RE: Why I am not married (Full Version)

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Prairiehiker -> RE: Why I am not married (5/29/2008 11:59:13 PM)

I just thought I'd share a part of my journey that has some relevance to this post.

The other day, I had a situation where I was somewhat conflicted and my first reaction is to run away and just not deal with it. That's how I react to most people that I don't want to deal with. Then I prayed and I asked God what to do and that same moment, I felt someone said "I'll protect you". I asked God what He'll protect me from? After thinkign about it during the afternoon, I realize the reason I tend to run away from difficult situations is because I always felt the need to protect myself from being hurt. And for years, my response was always to run the other direction whenever I got uncomfortable or scared or overwhelmed. But last Tuesday afternoon, that's when I felt that God wanted me to respond differently and whatever it is I was fearing, God said that He will protect me. With fear and trembling (for dramatic effects, lol), I didn't run away and actually talked to that person. And my fear of what could happen lifted. I don't know what the would be the outcome of this relationship will be; I just left that to the Lord. Whatever it is, it's so that His name will be glorified.

This is God teaching me to respond differently and thereby, removing some of the strong holds that's keeping me from relating deeply with people.



jlp1 -> RE: Why I am not married (5/30/2008 12:28:01 AM)

Why i am not married

by jlp1


I am not married because of my intentions behind my actions (this is not about why i am not married this is about a peace of mind), sometimes I do things with the good intention but with wrong actions, I try to have my thoughts in alignment with Gods word but when I allow myself to be deceived by evil spirits my walk with God is compromised. I have learned and still learning to be mindful of what I say but the thoughts are a work in process.

My mindset needed a reset button, I once had the thought process of if I'm "good" God would reward me with tangible things.....wrong. I use to think that no troubles should not come my way if I was "righteous"....wrong and if He did not reward me then I must have done something wrong that upset Him......wrong. I use to wonder why why why so many things happened to me and I was a "good girl", I could not find the reasons why......then I would "backslide" and do something totally against Gods word and the vicious cycle would not end.

I wanted to get married for financial support and loneliness (intentions), I was so tired of going at life alone (I still had my standards God fearing, humble, nice, etc....). Then I thought about what if I did marry someone and soon after he died then I would be in the same boat again, so again my intentions. This walk is no longer about marriage but about trying to endure until the end run a good race. Half the decisions I've made in my life have had a selfish motivation or deception of some sort and not bad deception if that makes any sense like going against God's commandments (lying, stealing etc) but things like because I did not finish college no one would want me........ I need something (marriage) more than God living word inside of me to be accepted........ because I don't have scriptures memorized I could not speak Gods word (I had to know what I was talking about exactly)...... I was not strong enough in Gods word so I wouldn't say anything when the Spirit told me........ your over weight and I'm not but these are the word Satan would whisper to me....... Satan is a deceiver and he send deception our way in every form. In any form that would attack.

Me allowing Satan to deceive me with false ambitions and words of lies has caused me to struggle with my walk with God. This is the problem that I need prayer for.....I have two voices in my head (no I am not crazy) sometimes it is hard to distinguish between the two WHEN my desires come into play, most of the time I can tell between the two but when I struggle with what my intentions they get inter-mingled. I know I can't fight against Satan he is to smart, he's been around since the beginning of time and I can't out smart him........... I can't fight against a spirit......I'm learning how to stand still and not move and let Jesus and God fight for me......its easier that way. SO pray for me.....

Thanks jlp1

ps it feels good to be real with yourself....On the road to a peace of mind.... and thanks again joy God was speaking to you for others....those who have and ear let them hear...



jlp1 -> RE: Why I am not married (5/30/2008 12:45:29 AM)

quote:

My ungodly belief had opened the door for Satan speak lies into my life which said I had to walk in complete obedience before God could bless me and each times I messed up and didn't do as God told me Satan was more then happy to remind me my blessings were dependent on my obedience.

Since God revealed this ungodly belief and I repented.....asking forgiveness for doubting he could bless me even in my disobedience.........God has time and again giving me the desires of my heart.......often without me even realizing it was a desire until he gave it to me.


He has done things that I though was punishment but was a blessing and I did'nt know until the end upon reflection.

Joy you have been a blessing to me and God is speaking through you, He is speaking through you.....



ladioffaith -> RE: Why I am not married (5/30/2008 12:58:16 AM)

So much to think about ... so little time ....

I have thought about this a lot ... I think a big part of it for me is fear. Deep in the pit of my stomach FEAR.

Fear of settling. Fear of divorce. Fear of being unhappy for the rest of my life.

