delivered

Amen.  Thank You.  What you've shared here describes myself.  I was always so shy, afraid, lonely and felt like a misfit.  Even now, as an adult, I find myself slipping into that darkness.  But, I now know the Lord...I am a Christian. You've brought knowledge to my rememberance.  Truth sometimes becomes clouded by overwhelming messages from the adversary.  You have blessed and lifted me by your testimony.  Thank you.

quote name='OneLight' date='Jan 27 2010, 10:00 AM' post='1496201']

I am going to try once again to have a thread that is not full of finger pointing, accusations, name calling and such. What this thread is about is listening to the Holy Spirit, so lets keep it on track, discussing the subject in a mature manner. If this again turns into demeaning another brethren, I will close it permanently.

As usual, I was a fool. I fretted over things that were meaningless, ignoring the scripture in Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow; for tomorrow shall be anxious for its own things. Sufficient to the day is the evil of it.

The Lord provided for my needs. He knew what I was looking for. He was merciful and showed me where the things were I was looking for. Even in the most mundane of things, He provides.

I need to stop worrying and trust in Him. Really He is so much bigger than anything I mess up.

Thank You Lord! And thank You for the lesson I learned in this.

Praise the Lord!!!!! Of course....for he is worthy. I, too, have realized that he cares about the most "mundane" things in our lives.

Beautiful!!!

Hello Cutiepie:

I'm sorry that you feel the way you do. I just want to remind you that God loves you and that He knows your heart and how you feel. Pray to Him for strength to get through this period in your life. Trust that He can help you. Of course, you don't fit in with this world. We, as Christians, are "peculiar" people because we are not of this world. We live in it, but are not OF it. There was a time was I felt lonely, sad, tired of everything -- my job, friends, family -- just like you are. I prayed daily; studied scripture and rebuked Satan in Jesus' name for putting negative thoughts into my mind. Day by day, I began stand strong and understand that I must put the things of God in my heart and act accordingly.

You might not like yourself because of comparison to others or standards set forth by the world, but you are unique and special. Learn to love that which God has blessed you. You'll find that there are so many. Strive for the personality traits that God requires. Set your heart on the things above.

I hope all of these responses are helpful to you. I will keep you in my prayers. Stay in touch.

Hi, I'm new to this. I just love to hear what God is speaking to others!!

Hi Candi:

At this time in my life, I believe God is telling me to Love -- to Love kindly, patiently, without jealousy or conceit or proud; not ill-mannered, selfish or irritable; not keeping records of wrongs; and not happy with with evil but happy with the truth; never giving up; to have faith, hope and patience. 1 Cor 4-7

To God be the Glory.

Dear Delivered,

I bought a $8.00 book called Fast Facts On False Teachings by Ron Carlson/Ed Decker. It's a wonderful tool there is about 16 pages on Jehovah's Witnesses. Those pages are very helpful.

My neighbors are JW and it is sad.The wife is a hand servent, and on top of that she doesn't believe they go to heaven because the 144,000 spots are already taken.She happialy believes they will be cleaning up the earth after the wicked people are thrown in hell. I have tried to witness to her but I don't want to push her away or make it so that her husband wont let her visit me.They live in Fla.6 mo. and in N.Y. (here)the other 6 mo.She use to babysit me when I was little.

A few pages in this book are very interesting..

The man Ron gets a visit from a pair of JWs, he invites them in on the condition that they would answer a few questions regaurding the JWs.

They said they would be glad to answer any questions he might have.

Then Ron said"I guess that I really only have one question. Throughout your literature you continually say that the trinity is not taught in scripture."

The JWs smile and say'thats right, nowhere in the Bible will you find the word trinty."

Then Ron counter with telling them that the trinty is taught throughout Gods Word.

The JWs again tell him the nowhere in the Bible will you find the word trinity.

Then Ron tells them that it's a latin term meaning three in one that the word trinity it's simply a term used to describe God.Then he points out the fact that they use the term'theocratic kingdom more than any other term in thier literature.Then he asked them to show him one place in the Bible where that word can be found.

