Killer thread...............sorry.......continue...............
Wow, that's great! Thank-you for posting that I appreciate it brother.Thought i would share my favorite prayer. I use this every morning before workouts and after every baseball practice and game.
Its a beautiful day
God has given us this day to use as we will
We can waste it or use it for good
What we do today is important because we are exchanging a day in our life for it
When tomorrow comes this day will be gone forever
leaving in its place something we have traded for it
We want it to be gain not loss
good not evil
success not failure
in order that we shall not regret the price we paid for it
for the future is a whole string of nows.
Amen
I am always looking for new prayers and ways to worship so i thought i would share my ways with all of you.Wow, that's great! Thank-you for posting that I appreciate it brother.
Get a good read on this...This great....sometimes as christians we feel all alone. Let keep this thread going.
:thumbsup:I'd like to keep this thread away from peoples personal opinions, and keep the emphasis on strength of scripture, and empowerment. Opinions are great, but just like politics, everyone has a different view, and that's fine, but this is not a debate thread.
You do not need a title (baptist, catholic, pentecostal, ect.) to have a relationship with God.I am all about building with people,but it seems as if everyone here is either Christian,or Catholic. I am in no way poking fun at either,but my issue is this: I am neither,and am not affiliated with any. The more i say this on here i feel like i am going to get stomped on,or ignored by the vast majority on here.
In a way yes... we do go through a lot of troubling times, but hell in my mind is by far worse than this.I was listening to some music before i started my shift yesterday at work and the hook to the track was like this "what do believe in/heaven or hell?/you don't believe in heaven cuz were living in hell"...That resonated in my head the rest of my day,i am starting to think that heaven is what we make it to be and hell is what we got to go through to get there.
AMEN.In a way yes... we do go through a lot of troubling times, but hell in my mind is by far worse than this.
Peter 1:3-9
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
If you would like to add something you are more than welcome too. We can expand the thread to 'overall support' I'm totally cool with that bro.Trip dog i think people sharing there testamonials would be cool? What you think another thread?
Really agree, theirs alot going on in the world to keep you away from god and keep you from living a life that you should. When I was applying to the Naval Academy I had a (mentor if you will) whos purpose was to help guide you threw the process. He was a deeply religious man and emailed alot just random quotes and things he wanted to leave imprinted on our minds. Theirs one I wont ever forget and have it printed out and framed next to my door so I see it every morning. Kind of applies to what your saying about things keeping you from living the way you should or on a treadmill lifestyle, sorry if its off topic.I am speaking of all the turmoil in this world as a whole. temptations that sway us away from god and keep us distracted. Yes,i am not living in hell,but sometimes it feels that way with my "treadmill-lifestyle",but i do realize that i am better off than some and am thankful for what i do have.
First just want to say I think this is an awesome thread and have been trying to keep on top of reading it. Find myself checking it everyday, really serves as a reminder I need to spend more time in the word everyday then wasting it on things that really dont matter. Awesome job
Really agree, theirs alot going on in the world to keep you away from god and keep you from living a life that you should. When I was applying to the Naval Academy I had a (mentor if you will) whos purpose was to help guide you threw the process. He was a deeply religious man and emailed alot just random quotes and things he wanted to leave imprinted on our minds. Theirs one I wont ever forget and have it printed out and framed next to my door so I see it every morning. Kind of applies to what your saying about things keeping you from living the way you should or on a treadmill lifestyle, sorry if its off topic.
What's your problem? I think I know. You see it in the mirror every morning: temptation and doubt hip to hip inside your head. You know it's not supposed to be like this. But you drank the Kool-Aid and dressed yourself up in someone else's life.
Tell the truth. First, to yourself. Say it until it hurts. Learn the reality of your own selfishness. Quit living for other people at the expense of your own self, you're not really alive. You live in the land of denial - and they say the view is pretty a long as you remain asleep. Live the lifestyle instead of paying lip service to the lifestyle. Live with commitment. With emotional content. Live whatever life you choose honestly. Get to the guts of one thing; accept, without reservation or rationalization, the responsibility of making a choice. When you live honestly, you can not separate your mind from your body, or your thoughts from your actions.
it ended with
But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear ; do not be frightened."
Take Courage
1 Peter 3:14
Really think it happens alot, I know I've done it. To worried about what someone thinks and missed a chance to really take a stand for God. Actions not bound by faith but by acceptance to individuals. Swore I would never live to please anyone else except for God again. Really felt like I was living on a tread mill to, sitting in the same spot never changing direction. Again feel like it applies.
I was raised Catholic, attended schools and what not.Trip, are you a born again? This is a side of you I have not seen. Or has your faith just matured?
