Not Forsaken

We will fall but we won't fail. His love and light is always well. Every shadow or fiery dart, God disposes and knows our heart. The sun will rise as night will fall but God hears our prayers when we call. So live at peace, he knows your name, he never left you, he never changed.

For Christian friends, most importantly for Catholic here, is it heretical when I just stay in the emptiness of things?

When I pray Jesus prayer in my breath, and thought of Jesus being with me every moment, I tend to overthink that I became sloppy on my work. Now, is it alright to abide in the light? What do I mean in this?

The light that shows the space of now. I don't know to describe this but the way of surrender. Putting down every mental construct, even the image of God, but opening your heart and seeking his presence outside of your mental faculty. Resting.

To be honest I don't know what to say and I hope you get my point.

So, I'm looking into therapy, and my work thankfully provides full coverage for virtual mental health sessions.

As I'm filling out the questionnaire, one of the first questions is to fill out which of the following are important to me in a provider, and a couple options are faith and gender.

Those of you who have worked with mental health providers, was it critical that they share faith, or were you able to still learn and grow with a provider who does not share our faith? Similarly, is there any reason I as a man should seek out only male providers?

I don't want to limit the pool of providers I can work with unnecessarily, but I'm curious what you all have experienced.

Have you ever thought about yourself being the substance that God desires most? 

• Substance: Weight, validity, or truth behind an argument or claim.

Before even anything existed, God existed and created everything that we be glorified because he also glories in his work.

• It's quite obvious to me, that when we were born into this world, there had to be an emotional connection and desire for us to be here now. God planted a seed just as our ‘first parents” did in the life and death of Adam & Eve.

God created us because of his goodness and desire to share everything he has and is and throughout the ages, we've seen people who are just as loving and giving and we've heard and read stories that caused us to have hope in humanity once again.

• Are you connected to the vine? Where does your help come from? God, people even. When's the last time you've helped someone?

1. John 15:5-9:

I am the vine, you are the branches. The one who abides in me while I abide in him produces much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Unless a person abides in me, he is thrown away like a pruned branch and dries up. People gather such branches, throw them into a fire, and they are burned up. “If you abide in me and my words abide in you, you can ask for anything you want, and you’ll receive it. This is how my Father is glorified, when you produce a lot of fruit and so prove to be my disciples. Just as the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. So abide in my love.

• This is what Jesus wanted from his Father because he was alone and afraid but he found relation with some of the people in his time of living. He was in the upper room in Jerusalem with his disciples. He called them his friends. Who's in your upper room? (Could be a mindset even; who do you surround yourself with or the company you keep.) 

• Here is some evidence when life is good. 

1. John 15:15-17:

I don’t call you servants anymore, because a servant doesn’t know what his master is doing. But I’ve called you friends, because I’ve made known to you everything that I’ve heard from my Father. “You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you. I have appointed you to go and produce fruit that will last, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give it to you. I am giving you these commandments so that you may love one another.”

1. John 17:5-7:

"So now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world existed. I have made your name known to these men whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they realize that everything you gave me comes from you,

• Hebrews 1:3: (Are you like God's son?);

He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact likeness of his being, and he holds everything together by his powerful word. After he had provided a cleansing from sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Highest Majesty and became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is better than theirs.

• God desires companionship with his creation and so he multiplied it. He chose Mary to give birth to the lamb of God, his name is Jesus. 

• Do we understand our connection with God and others in life? 

• We have seeing problem don't we? Perhaps, we just want to be seen all the same and that is ok. We do need to be heard and understood. 

Some are trying to hide themselves away, because they no longer care to be seen and that's gotta break God's heart. Do you know somebody like that, maybe it is you?

• 2nd Corinthians 5:1:

We know that if the earthly tent we live in is torn down, we have a building in heaven that comes from God, an eternal house not built by human hands.

• Though we're wounded, if we love even more than we hurt, and we give more than what has been taken, we can still find hope. 

• 2nd Corinthians 5:17-21:

Therefore, if anyone is in the Messiah, he is a new creation. Old things have disappeared, and—look!—all things have become new! All of this comes from God, who has reconciled us to himself through the Messiah and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, for through the Messiah, God was reconciling the world to himself by not counting their sins against them. He has committed his message of reconciliation to us. Therefore, we are the Messiah’s representatives, as though God were pleading through us. We plead on the Messiah’s behalf: “Be reconciled to God!” God made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that God’s righteousness would be produced in us.

• Don't give up because God will pick you up. Go pick up someone else for this is the heart of God when we feel low.

• Psalms 34:18:

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted, and he delivers those whose spirit has been crushed.

• For those of us who are carrying our cross, don't forget the ones behind you. They need help with carrying their burdens too.

• Matthew 11:28-30: 

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and loaded down with burdens, and I will give you rest. Place my yoke on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest for your souls, because my yoke is pleasant, and my burden is light.”

• I pray that we never forget that we are capable of good still. No matter how broken we feel, God still provides, whether we see it, acknowledge it or not. We can look up and miss it or keep our eyes infront of us. God runs to us in times of trouble. How much more should our feet make haste to help others the same.

🙏❤️😭❤️

I have ADHD, autism and chronic depression. I like to think adversity can be overcome but when you ARE the disorder, what then? I've gone through the years of trying meds, and am trying more now with a psychiatrist and GP.

Anyone familiar with these disorders will know the difficulty of endurance, denying the flesh, even keeping focus during prayer. The thought of attending a church fills me with anxiety, let alone trusting a pastor enough to talk to about it.

Pray for healing/endurance/relief? Sure. Read the Bible, seek understanding of Jesus'/Paul's teachings, yep doing that. God can do all things,and I know he listens. I dunno, it's just hard.

