I need Help Badly

Be strong, my friend! You are in this world, but you are not of this world. Greater is He who is in you than He who is in this world. You are asked to transform this world, not conform to it. God has given you the ability to overcome.

Dwell upon His Word always. Keep studying the Scriptures.

Fellowship with strong believers, online and offline. Pray constantly.

I have been there my friend. We all go through the wilderness experience once in a while.

God is always there - He is ever faithful and will never leave you nor forsake you.

Oh, Blackwing, I feel for you! Your heart is in the right place, my friend.

There are times that I want to "throw the towel in" myself. I'd like to share some verses that have helped me in the past:

<font color="ff6347"><b>Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the Lord,
The Creator of the ends of th earth,
Neither faints nor is weary,
His understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the weak,
And to <i>those who have</i> no might He increases strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew <i>their</i> strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.</font></b>
(Is. 40:28-31)

<font color="43b7ba"><b>Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.</font></b>
(Prov. 3:5, 6)


One of my favorite promises of God:

<font color="e3319d"><b>Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.</font></b>
(Phil. 4:6, 7)


<font color="367451"><b>And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.</font></b>
(Gal. 6:9)

I will lift you up before the Lord, Blackwing. God's peace and grace to you.

Pat

It's called Spiritual Warfare my friend. I am in the same boat. I will keep you in my prayers.

Hello, Blackwing....

You're about to get a sermon I'll never, ever get to preach. I promise I'll keep it as brief as possible, ok?

It's safe to say that Christians spend a great deal of time, energy, and study in the pursuit of "truth." After all, the word "truth" must appear a gazillion times in the Bible. "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (Stop. I gotta add this. It saddens me that most confuse their "knowledge" of the truth, with the very "truth" itself. I.E., it IS the "truth" which sets one free, NOT one's "knowledge" of it. That, too, is stuff for another sermon--which won't ever happen. Anyway....) "I am the way, the truth, and the life...." And so on.

Something has been bothering me for a very long time, since, oh, 1979 (the year of my last sermon). And that "something" is 1 Corinthians 13:13: "And now abideth faith, hope, and charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity."

What's been gnawing away at me is this: Where's "truth" in all of this? I mean, with so much emphasis placed upon "knowing" truth, "understanding" truth, "living" the truth, "teaching" the truth, and so on, should "truth" not be included? Wouldn't a four-legged chair, one that included "truth," be far more sturdy, stable, safe, and secure than a tripod?

What is it about "truth" that makes it substantially "different" from faith, hope, and charity? Well, "truth" is open to discussion, debate, argument. But no man can successfully argue against one's faith, one's hope, and one's charity. Oh, he can mock it, ridicule it, dismiss it, but he has no solid ground upon which to question, or challenge, a man's faith, hope, and charity.

Am I suggesting, therefore, that people in general, and Christians, specifically, dismiss "truth" as being important? No, absolutely not. But I am saying that, at some point in one's life, especially that of Christians, there comes a time to lay "truth" aside and strive for a higher goal. And, in this case, "truth" is understood to be one's understanding of the thing, NOT the reality. Again, it IS the "truth" which sets one free, NOT one's "knowledge" of the truth.

The writer of Hebrews clearly expressed this in chapter 6: 1-2. I read these passages so many years ago and am still amazed by their impact and meaning. He writes: "Therefore, leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go onto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

"Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment...."

In this list of things he says to "leave" is found to be almost the entirety of that which the Christian church, the organized religion, constantly teaches, preaches, and emphasizes! "Leave" the "doctrine of Christ"? "Leave" "repentance," "faith toward God"? And so on.

The meaning is so clear. There IS a time and place for these matters, but they are not THE vital matters of one's Christian life and experience. They are the "principles" upon which one's new life is based, but there IS, according to this writer, a "more."

It's at this point, generally, that people begin to mention passages such as 1 Corinthians 13: 13, and Jesus's words regarding the second great commandment, etc. I.E., the Christian message, once one moves beyond these "principles," is that "love" is pre-eminent.

So, in the 1 Corinthians 13:13 passage, "charity" is said to be the "greatest" of all. But is it? I'm asking because of the same inner turmoil you're expressing. A man does his best, lives his best, IS his best, and circumstances don't improve, sometimes worsen. And while there is clearly no "guarantee" that a godly life results in material and physical "reward," one is still left feeling a sense of "injustice." In fact, the Bible is clear that there is no guarantee and, if anything, the "wicked" will prosper while the godly do not. (Forgive me for not looking up all those passages....)

