Things have Changed

[Cage]

Originally Posted by Quahom1

First step is the hardest...after that, one learns to walk and then to run...

v/r

Q

And what would that first step be? I feel like I've taken a thousand first steps, lol!

[Quahom1]

Originally Posted by Cage

I like the way you think.

Heh heh. Will is talking about that relationship with God, instead of fear of God.

The term "fear of God", is the same as "awe". If you ever had a relationship of awe, for an uncle or father, or father figure...that is what is meant, only infinity fold.

Me, I would do anything for my biological father. If he even whispered at a need, I'd be there in a New York second. Not that he needs anything, but the chance to give back to him, is all the excuse I'd need.

And despite my father's human nature, I hold him in "fear", or "awe". How much more so to "fear" or "Awe" God...to want to give back what we can (which is Love).

my thoughts.

v/r

Q

[Quahom1]

Originally Posted by Cage

And what would that first step be? I feel like I've taken a thousand first steps, lol!

Funny you should ask that...

What I did (when I was ready), was say simply "There but for the Grace of God, go I...here am I, God. Now what?" And then I listened and observed (actually it is a daily thing). I also talk to God, every day (usually on the way to work and the way home, as it is an hour and a half each trip).

After awhile, of my talking, things happen to make me realize He is answering me (I am the widow who won't leave the judge alone, I suppose) lol

The awareness and sensitivity is the first hint. "Did you just answer me, God?" I'll wait to confirm...

anyway that is how I do it.

v/r

Q

p.s. if anyone asks you why you are talking to yourself in the car. You pick up your cell phone and simply smile and say, "hands free".

edit: oooh boy I keep thinking about what I do, but like using "Bowflex" machine, one has to start with a little and work their way up to scale for their weight and muscle potential.

I pray for others. I just pick one. I think about what they need, and talk to God about them. I give my reasons, I ask for protection for them, I simply carry on a conversation with God. Cage, I do it every day. I get my tea at the local 7-Eleven, then head to work and talk to God as if He were sitting shotgun...(and to me He is.) Some times I'm not happy and I bitch about someone, other times, it is a petition to God to help them. Sometimes I ask for help when I need it.

Like I said, I make God personal in my life, by engaging Him in conversation, and holding expectation.

[flowperson]

Originally Posted by Cage

I'm not sure what I believe to tell the truth. I'm working on it, though...

Hi Cage :

You'll find lots of company here for your journey. I've been doing one step and day at a time for lots of years, and while somethings are more clear to me now, I know that there are still more questions than answers. But there is a refreshing source of grace and knowledge here in the way that intelligent questions are posed, and then aired and discussed by the very wise people from around the world who are here.

welcome...peace...flow....

[seattlegal]

Originally Posted by cage

Anyway, I've come to realize that I need to accept Jesus' sacrifice. I've come to realize that I cannot handle the consequences my sins entail.

Before, I simply tried to follow in Jesus' footsteps, but now want to know him as my Lord, and Savior. Recent developments have forced me to reconsider my previous stance...that I could/should pay for my own sins.

The line following the Lord's prayer might be of particular interest to you:
Matt 6:14-15 14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

Originally Posted by cage

The truth is that I'm not strong enough to handle the burdens of my past. I thought I was strong enough, but after facing some real world trouble, I've realized the error of my thinking. I still think it is unfair for Jesus to pay for my sins, but I also know that I cannot handle my own.

Hey, if you've learned your lesson, and changed your ways, you've made progress. Forgiveness is now the key.

Originally Posted by cage

And what would that first step be? I feel like I've taken a thousand first steps, lol!

Forgiveness and healing.

Originally Posted by Matt 9:1-7

1 So He got into a boat, crossed over, and came to His own city. 2 Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.”
3 And at once some of the scribes said within themselves, “This Man blasphemes!”
4 But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5 For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk’? 6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—then He said to the paralytic, “Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” 7 And he arose and departed to his house.
8 Now when the multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified God, who had given such power to men.

Once you understand the power of repentance and forgiveness, you won't be paralyzed by your perceived lack of faith. Regarding your burden of sins, hey, you made your bed, and you must carry it, just like the paralyzed man who was healed. Forgiveness and repentance makes the burden light, however, and your past sins become the lessons you have learned in your repentance.

[Cage]

Originally Posted by flowperson

Hi Cage :

You'll find lots of company here for your journey. I've been doing one step and day at a time for lots of years, and while somethings are more clear to me now, I know that there are still more questions than answers. But there is a refreshing source of grace and knowledge here in the way that intelligent questions are posed, and then aired and discussed by the very wise people from around the world who are here.

welcome...peace...flow....

