JFJ Forums

1).How do you describe this LIFE? As a Christian it's hard to do. As I recall moments in my own life, I think of times of stillness, in the midst of activity or in the quiet of night. The presence of His Spirit was there, sometimes speaking other times He was silent, yet the undeniable presence of His Spirit was so real. You couldn't describe it too anyone else, sometimes he was so near, almost physical, at other times He was, just felt, deep in your heart.

I could at times think, and He would answer. Sometimes the answer was spoken, and at other times it was a still small voice in my heart.

Sometimes I would see a person, and while looking at them, I knew about them.

I recall the passion to tell others about him at any given moment, looking for such an occasion never caring where I was, or who was near by.

Constantly His Love moved over me in waves and yet it abode, never departing. I would wake up in the middle of the night and He was there, like a mother hen.

I remember the love for others that was not my own. I remember feeling, and being, separate from the world yet still in its midst.

I recall not worrying about the kind of car I drove, or the condition of my clothes, knowing that He was fully aware of all these things.

I recall being invited out for dinner with brothers, and thinking (silently between myself and God), "Lord I don't have any money, but I'm hungry" and then someone would say "hey rod I'll buy ok?" Do you have days like this?

Do you remember days like this from your past? I believe this is something no one can take from us. This is why WE MUST EXPERIENCE GOD! Experiencing God is more important than the scriptures! You see if you experience HIM then, Bible revelation can be added to you. But if you don't experience HIM first then Bible knowledge is just a compilation of facts, they are true, but they don't have any place of reference, without HIM.

2).Most of my life, at least as far back as I can remember I've had a desire and love for God/Jesus. As I've grown older, I've seen many things in "Christendom", I've seen communes (come and go in failure). I've seen myself and other brothers walk in their own ways (you might call it backsliding), I've been hurt by supposed brothers in Christ, I've seen TV preachers act cocky, and ridiculous, I've seen people chase tithes and money, I've seen people in big churches (faithful tithers) go without help while in need, I've seen people chase their own kingdom and building programs. I've seen people pretend to prophecy, knowing they were not HEARING from HIM, (and in failure, excuse themselves by saying they were practicing), I've seen names in lights (but not Jesus name). I've seen people destroyed by the shepherding movement. I've seen men of god after devoting their lives to "the ministry" destroyed after a single mistake, instead of forgiven. On and on I could go... So does any of the above remind you of the book of acts or the first group of believers?

Your question provoked something in me that is not an answer to your question, but thankyou, you have served the Lord.

Isn't it wonderful?  No matter the plethora of man-made reasons to run from God, that some, if not most, successfully transition the valley of the 'shadow of life 'or' death, stumbling, but not falling?  Some, myself included, managed to fall (away), yet Messiah protectively stands by our side, waiting for us to, once again, look to Him, with the Love and discipleship He calls us to.

Our paths, to Christ, may differ, but His narrow path, we follow with Him, strengthens our faith, step by step.  Oh, yes, we are enjoying the same basic experience of 'Faith,' with similar, but separate, experiences in our mortality.

May we, all, arrive at the narrow doorway, upon graduation to Him.  May we all be blessed with minimal hazards on the way.  May His brightness shine from us, each and every one, to help light the narrow path, to some degree, for all those needing the redemption we have accepted.

In Messiah, His Sahlom, and perfection.  Thanks for your reminder, and light, in wisdom.  Arley

Thank you for sharing your testimony. I hope you have found a place where you are comfortable to say that G*d is the only person we should be looking up to and anyone else will fail us but G*d never fails us.
I am trusting G*d today for many things well beyond my ability to bring about and I know whom I serve and He is able and willing. G*d bless you.

Pain, physical and emotional can also be a sobering gift, a humbling gift.

I do not like pain. Yet if I had never experienced pain, I might not have found peace. The majority of pain I brought upon myself, through my ignorance. I have brought pain into others lives also. The pain of failure can be overwhelming at times.

That is not to say we won't encounter any more pain after accepting Christ
and his forgiveness.  God's word, of which we can be sure says, The Lord has compassion on the ignorant and those out of the way.  His forgiveness is available always.

Maybe that is the blessing of harship and pain to prepare you for more
than that.

I think our God given ability to have dreams and visions tells me that there is something more than this earthly life.

The believers in Acts suffered for doing what was right in the sight of God. Beginning to see the difference between what God brings my way, and what I bring upon myself is a lesson I am continually learning.

Looking to Jesus always helps.