Prayer Request Thread

[BUCKNUTS]

What is most empowering to me from this knowledge is that Jesus never said "I better pray about this" or "let's get a prayer group together" or "I better get some support from my brothers" (I'm being sarcastic for a purpose) - He stood firmly on the word of God and rebuked Satan with the very same power that we are heirs to.

Matthew 4:1-11
Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'

Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'

Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'

He responded as a fully armored warrior as outlined in Ephesians 6:10-18.

Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Notice something in the NIV translation: Matthew 4:1 "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.

This sounds nothing like an accident to me. It sounds like a warrior fortifying his mettle. We have the very same mettle. We should not be so worried when we are called to use it.

We are Christ-like when we use it as he used and tested the very same mettle...and it was good! Better than good!

Jesus faced all the temptations, pain and disappointments that we all face. It's important to remember that even though we fail and give in to temptation, Jesus succeeded in not giving in to Satan's temptations. Because Jesus died as a substitute for us God counts Jesus' success as though it were ours. Praise God for that because without it we would all be lost.

 

[fightbackhxc]

I love metal too

 

[keeper]

He also said that when 2 or more are gathered in His name, there He would be, also. That's what is so cool about this thread.

 

[andrew732]

He also said that when 2 or more are gathered in His name, there He would be, also. That's what is so cool about this thread.

YES!

 

[bslick69b]

Yes, God will provide you the job he has for you, just continue to be faithful to God everyway possible and maitain faith in God.

thats spot on!, andrew!:werd:

 

[fightbackhxc]

Iron workersj ob didnt come through. I felt bad when I picked up the letter today, knew what was in it.

Well this is the point where I put my head between my legs and kiss my arse goodbye lol.

Best wishes for over one. These are beyond hard times.

Sometimes God takes us through a period of total dependancy on him so he knows where our hearts are at.

The best advice I can give is to depend on him to get you through it. Wait on his timing and seek him ZERO

 

[mmowry]

Sometimes God takes us through a period of total dependancy on him so WE KNOW where our hearts are at.

The best advice I can give is to depend on him to get you through it. Wait on his timing and seek him ZERO

I agree but with a small change, because its unfortunate but at times we all give ourselves more chedit than we deserve, in one area or another.

But thank fully "we are therefore the righteousness God in Christ Jesus"

 

[fightbackhxc]

sorry I think I actually meant to type He but its all good. I agree with ya

 

[dragonfly]

What is most empowering to me from this knowledge is that Jesus never said "I better pray about this" or "let's get a prayer group together" or "I better get some support from my brothers" (I'm being sarcastic for a purpose) - He stood firmly on the word of God and rebuked Satan with the very same power that we are heirs to.

Matthew 4:1-11
Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'

Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'

Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'

He responded as a fully armored warrior as outlined in Ephesians 6:10-18.

Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Notice something in the NIV translation: Matthew 4:1 "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.

This sounds nothing like an accident to me. It sounds like a warrior fortifying his mettle. We have the very same mettle. We should not be so worried when we are called to use it.

We are Christ-like when we use it as he used and tested the very same mettle...and it was good! Better than good!

That is why Christ is called the King of Kings

It takes only a speck of doubt in God’s plan for our lives to makes us weak in front of Satan.

Being way too caught up in matters of this world we humans stubbornly keep refusing the fact that only the Creator knows what is best for us and thus, failing to submit completely to His will, we suffer the consequences of our earthly choices.

"The way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps" (Jeremiah 10:23).

If we submitted fully to God, Satan would have no power over us.

 

[dedlifter1]

That is why Christ is called the King of Kings

It takes only a speck of doubt in God’s plan for our lives to makes us weak in front of Satan.

Being way too caught up in matters of this world we humans stubbornly keep refusing the fact that only the Creator knows what is best for us and thus, failing to submit completely to His will, we suffer the consequences of our earthly choices.

"The way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps" (Jeremiah 10:23).

If we submitted fully to God, Satan would have no power over us.

Ha ha, this is so true. Miracle after miracle is preformed in the lives of people, yet we still withhold a reservation that GOD will not deliver us from evil! GOD's will is going to come to fruition no matter what, it is up to us to align our will with GOD's, that is where most get tripped up I think. Life is full of beauty, and cruelty, and if we are in GOD's grace, we are properly equipped to handle it when life runs the gambit of emotions. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.

 

[dragonfly]

Ha ha, this is so true. Miracle after miracle is preformed in the lives of people, yet we still withhold a reservation that GOD will not deliver us from evil! GOD's will is going to come to fruition no matter what, it is up to us to align our will with GOD's, that is where most get tripped up I think. Life is full of beauty, and cruelty, and if we are in GOD's grace, we are properly equipped to handle it when life runs the gambit of emotions. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.

That post made me grin BIG TIME ! Invalid Link Removed

For I am the Lord, I change not
Return unto me, and I will return unto you
Malachi 3:1-18​

He will deliver His promises whether we are ready for them or not !

 

[dg806]

David Phelps (his Legacy of Love project is amazing)

David Phelps has an awesome amazing voice.

 

[DR.D]

I agree but with a small change, because its unfortunate but at times we all give ourselves more chedit than we deserve, in one area or another.

But thank fully "we are therefore the righteousness God in Christ Jesus"

It shows we still don't get it, exactly who we are and where our strength comes from. Who actually understands how great God's plan is for their life? A destiny that might be fulfilled in the very near future, if a man has a trusting heart and a willing mind. Renewal and perfection await us all if we choose! Christ offers revelation, power and authority to walk over all the works of the enemy, and we share the keys to the Kingdom and the blessings that come with it. Abundance and liberality are our portion in Christ, so who has the faith to reach out and receive this promise today??

