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I'm A Christian...But I'm Beginning To Doubt God.. - 4/11/2008 10:29:24 PM
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gaylel1
Posts: 1516
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Southern California, the land of Fruit and nuts...
Status: online
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In the prayer section, I have a prayer request about getting another place. Please pray for me on that issue.
But today, I was thinking that I'm beginning to doubt God because he will not give me another place to live because of my financial mistakes, even though I'm trying my best to be responsible and working and paying my bills. Now, I know God does makes miracles and I know he's in control, but something tells me that he wants me sleeping in the streets because of that failure.
These are things that I'm sharing from my heart because I'm kinda discouraged right now.
_____________________________
Come visit me at http://www.myspace.com/Gaylel121
or http://www.gayleplace.blogspot.com....
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RE: I'm A Christian...But I'm Beginning To Doubt God.. - 4/11/2008 10:37:47 PM
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stampinlady
Posts: 1933
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: Northern IL
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Are you actually living on the streets Gayle????? Do you have a church home, someone to give you financial counseling or family? Can you move to a cheaper state? I'm gonna start praying for ya girl.
_____________________________
Deb
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RE: I'm A Christian...But I'm Beginning To Doubt God.. - 4/11/2008 10:42:55 PM
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colliefan
Posts: 2164
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: Raleigh, NC
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quote:
but something tells me that he wants me sleeping in the streets because of that failure.
Do not listen to the lies of the enemy. You may have made mistakes but God will take care of you. You may have to adjust your lifestyle but God will see you have a safe place to lay your head at night. Everyone goes through the Dark Night of the Soul. In the middle of this darkness, realize He is at your right hand.
< Message edited by colliefan -- 4/11/2008 10:48:58 PM >
_____________________________
The grace of God is infinite and eternal. As it had no beginning, so it can have no end, and being an attribute of God, it is as boundless as infinitude.
A. W. Tozer (18971963)
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RE: I'm A Christian...But I'm Beginning To Doubt God.. - 4/12/2008 7:29:03 AM
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glimmerinthedark
Posts: 80
Joined: 4/3/2008
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Check out this picture of earth. http://www.bluedottheatre.com/images/pale_blue_dot.jpg
Our planet is so small, it's caught in one of the rays of light from the sun. I know this wasn't the response you were expecting. But just think about it. How massive this universe is, and how much bigger God is. How many things humanity has done throughout history, that could easily anger God. He could easily snap his fingers and the whole universe would crumble. However, this is what he did instead. He came down through Jesus, and was born the poorest of the poor. He let his tiny creations have their way with him, and kill him. He did it for our forgiveness. He did it so that we, these tiny insignificant seeming little things, could be with our father God. That said, how much love would it take, and humbleness, and gentleness, and temperence, for an all knowing, all powerful God, to do that. If he could handle this tiny little spec of a planet, and the whole universe, i'm sure he can handle your problems. Or anyone's for that matter. 
Never forget, God loved, loves, and will love us with an infinite love. 
GBU, and take care. 
P.S. The earth is the tiny white spec.
< Message edited by glimmerinthedark -- 4/13/2008 10:44:31 PM >
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RE: I'm A Christian...But I'm Beginning To Doubt God.. - 4/12/2008 8:15:46 AM
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sparkleingsnow
Posts: 3441
Joined: 1/9/2007
From: Payson, Arizona
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Hi gaylel1, don't let doubt creep in. Don't give satan that foothold.
I understand that your hurting right now, and don't know what will happen, but He is right there with you.
He never promised us that everything would be rosey here on earth, but He did promise that He would never leave us or forsake us. He loves you so much that He even knows the number of the hairs on your head. Did you know that? He loves You so much that He made you different from everyone else. No where on earth is there another you. You are His precious, special child.
