I need some quick, wise and biblical advice

[Anguspure]

Hi,

I just joined this forum, and I hope that someone might be able to help me out. I need wise answers. I'm in a tough and weird situation. I live in Sweden, and since there aren't a lot of true Christians over here, I don't have anybody to talk to about this.

I just got a new part-time job, as a conductor for a train company. It seems like a great job. The company has good values and seem to treat both the staff and the passengers really well. I'm on day four of the training program, and next week I'll have to start working as a trainee.

This is the problem: The train is cashless, which makes a lot of sense, because of robberies, but the card I will have to use to login to the ticket machine has the number 666 on it, in my personal serial number. Also, when we practiced using the machine, the total sum of purchases after the first exercise was 6660 SEK (Swedish money). This freaks me out, which it should! Yet, I don't feel as alarmed as I think I should be.

God has previously used numbers to talk to me, and to warn me away from situations, especially when I was a new Christian. No numerology or anything, I don't touch anything occult. But He has, and it has always been biblical (like pointing me to the specific Bible verse in a specific circumstance). I know that He is in control of everything. This is obviously not a coincidence. Do you think that God wants me to quit? Or is He just warning me about something? I know I'm not accepting the mark of the beast if I use this card (I've studied Revelation and the old testament prophecies, so I'm not confused about what it means), but it feels waaaaay to close for comfort. I feel like I would be a part of the culture that is leading towards the beast system. And betraying God for money!

The number 42 appears everywhere at work too. I'm NOT looking for signs. And today, my teacher randomly said "train number 1317" right after I had wondered about Rev 13:17.

I became a Christian two years ago, and since, I've lost four jobs because of my faith, for different reasons. (This is NOT a Christian-friendly country). I've been unemployed for six months now, and I'm living off welfare. I get less then I need, and I'm in a lot of debt. If I quit my job or cause them to fire me, I will get no more welfare and no way to pay my bills, at all. I have no one to turn to for money...

I don't mind quitting another job for Christ, and I'm not afraid, not even if it meant I would end up homeless. It would be okay with me, even if it does feel irresponsible. But I don't feel convicted to leave. It might just be my survival instincts taking over, rationalizing, and somehow calming me, because I really need the money, or the enemy is trying to confuse me. I've been under a lot of oppression lately.

I really want to pay off my debts, because it's what the Bible says to do. So quitting a well-paid job seems like sinning. I always trust God will provide though. And it feels really wrong being paid for the days I've been there, without having worked at all.

There are other factors as well. I would indirectly be working for the Swedish government, which is probably one of the most anti-christian governments in the world. And I would have to work both late and early hours, which does go against Psalm 127:2 (I'm not legalistic, but it seems important somehow).
I would also have to wear a really fancy uniform, which I'm not sure is okay, and totally goes against my personality.
It seems really stressful, but I love stressful situations, because I have to rely on God so much (I absolutely cannot handle it on my own, but it always works out).

What should I do? I'm so stressed and confused right now, I've kind of stopped being able to think at all. I feel one thing, yet the signs say the opposite. I need a lot of help. And please pray for me.

Emelie

If there's anything weird about it all, just remember that it could also be the enemy trying to freak you out so that your Christian influence will be lost in yet another area of the world.

Take advantage of the opportunity that God has given you. Stay close to Him, in Him and He in you and the gates of hell will not prevail against your assault.

 

[MarkMirza]

Hi,

I just joined this forum, and I hope that someone might be able to help me out. I need wise answers. I'm in a tough and weird situation. I live in Sweden, and since there aren't a lot of true Christians over here, I don't have anybody to talk to about this.

I just got a new part-time job, as a conductor for a train company. It seems like a great job. The company has good values and seem to treat both the staff and the passengers really well. I'm on day four of the training program, and next week I'll have to start working as a trainee.

This is the problem: The train is cashless, which makes a lot of sense, because of robberies, but the card I will have to use to login to the ticket machine has the number 666 on it, in my personal serial number. Also, when we practiced using the machine, the total sum of purchases after the first exercise was 6660 SEK (Swedish money). This freaks me out, which it should! Yet, I don't feel as alarmed as I think I should be.

God has previously used numbers to talk to me, and to warn me away from situations, especially when I was a new Christian. No numerology or anything, I don't touch anything occult. But He has, and it has always been biblical (like pointing me to the specific Bible verse in a specific circumstance). I know that He is in control of everything. This is obviously not a coincidence. Do you think that God wants me to quit? Or is He just warning me about something? I know I'm not accepting the mark of the beast if I use this card (I've studied Revelation and the old testament prophecies, so I'm not confused about what it means), but it feels waaaaay to close for comfort. I feel like I would be a part of the culture that is leading towards the beast system. And betraying God for money!

The number 42 appears everywhere at work too. I'm NOT looking for signs. And today, my teacher randomly said "train number 1317" right after I had wondered about Rev 13:17.

I became a Christian two years ago, and since, I've lost four jobs because of my faith, for different reasons. (This is NOT a Christian-friendly country). I've been unemployed for six months now, and I'm living off welfare. I get less then I need, and I'm in a lot of debt. If I quit my job or cause them to fire me, I will get no more welfare and no way to pay my bills, at all. I have no one to turn to for money...

I don't mind quitting another job for Christ, and I'm not afraid, not even if it meant I would end up homeless. It would be okay with me, even if it does feel irresponsible. But I don't feel convicted to leave. It might just be my survival instincts taking over, rationalizing, and somehow calming me, because I really need the money, or the enemy is trying to confuse me. I've been under a lot of oppression lately.

I really want to pay off my debts, because it's what the Bible says to do. So quitting a well-paid job seems like sinning. I always trust God will provide though. And it feels really wrong being paid for the days I've been there, without having worked at all.

There are other factors as well. I would indirectly be working for the Swedish government, which is probably one of the most anti-christian governments in the world. And I would have to work both late and early hours, which does go against Psalm 127:2 (I'm not legalistic, but it seems important somehow).
I would also have to wear a really fancy uniform, which I'm not sure is okay, and totally goes against my personality.
It seems really stressful, but I love stressful situations, because I have to rely on God so much (I absolutely cannot handle it on my own, but it always works out).

