Please pray! | SermonIndex

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foofee Jan 27, 2011

I am asking all of those who feel led and who truly believe in the power of prayer to pray for my strength in the Lord. The enemy wants nothing more than to take me out any way he can, and he knows that the easiest way to do so is through my family; mom, sister, and twin brother ESPECIALLY! I have ALWAYS had unexplainable issues concerning my mom, and how she views me, treats me, etc. Our relationship is so crazy that it has driven me to the point of contemplating suicide since grade school. Lately, my mother, sister, and twin brother have been a force to reckon with. I feel ganged up on by all three of them at times, and tonight is one of those times, and it is taking everything out of me.

I just feel tired. I am starting to feel hopeless. They have an ability to make me feel worthless and not worthy of being a part of the family at times. I get the blame for the dysfunction that is us as if no one can see the hurt within me as well as confusion. With everything that I am going through... losing my home, car, friends, no money, and just an all around struggle, the last thing I need is for my family to make me continue to feel like the "black sheep" that I have always felt that I am. I feel looked down upon and therefore just overwhelmed with hurt, and shame for not living the life like that of my very fortunate family.

Just please pray for me that I hold onto God's promises, and don't give way for the enemy to come in and cause more havoc.

Thank you,

Felicia

sermonindex Jan 27, 2011

Hey Felicia,

Jesus loves you. Even if the whole world was to abandon you, you have a Father in heaven that loves you. Look to HIm and Him alone and in Him you will find the grace and stregnth to carry on. He gives strenght to the weak, He gives power to the weary, fall into His arms tonight and know that He is a Father to the Father-less. Your worth is not counted in the money that you have or the career that is faltering, your worth is that your a child of the living God. You cry out to Him tonight Felicia, you look to Jesus and in His arms you will find rest for your soul............brother Frank

H

HeartSong Jan 27, 2011

I am praying for you dear one.

Dark Shadows in my Mind

There is a song within my heart, the beauty of he light.
It reveals the very best of things and disregards the night.
The light is there for all to see but some don't even try.
Others look then turn away. I can't imagine why.

The love that lies within the light seems obvious to me.
And everything it touches is adored assuredly.
It discloses unseen treasures that everywhere abound.
Within our heart and mind and soul and then to all around.

Despite the light there seems to be dark shadows in my mind.
They ride the winds of discontent and seed themselves with time.
With light obscured, the beauty fades, the issues start to rain.
My heart folds in upon itself with overwhelming pain.

Some that I love, they fail to see, the light that lies within.
They say I’m cold and heartless - that my life is filled with sin.
My flaws are often pointed out with sorrow and disdain.
They take away the things I love and tell me I'm to blame.

The more I give, the more they want, its never quite enough.
They set me up, then knock me down and say that I am tough.
I'm not what I'm supposed to be. I never do it right.
They push, they pull, they shove, they jest - oh Lord where is the light?

My mind goes round it starts to spin I want to make the change.
I try and try to no avail. It just won't rearrange.
The fear of failure I have known. The deep despair it brings.
And now it seems I’ve failed again - again the same old thing.

Where is the light, where has it gone? I know that it is there.
But I’m trapped within this darkness with no hope anywhere.
And then a flicker in my mind - the light that lies within.
Oh Lord please get me out of this, I want to see again.

The light breaks through from up above to shine upon my face.
It surrounds my heart with wonder - the beauty of his grace.
With all aglow, I clearly see the shadows in retreat.
The issues lie forgotten in small puddles round my feet.

The light provides the strength I need to face into the wind.
To stand against the darkness for the truth that lies within.
For all is loved most certainly, it’s our choice how we see.
And in the presence of the light, dark shadows always flee.

sermonindex Jan 27, 2011

Can I walk upon this water
In the midst of this mighty sea
Surely I will stumble, surely I will drown
Oh Lord how can this be

The waves are high and the wind it howls
And the rain it lashes down
Yet you are there, I see you Lord
Now I know I shall not drown

Then the thunder roars and the lightening flashes
High above in the angry skies
Dark clouds rising, set on fire
To them do I lift my eyes

Heavier now the rain is falling
The noise so loud I cannot think
The lightening fractures the sky above
And my legs, they begin to sink

I look around , eyes wide with terror
As all this madness does unfold
I look once more, there , it’s Jesus
In the midst of the storm , standing bold

I am your peace when all hell breaks loose
Devils and demons flee
In the storm, in the night, when all breaks down
Remember , keep your eyes upon me.

