This is not insult the christian belief. I was raised Christian and spent the last 23 years of my life devoted to God, however I have never had a prayer answered. Since I was a little girl I'd pray for this and that. Mostly selfless things like God heal so in so or God bless so in so. Its confusing. Last year into this year has been the worst two years of my life. Everything that can happen to a person emotionally has happened to me. The boyfriend/fiance cheated and left me, two car accidents (one in which the bf did costing over $6k in damages and he will never pay back), the family is against me, I lost my job, I've had to move, depression and anxiety increasing..but throughout this I still had faith. A friend asked me to stop seeking others for advise and to seek God more, so I did. I stepped up my bible game and prayer and meditation. Nothing. Finally I demanded God to reveal himself to me. To speak loudly so that I knew he was still in control. Even if it was in a dream. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't devoting so much time to air. It's been 8 days and nothing. My heart is still broken, my house hold is still cracked, and my faith has gone to nothing. I am starting to believe this is a waste of time. If I hadn't noticed before, the last 6 years (especially last year and this year) have been a real awakening for me. I am about to throw in the towel. I am starting this as a last resort. If someone can prove to me that God is real then do so. And please don't provide scripture. I have studying scripture this last year and talking to God about his word. Ask and you shall receive, all I want is to know hes not imaginary. I don't mind having a crappy life, but I will not have a crappy life keeping a relationship with an imaginary friend.
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As soon as you can eliminate every instance bolded from the above
commentary, then, that second, God will answer.
You should take issue with the "last 23 years of my life devoted to God"
self-evaluation. There are just a couple sentences above without an
"I", "me" or "my" in them. The secret to answered prayer is the
polar opposite to that bolded phrase above "I demanded that God...."
The moment you can "expect god", or "trust God" with zero obligation,
then you hit the area of answered prayer.
Did you have 23 years of Christian growth with other church members?
Or did you have 23 similar years that were all pretty much like year 1?
See "Answered Prayer" below this post.
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When I get down, I start working with people that are really down (have cancer, heading to jail, in jail, on drugs, homeless, etc.). You might have to get with another group of Christians that are actively helping the needy. Lots of times we pray for a person to walk, when what they really need; is a person to walk with them. You need a strong active Christian to walk with you (your x boyfriend was not that person.)
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You asked..." If someone can prove to me that God is real then do so. And please don't provide scripture."
OK. No scripture.
There are only several possibilities. Lets look at stuff. Stuff like chairs, houses, planets, stars ...the universe.
1) Stuff was created.
2) Stuff always existed
3) Stuff self created
We can rule out #3 because stuff can't self create. It can't be and not be at the same time.
We can rule out #2 because if stuff always existed, even in the form of energy it would have lost all of the energy by now....considering it started from eternity past.
Number 1 is the only answer. Stuff was created by God. Of course now you need to ask, where did God come from?
The answer is, God always existed. Never did He not exist. For stuff to be present today there is a requirement for something that always existed to have been its creator of stuff.
That was the short version.
OK. No scripture.
There are only several possibilities. Lets look at stuff. Stuff like chairs, houses, planets, stars ...the universe.
1) Stuff was created.
2) Stuff always existed
3) Stuff self created
We can rule out #3 because stuff can't self create. It can't be and not be at the same time.
We can rule out #2 because if stuff always existed, even in the form of energy it would have lost all of the energy by now....considering it started from eternity past.
Number 1 is the only answer. Stuff was created by God. Of course now you need to ask, where did God come from?
The answer is, God always existed. Never did He not exist. For stuff to be present today there is a requirement for something that always existed to have been its creator of stuff.
That was the short version.
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tucker58
Jesus is Lord
Well JassiKM welcome to this message board or at least for stopping by
! JassiKM all I have to give you is a testimonial based on sixty years of a relationship with Christ Jesus and His Father. I met The Father for the first time when I was five years old when I made my first prayer to God in the name of Christ Jesus. What I experienced with that first prayer left no doubt in my mind that both God and Lord Jesus are real. And what is funny is that I had never read the Bible or had ever gone to church because my parents weren't religious or church goers. From there after that first prayer at five years old Lord Jesus and His Father have always been a major part of my life through thick and thin.My life was crappy also until just recently (I am sixty-six), my personality programming, that I recieved as a child, was crappy and over the years changing it has been a ruff ride, and to be honest with you, for most of my life I did not consider God my friend. But Lord Jesus was my friend and He got me though a lot of hard times. To me based on that expereince life is just not doable without Lord Jesus.
