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Message |
Raven
Registered user
Username: Raven
Post Number: 343
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 5:01 am: |     |
Lately, Colleen, I've been thinking along similar lines. It's kind strange that I too feel at peace and a sense of warmth with the people we are at church with now. And yet paradoxically, I was feeling frustrated that it was easier to fit in at the SDA church. I agree that the SDA fellowship is more of a counterfeit, because it wasn't peaceful and there wasn't a lot of warmth. And yet we all had this strange commonality of being different and special, and that's where our belonging was centered. Unfortunately, it's never been easy for me to fit in anywhere, because I'm more at home with a computer and numbers than with people. At the SDA church I belonged simply because I was a "good" SDA, and many people knew my dad. Here (at our current church), I don't know how to get to know anybody, but I still like going and soaking up the Christian warmth.
(Message edited by Raven on December 15, 2005) |
Sabra
Registered user
Username: Sabra
Post Number: 387
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 5:26 am: | |
Blacksheep,
I just wanted to point out that Sunday Keepers is an SDA doctrine.
We don't keep anything but Jesus!
You know, I had the ah ha moment the other day when I was thinking about Emmanuel Wouldn't that mean "the manual" --the law-- ?
Christ is Emmanuel, isn't that cool? |
Blacksheep
Registered user
Username: Blacksheep
Post Number: 31
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 5:45 am: | |
Ya, Sabra, I remember when I typed "Sunday Keepers" I had this blurry mind momment that I was thinking as an SDA, but unable to think of a better way to say it.
Must have been that SDA tunnel vision! |
Olga
Registered user
Username: Olga
Post Number: 12
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 7:29 am: | |
Snowboardingmom in an earlier post you wrote:
Your message touched my heart Lydell. You're absolutely right. My pride and feelings of "what's right and what's not" is keeping me from really experiencing a true conversion. I'm beginning to realize after reading the posts that what I'm really going through is a conversion experience, and I need to lay it all down -- not just part of it, but all of it. All of the baggage, my ideas of doctrine, and everything. I haven't been doing that, and it's obvious in my happiness and ability to cope. And it's keeping me from really experiencing Jesus. Wow. To write that is such a realization for me. Wow.
Thanks for the straight-talk. I needed to hear it.
__________________________________________________
Your posts just seem to be the posts I mean to write myself (you just have a better way of expressing them). The other night I started to respond to your original one about "doubts" as your experience just mirrors mine; I accidentally shut my computer off and lost the message so I gave up. In any case, as I was reading your last post I was like "wow!!! this is exactly what I need, I am missing the part about turning everything over to Jesus, a conversion of some sort!
So last night, after thinking about your post some more I felt asleep while praying to Jesus for this very thing to happen. It just did as I read your post again and some of the others. I was just sitting in front of the computer and God touched me in answer to my prayers.
I prayed like I haven't in quite sometime. I decided I must surrender everything to Jesus; not only the mess I have made of my life, but also my doubts, fears, wrong/right beliefs, virtually EVERYTHING I could think of and even the stuff I can't seem to bring to the surface but God knows and I have faith He can touch that as well.
My post probably seems selfish but your posts and the ensuing discussion have brought me to where I needed to be in my walk with God. So a big
thank you God, thank you snowboardingmom, thank you Lydell for your post too and everyone else here!!! I remember singing this in church: "I have decided to follow Jesus...no turning back, no turning back."
God is so amazingly good and He gave me confirmation of his leading even though I wasn't really asking for any as I get afraid that if I ask for it then that means I don't have faith in Him and I'm just being led by my emotions instead. I picked up a Max Lucado inspirational promise book and opened up to page 98 with this verse:
"You have begun to live the new life, in which you are being made new and are becoming like the One who made you. This new life brings you the true knowledge of God. In the new life there is no difference between Greeks and Jews...or those who are foreigners, or Scythians. There is no difference between slaves and free people. But Christ is in all believers, and Christ IS ALL THAT IS IMPORTANT (my emphasis)." (Colossians 3:10-11).
Thank you Lord!
Olga
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Melissa
Registered user
Username: Melissa
Post Number: 1222
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 7:31 am: | |
"Sundaykeeper" seems like a derogatory term to me because of how it is used by those who created it. I never thought that "when" I went to church overruled everything else that happened while there.... I know that's not the intent here. It's hard not to be sensitive when it has been used as such a barb for so many years. |
Snowboardingmom
Registered user
Username: Snowboardingmom
Post Number: 10
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 11:49 am: | |
Hi Olga,
Thanks for sharing your experience. It's ironic to me how God can use incomplete people to help complete His work in us. Since I wrote that post you were referring to, I somehow chickened out and never did "lay it all down". It's as if I'm not quite ready to give it up yet. It's something I've been struggling with this last couple of days. So to hear your testimony of conviction and courage/faith/trust in God to give it all up to Him in turn has been inspiring to me (like I said, ironic) and makes me realize NOW is the time for me; I need to quit making up excuses and spend time in heartfelt prayer like you did and trust God to complete me.
