I was saved wayyyyy back in jr. high.... ok , so NOW WHAT??

Growing up attended church every Sunday morning and most nights... Never have gotten anything except to accept Jesus and be saved... so I did - I believed with all my heart - still do. Jesus is real and died and arose. Period. NOW WHAT???

We kept going to church and Yes, I listened to all the surmons and felt that each one was spoken directly and only to me, but became more overwhelmed by each one - how can you do everything each surmon talks about???.. it became where I did not want to got to church - still don't after all these years (a lot of years).. I do read my Bible, try to remember 1 or 2 main points and "jell" on it for a day a week or however I am feel - is that all this is ? just a "feeling" - I want more than to "feel" what I am doing and where I am supposed to be. The only certain feeling I have ever had was the need to become a Christian - since then NADA!!

The thing is nowhere I look is there any CERTANTY like there are in all those surmons to become a Christian... after that - it is all just a confusing "feeling". I cannot see the forrest for the trees!!

I have read some of these postings and some of you are just soooo certain about everything - TO THE POINT OF ARGUING AND ONE-UPING EACH OTHER - well goodie for you. In all that arguing back and forth - what ever happened to THOU SHALT NOT JUDGE, FORGIVE OTHERS FOR THEIR TRESSPASSES? Some of you have all but pulled a knife and gone to carving each other up!! Neither of you are what I want advice from or direction to God - thank you very much.

I do not want zealots, I just want someone to recognize the valleys - my valley - I am a Christian, but I do not hear God, I do not know my purpose, I do not know my talents, I do not know what I am supposed to do and I am sick of trying - there is no path - every one I thought I knew was a way for me has dried up into dust - I have prayed and prayed but nothing.... more confusion.

so here I sit and wait.... and wait

3/9/2009 11:00:13 AM by Bonnieblue, Member of Delve into Jesus since 3/9/2009

Hi Bonnieblue,

I am really sorry you are going through this and that you are at a loss as to where to turn or what to do next. It appears from your post that you are frustrated, disappointed and that you feel you are distant from God. Let me assure you, there are many other Christians out there, in the very same position you are in. You are not alone in your struggle to find answers and peace in your life.

Since you have been thinking about this and trying to fix this problem for so long, let me offer you a different perspective. When someone first becomes a Christian, there is a period of time where the new Christian has expectations and hope. Some of our expectations are based on biblical promises and some are based on what we have seen others experience. However, if we expect a certain outcome, based on what someone else has experienced, we may be setting ourselves up for disappointment. This is because your relationship with God is unique and special. No one else shares it. While it is founded in the same biblical principles (which makes our expectations on biblical principles to be true), the way in which we experience it and live it will be entirely different.

Look at it as a marriage. When you first get married, every partner has a specific set of expectations...and a history. It is a unique paring of individuals. No two marriages will ever be alike. The one constant here that we all will have is our relationship (marriage) with Christ. He remains the same. However, to meet our needs, God extends Himself and speaks to us in different ways. He knows your history, He knows your trials and He knows how to fill those voids. However, since it is a relationship, it means we have to do a lot of the work. It is really easy to get beyond that honeymoon period in the relationship and feel frustrated. "Why isn't he listening to me? Why doesn't he meet all my needs? Why does he not know what I want and provide it for me? Why does he not know how I am feeling and cheer me up?" In a real marriage, this can lead to us distancing ourselves, becoming angry and allowing bitterness to creep in. After all, wasn't this marriage supposed to be great? Were there not promises made? Why is the other person not doing what we expected them to do? Is this all there is (because I signed up for more!). Sometimes this leads us into making some attempts at reconciliation, but the longer we harbor bitterness or "find fault", the more distant we become. In the end, we end up "right fighting." We know we are right and we have a list of reasons or ways in which our partner has failed us. Then, in a lot of relationships, we allow sin in or allow ourselves to become misguided. We figure everyone else's relationship is not like this (because you see happy married couples on TV or in real life who hold hands and seem content) and we use our anger, our list of reasons why it is not our fault and we build a case as to why we should give up. Couples such as these end up divorcing or, at best, living together with distance and bitterness. Some choose to pretend that everything is all fine while their spirit is dying inside. Others look outside the relationship to fill the void up with other things: other women/men, alcohol, drugs, sex and the list goes on.

The difference between earthly relationships and our relationship with God is that He hasn't done anything wrong, but our own choices or expectations have led us to distance ourselves from Him. The longer we allow that distance, the more we justify why we are right and how He has wronged us, the worse it gets. Have you allowed bitterness to seep in? Have you had a lot of disappointments in your life? Did you seek a relationship out with God and you expected to feel differently and it just never happened the way you expected to happen?

