lovethelord

Figure of Eighty, Although believers are Spirit filled we are still in bodies of flesh and sin even when we don’t want to. We may not always clearly see how the Spirit has influenced our lives but when you look back over time I’m sure you can see how your choices and decisions you make today are based more on Godly principles than they were before. I know that as long as I have this human body I will wrestle with sin but I know that God has promised to give us perfection through Jesus. I can’t wait for that day to be with our Lord and Savior. In Romans chapter 7:14, Paul talks about his struggles with sin. I like the final verse Romans 7:25 when he tells us that the answer is to Trust in Jesus. Romans 7:25, Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.

Thanks Beaujangles for your post. I'm tired of hearing people complaining on the news, at work at church etc... we just need to take our requests /prayers directly to God who has it all in control. I just want to add my Pastor does lead the congregation in prayers for our Nation's leaders and has used some of the bible verses you've posted.

Hi F_Ivan I believe you were saved. When you are a new believer, it can be easy to doubt your salvation, when you are trusting yourself. Everyone has their own salvation experience. When I came to God I didn't cry, but I did experience a great peace. Trust the Lord when He tells you below: Philippeans 1:6, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Also, keep in mind you are not perfect and sinless while alive. I can pray over a sin and the next moment have a bad thought over someone who upset me. Everyone does. My Pastor even says it happens to him. We can work on them, confess them, try to stop them, but we will have them until we die. That is why you look to Jesus and what He did for you and I. Please read God's Word to fortify yourself with His strength!

Figure of Eighty Whenever I feel that my relationship lacks closeness with our Lord, I start to examine myself. Usually, it is sin (unconfessed) that is the culprit. Othertimes, it's because I've allowed the World to take priority over God's Word and keep me distracted from focusing on maintaining my relationship/fellowship with Him. All I know is that spending even 5 minutes of my time praying and/or reading the Bible usually gets me back on track. I wouldn't be able to tell you why you feel the way you do, but I know that God tells us that our conscious can be hardened by sin. I believe the feelings you are experiencing are given by His Spirit leading you to restore your fellowship with the Lord. He with your willingness to help is the only one that can change that distance into closeness.

Hi Tiana M, Would I be right in assuming that you were okay with your own artistic drawings before you saw the lustful drawings on instagram? If so, this would be a good learning opportunity to be intentional about guarding your eyes and what you allow them to fasten on. I like to draw in my spare time and I love drawing flowers and gardens. I know it's not an exciting thing but I can say my drawings have a certain purity to them. Before I was saved my drawings were the complete opposite filled with darkness! I could clearly see the state of my heart at that time by looking at the old art I've drawn. James 1:14, "but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed."

Roseanne, These thoughts are not of God and God would never command you to hurt yourself. Since these thoughts first starting appearing in the summer, I think you need to go back to that time and think on what triggered them? Were you under more stress in school or any family or life changes? Is your Therapist treating you for OCD? I'm just wondering as having repeating negative thoughts can be one of the symptoms. I think the more you try to suppress these thoughts the more they will pop up. Talk about them at your Christian group or continue to get support at Worthy. Know that your thoughts are just thoughts and give them God. He can give you the means to conquer them.

Franco11, My advice is to explore your life and identify where you’ve been hurt and allow yourself to feel that pain and to heal. Usually addicting behavior begins by giving your brain something that feels good to cover or numb areas of hurt in your life. Healing comes about by acknowledging the hurtful incident(s) and speaking about it to others and if needed getting support for that pain. I believe working on what is causing you addiction will have a better success rate than trying to just stop viewing the porn. Also, identify areas of stress ie: work, finances, loneliness, marriage…anything that triggers your need for the porn. I recently learned that the word addiction means "enslaved by" or bound by. If you are a believer in Christ, you can be set free from this with hard work and trust in the Lord. He has given us hope, strength and freedom! I've also prayed to the Lord that he give you the means to release yourself from this sin. Please continue at Worthy for support.

figure of eighty, Even if a shooting happened at my own church, I would return back to the church the following week knowing that I cannot give into fear. I know that God has the day/time set for my life on this earth and I could be killed anytime or anywhere if this is the way I'm to go. Most importantly, I cannot allow Satan to have victory over me attending church in person (my preferred choice) rather than watching the service online. 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love and of a sound mind."

