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Something Wicked Coming My Way... - 5/13/2008 6:42:36 PM
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ladyichigo
Posts: 406
Joined: 10/23/2007
From: Makiki
Status: offline
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I lead praise this Friday at our Youth Worship Service. With each passing day feelings of despair and hopelessness creeps into my heart. My mind is starting to get swarmed with doubt and unbelief, and my flesh is screaming out “I can’t do this!” I'm starting to feel lost as to why I’m serving, and why I want to glorify my Lord and King, Jesus, who is God the Creator of the universe with every bit of my existence. Seems like this gets intensified each time. Right now, I'm feeling afraid...that maybe the Lord has abandoned me. I know that this is NOT true. If I wasn't at work right now, I would be on my knees bawling. I'm having some trouble keeping still and quieting my heart to listen to the Holy Spirit.
Can someone offer some scriptures? My brain is drawing a blank.
Please be praying for me.
_____________________________
Mari
Attending church and being confirmed does not define what a Christian is, though it may define a “religious” person.
David Wright - AiG
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RE: Something Wicked Coming My Way... - 5/13/2008 6:48:13 PM
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earthless
Posts: 5026
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: where bbq pigeons roast....
Status: online
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John 4:8 and 16 tell us that “God is love.” Never was a more important declaration made than this; never was more meaning crowded into a few words than in this short sentence - God is love.
This is a profound statement. God doesn’t just love; He is love. His nature and essence are love. Love permeates His very being and infuses all His other attributes, even His wrath and anger.
Because God’s very nature is love, He must demonstrate love, just as He must demonstrate all His attributes because doing so glorifies Him. Glorifying God is the highest, the best, and the most noble of all acts, so, naturally, glorifying Himself is what He must do, because He is the highest and the best, and He deserves all glory.
Since it is God's essential nature to love, He demonstrates His love by lavishing it on undeserving people who are in rebellion against Him.
God’s love is not a sappy, sentimental, romantic feeling. Rather, it is agape love, the love of self-sacrifice. He demonstrates this sacrificial love by sending His Son to the cross to pay the penalty for our sin (1 John 4:10), by drawing us to Himself (John 6:44), by forgiving us of our rebellion against Him, and by sending His Holy Spirit to dwell within us, thereby enabling us to love as He loves.
He did this in spite of the fact that we did not deserve it. "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).
God's love is personal. He knows each of us individually and loves us personally. His is a mighty love that has no beginning and no end. It is this experiencing of God’s love that distinguishes Christianity from all other religions. Why does God love us? It is because of who He is: "God is love."
_____________________________
Probing Today's Religious Movements | Promoting Doctrinal Discernment & Critical Thinking | Providing Reasons for Christian Faith & Ethics
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RE: Something Wicked Coming My Way... - 5/13/2008 7:05:46 PM
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CherishedbyGod
Posts: 2824
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: ladyichigo
I lead praise this Friday at our Youth Worship Service. With each passing day feelings of despair and hopelessness creeps into my heart. My mind is starting to get swarmed with doubt and unbelief, and my flesh is screaming out “I can’t do this!” I'm starting to feel lost as to why I’m serving, and why I want to glorify my Lord and King, Jesus, who is God the Creator of the universe with every bit of my existence. Seems like this gets intensified each time. Right now, I'm feeling afraid...that maybe the Lord has abandoned me. I know that this is NOT true. If I wasn't at work right now, I would be on my knees bawling. I'm having some trouble keeping still and quieting my heart to listen to the Holy Spirit.
Can someone offer some scriptures? My brain is drawing a blank.
Please be praying for me.
You are not alone, dear Sister. The Apostle Paul experienced the same thing in his ministry:
And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
1 Corinthians 2: 1-5
_____________________________
~For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ~
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RE: Something Wicked Coming My Way... - 5/13/2008 7:27:26 PM
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Memaw.
Posts: 2809
Joined: 1/29/2007
From: Sunflower State
Status: offline
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Mark 4:39
And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
Zephaniah 3:17
The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.
Deuteronomy 31:8
And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.
Isaiah 59:19
So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.
_____________________________
~Kimmie
 When you go through menopause they don't tell you what you are becoming. I think I'm becoming my Dad.
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RE: Something Wicked Coming My Way... - 5/13/2008 10:24:45 PM
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Liveloved
Posts: 1072
Joined: 1/22/2008
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Bless you, Mari!
The psalm I prayed this morning ends with these thoughts:
But as for me, I shall sing of Thy strength;
Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Thy lovingkindness in the morning,
For Thou hast been my stronghold,
And a refuge in the day of my distress.
O my strength, I will sing praises to Thee;
For God is my stronghold, the God who shows me lovingkindness.
Psalm 59:16-17
satan is just trying to get the best of you, dear. he's a defeated foe. Tell him so and sing and praise Jesus, the Victor! My prayers are with you and for you, Mari!
