Having Thoughts on God...

Hi suu97 & welcome to CF!

Yes, God reaches out to us, He draws everyone unto Himself, as Jesus said in John 6:44 and John 12:32.

I'd definitely urge you to respond to His call. When we respond to God, He again, responds to us. The more we respond to Him, the more involved He becomes with us. If you choose not to respond to God, God will affirm your choice and, after a time, leave you alone, and the end result of that, I wish on no one.

Article of interest~~~> With all of the different religions, how can I know which one is correct?

I suppose I could try and give you an answer.

suu97 said:

I do not want to be disrespectful in how I approach God and am trying my best to respect Him in the way I talk about Him. I am scared by the sudden nature of these thoughts I've been having, and would like a bit of guidance

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suu97 said:

Recently I have been having a lot of thoughts against my will - about God. E.g., I think or almost catch myself saying "God gave us [this/that]." "We can thank God for that." I think about turning to God when I have trouble I feel I can't get out of unaided. I have thought about praying.

I have no Christian friends (at least none who would identify themselves as so though believe in The God), nor have I been around a stimulus that would promote these thoughts.

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This sounds like a good thing. It sounds like the Lord is drawing you to know Him. It sounds like a part of your soul is responding and desires to pray (commune) with God. This is just the beginning. As Christians, we don't have to worry about sudden foreboding events like what you are describing. Our souls rest in Christ, secure.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Proverbs 9:10

When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you rest, your sleep will be sweet. Do not fear sudden danger or the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from the snare.
Proverbs 3:24-26

"And I, [Jesus] when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself."
John 12:32

suu97 said:

In a lot of forms of paganism, we are taught that other gods may send us signs, such as words, seeing specific animals, colours, etc. I don't know if this is a sign from a god and if it is I believe it to be God Himself, but I don't know.

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I believe I know what you mean. The "omens" or pareidolia, or "messaging" from the environment or our imaginations. It's rather shamanistic and I used to rely on such feelings/messages as my main communion with God, but He changed that in me eventually. All I can say now is, if you feel the urge to look to Christianity then that's a good thing. Now, the way to truly understand who God is and what's on His mind is by reading His Word. That's how we come to know Him and that's how we grow and metamorphosize into the image of Christ, the perfect One.

suu97 said:

I do not think I am a model Christian in any sense, so I don't want to jump the gun, as I have not been in Christianity I don't know how receptive He would be of someone like me converting.

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He will accept any and all who seek Him, and the one who seeks Him He will never turn away. He will accept all who acknowledged His Lordship.

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God--
John 1:12

'You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.'
Jeremiah 29:13

suu97 said:

I suppose what I'm asking is, has anybody felt like they were reached out to by God, instead of seeking him out yourself? Does this sound like it could be God Himself calling me to Him? Should I try a "wait and see" tactic and if the "call" goes away, brush it off as an 'experience'?

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Step out on Faith that He is calling you and see what happens.

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Isaiah 55:7

My suggestion to you would be to read the Bible, starting with the New Testament. There are 4 Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, that all chronicle the life of Jesus Christ, who we as Christians believe to be God manifest in the flesh. Read one of them (probably John) and then read some Epistles like Romans, Colossians, Ephesians, Galatians.

For some reason it feels like reading the book of Proverbs (which is an Old Testament Book) would do you some good as well. Proverbs was written by King Solomon, son of King David, whom God made exceedingly wise on the earth. See if you resonate with the truths about existence contained within the book of Proverbs.

Psalms is also OT, but it's pretty long, but you can't go wrong with it either. Psalms is the largest book in the Bible and it is a book of poetry and praise, sorrow and exaltation, written mostly by King David.

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Romans 15:13

Thanks for stopping by @suu97. If you have any other questions please don't hesitate to PM me.

God bless you on your journey.

suu97 said:

A little bit of a preface: I was not raised and am not Christian, I know a lot about it as I have a large interest in religion. For all intents and purposes I consider myself pagan. I do not want to be disrespectful in how I approach God and am trying my best to respect Him in the way I talk about Him.
I am scared by the sudden nature of these thoughts I've been having, and would like a bit of guidance from the Christian community instead of seeking help from my friends who may look down on Christianity as a whole.

