Greetings! And..How Do Some of You Keep the Faith?

The Parable of Mathew 22 , the wedding feast is a great parable for what you have asked

sooo...what do you want?

NYCGal said:

Hi all, I'm new so first let me just say hi! Happy to be here- I hope I can contribute in a meaningful way and also learn from all of you.

I have been a Christian all my life - but lately I've been really frustrated. Without going into details, I went through some difficult challenges a few years ago and things certainly have improved. But, though I have gotten through the eye of the storm, and did several years ago, I feel like it's still raining.. do you know what I mean? And I'm still waiting for the sun.

I've been praying and hoping and believing for years for a bigger change to happen, trusting in God that things didn't work out in the past cause he had something better in line for me, but now I'm starting to doubt that. Nothing seems to be happening. I've prayed for strength, guidance, etc. asked what I can do to fix myself internally, not just waited on God but tried to do stuff on my own and be an active participant in my life, I've tried to do what was right, and it's been years and I still feel like there's crickets.

I know some people talk about how they lean on God during hard times and prayer gives them strength, or they feel the direction of God in their life.. what if you don't feel anything? I feel like I keep trying, and reading the bible, even fasting (and yes I could do much more of all these things) but I don't know what else I can literally do without giving up. What am I doing wrong?? Some days are better than others of course, but sometimes I wonder if I'm just 'wishful thinking' and - to be clear, I don't want to doubt, but I need SOMETHING. I can feel myself getting bitter and losing my patience and I don't want to be that person. I'm trying but need something to help, it's like that meme where you're texting God a question, and all you see in response is the 'read receipt' lol. I feel like that's been my life the last 6 years.

Any advice on how to deal? Am I the only one that feels this way?

Thanks in advance!

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It is important to seek a calling from God. I recall a time when I was alone and isolated. I started going to a very large library and researching Biblical archaeology, Biblical geography, ancient Israel, antiquities etc. Sometimes I made discoveries while reading that took my mind off my sorrow. This reading helped me understand some of the strengths and weaknesses of the Bible. I found Christian Forums one day and this fellowship was a blessing. I had to read past the insignificant posts to find the interesting ones, same as sitting in a library with a stack of books. Much of the time there is no gain, but when someone finds a good book there is blessing and joy. My need to research and learn led me to books about health and nutrition. I became blessed with better health. Bible study is important to a Christian. For a time this week I was blocked from reading it. Yesterday I found myself in my living room chair reading the New Testament again and able to think more clearly. Jesus gained glory by helping others, not only himself.

In Acts 20:35 (WEB) Paul was quoted:
35 In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

Instrument150 said:

Ephesians 4:22-24
Philippians 3:8
Colossians 3:5
Luke 9:23
John 12:24
Luke 9:23-24
Romans 6:11
Romans 12:1-2
1 Peter 4:1-2
Galatians 5:24


That is only 10 verses of 23 that speak on being "Dead to your Flesh"

Good grief the lies Catherine and not the words of your very own prophets and apostles

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Gooooooooooood grieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeffffffff.

NYCGal said:

Hi all, I'm new so first let me just say hi! Happy to be here- I hope I can contribute in a meaningful way and also learn from all of you.

I have been a Christian all my life - but lately I've been really frustrated. Without going into details, I went through some difficult challenges a few years ago and things certainly have improved. But, though I have gotten through the eye of the storm, and did several years ago, I feel like it's still raining.. do you know what I mean? And I'm still waiting for the sun.

I've been praying and hoping and believing for years for a bigger change to happen, trusting in God that things didn't work out in the past cause he had something better in line for me, but now I'm starting to doubt that. Nothing seems to be happening. I've prayed for strength, guidance, etc. asked what I can do to fix myself internally, not just waited on God but tried to do stuff on my own and be an active participant in my life, I've tried to do what was right, and it's been years and I still feel like there's crickets.

