Full Version: Paranoia Vs. Faith
I have had a problem with paranoia. Probably caused by the fear of the unknown and the attempt of my mind to try and make sense of everything. When I read some things, it makes me a bit paranoid. Some people speak as if God has a secret and they have figured it out. I used to feel like sometime, suddenly, everyone would stand up and start congratulating me because I had figured out the game, I had figured out the big secret of life and found out what life and God is really all about. That I just don't live and die, but that I have to "figure it out" before my time runs out, before terrible consequences ensue. That if I mess up and miss it, I'm doomed. Scary stuff, but I have honestly felt like that and it is indeed a very scary and helpless feeling. Some people on here make me feel like that, that I'm missing something important and simply living a lie that will lead me into Satan's hands unknowingly. I admit I used to be in Satan's hands, but I have repented of that life and everyday I learn more to keep me out of his grip. Unfortunately I only have my own thoughts and experiences and what other people tell me to go on, so I know that I can be proven wrong. I don't like explore information as freely as I did before, because I have trouble telling the truth from untruth so I would rather just take it slow than to continue studying and make mistakes. People can make their beliefs look so truthful, like they have figured out the secret, and instead of telling everyone about it they simply allude to it whenever they speak, so can only wonder what in the world they are talking about and how they learned it. All I know is that I have repented of my sins and I do so every time that I realize I have committed one and I believe that the blessings I have received are from God because I know that I deserve nothing from anyone and that the wisdom spoken that does nothing but illustrate God's Grace is His voice and what I should follow. I also MUST believe that because I do believe that, God will guide me into His arms and away from Satan's. If all of this is wrong then I am indeed in trouble and in need of proper guidance. Until I see Him more clearly, I will simply stay away from the things that tend to frighten me into paranoia. Thank you for listening..
honestly, it's not until you start reading that you can start to shape out truth. for example read the entire book of Genesis then lurk around as thorough as you can. Then ask questions (here or at home)...when people start pointing things from that book alone that that you didn't "catch" when you first read it then that ought to make you say "woah...this person may know something...." Granted you always ask and verify but you have to start seperating the ones that may know something versus the ones that don't.
good luck and God bless.
good luck and God bless.
Hi,
I have written on many subjects before and this is the most important post which I have ever written. The root of the problem expressed in your post is unbelief.
I have noticed that many Christians suffer from a lack of belief. I cannot stress enough how essential belief is to a Christian, it is basically the only commandment that is required for salvation.
Notice John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
So do you believe in Jesus Christ. Do you believe that you will not perish. Do you believe that you have everlasting life. Many Christians say that they believe in Christ but in their hearts they are not convinced that they are saved and they will not perish.
Christians in such a state lack faith.
[i]Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.[/i]
There is no secret required. No hidden knowledge. No secret handshake. It is all out in the light and in the open. You don't need to be a scholar, or a great man, or very intelligent, or very self controlled or anything special in the eyes of men. You simply need to believe. In fact God chose us because we were weak, because we were little ones in the world, because we were simple. So if you are feeling week, downtrodden, humble before other men, lacking in so many ways then rejoice for this is why the Lord extended Grace to you.
So what if knowing all this you still have trouble believing or if you lack faith. This is a great mystery to me and lies in the realms of the Almighty. Why did Abraham believe and left his homeland and went to another land to obtain the promises of God? and no other man did. Why did Noah believe that the earth would be destroyed in the flood and the rest of mankind did not believe. Why does one man believe the gospel and all his neighbours and family members reject it? I don't know? All I can suggest is that you learn from Abraham. All of those fears and concerns and cares belong to that past life in that old home country of Ur. We have to turn our back on it, as Lot turned his back on Sodom and Gomorrah, we have to set our eyes on the new promised land of Gods kingdom without ever looking back.