Hi saints,
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
—1 John 1:9 (NASB1995)
This verse remains a sure anchor for every believer. We are anchored in Christ and in the finished plan of salvation He secured for us. He paid a price we could never repay. Yet we still have a part to play—our confession. Not shifting blame or stepping away from what we have done, but owning it fully with honest accountability and true confession before Him.
Have a wonderful week.
God bless
Team Lotter

Every time my church’s media team posts a photo with me in it I feel disgusted seeing myself, ik I’m made in God’s image but lately I’ve been so insecure primarily because of my weight. Today a photo of me with one of the teams I’m serving in was posted and I can’t help but feel I look disgusting compared to next to the other women I’m with in the photo. I feel like it’s not even just my weight but just my appearance alone. I continue to pray for confidence, but I feel it seeping in every time I’m in a photo that I didn’t take in comparison to when I’m taking a picture of myself.

So you want to Evangelize? 

Getting Started With Street Evangelism... 

Here's what helped me get started with street evangelism. This information will also produce strong prophetic abilities in time if you're taking this seriously and keep seeking a deeper connection in understanding and trust with God. 

• A Steady Prayer Life With God

1. Be honest about your shortcomings and desires with the Lord and have an expectation for a response. (Sometimes it's delayed.)

2. Prayer is also taking action and being attentive throughout your day in paying attention to your thoughts, experiences and surroundings.

3. Always give thanks no matter what you pray or type of response you're given. Persistence is everything! 

• Study your bible and practice what you learn.

1. Ask God to lead and guide you through the bible. Listen carefully to your thoughts and experiences throughout the day. You'd be surprised in what he does to prepare you for what you're wanting to do.

• Don't forget your worship music.

1. Try to get in some kind of routine listening to praise music. Especially music that sets a peaceful stage for study, meditation and prayer.

• Take care of (You)first; Hygiene, Meals and Exercise.

• I recommend figuring out how this could be part of organizing your daily life. Get in as many days of the week you can. Don't forget to take a couple of days off so you can spiritually, mentally and physically absorbe every effort you make so it doesn't go to waste.

1. Pick maybe 10 to 15 scriptures you can commit to memory and write a lesson about them that apply to your life stories and experiences.

2. Practice talking about God to yourself. Practice preaching as if Jesus is your witness. (Alone First)

3. Set a day aside for reflection. This is important!

4. Every now and then, check back in with God and ask him if he's ready to let you go try getting a message out in public.

This is what I'd recommend. If you have any bad habits, try giving those up for a time. Don't overdue it, pick a reasonable amount of time and keep that in practice with the things I've shared above.

[ Our Service To God ]

• God gives us ministering spirits (Angels) to serve, protect and help us. 

We have the Holy Spirit that teaches us everything we need to know to help people understand the intent of God's love. 

• 1st Corinthians 2:12-16:

Now, we have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who comes from God, so that we can understand the things that were freely given to us by God. We don’t speak about these things with words taught us by human wisdom, but with words taught by the Spirit, as we explain spiritual things to spiritual people. A person who isn’t spiritual doesn’t accept the things of God’s Spirit, for they are nonsense to him. He can’t understand them because they are spiritually evaluated.  The spiritual person evaluates everything but is subject to no one else’s evaluation. For “Who has known the mind of the Lord so that he can advise him?” However, we have the mind of the Messiah.

• Treasure in Clay Jars; True servants do not avoid their responsibilities. 

1. 2nd Corinthians 4:5-7:

For we do not preach ourselves, but rather Jesus the Messiah as Lord, and ourselves as merely your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus the Messiah. But we have this treasure in clay jars to show that its extraordinary power comes from God and not from us.

• The Holy Spirit Controls Us and keeps us accountable so that we are good representatives and witness. This is our earnest desire and devotion to God. 

1. 2nd Corinthians 5:11-21:

Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade people. We ourselves are perfectly known to God. I hope we are also really known to your consciences. We are not recommending ourselves to you again but are giving you a reason to be proud of us, so that you can answer those who are proud of outward things rather than inward character. So if we were crazy, it was for God; if we are sane, it is for you. The love of the Messiah controls us, for we are convinced of this: that one person died for all people; therefore, all people have died. He died for all people, so that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for the one who died and rose for them. So then, from now on we do not think of anyone from a human point of view. Even if we did think of the Messiah from a human point of view, we don’t think of him that way anymore. Therefore, if anyone is in the Messiah, he is a new creation. Old things have disappeared, and—look!—all things have become new! All of this comes from God, who has reconciled us to himself through the Messiah and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, for through the Messiah, God was reconciling the world to himself by not counting their sins against them. He has committed his message of reconciliation to us. Therefore, we are the Messiah’s representatives, as though God were pleading through us. We plead on the Messiah’s behalf: “Be reconciled to God!” God made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that God’s righteousness would be produced in us.

• We are the habitation of God. A Holy Temple and are being built up together in unity and have union with the Lord.

1. Ephesians 2:18-22::

For through him, both of us have access to the Father by one Spirit. That is why you are no longer strangers and foreigners but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, the Messiah Jesus himself being the cornerstone. In union with him the whole building is joined together and rises into a holy sanctuary for the Lord. You, too, are being built in him, along with the others, into a place for God’s Spirit to dwell.

1. 1st Peter 1:13-20:

Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep a clear head, and set your hope completely on the grace to be given you when Jesus, the Messiah, is revealed. As obedient children, do not be shaped by the desires that used to influence you when you were ignorant. Instead, be holy in every aspect of your life, just as the one who called you is holy. For it is written, “You must be holy, because I am holy.” If you call “Father” the one who judges everyone impartially according to what they have done, you must live in reverent fear as long as you are strangers in a strange land. For you know that it was not with perishable things like silver or gold that you have been ransomed from the worthless way of life handed down to you by your ancestors, but with the precious blood of the Messiah, like that of a lamb without blemish or defect. On the one hand, he was foreknown before the creation of the world, but on the other hand, he was revealed at the end of time for your sake.