What should I do? I'm so stressed and confused right now, I've kind of stopped being able to think at all. I feel one thing, yet the signs say the opposite. I need a lot of help. And please pray for me.

Emelie

I wouldn't get hung up by the numerology. Romans 8:6 tells us, basically, that if we focus on thethings of the flesh, we ex up with death (destruction), but if we're coinciding lb the things of the spirit we have not only life, but peace also. A site test that you are or are not focusing on the things of the spirit will be your peace, or lack of peace.
Markmirza.com
Speaker/Author

 

[Emli]

Numbers are used all throughout the Bible. Some Christians eyes are not open to signs, but your's are. I would stay where you are, and pray that if God wants you to leave, He will provide the way.

Something similar happened to me in that I wondered if I should leave a job. I opened my Bible and read these words:

Depart! Depart! Go out from there,
Touch no unclean thing;
Go out from the midst of her,
Be clean,
You who bear the vessels of the Lord.
12 For you shall not go out with haste,
Nor go by flight;
For the Lord will go before you,
And the God of Israel will be your rear guard.

So take courage and be anxious for nothing. You can stay as long as God wants you there.

Thank you for sharing this! Something like that happened to me too. I really wanted to quit a job for a company that wanted me to lie and manipulate the customers, but other than that I liked the workplace and the people there. I was home sick one day and my boss called me at 10:29, but I didn't pick up the phone. Instead I just stared at the phone, wondering what to do. God told me to look up 10:29 in the Bible and I got this:

29 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel
30 will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life."

I was 100% sure that God was telling me "Call him and quit, and I will get you a better job" so I called my boss and quit. The next week, the Swedish employment agency called me and just gave me a new job, that I hadn't even applied for. Full-time and well-paid. I started working there immediately. (I also got the persecution part really badly at that job, but that of course only made me happier and closer to Jesus)

Looking for signs is bad, but ignoring them when the Holy Spirit so clearly points them out to you, might be even worse.

 

[Emli]

I'm not addressing what you are doing, I'm trying to address something I am seeing through you words, something that has displaced what God wants for you. Objectification is when something has been elevated in importance and becomes one's focus for his own good or enjoyment. Women are objectified by men when their appearance or what they can do for them become too much of a focus (rather than the women themselves as people, made in God's image and due honor and respect as the man desires it for himself). The normal solution is to believe in how God sees things. But Satan is insidious with this and can even cause people to objectify God—such as through elevating the importance of worship or pleasing God, or in this case, looking to be led by God for details in life. Expect from God the kind of guidance you would get from a (good) human father.

I really appreciate what you are saying. That is something I have been struggling with for the past six months, but that God has been leading me away from, and it seems to be a common problem. So it's a valid concern.

God is not making robots means he is making children who can live in ways pleasing to God without his guidance. He is working you toward being able to be your partner. Behavior consistent with that is to not seek the Lord for help in things he has enabled you to do yourself. He gave us other people to help us with things at that level or where constant care is needed.

That's a misinterpretation of the Psalm. Horses and mules need to be controlled by bit and bridle because they have no understanding. In fact, it is a command that because you do have understanding you should not let yourself be like them (who are controlled by the bit and bridle).

I agree with you completely on this. And that is my interpretation of the Psalm, so I think you may have misunderstood what I wrote. I believe that we are not supposed to ask Him for guidance in the little things. We are always to consider His word before acting, but to me, that is the same as asking, since I like to have a dialogue in the back of my mind with Him, thanking Him, praising Him, asking for help, or just talking to Him about whatever I'm doing (It's a good way to control my mind from worrying all the time). But during my formal prayer time, I always ask Him to lead me where He wants me to go in life, in whatever way He wants to. I want Him to put me where I can grow the most, or where He can use me. I'm not looking for personal blessings to get what I want, but what He wants from me.

I've made huge mistakes before, when I was relying on myself and my own wisdom instead of the Lord, or let myself be led astray by my own fears or by Satan, and I want to rely on Jesus in everything that I do today. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your path straight.” Our understanding do not come from our own interpretation of the Bible, but through the continual work of the Holy Spirit within us.

I hope that you understand that I'm not trying to fight you or defend myself. You seem to know a lot, and I really want to know your perspective, but you don't seem to really understand where I am in my relationship with the Lord (which is probably my fault).

 

[Emli]

Hello Emili,
Nice to "meet" someone from abroad. You are too worried though. How to untangle you????
First, Revelation uses riddles...that is why it says it takes a mind of wisdom to understand the number of the beast...it is not literal. It is the number of talents of gold Solomon received annually and is found in I Kings 10:14...666. Solomon was the King who started his reign asking God for wisdom and God rewarded Solomon for asking for wisdom over any earthly provision. Perhaps you need to ask God for wisdom and a right spirit and calm. Read the Word, practice it and Trust Him. Remember the passage to Trust the Lord with all your heart, with all your mind and all your soul and lean not unto thine own understanding. Trust Him.
You may well be within a heathen nation, but we are called to love all people and if you do love them you will be interested in leading people to Christ...at least by your godly character. You will have to ignore some of these amazing coincidences throughout the work day and perhaps run them through your mind a little at home...as little as possible for awhile because you are stressed and may be at risk psychologically. You seem to see too much evil. Romans says overcome evil with good.
It is certainly ok to wear that fancy uniform even though we are to dress modestly. It is a type of enslavement for Christ...you must do it, it is not that you want to do it. Lydia in the book of Acts was a seller of purple cloth...a sign of wealth...she became a convert and had Paul into her home...there were other women of high standing who converted. As long as others see you as your normal self at home they will realize that you are compelled to dress up for work. I know it's hard and it may seem to you that I am trying to get you to compromise your faith...I am not and in the end conscience dictates, but you must grow up in the faith by reading your Bible prayerfully so you are not tossed to and fro by every wind of teaching as Peter says. Also new Christians or unread or not read enough Christians tend to be weak and fragile in the faith (seeing everything as sin). Read I Corinthians and see how strong Paul says we should be.
This is a lot of advise giving from me and I'm not so sure I'm comfortable giving it. You must learn to think solemnly and in a very sober-minded way.
It's ok to be amidst unbelievers, too. Remember God is with you...even to the end of the world! He may love you dearly for your fear and trembling as you work out your salvation, but I John says the one who fears has not yet been made perfect in love. Perhaps, practice more love toward all your heathen coworkers in any way possible...toward your believing friends as well...and I hope you do have them.
Here's St John's advice for us whenever our hearts condemn us...
Dear children let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know we belong to the Truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in His presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts and He knows everything.
Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from Him anything we ask, because we obey His commands and do what pleases Him. And this is His command: to believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as He commanded us. --I John3:18-23
But re-read all the surrounding passages.
Lots of Love Emili and yes, I'll be praying for you! You seem a kindred spirit! Godspeed!