Many are deceived and compromised these days, and that inhibits the Spirit within us. As a result, spiritual advancement slops, and we resign ourselves to slowly losing more and more territory every day. Give no more ground to the devil! Don't give up any more ground or authority to that liar. Take your stand and push back the powers of darkness. Enough is enough. God has given us authority, and His gifts are without repentance. He will not take away what He has bestowed on up. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. - Romans 11:29. The only way we lose what we've received from God is by letting go and walking away, by giving up or getting complacent. It's good to quit on your own plans, but never quit on His! We must finally surrender our will to God to become 'joint heirs' with Christ and adopted sons of God. All that the Father has given Christ is available to us and allocated to each man according to his faith. Once men realize who they are, really get revelation of their true identity, they will move mountains. So maintain your position and fight! Put no trust in your own flesh or provisions, rather know and then stand on His promises. After that, all other needs, desires and concerns will be covered.

 

[B5150]

It shows we still don't get it, exactly who we are and where our strength comes from. Who actually understands how great God's plan is for their life? A destiny that might be fulfilled in the very near future, if a man has a trusting heart and a willing mind. Renewal and perfection await us all if we choose! Christ offers revelation, power and authority to walk over all the works of the enemy, and we share the keys to the Kingdom and the blessings that come with it. Abundance and liberality are our portion in Christ, so who has the faith to reach out and receive this promise today??

Many are deceived and compromised these days, and that inhibits the Spirit within us. As a result, spiritual advancement slops, and we resign ourselves to slowly losing more and more territory every day. Give no more ground to the devil! Don't give up any more ground or authority to that liar. Take your stand and push back the powers of darkness. Enough is enough. God has given us authority, and His gifts are without repentance. He will not take away what He has bestowed on up. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. - Romans 11:29. The only way we lose what we've received from God is by letting go and walking away, by giving up or getting complacent. It's good to quit on your own plans, but never quit on His! We must finally surrender our will to God to become 'joint heirs' with Christ and adopted sons of God. All that the Father has given Christ is available to us and allocated to each man according to his faith. Once men realize who they are, really get revelation of their true identity, they will move mountains. So maintain your position and fight! Put no trust in your own flesh or provisions, rather know and then stand on His promises. After that, all other needs, desires and concerns will be covered.

I've become very curious. Are these your statements or some one else's pontifications.

The tone of your posts of late are hyperfocused on Satan and his advancement and deceptions and tactics and what have you. That is all well and good if you want to set up a turn or burn evangelist thread. But this thread in and of itself completely flys in the face of your (or whoever's) statements.

We here are a living breathing testament to the glorious work of our Faith and the Holy Spirit by evidence of the 28 pages of this thread and the lives it has reached and changed. We are the light and the salt on this board and our obedience is demonstarted here within these pages. We are conquerers through Christ. We are victorious and have a strong hold and are not losing ground. Quite the contrary we are growing and gaining ground here and outside these pages.

Furthermore we are executing the very authority we have by boldly professing our faith, joining in fellowship and praising Him...here and now.

 

[Iron Lungz]

...executing the very authority we have by boldly professing our faith, joining in fellowship and praising Him...here and now.

Agreed.

 

[JZ7757]

Amen! Despite what is happening in this world or in our lives, we ARE more than conquerers through Christ Jesus...

 

[DR.D]

I've become very curious. Are these your statements or some one else's pontifications.

The tone of your posts of late are hyperfocused on Satan and his advancement and deceptions and tactics and what have you. That is all well and good if you want to set up a turn or burn evangelist thread. But this thread in and of itself completely flys in the face of your (or whoever's) statements.

We here are a living breathing testament to the glorious work of our Faith and the Holy Spirit by evidence of the 28 pages of this thread and the lives it has reached and changed. We are the light and the salt on this board and our obedience is demonstarted here within these pages. We are conquerers through Christ. We are victorious and have a strong hold and are not losing ground. Quite the contrary we are growing and gaining ground here and outside these pages.

Furthermore we are executing the very authority we have by boldly professing our faith, joining in fellowship and praising Him...here and now.

I have indeed experienced some fresh insights as of late, just as you say. My new wife left me a few weeks ago, pregnant with my unborn son at that, and I fasted and prayed for 5 days straight after she left. The experience resulted in some spiritual clarification for me.

1. Don't just pray, but praise Him aloud in the thick of your storms. You may have been doing this from the start, but I just discovered how well this works. Leading to another observation...

2. Like Mowry said, we tend to live by our own strength and pride. "There is a way that seems right unto a man..." Once again, maybe you were on task with this, but I realized just how mislead I can be if anything other than Christ is the object of my trust. I am a physicist, and if I'm asked to walk on water for example, it's gonna be hard for me to get past the fact that water walking is logically impossible, lol. Yes, it's illogical that's true, but that's not the point anyway. Which lead to my deepest realization...

3. Satan uses logic to deceive us. We become dissipated fighting the wrong battles without even realizing it, and pride is the blinder. I now see that my anger is often misdirected, which prevents me from realizing the true source of inequity. If you don't have a pride problem, or a need to win or be right in an argument, or to get what you're logically entitled to, then you won't relate to this either.

Deception is an insidious poison, and denial is a potent trigger for subtle subversion. I'm not pushing any 'turn or burn' philosophy. In fact, aren't my Christian interpretations just about the most liberal you've ever seen? I've just become acutely aware of this lately, that when the Bible says satan is the "god of this world" -John 12:31, that statement carries literal weight. I'm offering more of a 'heads up', no condemnation directed at you or any other brother at all. We are conquerors indeed, but common observation suggests that deception is pandemic among Christians, to me at least. Just look around my friend. Once you see all he has taken from you, I suspect you will hate satan with equal zeal as I.

 

[dragonfly]

I've become very curious. Are these your statements or some one else's pontifications.

