Alone, losing hope, don't know what to do

diana092086 said:

What about this? I read this...


“Calvinism”…”Arminianism”…But what does God’s word itself state?

Based on careful and diligent reading of the Authorized over many years, God has graciously allowed me to see the truth of many things… One of which came to me recently:



If man can DO anything to gain salvation ( even believe ), then that constitutes man’s efforts, and man’s efforts are as filthy rags in His sight. Man’s efforts ( of any kind ) at gaining salvation are something I categorize as WORKS, and if a man can choose Christ, then he can potentially boast about it.

When God performs all that is necessary to bring someone to Him, this makes God’s efforts GRACE, not works, which are man’s efforts. Since God chooses the sinner, then they have absolutely nothing to stand on EXCEPT His grace, and the potential for boasting is totally removed. All glory goes to God for even bothering with me, a sinner who deserves Hell for all eternity.

Saving faith is not present in the sinner…it is a gift of God ( Ephesians 2:8-9 ) that comes by the hearing of His word ( Romans 10:17 ) and was Authored and Finished by Jesus Christ ( Hebrews 12:2 ). Belief is also a gift given to the believer: Philippians 1:29, ” For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;” It is GIVEN to the believer, to believe.

One must be one of Christ’s sheep to even believe on Him “savingly”: ” But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. ” ( John 10:26 ) The children of the devil will not believe.

When God saves someone, it is from eternity past. They are chosen from among the ranks of the mass of Hell-bound sinners and drawn to Him by the preaching of the word and by His Holy Ghost at a time of His choosing and for His glory. Each and every child of the living God is chosen to be instruments of praise and thankfulness for His grace and mercy to Him, and Him alone for their salvation. Those that are not chosen and drawn will not believe on the Biblical Christ, nor will they see Him as Scripture reveals Him. To them, He is a loving Saviour…but not necessarily a terrible Judge who will literally command the angels to throw people into eternal Hell fire.

Do those of you who have left comments here believe in the God of the Bible, who can do as He wishes with His own creation, and does so in complete justice and righteousness? Who are we as sinners to tell Him that He cannot choose His own children, and send the children of the Devil to Hell where they belong?

Me? I’m nobody…and replying against God would be to speak out of my rebellious and hard heart, instead of being thankful for His salvation out of my soft and regenerate heart ( Ezekiel 36:26 ).

As for “free will”? It’s an illusion created by the Devil and the corrupt minds of men who only THINK that they are completely free to choose good or evil. Mankind has already and will always choose evil, rather than come to God in repentance. We love our sin too much to give it up.
The Bible is very specific and condemning of mankind’s so-called “free will”…mankind is in rebellion to God and His ways, and will not come to Him…AT ALL. ( Romans chapters 1-3, John 3:18-20 )

I think the reason why so many people fight against the details of God’s saving grace, is because deep down in the flesh, we all want to DO something for God…but in His wisdom and power, He literally STRIPS AWAY every avenue of approach to becoming the recipients of His grace, and leaves us with one straight and narrow road…HIS choice. It HAS to be His, or it isn’t of grace.

Ladies and gentleman, one can read writers from here to eternity, and if God does not show you how to read and understand His word alone, no amount of teaching by the pulpits and pens of men will EVER make a difference. Do some of you hate the so-called “Doctrines of Grace”? It’s probably because there are many on both sides who do not understand them properly.

You see, mankind is literally in the trash can, and loves his sin so much he will not come to God…because he knows that to do so, would be to have his sin reproved, and to suffer God’s commands to repent. He is fully responsible for his predicament, and will go to Hell rather than do an about-face. God’s word shows this, and why He has to change the heart, or no man would be saved and given the very great privilege of knowing and walking with his Maker. God cannot trust a person who loves their sin more than they love Him.

As for false teachers? Anyone who unrepentantly teaches doctrine that is contrary to the Scriptures is a false teacher, and anyone who teaches works OF ANY KIND is teaching a false gospel. Anyone who teaches that a man can do something to gain salvation is not understanding the Gospel of grace…and that God’s grace is His efforts towards men, not man’s efforts towards God.

What did Adrian Rogers teach…that God does everything necessary for salvation and that the saved will eventually evidence and be characterized by it, or that man can do something to gain salvation, such as “exercising saving faith”? Reviewing his teachings is easy enough, so you decide. Works ( man’s efforts ) or grace ( God’s efforts )?

May God bless you in the knowledge of His Son.

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diana092086 said:

What about this? I read this...


“Calvinism”…”Arminianism”…But what does God’s word itself state?

Based on careful and diligent reading of the Authorized over many years, God has graciously allowed me to see the truth of many things… One of which came to me recently:

If man can DO anything to gain salvation ( even believe ), then that constitutes man’s efforts, and man’s efforts are as filthy rags in His sight. Man’s efforts ( of any kind ) at gaining salvation are something I categorize as WORKS, and if a man can choose Christ, then he can potentially boast about it.
When God performs all that is necessary to bring someone to Him, this makes God’s efforts GRACE, not works, which are man’s efforts. Since God chooses the sinner, then they have absolutely nothing to stand on EXCEPT His grace, and the potential for boasting is totally removed. All glory goes to God for even bothering with me, a sinner who deserves Hell for all eternity.