This is becoming more and evident, flow. I feel lucky to have found a group so willing to encourage, guide, and accept me where I am.

Much Love,

[Cage]

Originally Posted by Quahom1

Funny you should ask that...

What I did (when I was ready), was say simply "There but for the Grace of God, go I...here am I, God. Now what?" And then I listened and observed (actually it is a daily thing). I also talk to God, every day (usually on the way to work and the way home, as it is an hour and a half each trip).

After awhile, of my talking, things happen to make me realize He is answering me (I am the widow who won't leave the judge alone, I suppose) lol

The awareness and sensitivity is the first hint. "Did you just answer me, God?" I'll wait to confirm...

anyway that is how I do it.

v/r

Q

p.s. if anyone asks you why you are talking to yourself in the car. You pick up your cell phone and simply smile and say, "hands free".

edit: oooh boy I keep thinking about what I do, but like using "Bowflex" machine, one has to start with a little and work their way up to scale for their weight and muscle potential.

I pray for others. I just pick one. I think about what they need, and talk to God about them. I give my reasons, I ask for protection for them, I simply carry on a conversation with God. Cage, I do it every day. I get my tea at the local 7-Eleven, then head to work and talk to God as if He were sitting shotgun...(and to me He is.) Some times I'm not happy and I bitch about someone, other times, it is a petition to God to help them. Sometimes I ask for help when I need it.

Like I said, I make God personal in my life, by engaging Him in conversation, and holding expectation.

It starts with simple converstaion? I can certainly do that. I think the hard part will be the listening/hearing. I don't know if I'll be able to recognize his guidence.

Btw, I dig that bowflex analogy. Why would it work any other way?

[Cage]

Originally Posted by seattlegal

The line following the Lord's prayer might be of particular interest to you:
Matt 6:14-15 14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."


Hey, if you've learned your lesson, and changed your ways, you've made progress. Forgiveness is now the key.


Forgiveness and healing.

Once you understand the power of repentance and forgiveness, you won't be paralyzed by your perceived lack of faith. Regarding your burden of sins, hey, you made your bed, and you must carry it, just like the paralyzed man who was healed. Forgiveness and repentance makes the burden light, however, and your past sins become the lessons you have learned in your repentance.

seattlegal, your post just made my night. Thank you!

Much Love,

[seattlegal]

Originally Posted by Cage

seattlegal, your post just made my night. Thank you!

Much Love,

I'm glad it was helpful for you, Cage.
Much love.

[Quahom1]

Originally Posted by Cage

I have posted here before, but with a completely different mindset. In my previous visit to this forum, I was concerned with the ethics of salvation, and then to 'why' blood sacrifice was demanded.

I've re-read the threads, and I am amazed at how much I have changed since my last visit.

Anyway, I've come to realize that I need to accept Jesus' sacrifice. I've come to realize that I cannot handle the consequences my sins entail.

Before, I simply tried to follow in Jesus' footsteps, but now want to know him as my Lord, and Savior. Recent developments have forced me to reconsider my previous stance...that I could/should pay for my own sins.

The truth is that I'm not strong enough to handle the burdens of my past. I thought I was strong enough, but after facing some real world trouble, I've realized the error of my thinking. I still think it is unfair for Jesus to pay for my sins, but I also know that I cannot handle my own.

I'm also not sure if I completely believe in the ressurection, and I have been told that in order to be saved, and granted the guidence of the Holy Spirit, I must believe in this.

What are your thought?

Is is possible to be saved, and given the Holy Spirit w/o being convicted in heart that a literal ressurection actually happened? Look, I can accept that Jesus' spirit was re-awakened somehow, but his body after 3 days of decay is another story.

Anxious to hear what you have to say...

Much Love,

I had to read your post again Cage. And again and again and again. Why? Because something was just hiding under the surface that I couldn't quite gather into foment.

I see that you have "burdens" you can't carry by yourself. Before, you seem to have figured you could carry your own "knapsack" of issues, while you "followed" Jesus' foot steps (followed behind Him as He made the path for you). So, I must conclude that your "burdens" in your "knapsack" that you carry while you try to follow God (Jesus') footsteps, has been slowing you down, due to the heaviness? And I conclude that your "knapsack" recently got a whole lot heavier, yet you haven't had time to adjust, grow accustomed to, or just plain realize you can't carry it any longer.