-----

Recently I have been having a lot of thoughts against my will - about God. E.g., I think or almost catch myself saying "God gave us [this/that]." "We can thank God for that." I think about turning to God when I have trouble I feel I can't get out of unaided. I have thought about praying.

I have no Christian friends (at least none who would identify themselves as so though believe in The God), nor have I been around a stimulus that would promote these thoughts.

In a lot of forms of paganism, we are taught that other gods may send us signs, such as words, seeing specific animals, colours, etc. I don't know if this is a sign from a god and if it is I believe it to be God Himself, but I don't know.

In a lot of forms of paganism, we are taught gods may send us signs that they want to work with us. I do not know if this is a sign from God Himself, or if he would call me to Him seeing as I come from a less than Christian background. I do not think I am a model Christian in any sense, so I don't want to jump the gun, as I have not been in Christianity I don't know how receptive He would be of someone like me converting.

I suppose what I'm asking is, has anybody felt like they were reached out to by God, instead of seeking him out yourself? Does this sound like it could be God Himself calling me to Him? Should I try a "wait and see" tactic and if the "call" goes away, brush it off as an 'experience'?

Click to expand...

For many are called but few are chosen. Matt.22:14 We are all made in the image of God but our lack of knowledge is what seemingly separates us. God is love, so there is great joy when one realizes who God is and becomes interested in the deep things of God. It may be better that you are not from a supposed Christian household. I recently read an article that stated people who became Christians that were not from Christian households became stronger in the faith than those from Christian households. You are a wondrous clean slate and all righteousness is of God not us, so definitely as good as anyone. I was a rowdy young guy in the army when I witnessed an amazing event that influenced me for life, providing me with an assurance that God is very real! I eventually wrote a book and put the event testimonial on my blog under, The Light, not wanting to die without speaking out. What is astonishing is this stuff about God is real. You will find this to be true as you delve into the Word and your spirit mingles with the Holy Spirit. Commentary on “The Light” – The Realm by Daniel Mears

Here is something to consider. If we grant that these "gods" are real, that there is a real being behind the mythology, we still require a first cause. There must be an unmoved mover, a being that exists 'a se" (aseity) as the mover of all things. An uncreated creator of all that there is, even these 'gods'. If these gods are mere creations themselves, then to what do we owe them reverence? What have they done for us that we did not first do for them? Yahweh is the Lord most high, creator of everything in heaven and everything on earth. He loved us first, while we were yet sinners, and died for us before we even knew Him. He is the paradigm to which goodness refers.

Back in Genesis the nations were divided according to the number of the 'sons of God', also called angels (Deuteronomy 32:8 ESV) You will see this same concept reflected in the Greek Critias "In the days of old the gods had the whole earth distributed among them by allotment." These princes, or heads of nations did not do good, and led people astray into worship of them and God judged them in Psalm 82. As the end of Psalm 82 mentions, Jesus also came to take these nations back from these princes, which you call gods. One of the accusations that the pagan nations of the Roman Empire made against the Christians is that their gods ceased to speak. And we actually have one of these accusations recorded in Eusebius..." [Porphyry]'And now they wonder that for so many years the plague has attacked the city, Asclepius and the other gods being no longer resident among us. For since Jesus began to be honoured, no one ever heard of any public assistance from the gods." It was also at this time that Plutarch records the death of pan, and writes on the 'cessation of the oracles'.

These same beings, and others below them, are what is worshiped and invoked as 'gods'. But they are no match for Christ. There is a day coming when Christ will fulfill the end of Psalm 82, and these 'gods' will be judged. They will seek to use you, but Christ has come that you might have life abundantly. He says "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

I believe the Lord is the author of the commandments of how we are to live life which we must try to keep all our life. These being: Matthew 19:16-19 & lived out in charity & prayer: Matthew 6:1-15.