Saving faith is not present in the sinner…it is a gift of God ( Ephesians 2:8-9 ) that comes by the hearing of His word ( Romans 10:17 ) and was Authored and Finished by Jesus Christ ( Hebrews 12:2 ). Belief is also a gift given to the believer: Philippians 1:29, ” For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;” It is GIVEN to the believer, to believe.

One must be one of Christ’s sheep to even believe on Him “savingly”: ” But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. ” ( John 10:26 ) The children of the devil will not believe.

When God saves someone, it is from eternity past. They are chosen from among the ranks of the mass of Hell-bound sinners and drawn to Him by the preaching of the word and by His Holy Ghost at a time of His choosing and for His glory. Each and every child of the living God is chosen to be instruments of praise and thankfulness for His grace and mercy to Him, and Him alone for their salvation. Those that are not chosen and drawn will not believe on the Biblical Christ, nor will they see Him as Scripture reveals Him. To them, He is a loving Saviour…but not necessarily a terrible Judge who will literally command the angels to throw people into eternal Hell fire.

Do those of you who have left comments here believe in the God of the Bible, who can do as He wishes with His own creation, and does so in complete justice and righteousness? Who are we as sinners to tell Him that He cannot choose His own children, and send the children of the Devil to Hell where they belong?

Me? I’m nobody…and replying against God would be to speak out of my rebellious and hard heart, instead of being thankful for His salvation out of my soft and regenerate heart ( Ezekiel 36:26 ).

As for “free will”? It’s an illusion created by the Devil and the corrupt minds of men who only THINK that they are completely free to choose good or evil. Mankind has already and will always choose evil, rather than come to God in repentance. We love our sin too much to give it up.
The Bible is very specific and condemning of mankind’s so-called “free will”…mankind is in rebellion to God and His ways, and will not come to Him…AT ALL. ( Romans chapters 1-3, John 3:18-20 )

I think the reason why so many people fight against the details of God’s saving grace, is because deep down in the flesh, we all want to DO something for God…but in His wisdom and power, He literally STRIPS AWAY every avenue of approach to becoming the recipients of His grace, and leaves us with one straight and narrow road…HIS choice. It HAS to be His, or it isn’t of grace.

Ladies and gentleman, one can read writers from here to eternity, and if God does not show you how to read and understand His word alone, no amount of teaching by the pulpits and pens of men will EVER make a difference. Do some of you hate the so-called “Doctrines of Grace”? It’s probably because there are many on both sides who do not understand them properly.

You see, mankind is literally in the trash can, and loves his sin so much he will not come to God…because he knows that to do so, would be to have his sin reproved, and to suffer God’s commands to repent. He is fully responsible for his predicament, and will go to Hell rather than do an about-face. God’s word shows this, and why He has to change the heart, or no man would be saved and given the very great privilege of knowing and walking with his Maker. God cannot trust a person who loves their sin more than they love Him.

As for false teachers? Anyone who unrepentantly teaches doctrine that is contrary to the Scriptures is a false teacher, and anyone who teaches works OF ANY KIND is teaching a false gospel. Anyone who teaches that a man can do something to gain salvation is not understanding the Gospel of grace…and that God’s grace is His efforts towards men, not man’s efforts towards God.

What did Adrian Rogers teach…that God does everything necessary for salvation and that the saved will eventually evidence and be characterized by it, or that man can do something to gain salvation, such as “exercising saving faith”? Reviewing his teachings is easy enough, so you decide. Works ( man’s efforts ) or grace ( God’s efforts )?

May God bless you in the knowledge of His Son.

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Nice article. Adrian Rogers is a good man. Much of what you sent I am on board a few other things I need motor time to be able to decide I can be thickheaded. When the lord made the offering for the Abrahamic covenant Shows what man can do. The sacrifice was ser up and Abraham was placed in a deep sleep, like death, and the Lord alone walked through the sacrifice.
c
One more lesson. This usually send those who don’t have a clue. Sarah and Hagar. And their son Ishmael and I-ljnnnnyd

diana092086 said:

We cannot force a relationship with God on our own terms, but we can AND MUST do all we can to meet God on His terms.

Would that be considered a work then and not grace?

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pure grace iam like Peter out of the boat and the only thing that saves me is the hand of grace coming gown. J’

Somehow my answer was typed above so round two. I am complete and perfect Grace.As I have gone through Scripture it has become completely obvious too me that grace and love are the same thing,+

Those who think Grace and work need to understand this teaching. Abraham was sound asleep, as if dead, and the Lord alone walked that covenant. My favorite though is Sarah and Hagar and their Isaac and Ishmael. We are told these two women to represent two covenant. One covenant produces children in bondage whilre the covenant represented by Sarah has children who are free. The children if Hagar, spiritual Ishmael, will never have part in the inheritance with Sarah’s son. A powerful warning for Law followers. You can’t combine the two women, cant’t part Isaac and part Ishmael. You are one or the other and anything else is the hiss of the evil one getting them to take another bite of the tree.

diana092086 said:

We cannot force a relationship with God on our own terms, but we can AND MUST do all we can to meet God on His terms.

Would that be considered a work then and not grace?

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That is my quote there, so I will answer.

