• Starting today August 7th, 2024, in order to post in the Married Couples, Courting Couples, or Singles forums, you will not be allowed to post if you have your Marital status designated as private. Announcements will be made in the respective forums as well but please note that if yours is currently listed as Private, you will need to submit a ticket in the Support Area to have yours changed.

  • CF has always been a site that welcomes people from different backgrounds and beliefs to participate in discussion and even debate. That is the nature of its ministry. In view of recent events emotions are running very high. We need to remind people of some basic principles in debating on this site. We need to be civil when we express differences in opinion. No personal attacks. Avoid you, your statements. Don't characterize an entire political party with comparisons to Fascism or Communism or other extreme movements that committed atrocities. CF is not the place for broad brush or blanket statements about groups and political parties. Put the broad brushes and blankets away when you come to CF, better yet, put them in the incinerator. Debate had no place for them. We need to remember that people that commit acts of violence represent themselves or a small extreme faction.
  • We hope the site problems here are now solved, however, if you still have any issues, please start a ticket in Contact Us

What Is Your Focus?

brokenbananas

Senior Veteran
Apr 3, 2004
2,532
230
57
✟26,316.00
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Republican
Hi All,

It's been awhile since I've been in this forum. As I periodically read some of these posts, so many things go on through my mind. Often times, I don't have the time to write all the things I'm thinking about. But, I do feel particularly burdened for so many people in this forum as well as many of the forums here on CF. I also recognize that not everyone who posts in CF are Christians, and I try to be mindful of that.

One of the things that I've tried to be aware of are people's feelings. Being a fairly analytical person, sometimes, even as a woman, I lack sensitivity towards others. Please forgive me if anything I might write may sound insensitive. Lots of things have been on my mind about ya'll. It is not my intention to be hurtful.

A general theme that I see often in CF is a lot of hurt, despair, hopelessness, defeat, and victim mentality. The expression, "Misery loves company" seems to be so true. I'm not trying to be critical, but it may sound like it. Some of the same people want to get better, but rather than do something different and focusing strictly on who God is, being victorious in Him, claiming your strength in Jesus Christ, you continually focus on the problem, situation, circumstance you have. Over and over again you play your defeat or failure in your head. Sure, it may have been a big terrible thing that happened, but it continues to grow bigger as you constantly dwell on it. It works almost like an avalanche...and sooner than you know it, you're so consumed by whatever it is that ails you, that you find no way out. You look for people who feel similar as you to validate or to share similar experiences to yours. Maybe it's a way of relating. I've been there, done that for far too long. That's not right.

However, that leads to a lot of destruction if not dealt with properly. Most will not deal with any of this properly and begin a downward, deadly spiral. Is it ok to not feel good about a bad situation? Sure, but learn from it...see what God is trying to tell you, teach you, show you. Let it go. Move on. I'm thinking of this song sung by Lesley Glassford called, "Let It Go".

You attract whatever it is you focus on whether you believe it or not. Look around you. What kind of people do you attract? What situations do you attract? Believe me, I've been on both sides. It takes a lot of work to focus on positive things, especially the things of God. Satan works hard to STEAL, KILL, and DESTROY your marriages, your testimony, your families, your relationships. He knows that once you are saved, that he can't take away your salvation, but he'll do his darndest to get you to NOT draw other Christians closer to Christ or to lead the unsaved to Christ. He's so cunning.

Every day we must get up and claim the power of Jesus in our lives, delve into His Word, immerse ourselves in prayer & protection from the forces of evil that work against us. I want each of you to be empowered in the name of Jesus Christ. Stop being victims. Take responsibility, be accountable. Step out in faith and trust God. Don't be fearful. That's not of God. It doesn't matter what your education is, your socio-economic status, whatever.

This is sad for me to say, but I have avoided coming to CF too often because I don't really find that many people on here truly claiming the power of Jesus in their lives. The victim, hopeless, defeated attitudes bring me down and I have to remove myself to keep from getting sucked into all this. Many live as defeated Christians and that is an oximoron. That's NOT how God intends for us to live. Yes, I know we all have down periods, but REFUSE to wallow in misery. Pick yourself back up. In order for me to be effective in my daily walk with Christ, be there for my husband, children, co-workers, other people, I need to focus on the power of Jesus and gain strength through Him. So many things work daily to tear me down. Yes, there are some people at CF that are encouraging. I'm thankful for them. I want to be encouraging, too.