So JassiKM, what is my suggestion or advice? I would suggest that you attempt to establish a relationship with Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit through meditation and prayer and if you attempt this They will help you with your life and with God. Things might not go the way that you think that they ought to go
but eventually you will reach a point where you thank them daily for the things that They have done for you and for the better understanding that you have reached with God.Love, Tuck
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I was raised the opposite. A lost nature-centered, without God in this world person.
At age 23 I heard His call in heart, when His Spirit bore witness within me, when He said "I Am" I replied in heart "you are", and was baptized in water to leave the old man nature to be raised up to put on the new man by His power, as in Romans 6:3,4; and soon after was baptized by the Holy Spirit (and never heard of such a thing). I was born again by the Spirit from power Above and the Bible came alive.
Yes, He is. Yes, the Bible is His word. His Spirit works within, according to His written word.
Blessed are those who put their trust in Him, even to be pleasing in His sight through the power that works within (Philippines 2:13,12).
He continues to write His word upon my heart (II Corinthians 3:3).
This is my witness He has produced.
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1213
Disciple of Jesus
And there is the problem. God is revealed in the scriptures. If you reject them, it is really difficult to see or hear God.
Personally I think Bible wouldn’t exist without God and I think Bible has information that proves it is inspired by God. However I don’t think we have anything to prove God is not just imaginary. All evidence could be turned down, even if it is real. But then I think good question is, if God would answer to you that He is not imaginary, would it really make any meaningful difference and what would that change be? Would you even recognize God? How? Who or what do you think God is? And why you want to have relationship with God? I would like to know also what you mean with devotion to God.
According to the Bible, God is love:
He who doesn't love doesn't know God, for God is love.
1 John 4:8
We know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and he who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him.
1 John 4:16
I know love and couldn’t say love doesn’t exist. But I understand life can feel bad sometimes. And I understand it can be difficult to believe. However, I know God’s word in the Bible and I know his will is good. That is why I want to be faithful to Him, even when all seems dark. “Love your neighbor” and other teachings in the Bible are good, even when there seems to be no light anywhere. I don’t think the point is to have relationship, but to have right understanding (become righteous) and see that the teachings in the Bible are good. In my opinion Bible teachings are good and I want to live according to them, even if God would not be real. I want to be loyal to him, even if He is not real, because I think He and his word are great and truth.
It is interesting that many people want to see and hear, but it often seems that they have shut their ears and eyes so that they couldn’t hear and see, even if God would say or show something. Often people seem to look into wrong direction, like in this:
"Therefore I tell you, don't be anxious for your life, what you will eat, nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they don't sow, they don't reap, they have no warehouse or barn, and God feeds them. How much more valuable are you than birds! Which of you by being anxious can add a cubit to his height? If then you aren't able to do even the least things, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow. They don't toil, neither do they spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if this is how God clothes the grass in the field, which today exists, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith? Don't seek what you will eat or what you will drink; neither be anxious. For the nations of the world seek after all of these things, but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek God's Kingdom, and all these things will be added to you.
Luke 12:22-31
If the focus is in wrong ideas, it can be difficult to see the right things.
And lastly I want to say, I don’t think God is like dog that can be commanded to do tricks. Disciples of Jesus can ask things in the name of Jesus and answer is promised. But I believe it always works as said in the Bible, not necessary in the way as people that are really not disciples of Jesus may want.
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Chriliman
Everything I need to be joyful is right here
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Focus on how Jesus came to serve and not be served. Look to Jesus and He will reveal God the Father to you. Remember that no one comes to Jesus unless the Father draws them and no one knows the Father unless the Son reveals Him.
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timewerx
the village i--o--t--
Sounds almost like my life story, except for the bf part. I have people, Christians who are a lot more successful than me gave the same advice you had from your friend.
I did not get a voice or a dream either, but I did read the Gospel straight, did not sleep for three days and I got my message. It turns out there are many people who got Christianity wrong. Read Luke 6:20-26, that might cheer you up! The verse proves that it is NOT God's duty to save us from difficulties all the time. Sometimes, we need those difficult times to grow, it is for our own good.
"Ask and you shall receive" - many Christians got this wrong....It has nothing to do with material blessings, wealth, and having a good life in this world. All that passage concerns about is what you need to do the Will of the Lord....
....Money or good life or a great career/success is NOT required to do the Will of the Lord. So if you're having a bad time, you're not any less-Christian....You're just having a bad time - because our world is evil and bad times are expected (1 John 5:19)
This is the Will of the Lord:
John 6:29
Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent."
Nothing can be simpler than that....Although in reality, it could be complicated because a lot of false teachers has gone out in the world telling a different message about God's Will.
I will not give you the advice to seek God. What I would like you to do is ask!