The elder Witness says" But the trinity is not rational;you can't understand it."

Ron asks"You believe the Bible, don't you?'

"Oh ,yes, we believe the Bible ," they said.

Ron tells them to put away all thier books,magazines,dictionaries ect..

Then he takes them to the Bible to Revalations he says"let's begin and you will see something very interesting develop here", he promised.

Ron turned to Rev.1:8"I am the Alpha and the Omega" says the Lord God,"who is ,and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."

Ron asks"who is speaking here?'Iam the Alpha and Omega' say who?'

the answer"Says the Lord God, Jehovah God!"

Ron said"You are absolutely right, we believe that Alpha and Omega is Jehovah God."

Then he tells them to turn to Rev. 21:5-7

He who was seated on the throne said"I am making every thing new! Then He said" write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." He said to me:"It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega,the Beginning and the End.To him who is thirsty I will give him to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be My son."

The two JWs say" we believe that Alpha and Omega are Jehovah God. Thats what it says."

Ron says " now turn to Rev.22:13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,the beginning and the End.

again the JWs responded that these titles referred to Jehovah God,as in Rev.1:8

Ron continued,"there's just one more passage; do you think you could help me with it?"

"Oh, we'd be glad to."they said

Ron said"the passage is Rev. 1:17,18 ,Will you read it for me?"

They turned to the verse in thier Watchtower Bible and the elder one began to read.

When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though dead. Then he placed His right hand on me and said"Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last"Rev.1:17

Ron said,"stop.I've been tring to figure out who the First and the Last is. Tell me who is He."

They replied,"We just saw who the First and the Last is. The First and the Last is Alpha and Omega, Jehovah God."

Ron asked," You mean to tell me the First and the Last is Jehovah God?"

They replied"Of course He's Jehovah God."

Ron answered,"Well, keep reading."

I am the Living One; I was Dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades(Rev.1:18)

Ron then asked " When did Jehovah die? When did God die?"

Finally after they silently stared at ther scriptures one said"I never saw that before."

"Well" Ron said "Is this your own Bible you are using, published by the watchtower?"

he answers "yes"

Ron asked"So tell me-when did Jehovah die?"

They just kept looking at the verse. At last they quietly answered"But Jesus died."

Ron asked,"Oh,you mean Jesus is Jehovah God?"

They replied,"well,no.He can't be."

"Why not ?" Ron asked.

"Well, if Jesus is Jehovah God, that would change everything else in the Bible----everything be believe about Him."

They left.

I hope this helps you, Nana

Thank you for caring, Nana. I will study the scriptures that were pointed out to the Jhw. The Lord has blessed me with faith and knowlege, but it seems that sometimes I have to be reminded of the things I first learned.

I have much work to do, I know. But through prayer and the Spirit to guide me, I know I can help my husband come to know the truth.

God Bless you.

Dear Delivered,

I bought a $8.00 book called Fast Facts On False Teachings by Ron Carlson/Ed Decker. It's a wonderful tool there is about 16 pages on Jehovah's Witnesses. Those pages are very helpful.

My neighbors are JW and it is sad.The wife is a hand servent, and on top of that she doesn't believe they go to heaven because the 144,000 spots are already taken.She happialy believes they will be cleaning up the earth after the wicked people are thrown in hell. I have tried to witness to her but I don't want to push her away or make it so that her husband wont let her visit me.They live in Fla.6 mo. and in N.Y. (here)the other 6 mo.She use to babysit me when I was little.

A few pages in this book are very interesting..

The man Ron gets a visit from a pair of JWs, he invites them in on the condition that they would answer a few questions regaurding the JWs.

They said they would be glad to answer any questions he might have.

Then Ron said"I guess that I really only have one question. Throughout your literature you continually say that the trinity is not taught in scripture."

The JWs smile and say'thats right, nowhere in the Bible will you find the word trinty."

Then Ron counter with telling them that the trinty is taught throughout Gods Word.

