I need a mentor

faithandfifty

No wonder I like our own Saint so much..... I'm totally in synch with her on all of the thoughts above. I think of church attendance as one avenue to spirituallity..... sometimes fraught with frustration. The fellowship and potential is tremendous -- but it is a gathering of humans, after all.

I believe that we each need to wrestle out the moral/ethical decisions that confront us, through our own best interpretation of our Creator's desire for us personally, based on everything available to us at the time: our study of the Bible, our prayer life, our counsel from studied mentors/pastors/counselors..... then we must apply what we've learned, seeking guidance the whole way.  

Everyone reading or posting here -- I hope that you have a very blessed day in your journey.

EWB

so is spiritual and religious different?

Springtime

Yes,

I think this is one of the things the bugs me the most. People/ "the Church" / a church / "religions" saying they THE ANSWER. They know THE BOX God is in, and by golly, it is the box they've defined!!!! You must believe exactly this, and/or do exactly that, to (a) be part of our community, (b) get into heaven, (c) please God, etc.  Makes me nutz. I think it may drive a lot of people away from God!!!   :O  

I believe God is too big to put in a "human box". There are a few basic tennents that to me = God. Love. Compassion. Forgiveness. Humility. Kindness. Mercy. Goodness. Self-Control. Probably others I can't think of at the moment, but I get  "feel" for what God is... I pray that my actions, attitude and behavior will delight God every day. (It is a high bar, but that is what I aim for !!) 

And, I don't thing being "religious" is the same as being "spiritual". To me, Religious means a more perscriptive thing, but bening spiritual is a much more personal thing. That may not be right, but that is how it feels to me. 

People who are spiritual come from many different beliefs and "religions". But they believe is a spiritual force, and maybe, they even connect with it and it may guide their lives. 

I hope this doesn't offend anyone either. I just wanted to share thoughts and how things have sort of "crystalized" for me about these topics...

Springtime

Have a blessed day!!!   

goldie0827

Just saw this thread and had to post

Ebann...I love your Vitamins A-Z. Saving that one and printing it!

Just thought I would share one that I have. It's called "Simple Prayer"

 To: YOU
Date:TODAY
From:GOD
Subject:YOURSELF
Reference: LIFE

This is God.  Today I will be handling All of your problems for you.  I do Not need your help.  So, have a nice day.
I love you.


P.S.  And, remember...
If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do Not attempt to resolve it yourself!  Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box. I will get to it in MY TIME. All situations will be resolved, but in My time, not yours.

Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold onto it by worrying about it.  Instead, focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now.

If you find yourself stuck in traffic, don't despair.  There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.

Should you have a bad day at work; think of the man who has been out of work for years.

Should you despair over a relationship gone bad; think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.

Should you grieve the passing of another weekend; think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week to feed her children.

Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance; think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.

Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror; think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.

Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking what is my purpose? Be thankful. There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity.

Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; remember, things could be worse. You could be one of them!                   

Now, you have a nice day.
                         God

May God bless us ALL

Lori

Springtime

Thank you Lori!!!

That is great! 

Spring.

faithandfifty

EWB: I personally do feel there are differences between my understanding of religious and spiritual.... may be neuances and perspective, but i think of them differently. will attempt to sort it out in my own mind first -- and then put some words around it.

Lori/Goldie: I hadn't ever read that one. I LOVE it. As my daughter was calling me with a fever and I was leaving town -- and concerned about her babeez & toddler -- I reminded myself that I've resigned as gerneral contractor of the universe. then i prayed and left it up to God. the coolest thing was that i went off the grid. into such a little podunk, that i had no cell phone service. anyhow, she had to take care of herself -- what with me falling off the planet like that. she lived thru the 24 hour crud and I was able to 'do my work.'

I love it: God saying, "I do not need your help." Makes me smile!!

EWB

F&F- really like "resigned as general contractor of the universe".  Would really like to read your thoughts on the difference between religious and spiritual. 

Lori- like the simple prayer; I'd seen a version of it but not with the ps afterwards--really like that part.  This morning I found a box and labeled it "Something for God to do".  I plan to write down situations I need God's help with and put the paper in the box. 