We are almost in the same boat. I crashed my career, failed to settle in life, no house, no car, nothing under my name either, all my peers are now way more successful than me and no longer wants to be my friend. Prayed and prayed, nothing but I hanged on. You can ask me why.
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HarvestTheFields
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I can definitely relate to the situation that you're in. I recently lost my childhood dog, and now my Grandmother, with whom I am very close, is expected to pass away today.
Were my prayers for healing answered in either situation? No, in fact, both my dog and my Grandmother declined in health quite rapidly. It's normal to "angry" at God after such occurrences. I don't blame you for doubting God in these times of struggles. When we don't understand his will, things can seem rather confusing in the short-run.
However, we have to remember that a strong relationship with God is fruitful. These are the words that I've been living by recently:
In God's presence, all our fears are washed away. (Taken from the song "Hosanna, Praise is Rising")
We have to have faith in God's grand plan. We have to remember that God loves us. In the end, his will is based on love. Sure, we may struggle during our time here on earth, but at the end of the day, it will seem tiny while we're in heaven.
Now, onto your real question. Is God real?
If there was a definite answer to this question, no one would be debating. Everyone would be Christian, and there would be little need for genuine faith. However, we can find solid evidence for the existence of God. Hundreds of millions of people have their own personal testimonies that can act as individual anchors for their faith. I hope that someday, you can have more of these "anchors" in which the foundation of your faith can be built upon. As 1213 said, "If the focus is in wrong ideas, it can be difficult to see the right things". When God does put his grace on our lives, we must be able to see the right things. As a result, our faith will have the opportunity to grow.
Anyways, I look forward to having fruitful discussions on this topic in the future. Sorry for the rant.
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Teslafied
Watt is love? Baby don't hertz me no more.
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It seems like you have a very VERY selfish view of God as if you've served him for over 20 years not because you love Him but because you want him to be your magical genie. Also you're wrong about him not answering your prayers, the fact that you're alive now Is an answered prayer.
The key to answered prayers is humbling yourself, serving God with love not because you have to or because you want something but simply because you love Him.
Isn't the fact that He sent His only begotten Son to die on the cross for you enough? Why are you seeking signs like the Pharisees and Sadducees? Simply believe it's that simple.
Of course we all love answered prayers but quite honestly I love God enough to say whether He ever does anything for me or not I will still serve Him, to be quite frank we don't deserve His love or mercy! Stop thinking you deserve something! If anything you, me, and the rest of the world deserve hell! But thanks to God the Father for sending His only begotten Son we don't have to go to hell!
Hate to be so blunt but suck it up and stop being selfish, humble yourself and He will lift you up!
The key to answered prayers is humbling yourself, serving God with love not because you have to or because you want something but simply because you love Him.
Isn't the fact that He sent His only begotten Son to die on the cross for you enough? Why are you seeking signs like the Pharisees and Sadducees? Simply believe it's that simple.
Of course we all love answered prayers but quite honestly I love God enough to say whether He ever does anything for me or not I will still serve Him, to be quite frank we don't deserve His love or mercy! Stop thinking you deserve something! If anything you, me, and the rest of the world deserve hell! But thanks to God the Father for sending His only begotten Son we don't have to go to hell!
Hate to be so blunt but suck it up and stop being selfish, humble yourself and He will lift you up!
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Teslafied
Watt is love? Baby don't hertz me no more.
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That you know of anyway...
You're right those prayers are selfless but they become selfish when you demand or expect God to answer them exactly the way you want and if He doesn't you turn your back on Him.
I'm sorry this has happened I too have been cheated on before I got married. Instead of moping around over all this why don't you realize that maybe Gods trying to show you that your fiancée wasn't the right guy for you. Afterall would you really want to marry someone who you can't even trust???
So? Forget the 6k! You're alive that's an answered prayer!
but God is for you!!!
at least you had a job to lose, many around the world cannot even find a job. As for moving I'm sorry you had to move but you have another place to go unlike many homeless individuals.
I don't see faith in anything you've said but merely the opposite, in fact all I see is selfish demands.
You've stepped up your Bible game? Let me ask did you read the Bible solely because you wanted your prayers answered or did you do so out of love for Him?
I'm afraid neither me nor you get to make demands. Also sometimes God does not speak in some load roaring voice but instead He speaks in a small still voice. Also it's only been 8 days and you're already insinuating that you were just speaking to the air, the Bible says without faith its impossible to please God.
Who has moved? God is still there.
ID implore that you don't throw in the towel because you think you have it so rough now just wait until you turn your back on God and the Holy Spirit leaves you because you don't want Him and you have to endure the world without His complete protection. And possibly all eternity in hell.