I know some people talk about how they lean on God during hard times and prayer gives them strength, or they feel the direction of God in their life.. what if you don't feel anything? I feel like I keep trying, and reading the bible, even fasting (and yes I could do much more of all these things) but I don't know what else I can literally do without giving up. What am I doing wrong?? Some days are better than others of course, but sometimes I wonder if I'm just 'wishful thinking' and - to be clear, I don't want to doubt, but I need SOMETHING. I can feel myself getting bitter and losing my patience and I don't want to be that person. I'm trying but need something to help, it's like that meme where you're texting God a question, and all you see in response is the 'read receipt' lol. I feel like that's been my life the last 6 years.

Any advice on how to deal? Am I the only one that feels this way?

Thanks in advance!

Click to expand...

Hi this life is the path towards being raised incorruptible and we have promises of God that if we embrace them through faith we can stand on them. For instance Jesus said anyone who comes unto Him he will pour out fountains of living water our of our innermost being and in another place he says “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 28 You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I.

Gods 1st desire for you is to love you and adopt you into an eternal inheritance. Blessed is the man who's sin is forgiven and whom the LORD does not impute iniquity. God saved you and forgave your debt way beyond you could pay. He has assured you a place in fellowship forever with him and all who are his. This is where the peace that you are missing comes from. The peace Jesus promises is not as the world gives and perhaps you have mixed the two peaces into one idea. Your primary purpose is fellowship with God. The Holy Spirit is the means by which we walk. The Holy Spirit is the one who pours out the living water out of your inner most being. 2 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

You see you have to stand under the fountain which is Christ to overflow with such an overflow. What you are doing weather washing dishes or teaching in seminary it is not what you are doing which will be the source of the joy and peace you bring that with you into whatever you are doing. God promised it to you. I have memorized a verse out of Isaiah that is similar which promises that I will keep them in perfect peace who's minds are stayed on Thee. When I loose my peace this verse reminds me that my mind has left the LORD. When I reset I find the peace returns. Gods promises are amazing and the whole book of Ephesians reads like a benefit package to new employees stating all we have for just being in Christ. Also 2 peter 1
2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.

Peter gives you a promise that God has given you already everything for life and godliness and then the order in which it comes. Note 1st is faith and 2nd is virtue. Faith is the foundation virtue is the desire to do the right thing. This comes before knowledge because you have to be willing to quit something or do something positive before you get teh knowledge of what those things are. Then comes self control and perseverance. Self control that endures is discipline and obedience. If you are doing this it will produce Godliness which is kindness and love. This is what you want to be kind and loving and these are the tools that open the doors to useful service for the LORD. This path is like joining a gym you might be out of shape and visualize a brand new you in great shape. You have to put in some time and grow to maturity. God bless you as God has stirred you up. You can rejoice even now in all you have in Christ.

NYCGal said:

Hi all, I'm new so first let me just say hi! Happy to be here- I hope I can contribute in a meaningful way and also learn from all of you.

I have been a Christian all my life - but lately I've been really frustrated. Without going into details, I went through some difficult challenges a few years ago and things certainly have improved. But, though I have gotten through the eye of the storm, and did several years ago, I feel like it's still raining.. do you know what I mean? And I'm still waiting for the sun.

I've been praying and hoping and believing for years for a bigger change to happen, trusting in God that things didn't work out in the past cause he had something better in line for me, but now I'm starting to doubt that. Nothing seems to be happening. I've prayed for strength, guidance, etc. asked what I can do to fix myself internally, not just waited on God but tried to do stuff on my own and be an active participant in my life, I've tried to do what was right, and it's been years and I still feel like there's crickets.

I know some people talk about how they lean on God during hard times and prayer gives them strength, or they feel the direction of God in their life.. what if you don't feel anything? I feel like I keep trying, and reading the bible, even fasting (and yes I could do much more of all these things) but I don't know what else I can literally do without giving up. What am I doing wrong?? Some days are better than others of course, but sometimes I wonder if I'm just 'wishful thinking' and - to be clear, I don't want to doubt, but I need SOMETHING. I can feel myself getting bitter and losing my patience and I don't want to be that person. I'm trying but need something to help, it's like that meme where you're texting God a question, and all you see in response is the 'read receipt' lol. I feel like that's been my life the last 6 years.

Any advice on how to deal? Am I the only one that feels this way?

Thanks in advance!

Click to expand...