Wow, that was very empowering, thank you for sharing. I'm glad things worked out better for you and your wife, as yes financial times are very bad. Your story is proof of the grace of Christ, and I hope many get the chance to read it.This is a great thread. My life has been changed since I was born again on Halloween 2004. My relationship with my girlfriend changed dramatically when we both decided to put God as the focus of our lives. Even though we were both raised in church, we weren't living right, co-habitating, and just doing our own thing, even though we still went to church, we were just bench warmers. Our relationship went from me trying to figure out the best way to break up with her and move her out of my house, to getting married on March 26, 2005. We surrounded ourselves with like minded believers, distanced ourselves from others that were just part of the problem. We changed churches to one that is spirit filled, bible teaching, (no snake handling though), and started moving our relationship and dependance on God forward.
We went through some tough financial times, but knew God was our source. I screwed up our finances bad, but found out God can still get you through if you just stay focused on him and do your part. My wife kept getting layed off at her job through no fault of hers, and her pay kept going down. We started tithing faithfully and completely, and standing on Malachi 3:10. The two most important things I learned early in our journey was the power of the tongue. I read a book called Hung by the Tongue and decided I wouldn't be the cause of bad situations because I would only speak positive and God's words. I learned about God's promises regarding tithes and giving. We were 15 days from foreclosure and had to get my dad to bail me out. We spent the next 1-2 years struggling to get back to zero, but no matter what, we tithed and gave offerings even if bills were put off. Because they were all behind anyway, we decided God got his first, then bills would get what was left. We also stood on Luke 6:38.
Fast forward to 2.5 years ago, and my wife went from making $12/hr to a job that was supposed to be $18/hr and no benefits since it was a temp contract. When she was hired, she got $20.50 and payed time off, praise God. She had that job for 2 years, and still she had direct supervisors that were always ganging up on her and attacking her. But God stayed faithfull to us. When her contract was ending, she applied at many places and many positions in the same company. 3 days before the job ended, she got called to start at a Dr.'s office doing what whe had been training people to do during her temp contract. She did take a $7 pay cut, but we eliminated a $400 car payment prior to starting so the pay difference was off set enough to not cause any problems.
So no matter what, God is faithful. His word does not return void. He is no respecter of persons. You just have to believe. God doesn't give handouts, he responds to active participants. We all know things are changing in the world rapidly. Events have been going on that the Bible talks about in the end times, so they are closer than ever. As believers, we need to do our part to spread the gospel so our loved ones and as many strangers as possible don't get left behind during the rapture. They have the chance to make it during the tribulation and even be born again, but they would be better served to not have to experience it.
I don't get to contribute much here any more, but I appreciate the group of believers here. Dr. D comes to the front of my mind because of the way he has handled certain debates with unbelievers. His tact was awesome and an example for all of us. I don't mean to step on any toes, it's just the one example I know of personally and that comes to mind.
God Bless
Trip, like what you say about prayers. Was also raised Catholic and repeated prayers and had no idea what meaning was behind them, what I really believed. I think the formal prayers and creeds are fine as long as the person understands what they are praying and that it still has meaning for them. Whether formal prayers or made up on the spot the prayer needs to be from the heart, if not it is just words.I was raised Catholic, attended schools and what not.
I just focus on my personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I say formal prayers (Apostles Creed, Act of Contrition etc.) Prefer though to pray/talk in my own words, as talking to a friend, not just repeating someones words.
Some find comfort in formality, and church and thats more than great. I still am content finding new ways to expand my personal beliefs. It's the most satisfying experience of my entire life, and I wanted to pass the strenght I recieved to as many people as possible.
"Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
Amen brothaTrip, like what you say about prayers. Was also raised Catholic and repeated prayers and had no idea what meaning was behind them, what I really believed. I think the formal prayers and creeds are fine as long as the person understands what they are praying and that it still has meaning for them. Whether formal prayers or made up on the spot the prayer needs to be from the heart, if not it is just words.
Consider what scripture has to say about prayer:Trip, like what you say about prayers. Was also raised Catholic and repeated prayers and had no idea what meaning was behind them, what I really believed. I think the formal prayers and creeds are fine as long as the person understands what they are praying and that it still has meaning for them. Whether formal prayers or made up on the spot the prayer needs to be from the heart, if not it is just words.
Explain how one goes about this. And don't say prayer, because I've prayed all my life and I've done nothing but lose my faith. I wish I still had it.I just focus on my personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
It's nothing more than your personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I don't mean by formal prayer, I mean the way you feel in your heart, and talk with him like a friend in your own words. Just like you would talk to your best friend, no different.Explain how one goes about this. And don't say prayer, because I've prayed all my life and I've done nothing but lose my faith. I wish I still had it.
What exactly do you have faith in? What is it grounded in and comprised of?Explain how one goes about this. And don't say prayer, because I've prayed all my life and I've done nothing but lose my faith. I wish I still had it.