The fact that you don't want anyone to provide scripture speaks volumes. Scripture is how God has originally revealed Himself to all mankind. Without Scriptures aka the Bible no Christian would have life, as the Bible is not just some dusty old book its leaving and breathing !
Humble yourself and He will lift you up. The righteous fall many times but the Lord lifts them up everytime! All you need is faith, faith the size of a mustard seed. It sounds like the problem isn't God but it's your lack of faith!
again the problem is not God it's you, and I know this will anger you and hurt you and that's not my goal... My goal is to get you to see that by the way you're acting it appears to me that you have already lost faith a long time ago. It's so easy to serve God in the good times, yet many fail when it comes to serving Him in the bad times. Look at Abraham and Isaac... Abraham could have given up when God commanded Him to sacrifice his son Isaac, but Abraham listened and obeyed he kept the faith and in the end God provides the lamb! Our lamb today is Christ! Trust in Jesus not because you demand a sign or because you need a genie to grant your every wish, but serve Him from your heart because you love Him and I can guarantee you will see a difference! How do I know this? Because I have been delivered numerous times from things similar to you... In fact I've gone through things that would make most people completely give up, yet I remained not in my own accord I literally remained in Him.
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I really thought about this. There's just no way to explain WHY you do not sense Him.
Problems and trials in our lives are there to cause us to grow in faith as we overcome them.
If most of your prayers are about "taking care" of problems, then try thanking Him instead FOR the problem and ask for the meaning of it and ask Him to provide a way to overcome them. THIS is the type of prayers He will certainly respond to. Of course we all want answers like yesterday but He seems to make us wait. So what you do while you wait is to SPEND TIME seeking Him.
Spending TIME seems to be a sort of key to finding that treasure you seek so earnestly. When you hear nothing, you know that you need to be out digging. Practically nobody just finds a treasure laying out in the open.
We love you!
Problems and trials in our lives are there to cause us to grow in faith as we overcome them.
If most of your prayers are about "taking care" of problems, then try thanking Him instead FOR the problem and ask for the meaning of it and ask Him to provide a way to overcome them. THIS is the type of prayers He will certainly respond to. Of course we all want answers like yesterday but He seems to make us wait. So what you do while you wait is to SPEND TIME seeking Him.
Spending TIME seems to be a sort of key to finding that treasure you seek so earnestly. When you hear nothing, you know that you need to be out digging. Practically nobody just finds a treasure laying out in the open.
We love you!
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Far Side Of the Moon
" The moon is high& the stars are aligned" :)
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Please stop ! She is not selfish...youre probably a person who God communicates with daily..if you experienced what she did..*exactly* you'd feel the exact same way... We all need a little proof to believe what we believe...so stop bashing her!
Now on to the OP.. I never experienced God's love or felt warm fuzzy feelings but more than anything God has communicated with me through my dreams..i always wondered why God wouldn't talk to me the he talked to others..
However, I have basic faith... When I look into the world...i see god in the trees,sky,people, the stars in the sky and always know he's with with me...
Even if I am physical alone...i just dont feel entirely alone..and that is a blessing
.just look at what you do have..if you just believe god exists.. And read daily..your ahead of alot of people...
God wont hold you accountable for not being a pastor or evangelist if he has called you to be that...
Please hang in there.
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Far Side Of the Moon
" The moon is high& the stars are aligned" :)
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I agree with some of what you said..but I feel God knows what's beat for us...there are just some people he doesn't communicate with like that... Why did God talk to Moses more than Aaron? Why was John the disciple whom God loved? ...Why was God behind the scenes in Esther's story and silent ?
God knows the best way to communicate with some people...for some he talks to the personally..others through his word till they're ready for that next step.
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Teslafied
Watt is love? Baby don't hertz me no more.
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I wasn't bashing her, AND I have gone through what she's gone through and more! I have been through terrible breakups, I've been cheated on, I lost my mother in 2011 to suicide so don't assume that I've not been through anything.
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I you have felt love from anyone in your life (grandmother?) you have experienced God. Yes God is revealed in the scriptures but so much more in the world around us if we see things as He sees them. Watch the exuberant joy of a child at play, the patience of a mother with an unruly child, the love of a dog, the beauty in nature around us... God is evident in all His creation...
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Far Side Of the Moon
" The moon is high& the stars are aligned" :)
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Seeing as you've "been through what she's been through" you of all people should be the most empathetic...all i see is you calling her selfish and going off..if anything it seems like youre projecting your own issues on her...im all for constructive criticism but..yours just seemed to be bashing
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