As I ponder my thoughts and what I have been reading- I think my struggle is between being spiritual vs religious; the ideas of church vs. the practice/reality of church. Being a community, helping its members to grow in spiritual ways- not just in ways the leaders dictate; being open to ALL in need- not just the ones we deem in need; welcoming all into the community-not just the ones we want. Man made rules vs God rules. Maybe this is all about interpretation.

moodyk13

Hi everyone, I hope you dont mind me putting my "two cents" worth in.  I am so excited to see a thread like this and I know that it was God who guided me here.  It had to be Him cuz I'm not clever enough to have found it on my own. LOL

Let me preface this by saying that I am by no means a "bible scholar" or an expert.  I just love Jesus and I study His word so that I know Him and will be ready when He calls on me to do work for Him.

Here are my thoughts on "religious" vs. "spiritual"

Religious:  first let me say people can be "religious" about anything and it isnt limited to "religion".  I workout "religiously" every day, I am "religious" about cleaning my house, etc.  The dictionary defines religious as "having faithful devotion to an acknowledged ultimate reality or deity ..." this could be a person, belief, or attitude.  I add "to be compassionate" about something/someone.  I see "religious" people protesting in front of abortion clinics and willing to kill the doctors!  I see "religious" people condemn others who arent on "board" with them so to speak.  It is a more "outward" or "vocal" display.

The Bible says:  James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

Acts 13:43 Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes (Jewish converts) followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

Amos 5:21 "I absolutely despise your festivals!  I get no pleasure  from your religious (some translations say "sacred") assemblies!

So I the Bible shows us examples of "religious" people not necessarily right with God. But God wants us to be religious about Him, about studying His word, prayer, worship, etc.

Spiritual: the dictionary says "of, relating to, consisting of, or affecting the spirit; of or relating to sacred matters; concerned with religious values, etc."  Unfortunately for many people, this isnt always related to God either.  People can be "spiritual" while they are "umming" to Budda. So I think it is safe to say that "spiritual" is more of an "inward feeling" rather than an "outward display".

The Bible gives an example of spiritual not always Godly: Hosea 9:7 "Israel shall know it: the prophet is a fool, the spiritual man is mad, for the multitude of thine iniquity, and the great hatred."

Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

So even "spiritual" isnt always Godly.  But God wants us to be spiritually affected and concerned by Him and about Him. He wants us to be filled with His spirit.

So I think it is safe to say that "spiritual" is more of an "inward feeling" rather than an "outward display".

Here is a biblical reference to this: 1 Corinthians 10:4 "And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ."

1 Corinthians 15:44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

So there you go, my "two cents worth"

saint

Welcome Moody & Goldie----EVERYONE'S 2 cents is welcome!!!! What is a discussion without it?

My feeling about religion & spirituality is simple: religion is merely one of the ways I exercise my spirituality! It is a language & venue for speaking & practicing my spirituality.

Faith is a gift (so is F&F!) & faith is where my spirituality comes from.  Church is PEOPLE!!  NOT one man or a few men who TRY to control the rest...that is why I believe a vibrant church is HUMAN & survives when the tyranical, narrow interpreters of scripture can not. I often pray for enlightenment when I find I disagree with the teachings of my church. I recognize that the church changes SLOWLY-only after the ppl have embraced & practiced something for many years does the church recognize & officially change the rules to include what ppl have been living for a long time. The church is important to me, but it is NOT the  final answer. F&F addressed this above: the final answer is in prayer & consultation with learned ppl. That is moral & ethical decision making!

Keep questioning & dicussing..be well & stay strong 

EWB

Thank you Moody and Saint for your 2 cents; gives me another perspective to ponder.

