

Angie

Title: Re: I have a confession
Post by: musicman on October 09, 2009, 10:24:03 PM

My falling away is already a few months old.  Perhaps this is supposed to happen for a time.  Don't sweat it.  Just tell God "when you're ready, call me back".  I used "" because that's what I say every day.

Title: Re: I have a confession
Post by: Jennie on October 09, 2009, 10:36:28 PM

Sometimes ( I have found) this life just sort of twists us up and it is hard to focus. Some days the best you can do is just breathe. God made you and knows you and He loves and understands. Thank heaven His grace is bigger than any of us can imagine. Much love and prayers, Jennie

Title: Re: I have a confession
Post by: Marlene on October 09, 2009, 11:11:32 PM

Eileen that is good advice from Jennie.  God does know us. He already knew what was coming to you.  I believe, just the fact that you hate falling away is a sign he is not done with you. Trials and world cares can take over our thoughts. We have to work, or take care of family. We have to bare trials. God is familiar with our trials and our suffering.


Just, remember one day at a time. God is working even when we don't see it.

When, I feel the world is taking me away I think about how he led me in here. I think of all his wonderful truths he has shared with us. I just start doing what Ray does. I thank God for all my blessings. He will set that fire again to study. I believe he has us right where he wants us.

In His Love,
Marlene

Title: Re: I have a confession
Post by: Roy Martin on October 10, 2009, 09:16:08 AM

I will never seize to be amazed of how God works.
 Gods words are spirit. His words have been written on paper. We read and study His word on this paper, but that is not where Gods spirit is;on this paper. I can only speak for myself in saying that I learn about God from this paper, but it doesn't give me that one on one relationship that comes from experiences of traveling down the roads that God leads me.Many times in this journey God has let go of my hand so that I fall. Sometimes He picks me right back up, but most of the time He leaves me down long enough to get a good look and smell of the ground that is many times muddy and wet or cold or covered in briers that I get tangled in. This is where God is, this is where you get that one on one. Its not a falling away as some put it; its a walk in the wilderness with God leading the way, one on one. This is where faith and trust and love come from by being picked back up each time we fall. Gods words are in us and alive, this is where we hear; hearing the word of God. Eileen, you feel guilty and fear which is Gods word in your heart and mind. Sometimes His word gets very faint as we get more comfortable with and in the world, but be assured that God is still there, and will bring you back.
 Study is just study, but its not a walk one on one with God. Eileen, you are having a walk with God in the world.

Roy
  
 Places that God takes us walking: The wilderness, amusement parks, the zoo, scenic landscapes, up and down mountains, along the ocean and many more places to mention.

Title: Re: I have a confession
Post by: Jennie on October 10, 2009, 10:31:33 AM

I don't like that walk in the wilderness and I ask " God , why me" many times on the walk. I don't know why me or anyone else for that matter. I just know He knows exactly where I am and there will be something new I have learned to see through that ole "dark time" I call it. Much love to ya'll on this rainy Saturday down South, Jennie

Title: Re: I have a confession
Post by: mharrell08 on October 10, 2009, 10:56:59 AM

This is from the list of topics regarding the November conference (http://bible-truths.com/BibleConference2009.htm):

WE MUST "KEEP THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT" ... TILL WE ALL COME IN "THE UNITY OF THE FAITH, AND OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE SON OF GOD, UNTO A PERFECT MAN [WOMAN] UNTO THE MEASURE OF THE STATURE OF CHRIST."

What does that mean, and how in the world are we to accomplish it?
What is it that God will give us in the resurrection that we don't have now?
And what must we first accomplish (through God of course) in this life to be in the resurrection to receive the other?  etc., etc...


Eileen, I'm happy that you are coming to this conference because I think the material is directly related to what you are speaking of. You are not the only one who feels this way in life, nor the last. I feel confident in saying that I believe the Lord placed this on Ray's heart to teach because so many of us feel this way from time to time.

I will also say this: studying His Word IS necessary in your daily walk with Christ:

Ps 119:97-101  O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts. I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.

Ps 119:127-128  Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold. Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.

2 Tim 2:15-16  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

How one studies is between themselves and the Lord, but study is absolute necessary.