I try to focus on what I can do and what God can do through me, through others, etc. I know the battle is already won and that I have power over Satan through Jesus Christ. Each of you who are Christians also can tap into that same power.

There are a couple groups I'm in that are predominantly non-Christian in exercise. There is not a real focus on God, but no one objects to me sharing about God. Those 2 forums contain many people who are not Christians, but that have wonderful attitudes. They do not have a victim mentality, but one that believes they can do all things. Imagine if they became Christians what they could do. They also have problems just like you or me, but they refuse to be defeated by them. As Christians who have the power of Christ, shouldn't we be so much more optimistic? Yet, why aren't many? If we looked at our lives, can we say that others would be attracted to Jesus because of our testimony? I'm not saying we have to be fake and everything is all hunky dory. But, what really sets us apart from the world?

Another one of my friends said that he hates most Christians because they are defeatists, crooks, hypocrites and users of people. He said he never wanted to be like that and that I was the exception. Even my good testimony is destroyed by other people who call themselves "Christians" who screw people over. Many of my siblings & parents feel the same way. How do people see us? Are they drawn or repelled by our testimonies? People watch. It's very convicting for me.

In Phil 4:13 it says, "I CAN do ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST who STRENGTHENS me." That has been a life verse for me. If that is your life verse, does your life really reflect it? If not, why not? If so, how does it?

Food for Thought,
Doris
 

Jenna

Senior Veteran
Jun 13, 2002
3,089
192
Michigan
Visit site
✟4,598.00
Faith
Messianic
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Constitution
Yup, there usually is that difficulty with walking the line between identifying, sharing, and purging.....versus wallowing in a sense of helplessness. I would say that much of what I witness is not people who feel down because they cannot accomplish something themselves, but that they have finally come to the realization that they cannot change someone else. Some people thrive once they feel the burden of this 'trying' lifted from their shoulders. Others feel beat down by the thought that they cannot control how other people react or treat them. We are all quirky people who take life lessons differently.

There are days when I wonder about myself, in addition to others, concerning the level of faith. Do I have enough faith to put my trust in the Lord when it feels uncomfortable, when I am vulnerable, when people say mean things to/about me? When I'm not sure how I can answer, I pray that the Lord increases my faith and comforts me. Does that mean that I stop having hurts or that I stop sharing amongst those that I have come to have great affection for? Nope, not at all. When one part of the body is ailing, the rest do not shut down vital functions to that particular part. No, every part of the body works harder to overcome the infection.

All in all, I think that sharing our hurts and experiences can be very helpful in reminding each other and unbelievers that we are human and have trials. It is important to take to heart though that we can bend under the weight without breaking, that the Lord will sustain us and give us rest. If all the world ever sees of us are our tears, then they won't believe much of our rejoicing. I think that it all comes down to balance, and most of all, faith. :)
 
Upvote 0

SkyeBlue8

Active Member
Nov 4, 2004
51
0
New England
✟162.00
Faith
Pentecostal
Hi Mdolls,
Even though what you've said is true that many people are very negative and hopeless, this forum does do countless people a whole lot of good. My faith is increased due to this website! The negative things are outweighed by all the good things that people have to say. Personally I can say that a lot of times when I'm caught in a sin, or I'm discouraged, I wallow in self-pity, I get angry and bitter, and I look for others to say 'oh poor baby', and stuff like that, stuff that wont help me. That's what a lot of people are doing, maybe? That's one thing I'm counting on God to change about me.

Jenna I also wonder if I am able to handle certain situations. Not just coping with it, but conquering the trial with a joyful heart! God says to rejoice and be glad in all situations. Even if we're having the worst day we need to rejoice..I don't think I'm there yet. I have a long way to go in my faith.
 