pinkpig

I've heard churches compared to hospitals, people go for healing, for acceptence, for support.  The trouble comes when all that hurting collides -or not-  I think a vast majority of people in churches hurt as much or more as everyone else, however they spend most of their time pretending everything is just great because they are afraid what people will think if they really knew what they were thinking.  I tend to be a pretty open person and I know from experience the look of relief around a room when someone is honest with what they are really thinking or going through.  It gives everyone there the permission to not be perfect.  We are all human, I know I am.  However well intetioned I may be my humanness leaks out on a regular basis.  The  trick  is finding a place where that is ok.  Sometimes it's a church, or a small group or a friend that loves you warts and all.  I do believe we are not islands, we may not need a church, but we need someone to travel along the road with.  If you want honest and open relationships - you have to be willing to be open and honest.  When I walk into a church and catch myself thinking someone 'looks perfect' I remind myself that you don't get to be my age - 51 - without some major crap at sometime in your life.  Anyone that acts like everything is great and always has been is lying, or in a great deal of denial.  We have all been disappointed, hurt, etc.  You want to know what one of the first things I thought  when I found out I had bc?  It was that I wasn't the right Christian to get it, I wouldn't go through it the right way (whatever that is).  It wasn't that I doubted my relationship with God, I doubted I could be one of those cheerful women that thanked God I got cancer because I learned so much blah, blah, blah.Trust me, I have not been that cheerful glad to have cancer gal.  It breaks my heart now that I would even think that.  It breaks my heart that anyone would think that about church.  I guess my job is to make sure the women I come in contact with that follow me know that it's ok to cry, rant, scream and be imperfect all they want to because God understands and is there through it all.  I hope some of that made sense, I'm up way past my  bedtime - my dd just reminded me I need to get to bed so we can go to see James Bond tomorrow.  Skipping church, seeing James Bond well I'm not sure what that says about me either way I'm off to bed.  Gay

pinoideae

What pinkpig said.

barbe1958

All great answers, but the one solution, Held, is to ask your God to help you. The fact that you even know He is there is the first step!

I try to have at least one "Oh my God" moment a day. I may be driving to work (one hour) and then see an amazing sunrise, or driving home (one hour again) and see an amazing sunset. On a very foggy day I might see a regal tree rising above the mist. You get the point. In fact, sometimes on my way home I'll think "Hey, I haven't had my oh God moment yet!". And then I look for one. And then I always find it.

I believe that sprituality is the way we handle our religion. Kind of what was said above but the opposite. I know of people who go to church who are the worst kind of humans you could ever meet. They think they're doing the right thing for their ticket to heaven but God isn't an idiot. If you can't make it to church but believe, then He knows that too.

A song years ago had the line, "Wherever two or more are gathered in his name." I love that concept.

Also,  have you heard, "If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans." Or, "If you find yourself going through hell, keep going".

God has a pretty good sense of humour (just look at periods!), and He is watching and waiting for you to ask Him yourself. If He thougt you were very desperate he would have stepped in by now. He is just enjoying watching you looking everywhere for Him except where he really is...inside you!

EWB

So if I'm digesting this all correctly-

there are many ways to God, church is one of them

It is not about the outward signs, its about knowing on the inside

It is not about what others judge to be correct in me, its what I know to be true in me

In the end its between God and Me, an individual relationship with God.

Prayers are conversations with God...Its ok to ask for help with specific issues...Its ok just to talk to God and not ask for help 

It's not as complicated as it seems because in the end its all between me and God, not the rules, not the judgements of others. 

Held

I am going to put my parents 2 cents into this.  When I was struggling with some very serious issues in my marriage, I was attending a church where you knew no one and it was clear people were there out of a sense of obligation.  As soon as the services were over, people were practically running each other over to get back to their cars and out of there. 

My parents encouraged me to find a church were I could be "fed spiritually".  They weren't talking about a pretty building (infact they attend services in a building that used to be a restaurant), they were talking about being with people who could encourage me and explain things to me and help me grow in my relationship with God.

I think sometimes "Churches" loose sight of the big picture, and focus on certain goals or rules, and not on our salvation or relationship with God.  That's my 2 cents, but what do I know.....

Ok, now I have to ask all my God-given mentors to pray for me.  I think I told you that my doc decided I have post-traumatic stress disorder. She started me on an anti-depressant.  I have noticed that I rarely cry anymore (I was crying several times a week) and that I am able to handle stressful situations much better.  The problem is that I have gained nearly 10 pounds in less than a month!  Yes, I am eating more, but seriously not THAT much more!  I am tempted to stop talking it. I know I have all your prayers and support and perhaps that is the reason I am more emotionally stable, and it has nothing at all to do with the meds.  I need some wisdom.  What are your thoughts ladies?

EWB

Held- I think you know a lot!  Some churches (I expect the people leading the churches) do forget the big picture- maybe we all do since it is people who decide the direction of a church.  It makes me think of the scene in Legally Blonde 2, where Elle goes thru her rotten experience at "THE" salon--her point was that she had let it happen because she didn't have faith in herself and speak up.  Maybe churches are/should be more about guidence and less about strict rule. If we are not comfortable with one place, we should look for another.  My goodness we shop around for cars, plumbers and and landscapers.  why not churches, relogious/spiritual leaders.