Thank you. This was really good advice. I felt at peace just reading it. I do see a lot of evil, and my mind tend to obsess over it. I used to be better at staying positive and focusing on Jesus and His love, but as I learn more and more about the truth and the state of this world, it gets harder and harder every day to keep a clear mind.

I don't have any Christian friends, except one of my old friends who is just now starting to seek the Lord. I really want to, of course, but I still haven't met any. All of the churches here, and I do mean all of them, have female pastors or priests, most of the churches are pro gay marriage and practice yoga, zen meditation and other non-Christian activities, and I'm not sure that there are a lot of Bible-believing, devoted Christians where I live... I often pray for God to send some Christians into my life, but nothing happens.

I will just have to keep going, just like I always do. What you wrote was really comforting and strengthening. Thank you again!

 

[Greg J.]

No problem at all. I am merely saying, perhaps in a too-complicated way, ignore these kinds of things (I quote below). They can come from your own mind, Satan, or coincidence, but that is not the way God normally leads people, even though he has done it before. (The things he does regularly are on a more macro level.) God can make it clear to you that a word is from him if he wants to. A good rule of thumb is simply, if you aren't sure it is from God, treat it as if it isn't. Both God and Satan can quicken your mind to focus on a number. I've written all this stuff, because I did what I'm saying not to do for painful years, because no one was willing to tell me God doesn't do ABC, because it is always possible he did. The problem is that the default response for some spiritual experience for us should not be, this must be from God. It is more restricted than that. While the Holy Spirit through the Apostle John was addressing a specific problem, it remains that it is good advice in a general sense:

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1, 1984 NIV)

but the card I will have to use to login to the ticket machine has the number 666 on it, in my personal serial number. Also, when we practiced using the machine, the total sum of purchases after the first exercise was 6660 SEK (Swedish money). This freaks me out, which it should! Yet, I don't feel as alarmed as I think I should be.

The number 42 appears everywhere at work too. I'm NOT looking for signs. And today, my teacher randomly said "train number 1317" right after I had wondered about Rev 13:17.

 

[Sketcher]

This is the problem: The train is cashless, which makes a lot of sense, because of robberies, but the card I will have to use to login to the ticket machine has the number 666 on it, in my personal serial number. Also, when we practiced using the machine, the total sum of purchases after the first exercise was 6660 SEK (Swedish money). This freaks me out, which it should! Yet, I don't feel as alarmed as I think I should be.

6660 is not 666. Neither is 66.6.
I have also never seen a Bible that skipped page 666 in its page numbering.
Also, the beast's number in Revelation is a code, 7 is a number of completeness, and repeating things 3 times is for emphasis. It literally means, "he falls short, he falls short, he falls short" when describing the beast who gives false miracles and blasphemes God.

Therefore, I don't think you have anything to worry about. Satan is trying to make you afraid.

There are other factors as well. I would indirectly be working for the Swedish government, which is probably one of the most anti-christian governments in the world.

I doubt that. There are at least 50 other countries where it is less safe to be a Christian.

https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/world-watch-list/

And I would have to work both late and early hours, which does go against Psalm 127:2 (I'm not legalistic, but it seems important somehow).

The thing to consider here is life balance. You don't want to work so many hours that it taxes your health or that it crowds out the ability to have a life outside of work. How many hours a day would you work? How many hours a week would you work?

 

[throughfiierytrial]

Thank you. This was really good advice. I felt at peace just reading it. I do see a lot of evil, and my mind tend to obsess over it. I used to be better at staying positive and focusing on Jesus and His love, but as I learn more and more about the truth and the state of this world, it gets harder and harder every day to keep a clear mind.

I don't have any Christian friends, except one of my old friends who is just now starting to seek the Lord. I really want to, of course, but I still haven't met any. All of the churches here, and I do mean all of them, have female pastors or priests, most of the churches are pro gay marriage and practice yoga, zen meditation and other non-Christian activities, and I'm not sure that there are a lot of Bible-believing, devoted Christians where I live... I often pray for God to send some Christians into my life, but nothing happens.

I will just have to keep going, just like I always do. What you wrote was really comforting and strengthening. Thank you again!

Emili,
It is very late here and I need to get some sleep very soon, but wanted to respond to your post first. I am so happy that my words didn't offend you and that you felt some calm...that came from God. I have been praying for you all day and last night as I am sure others here have too and Scripture says that where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Praise the Lord Almighty!
I live in the U.S. and many churches here are also going the way of yours...so sad! (and yes, frightening, but God is able to rescue the ones He knows and loves!) I am thankful that I belong to a church which is still faithful to the Word in all important respects. It is very hard for you.
I understand your fears somewhat b/c once I read the whole Bible I was in such fear. But practicing the advice of the Bible and time brought healing from the Lord. He gets our attention. Your communication with God should be based on the solid Word of God, not through numbers, but through prayer and passages...I'm sure you also use passages, but you do not find that type of numbers driven communication you have taught in the Scriptures and it is spiritually unhealthy...I did similar things in the past, but, we are to test everything in our thoughts and actions says Paul and John says test the spirits to see where they come from...don't act on everything. How do we test them? We test them against the Word...that means you need to know the Word very well before acting. This is what Jesus used when Satan tempted Him, that is the Word of God. Pray, pray, pray for all kinds of needs...clear mind, good spiritual judgment, rest, calm, a right spirit as even King David asks of God in the Psalms, that may bear quoting here...
Psalm 51:10-12:
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

That's a great prayer!