Upvote 0

brokenbananas

Senior Veteran
Apr 3, 2004
2,532
230
57
✟26,316.00
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Republican
Jenna/SkyBlue8,

Thank you for you your response. It was very well thought out. It comes down to balance. As far as hurts, I recognize that as Christians especially, and particularly those who are on track with God making huge strides, they will come under even more fire from Satan. I just want to be mindful that we're not helping others wallow in self-pity and the like, rather to be empathetic and help lift them up...as you talked about referring to what the body does when one part isn't feeling so well.

My own walk with God this year has grown, I've seen God move mightily. However, I had to stop doing certain things like self-pity, blaming others, self-condemnation, and the list of other destructive things go on. This also includes submitting to those in authority over me, which I've had huge issues, which I've relinquished this area finally to God. What I've read in the past, but has really struck home with me is the area of our thoughts. Whatever it is that consumes our thoughts, we pretty much become whether it is true or not. For example, if you think you are a loser, then most likely you'll do loser type things.

We need to claim the verse in 2 Cor. 10:5 where it says, "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God; we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." It doesn't say some thoughts or thoughts when we feel like it, it says EVERY thought. Man, that's tough. But, God gives grace & mercy to us every single day because every single day I fail at this. However, as my walk continues to grow, stray thoughts become harder and harder because of how the Holy Spirit works in me.

Over the past couple weeks, my last living grandparent died, there has/is a lot of family tension between my parents & their spouses (all this secrecy/deception), my siblings and I are caught in the middle of this, got hit with a $1600 bill from my siblings for lawyer fees for some other stuff that I didn't know was coming and they want the money this weekend (it wasn't planned for...and we don't have that money right now for that), work stuff, a wedding video shoot gone bad so we possibly may have to have done this for free and a write off (but, we sure could've used that money), our stock stuff hasn't been going so well, recovering from an injury, and my husband and I are just plain burned out where we need a real vacation, but don't have the time or finances to do this above what we are already doing.

This past week, we just wrote out a check to our church for nearly as much as what my siblings want. As Henry and I prayed about this, Henry thanked God we were able to give and that although had we known of this bill, we still would've given...because that money was God's and not ours. As we prayed, we just have to trust God that we'll somehow be able to come up with the money. How? It'll take a miracle. My tendency is to worry. Things have been so stressful for us in so many ways. This weekend is my grandfather's Memorial and all this family will be here.

God is in control, even if all these things are chaotic in my life. Somewhere in the midst of all this, it is a part of God's plan. I KNOW Satan is trying to discourage us because we want to serve God. It is necessary to step out in faith in my thoughts, actions, etc. and just trust God and take one step at a time....to not worry, to not be anxious, to not dwell on our situations, rather the power of God.

My previous post was not written because everything is going hunky dory, but on the contrary. These past months my husband and I have been under such heavy attack from Satan that it's not even funny as we have sought more diligently to step out in faith to serve God. We've had to go to God every single day for strength, wisdom, encouragement. It's also been another reason why I haven't participated in CF as much because I've needed to surround myself with positive, encouraging people. Focusing on all my problems doesn't help, rather focusing on the power of what God can do through a person wholly yielded and submitted to Him moves me. Focus on solutions, and allowing God to work. God has done some awesome things in my life this past year, that it is so humbling. God is amazing. He has so much love for us, and cares for even the smallest of things. We are not worthy, but His love is infinite and perfect.

Yes, we do have hurts, but in order for people to move on, they need to "let go and let God" as cliché as that may sound. It takes a very conscious effort to do that. It's not easy, but it's a lot easier than clinging onto our problems. A part of letting go is to not dwell on those things, but to move on.

It's fine to share to a point. My sharing some was just an example. It is very, very uncomfortable to step out in faith. Sometimes I just want to give up because this walk with God is so hard. However, Satan wants that and KNOWING beyond a shadow of a doubt that GOD has already won the battle for me comforts & encourages me. Trust Him. You asked if you had enough faith. Sometimes we will question our faith, and during those times we really need people who are on fire for God to pray and encourage us, claim God's promises/His Word BOLDLY, and stand strongly AGAINST SATAN. We are fighting a spiritual battle, not one of flesh and blood. The enemy comes to STEAL, KILL, and DESTROY. This isn't a pretty battle and much worse than any war man can ever fight.