The things you fear are earthly fleshly things. What if I starve? What if I die of thirst? What if someone hates me? What if I'm persecuted? What if I suffer for the gospel and get tortured? What if? What if? What if? Christians should not think this way. We offer our flesh as living sacrifices and live in the Spirit where there is no What if?. There is only the "When he comes". When he comes we will be lifted up. When he comes our bodies will be changed to immortal bodies. When he comes he will bring his reward for us. In the meantime we have the Comforter, the Holy Spirit to steady us in the faith.
We make our bodies, these earthly lives living sacrifices.
[i]Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.[/i]
Now having offered our flesh already as a sacrifice, what more can hurt us? Soldiers when going to war are often trained to consider themselves dead. They are conditioned that they will not come back home from their tour of duty. Therefore they do not fear death as they believe themselves already dead. As soldiers in Christ our outlook is similar in an earthly respect in that we are dead to this world, dead to the flesh and its lusts, dead to sin and its grip upon us. Where we differ from the soldier of this world is that we are not dead indeed but are alive in the Spirit, as a quickening Spirit ready to spring forth in the newness of life at the resurrection.
Someone who approaches the problems of this world in this manner will live with victory in his heart. He will walk through the valley of the shadow of death and fear no evil. He will look into the very bowels of hell and feel no concern. He will look into the snarling face of the enemy and not flinch. Be strong and courageous people of God for we are more than conquerers through him that loved us.
Please read and study all of Romans 8 especially this passage
[i]35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things [b]we are more than conquerors [/b] through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.[/i]
Spend many hours studying the Bible especially encouraging words such as this. Fill you mind with these positive thoughts from the Bible. The words from the Bible will drive out those troubling thoughts. This is the way we "resist the devil". Also in doing good deeds we also remove our preoccupation with our flesh and consider the needs of others. This is another way of "resisting the devil". Praying each day discussing the things you read in the Bible and the needs of others with God also is a way of "resisting the devil". Gritting you teath and saying "I will not think this way or do that" will not work and is doomed to failure. Resisting the devil in the ways I have described will cause him to flee from you. Remember that in Christ you have the victory, not the devil.
The Bible has this promise for us:
[i]James 4:6 God resisteth the proud, [b]but giveth grace unto the humble[/b]. 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. [b]Resist the devil, and he will flee from you[/b]. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.[/i]
As for growing in truth and avoiding deception. This is also a mystery to me. Why is it that some men who have heard the gospel get carried away by false teachers and led into deception whereas others remain true to the faith. Again all I can say is that studying the Bible and believing the plain and literal truth of it will guard you from all deception. If you are not studious and are unable to make sense of the Bible then it is important for you to find a good teacher. For this I recommend that you go to an established church denomination. These denominations require that a prospective pastor is trained in the Bible and the doctrines of the church. They also ensure that he is a Godly man and a good servant of the Kingdom of God before they anoint him as a minister. Regularly attend church and let the pastor teach you from the Bible. If you are having trouble finding a church then find a long time member of the church who seems to know a lot about the Bible and who has attended the same church for many years. They will be able to guide you to find a good church with a good pastor and teacher.
The importance of finding a good pastor and teacher simply cannot be underestimated. Pray earnestly to find such a man to guide and mentor you in the faith for he will guard your soul. Heb 3:17.
[17] Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account
I have written on many subjects before and this is the most important post which I have ever written. The root of the problem expressed in your post is unbelief.
I have noticed that many Christians suffer from a lack of belief. I cannot stress enough how essential belief is to a Christian, it is basically the only commandment that is required for salvation.
Notice John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
So do you believe in Jesus Christ. Do you believe that you will not perish. Do you believe that you have everlasting life. Many Christians say that they believe in Christ but in their hearts they are not convinced that they are saved and they will not perish.
Christians in such a state lack faith.
[i]Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.[/i]
There is no secret required. No hidden knowledge. No secret handshake. It is all out in the light and in the open. You don't need to be a scholar, or a great man, or very intelligent, or very self controlled or anything special in the eyes of men. You simply need to believe. In fact God chose us because we were weak, because we were little ones in the world, because we were simple. So if you are feeling week, downtrodden, humble before other men, lacking in so many ways then rejoice for this is why the Lord extended Grace to you.