You are on the right track by saying that you are trying and that you have tried to listen. If it had been the right path or the "right amount" of trying, it would have worked by now. Here are some things that might help: God wants to meet you exactly where you are at. Even if you are angry and frustrated right now, you don't have to get to the point of "feeling great" about God for God to meet you there. Next, humble yourself before God. While He is perfect, none of us are. We all have faults that have led us to put distance between ourselves and God. Ask for forgiveness for any areas in your life where you have allowed sin, doubt or anger to creep in. Maybe you feel very justified in feeling this way, but in feeling justified, you will never reconcile yourself to God. Ask God to give you wisdom to show you the areas in your life where you can improve. Just like a marriage, it takes not only both parties working on it, but often it takes the first step of us reaching out. Right now, God has His Hands out to you. In fact, He has carried you many times when you had no idea you were being carried, He has wept at the distance you both have had, He has agonized when you felt frustrated and alone (but He's been there). Next, be thankful....not only thankful for great things in your life, but be thankful that your relationship with God is unique. Just you and Him. It is very special. And, realize too that God may speak to you in a different way than you are expecting it to happen. While there are people who hear an audible voice, others hear from God through prayer, bible verses, journaling and even from others. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you hear. While you have been listening, it is possible you have not been able to actually hear His voice. Be assured that God is speaking to you, you just need to discover the special way in which God talks to you. Don't expect your relationship to be as others are. And, remember too, that sometimes there are others that struggle with the same thing but they are too proud to admit it. Some of those "zealous" Christians are, deep down, insecure in their faith too!

As far as your talents, just be open and willing for God to lead you anywhere! Allow God to be in control of whatever it is He wants for you. Wherever He leads you. Sometimes when we are in a position where we have been unable to hear from God or are "stuck" in our journey, we try to take back control and try to find the path all on our own. In controlling it ourselves, we are hindering being led by His Spirit. Letting go is VERY difficult. It seems contrary to what we do in real life. Don't try to find the path, ask God to reveal it to you (once you have humbled yourself and sought forgiveness). This is something we all have to face, from time to time, in our relationship with God. A relationship is work, it is constantly evolving and it does have both joy--and sorrow--but there is nothing else like it.

While you are "waiting", remember that it is not a state of passivity. It is an active phase- reading your bible, seeking out spiritual support through a church, writing in a journal and continuing to pray.

Do not give up or lose hope...you were saved so that you can live a wonderful, full and meaningful life. And, who knows what God has in store for you? He has a special spot for you to serve in, to use your talents..(Maybe you have talents that are not even aware of). Sometimes we discover our talents through what gives us joy and sometimes we discover it by just being open to serving God.

Your spirit is broken right now, but God wants to heal you, to draw you back in and to encircle you with His love. I encourage you too, to find another Christian with whom you trust that you can confide in too. This person can pray with you and support you in your walk with God. I will continue to keep you in my prayers as well. Again, I am sorry you are hurting as you are but I truly believe that you and God can and will have a great relationship!

3/9/2009 12:48:52 PM by Elizabeth, Vice-President, Delve Christian Ministries

Bonnieblue
I feel you....Honestly I do. I would love to say that I am a christian but have gotten to the point that I don't even know what a christian is. Yes I believe in God, Jesus and the Holyghost. But gets me is that I kept praying for the Holyghost and all I know is that I want to be holy........but I just don't see it happening...and I am lost and don't know why. I mean what is it that is stopping me....I am so thirsty but I must admitt I loose interest in things sort of fast. Not using that for a excuse...I am just being honest. I go to church...cry out to God....attempt to keep in my mind what I heard and apply it to my life and somewhere down the line I loose sight. Don't know my purpose, talentb or NOTHING. I mean I try to sing....doesn't sound too good...I know I can talk to people...I suppose that in itself is a gift but then when I look at my life....right about now I can't even talk my way into a job. So yeah...what's next. What I feel as though I need is someone REAL...meaning....show me...tell me step by step what I need to do. With all said...I believe in hell and I know for sure I don't want to go there. I am striving to reach Heaven and would love to see others there but for some reason don't have a clue to what I am doing and how I am gonna do it.............

3/11/2009 8:38:44 AM by mexbias08, Member of Delve into Jesus since 12/25/2008

May I make a suggestion? I've been where you both are, and what has helped me move forward were three things - a wonderful church community, a book or two and some devotionals.

The devotionals here on Delve Into Jesus seem to be written for someone who is going through exactly what you are. I have personally found them extremely helpful. My favorites are "Freedom', "God is Good", "The Hero Of The Story" and "You Never Thoroughly Intended It." You can find them in the "Encouragement" section on the menu above.

The book which helped me the most was "Loving God" by Chuck Colson. There are many others which might help, but whatever you do, don't underestimate how much good can come from the right book.