We go through trials in our live, sometimes to refine us, to draw us closer to Him, to teach us something, and sometimes we just don't know why. This I do know, He's not punishing you. That's not how He works. It's a lie from satan. Hopefully you will soon find a place, and I am praying for that, but even if you do have to sleep for a short time at a shelter, He will be right there with you and He will make something good come out of it. I know thats hard to see right now, but I know because He's done that for me in my life when things looked hopeless. And He loves you every bit as much as He loves me.
Hold on tight and trust Him who died for You, who loves You, who will never leave or fail You. In the end He will use this to strengthen Your faith! God Bless You.
< Message edited by sparkleingsnow -- 4/12/2008 8:24:32 AM >
_____________________________
Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is
within me, bless his holy name.
Psalm 103:1
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RE: I'm A Christian...But I'm Beginning To Doubt God.. - 4/12/2008 8:35:06 AM
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maddog4god
Posts: 266
Joined: 5/30/2006
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I'm sorry you are suffering and in a hard spot.
Please do believe that God is punishing you for your mistakes. You may simply be experiencing the consequences of your actions - this is painful and often a time we do seriously cry out to God for help. By allowing you to go through the experience you will learn something - that's how life works.
I was at the jail picking up my son who is a minor. There were many people there getting their adult children out (25 plus years old). I was able to share with them the hardest/best thing they'd ever do for their children is to STOP enabling them by bailing them out, getting them lawyers, putting money into their accounts etc because that's what my father did to me and that's when I actually grew up and stopped depending on him to fix all my mistakes. I was an adult who was capable of both working and paying my bills.
While it's painful for everyone involved it truly is the best thing for the child involved because they learn.
Like I said, I am truly sorry you are suffering, but this is agreat opportunity to learn and grow.
_____________________________
Fifty Two Weeks to change the world!
http://www.50-two-weeks.com/
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RE: I'm A Christian...But I'm Beginning To Doubt God.. - 4/12/2008 9:29:10 AM
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LivingParadox
Posts: 337
Joined: 2/28/2007
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Gayle, I'm praying for you. I don't have any quick answers and whatever reason you are currently in this situation, whether difficult circimstances you been brought to or just bad decisions, it doesn't matter. But I have no doubt God will bring you through this situation.
The only way I know to encourage you when God is quiet it to encourage with my experience. I am a blessed person in that God has given me many gifts, opportunities and with that struggles, too. I am recovering from being financially devastated a couple of years ago -- brought on by circumstances from 9/11, gossip, bad economy, etc, etc, etc. With that said how I handled the situation contributed to the situation. I basicallly went without stable employment for at least a couple of years -- I was a skilled person with a lot to offer but I couldn't make anything happen. Nothing. But yet, I had firmly committed to waiting on the Lord. I kept waiting on God to resolve the situation. It never came, in fact, it actually got worse.
Now recovering (in some ways) a couple years later, I can look back and see God putting me in situation of complete dependence on him. I can see him placing me in situation I probably wouldn't have chosen of my own choosing -- so even though my life has been difficult I see God's hand all over it. I'm still struggling to understand everything God's been doing in my life and sometimes it's hard to trust in the hard places. But I think maybe it's the surrender in the hard places where God is often working powerfully.
Much like Joseph as he was sold into slavery, falsely accused, misunderstood -- He didn't understand where God was going with these hard places but he trusted the one that held him. I do know if you are leaning into God's will even though you can't see the whole picture, God will bless you. He will take care of you.
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RE: I'm A Christian...But I'm Beginning To Doubt God.. - 4/12/2008 1:40:26 PM
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colliefan
Posts: 2164
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: Raleigh, NC
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http://www.crosswalk.com/spirituallife/11572520/
_____________________________
The grace of God is infinite and eternal. As it had no beginning, so it can have no end, and being an attribute of God, it is as boundless as infinitude.
A. W. Tozer (18971963)
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RE: I'm A Christian...But I'm Beginning To Doubt God.. - 4/12/2008 7:08:28 PM
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Dakotasunbeam
Posts: 1154
Joined: 6/2/2005
From: Midwest USA
Status: offline
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gayle,
Don't give up on God! We all get to places like these in our life. The key is to remember, is that His mercy are new every morning. He doesn't have to give us our next breath, next morsel to eat, or anything. His goodness is what keeps us alive. When we get to these spots, this is the time when our faith has to go up a notch or either we fall apart. Reconcile yourself to going up higher, trusting Him no matter what.
