Hi...
Obviously I'm new here. Been reading up random threads for a few days and decided to finally post.
I need help. I'm not of the faith, wasn't raised up in it. But I always wondered about God. Used to pray, but never felt answered, or even heard... When I got older, I started wondering if it was because I only asked of him (forgiveness, help, love) without ever learning of him. Because I was a sinner and continued to sin.
I'm entering a new chapter in my life at the lowest point I've been, and all I can think to turn to is God. At the end he's all that's left. I want to know more about him. To love him. Truly I know nothing.
Because of my situation, I'm not in a position to go out and buy a physical copy of anything, but I have the internet. Please, any information, pointers, experiences, or advice you have for a lost soul in a troubling time are appreciated... specific passages... battles with depression, anxiety, self image, abuse, addiction, sin... old memories... the moment you started thinking of Him first.
Thank you very much for all... PM just fine if your response is personal...
Want to learn. Want to be devoted.
I am sooooo glad you came! The first thing I want you to know is that Jesus loves you in a very real and personal way. He is just waiting to see if you are willing to completely surrender to Him. He wants us to come to Him by faith. That is why He doesn't answer us with a big loud voice and a fancy light show.
Hebrews
11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
11:2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.
11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
1 Kings
19:9 And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD [came] to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?
19:10 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, [even] I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.
19:11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake 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:
19:12 And after the earthquake a fire; [but] the LORD [was] not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.
19:13 And it was [so], when Elijah heard [it], that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, [there came] a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?
19:14 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, [even] I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.
Elijah had come to the end of his rope also. The good news is that Jesus wants us to come just as we are. There is nothing we can do to make ourselves better. Jesus made everything ok between us and God when He died for us on the cross. All we must do is promise to follow Him for the rest of our lives. We will meet many challenges, but He promises to be right there with us, giving us just enough strength to make it through each new day. He will gradually reveal Himself to us. It's like meeting a new friend, except that He is perfect and will never let us down. That's all you need to know. He is waiting for you to talk Him right now. You might not sense Him listening to you right away, but He is. I am very excited for you and am so glad you gave me the opportunity to share this with you.
This is how a thief came to Jesus just before died:
Luke
23:39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
23:40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
23:41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
23:42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Jesus isn't looking for people with a lot of Bible knowledge. He is looking for people who love Him and appreciate what He did for them on the cross:
John
3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
God bless you.
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