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Which one, God, Satan or Me??? - 3/31/2008 1:50:29 AM
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scottiezsister
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I am working very, very hard to improve my faith in God. In doing so, I need help with learning when God is speaking to me. I kind of understand when it's Satan, but I have a bigger problem discerning when it's my own desires and when is God actually talking to me. This has always been a question in my mind and I don't have it yet (this is very frustrating at times). Can people tell me how they know when God is talking to them??? Does it come in a thought, do you actually hear words??? How does it work? How do you know it's HIM as opposed to your own voice???
< Message edited by scottiezsister -- 3/31/2008 2:36:22 AM >
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RE: Which one, God, Satan or Me??? - 3/31/2008 2:22:36 AM
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Pidge
Posts: 82
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From: UK
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I know what you mean.
When we feel the urge to do something that is in accordance with the Bible Christian friends will sometimes say things like "You are doing this in your own strength", "You are running ahead of the Lord" "You are taking too much on" etc. Sometimes it is very obvious that it is from the Lord, the coincidences pile up and nudge in a certain direction and the inner voice is yelling loud; other times its an insistent 'whisper' like something seen out of the corner of your eye that you are aware of but can't quite focus on.
The really scary times are when you are given a message for a stranger or feel you are being told to do something that you can see no reason for.
Or the times when you are convinced that God wants you to do something that you are sure is way beyond your ability.
These are usually the times of greatest blessing if you trust God and leap. I've never had a time like that when it didn't prove to be from God but the consequences of getting it wrong are terrifying to a shy person.
All I can really say is that the more you do it the more you learn and that God sees our motives and wants us to learn, I suspect that it is better to take a risk and fail than never to take a risk.
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RE: Which one, God, Satan or Me??? - 3/31/2008 7:39:08 AM
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SonInMe1
Posts: 3536
Joined: 4/16/2005
From: my mom by God
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How do you know when God is speaking to you?
God never contradicts the bible.
God will not tell you to sin or to excuse sin.
God will tell you to love.
God's not "showy".....most of the time. Not too many people get audible voices and burning bushes. Its usually a small quiet voice we hear inside our heads.
God talks to those who....listen. This is key.
God also talks to those who seek holiness.
_____________________________
You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
James 4:4
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RE: Which one, God, Satan or Me??? - 3/31/2008 9:54:47 AM
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kmangel
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You have your own conscience--to help you know right from wrong. You have God's written Word--to guide you. You have the counsel of other believers. If all three line up, go for it. Trust the voice you are hearing is God's giving you the green light.
_____________________________
Heaven goes by favor. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in.
--Mark Twain
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RE: Which one, God, Satan or Me??? - 3/31/2008 9:59:16 AM
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earthless
Posts: 3984
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: where thawing pigeons reside...
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quote:
ORIGINAL: scottiezsister
I am working very, very hard to improve my faith in God. In doing so, I need help with learning when God is speaking to me. I kind of understand when it's Satan, but I have a bigger problem discerning when it's my own desires and when is God actually talking to me. This has always been a question in my mind and I don't have it yet (this is very frustrating at times). Can people tell me how they know when God is talking to them??? Does it come in a thought, do you actually hear words??? How does it work? How do you know it's HIM as opposed to your own voice???
God speaks primarily to you via His Word, the Bible. I would seek that first and test all things in light of it before trying to decide if something is from God or not.
_____________________________
Probing Today's Religious Movements | Promoting Doctrinal Discernment & Critical Thinking | Providing Reasons for Christian Faith & Ethics
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RE: Which one, God, Satan or Me??? - 3/31/2008 10:39:12 AM
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FolkSingerBlues
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I would suggest reading C.S. Lewis "The Screwtape Letters" for some insightful thinking into this.
_____________________________
My Blog
Proof texting is a very dangerous thing...If we were given the Scriptures it was to humble us into realizing God is right and the rest of us are just guessing.
-Rich Mullins
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RE: Which one, God, Satan or Me??? - 3/31/2008 10:43:23 AM
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jfaye
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You've already received very good counsel here and I would only confirm it!