You're doing nothing wrong whatsoever. Good and bad things happen to everyone. There's no particular bias toward anyone. People who pray or believe don't necessarily have it better off, or worse off, than anyone else.

Life just happens. That's it.

Sometimes God doesn't seem to answer. We can't be sure if it's God or just our own minds. We've all been there. God doesn't appear like in the Biblical days.

The best you can do is just do what you can and be a good person. That's all.

Instrument150 said:

Ephesians 4:22-24
Philippians 3:8
Colossians 3:5
Luke 9:23
John 12:24
Luke 9:23-24
Romans 6:11
Romans 12:1-2
1 Peter 4:1-2
Galatians 5:24


That is only 10 verses of 23 that speak on being "Dead to your Flesh"

Good grief the lies Catherine and not the words of your very own prophets and apostles

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The Book of Job
Summary:
In Job, we see a man who God allows to be directly attacked by Satan. He is an example of faithfulness as he loses everything important to him yet remains faithful to God. Its purpose is to illustrate God’s sovereignty and faithfulness during a time of great suffering.

• In chapters 1-3, God tests Job’s faithfulness through allowing Satan to attack him. God told Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power, only do not put forth your hand on him” (1:12). Through Job’s trials, all is lost including his health, his wife even tells him to curse God and commit suicide, but he remains strong and faithful, “Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God.” (1:22).

• From chapters 4-37, Job’s friends give him plenty of bad advice, in rounds of discussion. They mistakenly blame his sufferings on his personal sins rather than God testing and growing Job. One of them was half-correct in that God wanted to humble him, but this was only a part of God’s test.

• In chapters 38-42, God speaks to Job and restores him. God knows that Job has received incorrect guidance from his friends, “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?” God fittingly declares that humans do not know everything. Then He humbles Job by asking a series of questions that could never be answered by anyone other than Almighty God; for example, “Have you understood the expanse of the earth? Tell Me, if you know all this”. God then brings him to an understanding that believers don’t always know what God is doing in their lives.

In the end, Job answers God by saying, “I have declared that which I did not understand”. God then blessed Job with twice as much as he had before his trials began.

Job 22
1Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied:

2“Can a man be of benefit to God?

Can even a wise person benefit him?

3What pleasure would it give the Almighty if you were righteous?

What would he gain if your ways were blameless?

4“Is it for your piety that he rebukes you

and brings charges against you?

5Is not your wickedness great?

Are not your sins endless?

6You demanded security from your relatives for no reason;

you stripped people of their clothing, leaving them naked.

7You gave no water to the weary

and you withheld food from the hungry,

8though you were a powerful man, owning land—

an honored man, living on it.

9And you sent widows away empty-handed

and broke the strength of the fatherless.

10That is why snares are all around you,

why sudden peril terrifies you,

11why it is so dark you cannot see,

and why a flood of water covers you.

Job 42
7After the Lord had said these things to Job, he said to Eliphaz the Temanite, “I am angry with you and your two friends, because you have not spoken the truth about me, as my servant Job has. 8So now take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and sacrifice a burnt offering for yourselves. My servant Job will pray for you, and I will accept his prayer and not deal with you according to your folly. You have not spoken the truth about me, as my servant Job has.”

It is a long book but I highly recommend it.

6You demanded security from your relatives for no reason;

you stripped people of their clothing, leaving them naked.

7You gave no water to the weary

and you withheld food from the hungry,

8though you were a powerful man, owning land—

an honored man, living on it.

9And you sent widows away empty-handed

and broke the strength of the fatherless.

10That is why snares are all around you,

why sudden peril terrifies you,

11why it is so dark you cannot see,

and why a flood of water covers you.

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A.K.A Not dying to your flesh, and denying fruits of the spirit. Which is the opposite of what Job did, which got Him through the test.

Instrument150 said:

A.K.A Not dying to your flesh, and denying fruits of the spirit. Which is the opposite of what Job did, which got Him through the test.

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That was Eliphaz speaking to Job and falsely accusing him of sin, because he assumed that since Job was suffering, he must have done something wrong. God then rebukes him for making such an accusation.

