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=> Testimonies / Prayer Requests / Fellowship => Topic started by: Akira329 on April 29, 2008, 11:14:18 AM
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I will try not to type and entire paragraph but I need some advice, some help, a kind word or whatever God inspires in your hearts!
I'm very depressed!! I have stage two diabetes and sleep apnea.
I'm overweight and a very lonely guy.
I have trouble with relationships and I'm pretty sure I'll be alone for the rest of my life.
I'm unmotivated!! I'm trying to lose weight and trying to take care of myself but I don't really fear for my life, I do fear pain and suffering and I don't won't to suffer to death or go through pain while dying.
I have people all around me offering help, but there just offers no help comes my way.
I'm torn between giving so much time to health and not to study.
Someone on here once told me that even studying scriptures can be an idol of the heart.
But where do I find motivation to do good for myself? How do I get out of this depressive state?
I feel a lot of people around me are not like minded enough to help me truly. Everyone has good intentions and there well received but I know I need spiritual help from men and women who love scripture!!! Thank you all for reading!!
Antaiwan
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Antaiwan,
You are in my prayers and I have much compassion for you and what you are going through. You are not alone in this journey.
I'm sending you a PM.
René
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Antwain,
You are in a bit of a pickle. But I can only suggest to you, that God has you right where He wants you. Meaning HE'LL have the final say on your life from this point on. When we think about our troubles, that puts the focus on OURSELVES. Thus we can do NOTHING about OURSELVES. I would advise you to ask God to reveal more of CHRIST to you. This way you can keep your eye on Him in the midst of these troubles.
Perhaps God is bringing you to the end of yourself right now to free you of some issues you may not be aware of. I'm 42, and STILL a batchelor. Halloween is the only time dogs run from me ;). But I pray that God reveal more of Him to lead you out of this "valley of the shadow of death" (Ps. 23).
God be with you
Ches
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Hi Antaiwan,
It is surprising to me that you would be feeling as you are, only because the times we have talked together (at the Conferences) you are always positive, upbeat and of good cheer. What is not surprising though is that you are experiencing a wilderness feeling, a dose of tribulation.
Act 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
As Rene' stated; "You are not alone."
You know Ray also suffers from diabetes and a few other ailments and still manages to get in some study time. ;)
What you mentioned about studying scriptures as an idol of the heart I am sure can be true in some extreme cases where folks are neglecting things (they probably don't particularly enjoy) using the excuse of "studying" in an attempt to deflect criticism, we are to be temperate in all things and to be responsible for taking care of our households. If we read and read and read but never do the things He commands I am sure we will answer for it.
Perhaps you could email Ray with your health issues and study dilemma for some advice from someone who has walked in your shoes and has first hand experience in regard to what is troubling you Brother.
You are in my prayers.
Peace,
Joe
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Dear Antaivan.
I have never been in the position that you are in but, nevertheless, I can identify with you because I have had some very traumatic experiences and have now been cured. Believe me, you're going to laugh when I tell you and you won't be on your own, I did exactly the same thing when the carrier of the news told it to me. I have learned not to laugh at such anymore.
It is a story much too long for this email to go into it in detail, so I'll just gloss over it and pray to God that He'll do for you as He so graciously did for me. If there is any more help I can give please feel free to ask. Only people who have suffered so can appreciate how someone in your position truly feels.
It goes back a long way, way back to the 50s. I was a very heavy smoker; 30 to 40 cigarettes a day plus 5ozs of pipe tobacco a week. I developed a chesty hacking cough that rapidly proceeded to a stage where I was unable to take in a fresh supply of air, for not being able to stop coughing, with the result that I used to
drop to the floor unconscious. Finally I was persuaded to visit the GP who immediately referred me to the chest clinic. Three X'ray scans were taken after which the consultant didn't mince his words. "Stop smoking and you may have a chance, if not you have at most six months." Then he held one of the plates to a light and asked, "What do you see?" My reply, "Two black blobs as they appear to me." He said, "That's right, those are where your lungs should be." Then he gave me the three photos with a parting word, "Stop smoking!"
A matter of a few weeks later, we had an unexpected few days visit from my brother who was an elder in his Church in South Australia. Recovering from one of my now frequent passing out fits I was greeted with no trace of sympathy with this advice; "Time you quit that disgusting habit!" to which I responded, "Easier said than done." "Easier than you think." came the reply. "So what's the miraculous panacea?" I asked. Yes you've probably guessed it, "Just ask Jesus." came the confident response. I wasn't a believer then so I burst out laughing.
