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Personal Struggles - 6/19/2010 2:26:07 AM
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Johnny_
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From: California
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Does anyone have any personal struggles they want to share? I know many people want to keep their struggles private but I think it helps to openly acknowledge them to fellow believers. This way you can get encouragement from fellow Christians and vice versa. Here is a list of my daily struggles:
1. Giving half truths and telling white lies.
2. Lust
3. Being timid of the gospel of Christ.
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RE: Personal Struggles - 6/19/2010 8:25:05 AM
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rcjames
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From: Oklahoma
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Johnny_
Does anyone have any personal struggles they want to share? I know many people want to keep their struggles private but I think it helps to openly acknowledge them to fellow believers. This way you can get encouragement from fellow Christians and vice versa. Here is a list of my daily struggles:
1. Giving half truths and telling white lies.
2. Lust
3. Being timid of the gospel of Christ.
Johnny, your first two struggles may well be the basis for your third.
Study 1 Corinthians 10:13, 2 Corinthians 10:5-6, and Romans 12:1-2.
Trust the Word of God and follow after the spirit and not after the flesh; Romans 8:1, 8:4.
Thanks
RC
_____________________________
Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
Read the first chapter of my latest book here;
http://www.deliveranceofsara.com
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RE: Personal Struggles - 6/19/2010 1:14:39 PM
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MysterySolved
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Those struggles you are having will one day make you uniquely qualified to share the gospel with others who experience the same struggles. When you stop trying through self effort to follow Christ, and instead allow Him to lead you, that is when you will find the freedom to live as who you now are in Christ - and then you will be able to share how it is the grace of God that has taught you to say no to unrighteousness
He who has begun His work in you, He will carry it on to completion.
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RE: Personal Struggles - 6/19/2010 2:08:03 PM
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Johnny_
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From: California
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Quick question RC. Do you always tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? I mean truth as in 100% fact and always as in 24-7.
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RE: Personal Struggles - 6/20/2010 9:54:16 PM
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gralan
Posts: 498
Joined: 1/29/2010
From: RV in Texas
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Johnny and others,
I often find myself operating out of a fear of not measuring up, having concerns that lead to perfectionism in tasks, reluctance to participate because I'm not perfected enough - not equipped enough - not talented enough. It becomes a reason not to try, not to push for goals, not to do anything beyond just what is absolutely needful at the moment.
I used to have a problem with procrastination, but can't seem to get around to it anymore. 
The fact that I do not measure up is one of the reasons Jesus died for me. Its also a reason why we are called into relationship with each other; we are called collectively the Body of Christ.
I find my trouble stems from focusing on myself. This is one rut I continue to put a tire into over and again.
Having been put through the physical, financial and emotional ringer since November 08, it's hard to deny that I just do not measure up in anything at all. I'm prone to physical depression, and lately it is like having the equivalent of tennis elbow. It just doesn't go away.
This isn't to beat a dead horse, but it gets tough. I have had to make a commitment never to drink anymore alcohol, because it is too easy to have one too many anymore.
My wife has sudden and severe allergic reactions to man-made chemicals (air fresheners, soaps, cologne, perfumes) and so our interaction, as a couple, with other believers is limited.
We are getting involved with a local church (3 mile walk for me) so I'm hoping that I can start doing practical things, worshiping and having real fellowship. I also need to feel like someone other than my spouse cares, and so she has the same need. I'll be meeting with a group of men on Friday mornings.
Seeking God in prayer, seeking to have that conversation with God open even after saying amen, is something I've found helpful. No, I must say vital.
This is not a movie about me, so to speak. I find my interactions online here have actually helped, and I thank those familiar folks from the other threads.
I'm so glad God has given us the ability to function with others and support one another, because of Christ our Lord.
BTW, please do not be shy about dealing with me here or elsewhere in the threads. Some of you already do that. 
Johnny, there are many ways - even by exaggeration, by commission or omission, by leaving some details out of comments, etc., that we do not tell the full truth 100% of the time. Even in making a statement like this can be misleading perhaps. But our desire is to have pure lips, I'm sure of it in you as with me.
