I dont know if this is the right spot to ask this question

MilitaryCop said:

Awhile ago i accpeted Jesus as my savior, I went to a baptist chruch with my best friend for the longest time, but only recently about three years ago I think, I accepted the lord. I joined the military and when I got stationed where I am right now, South Korea, I hit a rough spell where everything that I did was wrong and I was always getting in trouble and having a hard time. I yelled outloud that I hated the Lord and that I didnt believe in him.
Things started getting better for me and I dont know why, but I stopped praying and stopped believeing, if someone asked me what I thought, I would tell them that I didnt think that there was a god.
About six months ago I started praying again and I reasked the Lord for forgiveness, I have been praying and trying to learn the bible, but things are still the same as they where after I made the comment about I hated the Lord.
My question, is it possible for someone to turn away from the Lord, stop believeing, then reaccept the lord, feel like you are being sincere in asking his forgiveness, but the Lord doesnt listen to them anymore, turns his back on that person. Sometimes I pray and I ask for the lord to give me some sort of sign that he is listening to me, but nothing ever happens. Why is that?
Again I dont know if this is the right spot to ask this question, if it isnt could someone tell me where I should go to get this question answered. Sorry for taking up your time.

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There are many people who turn away for a time and then return and receive forgivness
I have no doubt that God is speaking to you regularly, but your spiritual ears are not in tune with the Holy Spirit's voice.
Continue praying and reading the Word; build a strong relationship with God and as you learn about Him you will begin to recognise His promptings and His voice.
Satan will come against you while you are learning about God to try and confuse and distract you, but while you were away from god, he had no need to distract you.

Dear Militarycop


Well by now I think you have found that things your way were NOT GOD'S ways even if you KICK HIM out.


We don't make the decision when are hearts are ready to receive GOD. HE does. We must do it on HIS TERMS.


Would you give a PRECIOUS GIFT to someone that would just destroy it out of ignorance???


Read these current posts on CF and you will find this is covered there and also in GOD'S WORD. But should you have a problem finding your answer please let me know and I will go over all the details.


Let's not take anymore chances on NOT getting it right.


It's time you show GOD your willing to do what it takes to do HIS WILL.


ALWAYS REMEMBER:





X Even though you can't see him, GOD is there!!! O
( click on the x and drag to the O ) ( then see who is with you ) steven

Hey,

It's definately possible for someone to stop believing in the Lord and re-accept him into your life. One of my mates relatives turned to and from the Lord several times over a few years and eventually came back and stuck to it, and his life has definately been changed by God for it!

As for your other points, it's not that the Lord doesn't listen, and it definately isn't that he turns his back on them, it might just be that your hearts forgotten how to talk with Him (it'll come back to you eventually, but it does take time).

As for the signs that you asked him for, it's never a case of nothing ever happens - it's nearly always either;

1) It isn't the right time to show you these signs

2) They've happened already, but you won't realise it until a little later

Well done for your persistence by the way - 6 months is a pretty long time in this sorta situation, and the Lord will reward you for your persistence when the time is right!

Dracus

MilitaryCop said:

I dont get what you are saying, I have been quiet, I have blocked everything from my mind and listened, but didnt hear anything.
Is it also possible for someone to know that the Lord exists, thinks he accepted the Lord in his heart but really didnt. Is there a actual difference between knowing the Lord exists and actually believeing in him?

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I wouldn't sweat it. It's a process; you can't just turn it on one day and expect to hear God clear as a bell. I was bought up in a Christian family, and I can't pin-point the time that I definately gave my live over to God. I'm there now, but looking back it's been a gradual thing. Just keep seeking; He will be found by those who seek Him, He promised!

And so I say to you: Ask, and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For those who ask will receive, and those who seek will find, and the door will be opened to anyone who knocks. (Luke 11:9-10 )

So you've got nothing to worry about; just don't stop looking! Sure it might get hard, Jesus never promised that it would be easy. But He did promise that He'd always be there, and that's what I hold on to when I feel like my world is falling apart.

MilitaryCop said:

I dont get what you are saying, I have been quiet, I have blocked everything from my mind and listened, but didnt hear anything.
Is it also possible for someone to know that the Lord exists, thinks he accepted the Lord in his heart but really didnt. Is there a actual difference between knowing the Lord exists and actually believeing in him?

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I think the answer to this is YES!

I know someone, swears he's "more Christian them I am!" he sits in bars getting drunk and say's he's "witnessing" talking to people about God, he's was an abusive drunk, a player and a leach, swears God has "presented" himself to him many times, he knows there's a God and believes he's a Christian but all his actions say other wise yet he say's "this is how God wants me to be!"

I think God hears us at all times, but we don't always hear him, My mom use to have a saying "God has 3 answers, YES, NO & WAIT" sometimes we need to wait for his answer and waiting can be a pain, but in the end, it's worth it!

