Biscuit

I sometimes play the audio Bible at night. I often wake up to a certain Bible verse or there may be a "quickening" to a certain Bible verse? It can sometimes be something that makes me feel bad like "you will be repaid evil according to your wickedness". We had gone to a couple of people for prayer/deliverance. And were planning to go to another healing room/deliverance ministry. I also woke up to these verses last night. "So the Lord said to the children of Israel, "Did I not deliver you from the Egyptians and the Amorites and from the people of Ammon and the Philistines? Also the Sidonians and Amalekites and Maonites oppressed you; and you cried out to Me, and I delivered you from their hand. Yet you have forsaken me and served other gods. Therefore I will deliver you no more." Has anyone else encountered this? Do you think this is from God or the enemy? Would God be upset about this (maybe seeking man more than God) or is the enemy trying to mess with our heads to prevent us from going anywhere else?

I wanted to ask what some of you think about "deliverance ministries". Is it seeking man instead of God? Or is it the Holy Spirit working thru the vessel of a man? I know some of these ministries seem "out there" but there are others that seem more legitimate. (i.e. look on Facebook for DeGraw Ministries - Healing and Deliverance). Is this a gift of the Holy Spirit? Or do some of these people have gifts such as discernment or word of knowledge (or prophecy) that enables such a ministry. I feel like I am in bondage (I think due to some old hurts). I have not been baptized with the Holy Ghost and do not hear His voice as some people hear. It seems it would be an advantage if the Holy Spirit is able to legitimately talk or work thru a person. Thoughts? I am close to the DFW area.

I've reached a point where there is not a lot of sin in my life (especially compared to the past). I'm not certain if it is due to sanctification or just the fact that I don't do much anymore. Lately, I watch one episode a day of something like Dr. Quinn or A-team. The rest of my time for a few weeks now has been listening to audio Bible, Christian music, etc. However, I have a lot of ungodly thoughts of various kinds (bad thoughts against God, bad sexual thoughts, etc.). I don't know if these thoughts are my own or if they are "fiery darts" from the enemy. How would I know the source of these thoughts? If these thoughts are my own, how would I eliminate them? If I continue to listen to the Bible, would there be a point at which I would be cleansed of these thoughts? It concerns me because I know Jesus spoke about how it is sin just to have certain thoughts. I am also concerned about purity. I lost my Mom, wife, job, and Dad in a one year period in 2012-2013. I was not close to my Dad. I have not gone back to work yet but hope to soon. I do not hear God's still small voice, so really have no way to communicate with God other than prayer and via things that are spoken at church. Does anyone else have this problem or any insight? Thank you.

Read Foxes book of martyrs and you tell me... Loved one we all have had hard roads! To take our eyes off Christ to examine the lives around us as to who has it the worst~ I think a mistake... For the life of Christ here- WAS- the hardest of all! So We all bear to some measure according to His Will that fellowship of suffering as His children Love, Steven Yes .. i know that people experience hardships , burdens, and tribulations . But, that is why I am asking ... is it all the time ? Like I am experiencing . Love Songs, I will be praying for you. I have had a lot going on too. I have had problems but it seems like God only "enlightened" me or took the scales off my eyes recently. Since June, my Mom died, my wife died, I lost my job, night terrors/panics. The day of my Mom's funeral, I even lost my dog and my brother tried to start a fight with me in the church parking lot over some pictures. I'm now taking antidepressant and anxiety meds. Now my son (who has Chrohns) said that he has an "impression" that his next colonoscopy is going to show bad results (i.e. cancer).....something that is going to change our lives. Anyway, God is communicating with us at times and I am just taking one day at a time. I believe He wanted me to grow up and focus much less on the world. I am getting older too (almost 50), so this can tend to wear u down a little easier. I hope and pray that this is only a season you are going thru and that things start to ease up soon. There are a lot of people hurting now. Hang in there and keep looking up. James

Thanks so much for that info, GE. They actually meet in my town each week. I will check it out further.

Biscuit Sounds like you've been through a lot brother. Sorry for the loss of your wife. Praying. Have you considered going to a Biblical/Christian Counselor? Some thoughts of encouragement for you from God's Word. Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:19 The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; Psalm 37:4 Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose. Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. God bless, GE Thanks, GE. I have 3 more sessions set up with a Christian counselor before the end of the year. I don't know if I can go any after December. I lost my job in September. I think I can keep the insurance via COBRA, but probably won't pay the $6000 deductible that starts over in January. I also have a time set up to meet with my pastor. Thank you for the verses.

Joi and BlessedByTheBest, My son said that God told him that I haven't forgiven my wife (passed away in August) and that I need to think good thoughts about her. She had mental/spiritual problems for years and was hard and insulting toward us at times (especially our son the last 2 or 3 years). This may be true. I have tried not to think of her much since the funeral. Maybe we need to look at more old photos or videos. I know I have no right, but may also have bad feelings toward God over some things that have happened recently.