The tone of your posts of late are hyperfocused on Satan and his advancement and deceptions and tactics and what have you. That is all well and good if you want to set up a turn or burn evangelist thread. But this thread in and of itself completely flys in the face of your (or whoever's) statements.

We here are a living breathing testament to the glorious work of our Faith and the Holy Spirit by evidence of the 28 pages of this thread and the lives it has reached and changed. We are the light and the salt on this board and our obedience is demonstarted here within these pages. We are conquerers through Christ. We are victorious and have a strong hold and are not losing ground. Quite the contrary we are growing and gaining ground here and outside these pages.

Furthermore we are executing the very authority we have by boldly professing our faith, joining in fellowship and praising Him...here and now.

We may be the light and the salt of this board and if so we can expect to be the prime focus of Satan's deceitful tactics. I've learned through my own personal experience that the more your faith grows the more it is being tested. I also learned NOT to ever underestimate the enemy. I we are to win the war we must know him. Yes I do believe I have a stronghold but that doesn't mean I can allow myself to be caught off guard. There is a reason why he is called a master deceiver.

I have indeed experienced some fresh insights as of late, just as you say. My new wife left me a few weeks ago, pregnant with my unborn son at that, and I fasted and prayed for 5 days straight after she left. The experience resulted in some spiritual clarification for me.

1. Don't just pray, but praise Him aloud in the thick of your storms. You may have been doing this from the start, but I just discovered how well this works. Leading to another observation...

2. Like Mowry said, we tend to live by our own strength and pride. "There is a way that seems right unto a man..." Once again, maybe you were on task with this, but I realized just how mislead I can be if anything other than Christ is the object of my trust. I am a physicist, and if I'm asked to walk on water for example, it's gonna be hard for me to get past the fact that water walking is logically impossible, lol. Yes, it's illogical that's true, but that's not the point anyway. Which lead to my deepest realization...

I am very sorry to hear your wife left you Dr D and I will pray for you.
Funny enough I'm going through a somewhat similar experience and I am grateful for it. The ones we love are often used as a tool against us.
I can't say I wasn't expecting it. Truth is, everything I thought satan would use against me, he indeed did use. I am expecting things to get worse. But that is fine. I can prepare myself better how to deal with them when they come.

Oh, and I am a scientist too so I know how the logic works - NOT :lol:

3. Satan uses logic to deceive us. We become dissipated fighting the wrong battles without even realizing it, and pride is the blinder. I now see that my anger is often misdirected, which prevents me from realizing the true source of inequity. If you don't have a pride problem, or a need to win or be right in an argument, or to get what you're logically entitled to, then you won't relate to this either.

Deception is an insidious poison, and denial is a potent trigger for subtle subversion. I'm not pushing any 'turn or burn' philosophy. In fact, aren't my Christian interpretations just about the most liberal you've ever seen? I've just become acutely aware of this lately, that when the Bible says satan is the "god of this world" -John 12:31, that statement carries literal weight. I'm offering more of a 'heads up', no condemnation directed at you or any other brother at all. We are conquerors indeed, but common observation suggests that deception is pandemic among Christians, to me at least. Just look around my friend. Once you see all he has taken from you, I suspect you will hate satan with equal zeal as I.

Invalid Link Removed

Satan wants to permanently shipwreck the future God has planned for you. This is a fact. When you come to know the big picture of the spiritual forces at work on earth, such knowledge will sober you. Mankind stands in Satan's way. By virtue of the fact that we are alive, we threaten his position and power.

Satan was once an "anointed cherub," a kind of superangel serving at the very throne of God (Ezekiel 28:14). But he rebelled, and God cast him down to earth. When the devil realized he could not overthrow God and take over the universe, he became "Apollyon," meaning "the destroyer" (Revelation 9:11)-the enemy of God and all God's creation, especially humanity (1 Peter 5:8).

Since God will not allow Satan to destroy mankind directly (compare Job 1-2), Satan has concocted devious ways to influence us to destroy ourselves.

False religions, naturalism, the theory of evolution and related belief systems have kept humanity in darkness for centuries. Satan reasons that, if he can't kill mankind off wholesale, then he will work at keeping mankind deceived. Paul tells us the devil has successfully "blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel" (2 Corinthians 4:4,

 

[Beau]

I have indeed experienced some fresh insights as of late, just as you say. My new wife left me a few weeks ago, pregnant with my unborn son at that, and I fasted and prayed for 5 days straight after she left. The experience resulted in some spiritual clarification for me.

Reading this saddened me. It made me think back to the feelings I had "last time", and that made me want to reach out an offer you my friendship. So, I make that offer. Please PM me if you feel the need to talk to someone in a manner more confidential than that afforded here.

I am sorry for your loss. The lack of commitment within marital relationships hurts my heart.

 

[dragonfly]

I know I'm somehow repeating myself but it is an issue that is close to me as well.
I agree with Dr D. We must stop fighting the wrong battles. There is only one way that leads to God but many lead to hell. No wonder people are so confused.

And yes, satan literally rules this world. Sadly many believers fall under his deceit. I'm struggling at the moment too but at least I know where to turn for help.
God wants fellowship. There is no fellowship if we refuse to surrender to Him. Even though we believe He is indeed the Creator to whom nothing is impossible, we often have doubts as to what He can do in our own private lives. I've learned if you cry out for Him in help and worship He will perform miracles. He is the Lord, He doesn't chnage, He keeps his promises. Why do we keep running away? Because of our logic and Pride. These are antithesis to faith.

Ironically, modern science takes more Faith than Christianity. It basically requires you to believe that nothing created something out of nothing :fool2:

We Christians believe that something created something out of nothing

These are more or less the words of Pator Bob Coy, I'll have to dig through the archive to find the sermon, it is awesome

Invalid Link Removed

 

[may19th2001]

Welcome back hope you had a nice and safe 4th of July...