Finally, community is everything. You need a body of believers who can pick you up, motivate you are keep you moving forward. If you're not going to church, or if going feels like a drag, you must find a place where you feel welcome. Listen to the Holy Spirit -He will guide you to the right place, and will tell you when you've found it. What we take to be instinct is usually (but not always) the Holy Spirit guiding us.

Last but not least, keep posting here and reading. This ministry has helped a few people I know get back on their feet, and I hope it can do the same for you.

3/11/2009 8:50:16 AM by addison-x, Member of Delve into Jesus since 4/29/2007

Hi Bonnieblue & Mex,

I can totally relate to how you are feeling because I've spent years with a very similar confusion, numbness and distance from God.

Bonnieblue, you wrote:
"I have prayed and prayed but nothing.... more confusion."

Like Jacob wrestled with the Angel all night, I feel like I wrestled with God in almost constant prayer for about a year. During that time, I thought that the lack of any perceived answers from God were part of the hopeless distance between us. Just like Elizabeth described, doubt and bitterness almost overtook me.

Now, I can see that to be involved in such an intense wrestling match with God, He had to be right there in the struggle with me. Now, I can identify the times He did carry me.

I think the reason why you feel (I felt) so miserable and desirous of more is:
God is calling you - wrestling with you - to continue seeking Him.

I agree with Elizabeth, that we all have a unique relationship with God. Your salvation is secure, but God may be testing your relationship - to prove to your self how much you desire Him and to help you develop your own unique strengths and gifts.

If we didn't desire God with our all, it would not be so uncomfortable to be distant from Him. Giving up won't make us feel any better, so our only option is to continue the fight. I really like the suggestions Elizabeth and Addison-X gave - their advice is the same stuff that worked for me - I bet it could help you too!

3/11/2009 12:40:02 PM by Ryan, Member of Delve into Jesus since 12/30/2007

Hey Addison-X,

Thanks for sharing your personal struggle and insights! I didn't know you were a member of the "club" too - we should get jackets; maybe we could add that swanky new Delve logo as a crest over the pocket. This ministry really helped me when no one else I came across could understand me.

I'm glad you mentioned those devotionals; I've found them to be very helpful too. If I had to pick favorites, my list would be almost identical to yours.

You also advised of the benefits of being part of a community of believers - both a church and sites like this. I found this site to be an anchor for me at times when church could not (mostly due to my fault) fill that role. DIJ is always here 24 hours a day offering multiple ways to grow and be encouraged. That is the genius of the internet - and must be part of the reason God (not Gore) invented it!

3/11/2009 12:52:24 PM by Ryan, Member of Delve into Jesus since 12/30/2007

Bonnieblue and Mex,

The problem you have is unfortunately a very common one in the Church (When I say Church I mean the Body of Christ, not the building you go to on Sunday) today. Some people are just more willing to admit it than others.

Maybe I can be of some help. You can find a lot of teaching in the Church today on most topics regarding God. But there is very little PRACTICAL teaching that you can apply in your day to day life.

I myself was on a search for God and I tried every way to find Him. I knew there was more to Him thatn what I was experiencing (which was nothing) and I wanted to access it but I could not. I did not know how. I fasted (sometimes more than I ate) and prayed and read the Bible and fasted and prayed some more but it never seemed to help.

I never felt closer to God. I remember at one stage I decided to humble myself before God and started getting up at the wee hours of the morning and go to the lounge and spend some time praying with my face flat on the floor.......only to wake up later with a carpet imprint on the side of my face. I moved to a tile floor but that was too hard and cold so I gave it up. All these efforts only resulted in me feeling guilty and wondering what was wrong with me. I so desperately wanted to "Walk in the Spirit" and have a real relationship with God.

Finally I was just about ready to give up and God sent a wonderful old man across my path who did have a real relationship with God and did walk in the power of God and had the fruits of the Spirit. This man showed me how to walk with God in a real way and experience Him in a much greater measure.

As a result my relationship with Jesus went from a intellectual theoretical relationship where I never experienced His presence to a deep heartfelt love relationship where His presence is with me and I can enter into it at anytime.

Is it a formula? By no means, you cannot have a formula where God is concerned. As stated by the others, every person is unique and hence every person's relationship with God is unique. It is every Christian's own responsibility (and privilege) to discover God for him/herself. I can lay a practical groundwork based on God's Word that will point you in the correct direction and give you the tools you need to have a real relationship but you have to commit to and take the journey yourselves.

This will take a few postings to cover so I need to know if you are interested and for that matter anyone else before I delve into this.

3/13/2009 12:27:03 AM by Chrisv, Member of Delve into Jesus since 3/12/2009

Dear Chrisv,
I am VERY much interested. Thanks for your response.