1. 1st Peter 1:22-25:

Now that you have obeyed the truth and have purified your souls to love your brothers sincerely, you must love one another intensely and with a pure heart. For you have been born again, not by a seed that perishes but by one that cannot perish—by the living and everlasting word of God. For “All human life is like grass, and all its glory is like a flower in the grass. The grass dries up and the flower drops off, but the word of the Lord lasts forever.” Now this word is the good news that was announced to you.

• We are commanded to love one another. Our love has conditions but, we should practice love as Jesus demonstrated. Discipleship is important and its a displine we should also teach. Our identity is found in Jesus and we easily see other believers because of the light of his glory. 

1. John 13:34-35:

I’m giving you a new commandment…to love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

1. Leviticus 19:16-18:

“You are not to go around slandering your people. “You are not to stand idle when your neighbor’s life is at stake. I am the LORD. “You are not to hate your relative in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor if you must, but you are not to incur guilt on account of him. “You are not to seek vengeance or hold a grudge against the descendants of your people. Instead, love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.”

• Finishing Touches -

• There's a lot of hurting people out there and even so more of an opportunity to bring people to Christ. The day's we're living, we should be willing to go against any evil and counter it with the Love of Christ.

• Our Weapons Against The Enemy Are As Follows.

• Galatians 5:22-23:

• But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.

1. Humility – Combats Pride (recognizing the truth about oneself and God's grace instead of self-exaltation).

2. Charity (or Generosity) – Combats Greed (practicing stewardship and sharing material goods).

3. Chastity – Combats Lust (exercising proper control and moral order over sexual desires).

4. Kindness (or Gratitude/Love of neighbor) – Combats Envy (rejoicing in the well-being of others rather than resenting it).

5. Temperance – Combats Gluttony (practicing moderation and self-control in food, drink, and consumption).

6. Patience (or Meekness/Forgiveness) – Combats Wrath/Anger (letting go of grudges, vengeance, and bitter retaliation).

7. Diligence – Combats Sloth (maintaining a steady work ethic and spiritual commitment).

• Don't forget about your clothes, its not recommended to go anywhere spiritually naked/blind. 

• Ephesians 6:10-18:

Finally, be strong in the Lord, relying on his mighty strength. Put on the whole armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the devil’s strategies. For our struggle is not against human opponents, but against rulers, authorities, cosmic powers in the darkness around us, and evil spiritual forces in the heavenly realm. For this reason, take up the whole armor of God so that you may be able to take a stand whenever evil comes. And when you have done everything you could, you will be able to stand firm. Stand firm, therefore, having fastened the belt of truth around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and being firm-footed in the gospel of peace. In addition to having clothed yourselves with these things, having taken up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to put out all the flaming arrows of the evil one, also take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  Pray in the Spirit at all times with every kind of prayer and request. Likewise, be alert with your most diligent efforts and pray for all the saints.

I hope you have a really great time learning how to serve God and his creation. Don't forget to give him all the Glory! 

(Prayer)

God, we thank you for your Son and everyone else who gave their life so that we can live without the fear of death.

Thank you for your patience in your handling of your creation and giving us the time we need to become closer to you. Thank you for helping us to understand your love and also thank you for your devotion to keep us out of harms way. 

We are blessed beyond our own imagination of your matchless name and the kindness and goodness you have shown. Please forgive us of any trespass on your heart and any boundary we've crossed within humanity where we weren't welcome. 

Restore our territories and give us the courage to stand up against the enemy while fully trusting that we have nothing to worry about.

Cause our lips and hands to glorify the Body of Christ as well as any unbelieving soul for the sake of your will to be made manifest unto your creation. Create in us a strong desire to do the right thing continuously so that we endure to the end.

Thank you Lord,

Amen

For our Relationship with Christ and wellbeing? I encountered philosophies and ideas that see hope (they don't have a good views on faith) that having hope is not good for us, that it's attachment to outcomes that is outside of us. Well, I tried living without hope, and it sucks. It's like having a hole in your heart that can't be filled. It's like you need to move always, you can't live, you can't even plan for your future because of that emptiness

I don't know what have gotten with me. Now I have an insight how hope became not good for us Christians. It's having hope for certain outcomes, specific outcomes without relying on Christ. The Christian faith should live with hope that "no matter what happens , Christ is enough, and he will provide" and having faith with it.

I want to get your insights on this.

Just looking for more subs that fit these requirements.

I don't really know how to put this into words, but I've been so stressed lately and I honestly just want to cry, sleep and hide from life for a while.

I'm a final year Computer Science student, and my final year project isn't going well. I've spent so much time on it, but there are still so many problems and I'm terrified that I won't do well despite everything I've put into it. And now I have to start applying for internships too. I'm scared I won't get one, but I'm also scared of getting one that makes me miserable.

I think what makes everything worse is that I've only realised this year that I don't actually want to work in tech. I do like computer science to a certain extent, but having to code and develop things every single day is just so exhausting. I'm actually really thankful to God for helping me realise this, because at least I now have some clarity about what I want in life. But I still have to get through all of this, and the process itself just feels unbearable sometimes.

And I'm sorry, but I've become a vibecoder. I used to really try writing code on my own, even earlier this year. I saw almost all my coursemates getting AI plans and using coding agents, but I held off for as long as I could. I eventually gave in around September because the deadlines were so tight and I genuinely didn't think I could finish my projects otherwise. And now I feel like I can't code independently anymore. I'm sorry, I know how terrible that sounds coming from a CS student, but I really did try. I'm so scared of interviews because I feel like I don't know anything anymore. And despite relying on AI, my final year project STILL has so many problems. I just don't know anymore.

