The source of unbelief

[missmuffet]

Luke 8: 11-12

Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.

When Jesus told this parable He did it so we would know the condition of our hearts.Jesus began this with unbelievers

 

 

 

Edited July 29, 2021 by missmuffet

[missmuffet]

Hitting rock:

Luke 8:13

But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away.

Although we may have a saving faith, our trust is shallow-it has no root because of stony areas beneath the surface. Are you hitting a wall in your relationship with Jesus Christ? Every time there is a trial in our lives we doubt God and struggle.

 

Edited July 29, 2021 by missmuffet

[LearningToLetGo]

I try to believe, and that's the problem: I try. I read the Bible. I pray. From time to time I feel the Holy Spirit but these feelings are fleeting. Soon the feelings become memories, and like all memories they fade. I admire those of strong faith. My faith is a constant struggle.

[missmuffet]

Choked up

Luke 8:14

 Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity.

We see from the above that the realities of life-the worries, and riches and pleasures can suff0cate what God tries to accomplish in us. The thorns are the external things we turn to as our earthly security. They can be money, relationships, addictions and certain kinds of entertainment. People choose their wisdom over God. God comes in second. Who or what do you turn to for comfort? If it is anything other than Jesus remove its chokehold and turn to Him. 

 

 

[missmuffet]

The fruitful heart

Luke 8:15

But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word with a good and virtuous heart, and hold it firmly, and produce fruit with perseverance.

 

Jesus tells us that fruitful hearts hear the Word. They listen and apply it. They never let go of God, even when they don't understand what He is doing. They bear fruit. They persevere and stay course regardless of what happens. 

 

 

 

[Tammy Roesch]

On 7/30/2021 at 12:50 AM, LearningToLetGo said:

I try to believe, and that's the problem: I try. I read the Bible. I pray. From time to time I feel the Holy Spirit but these feelings are fleeting. Soon the feelings become memories, and like all memories they fade. I admire those of strong faith. My faith is a constant struggle.

Perhaps reading the Gospels would be a great encouragement for you?  When my husband read them for the 1st time, he said it was like reading a LOVE STORY...how much God really loves us :).  

[LearningToLetGo]

1 hour ago, Tammy Roesch said:

Perhaps reading the Gospels would be a great encouragement for you?

Thank you for this suggestion. I have read the gospels and enjoy them greatly. The issue -- if there is one -- is a matter of love. I love God, but that love is abstract. There's little intimacy. God is far beyond my comprehension.  The Bible tries to simplify God, to give me the core essence that I need, but that's not enough. I need to understand God on my own terms. Either He will accept me or not. I'm trying my best to accept either outcome.

Edited August 1, 2021 by LearningToLetGo

[Tammy Roesch]

Hmm...well, I don't believe we can make terms with God....it's all on His terms.

[Arrabon]

32 minutes ago, LearningToLetGo said:

Thank you for this suggestion. I have read the gospels and enjoy them greatly. The issue -- if there is one -- is a matter of love. I love God, but that love is abstract. There's little intimacy. God is far beyond my comprehension.  The Bible tries to simplify God, to give me the core essence that I need, but that's not enough. I need to understand God on my own terms. Either He will accept me or not. I'm trying my best to accept either outcome.

@LearningToLetGo

I understand where your at. Been there myself, and it was for a long time, but I never gave up. God wants us to know Him, but I think sometimes He lets us get to a place where He thinks we are ready. 

Sometimes I think things can be about His timetable and not ours.

I just stayed involved in ministry for many years, and prayed A LOT about learning to love Him, until He started revealing Himself to me, and He started teaching me how to love Him - HIS WAY, and how to love others also, HIS WAY.

Now, many years later we continue to get closer through continued prayer, bible study, and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

 

God bless you.

I hope my testimony helps you.

Arrabon

 

[HAZARD]

On 7/30/2021 at 2:50 PM, LearningToLetGo said:

I try to believe, and that's the problem: I try. I read the Bible. I pray. From time to time I feel the Holy Spirit but these feelings are fleeting. Soon the feelings become memories, and like all memories they fade. I admire those of strong faith. My faith is a constant struggle.

Pray morning, Noon and night. By praying I mean, talk to God as you would with your earthly daddy. Not parrot fashion as many churches teach. I talk to God about everything and anything that's going on in my daily life, and He hears my conversations and answers me.