We must stand together as brothers and sisters in Christ. I also recognize that people are at various stages in their walk with Christ, but for those who are stronger and more seasoned, we should instead encourage rather than enable people to continually wallow in self-pity and to, of course, pray for each other.

Be Blessed,
Doris
 
Upvote 0

Lulubee

Member
Nov 13, 2004
20
0
46
✟22,630.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
Mdolls - Your posts are so refreshing. I have to ask forgiveness constantly for my lack of doubt in God's power. I've been one of those doubting Christians for so long, wallowing in self-pity and guilt when we're not suppose to feel guilt or worry.

I believe these forums are here to help, not bring down but we can easily fall into that trap of wanting people to tell us it's all going to be okay and we'll be fine. Of course, those things could be true but they're not helpful. Whenever I start complaining about my life, I need a swift kick in the behind, not pity for my situation. If I have a serious issue (my marriage), I want people to pray for me and give me insight as to their own situation or Biblical advice but if I start to say "woe is me" and complain about my husband, I've gone into an area that I shouldn't. Since I'm new to the CF, I haven't posted very much, just observed. I can see there are many supportive Christians on the boards that give sound advice and are encouraging.

It's disappointing when there are a handful of us out there that give a bad name to the world. Many non-Christians or unbelievers I know, have no desire to learn more about God because of either 1) an over-zealous Christian that came on too strong and didn't try to adapt to the person and get on their level or 2) someone who proclaimed to be a Christian but yet lives like the world.

People are watching our every move if they know we believe in God. I've had a difficult finding that balance between being in the world and purging out the world without hurting and offending people. I've had to apologize to a few people for my behaviour. I started growing so fast and then all of a sudden, I was ignoring friends because they were hypocritical Christians. Then I had to take a look at my own walk and realize that I've been that hypocritical Christian my whole life! And turning my back on those friends MADE me hypocritical. I don't need to always associate with people that bring me down and that I become weak around, but I do need to let them know that I love them and pray for them. And I had a bigger problem with Christians that were sinning in their life than unbelievers who do much worse things. I have to remember that we're all sinners saved by grace!
So, in short, thank you again for your posts.
 
Upvote 0

heartnsoul

Don't settle for less than God's best!
Nov 3, 2004
1,925
181
in the palm of God's hand
✟28,028.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
mdolls68 said:
Jenna/SkyBlue8,

This past week, we just wrote out a check to our church for nearly as much as what my siblings want. As Henry and I prayed about this, Henry thanked God we were able to give and that although had we known of this bill, we still would've given...because that money was God's and not ours. As we prayed, we just have to trust God that we'll somehow be able to come up with the money. How? It'll take a miracle. My tendency is to worry. Things have been so stressful for us in so many ways. This weekend is my grandfather's Memorial and all this family will be here.
I'm sure God will work out a miracle for you with regard to your financial situation. Just curious though, if you had not written the check out because of financial stress right now, do you think God would punish you? I believe God is big, loving and reasonable enough that if you were "tight" on money for a month or so (temporarily), that it wouldn't hurt your walk with God if you decided not to write a check to the church for a few months until your own financial situation is stabilized. Just a thought...

I think too many of us Christians feel guilty and are under the belief that God has this big stick ready whack us over the head if we don't do things consistently 100% of the time. In your situation, it's not a question of disrespecting God, it's just not having enough money right now. Who in their right mind (including God) wouldn't have compassion for you and understand that? Anyway, regardless of your decision to write that check, I'm sure things will work out for you if you keep believing. Faith in God is what it's all about and know that God will never let you down. :thumbsup:
 
Upvote 0

brokenbananas

Senior Veteran
Apr 3, 2004
2,532
230
57
✟26,316.00
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Republican
Giving that money was a measure of faith. We weren't doing it to be legalistic, but we felt that it was something we needed to do and wanted to do. When you have abundance, it's easy to give, but do we still give when we don't know if there's going to be enough? Although we knew we had the one bill at the end of Dec to pay and the one in mid-Jan, it was still far enough away that we could earn enough to pay those extra expenses. The bill from my siblings was totally unexpected and after we gave the check to the church.

