lovethelord

Hi JTC I agree that obeying out of love is the best motivator. Speaking for myself, i dislike being forced or pressured to do something, but when it is out of love it makes a difference in obedience and positive attitude. When i think of all God has done in my life, I can say I try to obey Him as much as I can out of my grateful heart! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Hi JTC, Because God is loving, it does not mean that he loves everything—God tells us the Bible what he hates. Pride, lies, selfishness, abuse etc…. God would not be loving if he didn’t hate these things and do something about it which was send his son Jesus to take our punishment. I didn’t know this until it was brought to my attention, but Jesus mentions hell more than anyone else in the whole Bible. No one likes to think of people we may know and love who are unsaved being sent to live eternally in hell but that is what God tells us. He calls the shots since he created us. John 5:24, “whoever hears my word and believes… has passed over from death in hell to life in God’s kingdom”

Marvelloustime, You know i just realized that I've never prayed for God to protect our home this way. In my prayers I always thank him for a home to go to and a bed to rest in, but I think protection over our home is mighty important!

Worship Warriors, So true.... "it's just a small compromise". I've told this to myself before against my better judgment and my conscience would bother me each and every time. Thankfully, God equips us from His Word about the dangers of compromising. Like you noted, the more we mature in our relationship with God, relying on his truth and power, it will help us walk without compromising. Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.

Hi Marvelloustime, Thanks for sharing a great article. Psalms 34:4 was probably the first prayer my daughter learned when she was young and afraid to sleep in her room. Several years ago, my husband left for work (last one to leave). He was tired and rushing to get to work and left our front door wide open. When i got home some 9 hours later everything was fine and nothing taken. I truly felt blessed that day for God's safekeeping of our home.

Hi Keny, Please don't be hard on yourself. Even adults get plagued by fear and anxiety in social situations. When i was a teen I felt my world was based on my friends and what people thought about me. Now, in this current time, I can't imagine how stressful it is for all teens especially with social media and people telling you how you should be acting. I encourage you to spend time reading and praying God's Word when you find yourself alone. If you are going to be alone at times, you might as well spend it on feeding our spiritual self. The Bible is filled with so much encouragement and verses about fear and anxiety. With the Bible you don't need a self help book. I commend you on learning English. I know I would have a very difficult time learning a second language in a foreign country. You are amazing. You realize you want to be more outgoing, start by just being a friend (taking an interests in others) and be natural. Your true self will come out and you will be happy to engage as you find things in common with others.

Hi Keny, I know sometimes it’s easier to ignore or avoid someone but I wonder if that is a Christian thing to do? If I was an unbeliever, I would think what kind of Christian is that? Could this person just possibly want to be friends? Hope the verses below help: Matthew 5:14, "You are the light of the world". As "light" we are to illuminate or make visible. Our lives are to be an on-going witness to the reality of Christ's presence in our lives. Philippians 2:15, "Believers, you are to shine as light in the world". 1 Peter 2:11-12 “Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.”

Nobleseed, Simple, child-like belief in Christ is what saves us from the penalty of our sin. Nothing else is required. And because the message is so simple, religions want to add works (their own efforts) into earning their way into Heaven. 1 John 3:23, “This is God’s command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another.” Romans 1:18, “But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness.” Mark 10:18, “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good.” No one can claim to be without sin or be good enough to enter heaven on the basis of merit. Only God’s grace as bestowed by belief in Jesus Christ lets us in. We cannot create our own path or ignorance to Heaven. It has to be God's way. Without the blood of Jesus covering our sin, we stand guilty before God. Here a very common question: How can a good and loving God condemn to hell someone who’s never heard of him? Answer: Romans’s 1:20, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.”

Hi Keny I would not date anyone who was not a Christian because I wouldn't want to end up really liking the person and getting more seriously involved with someone who didn't share my beliefs in God. Having married an unbeliever, he believed in God but not Jesus, caused much heartache and trouble in the marriage. I now understand God's wisdom when He gives us the proverb below: 2 Corinthians 6:14, " Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?"

Kristin, My mother-in law was a chronic liar and a professed Christian as well. I used to wonder why she lied so much when her lies had no clear purpose, were easily disproven and easy to see through the deception. When asked about one of her clear lies she would get upset and defensive. I concluded that unless she was able to recognize, admit and be willing to stop (almost like someone who is addicted to something), it would be hard to help her. As you found, with your own mom she doesn’t like being challenged on her lying and gets upset when you ask her about her Christianity. Please continue to pray to God to change her heart and bring recognition of her sin to her mind so she can truly live in the truth. God is the one with the power to change anyone. The Bible tells us that God is a God of Truth and that He desires that all people speak truth to each other at all times. Proverbs 23:23, “Get the truth and never sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment.” Proverbs 12:22, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.” Colossians 3:9-10, “Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.”

