DocHoliday

CHIQUITA, how are you, and GBU dear sis, I first off want to say, that the responses from HIS, were indeed, very well said. I couldnt agree more with her perspective and articulation. and that is everything she said. The point about your sisters salvation being in God's hands. As well as the counsel and encouragement that she gave. Sister, I dont have much I can say, except that I really stand behind the words of HIS. I dont think you need some special person to "cast out demons". Thats almost like saying that if God is going to save her, He needs some "demon caster outter" to be there. Who of us in one time, or in one way or another, didnt give ourselves to the devil. Your sister just happened to do it in words. But all of us have done it in actions. The point is, if your sister is going to be saved, then God is going to do the work. I love the point about being "Chosen" because I feel that its so neglected in the church today. But keep praying for her sis. And let God handle it. Dont push your sister, when God can call her. Just be there for her, as a listening, understanding, kind, patient, and loving friend/sister! And let God do the work. If she is not wanting to talk about church, dont worry about it. Just be there and pray. In this... I'm done talkin here! GBU SIS your pal, Doc

Jasmine, GBU. before I go any further, I'm gonna stick something on here, that I posted as posted for someone else, but I think can apply to you here. quote... people will come from every angle with their own perspective's, solution's and formulas, as to what it is to be a Christian in their opinion or observations. And because they might have experienced something, or come to understood their salvation in a certain way, they might come across as sounding or even demanding that every person is suppose to experience it, or come to see it in that same way they have. We're all responsible for making statements that limit God's sovereignty in another person's life. "If you're a Christian, then you must look like this, sound like that, do in this manner, know in this way, feel in this fashion, adopt these ideas, or simply, see it in the way that I declare a "true" Christian is suppose to see it.. otherwise, you must not be saved"! But none of these so called qualifications have the authority that God has when it comes to His choosing and saving one's soul. Nor do they have the ability to with 100% accuracy, determine who is and who isn't of the Lord! end quote For a time, I walked away from Church. And it wasnt because there was something wrong with me. Instead, I started to see how much, (particularly, in the church I was at that time going to, as well as all over though) we try to become these little police officers for the Lord. Its phony, its fake, and I cant stand it. There is nothing that I cant stand more in a church, than people, who are flesh, attempting to do something in my spirit. And even more, telling me that I'm suppose to be doing this, and suppose to be doing that. When I know down right where God has me and what He wants of me! And sometimes, that means nothing at all. It got so bad, and I started to see this so clearly, that I talked very sharply with some of the pastors, (a few of them my good friends) about how much they putting burdens on people. Instead of letting God do the work in someone's life. They were starting to do the "the chuch needs to get busy, and therefore, if you're not doing something for God, you need to get busy too" message. This attempt to stir ones spirit is to me, fruitless. God should be the one operating, He doesnt need our help. (And this does draw up a fine line, which I can later expand on, because there is a time when God is telling us, but I think, more inside, with power given, to go out and do something, whatever that may be) I dont have good patience for reading, but I read the post that came immediately after your original post. And I must say that I thought it was very genuine, and wise. The person brought up some really good points that are true to this day. But even if these people are true believers, maybe the problem, is that you are feeling pressure from others as to what you are suppose to be doing in your life "as a Christian" as opposed to having God leading you to, and doing the work naturally inside of you. You might be exactly where God wants you to be. And you dont have to "get involved" simply because others say that you are suppose to. You are in Grace dear sister. And if God has you at home taking care of your family, instead of creating and holding on to, "self made friendships" (which to me are the worst) then trust in that. And be in His grace. And dont let other people tell you, and push you into what "they say" you are suppose to be doing.

SPIRITUAL GIRL!!! sorry that I confused you sis. Let me try and restate what I was saying and better help you to understand my point. Hopefully this wont start some other topic. Thats not what I want here Reverse Racism is something that I believe is happening today. It's really the same as people without Christ, attempting to create "righteousness" for society, but of their own efforts and not really from the convictions that the Spirit of God brings. Its kindve like this, black people went through very hard times in the past in this country. White people apologize for it. But instead of leaving it at that, and letting people be people, we start to over apologize as a society. Minorities are given special treatment. They are not dealt with on a level of man or women. Instead, individuals are dealt with based on their color, and in your case, you would have been obligated to let this person play with you when you wanted to practice and not play, simply because, if you didnt, then you were a considered racist. That is reverse racism. Its a phony courtesy and worldly "open-mindedness" and not genuine courtesy based on person instead of color. Does this help? lol sorry if youre still lost sis In short, its kissing up and being afraid to treat everyone with the same manner. (thats why I said that reverse racism, although seemingly "nice" actually keeps racism in our minds. Though its a racism based on being overly nice instead of being mean, its still keeping us in the state of seeing colors. Thats reverse racism. GOT IT!!! oh yeah, and yes, Im saying, I agree with the fact that you want to practice. But yes, first thing I'd do is take it to the Lord, and ask Him to help you guys to be friends as He sees fit to open relationships for your life. This way, youre not doing "nice things" out of guilt and obligation, which has no real fruit and value, but instead, your friendship is genuine and real, and of the Lord. Dont push for anything, but yes, like everyone else says, dont be a person who makes others feel completely neglected. Just let God handle it and be in control. And let yourself be available. As well, be a nice neighbor. Just don't over due it and become a fake smile with legs ok