God is continuing the work He began in us as sure as Jesus is coming back for us all one fine day. I will keep you in mind as I meet with our Father, and hope you'll sneak in a word about me too once in a while.
your fellow suffering servant,
gregory alan
quote:
ORIGINAL: Johnny_
Does anyone have any personal struggles they want to share? I know many people want to keep their struggles private but I think it helps to openly acknowledge them to fellow believers. This way you can get encouragement from fellow Christians and vice versa. Here is a list of my daily struggles:
1. Giving half truths and telling white lies.
2. Lust
3. Being timid of the gospel of Christ.
_____________________________
your fellow suffering servant,
gralan,
//TrinityTheology.org/
//freecourses.org/
The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever...
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RE: Personal Struggles - 6/20/2010 11:39:24 PM
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Johnny_
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Thanks for sharing Greg.
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RE: Personal Struggles - 6/20/2010 11:48:03 PM
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Johnny_
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From: California
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Then it happened that as Jesus was reclining at the table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were dining with Jesus and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, “Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?” But when Jesus heard this, He said, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. “But go and learn what this means: ‘I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:10-12
The word struggle is a not a bad word. As a matter of fact its a good word. It means the you recognize your weakness and your trying to overcome it. However, there are times when you will fall short or miss the mark. Unless you can avoid crimes of the heart and mind (ie: shameful, hurtful, or alienating thoughts), you too will experience struggles. Perhaps my struggles are more extreme than yours. In sum, claiming to be a perfectionist is not what Jesus instructed us to do. According to Matthew 9:10-12, Jesus opposes the arrogant but gives grace to the humble.
< Message edited by Johnny_ -- 6/21/2010 12:52:26 AM >
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RE: Personal Struggles - 6/21/2010 1:28:30 AM
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gralan
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Well, I've a lot to be humble about and a lot more to praise God about.
Wesley talked about basically incidental and accidental sins, even those of omission and of not paying attention, etc., as things not worthy of him considering these as escapable in the human lot in this life.
I've admired Wesley's methodism (and that of Whitfield, etc.) which sought to have accountability and encouragement of maturity and growth in one's new creation relationships with God and in the Body.
To see a neighbor who has a new smoker/grill which just amazes you at its design and such, of which you'd like to have is not coveting. To see a beautiful and attractive woman is not to lust.
What is exposed within you as you react to this stimuli is what causes problems. This is Jesus' clear teaching in the Sermon on the Mount.
If you feed the old nature, you are not feeding the new creation. This is causing me to rethink what I allow myself to be caught up with from this world.
For me, partisan politics is one of those things that just goes right in the trash can. Along with ideas of drinking champagne on my anniversary... no alcohol no more for this guy.
There are lots of ways I find myself and others caught up in things that may even be considered Christian activity by some, but which are snares if what you are doing is feeding one's own ego, or is avoidance for doing needful things, etc.
IMO only. I'm reminded of a series of communications between Keith Miller and Bruce Larson which got published "Habitations of Dragons" back in my youth. Powerful dialogue, striving for authentic living and bucking the fads of Christendom whether new or old fads.
Peace be to all who live according to the rule of new creation, unto the Israel of God.
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RE: Personal Struggles - 7/6/2010 9:51:28 PM
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Lindseygirl
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Joined: 11/25/2009
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Johnny_
Does anyone have any personal struggles they want to share?
1. Judging
2. Making critical remarks about others
3. Praying
Now I'm wondering, will RC suggest that if I didn't do #1 and #2 that maybe I wouldn't have a problem with #3? Hhmmmmm. Maybe that's a thought.
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RE: Personal Struggles - 7/10/2010 3:30:57 PM
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alinnm
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quote:
Quick question RC. Do you always tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? I mean truth as in 100% fact and always as in 24-7.
RC can probably defend himself, but I feel that I should point out that it is not hypocritical to note that sin has consequences. When we have sin in our lives, it can damage our confidence to share the Gospel.
If I were unkind, I could ask if you were always 100% without hypocrisy? If not, how can you say anything to RC?
Can you see how this sort of judgmental attitude keeps us from helping one another? I think that is all RC was trying to do.
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RE: Personal Struggles - 7/10/2010 11:09:10 PM
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Sunshine4God
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From: Sterling Ct.
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Impatience
Pride
Judging others,etc.
