Growing concern

[Guest missingsoul]

Hi everyone, I am new to the forum and thought I would contribute to general discussion. It can be a tricky business, unfolding the tapestry of who we are before a group of strangers scattered about the world. Unique as fingerprints the thoughts and experiences an individual will encounter, how will it register and be released back into the stream? I imagine the variations of people who will gaze upon my words and take even but a few minutes to glance over what humble observations I may offer.

The urge is great in our society to be loved, to be heard long enough that we may believe for a stolen instant I was important. Perhaps surrender of ego is required. I ponder upon the washing of the disciples feet, an act of servitude not normally aligned with a King. I think what a powerful message given to the rich man who claimed to live a life free from sin and asked what else he could do? Jesus reply was to give up everything and to follow Him. I must admit, with the exception of few in this world, I don't see the masses of people who are christian selling their homes and all their riches and following God. So how does God view our need to have safety in things of this world? What does that say for those that have families, are they to be homeless in joyous pursuit of holiness? I suppose in the ramblings of my thoughts all these things tie together. Love, servitude, and commitment.

It would seem a easy remedy for success, but upon closer inspection, our world struggles to achieve. Love thy enemy, love others more then yourself? In theory its a wonderful concept, but in practice its a enduring road. Emotions become a very strong impedement. Pride is such a ugly vice, it approaches constantly in the face of reason. It becomes its own world, and in it we live, bound to disappointment. I have come to perceive humans in our century as caged animals, fury behind the calm, cautious glares, pleasant with a hint of boundaries that safe guard their world. Poked and proded, cemented in survival, compassionate but hesistant.

I require feedback as to how people would evaluate how we live and what God requires of those that follow Him? I cannot escape( despite continual repentence) the unwanted feelings of guilt over past sins that continually reappear. I see inches being made in the sand toward my goal of deliverance, but what about today, when today feels like the last day? Thank you for listening, sorry about the length it was my first time.

[Dad Ernie]

  The urge is great in our society to be loved, to be heard long enough that we may believe for a stolen instant I was important.  Perhaps surrender of ego is required.

Are you important Missing Soul? To be sure you ARE "loved", and given "time" you will discover this for yourself, even right here on Worthy. Christ loves you without reservation, but as men/women, we often hold to a more critical view. We have become wary of those who profess a relationship with Jesus Christ yet do not hold Him in the esteem that even we do not fully understand. We try, but often we fail. That is the "nature" of the flesh.

I ponder upon the washing of the disciples feet, an act of servitude not normally aligned with a King.  I think what a powerful message given to the rich man who claimed to live a life free from sin and asked what else he could do?  Jesus reply was to give up everything and to follow Him.  I must admit, with the exception of few in this world, I don't see the masses of people who are christian selling their homes and all their riches and following God.  So how does God view our need to have safety in things of this world?

Is God calling you to a "higher calling" Missing Soul? The Lord desires YOU, He does not desire your works or your deeds, for all those are as rotten rags. All that you have is from Him. He can take it all away with a Word. If you have read Job then you know I am speaking the truth. Without "faith" it is impossible to please the Lord. But all who come to the Lord must first believe that He exists AND that He is a rewarder of those who DILIGENTLY "seek Him". Remember "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His "righteousness", and all these things shall be added unto you."

What does that say for those that have families, are they to be homeless in joyous pursuit of holiness? I suppose in the ramblings of my thoughts all these things tie together.  Love, servitude, and commitment.

Is this what you believe Missing Soul? Christ is not asking you to separate yourself from your family or anyone for that matter. He asks of you to "come out of this world and separate yourself from the sin that is in it." If this means to separate yourself from your atheistic family, then perhaps God shall lead you to do that, but it is NOT a requirement in order to know and follow Christ.

It would seem a easy remedy for success, but upon closer inspection, our world struggles to achieve.  Love thy enemy, love others more then yourself?  In theory its a wonderful concept, but in practice its a enduring road.  Emotions become a very strong impedement.  Pride is such a ugly vice, it approaches constantly in the face of reason.  It becomes its own world, and in it we live, bound to disappointment.  I have come to perceive humans in our century as caged animals, fury behind the calm, cautious glares, pleasant with a hint of boundaries that safe guard their world.  Poked and proded, cemented in survival, compassionate but hesistant.

Have you yet to enter into the Kingdom of God Missing Soul? In this world we have two competing "world views". The one that is "natural" is certainly all you describe and even worse. But the Kingdom of God is explained very well in the Beatitudes (Mt. 5). It is written: "He will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is staid on thee." If you are troubled, perhaps it means that you need more of the Word, more prayer, more worship in Spirit and Truth. For those who have found the Kingdom of God, it is wonderful and it is the hallmark of Christiandom - that is TRUE Christiandom.

I require feedback as to how people would evaluate how we live and what God requires of those that follow Him?  I cannot escape( despite continual repentence) the unwanted feelings of guilt over past sins that continually reappear.  I see inches being made in the sand toward my goal of deliverance, but what about today, when today feels like the last day?  Thank you for listening, sorry about the length it was my first time.

Are you Saved Missing Soul? The Lord tells us: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER believeth in Him, should not perish but have life eternal." In another place it is written: "If you confess your sins, He is just and faithful to forgive you your sins and cleanse you from all unrighteousness." Yes, our "forgetter" isn't very good. Past sins are often used by Satan to bring us back into condemnation, but it is written: "Therefore there is NO condemnation for those in Christ Jesus and called according to His purposes." Please forgive me if I have paraphrased a few verses, but I am writing quickly as I believe the Lord is leading.

I believe you can find a kindly and loving fellowship here where you will not be looked upon as anyone unusual. We are all in this boat together and it is our duty one to another to edify each other and teach those who need teaching, and to hear those who are qualified to teach and are led by the Spirit to give a word of Truth here and there.

So hang around my friend and present your questions. Study the Word and pray, always seeking God who DOES have all the answers, if only you will allow Him to give you wisdom.

Blessings,

Dad Ernie

[Catsmeow]

Missing Soul: Dad Ernie is addressing your post more directly but I wanted to focus more on style than substance here...(sorry).

You are incredibly poetic. The first thing that struck me in your first post was the poetic quality of your writing. We call that, "style".

A poet with depth, flow and intimacy of thought. I'm a former school teacherI tend to notice things like that.

You have a remarkable talent for writing. Have you ever competed in any competitions before? Just curious.

You really should try poetry. You're a natural...both flow and depth in your style.