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where is the abundant life? - 7/17/2008 8:05:37 PM
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alanajackson
Posts: 21
Joined: 6/21/2008
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I know Jesus promised that we would have life and have it more abundantly. I believe Him...I just dont see how it works really. I am writing this to let off some steam I guess, after coming home to find my apartment a mess after maintenence came in and did more harm than good. How is life "abundant" when you find yourself each weekday morning in a tiny 4x4 cubicle as a customer service rep getting screamed at by bosses, salesmen and customers....my head pounding before the clock hits 8:30.....making hardly enough to keep your roof over your head? I know this is whining. I have so many blessings, God has provided all I need. Friends gave money, time and love after I left my abusive husband...who continues to give me enough hope our family could reconcile that I get my hopes up only to have them dashed. I know I know..my fault. My adult kids are train wrecks...rude, obnoxious and self centered. I pray and I have seen God work. They are a daily challenge. I feel like an ungrateful spoiled brat before the throne of a good God. but I am so tired. Tired of going to a job I hate and coming home , feeling horrible (I have some physical issues I deal with too). Tired of my kids making me miserable,...tired of feeling sorry for the ex who put me in this spot to begin with.....I just want to get in my car and drive off. I would except I have an elderly Dad who loves me. I get so tired I cant even pray. I have friends I love, but a lot of times they drain me. I know there are no easy answers,everyone feels like this at times. I just feel this way all the time, to be honest. I ask God to forgive me and show me the way.
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RE: where is the abundant life? - 7/17/2008 8:47:07 PM
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TrustingGod
Posts: 121
Joined: 6/19/2008
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Alana, keep praying. In my opinion, the abundant life is spiritual. Our relationship with God is spiritual and not physical. Yes, He takes care of our physical needs but I don't think the message of faith is related to the amount of ....(money, stuff, fame, etc)... we have on earth.
Can you make changes in your life? Can you find new friends, disassociate with those who make your miserable? Can you find a new job? Can you move? None of these are easy, but maybe if you would make a list of all the changes you COULD make and then prioritize them (easiest to hardest, most important to least important, however makes sense) and then begin working on them one at a time. Rejoice in the victories and learn from the defeats. But remember that defeats don't have to be end-all doom, they are simply ways to grow and move forward.
Maybe start with something simple...like, spending 10 minutes every morning in uninterrupted talk time with God - devoted to giving Him glory only - no requests, no whining, just pure worship. Then eventually move into something more challenging, like finding adult education that is free or inexpensive that could help you find a new job. But just do one thing at a time - don't overwhelm yourself. Celebrate the victories (go buy yourself a sweet treat or pretty piece of costume jewelry or spend time with your Dad at a favorite park or working a puzzle).
God loves you so much. You are so precious to Him and He does not want you to live in misery. Unfortunately, we live in a fallen world and must suffer the consequences of our life choices (and others' choices). But we choose how we react to the circumstances around us.
God bless you sister.
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RE: where is the abundant life? - 7/17/2008 9:04:00 PM
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Qtman
Posts: 10645
Joined: 3/21/2006
From: Crimson Tide Country
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As someone much smarter than I am said "God did not promise and easy journey just a safe landing.
You have a rough job. SOme people have no job.
You have a roof over your head. Some are homeless.
You have chidren. Many are alone.
You may have more blessings than you realize. I pray God will give you comfort and peace with everything.
_____________________________
Don't take life here to seriously. No one gets out alive.
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RE: where is the abundant life? - 7/17/2008 9:43:31 PM
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TMeeks
Posts: 1737
Joined: 1/27/2007
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Dear alanajackson,
I can understand how you feel. But, you are only quoting half of John 10:10. And, you are misquoting the part that you have addressed. That's very, very common.
You must see it ALL to understand your life in light of the promise of Jesus. Here is the full verse...
John 10:10
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
The first thing that we see in this verse is that their are two leaders that are focused on your life... a thief and Jesus Christ. Notice that the thief is very goal oriented when he comes into your life.
He comes to steal.
Satan is CONTINUALLY at work in circumstances, others and your own thought processes to steal from you. He is actively trying to steal your happiness. He is actively trying to steal the joy that a good marriage can bring into your life. He even came into you life in the form of an abusive husband which stole kind and gentle love from you. You name it, if it's good, then he's trying to steal it from you... CONSTANTLY.
He comes to kill.
One of the primary ways that we know that we've let Satan get away with stealing from us is when we contemplate suicide or engage in those things destined to end our lives early, like drugs and alcohol. I'm sure, that one of the reasons that he is so actively trying to get humans to do harm to themselves so that they die an early death is that the longer they live, the longer they have to understand who Jesus Christ is and turn to Him. This leads us to the last goal that Satan has for every human being.
He comes to destroy.
Why is 'destroy' AFTER kill? It's because he's after our UTTER DESTRUCTION. That is, if he can progressively steal a person's happiness, turn them to suicide or drugs, etc. until they die then he is assured to have plenty of company at his own destruction. He knows that God desires that every person become His child and like a vengeful spouse that kills their children to get back at their husband or wife, Satan enjoys seeing God lose one that Jesus died for.