The JWs again tell him the nowhere in the Bible will you find the word trinity.

Then Ron tells them that it's a latin term meaning three in one that the word trinity it's simply a term used to describe God.Then he points out the fact that they use the term'theocratic kingdom more than any other term in thier literature.Then he asked them to show him one place in the Bible where that word can be found.

The elder Witness says" But the trinity is not rational;you can't understand it."

Ron asks"You believe the Bible, don't you?'

"Oh ,yes, we believe the Bible ," they said.

Ron tells them to put away all thier books,magazines,dictionaries ect..

Then he takes them to the Bible to Revalations he says"let's begin and you will see something very interesting develop here", he promised.

Ron turned to Rev.1:8"I am the Alpha and the Omega" says the Lord God,"who is ,and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."

Ron asks"who is speaking here?'Iam the Alpha and Omega' say who?'

the answer"Says the Lord God, Jehovah God!"

Ron said"You are absolutely right, we believe that Alpha and Omega is Jehovah God."

Then he tells them to turn to Rev. 21:5-7

He who was seated on the throne said"I am making every thing new! Then He said" write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." He said to me:"It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega,the Beginning and the End.To him who is thirsty I will give him to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be My son."

The two JWs say" we believe that Alpha and Omega are Jehovah God. Thats what it says."

Ron says " now turn to Rev.22:13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,the beginning and the End.

again the JWs responded that these titles referred to Jehovah God,as in Rev.1:8

Ron continued,"there's just one more passage; do you think you could help me with it?"

"Oh, we'd be glad to."they said

Ron said"the passage is Rev. 1:17,18 ,Will you read it for me?"

They turned to the verse in thier Watchtower Bible and the elder one began to read.

When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though dead. Then he placed His right hand on me and said"Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last"Rev.1:17

Ron said,"stop.I've been tring to figure out who the First and the Last is. Tell me who is He."

They replied,"We just saw who the First and the Last is. The First and the Last is Alpha and Omega, Jehovah God."

Ron asked," You mean to tell me the First and the Last is Jehovah God?"

They replied"Of course He's Jehovah God."

Ron answered,"Well, keep reading."

I am the Living One; I was Dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades(Rev.1:18)

Ron then asked " When did Jehovah die? When did God die?"

Finally after they silently stared at ther scriptures one said"I never saw that before."

"Well" Ron said "Is this your own Bible you are using, published by the watchtower?"

he answers "yes"

Ron asked"So tell me-when did Jehovah die?"

They just kept looking at the verse. At last they quietly answered"But Jesus died."

Ron asked,"Oh,you mean Jesus is Jehovah God?"

They replied,"well,no.He can't be."

"Why not ?" Ron asked.

"Well, if Jesus is Jehovah God, that would change everything else in the Bible----everything be believe about Him."

They left.

I hope this helps you, Nana

I'M THANKING ALL OF YOU SOOO MUCH WITH TEARS IN MY EYES. I HAVE BEEN WALKING AROUND THINKING ABOUT THIS TO MYSELF AND NOT REALLY TALKING WITH ANYONE ABOUT MY SITUATION. THOUGH I HAVE PRAYED, I NEEDED TO HEAR FROM OTHER CHRISTIANS WHO KNOW AND UNDERSTAND THIS DARK AND DEEP SNARE.

I AM CAREGIVER FOR MY MOTHER WHO IS 87 YRS OLD AND LIVES WITH US. SHE HAS DEMENTIA AND IT KEEPS ME BUSY. SO, I WRITE MOSTLY AT NIGHT WHEN EVERYONE IS ASLEEP. WE RECENTLY MOVED TO A NEW COMMUNITY, SO, FOR THESE REASONS, I HAVE NOT YET FOUND A CHURCH HOME AND AM ALSO A LITTLE RELUCTANT B/C OF WHAT'S GOING ON NOW IN THE CHURCHES TODAY. BUT I CONTINUE TO STUDY AS THE SPIRIT TEACHES ME. WHAT A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE IT IS! BUT, BACK TO THE SUBJECT OF THE JWS, I KNOW WHAT YOU'RE ALL SAYING IS TRUE. I DO A HAVE ALOT OF WORK CUT OUT FOR ME. I BELIEVE THAT EITHER IN TIME OR THROUGH A DIRECT MIRACLE, THE LORD WILL DELIVER MY HUSBAND FROM THIS.