I'm back guys, sorry I was gone so long. It's time to get this thread rolling again!!

Our enemy has been busy lately, attacking friendships and trying to promote fear. He likes to make brothers fight, in hopes that we won't realize we should really be mad at him! He is the source of ALL hate, have no doubt about that. But I'm calling him out for the liar he is. Don't be fooled. Spiritual paralysis will provide an avenue for the devil to function through the believers who fall for his deceptions. Rebellion, jealousy and pride are his weapons, and he whispers in your ear constantly to make you believe it. But fear provides an open door for demonic traffic, it's the fuel they need to function in your life. Shake off spiritual weakness and wake up! You are children of The Most High God, and once you realize that you never settle for second best again.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. - 2 Timothy 1:7 (believe that and be strong!)

Emerge from the fog of uncertainty, and see with great clarity the purpose God has for you. Breath a sigh of relief from all the stress that's found a home in you for the last few weeks and months. This is a new day that carries with it new possibilities and new hope. Renew yourself in trust and expectation while maintaining spiritual discernment of reality.

But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him." - 1 Corinthians 2:9

Also, this board has been infiltrated by some godless punks lately, and it seems they have attacked some of your brothers and sisters here. Look out for one another, and don't hesitate to remind our good mods of their responsibility to keep that garbage out of here. :twak:

 

[BUCKNUTS]

I know I'm somehow repeating myself but it is an issue that is close to me as well.
I agree with Dr D. We must stop fighting the wrong battles. There is only one way that leads to God but many lead to hell. No wonder people are so confused.

And yes, satan literally rules this world. Sadly many believers fall under his deceit. I'm struggling at the moment too but at least I know where to turn for help.
God wants fellowship. There is no fellowship if we refuse to surrender to Him. Even though we believe He is indeed the Creator to whom nothing is impossible, we often have doubts as to what He can do in our own private lives. I've learned if you cry out for Him in help and worship He will perform miracles. He is the Lord, He doesn't chnage, He keeps his promises. Why do we keep running away? Because of our logic and Pride. These are antithesis to faith.

Ironically, modern science takes more Faith than Christianity. It basically requires you to believe that nothing created something out of nothing :fool2:

We Christians believe that something created something out of nothing

These are more or less the words of Pator Bob Coy, I'll have to dig through the archive to find the sermon, it is awesome

Invalid Link Removed

Luke 4:5-7
[5] The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. [6] And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. [7] So if you worship me, it will all be yours.

Satan knew full well who Jesus was and if the world were not his to give he would not have offered it as he would have been rebuked by Jesus immediately. Also there are many other places in scripture where he is referred to in terms of his sovereignty over this world. Satan is called the "prince of the power of the air" in Ephesians 2:2. He is called the "ruler of this world" in John 12:31. "God of this world" in 2 Corinthians 4:4.

Dragonfly, I really like Pastor Bob Coy in fact the whole Calvary Chapel movement. I like the teaching of God's word verse by verse the way they do it.

 

[B5150]

I have indeed experienced some fresh insights as of late, just as you say. My new wife left me a few weeks ago, pregnant with my unborn son at that, and I fasted and prayed for 5 days straight after she left. The experience resulted in some spiritual clarification for me.

1. Don't just pray, but praise Him aloud in the thick of your storms. You may have been doing this from the start, but I just discovered how well this works. Leading to another observation...

2. Like Mowry said, we tend to live by our own strength and pride. "There is a way that seems right unto a man..." Once again, maybe you were on task with this, but I realized just how mislead I can be if anything other than Christ is the object of my trust. I am a physicist, and if I'm asked to walk on water for example, it's gonna be hard for me to get past the fact that water walking is logically impossible, lol. Yes, it's illogical that's true, but that's not the point anyway. Which lead to my deepest realization...

3. Satan uses logic to deceive us. We become dissipated fighting the wrong battles without even realizing it, and pride is the blinder. I now see that my anger is often misdirected, which prevents me from realizing the true source of inequity. If you don't have a pride problem, or a need to win or be right in an argument, or to get what you're logically entitled to, then you won't relate to this either.

Deception is an insidious poison, and denial is a potent trigger for subtle subversion. I'm not pushing any 'turn or burn' philosophy. In fact, aren't my Christian interpretations just about the most liberal you've ever seen? I've just become acutely aware of this lately, that when the Bible says satan is the "god of this world" -John 12:31, that statement carries literal weight. I'm offering more of a 'heads up', no condemnation directed at you or any other brother at all. We are conquerors indeed, but common observation suggests that deception is pandemic among Christians, to me at least. Just look around my friend. Once you see all he has taken from you, I suspect you will hate satan with equal zeal as I.

My 40 days fast change my life forever!

When I returned home from prison and faced the stark reality that I had lost my son and daughter to my substance abuse I wept face down on the floor of my garage. My training place became my whaling and purging room day after day, week after week, until joy found it's way to return to me. I have lived without my son and daughter for 7 years now.

EDIT: I literally fell face down sobbing to this the first time I heard it.



Interestingly enough I am leading a study called "If you want to walk on water you need to get out of the boat" by John Ortberg.

I agonizingly at times live without my only son because of the sin of my substance abuse. He turned 13 and I was not there. He turned 16 and I was not there. He turned 18 and I was not there. My pride does not exist. Humility is all that I have left...and God's grace. God's grace is sufficient for today.

As I told you before...I see what you see. The world is going to hell figuratively and literally.

I am very sorry for your pain. I understand pain. I understand anger. I understand hate for my enemy. I understand better now where you are. May God comfort you and peace return to you soon.

 

[B5150]

We may be the light and the salt of this board and if so we can expect to be the prime focus of Satan's deceitful tactics. I've learned through my own personal experience that the more your faith grows the more it is being tested. I also learned NOT to ever underestimate the enemy. I we are to win the war we must know him. Yes I do believe I have a stronghold but that doesn't mean I can allow myself to be caught off guard. There is a reason why he is called a master deceiver.