For me--He speaks His word to me, when I ask to hear from Him. By that I
mean, that I so often will receive a verse or a passage thought or impression
when actively seeking to hear from Him. I think that is why it is so important
to be in the word! When we expose ourselves to it, it is imprinted in our brains
and into our hearts and His Spirit uses it to speak in a way the devil would never
do! God does not twist or distort His word!
Many times I often turn to the word, after praying earnestly to hear from Him and
then I go to do what I would have done, had I not prayed, in my reading schedule!
I can't tell you the times that I will read something that points specifically to the
concern or thing I've just prayed about, sometimes even including part of the very
words I've used in my praying! That is TRULY a God-thing that fills my heart to
spilling over with joy!
Also, as a believer, God's Spirit does not condemn us. If you hear words to the effect
of "you're a horrible person", "how can you call yourself a Christian", etc. that is the
enemy not your Father. The Father disciplines and points out sin, in a way that makes
you want to run to Him for forgiveness, not out of fear that He won't grant it, but out of
a love-response that causes you to want to please Him!
Also, when He points to sin, in our hearts, it's a 'freeing-up' thing, when you know what
it is specifically that needs to be repented of. Even when struggling with having a victory
over a specific sin, the feeling is not that He will leave or that He will cast us off, it is
rather disappointment and remorse for what we feel is disappointing Him.
However, we never disappoint Him! How can we, when He already knows what we are
capable of and will do? We do grieve His Spirit because we miss out on the blessing
of a guilt-free conscience and the joy that is so readily available to us when we are
denying 'self' and following the walk of the Lord!
_____________________________
Thankfully His,
Janice
"We cannot appreciate God's mercy until we realize He is first the God of justice!"
"O taste and see that the LORD is good;
How blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him!"
Psalm 34:8
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RE: Which one, God, Satan or Me??? - 3/31/2008 10:50:35 AM
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sparkleingsnow
Posts: 3302
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From: Payson, Arizona
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I agree with everyone who has posted above.
God can and does talk to us in several ways.
Through His word. Ever have scripture seem to jump right out at you?
Through other believers.
And as a small quiet voice in your mind. A thought. If it doesn't aline with God's word it's not from the Lord.
A couple of examples of when the Lord has spoken to me lately is:
1. I was talking to the Lord a bout helping me to overcome something and a song came to mind. Not a hymn, but an old rock song with the words,
"bend me shape me any way you want to, long as you love me, its alright.
bend me shape me any way you want to, you've got the power to turn on the light".
I think the Lord brought this song to mind to remind me to be plyable to Him and His will, and I sang this song to the Lord.
2. My daught-in-law who had left, returned to my son. I had seen my son's pain and althought I had prayed for God's will, I wasn't feeling to loving towards her. And the thought came to mind, How do I want Jesus to greet me when I get to heaven. Luke-warm or with open arms?
A couple of years ago that little voice told me to start a womens Bible study. When I suggested it to some of the women, several said they had been thinking about a Bible study, too. (Conformation from other believers.)
I think the more your in God's word, and spent time talking with Him, seeking Him, praiseing Him, ect, the more you learn to recognize His voice.
Still for me there are times, I know it's the Lord, and there are times I have to question if its me hearing what I want to hear or if its the Lord.
_____________________________
Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is
within me, bless his holy name.
Psalm 103:1
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RE: Which one, God, Satan or Me??? - 3/31/2008 11:10:46 AM
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EJA
Posts: 31
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Guilt and condemnation, tearing you down, manipulation, making you fell less than others, feeling 'pressured' to do something: This is the Devils handiwork. He tried this on Jesus in Luke 4:1-13. "IF YOU ARE THE SON OF GOD...then do this..." Satan was attacking His identity as the Christ. Pure and simple manipulation.
If your hearing "If you were a real Christian you'd be doing this or that..." That's the Devil!
Wanting to do something to make yourself look good in the sight of others ("If I do this...then I'll be accepted and they'll really, really like me! I'll be seen as a great and awesome Christian!): This comes from the self (Ananias and Saphira had this problem. Acts 5:1-11).
The fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:16-25) That's God.
Read also Romans 12.