So what does one do when the "principles" of Christianity are simply no longer "enough"? What do you do when "love," well, "fails" to bring satisfaction and fulfillment to your life? Frankly, I spent a couple of decades in despair and downright anger. There really is no need for that, however.

"THE" answer is found in every story of every character in the Bible. And Paul put it in unmistakable terms in 1 Thessalonians, 4: 9 - 12:

"Now as to the love of the brethern, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another;
"for indeed you do practice it toward all brethern who are in all Macedonia. BUT WE URGE YOU, BRETHREN, TO EXCEL STILL MORE,"

(See? There is "more to it" than "love," even though love/charity is THE greatest among faith, hope, and charity.)

"and to make it your ambition to LEAD A QUIET LIFE, and ATTEND TO YOUR OWN BUSINESS and WORK WITH YOUR HANDS, just as we commanded you;
"So that YOU MAY BEHAVE PROPERLY TOWARD OUTSIDERS and NOT BE IN ANY NEED."

Blackwing, I mean no offense to you, nor anyone on this board, for y'all have been so gracious and kind to me. But maybe you've reached that point, just as I did so very long ago, where it's simply time to get on with your life. In you has been revealed the nature of redemption, a "new" you. You can never, and will never, see, nor experience, the "world" in the same way. In essence, what you are "called" to do is "lead a quiet life," "attend to your own business," "work with your own hands," all based upon the "princples" of Biblical teachings as YOU understand them to be, so that "you may behave properly toward outsiders" and "not be in any need."

For me, and I'll stop with this, the entirety and essence of the Christian "message" is best taught in the story of the prodigal son. The son was always a son. He did not "become" a son. He was always the son. It wasn't until he "came to his senses" that he finally knew, and understood, exactly how utterly profound and important this was. Likewise, you and the fine people on this board, have experienced this inner "revelation" that you are "sons" of the King.

But after this prodigal son "came to his senses," what did he do? He went back home and got on with life. He did so, however, with a new awareness, a new understanding, not only of who HE was, but who others around him were, or rather, were not. It became HIS responsiblity to "behave properly," to, in my words, try to make the world a better place.

I hope this helps, and I apologize for taking up so much of your time. (I also didn't proof any of this, so you know what that might mean!)

I know exactly how you feel Glenn!!!

It's so weird because i just went through the exact same thing! I was just so tired of getting up every day to face the world. Every day brought another trial or test of faith and it just got to the point where i just didn't want to be tested. I didn;t even want to get up some mornings. Every day i would get in this mood where i just was so sick of dealing with everything, and i would even become angry. I just wanted to go to Heaven i was tired of this world and i just didn't want to be here anymore. That was my attitude. I would blame MY problems on the world. When really, it was all me! My attitude was just gross! I had forgotten that i had already overcome this old world! I forgot this world is not my final destination! I had taken my eyes off my ultimate goal! Then yesterday at church GOD just said to me, "I love you and my love is all you need" HE remined me why everything is worth it! So i went down to the altar at church and i just bawled! and it was like GOD just lifted this huge burden off me and at the same time renewed me! And when i got up from the altar, i felt ready to face the world because i know that i'm not gonna be here forever. Soon, everything it will all be over. And when we cross that finish line, our LORD is gonna be there with HIS arms wide open sayin "MY child, well done!"

I CAN'T WAIT!

Just thinking about it gives me chills!

Your sister,
Marissa!

for Blackwing and Kristen.

Father, i lift up my brother and sister to You now. Fill them with Your love. Show them again that they are here for You. Bless them, Father. Hug them.

In His Name,

Amen




you both are in my prayers. God is right in front of you both, just open your eyes a little more.

God Bless!

Still praying!!!

Hi guys. I know I am new - but I thought I would let you know you are not alone. I have been where you are and it is an awful awful place to be. Once I removed myself from the situation and the people who were influencing me (which wasn't an easy thing to do), got back into church regularly, studied and prayed, my life started getting easier. Don't get me wrong, I still have bad days and things aren't perfect in my life, but they are much much better now that I am "home". I pray for you and that God shows you that you don't need those people (blackwing said something about bad influences) or things that are keeping you from Him. Step back and take a look inside yourself......then take it to Him. Turn it all over to Him and let Him do some spring cleaning!

Good luck and God bless.

Blackwing and Kristen,

One of the greatest things we can do for fellow brothers and sisters is pray for them!!!!

Spiritual warfare is very real and one thing you can be comforted by(maybe?)is if Satan is working against you right now that's because he's knows he doesn't have you anymore and he's gonna work extra hard to get you back. Put on the full armor of God!!