C

ccchhhrrriiisss Jan 27, 2011

Praying.

F

foofee Jan 27, 2011

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH! May God truly bless you as you have all been a blessing unto me! Thank you for the songs. You have no idea of how they have touched my soul tonight. As I read both of them... I started to regain a little bit of my joy back. I know God is in control, but sometimes I stumble, and have to be reminded that He is right there to keep me from falling. I thank Him now for the pain, because it keeps me mindful of how much I really do need HIM! Once again thank you and may God truly bless you!

sermonindex Jan 27, 2011

Dear Sister, I am just now being reunited with my family after 38 yrs of being away from them. MAN it's been difficult. I could relate to much of what you're under. Well, I am having to admit that "what others think of me" is my weak point. I stay so worried wondering if I'm doing enough for Dad - does he or they think this or that about me? He's not saved at all, none are - so it's hard not having anything much that he/they would want to talk about -- such as his love for discussing evolution etc.
I'm the "black sheep" too because rather than seeking the career that they thought I would back when, I became a Christian and one that could care less about the standards of wealth that they feel is their only "security".
It's hard to live near unsaved loved ones and worse to live "with them" if you are.
I'm learning to just 'smile', not sarcastically, but from my heart - that GOD loves me and He's my Father and the Saints are my Family but I'm here to see them get saved in the end.
'We' can't let what others think about us take us down - I'm with you on that one, on a daily basis. What's helping me was remembering the story of Joseph and his brothers.
One day, The LORD showed me that he allows 'all' that we grow up in, and the family that we have, to make us into the person that He wants us to be. He was showing me the life stories of all of those through-out the Bible. I have to remind myself of that as well, when I'm suddenly startled by cutting words. When the blow comes at you by surprise when you've left all that you love to be here For them, you're not ready for that type surprise attack and can get quite hurt. Thank GOD for the nighttime. To get back GOD's perspective and allow Him to heal and explain the wounds.

I'd appreciate if you'd pray me through this experience as well Felicia. You have my prayers and love in Christ.
I think He's preparing us for the not too distant future Sis. We need to be toughened up and they'll need to know the reason for our hope.
Phew. Boot Camp! Oy! :)

F

foofee Jan 27, 2011

Thank God for you Jesus-Is-God and the work He is doing through you and for you! It's so refreshing to know that I have a sister in Christ who understands what I am going through and who is able to lead me back to the source of all of our strength. I prayed and cried out to God, but when I tell you that the blow that I received last night from the one's that I would think would truly love me the most knocked me off my feet... It did that! IT HURT SO BAD to feel like none of them could or even wanted to understand my pain and suffering, but instead wanted to throw accusations and blame my way.

Sadly, I woke this morning still feeling the pressure of last nights attack, but I am with the help of God trying to renew my mind by speaking God's word into my situation, and when I do I feel a little better. Thank you ONCE AGAIN for you encouraging words, and wisdom.

Ephesians 3:14-21

14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

H

HeartSong Jan 30, 2011

Your family does not hate you, it is the enemy within them that hates you. And actually, he does not hate you, but rather the Christ that is within you.

This situation that you are in is actually a great blessing. If you, despite how you are treated, love your family and show kindness to them - return love for hatred - the powers of darkness will be defeated for they can not stand against love, especially sacrificial love, and that should truly encourage your heart for it is in this that the LORD will use you to bring them to Christ.

Each blow upon the nails that pierced the hands of Christ, was a blow against the powers of darkness. Each blow that was meant to bind, was actually bringing forth release; and as HIS hands, each blow that we absorb will in effect secure the same for Jesus Christ was, and is, the perfect sacrifice.