ELKIE THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVE, SUPPORT, INFO AND EDIFICATION -- I WILL CONTACT YOU. I LOVE ALL OF YOU AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT, AS WELL. I PLAN TO CHECK OUT THOSE PUBLICATIONS, TOO AND WILL KEEP YOU POSTED.

MAY THE LORD CONTINUALLY BLESS AND KEEP YOU. WE TRULY ARE CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS -- PRAISE GOD.

DELIVERED

I appreciate your article- I've recently went through some problems on the job, and there was the temptation of running, but I got the distinct word from the Lord to just Stand. I had

a person completely sent from the devil to try to snare me- it totally turned on her, she didn't succeed-It was unusual that my prayer partner when through simular issues. We encouraged each others!

If we will resist the temptation to run, and stand and wait on the Lords salvation- its so much sweeter and if we continue to trust in Him no matter what the situation-boy faith Grows-

I heard a christian radio broadcast that said-Suffering saints are living seeds- they are going around droping seed everywhere-producing a harvest. We are an encouragement to others. I think about Paul in the bible- he went through way more than I did.

May we be fruitful trees!!

This is so true. We must resist the temptation to run and wait on the Lord

I experienced a situation on a job where a new boss just "hated" me. She made my day so miserable; embarrassed me in front of others; spoke to me very disrespectfully. She once told me that she hated people who had to ask God before they could do anything. The Spirit immediately put his hand over my mouth and the scripture came to my mind that I must not cast my pearls before swine...... I knew it was the devil working through her because she didn't know me personally at all. Some days I'd go home in tears, but I'd refer to the scripture in Eph. 6:11 about putting on the whole armor of God that I had posted on my refrigerator. I dissected each verse and took it in as if I were eating food. I'd wake up the next morning and refer to it again and go into work refreshed and ready. God lifted me up each day -- I was strong and equipped in the Lord and was granted a new position and was placed immediately. Just like LOT, the Lord delivered me from a situation that was very hurtful to me.

God Bless

Years before my husband and I married, he was a devout Jehovah's Witness. Years before his conversion, he had struggled with a drug addiction but recovered and married a woman who also was a JHW. He studied religiously with the JHW and was about to become an elder when he relapsed back into drug abuse. He eventally was ex-communicated from the Kingdom Hall and later divorced. Again, he kicked his habit. We met and were married. We've remained happily married for over 11 years now.

Throughout our marriage, he's attended church with me. We attended a Methodist church that I had attended since I was a child and later a Pentacostal church but never joined. We studied at home together, but he still held on to some teachings of the Witnesses. He always kept his JHW handbooks available. I always felt that he was hurt about his ex-communication because he was not even suppose to speak to any JHW's if he saw them on the street or anywhere.

We rent property to one of his former Witness church members. Recently, my husband informed me that he had confided in this person who assured my husband that he could pray to God even though he was ex-communicated. I never knew that my husband believed he was not allowed to pray, even though we've prayed together at mealtimes. It chills me to think that in all of these years, our marriage and/or life affairs had not been put before the Lord in prayer. My prayers include our marriage and my husband as an individual. I can't imagine the burden my husband must have been carrying or the isolation he must have felt while thinking he was "banned" from having a prayer life. I shared with him my surprise at this and asked if he felt relieved and he does.

Now this is my dilemna: I don't know if he plans to become a member again, but I will not go or be converted. I don't know why I'm afraid to ask. I don't consider him an "unbeliever" because he does believe, but doesn't have the correct understanding. What do you think? Of course, I will pray about this. Any suggestions as to how I should approach this?

