Quote:
Originally Posted by Ohio
You are right.
Nearly all of us have our complaints about our own personal upbringing. I had mine. It was these almost cries for justice and answers that led me to the Savior, after stumbling into many shameful and painful pits. Since then life has not been a bed of roses without its discouragements. It was these events which force us to take serious assessment of our short time on earth. Do we zoom in on what we find missing and objectionable, or do we "treasure hunt" to find some heavenly gems in our own dumpster of life.
Fortunately, I've done both. I say fortunately because what if I had never sought the Answer, and then found Him? Of course, most of us would like to believe that "if God was good," we should never have had the difficulties we did in the first place. Why was I created the way I was? Why was I in this family? Why was everyone picking on me? Questions like this tormented me at one time. Over time I came to learn the secret of ascension. Actually I did this many times over the years, since I was first saved, before I even realized what I had done.
Briefly, I somehow rise above the situation and look down with a new point of view. I see suffering as short-lived and temporary. Instead of seeing my own health issues, I see those born blind, those hit by tragedy, those far worse off than me. Instead of comparing downward from some perceived ideal, I compare upward. All my complaints then seem tiny from above. Things take on new perspective. Eternity comes into view. The blessings of my Father can also be seen. The little annoyances almost disappear. The needs of others can be seen. The important things come into focus.
Trapped, hope this helps somehow.
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I am reminded of John 10:10... the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy..but Jesus came that we would have life and have it more abundantly.. even overflowing..
So many people have been deceived by going to 'church'. I know many here have returned to 'church' and are happy and content. Good for you so this may not pertain to you.
That said, many people have given their lives and energy to 'the church' rather than to Jesus forgetting that we need our lamps to be filled daily with His Spirit. If He leads us to do good works so be it. Good works follows our Faith in HIM.
They eventually get burned out or deceived that 'the church' is more important than anything else. Loyalty is to the 'pastor' more than the congregation from my observation and even less to Jesus.
I have been reading testimonies of people leaving the 'church of Christ'...so many people are TRAPPED by religion. We forget GOD is not a religious Deity. We can't please HIM in our natural man! But as we have communion with HIM He directs our path.
Btw.. at my bible study last night, we had a guest who used to go to the church our hosts attend. Since we are reading Joshua, he brought a Shofar, a long ram's horn and blew it beautifully. He stopped attending the church he was raised in about 5-6 yrs ago.
What a SURPRISE he converted to JUDAISM! Big time, unwavering Jew!! I realized he never experienced the Holy Spirit and God's Word inside him..thus he was never born again... after attending Christian 'church' all his life. Anyway..
I am grateful for the scriptures:
Jesus began a good work in me.. in fact a MOST EXCELLENT work in me and not only me but to His followers..to His brethren, to the born again saints washed and cleansed in the Precious Blood of the Lamb and He is going to finish it. (Phillipians 1:6)
I am grateful He will never leave me (or us) and never, ever forsake us.
I am grateful for the Holy Spirit revealing 1 Corinthians 10:13 back in 1975
There is no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: yet God is faithful, Who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation (trial) also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it.
Bottom line.. Satan, that old serpent does not want us to have a relationship, communion, Faith in Christ Jesus our Savior. He thrusts us into situations that cause us to doubt God is for us. To distrust believers, our fellow brethren.
Imagine what all those poor Catholic children endured during the 40s, 50's and 60s from the pedophile 'priests' in the RCC in Philadelphia!! May GOD truly have mercy on them and heal them and reveal HIMSELF to those people who were violated as children.
If there are any scriptures I hold on to, it is the ones I just mentioned:
Philippians 1:6
Hebrews 13:5
and 1 Corinthians 10:13
Blessings and healing from God to all.