I don't feel that God is out there to wait for me to slip up, but cares so much for me and wants this relationship with me on a daily basis. I believe He would understand, but I believe also there is greater blessing when we step out in faith to trust that God would meet our needs. We did the best we could and still things happened. We accept it and move on from there, not worrying.

Today a friend of mine asked me to join her and another friend for lunch. I knew I had this $1600 bill and looked in my wallet. I had the money to pay for my portion of lunch and said ok because I needed the fellowship and break from work temporarily. Turns out, the friend that picked us up paid for all our lunches. Praise God.

We set aside yesterday to pray and to not worry. Believe me, coming from an ex-control freak, that's pretty much out of my comfort zone. I prayed coming to work and during work, trusting God would meet our needs. How, I have no idea? My husband called me and said out of the blue today he got a call from a lawyer in CA to possibly do some video work...which would equate to around $2400. Last night, my husband after I told him how much we owed, he said we'd better not take the small vacation we were going to take next week for 2 days.

I said that we badly need to get away from here and we really need the vacation. We just need to trust God that He would help us here also. I don't know if my husband's going to get this job or not, which will occur in a couple days to right up to Thanksgiving, but if he does, that's a total miracle. If not, I'm sure God will have some other way.

Things like this on a smaller scale have been happening to us all year....as we step out in faith to trust God, claiming His Word, and refusing to give way to Satan....God is blessing. He doesn't always bless how we would like, but however He does it, it is perfect.

Be Encouraged,
Doris
 
Upvote 0

heartnsoul

Don't settle for less than God's best!
Nov 3, 2004
1,925
181
in the palm of God's hand
✟28,028.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
mdolls68 said:
Hi All,

It's been awhile since I've been in this forum. As I periodically read some of these posts, so many things go on through my mind. Often times, I don't have the time to write all the things I'm thinking about. But, I do feel particularly burdened for so many people in this forum as well as many of the forums here on CF. I also recognize that not everyone who posts in CF are Christians, and I try to be mindful of that.

One of the things that I've tried to be aware of are people's feelings. Being a fairly analytical person, sometimes, even as a woman, I lack sensitivity towards others. Please forgive me if anything I might write may sound insensitive. Lots of things have been on my mind about ya'll. It is not my intention to be hurtful.

A general theme that I see often in CF is a lot of hurt, despair, hopelessness, defeat, and victim mentality. The expression, "Misery loves company" seems to be so true. I'm not trying to be critical, but it may sound like it. Some of the same people want to get better, but rather than do something different and focusing strictly on who God is, being victorious in Him, claiming your strength in Jesus Christ, you continually focus on the problem, situation, circumstance you have. Over and over again you play your defeat or failure in your head. Sure, it may have been a big terrible thing that happened, but it continues to grow bigger as you constantly dwell on it. It works almost like an avalanche...and sooner than you know it, you're so consumed by whatever it is that ails you, that you find no way out. You look for people who feel similar as you to validate or to share similar experiences to yours. Maybe it's a way of relating. I've been there, done that for far too long. That's not right.

However, that leads to a lot of destruction if not dealt with properly. Most will not deal with any of this properly and begin a downward, deadly spiral. Is it ok to not feel good about a bad situation? Sure, but learn from it...see what God is trying to tell you, teach you, show you. Let it go. Move on. I'm thinking of this song sung by Lesley Glassford called, "Let It Go".

You attract whatever it is you focus on whether you believe it or not. Look around you. What kind of people do you attract? What situations do you attract? Believe me, I've been on both sides. It takes a lot of work to focus on positive things, especially the things of God. Satan works hard to STEAL, KILL, and DESTROY your marriages, your testimony, your families, your relationships. He knows that once you are saved, that he can't take away your salvation, but he'll do his darndest to get you to NOT draw other Christians closer to Christ or to lead the unsaved to Christ. He's so cunning.

Every day we must get up and claim the power of Jesus in our lives, delve into His Word, immerse ourselves in prayer & protection from the forces of evil that work against us. I want each of you to be empowered in the name of Jesus Christ. Stop being victims. Take responsibility, be accountable. Step out in faith and trust God. Don't be fearful. That's not of God. It doesn't matter what your education is, your socio-economic status, whatever.