MonstersvsMartyrs said:

That was Eliphaz speaking to Job and falsely accusing him of sin, because he assumed that since Job was suffering, he must have done something wrong. God then rebukes him for making such an accusation.

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Yeah I think we are just trying to use two truths to argue each other's points honestly. I think I may have used the wrong truth here, not that I think God would rebuke me for saying that Job was reaping the benefits of the fruits of the spirit all the live long day that entire time ... Your truth is more applicable to our dearest sibling

had to edit that last post

NYCGal said:

Hi all, I'm new so first let me just say hi! Happy to be here- I hope I can contribute in a meaningful way and also learn from all of you.

I have been a Christian all my life - but lately I've been really frustrated. Without going into details, I went through some difficult challenges a few years ago and things certainly have improved. But, though I have gotten through the eye of the storm, and did several years ago, I feel like it's still raining.. do you know what I mean? And I'm still waiting for the sun.

I've been praying and hoping and believing for years for a bigger change to happen, trusting in God that things didn't work out in the past cause he had something better in line for me, but now I'm starting to doubt that. Nothing seems to be happening. I've prayed for strength, guidance, etc. asked what I can do to fix myself internally, not just waited on God but tried to do stuff on my own and be an active participant in my life, I've tried to do what was right, and it's been years and I still feel like there's crickets.

I know some people talk about how they lean on God during hard times and prayer gives them strength, or they feel the direction of God in their life.. what if you don't feel anything? I feel like I keep trying, and reading the bible, even fasting (and yes I could do much more of all these things) but I don't know what else I can literally do without giving up. What am I doing wrong?? Some days are better than others of course, but sometimes I wonder if I'm just 'wishful thinking' and - to be clear, I don't want to doubt, but I need SOMETHING. I can feel myself getting bitter and losing my patience and I don't want to be that person. I'm trying but need something to help, it's like that meme where you're texting God a question, and all you see in response is the 'read receipt' lol. I feel like that's been my life the last 6 years.

Any advice on how to deal? Am I the only one that feels this way?

Thanks in advance!

Click to expand...

Yes, and we are being thankful unto our Lord, and always in prayer for the above. Please keep us with an update on your Faith walk with The Lord. We must continue to walk/abide in him, but let his words of life abide in us, every day of our life.

John 8:12 King James Version (KJV)
12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Bible Gateway passage: John 15:7-8 - New International Version

NYCGal, Ever hear someone say...if we truly believed that GOD Jesus sweet sweet Holy Spirit can not lie. We would never have any problems with faith. No..go for it.. read just Matt-John..and then KNOW that you KNOW that you KNOW He cant lie. Salvation? Hello? FEEL it do we? For some its nothing more then someone said that someone told them they heard..heard it from a friend who heard it from a friend who..sing along.. and then wrote it in some letter.

So this "salvation" is not based on how you feel what you see nor.. sorry not how you act..good or bad. Its a gift. We fight the good fight.. we press towards the mark.. the prize ..we run the race.

So.. I can only speak for me. He has never..cant.. or ever will lie. And I get hit just like everyone else with LIFE. But.. I have a choice... I dont have to take it.. receive it..I now have a GOD IN ME. And no matter what I See..what I Hear..what i FEEL. I get fear.. I say in the middle of that fear.. NO! God has not given me the spirit of fear but of power and love and a sound mind. I have the JOY of the lord. The joy of the lord is my strength. See...did you catch that? Its NOT COMING... I HAVE...not going to have.. I HAVE the joy of the lord..it IS my strength. And if I wait on Him..

OT "The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him". See.. when you READ the word.. is SOME of it true or all? Did GOD say it or just some man? Jesus.. spoke the words of David.. a man... that killed and did other things NOT of God..yet.. those WORDS had the power to put satan back in his place. The word IS God.. God is that word.

So.. my faith is in the FACT my GOD IS FAITHFUL! This FAITHFULNESS is not based on me what so ever. Look at Israel. Following GOD are they? No.. YET...GOD our Father made promise to THEM and even when they missed and missed it BIG TIME.. our GOD has NEVER EVER failed them They are BACK in there land not because of ANYTHING they did.. but for HIS name sake.. HE IS faithful.