3/13/2009 11:15:23 AM by mexbias08, Member of Delve into Jesus since 12/25/2008

Let me start by stating that it is not my intention to insult or belittle anyone. I have a very high regard for anyone who claims Jesus to be their Lord and Master. I especially have a high regard for anyone in Ministry and honour them for their willingness to serve.

Since I'm new to this forum I would like to take a moment to state my beliefs so there will not be any confusion.

I believe in a tri-une God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that he became flesh on this earth and lived a sinless life. He sacrificed Himself on the cross for our sins and physically rose on the third day after which he ascended into Heaven and now sits on the right hand Of the Father. I believe he is the Messiah that saved the world. I believe in the Holy Spirit and all the Spiritual gifts that He distributes to us as He wills.

I serve this God and Him only, He is first and foremost in my life.

I am by nature a practical and logical person and initially I had a real issue with the Spiritual nature of the Bible, I would read that I need to Ask, Seek and Knock and it only frustrated me as I asked many Pastors and they all gave me these theoretical answers (I call it Christianese), they would quote scripture and would walk away thinking they gave me the answer(and they did, I just did not understand).

Ask? - Ask whom? I asked God but there was no answer, I asked pastors but could not understand their answers.
Seek? - Is this not what I am doing? Why was it so hard to find a God that was supposed to be everywhere?
Knock - where? Show me a door that would lead me to God and I would break it down!

And all this after growing up in the church with Sunday School and all that.

Please, do not take offence Mrs Piggy, you used exactly the verse that frustrated me.

Through all this I knew two things:

1. Love for God must be paramount in the process of getting to know Him, because the first and main commandment is to love God with all your heart and all that. But how do I love someone I never met?

2. There must be some simple way of getting to know Him, as supposedly He wants to have a relationship with all His children......from the shepherd in Africa who cannot read or write to the President of the US.

Now a question if I may:
If you had to describe the Bible in one sentence to a non believing person who never heard of Christianity.....what would you guys say?

3/14/2009 8:23:25 AM by Chrisv, Member of Delve into Jesus since 3/12/2009

That is EXACTLY what I am talking about....THANK YOU Chrisv....I AM KNOCKING, SEEKING, and ASKING!!!!! That also frustrates me when I AM INDEED already doing what I am being asked to do....WHAT"S NEXT!!!!!!!! PLEASE answer the question above.........

3/14/2009 10:17:24 AM by mexbias08, Member of Delve into Jesus since 12/25/2008

One of our ministry's main goals is to provide real help for people who are feeling what you're feeling, so I want to personally make sure that you find the answer's you're looking for.

Have you had a chance to read some of the devotionals addison-x recommended? Many of them are written specifically for people who are in this position. I've been exactly where you are, and some of these devotionals are written to allow people to understand how I overcame problems very similar to the one's you describe. For that reason, I'd love to know if you found any helpful advice within. Here are two I think might help:

The Path To Passion
A Foundation For Faith

If you don't find these helpful, I'd like to know that too since this means I need to either revisit them and update them, or perhaps write a new one to address the problems you're facing.

3/14/2009 11:09:54 AM by Michael Lane, Executive Director, Delve Christian Ministries

Arsindelve,

May God bless you for your ministry, this is so very much needed in the Church today, a place for open and frank discussion where people do not need to be afraid of making fools of themselves. I honour you for your obedience and subject myself under your authority as far as the discussions are concerned on your website. If at any time you feel my views are inappropriate, I would welcome your input or reprimand if needed.

Same Mrspiggy, I welcome and highly value any input you wish to give regarding my postings. After many years I can now also understand Christianese so if you want to comment.....please comment away.

Ok.....to get back to the topic,

My take on the Bible is this......It is a love letter from God. The first 3 pages of the book describe how God created us and let us live in paradise. Despite the perfect life He gave us, we rejected Him and as a result are separated from Him. That is the first 3 pages....the rest of the Bible describe God's efforts to re-unite us with Him.

This is the starting point to have a real relationship with Him.......realise how God origianlly intended for us to live. Stop for a moment and think about Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.............the following facts spring to mind:

1. They where immortal.
2. The never got sick
3. They never went hungry
4. They could talk to animals???????? Have you noticed how Eve was not surprised when the snake spoke to her? (Just something I picked up. Dont really know if it is true or not)
5. The main point....God physically walked with them on a daily basis. They did not have to wonder if He was interested in them.

Think about this....If you grasp this, it will form the foundation of a meaningful relationship with Him. Look at how He originally created us....He never changes.....He still wants us to have that same kind of relationship with Him.

Why do you think the first and biggest commandment is to love Him? EVERYTHING hangs from that. If we could really understand, not just intellectually, but really understand how much He loves us, it would change the way we look at everything.

