| Author | Message | ||
| Maryann |
Hi again, Thank you, thank you! Now I can re-place my hair! I thought I was going nuts! Now I will continue with more thoughts and questions tomorrow. I like to go to work with a good subject in mind as it really helps keep the mind on higher things. BTW, with that little chiding about responsibility, I'll keep that in mind too, though at this point I can't seen to find in my posting's such a concept presented. With your back ground and knowledge of the do's and don'ts (sp?), I think it is absolutly one of your callings on this site to catch and correct what may be a wandering from the fairly broad guidelines we have here. Just please, at least for me, tell me a little sooner than later. And Grace to you....Maryann | ||
| George |
Jude, You want to take responsibility for whart is said here? O.K. Because of what you said I am now dead. God does not love me eather so I just killed myself. Get away fron your own pet ideas and try, TRY to see what some one else has to say. PLEASE!!! I am not a Bible pounder, but for the first time in my life I KNOW that at least one person loves me no mater WHAT I do. And THAT is enough for me to live for. Go back and read my other post. George | ||
| Jude the Obscure |
PAUL ON THE HERESY OF SINNING IN ORDER TO GAIN FORGIVENESS, GRACE AND HEAVEN ABOVE Romans 6:1-10 NIV: ^^^^^^^^^^^ What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin -- because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. ^^^^^^^^^^^ May God grant all who read this a peaceful spirit, grace, healing and blessings without end, Jude | ||
| Jude the Obscure |
Maryann, No, I wasn't chiding you in any respect. George, No, I do not want to take reponsibility for what is said here. Blessings, only blessings, to both of you, Jude | ||
| Maryann |
Hi Joni, I just have to go back to yesterdays post. You said, ìThere are times of letting go and times of holding. It takes the Spirit to know the difference. I pray for God's Spirit to lead us all. There are many hurts and pains in this world. The enemy is the father of lies and death. Our job is to lead others into reconciliation with God. Only He can truly heal the soul. We cannot enable others to depend on us, we have to let God lead. It is a fine line. God will lead us one soul at a time. I have learned to do what I can where I am and trust God for my Christian family to do the same, where they are stationed. I feel your pain. TRust God to lead you. Trust His Spirit to give you discernment in "seeing the warning signs" He will. It is obvious that you are a healing person, you want to heal others. Remember that God is the healer, you are the instrument used by God to lead others to His Word for true healing. Weather it be healing from self sin, from sin inflicted by others, or from the devil, Jesus came to set the captives free, and He will. Trust God.î Thank you for the affirmation again. I went to work happy as a Lark :-) About 9am I got wind of the above posting. The suicide issue is NOT, NOT, NOT the issue here BTW! It is my heart aching and breaking. God gave everyone their gifts to use. Jude has to many to mention in a timely manner here. George has an abundance of gifts, also, to many to mention. There is Colleen with a gift of understanding and healing in her words that would sink a battleship. Iím not going to name every one here so please understand that for the most part Yíall have special gifts in the line of Colleenís in my opinion. Soooo, whatís mine. You, Joni, got me to recka-lecting some of my past pains and many go right to what you said, ìyou are a healing person, you want to heal others.î Is this a gift? If it is, why is it so painful to me? Is it like I think Lori said, I fight to much? Or was that Colleen? Or both of them? I went from a Lark to sick dog in seconds this morning. I was shaking, queezy, in constant search of a bathroom all day, the guys stopped and asked me what was wrong as I looked like I had lost my best friend and just in general pretty despondent! WHY? Because Iím watching two beautiful birds slamming into a plate glass window, get up and do it again! There I am STUFFED in a glass cage with very thin air, where I can see all this and all the communication I have is a little straw in the ceiling! Am I sick? Hey, thatís an idea! Colleen has said that I am to hard on myself. Is this what Iím doing right now? How can I stop caring?!!!!!!!! Why should I try? If God gave me the capacity to care that I have, why should I try to shrink it. This isnít the only time Iíve hurt beyond belief over something like this. At this point, even though Iím not the type to run, I feel that the issues going on are honest issues I brought up that are close to my heart, but they have caused problems. I DONíT want to be the instigator of this kind of stuff!!!!!!! Many of you have said that I bring up the tuff and hard questions, ones that some may not want to bring up. I dearly love this FAF Forum and ALL you on it and it would break my heart to exit it. But, Iíll let you guys, MY