M1ssufan01, I think your emotions are keeping you from seeing the good advice you’ve received from the majority… that is to block /unfriend these people on Facebook. You were told in no uncertain terms to have nothing to do with the whole family. Respect their wishes. Whether the likes/comments on your Facebook was intentional or not doesn’t matter. Take back some control over this situation. If you feel the relationship termination was unjust on their part, you can still forgive them, and they may have forgiven you as well, but just because forgiveness happens doesn’t mean restoration is possible.

Kenzie, God made everyone with different skin tones and colorings. Everyone has their own special beauty. All children learn about racialism and prejudices by what they see and learn in the home. Your mom/dad may put such importance on this because their own parents were the same way. You are the one who can break the cycle because unless they are willing to change it won't happen. You can only control yourself and your own responses to their hurtful comments. Don't let them define you. Ask the Lord to you help you not to react when they say something insensitive or hurtful to you. I am concerned that you are being abused emotionally and physically. This is unacceptable and no one deserves this. If you are being harmed you need to have this reported and/or get help from a trusted person you know. There is help out there, but if no one knows what is happening then it will continue.

Welcome ndcollins, Your wife must feel very lonely with limited contact with anyone other than yourself. Right now she needs your encouragement and support to help her. I also know it's important for you to take care of yourself and your work and needs too. When our health is affected it is difficult to be strong emotionally and spiritually in some cases. Please post here in our prayer support and for encouragement as well.

Equippers, While we live, we are in a world that is sinful and evil. People will say and do things that will hurt us and let us down over and over again. Likewise, I'm sure any of us at one time or another have let someone down and/or compromised our own integrity (even if unintentional). Walk with integrity yourself, let your character and God shield you from the effects of those who hurt you. God tells us he judges with righteous judgment. God in His own perfect timing disciplines and corrects everyone (unbelievers and believers) for the sin in our life. Just because you may not see what God is doing in someone's life, He is there and it is happening. Please don't be discouraged, God knows what you are feeling. Don't let discouragement pull you away from God's promises in the Bible.

Hi Neighbor, Having any animal requires a lot of invested time, love and attention. What are your feelings for you cat? This may help make it clear if you need to get another animal in the house. I great cure for boredom is to help someone in need, this way your focus is on others rather than self. I found this works for me whenever I feel myself thinking too much of me.

Ineedhugs, The problem with this is that no one in this earthly life can be perfect no matter how much effort you put into it. Only Jesus has that perfection and is sinless, which is why we are to put our trust in His atoning death for our sins. Relying on yourself and not Jesus is setting up yourself for lots of frustration, doubt and failure. Also, if you focus on what God's Word says in the Bible you will see how he wants us to come to Him as children. Humble and needing his righteousness. I believe that hell is a very real place that all unbelievers will go to for eternity. God is the Creator and He is perfect and he has outlines for us what is considered sin and evil. He judges righteously. There is no such thing as little sin vs a big sin in God's eyes. I suggest continuing to pray to the Lord asking Him to strengthen you in the faith so that you won't question His Word which is truth and move forward in your walk.

Hi Raven, I think for the simple fact that people don't listen to His words of wisdom. For instance, how many times are we told not to worry, yet I think most people even strong Christians can worry or get anxious. He tells us if we have ears to hear, we need to pay special attention to what He is telling us. That it's important.

Hi Frank, Faith grows by reading, hearing and acting out on the faith that you have through God's Word. I suggest praying to the Lord to grow your faith if that is what you are requesting. The Lord will provide what you are requesting in a way you probably wouldn't expect but in a way that would benefit you specifically. Matthew 4:5-7, "Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

Hi @BeauJangles I've been periodically checking her profile since yesterday and I see she has visited this site several times and recently in the last hour. I pray that she is being encouraged by everyone to not give up hope.

Kenzie, Please listen to us. There is hope! Call this #Call 1-800-273-8255. There is also online chat link that you can access through Google. God loves you! You are NOT Alone!! Please please do this. You are feeling a lot of emotions that need to be Expressed and Heard by those who understand what you are going through. Father, I ask that your Spirit come now over Kenzie. Let her feel your abundant Love and comfort. Comfort her with your love, strengthen her in Hope. Help her to defeat the lies of the enemy. I pray this Lord, in Jesus name. Amen.