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Javagirl
Registered user
Username: Javagirl
Post Number: 116
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 2:06 pm: | |
Is it possible for the devil to "speak to you" or put thoughts in your head when you are in the middle of prayer? And if you answer this, and please I hope someone does, is there a biblical response to this question.
I believe the bible is clear that christians cannot be possessed, but Im not sure if the devil can read your mind, or put thoughts there, especially while in the midst of prayer. |
Olga
Registered user
Username: Olga
Post Number: 15
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 2:34 pm: | |
Snowboardingmom,
It is the Spirit leading you; God Himself! You wrote and encouraged and comforted me but it was God using you. God knows your heart and your deepest desires so when led, don't wait a single minute, just do it!
I've been this close before but never have quite followed up or just gave up again after 'messing up' but then I find that He won't push me again for some time (though I wish he did more often!). But then someone's words, a Bible verse, a song, a thought comes to mind and it just hits me and I know without a doubt it had to be one of those God moments. Well, your posts and others here have been just that for me (I just have this incredible feeling that God was just using one of you to build others up, me in this case).
It is quite a relief to know as you said, that "God can use incomplete people to help complete His work in us." If you feel "incomplete" welcome to the club! I am one of the most incomplete people I know. God is certainly not done with me yet!
My kids are big on the Lego's, they love to make their creations, enjoy them for a while, then they'll take all of the pieces apart to come up with a bigger and better (or more fun) creation of which they're quite proud. Sometimes I feel like I'm one of those Lego creations (I'm built up, then God starts all over again, or He adds one piece only to take away 3 pieces somewhere else) - not sure if you get what I'm saying 'cause I tend to type as the thoughts come to my head.
I've realized that I need to stop trying to attain perfection and just go for broke; starting over is quite ok (not sure where I was gonna start anyways). It's definitely a journey with hills and valleys, thank God he promises to be with us until the end.
Olga |
Olga
Registered user
Username: Olga
Post Number: 16
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 2:36 pm: | |
Here are a few verses I always find encouraging when I feel very 'incomplete'; hope they help build you up too:
"God began doing a good work in you, and I am sure he will continue it until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again." (Philippians 1:6)
"God is the Father who is full of mercy and all comfort. He comforts us every time we have trouble, so when others have trouble, we can comfort them with the same comfort God gives us. We share in the manyy sufferings of Christ. In the same way, much comfort comes to us through Christ." (2nd Corinthians 1:3-5)
"I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace while you trust in him. Then your hope will overflow by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)
"We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him. They are the people he called, because that was his plan." (Romans 8:28)
"I know that I have not yet reached that goal, but there is one thing I always do. Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead, I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to the life above." (Philippians 3:13-14).
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Susan_2
Registered user
Username: Susan_2
Post Number: 2103
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 5:01 pm: | |
I grew up knowing there are only two types of people that really mattered, Sabbath-keepers and Sunday-keepers. Non-Christians did not fall into either of these two catagories of people because there is a text that says, "I have other sheep" and that ment that non-Christians will be judged by God on their religion. Christians though will be judged on the Bible which means that all Sunday-keepers will fail to obtain eternal life with Jesus, The term Sabbath-keepers referred unfortunatelly to only SDA's so it is not a very accuract term as there are many Saturday Sabbath observing Christians who are not SDA. My SDA kin will not include the Seventh Day Baptist in their list of accurate practicing Christians because as Baptists they hold the Baptist understand of what happens to the person upon death and they don't have a firm doctrine against eating unclean meats. I also found out recently that if I attend church on Saturday at a non-SDA church that does not qualify. I was asked by a SDA elderly loved one awhile back if I ever attend church on Sabbath anymore. I answered a simple 'yes' knowing where the discussion would lead. Sure enough it did. I was asked where I like to go on Sabbath and I answered to the Saturday afternoon service at St. Timothy's Lutheran. I was told, "Attending church on Sabbath DOES NOT make you a Sabbath-keeper." I agreed. I was further informed that satan is getting people to worship on the right day so as to confuse the people into believing they have truth when they are really in complete error. It was too weird. At my community the local Nazarene church has a Saturday afternoon service. The local SDA church leaders got wind that several SDA's were going to the Nazarene Saturday afternoon service so now the local SDA church holds its own Saturday afternoon service. The goal here is to keep SDA's away from other Christians and ensared in only the SDA organization. |
Colleentinker
Registered user
Username: Colleentinker
Post Number: 3075
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 6:37 pm: | |
Olga and Sowboardingmom, Praise God! He is SO sovereign! I'm praying for you both and thanking Him for the work He is doing in you.
Javagirl, I can't think of a text at the moment, but I know that Satan does tempt us with intrusive thoughts and distractions. When I have those, I have to choose to believe God's promises and praise Him for His faithfulness and for His plans and His work in my life and the lives of those I praying for.
I really believe that the reason the Bible is FULL (in both testaments) of commands to praise and give thanks is that Satan cannot comfortably hang around where Jesus is being praised. God wants us to focus on His promises, His faithfulness, His persistent mercy and love. Only when our focus is on His glory and worthiness can we manage not to "dwell" in our fear and misery.
