Showing posts with label Pray. Show all posts

When it's hard to feel God

Dear Pastor Andy, I would first like to state that I believe in God, and that I have argued this so much when asking this to others. Anyways, about two months ago I went through a huge crisis of faith, and when it first began I literally felt the Spirit (or presence) of God leave me. I tried so hard to seek Him in those times...and now two months later, I'm sitting here on my laptop, still not feeling that Divine presence in my gut moving. I definitely believe in God. I believe that Jesus died on the cross for all the junk I've done, and that He is the son of God.

I dunno it's like right now I can't sing the worship songs with all my heart, or pray with full care...

And I'm depressed. I don't really want to do anything. From the moment I wake up I look forward to when I get to go back to sleep...get out of here for a good 5-8 hours...

Yesterday I literally came to a place where I didn't care whether God was real or not anymore. I feel like He abandoned me. That I have been crying out to Him and He just doesn't care...

And I can't feel His Love either, and honestly, behind all this I think that's all I really want.

So what would you do? I'm plugged in the word. Seeking. Praying. Even crying. Do you know anyone who has ever been through this? How do I get out?

My Reply:

Friend, God never left you. He's right there with you, whether you feel Him or not.

What I continue to hear you say is how you "feel". Dude, Satan uses our feelings against all all the time. And why not? We use them to decide our fate in the midst of decision-making. If it feels right, we do it. If it feels wrong, we don't do it. If we feel God's presence, we praise Him boldly. If we don't feel God's presence, we get depressed and question Him. I continue to say, "your feelings will betray you." (you'll also hear this in martial arts films and Star Wars, and they're right too!)

I know what you're talking about, and I believe we all get there sometimes. I'll sometimes pray and not feel His presence, but I still pray. Heck, I'll even start off saying, "Lord I feel like I'm talking to a wall because I don't feel your presence, but I know you're there, so I'll keep talking."

Often times when we get caught in a crisis, we feel like we're in a spiritual fog and can't see or feel anything. But even in the midst of them, Jesus never leaves our side. We just don't know that because of the fog.

2 Suggestions:

1) Read the poem "Footprints in the Sand".

2) Read your Bible. Jesus will meet you there.

Read Psalms if you want to read about David when he felt the same way.

Read the Gospel of John, starting with Jesus in the garden, praying for his disciples.

Read 1 John to understand more about God's love.

Read the prophets in the Old Testament to understand how and why I can say all this honestly about God never leaving you.

I'll pray for you tonight. Feel free to email me if you like.

---Pastor Andy

How can I find God?

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Dear Pastor Andy,

How Can I find God?

How do I really know He is there?

How do I know the bible could just be another book?

He promises me eternal life in John, but how do I know that it's real and that I won't just die and everything will go black and be another non-existent dead organism? I don't want to die and just be dead.

I have faith and love, but I have doubts right when my faith gets strong.

How do I know that I'm not just insane and only think I'm dealing with demonic activity?

Whenever I read the bible I pass out right away because of all the issues.

Why don't people believe in the devil and demons and their actions when Jesus performed exorcisms? And why don't people believe His every word when the book pretty much states to follow him?

In some books does it really change from Jehovah to Lord because of an edit from the original transcript?

There's a Holy Trinity, is there an unholy trinity?

My Reply:

When I accepted Jesus, I didn't really know what I was getting into. I just knew it had to be better than things were going. Also, I was searching for God, and John 14:6 tells us that the only way to God is through Jesus. But when I accepted Him, I simply said, "I'm giving you a chance." Then repented for everything I'd done up until then and asked Jesus into my heart, me into His, etc. He'll speak to you in the Scriptures, and help you understand right from wrong, Him from not Him, Truth from not truth, etc.

Let me see if I can help you with some of your other questions:

But you're right that there's an evil (demonic) that's out to create doubts in you.