I think this all stems back to a dream I had when I was a child. I want to say I was about 8, but it was an amazingly mature dream for an 8-year-old. I am pretty sure my parents were not divorced then, however, I was becoming aware of marriages ending and that love doesn't always last forever.

In this dream, I was in my wedding dress, heading down the aisle when I was struck with the revelation that I DID NOT LOVE THIS MAN. But my parents had paid for the wedding.

I think I woke up while I was still at the church door, debating whether to go any further.

Could that be why I always fall for the unattainable ones?



John_O -> RE: Why I am not married (5/30/2008 8:13:09 AM)

jlp, Excellent post 77!



John_O -> RE: Why I am not married (5/30/2008 8:21:50 AM)

quote:

quote:

Many times the end result of the "I spoke this on myself" train of though is mental and spiritual anguish lest we speak an unguarded word and curse someone.


John you are speaking through your experience with M.


Actually I'm trying to prevent others from having to go through the same thing by reminding them to not get wrapped around the words.


quote:

I understand that now but please don't let your own experiences become a stumbling block preventing you from seeing the freedom which comes when we allow God to show us how our own words have given Satan an open door to speak lies into our lives.


The enemy doesn't need an open door. He can talk to anyone and everyone whenever he wishes. The only question is, Are we going to listen to him? If we make a vow etc that may make us more apt to listen to the lies, but that doesn't give himany power over us. He has no power.

That doesn't mean however that we may be convincing ourselves of the wrong things. As God convicts us to correct our speach, we correct it.



joy2give2u -> RE: Why I am not married (5/30/2008 8:45:11 AM)

quote:

Then I prayed and I asked God what to do and that same moment, I felt someone said "I'll protect you". I asked God what He'll protect me from?
Thank you for sharing Prairiehiker.......you are giving testimony that God not only speaks to us but will always answer our questions when we ask him..........

I love that when he answers he often doesn't just give us a brief word spoken to us but will often allow us to experience the answer through out the day by reminding us or how we have acted and then why.........

quote:

God said that He will protect me. With fear and trembling (for dramatic effects, lol), I didn't run away and actually talked to that person.
I am smiling so big at the moment.........satan's lie was uncovered.........you don't have to fear for God promises he will protect you.........that is so awesome.......I am so glad you shared.......thank you.



Prairiehiker -> RE: Why I am not married (5/30/2008 8:54:17 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: joy2give2u

quote:

Then I prayed and I asked God what to do and that same moment, I felt someone said "I'll protect you". I asked God what He'll protect me from?
Thank you for sharing Prairiehiker.......you are giving testimony that God not only speaks to us but will always answer our questions when we ask him..........

I love that when he answers he often doesn't just give us a brief word spoken to us but will often allow us to experience the answer through out the day by reminding us or how we have acted and then why.........

quote:

God said that He will protect me. With fear and trembling (for dramatic effects, lol), I didn't run away and actually talked to that person.
I am smiling so big at the moment.........satan's lie was uncovered.........you don't have to fear for God promises he will protect you.........that is so awesome.......I am so glad you shared.......thank you.


Yes, Joy, that was one of those moments where I had a real conversation with God and experience his leading. I shared it because the situation was about a man I was somewhat attracted to and I didn't know if I want myself to be attracted to. My initial reaction is to just forget it and close the door on even being friends with him. I was getting scared too early in the game. This is how I've always been through out my life which earned me the label commitment phobic. There's another thread for that to which I'll respond to later. Anyhoo, I do have a lot of fears of getting close to men which I've dealt with that by being so self protective. I can be so engaging in the beginning, but once the relationship starts going deeper, I tend to sabotage it. That example on Tues showed me exactly how God is leading me out of that vicious cycle. It showed me what I'm doing to prevent myself from getting too close. NOw, I'm realizing that it's not even about any man, but it's about my self protective habits which God wants to take away from me.



iwillfearnoevil -> RE: Why I am not married (5/30/2008 9:08:27 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: John_O
He has no power.


The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 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. So if you worship me, it will all be yours." Luke 4

He has no power, care to clarify? Above was not an idle boast during the temptation of Christ. This dominion of the world had been giving to Satan via Adam's forfeiture of it. The Holy Spirit confirmed that Satan is god of this world and prince of power of the air: see below scripture.

