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Javagirl
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Username: Javagirl

Post Number: 180
Registered: 6-2005
Posted on Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 8:27 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

10 days ago, I took the final step in renouncing adventism, for that matter ANYTHING, that was standing between me and God.

I cannot describe the attack that has followed. More importantly, I cannot desribe the awesome power and presence of almighty God.

In addition to the expected response of my devasted mother, and the trauma of all that followed--I had other extremely volatile family issues blow up, involving several family memebers.

3 days later, my husband announced that he was leaving, moving out. He has since done that. I was blindsided. I also went through several days of anguish and grief re my son who is 13, regarding how he would be impacted--although I was held by God during that time.

God is powerful. He is trustworthy. He is more than enough. He has blessed me immeasurably. He has poured out his Holy Spirit in powerful ways. He has given me boldness. He has revealed His LOVE. He is.

If God is calling you to move forward in any area, or calling you out of Bondage, I pray you will follow. God is safe. God is enough, It is worth it.
God does not give snakes when his children ask to be fed.

I praise HIM with my whole being. I thank you all who have held me and my family up in prayer this last week especially.

Just do it.

JavaGirl
Helovesme2
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Username: Helovesme2

Post Number: 449
Registered: 8-2004


Posted on Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 8:47 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Javagirl wrote:

"God is safe. God is enough, It is worth it.
God does not give snakes when his children ask to be fed."

AMEN!! Thank you God for being you!

Mary
Cathy2
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Username: Cathy2

Post Number: 79
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 8:54 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Oh Javagirl,

My prayers and heart are with you and go out to you and your son. I have seen this with my daughters and my son being influenced badly, too (he is 18, now) because of a husband leaving. I have seen God pull them through. And make me strong for them, as I hurt for them as their mother. He is with you, as their hurting mother.

How devastating in heart for you. But the pain will lesson and pass. Christ is with you, as you know, and *will* see all of you through this, minute by minute.

He will gentle you with his love; he will be among you. (Zephaniah 3:17)

Yes, when we leave, other family issues tend to blow out as well. I would forget the those issues; for now, anyway (back-burner). As you are, focus on Christ alone, scripture alone. Live, breath, dwell in scripture. I would hang onto all the Christian supports you have, offline and online; everyday, all the time, for now.

The attacks could be overwhelming, but God keeps the 'flood waters' from going over your head, from drowning you; and keeps you from being consumed by those 'fires' (Isaiah). We might get scorched, but we will not be consumed. Sometimes, you are not even scorched.

2 Corinthians 4
Ephesians 6
Psalms

You are beloved, protected, shielded, taken care of with your needs met; you are not alone nor your child. These are *facts* in Christ; feelings follow, in time.

You have the Spirit of love, power and a sound mind. You have all things in Christ. You have his strength, when you are weak. You can do this because he does it; brings you through in strength, wisdom and love.

Prayers for you~
Cathy
choosier1@msn.com
Javagirl
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Username: Javagirl

Post Number: 182
Registered: 6-2005
Posted on Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 9:07 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Here it is Mary:
Luke 11:9-13 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society

9"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

11"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for[a] a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
:-).
Amen!

Lori
Colleentinker
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Username: Colleentinker

Post Number: 3570
Registered: 12-2003


Posted on Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 9:30 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Dear Lori,

I am so sorry for what you are facing. God IS faithful, and He wastes nothing and redeems everything we submit to Him.

Saying "Yes" to Jesus does mean learning to know Him in His suffering, as Paul said. It also means experiencing Him in profound ways.

I will continue to pray for you. He is faithful.