 Held- PLEASE SPEAK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE DOING ANYTHING ABOUT MEDS! Stopping suddenly and all at once can have some very unpleasant effects. There may be others that will help but not have weight gain issues. I truely believe that the answer is a combo of medicine, prayer/meditation, physcial support, emotional support, good nutrition,  etc.  Its just finding the right blend for you.

Be Well 

faithandfifty

Just a quick fly-through..... hugs all around.

HELD, I agree completely with what EWB has cautioned about meds. Talk to your doctor before making any decisions. I'd give it a couple of months at least -- to see if the weight plateus (how do you spell that word?) levels out..... maybe with less depressive symptoms, food is tasting good again? life has a bit more zest..... give yourself some time to find the balance

if i can get my act together for tomorrow's departure for Chicago..... i'll be back later w/my thoughts on spirituality & religious...... good food for thought in the contributions above.

SAINT and i are meeting up in the Windy City for at least 10 hours of girl-fun tomorrow and a gaggle of giggling tomorrow night. Wish you all were gonna join us!

Springtime

Held,

I agree, don't stop taking them without consulting your Dr. . Imagine being all crying again and 10 pound heavier as well!!! Now that would be depressing!  I would say, give it a chance... let's pray that 10 pounds is it, and that it will now come off slowly, and that you will continue to NOT experience the crying jags!

I also am on something for crying jags. I had it with the crying all the time. It's is sad, to have cancer, and all this that goes with it. I know crying was "normal" -- but I had had ENOUGH already! I now cry sometimes, but not all the time. It is better. I didn't gain a lot of weight, but I have been exercising more - trying to get and stay in good shape for surgery early next month...

Spring...

ebann

EWB;

Sorry I did not answer your question sooner. I think you have figured it out. As far as a christian goes. I am not sure really how to answer that. I just know that we seem to be more open about not being judgemental, excepting of who you are. We know we are not perfect. That God loves us no matter what. We are not God's and there is only one God. That God died for our sins and was resurrected for us. Though there are some people known as Christian's who are oppositie of this. Which is not how God would like I to live that life. Everyone is different and handles it differently. I think you are on the right track. It is great  you brought up these questions. I am not sure if I am any help with this. Though I do believe so many here are very wise.

In God's Grace; Elizabeth

moodyk13

This is some good stuff and I love reading everyone's insights and wisdom.  I think it is no accident that we are all here reading and sharing Christ, thoughts, feelings, concerns.  Praise God that He is the one in control because no doubt we would screw it up if we were in control!

I agree with what everyone has said about "church" and I am excited to add what God's word tells us about church.  Funny, everything I have read posted above is covered in God's word.  How can anyone deny His diety- He knew thousands of years ago that we would have this conversation, and He provided our answer already!!!!!  (I get all goose pimply when I think of it!)

In Revelations, John addresses the "Seven Churches" - Seven represents "completeness":

1st is "The Loveless Church" (Rev 2: 1-7) This is a church who labors, has patience, and despises evil, BUT they have forgotten their "first Love"- That is Jesus Christ.  They have gotten so caught up in "good works" that it has taken their focus off Christ on on to "image in the community".  God instructs them to repent and re-focus on Jesus and His teachings, if they do this He will take care of their "image in the community".  I bet we all know churches in our community that are like this! 

2ns is "The Persecuted Church" (Rev 2: 8-11) This is a church who God recognizes for holding on to their faith and love of Jesus, they do good works yet suffers persecutions and condemnations of a synagogue of satan.  God even warns them that more suffering is headed their way, but then reminds to stay faithful as they have the promise of eternal life.  I know of a few people that just seem to keep getting knocked down no matter what they do.  We see some who persevere and others who crumble.  Our job as christians are to encourage and lift up those in their time of weakness.

3rd is "The Compromising Church" (Rev 2: 12-17) Holds fast to Jesus and doen't deny him even though it is located in the "heart" of paganism. BUT they allowed compromised teachings, and became the "do what YOU want to do and be who YOU want to be - just dont deny Jesus".  I think of those who are drunk on saturday and taking up offering on sunday.  Or those who live "worldly" mon - fri and "Godly" on sunday.  These type people are EVERYWHERE as mentioned above when someone said people "show up out of obligation".