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RE: Something Wicked Coming My Way... - 5/14/2008 12:15:51 AM
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Dakotasunbeam
Posts: 1146
Joined: 6/2/2005
From: Midwest USA
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Mari,
You are at the stage where, as they say, "The rubber meets the road." They are points in our life when we decide whether we are following God for the fishes and the loaves or because we love Him. Hard lessons are those that we learn when we realize God could intervene, but does not. Those are times when the only thing that brings us through are knowing that A). He loves us, B). He said He would never leave us and C). He is our friend.
There comes a time when you must know WHY you love God. And when your hope in God must be for more than just your present state on this earth. Imagine the way John the Baptist felt, seeing Jesus Christ heal so many people, raise men from the dead, turn water to wine, but not come to save him from beheading. Imagine how Peter and Paul felt? These are times of testing when we have to conclude that we love God, because He is our friend--and not because of what He does for us.
Take courage. I encourage you to read Romans Chapters 5, 6, and 7.
1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. --Romans 5:1-5
God bless you!
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RE: Something Wicked Coming My Way... - 5/14/2008 12:22:47 AM
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deermousie
Posts: 1263
Joined: 9/26/2007
Status: offline
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(((Hugs))) to you, Ladyichigo. Look at Isaiah 43:
1 But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel:
“ Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
3 For I am the LORD your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I gave Egypt for your ransom,
Ethiopia and Seba in your place.
4 Since you were precious in My sight,
You have been honored,
And I have loved you;
Therefore I will give men for you,
And people for your life.
5 Fear not, for I am with you
Wow! And drop back to chapter 41:
‘ You are My servant,
I have chosen you and have not cast you away:
10 Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
11 “ Behold, all those who were incensed against you
Shall be ashamed and disgraced;
They shall be as nothing,
And those who strive with you shall perish.
12 You shall seek them and not find them—
Those who contended with you.
Those who war against you
Shall be as nothing,
As a nonexistent thing.
13 For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand,
Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’
14 “ Fear not, you worm Jacob,
You men of Israel!
I will help you,” says the LORD
And your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.
God wrote these things for us! Praise His Name forever!
_____________________________
Want to know where a certain word or phrase in the Bible is found? www.biblegateway.com Yay!
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RE: Something Wicked Coming My Way... - 5/14/2008 12:44:28 AM
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RefinersMetal
Posts: 15
Joined: 4/22/2008
Status: offline
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Praying for you Mari.
Don't be discouraged.
"I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side." -Psalm 3:6
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RE: Something Wicked Coming My Way... - 5/14/2008 5:53:03 AM
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maddog4god
Posts: 255
Joined: 5/30/2006
Status: offline
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You know I heard this this week and it was amazing.
Jesus walked on the water - sometimes we get so caught up in that he COULD do that - we miss the bigger picture (hey me too!).
The truth?
He walked ON TOP of their fears - he walked on top of the thing that could kill them.
He did that to show them and us - it is possible to walk ON those things.
Wooo Hooo
(sorry, I'm still excited!)
_____________________________
Fifty Two Weeks to change the world!
http://www.50-two-weeks.com/
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RE: Something Wicked Coming My Way... - 5/14/2008 12:07:51 PM
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crh737
Posts: 629
Joined: 6/1/2005
Status: offline
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I will never leave or forsake you and Be still and know that I am God....
You go girl, you will do great
CRH
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RE: Something Wicked Coming My Way... - 5/14/2008 12:11:00 PM
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iamjc-s
Posts: 341
Joined: 8/1/2007
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: RefinersMetal
Praying for you Mari.
Don't be discouraged.
"I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side." -Psalm 3:6
2Ki 6:17 (NIV) And Elisha prayed, "O Lord, open his eyes so he may see." Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
For an aid in visualizing this, watch "Quiggly Down Under" & picture angels in place of the Aboriginies
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RE: Something Wicked Coming My Way... - 5/14/2008 1:33:45 PM
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sparkleingsnow
Posts: 3423
Joined: 1/9/2007
From: Payson, Arizona
Status: offline
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Praying ladyichigo. (((hugs)))
_____________________________
Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is
within me, bless his holy name.
Psalm 103:1
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RE: Something Wicked Coming My Way... - 5/14/2008 5:45:54 PM
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ladyichigo
Posts: 406
Joined: 10/23/2007
From: Makiki
Status: offline
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Thank you all who have posted such wonderful encouraging words of wisdom from scriptures. I do know why I love God, and why serve Him, and want to glorify Him. How can I not after all that He has done for me? Even in the midst of all the suffering and hardship, He still remains faithful, providing me with a comfort that no one else can give me. Sometimes, I let my mind get all jumbled with doubt from reading depressing posts that I feel like I'm drowning in muck. Especially when the time draws near for me to lead praise/worship time for our youth service. When will I learn to read His Word for His wisdom instead of looking into man's wisdom?  I need to be more disciplined!
I had posted yesterday in sort of a panic, and may have unintentionally given off the idea that I was "losing my faith". Don't worry, I have not. I wouldn't be here if I did. Anyway after I posted, I felt I got a bit of the load off my shoulders and I was able to get a few moments of quietness. Over and over again, I felt the Holy Spirit telling me, "I'm here, do not be afraid." 