That is a work of faith, the type of work Jesus was speaking of when He was asked "What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?" (John 6:28) Note then: "29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent." (John 6:29) Later in the chapter Jesus would say "35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." (John 6:35)

Does not coming to Him involve work? Yes, but not the type of work the Bible is speaking of when it says we are saved by grace in contrast to works. We cannot earn God's favor in the sense of Him owing us a debt since we have already sinned and are in debt to His Law. We cannot work anything to impress Him so as to atone for our sins. Yet to turn our heart to Him, to repent to come under His authority, to embrace Christ for who He is and choose to take Him at His Word; and from there to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling as His faithful subjects, to bring forth fruit fitting for repentance, and to relate to Christ as our High Priest to cleanse us yet for however we yet fall short. Yes, that is the work of faith God expects of us that we might partake of His grace.

Consider: There is a big difference between a starving person trying to obtain their own meal by their own labor when they are unable to do anything productive in their weakened state versus a starving man cooperating with a gracious man who has set food before them and offers them to eat freely. Obviously the starving man must still work to take what he is freely offered, obviously the gift is conditioned on him doing what he needs to do to partake of the gracious offer made to him, and yet none of that changes the fact he didn't earn the food. He will simply not live if he doesn't work in line with the grace he is offered.

Consider that the same Apostle who wrote Ephesians 2:8-9 also testified of his own preaching: "19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: 20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. 21 For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me." (Acts 26:19-21)

I plan to address the article you posted eventually too.

diana092086 said:

What about this? I read this...

I will comment. I'm not an expert in this copying quotes and what not, but my response will not be in blue.


“Calvinism”…”Arminianism”…But what does God’s word itself state?

Based on careful and diligent reading of the Authorized over many years, God has graciously allowed me to see the truth of many things… One of which came to me recently:

"If man can DO anything to gain salvation ( even believe ), then that constitutes man’s efforts, and man’s efforts are as filthy rags in His sight. Man’s efforts ( of any kind ) at gaining salvation are something I categorize as WORKS, and if a man can choose Christ, then he can potentially boast about it.
When God performs all that is necessary to bring someone to Him, this makes God’s efforts GRACE, not works, which are man’s efforts. Since God chooses the sinner, then they have absolutely nothing to stand on EXCEPT His grace, and the potential for boasting is totally removed. All glory goes to God for even bothering with me, a sinner who deserves Hell for all eternity."

Addressed in my previous post basically. Rightly believing that all glory goes to God means you follow His directions believing they are reliable; and you thank and praise for them. This expresses confidence IN HIM. If I am sick and I choose a doctor believing he is the best, and I listen to him believing he can get me better when he says he can, and I then do everything he tells me, the doctor gets all the credit. I would reap the benefits of heeding him; and the best thing that could be said about me is that I really believed the doctor. And you see God Himself commending people for believing Him in truth throughout the Bible, especially in the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11.

Do you notice also how the writer can't hide that he or she believes they had a part in understanding Calvinism and how it is supposedly right? They cannot avoid belying their own statements. They also see the need to convince us of Calvinism, even though they say everything is God.

"Saving faith is not present in the sinner…it is a gift of God ( Ephesians 2:8-9 ) that comes by the hearing of His word ( Romans 10:17 ) and was Authored and Finished by Jesus Christ ( Hebrews 12:2 ). Belief is also a gift given to the believer: Philippians 1:29, ” For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;” It is GIVEN to the believer, to believe."

The "it" in Ephesians 2:8-9 is a reference to salvation, not faith. Jesus being the author and finisher of faith doesn't mean He irresistibly gives faith to certain people- it means He is the object of faith and the One who provides the grace that one with faith in Him looks to Him for. Philippians 1:29 isn't teaching that God grants some faith irresistibly and not others, it is teaching that He has made the opportunity available to believe on Him; and that those who do are blessed even as they suffer for His sake (Matthew 5:9-12 is a related passage)

"One must be one of Christ’s sheep to even believe on Him “savingly”: ” But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. ” ( John 10:26 ) The children of the devil will not believe."

The children of the devil are children of the devil because they heed his lies. Jesus had made that clear already in John chapter 8 and Matthew 13. Jesus was rebuking the Jews who didn't believe in Him because they could have and would have believed in Him if they stopped believing the devil and pursuing his lusts! What Jesus spoke to the unbelieving Jews was said to persuade them to come to repentance and believe Him that they might be saved. The following Scriptures were spoken to and of the same basic group of people:

John 5:33-38 "33 Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. 34 But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved. 35 He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light. 36 But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me. 37 And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. 38 And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not." (Note how Jesus is speaking to those who are currently the devil's children that they might no longer be the devil's children))

Matthew 23:37: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" (Don't follow them in their stubborn hardness and impenitence of heart! Jesus wants to gather you to Himself and care for you as one of His own)

"When God saves someone, it is from eternity past. They are chosen from among the ranks of the mass of Hell-bound sinners and drawn to Him by the preaching of the word and by His Holy Ghost at a time of His choosing and for His glory. Each and every child of the living God is chosen to be instruments of praise and thankfulness for His grace and mercy to Him, and Him alone for their salvation. Those that are not chosen and drawn will not believe on the Biblical Christ, nor will they see Him as Scripture reveals Him. To them, He is a loving Saviour…but not necessarily a terrible Judge who will literally command the angels to throw people into eternal Hell fire."

