SeekGod.ca Discussion Forum

My name is Sarah, and I'm a 27 year old widowed mother of two. At the age of 5, I asked Jesus into my heart as intructed by my Sunday school teacher. For some reason I thought this would make me feel changed in some way, but I still felt like the same Sarah. So, I prayed this same prayer many times waiting for this sudden transformation. I asked people if by praying this special prayer that meant I was saved, and I was told yes. Yet, the best instructions I've received about living a godly life, were not found in Sunday School, but from reading the bible myself, and from my parents. I've loved God and believed in Him from the time I can remember. All my life God's word has always took the forefront in my heart, even when I learned evolutionary theories in school. I would quickly refute anyone who said otherwise.
Throughout the next several years of my life, our family went to a few different churches trying to find one that felt like "home." Eventually, we just continued our bible studies at home.
As a teenager I met a young man. He began his walk with Christ about 6 months later. We stayed together for years and continued in our beliefs, though not without imperfection. We were married and spent our newlywed years studying the bible, and in daily prayer and meditation. We also picked up a Strong's Concordance to help further our studies. As time went by we had our first baby and not long after our second. A few weeks after our second, my husband died in a car accident. Faith in the Most High has brought me through, even in the darkest moments when I didn't want to live anymore.
Now, as a mother of two I do not bring my children to church because I don't want them to suffer the confusion I did as a child. I teach them the importance of repentance, forgiveness, and loving one another. If they fail in one instance, it is necessary to ask for forgiveness. They are forgiven, God remembers it no more. Tomorrow is a brand new day to love and serve Him.
So many things in Christianity are difficult to concur with. I don't agree with having numerous denominations. I mean, what denomination was Jesus anyway? Instead of teaching a child that there's a magical prayer, and using hell as a fear factor, why not give teach them the skills to live a godly life. In many places I've attended, Christ's words are held at a lower authority than Paul's or Peter's. If God leads me one day to a place that is biblical instead of doctrinal I would gladly go.

I would like to add that I think many believers become dissatisfied with ever learning and never coming to the knowledge of the truth. So many forms of organized religion put constrains on the minds of the children of God. Teach the people what is to be believed, is the motto of many religious authorities. Inside of believers is the yearning for truth. I think this is why many Christians fall prey to Hebraic roots because they are searching to add meaning to life, but this is something man-made traditions can never accomplish. The problem with Judaism is not only rejection of the Son, but their Babylonian traditions God never commanded them. The problem with Christianity is their Greek/Roman traditions which they were never commanded either. So, now we have Messianic Judaism, twice as errored. For about 9 years now I've stepped away from organized religion and man-made traditions, my faith has been stronger than ever before. I can see clearly now, and I know when I learn a spiritual truth, it's from God, and not from something man has taught me. Life is an amazing, and incredible journey. I look forward to the day when I will be with my heavenly Father. Amen.

(10-31-2010 06:04 PM)sari83 Wrote: [ -> ]I would like to add that I think many believers become dissatisfied with ever learning and never coming to the knowledge of the truth. So many forms of organized religion put constrains on the minds of the children of God. Teach the people what is to be believed, is the motto of many religious authorities. Inside of believers is the yearning for truth. I think this is why many Christians fall prey to Hebraic roots because they are searching to add meaning to life, but this is something man-made traditions can never accomplish. The problem with Judaism is not only rejection of the Son, but their Babylonian traditions God never commanded them. The problem with Christianity is their Greek/Roman traditions which they were never commanded either. So, now we have Messianic Judaism, twice as errored. For about 9 years now I've stepped away from organized religion and man-made traditions, my faith has been stronger than ever before. I can see clearly now, and I know when I learn a spiritual truth, it's from God, and not from something man has taught me. Life is an amazing, and incredible journey. I look forward to the day when I will be with my heavenly Father. Amen.

I'm sure this comment tickles the ears of many, and perhaps even you believe what you have written here. But lets look closely at what you have said:
"inside of believers is the yearning for truth"

Believers - in Jesus Christ - have the truth: He is the way, the TRUTH and the life. Our yearning is now to be with Him, but we do not need any more truth, or a "deeper" truth, or a "hidden" truth. We have His Word:

2 Timothy 3 16-17:
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."

"The problem with Judaism is not only rejection of the Son, but their Babylonian traditions God never commanded them. The problem with Christianity is their Greek/Roman traditions which they were never commanded either."

