When God Speaks, Part II

[Golden_Griff]

Hello again everyone. Remember when I asked the question "How do you know when God speaks to you?" in the general section a couple of days ago?

Well, I was talking with a fellow member the other day about how I used to have this grudge against somebody who have treated me rather badly in the past. But I also made the resolution that I would get rid of my grudge and have a better attitude towards this person.

Later that night, I was doing my bible studying for the day when I came across a side note concerning Luke 7:36-50:

"Can you think of anyone--some 'bad' person--you'd be shocked to see with someone from your church youth group? Someone who would make you say, 'I never thought I'd see Jim with her.' Then you understand why the Pharisee was so shocked when a known prostitute slipped into his house and wept at Jesus' feet. It's hard. You're told to keep away from the wrong kind of people. But you're also told to love everyone and witness for Jesus. How can you do both? Begin by praying every day for at least one of those 'bad' teenagers. Then if God opens the door to be a friend to him or her, give it a try."

Whoa.

So I continued to search for the scriptures that I was going to study for that night (Luke 6: 20-26). Again, I felt like these scriptures were talking to me about my situation with this person, particularly this verse:"Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man" (6:22).

Luke 6:20-26 is what I planned to read that night, but the passages that came next really caught my eye:

"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." 6:27-28

....

"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that." 6:32-33

I wasn't even searching for those passages, but when I opened my bible there it was. I thought it was so awesome how God spoke to me in that way. It only makes me want to work harder to have a better, Christ-like attitude towards that certain somebody.

[Zane]

[Mr. SmartyPants]

well, you weren't even searching for those passage, yet you ran into them. Not a coincidence. Stuff like this happens all the time, so called "occurances that are NOT coincidences"

Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever. Amen.

[Swordguy]

Great testamony. Does not God work in werid ways?

[Golden_Griff]

Anyway at ... Id lose my religion in the big lecture theater I saw a friends ex girlfriend, (i knew her aswell, like one of the group type friendships) and I was hsocked to se her there, because she had that reputaion of slepping around etc,...

Yes, this person is the same way and more than likely still does what she's doing. Even though one part of me says "Aw, you're wasting your breath, she's never gonna change" the more righteous part of me says "Continue in prayer for her salvation." I choose to listen to my righteous side.

*sigh* Yep, I saw her for the first time this year on Tuesday. When she spoke to me I tried to remember what I said I would do and I had a brief conversation with her ("How's your summer?"). I tried not to look nervous or anything because, although I am--were displeased to have her in my presence, I didn't want her to know that. I'm still not 100% comfortable with her presence but it's better than it was last semester.

Anyway, my preparation through prayer prior to our meeting helped me to forget all that junk about how mad I was towards her and having a grudge. But while we were talking I started having these bad thoughts saying "Why did you have to come back?" which I countered with "I'm keeping you in prayer, bcuz you really need it." Me and my friends (who also happen to be this person's friend) was talking about her and I mentioned that I was praying for her. They thought that was good of me because it's very possible that no one else is praying for her.

Anyway, I thought I'd give you all an update on that. Guess I better go, studying to do. Besides, this is kind of a not so private place to discuss this (I'm in the computer lab with other students Hope none of their eyes went wandering on my screen )

[Zane]

[Anna Mae]

Golden_Griff, I'm struggling with similar things, so I'm glad I'm not the only one. For a long time I didn't even know that I was stumbling! Now I try to focus on their positive qualities and be the best friend I can be. It's hard, but GOD is helping me through it. I'll be praying for you and your friend.

Anyway, to the topic of the thread...It's great all the ways that GOD speaks to us. Right now I'm studying prophesy and words of knowledge, you know, the more charismatic stuff. It's awesome!