Young, free and single

I am just wanting to share this because for over a year I had been through a very rough time and without going into it all I just want to say that God has made a way for me at this time that really is wonderful. I feel he is looking after me because I really reached out to him and surrendered everything to him. So many things that seemed very impossible have been helped out. He is a gentle God to those who need him to comfort them, my true friend.

Praise the Lord for He is able to do so much more than we can ever ask for, or even think of. Ephesians chapter 3:20

God Bless you

Delivered, since you decided to re-post that, what exactly does that post mean to you? What I am asking is what is your interpretation of blasphemy of the Holy Spirit?

I BELIEVE TO BLASPHEME MEANS A PERSON WOULD BE IN A STATE OF WILLFUL, DETERMINED OPPOSITION TO GOD; THAT NO EFFORTS WOULD AVAIL IN LEADING THEM TO REPENTANCE; DENYING AND NOT RECEIVING THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT; NOT TAKING HEED TO THE PROMPTINGS OF THE SPIRIT'S CORRECTIONS, TEACHINGS, COMFORT -- ALL OF THE ATTRIBUTES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT FOUND IN SCRIPTURE.

Grace to you,

May I steer this discussion in another direction for a moment?

Lets look at the High Office of the Holy Spirit in the Godhead.

His main role is to Reveal Jesus Christ to the comfortless.

Joh

With all the postings, advices, encouragement, sharing and praying...I really thank GOD to all the people here.

I pray that the Lord will continue to bless this site.

I pray to the Lord that you will all be blessed and your love ones. I pray that the Lord will bless the works of your hand. That the Lord will continue to guide you and use you in expanding HIS terretories. Lord i pray that your strength and guidance will be with all the people here. Continue to make them a blessing to anyone that they will meet in this site.

Lord, thank you also to all the administrators....the people who are behind this site.

THANK YOU! MAY ALL THAT YOU'VE ASKED IN HIS NAME FOR US; I PRAY FOR THE SAME ABUNDANT BLESSINGS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. GOD BLESS YOU IN JESUS NAME I PRAY.

You loved us so much and even though we were sinful, you sent your Son, Christ Jesus, to atone for our sins, making it possible for us to know who you are and have everlasting life, instead of eternal death. Thank you giving us your living word so we can show love and understand your very nature as we apply it in our everyday lives. You gave us who believe your Holy Spirit to help us. Thank you for being who you are -- the Almighty, the Omnipotent, Glorious, the Everlasting, Just, Powerful, All-knowing, Merciful God. Thank you, and in Jesus name I pray.

Greetings in the Lord:

My favorite hobbies are: cooking; aqauriums; dancing; fishing; gardening

God Bless everyone.

When I was a young girl, I would have the same dream almost nightly. There was a old man dressed in black who would chase me but could never catch me because I would dart through yards, up hills and down long roads only to look back and see him still within view. It didn't matter how fast I'd run to dodge him; he just walked steadily and was able to keep up with me, but never caught me. Today, I believe it was a revelation that was trying to tell me that the Lord was seeking after me.

My parents required that I attend Sunday School. I don't remember learning much. Not to say that Christ wasn't being taught, I just don't remember. Christ was not taught at home, but we were taught basic rights and wrongs.

I married very early at age 19. We both weren't Christians. I married mostly to get away from home. My young husband drank alcohol a lot and lost job after job and finally began staying away from home -- two or more weeks at a time. When he returned we'd argue. I cried many, many nights. Many days I went to work so tired after having been up most of the night. I talked with friends who suggested I leave; get another man; change the locks. etc. etc. Some of which I tried. I couldn't leave. I didn't want my parents to know, and I really wanted the marriage to work out. One night really late, I sat up in bed because I could not sleep when suddenly the room actually lit up -- not as if daylight or if a room light had been turned own, but a very soft illumination. I felt a peaceful presence in that room that I'll never forget. I was able to lay back down and sleep as I hadn't for a long time.

