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Seeking and not finding... - 7/29/2008 12:03:12 AM
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PopsiLufsJesus
Posts: 3080
Joined: 5/6/2008
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HI!
I have a question for you all. I'm hoping it isn't dumb, but here goes nothing...
Have you ever tried and tried and tried to get closer to Jesus and not find results. The Word says that if we draw near to Him that He will draw near to us, but have you ever found that to be somewhat difficult to believe. OF COURSE, it is true because God has said it, but sometimes...at least in my life, it hasn't seemed true.
So I guess what I am trying to say is...have you ever sought, and sought, and sought and ended up still on E. Still not finding the personal relationship you want with Jesus Christ? Still not feeling His presence and not hearing His voice?
I don't know what you want in Jesus, but I want it all...as the song goes that Kari Jobe sings..."I want to sit at Your feet, drink from the cup in Your hands, lay back against You and breathe, feel Your heartbeat..." What I want is VERY personal, a One on one friend, a Lover, a Father, someone who satisfies every part of Me. I want a genuine relationship. Where when I go to Him I know He is hearing me and I know He will answer...
What do you do when you want to get to Jesus? When you want the relationship that is supposed to be like no other? When you need that One Someone who is the only One who will never let you down...
but it seems that He is hiding, what do you do?
_____________________________
"A belief is something you'll argue about. But
a conviction is something you'll die for." ~Howard Hendricks
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RE: Seeking and not finding... - 7/29/2008 12:40:37 AM
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jmjphe
Posts: 55
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Well, my response would be that we look for results that are appealing to us and if they arent met, we feel drained and unfulfilled. There is a saying: When there is silence God is present.
The point is we can try too hard many times and our own thoughts and actions litter any results. He is a gracious God and we can take the drivers wheel for as long as we want. Probably in a way we tire ourselves out reaching for the next step when in actuality, ceasing to do so gives us what we are searching for.
There is a great Christian teacher named Joyce meyer who teaches wonderful things on this topic. I remember hearing her say "Its time to get over our sweet little selves and be a blessing to someone elses life." That right there will bring you very much closer to Christ and further solidify a consistent foundation for peace and joy.
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RE: Seeking and not finding... - 7/29/2008 12:47:54 AM
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PopsiLufsJesus
Posts: 3080
Joined: 5/6/2008
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Interesting.
_____________________________
"A belief is something you'll argue about. But
a conviction is something you'll die for." ~Howard Hendricks
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RE: Seeking and not finding... - 7/29/2008 5:43:43 AM
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mvic
Posts: 1294
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Remember at school the very popular guy or girl? Everyone was friends with them because they were clever, funny, talented, good looking etc ... etc ... No matter how much you tried to be friends with them it never quite happened. Either you were ignored, or you were on the outskirts of the group of friends - never quite fitting in.
I think the answer is to stop trying to fit in. Be yourself. Don't force your friendship on Jesus. He loves you already and has done a lot for you already.
Quietly, listen to Him in your prayers. See Him around you in the life of others. In the eyes of the down-and-out. In the face of the sick and dying. In the laughter of a babe.
He is there all-right, to hold your hand and to comfort you. Just reach out to Him ... gently!
_____________________________
Christian words of comfort at http://www.holyvisions.co.uk
Welcome to my Blog
MEI VITA INDICO CHRISTUS
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RE: Seeking and not finding... - 7/29/2008 6:32:06 AM
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BerianAardvark
Posts: 371
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quote:
PopsiLufsJesus Have you ever tried and tried and tried to get closer to Jesus and not find results. The Word says that if we draw near to Him that He will draw near to us, but have you ever found that to be somewhat difficult to believe. OF COURSE, it is true because God has said it, but sometimes...at least in my life, it hasn't seemed true.
So I guess what I am trying to say is...have you ever sought, and sought, and sought and ended up still on E. Still not finding the personal relationship you want with Jesus Christ? Still not feeling His presence and not hearing His voice?