FRIENDS, tell me if I should exit or keep on posting. I worked out the whole point of my bringing up this thread this morning before 9am, and was going to post it tonight and have two wonderful revelations from the Bible that I want so much to share, but?? If this is the last time I do post, Iíll make a suggestion. For Godís sake, PLEASE listen to what the other person is saying, not what you THINK they are saying, then AFFIRM them. It could mean life or death to them, physical and or eternal. Grace and Peace to all of you, sincerely from my breaking heart, Maryann P.S. God is amazing. I promised myself today that before I post this I would read Proverbs 4 (corresponding with todays date). It was on wisdom and it smote me a bit. Have you ever noticed that every date that corresponds with the Chapt. number in Proverbs REALLY does apply to that day? The 5 Chapt. wouldn't have done a thing for today. God is Supreme! | ||
| Steve |
Jude, What you've written about suicide is very much appreciated. Without much detail, it was a very real possibility with me a few years ago. Although many factors were involved, the SDA church was also partly responsible for bringing me to that point. I don't blame SDAism for that, but I do say that many people have had their hope stolen by this religious organization. Many don't know where these feelings come from. If they would take a loooooong deeeeeep look inside, they might find what I found -- emptiness in SDA theology, a lack of hope, little true love, no other way out. But there is a way out. His name is Jesus. And He offers Hope, fullness, true love, and a way out of this mess we've made for ourselves. Coming back to Him, I've found what the SDA curch could never give me (no church for that matter, but some churches do fulfill the command to love one another much better that SDA). Being an Ex (almost, I'm still a member) helps me see what the Ex-Mormons, Ex-Jehovah's Witnesses, Ex-Christian Scientists, Ex-Moonies, Ex-Hare Krishnas, Ex-Scientologists, Ex-United Pentecostals, Ex-Armstrongists, Ex-Cultists are so excited about. They've found True Hope and Salvation in Jesus Christ of the Bible. I never thought I'd be an Ex-anything, except an ex-Agnostic from childhood. But now I guess I'm deemed worthy to be an Ex. An Ex-SDA (or Former, as I know Richard, Colleen, and others refer to themselves) can actually be a blessing, both to myself and to others. Praise Him for all He has saved us from, and all He is saving us for. Steve | ||
| Colleentinker |
Maryannó You absolutely do not have permission to stop posting! You are part of this forum, and we all enjoy and learn from you. Please don't think you're hurting anybody. We are all responsible for our responses and perceptions, and we are all free to share them within the scope of this forum. By the way, I was so pleased to know that you spent so much time reading and being blessed this last weekend. I understood that you were on the road back home on Saturday, so I didn't know you were going to be in church. At any rate, quite independently of each other, Praise 999 and I both prayed for you all through the day Saturday. It makes me so happy to know that God gave you such blessing! And those prayers continue. By the way, Steve, I relate to your post. I am convinced that Adventism keeps people from truth. And in the spiritual world there is no middle ground. Either we are for Jesus completely, or we are against him. There's a reason there's so much depression, abuse, and dishonesty hidden inside the organization. I praise God for love and truth, and pray God keeps us from deception. | ||
| Joni |
Maryann, I had to print out the posts on this thread to take with me today. I don't always have time to post. I love your posts and questions. Please don't stop. Please remember that the battle going on is a spiritual one. Please hang in there with God's word. 11 Cor. 10:3 "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ," Remember you have the mind of Christ. You are raised with Christ. You are renewed. The same power that raised Him works in us to complete us to His glory. We must go by faith in His word not in how we feel. God Bless you, Joni | ||
| George |
To all, I have learned a lot in many different areas sinse I have been posting here. How ever I do know when it is time to go. Maryann, There are many places to find the answers to your questions. Write to me and I will see if I can find some of them for you. Just remember, it is when we question ourselves, that we stand to grow the most. You are right there, take the next step. First and formost your brother-----George | ||
| Richard, Jr. |