I want to say one quick thing to the members in general:

I read these posts in Testimonies, all of them. But I don't comment because of one thing that runs prevalent on this part of the forum: Too many people attempting to pass worldly wisdom onto others as if it is from God. As well as too many people drawn to these carnal responses instead of what the Lord says.

Just because something 'feels good' in your life, does not make it some spiritual truth from the Lord. And all who wish to parlay these 'feel good' beliefs onto others, and in turn have others follow these worldly ways, will have to answer to the Lord. The is not a threat from myself or the other moderators, but a truth from God.

Matt 18:6-7  Whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man [or woman] by whom the offence cometh!

Why do some of us believe we can comfort others better than our Lord and Savior? Why NOT rely on the Word of God? Are our 'good feelings' better than His Word, tried in the fire seven times [Ps 12:6]?

That's the WHOLE point in studying the Word...to be like Him, for our words/actions/behavior/etc to be like HIM.

I'll stop right there, just wanted to make a small, quick point.

Thanks,

Marques

Title: Re: I have a confession
Post by: Roy Martin on October 10, 2009, 11:54:17 AM

Hello Marques, I get what you are saying. I feel what you said is directed to me. I will clarify so no one else misunderstands what I meant in my post. I was not implying that we should not study; heaven forbid. My post was about a one on one relationship with God, walking with God. I don't have a scripture that says it, but all the people that wrote the bible was taken on a few walks with God. Some of these walks lasted for forty years in the wilderness.God lead Jesus up a mountain to be tempted.
 People can quote scripture to me all day long of which I have read for 10 years and still not understand. Its when I go on these walks with God that gives me the understanding of the scriptures and or comfort, or the lifting up that I need.
 I study the word, I experience the word with my walks with God. We all have individual experiences with God. We all have testimonies and story's or concerns and questions, but its God that is responsible for everything. I don't consider any of my trials and walks with God or testimonies to be carnal, but the side attractions on these walks lead to something carnal which gave me something artificial that eventually lead me back to God of where I needed to be.
  Offense is offense only when it was meant to be, but sharing personal experience and testimony is not offense, is it? The bible is full of such testimonies and experiences. No offense intended.
 When someone post on this section with a testimony or question or concern, its usually because they want replies of encouragement or prayer. They want something or they wouldn't start a thread. How can our testimonies and experiences be worldly wisdom? God lead us into the false teaching of the churches(worldly wisdom) to call us out. All is of God.
Peace
Roy

Title: Re: I have a confession
Post by: aqrinc on October 10, 2009, 01:21:12 PM

All of GOD'S Word apply All the time, whether we feel it or not.

Psa 119:160 (ROTHERHAM)
The sum of thy word, is truth, and, age-abiding, is every one of thy righteous regulations.

Ecc 1:13 (CLV)
I applied my heart to inquiring and exploring by wisdom concerning all that is done under the heavens:it is an experience of evil Elohim has given to the sons of humanity to humble them by it.

Ecc 3: 1-11 (CLV)
1 For everything there is a stated time, And a season for every event under the heavens:"
2 A season to be born and a season to die; A season to plant and a season to chop down what is planted,
3 A season to kill and a season to heal; A season to breach and a season to build;
4 A season to weep and a season to sport; A season to wail and a season to dance;
5 A season to fling away stones and a season to collect stones; A season to embrace and a season to stay far from embracing;
6 A season to seek and a season to lose; A season to keep and a season to fling away;
7 A season to tear and a season to sew; A season to hush and a season to speak;
8 A season to love and a season to hate; A season of war and a season of peace.
9 What advantage does the worker have in what he is toiling?

10 I see the experience that Elohim gives To the sons of humanity to humble them by it.
11 He has made everything fitting in its season; However, He has put obscurity in their heart So that the man may not find out His work, That which the One, Elohim, does from the beginning to the terminus." (Consumnation)

george. :)

Title: Re: I have a confession
Post by: Roy Martin on October 10, 2009, 01:36:48 PM

Hi George, those are scriptures I understand because I have experienced and lived most of them as a lot of us have and will.