This is sad for me to say, but I have avoided coming to CF too often because I don't really find that many people on here truly claiming the power of Jesus in their lives. The victim, hopeless, defeated attitudes bring me down and I have to remove myself to keep from getting sucked into all this. Many live as defeated Christians and that is an oximoron. That's NOT how God intends for us to live. Yes, I know we all have down periods, but REFUSE to wallow in misery. Pick yourself back up. In order for me to be effective in my daily walk with Christ, be there for my husband, children, co-workers, other people, I need to focus on the power of Jesus and gain strength through Him. So many things work daily to tear me down. Yes, there are some people at CF that are encouraging. I'm thankful for them. I want to be encouraging, too.

I try to focus on what I can do and what God can do through me, through others, etc. I know the battle is already won and that I have power over Satan through Jesus Christ. Each of you who are Christians also can tap into that same power.

There are a couple groups I'm in that are predominantly non-Christian in exercise. There is not a real focus on God, but no one objects to me sharing about God. Those 2 forums contain many people who are not Christians, but that have wonderful attitudes. They do not have a victim mentality, but one that believes they can do all things. Imagine if they became Christians what they could do. They also have problems just like you or me, but they refuse to be defeated by them. As Christians who have the power of Christ, shouldn't we be so much more optimistic? Yet, why aren't many? If we looked at our lives, can we say that others would be attracted to Jesus because of our testimony? I'm not saying we have to be fake and everything is all hunky dory. But, what really sets us apart from the world?

Another one of my friends said that he hates most Christians because they are defeatists, crooks, hypocrites and users of people. He said he never wanted to be like that and that I was the exception. Even my good testimony is destroyed by other people who call themselves "Christians" who screw people over. Many of my siblings & parents feel the same way. How do people see us? Are they drawn or repelled by our testimonies? People watch. It's very convicting for me.

In Phil 4:13 it says, "I CAN do ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST who STRENGTHENS me." That has been a life verse for me. If that is your life verse, does your life really reflect it? If not, why not? If so, how does it?

Food for Thought,
Doris

Doris, I agree with all of your feelings. It is discouraging and disheartening sometimes to read about people who are just looking to vent. It's funny you posted this because I was just talking to my husband about the very same thing the other night. I was thinking is it worth my time to give advice to everyone if most of them ignore the advice? I spend hours sometimes writing on this forum. And you know what he said? My husband said that if we can just impact *one* person's life in a positive way, then it's all worth it. WOW...what a breakthrough thought! So let's not grow weary or tired of doing the *right* thing for others. The weak needs the strong and vice-versa. The weak needs the strong sometimes to help them along their spiritual journey. That's the beauty of friendships and relationships. And there are some days that the strong need the weak for companionship, comfort and reassurance too. And I always try to remember that it wasn't too long ago when I was troubled and lost. All of us have days like that. We all are on different walks with God. Helping others is compassion and love from the heart that is also a powerful testimony to God working in our lives. I am thankful God never grew tired of loving and helping me all those years I shut him out. God is AWESOME!! :amen:
 
Upvote 0

brokenbananas

Senior Veteran
Apr 3, 2004
2,532
230
57
✟26,316.00
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Republican
Heartnsoul,

You are absolutely. One of the points I was making is there needs to be a balance. There are points in my life where there is great strength and it does not discourage me to read some of these. Then, there are other times when all these things bring me way down, thus, I'm not able to be effective for my family, work, etc.

I don't have the time to spend hours writing or reading, so, I must choose wisely what I read and what I write back to. I also really wanted to provided some hope and encouragement to those in some dire straits and that our God is so loving & powerful. He is way beyond measure. Many of us say we believe that God can do anything, but do our actions reflect it? Even I am challenged by that question. Sometimes I think I am and other times I'm not. Every day is different.

Thank you for pointing that out to me. I'm glad others can see why I posted what I posted and that I am not alone in my thoughts. I am glad others are claiming the power of Jesus in their lives.
 