One thing that helps me in times of testing, trial or suffering, is remembering the apostles who loss everything for Christ. And it wasn't because of their poor choices in life, it was because of their choice to be obedient to Him.
Paul said in Philippians 3:8, "Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that Imay gain Christ."
I try to remember that God let's the sun shine on the just and the unjust. God is our friend and the savior of our soul. He does not promise to give us everything we want, and no trouble He said in this world you will have trouble, but be of good courage for I have overcome the world. This is our hope. I try to think of Stephen the Martyr, who, although doing GREAT things for God, God never delievered him from the hand of those who stoned him to death. If we think that God does everything in our lives we will get angry and doubt Him when things go wrong. We will assume He did it. God wills that no man should perish, but that everyone would repent and gain salvation--but as you know, some people will perish. That does not mean He wants them to.
And also, I have learned that I should take the blame for stuff that goes wrong in my life--when it really is I who caused it. And if I haven't caused the trouble, I lay the blame where it should rest--the selfish or cruel individual who did it, sinful world, or satan--not God. We rely on God for mercy. But God's mercy is His to give. We cannot cajole it out of Him, we can only implore and we are assured that He hears us.
Also, in times of hardship, I learn where my treasure is. The bible says, "Where your treasure is, thre your heart will be also.--Matt 6:21" During difficult times, God often shows me that I may have misplaced my treasure or He shows me in the loss of something great and my adherence to Him, that my treasure really is with Him. Either way, it puts me back on the right track with Him. Lay up your treasure in heaven where moth and rust do not corrupt.
Do not give up hope Gayle. Stay with Him. Learn the lessons He wants you to learn. Take some money managment classes at a church (they offer them free). Put up ads for apartments or even a room for rent. Try craigslist. Learn the lesson He wants you to learn in this season, and determine in your heart not to leave Him.
Remember, God is your friend. I thought about that during a couple of rough spots of testing in my life--would I get angry and blame a friend when something goes wrong in my life? Never! How does what went wrong in my life have anything to do with them? It's the same thing with God. He's our friend. Often times we treat Him like He's our personal butler or employee. "God, this went wrong! FIX IT!!!" we demand. But, God is our friend. And like a friend, we can only ask and hope for His generosity--not expect it as though it is our due. This was a very hard pill to swallow--because I've learned it's easier to blame God than myself or a sinful world I cannot control.
Hold on! Keep fighting! God loves you!
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RE: I'm A Christian...But I'm Beginning To Doubt God.. - 4/12/2008 7:24:37 PM
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Cloak
Posts: 3308
Joined: 1/4/2008
From: Canada
Status: offline
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We all go thru times of doubt, fear, uncertainty. The bottom line is.....persevere.
I uphold what others have wisely told you by stressing that we all believers have an enemy whose name is Satan who wants to steal our joy, don't give in to him. The Bible says that we are to resist the devil.
I am so proud of you Gayle for being responsible and paying your bill, God honours that.
Keep up the great work and remember that God is always right there with you and we are all here with you supporting you in our words and prayers.
_____________________________
And My God shall meet ALL Your Needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4: 19)
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RE: I'm A Christian...But I'm Beginning To Doubt God.. - 4/12/2008 8:52:27 PM
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Liveloved
Posts: 936
Joined: 1/22/2008
Status: offline
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quote:
But today, I was thinking that I'm beginning to doubt God because he will not give me another place to live because of my financial mistakes, even though I'm trying my best to be responsible and working and paying my bills. Now, I know God does makes miracles and I know he's in control, but something tells me that he wants me sleeping in the streets because of that failure.
These are things that I'm sharing from my heart because I'm kinda discouraged right now.
