Another thing Valent!ne is the extremely hostile preaching atmosphere on most GLP threads. Now how many Christians jump right into a thread about Voodoo, or Satanism and preach, on a regular daily basis? There is just a few of us who do and we get followed about the forum by hostile people for our troubles.
Believe it or not back in 2004 I was actually extremely upset by all this.
But now I have a hard Christian heart. Why? It comes from the psychic attacks, witches can and do send devils against Christians, but except for a bad dream every now and then it doesnt really bother me none. But think of this. If they are doing that to me, then what are they doing to other people.
Have you seen me on a Jew hating thread? I can go on for page after page after page. And that's ofton with three or four threads at a time, not just one.
What I am trying to say to you is that the Lord needs different types of folk for different types of jobs. It seems that you are more suited to working face to face over the long term with a few individuals, and I do wish you every success with it, there is obviously a need for that type of Christian.
Me? I go into the market place to preach to either a hostile, or at best an indifferent crowd. And I bring a basket of rotten eggs to throw back at those who throw moldy old cabbages or squishy apples at me.
Certainly, I can appreciate what you're doing here. A passion and heart for the Lord is an admirable and amazing thing to witness.
I only meant to say that God works inside of us - and as unique as we each are, individually, so is our relationship with Christ. So, if we miss a ministry opportunity that we have prayed to attain - then, we are at least partially to blame for that person's separation... Do you see what I mean? If we pray for God ordained encounters and opportunities to witness - when He presents them, I just want to be sure our eyes and hearts are open. Yes?
I do not dispute the validity of and the sometimes necessary use of scripture. I tend to use scripture more for someone who is having a difficult time understanding the Bible or for those who are vehemently against scripture and cherry pick without cross-referencing.
I was only saying that it is not the only way to witness or help.
Just that, God lives inside those who call on the Comforter... And, as such He talks to us and moves us internally. He also provides solid friendships and fellowship from a circle, usually, to test your heart against... Then, there is also the Bible. There are many ways to hear Him if He has taken up residence within us... And, we should live prayerfully throughout each day so that we don't miss it, you know? Scripture is only a part of that and it should not be the sole basis of your relationship. We are man and so, are errant. We do not always understand all that is presented - but, the Spirit will move us when we ask and listen/obey... I hope this is making sense.
Sometimes, people just need to see that we are lights in a dark dark world. Often, people want to believe but, things have become so muddled in the world that we can't tell our heads from our tails, you know? To understand that there is clarity in Christ can be a very foreign concept and if we just live as such, it can be enough to make someone wonder what it is that you have that helps you stay grounded... right? That's all I'm saying...
And, btw, I just love pointing out that the confusion that we exist in? Exactly what was prophesied... I marvel at the truth of the Bible because that's where I am in my walk. I also pray for peace and knowledge/wisdom when I get hung-up on meanings within the Biblical text. Deuteronomy 29 29 is a perfect testimony to why I just let some things alone and just trust that my God is in control and will reveal mysteries in time.
In a confusing world where we have someone who wants real-life and applicable testimony, I am of the mind that we should meet that person there, is all. I am sure each of your experiences is unique and if given the opportunity you would do the same...
Amen, for what you're doing... Keep your heart tender but protected. =)
p.s. I am all too aware of attacks. Sometimes they seem to be cloaked in goodness... But, deception lies just beneath. I sleep peacefully at night, now, because I have faith that my God is bigger, stronger, and higher than any other... And, I thank Him for sending His angels to ward off any evil spirits that might attempt to harass me while I sleep. And, I thank Him before I ever even nod off because I have faith in His truth and His presence. =) It's only when I have any fear in my heart at all for the enemy that I even have nightmares... I haven't had one in at least a year. Thank the Lord for that... Sounds a lot like what you have described.