Things moved fast, brother Bernie returned home and I still kept on coughing and having those passing out phases. Then it happened. The day arrived when God decided to pay me a visit. My wife, Alice went at my asking to fetch me s supply of cigarettes and tobacco, in her absence while I was attending to some business matter, T had another attack and flake out unconscious. All I can remember is that when I came round my finger nails were buried into the settee and I was trying to lift myself up and in the process while on my knees I remember uttering the plea, "Jesus, please help me." that's all. That was my prayer.
As I settled myself into my chair I heard the front door open and my wife say, "You owe me ?..." I can't remember how much it was, it didn't come into the equation at the time. All I do remember is without thinking, "Please take it back, love, and buy yourself a nice bag of toffee, I've stopped smoking." "Oh yes, I've heard that before, but next time you'll fetch your own." The Lord took her home over eighteen months ago and over forty five years have passed but I still wait for her, next time, prediction to be fulfilled.
When my revisit to the chest clinic was due, I could see both my lungs very clearly and it's still a mystery for the consultant who had pronounced the death sentence.
That my brother is the truth and it is the power of the Lord Jesus Christ, and this before I ever knew Him, but now I do so never ever laugh or the last laugh will be on you, I promise.
You are in a much, much better position than I ever was, you know Him. So my advice is to get down on your knees, because very soon you, I and all the world from Adam down will have do it, and ask for Him to relieve your pain. On the other hand, my brother, who is to say that you are not one of His specially chosen few who are being put through the fiery trials before being accepted as sons in His Kingdom? So with that beautiful thought in your mind lift yourself up out of the state of dark depression and face the world, if God is with you who can be against you?
God bless you and my prayers are with you.
Love in Christ Jesus.
Roy.
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Hi Antaiwan,
I can only imagine what it must be like to suffer with disease and illness, but we all have our own trials to bare.
Do the best you can to improve your health and turn it over to God. Seek God and throw yourself on His mercy, that's all you can do.
I do pray that you will be strengthen and that you may come to have the peace only He can give.
Mat 11:28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. v. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. v. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
mercy, peace and love
Kat
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Hi Antaiwan,
I struggled with some of the things you mentioned. I've often felt depressed, lonely, unmotivated and went through some really tough times spiritually. I will spare the details on the forum but finally I was really depressed and confused so I just prayed hard and gave up to God said I want to be good, I really need your help etc. I found that God will not do all the work for you but He will forgive you and pick you up when you fall and maybe even work some things out for you!
I want you to know that you should not be ashamed or anything like that because everyone needs help sometimes so its ok to lean on others. I recommend taking some more time for yourself and your health (diet/exercise), and giving scriptures a break for a little bit. Try to get out more maybe get out to eat with a friend or go to a movie, or better yet some place cool like a park or festival or something. Just try to put yourself out there a little bit and be friendly. And if you get to talking don't be afraid to say yeah life is rough right now. It helps a lot for someone to just know what you're going through. What really meant the difference for me is that I found some people really care for me and that changed everything.
Life can be a battle and sometimes all you can do is keep fighting and take steps here and there. Feel free to msg me if you want to talk more or hear what I went through.
Take care man!
your friend,
Steve
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I'd like to thank everyone for there kind words and needful advice!! :)
Thank you for your prayers also!!
I know this journey is going to be very difficult for me because I can be so stubborn at times.
It gets so bad sometimes that I even push away friends who try to help.
I've listened to Ray's audio on repentance all last week and today and realize there is so much that I need
to repent of. Changing my habits I know will only allow me to progress further!
I do thank God for these trials, I don't think I'd be the person I am today without them.
Sometimes I pray I become a better man regardless if my health improves or not.
I know bodily exercise profits little.
Roy I would hate for it to take experiences like that for me to stop what I'm doing to myself but if God willing
I can not prevent.
Thanks again everyone! This is why I love this forum so much!!
Antaiwan
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An operation performed primarily to reduce weight in the obese has some startlingly positive side effects on type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease and even cancer. Lesley Stahl reports.
http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=4029652n (http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=4029652n)
Dennis
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http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,7086.0.html
God is your Father and Jesus is your Elder Brother and Saviour. TALK to them of your feelings, and your needs, and your desires, and your frustrations, and everything that is on your mind. When I awake each morning I pray for those coming to our site; I pray for my web master and my best friends; I pray for my wife and daughter; I pray for wisdom and understanding; I pray for humility--I pray for EVERYTHING THAT IS ON MY MIND! I KNOW that God is (not there) but HERE, right where I am. If I thought for one moment that God was not hearing me and answering me and concerned over me and loving me--I wouldn't pray at all. I do not pray as the Church does that God will "CHANGE HIS MIND" about things that are happening and make things better for me than He originally intended. I thank God that He NEVER EVER CHANGES HIS MIND. There is great security in that profound truth. God ALWAYS does things RIGHT the FIRST time around!!