4th is "The Corrupt Church" (Rev 2: 18-29)  They have good works, love, service, faith, and patience.  BUT they dont call on the sinners among them to repent.  Kind of like putting blinders on and pretend it isn't happening.  We has a situation in our church this past spring with our music minister caught having an affair.  Our pastor found out Sunday night after church and by monday morning music minister was fired.  Now this music guy was AWESOME and so talented and popular!  He drew crouds to hear him sing and the pastor could have so easily ignored it or covered it up, but that would have been against what God's words instructions tell him to do.

5th is "The Dead Church" (Rev 3: 1-6) They do good works and have a "name" in the communtiy, but that is about it.  There is no true worship of God.  Just kind of "going through the motions".  Just grown cold so to speak.  Sound familiar?

6th is "The Faithful Church" (Rev 3: 7-13) They do the work of Jesus, and during times of weakness did not deny Christ and stayed true to His word.  No matter what was happening to them or around them, they kept their faith, called on Jesus and held on tight.  Think of  "Whooville".  You know how all the little "whoo's in whooville" came together holding hands and singing even after the grinch stole their goodies?  I thank God everyday for my church, as I am so fortunate enough to belong to a faithful one!

7th is "The Lukewarm Church" (Rev 3: 14-22) This is the worst kind.  They are not hot or cold.  At least if they were cold, you would know where they stood, but because they are "lukewarm" you have no idea what they are about.  They are indifferent.  I went to a church like this ONE time.  I was the only one there with a bible!  Oh they sang  christian songs, but the pastor didnt not give a message from the bible and certainly not a message from God.  The closest he came was when he said "somewhere in Deuteronomy it says...."  my son said "hey mom, why dont you offer him your bible!!!!"

Well, sorry this is so long, but I love it when God gives me the opportunity to share things He has shown me, so I didnt want to walk past this open door!  Thanks for allowing me to share also!

God's love and grace to all!!!! 

Held

I am terrified God considers me a "lukewarm" Christian.  My parents are able to quote a scripture for any situation.  My parents know the bible inside and out.  They have traveled the world doing missions work, and they pray about EVERYTHING. Clearly, they are NOT lukewarm Christians. Granted they have their own issues - it was afterall my own mother who told me that I had breast cancer (and epilepsy) because I sinned.   

I believe in God our father, and that Jesus was his son who died for our sins.  But I can't quote scripture, I don't read the bible every day and I FREQUENTLY skip church.  I can't even tell you with 100% certainty that I even pray every day.  Where does that leave me?  Am I SOL?

moodyk13

First let me start with the thing I know for 100% sure.  You did NOT get breast cancer because you sinned!  We are all sinners!  Everyone of us, including your parents, my parents, our pastors, everyone!  If God were going to punish believers with things like cancer, why bother to send Jesus to save us from our sins?  It would make His horrible death, and miraculous resurrection a lie, and God can't lie!  Hope this makes you feel better.

Now with regards to you being a "lukewarm" christian, I dont know, because I dont know you personally.  I can only give an opinion.  I would first tell you that if you feel convicted in your heart that you have been lukewarm, then you can change this right now.  Just cryout to God, pray that He rekindle your fire.  Nothing is too big for Him and He will do this. 

But I dont think you are merely a lukewarm christian, because I think if you were you would have NEVER started this thread!  Truly lukewarm church's and christian's are indifferent and perfectly happy twiddling through life. You are obviously NOT satisfied with twiddling thourgh life!  You are seeking answers and I believe God is answering you. ( I am not God, don't get me wrong) LOL- He is using A LOT of people and ways and things to provide you with answers and confirmation that you are His child, covered in His blood and His will never forsake you. 

moodyk13

Held, guess what!  I can't quote scripture either!!!!  I have to look it up and I had my bible open when I was describing the churchs and had to re-read several times to make sure I was keeping it straight....LOL

I've always wished I could just rattle stuff off.  I cant even remember where my "favorite" verses are! (heck sometimes I cant remember my name) I know what they say and I know they are in the Bible, but I always have to search them out. 

I know people that can "spout" off scripture and use it to condemn rather than as God intended which is for guidance, comfort, correction when needed, etc.  I hate it when people abuse God's word to fullfill their own desires.  People who use it to condemn are needing to feel powerful.  Don't let them get into your head.  God is LOVE!