DON'T GIVE UP! Read the book of James, & keep on talking to God
and when you least expect it, you'll hear him talking to you!

GOD BLESS YOU!

MC:
Please tell us how is your daily devotion. If we where you are before God, we can give you more rational advice.
Rupert

Hi MilitaryCop ,

Upon reading this thread , the thought which stood out is , that The Lord doesn't want us to get the idea that we can put Him on , and put Him off , and put Him on again , like a change of clothing . Therefore , even though it's possible , even likely , that you can receive a rededicated life , which is Blessed of God in The Righteousness , Peace and Joy of Christ's Kingdom ... it's not going to be something that can be lightly done with much ease : You are going to have to fight for your soul like a good soldier , and endure the hardness of your situation without turning back , even though it seems ( for a time ) that you're fighting a losing battle . If you persevere in this manner , you will rediscover what had begun in your life once before ... but if you're not willing to fight and endure ... then it doesn't look good .

Lord Jesus ,

We pray for this wounded brother who has fallen out of fellowship with You . Have Mercy Lord , and stir determination within his heart and mind , so that , he can win this battle to get back on solid ground within Your Holy Calling . For Your Holy Name's Sake . Amen .

Sincerely ,

wm

MilitaryCop said:

... i get tired and I dont really understand what I am reading from the bible...

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I'm not sure which Bible version you're reading, but you might want to find a version that's easier to read.

Also, is there an Army chaplain around somewhere?

MilitaryCop said:

I dont get what you are saying, I have been quiet, I have blocked everything from my mind and listened, but didnt hear anything.
Is it also possible for someone to know that the Lord exists, thinks he accepted the Lord in his heart but really didnt. Is there a actual difference between knowing the Lord exists and actually believeing in him?

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Yes there is a differeance one knowing he exsits and believeing in him, beleveing in him is the other part of the key, you have to believe in him by that you need to use faith. When he is saying spirtual some people might block out everything and still not hear him b/c there spiritual isn't on one accord to hear what going on try worshipping him in spirt

MilitaryCop said:

I am new to being a christian even with the fact that I went to chruch when i was younger with my best friend,I never really payed attention, and even now when I pick up the bible and read it, I see words and points to them, but cant figure out the points.

I dont understand what you mean by fighting for my soul, I didnt know that my soul was at war and what do you mean by the hardness of the situation without turning my back, I dont even know what that means.

I am not the brighest guy when it comes to religion and when i try to learn, my head hurts, i get tired and I dont really understand what I am reading from the bible. We have a baptist chruch here, but I never have the time to go because I am an MP and I work all the time and get very little time off, if I requested for time off so I could go to chruch, I would more then likely be laughed at. I dont know what is going on. Does anything I am saying make sense to anyone and if it does, please explain it to me because I am lost when it comes to religion and cant figure anything out

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I understand what your saying, when he/she says fighting for your soul b/c we are part of the army for the Lord, we are in spiritual war everyday part of accpeting the Lord is that you take in some of the warfare. Warrfare is almost like fighting aganist the enmey, with the test and trials that you face to keep strong in them. You have to make up in your mind to say yes to the Lord, the road isn't easy but it's worth it. Saying yes to the Lord costs you something. Here is a song that I like that might help

YES
Lead
Will your heart and soul say yes
will your Spirit still say yes
There is more that I require of thee
will your heart and soul say yes

Now will your heart and soul say yes
Will your Spirit still say yes
If I told you what I really need
will your heart and soul say yes

Soul just say ..........

CHOIR
Yes (repeat)

Lead
OPEN UP YOUR HEART
AND TELL GOD YES
SAY YES, YEAH YEAH
SAY I'LL OBEY JESUS
I WON'T STRAY JESUS
CAUSE THIS TIME I MADE UP IN MY MIND, I MADE UP IN MY MIND
I'LL SAY, SAY , SAY YES
MY SOUL SAYS YES
MY MIND SAYS YES
MY HEART SAYS YEAH, YEAH YES I WILL JESUS, YES YES
I'LL DO WHAT YOU WANT ME TO DO
I'LL SAY WHAT YOU WANT ME TO SAY
I'LL GO IF YOU LEAD ME, IF YOU LEAD ME, IF YOU LEAD ME, IF YOU LEAD ME I'LL GO OH, OH
I WON'T BE AFRAID
SAY YES
YEAH YEAH
ALL GOD WANTS IS YES
ALL GOD WANTS, ALL GOD WANTS, ALL GOD WANTS IS YES, YES, YES
YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH JESUS
HE'S SAYING THERE IS MORE THAT I REQUIRE OF THE
HE TAKING YOU HIGHER
HE'S SAYING DON'T BE AFRAID OF MEN IN THEIR FACES
DON'T BE AFRAID, DON'T BE AFRAID, DON'T BE AFRAID
HE'S SAYING I'M CALLING YOU OUTTA YOUR DRY PLACES
I'M CALLING YOU
I'M CALLING YOU
I'M CALLING YOU
HE SAID I PREDESTINED YOU
BEFORE THE WORLD BEGAN
TO DO MY WILL
TO DO MY WILL

I hope this helps

MilitaryCop said:

I am new to being a christian even with the fact that I went to chruch when i was younger with my best friend,I never really payed attention, and even now when I pick up the bible and read it, I see words and points to them, but cant figure out the points.