So what if knowing all this you still have trouble believing or if you lack faith. This is a great mystery to me and lies in the realms of the Almighty. Why did Abraham believe and left his homeland and went to another land to obtain the promises of God? and no other man did. Why did Noah believe that the earth would be destroyed in the flood and the rest of mankind did not believe. Why does one man believe the gospel and all his neighbours and family members reject it? I don't know? All I can suggest is that you learn from Abraham. All of those fears and concerns and cares belong to that past life in that old home country of Ur. We have to turn our back on it, as Lot turned his back on Sodom and Gomorrah, we have to set our eyes on the new promised land of Gods kingdom without ever looking back.
The things you fear are earthly fleshly things. What if I starve? What if I die of thirst? What if someone hates me? What if I'm persecuted? What if I suffer for the gospel and get tortured? What if? What if? What if? Christians should not think this way. We offer our flesh as living sacrifices and live in the Spirit where there is no What if?. There is only the "When he comes". When he comes we will be lifted up. When he comes our bodies will be changed to immortal bodies. When he comes he will bring his reward for us. In the meantime we have the Comforter, the Holy Spirit to steady us in the faith.
We make our bodies, these earthly lives living sacrifices.
[i]Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.[/i]
Now having offered our flesh already as a sacrifice, what more can hurt us? Soldiers when going to war are often trained to consider themselves dead. They are conditioned that they will not come back home from their tour of duty. Therefore they do not fear death as they believe themselves already dead. As soldiers in Christ our outlook is similar in an earthly respect in that we are dead to this world, dead to the flesh and its lusts, dead to sin and its grip upon us. Where we differ from the soldier of this world is that we are not dead indeed but are alive in the Spirit, as a quickening Spirit ready to spring forth in the newness of life at the resurrection.
Someone who approaches the problems of this world in this manner will live with victory in his heart. He will walk through the valley of the shadow of death and fear no evil. He will look into the very bowels of hell and feel no concern. He will look into the snarling face of the enemy and not flinch. Be strong and courageous people of God for we are more than conquerers through him that loved us.
Please read and study all of Romans 8 especially this passage
[i]35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things [b]we are more than conquerors [/b] through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.[/i]
Spend many hours studying the Bible especially encouraging words such as this. Fill you mind with these positive thoughts from the Bible. The words from the Bible will drive out those troubling thoughts. This is the way we "resist the devil". Also in doing good deeds we also remove our preoccupation with our flesh and consider the needs of others. This is another way of "resisting the devil". Praying each day discussing the things you read in the Bible and the needs of others with God also is a way of "resisting the devil". Gritting you teath and saying "I will not think this way or do that" will not work and is doomed to failure. Resisting the devil in the ways I have described will cause him to flee from you. Remember that in Christ you have the victory, not the devil.
The Bible has this promise for us:
[i]James 4:6 God resisteth the proud, [b]but giveth grace unto the humble[/b]. 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. [b]Resist the devil, and he will flee from you[/b]. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.[/i]
As for growing in truth and avoiding deception. This is also a mystery to me. Why is it that some men who have heard the gospel get carried away by false teachers and led into deception whereas others remain true to the faith. Again all I can say is that studying the Bible and believing the plain and literal truth of it will guard you from all deception. If you are not studious and are unable to make sense of the Bible then it is important for you to find a good teacher. For this I recommend that you go to an established church denomination. These denominations require that a prospective pastor is trained in the Bible and the doctrines of the church. They also ensure that he is a Godly man and a good servant of the Kingdom of God before they anoint him as a minister. Regularly attend church and let the pastor teach you from the Bible. If you are having trouble finding a church then find a long time member of the church who seems to know a lot about the Bible and who has attended the same church for many years. They will be able to guide you to find a good church with a good pastor and teacher.
The importance of finding a good pastor and teacher simply cannot be underestimated. Pray earnestly to find such a man to guide and mentor you in the faith for he will guard your soul. Heb 3:17.