Last year I read a biography on the English poet and author, John Donne, mainly known by his "No man is an Island" poem. In the book the author describes in detail Donne's struggle with thoughts on ending his own life. In todays lingo he would be described as a severe depressive. In trying to gather evidence for justifying his own suicide, he developed the theory that Jesus Christ commited suicide. He reasoned that Jesus willingly gave up His own life. Fortunately for John Donne, Christian friends came to his rescue, and showed him from scripture that Jesus did not commit suicide and for a Christian this was no way to respond to His grace. Another Englishman, this time a hymn writer, William Cowper, also struggled with thoughts of suicide. Cowper was a Christian, a depressive, and a pretty good hymn writer. His life, unfortunately, ended, many believed by suicide. His suicide has been a source of consternation and speculation to the Christian world ever since. | ||
| Maryann |
Hi Jude, I wasn't in any way fussing about a bit of chiding. If I do stray from our guidelines or in an area that I don't realize I shouldn't be in, I want to know. That goes for any of you, should you think I'm out of bounds. I don't mind and I mean that.....Maryann | ||
| Colleentinker |
Richard, I didn't know that about John Donne or Cowper. I praise God that when we are born again our spirits are connected to Him. Contrary to what a lot of Christians think, born-again Christians can be harrassed by Satan. Instead of that reality being frighteneing to me, however, I find it helpful to know that the temptations and discouragements I experience are not necessarily just weaknesses in myself that I haven't taken care of. Knowing I can be harrassed or deceived into despair, I have available a powerful antidote: prayer to my Redeemer to protect and restore me to confidence and hope. If I didn't believe that satan could "get to me" in spite of being been born again I think I'd be in a dangerous spiritual place. Discouragement would feel like failure and helplessness. I've had an interesting phenomenon occur for several years whenever I visit a certain dear relative. This relative is married to a non- Christian who is deeply trained in eastern philosophy and techniques. I realized about seven years ago that I would fall into a pretty overwhelming depression about a week before visiting this relative, and it would last through the visit. When I began asking God specifically to send away the evil harrassment and to bless my time with this person, the depression would leave. A most interesting thing has happened in the last two years (post-Adventism). I've had a few trusted Christians praying for me as well before this person's visits, and I haven't experienced the depression. My visits with this relative have been better than they have been in years. I praise God that although he doesn't simply remove our temptations and struggles, he does reveal truth and reality to us, and he does bring us closer and closer to himself. He does redeem us! Colleen | ||
| Maryann |
Hi Colleen and Richard Jr, Those are great post's. I want to go back and mention the thing I said about "humble righteous pride" that I mentioned last week. I am so bombarded with un-mentionable stuff at work that, now that the Holy Spirit, has cleaned me up, I have victory over. Not victory in myself because I could not have done it on my own. Victory because I've allowed the Holy Spirit to guide me. I get home and am just tickled pink. I'm really proud of the fact that so much rubbish is left behind and that gives me the strength for the next day. In my last post on this subject, I think I left it sounding bad. I didn't mean to. To clear that up, let me make it very clear that I didn't and don't think that this makes me SINNLESS. Therefore, the quote about if we claim to have no sin we're liers and the truth is not in us, doesn't apply! I understand that my best is really gross to God! My point is that we are to conform to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and Gods will and when we are successful(through the Holy Spirit) in living a Christian life, it is just so ENCOURAGING to look at yesterday's victories! :-) In that light, do you understand the "pride" in "VICTORY THROUGH JESUS"! The whole point of the part after Salvation is the new fruit that has been grafted on the tree?! Right? Did I make better or "twice as more worser even"? Am I going to have to make another run at explaining this? I really think that word pride has such a bad smell to it that it is hard to make my point as long as I use that word. ;-( Claiming victory again.....Maryann | ||
| Maryann |
Hi Colleen, In response to your post the other day: "By the way, I was so pleased to know that you spent so much time reading and being blessed this last weekend. I understood that you were on the road back home on Saturday, so I didn't know you were going to be in church." This thing that I got into last weekend that was so eye opening and inspiring has grown a bit. I want to post it in such a way that it is easily understandable and to be simple enough to be used to open up the Bible for kids or anyone that is unfamiliar with it. I plan this to be a learning project for me and really want to share it as I go. I imagine it will be an on going thing for a while too, as I plan to learn for a while. I have scribbling, notes and loose papers scattered from my lunch box and truck