Colleen

Flyinglady
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Username: Flyinglady

Post Number: 2398
Registered: 3-2004


Posted on Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 9:31 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Oh Javagirl,
I am so sorry to hear about your husband leaving and the dilemma it causes for you and your son.
Matt 28 tells us that God is with us at all times, even to the end of the world. God is holding you in His awesome arms at this time. He did not bring you this far to drop you.
Father in Heaven, You are the I AM, be with JG at this time. You know best how to comfort her and her son, so hold them tightly in your awesome arms as they go through this crisis. She is following you and your promise to be with her, even to the end of the world. Thank you God for taking care of JG and her son at this time.
Diana
Chris
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Username: Chris

Post Number: 1163
Registered: 7-2003


Posted on Monday, March 20, 2006 - 7:05 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Dear Lori,

I am so, so sorry. While I rejoice for your new found freedom in Christ, I greive with you as a brother in Christ for the pain and turmoil you are experiencing. We all stand in prayer with you right now. Spiritual warfare is real, but know that there are others fighting alongside you in prayer, not in our power, but by His power. Lori, your incredible faith is an inspiration, example, and life lesson to us all. I thank you for sharing your story, your walk, your life, your faith, and your witness with us. We are blessed by your presence.

Chris
Pheeki
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Username: Pheeki

Post Number: 767
Registered: 1-2003
Posted on Monday, March 20, 2006 - 7:26 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Java...did he leave because of you leaving SDAism or just other stuff? Wow! I was so afraid my marriage wouldn't survive me leaving SDAism!!!!
Susan_2
Registered user
Username: Susan_2

Post Number: 2151
Registered: 11-2002
Posted on Monday, March 20, 2006 - 8:14 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Dear Javagirl, Gosh, What a hard and difficult time this must be causing you to endour. I hope and pray you and the children will be o.k. It is this strong hold of Adventism that causes me to believe the SDA enomination is a cult, way more so than the corny doctrines. I figure any organization can have looney doctrines and everyone can just go with the flow, you know, take them or leave them, disagree with the ones they don't agree with yet still be fully a part of the group. But, it is not that way with Adventism. It's a groupthink mentality, an us against them and when a SDA becomes one of them and not part of the us anymore the SDA's go into total panic mode. I don't know if it is out of true concern for the now former or because they really in their hearts deep down realize all of the inconsisities of Adventism and are then fearful for themselves. I have a very dear loved one who upon finding out I was actually a member of a local Lutheran congreation asked/screamed while trembling said to me, "So are you now taking classes on how to torture and persucate the commandmentkeepere?" Even I had thought my own kinfolk were abouve such nonsense. They're not. The result has been less than civil. We talk about the weather and local goingson in the community. The SDA's can talk and babble on and on about this and that SDA but I know my place so I say nothing. Occassionally I am asked a direct question about how I understand this or that Bibical verse or passage but I already have learned those questions are somehow a setup and are ment somehow to trap me in a position I don't want to be in so I do not even answer direct questions. I would have been a perfect dog for Dr. Pavlo! My prayers will be lifted on high for you.
Helovesme2
Registered user
Username: Helovesme2

Post Number: 451
Registered: 8-2004


Posted on Monday, March 20, 2006 - 8:24 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Javagirl:

Yes! That's the text! It blesses me to realise that that is in the context of giving the Holy Spirit to him that asks!! How neat is that! Our Savior and Lord does not 'bait and switch'!!

What a wonderful God we serve!

Mary
Patriar
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Username: Patriar

Post Number: 236
Registered: 3-2005
Posted on Monday, March 20, 2006 - 8:46 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Javagirl:

I am uplifted by your faith. What an amazing testimony. I know that your faith will continue to be sustained.

I know that you have not made this decision quickly or lightly...(and it is the right choice.) As Chris stated: spiritual warfare is REAL and obviously you are experiencing it. Remember, you already possess the things Ephesians 6 talks about. These will continue to be your Strength.

"10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
19Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should."

The most difficult times will come in the quiet solitude of your mind.

Stay suited up my friend! And don't forget, we will be lifting you up in prayer.

In Christ,
Patria
Toria
Registered user
Username: Toria

Post Number: 8
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Monday, March 20, 2006 - 10:27 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

JavaGirl
I am so sorry for your pain. I am in awe of your great faith. You are indeed an inspiration.
It does my heart good to know there are people like you in the world who are willing to take a stand for Christ in the face of great difficulties. You are right. God is enough. May He continue to strengten you in the days ahead. My prayers for you and your family are added to the many others who are praying for you.
God Bless
toria
Leigh
Registered user
Username: Leigh

Post Number: 73
Registered: 2-2003
Posted on Monday, March 20, 2006 - 10:36 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Lori, I am praying for you and your family.