I'm so tired of waking up every day knowing there's another problem to fix, another deadline, another thing to worry about. I just want to rest and sleep properly without feeling guilty or scared about everything I haven't done. I guess that's why I'm here.

I believe in God, and I genuinely trust Him. I know He's always watching over me and giving me strength, even when I don't realise it. I know He loves me, just as He loves all His children, and honestly, that thought alone brings me so much comfort. I'm so thankful for that, and for everything He's done for me.

But at the same time, I feel so disconnected lately. Not just from God, but from life in general. I don't feel present anymore. My mind is constantly worrying about something, and even when I try to rest, I can't seem to stop thinking.

I know I should surrender my worries to God, and I really want to. But how do I actually do that when I still have to wake up and face all these problems every day? I pray and ask Him for help, but sometimes I don't even know what to ask for anymore. I just want some peace.

I know God never promised us an easy life, and I know trusting Him doesn't mean my problems will magically disappear. I just wish getting through this part of my life didn't hurt so much. I'm grateful for the clarity He's given me, and I know He's with me through all of this. I just feel so exhausted.

I don't think I'm losing my faith. I love God, and I know He loves me too. I just want to feel close to Him again, to feel that peace and comfort without my worries constantly taking over.

Has anyone else felt like this? How do you actually rest in God and surrender your worries to Him when life itself feels so overwhelming? I'd really appreciate any advice or prayers. I just want to feel okay again.

I’m not sure which flair is the correct one given the mixture of questions.

I don’t know how to answer these questions and I’m hoping it’s okay to ask them here.

I’m struggling to reconcile several biblical teachings about sin, God’s sovereignty, and salvation, and I’d genuinely like to understand how others make sense of them.

**1. If sin cannot enter heaven (which is often told to people) and God cannot be present when it is active, then how was it possible for Lucifer to sin while in God’s presence?**

God created Lucifer and the angels, yet some of them sinned in His presence. If heaven is holy and God is perfectly holy, how could sin originate there in the first place?

**2. Why was Lucifer, following his being cast down from heaven to earth, where he was then known as Satan, then allowed to introduce sin into Eden — another holy place that he polluted?**

After being cast out of heaven, Satan was then permitted to tempt Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. They, along with Satan, were then shut out of Eden and as a consequence, their combined disobedience brought sin and death even further into the rest of the world, with consequences extending to every generation that followed.

Why would God permit this chain of events, knowing beforehand what it would mean for humanity?

**3. Respectfully asking, and with reverence, how is God’s plan of salvation fair if He alone can enable people to be saved, yet chooses to give that grace to some and not others? Even if they seek Him.**

As I understand, every human being is born in sin and incapable of saving themselves. No one can earn righteousness or overcome their sinful nature through their own efforts.

God then chooses certain individuals for salvation — through no merit of their own — \*personally\* pursuing them, then grants them the true saving faith and grace necessary to believe in the gospel; clothes them in Christ’s righteousness, and seals them with the Holy Spirit. Their salvation is secure, and God continues working in them to enable their obedience, even as they struggle with sin.

But what about everyone else?

If God does not grant them the special grace necessary to believe (as in beyond simply believing Jesus is the Son of God; that He died on the cross and rose again) and be saved, how can they be held responsible for failing to do something they are incapable of doing on their own? Why are some given the means to escape their sinful condition while others are left in it?

**4. How does this demonstrate God’s impartiality, justice, and love?**

Humanity is born into a situation it did not choose, suffering the consequences of sin introduced long before any of us existed. We are then told that we cannot save ourselves, that salvation is entirely dependent on God’s grace, and that God chooses whom He will save.

It’s as though everyone begins with an F on their report card, but only certain people are given the A they could never earn. God enables those people to succeed and guarantees their final outcome, while everyone else remains unable to achieve the required result without the very help they have not been given. They are left with religious striving and only an intellectual assent to who Jesus is and what He did on the cross, and never able to achieve salvation because they were not one of the elect.

I understand the argument that salvation is an undeserved gift and that God owes no one mercy. But what about the person who sincerely seeks Jesus and, yet, is unable to “find” Him? Is that person simply supposed to conclude that they were never chosen? And, how are they to live? How could they after such devastation? Longing for reconciliation but not understanding why they have been denied?

**How do we reconcile the fact that God knowingly permitted sin to enter His creation, allowed its consequences to extend to all humanity, and then, according to certain interpretations of Scripture, chose to provide the saving grace necessary to escape those consequences to only some people?**

How is that consistent with a God who is also perfectly loving, just, and merciful and who also desires all to be saved, according to His word — to not just come to the knowledge of the truth, but to fully receive Him, if they aren’t “equipped” to?

I’m not asking for a response that simply says God’s ways are higher than ours or that we have no right to question Him. I’m looking for a substantive biblical and theological explanation that actually addresses these questions, if at all possible. I’m open to different perspectives and would appreciate thoughtful responses.

These are sincere questions not meant to stir offense, whatsoever. This is not meant to bait. These are questions I've come across, myself, and I'm seeking sound biblical wisdom by born again Christians.

They are difficult questions and I'm truly hoping to better understand, myself.

Thank you.

Edited

Can a Christian like me do a mindfulness everytime I became overwhelmed? What I mean is similar to Thich Nhat Hanh mindfulness where someone will inhale and exhale when they experienced being overwhelmed.

Now, can Christians do that and if not what is a good alternative?