Upvote 0

Lena75

Well-Known Member
Aug 11, 2004
13,766
1,175
✟21,104.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Private
Hey Doris! :wave:

I agree with your posts. Took me a couple times reading it before it sunk in, :doh: but yeah. There have been times where I just wanted to "vent" and whine and complain about what's going on my life. But personally, I think it's just best to take it to the Lord in prayer and leave it there. Now asking for advice from fellow Christians or non-Christians is good. Gives us different views on certain situations. Variety. That's nice to be able to do that here.

Thanks for yet another refresher's course! :)
 
Upvote 0

whatseekye

Well-Known Member
Aug 30, 2004
819
69
55
Los Angeles
✟1,283.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
mdolls68 said:
Every day we must get up and claim the power of Jesus in our lives, delve into His Word, immerse ourselves in prayer & protection from the forces of evil that work against us. I want each of you to be empowered in the name of Jesus Christ. Stop being victims. Take responsibility, be accountable. Step out in faith and trust God. Don't be fearful. That's not of God. It doesn't matter what your education is, your socio-economic status, whatever.
God bless you, Doris! It's good to hear someone exhorting others to a stronger relationship with Jesus Christ. I think that if more people would pray first, they'd be amazed at what God can do. I have to constantly remind myself of this truth. It's strange how we lose focus so easily.
One of my favorite quotes is:

"If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you’ll be at rest." - Corrie ten Boom

Jesus promises us peace. I remember that after the resurrection, when he appeared to the apostles who had locked themselves in a room (from fear of being attacked), Jesus appeared suddenly and said to them, "Shalom". Peace be with you.

Jesus promised us and exhorted us:

"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful."

-- John 14:27

I have often felt that I spend to much time online. I have even wanted to quit visiting cf due to sometimes feeling it gets negative and needlessly argumentative. But each time I have thought of leaving, something has happened to encourage me, and I thought, "Someone must be praying over cf as a ministry". Because sometimes it's very encouraging and very good fellowship.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][size=-1]. . . The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." [/size][/font]

[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][size=-1]-- Philippians 4:6-7, 9 [/size][/font]

We really need to pray more and take our problems to God first. Then we can ask for advice on cf and not be so defeated by our troubles.​


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

--John 16:33
:thumbsup: Here's a really cool article on this topic:
 
Upvote 0

brokenbananas

Senior Veteran
Apr 3, 2004
2,532
230
57
✟26,316.00
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Republican
Lena & WhatSeekYe,

Thank you for both your posts. Yes, I have felt similar, too.

Just wanted to share that my husband did not get that contract work that would've paid the lawyer bill (my share) due to my siblings, but that's ok. I know God will somehow meet our needs, or something. I will still keep focused on Christ.

God is awesome and for some reason, this is God's will. Why He would have us get that phone call, I don't know. Maybe it was just a reminder to us that He does care. Some might think that God is toying with them. But, I don't. Not quite sure what the purpose was, but He's God and He doesn't have to explain to me. I just know that He does all things for my good, so I have to trust that He's doing that.

There would've been blessings either way. Maybe it takes faith to continue to trust Him, even when it would be easy not to. I'm glad is more awesome than I can ever imagine.

Have a blessed evening everyone,
Doris
 
  • Like
Reactions: Busybee
Upvote 0

Busybee

As For Me And My House We Will Serve The Lord
Aug 17, 2004
1,795
63
49
TN
Visit site
✟2,281.00
Faith
Baptist
Marital Status
Married
Excellent post Doris. It took me a second to absorb what you were saying, but I definitely see your point.

We don't want the world to think our problems are something that's even we as Christians can't overcome because afterall we have the Lord Jesus ready and waiting to help us.

I do believe when the unsaved see us as Christians having more negative things to say than positive, how can we expect them to believe that life in Jesus Christ is any better than that of the world.

This has been an encouraging post without doubt.

God bless
 
Upvote 0

whatseekye

Well-Known Member
Aug 30, 2004
819
69
55
Los Angeles
✟1,283.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
mdolls68 said:
Just wanted to share that my husband did not get that contract work that would've paid the lawyer bill (my share) due to my siblings, but that's ok. I know God will somehow meet our needs, or something. I will still keep focused on Christ.
I'm praying for you and your husband! May the Lord reveal his hand in your life and increase your faith during the days ahead.
 
Upvote 0