Keeping His commandments is the way we show our faith in Him & treat others as we should also be treated ( Matthew 7:12, Matthew 7:1-12). We can understand that there are non Christians that the Lord calls His own but we must not embrace non Christian beliefs ( Romans 2).

suu97 said:

A little bit of a preface: I was not raised and am not Christian, I know a lot about it as I have a large interest in religion. For all intents and purposes I consider myself pagan. I do not want to be disrespectful in how I approach God and am trying my best to respect Him in the way I talk about Him.
I am scared by the sudden nature of these thoughts I've been having, and would like a bit of guidance from the Christian community instead of seeking help from my friends who may look down on Christianity as a whole.

-----

Recently I have been having a lot of thoughts against my will - about God. E.g., I think or almost catch myself saying "God gave us [this/that]." "We can thank God for that." I think about turning to God when I have trouble I feel I can't get out of unaided. I have thought about praying.

I have no Christian friends (at least none who would identify themselves as so though believe in The God), nor have I been around a stimulus that would promote these thoughts.

In a lot of forms of paganism, we are taught that other gods may send us signs, such as words, seeing specific animals, colours, etc. I don't know if this is a sign from a god and if it is I believe it to be God Himself, but I don't know.

In a lot of forms of paganism, we are taught gods may send us signs that they want to work with us. I do not know if this is a sign from God Himself, or if he would call me to Him seeing as I come from a less than Christian background. I do not think I am a model Christian in any sense, so I don't want to jump the gun, as I have not been in Christianity I don't know how receptive He would be of someone like me converting.

I suppose what I'm asking is, has anybody felt like they were reached out to by God, instead of seeking him out yourself? Does this sound like it could be God Himself calling me to Him? Should I try a "wait and see" tactic and if the "call" goes away, brush it off as an 'experience'?

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My friend, I walked the left hand path for over 15 years. I not only detested Christianity, I made it my personal goal to mislead Christians away from their faith. I spent hours a night debating them, fighting with them, accusing, pointing out their sins, and throwing Luciferian propaganda at them.

My two part testimony is located in the testimonials section of this forum, by the way.

God called me and saved me, even while I was so full of hate for Him. Even though I was so lost, God saved me. I didn’t beg Him to at the time either. I didn’t even ask Him to. He just called me.

Is He calling you? Seems likely and I’d be happy to be your Christian friend and walk with you on your journey.

Even though I was born into a Christian family and reborn as a Christian when I was 16, God has reached out to me many times, and still does. Sometimes it's just a gentle reminder, like "I haven't heard much from you lately". A few times (when I was wandering down a wrong road), it was more corrective and chastising, which is what Loving Fathers do. But always these communications have had His unmistakable spirit and character; they aren't random thoughts or imaginary friends.

I urge you follow your urge to "converse" with God, whether you're having difficulties or just pondering the nature of things. That's all prayer is: conversation. It doesn't have to be spoken, it can be an entirely mental conversation, but it does require focus. And He will almost certainly answer; not with a booming voice out of the sky, but...you will know if and when He does.

Best wishes on your journey...

One of the things I consider so absolutely problematic is how we who are Christians so frequently do an absolutely rotten job being spokespersons for our own religion; we are condescending, judgmental, patronizing. But nevertheless I am absolutely confident in the faith I confess about the God who made all things.

And having made all things is unwilling to let His creation wander into death, because He is good, kind, gracious, and loving beyond all comprehension. On account of the sufferings of His creation, our sin, and all the pain that exists, God's response, in love, was to save us, to rescue us, to heal us, to bring renewal to all things. So He sent Jesus, His own beloved Son, born of Mary in Bethlehem, raised in Nazareth, who taught us to do mercy, pursue justice, and to walk humbly before God by His own meekness, humility, and suffering.

He did this to show us God's kingdom, what it means for God to be king--where the lowly are lifted up, where the least is first, where slaves, tax collectors, prostitutes, and other outcasts of society have a place with God. And being betrayed and handed over to wicked men, He was made to suffer at the hands of the powerful, and was nailed to a cross--He did this willingly out of love for us, indeed for the whole world. Because of our sin, because of our inhumanity toward one another, because of the cruelty we do to each other He gave Himself, willingly, to be abused by us. He did this willingly and in love in order to reconcile us to the God we have estranged ourselves from. But His death was not the end, because death encountered Life Himself, and was defeated. This same Jesus, who was bruised, broken, and made to die after having been laid in a tomb for three days, on the third day, rose from the dead.