Having said that, I will pray for you.

Please pray for me because I am struggling with a 'will' problem of my own. Knowing I can do all things through God I am finding it extremely hard to give up smoking. I know all the health facts, but I think Satan has me hooked because ever since I "started" again, I have been losing weight, which, in my eyes, is a big plus! So, smoking looks very attractive to me, right now, having always been "undertall" for my weight! I'm between a rock and a hard place. The last time I quit smoking(for almost 2 years)I gained almost 35 lbs. Trust me, not a good thing. Anyway, I want to beat both these things and haven't got a clue as to how to start. Pray for me.

Hi everyone...and expecially Blackwing and Kristen,

I kinda stumbled upon this board tonight, and after reading the posts here signed up just so I could reply. While I'll be praying for you all, I wanted to post something that provides me with much comfort whenever I read it, and reassures me of my place in God's family. Hope you like this as much as I do!

God Bless...Steve

-- Father's Love Letter --
text from www.fathersloveletter.com

My Child…
You may not know me, but I know everything about you…Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up…Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways…Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered…Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image…Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being…Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring…Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived…Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation…Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book…Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live…Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made…Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother's womb…Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born…Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me…John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love…1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you…1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child and I am your father…1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could…Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father…Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand…James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs…Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope…Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love…Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore…Psalm 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing…Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you…Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession…Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul…Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things…Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me…Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart…Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires…Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine…Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager…2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles…2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you…Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart…Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes…Revelation 21:3-4
And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth…Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus…John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed…John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being…Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you…Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins…2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled…2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you…1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love…Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me…1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again…Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen…Luke 15:7
I have always been Father, and will always be Father…Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is…Will you be my child?…John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you…Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad. Almighty God

Blackwing and Kristen, One of the greatest things we can do for fellow brothers and sisters is pray for them!!!!

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I totally agree. I am so comforted knowing that people have me in their prayers. It is like, well now I know I'll be OK! And I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels that way.

Christsoldier, You will definitely stay in my prayers! Good luck to you my friend! And God Bless You!

Hi everyone...and expecially Blackwing and Kristen,

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ravedesigns, HI TO YOU!!!
That was awesome!!! I'm gonna have to print that and put it on my fridge!!! Thank you for that and GOD BLESS YOU!! I'm glad your here, welcome!

HI POKEY!!

Hi, Best thing to do is, print out that Fathers love letter and hang it where you can see it everyday and read it!! Great stuff, I printed it out and gave it to my ( ) unsaved son for Christmas, I think he was really touched, he was impressed by the fact that when you read all those verses together they do seem like a letter meant just for you. I told them that they were. He was kinda quiet after that. He even told me I didn't have to return anything I'd gotten him for christmas, he liked all of it the world is coming to an end!l LOL
Anyway blackwing I was feeling the same a short while ago and thats when God lead me to a couple of christian forums. He has shown me to surround myself with good and to know that I am under a shield with him and as bad as this world is getting Only I deceid if I want it to hurt me or not, and I choose NOT! So I read the good book everyday, participate a couple hours on these type of forums and read about others and pray for them. ( I actually feel better praying for someone else than myself). I have hung up bible verses that are very meaningful to me all around the house so I am in constant touch, I listen to praise music ( and hang up the lyrics from them too) ,and just open myself up to serving him and knowing he will take care of all the rest.
When I really want to "get away from all earthly things" I daydream about how my mansion in heaven is gonna look. I know he is preparing it just for me so what color?what special pleasures are there that he has done for me alone? It brings wonderful peace and washes all the cares of this world away, try it!
Lord I lift up Blackwing to you, I ask that you give him wonderful renewal like you have for me , I know how I feel (my cup truly runneth over!!!) and ask you do the same for him. Draw him close and give him purpose like he's never had before. In Jesus name, Amen.

Pray for repentence. God will give it to you.
But always remember that God knows your heart and
loves you. Jesus died for you and His blood is the lasting sacrifice for your forgiveness.

Keep one thing in mind. You don't feel the way you do overnight. It is a process like the frog in the kettle. It is the same with getting back to where you want to be. It will take time. Just by stating that you want to get back is an indication that God is dealing with you and that you are on your way back.

A book that is very helpful to me is The Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson. It is a 90 page short book that can revitalize you. I know a lot of people disagree with it but read it and take it to heart. It will change your prayer life. It did mine.
Take care.

Blackwing,
You're in my prayers as well. If you pray and let go of the negative it gets easier....just take one day at a time and make it as pleasing towards God as possible and you'll do fine. I'm new to all this but am learning a little everyday. Love and God Bless you. Take Care. Messenger