The presence of Jesus is our reward; He is with us through every temptation and assault. Part of worshiping Him in spirit and in truth is trusting and praising Him for His promises and His grace and His faithfulness. He is more powerful than our heartsóor our thoughtsóand He has already defeated our foe. Satan cannot derail us when we belong to Jesus.
Surrender to Him and thanksgiving and worship are the antidotes to the inevitable temptations and fearful thoughts that attempt to distract us from Him. The thoughts may come, but they have no power over us in themselves. Jesus protects us from evil and from ourselves.
Colleen |
Javagirl
Registered user
Username: Javagirl
Post Number: 119
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Friday, December 16, 2005 - 9:21 pm: | |
Thanks Colleen for your response.
Sabra, Emmanuel!
Snow and Olga: Yep, He is using you to speak to me as well.
Lydell, here comes the lengthy response:
I prayed over the situation, and your response.
I was thinking about my resistance to finding a church home, and my distrust of institutional religion.
I realized that God has been already been giving me repeated confirmation about a church I have been attending.
1. Carol2 (from this forum) goes there! I know and trust and love her and her hubby.
2. I was surprised to find that I know four women from my non-denominational Bible Study group who worship there, two of them in particular I have admired their steadfast faith and love for God.
3. I emailed the pastors, and they actually responded! No other pastor at any other church has responded, other than to suggest that I talk to the secretary or read the web-site If I wanted to know what they believed.
4. I attended a "Facedown" prayer meeting at the church, and was immensly blessed. The spirit of God was strong there! Thats another whole story, which I still have been unable to put into words...
5. My son told me on Wednesday, after my post here, and out of the blue, that he would attend the youth meeting at the church at least once. I have been asking him for a couple of months, and he has been so resistant. He is scared, because he doesnt know anyone. He went to church with me there once, and was a bit overwhelmed by the heartfelt worship. It wasnt weird or anything, but he has only attended adventist churches.....
6. At my non-denominational bible study this week, I was talking to one of the women who is a member of the church I have been visiting. I told her I was having trouble finding a "cell" study group from her church that fit my schedule. She suggested that I start one. I told her that I couldnt, as I was not even a member there! She laughed and said, Oh honey, we dont have any requirements for membership, if you have attended more than twice, we have adopted you, you are family!
So I plan on worshipping there for now on Sunday's, and my son and I are still members of the adventist church, and occasionally I go there. God has not yet "released" me from membership there, but I am praying about that, and am ready to go when He tells me.
Thanks for your response Lydell. And thanks to those who have been praying. Please pray for my son's visit to this church, that he not be so afraid, and that God's will in this matter be clear.
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Lydell
Registered user
Username: Lydell
Post Number: 739
Registered: 7-2000
| | Posted on Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 8:16 am: | |
Javagirl, that's awesome! You can rest in God's love for you. As long as you are continuing to seek Him and listen to Him, He is going to be able to keep steering you the way He wants you to go. And He will be faithful to validate what you are hearing, or tell you to just not pay much attention to it right now, if it is something unimportant for you now. Isn't it interesting how He had already put you in touch with folks who attended the church, although you weren't aware?
Praying that THE kids will connect with your son. It would help him probably if you make sure to introduce him to the youth leaders. They can tell him what they do in the youth group, what activities are planned, etc. Could help to allay some of his fears.
You're the one who lives in Huntsville? |
Javagirl
Registered user
Username: Javagirl
Post Number: 121
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 2:46 pm: | |
Im from the Atlanta area. Where are you?
Actually, I have been involved in the non-denomination bible study group for five years. During that time, I have been in a core group with each of the four women who attend the church. I never knew which church they attended, as we are requested to refrain from discussing specific churches or divisive doctrine in the bible study. It was a pleasant surprise to see them there. They have all prayed for me and my husband and son at different times! I hadn't thought about what you mentioned, about how God had already put me in touch with them. |
Lydell
Registered user
Username: Lydell
Post Number: 740
Registered: 7-2000
| | Posted on Sunday, December 18, 2005 - 12:29 pm: | |
Thought I'd remembered you too were in the saouth. I'm in southeast Alabama, and have been for 25 years. |
Flyinglady
Registered user
Username: Flyinglady
Post Number: 2112
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, December 18, 2005 - 12:48 pm: | |
Raven, As I re read you post of 12/15 I agreed with your following statement ..."It's kind strange that I too feel at peace and a sense of warmth with the people we are at church with now." I go to a church with a HUGE congregation, but when I walked in the first time and sat down, I felt like I had come home. What a loving, warm reception I received.
I never did fit in at the SDA church. Never in all the time I attended. So, God knew what was best for me and He gently pried me loose for more than 30 years.
At the church I attended in VA, I was accepted only by one couple, my age, and the pastor. The others ignored me. By that time though I had told God many times I did not want to go back to the kind of adventist I had been. I was much happier with the things I had learned and was practicing from my 12 step program. I even told the pastor that.
Thank you God. You are truly awesome.
Diana |
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