I used scripture because I was wanting to show you, and anyone else reading, that there are good churches and bad churches even in the bible.  Churches that "claim" to be of God that are not and we all must be aware of them and not settle for it.  You need a church like the "Faithful Church".  I hope you have one like that and if not, I pray you find one.  If you dont and dont know how to find one, PM me and maybe I can help, I dont know if I can, but I will if I can.

Please dont ever let anyone that uses scripture make you feel intimidated -- INCLUDING ME!!  We are all just seeking God and I have learned that He is complete in all that He does and His word is part of that.  Plus if it is in His word, then it is OF Him, not ME just "telling" you.

Cause child-----I AM A SINNER TOO!!  But PRAISE GOD I am covered in His blood!!! Isnt God awesome!!!

saint

Hugs all--a few responses to recent posts:

When I see ppl in church that I think are "perfect" I always turn it back on myself & ask why I have judged them so---is it radiating from THEM-or coming from MY feelings of lack......many times feeling unwelcome is due to where my head is at the time & not messages others are sending me.

I have had those "God moments" everyday for years now! If you look you can't help but have them too! Mine often happen while walking my dogs in the woods & a hawk swoops down near m;, a deer, coyote or fox crosses my path midday; or insects are seen walking ON the snow---way cool!

I also agree that "church" is not the only way to exercise your faith, BUT a major part of Christianity is COMMUNITY. Once you know Him you can't help but share that with others--be it a church, homeless shelter, workplace, humane society--whatever---you get my drift..it flows out of you towards others!

Quoting Scripture can be holy, but any parrot can repeat what they have heard--it says NOTHING of true faith! That is done thru interactions with others--LIVING in His way. So give me the person who can not quote a verse, but stands over a soup pot so homeless ppl can eat--there is where you find true spirituality!

I love this thread!!! I thank you again Held for starting it! I gotta go finish packing for my visit with F&F tomorrow! 5AM is coming too early!!

Be well & stay strong 

EWB

Lots of interesting thoughts to fold into my pondering, thank you all for such an insightful conversation. I love that all seem open and accepting of others regardless of thoughts and questions!  

Held- i am so sorry you are feeling this way, One of the things I have taken from all this is that it is your relationship with God (or whatever name you use) that is important- not to have it compared to others (by another).  I believe that each person has a different path, a different task to accomplish, different talents to offer the world. I am guessing you have something really special/unique going on inside.

Elizabeth- thank you for your thoughts- I know it was not an easy question.  Your answer also touches on something else I've pondered- Is the Trinity--God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit-- all God? Does that question make sense

Way past my bedtime- good night and pleasant dreams.  Hope tomorrow is a good day

Elaine 

barbe1958

I rest my case, Held. Do you see what is happening here? We are a community. We are a church.

I am sometimes too quick to condemn, but if I were you, I would ignore your mother's comments as just a backlash to blame something or someone either than her God as to why you have cancer. You have cancer because your God knows you can handle it. He never gives you more than you can take. You may not like your burden, but the heavier the load, the more trust He has in you to deal with it.

I am saddened by your "signature". You have the right to be scared and you surely cannot always be strong! Why do you think God allows us to communicate with Him here on earth? He knows we need Him.

I know English teachers who can quote entire books of Shakespeare. Does that make them writers? Not a chance! It makes them good memorizers. Also, remember, the Bible is just an interpretation that has been re-written many, many times, sometimes to fit the political means and morality of the population of the time. There are very unethical occassions in the Bible that we wouldn't accept in todays terms; think of sacrifices for example.

So, that all being said, I believe the very fact that you continue with this thread is showing your faith. You take what you need from your God when you need it. There is not a prescription dose of God that you need to take everyday. When you don't talk to Him on a daily basis, don't worry, He has other people to chat with that need Him more that day.

As for weight gain, I, too am on antidepressants that made me gain weight. I figure that's so my body has something to fight with during this battle. Put your own spin on it. 

Now let's see you change your signature to something more positive! 

moodyk13

Oh this is good stuff, I just love reading here!