So thank you again, and please continue to pray for me. Your prayers are very much appreciated.
_____________________________
Mari
Attending church and being confirmed does not define what a Christian is, though it may define a “religious” person.
David Wright - AiG
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RE: Something Wicked Coming My Way... - 5/15/2008 5:42:09 AM
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pmilst
Posts: 60
Joined: 2/22/2008
Status: offline
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Good wisdom CherishedbyGod, it spoke to my heart. May the very words of encouragement that you have written, come back as a blessing upon your life.
< Message edited by pmilst -- 5/15/2008 6:45:18 AM >
_____________________________
1 Cor. 2: 9-10 "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit..."
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RE: Something Wicked Coming My Way... - 5/20/2008 11:11:19 AM
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Godddy
Posts: 61
Joined: 5/15/2008
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: maddog4god
You know I heard this this week and it was amazing.
Jesus walked on the water - sometimes we get so caught up in that he COULD do that - we miss the bigger picture (hey me too!).
The truth?
He walked ON TOP of their fears - he walked on top of the thing that could kill them.
He did that to show them and us - it is possible to walk ON those things.
Wooo Hooo
(sorry, I'm still excited!)
Jesus; did walk on top of their fears.
Peter, as long as he had his eyes on Jesus, He walked on the water.
when he looked at the storm, he fell.
When Peter, looked back to Jesus, and put his hand in Jesus' hand, Peter walked back to the boat with Jesus, forgetting about the storm.
Peter learned a lesson that day. and it also teaches us when we are in the middle of a crisis, its not the time to take our eye off Jesus.
Isn't God awesome??? 
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RE: Something Wicked Coming My Way... - 5/20/2008 11:33:55 AM
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Godddy
Posts: 61
Joined: 5/15/2008
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: ladyichigo
I lead praise this Friday at our Youth Worship Service. With each passing day feelings of despair and hopelessness creeps into my heart. My mind is starting to get swarmed with doubt and unbelief, and my flesh is screaming out “I can’t do this!” I'm starting to feel lost as to why I’m serving, and why I want to glorify my Lord and King, Jesus, who is God the Creator of the universe with every bit of my existence. Seems like this gets intensified each time. Right now, I'm feeling afraid...that maybe the Lord has abandoned me. I know that this is NOT true. If I wasn't at work right now, I would be on my knees bawling. I'm having some trouble keeping still and quieting my heart to listen to the Holy Spirit.
Can someone offer some scriptures? My brain is drawing a blank.
Please be praying for me.
"God didn't give us a Spirit of fear, but of Love, Peace, and a sound mind."
you are on the right path, if you weren't satan, wouldn't be bothering you.
You are leading a youth group, "the most vulnerable" If satan can put doubt, in you and stop you from ministering to our youth, which is what he is trying to do. He will do all he can to stop you.
Walk with Jesus, take his hand. look full into His wonderful face. Hugs to you. God Bless
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RE: Something Wicked Coming My Way... - 5/20/2008 1:31:35 PM
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brothertodd
Posts: 105
Joined: 4/7/2008
Status: offline
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my prayers for strength are with you. Many if not all go through this. Jesus possibly felt doubt when He was in the garden when He prayed to the Father to take the cup away not by my will but yours. There is a book by Lee Strobel called the Case for Faith in which this is the main subject. He went and got questions from Charles Templeton, he was Billy Grahams pulpit partner during His earlier days of crusade preaching. However his doubts got control and turned his back on Christianity. Stroble took the questions he got from him and investigated (he was an investigateive reporter at one time) the questions, going to top scholors and experts for the answers. I also recomend the whole Case for....series.
God bless
_____________________________
Brother Todd, servant of Christ
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RE: "Greater Things Have Yet to Come".... - 5/20/2008 7:25:18 PM
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ladyichigo
Posts: 406
Joined: 10/23/2007
From: Makiki
Status: offline
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Again, thank you all for your encouragement.
Our God is faithful. When I arrived at church on Friday, I noticed that I did not have half of the songs I had planned to sing in the set with me. But, I found 2 other songs inside my guitar case. One of the songs is called, "You Are So Faithful".
A line in that songs goes: "...and in the midst of the storm, through the wind and waves, You'll still be faithful, You'll still be faithful, and when the stars refuse to shine and time is no more, You'll still be faithful, You'll still be faithful O, Lord."
Brother Todd: I have read Lee Strobel's "A Case for Faith" earlier this year. The one quote that I have from that book, that was made by Peter Kreeft, whom Strobel had interviewed, is stuck on my computer screen at work. "The point of our lives in this world isn't comfort, but training and preparing for eternity." His quote is reminder to me every day that I am here preparing to live in eternity with the King of kings, and that the suffering I endure here is nothing compared to glory and joy I will experience with Him.
< Message edited by ladyichigo -- 5/20/2008 7:32:34 PM >
_____________________________
Mari
Attending church and being confirmed does not define what a Christian is, though it may define a “religious” person.
David Wright - AiG
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