Peace
Roy

Title: Re: I have a confession
Post by: Ninny on October 10, 2009, 01:49:59 PM

There is not a one of us that hasn't been pulled away and there is one thing we can all know..God is there..He is always the same..He loves us no matter what we do..and nothing we do surprises Him, shocks Him, or catches Him off guard! He is more attentive than any human parent ever thought of being..He is God and a Father of incredible love and mercy. He is a forgiving Father and none of us are without need of forgiveness and mercy! His arms are big enough to hold us all!!
Kathy :-*

Title: Re: I have a confession
Post by: Roy Martin on October 10, 2009, 02:12:10 PM

I apologize that any of my post come across as worldly wisdom or offensive. I assure you that that would never be my intentions, nor to lead anyone astray with my testimonies and experiences. I do know that I cannot lead anyone to anywhere. God does the leading and calling and choosing. He is the one that submits us to vanity.

Roy

Title: Re: I have a confession
Post by: bambam on October 10, 2009, 02:55:16 PM

Hello,

I go back and forth still in so many areas.  But He keeps dragging me back.  I know that his way is perfect.  At one point I actually wanted to chuck it all and run away(in my heart), but God brought me back from that.  I go through spurts of amazing study, and then dryness.  I am learning to just trust God and rest in the place that He puts me.  Because wherever that is-that's where I am supposed to be, and sometimes I don't like the place I am in!  Oh, so many lessons to learn.  But God is faithful and will perform the things He sets out to do every single time!! ;) Praise God for that!  There's no worry in that-absolutely no fear or worry when we realize God is doing all of it and for a purpose.  I stand in AWE of Him! God be with you Eileen!!  He is not going to let you down!  No matter what His path for you is. 

Blessings,
Beth

Title: Re: I have a confession
Post by: gmik on October 10, 2009, 03:53:33 PM

AMEN!

Title: Re: I have a confession
Post by: mharrell08 on October 11, 2009, 01:00:57 AM

Quote from: Roy Martin on October 10, 2009, 11:54:17 AM

Hello Marques, I get what you are saying. I feel what you said is directed to me. I will clarify so no one else misunderstands what I meant in my post. I was not implying that we should not study; heaven forbid. My post was about a one on one relationship with God, walking with God. I don't have a scripture that says it, but all the people that wrote the bible was taken on a few walks with God. Some of these walks lasted for forty years in the wilderness.God lead Jesus up a mountain to be tempted.
 People can quote scripture to me all day long of which I have read for 10 years and still not understand. Its when I go on these walks with God that gives me the understanding of the scriptures and or comfort, or the lifting up that I need.
 I study the word, I experience the word with my walks with God. We all have individual experiences with God. We all have testimonies and story's or concerns and questions, but its God that is responsible for everything. I don't consider any of my trials and walks with God or testimonies to be carnal, but the side attractions on these walks lead to something carnal which gave me something artificial that eventually lead me back to God of where I needed to be.
  Offense is offense only when it was meant to be, but sharing personal experience and testimony is not offense, is it? The bible is full of such testimonies and experiences. No offense intended.
 When someone post on this section with a testimony or question or concern, its usually because they want replies of encouragement or prayer. They want something or they wouldn't start a thread. How can our testimonies and experiences be worldly wisdom? God lead us into the false teaching of the churches(worldly wisdom) to call us out. All is of God.
Peace
Roy

Roy, what I said was directed toward all of us, including myself. And I still do not understand the separation of studying the Word of God and a 'walk with God'. Studying/meditating/remembering/believing the Word of God is HUGE in one's walk...as a matter of fact, you cannot have a walk without these things.

I'll try to be more direct; here are some examples of 'feel-good' statements or comments:

1. 'God knows your heart' or 'God knows you' or 'God knows your intentions' etc.

Of course God knows you, that why He wants to CHANGE YOU. These kinds of statements are similar to someone needed spiritual guidance because they are rolling around in their carnal filth, and instead of letting the Word of God clean them off, we tell them to keep rolling in the mud because God knows you!

The carnal mind if enmity towards God [Rom 8:7]...in a nutshell, it HATES God. And it will give you a totally false peace of mind just so it can have it's way.

2. 'It doesn't matter what path/trail/road you're on, it all leads to God'

Really?