You'll get no argument from me. I just pay him as little mind as possible and surround myself with fellowship and Gods word as much as possible. I fail. I get back up. The war has been won. Tripping me up doesn't change the fact that he has been sent straight to hell. I am renewed daily because of Grace....an abundance of Grace. Give Grace more credit and Satan less JMHO

 

[keeper]

There is so much pain here in this thread, but so much love. Love afforded by our Lord. He's using each of you right here. He speaks through your words of encouragement and pledges of support. He hugs with your arms. Your big shoulders are His own, freely bearing each other's pain.

To those of you who have been through the fire or are in the fire now, notice how you have been lifted to a new level of credibility in your witness. When you say "I know how it feels" you really do, and it's obvious there's a new intensity of power behind what you say. May God whisper His divine brand of comfort to your hearts, bringing healing and restoration of all the enemy has taken from you. In Jesus mighty name!

 

[GotTest]

I have indeed experienced some fresh insights as of late, just as you say. My new wife left me a few weeks ago, pregnant with my unborn son at that, and I fasted and prayed for 5 days straight after she left. The experience resulted in some spiritual clarification for me.

1. Don't just pray, but praise Him aloud in the thick of your storms. You may have been doing this from the start, but I just discovered how well this works. Leading to another observation...

2. Like Mowry said, we tend to live by our own strength and pride. "There is a way that seems right unto a man..." Once again, maybe you were on task with this, but I realized just how mislead I can be if anything other than Christ is the object of my trust. I am a physicist, and if I'm asked to walk on water for example, it's gonna be hard for me to get past the fact that water walking is logically impossible, lol. Yes, it's illogical that's true, but that's not the point anyway. Which lead to my deepest realization...

3. Satan uses logic to deceive us. We become dissipated fighting the wrong battles without even realizing it, and pride is the blinder. I now see that my anger is often misdirected, which prevents me from realizing the true source of inequity. If you don't have a pride problem, or a need to win or be right in an argument, or to get what you're logically entitled to, then you won't relate to this either.

Deception is an insidious poison, and denial is a potent trigger for subtle subversion. I'm not pushing any 'turn or burn' philosophy. In fact, aren't my Christian interpretations just about the most liberal you've ever seen? I've just become acutely aware of this lately, that when the Bible says satan is the "god of this world" -John 12:31, that statement carries literal weight. I'm offering more of a 'heads up', no condemnation directed at you or any other brother at all. We are conquerors indeed, but common observation suggests that deception is pandemic among Christians, to me at least. Just look around my friend. Once you see all he has taken from you, I suspect you will hate satan with equal zeal as I.

It hurts me to hear about your wife leaving D. My prayers are with you brother!

I appreciate you being so transparent and sharing your testimony. It is VERY timely to what's been going on with my relationship with a few people.

I don't always have to make MY point and be "right" all the time. Usually my being "right" is just my own stupid OPINION anyway.

Boy that mmowry guy hits it on the head sometime doesn't he.

 

[DR.D]

... I am very sorry to hear your wife left you Dr D and I will pray for you. Funny enough I'm going through a somewhat similar experience and I am grateful for it. The ones we love are often used as a tool against us. ...

Thank you for your prayers. You are as gracious as you are wise. I promise you though, I am stronger now, and I am grateful in my pain as well! He strengthens us in every weakness, turning everything to the good that the enemy planned for bad.

 

[DR.D]

Reading this saddened me. It made me think back to the feelings I had "last time", and that made me want to reach out an offer you my friendship. So, I make that offer. Please PM me if you feel the need to talk to someone in a manner more confidential than that afforded here.

I am sorry for your loss. The lack of commitment within marital relationships hurts my heart.

Thank you sir, you have always been on my heart too! Your compassion restores me friend. I have peace.

I won't put my faith in anything else but Him now, that was my lesson. It's not fair when we're treated wrongly (especially by a trusted loved one like a spouse), but it was not fair how He was murdered in cold blood by his own people. He was innocent and righteous and that was the LAST thing He deserved. His example on the cross helps me put it in a sober perspective of gratitude and acceptance. If God did not compromise the truth to save His only begotten son, I have no place to question if he asks me for mine.

 

[DR.D]

Welcome back hope you had a nice and safe 4th of July...

Thank you friend, I did have a good one. I hope you did as well and God bless you for your consideration. I flew my flag and ate well. Praise God and all the men who have fought for the rights of our Constitution! Long live the USA.
:usa:

 

[DR.D]

My 40 days fast change my life forever!

When I returned home from prison and faced the stark reality that I had lost my son and daughter to my substance abuse I wept face down on the floor of my garage. My training place became my whaling and purging room day after day, week after week, until joy found it's way to return to me. I have lived without my son and daughter for 7 years now.

EDIT: I literally fell face down sobbing to this the first time I heard it.



Interestingly enough I am leading a study called "If you want to walk on water you need to get out of the boat" by John Ortberg.

I agonizingly at times live without my only son because of the sin of my substance abuse. He turned 13 and I was not there. He turned 16 and I was not there. He turned 18 and I was not there. My pride does not exist. Humility is all that I have left...and God's grace. God's grace is sufficient for today.

As I told you before...I see what you see. The world is going to hell figuratively and literally.

I am very sorry for your pain. I understand pain. I understand anger. I understand hate for my enemy. I understand better now where you are. May God comfort you and peace return to you soon.

You have a good heart, B. I'm your brother in pain, and in victory too.

 

[DR.D]

It hurts me to hear about your wife leaving D. My prayers are with you brother!

I appreciate you being so transparent and sharing your testimony. It is VERY timely to what's been going on with my relationship with a few people.