Hi Plavious, You've gotten some good responses above. Just adding my own two-cents worth. First a Christian is saved by faith alone through belief and confession in Jesus. It is not baptism that saves us. 1. Baptism of the Holy Spirit - During our conversion (when we state our belief in Jesus Christ as our Savior). The Holy Spirit comes to dwell in the believer. The purpose of the Holy Spirit dwelling in believers is for sanctification. This is the process of conforming every believer into the image of Jesus Christ. 2. What is the fate of people who dies without being baptized by water? You will still go to Heaven if you are a true Christian. However, if you’re a believer in Christ I think you should be baptized, not so you can go to Heaven, but because it is commanded in the Bible. 3. Who has authority to Baptized? Based on Matthew 28:18-20, as well as on the silence of the remaining portions of Scripture concerning this issue, it would seem that any true believer has authority from God to baptize, even as he has the authority from God to evangelize and teach all that Christ commanded. 4. What about Children? – I think a child who is mature enough and understands the meaning behind baptism can be baptized. After all, it is God who determines the child’s heart. I’ve heard of children as young as 5 years old making a declaration of belief in Jesus.

Walter and Deborah, Thank you for posting this verse. There are many false teachers and cults in the world today. We listen to God’s Spirit of Truth who speaks through us in the inspired Word. Prophets sent by God will speak from God, and God’s children will recognize them. Our Lord is truly to be worshiped for all His guiding love and wisdom. Romans 16:18 tells us “For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people." 2 Peter 2:1, “But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them-bringing swift destruction on themselves.” Jeremiah 23:16, “This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord.”

Bawcash, As I’m replying to your post, I almost feel like I’m also giving advice to myself (I've been married over 26 years). I feel i can relate to looking for someone to talk to when I'm in a bad place regarding my husband. I know "realistically" that nothing could really satisfy than having the communication I would like with my spouse and not a forum of strangers. I have to remind myself and hope to remind you that we are not alone however. The Holy Spirit is given to believers to help us in our prayers to God. Pray for His restoration, true forgiveness, healing, reconciliation, communication, understanding and peace to your marriage. God answers prayers! He wants marriages to survive. We need to do our part and do what God’s says and that is to guard our hearts and minds against Satan’s attack. When we are hurting, lonely and vulnerable he will plant his seed of lies, distrust and doubts to our minds. He wants to keep you stuck and focused on the worst and hurtful parts of your marriage. Anything that he can use to draw you away from God’s ideal of a marriage relationship he will use. I've copied some verses hoping they would help. If you think about it, 30 years is a long time to be married and commendable in this culture. God has blessed each of you with each other and is the author of all healing! James 5:16, “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results” Ephesians 4:31-32, “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Ecclesiastes 4:12: “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Mark 10:9: “Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." 1 Peter 4:8: “Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins."

Figure of Eight, I just feel i have to give you a gentle nudge in your thinking. I'll make this simple: 1. God is giving this child to you (this baby is your blessing from God). He is given to YOU. 2. Financial stability and maybe having two parents might be ideal, but God selected you as this baby's mommy (God always knows what is best) 3. The love that you have and will have for your baby cannot compare with anyone else's love for your baby. 4. Remember, pregnancy hormones! The stress you feel over your finances is definitely impacted by your hormones. 5. God is in control. Trust the Lord. Stay faithful. All will work out in his best timing for you. Psalm 94:19, "When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul." 2 Samuel 22;31-33, "As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord's word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure."

I feel going directly to God’s word and reading his promises on forgiveness will help you. Keep in mind that God does not lie or go back on his promises, so you can count on him to forgive you. God tells us because He has forgiven us, we need to forgive others as well (sometimes this can be a hard thing to do, especially to someone who has harmed or hurt us), but all things are possible with prayer and faith in our Lord God. 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Ephesians 1:7, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.” Matthew 6:14-15, “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind to one another tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Hi Peteros, Becoming a Christian is a growth process in faith and trust in our Lord. You will have lots of questions (reading the Bible is highly recommended) and prayer time with God to lead you into His will. Having questions is healthy because it allows you to find /seek your answers and strengthen your faith. Years ago, i wondered about "blasphemy" and this is what i understood it to mean. It is attributing the works of Jesus to the devil (something the religious leaders of Jesus day) were constantly doing. They knew the bible and the prophecies speaking about Jesus but they refused to believe His miracles attesting to who He was. It's obvious you love your grandfather and his opinion means much to you. However, keep in mind that no one absolutely no one knows your true heart .... only God knows you through and through. Trust the Lord fully! The bible is such an amazing book given to us to teach us how to live and understand God's purpose for us. Becoming a Christian doesn't instantly give us all the answers, even though we have the Holy Spirit indwelling us to guide and assist us. Your faith doesn't rest on your Grandfather's opinion. Don't let doubts deter you from pursuing your quest to find the answers you seek.

Isaiah 55:8-9, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” God doesn’t tell us why He created us with the ability to choose. All I know is that He decided to give us free will and making a choice is part of being a person. Throughout the bible we see how man exercises his choices and rebels against God. That is why we have pain and suffering. God loves us enough to allow us a choice and experience love, hate, pain and suffering. I don't believe he purposely created man to fall.