I wish it was something that easy. I feel that God is revealing to me that my heart is very hard. I am not in touch with my emotions and cannot figure out why. I don't know if it is due to unforgiveness, bitterness, or what. And toward whom. Am I unforgiving toward God? Toward my deceased spouse? Deceased mother? Someone else? I can't shed a tear. I play my audio Bible at night and just woke up to Romans 2:5-8 (not the first time). I can pray forgiveness (say the words) but am I not truly forgiving? I don't trust my heart and have no emotions, so I do not know. How is this "fixed"? There is a block. Please pray that God would give me a tender heart, but especially that He would restore my emotions and teach me how to TRULY repent (not just say the words) and what to repent for. How do I get out of this prison? Also, my ears ring very loudly. Thank you.

Amen Nebula, I do this everyday beginning with my morning shower where I thank God for soap, hot water, indoor plumbing etc. I take time to thank him for the difficulties in my life and the power he gives me to overcome them or the knowledge of the upcoming deliverance from all that ails. I end up on fire for God when I am truly thankful for ALL things. A tender heart also comes from recognizing the truth about that which my heart is hardened against. Especially when it comes to people who also have hard hearts. Interceding for them in prayer that the Lord might soften their heart or create in them a clean heart so they won't be so miserable helps me to see them differently. Praying against the principalities and powers, the rulers of darkness in high places also helps me to place the blame where it truly belongs, and that on those who distort the truth through lies without our ever being able to see them. You sound blessed, Gary. I hope I can get to the point that I am "on fire". I took a walk today and was thanking God for the pretty trees, nice weather, flowers, etc. I also thank Him for meals, roof over our head, that my son is doing better, etc. At times, I feel like I am merely saying the words without a lot of emotion behind them.....hard to explain.

Joi, Wanted to add that God was really moving in a recent church service. There were 3 interpretations and I can only recall 2 of them. (1st one) If my people who are called by My Name will humble themselves, pray, seek My face, if they will turn from their evil ways, I the Lord will hear them and will heal their land. Call upon Me, worship Me, Magnify My glorious Name sayeth the Lord of Hosts, and I will respond to your need. (2nd one) “Do not doubt in your heart for u have said I have tried this but the way seems too hard, I say to you, the way of the transgressor is hard, if u will walk in obedience to my word on a daily basis, I the Lord will be your provider and your protector, I will meet your needs and I will supply them, sayeth the Lord.” I feel the 2nd one was definitely directed at me, since I had almost given up at that point and was mostly laying around on the couch during the day. Something changed recently when the pastor laid hands on me and prayed. I feel different and have trouble going back to sleep in the morning, even if I try....kind of like a heaviness lifted. The pastor discerned something and said that I would be having more good days/stretches. He also said that I have the knowledge in my head but it has to get into my heart. I am going to keep trying.....I just hope and pray that I get more emotional. I feel like a robot at this point. I also hope I can keep from drifting toward becoming more worldly. I have hardly any sin in my life at this point (I don't even watch TV or movies any more), other than my thoughts. I have sexual thoughts which I can't seem to control at times. These thoughts are sometimes against God. I don't know if these thoughts come from the enemy or the flesh. You may be right in your PM that I may be bitter.....I may have some unresolved bitterness toward God, or one of my relatives who recently passed away. I hope not. I am going to pray for Him to help "redefine" these emotions since I don't trust my heart/emotions any more and to help me get over any unresolved bitterness.

My pastor recently preached on praising more and thanking Him more. I have been trying to do so. It is difficult when, most of the time, I am emotionless and feel nothing. I see people at church who are full of joy and their praise and worship is effortless. A song is not needed to "prime" their praise and thanksgiving. I feel I took a wrong turn somewhere in life. I now feel (and am thankful) that I will survive these trials/chastening, but I feel so empty and worldly. And my heart still seems hardened. These recent events helped me to realize how spiritually void that I am, and maybe this is what God wanted me to realize. I will keep trying.

Thank you, joi. I lost my Mom, wife, job recently and some other things happened. You may be right. I tried to forgive everyone (including God). It's hard to tell if I am bitter. I don't trust my feelings or my heart, so maybe I am.

Hello Biscuit, it seems like you have gotten pretty good advice! Sorry I am so late on a response, with that being said how are you doing currently? God bless you Hi Jacob, You are right. Good advice. No real changes that I can tell. Maybe it will come with time. God bless.

I would assume businesses like that got along just fine before there were flu shots. Also, flu shots are based on the best guess as to what strain of flu will hit that year. Trampling on my freedom for the sake of a guess is not acceptable. Good point. The flu shot only hits 3 or 4 strains out of the dozens and dozens of strains out there.....sort of like Russian Roulette. Flu shots and vaccinations can contain such ingredients as thimerosal (mercury), aluminum, propylene glycol (antifreeze), formaldehyde (embalming fluid), foreign monkey protein, fetal cells, etc. I would prefer to trust the immune system that God gave me. A company such as this one should have no problem signing an agreement that they will be responsible for any adverse effects caused by the injection. There are many parents and physicians who think that autism is "triggered" by vaccinations. It would be wise to ask the nurse or individual who administers such an injection for a list of ingredients contained in the injection.

It is possible that I simply heard wrong or misunderstood and judged too quickly. I will pray about it.