If I really understood how much God loves me, fear would not be a problem in my life, doubt would also be gone. I will walk in the fullness of God. Eph 3:19

Think about someone you love....anyone. Do you have to think about the fact that you love them? No! The love is just there the moment you think about them. Think about God, do you think about the fact that you need to love Him or is the love just there? For myself I always had to think about Him and then think about the fact that I needed to love Him, it wasn't automatic. A very subtle difference but I had an intellectual love for God not a deep love.

Do I fully understand how much He loves me? By no means, I don't think it is possible but I had to start somewhere right? So, how did I start this process of getting to know Him?

I started in Genesis 1 and looked at the way He created us in the first place.

I ask the Holy Spirit to help me and show me what it was like and then try and picture how life in the Garden of Eden must have been. What a life it must have been, no pain. no hunger.. no rat race.. just free access to God Himself!

I am a dad myself and I can imagine how much it will hurt if my kids would deliberately defy me and reject me. I take this hurt and try and imagine how God must have felt when Adam and Eve rejected Him. Not only did He feel the pain of rejection, but because He knows the future He saw the world that we are living in today with all its pain and loneliness, all as a result of our rejecting Him.

I think of the Bible and how many times we as humans reject Him and disobey him, how patient He is with us! I cannot imagine how evil the world must have been in Noah's time to cause Him to decide to wipe humanity on earth out. Remember that even though everybody on earth drowned, their spirits still lived on. He then gave even those people a chance upon salvation when Jesus went and preached to them in 1Pe 3:18-20. How much love does it take to suffer continual rejection and still be willing to offer up your own Son to save us!

So this is how I started the process of getting to know Him, I looked at the world we live in now as opposed to the world He created for us. I try and put myself in His shoes to try and feel what He feels when He looks at ME! Then I can begin to love him!

It is really hard to put this into words, these are all things that happened over years and to put it down in one posting on a forum is next to impossible.

This is just the start, but the main message that I want to get through is that you have to get a hold of Gods love, from that will flow everything..your calling in life.your Spiritual gifts.your maturity..and most of all your personal relationship with God.

So come-on Mex and others, did you understand what Im trying to say? Would you be able to apply that in your own life? This is just the start but, if you miss this, you miss everything.

3/15/2009 2:04:13 AM by Chrisv, Member of Delve into Jesus since 3/12/2009

Why is it so hard for us to access the Spiritual part of life?

Our makeup consists of three parts (1Thes 5:23), you have:
a body which is the thing you see in the mirror every morning,
a soul which is your intellect/emotions, your mind, and
a spirit which is eternal end gets re-born when you accept Jesus as your Lord and Master.

Our education system originates from the Greek culture, they started the first university. The Greeks believed in educating the mind but did not give any real attention to the education of the spirit. Think of your education, how much time was devoted to spiritual things? Not much Id bet.

I was born and grew up in South Africa and now live in Australia. As a result I came into contact with people that believed in spiritual things. The things they believe in might be demonic but is spiritual nonetheless. When a black person in Africa decides to accept Jesus, he does so without question or reservation. They truly have faith like children. If you tell them that Jesus will heal someone if they pray for the sick, they will accept it without question end believe it as well. That is the reason that miracles are much more common in African countries that in the Western world.

We question it before we believe it, because we want to understand it first. We need to un-train our minds before we really can access the Spiritual things of God. That is the challenge we face and that is the reason we find it so difficult to access God.....our minds get in the way.

3/15/2009 11:26:02 PM by Chrisv, Member of Delve into Jesus since 3/12/2009

Sorry, I have been away from my computer...Thank you all of you who have replied!!!

I believe it was Chrisv that asked if I was interested in what could be described thru several postings something that a very wise old man shared with you..... WELL, I AM INTERESTED!!!!

I agree with mexbias08 - I am ready and committed willing and able to certainly try what you tell me to do

I also agree with chrisv - I have asked, I have seeked, I have not received - oh I am blessed by the hand of God, but still have not found the face of God ... and that is the part of him I seek. I just want to crawl up in my Father's lap and be truly hugged so that all worries and problems just diminish away. Like we do with our babies - I want that from my Father. Chrisv or who ever it was, please share with me... no offense MsPiggy, but those cute little sayings do nothing for me - glad they are magic for you, but they just frustrate the hound out of me. the hole I must dig out of is way deeper than that, but thank you anyway.

Anyone else out there with more than slick, quick fixes, please respond. I hate to hear that there are others out there who are hurting and do not find the quick easy advice of MsPiggy helpful - I feel for you - we are in the same hole lost and buried in the forrest together - I am your sister and we are all in the same hole but blind to one another - all seeking that same peace that only our Father can heal.

Please carry on with the advice of that wise old man and let's keep the quick and simple cutsie answers for someone else - we are in quicksand here and nothing but the face of God will soothe our thirst.

Please Chrisv or whoever it was that had this deep lesson in a few postings> lead on.....