Passages...
Better days are ahead...
I Peter 3:10-11:
For,
“Whoever would love life
and see good days
must keep their tongue from evil
and their lips from deceitful speech.
They must turn from evil and do good;
they must seek peace and pursue it.
Acts 3:19:
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,

In your struggle to do good, be calm and remember your godly conduct will please God...
I Timothy 5:25:
In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.

Hold firm, you are not alone in your struggle, God is with you, and you are definitely entering into His Kingdom as you see others before you had the same urgency and struggles.
I Peter 4:12-13:
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.

Love and hugs and lots of prayers going your way Emili. Godspeed!

 

[Emli]

Greg J and throughfireytrial, I'm writing this to both of you, because I feel like you are both saying the same thing to me. I really appreciate what you are saying, and that you are trying to protect me. It means a lot. I partly agree with both of you. But you do not understand my situation fully (and you couldn't, because you're not me). Throughout the whole day, I've felt like a huge conviction to share something.

I am young still (I turned 30 last year), and still new to the faith (two years), so I don't know everything, or even a lot yet, but I have a strong relationship with the Lord, because He has done so much for me. I've changed so much, and I've learnt so much. And I've been attacked by the enemy almost constantly. Jesus has always brought me victory in all attacks though. I've learnt to test and discern the spirits.

Here is why: before I was a Christian, about 10-15 years ago, I was practicing witchcraft. I used to worship and summon false gods and goddesses. I even asked them to come live in my body. Needless to say, I got possessed. My life was absolute chaos and horror for many, many years, and I had a lot of supernatural experiences (I could see the future, see people's auras through walls, know things and see things I shouldn't know etc). My mind was so corrupted, and I turned more and more evil and depressed every day, until I couldn't even see straight. I know how powerful Satan can be, and I know a lot of the tricks he uses, because I've been so fooled by them. When I finally decided to turn to Christ, He made it all go away, and I felt such inner peace for the first time in my life. I could focus my mind clearly, and I fell in love with God and Christianity because it's based on Truth and logic, and direct communication with Him. It was so freeing.

I didn't really understand any of this in the beginning, how I could have had such experiences from another religion, because I didn't know that demons were real or how Satan works, and I kept wondering if Christianity really is the one true religion, until God did something big one day.

I was out walking and I passed by a small petting zoo. I was looking at some baby animals, and I saw a small lamb. I immediately had the thought: "the lamb of God". Just a random association. Then I realized that I did not feel any love towards any of the animals, which I usually do. My heart melts whenever I see baby animals. I couldn't feel love, I kept feeling hatred and despair and I didn't care about anything. So I cried out to God to help me. I left the petting zoo and after a while I saw three numbers in my phone. The Spirit told me to look them all up. The first one was John 1:29 "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!", the second was Proverbs 14:32 "When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God." and the third one was Matthew 12:43 "When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation." I got really, really scared. I called out to God to please deliver me if there were demons inside of me. After a little while, about seven or eight evil spirits came out through my mouth. I felt peace again.

You may believe what you want, but I know that this was God. Letting us know that Satan and his demons exists, is one of the things that enemy would never, ever do. This changed my whole understanding of the world, and I became very aware of how true the Bible really is and how real evil is. The reason that I got attacked by these evil spirits was because I hadn't really turned away from my old ways yet. Not completely, because I wasn't sure. But I did immediately after this happened. I became 100% committed to Christ after this happened.

I will also tell you a story from when I was a practicing wiccan. I was at a theme park, and there were those spinning wheels where you choose a number and you can win chocolate or something. There were three of them next to each other. I wanted to win, so I asked whatever false god or goddess I was worshiping at the time what number I should play. A voice said "11", so I played 11, and won. Then the voice said "pick 11 again on the next wheel". I did, and I won again. The voice said "pick 11 on the next wheel". I got scared at this point and I didn't. Instead a man picked number 11 and won.

I'm not making any of this up, and it was not all in my head. And it certainly wasn't God. Satan really does have more power that any of us can imagine, and I know that I have to be careful. But God is Almighty, and nothing is out of His reach. We cannot restrict Him or His ways, or stop listening out of fear because of the tiny false miracles that Satan can do. If God wants to say something, He will talk. It will always be according to His Word, but He can do it in so many, many ways.

I really hate talking about all of these experiences, but I needed to share it. I believe that it is really bad advice to tell somebody to just ignore signs from God. It can cause a person to seriously doubt experiences that God has used to build them up in the faith, like He has with me. I have learnt to discern whether they are from God, and He has done this many times. Discernment comes from God, and not from our own limited understanding. He usually does this as a confirmation of something I've learnt from the Holy Spirit. It's how I learned to listen to His voice. Remember, I'm all alone and have no one to teach me, and I was completely broken before, so God has gotten deeply involved in every aspect of my life. It might not be the "normal" way He does things, but it is how He communicates with me sometimes.

And I know that it is God, not only because I've seen Him do huge miracles, but mostly because of how He has changed me. I grow to be more like Jesus every day. Satan couldn't and wouldn't do that.

No one should seek signs, ever! But we all need to keep our eyes open and be aware of them, IF God decides to speak to us through them, especially if we are going through trials. Life isn't as black and white as most people think. It's never an either or situation. Not all signs and experiences are from God, and not all are from Satan. In the end, if something gets you closer to Jesus and away from sin, it's from Him.

I read the Bible almost daily, and I talk to God all the time. I'm NOT basing my faith on numbers and signs, it's just a part of the way He communicates with me. I want you to not be worried about that, because it is something that God does to comfort me. I didn't ask for it, nor did I look for it.