So, in your life, all the things you have mentioned, at some level, are the result of Satan being able to use others or circumstances to rob you of your happiness. And, he is RELENTLESS.
may have life
But, notice that Jesus isn't relentless like Satan. Jesus uses the word 'may' to describe His work. He died for all. But, not all accept that sacrifice. But, for those that DO accept it, he gives life. If that is true for the FIRST thing he says he came for, then it's also true for the second thing he says was his mission.
may have it more abundantly
Just like salvation isn't automatic. Neither is the abundant life. It's CONDITIONAL. Jesus has provide you with the means; but, it is up to you to take advantage of those means in your own life. The first step is to come to grips with the fact that if you are a true Christian then the Holy Spirit lives IN YOU.
When you are in that cubical, so is the Holy Spirit.
When you husband disappoints you, the Holy Spirit not only knows that; but, experiences that disappointed.
When you see your children being disrespectful, the Holy Spirit is there with you, figuratively shaking His head.
You are NOT alone. Not now. Not ever. But, to enjoy the benefits of that you have to determine that you are going to grasp that reality to the full.
If this makes some sense to you, I'd like to go on and talk about the RENEWED MIND. This, I think, is why you are letting Satan steal from you. You are thinking with the old brain and not the NEW mind that God gave you at your salvation. Let me know if this is something you'd like to pursue and I'd be glad to go on.
_____________________________
Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
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RE: where is the abundant life? - 7/17/2008 9:56:52 PM
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ladyichigo
Posts: 538
Joined: 10/23/2007
From: Honolulu
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quote:
You are thinking with the old brain and not the NEW mind that God gave you at your salvation.
Wow. This part is dead-on in what I had been doing.
_____________________________
Mari
I'm not cool enough to come up with a witty quote, but God is still good.
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RE: where is the abundant life? - 7/18/2008 5:17:40 AM
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conrack50
Posts: 750
Joined: 4/23/2005
From: 200 N. Bryan Ave. Shawnee, Ok 74801
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TMeeks,
Wow, what a great explanation.
Now I too see that I was using my old brain, and not the new one that God has given me.
Alana,
I agree, the Holy Spirit is always with you. God is there for you to let him know how you feel. Even if it's on your break, you can go to God and talk to him. Prayer can happen anywhere. it can be silent, it can be outwardly spoken. God hears it no matter what. Don't let the devil steal everything, that's why Jesus went to the cross for us.
I am praying that your situation resolves itself with the help of our loving God.
Lord,
Touch this precious woman and let her know you are always there.
Give her wisdom and understanding.
Bring her closer to you Father God.
Bless her in every area of her life Father.
We ask this in Jesus Name, Amen
Connie Lou
_____________________________
Want to make some extra money?
No quotas,you're the boss.
Come take a look.
http://www.connieloubarnes.com
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RE: where is the abundant life? - 7/18/2008 7:13:22 AM
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FreeEagle
Posts: 30
Joined: 7/2/2008
From: Minnesota
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Before an eagle has it's young, the mother prepares the nest with soft feathers, making the eagle very comfortable. When the eaglet is old enough to fly, the mother turns the feathers, so the spins are sticking up, making the nest uncomfortable. The eaglet stands on the edge wondering what to do. About that time the mother pushes the eaglet off the edge, as the eaglet is sailing toward the ground, the he screams "MOMMY HELP I CAN'T FLY", Mother reassures him "YOU CAN DO IT", and quickly rescues him just before he hits the ground. Then brings him back to the top, again places him on the edge. Only to push him again. This continues until one day the eagle spreads his wings and flies on his own.
God is much the same way, he gives us comfort, but when we get too comfortable in one spot, he makes our nest uncomfortable so we will explore more of the abundant life he wants us to have. You can do it - God will help! I recommend getting a copy of "Magic of Thinking Big" by David Schwartz
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RE: where is the abundant life? - 7/18/2008 7:41:35 AM
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SonInMe1
Posts: 3523
Joined: 4/16/2005
From: my mom by God
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If circumstances make you happy, you never will be.
Paul and Silas singin' in jail.
Jesus...on the cross....asking His Father to forgive His tormentors.
Being married to me.
Thank God He is our strength and not us.
_____________________________
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: where is the abundant life? - 7/18/2008 11:13:27 AM
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Liveloved
Posts: 1618
Joined: 1/22/2008
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Dear sweet alana,
TMeeks has, once again, given wise counsel. Listen to him. You are definitely in one of those 'tight spots' scripture speaks of. Read Psalm 107 and encourage yourself in the Lord. This psalm is about people who were lost and couldn't find their way and they cried out to the Lord and He delivered them out of their distresses! The psalm ends with a wonderful reminder of God's miraculous ways in our lives and circumstances. And as TMeeks already said, often it is in our minds, in our thinking, that the biggest miracles are needed!