M

Miccah Jan 30, 2011

yes

sermonindex Jan 30, 2011

I think He's preparing us for the not too distant future Sis. We need to be toughened up and they'll need to know the reason for our hope. Phew. Boot Camp! Oy! :)

JiG, you and me both. When I read Felicia's woes and yours I thought I am in good company. When Dad died back about 13 years ago my Mother invited me back home to work in the family business. The family members that I was to work with are all believers but I had some growing up to do and I had a lot of difficult times. Tons of misunderstandings, tons of making up, but through it all, I had to keep my peace because I found that the best way to resolve an issue was to say nothing until asked. I was the black sheep too JiG, but now I am very much apart of this family. My opinion does matter and I am sought out for advice or just someone to talk to, mostly just someone who will listen. But man before it was like going through hell. There were many times that I just wanted to quit, and take off. But I knew that wasn't the answer. My Dad used to say, "If you can't fix your problems where your at, they will only follow you where ever you go". And that is true, until they are dealt with we will have a debt waiting there until it's clear up. And I had to go back home to clear things up. Now that they are cleared up, I really have no need to go anywhere.

Hang in there Felicia, the thing that I found that was most helpful is, try not to defend yourself. If you have fifty accusing fingers pointing at you hold your peace and just accept it. It's hard I know, you want to say something in defence. In time you'll see the hand of God work in such subtle circumstances where He defends you without a peep from you.

F

foofee Jan 30, 2011

Thank you Approved, and Heartsong, and everyone else for your wisdom, strength that is conveyed in your posting, as well as encouragement. I am absolutely beyond a doubt thankful!

I don't mean to be the whiny little babe in Christ on this site at all, but just like everyone else, I am trying to work out my salvation with fear and trembling, and boy am I experiencing fear in doing so. I feel like I have so many issues coming at me from family matters, financial, and everything else including my ever so present sins!

I am feeling overwhelmed due to wanting to be pleasing to God, and get and STAY in the will of God, but sometimes it seems almost impossible. Once I feel like God has taken the extinguisher to one fire, another one starts burning. By the grace of God, it is very easy for me to endure hurt and pain from others and turn right around and show no signs of anger or frustration, and that has ALWAYS been my personality and dealings with my family. Even though they hurt me, I still love them and show them kindness until the next blow. It's like round and round we go. I will keep on keeping on.

The fire that is burning now is one of SIN. I am feeling so heavy and hopeless and down and out over the sin that plagues me day and night, and even in my dreams (at times). Without going into much detail, I would just like to ask each one of you this for some hope of encouragement because I feel lost, confused and don't know what to do (although I have prayed, and searched scriptures and sermons for some glimpse of hope in the midst of my confusion and frustration)...

Have any of you committed an external sin AFTER being converted and coming into the knowledge of the truth, and desire to please God, and be obedient unto Him and His commands???

I feel really alone for I have sinned. I don't understand how I ended up in the situation because I have been crying out to God, praying, fasting, reading (although not as diligently as when I awoke to the truth), but in my heart I want to please God, and now I have sinned against Him and I feel like I've lost the race and fell out of His grace. After all, He does clearly command us to flee from sin.

I come on here and post certain things and really feel like, "boy, I've been changed," and WHAM! It is completely my fault for having falling into temptation because I thought that I was strong enough to endure it because I have God and I failed horribly. Have any of you been in this situation and how did you overcome, your guilt and shame and feelings of having displeased God and lost His grace in your life. Or am I alone in this issue? I pray to God that I'm not and someone understands.

~Felicia~

H

HeartSong Jan 30, 2011

I would assume that you have repented of your sin.

I come on here and post certain things and really feel like, "boy, I've been changed," and WHAM!

It is when we become proud that the LORD needs to bring us back down, or else we would become subject to the wiles of Satan. It was because of pride that Lucifer was cast out of heaven and when we become proud we stand in agreement with him - so to protect us the LORD brings us down. These lessons are to teach us that the ONLY place that is safe is to be totally reliant upon HIM and in this, humility is essential

I heard a sermon not too long ago that basically said: who do we think we are, not to forgive ourselves when GOD has said that if we repent HE will forgive us. Either we believe HIM, or we do not. Yes, we must have sorrow over our sin, but then we must set our face upon Jesus Christ and move forward in HIM. It is the enemy accusing you that is bringing forth this torture. Did the LORD not say that you would be forgiven if you repent? Do you not believe what HE has said?

Choose this day whom it is that you will believe.