Jacob7688, I'm wondering why her pictures didn't look like her. Were they really pictures of her? Instead of thinking "love" at this point. Why don't you get to know her better. There's a big difference between an online relationship vs. inperson relationship. For me, the way a person smells, laughs, eat, the sound of their voice etc... ( you get my meaning) all make a difference to me. However, since you already love her personality, why not plan more in-person activities and just get to know her and let her get to know the real you as well. I am confident that over time, her character and godliness will win the day. I just wanted to add that the best advice is really to take this to the Lord in prayers asking for guidance and discernment.

Hi Samuelg1, I also encourage you to speak to your Pastor. If you don't say anything, who will? He is leading many people astray and portraying the wrong message that is affecting eternal lives. In faith, courage and righteousness you can make all the difference there. I don't think it's as simple as this. Many people are simply trusting that their Pastor knows what is best as leader of the church and probably not as mature in their Bible reading to know what God tells us. Peter 5:1-3, "So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock"

Chris0699, I've read your questions and replies from the other thread in this forum and I believe that you desire to know and love God. If that was not the case, you really would not care and continue with your lifestyle at peace with your decision. However, it sounds to me that you are still searching to feel a connection to Him and to obey Him through a loving relationship rather than by being scared into obedience “hell”. My advice would be to keep things simple. Get yourself in a quiet space with no distractions and humbly ask God to work in your heart to soften it so His Word and Spirit can work in your life. Use your "own" words from your own "heart". I know you've listened to a lot of popular pastors, but go directly to God's word. Let it speak to you. Give the Bible another chance and ask Him to help His Word direct and humble you. Being part of God’s family imparts many blessings that are eternal. It is worth the effort! Whatever you are feeling now is God trying to get your attention. Satan is also working on you from the other side by feeding your mind with lies. Romans 8:26, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”

Hi Rhen, Psalm 127:3, "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. My parents, had me before they were married (my mom was 20 years old). The did get married a year after I was born and have been married now for over 60 years and we are one happy family. Your daughter is going to need your loving support and acceptance of her child. Believe me, you will reap future rewards with the love of a grandchild, grateful love of your daughter and boyfriend. I will pray for you and your family. You don't know that they may be planning a marriage before child is born, or right after.

Mike, Thank you for for posting such an honest account of the terrible abuse you experienced. I've been bullied by a particular person when I was around 14 years ago, and that experience still sticks with me and caused me insecurity. Yet here you are telling us a life of long horrible abuse. How is any child able to process the emotions and pain from the traumas you experienced? This isn't supposed to happen to any child yet it does. Your story opened my eyes to the (hidden) reality that is around us. I thank the Lord that God intervened in your suicide attempt. You are here now and He has forgiven and saved you. Your testimony will help others. I pray that the Lord bring healing and comfort to your spirit. Whatever you did that you are now facing jail time, God will use to his glory and purpose.

Hi Revlori, We had a family member unfortunately do the same thing to our family. Due to his lies, we had visits from the police, the County and even the City to try and bring us down. We felt helpless. I could not love this person. He was toxic. I could not see a way out of the trouble that was brought to our home. As noted by Coliseum, I realized I had to trust in the power of the Holy Spirit to help all of us in forgiving and healing for the family. Once I gave this over to the Lord in constant prayer, it started to happen slowly but surely. Not only that, but about a year later, the Lord showed us one of His promises in the bible about leaving vengence in His hand, because He brought about justice in the most supreme way possible. It was so amazing that all who found out about it couldn't contain their own amazement. Truly the Lord is great, He can turn any seemingly impossible task to the possible. Thank you Lord!

Hi Coliseum, Thanks for sharing your perspective. When I go to church I usually wear a dress or skirt, even knowing that most of the congregation and our Pastor dresses casually. I'm sure the way I dress is from my old school days when my parents had me dress up when going to church. I let my daughter wear her torn jeans and a t-shirt and don't have a problem with that. When I posted earlier, I was actually thinking of Christians who wear very sexy clothing to church that just doesn't seem appropriate for the occasion. But then again, this is a good reminder for me that I shouldn't judge them. Maybe they were going somewhere special right after church.