Come all Ye' Faithful... and tell us how God has answered

by AK - Jeff 102 Replies latest jw friends

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  AK - Jeff

  Thank you so much for your honest words, JB.

  In fact, I do read the Tao Te Ching these days.

  I do understand that God is not a robot maker. My prayer was more encompassing than that, as I assumed there would be many people hurt by this girls horrible choices. And there were. Including her beautiful children. And her mother. And her grandparents. On and on.

  I illustrated the matter in an effort to draw out honest opinion - like yours - about the value or no-value of prayer. It was not a ploy to bring direct attention to my problem - except my problem with God. Personally I have already dealt with the rebel-child all along. It is ongoing, but we have come to fair grips with it.

  Honestly, our having come to understand that God is either not there, or that He does not give a shit about mankind, hasbeen helpful in the long run. Once one understands THAT - he can get on with it. That is kind of the idea of this discussion. If prayer is futile, we need to get busy taking care of ourselves and NEVER expecting anything from the silent one.

  Jeff
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  Lillith26

  (((((AK-Jeff)))))

  I do beileve in God (not the bibles version), and when I said nope in my first post it was because I believe we already have what we need right here... God didn't create this place with anything missing that we need to ask for more- it's all here... worts and all....

  What we do have is each other, even if some are 'assholes'- we need them around too, it makes us better people.

  Do we need to suffer?... struggling your way through some deep shit at times can make you come out the other end wiser and more compassionate towards others who are going through simmilar.....

  When I pray these days... it's just to say thank you when things are going good, and for the strenght to get back up when this life has kicked me in the guts... but I am not expecting a reply anytime soon- if at all....

  You got real guts AK-Jeff... your a good man... and I m thankfull for that! this world could do with more good guys and few less 'assholes'.
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  AK - Jeff

  Thank you Lillith.

  I am struggling right now, tip-toeing the line between agnostic and downright atheist. Kind words from those who still believe are appreciated. As are kind words from those who don't. I prefer at this point to walk that line. I can't see myself ever venturing into the realm of 'believer' again, given my experience this far, but one never knows. Still, I do respect those who have compassion and understanding and respect that is removed from high-mindedness that often accompanies many who are a part of formal Christianity.

  I don't pray these days - or when I have it is more screaming at God for his failure to show himself [picture Lt Dan on the yardarm in Forrest Gump].

  This thread is done in sincerity - though I know I have been accused of 'baiting'. I would love to hear about those who can claim answered prayers. I do though believe in the power of prayer. That doesn't mean that GOd hears it - but those speaking it are releasing powerful emotion and powerful internal chemicals and perhaps powerful energy. That can't be all bad.

  Jeff
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  Lillith26

  You have a PM Jeff...
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  yesidid

  That's nice, Chalam. You too, with the 'your faith was false that's why God did not answer' bullshit?

  Yes, I noticed that too. Rather rude I thought, and very self-righteous.

  y
• 

  Deputy Dog

  Jeff

  This thread is .00001% about my peace - and 99.99999% about how God has denied to answer anyone.

  No one has yet told me of a prayer that was clearly answered.

  As I said, my prayer for peace with God was clearly answered.
• 

  Sad emo

  I don't pray these days - or when I have it is more screaming at God for his failure to show himself

  And you don't think that is prayer Jeff?

  Take another look at the Psalms, how much shouting david did! Or Job's ranting!

  I'd say you pray more honestly than many believers do. You might still not get the answer you want though.
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  believingxjw

  Did God always answer Jesus' prayers the way Jesus wanted them answered? No.

  Sometimes what we want is not possible at the time.
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  Chalam

  That's nice, Chalam. You too, with the 'your faith was false that's why God did not answer' bullshit?

  Yes, I noticed that too. Rather rude I thought, and very self-righteous.

  Are we becoming WT apologists again? Is being a JW not clearly a misplaced faith?

  Is it really rude to remind exJWs that fact?

  Just to make it clear, I have no righteousness of my own.

  Any righteousness I have comes from Christ.

  1 Peter 3:18 (New International Version)

  18 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit

  Romans 3:21-24 (New International Version)

  Righteousness Through Faith

  21 But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

  Blessings, Stephen
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  whereami

  Here you AK-Jeff.

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmS2Au476os&feature=player_embedded

  http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/185334/1/Who-believes-in-the-POWER-OF-PRAYER