11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.
13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:11-13

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Psalm 18:2

Leigh
Dd
Registered user
Username: Dd

Post Number: 648
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Monday, March 20, 2006 - 10:46 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Dear Lori,

My heart continues to grieve for you but I am also praising God for His love in and through you! You are a testimony of His power and love. He will redeem all this turmoil and trauma in His time and make all of it beautiful. I am looking forward to the day that you will share where He led you and what He has revealed to you through all this ugliness.

"To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ." (2 Thess. 1:11,12) A life of power stems first from believing God's promises.

Hang on to Jesus, dear Lori!

Denise
Colleentinker
Registered user
Username: Colleentinker

Post Number: 3574
Registered: 12-2003


Posted on Monday, March 20, 2006 - 12:57 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Toria, it's good to hear from you again, too. How are you? Still praying for you as well.

Colleen
Seekr777
Registered user
Username: Seekr777

Post Number: 445
Registered: 1-2003


Posted on Monday, March 20, 2006 - 2:34 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Lori, I know how hard this time is for you but I also know you are resting in His arms and being lifted up.

It is times like this that God manifests His love and awesome power in our lives and brings us into a special time with Him. I've been blessed as I've listened to you and observed your faith and joy in your Lord and Savior.

You continue in my prayers.

In Christ,

Richard

rtruitt@mac.com



Riverfonz
Registered user
Username: Riverfonz

Post Number: 1443
Registered: 3-2005
Posted on Monday, March 20, 2006 - 2:57 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Lori,
God bless you for your courage. I will be praying for you and your family. I know you have been growing in grace, and the Lord has promised His grace to sustain you through this difficult time.

Stan
Toria
Registered user
Username: Toria

Post Number: 9
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Monday, March 20, 2006 - 3:09 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Colleen - thank you for your prayers. I got home a few days ago. Not much energy so I am resting a lot. Hope to be off the meds in a few more days. Something good - I have lots of time to study. I am studying Hebrews. It's like I'm reading those pages for the first time. I'm finally understanding. I feel blessed. God is so good.
Blessings
toria
Javagirl
Registered user
Username: Javagirl

Post Number: 183
Registered: 6-2005
Posted on Monday, March 20, 2006 - 4:46 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Pheeki, My husband is not sda, although he has attended with me for years. At one time he was quite active in the church. I think Jesus alone is far more threating than the sda church to him. I dont know more than that. Many people have been praying earnestly for him for the last year to know Christ.

I so appreciate all your prayers. This is extremely painful. I struggle with all the feelings: anger, hurt, rejection, grief--many expressed in an un-Christlike manner, at least privately. I praise God for his forgiveness and mercy in my responses. It can be numbing in intensity. A triple loss, of a church community and identity, and of course my own family and my husband.

That is why I am so amazed by the Grace of God, and his powerful comfort and peace. Without Him, I would be paralyzed all the time, instead of just fleetingly. I am loved by God, and I have been held up in prayer by so many of you. Please dont let up yet!

No Patriar, the decision was not made lightly. God has been calling me for some time, he is relentless in his pursual I believe. Peace and rest came for me when I quit fighting what He purposed from before the creation of the world.

Prayers for you all as well.
JavaGirl
4excape@bellsouth.net
Wooliee
Registered user
Username: Wooliee

Post Number: 67
Registered: 6-2005
Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 - 6:35 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Lori, I am continuing to pray for you. I am so sad for all that you are going through. My heart just breaks for you. I love Joshua 1:9 where God says, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." I can see how very closely you are walking with Him now. I am praying for you son and husband and family as well.

God Bless You,
Julie
Bb
Registered user
Username: Bb

Post Number: 121
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 2:57 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Java Girl,
I can relate to your loss. Some years ago, 2 months after my father had died, my husband walked out on me and my two little ones. It was very difficult, and I feel for you right now. I want you to know that God held me through that, and 4 years later, I met my new husband, who in a round about way was instrumental in me finding the real Jesus and leaving the sda church. God was and is leading! Will be praying for you!
Bb

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