So Distant From God

[justsavedvince]

I need prayer and encouragement. I feel so distant from God. It's been happening the past couple weeks. I feel like a Pharisee and I often wonder if I even know Jesus. I want to know Him if I don't. I read a lot about false teaching and apostasy and pray that I'm not one of those people the Bible talks about.

Also, i have trouble with pride in reading my bible at home, or talking about God with my roommates who are Christians because they spend a lot of time watching junk on TV and DVD and i depart cuz i wanna get in the Word. Then i feel like i'm being looked at like a "super-spiritual" guy and at times, that's how i feel. It didn't start out like this, but it developed over a short period of time. I started wanting them to see what i was doing so that it would inspire them to do the same and not watch so much junk and waste the day. Then i started having judgmental thoughts about their salvation or lack thereof. And i know the measure i judge, i will be judged. Now i'm wondering about my own... Is it possible that my life could turn around completely with people i hang out with, habits i used to have, thoughts i used to have that now bother me, a new hunger for the Word of God, a desire to know Him more, a desire for people to be saved... and still not be a genuine Christian myself?

I'm going through a crisis of doubt and judgment on my part and i'm falling into immorality easier than before, and i want freedom and want to be assured that I'm in Christ, and that if i am, I can know Him a whole lot more than i do now... I feel like i'm not bearing any real fruit. I have a hard time loving and serving people, and my job is a temptation for greed and money has been taking importance over my prayer life and godly choices.

I don't want to disobey God in these areas anymore, and I desperately need his intervention, so please God, help me so i can turn from my sin, obey you, love you, and bring you glory. In it, may I have assurance of salvation so I can grow without doubt clouding over me. I don't see how you can like doubt. Please guide me, even at work, to obedience and help me conquer giants in my life through Christ. In His name i pray, Amen.

 

[Br. Bear]

Greetings Justsavedvince,

be it so that you are totally/saved/vince!

Brother, that letter of yours is one of the most beautiful things I have read for some time!
So full of love for the Lord. I can feel your deep desire all through it, to bring glory to God in Jesus Christ.
Brother, you long for rigtheousness, bless you.
You do well to question your actions and the actions of those around you, but let your faith rise up beyond your thoughts.
You also mention bearing fruit.
A wonderful letter!
Whose fruit do you want to bear? Remember my friend, that it is Christ in you who works His will in you, and it is His fruit that you will see.
I see it in you.

Now, it is good to be different, if it means wanting time of communion with the Lord instead of entertainment. It is also good to be wary of how much company you keep with folks who might bring you down (if it were possible) or lead you astray. Let folks say and think what they will.... you just love your Lord with all your heart,soul, mind and strength, and enjoy the fellowship with Jesus.
Yes the worldy things like money and fame/reputation can cause problems, and in fact do so for many. While you are aware of the threat, and your conscience is bothered by it all, you are safe. It is when you no longer care that you need to worry!

So, my friend, let us pray...

thank you Lord for your love, yes, Lord thankyou so much for all your love and care...thankyou that you have kept me in rememberance of you, Lord..as you know Lord, at times I am weak...but you are strong, and Lord you know I don't really judge my friends, but Lord I am finding it hard Lord to fit in and all they say just isn't true Lord...I love you Lord..you are my true Love and I desire you more than anything, so thank you Lord for understanding my feeble ways...create in me a pure heart oh Lord, that I may always delight in you, yes, Lord you. Thank you Lord for all you have done for me and always will do . In you I trust , yes, I trust my whole life to you Lord, it is yours...oh bless you dear Lord...thank you Jesus, praise you, thankyou Jesus my Lord.

Let His peace rule in your life....let it, my brother, let it.

Father, thankyou for my brother...I ask in Jesus name that you send encouragement to him and send others across his path to encourage my brother in his daily walk in this dark world, thank you Father, bless you,
Amen.

 

[ladylovesJesus]

Now i'm wondering about my own... Is it possible that my life could turn around completely with people i hang out with, habits i used to have, thoughts i used to have that now bother me, a new hunger for the Word of God, a desire to know Him more, a desire for people to be saved... and still not be a genuine Christian myself?

I'm going through a crisis of doubt and judgment on my part and i'm falling into immorality easier than before, and i want freedom and want to be assured that I'm in Christ, and that if i am, I can know Him a whole lot more than i do now... I feel like i'm not bearing any real fruit. I have a hard time loving and serving people, and my job is a temptation for greed and money has been taking importance over my prayer life and godly choices.

Dear brother

After reading the above, I would say you are definitely saved and just need to keep your eyes on Jesus. Seek Him first each day. When we feel far away from God it is us who have moved.

Remember to read and learn Phil.4.8. I think it is good to not watch the garbage that they put on television these days. You are setting a good example too.

Remember that He that is in us is greater than he that is in the world. 1 John 4.4. The devil is a defeated foe.

Father I pray that you will keep my brother here in Your perfect peace that he will know that he is following You and obeying You and what You want to do in his life. Help him to keep his eyes on You in Jesus' name amen.

 

[Euphrates]

..And the Lord said,Simon,Simon, behold,Satan hath desired to have you,that he may sift you as wheat:But I have prayed for thee,that thy faith fail not.Luke 22:31-32 I have also prayed for you,that your enemies become your footstool.justsavedvince, keep your eyes on the cross,and this to shall pass.God bless'

 

[Chad]

You are certainly saved because your post clearly expresses your desire to repent and seek GOD *more* than you have in the past. As for judging others, there is a good kind and a bad kind. To be concerned of your friends' salvation or lifestyle is fine. To judge them in a condemning way is not fine.

Continue praying without ceasing and consider quiet time with GOD if you would. Some place all natural like a park, serene as well. Also, the fact that you want to inspire your friends by your devoted lifestyle is great. But, just don't let things get to your head either because all good comes solely from GOD alone, not by our own accomplishment.

 

[rizen1]

Romans 8
1There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.


Galatians 2:20 (KJV)
20I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.



You are a child of God, accept that truth and rebuke all lies and negative thoughts. Everyday get into his presence, set the mood, create a atmosphere of worship. Silent the deceiving tongues ( thoughts ) by saying aloud who you are in Christ.



Ephesians 6:10-13 (KJV)
10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.