*******************************************************************************************
What do you do when you want to get to Jesus? When you want the relationship that is supposed to be like no other? When you need that One Someone who is the only One who will never let you down...
but it seems that He is hiding, what do you do?
quote:
quote mvic: Quietly, listen to Him in your prayers. See Him around you in the life of others. In the eyes of the down-and-out. In the face of the sick and dying. In the laughter of a babe.
He is there all-right, to hold your hand and to comfort you. Just reach out to Him ... gently!
So He said, "Go forth and stand on the mountain before the LORD." And behold, the LORD was passing by! And a great and strong wind was rending the mountains and breaking in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of a gentle blowing. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. And behold, a voice came to him and said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" (1 Kings 19:11-13)
As mvic said, sometimes what we are looking for is there, but not as we expect to see it.
There is a time to strive and wrestle and a time to simply be still and know that He is God. He is there during both times, though it is much harder to sense His presence when we are striving rather than listening.
Tim
_____________________________
The Law is for the proud and the Gospel for the brokenhearted - Martin Luther
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RE: Seeking and not finding... - 7/29/2008 8:38:08 AM
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tapestry
Posts: 178
Joined: 8/19/2005
From: Ontario, Canada
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quote:
ORIGINAL: PopsiLufsJesus
HI!
I have a question for you all. I'm hoping it isn't dumb, but here goes nothing...
Have you ever tried and tried and tried to get closer to Jesus and not find results. The Word says that if we draw near to Him that He will draw near to us, but have you ever found that to be somewhat difficult to believe. OF COURSE, it is true because God has said it, but sometimes...at least in my life, it hasn't seemed true.
I think everyone has gone through moments like this in thier walk with the Lord. Keep in the word and keep praying anyway.
quote:
What do you do when you want to get to Jesus? When you want the relationship that is supposed to be like no other? When you need that One Someone who is the only One who will never let you down...
but it seems that He is hiding, what do you do?
When I need to draw closer to Him I get alone, read my Bible (or listen on CD) Play praise and worship music, go for a walk in the early morning (so peaceful and quiet) The more I do these things the stronger the longing gets to spend more time with Him.
It may seem like He is hiding, but He is not. He is there watching and looking after you. When I feel this way I look for things in my life that may not be quite right, unconfessed sin, problems with others etc.
But keep on praying and seeking. May be He loves to hear from you so much he does not want to interrupt!
_____________________________
Joshua 24:15 B
..."As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
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RE: Seeking and not finding... - 7/29/2008 9:02:17 AM
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jn1010lf
Posts: 244
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Hello PopsiLufsJesus
Have you considered asking the Lord what is coming between Him and you? It might astound you what He might reveal. I assume you've entered into the kingdom of God through being born again. Now have you received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit?
Just a list of some things that stand in the way of a relationship with the Lord are:
Pet doctrines that have a dubious scriptural basis
Idolotry
Pride
Unforgiveness
Bitterness
Self pity
Hooked on wordly TV
A life style that God never ordained
Well, the list goes on forever, it seems. One thing I do know. Your heavenly Father sees the barriors between Himself and you. So, earnestly ask Him what they are and what to do about them.
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RE: Seeking and not finding... - 7/29/2008 9:34:14 AM
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mvic
Posts: 1294
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You know ... sometimes you can find Jesus amongst the posts on this Forum.
Every now and then, someone says something, that you know is inspired by the Holy Spirit.
You must be able to discern very carefully though.
_____________________________
Christian words of comfort at http://www.holyvisions.co.uk
Welcome to my Blog
MEI VITA INDICO CHRISTUS
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RE: Seeking and not finding... - 7/29/2008 9:54:13 AM
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URForgiven
Posts: 900
Joined: 3/22/2008
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quote:
ORIGINAL: PopsiLufsJesus
HI!
I have a question for you all. I'm hoping it isn't dumb, but here goes nothing...
Have you ever tried and tried and tried to get closer to Jesus and not find results. The Word says that if we draw near to Him that He will draw near to us, but have you ever found that to be somewhat difficult to believe. OF COURSE, it is true because God has said it, but sometimes...at least in my life, it hasn't seemed true.