Try this: when you're about to read scripture, pray first, asking Jesus to help you understand and believe what you're about to read. Then after reading it, pray again for understanding of what you just read.
Authenticity of the Bible: check out this link (don't get thrown off by the link's name). You can also check out anything by Lee Strobel or Josh McDowell to help you understand from where we got the Bible).
Also, find a Christian church and join a life group (small group) and/or Bible Study group to help you in your own studies.
People often don't believe in the demon thing because Satan has put other comforts into their lives that caused them to change their beliefs of such. This is a dangerous tactic of Satan's though. Can you imagine if our military in Iraq decided one day to not believe there's a war going on, and walk around unarmed? With nobody shooting the enemy, they'd get picked off for sure. Unfortunately, many Christians have fallen into this trap, and are no longer fighting and being picked off, spiritually.
Actually, the Bible totally says to follow Jesus. But though Bible's are so easy to come by, Bible illiteracy is very common among Christians. They believe the worldview about the Bible, and when they read something against what they've come to believe, they choose not to believe it. Another is reason is because for many, Truth has become Relative. For example, John 14:6 ("I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Nobody comes to the Father but through me.") Many Christians have friends, relatives, even spouses who don't know the Lord, or who've died without knowing Him. So they've chosen to believe that everybody will go to heaven because they don't want to believe their loved one won't make the cut. But Jesus said it right there in scripture.
Jehovah/Yaweh: In the Old Testament (OT), it's spelled with 4 letters, all consonants. Some pronounce it Jehovah. Personally, I understand more so how they got Yaweh from it.
Finally, there is no unholy trinity. Satan is by himself in that respect. His only helpers are the 1/3 of angels who sided with him and whom are now demons. And remember too, (John 1): darkness (evil) can't overcome the light (holy).

---Pastor Andy

A Muslim's Afraid of Death

Dear Pastor Andy, I am a Muslim. I pray five times in day, I read the holy Quran, I listen to hadith, I follow the sunnah of the prophet...but one thing I fear, and that is death. When people talk about death, I get scared. When we die, do we still have thoughts and feelings? I need to know...I need advice.

My Reply:

As Christians, we understand that everybody was made to live eternally...conscious and everything (yes, thoughts and feelings). Only thing is that where we spend the rest of eternity depends on what or whom we choose to follow now.

Your confusion and fear could be due to your image of God. As Christians, we believe that God is a loving God who loves His creation, and INVITES us to spend the rest of eternity WITH Him. Being a Christian also means having a relationship (friendship) with God through Jesus Christ, who we believe was not just a prophet, but God Himself in the flesh, come down to communicate His Word and die (then be risen) in order to reconcile us to Him, We just need to accept His gracious invitation. If we refuse, then we will spend the rest of eternity in the other place, which is in complete isolation from God, and also a good reason to fear death.

It could be that God is trying to communicate Jesus to you in this fear of death. Check out this video for more information on Jesus - the main one I suggest you watch is called "The Jesus Film", but there are other great videos and resources there, also. Scroll down to your chosen language and give it a chance, if not to believe, but then to help answer your question.

Also, feel free to email me if you like.

---Pastor Andy

Mother needs advice

Question:

I have a 21 Year old son, and he wants his 18 year old girlfriend to move in my house. As Christians, what should we do when something like this comes along? I feel like sometimes I am too harsh, but at the same time, I feel like I am doing the right thing since they are not married but want to live together. HE says that her mother doesn't want her living at her house and she has no place to go. I have put my foot down and we have gotten into many arguments, but still he has gotten me to give in a few times and I've let her spend the night a couple of times. And now he says that if I don't let her stay here (live here), he is leaving with her and tells me they have no place to go…should I let him go even if he makes it seem like they have no place to go?

My Reply:

I suggest that first you pray. I'd also like to suggest talking with the girl's parents. See if the girlfriend's really telling it like it is. It's possible that either she or your son's feelings are clouding their judgment and they're saying this to be together. Maybe her parents really did kick her out, or maybe they didn't. You should find this out before taking her in. And if you do decide to let her in, then talking with her parents may help you learn if there's anything you need to know about her first.
As for your son leaving, I really doubt he'll leave, or if so then not for too long. He's probably bluffing a threat (guilt-trip) to get you to give in.
Remember too, if you should let her in, be sure they understand the rules of the house (you're in charge, what you say goes, separate rooms, not permission for sex, etc.). You should also talk with them about what should happen if they break up. Is she out on the streets, or does she continue to live there? You may also suggest she pay rent for the room and help with costs around the house, since technically speaking, she's not your daughter, she is 18, and she is another mouth to feed…just a thought.
Either way though, pray about it first. And if the Lord suggests these things, then ask Him to go before you in the conversations, preparing for the right time and all.

---Pastor Andy

Can our Leaders ever be Trusted?

Question:
Can character be changed? Can there be a return to good character if one fails Jesus? If so, how? As we look to our future, we know that our leaders will fail us somehow. So should we trust, and if so, what in?