So... I dont go by what I see nor feel or hear...and YES at times is A NIGHTMAR! NO its not easy when LIFE is coming at you from all sides.. but.. I dont LOOK to what I CAN SEE.. HE IS... He said I AM. He told YOU.. and ASK HIM....no seek and ask HIM were YOU on His mind when that WORD was written? HE IS GOD.. HE can do it.. He can come die rise and YOU were on His mind ALWAYS!

So.. faith..trust.. this can only come by HIS WORD. Russ Taff.. I love the song.. Praise the lord "When you're up against a struggle That shatters all your dreams And your hope has been cruelly crushed By Satan's manifesting scheme And you feel the urge within you To submit to earthly fears Don't let the faith you're standing in, seem to disappear. PRAISE THE LORD. Yeah.. PRAISE HIM..when you cant PRAISE HIM when you dont want to.. Praise Him ALWAYS in ALL THINGS>

Do you know what the fear of the lord is? Its not just.. OMGOSH... He can wipe me out with a thougth! haha.. its reverence , its respect. Did you know.. when we take a moment in life when things get hard..we dont understand.. what happens when stop in that moment..to our selfs our out loud "reverence, respect" Him? He WILL bless you, it prolongs life, The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, And rescues them, wisdom and knowledge... there is SO MUCH more here. See these are PROMISES .. a Abraham seed is who? What does the WORD say? To US that believe.. ANYONE and ALL that believe in JESUS. There are blessings.. promises not from MAN but to Gods people. We have been grafted IN...so all those other branches that were org of the vine.. WE are also of THE VINE! So.. WHAT feeds the branches? JESUS!

I kinda went over and above what you asked.. but.. its taking GOD at HIS word. MAN will tell you this or that.. Jesus was really talking to..what God really meant was... lol. Hes your daddy.. your abba.. your Father.. your GOD. So me? yeah.. I go to HIM.. I ask HIM.. He gives me HIS word. So no matter what I feel think see hear.. or fall I get up.. repent.. and TAKE HIM at HIS WORD. ALL of HIS word ALWAYS works. He is no matter how faithful we are or how bad we are.. HE IS FAITHFUL and WILL ALWAYS be there. His word ALWAYS works.. HAS to do what HE said.

You are so loved not based on how you feel. You are right now living forever. So.. get use to it. And TRY to really think.. just what in this LIFE can my Father..if I TRULY give it to Him.. that HE cant fix it..handle it? No.. what is there? We just DONT hand it over to Him.. WE know we HAVE to fix it..we can do it. Go back and look what happen when Israel told GOD ..basically said.. pfft..what ever you ask.. we can do it! No man can.. HE DID! He WILL! And.. JESUS IS REAL! Just BELIEVE

[for me anyway] sometimes our trials lasts longer, just as rainy days last longer than we would have it: but God has determined the bounds of our habitation (Acts 17:26), which we know not, yet we trust in Him. How we think things ought to be is one of the reasons why the Lord Jesus tells us to deny our own will, that we put our trust and hope in God; also scripture tells us that we ought always to pray, and don't give up (Luke 18:1). As for us His Word again tells us that we need to learn to be content with the necessities of life: food, clothes, and shelter (1 Timothy 6:8); and to always seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and what we need will be added to us (Matthew 6:33). As for our purpose in this life, God's Word tells us it is that we might serve Him without fear in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our lives (Luke 1:74-75). Another that Christ tells us is that "My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9); and we ought to keep in mind that it is not we who wills it, nor we who run it, but it is God who shows mercy (Romans 9:16).

NYCGal said:

Yea, Psalms is good for that.. and thanks for your words! But dang, like why can't I hear that inner voice people talk about? If it's there, it's not obvious it's the Holy Spirit. For example, I have a question on if I should move or not and I pray on it, and I want my steps to be pointed in the right direction, but I'm getting no answers. I want to do the right thing, but I'm not getting any direction! Sigh.. and I keep hoping that reading the Bible and Praying and all of that will help but if I'm honest, it's just not. Which is confusing, because the Bible says, seek and you shall find.. well I'm seeking!!