So I guess what I am trying to say is...have you ever sought, and sought, and sought and ended up still on E. Still not finding the personal relationship you want with Jesus Christ? Still not feeling His presence and not hearing His voice?
"Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you?" 2 Corinthians 13:5
Can't get much closer to Him than that!
quote:
I don't know what you want in Jesus, but I want it all...as the song goes that Kari Jobe sings..."I want to sit at Your feet, drink from the cup in Your hands, lay back against You and breathe, feel Your heartbeat..." What I want is VERY personal, a One on one friend, a Lover, a Father, someone who satisfies every part of Me. I want a genuine relationship. Where when I go to Him I know He is hearing me and I know He will answer...
It might help to remember that what you are saying you want, is what Jesus says He wants also...and that if you are in Christ, you already have it. Whether it feels like it or not. Jesus is your friend. He does satisfy every part of you. He desires a genuine relationship with you. He hears you, and wants you to hear Him.
quote:
What do you do when you want to get to Jesus? When you want the relationship that is supposed to be like no other? When you need that One Someone who is the only One who will never let you down...but it seems that He is hiding, what do you do?
By faith...we live, and our faith is in Him. There are times we are on the mountaintop, and there are times we are in the valley. Quite frankly, I have learned much more in the valley's of life than I ever did on the mountaintop. But, oh my, the view when we get there...
He is not far away, He is not hiding, He lives in you. He will never let you down. He is faithful and He is worthy of our faith.
The Christian life is an adventure to discover all that we already have in Him...
"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness". 2 Peter 1:3
If you are in Christ, you have Him, and because you have Him you have everything! There is no need to seek that which you already have. There is only to believe, by faith, that it is true. And Thank Him.
Abide in Him. Trust Him to be and do all that He has promised as the author and finisher of our faith. He lives in you and His Spirit will guide you and teach you and bring you into an ever closer relationship with Him. For that is His desire.
Peace
_____________________________
"Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit,
are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?" Galatians 3:3
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RE: Seeking and not finding... - 7/29/2008 10:33:34 AM
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PopsiLufsJesus
Posts: 3080
Joined: 5/6/2008
Status: online
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I understand most of what you all are trying to say here :) Thanks for taking the time to offer what you know :)
I like the last post; I know that that is the truth, but sometimes you want something that is almost touchable...not just a knowing, a personal...but I guess that comes in time...
I really don't know. I just know that I am not getting what I need and I am seeking!
_____________________________
"A belief is something you'll argue about. But
a conviction is something you'll die for." ~Howard Hendricks
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RE: Seeking and not finding... - 7/29/2008 11:13:08 AM
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Aenjal
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I think that our faith is continually tested on an ongoing basis, and that God wants our full and complete faith in Him for everything. Don't forget about God/The Holy Trinity as a whole (The Lord, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit) There are lessons to be learned from the tough and perilous parts of life, so try to look at hardship as a chance to learn/grow and strengthen your faith.
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RE: Seeking and not finding... - 7/29/2008 11:18:05 AM
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deermousie
Posts: 1674
Joined: 9/26/2007
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My Christian walk has been pretty dry through most of it, so I understand the longing you feel.
I had to look at Scripture, and see that "My sheep know My voice and follow me." I read the Bible and see that God loves me (look at Isaiah 43 and 44 and prepare to get your socks blown off). But there's no warm fuzzies, and I wish there were. But He says He loves me, and that is true. It's what we believe when we feel nothing that counts as faith, and our ability to soldier on when on empty that brings great glory to God.
Look at the conversation between God and Satan in the opening chapters of Job: Satan accused Job of only having faith because of the bennies. So God allowed Satan to strip Job of everything but his life and his nagging wife, and Job clung to God like a limpet. Real faith. Real glory to God.
So while you and I are feeling nothing, we can thank God for His great salvation and praise Him for being worthy of power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and blessing (listen to Handel's "Messiah" - it's all Scripture!) and know that you are kneeling in the heavenly spotlight and your faith is showcased to all capable of seeing it. You don't and I don't, but it doesn't go unnoticed in heavenly places.