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. Ephesians 2:1,2

We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. 1 John 5:19

I believe people can become too focused on the enemy but the other extreme can occur as well.



joy2give2u -> RE: Why I am not married (5/30/2008 9:30:15 AM)

quote:

My mindset needed a reset button, I once had the thought process of if I'm "good" God would reward me with tangible things.....wrong. I use to think that no troubles should not come my way if I was "righteous"....wrong and if He did not reward me then I must have done something wrong that upset Him......wrong. I use to wonder why why why so many things happened to me and I was a "good girl", I could not find the reasons why......then I would "backslide" and do something totally against Gods word and the vicious cycle would not end.
I think these are very common lies of satan......Life and the church has given him fertile ground to plant these lies. As a child if you are good you are rewarded........The church teaches us if you are a good little Christian and do everything right then you will be blessed.

I think one of the reasons satan is so successful is because many of us grow up in churches where Jesus is preached about but rarely invited to visit. I think we grow up knowing all about Jesus, God and sometimes the Holy Spirit but are never really introduced to him intimately.

Satan loves it when we know all about the bible and it's "rules" without knowing Jesus personally because then he can use the things we were taught, twist them a little and put us in bondage to ungodly beliefs.

quote:

I was not strong enough in Gods word so I wouldn't say anything when the Spirit told me.
I use to believe this lie as well.........I would hear God say something or he would show me a picture....often with him prompting me to share and I would stay silent. I was sure I was way to ungodly for anyone to listen to anything I had to say.......the ironic thing was at the time I was a goody too shoe who almost always did exactly what I was taught the bible said I was suppose to do.

Now I listen to God's voice and if he says share I take a deep breath, close my eyes and begin to speak........I figure God has asked me to share....that is what I need to do........whether the person I am sharing with hears what God is saying through me or not is up to God.

Another area where God is working on me is the thoughts that if I speak or write something he has shared I will do such a poor job of writing it or speaking that I will mess up what God has to say........

When I wrote this post, as with most my post, I didn't read it before hitting "OK" because I knew if I reread it I would notice how poorly it was written and either delete it or rewrite it so many times it became about my writing and not what God was telling me to say.........

What God has been showing me lately is that what another hears may not be what I say or write.........God will use what he chooses out of my sharing and speak to the person what he wants them to hear..........if as you said they have ears to hear and eyes to see.

quote:

This is the problem that I need prayer for.
My spirit has been praying for you as I read this post........I read it three times before replying so that I could pray.

.
quote:

I have two voices in my head (no I am not crazy) sometimes it is hard to distinguish between the two WHEN my desires come into play, most of the time I can tell between the two but when I struggle with what my intentions they get inter-mingled.
I am laughing at your no I am not crazy because for so long in my life I NEVER I mean NEVER told anyone about the voices in my head because I knew people would think I was crazy.

I remember hearing a pastor I highly respected say when God speaks to us it is not a actual voice we hear but a feeling........my thought was WHAT??? He needs to spend some time in my mind........because I hear, in my head, very distinct voices. I know God's voice, I know the Holy Spirits and I know satan's.........The strong my walk with God has become the more dominate is His voice.......not the loudest.......He still speaks in a very soft, quiet voice but now that voice is the one I tune into instead of the other voices.

I talk to God often in my journal as I am reading the Bible.......I sometimes use two pens.......a black one for my thoughts and what God is showing me in the bible and then a red one for what I hear God say about the verses and what he is speaking to me through them.

I am sharing this knowing some will think I am crazy, which is OK, since I would much rather be crazy then not hear His voice.

quote:

I know I can't fight against Satan he is to smart, he's been around since the beginning of time and I can't out smart him..
When I first read this I was like oh yes you can.......that is what spiritual warfare is all about........then I read your next line........
.
quote:

I'm learning how to stand still and not move and let Jesus and God fight for me.
you do know how to fight .........it just looks different then what we have been taught fighting and warfare looks like.........

quote:

SO pray for me..
I will be praying for you.......and please feel free to pm me anytime.........I would also recommend the book "victory over darkness"

quote:

Joy you have been a blessing to me and God is speaking through you, He is speaking through you.....
Thank you so much jlp1. Before I posted this thread I was advised not too......some felt most of what I felt lead to share would not be understood or "heard" by people here.........I tended to agree yet could not get God to stop urging me to post..........I knew he had at least one person, someone I did not know, who he had prepared to read what he wanted me to share.........and I knew that my posting would not be well received by many yet I had faith that one person would read what I wrote and God would speak to them..........

Thank you jlp1 for confirming I was obedient to God.....

Funny how, even though time after time, acting in obedience God confirms we did as he asked.......it is still nice to know.



John_O -> RE: Why I am not married (5/30/2008 9:35:20 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: iwillfearnoevil

quote:

ORIGINAL: John_O
He has no power.