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Aaron's Blessing: But, The Lord may give unto the below blessings, wright now, and that he continue, as long as you continue in his sayings/commandments, etc. so that you can hear and do whatever, according to his will. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. James 1:22

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 1 John 5:14

Numbers 6:22-27

22 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 23 Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them,

24 The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:

25 The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:

26 The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

27 And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:Ephesians 1:3

NYCGal said:

Thanks everyone, I took some time to read everything and I appreciate the time and energy it took to craft all the thoughtful responses.

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NYCGal , Please read post #56, that I just now have posted.

NYCGal said:

Hi all, I'm new so first let me just say hi! Happy to be here- I hope I can contribute in a meaningful way and also learn from all of you.

I have been a Christian all my life - but lately I've been really frustrated. Without going into details, I went through some difficult challenges a few years ago and things certainly have improved. But, though I have gotten through the eye of the storm, and did several years ago, I feel like it's still raining.. do you know what I mean? And I'm still waiting for the sun.

I've been praying and hoping and believing for years for a bigger change to happen, trusting in God that things didn't work out in the past cause he had something better in line for me, but now I'm starting to doubt that. Nothing seems to be happening. I've prayed for strength, guidance, etc. asked what I can do to fix myself internally, not just waited on God but tried to do stuff on my own and be an active participant in my life, I've tried to do what was right, and it's been years and I still feel like there's crickets.

I know some people talk about how they lean on God during hard times and prayer gives them strength, or they feel the direction of God in their life.. what if you don't feel anything? I feel like I keep trying, and reading the bible, even fasting (and yes I could do much more of all these things) but I don't know what else I can literally do without giving up. What am I doing wrong?? Some days are better than others of course, but sometimes I wonder if I'm just 'wishful thinking' and - to be clear, I don't want to doubt, but I need SOMETHING. I can feel myself getting bitter and losing my patience and I don't want to be that person. I'm trying but need something to help, it's like that meme where you're texting God a question, and all you see in response is the 'read receipt' lol. I feel like that's been my life the last 6 years.

Any advice on how to deal? Am I the only one that feels this way?

Thanks in advance!

Click to expand...

The surprising, and always new, the sweetest thing -- is also the thing you are asking for here!

What Christ our Lord said is the only answer for this question --

24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

Notice this means we have to go against the tide, and do different than most people, and actually read fully through the gospels, in person, ourselves, in order to learn His words, the ones He said we must put in practice in order to make it and not get destroyed.

So, even a bible study group won't work, unless you are lucky that they are specifically doing a gospel right now.

Because it's not the Old Testament, and not even an epistle needed, not a Christian book even by a good writer like Tim Keller or whoever. None of those are the specific commands Christ said, though they can help elaborate on some things.

Instead it's the words He spoke in the 4 gospels that we have to learn and "put into practice", in order to survive, to make it.

Those other books are helpful after that, as extra aids, after we have the key first thing happening, learning and doing His commands to us.

NYCGal said:

Hi all, I'm new so first let me just say hi! Happy to be here- I hope I can contribute in a meaningful way and also learn from all of you.

I have been a Christian all my life - but lately I've been really frustrated. Without going into details, I went through some difficult challenges a few years ago and things certainly have improved. But, though I have gotten through the eye of the storm, and did several years ago, I feel like it's still raining.. do you know what I mean? And I'm still waiting for the sun.

I've been praying and hoping and believing for years for a bigger change to happen, trusting in God that things didn't work out in the past cause he had something better in line for me, but now I'm starting to doubt that. Nothing seems to be happening. I've prayed for strength, guidance, etc. asked what I can do to fix myself internally, not just waited on God but tried to do stuff on my own and be an active participant in my life, I've tried to do what was right, and it's been years and I still feel like there's crickets.

I know some people talk about how they lean on God during hard times and prayer gives them strength, or they feel the direction of God in their life.. what if you don't feel anything? I feel like I keep trying, and reading the bible, even fasting (and yes I could do much more of all these things) but I don't know what else I can literally do without giving up. What am I doing wrong?? Some days are better than others of course, but sometimes I wonder if I'm just 'wishful thinking' and - to be clear, I don't want to doubt, but I need SOMETHING. I can feel myself getting bitter and losing my patience and I don't want to be that person. I'm trying but need something to help, it's like that meme where you're texting God a question, and all you see in response is the 'read receipt' lol. I feel like that's been my life the last 6 years.