There is absolutely no Scriptural basis to say this and if the writer him/herself actually believed it, they'd know they didn't need to convince us of it! God wouldn't need them to convince us of Calvinism and no one's soul would be at stake. This writer is not only inaccurate, he/she is dishonest and inconsistent.

"Do those of you who have left comments here believe in the God of the Bible, who can do as He wishes with His own creation, and does so in complete justice and righteousness? Who are we as sinners to tell Him that He cannot choose His own children, and send the children of the Devil to Hell where they belong?"

God does choose His own children and send the children of the devil to hell- at the end of the course after people have categorized themselves by their response to the grace He has offered to all. God's choosing is not an unconditional lottery like the Calvinists teach. It is a choosing based on who will repent and believe on His Son and follow Him on the strait and narrow way of Truth by faith. It would indeed be unjust and unrighteous of God to send some to hell and some to heaven if those who went to hell did not have the same means provided to get them to heaven that those who went to heaven also had provided for them. The Bible states over and over again that God is no respecter of persons- that means He does not choose favorites unconditionally- and that is the very opposite of what the Calvinists teach. God cannot be unjust nor a respecter of persons anymore then He can lie (He cannot- Hebrews 6:18). God is bound by His own Law- otherwise He would not be righteous and just!

"Me? I’m nobody…and replying against God would be to speak out of my rebellious and hard heart, instead of being thankful for His salvation out of my soft and regenerate heart ( Ezekiel 36:26 )."

He/she obviously does think they are someone or they would not be critical of those who don't receive their Calvinism And they are not even decided on whether their own heart is rebellious and hard or soft and regenerate. Read that statement above again carefully.

"As for “free will”? It’s an illusion created by the Devil and the corrupt minds of men who only THINK that they are completely free to choose good or evil. Mankind has already and will always choose evil, rather than come to God in repentance. We love our sin too much to give it up.
The Bible is very specific and condemning of mankind’s so-called “free will”…mankind is in rebellion to God and His ways, and will not come to Him…AT ALL. ( Romans chapters 1-3, John 3:18-20 )"

Mankind will not come to God in his commitment sin; the Bible over and over teaches that man has the ability and responsibility to forsake his commitment to sin and come to God in submission. The above passages taken in their proper context only show that cleaving to sin and turning to God are incompatible; not that man cannot choose to repent and submit to God in response to the grace He has made available to all (Ezekiel 18, Isaiah 55:6-7, Jonah 3, etc).

Consider too that this writer thinks that his readers have free will to receive and submit to Calvinism Pathetically contradictory.

"I think the reason why so many people fight against the details of God’s saving grace, is because deep down in the flesh, we all want to DO something for God…but in His wisdom and power, He literally STRIPS AWAY every avenue of approach to becoming the recipients of His grace, and leaves us with one straight and narrow road…HIS choice. It HAS to be His, or it isn’t of grace."

If he/she meant that we must be stripped of every other approach before we give into God, surrender to Him, and live by His directions in dependence upon Him that we might obtain grace on His terms he/she would be right. But they mean rather submitting to believing in Calvinistic election- and that actually militates against our responsibility and Scripture's directions regarding giving into God, surrendering to Him, etc.

"Ladies and gentleman, one can read writers from here to eternity, and if God does not show you how to read and understand His word alone, no amount of teaching by the pulpits and pens of men will EVER make a difference. Do some of you hate the so-called “Doctrines of Grace”? It’s probably because there are many on both sides who do not understand them properly."

Contradictory within the same paragraph. If he/she is right this article is pointless.

"You see, mankind is literally in the trash can, and loves his sin so much he will not come to God…because he knows that to do so, would be to have his sin reproved, and to suffer God’s commands to repent. He is fully responsible for his predicament, and will go to Hell rather than do an about-face. God’s word shows this, and why He has to change the heart, or no man would be saved and given the very great privilege of knowing and walking with his Maker. God cannot trust a person who loves their sin more than they love Him."

Addressed this two paragraphs above.

As for false teachers? Anyone who unrepentantly teaches doctrine that is contrary to the Scriptures is a false teacher, and anyone who teaches works OF ANY KIND is teaching a false gospel. Anyone who teaches that a man can do something to gain salvation is not understanding the Gospel of grace…and that God’s grace is His efforts towards men, not man’s efforts towards God."

Addressed this sufficiently in my previous post and above. This writer is failing to make the critical distinction between salvation by works in terms of trying to make God one's debtor versus the work of faith in turning to God and trusting His promises in Christ like all the faithful people in Scripture did and taught. This is relating to God by (true) grace and is receiving Christ in truth as both Lord and Savior, acknowledging both our indebtedness to Him and His rightful authority over us. According to this writer the Apostles of Christ themselves taught a false gospel, since they all taught that man is called to repent, do works meet for repentance, and to live by faith in heeding the whole counsel of God's Word- and that his salvation is dependent on this. I've given examples of this already, but Acts 26:19-21, James 2, and Ephesians chapters 4-5 are enough proof that this writer doesn't know what they are talking about.

