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Father Rick · #31 7th May 2007, 11:34 AM

Originally Posted by BethShalom

Question. What does it mean to fear the LORD? Does it really mean to be afraid of HIM? OR be afraird of what He's capable of?

A better word (instead of fear) would be awe or reverence.

We are not to be afraid of God, as in afraid He is mean or will try to "get you". Rather, we should live with a sense of His incredible greatness, holiness, and majesty. Out of this there should be a revence for His awesomeness and majesty.

Father Rick · #32 7th May 2007, 11:40 AM

Originally Posted by rookiemum

Two years ago a new youth pastor started at our church. My husband and I have supported, encouraged, and stood beside him. We have a good relationship with him and his wife.

We inadvertently found out he is planning on leaving the church (one of his children mentioned it to us). Since this happened in front of his wife, we assume she told him we know. She asked us to keep this information to ourselves, and we have.

We would like to talk with him to find out why he's leaving a ministry he claimed to be so excited about. We thought he would contact us to talk about this, but he hasn't.

Is it appropriate for us to ask him to meet with us to discuss something we're not supposed to know about? How much privacy should we give him in this situation? I would really appreciate some input from others who are in leadership positions, thank you!

I would speak to him about it.

First, you said that you think his wife is aware that you know already.

Second, the reason for leaving may be that he is feeling unsupported, etc. You just have no way of knowing.

My suggestion would be something like "you're probably aware that one of the kids mentioned that you may be leaving. I will keep the information in confidence if you want, but I want to know if there is anything that I can do to help you here." That way, he knows you will keep quiet (which is probably a concern if he knows you know), as well as giving an opportunity for him to share if there is a need for support, etc.

Blessings!

leonizel · #33 8th May 2007, 08:10 AM

I’m a Catholic and born as one. But I don’t really follow a lot of traditions of Catholic and not even a Mother Mary devotee. I’ve been living my life morally, I guess, since I’ve been living my life plain and simple. My life revolves with my work and my family (I’m not yet married but I’m supporting my parents and siblings).

I believe in Jesus but I guess I haven’t showed him my love for Him or I’m still confused if I TRULY love Him. I have read the “Purpose Driven Life” last year and there this tremendous feelings I’ve felt and sort of “enlightenment”. I started to read the Bible everyday and attend Mass every Sunday. But, gradually, this feeling started to pass out. Right now it’s been weeks since I attend the Sunday Mass and haven’t read the Bible again for so long.

You see, I really don’t know what’s bothering me. But the first few months after I read the book “Purpose Driven Life”, I have this tremendous feeling inside me, feeling that I was so close with Him. And I want to feel it again and continuously feel it. I guess I backed slide (if that’s what you call) and the thing is there’s no really distinct reason. I just feel nothing at all. I still believe Him but I can’t feel Him. And I cannot even find the right words to say what really I’m going through right now. I just feel miserable.

I want to love Him. TRULY love Him. I know that being with Him is the greatest thing that could ever happen to anyone of us. But I just don’t know how. But sometimes I don’t really feel His presence at all.

I really think, I’m so lost.

headrea · #34 8th May 2007, 02:58 PM

Repent tnerefore and turn around so as to get your sins "blotted out". God will forgive those whom truly repent.
Yourr sin may seem painful at this time but it may prove indirectly to be a blessing to others. At tiemes it mau seem "distant" to talk to someone who hasnt had experience of your sin. "pat answers" God can use this.

BethShalom · #35 8th May 2007, 03:42 PM

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Quote:
Originally Posted by BethShalom
Question. What does it mean to fear the LORD? Does it really mean to be afraid of HIM? OR be afraird of what He's capable of?

A better word (instead of fear) would be awe or reverence.

We are not to be afraid of God, as in afraid He is mean or will try to "get you". Rather, we should live with a sense of His incredible greatness, holiness, and majesty. Out of this there should be a revence for His awesomeness and majesty.

Ok. Thank you. I understand better now. Just wanted to know because I put together a teen Bible study and we are going to be studying the "fear of the LORD" and most of us have been asking that question. so thanks again.

l0v3n · #36 9th May 2007, 03:19 AM

Why does God help us bring up good memories? Or is it ourselves that is doing it? If we regret something, what should we do about it?

rookiemum · #37 9th May 2007, 04:44 PM

I appreciate your help!