Saint:  I too have God moments everyday, it blows my mind how He communicates with me!  One God moment I had recently is one morning I was standing outside waiting on my puppy dogs to do their thing, it was still dark out and the moon was so big and bright.  Then it dawned on me that this is the same moon that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob looked at.  THEN I stood in amazement as I realized that it is also the SAME moon that my Jesus looked at!!!!!!!  At that very moment it was as if I was looking straight into my Saviors face!  Wooooo- Chills LOL

EWB

wow, what food for thought

moodyk13

The Trinity is a "Hot Topic" among Christians and among those who try to "discredit" christianity by denying the Triune God.

I am going to share MY understanding of the Trinity and how I explained it to my children whenever they would ask.  Now, I am NOT saying I got all the answers, I'm just throwing in "my 2 cents worth".  I encourage anyone reading this to spend time looking to God's word for their own answers.  This is just what God has revealed to ME through His word.

One thing we can all agree on is that the Trinity is known as "God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit."  I tell my kids to think of it like I am Karen the wife, Karen the mother, Karen the daughter.  I am still the same person, but each "role" has different responsibilities.  Each One in the Trinity has different roles.

Secondly, anything that God has not completely revealed to us through His word is where your faith must must prevail.  Hab 2:4 "...but the just shall live by his faith."

Thirdly, when I use scriptures in my posts, I do so because I know NOTHING on my own, I HAVE to look to the scriptures.  I also do it because, again I dont want you to take my word for anything, I want you to look this stuff up for your self so you can draw your own conclusions.  And to hold me accountable to things I say, as I would never try to mislead anyone on purpose, so it is basically for MY own good.

Here I go:  God the Father:  This one is easy, He made the universe, it is all His, He made man in His image, His word calls for the father to be the head of the house hold, so God is our Father.  The prophets refer to "God the Father" many times in the scripture.

God the Son:  Oh this is the most difficult one.  For every verse that identifies Jesus as God in the flesh, there are verses that shows Jesus in a role as inferior to God.  The question I hear the most, and one I asked myself, is "If Jesus is God, why does He pray to Himself?"  And the answer that was given to me and satisfied ME was that Jesus prayed to set the example for what God's word tells us to do....pray!  We are to go the The Father for wisdom, strength, courage, guidance, fear, everything.  Just as I set the example with my children with say exercising.  If I tell them they should exercise and they see me exercise, I ask them to exercise with me, they are more likely to exercise.

Now here is where the scripture tells us that Jesus is God in the flesh:

Gen 1:26 "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness..."  The plural use "us" and "our" show already that God in more than one entity.  Not more than one God, just more than one "part" of Him.

John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
John 1:14 "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us...."
1Tim 3:16 "God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory."

There are more, but these are the ones I have marked.

God the Holy Spirit:  This one is pretty easy too and the bible is full of references to the Spirit of God or the Holy Ghost.  This is the entity that cannot be seen or heard but certainly felt.

Gen 1:2 "...And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters."
Acts 5:3 "But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost...."
Matthew 28:19 "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost"

Again, there are lots more.........but this was enough for me, I hope it at least intrigues you.

moodyk13

The other "Hot Topic" for years IS "How do we KNOW the bible is God's word?"  "Hasn't it changed or be re-written to "fit" current times?"

Here is what I can tell you that are actual facts, I save my opinion for last.

By 500 BC the 39 books of the Old Testament were completed and preserved in Hebrew Scrolls.  Over the next 1600 years the rest of the 66 books were written by 40 authors in 3 languages, 13 countries, and 3 continents and guess what!  They never changed!  These scrolls were discovered in caves in 1947 and scholars were able to identify 825 of the 870.  They are known as the "Dead Sea Scrolls". There were like 19 copies of Isaiah and 25 copies of Dueteronomy and 30 something copies of Psalms, but the most important thing is that all 825 scrolls identified are 99.5% accurate of the original King James Version we have today!!!!!!  ONLY GOD could see to that!  Gives me chills!

Re-written?   Yes there are quite a few translations out there.  I personally have KJV, NKJV, NIV, & GW translations but the message is exactly the same.  Only the wording makes it easier for some to comprehend. 

Here is an example:

Gen 1:2 "Now the earth was without shape and empty, and darkness was over the surface of the watery deep," 

Gen 1:2 "And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep."

Wording is diff but message is same.

Now there are people who actually re-wrote the bible and started their own religion, Jehovas Witness, and Mormon are two that I know of for sure.  They are occults and are NOT of God.  Their "translations" change the message!

Again, these are my thoughts.