For a long time, last year when I was under horrible spiritual aggression, I got paranoid about the numbers, and lived in a way that I really shouldn't. I was scared of everything, and because of that I wouldn't buy anything or watch a Youtube video that had certain numbers in them, and I followed other numbers, which led me down the wrong path. That is how Satan tricks you, and it is the wrong way to live, and God has gotten me through that.

In fact, God just did this again. At least three people on this thread has told me to read Daniel, and especially the part where they are thrown into the fire. I did that last night. It was amazing, because it was so very close to what I am going through. I felt so comforted and strengthened. And God has through numbers pointed me towards this verse this whole week: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." Isaiah 43:2. Once again, He confirmed something to me in this way. Do you still think that this is Satan doing this?

I just really wanted to be clear about this, just because it felt important. Again, I really appreciate the fact that you both reach out and try to help me, but there are better ways. Discernment is all about testing, and you cannot test something that you ignore.

I would love both of your perspectives on this, even if you just think that I'm being deceived. And please tell me if there is something I'm not clear about. My English is far from perfect, and I have troubles explaining some things sometimes.

And throughfireytrial, please continue to pray for me. I really need it. I'm going through so much right now, and I have no one else in my corner (except God, who will be with me).

 

[MarkMirza]

Emili,
It is very late here and I need to get some sleep very soon, but wanted to respond to your post first. I am so happy that my words didn't offend you and that you felt some calm...that came from God. I have been praying for you all day and last night as I am sure others here have too and Scripture says that where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Praise the Lord Almighty!
I live in the U.S. and many churches here are also going the way of yours...so sad! (and yes, frightening, but God is able to rescue the ones He knows and loves!) I am thankful that I belong to a church which is still faithful to the Word in all important respects. It is very hard for you.
I understand your fears somewhat b/c once I read the whole Bible I was in such fear. But practicing the advice of the Bible and time brought healing from the Lord. He gets our attention. Your communication with God should be based on the solid Word of God, not through numbers, but through prayer and passages...I'm sure you also use passages, but you do not find that type of numbers driven communication you have taught in the Scriptures and it is spiritually unhealthy...I did similar things in the past, but, we are to test everything in our thoughts and actions says Paul and John says test the spirits to see where they come from...don't act on everything. How do we test them? We test them against the Word...that means you need to know the Word very well before acting. This is what Jesus used when Satan tempted Him, that is the Word of God. Pray, pray, pray for all kinds of needs...clear mind, good spiritual judgment, rest, calm, a right spirit as even King David asks of God in the Psalms, that may bear quoting here...
Psalm 51:10-12:
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

That's a great prayer!

Passages...
Better days are ahead...
I Peter 3:10-11:
For,
“Whoever would love life
and see good days
must keep their tongue from evil
and their lips from deceitful speech.
They must turn from evil and do good;
they must seek peace and pursue it.
Acts 3:19:
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,

In your struggle to do good, be calm and remember your godly conduct will please God...
I Timothy 5:25:
In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.

Hold firm, you are not alone in your struggle, God is with you, and you are definitely entering into His Kingdom as you see others before you had the same urgency and struggles.
I Peter 4:12-13:
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.

Love and hugs and lots of prayers going your way Emili. Godspeed!

Good word ThruFieryTrial

 

[throughfiierytrial]

Greg J and throughfireytrial, I'm writing this to both of you, because I feel like you are both saying the same thing to me. I really appreciate what you are saying, and that you are trying to protect me. It means a lot. I partly agree with both of you. But you do not understand my situation fully (and you couldn't, because you're not me). Throughout the whole day, I've felt like a huge conviction to share something.

I am young still (I turned 30 last year), and still new to the faith (two years), so I don't know everything, or even a lot yet, but I have a strong relationship with the Lord, because He has done so much for me. I've changed so much, and I've learnt so much. And I've been attacked by the enemy almost constantly. Jesus has always brought me victory in all attacks though. I've learnt to test and discern the spirits.

Here is why: before I was a Christian, about 10-15 years ago, I was practicing witchcraft. I used to worship and summon false gods and goddesses. I even asked them to come live in my body. Needless to say, I got possessed. My life was absolute chaos and horror for many, many years, and I had a lot of supernatural experiences (I could see the future, see people's auras through walls, know things and see things I shouldn't know etc). My mind was so corrupted, and I turned more and more evil and depressed every day, until I couldn't even see straight. I know how powerful Satan can be, and I know a lot of the tricks he uses, because I've been so fooled by them. When I finally decided to turn to Christ, He made it all go away, and I felt such inner peace for the first time in my life. I could focus my mind clearly, and I fell in love with God and Christianity because it's based on Truth and logic, and direct communication with Him. It was so freeing.

I didn't really understand any of this in the beginning, how I could have had such experiences from another religion, because I didn't know that demons were real or how Satan works, and I kept wondering if Christianity really is the one true religion, until God did something big one day.

I was out walking and I passed by a small petting zoo. I was looking at some baby animals, and I saw a small lamb. I immediately had the thought: "the lamb of God". Just a random association. Then I realized that I did not feel any love towards any of the animals, which I usually do. My heart melts whenever I see baby animals. I couldn't feel love, I kept feeling hatred and despair and I didn't care about anything. So I cried out to God to help me. I left the petting zoo and after a while I saw three numbers in my phone. The Spirit told me to look them all up. The first one was John 1:29 "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!", the second was Proverbs 14:32 "When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God." and the third one was Matthew 12:43 "When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation." I got really, really scared. I called out to God to please deliver me if there were demons inside of me. After a little while, about seven or eight evil spirits came out through my mouth. I felt peace again.

You may believe what you want, but I know that this was God. Letting us know that Satan and his demons exists, is one of the things that enemy would never, ever do. This changed my whole understanding of the world, and I became very aware of how true the Bible really is and how real evil is. The reason that I got attacked by these evil spirits was because I hadn't really turned away from my old ways yet. Not completely, because I wasn't sure. But I did immediately after this happened. I became 100% committed to Christ after this happened.