The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 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. So if you worship me, it will all be yours." Luke 4

He has no power, care to clarify?


John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

He was lying. He has no power over us. Only God does.


quote:

I believe people can become too focused on the enemy but the other extreme can occur as well.


This is true. Even a fly can cause a traffic accident if it bothers you at the wrong time.



joy2give2u -> RE: Why I am not married (5/30/2008 9:42:28 AM)

quote:

Yes, Joy, that was one of those moments where I had a real conversation with God and experience his leading.
I believe sharing moments when God speaks to us is so important........first because it reminds us again how we felt when God spoke to us and secondly it makes others hungry to hear God speak as well.

quote:

This is how I've always been through out my life which earned me the label commitment phobic.
It may have been how you were but it is not who you are........remember that when Satan tries to lie to you the next time..........God is changing you and you are no longer who you use to be.......[:D][:D][:D]



joy2give2u -> RE: Why I am not married (5/30/2008 9:49:24 AM)

quote:

I think a big part of it for me is fear. Deep in the pit of my stomach FEAR.
I can relate Diane

quote:

Fear of settling. Fear of divorce. Fear of being unhappy for the rest of my life.

I think this all stems back to a dream I had when I was a child. I want to say I was about 8, but it was an amazingly mature dream for an 8-year-old. I am pretty sure my parents were not divorced then, however, I was becoming aware of marriages ending and that love doesn't always last forever.
I am praying you spend some time talking to God and asking him to reveal what in your life has giving satan permission to lie to you by telling you if you got married you would be settling, get a divorce or be unhappy for the rest of your life........

quote:

In this dream, I was in my wedding dress, heading down the aisle when I was struck with the revelation that I DID NOT LOVE THIS MAN. But my parents had paid for the wedding.
I don't think the dream was the opening for satan or the foothold he hung unto.......I think the dream was because the opening was already there...........

I pray as you spend time asking God to show you the things you observed or experienced as a young child which allows these seeds of fear to be planted in you and then ask God to forgive you for allowing these fears to dictate your behavior and ask him to remove any hold these experiences have over you and your emotions..........I will be praying along with you that God will first expose your fear for what it is....lies of satan and ungodly beliefs.......and that as they are brought into the light they will lose their grip on you.



AlwaysR8chel -> RE: Why I am not married (5/30/2008 9:51:43 AM)

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.
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........ I know I'm jumping in late.... boy you guys have been busy!!!! [:D]


quote:

ORIGINAL: John_O

The enemy doesn't need an open door.

.
.
.
....... No, he doesn't. An open door makes his job easier... so it would be in our best interest to close the open doors, wouldn't it?

Thinking about open doors makes me think about strongholds. The Bible specifically talks about strongholds....


Good ones:

    [Psalms 9:9 NASB] The LORD also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, A stronghold in times of trouble;

    [Psalms 18:2 NASB] The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Good strongholds open the doors to countless blessings and security from God...


Bad ones:

    [Ezekiel 24:25 NASB] 'As for you, son of man, will it not be on the day when I take from them their stronghold, the joy of their pride, the desire of their eyes and their heart's delight, their sons and their daughters,

    [Ezekiel 30:15 NASB] "I will pour out My wrath on Sin, The stronghold of Egypt; I will also cut off the hordes of Thebes.


Bad strongholds open the doors to fleshly living and walking away from God....


Strongholds can be created by the vows we make....

There is much validation in Joy's posts....


I'm glad to see that people have been challenged by this topic.... a wonderful sign of growing in Christ!!!! [:D]



iwillfearnoevil -> RE: Why I am not married (5/30/2008 9:54:05 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: John_O
This is true. Even a fly can cause a traffic accident if it bothers you at the wrong time.


making a vow can be like putting trash out to attract flies so let's avoid that to prevent the enemy/flies from entering our life :)



Elena1030 -> RE: Why I am not married (5/30/2008 9:56:02 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: iwillfearnoevil

quote:

ORIGINAL: John_O
He has no power.


The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 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. So if you worship me, it will all be yours." Luke 4

He has no power, care to clarify? Above was not an idle boast during the temptation of Christ. This dominion of the world had been giving to Satan via Adam's forfeiture of it.


And as the Book of Job reveals, the enemy is on a short leash for a short while... he has no REAL power, none that we should tremble at.

If he is worshiped, it is because people choose to do so. Even if they are doing so out of some ignorance that they are serving another master. But they do know they are choosing to do as they please.

The enemy has no WORTH-ship to be worshiped! he SEEMS to have power... and that he does have power is another lie that people buy into.