These comments tickle the ears of the so called Christian who is not rooted in the Word. They cover over the real problem -which is unbelief -and entice them away from the one true tradition of Christianity which is read your Bible, hold fast to the truth of His Word. It doesn't matter whether you stray towards Hebrew Roots, other cults, or towards "hearing a special and personal revelation from God" - you are still straying, still showing evidence of faith in man (yourself, traditions, "new" ideas) and unbelief in God.
See the books of Hebrews and Romans.

"I can see clearly now, and I know when I learn a spiritual truth, it's from God, and not from something man has taught me."

If I learn a spiritual truth from God and you learn a spiritual truth from God, and they contradict each other, who would be right?

We would need to compare our received "truths" with the Bible, the Word of God, because we know it is trustworthy (see verses from Timothy above). If you believe you cannot trust God's Word, the logical response to my question would be for you to discard your belief in God. No-one who ever embarks on the path I see you are on (from all your posts) believes that they might discard their faith. They, like you are fervent with feeling and a sense of "deeper" faith, but ultimately, even after many years, it becomes meaningless, and illogical.

I do have a spiritual truth for You, which the Lord has laid on my heart and made me feel compelled to share it and emphasize it:

2 Timothy 3: 14-15
"But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."

do not be:
2 Timothy 3:7
"Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."

Thanks for sharing sari.I'm really sorry that you lost your husband so early on.

Quote:At the age of 5, I asked Jesus into my heart as intructed by my Sunday school teacher. For some reason I thought this would make me feel changed in some way, but I still felt like the same Sarah. So, I prayed this same prayer many times waiting for this sudden transformation. I asked people if by praying this special prayer that meant I was saved, and I was told yes.

Cornelius and his household also accepted Jesus and were saved.
The changing of our hearts and minds as with physical healings can be either sudden or a slow process.God,in His wisdom knows the best paths for us to take.

Quote:Throughout the next several years of my life, our family went to a few different churches trying to find one that felt like "home." Eventually, we just continued our bible studies at home.

Many of us in this forum do not feel at home in an particular church either and study either privately or with family or friends when the occasion arises.
It is our every day walk with God that is important and not where we choose to attend to worship and meet with believers for a couple of hours a week.
It's what we do with our time,our resources,our talents and the opportunities we are given throughout the day that matters, in my opinion.

Quote:Yet, the best instructions I've received about living a godly life, were not found in Sunday School, but from reading the bible myself, and from my parents. I've loved God and believed in Him from the time I can remember. All my life God's word has always took the forefront in my heart, even when I learned evolutionary theories in school. I would quickly refute anyone who said otherwise.

If we truly come to accept Christ and His truth then we will feel led to study His word just like you did since you were a child and just like I and many other christians did and do.

Hi everyone!

It's been a few months since I've been on this forum. I'm pleased to read all of the input here. In truth, what I've shared here is just a small piece of the testimony of my life. There is much more to who I am. After re-reading some of the things I wrote, I felt the need to appologize for any generalized comments I may have made.
Thank you very much Rose for your condolances, and your positive feedback. I really appreciate it!
Tomorrow is the 6th anniversary of my husband's passing. Footprints in the Sand was always one of my favorite poems. I've truly been carried by HIM. Peace and blessings to all!

~Sarah

(03-26-2011 09:04 PM)sari83 Wrote: [ -> ]Hi everyone!

It's been a few months since I've been on this forum. I'm pleased to read all of the input here. In truth, what I've shared here is just a small piece of the testimony of my life. There is much more to who I am. After re-reading some of the things I wrote, I felt the need to appologize for any generalized comments I may have made.
Thank you very much Rose for your condolances, and your positive feedback. I really appreciate it!
Tomorrow is the 6th anniversary of my husband's passing. Footprints in the Sand was always one of my favorite poems. I've truly been carried by HIM. Peace and blessings to all!