Having been raised up from the dead, leaving His tomb empty, showed Himself to His followers, He showed them His own flesh--that it was indeed Him and not a phantasm or illusion. After He had showed Himself, He told them to be His people in the world, to love and to serve and to preach His Gospel, the good news of what God has done and is doing for the world. After a number of days He was taken bodily up into the heavens, and He is seated at God His Father's right hand, as the Lord who was crucified, but is now risen. He promised to one day return, and on that Day bring with Him the everlasting peace of God to all things. Even as He was raised up, so shall all the dead be raised; death will be no more. Every suffering shall cease, every tear wiped from every eye.

-CryptoLutheran

suu97 said:

A little bit of a preface: I was not raised and am not Christian, I know a lot about it as I have a large interest in religion. For all intents and purposes I consider myself pagan. I do not want to be disrespectful in how I approach God and am trying my best to respect Him in the way I talk about Him.
I am scared by the sudden nature of these thoughts I've been having, and would like a bit of guidance from the Christian community instead of seeking help from my friends who may look down on Christianity as a whole.

-----

Recently I have been having a lot of thoughts against my will - about God. E.g., I think or almost catch myself saying "God gave us [this/that]." "We can thank God for that." I think about turning to God when I have trouble I feel I can't get out of unaided. I have thought about praying.

I have no Christian friends (at least none who would identify themselves as so though believe in The God), nor have I been around a stimulus that would promote these thoughts.

In a lot of forms of paganism, we are taught that other gods may send us signs, such as words, seeing specific animals, colours, etc. I don't know if this is a sign from a god and if it is I believe it to be God Himself, but I don't know.

In a lot of forms of paganism, we are taught gods may send us signs that they want to work with us. I do not know if this is a sign from God Himself, or if he would call me to Him seeing as I come from a less than Christian background. I do not think I am a model Christian in any sense, so I don't want to jump the gun, as I have not been in Christianity I don't know how receptive He would be of someone like me converting.

I suppose what I'm asking is, has anybody felt like they were reached out to by God, instead of seeking him out yourself? Does this sound like it could be God Himself calling me to Him? Should I try a "wait and see" tactic and if the "call" goes away, brush it off as an 'experience'?

Click to expand...

I've heard of this in the lives of multiple people.

suu97 said:

A little bit of a preface: I was not raised and am not Christian, I know a lot about it as I have a large interest in religion. For all intents and purposes I consider myself pagan. I do not want to be disrespectful in how I approach God and am trying my best to respect Him in the way I talk about Him.
I am scared by the sudden nature of these thoughts I've been having, and would like a bit of guidance from the Christian community instead of seeking help from my friends who may look down on Christianity as a whole.

-----

Recently I have been having a lot of thoughts against my will - about God. E.g., I think or almost catch myself saying "God gave us [this/that]." "We can thank God for that." I think about turning to God when I have trouble I feel I can't get out of unaided. I have thought about praying.

I have no Christian friends (at least none who would identify themselves as so though believe in The God), nor have I been around a stimulus that would promote these thoughts.

In a lot of forms of paganism, we are taught that other gods may send us signs, such as words, seeing specific animals, colours, etc. I don't know if this is a sign from a god and if it is I believe it to be God Himself, but I don't know.

In a lot of forms of paganism, we are taught gods may send us signs that they want to work with us. I do not know if this is a sign from God Himself, or if he would call me to Him seeing as I come from a less than Christian background. I do not think I am a model Christian in any sense, so I don't want to jump the gun, as I have not been in Christianity I don't know how receptive He would be of someone like me converting.

I suppose what I'm asking is, has anybody felt like they were reached out to by God, instead of seeking him out yourself? Does this sound like it could be God Himself calling me to Him? Should I try a "wait and see" tactic and if the "call" goes away, brush it off as an 'experience'?

Click to expand...

Suu,
Here is a link to a page with the Father's Love Letter on it. I can't think of any better way to say all I want to say to you. I hope it blesses you.

https://www.cse.ust.hk/~scc/KnowingGodasFather.pdf