I will also tell you a story from when I was a practicing wiccan. I was at a theme park, and there were those spinning wheels where you choose a number and you can win chocolate or something. There were three of them next to each other. I wanted to win, so I asked whatever false god or goddess I was worshiping at the time what number I should play. A voice said "11", so I played 11, and won. Then the voice said "pick 11 again on the next wheel". I did, and I won again. The voice said "pick 11 on the next wheel". I got scared at this point and I didn't. Instead a man picked number 11 and won.

I'm not making any of this up, and it was not all in my head. And it certainly wasn't God. Satan really does have more power that any of us can imagine, and I know that I have to be careful. But God is Almighty, and nothing is out of His reach. We cannot restrict Him or His ways, or stop listening out of fear because of the tiny false miracles that Satan can do. If God wants to say something, He will talk. It will always be according to His Word, but He can do it in so many, many ways.

I really hate talking about all of these experiences, but I needed to share it. I believe that it is really bad advice to tell somebody to just ignore signs from God. It can cause a person to seriously doubt experiences that God has used to build them up in the faith, like He has with me. I have learnt to discern whether they are from God, and He has done this many times. Discernment comes from God, and not from our own limited understanding. He usually does this as a confirmation of something I've learnt from the Holy Spirit. It's how I learned to listen to His voice. Remember, I'm all alone and have no one to teach me, and I was completely broken before, so God has gotten deeply involved in every aspect of my life. It might not be the "normal" way He does things, but it is how He communicates with me sometimes.

And I know that it is God, not only because I've seen Him do huge miracles, but mostly because of how He has changed me. I grow to be more like Jesus every day. Satan couldn't and wouldn't do that.

No one should seek signs, ever! But we all need to keep our eyes open and be aware of them, IF God decides to speak to us through them, especially if we are going through trials. Life isn't as black and white as most people think. It's never an either or situation. Not all signs and experiences are from God, and not all are from Satan. In the end, if something gets you closer to Jesus and away from sin, it's from Him.

I read the Bible almost daily, and I talk to God all the time. I'm NOT basing my faith on numbers and signs, it's just a part of the way He communicates with me. I want you to not be worried about that, because it is something that God does to comfort me. I didn't ask for it, nor did I look for it.

For a long time, last year when I was under horrible spiritual aggression, I got paranoid about the numbers, and lived in a way that I really shouldn't. I was scared of everything, and because of that I wouldn't buy anything or watch a Youtube video that had certain numbers in them, and I followed other numbers, which led me down the wrong path. That is how Satan tricks you, and it is the wrong way to live, and God has gotten me through that.

In fact, God just did this again. At least three people on this thread has told me to read Daniel, and especially the part where they are thrown into the fire. I did that last night. It was amazing, because it was so very close to what I am going through. I felt so comforted and strengthened. And God has through numbers pointed me towards this verse this whole week: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." Isaiah 43:2. Once again, He confirmed something to me in this way. Do you still think that this is Satan doing this?

I just really wanted to be clear about this, just because it felt important. Again, I really appreciate the fact that you both reach out and try to help me, but there are better ways. Discernment is all about testing, and you cannot test something that you ignore.

I would love both of your perspectives on this, even if you just think that I'm being deceived. And please tell me if there is something I'm not clear about. My English is far from perfect, and I have troubles explaining some things sometimes.

And throughfireytrial, please continue to pray for me. I really need it. I'm going through so much right now, and I have no one else in my corner (except God, who will be with me).

Read your post and I do understand where you are coming from. God does at times lead us in earthly ways. You need to grow up and give up numbers as you grow in the Word. God uses passages, the Word, to float through our hearts and minds to lead us.
I guessed you were new to the faith, but not the witchcraft. The numbers are a form of the witchcraft, I personally believe God worked through it to rescue you. He caused you to reach out to us to urge you to grow to maturity via reading the Word. Read the entire N.T. as time permits...I realize that time may be very limited with you having a new job. Then continue to re-read it and eventually expand to reading the O.T. through to the end of the N.T. You will be amazed at how many answers you receive for so many different situations in your life and all the deeply moving passages of Christ's love for you. Don't shy away from the Word and please try to read it, in order, not a verse here and one there.
Scriptures say that God called King David a man after His own heart. We can learn from David's heart in the Psalms he writes. I have this one in mind for you...
Psalm 19:9-11:
The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
and all of them are righteous.

They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the honeycomb.
By them your servant is warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.

You see David's pure love and reliance upon God's Word. God wrote them for you, too!

Psalm 16:7-8:
I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
(but David says/prays soooo much more...please read more Psalms!)

N.T.
Paul says to Timothy...
II Timothy 3:14-17:
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Romans 15:4:
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

I hope you are getting the picture that it is both necessary and desirous to read the Scriptures so God can guide you with His Word/not numbers, etc which are uncertain. Make a break from witchcraft by reading your way into the arms of the Lord. The devil is an angel of light says Scripture and appeared as such to Jesus Himself. Jesus used the Word to overcome Satan's temptations. Satan used it also.

I suppose there is always going to be more that needs saying, so I leave it here. I am still praying for you and my church prayed for you early this morning that you would grow in the Word and be surrounded with loving Christian friends. It is very difficult to be in your situation.

Yes, I believe you that God has used wordly ways to lead you out of your mess, but He is also pointing you to a better way...the Holy Scriptures...God's own word.
Love and Godspeed!

 

[Nic Samojluk]

Dear Lord,

I am asking you to bless and guide Emelie in choosing the right action given the unique circumstances described in the thread. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ who gave his life that we might live.

'Amen

 

[Dawnhammer]

Swedish government, which is probably one of the most anti-christian governments in the world.

I believe the word you are looking for is secular.