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RE: Which one, God, Satan or Me??? - 3/31/2008 11:13:14 AM
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sparkleingsnow
Posts: 3302
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From: Payson, Arizona
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What a great post jfaye! Thank you.
He often brings scripture to mind that fits the situation perfectly.
_____________________________
Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is
within me, bless his holy name.
Psalm 103:1
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RE: Which one, God, Satan or Me??? - 3/31/2008 10:39:33 PM
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scottiezsister
Posts: 19
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quote:
ORIGINAL: sparkleingsnow
A couple of years ago that little voice told me to start a womens Bible study. When I suggested it to some of the women, several said they had been thinking about a Bible study, too. (Conformation from other believers.)
Still for me there are times, I know it's the Lord, and there are times I have to question if its me hearing what I want to hear or if its the Lord.
For me this is the most difficult for me...I do know that God won't tell me anything negative or bad...He only gives loving thoughts, but it's the things that not necessarily are in the bible. If I were to have thoughts for example of starting a bible study, how would I know if that's God who wants me to do this or is it me that wants to do this...
I'm getting the gist of it, but not totally yet! Thanks for your help though!
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RE: Which one, God, Satan or Me??? - 4/2/2008 5:19:48 PM
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grace2grace2008
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Probably when you feel what your doing is 'the right thing' this is the christian way. The right thing is not always rosy. Somtimes there are sacrifices involved but its still the right thing. And other times the right thing leaves you with a great peace. Ultimately its your understanding of right and wrong which can give you the 'right' vs. 'wrong' feeling. And scripture is a great place to learn about some of the virtues to lead a better christian life.
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RE: Which one, God, Satan or Me??? - 4/2/2008 6:43:43 PM
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jfaye
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quote:
If I were to have thoughts for example of starting a bible study, how would I know if that's God who wants me to do this or is it me that wants to do this...
What I would do with this 'thought' is pray and ask Him to lead in a way, that I will have 'no doubt'
it is first His idea! It could be confirmed by someone 'asking you to teach them something from the
word' or it could be that several of your friends express a desire to be in a study and they can't find
one coming together for them along the lines they are interested in.
I think, for me, what I find is that I have a desire to share what I'm learning and I have a passion to
do it and with that, I believe He is preparing me to be ready to say 'yes' when He opens the door by
someone asking me to do that, specifically--not to just suggest that I'd make a good leader of a study!
Right now, I just can't envision myself as a 'stand-up' teacher, with an organized curriculum, but I am so
into, talking through the word and the things of the Lord!!!
I pray you get the direction you need, to know it is His plan for you. No doubt, He is, at the very least,
making you ready for the opportunity! God's speed in it!!!!! 
Do you have a study in mind, already--just curious! 
_____________________________
Thankfully His,
Janice
"We cannot appreciate God's mercy until we realize He is first the God of justice!"
"O taste and see that the LORD is good;
How blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him!"
Psalm 34:8
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RE: Which one, God, Satan or Me??? - 4/2/2008 11:05:16 PM
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Meatpies
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Disclaimer: anything i say here is from my own personal experiences... this might not be the same for everyone. And yes, objects in the mirror ARE larger than they appear... I learn this EVERY DAY! LOL
The Lord speaks to me very very clearly. He doesn't tell me what to do or what not to do, but more like nudging me one way or another, or a feeling I get when I know I went against what He and I are working on.
For example, I'll see something or hear something and jump quickly to judge. One of the oddest things will happen then... I'll start remembering things I used to do before He and I became aquainted. Now, I don't know about you, but to me it's God's way of saying "who are you to judge? Remember this? And this? And this?"
The Lord and I are lately working on my finding balance in my life. How to live among non-believers, and still stand firm in my belief. So, we talk a lot. In fact, I'll NOT say something that might spark an argument, because mentally I'm asking God to show me balance. To which I'll feel that nudge that tells me, "You're finding the balance now. You came to Me when you were unsure, instead of going into a battle you're not prepared for yet."
So, I have to say that just your asking "Which one, God, Satan or Me" shows me that God is working with you, giving you situations to work on. I feel that if it is Satan trying to work on you, you'll know it, and you'll turn to God and let Him fight the battle. Satan hates that! Satan WANTS you to face off with him, but when you turn to the Lord, Satan has no choice but to leave.
