Pete66

My bad. I didn't mean micro-archaeology. I meant that form of archaeology that uses DNA analysis to trace the migration paths of humans about the globe. So all North American Indians have who as their forefather? Or were they created there about the time Adam and Eve appeared in the garden?

The sense of loss and abandonment can be a cruel burden to bear. Sometimes so cruel as to render the Word of God seemingly null and void. You want to believe you are not alone, just as the Word says, and yet you are unable to disperse the darkness that has settled upon you. What would it take to make you feel better? Of course, those of us who do call upon the Lord would want for you to know His wondrous touch in your great time of need. Think upon passages such as Psalm 23 or Ezekiel 37 where God breathes life back into those who feel alone without hope. Think upon the great Resurrection of our Lord, a singular and mighty act that overcame the ultimate place of darkness and hopelessness, death, enabling those who trusted in Him who rose from the grave, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, to once again find hope unto life. Know that many prayers are going up on your behalf. Acknowledge Him and your despair will be turned to joy, as the Scriptures say, "put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." You are not alone...by His Spirit may you know this fully!

What proof does he have they were here? What proof do the naysayers have they weren't? I suspect microarchaeology might be able to lend a hand.

new news? 'cause the transcript is from December, 1969. That means they've known all this time and not told us. Interesting.

Curious. Sam admits that he may be part or all of the problem, admits that he understands he's being judgmental, yet Shiloh feels the need to press him on that point?!? "Church" is interpreted by folks in a couple of different ways. One - a building where congregants attend per whatever schedule/activities takes place there. Two - a gathering of Jesus followers, making a gathering on the street corner as much a 'church' gathering as meeting in a formal site/building. The first has its place. It is a common meeting ground where the body of believers can do what it does (which hopefully is fully connected to the sharing of the gospel and the growing of disciples). The second, IMO, is the more relevant, in that the important factor is to be gathering with other believers, regardless of physical location, and that that gathering is intended to follow the biblical model found in Acts 2: In both places you will find this harsh reality - failing humanity. However, taking the biblical model upon ourselves in heart and action, we can be part of the molding process - others molding you and you molding others. This is played out very well in the model presented in the above passage. In the midst of a body of believers infected by failure, it is healthy to remember such passages as these: "For it is God who works in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure." (Phil. 2:13) "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." Phil. 1:6 Be careful that the rationale for not attending church is, as you've been accused of in this thread, merely a pretext for whatever self-serving agenda may be at work. As the genuineness of God's grace and wisdom works in you, you may just find a way to be involved with a body of believers that thus far have proven themselves unworthy of your presence and involvement. Of course, the decision is yours. You must come to terms with this knowing that, ultimately, you and you alone answer to God. I pray your heart is genuine in this matter and that it will be God who is honoured and glorified by the outcome.

Beautiful.....and beautiful to see you being taken care of (a la fez) in such timely and beautiful ways. May God honour your faithfulness to be an inspiration to others in the face of challenging circumstances. And may you know the pleasure you give others by being such!

Imagine....taking Christ at His word! Now if that don't bring one closer to deeper intimacy with God, I don't know what will.

Any number of reasons exist as to why God would do so, but the short answer to your question is "yes". Think of the various examples in Scripture - Joseph, Moses, David, etc. Devotion to God is not the absence of suffering but rather a "very present help" in a world broken and suffering both globally and personally.

I have a box of plastic bags of plastic bags. Beat that

Thanks, Littlelamb. Appreciate the earnest sincerity in your response.

Sure, you can be blunt. I prefer that (well, at least that's my claim hehehe) "Grow into yourself" - a curious bit of advice. Sounds rather self-centred which, according to many, is not appropriate. Not saying I disagree with you but curious to find someone who thinks in that manner. "soon....but not yet" - we'll see if it is "soon" or even a "yet". Thanks for the feedback.

Hi, RW. Where I am now...is good? "For it is God in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure." Yes, it would seem that it is good. That said, it is yet *very* unpleasant. And despite repeated calls to the Lord, the heaviness remains. I speculate something of what wingnut said ("there is something I should be doing") plays into this, but I'm not entirely convinced. Another idea is that of God grooming for something, so that the experience I am having is indeed "good", is not a result of any wrong doing on my part, and will eventually work itself out to my pleasure (for having done something according to the will of God) and His glory and honour. And I would speculate that you do not seek to minister again until your spiritual house is in order A sound speculation, which of course is one of the most painful realities of this whole circumstance. It comes down to a question of why such a passion was put in me when in the end I am to be muzzled . The things of this world leave such a bad taste in my mouth, so the relevance of my life has all but disappeared. How tempting it is to say "I just don't know what to do", but I refrain, knowing the answer most, if not all, will give is to pray to God for answers and do what it is He is telling you to do in order to correct the situation. No sense enduring the repetition, right?

Hi, RW. Where I am now...is good? "For it is God in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure." Yes, it would seem that it is good. That said, it is yet *very* unpleasant. And despite repeated calls to the Lord, the heaviness remains. I speculate something of what wingnut said ("there is something I should be doing") plays into this, but I'm not entirely convinced. Another idea is that of God grooming for something, so that the experience I am having is indeed "good", is not a result of any wrong doing on my part, and will eventually work itself out to my pleasure (for having done something according to the will of God) and His glory and honour.

Ah ok, I just misunderstood your post. My apologies. No, being saved does not make us suddenly perfect, although our sins are removed in His sight. Perhaps if you feel incomplete in some way, there is something you should be doing. I am not really qualified to answer that, but I will be praying for you brother. I had a feeling that was the case. I'm already prepared to trust your heart, seeing sincerity in this and other posts I found your name on. I have thought on that point of "feel incomplete....there is something you should be doing." The answer to that has not come readily or clearly.

Hi Wingnut. Correction - not that my life is sinful (but then again, who's isn't. Being saved doesn't mean being sinless, right?) but that the thought of not wanting the life I have is sinful. God not only created me but gave me the life I have. Should the pot tell the potter what meal should be cooked in it? If the life I have is indeed the will of God, and I claim to want the will of God in my life, is it not therefore sinful to "reject" (be unhappy with) the life I've been given?