Father Rick · #38 14th May 2007, 09:59 AM

Originally Posted by leonizel

I’m a Catholic and born as one. But I don’t really follow a lot of traditions of Catholic and not even a Mother Mary devotee. I’ve been living my life morally, I guess, since I’ve been living my life plain and simple. My life revolves with my work and my family (I’m not yet married but I’m supporting my parents and siblings).

I believe in Jesus but I guess I haven’t showed him my love for Him or I’m still confused if I TRULY love Him. I have read the “Purpose Driven Life” last year and there this tremendous feelings I’ve felt and sort of “enlightenment”. I started to read the Bible everyday and attend Mass every Sunday. But, gradually, this feeling started to pass out. Right now it’s been weeks since I attend the Sunday Mass and haven’t read the Bible again for so long.

You see, I really don’t know what’s bothering me. But the first few months after I read the book “Purpose Driven Life”, I have this tremendous feeling inside me, feeling that I was so close with Him. And I want to feel it again and continuously feel it. I guess I backed slide (if that’s what you call) and the thing is there’s no really distinct reason. I just feel nothing at all. I still believe Him but I can’t feel Him. And I cannot even find the right words to say what really I’m going through right now. I just feel miserable.

I want to love Him. TRULY love Him. I know that being with Him is the greatest thing that could ever happen to anyone of us. But I just don’t know how. But sometimes I don’t really feel His presence at all.

I really think, I’m so lost.

In our life in Christ we all have "ups and downs".

Remember, it is to be a relationship with Christ. Just as in every relationship, there are times when you will feel closer to the person than at other times. Because you may feel the relationship is weak or lacking, doesn't mean that it is any less valid. For instance, you will always be your mother's daughter, no matter if you never speak to your mother again, nothing can change the fact that you are her child.

This is the way it is with us. Because of the work of Christ (not because of how good we are/are not), we have been adopted by God and made sons/daughter of Gods. That relationship stands regardless of what we feel. In fact, Paul made it clear in scripture that we are to live by faith, not by sight (or feelings). As far as God is concerned, His love for us never changes, never wavers. The story of the prodigal son is one of the most beautiful pictures of this-- one that Jesus, Himself, shared so that we could know His heart toward us.

Now, there are things we can do to strengthen our intimacy with Christ. Prayer, worship, Bible study, etc. all help us to be aware of/sensitive to His love directed to us. Sin puts barriers that stifle our intimacy with Him. If you find yourself feeling distant from Him (as you state in your post), simply repent of any sin that you may have allowed into your life, and do those things that strengthen your intimacy with Him. It's really that simple.

And,remember, His love for you is more than you could ever imagine. He loved you so much that He gave His very life for you.

Father Rick · #39 14th May 2007, 10:00 AM

Originally Posted by l0v3n

Why does God help us bring up good memories? Or is it ourselves that is doing it? If we regret something, what should we do about it?

I'm not sure what all you're asking here.

As to our memories, part of our remembering things (both good and bad) is our choice/action. Other times, God may bring particular memories back to our mind for a reason.

Do you care to elaborate a little, so I can better help you out?

BelieverinChrist4 · #40 16th May 2007, 04:56 AM

I have been a devoted Christian believer and always stayed to my faith(help in the church, became part of leadership and care ministry, minstered on my job and streets, etc.). Then I felt my faith dwindled and I been struggling to go to church since this year began. I tried to pray and read the bible again and go to church. but my friends mock me and call my a hypocrite. I am also letting certain people in my life who don't support me in my faith walk and I know I need to let them go. My question is: I am truly a hypocrite and can God ever forgive me for ignoring him and my acceptance of my salvation. I try to do the right things and I find it hard now. College is getting me confused on my doctrine and I see everbody so happy while I am struggling to make ends meet and I am the sole porvider for my sick mother. I still feel connected to God because when I pray or sing unto the Lord, I cry and feel his spirit but I am just imanging. I want a good life and I know college is the only way. But how can I get to that place of joy I was once inm, after all this??? Please Help with any advice.

Grace and Peace,

Brother in Crisis