This is what works for me. When in doubt, STOP and ask God. Sometimes just the stopping will prevent you from doing what you shouldn't. You are committed to walking with God, so there really is no "ME" without Him!
But, this is coming from a Christian Noobie, so anyone please tell me if I'm wrong.
_____________________________
Life is hard. It's even harder if you're stupid. - John Wayne
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RE: Which one, God, Satan or Me??? - 4/2/2008 11:39:55 PM
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jfaye
Posts: 702
Joined: 12/18/2007
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quote:
The Lord and I are lately working on my finding balance in my life
Meatpies--I love how you say ''the Lord and I are working on" this or that in your life!
That is just a wonderful way to look at what He is doing in the one who is receptive
to His instructions, promptings and moldings, to be conformed to the image of His Son!
He also creates in us, by that 'molding,' the very desires He has for us, to be our desires
as well!
I am often describing that effect having learned about the word 'delight' in Psalm 37:4:
" Delight yourself in the LORD
and He will give you the desires of your heart."
In this instance the word 'delight' has a meaning based in pottery terms, specifically
as to the malleabilty of clay. If we think of it in that context, it means that if we will
allow the Lord to have His way with us, He will do the work of molding our hearts to
align with His very desires! We will want to do what He wants us to do!
I just love that and I just know you will love it, too!!!!  God bless you!!!
_____________________________
Thankfully His,
Janice
"We cannot appreciate God's mercy until we realize He is first the God of justice!"
"O taste and see that the LORD is good;
How blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him!"
Psalm 34:8
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RE: Which one, God, Satan or Me??? - 4/3/2008 5:10:14 AM
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glimmerinthedark
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Always think, WWJD. Of course you will know more about what Jesus would do, the more you read the Bible.
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RE: Which one, God, Satan or Me??? - 4/3/2008 9:01:03 AM
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kmangel
Posts: 583
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quote:
ORIGINAL: scottiezsister
it's the things that not necessarily are in the bible. If I were to have thoughts for example of starting a bible study, how would I know if that's God who wants me to do this or is it me that wants to do this...
Whatever the thought it is, there will be clues. Is what you are thinking permitted in the Bible? If God expressly forbids what you are considering, then stop right there. There are of course things that you can do, that God calls you to do, that He is not calling me to do, and vice versa, so though the Bible doesn't teach against it it can be wrong if someone pursues something God has not called them to do.
For example, one time I was mad at my teenage sons. I was a new believer and they were making fun of my new found faith. I "decided" that I was going to investigate the youth ministry "where I could find some respect from teenagers". That was my way of thinking. It wasn't God's thinking, though! I attended a meeting and put my name on a list to be called and guess what--nobody called! I came to the conclusion my motives were all wrong. Working in youth ministry is a good cause--IF you are called to it! I wasn't. I was mad. God had a different plan for me. It wasn't too long later that my pastor called with a suggestion. The church was beginning a new ministry and it wound up being a ministry that I had a true heart for. What a difference!
Watch, wait, and listen. If God is behind your thoughts, He will reinforce your direction through circumstances, the confirmation of other people, the Bible, the Holy Spirit. I have noticed He usually speaks to me in a combination of ways so that I don't miss His intentions.
_____________________________
Heaven goes by favor. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in.
--Mark Twain
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RE: Which one, God, Satan or Me??? - 4/3/2008 9:50:49 AM
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butterfly123
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God leads you in ways that are not quite comfortable, that help you grow and stretch spiritually in ways that you could not anticipate. God will bring to mind sins that you were quite comfortable with and provide the means to repent and put them out of your life.
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RE: Which one, God, Satan or Me??? - 4/5/2008 12:24:47 AM
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funny_girl
Posts: 607
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To the OP, I too needed the answer to this question several years ago. I remember praying to the Lord, I'll serve you for the rest of my life but you've got to teach me the difference between your voice, my voice and the devil's voice and He did!