[17] Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account
...guardian...you have blessed me immensely...
i start every day...every day...with that scripture...i am convinced
that nothing shall separate me from the love of God...
ya know...the first couple of reads you seemed a little tough...like
an overbaked cookie...still sweet, but a little hard to chew...and
as i continue to read you...i realize the tough cookie has a really
soft center...
blessings,
signet
[quote name='AGAPEaNg' date='Jan 17 2007, 04:17 PM' post='99271']
I have had a problem with paranoia. Probably caused by the fear of the unknown and the attempt of my mind to try and make sense of everything. When I read some things, it makes me a bit paranoid. Some people speak as if God has a secret and they have figured it out. I used to feel like sometime, suddenly, everyone would stand up and start congratulating me because I had figured out the game, I had figured out the big secret of life and found out what life and God is really all about. That I just don't live and die, but that I have to "figure it out" before my time runs out, before terrible consequences ensue. That if I mess up and miss it, I'm doomed. Scary stuff, but I have honestly felt like that and it is indeed a very scary and helpless feeling. Some people on here make me feel like that, that I'm missing something important and simply living a lie that will lead me into Satan's hands unknowingly. I admit I used to be in Satan's hands, but I have repented of that life and everyday I learn more to keep me out of his grip. Unfortunately I only have my own thoughts and experiences and what other people tell me to go on, so I know that I can be proven wrong. I don't like explore information as freely as I did before, because I have trouble telling the truth from untruth so I would rather just take it slow than to continue studying and make mistakes. People can make their beliefs look so truthful, like they have figured out the secret, and instead of telling everyone about it they simply allude to it whenever they speak, so can only wonder what in the world they are talking about and how they learned it. All I know is that I have repented of my sins and I do so every time that I realize I have committed one and I believe that the blessings I have received are from God because I know that I deserve nothing from anyone and that the wisdom spoken that does nothing but illustrate God's Grace is His voice and what I should follow. I also MUST believe that because I do believe that, God will guide me into His arms and away from Satan's. If all of this is wrong then I am indeed in trouble and in need of proper guidance. Until I see Him more clearly, I will simply stay away from the things that tend to frighten me into paranoia. Thank you for listening..
[/quote]
Very strange AGAPEaNg, but you have described the way I feel about government and political parties. I try very hard to educate myself but every party can make themselves sound so reasonable. There is so much history, so many issues and zillions of facts that conceal a kaleidoscope of deceptions created by better men than me.
Atleast there is hope for you. Pray unceasingly. Fear is from Satan, so when you feel its cold hand tightening around your heart, demand that he leave or cry out for Christ. It works. But I really believe that constant prayer is the key. Begin and end each day with quiet time with God. Speak to Him while you drive, speak to Him when you see someone on the street in obvious need, speak to Him when you see the heather along the roadside in bloom.
Another thing to remember is that most people here are still learning and growing. You don't have to take anything to heart in an instant. Just relax and let the Holy Spirit work for you. Not every man is meant to be a preacher or teacher. Understanding God and scripture can take a lifetime.
God Bless,
sojourner
I have had a problem with paranoia. Probably caused by the fear of the unknown and the attempt of my mind to try and make sense of everything. When I read some things, it makes me a bit paranoid. Some people speak as if God has a secret and they have figured it out. I used to feel like sometime, suddenly, everyone would stand up and start congratulating me because I had figured out the game, I had figured out the big secret of life and found out what life and God is really all about. That I just don't live and die, but that I have to "figure it out" before my time runs out, before terrible consequences ensue. That if I mess up and miss it, I'm doomed. Scary stuff, but I have honestly felt like that and it is indeed a very scary and helpless feeling. Some people on here make me feel like that, that I'm missing something important and simply living a lie that will lead me into Satan's hands unknowingly. I admit I used to be in Satan's hands, but I have repented of that life and everyday I learn more to keep me out of his grip. Unfortunately I only have my own thoughts and experiences and what other people tell me to go on, so I know that I can be proven wrong. I don't like explore information as freely as I did before, because I have trouble telling the truth from untruth so I would rather just take it slow than to continue studying and make mistakes. People can make their beliefs look so truthful, like they have figured out the secret, and instead of telling everyone about it they simply allude to it whenever they speak, so can only wonder what in the world they are talking about and how they learned it. All I know is that I have repented of my sins and I do so every time that I realize I have committed one and I believe that the blessings I have received are from God because I know that I deserve nothing from anyone and that the wisdom spoken that does nothing but illustrate God's Grace is His voice and what I should follow. I also MUST believe that because I do believe that, God will guide me into His arms and away from Satan's. If all of this is wrong then I am indeed in trouble and in need of proper guidance. Until I see Him more clearly, I will simply stay away from the things that tend to frighten me into paranoia. Thank you for listening..