The next day after work, I went to visit the pastor at the church I attended as a child hoping to get advice. I told him everything, thinkinh he was going to really help me criticize and talk against my husband or tell me exactly what to do to get him stop drinking and get a job. etc. But, to my surprise he asked if I knew Jesus. I thought to myself, "why is he asking me about Jesus after I'd cried and poured my heart out to him." I had heard about Mary and Jesus the baby in a manger, but knew nothing more. He asked if I wanted to know Him and have a personal relationship with Him. I desperately needed something and said, "yes" and he handed me a bible and showed me where to begin reading about Christ Jesus in the Book of Matthew. I took the Bible home and read. As promised, he called me regularly to see if I had questions. The scriptures were like living words to me. After a while, I couldn't wait to get home after work and read more. He invited me to bible study and back to church where I confessed my sins at the alter and was born again.

My life changed. I could see things with my new spiritual eyes. My husband became very irritated with me a my new life in Christ and witnessing to him; so he left for good and we eventually divorced. I forgave and earnestly prayed for him.

Now, over 20 years later, I still remember that point in my life where I reached out for God. He is real and I thank Him for saving me through His Grace. I am now married to a Christian man who loves the Lord. My journey is not over, yet. With the help of the Lord I have overcome and endured many obstacles and storms. I've learned to trust only in Him. I will praise Him in all times.

I thank God today for giving me peace when I was hurt, angry and bitter. You see, I am caregiver for my 87-year-old mother who suffers from dementia. She moved in with my husband and I after we were blessed with the home of our dreams. My three siblings each promised to help out by keeping mom overnight, one night per month. Thusly, giving my husband and I some private time together. My sister gave up because she said it was too much for her. My two brothers were either too busy or didn't feel up to it.

I became angry, hurt and bitter. I didn't push the matter with my sibs because I didn't want to cause dissention among us. So, I harbored all these emotions which were not good. I felt terrible and didn't know what to do -- I felt abandoned and couldn't help myself heal.

Then, I prayed to the Lord for understanding and strength. I didn't want to carry these emotions around because it was more damaging to myself than anyone. More importantly, it wasn't pleasing to God. Miraculously, those horrible feelings that were surely making me ill vanished. The situation has improved to where my sibs are occasionally taking mom to their homes for overnight stays -- without me having to ask. My greatest praise is that God removed the pain and anguish that was bound to destroy. PRAISE GOD!!! He gave me a peace that supercedes all understanding. Philippians 4:7

This is not really meant for debate.. and I know just about everyone is tired of the discussinos about the various bibles.. but what is so hard to understand about the KJV... I keep being told it is in old english.. but yet, I knwo the bible is written at a 7th grade reading level, and a second grade comprehension level.. I also know my God is not the author of confusion. Furthermore, I know a nine year who can read the KJV and understand it.. actually.. I know a seven year old(children I babysit).. I know there are folks young and old who can understand it just well....

What is so hard about the KJV?

"All have sinned and come short of the glory of God"

"For the wages(payment) of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord"

"But God commendeth his love towards us, that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us"

"Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved"

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me"

"Jesus said unto them, i am the way the truth and the life, no man cometh unto the Father but by me"

"Thou shalt not steal" "Thou shalt not kill" "Thou shalt not commit adultery"

"Depart from me, ye that work iniquity, I never knew you"

What makes the KJV so hard to understand? I keep reading verses and they make sense..

Could someone possibly explain this to me?

Greetings in the Lord to all of you who write so eloquently about the things of God about this matter. I mostly agree with all you've said, as you point out scriptures that describe the early church and the comparisons to many of our modern-day churches. These things readily brought to mind the scripture in the Book of Jude: Chapter 1:4 -"For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord our God, and our Lord Jesus Christ." The Holy Spirit also reminded me of Jude, Chapter 1:17 - "But beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; vs.18 "How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts."; and vs. 19 "These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit."; and vs. 20 "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost."

Finally, the Spirit reminds me of the scripture Ephesians Chapter 5:15, "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise."; and vs. 16 "Redeeming the time, because the days are evil."