My Reply:
According to the Bible, the only quality of being "good" is accepting and being in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. All the other stuff you mentioned are nice, but they don't constitute somebody who's "good" in God's eyes, and should thus be judged about the same as those who don't have those characteristics.
The parable of the Prodigal Son tells us that even when we fall away, even far and to the point of basically giving God the middle finger, He's awaiting our return, and when we do, He'll welcome us with open arms, even reinstating us to full-blown heirs.

The Bible tells us that King David was "a man after God's own heart". He was a great leader, but he was also human, and humans fail. Our leaders today: though many are liars, even those who aren't will fail us some time during their time in power, just as David did his people. I think that looking at the story of Daniel might help in answering your question: Daniel supported his leaders and prayed for them, the kingdom, and himself in serving them. But He believed in and trusted God. Also in the history of Daniel, his devout loyalty to the Lord influenced many of the kings/leaders and their decisions in leadership.

---Pastor Andy

When You Received the Holy Spirit

Question: (KJV Acts 8:12-19) "But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, saying, 'Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost'."

After reading this scripture, one can conclude that:
1. You do not receive God's Holy Spirit at the moment you are baptized, as is evidenced by this scripture
2. You do not receive God's Holy Spirit at the exact moment you believe

These scriptures prove that believing in Jesus and being baptized are not linked with receiving his Holy Spirit. Scripture states that unless you have God's Spirit, then you are none of his. Are you absolutely sure you have God's Holy Spirit residing in you?

My Reply:

OK, orders of receiving the Holy Spirit:

Acts 2:37-38 = 3000 who experienced those speaking in tongues on Pentecost Sunday:
1) Heard the Gospel

2) Believed & Repented

3) Baptized

4) Received the Holy Spirit.

John 20:22 = Apostles received the Holy Spirit (before Pentecost Sunday):
1) Some were baptized first under John the Baptist

2) Believed

3) Gospel

4) Could Jesus' washing of their feet symbolize Him baptizing them?

5) Jesus breathed on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:
Other believers (not the 11) praying in upper room, Holy Spirit came upon them:
1) No mention of baptism
2) Believed
3) Received the Holy Spirit when tongues of fire landed on them.

Acts 8:
1) Heard the Gospel

2) Believed

3) Baptized (but the Holy Spirit didn't come upon them)

4) Apostles prayed & laid hands upon them

5) Received the Holy Spirit.

Acts 9:17-18 = Saul / Paul
1) Saul experienced Jesus Christ

2) Saul Prayed / Believed & Repented

3) Ananias laid hands on him

4) Received the Holy Spirit

5) was baptized

6) THEN he heard the Gospel.

Acts 10:44 ff:
1) Gospel

2) "While Peter was still speaking, the H.S. fell upon those who heard the Word of God."

3) Baptized

4) Ministry (Peter stayed with them several days).

Acts 19:1-6:
1) John the Baptist's message

2) Baptized by John the Baptist for the forgiveness of sins (never received the H.S.)

3) Heard about the H.S.

4) Baptized AGAIN (this time in the name of the Lord Jesus)

5) Paul laid hands on them

6) Received the H.S.

My point:

There's no sequence as to when the Holy Spirit rests upon somebody.
Also, not everybody who received the Holy Spirit ended up speaking in tongues...even the Apostle Paul said that tongues is just one of the many gifts, pointing out that not everybody has it. Many denominations also believe that the Holy Spirit is the one that brings us to the Lord in the first place. Either way, I think God does a great job of reminding us that HE is in charge, not us. Also, that He is not bound to our rules or expectations.

As to your question, yes, I am Absolutely, 100% positive that God's Holy Spirit resides in me.

---Pastor Andy

Fate vs. Destiny

Question:

Do you believe everything is meant to happen?

Whether you're religious or not, do you believe that certain things in life will happen no matter what they are, and just your 'destiny' like in the final destination movie. Or what do you believe?

My Reply:

I believe everything happens for a reason, but not that everything's meant to happen.
The Lord has a plan, and what He plans will happen. Sometimes He lets us know what His will & plan are, sometimes not. I also think that our decision of an action depends on the outcome of the event. For example:

If you have a Bible, look up the book of Judges (start with chapter 20, verse 19): when the Israelites went to battle against their own brothers (the Benjaminites), they went up twice, and got knocked back both times. It wasn't until they all prayed, fasted, and put their focus' on the Lord that He gave them victory.
So defeat was imminent until they finally all humbly went before the Lord. Had they done so in the beginning, it's possible that they wouldn't have experienced the losses.