Testimony

- About Me - 

• Name: Nobody

• Status: Finally Alright; Full of Peace and Joy

• Family? Body of Christ

(Yeah, I was adopted 👀) 

Early Life Story:

I was born and raised in Georgia. My biological family tortured me as a baby; almost killing me. I was put up for emergency adoption and shortly after that, I was taken in by a new family. I had a new mom and dad and they had four girls 🤮. Two still lived in the home and the other two had their own places to live while they were going to college.

I was probably about five years old (I remember that I was old enough to walk and run but still little enough that I still had a bottle and didn't know what a dog was but loved pulling his ears and tail.) I was terrified of these strange people and I didn't want anyone touching me or picking me up. I saw people as nightmares you couldn't find on TV or in Hollywood films. This brought many fears to my new family and they were very concerned for me. They've always made claims that they knew very little about my biological mom & dad.

My new mom spent a lot of her time loving me. She sacrificed probably too much of herself to heal me even. I remember many days and nights she'd sit up with me in the living room in her rocking chair and doing everything she could to scare the demons away. She was a real angel that I needed back then. Extremely guarded over me and she was selfish in keeping me to herself many times. We'd watch TV together, I remember the raisin bran muffins she'd give me early in the mornings as I sat in my high-chair watching the smurfs with her (she loved the smurfs).

She always smothered me in love until she saw me smile and became more accepting of the other family members.

• Let's talk about Dad:

He was the King of the household. Oldschool, and smart but it was his way or the highway. He was very strict but in his own way I believe that he loved me. He just didn't know how to connect with me the right way and it caused him and myself a lot of problems later on. He loved showing me off to his business partners and clients. He taught me some respectable things as a little fella. I have very fond memories of him when I was very young. He was jealous and controlling and I'm pretty sure he was upset at his wife for hording over my life because that became very clear even before I hit puberty.

• Let's talk about my sister's 

They kinda spoiled me in different ways and they had there moments to do the show and tell thing with their college buddies and friends. They were nice to me. I remember them doing weird stuff too. Like, putting girly makeup on me and stuffing me in-between the sofa cushions and laughing at me. They were probably the typical kind of sisters from back in the 60’s with a new little brother who enjoyed turning me into their own entertainment 🤣.

- Things were mostly ok. We had a nice house, I had everything my heart wanted. Swimming pool, go-carts, dirt bike, tree house, video games and the list goes on. I grew up with my middle sister's daughter. She was 2 years younger than myself. We hardcore hated and loved each other. Guess it was an age thing.

• Teenager to young adult

[ ⚠️: It gets a little intense ]

- To keep the story intact, but not incredibly detailed, I'll share some important parts.

My father was very physically, and psychologically abusive. I always knew something wasn't right. He was very controlling and manipulative. He played the role of an executioner so that he kept his power and authority of the family. This means that he lied, he changed stories and placed his interest and wants & needs in everyone's head that trumped everyone else's needs while at times, showing compassion and a desire to do the right and real thing. He just really sucked at being the support he was supposed to be and it messed up my mother and my sisters.

• 12 to 23 years of age

I grew up in a Christian Academy with Accelerated learning and academics. We rarely attended church and I was at the age that my Dad started to see and understand that I had figured him out. I decided that I was tired of him hurting not only me, but I hated how he exploited the rest of the family to turn them against me. It truly felt like my family was ashamed of me and I was some monster that they had to be careful to hide away from the rest of the world.

I began failing my education, I had trouble with some of the students and I just began to lose hope. I started to resent my family and also have remorse towards my mother and sisters. I eventually decided to war with my Dad in hopes that I could protect my mom and sisters. We had many heated arguments and he set many mental traps for me so he could cause me to act and show what he wanted me to represent so that my family would see me doing bad things so that Dad would keep his rank in the family. 

I was forced to work with family, I wasn't allowed to have friends, I wasn't allowed to date and it goes on and on. My Dad and I flew model planes together, we went to airshows and eventually joined the civil air patrol. 

The squadron was nearly dead when we joined. My Dad took over as squadron commander and I took over cadet leadership. He pretty much stayed away from my part of duty and service in our unit. I really think he wanted to try and make things right but ultimately failed. I had to learn how military rank and structure worked. I had every position of authority as a cadet We went from 5-10 cadets to over 54. The senior staff grew to a little over 30 members. I spent four years turning kids like myself into leaders. I became a rescue specialist so that our squadron could participate in emergency services with additional help and resources from GA Wing. We recieved a military crew-cab and van as well as a Cessna Skyhawk for our squadron. This meant we'd get more calls from the MC to respond to various emergencies. These were great times! I remember doing airshows, flightline security and general first aid for local events. 

I also remember the FTX’s, SARX’s and joint exercises as well as unique exposure to the Army Rangers during the winter months in North Georgia. We had all kinds of awesome times with military personnel. But yeah, Dad of course wanted all the recognition which ultimately led to division among the ranks and eventually, the emergency services program died and people began to leave including myself and a good number of cadet and senior staff.

I later was forced into marriage and that didn't work. I finally decided to leave my family once and for all but I occasionally came back a couple of times just to suffer again which led me to leaving and not returning to my family. I was heavily afflicted... Drugs, Alcohol, Sex & generally just flipping out. I was suicidal and couldn't regulate my emotions.

• My adult life (23 - 46 years old)

I became homeless and eventually received social security benefits. I still went to church and I'd sleep in my car, truck, in the woods, on the sidewalk and in shopping center sidewalks. I'd also find refuge in the mental healthcare facilities and I've gone to jail a couple of times. I eventually found a cheap place to live in the hood and people were very mean to me. I struggled for a little more than 10 years with food, relationships kept falling apart and I just never could find hope for my future. I really hated myself. I still loved people to my best ability and I gave far too much of myself away because I just wanted to be loved and to feel safe again. I missed my abusive family very much. Especially the holidays.