Bless you, dear one. I pray the Lord bless you and keep you. I pray the Lord be gracious to you. I pray He makes His face to shine upon you! And I pray He lifts up His countenance on you and gives you peace. My prayer. His will for you.  LL
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RE: where is the abundant life? - 7/18/2008 11:25:22 AM
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alanajackson
Posts: 21
Joined: 6/21/2008
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THANKS for all the kind responses. I dont disagree with any of them. I just know I am dog tired (I have a lot of trouble sleeping). No it isnt depression.....:o).....its a noisy apartment and allergies.....Its been a couple of years of endless problems, pain, (including my mothers death in 2005)...job hunting, apartment hunting, buying a car on my own...i KNOW God has greatly greatly blessed me.....physically, financially, spiritually....I want to feel thankful...I AM thankful but i mostly feel numb. and i just want to go away somewhere quiet with a large margarita. I want to escape and cant. Thanks.
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RE: where is the abundant life? - 7/18/2008 5:10:45 PM
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seekingthebibletruth
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Joined: 7/9/2008
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When the Bible talks about having life more abundantly it is referring to your spiritual life.
The Bible in fact tells us that as Christians we will go through many hardships, tribulation, persecution, and in many cases death. For example, take a look at the lives of the 12 Apostles ... nearly all of them were killed in a horrible fashion by persecutors of the faith.
If we (As Christians) are in the world proclaiming the Gospel as we should, we should expect hardship on behalf of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The 'Prosperity Gospel' that has become extremely popular in today's society nothing more than a get rich quick scheme that has absolutely no Biblical merit.
_____________________________
Seeking The Truth? Visit www.seekingthetruth.info to learn more.
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RE: where is the abundant life? - 7/18/2008 5:12:20 PM
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Qtman
Posts: 10645
Joined: 3/21/2006
From: Crimson Tide Country
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quote:
ORIGINAL: seekingthebibletruth
When the Bible talks about having life more abundantly it is referring to your spiritual life.
The Bible in fact tells us that as Christians we will go through many hardships, tribulation, persecution, and in many cases death. For example, take a look at the lives of the 12 Apostles ... nearly all of them were killed in a horrible fashion by persecutors of the faith.
If we (As Christians) are in the world proclaiming the Gospel as we should, we should expect hardship on behalf of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
The 'Prosperity Gospel' that has become extremely popular today is nothing more than a get rich quick scheme that has virtually no Biblical merit.
It has work well for some of the preachers teaching it though.
_____________________________
Don't take life here to seriously. No one gets out alive.
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RE: where is the abundant life? - 7/18/2008 5:13:40 PM
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seekingthebibletruth
Posts: 9
Joined: 7/9/2008
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I'm sure they drive fast cars and live a life of luxury ... but that is not what the Gospel is about.
They Bible actually calls those people 'Vipers'.
Prosperity Preaching is not Biblical, and should be avoided at all costs.
_____________________________
Seeking The Truth? Visit www.seekingthetruth.info to learn more.
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RE: where is the abundant life? - 7/18/2008 5:16:55 PM
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seekingthebibletruth
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Gotcha! 
_____________________________
Seeking The Truth? Visit www.seekingthetruth.info to learn more.
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RE: where is the abundant life? - 7/18/2008 5:37:34 PM
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Liveloved
Posts: 1618
Joined: 1/22/2008
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quote:
I want to escape and cant. Thanks.
You're in good company, alana. David said the same in Psalm 55, "And I said, Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. Behold, I would wander far away, I would lodge in the wilderness. I would hasten to my place of refuge. From the stormy wind and tempest."
But he continues with this, "As for me, I shall call upon God, and the Lord WILL SAVE ME. Evening, morning, and at noon, I will complain and murmur, and He will hear my voice. He will redeem my soul in peace from the battle which is against me. . . Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. . . But I will trust in Thee."
Just cry out to the Lord and to us. We've been in similar situations and know you need others to help hold you up. Trust the Lord to use all of this, even this, ESPECIALLY THIS, for good, great good in your life! Bless you, LL
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RE: where is the abundant life? - 7/18/2008 6:11:20 PM
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SonInMe1
Posts: 3523
Joined: 4/16/2005
From: my mom by God
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Matthew 6:25-33.
_____________________________
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: where is the abundant life? - 7/18/2008 6:50:04 PM
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Bridgitt
Posts: 237
Joined: 6/18/2008
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The abundant life God is talking about, as some above said, is a spiritual life. From the moment we became children of God, our focus has moved from us to Him. It's all about Him, it's all about a relationship with Him, the rest is superficial. That's why we need His help to have our mind renewed so we can change our "natural" thinking and receive our new life in Him.
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RE: where is the abundant life? - 7/19/2008 1:03:20 PM
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alanajackson
Posts: 21
Joined: 6/21/2008
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Thanks so much, for all the replys. I realize I am still going through the awful period after a divorce...my divorce was just final last October. I asked my ex, one last time...."any chance?"....He basically said no. I had told him i was going to begin dating if there was no chance. He just shrugged and said "go ahead"......its very painful of course. I see so many ways God has provided for me.....a job I got only one day after suddenly losing my job, money when I needed it from an unexpected source......family that loves and supports me.....I know part of it is mourning the loss of my family. part of it just plain fatigue. Its a spiritual battle and I know God is on my side. Anyway, thank you all very much
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