I don't always have to make MY point and be "right" all the time. Usually my being "right" is just my own stupid OPINION anyway.

Boy that mmowry guy hits it on the head sometime doesn't he.

My prayers are with you too GT, count on it! Thank you for your compassion. It humbles me and strengthens me at the same time. I won't quit on you guys either! I'm strong now bro, seriously. Something clicked in me last week and I got a new perspective.

Yep, mmowry is a blessed brother indeed. He's personally carried me in his prayers and counsel for years now. Just like many of you have and still do. I thank God and ask Him to bless you in return for it, allowing me the honor to give back anything I have available to my brothers an sisters.

 

[andrew732]

My 40 days fast change my life forever!

When I returned home from prison and faced the stark reality that I had lost my son and daughter to my substance abuse I wept face down on the floor of my garage. My training place became my whaling and purging room day after day, week after week, until joy found it's way to return to me. I have lived without my son and daughter for 7 years now.

EDIT: I literally fell face down sobbing to this the first time I heard it.



Interestingly enough I am leading a study called "If you want to walk on water you need to get out of the boat" by John Ortberg.

I agonizingly at times live without my only son because of the sin of my substance abuse. He turned 13 and I was not there. He turned 16 and I was not there. He turned 18 and I was not there. My pride does not exist. Humility is all that I have left...and God's grace. God's grace is sufficient for today.

As I told you before...I see what you see. The world is going to hell figuratively and literally.

I am very sorry for your pain. I understand pain. I understand anger. I understand hate for my enemy. I understand better now where you are. May God comfort you and peace return to you soon.

Deep and powerfull testimony, that song has great meaning, to praise God no matter what; through and out of the storm. God bless you bro, continue to tell others where God took you out of.

 

[somewhatgifted]

Quite the read to here. ITs interesting to see the evolution of some of the posters in this thread it seems this thread has come to a point of acceptance and peace. Some seem to be a touch angry inside and i will hold them in my thoughts to be free from this anger.

 

[dragonfly]

You'll get no argument from me. I just pay him as little mind as possible and surround myself with fellowship and Gods word as much as possible. I fail. I get back up. The war has been won. Tripping me up doesn't change the fact that he has been sent straight to hell. I am renewed daily because of Grace....an abundance of Grace. Give Grace more credit and Satan less JMHO

I agree and I do give Grace more credit, it enables me to find the way out of every black hole that my logic throws me into

Thank you sir, you have always been on my heart too! Your compassion restores me friend. I have peace.

I won't put my faith in anything else but Him now, that was my lesson. It's not fair when we're treated wrongly (especially by a trusted loved one like a spouse), but it was not fair how He was murdered in cold blood by his own people. He was innocent and righteous and that was the LAST thing He deserved. His example on the cross helps me put it in a sober perspective of gratitude and acceptance. If God did not compromise the truth to save His only begotten son, I have no place to question if he asks me for mine.

Likewise Dr D Invalid Link Removed

A stronghold based on earthly things is no stronghold! !Invalid Link Removed

 

[dragonfly]

Luke 4:5-7
[5] The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. [6] And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. [7] So if you worship me, it will all be yours.

Satan knew full well who Jesus was and if the world were not his to give he would not have offered it as he would have been rebuked by Jesus immediately. Also there are many other places in scripture where he is referred to in terms of his sovereignty over this world. Satan is called the "prince of the power of the air" in Ephesians 2:2. He is called the "ruler of this world" in John 12:31. "God of this world" in 2 Corinthians 4:4.

Dragonfly, I really like Pastor Bob Coy in fact the whole Calvary Chapel movement. I like the teaching of God's word verse by verse the way they do it.

It is the best teaching of God's Word that I came across, I would love to go to Ft Lauderdale one day and be there in person. I do listen to their sermons every day ! There was one where Bob Coy was referring to "internet" Christians, I laughed soooo hard. I said to myself then, well who cares if the church is half the world away, if you want something, you go and get it

 

[BUCKNUTS]

It is the best teaching of God's Word that I came across, I would love to go to Ft Lauderdale one day and be there in person. I do listen to their sermons every day ! There was one where Bob Coy was referring to "internet" Christians, I laughed soooo hard. I said to myself then, well who cares if the church is half the world away, if you want something, you go and get it

Internet Christians huh? that is funny. I was watching John Hagee the other day and he referred to "caffeine free" Christianity "It doesn't make you nervous or keep you up at night" he said. I thought that was funny.

 

[wrasslin116]

I have a request, I know it might seem dumb and immature.. but for the last couple months I've been going through a lot of depression and the last 3 weeks I've just lost it.. I know it's dumb because of my age, but everyday the last 3 weeks until Monday I've been drinking and smoking ciggaretts everyday (cigs for the past 2-3 months since it started) also stopped working out and eating right. I just want everything to get back to normal and me get to how I used to be. I'm trying to quit all the above and start working out again like I used to but it's really hard because I'm still going through the depression and everything. I don't have anywhere else I could think of saying all this so I just thought I'd do it here.. thanks for taking the time and reading this.

And I'll deffinitly be stopping in this thread and praying for everyone else.

 

[tattoopierced1]

I have a request, I know it might seem dumb and immature.. but for the last couple months I've been going through a lot of depression and the last 3 weeks I've just lost it.. I know it's dumb because of my age, but everyday the last 3 weeks until Monday I've been drinking and smoking ciggaretts everyday (cigs for the past 2-3 months since it started) also stopped working out and eating right. I just want everything to get back to normal and me get to how I used to be. I'm trying to quit all the above and start working out again like I used to but it's really hard because I'm still going through the depression and everything. I don't have anywhere else I could think of saying all this so I just thought I'd do it here.. thanks for taking the time and reading this.

And I'll deffinitly be stopping in this thread and praying for everyone else.