• My life was transformed

Finally, I got to the end of myself and I asked God to show me who he was and to prove that he is real because I could trust nobody. Not even the church that I attended off and on for 10 years because they were convinced that I wasn't good enough for God.

Instead of me killing myself, I surrendered myself to God. I got me a bible and had no clue where to start. I asked God to teach me. The Holy Spirit started to teach me and I eventually took off to the streets trying to see if the things I was learning were real. I made plenty of mistakes and it took a while to understand what God was trying to tell me but I figured it out. I then wanted to learn how to be a pastor and God taught me... I learned that I could be a prophet and God taught me that as well. I went through many hard times so those gifts were more defined and deliberate.

I've traveled to several states due to gang intimidation and also, to be ordained as a pastor.

I remember God solving my food problem in Georgia. I could go anywhere to eat for free or people would be willing to help me. I used to ask people for help and some would say they couldn't and I'd make them pray for me. That's why God helped me with my food situation.

I've written a lot so I'll finish this story by saying... 

“I'm no longer homeless”. 

I have subsidized living arrangements and can afford anything that I need. I serve the community in which I live. I've been praying for everyone here and have responded to medical and spiritual crisis. I've seen God change hearts and circumstances and God made it possible for me to have a good reputation here. 

I've experienced the power of prayer and what it can do to change the course of people's lives for ever. I'm grateful and I just can't get enough of God every single day.

I'm always listening, singing and sharing worship music, the word of God... A message of hope and love. I write daily teachings to share with a handful of people here. Some of these make it here on reddit too.

I have pretty extreme neurological and cognitive dysfunction but am being reconditioned as a teacher and prophet. My heart and soul is deeply humbled and I cherish every life I see that God has made, no matter their condition or struggle.

Thanks for reading about the story that God has rewritten.

Rags to Riches, 

Thank you Lord

We read in Acts that Timothy was the son of a Greek pagan man, and a Jewish mother.

After meeting Paul and coming to the Faith, Paul has him circumcised because he wanted the Jews to accept Timothy or something of that ilk.

Yet it is Paul who says to the Jewish Christians who preached circumcision that if they want to circumcise themselves they should go the whole way and emasculate themselves.

Did Paul want Timothy to embrace his Jewish roots? Isn’t Judaism the thing Paul left along with all the first believers from Israel?

Could it be that Acts is recording a folly of Paul, revealing his own weakness?

Don't let no man take your crown! -Rev. 3:11,

• Balak sent out for Balaam, a prophet from Mesopotainia because he did not believe he could defeat the migrating Israelites by military force. The king offered the prophet wealth and honor to place a curse on the Israelites. Balaam told the King to build 21 alters to offer sacrifices of one young bull and a ram. Rather than sacrificing to pagan idols, his intention was to offer burnt sacrifices to The Lord in hopes he'd help him.

As believers, we sometimes think we're doing the right thing in the heat of the moment, an opportunity comes but due to pride, we miss the mark and find ourselves in trouble with God. Being a hero just because you believe you are doing something right doesn't mean we are.

• Because of Balaam's rebellion, God became angry. Instead of Balaam trying to intimidate and curse the migrant forces, God stole his mouth and divinely blessed them instead. After Balaam realized what had just happened, he decided to run away and was expecting a reward despite what he had done.

It's crazy how believers go on a little mission trip and they get the message wrong and when corrected, we just do the smooth move thing and go with it while deceiving ourselves. We aren't fooling God though.

• God sent an angel with a drawn sword, ready to kill Balaam. The donkey could only see the Angel. Balaam tried commanding the donkey to go past the angel but the donkey kept refusing. Balaam became angry and beat the donkey for not doing what he wanted and then God made the donkey speak;

- The donkey asked Balaam why she was struck three times. This caused the prophet's spiritual blindness to be exposed. That donkey just saved that fools life (Imagine That).

We can go through some really bad trials if we abandon our prayer life and our faith becomes stagnant.

We must read and study our bible and put faith into practice so we aren't being deceived by others or deceiving ourselves.

• Numbers 32:23:

“But if you won’t do so, look out! You will be sinning against the LORD. Be certain of this, that your sin will catch up to you!

I hope that I did a good job of covering this topic. There's plenty more that can be added but I didn't want to make it too long. Feel free to share what's on your heart in the comments below.

• God gives us ministering spirits (Angels) to serve, protect and help us.

We have the Holy Spirit that teaches us everything we need to know to help people understand the intent of God's love.

• 1st Corinthians 2:12-16:

Now, we have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who comes from God, so that we can understand the things that were freely given to us by God. We don’t speak about these things with words taught us by human wisdom, but with words taught by the Spirit, as we explain spiritual things to spiritual people. A person who isn’t spiritual doesn’t accept the things of God’s Spirit, for they are nonsense to him. He can’t understand them because they are spiritually evaluated. The spiritual person evaluates everything but is subject to no one else’s evaluation. For “Who has known the mind of the Lord so that he can advise him?” However, we have the mind of the Messiah.

• Treasure in Clay Jars; True servants do not avoid their responsibilities.

1. 2nd Corinthians 4:5-7:

For we do not preach ourselves, but rather Jesus the Messiah as Lord, and ourselves as merely your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus the Messiah. But we have this treasure in clay jars to show that its extraordinary power comes from God and not from us.

• The Holy Spirit Controls Us and keeps us accountable so that we are good representatives and witness. This is our earnest desire and devotion to God.