We must stop asking God to "get in tune with OUR WISHES," and begin asking God to "get us in tune WITH HIS WISHES!" Remember always the words of our Lord: "THY WILL be done...."
And as Jesus Himself prayed in the garden, "NOT as I will but as THOU" (Matt. 26:39). There is nothing easier than to talk with a close friend. Jesus is OUR FRIEND and we are HIS FRIEND if we obey Him (John 15:14) . I will pray for you that God will be as real to you as you are to you.
Ray
Antaiwan, your in my prayers, my brother and friend!
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Antawan:
Don't be too quick to dismiss physical exercise as an answer. I realize that God does not give bonus points for it but it has benefits that go way beyond being in good shape. It helps people feel better. Not just about their looks or knowing that they're in better shape. It also helps people think better and tends to wipe out depression, even if only temporarily. I find that bike riding is not that strenuous and gets the endorphins going after about a half hour of it. You will probably think happier thoughts if you get your physical body working for you by increasing your metabolism. I ride my bike as much as 50 miles a week and it has kept me feeling as upbeat as I can possibly be in my situation. I also am single and have about the most trying job imaginable. The exercise has freed me from dwelling on the negative, rather looking to God's will for me. I guaranty it will help you if you follow your doctor's guidelines.
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Dear Atawan ;)
I always tend to view my situation from the perspective of the illustrious company I'm in;
"If the world hateth you, ye know that it hath hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love its own: but because ye are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, A servant is not greater than his lord. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me." (Jn.15:18-21).
Take heart brother, we're all in the same boat and there is no danger of it sinking with the Master Skipper at the helm.
God bless.
Love in Christ Jesus.
Roy
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Antaiwan,
I totally agree with musicman in regard to exercise, riding a bike or even a brisk walk for at least 20 minutes does wonders for your state of mind and of course your metabolism.
In the early evenings when riding my bike I often have some excellent One on one conversations with our Lord as I observe and meditate on the signatures He leaves on all His creation. It is very peaceful and relaxing. On the weekend mornings I drag my kayak to the backyard and head off down the Hillsborough River to hear all the birds, observe the turtles and other creatures doing what they do, it is great, no radios, tv's, Internet, cell phones, etc.
His Peace to you Brother,
Joe
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Fish Oil is good for depression too.
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Hey Dennis,
I watched that video and have considered bypass but I didn't know it helped so many other problems.
I really don't want to have surgery, i feel like I can do this through regular excercise.
I just need discipline and motivation to do so.
I was encouraged by a few people on here and I thank you all for that!!
Thank you Patrick too!!
This is why I love coming here!!
Thank you guys for the edification! :)
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Deuteronomy 31:8
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Hold on, dear brother....I am praying for you!
Joyce :)(http://dl5.glitter-graphics.net/pub/463/463455dkgcfm4m8o.gif) (http://www.glitter-graphics.com)
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Good one Joyce!
I have carried three verses of that Scripture in my wallet these past 30 to 40 years and it can be found in my wallet today but rather faded over time; "Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Then Moses called to Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land which the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance. The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deut.31:6-8).
Take heed Akira329 and God will strengthen you and so will my prayers.
Love in Christ Jesus
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Wow! Joyful1....that even beats the coffee! :)..breathtaking! 8)
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Yes indeed, Deb...our God paints beautiful paintings...that inspire artists of the Human variety! ;)
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Antawain,
I just want to join in with our fellow brothers and sisters and send prayer your way. The hardest part may be submitting it all to God; but remeber to thank him for his will even in the darkest times for his will is perfect in the imperfections of this world.
Be strong in Christ
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Hey Dennis,
I watched that video and have considered bypass but I didn't know it helped so many other problems.
I really don't want to have surgery, i feel like I can do this through regular excercise.
I just need discipline and motivation to do so.
I was encouraged by a few people on here and I thank you all for that!!
Thank you Patrick too!!
This is why I love coming here!!
Thank you guys for the edification! :)
If you're in THE WORD (1 Corinthians 12:13), that's where your discipline and motivation should come from.
- John 15:5 - I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Motivation comeS from the inspiration by and through THE HOLY GHOST of your spirit (your life force).
- John 6:63 - It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
i can't believe that someone would actually tell you, if you're a bona fide, that studying THE WORD could actually be idolatry. Maybe i'm misunderstanding the perspective the person who made that statement was coming from. For me myself, i know i can't get motivated to do anything without THE WORD first.