Hey man, depression doesnt care about age, so dont think its a dumb thing to ask for help. Will keep you in my prayers.

 

[wrasslin116]

Hey man, depression doesnt care about age, so dont think its a dumb thing to ask for help. Will keep you in my prayers.

Ok, lots of thanks man.

 

[keeper]

I have a request, I know it might seem dumb and immature.. but for the last couple months I've been going through a lot of depression and the last 3 weeks I've just lost it.. I know it's dumb because of my age, but everyday the last 3 weeks until Monday I've been drinking and smoking ciggaretts everyday (cigs for the past 2-3 months since it started) also stopped working out and eating right. I just want everything to get back to normal and me get to how I used to be. I'm trying to quit all the above and start working out again like I used to but it's really hard because I'm still going through the depression and everything. I don't have anywhere else I could think of saying all this so I just thought I'd do it here.. thanks for taking the time and reading this.

And I'll deffinitly be stopping in this thread and praying for everyone else.

NOT unusual! You guys are under a lot of pressure at that age, feeling the need to know what you want to do with your lives, whether to attend college and if so, where to attend, how to pay for it, etc, etc... Do not feel alone, it's just that you are in a place where it's safe and productive to voice your feelings. We will pray for you, for sure, but I want you to make yourself a "pro-active list" of things that you miss about yourself and your life prior to the depression settling in. Then when you wake up tomorrow, choose 2 things from that list to begin re-incorporating back into your daily routine. Do this each day til you are feeling better about things, then stick with it. A routine is very healthy for you now. There is a measure of security within.

You don't have to have all the answers today or tomorrow, or ever. You just need to stay in close touch with the One who DOES have them. If we had all the answers and the ability to figure everything out for ourselves, we would not need a Savior! He wants to feel you fall into His arms, bud. He so enjoys our realization of total dependence upon Him. Get there. And trust Him. He has a plan for your life and He loves you immensely. Right there, right where you sit, His eye is on you and He's overwhelmed with love for you, His child.

And mark my word. There will come a day when you find yourself in the position of encouraging someone who is in the very same place as you are in right now. Keep us posted.

 

[BUCKNUTS]

I have a request, I know it might seem dumb and immature.. but for the last couple months I've been going through a lot of depression and the last 3 weeks I've just lost it.. I know it's dumb because of my age, but everyday the last 3 weeks until Monday I've been drinking and smoking ciggaretts everyday (cigs for the past 2-3 months since it started) also stopped working out and eating right. I just want everything to get back to normal and me get to how I used to be. I'm trying to quit all the above and start working out again like I used to but it's really hard because I'm still going through the depression and everything. I don't have anywhere else I could think of saying all this so I just thought I'd do it here.. thanks for taking the time and reading this.

And I'll deffinitly be stopping in this thread and praying for everyone else.

Definitely depression crosses all lines age, race, economic situations etc and we know it effects young people all the time. I have 3 teenage children who all have had separate issues with depression, there is nothing dumb or immature about it. I and most of the people who will chime in have suffered from depression and anxiety and also posted our concerns here for others to pray about. I'm not sure why you are having these feelings of depression but I have turned to the scriptures for comfort many times and it never fails to help me feel better. I want to post some that are helpful to me and I will be praying for you. God Bless you.

2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Philippians 4:8
"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things."
1 Peter 5:6-7
"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you."

 

[fightbackhxc]

Hey dude, I am praying for you!

 

[wrasslin116]

NOT unusual! You guys are under a lot of pressure at that age, feeling the need to know what you want to do with your lives, whether to attend college and if so, where to attend, how to pay for it, etc, etc... Do not feel alone, it's just that you are in a place where it's safe and productive to voice your feelings. We will pray for you, for sure, but I want you to make yourself a "pro-active list" of things that you miss about yourself and your life prior to the depression settling in. Then when you wake up tomorrow, choose 2 things from that list to begin re-incorporating back into your daily routine. Do this each day til you are feeling better about things, then stick with it. A routine is very healthy for you now. There is a measure of security within.

You don't have to have all the answers today or tomorrow, or ever. You just need to stay in close touch with the One who DOES have them. If we had all the answers and the ability to figure everything out for ourselves, we would not need a Savior! He wants to feel you fall into His arms, bud. He so enjoys our realization of total dependence upon Him. Get there. And trust Him. He has a plan for your life and He loves you immensely. Right there, right where you sit, His eye is on you and He's overwhelmed with love for you, His child.

And mark my word. There will come a day when you find yourself in the position of encouraging someone who is in the very same place as you are in right now. Keep us posted.

Ok, thanks. Really.
I'll get right on that list.

 

[wrasslin116]

Definitely depression crosses all lines age, race, economic situations etc and we know it effects young people all the time. I have 3 teenage children who all have had separate issues with depression, there is nothing dumb or immature about it. I and most of the people who will chime in have suffered from depression and anxiety and also posted our concerns here for others to pray about. I'm not sure why you are having these feelings of depression but I have turned to the scriptures for comfort many times and it never fails to help me feel better. I want to post some that are helpful to me and I will be praying for you. God Bless you.

2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Philippians 4:8
"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things."
1 Peter 5:6-7
"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you."

Thanks.. those verses really helped, I havn't read those in a long time.
And thanks to fightbackhxc I didn't think that many people would reply.

 

[Andy G]

I have a request, I know it might seem dumb and immature.. but for the last couple months I've been going through a lot of depression and the last 3 weeks I've just lost it.. I know it's dumb because of my age, but everyday the last 3 weeks until Monday I've been drinking and smoking ciggaretts everyday (cigs for the past 2-3 months since it started) also stopped working out and eating right. I just want everything to get back to normal and me get to how I used to be. I'm trying to quit all the above and start working out again like I used to but it's really hard because I'm still going through the depression and everything. I don't have anywhere else I could think of saying all this so I just thought I'd do it here.. thanks for taking the time and reading this.