We are God's trophies in His trophy case (Eph. 2:7) and our lives are to adorn His Gospel and bring Him glory. That even a bed-ridden invalid can do! We are on the stage, even if we don't see the audience. Do your part, and rejoice.
It's OK to ask God for the feelings, and in His perfect will He may do it. Have you ever mentally climbed into God's lap for a cuddle?
I'm praying for you today. May you be blessed!
_____________________________
Want to know where a certain word or phrase in the Bible is found? www.biblegateway.com Yay!
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RE: Seeking and not finding... - 7/29/2008 11:51:21 AM
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PopsiLufsJesus
Posts: 3080
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thanks deer :)
I have imagined...sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't...but I like all of what you had to say...
_____________________________
"A belief is something you'll argue about. But
a conviction is something you'll die for." ~Howard Hendricks
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RE: Seeking and not finding... - 7/29/2008 11:58:50 AM
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PopsiLufsJesus
Posts: 3080
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awhhh thanks, and you too 
and I don't know about you, but sometimes I begin to think...did I do something too wrong. Why is it easier for some to get what they need in a relationship with Jesus, and not me?
I know it is a two way relationship, but sometimes Jesus feels missing in action. I know He isn't, but knowing He isn't only helps so much...it only goes so far...
_____________________________
"A belief is something you'll argue about. But
a conviction is something you'll die for." ~Howard Hendricks
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RE: Seeking and not finding... - 7/29/2008 1:11:10 PM
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AboundinginHisGrace
Posts: 312
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I am going through something similar in my life. I think God is calling me to the ministry, but I don't know. But there just seems to be something wrong and I do not know what it is. I asked acouple of preachers and they said. If you cannot preach, then don't preach, but if you are miserable till you do preach then preach. I have the desire to study the scriptures, I love church, I love fellowshiping with Christians, I love sharing faith with unbelievers, but it just seems like it's not enough, it feels like God is wanting me to do something else or something is missing. I told God I would do anything He asked me to do, just please make it clear. Sometimes it is hard for me to tell the differce from God's will and what I think God wants me to do, because there is a difference. Maybe God is calling you to do something, I am not saying to preach because I do not believe woman are supposed to preach, but maybe a sundayschool class or some kind of missions or something else.
_____________________________
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
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RE: Seeking and not finding... - 7/29/2008 1:47:54 PM
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LCannon
Posts: 1227
Joined: 2/22/2007
From: Lebanon, OR
Status: online
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quote:
...but sometimes Jesus feels missing in action.
[Too]often we're looking in our own compartment of own limited and , I dare say selfish, acceptations but I have to start somewhere! Without specific wants or needs the HS can't orchestrate His Will in our lives. I always think of Daniel 9 in this vein for I would love to see the Daniel's focus after 21 days of intensity of fast/pray/pleading.
_____________________________
"I will behold Thy face for I shall be satisfied when I awake to Thy likeness."
(Psalm 17:15)
"To see God and to be like Him; what more can I desire? I believe it and I expect it."
(CH Spurgeon)
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RE: Seeking and not finding... - 7/29/2008 2:17:58 PM
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truthrevealed
Posts: 254
Joined: 12/6/2007
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I would say that many times, God answers, yet we fail to hear because no matter how much we deny it, we don't want to hear what He has to say or do not like(and simply are not very familiar, at first, with His way of doing things).
As it concerns the desire to become closer to God-- spending time "abiding on the vine" via prayer, meditation on His word, reading/listening to His word, praise/worship are the ways to gain a closer walk with Jesus. And God is a loving, loving God who desires close fellowship with us FOR CERTAIN, however that does not mean we will always "feel" His presence or those gooey, lovey dovey feelings during worship etc. all the time. As we grow in God He will remove those "feelings" because our walk with Him is based upon FAITH not feelings.