3/16/2009 6:22:33 PM by Bonnieblue, Member of Delve into Jesus since 3/9/2009

Sorry, I have been away from my computer...Thank you all of you who have replied!!!

I believe it was Chrisv that asked if I was interested in what could be described thru several postings something that a very wise old man shared with you..... WELL, I AM INTERESTED!!!!

I agree with mexbias08 - I am ready and committed willing and able to certainly try what you tell me to do

I also agree with chrisv - I have asked, I have seeked, I have not received - oh I am blessed by the hand of God, but still have not found the face of God ... and that is the part of him I seek. I just want to crawl up in my Father's lap and be truly hugged so that all worries and problems just diminish away. Like we do with our babies - I want that from my Father. Chrisv or who ever it was, please share with me... no offense MsPiggy, but those cute little sayings do nothing for me - glad they are magic for you, but they just frustrate the hound out of me. the hole I must dig out of is way deeper than that, but thank you anyway.

Anyone else out there with more than slick, quick fixes, please respond. I hate to hear that there are others out there who are hurting and do not find the quick easy advice of MsPiggy helpful - I feel for you - we are in the same hole lost and buried in the forrest together - I am your sister and we are all in the same hole but blind to one another - all seeking that same peace that only our Father can heal.

Please carry on with the advice of that wise old man and let's keep the quick and simple cutsie answers for someone else - we are in quicksand here and nothing but the face of God will soothe our thirst.

Please Chrisv or whoever it was that had this deep lesson in a few postings> lead on.....

3/16/2009 6:22:50 PM by Bonnieblue, Member of Delve into Jesus since 3/9/2009

Sorry, I have been away from my computer...Thank you all of you who have replied!!!

I believe it was Chrisv that asked if I was interested in what could be described thru several postings something that a very wise old man shared with you..... WELL, I AM INTERESTED!!!!

I agree with mexbias08 - I am ready and committed willing and able to certainly try what you tell me to do

I also agree with chrisv - I have asked, I have seeked, I have not received - oh I am blessed by the hand of God, but still have not found the face of God ... and that is the part of him I seek. I just want to crawl up in my Father's lap and be truly hugged so that all worries and problems just diminish away. Like we do with our babies - I want that from my Father. Chrisv or who ever it was, please share with me... no offense MsPiggy, but those cute little sayings do nothing for me - glad they are magic for you, but they just frustrate the hound out of me. the hole I must dig out of is way deeper than that, but thank you anyway.

Anyone else out there with more than slick, quick fixes, please respond. I hate to hear that there are others out there who are hurting and do not find the quick easy advice of MsPiggy helpful - I feel for you - we are in the same hole lost and buried in the forrest together - I am your sister and we are all in the same hole but blind to one another - all seeking that same peace that only our Father can heal.

Please carry on with the advice of that wise old man and let's keep the quick and simple cutsie answers for someone else - we are in quicksand here and nothing but the face of God will soothe our thirst.

Please Chrisv or whoever it was that had this deep lesson in a few postings> lead on.....

3/16/2009 6:23:06 PM by Bonnieblue, Member of Delve into Jesus since 3/9/2009

Dear mrspiggy...first allow me to say hello and I hope your day is going well. Now allow me to respond on your two last post...lol...believe it or not I get you. I for one don't get upset when I hear the word of God and I don't believe bonnieblue get upset either. It's a little more complicated than that....sort of like if I were a crackhead (and by no means am I that..just an example) if a person just kept quoting the bible to me I don't believe that could reach me. Does that make sense? I appreciate your wisdom and knowledge...I really do but with all do respect I recall the bible saying something like....."Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter anything before God: for God is in Heaven and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few...Ec5:2" I am one of them people that when I feel like what I am telling you ISN"T working I leave it alone. It's like knowing when to just let it alone. So with that said let me explain...I know the bible...clearly....I am just struggling with the living it part.

3/16/2009 7:33:38 PM by mexbias08, Member of Delve into Jesus since 12/25/2008

We all just want to help, each in our different way......

Ok, back to the practical stuff......in the previous postings I made two main lengthy points:
1. Relationship wit God starts with us realizing the love that is involved (as much as we can anyway). This process is ongoing and will probably take the rest of eternity to achieve, but you have to start somewhere.
2. Our mind is our greatest enemy and we must learn how to control it.

So, now I want to sit down and spend time with God, how do I start? Who do I pray to, the Father, Jesus or the Holy Spirit? What do I pray? How do I stop all these random thoughts that pop into my head?