Thanks for sharing from your heart, gaylel1, because that is what God loves---truthfullness. It sounds like you are wonderfully responding in obedience and faith to what the Lord has led you in. Bless you, gaylel1, and praise the Lord!
Perhaps what is 'bothering' you, though, is the consequences of what you have done. Consequences often follow a pattern of wrong behavior and some consequences are there always. For example, if you have sex out of wedlock and become pregnant and give birth to a child. Repentance over your wrongdoing does not change the fact or the reality of living with, caring for, and loving your child for a lifetime---a forever consequence.
So don't mix up consequences that continue with God. He did not make the mistake. He loves you and will walk with you through the 'whatevers'. And sometimes that means for a lifetime.
Look up the word 'perseverance' in scripture and see what God has to say about that. That IS what we are all called to do---persevere through it ALL. And His promise to us is that this momentary affliction (anything we endure on this earth is momentary when compared to eternity) is producing for us an eternal weight of glory! Beyond ALL comparison! Look at what is eternal, gaylel1! And you will see glory abounding for you. Bless you, dear one.
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RE: I'm A Christian...But I'm Beginning To Doubt God.. - 4/13/2008 3:36:39 AM
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SonInMe1
Posts: 3648
Joined: 4/16/2005
From: my mom by God
Status: online
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God knew what your present position would be and allowed it to happen. It is very possible, and I am guessing here, He allowed these circumstances to teach you and to grow your faith.
When tribulations come, rejoice because in His time God will bring you through it. Bad times just mean good times are around the corner.
_____________________________
You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
James 4:4
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RE: I'm A Christian...But I'm Beginning To Doubt God.. - 4/13/2008 7:55:13 AM
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conrack50
Posts: 520
Joined: 4/23/2005
From: 200 N. Bryan Ave. Shawnee, Ok 74801
Status: offline
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Our Loving Father God,
We ask you today to make known your wondrous works and how you love ALL of us as your children.
We ask that You Father God give comfort, peace, wisdom and understanding to gayle1.
We ask that You give courage and strength to gayle1 for that is what she needs.
We ask that You remove all negative feelings and replace them with you Love.
We ask that gayle1 understands completely that the thief comes to destroy and she is above that because of the price You paid on the cross for us Lord.
We ask that You provide her needs Father God.
We give all the honor, praise and glory to You Father God for ALL that You do for us.
We ask this in the name above all names, in Jesus Name, Amen
_____________________________
Do you love eco-friendly Soy Candles?
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** Enter the FREE Candle Drawing at my Website**
Check out the Income Possibilities while you're there!
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RE: I'm A Christian...But I'm Beginning To Doubt God.. - 4/13/2008 9:24:02 AM
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SonInMe1
Posts: 3648
Joined: 4/16/2005
From: my mom by God
Status: online
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amen
_____________________________
You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
James 4:4
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RE: I'm A Christian...But I'm Beginning To Doubt God.. - 4/13/2008 1:21:41 PM
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kmangel
Posts: 545
Joined: 4/12/2005
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My son was feeling really discouraged and fearful because of some bad choices he had made in the past with finances. I encouraged him to call his creditors and work it out with them and he did. I also suggested he talk to a financial counselor. He found one through Dave Ramsey's website. The man was gracious enough to advise my son over the phone. My son is now clear of the money he owed the creditor, but his credit report is still affected. It will take time to reverse the damage he caused to himself.
I also gave my son some Dave Ramsey resources. He has been listening to the CD's and following Dave's suggestions. There are small group settings, too, that you could look into joining to help you learn God's ways concerning money. Ask your church for suggestions.
You most likely didn't get into your bad situation overnight, nor will you get out overnight, but you can get out.
_____________________________
Heaven goes by favor. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in.