---Pastor Andy

Calligraphy, courtesy of:

Fate

Destiny

Dream Question: About God Changing Things?

Question:
I don't remember everything, but it was about dawn when I woke up in my grandmother's house and saw some people walking around looking for stuff. I jumped up quickly and walked to them, seeing my mother, dad, and brother standing there. When I asked what was wrong. My dad replied, "We can't find anyone." I asked, "What do you mean?" He replied to me that everyone was gone and that he thinks we're the only ones. I asked, "What do you mean, 'everyone's gone'?" My brother replied to my dad that he could neither find grandma nor grandpa, and that there was barely anyone around the area. Suddenly, I didn't recognize my dad, and said, "Who are you?" He replied, "What are you talking about? I am your dad." He tried to convince me of this, but I continued to deny it. I looked at him and he just looked at me with a weird grin on his face. Out of fear, I raced to the front door. When I got outside, the sun was shining real bright, with this weird, orange, golden light, yet I was able to look up without being blinded. When I again asked about what's going on, my dad replied that God changed everything..."He lowered the sun's frequency." Looking at my dad in disbelief, I asked again, "Where is everyone?" My dad replied that we're the only ones left.
My dream ended with me looking around, seeing an orange bright sun, then looking at my dad who was standing very still with a weird grin on his face. What could this dream mean?

My Reply:

Often times, dreams may be inspired by something you watched on TV or read about recently. Although, they could also be messages from the Lord, spiritual attacks by demons, or what I call "fillers", which are dreams that mean nothing, but mostly just entertain you as you sleep.

Assuming it's a message from the Lord, some thoughts come to mind:

You were the only ones left: If this dream is from the Lord, then the only time you'd be alone in the house without your grandparents is if they're Godly, the rest of you aren't, and the dream portrays the rapture, when Christians meet Jesus in the clouds, and those who choose not to have anything to do with Jesus are left. Although, if you're a friend of the Lord's also, then you may just be there as a spectator, and became first person when you sought clarification.
It was about dawn (sun going down): Jesus is the light, but there wasn't much light (in sync with #s 1 and 4).
You couldn't recognize your dad, though he insisted he was: This may portray somebody who is, does, or will try to portray himself as your father (authority figure, leader, somebody you trust, guide, etc.), and turns out to be the opposite (hence the weird grin). Your running outside from fear would represent your realization of this.
Lowering of the sun's frequency: Evil is revealed as darkness. If there was more darkness than light, then this could portray a great evil presence (or the coming of one).

But then, it also sounds as like a possible spiritual attack. If this is the case, then:

Finding yourself alone creates anxiety, as it did in your dream.
If the rapture comes to mind, them the demon could be trying to get you to believe that you're not saved, thus questioning your salvation, faith, etc.
The person trying to convince you of being your dad could be the demon attacking you in your dream. They try to cause you to believe that what they're saying is true, yet there's a part of you that knows something's not right (they do this to me a lot, too). This would also explain the guy's "weird grin".
The orange sky and the guy saying that God changed something could also be connected with #2.

Either way, I'd suggest praying about it, asking the Lord for understanding.

---Pastor Andy

I Don't Know If I Believe In God????

Question: I don't know if I believe in God. I mean, is there any proof? And if there is, how come so many bad things happen in life, like war, death, and disease?

My Reply: I think I've always believed in God, but there was a time when I didn't think God was listening to me. I know now that God always listens to us, even when we think He's not.
My suggestion: Pray. If you don't know how, then say, "God?" and repeat everything you said in this question..."God, I don't know if I believe in you..." and go on with that. You can even ask God for proof, understanding, and for everything that's on your mind in your confusion about God (God created everything that exists...no question is too big to ask God). Then after praying this, keep your eyes open for God's signs and answers.
There's also a place in the Bible where a little guy, Gideon, wasn't sure if God was really calling him into service. So he threw out some tests (I know, we shouldn't test God, but we should test the spirit to see if it's from God). So Gideon slept on a skin of wool and asked God that the morning dew might moisten the wool Nd keep everything else around him dry. Then for the next night, Gideon asked God for everything else to be wet from dew, but not the wool. God did them both, and Gideon was convinced.

So ask God your question, ask God for ways of knowing that the answer is from Him, and keep your eyes open.
I'll pray for you too...email me if you like.

---Pastor Andy

Picture courtesy of: http://bethinking.org/who-are-you-god/intermediate/flew-speaks-out-professor-antony-flew-reviews-the-god-delusion.htm