I

InTheLight Jan 31, 2011

I come on here and post certain things and really feel like, "boy, I've been changed," and WHAM! It is completely my fault for having falling into temptation because I thought that I was strong enough to endure it because I have God and I failed horribly. Have any of you been in this situation and how did you overcome, your guilt and shame and feelings of having displeased God and lost His grace in your life. Or am I alone in this issue? I pray to God that I'm not and someone understands.

What you are describing is the common experience of Christians. Temptations come at all times, life is lived always in a context of storms. Even when things are going well there are still many temptations. As Christians we are born into a world of trials and temptations.

We need to pray at all times therefore. We are tempted to become complacent, self sufficient, and proud that we are better than others when things are going well. So we need to pray without ceasing because we are with trials without ceasing.

Here are some notes that I took from a William Carroll sermon, I often like to refer back to them...

God warned Israel not to forget Him when they were settled into the land and had plenty. (Deut 6:10-12) So we need to cultivate this life of prayer at all times and not just when a crisis comes.

God is our hiding place, he will provide a way out.

Mat_6:9 - our Father in heaven. Hallowed be thy name, it is in His name that we find a great victory.

Act_2:21 - whoever calls on the name of the Lord. We normally think of this when a person first becomes saved but it also applies to the daily life of being sanctified and cleansed from the power of sin.

Mat_26:41 - watch and pray. there are going to be great trials. A life of prayer.

1) Prayer begins with intimacy, we come to Him not just in times of trial but just because we want to be with Him. Same thing with reading the Bible. This is what it means to call on the name of the Lord. This results in being...

2) Conformed to his character. We don't just say the name of Jesus like it's a magic phrase, praying in the name of Jesus means praying according to His character and will. Joh_14:13-15 - that the Father might be glorified. 1Jn_3:2 - fully conformed.

Now the great lie of the enemy will be that if you aren't fully conformed to His image you should just stay away. The Bible is exactly the opposite, we are to come into His presence with brokenness and thanksgiving. If you choose to trust God even though you are going through great temptations, God will save.

Don't let Satan lie to you that you must first get it right before you come to God. Don't elevate your faults over the cross. Don't make a bunch of promises that you'll do better but trust in His promises, appropriate them. This leads to...

3) The fear of the Lord. This is to be afraid of hurting Him not being afraid of Him hurting us. We don't have to come to Him with a bunch of promises that we'll do better. Exo_34:5-7

The Lord rebuke you.. God is our defender. Brokennes is good, godly repentance is good, but let it bring you to Him and to rejoice in His embrace, there will be strength over temptation. Temptations will always be there but victory is in Him. Don't let the enemy make you think that you should be over this temptation.

J

Joyful_Heart Jan 31, 2011

Oh, yes Dear Sister,
You are not alone. I have had very similar circumstances since childhood and I know there are so many who have too.

Satan is so convincing most of the time with lies and part lies that it seems like the truth. But we have to know God's Word and I have been attacked so harshly too all I could do, with tears running down my face, is pace the floors quoting God's Word.

As the years go on we get stronger but the attacks still come. Just this last week I was so attacked satan was trying to get me not to go to Church. With lies. I asked the Lord what did God want He said, Go. I had peace and all the things satan was lying to me about were completely false and it was awesome at Church. But they sure seemed real. No one likes you, your just an idiot on and on. Oh here's a good one. You can seek God on your own, you know it's better than Church. Might be better than church, but the Lord wants us to not forsake our fellowship. But to get filled up with Him so we have something to give out.

I too have been persecuted by mother, father etc. and it came to a head one day. I had to talk it over with the Lord. What if my mother, father, brother, children, church, friends etc. turn on me. Some have at one point or another. I had to make the choice to hide under the mighty hand of the Lord and His love for me. I can handle this with you holding my hand Dearest Lord. And I have. What is the bottom line I asked. It comes down to, it's all about Jesus and me, on the streets, homeless, persecuted or hungry etc. it's me & Jesus.

I read the Psalms over and over and over. Praying, worshiping, crying. The Lord has always comforted me in the Psalms. The more we get to know Him the more we fall in love with Him and the things of the world and the desires fall away. All we want is Him.