--Mark Twain
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RE: I'm A Christian...But I'm Beginning To Doubt God.. - 4/13/2008 3:34:49 PM
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zarazara
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I am sorry to read about what you're going through but I don't think God would deliberately set out to make you suffer because you failed in certain areas. And if you think you're at risk of being homeless, then please speak to someone. I think that creditors will work out an arrangement with you if you call them but you have to call. My God is a god of second chances and I think if you make the right choices from now on, you can come out of this situation a winner. Like everyone says it won't happen overnight but it will happen.
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RE: I'm A Christian...But I'm Beginning To Doubt God.. - 4/13/2008 3:57:12 PM
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Ezra
Posts: 1979
Status: offline
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quote:
but something tells me that he wants me sleeping in the streets because of that failure.
Gayle:
Not "something" but "someone" who is your enemy.
Read Psalm 107, cast your burden on the Lord, and believe that He has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
At the same time, the Lord does put us through trials and afflictions, not because we "messed up" but because He is teaching us valuable lessons. Job certainly did not mess up, but was subjected to some very serious trauma.
_____________________________
And whosoever will, let him take the Water of Life freely. Revelation 22:17
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RE: I'm A Christian...But I'm Beginning To Doubt God.. - 4/14/2008 5:19:31 AM
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manda59
Posts: 5198
Joined: 9/22/2005
From: Hampshire, UK
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: gaylel1
Now, I know God does makes miracles and I know he's in control, but something tells me that he wants me sleeping in the streets because of that failure.
Where did you get the idea from that that is what God is like?
Could it perhaps have been the attitude of a parent?
gayle, that's not what He is like at all.
_____________________________
"I have nothing to add, except to agree with Manda."
(agapetos, July 2008)
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RE: I'm A Christian...But I'm Beginning To Doubt God.. - 4/14/2008 5:53:46 AM
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Ephesians4_32
Posts: 2280
Joined: 4/30/2005
From: The Crossroads of America
Status: offline
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Matthew 6
7But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
8Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
Philippians 4
19But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Matthew 8
20And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
Psalm 57
1Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.
~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~
God bless!
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RE: I'm A Christian...But I'm Beginning To Doubt God.. - 4/18/2008 7:23:31 AM
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rgod
Posts: 311
Joined: 4/25/2005
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Gayle,
How are you doing today? Are you ok?
rgod
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RE: I'm A Christian...But I'm Beginning To Doubt God.. - 4/18/2008 7:48:19 AM
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Acts29
Posts: 355
Joined: 1/14/2007
Status: offline
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Gayle
I hope the words from Psalm 20 will give you peace.
Psalm 20
For the director of music. A psalm of David.
1 May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.
3 May he remember all your sacrifices
and accept your burnt offerings.
Selah
4 May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
5 We will shout for joy when you are victorious
and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the LORD grant all your requests.
6 Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed;
he answers him from his holy heaven
with the saving power of his right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
8 They are brought to their knees and fall,
but we rise up and stand firm.
9 O LORD, save the king!
Answer us when we call!
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RE: I'm A Christian...But I'm Beginning To Doubt God.. - 4/18/2008 5:43:44 PM
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tiffywal
Posts: 51
Joined: 4/14/2008
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I know how you feel. I've been there and allowed satan to try to get a foothold in my life. I pray for children. I am believing and standing on his word for children. I say a faith confession everday. When I pray I pray with boldness. Satan wants you to turn away from God and try to trick you into thinking that God doesn't love us. Have faith and stand on his promises. All you need is faith as big as a mustard seed to move mountains.
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RE: I'm A Christian...But I'm Beginning To Doubt God.. - 4/19/2008 10:01:27 PM
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Ephesians4_32
Posts: 2280
Joined: 4/30/2005
From: The Crossroads of America
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Gayle, are you okay? It would be good to hear from you!
Proverbs 25
25As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
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RE: I'm A Christian...But I'm Beginning To Doubt God.. - 4/19/2008 11:39:01 PM
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Acts29
Posts: 355
Joined: 1/14/2007
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I agree. Gayle people do care about you.
quote:
ORIGINAL: Ephesians4_32
Gayle, are you okay? It would be good to hear from you!
Proverbs 25
25As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
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