When I moved to Moreno Valley Ca. I had a next door neighbor that I got off to a bad start with. I realized where I went wrong. And I prayed about it. This neighbor and I, (he not a believer) had grown into a very good neighbor relationship within the next year. We were very polite, friendly, and respecting towards one another. When I had gone down to get the last of my things, as I realized that I'd be now living in Nevada, he and I talked and said good bye. This man, father of two, married and non-believer gave me a hug. That to me is beautiful. God had done a work in our lives. And I sure pray and do believe that I impacted him and his family in some way. I agree with the simple and loveable wisdom that bro david offers. Indeed, blessed are the peacemakers. We are to be people of peace. Just dont overdue it either sis. I woudnt bring it up unless it comes up. Be nice, be polite, like I originally said, "because you are neighbors". But don't overdue it. We can only do so much for righteousness before that righteousness becomes too much of ourselves, and we become a type of phoniness... have we confused you yet lol... sorry just give it to God. And ask Him to work it all out. But don't worry too much about being perfectly "correct" in front of everyone. Trust in God's control of the situation, pray about it. And let Him and pray for, a natural friendship. One that is real and more than just mere smiles and hellos and Jesus Loves Yous... but without real meaing. GBU

Just to throw it out there. I dont pray on any schedule. I wait as God lays things on my heart. Though I have times where something really lays heavy on my heart, be it someone's pain that God allows me to feel some heavy grief, which then invokes some words from me to the Lord. Or a certain person that God reminds me of, and I pray for their well being. Or a prayer that God might even lead me to, be it frustration I'm going through, which results in me asking of Him, and His work being fulfilled, or whatever, I find that I am always fellowshipping with my Lord! And I don't believe that there is any one solution or schedule that is going to work for everyone. Some people work in schedules. And I believe that God makes them to operate this way. Still, there are other people, who just cant operate like that. (Thats me lol) Things must have a sense of naturnalness and spontaneighity. And I encourage you to find out how you work in the Lord as you grow. God doesnt need me to speak to Him, think-talk to Him, or me to do anything for Him to work. He knows the hairs on my head. And He knows my needs before I speak. I believe that there are prayers. And then I believe that there are prayers that come from God as He puts them in our hearts and minds. And these are the things that we can ask for and rest assured that they are heard and work. Because they have their origin in Him. Now don't anyone get me wrong, I'm not saying to not pray. Especially if you are someone who has a strong prayer life that operates more on a schedule. I'm just saying, for some, if you allow God to work the prayers in you, you WILL find yourself in prayer, and that in many of moments throughout the day. At work, while at a cafe, whenever, wherever. You will find that you are praying and communicating with the Lord. And that without your own effort. It's a natural turning of the mind done by the Spirit, and a ministering to your being that He leads you to. So many people think that praying means... talking... and that non-stop. Think about a husband and a wife. A wifes tendancy is to talk, A LOT LOL . But sometimes (hope I dont sound harsh here) a man would rather His wife be quiet. I tend to think that this is a picture of what we are to the Lord in our prayer life with Him. Be quiet, and just trust in Him to lead us to those prayers that come from Him. He doesn't need us to "ramble on and on" all the time. Quiet your mind. Rest in His grace. And let Him speak. You will find yourself saying the prayers that He leads you to... and there is no greater way of talking to the Lord, then knowing that the very words and thoughts that He's laying on your heart, are coming from Him!!!!