"What did Adrian Rogers teach…that God does everything necessary for salvation and that the saved will eventually evidence and be characterized by it, or that man can do something to gain salvation, such as “exercising saving faith”? Reviewing his teachings is easy enough, so you decide. Works ( man’s efforts ) or grace ( God’s efforts )?

May God bless you in the knowledge of His Son."

They appeal to Adrian Rogers and not the Bible. Then they contradict themselves again implying that you must believe God does it all for you, including giving you faith or you choose the alleged fallacy of believing in man's need to exercise saving faith- AND THEN they have the lack of discretion to say "you decide" (as if God wouldn't be the one doing the deciding in the favor of the point they are trying to make if they were actually right)!

You end by saying: "Reading this makes me believe I'm not God's child but the devil's. I struggle to believe - I always have. I've needed to talk to so, so many people to learn about God. I could never just open up the Bible and read it the way God's children do. I've just been so confused and fearful (spirit of fear and confusion) and I don't think I've ever had the Holy Spirit teaching me and leading me into all truth. I can't just read the Bible and find that comfort and peace that God's children seem to find.

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Reading things like this article will unnecessarily discourage you and oppose you from becoming God's child; and talking to people who believe this way will do likewise. God has promised eternal life to all who will believe in His Son. He wants you to repent and turn to Him so you can be given His Holy Spirit and be delivered from your fear and confusion. You are no more or less in need of Him than anyone else, and you are no more or less a candidate to know Him and obtain His peace and comfort than anyone else. He wants you to be in a place in your heart where He can teach and lead you into all truth. And that means you need to bow before Him, confess and forsake where you know you've been at enmity with Him, and trust His promise that all who believe on Christ's name with such a repentant heart will be forgiven and know Him as their God and Father. Put away your feelings and the Calvinistic nonsense which have discouraged you. They are not from Him.

Promises like this though are: "27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. 30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: 31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." (John 20:27-31)

diana092086 said:

Wondering if I'm alone in this...it's wonderful how some people can read the Bible or pray then believe and find Jesus and comfort. That's not me though. I've tried all i can think of to believe and find Jesus but i get nothing. I know so much about God, the Bible, the Christian life in my head but not in my heart. Now i know how horrible of a person i am but can't believe. I'm introverted, introspective, reserved, don't love being around people, and tons of other awful traits. I've been afraid of hell and have learned so much about the Christian life - i thought i wanted to go to heaven but maybe i don't with my personality. I wish i was different. I wish i loved God and others. I don't think i could write enough to get anyone to understand my situation. I'm not really looking for a bible verse, or the Gospel - I've heard just about everything and still struggle to believe. I know God chooses some to save but not all. I'm so certain i don't have and never had the Holy Spirit but rather a spirit of fear and confusion. I think I'm a goat and not a sheep. God says to come to Him with childlike faith. I don't have childlike faith - I'm always questioning, hesitant, not trusting Him. Everyone says to look to Jesus but I'm afraid the more i look at Him, the more bitter and irritated I'll get since I'm so rotten and only believe lies. I can't do this on my own- i know i need the Holy Spirit. I know He points us to Jesus and makes Him beautiful to us. Only people have pointed me to Jesus and i never saw the beauty of Jesus. I just don't get it. I know so much about God, life, how i should be and I'm constantly monitoring and evaluating not only every little thing i think, say, do but also what others are saying and doing. I'm in a living nightmare hell. I can't escape my mind, myself. This just consumes me and every day gets worse. I've been OCD, anxious, depressed. I overthink and overanalyze to the extreme.

Wondering if anyone is or has been or knows someone who is or has been in a similar situation as me - knowing God is there and there's heaven and hell but you can't believe. And you realize how awful of a person you are and that you're going to hell. What does one do? Thoughts of killing myself come but then I'm scared to do that. But it's awful to live as a horrible person going to hell. I'm talking to a counselor and psychiatrist and am taking meds. I've already talked to tons of people all about God and i just can't believe. I wish i had that relationship with Jesus. But you can't force it - you can't make yourself believe. I've tried - it's fake, phony. I want the real thing. I'm at a point now - do i keep trying to force something that's maybe not meant to be or do i give up and try to enjoy the little bit of life i have here? It's so difficult and agonizing. It's also so exhausting trying to be something you're not - i feel like I'm going crazy and I'm worse now than before i learned so much about God. I think I've blasphemed the Holy Spirit and I'm so far gone, deep in the lies that there's no hope for me. I'm so aware of all my sins that i feel defeated and can't fight. That I'm swamped in lies and any truth i try to tell myself will be twisted into more lies. I am so messed up.

Just wondering if I'm all alone in this because i sure feel like it. I'm sure there are others like me who can't believe but maybe haven't gone to the extent i have of learning all about God. I could go on and on about the mess i got myself in with all this...i just wish i knew nothing

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I personally started out as as an atheist. mom dragged me to a non english speaking church ( and i did not speak korean) so I was made to sit outside the building so as not to disturb the preaching going on in the building. which over time hardened my heart. then growing up a series of terrible things happened to the point where I question everything and decided God was not real. That transformed into a genuine hate against God and his followers especially kids who were openly religious at school. I taunted and beat them for a while. daring them to have God stop me.

turns out he did in one simple dream. it was a dream base on my judgement and sentencing to hell. Which I thought was a stupid idea in of itself and clearly based on rman greek mythology. after all how could a spirit burn?

my hell experience was far removed than anything I experienced or heard of as it was nothing like the picture of dante's inferno as that was my only understanding of it. (I can post a link to where I have shared this in the past if you want more detail) needless to say I understand what hell fire is and how spirits burn.