At the name of Jesus and the reminder of His blood and of His victory, the enemy flees every time.

quote:

The Holy Spirit confirmed that Satan is god of this world and prince of power of the air: see below scripture.

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. Ephesians 2:1,2

Those who CHOOSE to be disobedient. The dominion of the enemy is the natural consequence of this.

quote:

We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. 1 John 5:19

I think the point here is to show the difference --- the VAST difference --- between those who have chosen God (and been chosen by Him) and those who have rejected Him.


To me, the focus should be on GOD and His power.


And though Joy and John see this issue from different angles, really they are coming down on the side of freedom in Christ.

Getting rid of the lies is important. Replacing them with the truth --- as Joy, Lisa, and Prairiehiker have shared --- is the MOST important thing.



Elena1030 -> RE: Why I am not married (5/30/2008 10:04:27 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: ladioffaith

So much to think about ... so little time ....

I have thought about this a lot ... I think a big part of it for me is fear. Deep in the pit of my stomach FEAR.

Fear of settling. Fear of divorce. Fear of being unhappy for the rest of my life.

I think this all stems back to a dream I had when I was a child. I want to say I was about 8, but it was an amazingly mature dream for an 8-year-old. I am pretty sure my parents were not divorced then, however, I was becoming aware of marriages ending and that love doesn't always last forever.

In this dream, I was in my wedding dress, heading down the aisle when I was struck with the revelation that I DID NOT LOVE THIS MAN. But my parents had paid for the wedding.

I think I woke up while I was still at the church door, debating whether to go any further.

Could that be why I always fall for the unattainable ones?



Girl, oh girl......... I can so identify with this.



This is exactly what many, many singles need to examine --- to ask God to show them these things. I think that's why the single season can be a blessing, not just in and of itself but also in preparation for marriage --- as joy said, to deal with stuff now...


I don't know how much our giving in to fear, feeding it, nursing it, rehearsing it, dwelling on past hurts and failures and mistakes
prevents or delays marriage from happening sooner for some of us.... but I do think that somehow it plays a part.

And that God takes the time to deal with these things in us...to involve us in the work (and not merely instantaneously remove stuff)...and to not give up on us....shows that He is loving, patient, wise, caring.... a true Abba and Rabboni.

Wow.... He is beautiful. [sm=shocked.gif] \o/



Elena1030 -> RE: Why I am not married (5/30/2008 10:17:32 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: AlwaysR8chel

.
.
.
........ I know I'm jumping in late.... boy you guys have been busy!!!! [:D]


quote:

ORIGINAL: John_O

The enemy doesn't need an open door.

.
.
.
....... No, he doesn't. An open door makes his job easier... so it would be in our best interest to close the open doors, wouldn't it?

Thinking about open doors makes me think about strongholds. The Bible specifically talks about strongholds....


Good ones:

    [Psalms 9:9 NASB] The LORD also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, A stronghold in times of trouble;

    [Psalms 18:2 NASB] The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Good strongholds open the doors to countless blessings and security from God...


Actually, GOD is the stronghold. Stronghold is a place of safety, a place often high in the cleft of a cliff. (Ooh, "He Hideth My Soul" comes to mind! [sm=icon_smile_sing.gif])

The key here is "I take refuge." Meaning... I BELIEVE the truth --- that God is the safe place, so I run to Him. I BELIEVE Him, taking Him at His word -- that He is who He says He is. [*ht to Beth Moore!*]

quote:


Bad ones:

    [Ezekiel 24:25 NASB] 'As for you, son of man, will it not be on the day when I take from them their stronghold, the joy of their pride, the desire of their eyes and their heart's delight, their sons and their daughters,

    [Ezekiel 30:15 NASB] "I will pour out My wrath on Sin, The stronghold of Egypt; I will also cut off the hordes of Thebes.


Bad strongholds open the doors to fleshly living and walking away from God....


Strongholds can be created by the vows we make....


Yes... the vows reveal what we are believing in... and if the vows are based on lies, then that reveals we are trusting in LIES... the lies are the stronghold.

And what is the remedy:

"The weapons of our warfare are not fleshly, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds." 2 Corinthians 10:4a

What are those strongholds?

"arguments and every high-minded thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God" 2 Corinthians 10:4b-5

What do we do with them?

"We demolish [them] ... , taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:4b-6


Our weapon is the Word. Our protections are truth, righteousness, the gospel, peace, faith, and salvation.



I think we all really are in agreement in the gist of what we're saying. The goodly encouragement and exhortation in this thread are just the refining of our thinking on the biblical truths --- so that we know that we know that we know what the Bible says and what it means and how we are to apply it. (Which... is discipleship... my passion!)