~Sarah

Hi Sarah,

So glad you shared again. I must apologise for not extending my condolences when you first shared. I am sure it must have been most devastating to have 2 small children and be so young and then widowed. We have family that have been in those circumstances and so I can really feel for you and how it must have overwhelmed. God is so faithful through whatever circumstances, even when we feel we are drowning in sorrow and the depths of despair. 6 years can seem so little and also a long time and I am sure it can feel like yesterday as you think of the loss and all that has happened since then. I know that God will comfort and continue to provide His comfort, guidance and peace as you move forward with His leading. These are some Scriptures that came to mind that I hope will encourage you.

Mat 5:2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
Mat 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Mat 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

2Co 1:2 Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
2Co 1:3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
2Co 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

2Th 2:16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
2Th 2:17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

1Pe 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

1Pe 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
1Pe 5:11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Psa 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Psa 27:13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Psa 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Isa 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

I hope you are resting in Christ today and are upheld in His perfect peace.

Isa 40:29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
Isa 40:30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
Isa 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

I hope you will be encouraged and edified here on the forum, Sarah.

Rom 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

Eph 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
Eph 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

(03-27-2011 10:15 AM)Vic Wrote: [ -> ]

(03-26-2011 09:04 PM)sari83 Wrote: [ -> ]Hi everyone!

It's been a few months since I've been on this forum. I'm pleased to read all of the input here. In truth, what I've shared here is just a small piece of the testimony of my life. There is much more to who I am. After re-reading some of the things I wrote, I felt the need to appologize for any generalized comments I may have made.
Thank you very much Rose for your condolances, and your positive feedback. I really appreciate it!
Tomorrow is the 6th anniversary of my husband's passing. Footprints in the Sand was always one of my favorite poems. I've truly been carried by HIM. Peace and blessings to all!

~Sarah

Hi Sarah,

So glad you shared again. I must apologise for not extending my condolences when you first shared. I am sure it must have been most devastating to have 2 small children and be so young and then widowed. We have family that have been in those circumstances and so I can really feel for you and how it must have overwhelmed. God is so faithful through whatever circumstances, even when we feel we are drowning in sorrow and the depths of despair. 6 years can seem so little and also a long time and I am sure it can feel like yesterday as you think of the loss and all that has happened since then. I know that God will comfort and continue to provide His comfort, guidance and peace as you move forward with His leading. These are some Scriptures that came to mind that I hope will encourage you.

Mat 5:2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
Mat 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Mat 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

2Co 1:2 Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
2Co 1:3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
2Co 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

2Th 2:16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
2Th 2:17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

1Pe 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

1Pe 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
1Pe 5:11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Psa 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Psa 27:13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Psa 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Isa 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

I hope you are resting in Christ today and are upheld in His perfect peace.

Isa 40:29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
Isa 40:30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
Isa 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

I hope you will be encouraged and edified here on the forum, Sarah.

Rom 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

Eph 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
Eph 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Vic,

Thank you for the scripture verses, and for your kind words. There are no perfect words to describe how loosing him has impacted our lives. Now that time has passed, the shock has become a little more like acceptance. I've learned first hand what it's like to lean on Christ for daily strength and courage when on my own I have none. I know that my husband is in the fullness of our Father's love, and that one day I will see him again not as my husband, but in the glory of the kingdom. I think as humans we can only understand a glimpse of the greatness of God's plan. A plan so great that the angels praise Him for his wisdom. I'm amazed every time I reflect on the fact that all things, good, bad, and ugly that have happened in my life have strengthened my faith and lead me to be the person I am today. Now I truly believe that all things work according to the good for those who love Him.

Sarah

Quote:I've learned first hand what it's like to lean on Christ for daily strength and courage when on my own I have none. I know that my husband is in the fullness of our Father's love, and that one day I will see him again not as my husband, but in the glory of the kingdom. I think as humans we can only understand a glimpse of the greatness of God's plan. A plan so great that the angels praise Him for his wisdom. I'm amazed every time I reflect on the fact that all things, good, bad, and ugly that have happened in my life have strengthened my faith and lead me to be the person I am today. Now I truly believe that all things work according to the good for those who love Him.

A big amen to all that
I so agree with all that you wrote there.If I didn't keep eternity in view while holding onto the knowledge that God is allowing things for our greater good I would have gone crazy years ago.
So glad to see you back Sari