Well, I guess I have to be the one to wear the dirty gloves here. Sis, I don't think that you should be obligated to anyone about this. You are busy practicing. Your answer should be sufficient. You are not being racist by that. And you should not have to feel the need to justify it. Paperflowers. I encourage you to reread this post. She has made it very clear that her issue is not about her neighbors race. Rather, she is focussing on practicing. I understand about not wanting to be to stand offish to any new neighbor, but lets not play this reverse racism game that everyone is playing. If these new neighbors were white, (assuming that spiritual girl is white) I'm sure her answer would not change. And she shouldnt have to give special treatment to others simply because she doesnt want them to think that she is racist. And if these people assume that she is racist, simply because she turns down a request to play instead of practice, then these neighbors are the one's who are racist. They are the one's bringing it up. In short spiritual girl, be friendly. But be friendly because you are a neighbor. And I know it sounds like you want to be. But if you have things to focus on, then focus on those things. And dont feel the need to give special treatment. This actually encourages racism. Everyone is equal, and we should all be treated the same. If you have something to do. Do it and don't worry about it. May God help you to know what should be done.

DEAR WEI... GBU DEAR FRIEND Wei, this book about the three aspects of salvation, is a book written by a personality type, who likes to have things all figured out and in order. There is nothing wrong with this. In fact, God more than likely made this author to tick that way, and I'd be willing to bet, that this person is more than likely, a true and sincere servant of the Lord. One whom the Lord loves, and one who loves the Lord. But Wei, there is nothing in the bible that talks about repentance having to do with a feeling! Nor is it written in the word of God that you must qualify in any of these listed categories to be on some "Heaven Approved Checklist". But I'm willing to bet that this author wasn't even talking about a one-time feeling that comes over you when you repent. If anything, they might be saying, (and if not, then I'm saying) that in time, a spiritual life in Christ, should cause some longer term emotional changes in how you view sin. That is, you become more sensitive and aware of damaging and even, fruitless things. And your desire to go back to those things is for the most part, gone. But those emotional changes are not necessarily moments of strong and convincing feelings. And I wouldn't look for them in that, because you'll be looking for evidence of your salvation in the wrong place, and you'll end up frustrated and confused. I agree with many of the other replies as well. (as far as those who understand that feelings are not necessary to prove savlation) I am someone who, when born again, cried uncontrollably, and still couldn't express the amazing and over-whelming "feeling" that stayed with me during those few hours in my 7th grade year at a mountain retreat for youth. But there have been many dear friend, who have fully and completely come to God, and have never "felt" anything to prove that they had come to repentance. The word of God says to repent. It doesn't say, "Go and repent, and when, or if you boo-hoo for a couple hours, congratulations! You've made it!!" God is the one in control of your life and salvation. Not some person's check-off list! And He alone proves your position in Christ. Not man's book! Again understand that I am not putting this person (author) down, just know and learn wei, that people will come from every angle with their own perspective's, solution's and formulas, as to what it is to be a Christian in their opinion or observations. And because they might have experienced something, or come to understood their salvation in a certain way, they might come across as sounding or even demanding that every person is suppose to experience it, or come to see it in that same way they have. We're all responsible for making statements that limit God's sovereignty in another person's life. "If you're a Christian, then you must look like this, sound like that, do in this manner, know in this way, feel in this fashion, adopt these ideas, or simply, see it in the way that I declare a "true" Christian is suppose to see it.. otherwise, you must not be saved"! But none of these so called qualifications have the authority that God has when it comes to His choosing and saving one's soul. Nor do they have the ability to with 100% accuracy, determine who is and who isn't of the Lord! Wei, I encourage you to look up GREG LAURIE of HARVEST CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP in RIVERSIDE CA. This is a man who is used in a very large way in the ministry field today, and definitely one of the most well known Pastor/Evangelists in America. See if you can find anything about his testimony. Because he will tell you, that he never experienced the "feeling" of repentance, that so many talked about. Instead, he repented and gave his life to Christ wondering if he himself had it, because he went through what you are going through now. He didn't "feel" nothing. But he asked God into his heart, walked with Him, turned from sin, and did the basics. And he soon came to see that God had indeed received and accepted him. And now look at where he is. If you ask me brother (or sister ) your salvation sure sounds genuine. Otherwise, you wouldn't care. Maybe, God's allowing you to go through the feeling of having no feelings (lol ) so that as you grow and see Christ in your life for yourself, you'll be able to help and assist others whom you might find struggling with what you are going through now. But please Wei, don't make the mistake of trying to figure it out. Don't compare yourself to other peoples formatted ideas. In time you'll probably be able to better understand what that author was talking about, if indeed there was more to what he was saying. For now, just stick to the basics. Don't look for signs. Just ask Jesus to reveal Himself to you more and more, so that you won't have to doubt. Our God is so patient, gentle, loving and faithful. He will not let you wonder on your own. But don't put Him on your clock and schedule to work. Just do the basics and live for Him as best as you can! And with that Wei, I'll leave you with one more thing. The rest is for you and the Lord to "work out"... All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. (John 6:37 New King James Version) Well... two more things... lol Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:32 New King James Version) Your pal... Doc