A lot of Catholics fall into this predicament. I too felt like nothing was being acomplished in the catholic church, for me. It got to were I didn't want to go anymore. Too repetitve. I sought out a new church, happens to be Baptist, and I look forward to services now. If a supplement doesn't work for you, do you continue to buy it? Change!!!Consider what scripture has to say about prayer:
Matthew 6:5-8
“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
I was also raised in a Catholic church and school before finding Christ.
Many Christians recognize that some prayer practices in Catholicism may fall under some of the judgment addressed in the above scripture. Praying the rosary is one that comes to mind - repetitious prayer - and not to God. Although she was found worthy in the sight of God there is only ONE mediator on our behalf
As well, I too could still recite the Apostles Creed and other memorized prayers, but I never partace, when at a Catholic function, simply because I know that for me it is memorization from as far back as first grade and not authentic communication from my heart in a loving relationship with a living God.That is just me. God knows the heart.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33In the Bible prayer is first for Gods will to be done and our faithfulness in whatever circumstance we are in, whether good or bad. We are supposed to ask for what we want,
right on! It sounds odd to many people, and some even get offended when told they need to learn to pray, but it really is a learning process. Just as in all other areas of life, submission, putting Gods will first, putting Him and others above ourselves, that is how we should pray. It is very easy to take some scripture out of context and get very discouraged when prayer doesnt "work". God is not a genie in a bottle that we pop open when we need something done. Harry, not saying that has been your attitude or experience, in fact that was mine and I went through some tough times when things didnt pan out like I thought they would. If that does resonate with you then I hope this may help, to bring hope that you are not alone in how you are feeling, others have been through and have come out with stronger faith, but I just want to make sure to not offend as this is a thread of edification, building up, not of tearing down and holier than thou's. I think it is crucial that someone new to the faith be mentored so that things like this can be addressed. It can ease many heart aches and bumps on the road having an experienced, spritiually mature person to help explain things.But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Luke 12:31
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; before the “gods” I will sing your praise. Psalm 138:1
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
Well put. However throughout the years I've talked and talked and talked, but to what seems like no avail. It's, unfortunately, an empty feeling to me.It's nothing more than your personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I don't mean by formal prayer, I mean the way you feel in your heart, and talk with him like a friend in your own words. Just like you would talk to your best friend, no different.
I certainly do appreciate the time you put forth to elaborate on how you have a close relationship. I've actually been recommended going to a weekly service by a co worker of mine as well. It's just been so long that I've been to a mass that it's hard to get the courage I suppose for a lack of better words to attend. I suppose I wouldn't know unless I tried.This is just what helps me with a personal relationship with Christ.
Prayer is a part of it, but Biblical prayer, which takes learning. In the Bible prayer is first for Gods will to be done and our faithfulness in whatever circumstance we are in, whether good or bad. We are supposed to ask for what we want, but God never promises to always change situations or to give whatever we want, unless it is according to His will. Not having our prayers answered the way we think they should can be a major source of frustration for many believers. Looking at prayer from a Biblical perspective and seeing some of the prayers of Bible heroes can help. Look at the prayers of the Book of Acts, of Pauls request for prayers in his epistles. I wish I had the faith to pray like them.
Another part is study of the scriptures. Daily reading and thinking about what is read. Many overcomplicate Gods word, it is not that hard in most cases. If it says something is good, it is good, if it says avoid this, do your best to avoid this. Look at overall themes, how people act, their motivations, what is most talked about.
Another part for me is being an active member of a local church. Many dont like churches and with good reason (many have been hurt by people at churches, etc., put your faith in God not man, churches are full of hypocrites), but God created the local church as His way to help teach, mature, and a place of worship and service. A good, Bible believing, church is a wonderful find. I like a church that has a high standard of personal conduct (preaches against sin) that challenges the individual to grow in their faith, teaches from the Bible and only the Bible and believes in salvation by grace.
these are just my opinions, but like our physique, diet, rest, lifting, cardio, if all are present you get better results than if you skip one thing. For me, if I skip one of the above things my relationship with God suffers, prayer, study, worship and service are the keys for me.
Harry, I hope this helps.
I went to Catholic school all my life. I have been educated very well in my day. I guess I've just fallen out of touch.What exactly do you have faith in? What is it grounded in and comprised of?
Do you know Jesus? Do you know His teachings? Are you obedient to His teachings? Do you know how to be blessed?
Study who Jesus was and is.
Learn what Jesus taught.
Be obedient to His teachings.
Be blessed - affirmation of your faith!
If not than I would challenge you to question how someone can have a realtionship with someone that they do not know?
I also was raised in Catholic school.I went to Catholic school all my life. I have been educated very well in my day. I guess I've just fallen out of touch.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.. Hebrews 11:1I just want to make note that I feel as if something is preventing me from having a faith once again. It's the feeling of following blindly, essentially without proof. A human emotional err I suppose, however an emotion none-the-less.