For me, the "results" that I expected to find and experience in my "abiding on the vine" become most apparent during those dry seasons, and during trials when, regardless of whether I feel Him or not(which is difficult to go thru at first) the word within me rises up and offers me encouragement, comfort, healing, assurance and strength. There is SUCH a blessing in having God's word hidden in your heart whether you can sense His presence or not!!!!!
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RE: Seeking and not finding... - 7/29/2008 2:35:30 PM
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PopsiLufsJesus
Posts: 3080
Joined: 5/6/2008
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Yea, I see this...
But, I guess to me that I think His relationship with me should look and BE like any relationship that I have with a friend in the physical, minus that He isn't present in the physical...Shouldn't His Spirit comfort that way?
And why after doing everything you can do...prayer, spending time in His Word, spending time talking to Him, praise and worship, the whole everything...can you still be empty?
I don't understand that. I know that my faith is not based on my feeling. I'm not about to give up my faith because I am not getting what I need right now. Just want to know how to get what I need is all... How can somthing empty give life? And I am called to speak life into the living am I not?
_____________________________
"A belief is something you'll argue about. But
a conviction is something you'll die for." ~Howard Hendricks
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RE: Seeking and not finding... - 7/29/2008 2:36:54 PM
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PopsiLufsJesus
Posts: 3080
Joined: 5/6/2008
Status: online
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Abounding I hope answers come... I am sure you know the scripture...I think that it is James 1:5...just thought of that when I read what you wrote...
Hope He shows you what to do...
_____________________________
"A belief is something you'll argue about. But
a conviction is something you'll die for." ~Howard Hendricks
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RE: Seeking and not finding... - 7/29/2008 2:54:27 PM
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LCannon
Posts: 1227
Joined: 2/22/2007
From: Lebanon, OR
Status: online
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That's the beauty and frustration of obedience, Popsi. Anticipate a Challenge; His next one. It's not a sin to anticipate for fulfillment of a need always anticipates the next challenge. 'I want more...
_____________________________
"I will behold Thy face for I shall be satisfied when I awake to Thy likeness."
(Psalm 17:15)
"To see God and to be like Him; what more can I desire? I believe it and I expect it."
(CH Spurgeon)
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RE: Seeking and not finding... - 7/29/2008 2:55:37 PM
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PopsiLufsJesus
Posts: 3080
Joined: 5/6/2008
Status: online
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what I am wanting is more
and I won't give my faith up if I don't get it, but I think I am allowed to want more
_____________________________
"A belief is something you'll argue about. But
a conviction is something you'll die for." ~Howard Hendricks
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RE: Seeking and not finding... - 7/29/2008 3:44:59 PM
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Conquered
Posts: 238
Joined: 6/18/2005
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quote:
So I guess what I am trying to say is...have you ever sought, and sought, and sought and ended up still on E. Still not finding the personal relationship you want with Jesus Christ? Still not feeling His presence and not hearing His voice?
I have, and after a time I was reminded about a story in the Gospels of a rich man who too sought and sought and sought after God until one day, after coming to Jesus, he was told that the solution to his problem was in the hypocrisy of his approach. Jesus revealed his deepest sin, the true idol of his heart and showed him the barrier that prohibited him from coming to God honestly and in full sincerity.
Of course, the rich man, like most, went away sad. But the point here is that whenever I feel as if “I’m on E” I begin to ask God for difficult things. Lord, what sin is keeping me from you? Where is the hidden barrier, Lord? The answers are hard, yet if we continue to ask for help over the obstacles, and have faith that he will pull us over them, we will find that there is greater joy and peace that lies beyond the hardship.
_____________________________
A blog meditating on the wonders of Jesus Christ and the magnificence of his cross:
www.sevenmeditations.com
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RE: Seeking and not finding... - 7/29/2008 3:48:13 PM
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Conquered
Posts: 238
Joined: 6/18/2005
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quote:
and I won't give my faith up if I don't get it, but I think I am allowed to want more
One more thing...this is a healthy attitude. As John Piper put it, we should unabashedly "glut ourselves on God."
_____________________________
A blog meditating on the wonders of Jesus Christ and the magnificence of his cross:
www.sevenmeditations.com
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