- Matthew 6:33 - But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Everything's a burden for me when i'm outside of THE WORD. This includes the most minute and trivial of things. You'd be surprised how neglectful i am without THE WORD. I'm just plain ole trifling. Stay in THE WORD. If you're born again (regenerated spiritually - John 3:3),that's where your motivation through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost should and will come.
- Isaiah 26:3 - Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
IN HIS LOVE
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Hello Antaiwan,
Here Is A Word.
5 This is what the Lord says: “Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans and turn their hearts away from the Lord. 6 They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future. They will live in the barren wilderness, on the salty flats where no one lives.
7 “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. 8 They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they go right on producing delicious fruit.
9 “The human heart is most deceitful and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? 10 But I know! I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.” Jeremiah Chapter 17: 5-10.
With Love. Geoff.
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You want to make a pact with me? I am by no means overweight, just lazy (a sin) so let's say we will walk 20 minutes per day to start and we can report back to each other here daily. And be truthful as to whether we walked or not. What do you say? Get yourself an ipod or some kind of music player and listen to Ray or your favorite music while you walk. That's what I like to do.
Eileen
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You want to make a pact with me? I am by no means overweight, just lazy (a sin) so let's say we will walk 20 minutes per day to start and we can report back to each other here daily. And be truthful as to whether we walked or not. What do you say? Get yourself an ipod or some kind of music player and listen to Ray or your favorite music while you walk. That's what I like to do.
Eileen
I can definitely do 20 minutes per day but the question is will I?
I've lost a few pounds so far and don't plan to give up.
I appreciate your help Eileen. Accountability is also what I greatly need.
I have many people helping but no one to watch me monitor me and catch me eating bad things so I do.
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i just want to say that i am somebody who suffers with a disability and along with that disability goes deep depression. it is all interconnected.
i am overweight. some of it is my own fault and some of it is due to medication. but i realised something recently, that no matter how bad i feel, and i feel very ill most of the time, i have determined to get some form of exercise in the day.
i dont go out very much because it is difficult but i try to walk 3,000 steps in a day.it is difficult, it is tiring and i have to push myself so much.
i have nobody to motivate me except god.
to i would like to encourage you to take some sort of exercise. start with a few steps first, and build up. my exercise takes me thirty minutes approximately, and if i cant do it all at the same time i break it up in short spurts. somedays i have to accept defeat and not manage to do anything. but very, very slowly i have lost some weight and because of this i want to continue to exercise, no matter how difficult.
i dont know how overweight you are but for your own sake try. if you are very overweight probably the best thing to start with is to get an exercise bike because you wont be putting so much pressure on your ankles.
if you put your trust in god he will not leave you or forsake you and he will bring you through fire and water.
also, i do not believe that studying the word of god is idolatory. how can that be? i may be wrong but isnt reading the word, food for the spirit and mind. actually if you have your mind renew and have the mind of christ in you, you will probably find your life changing.
dont worry about what man says to you but think rather on what god has to say to you.
you are in my thoughts.
god bless you.
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i just want to say this to you as it has just come to me and it is a word that god gave to me recently.
maybe meditate on this -
OUTSIDE OF ME - YOU CAN DO NOTHING!
make sure you are in god - lean on him - put your trust in him!
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Thanks Ailish!!
I appreciate your kind words!
I've lost 20 pounds so far but have a lot to go. Hopefully one day i feel better about myself that I may love others better.
I do think about that often.
I'm glad I have this place to go to where people truly understand.
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Wow that is great...it may seem to you like a small step but steady and slow is the best way. There are a lot of things going on in your body and God is also working on your spirit.
I am trying to lose weight too and I have not been able to exercise because of my back and neck. You have an advantage because male hormones are more anabolic , building muscle is important.
Just know tha everyone at this board supports you.
beloved
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Thanks Ailish!!
I appreciate your kind words!
I've lost 20 pounds so far but have a lot to go. Hopefully one day i feel better about myself that I may love others better.
I do think about that often.
I'm glad I have this place to go to where people truly understand.
Dear Akira329
Congratulations brother on losing 20 pounds, that's a start so God is working in you, keep it up. If I'm not being too imposing, what is your present weight and what in accord with your physical structure should be your actual weight? I ask this because I wish to pray for you to lose just that required amount and when you have lost it brother, which you will without any doubt, don't forget to give all glory to our loving and merciful God. With this in mind just take Geoff's advice and put all your trust in GOD: " Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding." (Pro.3:5). Why? Because: " There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." (Pro.14:12 & 16:25).
By the grace of God I have been spared that problem, but I can appreciate how you feel so " Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” (Deut.31:6).
God bless you brother in our joint walk in Christ.
Love in Christ Jesus.
Roy UK
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:D yeah Antaiwan! Way to go, brother!
Joyce :)