Prairiehiker -> RE: Why I am not married (5/30/2008 10:23:40 AM)

quote:

I think one of the reasons satan is so successful is because many of us grow up in churches where Jesus is preached about but rarely invited to visit. I think we grow up knowing all about Jesus, God and sometimes the Holy Spirit but are never really introduced to him intimately


I believe this. People preach the gospel, then expect people to just be perfect followers of Christ without engaging them into meaningful relationships with each other and with Christ. If all Christianity is about following rules, and being good, then it's just another dead religion based on good works. But it's not. It's about relationship with Christ and if that relationship is intimate, then we will be showing the fruits of the spirit. It won't be about rules but we will be doing good because it's what would flow in our hearts.

By the way, I don't always agree in special revelations and hearing the voice of God because it's a very subjective way of interpreting God's leading. I think 'little voice' or thoughts that we attribute to God, we always have to check that it agrees with His words in the bible. I often wrestle with the idea of God speaking to me, and I'm always skeptical, but last Tuesday, I was fully at peace knowing that it was God. I would never come up with the "I'll protect you". It never occurred to me before that I needed protection. I had a very peaceful feeling as though God's taking my hand and leading me through a difficult hike. I still have to go through it in order for me to learn, but God assured me that I will be protected as I go through it.

quote:

I'm learning how to stand still and not move and let Jesus and God fight for me......its easier that way. SO pray for me


Perhaps, it's not sitting passively that's needed. Maybe it's learning to allow God to strengthen you so that you will learn how to fight. Our life isn't about taking it easy and letting God do all the work. God transforms us by being with us in our journey and allowing certain circumstances to happen in our lives so that we will learn. I honestly can't imagine God saying "sit back, I'll do this for you". I can see Him saying "look, I'm with you and I'll never leave you. Don't be afraid." At least, this is what I'm learning right now.



jlp1 -> RE: Why I am not married (5/30/2008 10:29:24 AM)

quote:

As a child if you are good you are rewarded........The church teaches us if you are a good little Christian and do everything right then you will be blessed.

One of the biggest deception that causes us to stumble in our walk are the teachings, your right, "cause when we've been good and don't get the things we want we ask what is it all for". "Why am I being good, so and so is doing everything wrong and they get want they want..." deception at it's finest.
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I think one of the reasons Satan is so successful is because many of us grow up in churches where Jesus is preached about but rarely invited to visit.

The relationship with the Lord is thee most important possession but we are taught vain and pretty words, prosperity....
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Now I listen to God's voice and if he says share I take a deep breath, close my eyes and begin to speak........I figure God has asked me to share....that is what I need to do........whether the person I am sharing with hears what God is saying through me or not is up to God.

SOOOO GOOOD, I love it !!!! I started today with a man and I just let His words flow with out thinking about it and I hope to continue.
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Another area where God is working on me is the thoughts that if I speak or write something he has shared I will do such a poor job of writing it or speaking that I will mess up what God has to say........

What you said came out perfectly, that's deception that Satan is trying to use against you to not do Gods will. He tries to play on our insecurities to hold us back from the true prosperity of Gods Love.
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I know God's voice, I know the Holy Spirits and I know Satan's.........The strong my walk with God has become the more dominate is His voice.......not the loudest.......He still speaks in a very soft, quiet voice but now that voice is the one I tune into instead of the other voices

Yeah this is what I am working on, His voice can be so LOUD its unmistakable and so soft that you barely hear.
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I talk to God often in my journal as I am reading the Bible.......I sometimes use two pens.......a black one for my thoughts and what God is showing me in the bible and then a red one for what I hear God say about the verses and what he is speaking to me through them.

I like that!!!!
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I knew he had at least one person, someone I did not know, who he had prepared to read what he wanted me to share.........and I knew that my posting would not be well received by many yet I had faith that one person would read what I wrote and God would speak to them..........

Your obedience has paid off the tears flowed like never before last night after I got off the computer, like nothing I ever experience, it felt so good and I had peace in my sleep. God Bless you with all sincerity in my heart and continue to be a blessing to all those who want to hear what God wants to speak through you.
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Thank you jlp1 for confirming I was obedient to God.....

AMEN[sm=praying.gif]
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Funny how, even though time after time, acting in obedience God confirms we did as he asked.......it is still nice to know.

It just feels good, don't it!



joy2give2u -> RE: Why I am not married (5/30/2008 10:31:15 AM)

quote:

At the name of Jesus and the reminder of His blood and of His victory, the enemy flees every time.
This is a little off topic but I think it goes a little with what we have been talking about..........