God is not looking for long prayers. He is looking for honest prayers. Pray from your gut, forget about fancy words, let your feelings be made known to Him. If you don't know what to say, keep quiet and give Him a chance. If He keeps quiet, don't worry about it, just enjoy the silence. If thoughts keep on popping up in your head, don't fight it. Take the thought and ask Him if He wants to tell you something, if you don't get anything, let the thought go. If thoughts keep on bothering you, picture a PC screen in your head. Picture the troublesome thought as a icon on the desktop. Click that icon and drag it to the recycle bin. Now the thought is gone, if it comes back, do it again and again. Believe me after you've done it a few times the thought will disappear for good. This is how you train your mind.

If you have a lot of emotions like guilt that keeps you from God, picture a banana in your head. Peel the banana, every peel is something that makes you feel guilty. Take the peel and give it to Jesus. If the banana is peeled, peel another one. Peel a whole truck full if you have to. Do it again, and again, and again........I guarantee you that those feelings of guilt will disappear! It may sound stupid but it works! Try it!

Tip: keep a notepad with you so you can write down any thoughts about things you have to do. Those thoughts are bound to come up and instead of fighting them you write them down and get back to the list after to sort it out. This way the thoughts will stop bothering you.

Do you feel like your prayer stop at the ceiling and do not get through? It is a lie! God lives inside you, and he promise that He will NEVER leave you so your prayer does not need to reach past the ceiling. God will ALWAYS hear your prayer no matter whether it feels like it or not.

As far as the Trinity is concerned the following thoughts:

A good analogy I've heard that describes God is this:
It is like turning on a light.
The Father is the one that flicks the switch, Jesus is the light and the Holy Spirit is the electricity that makes the light shine.

Each one of the Trinity has their own distinct function and together they work in perfect harmony so much so the we cannot distinguish where the One takes over from the Other. So, who do we pray to...........to anyone you feel like. Jesus taught us to pray to the Father and yet He speaks in John 14:14 about us asking Him for something. So, pray to whomever you want, I'm sure between them they are smart enough to figure out who the prayer belongs to.

When God speaks to you:

When we think, do we think in words or in pictures? If I say the words "yellow dog", do you think of the words "yellow dog" or do you see an image of a yellow dog in your mind? You see a picture right? We think in pictures and that is many times how God speaks to us. See, it works like this.....when you hear, you hear with your mind, not your ears. Your ears pick up the sound and sends the sound to your brain via nerve impulses and you brain translates them into something you can understand i.e. a sound.

When God speaks to you it works the same way. God speaks to your spirit that is residing in your body and that speech is sent to your mind where you hear it in the form of a image or a thought. Now God can speak audibly to you as well, He can do anything He wants. According to my experience this the most common way that He speaks to me (this is also known as the small still voice).

How do you distinguish between you own thoughts and God speaking? Practice, the more you spend time with Him the better you learn how to distinguish between His voice and your own thoughts. Will you make mistakes where you thought it was God and it was your own thoughts? Most probably, but do not let that discourage you, keep at it!

Do I make sense?

Ask questions please!

3/16/2009 8:50:07 PM by Chrisv, Member of Delve into Jesus since 3/12/2009

Dear Chrisv,
First allow me to say thanks...really. In your last post I found out what one of my biggest problems were. The time spending. All my life I have had a short attention span...just being honest. And selfishly. I know that I should give God much more of my time. He deserves ALL of it. I remember my grandmother always telling me to listen to God...and I felt like I really never heard Him. I found out I was listening with my ears...And you are absoultly right...I often get side tracked my lil thoughts (feels more like doubt) that often have alot to do with me steering off the road. Then I would spend days full of regret because once again I failed. Then someone will make a lil wise statement like "Oh you just let the devil in" or "That's the devil". Then once again my mind goes to wondering...like okay this is something I do often...so does that mean that I am just doomed and that the devil resides in me. I mean really this is how I feel sometime...I am not sure I am making much sense and I am trying my best to describe it. For one...I believe in God...I don't too much get into religion...just a simple love and belief for God. I usually have a lot of uncertianities in my life but I am more than sure I WANT SO BADLY to go to Heaven. I want to also add something else.....MRSPIGGY...I don't even know you but I love you. I really mean that...I like it when you post...it is not my wishes for you to stay out of the conversation....not on my behalf anyway...meaning I would like for you to ALWAYS comment on my post and I was just saying when OTHERS don't seem to appreciate your input just do as the bible says...say few of words. I hope this was more clearer than the last. And when I say lol...it is just to break the ice a lil bit..I'm sorry I am one of those people that try to smile all the time. So thanks MRSPIGGY and I apoloogize if it doesn't show that I do indeed appreciate you.

3/17/2009 2:34:17 AM by mexbias08, Member of Delve into Jesus since 12/25/2008

Hey Mex, thanks for your response. Nobody else responded so I have no idea if what I said helped anyone else. So I will conclude my input on this thread with this last message.

I hear you man, I know what it feels like. I'm going to say something that will probably get a few people to raise their eyebrows.........