My heart goes out to you dear Sister. Please read the Psalms and sing songs. Satan hates it when we worship & praise our Lord in song. He has to flee when we rebuke him, and it is good to do in Jesus Name, but he wants to flee when we worship & praise in song.

Dont ever give up, Jesus is worth hanging in there for. He will help you. He will strengthen you. No matter what people say to you or about you - the most awesome, wonderful person ever born LOVES YOU!! DELIGHTS IN YOU!
No matter what satan says, other people say or you say about yourself - Your Savior totally adores You and wants you to leave the things of the world behind and follow Him. You wont be sorry. Keep on keeping on! We are just passing through this life. We have Eternity waiting with our loving Heavenly Father, Jesus and all the Saints. He will turn your mourning into joy. We are all praying for you dear sister.

sermonindex Jan 31, 2011

Brother Approved, very gracious reply to both foofee and me. I know it gets easier with time and what you've said WILL happen for both foofee and me as well. I know that's true, because Who lives in us.

In-the-Light - Amen! Thank you!! GOOD words.

Joyful Heart - Beautiful! Gracious words as well.

Great Body Ministry here.

Sis Foofee - you'll seldom meet anyone who's been saved that hasn't fallen into sin at some time or that isn't accused, as the others have said.

I wasn't saved until I was 23. I was the chiefest of sinners. You don't come out of that lifestyle in a blink of an eye.
I felt that all I was good for was 'clubbing'. Because my brothers were all scientists - I felt I was the dumb bunny in the family so I didn't think I could do much of anything except - look for love in all the wrong places. It takes years to un-do that mind set. When you think you're only good for one thing and that that is where "self-esteem" (for a lack of a better word) comes from. That you're looks or how you dance, etc. is so engrained in you as a "life style" - it doesn't leave our minds over night.

What I wanted to say is "fellowship" is so important. That's what helped me 'transition' out of one life style into our new life with the Only One Who Loves us unconditionally and is able to HEAL besides. Wow! Amazing Grace!

You self-worth 'will' be transformed. Don't beat yourself. Just know you're in Jesus' Rehab. :) He won't let go of you.

1Jn 1:9 If we CONFESS (not beat ourselves) our sins, HE is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to CLEANSE us from all unrighteousness.

HE IS FAITHFUL TO FORGIVE AND CLEANSE.

No self beatings. Confess is all He's asking here. He's got a good memory - so you don't have to keep on confessing the same sin over and over and over. :) He'd eventually let you know that He heard ya the first time.

He's not nervous with you Sis Foofee. I believe that with all of my heart that you have His seal on you. You just need to be re-programmed from your past way of living - like I did.

Keep the faith and if you can - pray that GOD will send you a strong Sister in The LORD where you live that you'd feel confortable hanging out with or calling.
If you can find a good fellowship - that's Great too.
We need each other. We need fellowship or at least one close Sister in the LORD that we can feel obliged to - or accountable to - who loves us and lift us up in prayer and GODly counsel - in gentleness. I pray that for you dear Sister. Only GODly friends can keep us out of trouble until we get on our feet from where we've been. Hang in there. We do love you here. The posts to your thread show that, and these posts made me smile as well, for you! Bless GOD!
He ain't giving up on you, No how. :) And neither are we.

I'll be praying with the others that you find GOOD fellowship - where you are comfortable and feel safe to confide to. Amen, and Amen!!

F

foofee Jan 31, 2011

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH!!! The love that I have for each and every one of you for how you have comforted me in my time of sorrow, and frustration is nothing short of God Himself laying His hand on my shoulder and telling me that it is okay, and no matter what... I'm going to make it through.

I don't have a genuine church family, and definitely NO friends, nor family around me who is able to give me what I need in this walk of life. I am not stating this without having tried to seek out someone, and even praying about it because I have. That is what's making all of this even harder for me, because I feel like all I have is me (in the natural). I just want and NEED somebody who is going where I am trying to go to be there for me as I that person or people.

So, I am very comforted in having you all show me so much love and care, and support even though you are faceless and I don't know you from the person down the street in my neighborhood. It encourages me to want to stay in the race and finish strong so that I can meet you all in heaven so that you can see the smile and joy that you have brought to my heart tonight face to face.

God truly bless you all with EVERY perfect gift from above!!!!

Your sister in Christ,

Felicia