A missionary, from a Muslim country, came to speak to my class at church. She shared her first experience, in the country, with the hatred and evil towards Christians with us. I want to share it with you.

She and a local lady who had been assigned to help her were busy cleaning up and painting the building they were to use a church.

The missionary was a little uneasy because she had been through extensive training back home and was well aware starting a Christian church was considered a stoning offense in the town she was working. She also knew as a woman she needed to be respectful of the men, never looking them in the eyes, never turn your back on them and always be very quiet around them.

While working she heard loud voices. They sounded angry and were getting louder. She knew not only were they getting angrier but closer as well.

Finally she saw them.......a large group of men had come over a hill, not more then 100 yards from where she stood with huge stones in their hands. They were coming to stone her and her helpmate.

Having gone through all her intensive training she knew what to do.......though afraid she boldly stood her ground, kept her eyes adverted, and began to speak "In the name of Jesus I command you to stop" over and over she repeated what she was taught to say........they continue to move forward.

What was wrong.......why wasn't it working she was doing what she was taught....telling them to stop in the name of the Lord.......

They were with in 5 yards, with their hands raised with the stones, when her co-worker walk right up to the leader, looked in straight in the eyes, and said....."I don't have time to mess with you. I have work to do." then she turned her back on them and walk back to her work........

The missionary sharing the story said she about fainted.........what was she doing....she really thought they were going to be stoned for sure now.

But suddenly the men looked so frighten they turned as white as she was, dropped their stones and began to run away.

It was months later when the leader of the group had come seeking them to come pray for his wife that she finally had the courage to ask why they had turned around and fled that day........

His reply which was confirmed by several other men who had also been there that day.........they saw demons much bigger and fiercer then the ones they carried with them....and when the demons with them fled they if their powerful demons were afraid they had better be as well.....so they high tailed it after the fleeing demons.

I will never forget that reply and Elena's post made me think about it........these men were really seeing angel who were so fierce, so strong, so powerful that the demons which were with the men fled.......

Whether we want to admit it or not there is a constant battle going on and it is not one of this world. It is a spiritual battle full of demons and warring angels fought in a spiritual realm which has influence on this world.

If satan had no power to effect the physical world from the spiritual world there would be no need for a battle.



hotsaucygma -> RE: Why I am not married (5/30/2008 10:31:57 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: iwillfearnoevil
We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. 1 John 5:19

I believe people can become too focused on the enemy but the other extreme can occur as well.
I thought about this thread quite a bit last night, and one of the things that kept coming back to me is along the lines of your last sentence Ed- we can become too focused on the enemy and "give" him more power than he actually has, but we can also give him too little "attention" and forget that he does have power in this world. Both directions are dangerous for us.

I spent some time with my concordance and Bible and looked up "vow", "word", "promise", etc. Scripture after Scripture told us to be careful with our words- those we say and those we hear/listen to. Also Scripture after Scripture told of the craftiness of the enemy, that he is the father of lies, lists the weapons we need to use to defeat him; to me it is very plain that though he has "lost the war", he is still in the battle and does have power. Why would we need to worry about Armor if he didn't have any power? I, for one, do not believe that I can not be decieved. I do believe that God takes my words seriously, my vows, if you will, are important to God. We are told we will give an account of every word we say, even those carlessly said. I think we could also be held responsible for those words we listened to.

Leviticus 5:4 says Or if a person thoughtlessly takes an oath to do anything, whether good or evil- in any matter one might carelessly swear about- even though he is unaware of it, in any case when he learns of it he will be guilty. 5 When anyone is guilty in any of these ways, he must confess in what way he has sinned and as a penalty for the sin he has committed he must (give sacrifice requirement- ours is Jesus)... for atonement for his sin.

Now some will claim that this is OT and we are not under the law. In some ways I agree. However the principle is not invalid, imo. The "vow" was held as important by God. It had to be confessed, then the sacrifice "covered" it. I think this is what Joy/her friend were doing and talking about. I think the point that those vows/things we have said, even carelessly, are important and need to be brought to Jesus, and confessed is a valid one. I also think Satan uses those vows/words that we may not even remember against us- he is called the accuser of the brethern, after all.