So, you look up and "damn, Jesus is gone!" And you got a bit shaken up...? (I'd use more colorful words describing the feeling, but this is a family forum)

Plus, you still have doubts about salvation, so of course Jesus isn't going to give you a hand, or guidance, or do anything but leave you with your burden (because you don't quite fit the "mold" of a saved Christian) and perhaps for a moment you looked ahead and there were no more "foot prints" ahead of you...does that about sum it up? There are no more foot prints ahead of you, but the ones behind you now look twice as deep as they once were...

Dude, Jesus isn't gone, just look behind you. Who do you think is holding most of the weight of that "knapsack"? Who is holding you up?

He isn't asking anything of you right now, but to Trust Him. In fact, He offers you a trade on the path there. He'll take your "knapsack" if you will take His, for His is so much lighter. The you BOTH can move forward together, at an easier pace.

He doesn't care what the details you perceive of His beating death. He simply asks that you believe He did, and that He can help you. You don't have to change your heart...He'll take care of that in both of yours' good time. This is a personal relationship with Jesus you are entering in, which means Jesus will reveal to you what you need, when you need it, as long as you are willing. But He forces nothing on anyone, ever. And no one else can dictate how that relationship is supposed to develop.

There is no cookie cutter pattern that brings a man closer to God (follow 1-14 and voila you are with God).

Your last question (original) "Is it possible to be saved"? The rest was a set of self detractors and exception clauses, hence not significant to the original point of the question...and the answer is Yes. As you are, where you are, right this instant.

You say, "Jesus, take me as I am, doubts and all." Jesus says, "Wouldn't have it any other way." (with a beaming grin). Then get ready for the ride of your life...

God Speed.

v/r

Q

[Cage]

Originally Posted by Quahom1

I see that you have "burdens" you can't carry by yourself. Before, you seem to have figured you could carry your own "knapsack" of issues, while you "followed" Jesus' foot steps (followed behind Him as He made the path for you). So, I must conclude that your "burdens" in your "knapsack" that you carry while you try to follow God (Jesus') footsteps, has been slowing you down, due to the heaviness? And I conclude that your "knapsack" recently got a whole lot heavier, yet you haven't had time to adjust, grow accustomed to, or just plain realize you can't carry it any longer.

So, you look up and "damn, Jesus is gone!" And you got a bit shaken up...?

Yes, before I wasn't concerned with salvation; I just wanted to follow him. But, things change in life, and I found myself in a place where my burdens became overwhelming. I then realized that I couldn't do it on my own, and at the same time, I also remembered what many Christians have said about recieving the gift of salvation...That I must first believe. In that respect, yes, I guess I "looked up", and it seemed Jesus was gone.

Plus, you still have doubts about salvation, so of course Jesus isn't going to give you a hand, or guidance, or do anything but leave you with your burden (because you don't quite fit the "mold" of a saved Christian) and perhaps for a moment you looked ahead and there were no more "foot prints" ahead of you...does that about sum it up? There are no more foot prints ahead of you, but the ones behind you now look twice as deep as they once were...

Dude, Jesus isn't gone, just look behind you. Who do you think is holding most of the weight of that "knapsack"? Who is holding you up?

I've always liked that "Foot Prints in The Sand" analogy, but I have rarely been in situations where it could be applied to my life. Wait, that's not true; there have been many times when I thought I couldn't take another step.

He isn't asking anything of you right now, but to Trust Him. In fact, He offers you a trade on the path there. He'll take your "knapsack" if you will take His, for His is so much lighter. The you BOTH can move forward together, at an easier pace.

He doesn't care what the details you perceive of His beating death. He simply asks that you believe He did, and that He can help you. You don't have to change your heart...He'll take care of that in both of yours' good time. This is a personal relationship with Jesus you are entering in, which means Jesus will reveal to you what you need, when you need it, as long as you are willing. But He forces nothing on anyone, ever. And no one else can dictate how that relationship is supposed to develop.

There is no cookie cutter pattern that brings a man closer to God (follow 1-14 and voila you are with God).

I do believe he beat death, and if that is good enough, then I'm ready to make that first step. And if there is no cookie cutter pattern to follow, I guess it must become a "personal" endeavor, which is probably what God wants anyway.

Your last question (original) "Is it possible to be saved"? The rest was a set of self detractors and exception clauses, hence not significant to the original point of the question...and the answer is Yes. As you are, where you are, right this instant.

You say, "Jesus, take me as I am, doubts and all." Jesus says, "Wouldn't have it any other way." (with a beaming grin). Then get ready for the ride of your life...

God Speed.

v/r

Q

I'm so glad you see it this way, Quahom. The Prerequisite's were certainly keeping a lost sheep (Me) from the shepherd (Jesus).

Thanks, man!

Much Love,