 

[Emli]

Read your post and I do understand where you are coming from. God does at times lead us in earthly ways. You need to grow up and give up numbers as you grow in the Word. God uses passages, the Word, to float through our hearts and minds to lead us.
I guessed you were new to the faith, but not the witchcraft. The numbers are a form of the witchcraft, I personally believe God worked through it to rescue you. He caused you to reach out to us to urge you to grow to maturity via reading the Word. Read the entire N.T. as time permits...I realize that time may be very limited with you having a new job. Then continue to re-read it and eventually expand to reading the O.T. through to the end of the N.T. You will be amazed at how many answers you receive for so many different situations in your life and all the deeply moving passages of Christ's love for you. Don't shy away from the Word and please try to read it, in order, not a verse here and one there.
Scriptures say that God called King David a man after His own heart. We can learn from David's heart in the Psalms he writes. I have this one in mind for you...
Psalm 19:9-11:
The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
and all of them are righteous.

They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the honeycomb.
By them your servant is warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.

You see David's pure love and reliance upon God's Word. God wrote them for you, too!

Psalm 16:7-8:
I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
(but David says/prays soooo much more...please read more Psalms!)

N.T.
Paul says to Timothy...
II Timothy 3:14-17:
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Romans 15:4:
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

I hope you are getting the picture that it is both necessary and desirous to read the Scriptures so God can guide you with His Word/not numbers, etc which are uncertain. Make a break from witchcraft by reading your way into the arms of the Lord. The devil is an angel of light says Scripture and appeared as such to Jesus Himself. Jesus used the Word to overcome Satan's temptations. Satan used it also.

I suppose there is always going to be more that needs saying, so I leave it here. I am still praying for you and my church prayed for you early this morning that you would grow in the Word and be surrounded with loving Christian friends. It is very difficult to be in your situation.

Yes, I believe you that God has used wordly ways to lead you out of your mess, but He is also pointing you to a better way...the Holy Scriptures...God's own word.
Love and Godspeed!

Thank you for responding.

You seem to believe that I don't read the Bible. As I have said, I do it almost daily. Not a verse here and there, but the entire chapters and books. I haven't gotten through OT yet, because I simply haven't had the time to do so, but I'm getting there. Everything that you are describing, is what I'm doing and am experiencing from the Lord and His Word, and have from the beginning. I am also listening to sermons on Youtube, almost daily, and I read a lot of Christian articles, and always make sure to read Bible commentary, compare different versions, and study the original Greek, if there is something I don't understand or am wondering about. And I almost bombard God with questions, which He gladly answers, usually by showing me somehow. I'm not just basing my faith on receiving some signs and a few Bible passages every now and then. No need to worry about that. That is not my issue. I actually am spending almost all of my spare time on Him. I've even given up almost all of my wordly passions and hobbies because nothing else seems even remotely interesting to me these days. I'm not as confused as you think I am.

The numbers things only started happening after I became Christian and it has been a very integral part of my walk with Jesus. It something that I've been very skeptical about myself, mainly because it has been so overwhelming at times, but mostly because it seems wrong at first glance (in second glance, it is genius, because it allows God to give me exactly what I need in the exact right moment). I have asked Him many times to stop doing it, because I want to be able to rely on the Holy Spirit only, but He does it anyway. It's all Him. It's not something I'm doing. And it's not witchcraft, at least not according to the Biblical definition of witchcraft, if it is God doing it. He would never do anything that is related to witchcraft, because that would go against His Word. It's not wordly either, because He is using the Holy Spirit to point certain things out to me, like He does with other things, and I feel His deep love radiating from Him when He does it. I am grateful for your input, because I believe that it comes from a loving concern, but I have to put all my trust in Jesus. If and when He wants to stop communicating with me in this way, He will, but until then, I better surrender to Him and listen to His voice. I cannot let any doubts get in the way of our relationship, especially right now when I am going through so much.

Please do continue to pray for me though, but pray for the right reasons. Some tough times seem to be ahead, and I will need all the support I can get.

 

[throughfiierytrial]

Thank you for responding.

You seem to believe that I don't read the Bible. As I have said, I do it almost daily. Not a verse here and there, but the entire chapters and books. I haven't gotten through OT yet, because I simply haven't had the time to do so, but I'm getting there. Everything that you are describing, is what I'm doing and am experiencing from the Lord and His Word, and have from the beginning. I am also listening to sermons on Youtube, almost daily, and I read a lot of Christian articles, and always make sure to read Bible commentary, compare different versions, and study the original Greek, if there is something I don't understand or am wondering about. And I almost bombard God with questions, which He gladly answers, usually by showing me somehow. I'm not just basing my faith on receiving some signs and a few Bible passages every now and then. No need to worry about that. That is not my issue. I actually am spending almost all of my spare time on Him. I've even given up almost all of my wordly passions and hobbies because nothing else seems even remotely interesting to me these days. I'm not as confused as you think I am.

The numbers things only started happening after I became Christian and it has been a very integral part of my walk with Jesus. It something that I've been very skeptical about myself, mainly because it has been so overwhelming at times, but mostly because it seems wrong at first glance (in second glance, it is genius, because it allows God to give me exactly what I need in the exact right moment). I have asked Him many times to stop doing it, because I want to be able to rely on the Holy Spirit only, but He does it anyway. It's all Him. It's not something I'm doing. And it's not witchcraft, at least not according to the Biblical definition of witchcraft, if it is God doing it. He would never do anything that is related to witchcraft, because that would go against His Word. It's not wordly either, because He is using the Holy Spirit to point certain things out to me, like He does with other things, and I feel His deep love radiating from Him when He does it. I am grateful for your input, because I believe that it comes from a loving concern, but I have to put all my trust in Jesus. If and when He wants to stop communicating with me in this way, He will, but until then, I better surrender to Him and listen to His voice. I cannot let any doubts get in the way of our relationship, especially right now when I am going through so much.

Please do continue to pray for me though, but pray for the right reasons. Some tough times seem to be ahead, and I will need all the support I can get.

So you are describing a relationship with God which is somewhat different than what I believed first glance. I will not endorse what you are doing. I too had a very unconventional conversion, I still do not agree with the numbers...how are you certain if it is always God speaking? He gives us His Word for a reason and so unless something must be answered before your reading is completed, why put your trust in some other communication. How do you know the right answer for certain?? Satan can enter the scenario without you knowing. His Word is always Truth, other communication is open to the works of Satan. Also, we are commanded to follow God's Word (which says to rely on His Word alone and not even upon our own understanding.)
I believe I understand your situation, I still say aim for perfection, that is, aim for following only His Word.
Godspeed! Love and Hugs...