I love the Lord and his word. I, too, struggle with the many things going on in the church today. But, by knowing it has been foretold, we're disturbed but not surprised. We need to re-organize; go back to the examples of the early church or look for a place of worship that exemplifies that model. Otherwise, pray for guidance to start one ourselves. Is this possible?

Thank you. That was beautiful and uplifting. I once sung in a church choir and a song I learned was "Hiding Place". I can't remember all the words, but I remember the unspeakable joy I felt while singing it because many times I had run for the shelter of that hiding place. Thank God for his hiding place. God bless you.

Thank you for your testimony. The Glory and Honor belong to God for He is able. Keep pressing on!

Thank you for your very uplifting message. What you said is so true and was received with such heart-felt warmth. Since I accepted Christ into my life, I've realized his love and concern for his people. He has lifted me up when others let me down in one way or another, i.e., lost employment; income; home. When I lost my father through death, the Lord ministered to me in a mighty way. My siblings are slack in giving me respite time as I care for my mother who has dementia; but the Lord said, "don't worry" and gives me the strength to carry on and courage not to cry. During this time, my husband was diagnosed with cancer, which the Lord gave us hope, victory and knowledge to trust on Him. We did, and my husband is now cancer free. So-called friends (confessed christians) to whom I shared my hurts, turned away from me and talked about my troubles behind my back to others. But trusting in God helped me hold on to my faith and took away the pain, as I forgave. All in all, the lessons learned is to have compassion for those who hurt, are alone or at a loss; to love and forgive. We all need the Lord. Thank God that HE IS. God bless you.

Greetings to all of you in Christ Jesus.

I wanted to share my thoughts related to the thread title as we all experince this from time to time. As Believer's we all struggle with our faith and our real lives here on earth. Many days we dont feel like things are going well and sometimes there not going well. The daily stresses of life are a lot sometime. Job, family, relationships and money can cause us a lot of grief. If not dealt with it can get worse and often does leading to mild depression etc. Gets far much worse when we dont seek God in all we do. Many times for myself , i say to myself yes I can get throught this by myself. Kind of that macho male attitude thingey lol. Well many times the door slaps me in the kiester when i have that attitude. We must rely upon God for all that we need. Our emotional, mental, and spiritual well being are important and there must be balance in our lives. It is important to keep God involved in every aspect of our lives. This of course is the recipe for success(pardon the pun). Joy comes from within yes: when we accomplish our daily goals in life, and God truly is the One that makes it all possible. So doesnt all our joy come from the Lord indirectly and directly ? You bet it does. Before i got saved i didnt know what joy was excpet a drunken or high joy. Many of us have been there. there will still be bad times in our lives , but if we let God have access to our lives fully (by submitting it all to Him) then we may still have the blues, but they dont last long and we don't feel alone, beacuse the Lord is there guiding us, helping us, loving us. Good things to do, at least for me is to take mini timeouts everyday and spend time with the Lord. talk to Him, pray, study the word,take a walk with the Lord during your lunch break. Stay connected to Him. By doing this, are sad times will be short lived and the days and tasks of life flow smoothly. Somedays wil be worse then others such as a death we have to deal with or the loss of a job etc, but all the same God is there to help us through it all. His love is so deep and compassionate for us and when we Don't let Him help us I'm sure it saddens Him. In closing remember always to keep your chin up and keep your focus on Him who loves you so much. Let God help you with every part of your life and feel the joy and peace that He gives us daily. I leave you with my favorite psalm. It talks about Gods relentless love and protection over us. He is there to help us, He is the strength we need to get thru everything. I am also leaving a link here to . Its a flash movie and its called encouragement. Let it encourage you to give it all to God. To trust in him fully and to feel His endless love embrace you daily. God Bless

Heres the link and Psalm 121 in its entireity.

Click Here

Psalm 121 KJV

1I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

2My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

3He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

4Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

5The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.

6The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

7The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

8The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.