My personal application of this is/was, that I have said things about never marrying again, thought negatively about marriage, etc. I think it is very likely that God has heard that "vow" and unless I confess my sin in this area and ask Jesus's blood to cover and be the sacrifice for that sin, He will hold me guilty. Not condemed, because I am a believer, but still guilty. In that same area- since the divorce (5 & 1/2 years now) until yesterday, I had a 'quote" taped to my computer. It was a typed quote that a friend sent me. It said "My husband and I divorced over religious differences; he thought he was god and I knew he wasn't". I took that down yesterday. I do not need the words reinforcing each day the negative feelings about my marriage and divorce- or any future relationships that God may have in store for me. The Lord and I still have some talking to do, and I may have more confessing to do, but those words will no longer accuse me.



joy2give2u -> RE: Why I am not married (5/30/2008 11:34:57 AM)

Thank you for your post hsgma.........

Every since you told me yesterday about the sign and how you removed it my eyes water..........God is so amazing.....

How he can take a bunch of strangers from all across the country and use one simple post to connect us all and draw us closer to Him.

I am singing, dancing and smiling non stop today.[:D][:D][:D][:D]

quote:

I don't always agree in special revelations and hearing the voice of God because it's a very subjective way of interpreting God's leading. I think 'little voice' or thoughts that we attribute to God, we always have to check that it agrees with His words in the bible
I agree.....it must never go against the bible and God will often use others to confirm what he has said........

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I often wrestle with the idea of God speaking to me, and I'm always skeptical, but last Tuesday, I was fully at peace knowing that it was God. I would never come up with the "I'll protect you". It never occurred to me before that I needed protection. I had a very peaceful feeling as though God's taking my hand and leading me through a difficult hike.
I also agree when it comes to the peace........there are many times I am unsure what I hear is from God or not and in those times I ask God.......is that really you or is it me? If it is you please let me know in a way I can't deny.........And you know what when it is really him he does.....

I think what is hard for some people to understand, because we say words like God spoke to me or God said to me, is that when it is really God speaking there is no doubt in your spirit.......when it is His voice you recognize it........Even when satan comes later and tries to convince you it was not God that deep,deep knowing will not leave.....no matter how much you try that knowing does not leave.

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Our life isn't about taking it easy and letting God do all the work.
Be still and know that I am the Lord.........To me being still before the Lord can mean being physically still and inactive but rarely does......I can be still before the Lord will climbing a sand dune or riding my bike........

I believe God wants us to still our minds........to quiet the voices, thoughts, pictures and activity and be still before Him so that we can hear his voice without distraction.



jlp1 -> RE: Why I am not married (5/30/2008 11:38:31 AM)

quote:

And as the Book of Job reveals, the enemy is on a short leash for a short while... he has no REAL power, none that we should tremble at.

Right but understand he not going to stop, that's deception when you think that ones God has shown you favor or love that the enemy is going to stop, no you have to endure until the end.
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If he is worshiped, it is because people choose to do so. Even if they are doing so out of some ignorance that they are serving another master. But they do know they are choosing to do as they please.

We make bad choices when we think we are wise, this is about being real and giving yourself up, getting out of that box (slavery) he wants you to be in (guilt, self-righteousness, pride) so he won't have power over you. We all personally go through it but are afraid to speak on.
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The enemy has no WORTH-ship to be worshiped! he SEEMS to have power... and that he does have power is another lie that people buy into.

He does not have power? The power to tempt us, yes he does. He does not have the power to make us do anything. The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 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. So if you worship me, it will all be yours." Luke 4

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At the name of Jesus and the reminder of His blood and of His victory, the enemy flees every time.

That's the problem he keeps coming back!!!!! and in this world here right now we need to understand he is not going to stop coming at us not until we die. I have two children and I realized last night that he will continue to come at me throw them and there children.

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Those who CHOOSE to be disobedient. The dominion of the enemy is the natural consequence of this.
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We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. 1 John 5:19
I think the point here is to show the difference --- the VAST difference --- between those who have chosen God (and been chosen by Him) and those who have rejected Him.

It a constant "war in the mind over territory for dominion of who will dominate the opinion" we all struggle with the enemy.

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Perhaps, it's not sitting passively that's needed. Maybe it's learning to allow God to strengthen you so that you will learn how to fight. Our life isn't about taking it easy and letting God do all the work. God transforms us by being with us in our journey and allowing certain circumstances to happen in our lives so that we will learn. I honestly can't imagine God saying "sit back, I'll do this for you". I can see Him saying "look, I'm with you and I'll never leave you. Don't be afraid." At least, this is what I'm learning right now.

Even though you can see him saying that He said stand, how can we fight against Satan? maybe this will help you understand why I said what I said

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. IN addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.



iwillfearnoevil -> RE: Why I am not married (5/30/2008 11:40:24 AM)

great post hsgma ... thank you for sharing an illustration ...



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