Spending too much time with God in your prayer closet is not necessarily a good thing. Why? I've seen many, many people (and I've been one of them) who totally shut themselves out from the world and totally immerse themselves in God, lose touch with reality. They lose the ability to relate to the world full of lost people outside and in the process miss out on what God has for them. Always remember that God's heart burns for His lost children and we are the only ones He will use to help them.

Practical advice.......find a Christian ministry in your area that works with lost and destitute people and go and help them. Be a light in a dark world.

I promise you this, because I can speak from experience.....when you dare to venture out of your comfort zone for God, you will encounter Him on the streets in a way that you never will if you stay in your house.

Just try it, I dare you....go to the people that is rejected by society, you will find God there.

This is the most practical advice I can give a person.

3/17/2009 7:09:03 PM by Chrisv, Member of Delve into Jesus since 3/12/2009

BONNIEBLUE,
I highly recommend reading a little of the Bible each day.
There, you can find God's will for your life, and learn to make
wise decisions and be obedient. It is so important to get into the Word of God! It gives you a firm foundation to stand on, and you will find your mind constantly being renewed! When you follow Jesus, everything in your life changes! I believe these Scriptures will help answer your questions.
---------------------------

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (HEBREWS 11:6)

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
(ROMANS 10:17)


"Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious."
1 PETER 2:1-3


"My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous;
and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.

By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments.

The one who says, "I have come to know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him;

but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected By this we know that we are in Him:

the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked."
1 JOHN 2:1-6


"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:

So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."
(ROMANS 12:1-21)

Jesus said;
"I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
John 8:12

3/18/2009 12:25:07 AM by Ignited~Faith, Member of Delve into Jesus since 2/20/2008

Crisv,

I enjoyed reading your words of advice, and I was especially touched and motivated by your closing comments.

Thanks!

3/19/2009 6:51:50 AM by Ryan, Member of Delve into Jesus since 12/30/2007

Thank you Ryan,

I dare say that I have read your response to many difficult questions and statements. I find your gentle, open minded and mature response very refreshing. I wish there where more people like you in the Church today......

May God bless you Ryan, and don't ever change.

3/19/2009 5:14:15 PM by Chrisv, Member of Delve into Jesus since 3/12/2009

One thing I was told by my mother this year when I was going through some hard times. We have to remember that the devil can not hear our hearts he only hears what is spoken out loud. When you get to a point that you feel like you can't handle it anymore shout out loud "devil go away." Sure it may sound silly but boy does it feel good! God hears your heart and thoughts along with everything spoken out. This is why we pray out loud. I tend to just talk to God as I am driving down the freeway. Asking him to just keep taking ahold of my life and help me to follow his plan. You will see things happening in your life that are so awesome and when you do make sure you give all the praise to God. I too was baptized at seven, got married at 20, had a kid at 21 and divorced two years ago. I am not 27 remarried to such a godly man. We are learning and growing together in Christ. Just being apart of this forum and wanting to know is a wonderful step towards giving your life to God. So continue on that path and you will see great things come to life.

5/26/2009 10:18:10 PM by jls1981, Member of Delve into Jesus since 5/20/2009

Chrisv wrote:
“Finally I was just about ready to give up and God sent a wonderful old man across my path who did have a real relationship with God and did walk in the power of God and had the fruits of the Spirit. This man showed me how to walk with God in a real way and experience Him in a much greater measure.

God’s Word says that we are to make disciples. The word Disciple means learner. Jesus Christ made disciples, initially of the 12 Apostles, then of His followers. Those believers made disciples of the believers they encountered, and so on. A “wonderful old man” made a disciple out of Chrisv. Now, you get to go and come along a believer and pour your Godly deposit into them.

James 2:14-17 declares: "My brothers, what profit is it if a man says he has faith and does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and if one of you says to them, Go in peace, be warmed and filled, but you do not give them those things which are needful to the body, what good is it? Even so, if it does not have works, faith is dead, being by itself."

As followers of Jesus Christ, we all have a professing faith. The next step is to activate that faith by being active. Ephesians 4:11-14 teaches: "And truly He gave some to be apostles, and some to be prophets, and some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. And this until we all come into the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full-grown man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; so that we no longer may be infants, tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of doctrine, in the dishonesty of men, in cunning craftiness, to the wiles of deceit."

Again, Chrisv wrote: “ Practical advice.......find a Christian ministry in your area that works with lost and destitute people and go and help them. Be a light in a dark world”.

We need an active faith. So, let’s all get involved in discipleship and an outreach ministry of some kind so that our "walk" is fruitful and our Lord, Jesus Christ magnified.

7/7/2010 1:47:01 PM by LifeSavers, Member of Delve into Jesus since 7/3/2010