In no way am I a perfect christian for sure
_____________________________
Matthew 5:16.
"Let your light so shine before men that they will see
your good deeds and glorify your Lord".
http://www.facebook.com/nickyjoy?ref=name
my facebook page
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RE: Personal Struggles - 7/11/2010 12:38:00 AM
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ColoradoLady39
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From: Somewhere near Pikes Peak
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Wow, we can only list 3? I have a whole slew of these bad boys, let me tell ya.
1. Feelings of inadequacy
2. My eating habits, not good
3. How I deal with anxiety
These are tough ones for me honestly. Though there are many other things I could have listed down here. I am wonderful at hiding how I really feel behind that big smile. Most have no idea how stressed out I really am. In that, when I do get stressed out or anxious, I turn to food for comfort. Yes I do see this as a vicious circle, how they each effect the other. It is just a process I am having to work through. But regardless of how I am feeling at the time, God is still a wonderful God. He loves me no matter what. I know that I need to submit everything over to God, but wow does that prove to be a tough one for me.
I want to thank you guys for your honest answers. I will be praying with all of you on these matters. If it's big enough to bother us, how much more must it bother our Heavenly Father, who loves and cares for us, and wants only the best for us? Humbling thought isn't it?
_____________________________
God loves me even though....
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RE: Personal Struggles - 7/11/2010 9:25:16 PM
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Sunshine4God
Posts: 3462
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From: Sterling Ct.
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. I will be praying with all of you on these matters. If it's big enough to bother us, how much more must it bother our Heavenly Father, who loves and cares for us, and wants only the best for us? Humbling thought isn't it?
Thanks so much and God bless you always.
_____________________________
Matthew 5:16.
"Let your light so shine before men that they will see
your good deeds and glorify your Lord".
http://www.facebook.com/nickyjoy?ref=name
my facebook page
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RE: Personal Struggles - 7/15/2010 8:43:29 PM
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Doubtless
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Johnny,
You listed some pretty potent struggles. Yes, I have the same. I'm a stickler for truth, and get very irritated when I think someone is trying to "pull the wool over my eyes" by telling me just enough to keep from recognizing an outright lie. I have to go to God in prayer about this often, because it can wipe out my spiritual peace of mind if I get into an argument with someone who only wanted to tweak me to start with. On the other hand, their behavior keeps me on my toes and makes me more determined to maintain a spirit of truth myself when dealing with others. In the long run, I usually go back to what my mom taught me as a little boy: "Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear." LOL. I have to constantly remind myself that it's my behavior, and not that of others, that determines my standing with our Heavenly Father, and that makes half-truths and little white lies a bit easier to deal with.
I think all of us have problems with lust at times. When I feel tempted, I remind myself that nothing I do, think, or say is hidden from God. He sees all. And so I ask myself: "Am I comfortable with the fact that God knows what I'm thinking?" If the answer is no, which it usually is, I either read some scripture, or go to a Christian chat, pinging around until I find a conversation that'll get me back on track. Sometimes I'll call another Christian brother or sister in the community, and by then the lustful thought has passed.
I'm not too timid about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, though, and if I'm in a group where it's not received, I'll say what I've got to say and move on. God wants me to witness, but he does not expect me to preach to others who obviously have no reverence for holy things. Hope this helps.
Have a blessed day in Christ...
doubtless
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RE: Personal Struggles - 7/15/2010 11:25:13 PM
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ColoradoLady39
Posts: 113
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From: Somewhere near Pikes Peak
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quote:
ORIGINAL: sunshine4God
. I will be praying with all of you on these matters. If it's big enough to bother us, how much more must it bother our Heavenly Father, who loves and cares for us, and wants only the best for us? Humbling thought isn't it?
Thanks so much and God bless you always.
Thanks Sunshine. God bless you as well.
_____________________________
God loves me even though....
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RE: Personal Struggles - 7/15/2010 11:28:32 PM
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Sunshine4God
Posts: 3462
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Sterling Ct.
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: ColoradoLady38
quote:
ORIGINAL: sunshine4God
. I will be praying with all of you on these matters. If it's big enough to bother us, how much more must it bother our Heavenly Father, who loves and cares for us, and wants only the best for us? Humbling thought isn't it?