Matt 7:13-14  Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

John 10:9  I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture

This is that false belief that falls under all will be saved 'anyway'. Instead of pointing members to the scriptures so they can judge themselves now, instead of being condemned later [1 Cor 11:31-32], we'd rather let them go into destruction and more spiritual frustration. Would you let a physically blind person fall in a ditch? Would you at least offer a hand or would you say 'it all leads to God!'

3. 'This is where God wants me/you right now'

AKA The Religion of ME. The Ultimate Get out of Jail free card. You can do NO WRONG, because this is where God 'wants me'. It's a load of crap...

No man can serve 2 masters...NO MAN [OR WOMAN]. You cannot serve God and YOURSELF at the same time!

Matt 6:24  No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other...

Luke 16:13  No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other...


There are more, but those are the biggies.

I know my posts may rub some members the wrong way but I only attempt to point to the Word of God, because it is pure and true. I could go on and on with what 'sounds good' and rubs more members in a good way, but that's not where the spirit is, that's flesh. Hope you understand...


Thanks,

Marques

Title: Re: I have a confession
Post by: Roy Martin on October 11, 2009, 09:58:53 AM

Good morning Marques,
  I still think you misunderstand what I was trying to convey. It could be that I'm not understanding what Ray and scripture says about God causes everything.
I'll use an example of God draws us to Him. I was lost beyond description when I cried out to God, but before this, I thought I was on top of the world with all the money and marijuana, cars and home with 140 acres of the most beautiful land around. A beautiful wife. Everyone I knew thought I was the Kingpin. It felt good, but I didn't believe in God. Like a tornado over night it all began to crumble. Within two years it was all gone, everything even the wife. I started calling out to God and the next thing I know is I'm going to church. This is where God called me to, to a place that Ray teaches to be a place of lies and deceit. I felt safe there, but after months of crying out to God to take away my pain, the only thing I was getting was more and more pain. The next thing I know is I'm trying methamphetamine, a drug I had always hated with a passion. Wow! I thought, this stuff feels good. It numbs my pain. I turned from God to a drug, but God remained in my head. I couldn't get rid of Him. Its like I wanted to, but couldn't. I knew without a doubt that something  very supernatural was going on. I could see it as the material things started to disappear. It was a nightmare I couldn't wake up from. Well I go back to church for awhile and then back out to the drugs, but each time I went back to the drugs I would be asking, why am I doing this, I hate this. Sometime within this one years time as I was driving to get drugs,I looked up to the most beautiful sunset and said thank you God for that beautiful sunset. At that very second in a blink of an eye God spoke to me and said, "this is what you have been asking for, and this is what is waiting for you." Simultaneously all the pain was sucked out of me and filled with a joy and peace that just couldn't be anything of this world. I can't even come close to describing it. I went on to the drug house shouting what had just happened, but within 20 minutes it faded as quick as it came. I was filled again with even more pain than before and did some drugs.This went off and on for 2 years until I'm about to be sentenced to prison. The pain never did seize. The only thing that got me through each day was the thought that today I'm going to kill myself but I didn't have a gun and still didn't have the strength to do it. I'm a few days of going to prison. I wake up with the mother load of pain that told me its time to die, I can do this now but still I didn't have a gun. I decided to go for a walk in the woods and just as I reached the edge of the woods just 50 yards from my sisters house, I saw a rifle sitting against a fence in the thicket. I look around and call out to see if anyone one is around. I see that the gun has rust and has been there for awhile. I take it home , clean it up and put bullets in it and shot it several times. It worked perfectly. I wrote a letter to my loved ones explaining the pain and that I had no choice but to end my life, and I started walking toward the woods to kill myself . The next thing I know is I'm at the church crying and sobbing to the pastor unable to even speak. All I can do is hand him the letter I wrote. He read it and said is this really what you want and I said yes,I have no choice. As he started to pray God did it again, He sucked all that pain out of me and gave me the strength to face what was ahead of me. I went to prison and got closer to God than ever before.I was there for 3 years and came home on fire for God, back in church, doing everything that seemed right but I started getting sad and lonely and again I'm back to the world and drugs. I'm crying out to God, why God am I here, please take me from this. On and on this went. I packed up my car and moved out of State trying to run from this life and God. I was gone one year and back to the church seeking God like never before. Within two months of being back, I was praying something about failing,and God let me know that each time that I thought I was falling away,He was closing doors on desires and pain and confusion, giving me strength and faith. So you see, it was God that lead me to Him by my falling away. Each time I thought I was falling from God; I hated more and more that life. Closing doors, making me right.
  No one can say that God didn't cause all of these things to happen the way they did. Jesus said that the words He spoke are spirit and give life. Those words are scripture that was life in the working in my testimony. Its my testimony that God gave to me. There are many living scriptures in my story that gave me life.
You are right Marques that we can't separate scripture and a walk with God. I was trying to show that we have to have both, and that they are in harmony with each other. Some have a hard time understanding scripture but can relate to my testimony or their own because it is scripture in real life rather than just words not understood. All was and is of God. God causes all things. It all lead me to want God in my life more than wanting my pain to go away, more than anything physical, more than anything of this world. That's where God lead me in my walk with Him. I still fall short of this but here I am writing this, and I have no pain or sorrow, no drugs for 5 years, A nice 2 story home, a new pickup truck, a new God loving woman, secure finances, but not plenty, and most importantly is God is with me leading the way giving life to His words.
  Thank you Marques for your concern and desire to keep things straight according to scripture. I do hope that I haven't confused anyone, but this is my story that was a trial beyond description and I give God the glory.