However my point to you is even in my anger I was seeking God and did not know it. Albeit in my own way. which is the take away from my story for you. If you simply continue to ask seek and knock for God eventually God will turn up.

The problem most of the time is for people like us is that we 'build out houses on the sand.' Meaning we 'know alot about God worship the bible ect.. and from that we build an idea of who God is and how he should work when infact God in infinate and is not bound to your ideas or understanding.

meaning God does not have to approach you in the way you would think God Is coming from. because your faith/house is built on all of this 'knowledge' of God. Your frame work/faith demand God work and act a specific way so you look for this idea of God to support your life wants and needs.

When infact what he does offer goes under your radar. It is not that God does not offer the same thing to everyone (jhn 3:16) it is not everyone due to pride will not heed or hear what is offered and how.
(they will be waiting for their brand specific God to show up, when the God of the bible has been here the whole time and moved on) Because they know via their knowledge and study God is goig to show up ABC and do 123. whn the God of the bible was here aBc and offered 1-2-3. It was like the jews when they expected a king just like david to raise up the country is israel and defeat the romans in a military conflict. because that is how the interpreted the word Messiah... When God's messiah/Savior was there to save the planet, the jews only locked for a guy to save them from a specific situation. All Christians no matter the brand of faith mis judge God in some shape or form at some point. the idea here is to seek God on his terms and not make God fit ours.

Like.. what if God does not wantto be tied to your specific picture or understanding? (IE what if you are wrong in your understanding of who God is?) according to Christ he will send the wind and rain to blow your house/faith down. He is going to test your faith your house with the trials of life and what remain had a firm foundation IE built on who Christ. and everything elses what feels empty and abandoned is chaff, goats, weeds ect..
This is that empty feeling you are describing. Your faith has been tested and what your faith says should happen hasn't. so your delimmia is either the faith is wrong or there is no God. For what it is worth I know there is a God and knowso not because I was worthy of anything, but rather questioned everything and held on to what was good 1thess 5:21.

But, because most of us are taught in our specific forms of christian worship ours is the only one true brand... when our faith fails our belief in God is over. rather than

This is why I pointed out our faith failing is like building your house on the sand this parable describes what happens when men of equal effort build a identical life in and on the church but one does so because he has found God and works and life are built on who God really is and what happens when another man build his life on the doctrines of the church and worship but never really finds God. these houses are our works beliefs and deeds and they could be identical except for the fact that one knows who God is and the other on the knowledge of who God is. One fails and the other thrives building the same house on different foundations.

This is an over simplified answer but you need to seek God on his terms and not what you think God would want you do.

By doing this It gives us an opportunity to start over as apposed to live a life worshiping God in a way he does not want to be worshiped. If you find your self alone with people you can not connect to then re examine what it is you think you know about who God is and those who worship him that way. it may be a time to try a different church.

In my life God not only as blessed me a million different ways but has given me so much and done so much I literally can not imagine in my wildest dreams having been able to accomplish so much in such a short time span with out divine intervention.

John 7:37-39: "37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)"

Romans 10:11-13: "11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

Revelation 21:6-7: "6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son."

Revelation 22:16-19: "16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. 18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."

diana092086 said:

Wondering if I'm alone in this...it's wonderful how some people can read the Bible or pray then believe and find Jesus and comfort. That's not me though. I've tried all i can think of to believe and find Jesus but i get nothing. I know so much about God, the Bible, the Christian life in my head but not in my heart. Now i know how horrible of a person i am but can't believe. I'm introverted, introspective, reserved, don't love being around people, and tons of other awful traits. I've been afraid of hell and have learned so much about the Christian life - i thought i wanted to go to heaven but maybe i don't with my personality. I wish i was different. I wish i loved God and others. I don't think i could write enough to get anyone to understand my situation. I'm not really looking for a bible verse, or the Gospel - I've heard just about everything and still struggle to believe. I know God chooses some to save but not all. I'm so certain i don't have and never had the Holy Spirit but rather a spirit of fear and confusion. I think I'm a goat and not a sheep. God says to come to Him with childlike faith. I don't have childlike faith - I'm always questioning, hesitant, not trusting Him. Everyone says to look to Jesus but I'm afraid the more i look at Him, the more bitter and irritated I'll get since I'm so rotten and only believe lies. I can't do this on my own- i know i need the Holy Spirit. I know He points us to Jesus and makes Him beautiful to us. Only people have pointed me to Jesus and i never saw the beauty of Jesus. I just don't get it. I know so much about God, life, how i should be and I'm constantly monitoring and evaluating not only every little thing i think, say, do but also what others are saying and doing. I'm in a living nightmare hell. I can't escape my mind, myself. This just consumes me and every day gets worse. I've been OCD, anxious, depressed. I overthink and overanalyze to the extreme.