Thanks so much and God bless you always.
Thanks Sunshine. God bless you as well.
God bless you and have a great nite,Love Sunshine
_____________________________
Matthew 5:16.
"Let your light so shine before men that they will see
your good deeds and glorify your Lord".
http://www.facebook.com/nickyjoy?ref=name
my facebook page
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RE: Personal Struggles - 7/20/2010 6:06:46 AM
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reebz
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From: Indiana
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1. Impurity
2. Insecurity
3. Gossip
I've struggled with these for years.
-reba.
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RE: Personal Struggles - 7/20/2010 8:02:21 AM
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makarizo
Posts: 1052
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I can't seem to put my finger on what my biggest struggle is. it has something to do with the church and I think it started long ago, when I was the "missions committee chairman" , back in the '80s, responsible for very large amounts of money, the fight with the wealthy people in church about how they wanted their money to be spent began, and I was exposed to some ugly, harsh, cruel, very unbecoming stuff. -from the leadership of this church. ... 20 years later, and about 5 churches later, I still find myself putting "them" in contempt.
_____________________________
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RE: Personal Struggles - 7/20/2010 2:34:39 PM
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gralan
Posts: 498
Joined: 1/29/2010
From: RV in Texas
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My concern for myself has been recognizing the need for authentic living, and faith in action. I don't mean being frank in my opinions, nor do I mean a works orientation.
I believe the Bible plainly states in two different places that whatever does not proceed from faith is sin; in regards to acting righteously. I also believe the Bible plainly teaches that God causes us his servants to will and to do according to God's own purposes.
Since faith is believing God is able to do what God promises, there is a point where I'm not blind to my issues but I walk by faith in God and this by a lot of prayer (even prayer "listening").
I discovered the truth of the admonition in our Bible to make straight paths for our feet to strengthen our weak knees and sore limbs. When things get too busy, I simplify and make straight paths for my feet for a couple of days minimum. That way if I stumble I do not fall, but I stumble less often so my limbs aren't sore from my jerking around under God's protective grip.
Have you ever held a squirming, misbehaving child in a firm grip as they make themselves sore by struggling? That is a Biblical word model God presents time and again in the old testament, and undergirds much teaching in the new testament documents about our position as children of God.
haha - Btw, God has twisted my ears a couple times too. Aint pretty.
My wife says she's seen a difference since I've been trusting that God wants to clean up my act more than I do.
I have to cooperate, but its all God's work since I'm His Workmanship, creating for good works in Christ. I think we all are, we who are his household.
_____________________________
your fellow suffering servant,
gralan,
//TrinityTheology.org/
//freecourses.org/
The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever...
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RE: Personal Struggles - 8/10/2010 1:20:33 PM
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mysteryofgospel
Posts: 192
Joined: 8/12/2009
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We are what we do. If we practice lying, we are liars. If we lust, we are lusters.
We have become the way we are from a lifetime of habits.
Only by being born again are we given the power to be a new creation in Jesus Christ.
Our eyes are opened to recognize our faults, since Christ is truth.
Seeing the wretch that we are, we are given the opportunity to repent of these bad habits and we can choose to want something different; to turn in a new direction.
It is called dying to self, and change does in fact become a painful crucifixion of our old self because the old self does not want to go away. Romans 6, Galations 2:20
But 'YOU' must want it for yourself with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
I know this because I probably committed most of the 7 deadly sins and even added a few before Christ got a hold of me in 1982. And I still have a few thorns.
One of my favorite verses is Galations 6:7, Do not be deceived, God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
Glory to God.
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RE: Personal Struggles - 8/30/2010 12:09:38 AM
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Law-n-Gospel
Posts: 623
Joined: 6/14/2009
From: Death to life.
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Johnny_
Does anyone have any personal struggles they want to share? I know many people want to keep their struggles private but I think it helps to openly acknowledge them to fellow believers. This way you can get encouragement from fellow Christians and vice versa. Here is a list of my daily struggles:
1. Giving half truths and telling white lies.
2. Lust
3. Being timid of the gospel of Christ.
Every day Johnny, your list and more.
_____________________________
The Westminster confession
If you want to make men angry preach The Law, if you want to make them furious, preach Grace.
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