I remember the first time He asked me to do something after that prayer. A group of women from Teen Challenge were ministering in our church and Lord said, "I want you to tell that woman that you've recovered from bulimia." I thought, "AHH! How can I do that Lord, our church doesn't even know and you want me to tell a complete stranger?" I later pulled her into a private room and said that I thought God wanted me to share something with her. When I told her she looked at me and asked, "How did you stop?" I knew she had it and God opened the door for me to counsel the women with eating disorders. For a year I traveled 6 hours round trip to counsel with them. I think it did more for me by sealing God's work in my life by me testifying of God's deliverance.
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RE: Which one, God, Satan or Me??? - 4/5/2008 10:08:42 PM
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SteveDB
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Scottiez,
I don't know if you feel as though this question has been answered, so please bear with me.
When I was younger, I'd often hear people tell me that "God spoke to them" about some thing or another with regard to their lives.
As such, I quickly came to believe that God would actually speak with them-- audibly-- on a regular basis.
This really bugged me because he never talked to me like that. I remember once walking somewhere with a guy from church and hearing a voice that sounded more like my dad's than what I would've thought God would sound like. While it took me a few weeks to do as the voice commanded, I did check it out. If it was God's voice, I did the basics, and moved on, as it wasn't a choice I liked-- I was supposed to go to someplace called PCC. I'd figured it was a christian college, and disagreed with their theology, so I never attended.
As time went on, I'd heard all of what everyone here has told you. These ideas really helped a lot.
What I've come to is the following.
1- Proverbs 20:24-- Since a man's steps are ordered by the Lord, how can a man understand his own way? The next verse says that it's a snare to an individual to make a vow, and afterwards make inquiry.
I got the following out of it: It's dangerous, spiritually, to tell God you're going to do something, and then second guess your vow.
2- Proverbs 16:3-- Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts shall be established.
3- Phillippians 3-- can't remember the exact verse, but start around verse 7-- Paul's talking about giving up things that keep him from his ultimate goal of the "excellency of the knowledge of christ..." He goes on to say that if anyone has any other mind (perspective/attitude) than this, God will reveal that to them.
While there are numerous others, I have obtained the following perspective about it.
I'll live as I see the bible teaches, and go about my daily life. If I'm off on something that really bother's God, he's quite capable, and willing to make that clear to me, in whatever way is necessary, and will work to get my attention.
Since it's in his interest to make his life a part of mine, and to ensure that I make it to be with him, he's invested in making his PoV clear to me.
Now, this is by no means a recipe to excuse yourself from personal responsibility to "seek first the Kingdom of God, and His Righteousness" in your life. Each of us will one day give an account for our choices, actions, words, and attitudes.
What it has given to me, is grace. Grace to realize that God's not quite as hard a taskmaster as I'd once thought him to be. He's a kind, loving, gracious father who knows what's best for his children, and guides them as needed to bring them to their new home with him.
This has freed me up to learn more about him, and who he is, while I live each day in this life, and struggle what it means to live in christ, in a fallen, grief filled world with other people who are hurting, and as scared, or angry as I've been.
Commit yourself to God, and trust that he's got much more interest in you, and you're learning to have in him.
Another thing that I'm learning is what Paul spoke to Titus of--
Titus 2:12-13-
"The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared, teaching us to denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,...."
I.e., I can trust that God's grace will give me all that I need to continue to trust him.
2 Peter 1:3-10 further develops this idea. Please read it-- It's God's toolbox for followers of Jesus.
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RE: Which one, God, Satan or Me??? - 4/8/2008 5:21:15 AM
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scottiezsister
Posts: 19
Joined: 8/24/2006
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quote:
ORIGINAL: kmangel
quote:
ORIGINAL: scottiezsister
it's the things that not necessarily are in the bible. If I were to have thoughts for example of starting a bible study, how would I know if that's God who wants me to do this or is it me that wants to do this...
Whatever the thought it is, there will be clues. Is what you are thinking permitted in the Bible? If God expressly forbids what you are considering, then stop right there.
No way... I am talking about things that God would permit. The things I am talking about would be for ex: should I start a relationship with a person, should I change jobs, which school should I attend...things that I don't believe the answers are specifically in the bible...(to my knowledge)!
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