 

[Emli]

So you are describing a relationship with God which is somewhat different than what I believed first glance. I will not endorse what you are doing. I too had a very unconventional conversion, I still do not agree with the numbers...how are you certain if it is always God speaking? He gives us His Word for a reason and so unless something must be answered before your reading is completed, why put your trust in some other communication. How do you know the right answer for certain?? Satan can enter the scenario without you knowing. His Word is always Truth, other communication is open to the works of Satan. Also, we are commanded to follow God's Word (which says to rely on His Word alone and not even upon our own understanding.)
I believe I understand your situation, I still say aim for perfection, that is, aim for following only His Word.
Godspeed! Love and Hugs...

First of all, I am also following only His Word, I'm just (sometimes) doing it in a different way than what you are used to. I'm not doing anything extra-biblical, or using another source of information. Jesus also said that if we follow His commandments, He would show Himself to us, and miracles would follow. I did not really believe that at first, but He has proved me wrong.

I know that it is God for many reasons. I'll name a few. 1. It produces righteousness and aligns my behavior to His Word. 2. He has done some things that Satan just cannot do (like changing the weather) 3. Since the Holy Spirit lovingly convicts me of every little sin I do, and warns me away from all danger, I can trust that He would do so in this matter to, because it would be a really big issue if this was Satan. 4. It is rarely confusing (although sometimes it is, but only because I have to think about it first), and I always feel God's presence, comfort and peace in the moment. 5. It has guided me away from many false doctrines and has gotten me to believe in and focus solely on the Bible.

A persons walk with Jesus can be more experiental than other's, especially in my case where it is needed. My faith would not be as strong as it is today if God hadn't done so much for me. I don't think I'm special in any way, even though Satan has certainly tried to get me to believe so. But I really believe that God will do anything necessary for His children to get as close to Him as possible, and form His relationship with us according to how to our needs. I believe that it's not supposed to be a dead relationship and we can expect Him to communicate with us, even through extraordinary means, and do miracles, if that is His will. Everytime I doubt this, I hear Jesus softly whispering to me: "oh, ye of little faith".

 

[throughfiierytrial]

First of all, I am also following only His Word, I'm just (sometimes) doing it in a different way than what you are used to. I'm not doing anything extra-biblical, or using another source of information. Jesus also said that if we follow His commandments, He would show Himself to us, and miracles would follow. I did not really believe that at first, but He has proved me wrong.

I know that it is God for many reasons. I'll name a few. 1. It produces righteousness and aligns my behavior to His Word. 2. He has done some things that Satan just cannot do (like changing the weather) 3. Since the Holy Spirit lovingly convicts me of every little sin I do, and warns me away from all danger, I can trust that He would do so in this matter to, because it would be a really big issue if this was Satan. 4. It is rarely confusing (although sometimes it is, but only because I have to think about it first), and I always feel God's presence, comfort and peace in the moment. 5. It has guided me away from many false doctrines and has gotten me to believe in and focus solely on the Bible.

A persons walk with Jesus can be more experiental than other's, especially in my case where it is needed. My faith would not be as strong as it is today if God hadn't done so much for me. I don't think I'm special in any way, even though Satan has certainly tried to get me to believe so. But I really believe that God will do anything necessary for His children to get as close to Him as possible, and form His relationship with us according to how to our needs. I believe that it's not supposed to be a dead relationship and we can expect Him to communicate with us, even through extraordinary means, and do miracles, if that is His will. Everytime I doubt this, I hear Jesus softly whispering to me: "oh, ye of little faith".

This statement of yours...
Jesus also said that if we follow His commandments, He would show Himself to us, and miracles would follow.
That's not in the Bible.
I think I'll have to just say I will pray for you and pray you will go down the right path.
Godspeed!

 

[Emli]

John 14:21
Mark 16:17

 

[throughfiierytrial]

John 14:21
Mark 16:17

John 14:21:
Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
This is a great passage, a great and precious promise. This apparently happened to you and I believe to me. He makes His presence known to us in various ways and leads us to the Truth...His commands. However, you added..."and miracles would follow". This passage doesn't say miracles will follow.
Mark 16:17:
And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;

This Jesus spoke after His resurrection when He gave His disciples/apostles the great commission, which is:
Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

The point here is context. These apostles went out into the world as witnesses of Jesus and God gave them power to perform miracles as a testimony that they spoke from God and not for themselves.

Your problem is you had dabbled in witchcraft which is power of Satan and not of God. Now if you are truly sorry for this sin you should want to run from all such "powers" . I know you say you have and I believe you, but you need to be very certain that Satan isn't still up to his tricks in you and that is why I said to ignore all these miracles. God will bless you and speak to you through His Word and lead you through that Word alone. Do you think something bad will happen or something if you follow His command which is to read and follow the Word? Why would He cast you away? I fear there is still a bit of a mixed spirit in you and you should too. Err on the safe side, be conservative and extra careful in these matters. Your sin of witchcraft is so serious and you should want to clear yourself of the matter by being extra careful and not to say I know better...clearly you do not.
I love and respect you and want the best for you and that is why I speak the truth to you as I see it.

 

[restored_one]

Hi Emli,
in my personal opinion, numbers are just numbers that points us or reminds us of something. Like the verse in the scripture. If the number 666 will always be associated with antichrist, then why there is John 6:66? My point is if we will take this numbers or sign out of its true context then we will all be crazy about having such numbers. In Revealtion, 666 is a sign but their work also followed that sign,they were against God and righteousness. If you have that number, are you against God?, are you for righteousness? But having this concern raised, that clearly defines what is in your heart, you want to follow God, thus, that number does not reflect who you are or what you are. It is just a number.

Personally, my general rule of thumb in life is this: "when your in doubt, dont" because it is God who place peace in us, so when there is no peace dont pursue.

I hope this thoughts will help you. It would be great if you can express your thoughts after those advises they have expressed...

Godbless you