Wondering if anyone is or has been or knows someone who is or has been in a similar situation as me - knowing God is there and there's heaven and hell but you can't believe. And you realize how awful of a person you are and that you're going to hell. What does one do? Thoughts of killing myself come but then I'm scared to do that. But it's awful to live as a horrible person going to hell. I'm talking to a counselor and psychiatrist and am taking meds. I've already talked to tons of people all about God and i just can't believe. I wish i had that relationship with Jesus. But you can't force it - you can't make yourself believe. I've tried - it's fake, phony. I want the real thing. I'm at a point now - do i keep trying to force something that's maybe not meant to be or do i give up and try to enjoy the little bit of life i have here? It's so difficult and agonizing. It's also so exhausting trying to be something you're not - i feel like I'm going crazy and I'm worse now than before i learned so much about God. I think I've blasphemed the Holy Spirit and I'm so far gone, deep in the lies that there's no hope for me. I'm so aware of all my sins that i feel defeated and can't fight. That I'm swamped in lies and any truth i try to tell myself will be twisted into more lies. I am so messed up.

Just wondering if I'm all alone in this because i sure feel like it. I'm sure there are others like me who can't believe but maybe haven't gone to the extent i have of learning all about God. I could go on and on about the mess i got myself in with all this...i just wish i knew nothing

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Dianna, I have been where you are; exactly where you are now. I wanted to believe in Jesus, I tried to make myself believe, I tried to work up a sense of strong belief and then would say the sinners' prayer, but I could NOT find peace of knowing that God heard me and saved me. It was a horrible, terrifying, fearful, and confusing experience. I thought there was no way I would ever know that I had truly "believed" in Jesus in the way God expected me to believe. I think you read my testimony in another post. I did find the answer, I did become a true believer, and I do have a peace that is impossible to explain to anyone who has never found it. You can have that peace, also. Do NOT give up searching for it. God wants you to find the truth about believing. I am going to write more about this and will post it later. Before I end this post I want to encourage you to find an article entitled "How to Come to Jesus?" by Dr. John R. Rice. It is a very good article, actually it is a sermon, and I think it might help. Just do a search; it isn't hard to find. I have some other resources that I will suggest later. Remember, the bible is the best place to find your answer, especially the Gospel of John and Romans.

You are assuredly not alone in any of this. I'm in a similar situation. It's awful, but there are many who have been through similar things and God ultimately did rescue them. I don't expect to be among them, but perhaps you will be, by His Grace and for His Glory and for your good and that of His people.

Karin12414 said:

...need to spend time in the Word.

...

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Hi,
@Karin12414 You are exactly right about the need to spend time in the Word of God, prayerfully. The Lord Jesus Christ and His work at the Cross for sinners is indeed the central theme of the Word...

You are a picture of me. Afraid of hell, and afraid of thinking I'm a Christian when I'm not. I repeatedly try to give my life to the Lord, then immediately doubt. Part of the reason for doubt is OCD. But part is that I don't seem to be a Christian, in a moment by moment, ongoing basis, for any length of time. Ask Christians to pray for you.

I relate my situation to the rich, young ruler who walked away sorrowful from Jesus. Only, it's as if Jesus has also told me what I didn't want to hear, just like He told the rich young ruler what he didn't want to hear ("sell all that you have..."), and I, NOT having done what Jesus told me to do ("deny yourself and take up your cross"), still keep hanging around Jesus and His disciples, hoping for SOME kind of entrance into the kingdom of heaven. I have seen myself as one sitting outside the entrance to the kingdom of heaven, pouting because the entrance requirements are so high.

But I have moments when I think I've become a Christian. It's just that assurance of salvation does not last with me. It usually goes away in seconds or minutes; on rare occasions it's lasted up to a couple days. My pattern of faith and then doubt is exactly as described by Grantley Morris on his webpages about religious OCD and scrupulosity. He says OCD raises false alarms, repeatedly. But I'm afraid that when I think I'm not a Christian, it isn't just my OCD raising a FALSE alarm: I'm afraid I don't think I'm a Christian because I am NOT A CHRISTIAN.

In reading the responses to your post, I saw one quote that stood out to me at the moment. It says Jesus "came to seek and to save that which was lost." I responded to that quote a few times since first starting to read the responses. I prayed to Jesus that quote, and asked Him to save me. More than once since reading that response to your post. The first two or three times I did that, I had the feeling that maybe He really saved me. But these impressions of being saved are fleeting. Just a moment ago, I tried to do it again - think, "Jesus, you came to seek and to save that which was lost. Take me!" - and the effect was NOT the same as the previous times, moments earlier. I did NOT then get an impression that He saved me, that time. Like I said, assurance does not last with me.

diana092086 said:

Wondering if I'm alone in this...it's wonderful how some people can read the Bible or pray then believe and find Jesus and comfort. That's not me though. I've tried all i can think of to believe and find Jesus but i get nothing. I know so much about God, the Bible, the Christian life in my head but not in my heart. Now i know how horrible of a person i am but can't believe. I'm introverted, introspective, reserved, don't love being around people, and tons of other awful traits. I've been afraid of hell and have learned so much about the Christian life - i thought i wanted to go to heaven but maybe i don't with my personality. I wish i was different. I wish i loved God and others. I don't think i could write enough to get anyone to understand my situation. I'm not really looking for a bible verse, or the Gospel - I've heard just about everything and still struggle to believe. I know God chooses some to save but not all. I'm so certain i don't have and never had the Holy Spirit but rather a spirit of fear and confusion. I think I'm a goat and not a sheep. God says to come to Him with childlike faith. I don't have childlike faith - I'm always questioning, hesitant, not trusting Him. Everyone says to look to Jesus but I'm afraid the more i look at Him, the more bitter and irritated I'll get since I'm so rotten and only believe lies. I can't do this on my own- i know i need the Holy Spirit. I know He points us to Jesus and makes Him beautiful to us. Only people have pointed me to Jesus and i never saw the beauty of Jesus. I just don't get it. I know so much about God, life, how i should be and I'm constantly monitoring and evaluating not only every little thing i think, say, do but also what others are saying and doing. I'm in a living nightmare hell. I can't escape my mind, myself. This just consumes me and every day gets worse. I've been OCD, anxious, depressed. I overthink and overanalyze to the extreme.

Wondering if anyone is or has been or knows someone who is or has been in a similar situation as me - knowing God is there and there's heaven and hell but you can't believe. And you realize how awful of a person you are and that you're going to hell. What does one do? Thoughts of killing myself come but then I'm scared to do that. But it's awful to live as a horrible person going to hell. I'm talking to a counselor and psychiatrist and am taking meds. I've already talked to tons of people all about God and i just can't believe. I wish i had that relationship with Jesus. But you can't force it - you can't make yourself believe. I've tried - it's fake, phony. I want the real thing. I'm at a point now - do i keep trying to force something that's maybe not meant to be or do i give up and try to enjoy the little bit of life i have here? It's so difficult and agonizing. It's also so exhausting trying to be something you're not - i feel like I'm going crazy and I'm worse now than before i learned so much about God. I think I've blasphemed the Holy Spirit and I'm so far gone, deep in the lies that there's no hope for me. I'm so aware of all my sins that i feel defeated and can't fight. That I'm swamped in lies and any truth i try to tell myself will be twisted into more lies. I am so messed up.

Just wondering if I'm all alone in this because i sure feel like it. I'm sure there are others like me who can't believe but maybe haven't gone to the extent i have of learning all about God. I could go on and on about the mess i got myself in with all this...i just wish i knew nothing

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I’m a pastor’s son and this was how I was but the advantage you have is that you are aware of it and trying to find Jesus. I thought I knew him but I didn’t. It’s only when some pretty bad things happened in my life that I was finally able to see and feel this joy that we can access through reading the Bible and talking to Jesus.

I encourage you to cry, and talk to Jesus in your brokenness, even if you don’t know what you are doing. Ask him to give you joy, not a feeling but a state of joy and ask him to make it be there in the morning, and keep asking. That’s what I did in my deepest depression and finally God spoke and put a joy in my heart that has never faded. It’s one step at a time, be encouraged because Jesus knows you want to believe and loves you so incredibly much!

@Bob8102 I see a lot of you in myself. I have about given up any hope that I even desire repentance. I think I have committed the unpardonable sin. At this point I fear for my children because of the ungodly influence I have on them. Any prayers for them from anyone are appreciated. To think that there are three people who might go to hell because of me. Please pray that God would have mercy on them, anyone.

“I’m your weakness he is strong”

not only CAN Jesus give you a new desire and love for him, but that’s The only way to get a desire and love for him.

When i wanted to die and my kids were taken away I started reading through some verses and asking God to change the desires because I didn’t want to read the Bible or go to church or honor God but I kept just reading the verses. Over the last year I kept adding verses, this list gets me through the worst times, Hope it works for you, hang in there He Loves You and you Can literally never be too far gone for him to save until your heart stops. He’s always there


JOY verses


The holy grail of joy verses first!


Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-7


salm 90:14 New International Version (NIV)

14

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,

that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.


Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18


20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Luke 10:20


9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

John 15:9- 11


You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Psalm 16:11


Psalm 94:19 "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy."


May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13


I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

Philippians 1:23-26



(Paul says that continuing to inspire progress and joy in the church was one of the only reasons he was still even alive on earth.)


Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

Habakkuk 3:17-18


And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more GLADLY about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:8-10


When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

Acts 7:54-56


Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.” He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”

Daniel 3:19,21,24-25


Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:35-39


John 16:20

Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.


So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.

John 16:22


John 16:24

Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.


33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33


1 Peter 5:10

After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

James 1:12


Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4


Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

-1 Peter 4:12-13

At this time, Emperor Nero was burning the bodies of Christians to light his gardens in the evenings


In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

2 Timothy 3:12



And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.

2 Corinthians 8:1-2


I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.

Romans 8:18-19


“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.John 15:9-11


Romans 5:1-5 New International Version (NIV)

Peace and Hope

5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.



But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

1 Peter 2:20-21


Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Neh 8:10


Psalm 51:12

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit.


Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfector of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1–2)


Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."



Psalm 5:11 "But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee."


The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.

Psalm 103:19 - Bible Gateway passage: Psalm 103:19 - New International Version


Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Romans 12:11-12


So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

1 Peter 4:19

Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!

Psalm 32:11

It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

3 John 1:3-4 - Bible Gateway passage: 3 John 3-4 - New International Version


Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfector of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1–2)


When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty.

Jeremiah 15:16