Billdavis3347, Your hurting heart clearly comes through on your post. The only thing I can offer is to not give up on God. He can heal your broken heart and he does so by the power of prayer and through scripture. Please continue to pray and allow God’s will to be done in your life. Right now, you don't see the whole picture as God does. He knows what will be best for you. God absolutely LOVES you more than even our most closest relationships. Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have you your, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 147:3, “He heals the broken-hearted, and bandages their wounds.” Romans 15:13, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Nadjeschda, “a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance” (Ecclesiastes 3:4). A well-adjusted person isn’t afraid of emotion and realizes that this is a gift of God to everyone saved and unsaved alike. I believe what makes Christians stand apart in regards to feelings is that through the Holy Spirit living inside of us, we can be directed to love strangers, extend mercy and guidance to those who aren’t just family or friends. Our feelings can give us empathy to help others. I think it also gives us more of a trustworthy conscience that is ruled by God rather than self.

What tragic and saddened news. Even though Jesus warns Christians that we will be persecuted I don’t think anyone can grasp the fear and pain involved for those who are under attack. The fact of the matter is that Christians will be under attack by unbelievers because it hates Jesus and His message. Jesus tells us that we are to be different from the world by our righteous living. We’re children of light; they’re children of darkness. We live by the Spirit; they live in sin. We live by faith; they live by sight. They do not understand us and our righteousness makes them feel guilty, so in their minds we are to be destroyed. “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad…” (Matthew 5:10-12) “All who live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12) “we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:13-14) If you want to escape persecution it's easy. Don’t live a Godly life. Compromise with the world and fail to take stand. I think we can learn lessons in faith and courage by reading these real life stories for those who stand for our Lord Jesus.

Hi Kevana I belong to Calvary Chapel church with a huge membership 1500+ or more. I go to the morning service with about 500+ attendance for over four years and out of those years, i still only chat with very few people. I think that with a lot of churches there are cliques of people who hang out because they probably met/participate at various church events and have gotten to know each other better. I'm sure if i stepped out of my own comfort zone and participated I would expand the number of people i speak with. I would just encourage you to give everyone a chance and just be you. Have you spoken to any of the church leadership regarding your questions? Have they been helpful or forthcoming with ready answers? How does your inner spirit feel about the church you attend? Do you feel at peace when worshipping and hearing the sermon preached. This could also be a good way to gauge if this is the church for you as well. As a side note, i continue to worship at my church because everyone is really friendly, it's just a matter of some people who seem lukewarm and not smiling or open to conversation but i don't take offense because i know everyone has things going on in their lives and i'm sure there were times i didn't look happy and approachable myself due to some trials i was experiencing.

Thewhitedove, "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." Phillippians 4:6-7 You can trust God to see you through this time with your family and friends. I think it will actually be exciting for you, because you will be able to show them the new "you" just by being a living testimony to your changed life by how you serve your family, your attitude and how you treat others. Expect to be tested by them! But you will grow from this experience and your faith will really grow because you will be trusting God completely. Think how you may have responded if someone from your family was in your situation and came home telling you they were born again and believed in Jesus (they may be skeptical or think your going through a phase) etc... Be patient and loving. I would let God lead you in each situation with family members, let conversations naturally open a door for you to share how your life has been changed. Remember, it is only our responsibility to share the gospel. It is up to God at that point to open the person's heart and accept his grace. You can't argue a person to have a change of heart. That is God's job. Just focus on seeing your family again and enjoying their company. I know you'll do fine, because you are already mentally prepared for some of their reactions and you aren't alone.

Figureofeight, This is certainly a predicament and stressful for you as well. When your baby is born he/she is going to require lots of sleep and noise will certainly impact the baby's quality of sleep. I'm assuming your brother doesn't have a family of his own? You say he listens to his Aunt a lot and tries to please her... Would you say he is closer to her than his own mom? I think I read that he feels he is doing the godly thing by opening his home to their family and making them meals. But your aunt and family have their own home next door! I don't really have anything to add, except to give you support and encourage you that God will help you bare through this trial. I truly feel for you and will pray this moment for you and your precious new baby that is on it's way!

Why do you think you continue to listen to the "lie" rather than the TRUTH. God forgives us of our sins when we sincerely repent and turn from them. Don't let Fear control you. God is bigger and greater than anything human and/or in the spiritual realm. When you grasp the God our the Bible, you will understand why he tells us not to fear and/or be anxious because it hurts us mentally and healthwise and takes our focus off of God and onto ourselves. God is in CONTROL. Please take a deep breath, spend some quiet time reading God's Word (the Bible) and pray for His truth to break through the lie/curse that you are making bigger than Him.

Blessedknitter, Please carefully read and ponder what JohnD has posted. Continue to pray to God to bring clarity and direction to your mind and heart. It's also important that you get yourself a "Christian" Bible and start reading it. You'll get amazing answers to your questions. I myself have only read through the bible twice but i learned that God is not the author of confusion. He tells us when we seek we will find and He will give us more. The Bible is the written Word of God, and Christ is the living, incarnate Word of God. The Holy Bible is the inspired Word of God, written by men under the control of the Holy Spirit. The Bible is a reflection of its Author. We cannot love God at all if we do not love His truth. The Bible testifies of its divine origin in its unity, fulfilled prophesies and power to change lives.