1. 2nd Corinthians 5:11-21:

Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade people. We ourselves are perfectly known to God. I hope we are also really known to your consciences. We are not recommending ourselves to you again but are giving you a reason to be proud of us, so that you can answer those who are proud of outward things rather than inward character. So if we were crazy, it was for God; if we are sane, it is for you. The love of the Messiah controls us, for we are convinced of this: that one person died for all people; therefore, all people have died. He died for all people, so that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for the one who died and rose for them. So then, from now on we do not think of anyone from a human point of view. Even if we did think of the Messiah from a human point of view, we don’t think of him that way anymore. Therefore, if anyone is in the Messiah, he is a new creation. Old things have disappeared, and—look!—all things have become new! All of this comes from God, who has reconciled us to himself through the Messiah and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, for through the Messiah, God was reconciling the world to himself by not counting their sins against them. He has committed his message of reconciliation to us. Therefore, we are the Messiah’s representatives, as though God were pleading through us. We plead on the Messiah’s behalf: “Be reconciled to God!” God made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that God’s righteousness would be produced in us.

• We are the habitation of God. A Holy Temple and are being built up together in unity and have union with the Lord.

1. Ephesians 2:18-22::

For through him, both of us have access to the Father by one Spirit. That is why you are no longer strangers and foreigners but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, the Messiah Jesus himself being the cornerstone. In union with him the whole building is joined together and rises into a holy sanctuary for the Lord. You, too, are being built in him, along with the others, into a place for God’s Spirit to dwell.

1. 1st Peter 1:13-20:

Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep a clear head, and set your hope completely on the grace to be given you when Jesus, the Messiah, is revealed. As obedient children, do not be shaped by the desires that used to influence you when you were ignorant. Instead, be holy in every aspect of your life, just as the one who called you is holy. For it is written, “You must be holy, because I am holy.” If you call “Father” the one who judges everyone impartially according to what they have done, you must live in reverent fear as long as you are strangers in a strange land. For you know that it was not with perishable things like silver or gold that you have been ransomed from the worthless way of life handed down to you by your ancestors, but with the precious blood of the Messiah, like that of a lamb without blemish or defect. On the one hand, he was foreknown before the creation of the world, but on the other hand, he was revealed at the end of time for your sake.

1. 1st Peter 1:22-25:

Now that you have obeyed the truth and have purified your souls to love your brothers sincerely, you must love one another intensely and with a pure heart. For you have been born again, not by a seed that perishes but by one that cannot perish—by the living and everlasting word of God. For “All human life is like grass, and all its glory is like a flower in the grass. The grass dries up and the flower drops off, but the word of the Lord lasts forever.” Now this word is the good news that was announced to you.

• We are commanded to love one another. Our love has conditions but, we should practice love as Jesus demonstrated. Discipleship is important and its a displine we should also teach. Our identity is found in Jesus and we easily see other believers because of the light of his glory.

1. John 13:34-35:

I’m giving you a new commandment…to love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

1. Leviticus 19:16-18:

“You are not to go around slandering your people. “You are not to stand idle when your neighbor’s life is at stake. I am the LORD. “You are not to hate your relative in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor if you must, but you are not to incur guilt on account of him. “You are not to seek vengeance or hold a grudge against the descendants of your people. Instead, love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.”

- Finishing Touches -

• There's a lot of hurting people out there and even so more of an opportunity to bring people to Christ. The day's we're living, we should be willing to go against any evil and counter it with the Love of Christ.

• Our Weapons Against The Enemy Are As Follows.

1. Humility – Combats Pride (recognizing the truth about oneself and God's grace instead of self-exaltation).

2. Charity (or Generosity) – Combats Greed (practicing stewardship and sharing material goods).

3. Chastity – Combats Lust (exercising proper control and moral order over sexual desires).

4. Kindness (or Gratitude/Love of neighbor) – Combats Envy (rejoicing in the well-being of others rather than resenting it).

5. Temperance – Combats Gluttony (practicing moderation and self-control in food, drink, and consumption).

6. Patience (or Meekness/Forgiveness) – Combats Wrath/Anger (letting go of grudges, vengeance, and bitter retaliation).

7. Diligence – Combats Sloth (maintaining a steady work ethic and spiritual commitment).

(Prayer)

God, we thank you for your Son and everyone else who gave their life so that we can live without the fear of death. Thank you for your patience in your handling of your creation and giving us the time we need to become closer to you. Thank you for helping us to understand your love and also thank you for your devotion to keep us out of harms way. We are blessed beyond our own imagination of your matchless name and the kindness and goodness you have shown. Please forgive us of any trespass on your heart and any boundary we've crossed within humanity where we weren't welcome. Restore our territories and give us the courage to stand up against the enemy while fully trusting that we have nothing to worry about. Cause our lips and hands to glorify the Body of Christ as well as any unbelieving soul for the sake of your will to be made manifest unto your creation. Create in us a strong desire to do the right thing continuously so that we endure to the end.

Thank you Lord,

Amen

I’m struggling with going straight to reading the Bible and trying to figure everything out by myself. I’m looking for a church rn but I want something more on top of that. What books, podcasts, or anything else helps to explain topics (like praying, friendships, relationships, and understanding messages/signs)?

Dear brothers and sisters. Should anyone feel lead to pray for me, I'd greatly appreciate it.

I've just started to be in a wonderful season with God. Connected in 3 churches with small groups and bible studies. A busy kick off to the season! And I've been operating with a heart surrendered to God and he's been using me as a vessel to do his will and share insight to edify others and testify.

Last night out of the blue, i fell into temptation 😢 😭 I got a few beers and drank for the first time since January. I went downtown looking to socialize and I actually felt really out of place when I got there and left quickly. I knew I didnt belong in that pub like I once did. It's not who I am anymore.

Despite leaving, I was already buzzing and using bad judgment. Complete change of character and intentions from my normal baseline. Giving into the flesh, now tempted even further to reach out to old contacts in my phone looking to flirt/hook up. 😢 😭 Thankfully the 2 people i contacted, nothing came of it. I went home, ate and sobered up.