Peace and love
      Roy
 PS; What are the odds of wanting a gun to kill yourself and find one 5-10 minutes later leaning on a fence in the woods?

Title: Re: I have a confession
Post by: EKnight on October 11, 2009, 03:09:00 PM

Quote

No man can serve 2 masters...NO MAN [OR WOMAN]. You cannot serve God and YOURSELF at the same time!

Marques,

I understand this.  It is in the letting go of ourselves that makes us more like Christ.  The distractions of this world can lead us astray but it is up to God to brings us back on the path to righteousness.  I am waiting for the Spirit to move me in this direction, hence the prayer request.

I think I understand what you are saying Roy.  It is in the "experience" of the "Word" that we recognize God's handiwork.  It's always in retrospect that we can see God's plan if we are fortunate enough to see it at all.

Correct me if I am wrong on these points.

Eileen

Title: Re: I have a confession
Post by: Marlene on October 11, 2009, 05:40:44 PM

I agree with Marques that we do need to know the scriptures. But, we can know the scriptures and still not heed them. Yes, that old man or woman must be killed. It is not an easy battle. That, is what I want more then anything. Yes, I know we play games with ourself. Most don't  like looking that beast in the face. Most, don't think they are really that bad. I also, agree with Roy that our experiences teach us. Both, are needed as I believe all are from God.

I have to say this post has been good for me. I have been out there and not able to read the Bible alot cause of all the trials. But, last night God made me pick that Bible up. He choose James. These scriptures spoke volumes to me.

James Chapter 1 verse 22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
                               23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass.
                               24For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straight way forgetteth what manner of man he was
                               25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and coninueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work,
                                   this man shall be blessed in his deed.

Marques is showing us how important the scriptures are to us. Now, the heeding them is often taught to us by our experiences.
There are all kinds of lesson to be learned in the Bible. Man and woman has not changed over the generations. I know many people who read the Bible and never heed the word. Only, God can change us.

I love you all and get alot from your posts. I only wish I could have known scriptures as well as many of you. But, God has always got my conscience through out the years. I don't care if all will be saved. I Love God and just want to please him. I hate being a hypocrite. Yes, God knows me and I am glad. He never ceases to show me the beast.

In His Love,
Marlene

Title: Re: I have a confession
Post by: mharrell08 on October 13, 2009, 11:12:36 AM

Quote from: EKnight on October 11, 2009, 03:09:00 PM

Marques,

I understand this.  It is in the letting go of ourselves that makes us more like Christ.  The distractions of this world can lead us astray but it is up to God to brings us back on the path to righteousness.  I am waiting for the Spirit to move me in this direction, hence the prayer request.

I don't like to keep harping on a subject so I'll try to be very clear:

My comments were not directed towards your original post...it was based on the responses you received.

Too many times, even in other parts of the forum, we'd rather say something that 'feels good' compared to the uncomfortable truth.

