feels like the weight of the world is on my shoulders

[Jude 1:24]

*gone*

[Matthitjah]

in response to my brother david's question about what the message was my pastor was talking about that got me thinking so deeply. He was talking about how every decision we make in life has a consequence, either one forseen, or one not forseen. He was also talking about how, if we are on a path in life full of red flags and we can see just what the outcome out being on that road will be, then it can be said "duh! that was a predictable consequence, what in Heaven were you thinking?" (those were his direct words) And then he got to talking about what do want out of life? What is the outcome of our lives that we want to have happen? What road have you been traveling in life, what changes do you need to make? Are you on a bad road, and what led to that road? or are you on a great road and you can see nothing but total success in life? The series he is preaching on, is called "decisions, decisions and the right path" It has been a series that has had me searching deep within myself and reflecting deep within myself on the past, current and future. And all of those things which i talked about being sick and tired about is in regards to the road ive been on, how i got there and what has been burdening me and holding me down physically, emotionally, and spiritually. One example he used was this. there was a couple in the church who had only been together for a couple months and they came to the pastor and asked him if he would officiate their marriage and that they were ready to get married. he told them that the only way he would do it is if they would go through marriage counseling and they said they had no need for that and that they were totally and completely head over heels for eachother and totally in love. well, he told them that he could not condone the marriage and that he would not officiate their marriage. well, about a year later, the gal came back to him for him divorce counseling. he said that he just wanted to tell them "duh! that was a totally forseen consequence and what in the name of God were you thinking when you made the decision to marry this guy?"

I hope that provides you with some insight as to how that letter came to be. if you have any other questions, i gladly welcome them. i pray that God keeps all of you, guides all of you, and blesses all of you always.

your brother and friend in Christ:

scott

Scott,

It sounds like your Pastor has some sage advice from the Spirit to impart. I would listen to him and continue to examine the path that you are on. It sounds like the Holy Spirit is doing some addressing of areas in your life that may not only be displeasing to God but that the Lord would like to deliver you from.

Was your friend close to your age? How were things going in his life and do they mirror your own life?

I believe God is using all these circumstances to get your attention and to draw you closer to Himself while giving you soem gentle guidance and direction. It's good to heed the gentle guidance and not wait for the severity of the shock that may necessarily have to come later on.

One of the Pastors I know tells this story;

A man is on the roof of his house in a flood that is up to the first floor. He criy's out to God to Save him and along comes a rescue team in a boat, but he refuses a ride in the boat because he is waiting for God to deliver him. next the water is up to the second story and right under the roof when a helicopter arrives with a rescue team, but he refuses to get in because he is waiting for God to deliver him. Now he's in the water and struggling doing a dog paddle just to stay afloat. He is crying out, "God! Why didn't you Save me?" That's when the Lord replies, "What are talking about? I sent you a boat and a helicopter!"

Now that's funny, but that is often how we Christians react to situations like this especially when God is trying to get our attention. We want a show and a spectacular deliverance. Meanwhile we ignore the small things at work in our lives every day. Remember brother that God wasn't in the driving rain, hail, and windstorm that Elijah saw, and He wasn't in the Earthquake that followed. He was in the still small voice that asked, "Elijah, what are you doing here?"

Peace,

Dave

[Dog House Bill]

Brother Scott,

I am not sure what you want from us, But we can not agree to being bitter and accepting to one person continually being angry at another person. This is NOT Godly behavior nor is it a Godly mindset. You must release this to Jesus and forgive all of those that have hurt you. This is NOT my words or anybody elses that have tried to counsel you, theses are God's words. Jesus said in Mat 6:14-15 ¹⁴"For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. ¹⁵But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions." Do you really want to risk Gods wrath? Things will not get any better for you unless you forgive. It's your choice, God is waiting.

Love in Jesus Name,

Bro Bill