[/quote]
Very strange AGAPEaNg, but you have described the way I feel about government and political parties. I try very hard to educate myself but every party can make themselves sound so reasonable. There is so much history, so many issues and zillions of facts that conceal a kaleidoscope of deceptions created by better men than me.
Atleast there is hope for you. Pray unceasingly. Fear is from Satan, so when you feel its cold hand tightening around your heart, demand that he leave or cry out for Christ. It works. But I really believe that constant prayer is the key. Begin and end each day with quiet time with God. Speak to Him while you drive, speak to Him when you see someone on the street in obvious need, speak to Him when you see the heather along the roadside in bloom.
Another thing to remember is that most people here are still learning and growing. You don't have to take anything to heart in an instant. Just relax and let the Holy Spirit work for you. Not every man is meant to be a preacher or teacher. Understanding God and scripture can take a lifetime.
God Bless,
sojourner
[quote name='signet' date='Jan 18 2007, 04:32 PM' post='99309']
...guardian...you have blessed me immensely...
i start every day...every day...with that scripture...i am convinced
that nothing shall separate me from the love of God...
ya know...the first couple of reads you seemed a little tough...like
an overbaked cookie...still sweet, but a little hard to chew...and
as i continue to read you...i realize the tough cookie has a really
soft center...
blessings,
signet
[/quote]
Thanks signet,
Interesting observation about the hard outside.
When the guardian raises the alarm does he use a sweet harp and pipes or does he use a blairing trumpet?
I see an epidemic of doubt and lack of faith in the Christian church today. I certainly am not singling out AgapeNG in my post. I was a worrier as a younger man and as I have grown in the faith God has given me peace. My alarm is for my brothers in Christ who are caught up with many cares and concerns of this world.
Seek you first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you says the Lord. I'll print out the whole passage because it is terrific
[quote]Matt 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.[/quote]
I'm afraid that many in the church ARE NO DIFFERENT to unbelievers and are seeking after material things. I've heard all the excuses. Well you need to plan. You need to feed your family. You need to consider your future. Everything but "Yes Lord I will no longer think about these things. I will care about the kingdom of God from now on." I will obey the scripture.
Have you noticed that the ones who say. Yes its OK to be care about these things as long as you don't worry about them are themselves worriers? There is no middle ground. We need to spend our days caring about the kingdom of God, planning for our future in the eternal kingdom. Deal with the issues and problems of today by all means. Feeding our family today means that we must work today. But the Lord says "Don't think about tomorrow because tomorrow will look after itself. If we take this approach the positive motivations of the kingdom of God will crowd out the worries and cares of this world.
Doubt and lack of trust in God is like a canker which eats away at faith. I liken faith to a solid oak tree which stands against all storms. Then termites invade the tree gradually chipping away at it until it weakens and then one day falls over.
Let us have faith and trust in God.
...guardian...you have blessed me immensely...
i start every day...every day...with that scripture...i am convinced
that nothing shall separate me from the love of God...
ya know...the first couple of reads you seemed a little tough...like
an overbaked cookie...still sweet, but a little hard to chew...and
as i continue to read you...i realize the tough cookie has a really
soft center...
blessings,
signet
[/quote]
Thanks signet,
Interesting observation about the hard outside.