This is NOT what I want. I don't want a random hook up. I dont want to drink. I dont want to open a door for the enemy to stiffle what God's doing with me. And eventually when im ready i want a true, loving, godly relationship. I want to be a proverbs 31 woman.

How in the world did this just happen so fast? Is God showing me something in my heart that's deep rooted? I am so sad, angry, ashamed, disgusted etc. with myself today. I feel like a hypocrite as well. Im grateful for this Godly sorrow that leads to repentance. Ive sincerely apologized to God, Jesus and Holy spirit for grieving them. I'm crying and just really seeking prayer and advice. Do i just remember this serious offence, but bounce back quickly and dig into his word and be in prayer? Anything else?

I know better. Yet these 2 fleshly desires pop up in my life continuously and randomly. My spirit hates them but my flesh craves them. How can I be so strong for a long season then take such a quick tumble?

Feeling low and disgusting. Needing a hug from Jesus. Im ever so sorry for my heart posture. I'm deeply grieved right now.

Please pray for me. I want to be focused and fit for the kingdom of God and busy doing his work. I want to be pleasing to him and cleansed.

Thank you in advance for prayer and any advice.

To: God's Children (You)

From: The Heavens & Earth

Hello “Child of The Most High God” the people in the heavens and the angels want to tell you something.

We know you have conquered many hard trials in life and we see your progress.

Please don't cry for making mistakes because we are helping you and we know that you are getting stronger.

Don't worry about yesterday or for tomorrow because your life has been carefully made and planned by the Power and Love of God in whom we know, serve and give thanks to on your behalf.

Wherever you go and whatever you do, we just want you to know there's a hope that God put inside of you long ago.

God formed your heart from since the beginning of time. Please know that you are protected and we have struggled greatly, just as you still do even now.

We have seen all of the times, when people have hurt you and caused you deep sorrow. We have taken an account of all the tears that you've cried and days you feel that were lost.

We encourage you to continue, and to take care of yourself just as you have. Give thought to the people who are coming home soon, who also belong to the Lord and King in earthly places, for he lives in the hearts and souls of men.

You have support by many and they care and love you so much.

Never forget that you are valuable to all of us and we lived and died so that you could receive the grace and mercy you need as a pardon to make it to the end where a new life begins.

This new life, you will no longer; have a rememberance of your old life. You will finally be able to enjoy the deepest desires of your heart. There will be peace and love and joy everlasting.

If you ever need anything at all, just tell Jesus because he is with you to comfort you and to provide for you everything you need.

Continue on my friend because you have a really big family, not like your earthen family in whom you know but a family who knows you because our Father has told us about you! We're so happy to meet you today and we're glad to share a message from our hearts with you.

May the Love and Peace of God be found in you, and the eternal hope and promise strengthen you, and follow you all of your days.

We love you! Stay Loved and Love others just as God loves you ❤️

🙏🥰😇👑

Good morning saints.
“For we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth.”
2 Corinthians 13:8
Why do people stonewall the truth? Because truth has a way of exposing what we would rather keep covered.
Live by the truth. Not the version that feels convenient, but the truth as it is.
God bless
Have a great weekend.
Team Lotter

I'm asking for some prayers please.So long story short I’m a recently single mom of two boys one of whom is on the spectrum. We left an unsafe home earlier this year and are very slowly building a new life. Things have been tough and a lot of struggling but we are doing ok and most importantly we are safe. It is my sons 13th birthday this weekend and I can’t do anything for him. I can’t get a cake or gift. I know it’s just material things and not what’s important but this boy has been through so many changes in the past year which is tough for someone who’s autistic and he has been absolutely amazing about it. I just wanted to be able to do something nice for him after the hell we’ve been through. Please pray I find a way to make his day special.

I'm not gonna say everything that happened with my uncle and my sister (just enough for you guys to understand). Just pls bear with me- so my sister moved in with my grandma and uncle several months ago, and during this time she got closer to my uncle (and his abusive gf by extension.) And they both mistreated her, they both drank around my sister and would give her alcohol. Once me, and my sisters found out EVERYTHING BLEW UP.. This led to us being estranged from our uncle due to his actions (including my ma.)

Throughout this time, my sister retained contact with his gf (I don't know the specifics, if she blocked then unblocked, etc.). Either way, mah sis gave her some funds WHICH SHE GAVE TO MY UNCLE - and when she confronted him, (pissing him off I suppose) he physically threw my sis out of the house, before lying that SHE attacked him.

It's very much paralleling his abusive relationship with his gf and their old dynamic

My sister pressed charges, but the cops never took him in for it. It disturbed all of us even more because ofc up until this point, WE KNEW what he did. But he never physically assaulted either of us no matter how drunk he was. K, onto now, my mom doesn't really message my uncle or talk through text like she used to, but she kinda gives him rides and is doing basic courtesy stuff, it seems. But she stays and visits him (About the messy custody battle between him and his abusive gf regarding their son, ion even know if their done with eachother yet- so that's why she's his gf in this post.) not much is different from the past I don't think, and when I'd confront my mom about "getting close to him again" she would just always say "I'm trying to learn forgiveness."

It just feels like anytime I try and explain my concerns, she uses that as a reason, like she's not hearing me. Sorry if I'm super scrambled in this post. I'm just frustrated because I feel like no one hears me in this regard - how I'm suddenly the hateful one all the time.

That time haunts me. There's more stuff he did to my sister, and it freaking traumatized her (not assault but he was just a terrible person). And tbh, I know he's my mom's brother, I can't imagine how hard it has been for her too, BUT IT'S LIKE SHE GENUINELY DOESN'T REMEMBER WHAT HE DID SOMETIMES...