Any advice on how to deal? Am I the only one that feels this way?

Thanks in advance!

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Welcome to the boards, hope you enjoy your stay. That said, I feel your pain, went through it for years. My break through was a point where I had just about given up, thinking I'm never going to be the guy God has something to say to. One night I prayed a prayer, thinking it was futile but thought it was worth a try. I said God if this is real and you want me you will have to take me as I am and make me what you want me to be. It's like he reached down and grabbed me, a little disturbed, I shock it off. After that the Scriptures opened up to me in a way that is hard to describe. I had an experience where the cross was so vivid I could see it, the storm approaching Job I saw like I was watching it on the silver screen.

Now mind you, this hasn't really happened since and I'm no prophet. I think it was the Holy Spirit just showing me some things. You must taste of the heavenly gift and the catch is it's entirely up to God who he visits with the power of the age to come. For some reason, God likes the wretched sinner better then the good person earnestly seeking, He is picky like that.

The New Testament is clear, we hear the gospel and we believe. Having believed the gospel we receive the Holy Spirit of promise.

If you seek him, and finally find him, you will find he has been looking for you a lot longer and harder then you have been looking for him. I could make a suggestion, when you pray first thank God for the good things in your life, make your request to know him better and this is that hard part. Get quiet and wait. It's hard when he doesn't answer, all I can tell you for sure, it's worth it when he does.

NYCGal said:

Beyond the moving, what if you're asking something specific from God and you've been waiting for years for an unanswered prayer? Then ask about whether or not you're on the right path and what should be changed if it needs to be changed?

That's where I'm at right now. Maybe it is a drought. I don't know how long it can go on for though, it's hard not to give up!

I guess if Mother Theresa weathered it..

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Of course it's a drought, we are all in the same drought, our sin separates us from him. God loves sinners and hates the self righteous and believe me, we are all in the same boat here. God does love you though, if you can believe that there is nothing he won't do to get to you.

Grace and peace,
Mark

NYCGal said:

Hi all, I'm new so first let me just say hi! Happy to be here- I hope I can contribute in a meaningful way and also learn from all of you.

I have been a Christian all my life - but lately I've been really frustrated. Without going into details, I went through some difficult challenges a few years ago and things certainly have improved. But, though I have gotten through the eye of the storm, and did several years ago, I feel like it's still raining.. do you know what I mean? And I'm still waiting for the sun.

I've been praying and hoping and believing for years for a bigger change to happen, trusting in God that things didn't work out in the past cause he had something better in line for me, but now I'm starting to doubt that. Nothing seems to be happening. I've prayed for strength, guidance, etc. asked what I can do to fix myself internally, not just waited on God but tried to do stuff on my own and be an active participant in my life, I've tried to do what was right, and it's been years and I still feel like there's crickets.

I know some people talk about how they lean on God during hard times and prayer gives them strength, or they feel the direction of God in their life.. what if you don't feel anything? I feel like I keep trying, and reading the bible, even fasting (and yes I could do much more of all these things) but I don't know what else I can literally do without giving up. What am I doing wrong?? Some days are better than others of course, but sometimes I wonder if I'm just 'wishful thinking' and - to be clear, I don't want to doubt, but I need SOMETHING. I can feel myself getting bitter and losing my patience and I don't want to be that person. I'm trying but need something to help, it's like that meme where you're texting God a question, and all you see in response is the 'read receipt' lol. I feel like that's been my life the last 6 years.

Any advice on how to deal? Am I the only one that feels this way?

Thanks in advance!

Click to expand...

Be in the things of God, or walking in the things of God's Holy Spirit, is how I avoid many problems and keep and strengthen both myself and my faith, in the faith, and keep the faith (for my part)...

Anything that involves worship or would honor and venerate God, and increase my knowledge of God, or encourage me and lift me up and upbuild me in the things of God, when I have spare time, including praise, study, sharing my faith with others as the opportunities present themselves (there is one more, can't remember), being in the things of or about God, basically...

God Bless!