When the guardian raises the alarm does he use a sweet harp and pipes or does he use a blairing trumpet?
I see an epidemic of doubt and lack of faith in the Christian church today. I certainly am not singling out AgapeNG in my post. I was a worrier as a younger man and as I have grown in the faith God has given me peace. My alarm is for my brothers in Christ who are caught up with many cares and concerns of this world.
Seek you first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you says the Lord. I'll print out the whole passage because it is terrific
[quote]Matt 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.[/quote]
I'm afraid that many in the church ARE NO DIFFERENT to unbelievers and are seeking after material things. I've heard all the excuses. Well you need to plan. You need to feed your family. You need to consider your future. Everything but "Yes Lord I will no longer think about these things. I will care about the kingdom of God from now on." I will obey the scripture.
Have you noticed that the ones who say. Yes its OK to be care about these things as long as you don't worry about them are themselves worriers? There is no middle ground. We need to spend our days caring about the kingdom of God, planning for our future in the eternal kingdom. Deal with the issues and problems of today by all means. Feeding our family today means that we must work today. But the Lord says "Don't think about tomorrow because tomorrow will look after itself. If we take this approach the positive motivations of the kingdom of God will crowd out the worries and cares of this world.
Doubt and lack of trust in God is like a canker which eats away at faith. I liken faith to a solid oak tree which stands against all storms. Then termites invade the tree gradually chipping away at it until it weakens and then one day falls over.
Let us have faith and trust in God.
Thank you! At first I admit I was a bit ...I don't know the correct word, but I didn't quite think that you (excubitor) understood what I was saying and that your response was too harsh for me, or something along that line... but then I realized that you are correct. Unbelief, it's that simple. They say the truth hurts! So thank you (Lord) for that refreshing taste of reality.
This is today's entry from a favored devotional of mine that always seems to tell me what I need to hear that day (reminds me of what fervent has spoken today also): http://www.myutmost.org/01/0118.html
IT IS THE LORD!
"Thomas answered and said unto Him, My Lord and my God." John 20:28
"Give Me to drink." How many of us are set upon Jesus Christ slaking our thirst when we ought to be satisfying Him? We should be pouring out now, spending to the last limit, not drawing on Him to satisfy us. "Ye shall be witnesses unto Me" - that means a life of unsullied, uncompromising and unbribed devotion to the Lord Jesus, a satisfaction to Him wherever He places us.
[b]Beware of anything that competes with loyalty to Jesus Christ. The greatest competitor of devotion to Jesus is service for Him. It is easier to serve than to be drunk to the dregs. The one aim of the call of God is the satisfaction of God, not a call to do something for Him. We are not sent to battle for God, but to be used by God in His battlings. Are we being more devoted to service than to Jesus Christ?[/b]
This is today's entry from a favored devotional of mine that always seems to tell me what I need to hear that day (reminds me of what fervent has spoken today also): http://www.myutmost.org/01/0118.html
IT IS THE LORD!
"Thomas answered and said unto Him, My Lord and my God." John 20:28
"Give Me to drink." How many of us are set upon Jesus Christ slaking our thirst when we ought to be satisfying Him? We should be pouring out now, spending to the last limit, not drawing on Him to satisfy us. "Ye shall be witnesses unto Me" - that means a life of unsullied, uncompromising and unbribed devotion to the Lord Jesus, a satisfaction to Him wherever He places us.
[b]Beware of anything that competes with loyalty to Jesus Christ. The greatest competitor of devotion to Jesus is service for Him. It is easier to serve than to be drunk to the dregs. The one aim of the call of God is the satisfaction of God, not a call to do something for Him. We are not sent to battle for God, but to be used by God in His battlings. Are we being more devoted to service than to Jesus Christ?[/b]
[quote name='excubitor' date='Jan 18 2007, 06:51 PM' post='99359']
[quote name='signet' date='Jan 18 2007, 04:32 PM' post='99309']
...guardian...you have blessed me immensely...
i start every day...every day...with that scripture...i am convinced
that nothing shall separate me from the love of God...
ya know...the first couple of reads you seemed a little tough...like
an overbaked cookie...still sweet, but a little hard to chew...and
as i continue to read you...i realize the tough cookie has a really
soft center...
blessings,
signet
[/quote]
Thanks signet,
Interesting observation about the hard outside.