I dont understand what you mean by fighting for my soul, I didnt know that my soul was at war and what do you mean by the hardness of the situation without turning my back, I dont even know what that means.

I am not the brighest guy when it comes to religion and when i try to learn, my head hurts, i get tired and I dont really understand what I am reading from the bible. We have a baptist chruch here, but I never have the time to go because I am an MP and I work all the time and get very little time off, if I requested for time off so I could go to chruch, I would more then likely be laughed at. I dont know what is going on. Does anything I am saying make sense to anyone and if it does, please explain it to me because I am lost when it comes to religion and cant figure anything out

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Hi MilitaryCop , and all ,

May The Lord Be Pleased to help me explain .

Our soul is our individuality , as one created to be in God's image or likeness .

Things like , the devil's lies , and sinful influences / temptations are trying to prevent our soul / individuality from being fully formed in God's / Christ's likeness .

This is largely due to the fact that we are God's potential replacements for those angels which have fallen from God's Grace . Therefore , they are in the spirit of envy and soreness from " losing " , the war in heaven . ( Where The Lord's faithful angels fought against the devil's angels and the faithful prevailed .)

And since we of ourselves are no match for the devil and his comrades , Jesus , The Son of God , came to make for us A Way , to endure and overcome . Specifically , in having our souls develop according to God's Will , which is for us to be " like " Him . ( To speak truth in love , be just in our dealings , forgiving & charitable in our hearts , and godly in all our thinking / doing .)

This Restoring of Hope , is two fold .

Jesus' Atoning Blood pays for our past sins .

And once we accept and acknowledge what God has done through Him on our behalf . We receive an outpouring of God's Holy Spirit . And His Spirit is what Teaches and Empowers us , so that we can come into Blessed Harmony with God's Will and Character .

So an example of a " spiritual battle " , would be , one like where you mentioned , " you don't have time , and fear you would be mocked , if you asked for time off to ' go to church ' " .

See how there are competing thoughts coming to your mind ?

See how one cannot listen to the one side , without denying / ignoring the other ?

This is war !

If we are going to " win " , we have to trust what we understand to be The Lord's Voice , and act according to His Urging . For then we experience the Benefit , which He is seeking to impart to us , in a " Living Way " , not just as an idea , or theory .

Though The Lord's Instruction begins as an idea , it is meant to become so much more !

For example : If The Lord is telling you to get around others who are studying to prove the Truth of His Word ; it is for a Very Good Reason . And it is when we obey His Voice , that we receive our confirmation , that indeed , This was The Lord's Voice , and His Counsel is Good , Yea , Extremely Good !

But if we shrink back because of fear or unbelief , then we miss the opportunity to " prove " His Voice " in our life .

After numerous times of following what we understand to be The Lord's Emphasis , in our life , and receiving many confirmations , we become more assured , and bolder in The Faith .

But it takes acting according to " His Bidding " for us to grow stronger in the faith .

Sometimes , following The Lord's Bidding means doing something we might be afraid to do .

And sometimes following His Leading , may involve not doing something that we find entertaining or pleasurable in a physical way .

At first , it may be hard to see that , fighting against such fears and desires is worthwhile ... but I , and many others like me , can testify with absolute confidence , that it is indeed well worth it !!! Even many times more so - than we can imagine .

For when , through Christ's Mercy and Grace , our soul develops as God Wills , we are then Judged by The Lord as those who are " fit for His Kingdom " .

At even though this earthly life has a few moments of excitement etc., it all comes quickly to a horrific close , ( physically speaking ) ; But The Joy and Peace of God's Kingdom is Everlasting , being Exceedingly Far Greater in Measure & Magnitutude .

God's Wisdom is at work .

For He is solving the problem of those whom He Exalts , growing unjustly proud from being overly self-conscious of the greatness which He has bestowed ; by allowing us to experience being lowly and undeserving first ; so that , after we are Atoned for and exalted , we will be ever Thankful and Grateful , so no foolish pride rises up ever again in His Presence .

This is what is being shown , in prayer and asking , in searching and seeking , and in studying The Word , The Holy Bible .

If it isn't all clear right now - don't panic ... read it over several times , if necessary , and remember any part which does stand out as understood , and work with that in mind ... and the rest will become clearer , as we progress in The Way of trusting and following The Lord's Leading .

As a servant of Christ ,

wm