Hi There!

[Jupiter]

Hi there everyone! I'm really glad I found this forum. For the past few years, I've felt really distant from God. Considering I grew up in a Christian household and went to a Christian school grades pre-k through 8th grade, it might be hard to believe. I used to be so excited about God-- I'd pray a lot and even ask for devotional books for Christmas. These past few years, however, my relationship with God has been pretty much nonexistent. I kind of always knew he was there, but I was perfectly fine with living a sinful life. I was tired of following the laws of the Bible, I guess, ahah. Recently, however, I've wanted to rekindle my relationship with the Lord. I need him, but I just can't seem to feel his presence. I want to believe, but sometimes I find myself doubting that he's there. It's kind of frustrating to me. I want to love God with everything I have. I want to get excited about him again. However, praying and devotions just seems awkward after not doing it for so long. There are still some things in the Bible that I'm not so sure I want to follow, but I know that it's not really optional. It's like God is an old acquaintance and we don't have anything in common anymore. I've already confessed my sins, and it's something I continue to do. I want to follow God's commands, but I find myself too influenced by the world around me. I guess what I need right now is some positive affirmation or Gospel messages. And if anyone could direct me to a part of the site that might help me out with my struggles, it would be very much appreciated.

Anyway, sorry to make you guys read this long thing! I'm looking forward to being here and strengthening my faith. :^)
God's blessings on your day! I hope that your faith continues to be strengthened every day!

 

[Listening]

Hi Jupiter.

Welcome to the forums.

God said
I Will Never Leave You Nor Forsake You.

So we can be certain he is with us even though we do not feel anything.
And if we hope this will make us cheerful.
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.


Click on this

I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you

John 14:18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

 

[amadeus2]

Welcome to the forum. May God richly bless you as you walk with Him.

 

[Chad]

Hi Jupiter,

Welcome to the forums.

I recommend reading the parable of the Prodigal Son. Also check this out. Prodigal Son

 

[Christ4Ever]

Welcome aboard @Jupiter

I hope you find the closeness with God that you seek and I know He wants with you as well.

I can't even begin to imagine being 15yrs old again with all the changes which happened not only in my own life, but the world as well. I did not know the Lord as my Savior yet. Though I knew some of His Word (Bible) and believed that I knew what this religious/spiritual thing was all about. Took 12 years to pass from that time before I could call my Savior and even then many more years before I have felt that I've started to walk in the right path that He would want for me.

So don't be pressuring yourself that it needs to be all now, or I'm lost, or I'll never get, etc. Know first that you are His and He is yours! That first step is the one that brings a new beginning. A new life. No matter how old you are when it happens. I just won't put it off, in the belief that I have tomorrow to deal with it. As many people say "Nobody is promised tomorrow". (James 4:4; Matthew 6:34; Proverbs 27:1)

That is why. Believe it or not. I am really happy with joy that you have found Talk Jesus.

Look around and if you have any questions. You have plenty of folks here that are willing to help out.

So, with all that being said. Once again be welcome to TJ.
C4E
<><
2 Corinthians 5:17

 

[JohnP]

Welcome to Talk Jesus! You'll find lots of great people here. I've been through those desert times, myself - I imagine we all have. Certainly when I was 15. I was saved and baptized in elementary school, but by the time I was around 15 I found myself in the same place as you. As a middle aged man now, I can say that I have been there several times throughout my life. God is always there though, whether we know it or not. He has promised never to forsake us. Instead of focusing on sin, focus on Jesus, and His love. Satan wants us to take our eyes off of Jesus (and one way to do that is by getting us to focus on our sin instead).