When the guardian raises the alarm does he use a sweet harp and pipes or does he use a blairing trumpet?
I see an epidemic of doubt and lack of faith in the Christian church today. I certainly am not singling out AgapeNG in my post. I was a worrier as a younger man and as I have grown in the faith God has given me peace. My alarm is for my brothers in Christ who are caught up with many cares and concerns of this world.
Seek you first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you says the Lord. I'll print out the whole passage because it is terrific
[quote]Matt 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.[/quote]
I'm afraid that many in the church ARE NO DIFFERENT to unbelievers and are seeking after material things. I've heard all the excuses. Well you need to plan. You need to feed your family. You need to consider your future. Everything but "Yes Lord I will no longer think about these things. I will care about the kingdom of God from now on." I will obey the scripture.
Have you noticed that the ones who say. Yes its OK to be care about these things as long as you don't worry about them are themselves worriers? There is no middle ground. We need to spend our days caring about the kingdom of God, planning for our future in the eternal kingdom. Deal with the issues and problems of today by all means. Feeding our family today means that we must work today. But the Lord says "Don't think about tomorrow because tomorrow will look after itself. If we take this approach the positive motivations of the kingdom of God will crowd out the worries and cares of this world.
Doubt and lack of trust in God is like a canker which eats away at faith. I liken faith to a solid oak tree which stands against all storms. Then termites invade the tree gradually chipping away at it until it weakens and then one day falls over.
Let us have faith and trust in God.
[/quote]
Proverbs 24:13,14
"My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste:"
"So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off."
blessings,
signet
[quote name='signet' date='Jan 18 2007, 04:32 PM' post='99309']
...guardian...you have blessed me immensely...
i start every day...every day...with that scripture...i am convinced
that nothing shall separate me from the love of God...
ya know...the first couple of reads you seemed a little tough...like
an overbaked cookie...still sweet, but a little hard to chew...and
as i continue to read you...i realize the tough cookie has a really
soft center...
blessings,
signet
[/quote]
Thanks signet,
Interesting observation about the hard outside.
When the guardian raises the alarm does he use a sweet harp and pipes or does he use a blairing trumpet?
I see an epidemic of doubt and lack of faith in the Christian church today. I certainly am not singling out AgapeNG in my post. I was a worrier as a younger man and as I have grown in the faith God has given me peace. My alarm is for my brothers in Christ who are caught up with many cares and concerns of this world.
Seek you first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you says the Lord. I'll print out the whole passage because it is terrific
[quote]Matt 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.[/quote]
I'm afraid that many in the church ARE NO DIFFERENT to unbelievers and are seeking after material things. I've heard all the excuses. Well you need to plan. You need to feed your family. You need to consider your future. Everything but "Yes Lord I will no longer think about these things. I will care about the kingdom of God from now on." I will obey the scripture.
Have you noticed that the ones who say. Yes its OK to be care about these things as long as you don't worry about them are themselves worriers? There is no middle ground. We need to spend our days caring about the kingdom of God, planning for our future in the eternal kingdom. Deal with the issues and problems of today by all means. Feeding our family today means that we must work today. But the Lord says "Don't think about tomorrow because tomorrow will look after itself. If we take this approach the positive motivations of the kingdom of God will crowd out the worries and cares of this world.
Doubt and lack of trust in God is like a canker which eats away at faith. I liken faith to a solid oak tree which stands against all storms. Then termites invade the tree gradually chipping away at it until it weakens and then one day falls over.
Let us have faith and trust in God.
[/quote]
Proverbs 24:13,14
"My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste:"
"So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off."
blessings,
signet
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