And I'll deffinitly be stopping in this thread and praying for everyone else.

Depression can be fatal. It's not dumb. Respect it. The trick can sometimes be, am I doing something to cause this? Or is it clinical depression? When I used to snort coke and drink booze, there were days when I believed I was depressed. But once I let the light in and no longer lived that way, voila, I was happier and no longer depressed. Spiritual healing can be very powerful regardless of someones circumstances. So I'm glad you posted what you're going through, take responsibility for YOUR share in all this, and take immediate, corrective measures to help yourself out of the hole. The Big Man will be there to grab your hand once you start 'the climb.' "Humility, it is a word often misunderstood. It is a clear recognition of who and what we are, followed by a SINCERE attempt to become what we could be." All my best brother.

 

[wrasslin116]

Depression can be fatal. It's not dumb. Respect it. The trick can sometimes be, am I doing something to cause this? Or is it clinical depression? When I used to snort coke and drink booze, there were days when I believed I was depressed. But once I let the light in and no longer lived that way, voila, I was happier and no longer depressed. Spiritual healing can be very powerful regardless of someones circumstances. So I'm glad you posted what you're going through, take responsibility for YOUR share in all this, and take immediate, corrective measures to help yourself out of the hole. The Big Man will be there to grab your hand once you start 'the climb.' "Humility, it is a word often misunderstood. It is a clear recognition of who and what we are, followed by a SINCERE attempt to become what we could be." All my best brother.

Thanks, I'm really trying to get things back together, I've been feeling better since I've started working out and eating right, dropped the drinking and trying to stop the ciggs.. It's just hard getting things back together and getting out of it, I've never felt like this before. I've been praying ALOT lately and it's seeming to help alot.. thanks for taking your time to respond.

 

[dragonfly]

Internet Christians huh? that is funny. I was watching John Hagee the other day and he referred to "caffeine free" Christianity "It doesn't make you nervous or keep you up at night" he said. I thought that was funny.

Caffeine free is something I could not be ! :lol:

I have a request, I know it might seem dumb and immature.. but for the last couple months I've been going through a lot of depression and the last 3 weeks I've just lost it.. I know it's dumb because of my age, but everyday the last 3 weeks until Monday I've been drinking and smoking ciggaretts everyday (cigs for the past 2-3 months since it started) also stopped working out and eating right. I just want everything to get back to normal and me get to how I used to be. I'm trying to quit all the above and start working out again like I used to but it's really hard because I'm still going through the depression and everything. I don't have anywhere else I could think of saying all this so I just thought I'd do it here.. thanks for taking the time and reading this.


And I'll deffinitly be stopping in this thread and praying for everyone else.

Hey don't underestimate yourself Wrasslin, you had the wisdom to come to the right place to seek help

Invalid Link Removed

 

[dragonfly]

NOT unusual! You guys are under a lot of pressure at that age, feeling the need to know what you want to do with your lives, whether to attend college and if so, where to attend, how to pay for it, etc, etc... Do not feel alone, it's just that you are in a place where it's safe and productive to voice your feelings. We will pray for you, for sure, but I want you to make yourself a "pro-active list" of things that you miss about yourself and your life prior to the depression settling in. Then when you wake up tomorrow, choose 2 things from that list to begin re-incorporating back into your daily routine. Do this each day til you are feeling better about things, then stick with it. A routine is very healthy for you now. There is a measure of security within.

You don't have to have all the answers today or tomorrow, or ever. You just need to stay in close touch with the One who DOES have them. If we had all the answers and the ability to figure everything out for ourselves, we would not need a Savior! He wants to feel you fall into His arms, bud. He so enjoys our realization of total dependence upon Him. Get there. And trust Him. He has a plan for your life and He loves you immensely. Right there, right where you sit, His eye is on you and He's overwhelmed with love for you, His child.

And mark my word. There will come a day when you find yourself in the position of encouraging someone who is in the very same place as you are in right now. Keep us posted.

Whatever the Goliath of your life is, He can beat him

Invalid Link Removed

 

[wrasslin116]

Haha thanks dragonfly.

 

[NattyT]

Hay I just want to say I love all you guys and I mean that, God is so good. I have seen his faitfullness even in my disobedience fellas. He continues to bless me and my family even in the famine we are going thrue. It is so good to know that we are not of this world and do not have to go thrue the things they do, we are a part of a kingdom that never runs dry, there is never a reseccion in the kingdom of god. Brothers and sister do not loose faith, beat your flesh into submisson with the word of god. Look back on all the battles he has brought you thrue.

Dismiss and rebuke every lie the devil has told you. Go after your dreams and goals and dont let whats going on stop you. Cut loose people in your life that can not lift you up and continue to pull you away from the lord. They are being used and they dont know it but you must seperate yourself. Jesus said his mother, brothers and sister are those that do the will of the father. Try and reach the lost but if they dont receive shake the dust off your feet and keep moving. I belive this is for some one that will read this, the holy spirit had me come back and edit this and add this for someone.

I have truley seen the hand of god on my life, he has allowed me to go thrue some things in my life that have turned out for my good even though I couldnt understand at the time WHY. I know I can be a little radical in my post at times but thats just me, I go hard for the lord, ya know. I grew up in the inne city and seen a lot. My personality has changed but I still have a swgger to me that comes out in my ministry and talk. I have a heart for the youth of america and god has allowed me to reach many. I can get on there level and talk to them in a way that others might not be able to, its a blessing. Chritans are not robots we have our own personality and diffrent ministry, but we are apart of the same body.

Edify your brother and sister in the lord, lets get on fire and crush the serpents head, repping Jesus till I die.

Continue to pray for me and Im praying for yall.

Man god is so good, I just gotta say it again. God bless yall.