When someone is falling away from the things of God, we should encourage one another to return to Him. Whether with a gentle hand (Jude 1:22) or with strong admonition (Jude 1:23), let all be done to the glory of God giving no place to the flesh. Saying, 'He has you right where He wants you' is not encouraging one to 'overcome the world' [1 John 5:4]. That only encourages one to be comfortable in their carnality.

Just because the Son of Man came to save that which is destroyed, does not mean we encourage one another to continue down a path of spiritual destruction. All roads DO NOT lead to the same place. A person is only fooling themselves in thinking they can ignore His Word but still 'walk with God'. The two are as contrary as night and day.

So again Eileen, I did not see that being done FOR YOU in the immediate responses (though not all).


Hope you understand,

Marques

Title: Re: I have a confession
Post by: Roy Martin on October 14, 2009, 11:51:53 AM

Mark posted this on another thread, but seems appropriate here.

GWT
1 Corinthians 12
  1 Brothers and sisters, I don't want there to be any misunderstanding concerning spiritual gifts. 2 You know that when you were unbelievers, every time you were led to worship false gods you were worshiping gods who couldn't even speak. 3 So I want you to know that no one speaking by God's Spirit says, "Jesus is cursed." No one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.
4 There are different spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit gives them. 5 There are different ways of serving, and yet the same Lord is served. 6 There are different types of work to do, but the same God produces every gift in every person. 7 The evidence of the Spirit's presence is given to each person for the common good of everyone. 8 The Spirit gives one person the ability to speak with wisdom. The same Spirit gives another person the ability to speak with knowledge. 9 To another person the same Spirit gives courageous faith. To another person the same Spirit gives the ability to heal. 10 Another can work miracles. Another can speak what God has revealed. Another can tell the difference between spirits. Another can speak in different kinds of languages. Another can interpret languages. 11 There is only one Spirit who does all these things by giving what God wants to give to each person.

12 For example, the body is one unit and yet has many parts. As all the parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 By one Spirit we were all baptized into one body. Whether we are Jewish or Greek, slave or free, God gave all of us one Spirit to drink.

14 As you know, the human body is not made up of only one part, but of many parts. 15 Suppose a foot says, "I'm not a hand, so I'm not part of the body!" Would that mean it's no longer part of the body? 16 Or suppose an ear says, "I'm not an eye, so I'm not a part of the body!" Would that mean it's no longer part of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, how could it hear? If the whole body were an ear, how could it smell? 18 So God put each and every part of the body together as he wanted it. 19 How could it be a body if it only had one part? 20 So there are many parts but one body. 21 An eye can't say to a hand, "I don't need you!" Or again, the head can't say to the feet, "I don't need you!" 22 The opposite is true. The parts of the body that we think are weaker are the ones we really need. 23 The parts of the body that we think are less honorable are the ones we give special honor. So our unpresentable parts are made more presentable. 24 However, our presentable parts don't need this kind of treatment. God has put the body together and given special honor to the part that doesn't have it. 25 God's purpose was that the body should not be divided but rather that all of its parts should feel the same concern for each other. 26 If one part of the body suffers, all the other parts share its suffering. If one part is praised, all the others share in its happiness.

27 You are Christ's body and each of you is an individual part of it. 28 In the church God has appointed first apostles, next prophets, third teachers, then those who perform miracles, then those who have the gift of healing, then those who help others, those who are managers, and those who can speak in a number of languages. 29 Not all believers are apostles, are they? Are all of them prophets? Do all of them teach? Do all of them perform miracles 30 or have gifts of healing? Can all of them speak in other languages or interpret languages? 31 You only want the better gifts, but I will show you the best thing to do.

Roy
 
PS. At first I was offended by Marques reply, but I kept trying to see his point and where I made a mistake and finally I realizes that it was in my wording. I am like Marques, I don't like to keep harping on a topic, but I think I should clear things up. My experiences, journeys and paths all lead me closer to God.They were my journeys and walks that seems to be in harmony with Gods word. Mine and only mine do I speak from. Each one has his or hers own journeys, experiences, paths and trials. I don't know where anyone is going to be lead by my experiences which I gave you in a testimony of how God worked in me. I am in error by saying it is for everyone.