to all over the house! I just have to get it all bagged up in one place and start typing. As far as me staying an extra day. I was told there wasn't a place in the surrounding towns to stay as the Calif. Speedway was doing it's thing that weekend. As God happened it, when I called the place that was a couple hundred yards from the Doctors office, they had a cancellation just happen! What a small thing for the God of the universe to pave for me! Anyway, when this prostrate body woke up Sat. morning, it decided that the best thing to do was stay that way! On a whim I decided to go to Church, as I had to be out anyway by 11am anyway and I had the previous weeks bulletin saying 11:15 was the late service. I sat in my favorite place in a church, back left, and just observed. It was neat. I love watch people. Anyway, I was soooo impressed with the young people there. It is great to see "old" teenagers paying attention, participating and in general not doing the "cool, aloof slouch" thing. You have a wonderful Church! So, back to other projects, Your sis......Maryann | ||
| George |
To all, I guess it is like Allenette said, unless I am saves on this forum I am not worth talking to. It is to bad I can't "really" break into your little clique, but this is normal for SDA's. So I will go else where to look for my salvation, as it is not here, and there are many other places to look. George | ||
| Maryann |
Hi George, I miss the talks we used to have. When we were talking, there seemed to be no need to post to you. I would like to take a shot at it now, if you will talk to me on the Forum. I would like that because if I mislead you in an answer, I'm sure someone will correct me. That is one of my reasons for posting. I have put in my 2 cents worth on this LONG drawn out dialog/argument with Ken, not so much because I think that I can get through to him, but to flap my wings before I fly out of the nest. I haven't gotten any affirmation or condemnation from my learned FAF friends, so am assuming that I must be on track. Before I answer you (should you post), I have a post composed in my head, that needs to be typed out that will go under the Witness in the Workplace thread. That will possibly open up some understanding that has yet to be demonstrated. I'll really try to stay out of trouble, but you know me! Sis | ||
| Bruce H |
George Allenette does show up every know and then. All trys to keep us honest. Marryann, your answeres have been one of the Best. you are doing great. I have not been around for a while I see that everybody is buisy talking to a blind and deaf man. I do not mean you George. George you ask real hard questions and some that only you can answere. If you will give me your question I will take a stabe at it if you so desire. I will get back tomarrow. | ||
| George |
Bruce, Thanks for always being there wanting to answer my crazy questions. Question: If knowledge and belief are two different things, how do we know when we have gone from knowing to believing. Sure, maybe I am the only one that can know the answer to that question, but how will I know when I know it. Maryann, if you want to take a stab at it too, go for it. George | ||
| Maryann |
Hi George, You asked: If knowledge and belief are two different things, how do we know when we have gone from knowing to believing. To me, knowledge is nothing till it is applied. A decision is nothing till action is taken. In the context of your question, KNOWLEDGE is un-applied "head knowledge" and BELIEF is applied "heart knowledge". When knowledge is applied and belief happens, the Holy Spirit is (by reason of that belief) now talking to you way, way back in the far corner of your heart and you begin to listen. Bruce stated: "George you ask real hard questions and some that only you can answer." This is for you to answer. You will know when you start to listen to the Holy Spririt's whispering. (You are required to listen, I think.) The more you listen the more your ears will be "tuned in". It wont be over night (usually). When you get angry, the voice in your heart will be very gentle with you, and you will be convicted. As you are convicted, you will change. You are hearing God, and with that hearing of God you are realizing more and more every day that you are a child of His and will begin (notice I say "begin", 'cause it's not automatic) to love Him. It's hard to accept un-conditional love and it's "twice as more harder even" to return it. God is patient (look at me) and has the rest of your life to work on you at His pace. He can choose to take you now to be with Him or leave you as a powerful witness to His love for others to see. To really answer the question: how do we know when we have gone from knowing to believing? In your case, I'd say you already believe because, I have seen some subtle changes in your life already! Now hurry up and get perfect....Sis | ||
| Maryann |
Hey George, I still haven't posted the post I want to in the "Workplace" thread. I'm going to jump off a sidewalk if I don't get that done soooooooon! |
